bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curling of Cast-in-Situ Short Slabs on Lean Concrete Base: Measured Versus Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Kasu Sridhar Reddy , Patel Sandesh , Chandrappa Anush K , Muppireddy Amaranatha Reddy
Published: July 2022

Cast-in-situ short paneled concrete pavements (CiSPCP) are a class of innovative concrete pavements, which are being considered as a sustainable replacement for jointed plain concrete pavement. However, there is a lack of understanding of various aspects of CiSPCP such as joint spacing, long-term joint performance, dominant stresses, failure criteria, and curling behavior. In this study, the curling behavior of CiSPCP test sections with different slab sizes and thicknesses on National Highway (NH)-18 (old NH-33) were investigated during the summer of 2019 and the winter of 2020. The vertical displacements at mid-slab (longitudinally and diagonally to the slab), the effect of slab size and thickness on curling with seasonal variation were considered, along with a comparison of measured curling using theoretical analysis. The measured displacements at the edge of slabs were smaller compared with those at the center of the slab. Interestingly, the occurrence of maximum slab curl was not in tandem with the maximum temperature gradient (TG). The time lag for the response was around 2 to 4.5 h of the occurrence of a maximum TG. This observation was very significant because temperature stresses have a profound effect on stresses in concrete pavement. However, this field observation has indicated that the lag in the development of maximum TG may also lead to a lag in the development of stresses. Further, it was found that the theoretical method overestimates the curling compared with the field-measured displacements, which can be mainly attributed to the lag.
Assessing and Comparing Data Imputation Techniques for Item Nonresponse in Household Travel Surveys
Authors: Budhwani Alikasim , Lin Tina , Feng Devin , Bachmann Chris
Published: July 2022

This research provides a comparative assessment of data imputation techniques for item nonresponse in household travel surveys. Using the Transportation Tomorrow Survey (TTS) data for the Region of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, a series of synthetic datasets are generated with varying amounts of missing data, while preserving the respective proportions of missing items and missing item combinations in the original survey data. Then, the performances of six different imputation techniques are compared. The six different imputation techniques include two simple imputation techniques (mode and hot-deck), three discriminative models (logistic regression, multi-layered perceptron, support vector machines) and one generative model (autoencoder). This assessment compares these techniques, as well as the impact of the proportion of item nonresponse in the dataset through their repeated application to multiple synthetic datasets. Results show that the machine/deep learning techniques (both generative and discriminative) not previously applied to household travel survey data outperform their simple imputation counterparts. Overall, the accuracy of travel household survey data imputation is shown to depend on many factors, including the technique employed, the dimensionality of the missing item, and the hypertuning of the technique (if applicable), but not on the amount of missing data in these experiments. This research should prove beneficial to practitioners who often confront item nonresponse in their household travel survey data by providing evidence and recommendations to support the selection and implementation of a data imputation technique. The research methodology also provides a repeatable procedure for future researchers to test data imputation techniques on their own datasets.
Measured Effect of Low-Height Solid Safety Barriers on Heavy Truck Noise
Authors: Sperry Benjamin R. , Rochat Judith L. , Cubick Karel L. , Khoury Issam
Published: July 2022

Low-height solid safety barriers (SSBs) are constructed along highways where an adequate clear zone cannot be provided between the highway and an important roadside feature. Where a roadside SSB is a permanent installation, it is possible that it also provides noise reduction benefits. Highway traffic noise sources that could be shielded by a low-height SSB include tire–pavement noise and any other noise originating close to the pavement surface, such as a low exhaust on a heavy truck. This paper reports the findings of a study examining how heavy truck noise is shielded by low-height roadside SSBs. Measurements of the maximum sound level (Lmax) of individual heavy truck pass-by events at two representative locations in Ohio were obtained at a position where a low-height SSB was present as well as at a nearby unshielded position. The results indicated that a perceptible reduction in the pass-by event Lmax (between 3 and 5 dBA) was realized for locations behind the SSBs. Variations in the measured noise reduction were associated with the line-of-sight shielding between various truck noise sources and the receiver positions. For events in which the exhaust source was shielded by the SSB, the measured noise reductions were higher at the site with the 42-in. tall SSB, although there was no difference for the site with the shorter (32-in.) SSB. It is recommended that analysts consider the potential for noise reduction associated with low-height SSBs in locations where such barriers are expected to be permanent.
The optimal electrical stimulation for neural differentiation of conjunctiva mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Esmaeili Abdar Zahra , Jafari Rahim , Mohammadi Parvin , Nadri Samad
Published: July 2022

Aims:

The combination of biomaterial conductive scaffolds and electrical stimulation (ES) dramatically promotes stem cell differentiation into electro-responsive cells like neural cells. In this study, we aimed to fabricate PCL/PPY nanofiber scaffolds through the electrospinning method and investigate the effect of ES duration on neural differentiation of Conjunctiva Mesenchymal Stem Cells (CJMSCs).

