bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Mandatory Disclosure Matter? The Case of Nonprofit Fundraising
Authors: Barber Putnam , Farwell Megan M. , Galle Brian
Published: April 2021

Do donors seek out potentially adverse information about organizations making fundraising appeals? Do they react when it is readily available? Do they draw negative inferences when critical information is not available? To answer these questions, we consider previously unexamined large-scale natural experiments involving U.S. charitable organizations—tax-exempt organizations that file Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 990. Using standard difference-in-differences designs, we find that donors penalize organizations with high fundraising costs when there is mandatory disclosure or involuntary disclosure by a third-party reporter. Organizations with lower fundraising costs fundraise more successfully in the presence of these disclosures. The contrast with donors’ behavior when such information is not available suggests that donors do not draw correct inferences when potentially consequential information is not disclosed. Disclose-on-request requirements, in contrast, apparently do not have any significant impact on donors’ or organizations’ behavior. We then sketch implications for the regulation of donations to charities and their modern cousins, such as crowdfunding and social enterprise organizations.
Disability and Academic Careers: Using the Social Relational Model to Reveal the Role of Human Resource Management Practices in Creating Disability
Authors: Sang Katherine , Calvard Thomas , Remnant Jennifer
Published: April 2021

Disabled people continue to face a variety of significant barriers to full participation and inclusion in work and employment. However, their experiences remain only sparsely discussed in relation to human resource management (HRM) practices and employment contexts. The current study contributes to this gap in understanding by drawing together relevant work connecting HRM practices, diversity management and disability studies to examine the experiences of a sample of 75 disabled academics in the UK. Through the social relational model of disability, HRM practices socially construct disability in the workplace. Interview and email data from disabled academics in the UK are drawn upon to illustrate how organisational practices and policies, while intended to ‘accommodate’ disabled people, inadvertently construct and shape disability for people with impairments or chronic health conditions.
Sulfone-functionalized poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) copolymer fibers with improved interfacial adhesion to epoxy matrices
Authors: Li Ting , Wang Zengxiao , Zhang Hao , Cao Yutong , Hu Zuming , Yu Junrong , Wang Yan
Published: April 2021

The poor interfacial adhesion of aramid fiber and matrix limits the application of the final composites. In this study, a series of the sulfone-functionalized poly( p-phenylene terephthalamide) (SPPTA) copolymers were satisfactorily synthesized and the effects of polymerization conditions (contents of the additional monomer and the cosolvent LiCl, molar concentration and ratio of the monomer, reaction temperature and time) on the molecular weight of the copolymer were discussed. The introduction of the sulfone group in aromatic polyamides not only increased the polarity of poly( p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA) but destroyed the regular arrangement of the molecular chains, which greatly improved the surface free energy and the solubility of the polymers in organic solvents. The polymer maintained excellent thermal and interfacial properties. Compared with the PPTA fiber/epoxy composites, the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of SPPTA fiber-reinforced epoxy composites reached 43.5 MPa, with a significantly enhancement of 20.8%, implying that the study provided an effective method to achieve highly interfacial adhesion of aramid fiber-reinforced composites.
Finite-time adaptive control for the dual-arm space robots with uncertain kinematics, dynamics and deadzone nonlinearities
Authors: Zhan Bowen , Jin Minghe , Yang Guocai , Huang Bincheng
Published: April 2021

Dual-arm space robots are capable of load transporting and coordinated manipulation for on-orbit servicing. However, achieving the accurate trajectory tracking performance is a big challenge for dual-arm robots, especially when mechanical system uncertainties exist. This paper proposes an adaptive control scheme for the dual-arm space robots with grasped targets to accurately follow trajectories while stabilizing base’s attitude in the presence of dynamic uncertainties, kinematic uncertainties and deadzone nonlinearities. An approximate Jacobian matrix is utilized to compensate the kinematic uncertainties, while a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) with feature decomposition technique is employed to approximate the unknown dynamics. Besides, a smooth deadzone inverse is introduced to reduce the effects from deadzone nonlinearities. The adaption laws for the parameters of the approximate Jacobian matrix, RBFNN and the deadzone inverse are designed with the consideration of the finite-time convergence of trajectory tracking errors as well as the parameters estimation. The stability of the control scheme is validated by a defined Lyapunov function. Several simulations were conducted, and the simulation results verified the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Control law design to improve the unexpected pitch motion in slow down turn maneuver
Authors: Kim Chong-sup , Jin Taebeom , Koh Gi-oak , Kim Byoung soo
Published: April 2021

The highly maneuverable fighter aircraft is exposed to unexpected pitch motion such as over-Nz (normal acceleration) and Nz-drop characteristics in transonic and supersonic flight conditions with moderate angle of attack. These characteristics not only degrade flying qualities by destabilizing the aircraft but also threaten flight safety by increasing the structural load. This article proposes an additional augmentation control in the incremental nonlinear dynamic inversion structure, which feeds back the error of pitch angular acceleration to mitigate unexpected pitch motion in slow down turn maneuver. We evaluate the stability, flying qualities, and robustness of the proposed control system by performing the frequency-domain linear analysis and the time-domain numerical simulations based on the mathematical model of advanced trainer aircraft. As a result of the evaluation, the additional augmentation control further improves flying qualities and deceleration performance of the aircraft by decreasing over-Nz and Nz-drop characteristics in high-Nz maneuvering in the transonic flight condition as well as ensuring the stability and robustness of the control system against the major uncertainty factors of the aircraft system compared to the existing transonic pitching moment compensation (TPMC) control in which the predefined scheduling for Nz feedback is used.
Three-spool turbofan pass-off test data analysis using an optimization-based diagnostic technique
Authors: Saias Chana Anna , Pellegrini Alvise , Brown Stephen , Pachidis Vassilios
Published: April 2021

