bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“When We See Them”: Race as Conduit of Criminal Prosecution
Authors: Hall Ronald E.
Published: July 2020

Scholarly and lay literature pertaining to the criminal prosecution of black males are in contrast with white males. White male defendants are met by a system of judicial leniency. Conversely, the false convictions of the Central Park Five are met by judicial hostility. Considering the auspices of such hegemony, law enforcement, journalism, and the society at-large, are dominated by the concept of race as conduit of criminal prosecution. Evidence exists to substantiate race as implicit factor in guilt or innocence. Therefore, the solution to false convictions such as the Central Park Five must address race in the demonization of black defendants at every level. Moreover, “race” as a deceptive quantification of human category must be eliminated entirely from the treatise of criminal prosecution. “When they see us” will then be no more or less nefarious to the judicial process “than when we see them.”
The Impact of Social Value Orientation, Game Context and Trust on Cooperative Behavior After Cooperative Video Game Play
Authors: Zheng Wenqian , Cao Shengli , Wang Yangyang , Yang Ke , Chen Yunyun , Song Guoping
Published: July 2020

This study explores the effects of the cooperative video game context, social value orientation (SVO) and trust on cooperative behavior. The main ﬁnding is that collaborative game play signiﬁcantly increases cooperative behavior, especially in prosocial individuals. In addition, a mediation model is established in which trust partially mediates the association between the game mode and cooperative behavior. The results indicate that playing collaborative games increases cooperation in prosocial people partially by facilitating the trust they have in their gaming partners. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
I Am a Warrior: An Analysis of the Military Masculine-Warrior Narrative Among U.S. Air Force Officer Candidates
Authors: Do James J. , Samuels Steven M.
Published: July 2020

This qualitative study examines how cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy make sense of their experiences, form attitudes and beliefs, construct identities, and how a vocal minority of men create and perpetuate a biased gender norm. Despite an institutional intention of egalitarianism, cadets construct a highly masculinized culture. Focus group and interview analyses show how cadets perpetuate the military masculine-warrior narrative in sensemaking and the construction of gender differences. We argue that the narratives become an acceptable way to express gender biases, overriding the actual reason for the existence of fitness testing. We conclude by addressing the contradiction between policies promoting the inclusion of women in the military and the sexism described above. Acknowledging the lived experience of military personnel would allow for better perceptions of gender equality and suggests potential directions for policy, practice, and future research.
Usability of the lateral decubitus position on four-dimensional ultra-low-dose computed tomography for the detection of localized pleural adhesion in the pulmonary apical region
Authors: Sato Shigetaka , Nagatani Yukihiro , Hashimoto Masayuki , Nitta Norihisa , Hanaoka Jun , Ushio Noritoshi , Tsukagoshi Shinsuke , Uranishi Ayumi , Kimoto Tatsuya , Oshio Yasuhiko , Mayumi Masayuki , Sonoda Akinaga , Otani Hideji , Yamashiro Tsuneo , Moriya Hiroshi , Murata Kiyoshi , Watanabe Yoshiyuki ,   for the investigators of ACTIve study group
Published: July 2020

Background

Localized pleural adhesion (LPA) evaluation in the apical region is difficult even with four-dimensional ultra-low-dose computed tomography (4D-ULDCT) in the supine position due to smaller pleural movements.

Purpose

To assess usability of 4D-ULDCT in the lateral decubitus (LD) position for LPA detection in the apical region.

Material and Methods

Forty-seven patients underwent 4D-ULDCT of a single respiration cycle with 16-cm coverage of body axis in supine and LD positions with the affected lung uppermost. Intraoperative thoracoscopic findings confirmed LPA presence. A pleural point and a corresponding point on costal outer edge were placed in identical axial planes at end-inspiration. Pleuro-chest wall distance between two points (PCD) was calculated at each respiratory phase. In the affected lung, average change in amount of PCD (PCDACA) was compared between patients with and without LPA in total and two sub-groups (non-COPD and COPD, non-emphysematous and emphysematous patients) in supine and non-dependent (ND) LD positions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine optimal thresholds in PCDACA for differentiating patients with LPA from those without.

Results

In COPD/emphysematous patients and total population, PCDACA with LPA was smaller than in those without in the supine and NDLD positions for overall, lateral, and dorsal regions. For the lateral region in COPD patients, area under ROC curve (AUC) increased from supine (0.64) to NDLD position (0.81). For the dorsal region in emphysematous patients, AUC increased from supine (0.76) to NDLD position (0.96).