Methods:

The topography of the fabricated scaffold was characterized using SEM and TEM microscopy, and its mechanical and other properties were determined by tensile, TGA, FTIR, and Contact angle tests. CJMSCs were seeded on the scaffolds and then subjected to electrical current (115 V m−1 at 100 Hz) with durations of 1, 3, and 7 min for 3 days. Then the effect of nanofiber scaffold and electrical currents on cell viability and expression of neural marker genes (Nestin, β-tubulin, MAP-2) was investigated by MTT assay and qPCR analysis.

Results:

Our results revealed the good biocompatibility of the PCL-PPy nanofiber scaffold, and according to q-PCR results, the electrical stimulation of 1 min day−1 for 3 days can induce neural differentiation of CJMSCs as indicated by the fold change of gene expression of Nestin (~127), B-tubulin (~30), and MAP-2 (~52).

Conclusion:

This study emphasizes that the utilization of an electrically conductive nanofibrous scaffold in conjunction with electrical current has potential applications in the field of neural tissue engineering.
Moving to Online Planning during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Assessment of Zoom and the Impact of ICT on Planning Boards’ Discussions
Authors: Mualam Nir , Israel Emil , Max David
Published: July 2022

This paper examines the shift to remote participation in planning board hearings during the outbreak of COVID-19. Using the results of an exploratory survey among 182 planners, public officials, and stakeholders, we explore perceptions about this transition, compare online and face-to-face engagements, and discuss the benefits and pitfalls of video-conference meetings. The findings indicate that video conferencing in planning merits future use, yet it also highlights key limitations of virtual meetings. Regardless of the findings here, the long-term effects of video conferencing and online decision-making remain to be seen.
Hanseatic twilight? Lübeck’s shipping networks in the latter half of the eighteenth century
Authors: Kaukiainen Yrjö
Published: July 2022

From the late sixteenth century, shipping in the Baltic Sea region experienced profound changes. The rising maritime powers – the Dutch Republic and Great Britain – penetrated the area and the old Hanseatic masters seem to have been relegated to a passive role. These changes are illuminated in the Sound Toll Registers but, in contrast, Baltic archival sources are so fragmentary and imperfect that it is not known how much traditional Baltic shipping was affected. Fortunately, there are printed sources – newspapers that also published shipping news. One such newspaper was the Lübeckische Anzeigen, which contained shipping lists for the city's port from the early 1750s. As Lübeck was still overwhelmingly oriented to the Baltic, this source can offer a different view from the Sound Toll Registers. It also suggests that this was not a period of stagnation for Lübeck shipping but that, in comparison with other national merchant fleets, it faired moderately well.
The bridge or someplace later! The demise of two Scottish deep-sea tramp-ship firms, Hogarth Shipping Co. Ltd. and Lyle Shipping PLC, 1960–1987
Authors: Murphy Hugh
Published: July 2022

This article, which is in four parts and is based on the surviving records, consists of two case studies on the responses of one privately owned company (Hogarth Shipping Co. Ltd.) and one public company (Lyle Shipping PLC) to the increasingly difficult operational environment of the post-1960 era confronting British shipping firms dealing with increased international competition, political and economic volatility, and financial pressures.
“It Helped Me Open My Eyes”: Incorporating Lived Experience Perspectives in Social Work Education
Authors: Moran Rebecca J. , Martin Robyn , Ridley Sophie
Published: July 2022

Working from a trauma informed lens is increasingly recognized as a vital component of social work practice, as is learning from and incorporating lived experience into one's approach to practice. Further, the critical and feminist informed interrogation of dominant ideas around professional power and expertise within social work practice is necessary in learning and teaching about trauma. This conceptual article describes an integrated approach to teaching fourth year Australian social work students in the area of violence, abuse, and trauma. The intentionally immersive learning and teaching framework presents and incorporates praxis as involving educator lived experience, theoretical knowledge, and practice experience. The approach aims to create transformative and embodied learning opportunities which destabilize dominant constructions of social work identities, use of professional power and different practice approaches. While honoring the valuable contributions of trauma informed practice, we seek to push students beyond this model, prompting critical feminist analysis of the socio-political complexity of trauma experiences. We describe our work, ambitions, challenges, and learnings as feminist educators, sharing these ideas in order to provoke dialogue on possibilities for pedagogical innovation, within the context of power, expertise, social work education, and lived experience.
The EU and Dispute Settlement: The Case of the Macedonian Name Issue
Authors: Bechev Dimitar
Published: July 2022