Conclusion

4D-ULDCT in LD position may be useful for LPA detection in apical regions for COPD and/or emphysematous patients.
Management of pulmonary Scedosporium apiospermum infection by thoracoscopic surgery in an immunocompetent woman
Authors: Liu Wei , Feng Ruizhi , Jiang Hongli
Published: July 2020

The Scedosporium apiospermum complex is a group of emerging opportunistic fungal pathogens that affect both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals, most commonly via lung infection. Although they are resistant to many antifungal agents, this group of pathogens has a favorable susceptibility profile to azoles, especially voriconazole. Here, we describe the management of S. apiospermum infection in an otherwise healthy 44-year-old woman. She had exhibited intermittent hemoptysis for 2 years before admission to our hospital. Computed tomography revealed a thin-walled and well-circumscribed cavitary lesion in the left upper lobe; the lesion was filled with consolidative opacities. Fungal culture of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimens revealed grayish-white mold; lactophenol cotton blue staining revealed acute angle branched septate hyaline cylindrical hyphae, characteristic of S. apiospermum. Despite voriconazole 200 mg twice daily for 8 weeks, the patient showed no improvement; thus, her left upper lobe was removed via thoracoscopic surgery. Her symptoms immediately improved and chest radiography after surgical resection showed no evidence of radiological progression or reoccurrence. This report demonstrates that S. apiospermum lung infection may not respond well to voriconazole alone in immunocompetent hosts; thus, surgery could be curative for these patients.
Uncovering Deep Structure of Determinants in Large Truck Fatal Crashes
Authors: Das Subasish , Islam Mouyid , Dutta Anandi , Shimu Tahmida Hossain
Published: July 2020

The number of fatalities and severe injuries in large truck-related crashes has significantly increased since 2009. According to the safety experts, the recent increase in large truck-related crashes can be explained by the significant growth in freight tonnage all over the U.S. over the past few years. This notable freight-haul growth has allowed continuous day–night movement of freight on roads and highways, exposing the trucks to a greater number of potential crashes or near-crash scenarios. There are many ongoing research efforts that aim to identify the different factors that influence large truck crashes; however, further research with innovative approaches is still needed to better understand the relationship between crash-related factors. In this study, the project team applied taxicab correspondence analysis (TCA), a data-mining method known for dimension reduction, to large truck fatal crash data to investigate the complex interaction between multiple factors under a two-dimensional map. For this study, 6 years (2010–2015) of large truck fatal crash data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) were used. The study found five clusters of attributes that show patterns of association between different crash attributes such as two-lane undivided roadways, intersection types, posted speed limit, crash types, number of vehicles, driver impairment, and weather. The findings of this study will help the safety professionals, trucking industry, and policymakers to make decisions for safer road design, and improvement in truck driver training, and education.
Variations Between Adult Day Services Centers in the United States by the Racial and Ethnic Case-Mix of Center Participants
Authors: Lendon Jessica Penn , Rome Vincent , Sengupta Manisha
Published: July 2020

This is the first nationally representative study to identify differences between adult day services centers, a unique home- and community-based service, by racial/ethnic case-mix: Centers were classified as having a majority of participants who were Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, or non-Hispanic other race/ethnicities and non-Hispanic White. The associations between racial/ethnic case-mix and geographic and operational characteristics of centers and health and functioning needs of participants were assessed using multivariate regression analyses, using the 2014 National Study of Long-term Care Providers’ survey of 2,432 centers. Half of all adult day centers predominantly served racial/ethnic minorities, which were more likely to be for-profit, had lower percentages of self-pay revenue, more commonly provided transportation services, and had higher percentages of participants with diabetes, compared with predominantly non-Hispanic White centers. Findings show differences by racial/ethnic case-mix, which are important when considering the long-term care needs of a diverse population of older adults.
Fabrication of multilayer tubular scaffolds with aligned nanofibers to guide the growth of endothelial cells
Authors: Hu Qingxi , Su Caiping , Zeng Zhaoxiang , Zhang Haiguang , Feng Rui , Feng Jiaxuan , Li Shuai
Published: July 2020

Aligned electrospun fibers used for the fabrication of tubular scaffolds possess the ability to regulate cellular alignment and relevant functional expression, with applications in tissue engineering. Despite significant progress in the fabrication of small-diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs) over the past decade, several challenges remain; one of the most problematic of these is the fabrication of aligned nanofibers for multilayer SDVGs. Furthermore, delamination between each layer is difficult to avoid during the fabrication of multilayer structures. This study introduces a new fabrication method for minute delamination four-layer tubular scaffolds (FLTSs) that consist of an interior layer with highly longitudinal aligned nanofibers, two middle layers composed of electrospun sloped and circumferentially aligned fibers, and an exterior layer comprising random fibers. These FLTSs are used to simulate the structures and functions of native blood vessels. Here, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/polycaprolactone (PCL)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) were electrospun to fabricate FLTSs or tubular scaffolds with completely random fibers layer (RLTSs). The surface wettability of the TPU/PCL/PEG tubular scaffold was tested by water contact angle analysis. In particular, compared with RLTSs, FLTSs showed excellent mechanical properties, with higher circumferential and longitudinal tensile properties. Furthermore, the high viability of the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) on the FLTSs indicated the biocompatibility of the tubular scaffolds comparing to RLTSs. The aligned and random composite structure of the FLTSs are conducive to promoting the growth of HUVECs, and the cell adhesion and proliferation on these scaffolds was found to be superior to that on RLTSs. These results demonstrate that the fabricated FLTSs have the potential for application in vascular tissue regeneration and clinical arterial replacements.
Effective thermal elastic plastic finite element computation for welding distortion investigation of pozidriv-type welded structure with rectangular pipes and its mitigation
Authors: Wang Jiangchao , Yi Bin
Published: July 2020