The Prespa Agreement concluded between (North) Macedonia and Greece in June 2018 is hailed as a major success for the European Union’s (EU) policy of promoting conflict resolution through in the Balkans and beyond. At the same time, in the case of the so-called Macedonian name dispute, the EU hindered compromise as membership in the bloc provided Athens with asymmetric leverage over Skopje. The article argues that the European institutions made a positive contribution by empowering opposition to state capture in Macedonia, helping resolve a domestic political crisis between 2015 and 2017, and facilitating the transfer of power to a government willing to compromise with Greece. Even if the Prespa Agreement resulted from a bargain between Athens and Skopje, intervention in Macedonian politics by the EU, the United States, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) played a critical role in passing the constitutional changes agreed in the deal. The article examines the name dispute from the perspective of the literature on the EU as an agent of conflict transformation, arguing that European integration’s “enabling impact” is key to understanding and explaining the genesis of the Prespa Agreement. It also contends that the EU faced a dilemma between the pursuit of stability and the promotion of the rule of law and accountability, often prioritising the former over the latter.
Conceptualizing a Proposed Model for Re-Orienting Career Centers for Immigrant College Students
Authors: Witenstein Matthew A. , Davila Natalia , Karikari LaDreka , Wright Chantelle
Published: July 2022

Immigrant college students often encounter daunting tasks and obstacles when exploring career paths, seeking employment and experiential learning opportunities aligned with their interests within the dominant US higher education structure. Considering that there is a career services and development literature gap on immigrant students (who comprise a large swath of the college-going population), it is critical to develop meaningful frameworks that support research and practice in this emerging, needed space. This conceptual paper bridges a critical theory of love with funds of knowledge to re-orient the ways in which immigrant students are served at college career centers. Four guiding principles (rooted in the frameworks) are outlined that can support a more collaborative and inclusive experience for immigrant students toward gaining meaningful support at college career centers.
Age Differences in Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Assessing the Moderating Role of Attachment to God
Authors: Zhu Xi , Upenieks Laura
Published: July 2022

Objectives: This study examined age differences in mental health problems (depression and anxiety) during the COVID-19 pandemic using nationally representative data from the United States. Drawing from a life course perspective, we also assessed if a secure attachment to God conditioned the relationship between age and mental health. Methods: Data were from the 2021 Values and Beliefs of the American Public Study ( N = 1168), collected roughly 1 year into the pandemic. Results: Older adults (61 years and over) reported lower depression and anxiety than respondents 18–30 years of age. However, stronger perceptions of attachment to God significantly closed the age gap in anxiety between these age groups. Discussion: Though absolute levels of religiosity tend to be higher for older adults, secure attachment to God was more protective of the mental health of younger adults during the pandemic. We reflect on our findings through a life course lens.
Indigenous epistemologies of childhood in contexts of inequality: Three case studies from the “Global South”
Authors: Amigó María Florencia , García Palacios Mariana , Enriz Noelia , Hecht Ana Carolina
Published: July 2022

Drawing on long-term ethnographies with children, the authors (anthropologists from the “Global South”) problematize the disconnect between homogenising discourses around “childhood”, and the localised, socio-culturally rich experiences of indigenous children. Through an anthropological lens in dialogue with post-colonial theory they explore vernacular conceptualisations and practices around childhood in three indigenous communities –two in Argentina, one in Indonesia. In doing so, they place these childhoods within local, regional and global forces, highlight contexts of inequality, and explore children’s active positionality in such contexts.
Recent progress in solid-state additive manufacturing technique: Friction stir additive manufacturing
Authors: Choudhury Smrity , Acharya Uttam , Roy Joydeep , Roy Barnik Saha
Published: July 2022

Additive Manufacturing (AM), a key component of Industry 4.0 is recently gaining more and more popularity in the major industrial sectors. Friction Stir Additive Manufacturing (FSAM) is a subcategory of AM technology. It employs the principle of solid-state based friction stir welding method to fabricate multi-layered builds by joining layer upon layer sheets of metal. The metal additive manufacturing (MAM) techniques has the potential to fabricate complex parts making it a viable choice for automobile, aviation and marine industries. However, achieving higher structural performance using the fusion based MAM approaches has a number of drawbacks owing to solid-liquid phase transitions. FSAM has proved to overcome these flaws and fabricate defect-free components with excellent mechanical and structural properties. Based on the available data, an overview of the FSAM processes, materials and process parameters is reviewed in depth in this article. Mechanical attributes such as tensile strength, microhardness and refinement of grain are summarized in comparison to their base materials. The purpose of this article is to provide a critical investigation of the timeline and the advancements in the field of FSAM. Moreover, the challenges and the future scope of this ingenious process are conferred in terms of its applicability in the numerous domains of engineering.
Hydromagnetic CuO-H2O nanofluid transportation through irreversibility analysis
Authors: Ibrahim SM , Shehzad SA , Mabood F , Badruddin IA , Ambreen T
Published: July 2022