Welding distortion of pozidriv-type welded structure with rectangular pipes by 20 welding passes was examined with experimental and computational approaches, and mitigation techniques were also investigated for precision fabrication. Welding experiment to fabricate pozidriv type welded structure was conducted beforehand, and out-of-plane welding distortion was measured with contact type displacement sensor. Effective thermal elastic plastic finite element computation with iterative substructure method and parallel computation was developed, and then employed to examine the thermal-mechanical response during the entire welding process and predict the residual out-of-plane welding distortion. Good agreement between computed results and measurement data was observed with comparison. The influences of welding sequence and clamping constraint with tack welding on welding distortion were considered, which were also practiced for out-of-plane welding distortion mitigation. Both experiment and finite element computation show that out-of-plane welding distortion with welding sequence optimization and clamping constraint can be significantly reduced with about 38% and 56% magnitude of original welding distortion, respectively, while their mechanisms were also clarified by means of stiffness variation of solving welded structure.
Experimental investigation of tool wear characteristics and analytical prediction of tool life using a modified tool wear rate model while machining 90 tungsten heavy alloys
Authors: Sagar Chithajalu Kiran , Priyadarshini Amrita , Gupta Amit Kumar , Mathur Devanshi
Published: July 2020

Tungsten heavy alloys are widely used in the manufacturing of weights for aircraft, missiles, boats and race cars; penetrators; radiation shielding; and radioisotope containers. Manufacturing these components needs machining as a secondary operation. Since tungsten heavy alloys are difficult to machine, the in-depth analysis of tool wear growth and mechanism during machining of these alloys becomes essential. Hence, this work focuses on the experimental study of flank wear growth and its effect on other machining outputs for two different tool geometries (−5° and 2° rake angles) during turning of 90 tungsten heavy alloys. The predominant wear mechanism was identified as adhesion based on scanning electron microscopic analysis. Finally, three commonly used analytical tool wear rate models and one newly proposed model (modified Zhao model) were utilized for the prediction of flank wear growth and tool life. It was observed that the modified Zhao model could predict tool flank wear fairly well within error percentage of 4%–7% and thus could be used as a benchmark while machining difficult-to-cut alloys.
Optimization of tire tread pattern based on flow characteristics to improve hydroplaning resistance
Authors: Zhou Haichao , Jiang Zhen , Jiang Baiyu , Wang Hao , Wang Guolin , Qian Hao
Published: July 2020

Tire tread pattern is a crucial parameter to prevent hydroplaning. In this study, numerical modeling was used to investigate tire hydroplaning based on flow–structure interaction. The empirical model of hydroplaning speed published in the literature was used to validate the computational model. Analysis of water flow velocity and turbulent flow energy revealed that lateral grooves of the tire significantly influenced water drainage capacity. Based on the relationship between water flow vector and lateral groove shape, a combination of Kriging surrogate model and simulated annealing algorithm was used to optimize lateral groove design to minimize hydrodynamic lift force. Four geometry parameters of lateral grooves were selected as the design variables. Based on design of experiment principle, 12 simulation cases based on the optimal Latin hypercube design method were used to analyze the influence of design variables on hydrodynamic lift force. The surrogate model was optimized by the simulated annealing algorithm to optimize tire tread pattern. The results indicated that at the same water flow speed, the optimized lateral grooves can reduce hydrodynamic lift force by 14.05% and thus greatly improve safety performance of the tire. This study proves the validity and applicability of using numerical modeling for solving the complex design of tire tread pattern and optimization problem.
Numerical investigation of smart auxetic three-dimensional meta-structures based on shape memory polymers via topology optimization
Authors: Jebellat Ehsan , Baniassadi Majid , Moshki Alireza , Wang Kui , Baghani Mostafa
Published: July 2020

Today, the human being endeavors to manufacture devices and materials capable of doing something in an intelligent way. Shape memory polymers are a series of smart materials, capable of retrieving their original shape from a temporary form by applying external stimuli, for example, heat, electricity, magnetism, light, pH, and humidity. In this research, the behavior of temperature-sensitive shape memory polymer–based structures with positive and negative Poisson’s ratio has been analyzed. The purpose is the material design of smart structures with tunable Poisson’s ratio using topology optimization. In this study, a meta-structure is designed, which is made by a smart material. Not only does this structure have shape memory effects, but also it has negative Poisson’s ratio, which can be used in new sensors, actuators, and biomedical applications. After creation of the unit cell and the representative volume element and formation of final three-dimensional structure, finite element modeling is conducted based on a thermo-visco-hyperelastic constitutive model at large deformations. Examining the behavior of structures in tensile pre-strains of 20%, 10%, and 5%, it is observed that pre-strain has no considerable effect on Poisson’s ratio, but under compressive strain of 20%, it is concluded that the type of loading is effective on Poisson’s ratio and the results are different in tension and compression modes. Finally, the influence of temperature rate on the behavior of structures is inspected, and it is concluded that the more slowly the temperature changes, the more strain or shape recovery is accomplished at a specific temperature.
Teaching and Learning in Doctoral Programs: An Introduction to the Themed Section
Authors: Quinn Trank Christine , Brink Kyle
Published: July 2020