The current investigation aimed for the exploration of steady-state, incompressible flow and energy transportation of water-based copper oxide nanofluid past a linear stretching sheet through suction/injection possessions. Furthermore, the impact of magnetohydrodynamic, radiation, and entropy generation are taken in the problem development. The nonlinear equations are reframed into single independent variable equations by the implication of appropriate similarity transformations. The Fehlberg scheme is developed for the numerical computations of re-structured non-linear expressions. The variations of influential constraints on the dimensionless physical quantities are investigated and reported in detail. The prominent features of the investigation include the higher velocity and weaker temperature is achieved against the incrementing stretching constraint values. The irreversibility ratio is reduced against the emerging stretching strength constraint. The Bejan number is decaying against the higher magnetic constraint. The blowing and suction have opposite impacts on the skin-friction factors.
Optimization of sustainable milling of SKD11 steel under minimum quantity lubrication
Authors: Canh Nguyen Van , Duong Nguyen Thuy , Thao Le Van
Published: July 2022

In this study, the sustainably face milling of SKD11 steel under a minimum quantity lubrication condition was investigated. The goal of this work is twofold: (i) observing the impact of main milling parameters, including cutting speed ( Vc), depth of cut ( ap), and feed per tooth ( fz) on surface roughness ( Ra) and specific cutting energy (SCE), and (ii) finding out an optimal combination of cutting parameters for ameliorating the surface quality, productivity, and diminishing energy consumption. For this purpose, the experiment was designed by using the Box–Behnken matrix. A series of 15 experimental runs have been conducted to acquire experimental data. The regression models of Ra and SCE were subsequently developed and evaluated by using the analysis of variance. Finally, the multi-objective optimization issue was resolved by using the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) algorithm and the desirability approach (DA). The results show that the parameter fz reveals the highest impact on surface roughness and SCE, followed by ap and Vc. The TOPSIS method allows finding the optimal solution with a reduction of 46% in terms of SCE when compared with that achieved by DA. This is significant in the context of sustainable manufacturing. This research is expected to enrich the knowledge of milling SKD11, and the achieved results can be used for research community and manufacturing industries.
Influence of hexagonal boron nitride additive nanocutting fluid on the machining of AA6061-T6 alloy using minimum quality lubrication
Authors: Kumar Avinash , Shrama Anuj Kumar , Gupta TVK , Katiyar Jitendra Kumar
Published: July 2022

The extravagant usage of cutting fluid affects the environment and operator's health badly. Therefore, a well-established cooling technique minimum quantity lubrication was used in the present investigation in which environment-friendly cutting fluid based on soya bean oil was used. The investigation of the machining performance of soya bean oil-based hexagonal boron nitride nanofluid under minimum quantity lubrication during the milling of aluminum alloy AA6061-T6 was carried out to optimize the machining parameters for minimizing the cutting force and surface roughness. The machining results are further analyzed using Taguchi single-objective optimization, regression and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and multi-response optimization using Desirability Function Analysis (DFA). Furthermore, the mathematical models are developed for cutting force and surface roughness for milling under minimum quantity lubrication using regression analysis, and the models are found to be significant with minimum error. The nanofluid with 0.25 wt% nanoparticle concentration yielded minimum force and surface roughness at optimized machining parameters of 100 m/min, cutting speed, and 400 mm/min feed rate. However, the soya bean-based hexagonal boron nitride nanofluid minimum quantity lubrication machining yields better results than the flood-cutting condition.
Comparative analysis of the aerodynamic performance of trains and dynamic responses of catenaries for windbreak walls with different heights under crosswind
Authors: Dong Xiao , Liu Tanghong , Xia Yutao , Yang Fan , Chen Zhengwei , Guo Zijian
Published: July 2022

Due to the deterioration of the crosswind-protection performance of the original earth embankment windbreak walls on the train with increased speed, researching the influence of the heightened windbreak walls on aerodynamic performances of trains as well as the protection of the catenary is necessary for optimizing the windproof performance. The improved delayed detached eddy simulation based on the shear stress transport (SST) κ-ω turbulence model was employed to simulate flow structures. Furthermore, the effect on the displacement of the catenary was investigated using the finite element method (FEM). The numerical case was validated against the field tests. The results show that the aerodynamic performances of the train were improved as the windbreak wall was heightened by 0.5 m. Whereas, further heightening the windbreak wall worsened the aerodynamic performance. When the windbreak wall was heightened by 0.5 and 1 m, the wind speed of the catenary was reduced by 31.17% and 53.87%, and the displacement of the catenary was reduced by 48.09% and 74.11%, respectively, compared with that of the original windbreak wall. These results reveal that the wind-protection performance on the train and catenary can be both improved by reasonably heightening windbreak walls.
Vaginal microbiota associated with oncogenic HPV in a cohort of HPV-vaccinated women living with HIV
Authors: McClymont Elisabeth , Albert Arianne Y , Wang Christine , Dos Santos Scott J , Coutlée François , Lee Marette , Walmsley Sharon , Lipsky Nancy , Loutfy Mona , Trottier Sylvie , Smaill Fiona , Klein Marina B , Yudin Mark H , Harris Marianne , Wobeser Wendy , Hill Janet E , Money Deborah M ,   the CTN 236 HPV in HIV Study Team
Published: July 2022

Background

Women living with HIV (WLWH) experience higher rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer than women without HIV. Changes in the vaginal microbiome have been implicated in HPV-related disease processes such as persistence of high-risk HPV infection but this has not been well defined in a population living with HIV.