What should doctoral education look like? Prior research has tended to focus on the broad curriculum, especially as it relates to the development of researchers, but with a (mostly) brief nod to the teaching role of future professors. Even if the traditional preparation of PhDs in management was appropriate before and may have even reflected engaged practice through involvement in research and teaching apprenticeships, that configuration no longer seems appropriate to changes we will continue to see in higher education. Doctoral instruction will need to rise to the challenge by creating approaches that engage these new learners while we capitalize on new platforms and environments. The possibilities for research in doctoral education have never been more promising, and the use of new approaches for engagement never more critical. In this themed section, we offer three articles that capture the excitement, tensions, and promise of engaged learning in doctoral education. Perhaps not surprisingly, each recognizes doctoral education as an often emotionally charged, and even difficult, experience. These reactions are likely intrinsic to the process of learning and the work of “becoming.”
Comparison Between Treacher Collins Syndrome and Pierre Robin Sequence: A Cephalometric Study
Authors: Kato Renata Mayumi , Moura Priscila Padilha , Zechi-Ceide Roseli Maria , Tonello Cristiano , Peixoto Adriano Porto , Garib Daniela
Published: July 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study was to compare the dentoskeletal pattern of Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) and nonsyndromic Pierre Robin sequence (PRS).

Design:

Retrospective.

Setting:

Single center.

Patients:

Eighteen patients diagnosed with TCS (Group TCS) or PRS (Group PRS) in rehabilitation treatment at a single center. Group TCS was composed of 9 patients (4 male, 5 female) with a mean age of 12.9 years (standard deviation = 4.8). Group PRS was composed of 9 patients paired by age and sex with group TCS.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Cone beam computed tomography–derived cephalometric images taken before the orthodontic or the orthodontic-surgical treatment were analyzed using Dolphin Imaging (Dolphin Imaging 11.0 & Management Solutions). Variables evaluating the cranial base, the maxillary and mandibular skeletal components, maxillomandibular relationship, the vertical components and the dentoalveolar region were measured. Intergroup comparisons were performed using t tests. The significance level considered was 5%.

Results:

Intergroup differences in the mandible size and growth pattern were observed. Group TCS showed a smaller mandibular length (Co-Go, Co-Gn) and a higher palatal plane (SN-Palatal Plane) and mandibular plane angles (SN-Go.Gn) compared to group PRS. No differences between TCS and PRS were observed for the sagittal position of the maxilla, maxillomandibular relationship, and dental components.

Conclusions:

Treacher Collins syndrome presented a decreased mandible and a more severe vertical growth pattern compared to PRS.
Unusual presentation of Retinoblastoma
Authors: Narang Subina , Sindhu Meenakshi , Jinagal Jitender , Handa Uma , Kochhar Suman
Published: July 2020

Most cases of retinoblastoma are diagnosed before the age of 5 years. The cases in older age groups can have variable presentations leading to misdiagnosis and management challenges. We report a case of retinoblastoma in an 8-year-old female who was primarily referred as a case of sympathetic ophthalmia due to a co-incidental misleading history of penetrating eye injury to other eye 3 weeks prior. The patient complained of decreased vision in the left eye after 3 weeks of repair of the corneo-scleral laceration in the right eye. Visual acuity in the right and left eye was 3/60 and light perception respectively. The anterior segment examination showed moderate sized keratic precipitates, intense inflammatory cellular reaction with large fluffy cells, hypopyon and dense vitreous exudates. Ultrasonography showed abundant hyperechoic contents within the vitreous cavity in the left globe. The retino-choroid was thickened. The possibility of endophthalmitis and sympathetic ophthalmia was considered. Diagnostic vitrectomy was planned. Intraoperatively, after clearing the exudates, a yellowish white mass lesion was seen superiorly. Post- operatively contrast-enhanced MRI scan confirmed the presence of an enhancing mass lesion in the globe consistent with the diagnosis of intraocular retinoblastoma. Enucleation of left globe was done after chemotherapy. Thus, a high risk of suspicion has to be kept for this malignant tumour in children with unexplained visual loss.
The business school is racist: Act up!
Authors: Dar Sadhvi , Liu Helena , Martinez Dy Angela , Brewis Deborah N
Published: July 2020