Methods

Four hundred and 20 girls and WLWH, age ≥9, across 14 clinical sites in Canada were enrolled to receive three doses of quadrivalent HPV vaccine for assessment of vaccine immunogenicity. Blood, cervical cytology, and cervico-vaginal swabs were collected. Cervico-vaginal samples were tested for HPV DNA and underwent microbiota sequencing.

Results

Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering generated community state types (CSTs). Relationships between taxa and CSTs with HPV infection were examined using mixed-effects logistic regressions, Poisson regressions, or generalized linear mixed-effects models, as appropriate. Three hundred and fifty-six cervico-vaginal microbiota samples from 172 women were sequenced. Human papillomavirus DNA was detected in 211 (59%) samples; 110 (31%) contained oncogenic HPV. Sixty-five samples (18%) were taken concurrently with incident oncogenic HPV infection and 56 (16%) were collected from women with concurrent persistent oncogenic HPV infection.

Conclusions

No significant associations between taxa, CST, or microbial diversity and HPV-related outcomes were found. However, we observed weak associations between a dysbiotic microbiome and specific species, including Gardnerella, Porphyromonas, and Prevotella species, with incident HPV infection.
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis secondary to AIDS-related histoplasmosis and visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Tomaino María V , Barletta José AE , Andreani Mariana , Sisto Alicia , Abusamra Lorena , Guelfand Liliana , Rolón María J
Published: July 2022

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, highly aggressive syndrome involving dysregulated immune response. Most cases are secondary to underlying diseases including infections, autoimmune disorders and malignancies. The burden of disease of histoplasmosis and leishmaniosis associated with advanced HIV is still significant in low-and-middle income countries (LMIC). We present a case of histoplasmosis and leishmaniasis associated HLH in a man with an AIDS diagnosis.
STI prevalence, incidence, and partner notification among women in a periconception HIV prevention program in Uganda
Authors: Chitneni Pooja , Muyindike Winnie , Bwana Mwebesa Bosco , Owembabazi Moran , O’Neil Kasey , Kalyebara Paul Kato , Hedt-Gauthier Bethany , Bangsberg David R , Marrazzo Jeanne M , Kaida Angela , Haberer Jessica E , Matthews Lynn T
Published: July 2022

Background

We provided sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening and facilitated partner notification and treatment among women participating in a periconception HIV prevention program in southwestern Uganda to understand follow-up STI incidence.

Methods

Women at-risk for HIV exposure while planning for pregnancy completed laboratory screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis at enrollment and 6 months of follow-up and/or incident pregnancy; facilitated partner notification and treatment were offered for those with positive tests. We performed a logistic regression to determine correlates of follow-up STI.

Results

Ninety-four participants completed enrollment STI screening with a median age of 29 (IQR 26–34); 23 (24%) had ≥1 STI. Of the 23 participants with enrollment STI(s), all completed treatment and 19 (83%) returned for follow-up; 18 (78%) reported delivering partner notification cards and discussing STIs with partner(s), and 14 (61%) reported all partners received STI treatment. Of the 81 (86%) who successfully completed follow-up STI screening, 17 (21%) had ≥1 STI. The STI incidence rate was 29.0 per 100 person-years. In univariable regression analysis, enrollment STI, younger age, less education, and alcohol consumption were all significantly associated with follow-up STI.

Conclusions

We demonstrated high enrollment and follow-up STI rates and moderate participant-reported partner treatment among women planning for pregnancy in Uganda despite partner notification and treatment. Novel STI partner notification and treatment interventions are needed to decrease the STI burden, especially among women planning for and with pregnancy.
Contraceptive use among cisgender women with bacterial sexually transmitted infections: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Blain Michela , Micks Elizabeth , Dombrowski Julia , Balkus Jennifer E , Barbee Lindley
Published: July 2022

Background

Data on contraceptive use among women with bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are sparse, despite this population’s high risk for unplanned pregnancy.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 1623 cisgender women recently diagnosed with a bacterial STI who completed a public health Partner Services interview between January 2017 and December 2019 in King County, WA, USA. Contraceptive methods were categorized as: (1) highly or moderately effective and (2) least effective or no method. Poisson regression models were used to assess associations between individual characteristics and contraceptive method.

Results

Almost two thirds of the women (62.6%) reported using highly or moderately effective contraception, with 30.3% of women using long-acting contraception (LARC). More than one in three women (37.4%) reported using least effective methods or no method. Black women were less likely to report using a highly or moderately effective method compared to White women (aRR 0.58, 95% CI 0.43–0.80) and women with private insurance were more likely to report using a highly or moderately effective method compared to those with public insurance (aRR 1.67, 95% CI 1.28–2.19).

Conclusions

Given that many women with bacterial STIs are not desiring pregnancy, this study highlights the need for additional reproductive health services for women with recent STI diagnoses.
Specific Effects of Characteristics of Enriched Environment on Innovative Problem Solving by Animals
Authors: Cheng Sha-Te , Liu Sha , Ou-Yang Bo , Dai Xin-Yu , Cheng Liang
Published: July 2022

Numerous studies have revealed that an enriched environment can enhance the survival-related behaviors and brain functions of animals. However, the effects and specific roles of the enrichment characteristics on animals’ innovative capability, a cognitive ability crucial for survival in nature, are still not well known. In this study, we assigned mice to environment-manipulation groups ( n = 15 each) to investigate the specific effects of environmental novelty (novel vs. familiar) and environmental complexity (complex vs. normal) on innovative problem solving and its possible neural mechanisms. Results showed that mice in only the novel-environment group performed better at innovative-problem-solving tasks and showed greater numbers of novel explorations and dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens in the brain. These findings indicate that an enriched environment has the potential to promote the innovative capability of mice by enhancing their novel exploratory motivation, which depends on the novelty of the environment but not its complexity.
Reconstruction of historical forest cover on a 1° grid in central and southeast Europe from AD 1800 to 2000
Authors: Zheng Xue , Fang Xiuqi , Ye Yu , Pongratz Julia , Zhang Chengpeng , Li Jun , Yang Liang Emlyn , Li Yikai , Eckmeier Eileen
Published: July 2022

The natural vegetation has been substantially changed over the last millenium, especially from forest to agricultural areas in Europe. To study the effects of deforestation on carbon and climate system, it is essential to construct spatially precise maps in forest cover. The current representative historical forest data sets are either derivatives of agricultural datasets or are produced based on the deforestation-population relationship. Almost no attempts have been made to use the inherently linked relationship between deforestation and cropland expansion that has run through Europe for millennia. This study created an approach based on the relationship between cultivation intensity and forest fraction to reconstruct forest cover changes in central and southeast Europe from AD 1800 to 2000 by the following steps: (1) To develop the spatial relationship curve (spatial resolution is 1°) between the “cultivation intensity (0–100%)” and the “forest fraction (0–100%)” derived from modern land cover datasets; (2) To generate the national-scale cropland data based on historical records from AD 1800 to 2000, and to allocate them to a 1° pixel; (3) To reconstruct the forest cover using the aforementioned relationship curve and the historical gridded cropland database. The results show that: (1) The forest fraction in central and southeast Europe decreased from 38.4% in AD 1800 to 27.0% in AD 1900, and then increased to 32.5% in AD 2000. (2) In AD 1800, large areas of forests can be primarily found in Luxembourg, Netherlands and Belgium, the south of France, the south of Germany, the Alps region, Poland, and the majority of the Balkans. (3) Throughout the 19th century, the entire region was generally subjected to deforestation, with large areas of forest coverage only being preserved in the Alps and the western and southern Balkans after 100 years of exploration. (4) The forest coverage in most of the study regions increased again at the end of the 20th century.
Imprints of the Little Ice Age and the severe earthquake of AD 2001 on the aquatic ecosystem of a tropical maar lake in El Salvador
Authors: Wojewódka-Przybył Marta , Krahn Kim J , Hamerlík Ladislav , Macario-González Laura , Cohuo Sergio , Charqueño-Celis Fernanda , Cisneros Anaís , Hoelzmann Philipp , Yang Handong , Rose Neil L , Zawisza Edyta , Pérez Liseth , Schwalb Antje
Published: July 2022

Using a 530-year sediment record from the maar Lake Apastepeque, El Salvador, and based on diverse geochemical and biological (cladocerans, chironomids, diatoms, ostracods, testate amoebae) indicators, we estimated climatic and environmental alterations during the Little Ice Age (LIA) and reconstructed the recent history of the lake. Results demonstrate relatively humid conditions in the mid-elevations (500 m a.s.l.) of El Salvador during most parts of the LIA, resulting in high lake levels. Contrarily, the first part of the LIA was characterized by drier climates comparable to studies from Mexico and Belize, which correlated this phase with the Spörer minimum. Regional comparison with palaeorecords from the northern Neotropics reveals a high heterogeneity in local expressions of the LIA in Central America, likely connected to the high topographic heterogeneity of the region. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Lake Apastepeque has experienced enhanced human impact expressed as increased nutrient supply. The most recent period was characterized by significant environmental disturbance, which we relate to an upper-crustal earthquake, one of the strongest over the last 500 years, that affected the region on 13th February 2001 (Mw = 6.6, epicentre at 10 km depth, 30 km from the lake). The release of toxic bottom components such as hydrogen sulphide and high turbidity and turbulence of water caused major species turnover in the lake ecosystem, resulting in a massive fish kill and colonization by large cladocerans. Modern sediments still show slightly altered biota communities compared to pre-earthquake assemblages, indicating that the ecosystem has still not fully recovered.
Assessment of the distribution of Pseudoryzomys simplex (Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae) in the Pampean region, central-east Argentina, in the late-Holocene
Authors: García-Morato Sara , Lobo Jorge M , Fernández-Jalvo Yolanda , Montalvo Claudia I , Fernández Fernando J
Published: July 2022