In this essay, we call upon our fellow scholars of colour to recognise the ways Business Schools are structured by white supremacy and actively de-value our knowledge and experiences. Alongside this recognition, collective action led by scholars of colour is needed to build intergenerational support systems which will be key to dismantling racialised power structures as they appear locally and transnationally. White scholars are invited to listen and learn from this call.
A research on acoustical comfort for hearing-impaired individuals in inclusive education places
Authors: Uzeyirli Zakariyya , Özçevik Bilen Aslı
Published: July 2020

The inclusive education method has substantial contributions to hearing-impaired individuals’ education and socialization. However, the poor physical environment and acoustic comfort conditions negatively affect speech intelligibility at such places and therefore, the quality of education. Upon determining that there are very few subjective evaluation studies, we conducted a study regarding the impact of acoustic comfort conditions on speech intelligibility at inclusive education places. Within the scope of the study, first, a classroom was determined, and the current acoustic conditions of the class were evaluated objectively by field acoustic measurements. A calibrated model was created in the simulation software of the relevant class and then two more models with optimum reverberation time values of 0.4 s and 0.8 s as suggested in the literature, and auralizations were performed for the models. For subjective evaluation, a subject group of hearing-impaired and normal hearing individuals fulfilling equal conditions were tested by speech discrimination test in real-time in the classroom and from auralization recordings in a laboratory setting. Regarding the results obtained, it was observed that speech intelligibility percentage of normal hearing individuals increased as expected while in hearing-impaired individuals, contrary to the expectations, percentage differed from one another, and there was no increase. Following the discussions with experts, it was concluded that different hearing aids used by hearing-impaired individuals might lead to this situation. Accordingly, it occurs that the possibility to achieve a good speech intelligibility for hearing-impaired individuals even if optimum acoustic values suggested are fulfilled in education places remains unclear.
Macular ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer thinning as a biomarker of disability progression in relapsing multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bsteh Gabriel , Berek Klaus , Hegen Harald , Altmann Patrick , Wurth Sebastian , Auer Michael , Zinganell Anne , Di Pauli Franziska , Rommer Paulus , Leutmezer Fritz , Deisenhammer Florian , Berger Thomas
Published: July 2020

Background:

Macular ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) is an emerging biomarker of neuroaxonal degeneration in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

We aimed to determine cut-off values of mGCIPL thinning for discriminating between progressing and stable patients in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS).

Methods:

This is a 3-year prospective longitudinal study on 183 RMS patients with annual optical coherence tomography. Best possible cut-off values of baseline mGCIPL and annual loss of macular ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (aLmGCIPL) for discriminating clinically progressing (physical progression or cognitive decline) from stable patients were defined by receiver operating characteristics analysis and tested using multivariate regression models.

Results:

Baseline mGCIPL thickness <77 µm was associated with an increased risk (hazard ratio: 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5–4.7, p < 0.001) of disability progression. An aLmGCIPL cut-off ⩾1 µm accurately identified clinically progressing patients (87% sensitivity at 90% specificity) and was a strong predictor of clinical progression (odds ratio: 18.3, 95% CI: 8.8–50.3).

Conclusion:

We present evidence that cross-sectionally measured mGCIPL thickness and annualized thinning rates of mGCIPL are able to identify clinically progressing RMS with high accuracy.
Time matters: Early-phase multiple sclerosis is accompanied by considerable impairments across multiple domains
Authors: Thrue C , Riemenschneider M , Hvid LG , Stenager E , Dalgas U
Published: July 2020

Impairments across multiple domains are a disabling consequence of multiple sclerosis (MS). Originating from preventive medical strategies, the “time matters”-perspective has become a focal point when treating MS. In particular, early detection of physical and cognitive deficits, along with deficits in patient-reported outcomes seems crucial to further optimize both pharmacological and non-pharmacological MS treatment strategies. Therefore, this topical review investigates the level of impairments across multiple domains (physical function, cognitive function, and patient-reported outcomes) in the early stage of MS (⩽5 years since diagnosis, including clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)), when compared to matched healthy controls. Even at early disease stages, studies show impairments corresponding to 8%–34% and small-to-large numerical effect sizes (0.35–2.85) in MS/CIS patients across domains. This evidence call for early screening programs along with early interventions targeting the multiple impaired domains. This further highlights the importance of preventive initiatives preserving and/or restoring physical and cognitive reserve capacity if possible.
Measuring populism worldwide
Authors: Norris Pippa
Published: July 2020

Populism studies have rapidly burgeoned but systematic global empirical evidence about this phenomenon has lagged behind. How can party values be measured in consistent, valid, and reliable ways, facilitating identification of varieties of populism in countries around the world? To address this issue, part I outlines the conceptual framework. Part II describes the research design. The Global Party Survey (GPS) replicates previous expert surveys, expands coverage worldwide, and incorporates innovative scaled measures of populism. It draws upon estimates from 1861 experts and covers 1043 political parties in 163 countries (see www.GlobalPartySurvey.org ). Part III summarizes some key cross-national results. Part IV presents robustness tests which confirm that the new GPS estimates of ideological values and populist parties are consistently correlated with several previous measures. The conclusion in part V summarizes the main findings and considers the potential uses of the data set for understanding populism as a global phenomenon.
Control of hybrid boosting in highly diluted internal combustion engines
Authors: Nazari Shima , Siegel Jason , Stefanopoulou Anna
Published: July 2020

A novel hybrid system enabling both flexible supercharging and limited torque assist is studied to mitigate transient response challenges of a turbocharged spark ignition engine equipped with low pressure exhaust gas recirculation. The hybrid system, called a power split supercharger (SC), is configured with a planetary gear set that splits the supercharging power between a small low-voltage electric motor and the engine crankshaft. The air path controller relies on the coordination of four actuators on the engine side and three low-level actuators on the hybrid boosting device. A decentralized control scheme is used in this work, in which the master–slave structure of the boost pressure controller decreases the turbo-lag associated with exhaust gas recirculation, while minimizing the SC operation for fuel economy. A vector reference governor is used to prevent compressor surge during engine tip-outs. In addition, the desired intake manifold pressure is modified to provide time for evacuating the exhaust gas recirculation and avoiding misfires when transitioning to low load, while the hybrid capability of the power split SC is used to recuperate the unwanted generated power. All controllers are validated on both a mean value engine model and a high-fidelity engine model. Practical challenges of implementing the vector reference governor to the highly nonlinear engine air path with pressure pulsations originating from the engine reciprocation are discussed and some solutions are proposed.
The mechanical, thermal and sound absorption properties of flexible polyurethane foam composites reinforced with artichoke stem waste fibers
Authors: Olcay Hilal , Kocak Emine Dilara
Published: July 2020

Recently, due to environmental concerns and dependence on depleted resources, the use of renewable resources has become important in the preparation of various industrial materials. The use of natural fibers instead of petroleum-based synthetic fibers traditionally used in the production of composite materials provides many advantages in terms of both environmental and cost. The utilization of agricultural wastes as natural fibers also contributes significantly to the reduction and reuse of wastes, which is one of the objectives of sustainable development. In this study, artichoke stem waste fibers reinforced polyurethane foam composites were obtained. The fibers were treated with alkaline surface treatment at different concentrations (5% and 10%) of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and durations (5, 10 and 15 min). The optimal alkali method was determined and applied to the fibers and its effect on composites was also investigated. Treated and untreated fibers were combined with polyurethane (PU) matrix at different reinforcement ratios (5, 10, 15 and 20%) to produce bio-fiber based composites. Depending on these reinforcement rates and alkali treatment, the mechanical properties of composites such as strength, elongation and modulus were investigated. The composites, which have the best mechanical properties, were selected and these composites were evaluated in terms of thermal and sound insulation with considering their morphological properties. It has been determined that artichoke stem waste fibers can provide good mechanical, thermal and sound insulation properties in the composites, and thus it has been found that great advantages can be achieved in terms of cost and ecology.
The influence of kenaf contents and stacking sequence on drop-weight impact properties of hybrid laminated composites reinforced polyvinyl butyral composites
Authors: Salman Suhad D
Published: July 2020

For the high cost of aramid fibres and the necessity for finding alternatives which are environmentally friendly, a portion of aramid was substituted by woven kenaf at various sequences and thicknesses, to identify the proper arrangement for producing helmet shell. Drop-weight impact tests were conducted on different configurations of 19 layers of kenaf and aramid reinforced polyvinyl butyral film, which were fabricated by the hot press method. Effects of fibre content, layering sequence and energy absorption of the laminated composites were studied at three different impact energies 50, 75, 100 J. Results suggested that the behaviour of hybrid laminates has a positive effect in terms of energy absorbed and impact resistance, due to lower failure strain of kenaf fibres. Additionally, placing woven kenaf layers alternate with aramid layers provides higher impact loads and absorbed energy than placing woven kenaf and aramid separately, especially at impact level 100 J. For example, the absorbed energy of the 17 Aramid/2 Kenaf Alt. (H1A) is 72.99 J, while for 17 Aramid/2 Kenaf (H1) is 66.04 J. The closed curves indicated the success of the samples in absorbing the dissipated energy at various impact energies values. It could be deduced that it is possible to replace the aramid fibre in various composites industries by kenaf fibre, to minimize harmful environmental effects and cost of petroleum products.
Mechanical properties of hybrid vetiver/banana fiber mat reinforced vinyl ester composites
Authors: Stalin A , Mothilal S , Vignesh V , Sanjay MR , Siengchin Suchart
Published: July 2020