Pseudoryzomys simplex (Winge 1887) is a small to medium sized terrestrial oryzomyine rodent (Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae) widely distributed in humid environments of tropical and subtropical lowlands of South America with a marked rainy season. The occurrence of this species in the south-central Pampean region between 4700 and 200 ka cal BP was originally associated with some warm climatic episodes. A later hypothesis points out that P. simplex was a typical element of the Humid Pampa subregion during this period, whose distribution was retracted to the north due to the strong anthropic modifications in the area. To corroborate these hypotheses, the niche of occurrence of P. simplex was calculated to analyse the preferred climatic conditions of contemporaneous and fossil record of the species since 4700 ka cal BP. The derived climatic niche of P. simplex shows a marked preference for areas with seasonality precipitation patterns and tropical/subtropical conditions. Geographical estimations and climatic niches derived revealed a moderate overlapping between contemporaneous and Pampean late-Holocene projection, which in no case includes the localities where fossil data were found. Although a better comprehension of the ecological requirements of the species is necessary to discard a shift in its realized climatic niche, it is probable that P. simplex is able to maintain stable populations under similar conditions to the ones represented by fossil occurrences. The distribution of the species in the Humid Pampa subregion is probably affected by non-climatic factors today which are reducing its contemporaneous realized climatic niche and distorting the derived climatic niches obtained. These results support that this species cannot be considered a reliable palaeoclimatic indicator of more Brazilian conditions in the Humid Pampean subregion during the past.
Exploring the Immigrant Entrepreneurs and Their Entrepreneurial Engagement
Authors: Omorede Adesuwa , Axelsson Karin
Published: July 2022

This study explores how immigrants perceive their entrepreneurial selves and their strategies to find opportunities when migrating to a new country. It focuses on their journey to find these opportunities and their experiences from the endeavour. Thus, it focuses on the conditions of immigrant entrepreneurs and their experiences by capturing entrepreneurs’ experiences across different phases of their entrepreneurial endeavours. The article addresses the recent surge in the entrepreneurship literature focusing on immigrant entrepreneurship, including its consequences for integration, job creation possibilities and relationship to the national economy. Findings show that immigrant entrepreneurs adopt a multi-strategy opportunity approach during the early phase that then influences their self-image. Furthermore, for the immigrant entrepreneurs included in this study, identifying and capturing these business opportunities become as important as how they perceive themselves. In addition, the immigrant entrepreneurs’ affective motivation served as an essential mechanism leading their strong self-image towards their aspirational goals. In addition, their descriptions indicate that most of them chose to start their ventures out of passion and enthusiasm rather than out of necessity.
Entrepreneurial Activity and Economic Growth of BRICS Countries: Retrospect and Prospects
Authors: Gaba Ashok K. , Gaba Nitika
Published: July 2022

Entrepreneurial activity is generally considered to be an important tool for improving economic growth through innovation and employment. The objective of the study was to determine the relationship among economic growth (GDP), entrepreneurial intention (EI), total early-stage entrepreneurial activity (TEA), established business ownership (EBO) rate and high job creation expectation (HJCE) rate. The research design followed a quantitative approach to annual secondary data from 2014 to 2018 for the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa). The dynamic ordinary least squares model was used to test the relationship among variables. Results indicated that EI is a significant determinant for economic growth. The study added to the prior literature by confirming that EI drives economic growth which can be useful for the policymakers.
Trade in Pollution-intensive Products: Evidence from India
Authors: Tantri Malini L. , Bhat Varadurga
Published: July 2022

This article explains India’s trade from an environmental perspective. Besides explaining trends and patterns of trade in pollution-intensive products, we investigate India’s comparative advantage in these products and discuss the emerging issues. The exercise based on the UN Comtrade dataset reveals that much of India’s exports happen under this category with better revealed comparative advantage (RCA) values, which do have high environmental concerns. We sum up the article by arguing that there is a need to attend to sector-specific problems encountered by these industries and have a well-knit environmental policy, so that trade and industrial expansion do not have a major environmental concern.
Learnings from Kolkata East–West Metro Corridor Project
Authors: Phadtare Milind T. , Ganguli T. K. , Biswas Tamal
Published: July 2022