Green sustainable life and biofibers play a vital role in achieving eco-friendly environment and great opportunities for fabricating the products. This work focused on the effect of the hybrid mat as reinforcement in vetiver/banana fiber mat reinforced vinyl ester composites. Composites plates were fabricated at 45° and 90° directions in ten different combinations by the compression molding machine. The mechanical properties of composites plates were tested as per ASTM standard. The morphological behaviour of tested specimens were evaluated by SEM. The hybrid double-layer fiber mat composites in longitudinal direction exhibit optimum results in tensile and flexural properties. However, it is found that vetiver double-layer fiber mat composites at 90° direction, indicating better impact strength than a banana and hybrid fiber mat composites. SEM images provided that composite properties are dependent on interface bonding between the fibers and matrix.
Helical IMRT-Based Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Using an Abdominal Compression Technique and Modified Fractionation Regimen for Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Yi-Xing , Zhuang Yuan , Yang Ping , Fan Jia , Zhou Jian , Hu Yong , Zhu Wen-Chao , Sun Jing , Zeng Zhao-Chong
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

To assess the efficacy and safety of stereotactic body radiation therapy using an abdominal compression technique and modified fractionation regimen (5-10 fractions) in patients with small-sized hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods:

A total of 101 patients with small-sized hepatocellular carcinoma treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy using an abdominal compression technique and modified fractionation regimen were registered between June 2011 and June 2019 in our hospital. A total dose of 48 to 60 Gy was applied over 5 to 14 consecutive days. Liver motion was controlled by abdominal compression, and a helical intensity-modified radiation therapy-based stereotactic body radiation therapy administrated in tomotherapy platform.

Results:

The median follow-up period was 23.2 months (range: 4.1-99.2 months). Complete response and partial response were observed in 63 (62.4%) patients and in 24 (23.8%) patients, respectively. At the time of our analysis, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year local control rates after stereotactic body radiation therapy were 96.1%, 89.0%, and 89.0%, respectively. However, logistic regression analysis revealed no correlation between the biologically effective dose and 3-year local control rates. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 96.9%, 69.0%, and 64.3%, respectively. For patients who were treatment-naive, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival were 96.3%, 82.0%, and 82.0%, respectively. No patients experienced classic radiation-induced liver disease or nonclassic radiation-induced liver disease after stereotactic body radiation therapy completion.

Conclusions:

When using an abdominal compression technique and modified fractionation regimen (5-10 fractions) based on helical intensity-modified radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy led to a lower toxicity and comparative rate of local control and overall survival for patients who with small-sized hepatocellular carcinoma.
Predictive value of ankle–brachial index for long-term events of ischemic stroke in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Lee Kai-Ni , Chou Li-Ping , Liu Chi-Chu , Chen Tsang-Shan , Lui Eric Kim-Tai , Chou Chih-Ho , Chen Chien-An
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The ankle–brachial index is a noninvasive modality to evaluate atherosclerosis and is a predictive role for future cardiovascular events and mortality. However, few studies have evaluated its relation to long-term future ischemic stroke in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, we examined the relationship between ankle–brachial index and ischemic stroke events among hemodialysis patients in a seven-year follow-up.

Methods

A total of 84 patients were enrolled. Ankle–brachial index was assessed in January 2009. Primary outcomes included ischemic stroke. An ankle–brachial index < 0.9 was considered abnormal and 1.4 ≥ ankle–brachial index ≥ 0.9 to be normal ankle–brachial index.

Results

Mean values for ankle–brachial index were 0.98 ± 0.21at study entrance. In addition, 28 patients encountered ischemic stroke in the seven-year follow-up. In univariate Cox regression analysis, old age (hazard ratio (HR): 1.065, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.030–1.102, p < 0.001), low seven-year averaged serum phosphate levels (HR: 0.473, 95% CI: 0.306–0.730, p = 0.001), and abnormal ankle–brachial index (HR: 0.035, 95% CI: 0.009–0.145, p < 0.001) were risk factors for ischemic stroke. In multivariate Cox regression analysis for significant variables in univariate analysis, abnormal ankle–brachial index (HR: 0.058, 95% CI: 0.012–0.279, p < 0.001) and low seven-year averaged serum phosphate levels (HR: 0.625, 95% CI: 0.404–0.968, p = 0.035) remained the risk factors for ischemic stroke. The risk of ischemic stroke was 3.783-fold in patients with abnormal ankle–brachial index compared with patients with normal ankle–brachial index (HR: 3.783, 95% CI: 1.731–8.269, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that ankle–brachial index is an impressive predictor of future ischemic stroke among hemodialysis patients.
Management of abdominal aortic aneurysm in nonagenarians: A single-centre experience
Authors: Pasqui Edoardo , de Donato Gianmarco , Giannace Giovanni , Panzano Claudia , Setacci Carlo , Palasciano Giancarlo
Published: July 2020

Objective

In the last decades, life expectancy has increased worldwide considerably. Traditionally, very elderly patients have been considered too frail to undergo major vascular interventions. Considering that abdominal aortic aneurysm is an age-related disease, there is an increasing need of a correct management of the disease even in nonagenarians, but data are still scarce. The purpose of this single-centre study is to report early and mid-term outcomes of all-comer abdominal aortic aneurysm patients in their 10th decades of age.