The case deals with the concept of the diamond model of project management, project failure and stakeholder management. It aims to improve the conceptual understanding as well as application of these concepts to project management in real life. The case would be suitable for postgraduate students of the management programme as well as participants of management development programmes on project management.
A Critical Film Zone on Zoom
Authors: Jayamanne Laleen
Published: July 2022

Quite by chance, participating in Zoom webinars on two recent films about Sri Lanka, Funny Boy and The Single Tumbler, opened up an unexpected and surprising research problem. This was especially surprising because neither of the webinars were organised from within academic film studies.
Prospects and Implications of Turkish–Egyptian Reconciliation
Authors: Yeşilyurt Nuri , Magued Shaimaa
Published: July 2022

This commentary explains various implications of a possible Turkish–Egyptian reconciliation. Based on an extensive analysis of Turkish and Egyptian newspapers and open-ended and semi-structured in-depth interviews, this commentary addresses the significance of a Turkish–Egyptian reconciliation for both countries, its regional implications and the prospects for bilateral relations. In this context, the commentary discusses the domestic, bilateral and regional implications of a prospective reconciliation between Turkey and Egypt.
Does Volatility Cause Herding in Malaysian Stock Market? Evidence from Quantile Regression Analysis
Authors: Loang Ooi Kok , Ahmad Zamri
Published: July 2022

This study examines the existence, tendency and determinants of herding in the Malaysian stock market under market stress from 2016 to 2020. This study adopts ordinary least square and quantile regression models to estimate herding. Three types of measurements are used to capture volatility, which are realized volatility, Parkinson volatility and Garman and Klass volatility. The result shows that herding exists in the Malaysian stock market. Investors are observed to herd stronger in the bearish (down) market condition compared to bullish (up) market condition, especially in the upper quantile (τ > 50%). Realized volatility is found to be significant in every quantile except for the median quantile (τ = 50%) and Garman and Klass’s volatility is significant in the upper quantiles of 0.75 and 0.90. This study assists analysts and investors to formulate better investment strategies. Regulators and policymakers shall also control and regulate the herding behaviour of investors, which can deviate the stocks from their fundamentals. The existence of herding also violates the assumptions of EMH in assuming that investors are rational.
Knowledge Spillovers, Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and the Geography of High Growth Firms
Authors: Fotopoulos Georgios
Published: July 2022

Knowledge created outside the firm, but within the same region, is a key enabler of high-growth firms. This paper develops an entrepreneurial ecosystems conceptual framework focussing on knowledge spillovers and regional absorptive capacity, to account for interregional differences in high-growth firm rates. This is tested using panel data from 378 regions in Great Britain. Knowledge creation (SME-engaging and research-intensive universities, innovative firms) and knowledge spillovers (primarily through vertically related industries) reveal to be of key importance. Other key regional enablers of high growth firms pertain to entrepreneurship culture, talent, intermediate services, networks, finance and demand growth.
Network of selectively compliant actuators based on shape memory alloys and polymers for a reconfigurable sandwich panel
Authors: Testoni Oleg , Bodkhe Sampada , Bergamini Andrea , Ermanni Paolo
Published: July 2022

Shape memory alloys (SMA) allow for the realization of smart actuators capable of achieving large stresses and large strains but highly demanding in terms of power input. This work presents a solution integrating shape memory polymers (SMP) in a novel type of selectively compliant actuator to reduce the power input of SMAs. The thermally induced variation in stiffness of the SMP is used to achieve large deformations by temporarily increasing the compliance of the actuator and to lock the actuator in a deformed state by restoring the initial stiffness. The behavior of the actuator is simulated taking into account the viscoelastic behavior of the SMP and validated through a comparison with experimental results. The latter show that the proposed actuator can achieve a maximum contraction of 3.0% and hold a contraction of about 1.6% multiple times without constantly powering the SMA. Finally, a reconfigurable sandwich panel is considered as possible application. A distributed actuator network is implemented in the face sheets of the panel and a digital image correlation system is used to prove the capability of the proposed structure of undergoing large deformations, holding a deformed shape without consuming energy, and recovering its initial shape. A further development of this panel might find application as support structure for morphing aerodynamic surfaces or reconfigurable antennas.
Benefits and Challenges of Assistance Dogs for Families of Children on the Autism Spectrum: Mothers’ Perspectives
Authors: Hellings Dana , Joosten Annette , Hatfield Megan , Netto Julie
Published: July 2022

Assistance dogs are a potential intervention for families of children on the autism spectrum to support participation. However, the lived experience of families with new assistance dogs has not previously been explored. This study described the expectations, benefits, and challenges of assistance dog ownership for families of children on the autism spectrum. Data were collected from four mothers through semi-structured interviews and photovoice prior to assistance dog placement and following 6 months of ownership. Findings indicated assistance dog ownership enhanced the child’s self-regulation and socialization, and increased participation in daily routines. Having an assistance dog also enhanced participation in family outings and activities. Challenges included the adjustment period and the lack of public awareness of autism assistance dogs.