Methods

A retrospective review of our prospectively maintained database identified a total of 33 patients aged ≥ 90 presenting with abdominal aortic aneurysm between 2014 and 2019. Elective and emergency repairs were both considered. Early technical success and mortality rate at 30 days were considered as primary outcomes. Mid-term clinical success was reported, and overall survival, freedom from aneurysm-related death, re-interventions and endoleaks were estimated with the Kaplan–Meier method, stratified for elective of emergency repair and type of treatment.

Results

The mean age was 91.7 (range 90–96), and 63.6% were male. Mean abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter was 67.4 ± 16.8 mm. Sixteen patients were admitted for rupture abdominal aortic aneurysm: three untreated, five underwent open and seven underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), with an early mortality rate of 100, 100 and 42.8%, respectively. Eighteen (60%) patients were asymptomatic, and all underwent elective EVAR, with an early mortality rate of 0%. At one-month follow-up, clinical success was 84% in EVAR group. At a median follow-up of 22.4 ± 14.5 months, no abdominal aortic aneurysm-related death was registered. Freedom from all cause of mortality was 77.3, 59.4 and 40.7% at one, two and three years. Freedom from endoleaks was 95.4% at one month and 61.7% at one and three years. Freedom from reintervention was 85.8% at three years.

Conclusion

Elective EVAR in nonagenarians is associated with acceptable early and mid-term outcomes. Age by itself should not be considered an exclusion criterion for treatment.
Systemic Participatory Action Research and Learning within Large-Scale Operational Programs to Eradicate Bonded Labor in India
Authors: Oosterhoff Pauline , Burns Danny
Published: July 2020

This paper describes the implementation of a large-scale systemic participatory action research program which was designed to encourage community-based solutions to bonded labor in India. The program focuses on workers in brick kilns and stone quarries and, to some extent, on sex workers in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and on cotton-mill workers in Tamil Nadu. It runs in parallel to programmatic interventions by local NGOs. The paper looks at the methodological challenges of fully engaging a mostly illiterate, extremely marginalized population on a highly political and complex issue in order to generate community-led solutions, and the process of taking that to scale. The program resulted in extensive methodological innovation and substantive changes to the lives of villagers.
White Categorical Ambiguity: Exclusion of Middle Eastern Americans From the White Racial Category
Authors: Chaney Kimberly E. , Sanchez Diana T. , Saud Lina
Published: July 2020

Despite legal classification as White, Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Americans experience high levels of discrimination, suggesting low social status precludes them from accessing the White racial category. After first demonstrating that the rated Whiteness of MENA Americans influences support for discriminatory policies (Study 1), the present research explores ratings and perceptions of Whiteness of MENA Americans by demonstrating how MENA ethnicities shift racial categorization of prototypically White and racially ambiguous targets (Studies 2–4), and how MENA Americans’ social status influences rated Whiteness (Study 5). As few studies have explored the relative Whiteness of different ethnicities in the United States despite the fluid history of the White racial category, the present studies have implications for the processes that inform White categorization and lay categorizations of MENA Americans.
Accident reconstructions of falls, collisions, and punches in sports
Authors: Kendall Marshall , Anna Oeur  , Brien Susan E , Cusimano Michael , Marshall Shawn , Gilchrist Michael D , Hoshizaki Thomas B
Published: July 2020

Objective

Impacts to the head are the primary cause of concussive injuries in sport and can occur in a multitude of different environments. Each event is composed of combinations of impact characteristics (striking velocity, impact mass, and surface compliance) that present unique loading conditions on the head and brain. The purpose of this study was to compare falls, collisions, and punches from accident reconstructions of sports-related head impacts using linear, rotational accelerations and maximal principal strain of brain tissue from finite element simulation.

Methods

This study compared four types of head impact events through reconstruction. Seventy-two head impacts were taken from medical reports of accidental falls and game video of ice hockey, American football, and mixed-martial arts. These were reconstructed using physical impact systems to represent helmeted and unhelmeted falls, player-to-player collisions, and punches to the head. Head accelerations were collected using a Hybrid III headform and were input into a finite element brain model used to approximate strain in the cerebrum associated with the external loading conditions.

Results

Significant differences ( p < 0.01) were found for peak linear and rotational accelerations magnitudes (30–300 g and 3.2–7.8 krad/s2) and pulse durations between all impact event types characterized by unique impact parameters. The only exception was found where punch impacts and helmeted falls had similar rotational durations. Regression analysis demonstrated that increases to strain from unhelmeted falls were significantly influenced by both linear and rotational accelerations, meanwhile helmeted falls, punches, and collisions were influenced by rotational accelerations alone.

Conclusion

This report illustrates that the four distinct impact events created unique peak head kinematics and brain tissue strain values. These distinct patterns of head acceleration characteristics suggest that it is important to keep in mind that head injury can occur from a range of low to high acceleration magnitudes and that impact parameters (surface compliance, striking velocity, and impact mass) play an important role on the duration-dependent tolerance to impact loading.