Production engine pass-off testing is a compulsory technique adopted to ensure that each engine meets the required performance criteria before entering into service. Gas turbine performance analysis greatly supports this process and substantial economic benefits can be achieved if an effective and efficient analysis is attained. This paper presents the use of an integrated method to enable engine health assessment using real pass-off test data of production engines obtained over a year. The proposed method is based on a well-established diagnostic technique enhanced for a highly-complex problem of a three-spool turbofan engine. It makes use of a modified optimization algorithm for the evaluation of the overall engine performance in the presence of component degradation, as well as, sensor noise and bias. The developed method is validated using simulated data extracted from a representative adapted engine performance model. The results demonstrate that the method is successful for 82% of the fault scenarios considered. Next, the pass-off test data are analyzed in two stages. Initially, correlation and trend analyses are conducted using the available measurements to obtain diagnostic information from the raw data. Subsequently, the method is utilized to predict the condition of 264 production turbofan engines undergoing a compulsory pass-off test.
Performance characterization and optimization of counter-flow dew point indirect evaporative cooler through response surface methodology
Authors: Kousar Rubeena , Ali Muzaffar , Amjad Muhammad Kamal , Sheikh Nadeem Ahmed , Ahmad Waqas
Published: April 2021

The optimal performance of dew point indirect evaporative cooler with respect to the operational environment is a challenging task as the same is affected by many parameters. This paper reports the regression modeling and optimization of a counter flow indirect evaporative cooler using the response surface methodology. Experimentation is conducted using the central composite design and regression models are statistically evaluated for adequacy and found within 7% maximum error limit as compared with literature. Results show that supply temperature and cooling capacity increase with increasing inlet air velocity and inlet air temperature. Moreover, dew point and wet bulb effectiveness have a direct relationship with inlet air temperature and an inverse relationship with inlet air velocity. After validation, the regression models are subjected to single-objective and multi-objective optimization based upon the desirability function technique. The multi-objective formulation reveals that optimal performance of the system is achieved at 41.31 °C inlet air temperature, 3.61 m/sec inlet air velocity, 12 g/kg inlet air humidity, and 24.48 °C water temperature. Finally, an operational envelope is proposed to evolve a zone for the best-suited operation of such a device which ensures a reasonable cooling capacity within 1.5 – 2.5 kW while enabling thermal comfort for the conditioned space.
Theoretical proposal for the relationship between epistemology and ethics in psychology
Authors: Kaulino Adriana , Matus Teresa
Published: April 2021

The concept of epistemological violence and recommendations on how to avoid it have been extensively developed by Thomas Teo. The objective of this article is to elaborate a conceptual proposal to investigate the relationship between ethics and the epistemology of empirical research in psychology. It is contended that some concepts of Axel Honneth’s theory of recognition strengthen the ethical scope of the concept of epistemological violence. This article presents the concept of epistemological violence and shows how the production of psychological knowledge can have negative consequences for groups and individuals. The relevance of broadening the ethical dimension of the concept, theorizing the negative consequences of knowledge as probabilities of misrecognition, is discussed. To this end, central aspects of the theory of recognition are developed that will allow the consideration of epistemological violence as an accomplice in the practice of social injustices.
Towards rethinking the primacy of epistemology in psychology: Introduction to the special section
Authors: King Pita , Hodgetts Darrin , Guimarães Danilo Silva
Published: April 2021

Within psychology, epistemology is treated by many scholars explicitly or implicitly as a default first principle. Within this special section, this positioning is brought into question. Contributors consider broadening the philosophical foundations of our discipline to also overtly include ethical, existential, and cosmological concerns alongside epistemology considerations. We present five articles that each showcase very different approaches in the reimagining of the philosophical principles of psychology. Although different in many ways, these contributions also share key similarities in advocating for the more meaningful inclusion of ethics within broader processes of knowledge production and implementation.
Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and diseases severity contribute to impaired exercise capacity in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ciurzyński Michał , Chrzanowska Anna , Bienias Piotr , Domienik-Karłowicz Justyna , Sobieraj Piotr , Dąbrowska Katarzyna , Dudzik-Niewiadomska Iwona , Kurnicka Katarzyna , Kisiel Bartłomiej , Pruszczyk Piotr
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a higher risk of myocardial involvement, which can result in ventricular dysfunction. The aim of our study was to estimate potential relationship between exercise capacity assessed by six minute walk test (6MWT) and echocardiographic parameters of left and right ventricular function in SLE patients.

Methods

We prospectively studied 66 SLE patients (57 F, age 44 (20–75) years) and 27 age matched healthy subjects. In addition to routine evaluation, 6MWT and transthoracic echocardiography including LV diastolic dysfunction parameters (E/A, E/É) were performed.

Results

While E/A was similar in both groups, E/E’ was higher in patients with SLE than in controls, 7.5 (4–22) vs 6.8 (1.6–9.4), p = 0.018. The mean 6MWT distance was significantly shorter in SLE (561.6 ± 150.7 vs 682.6 ± 98.1 m, p < 0.002). Among SLE patients only 53 (80.3%) were capable to walk at least 450 m, while in controls 27 (100%) (p = 0.013). We observed significant correlations between 6MWT distance and SLICC/ACR-DI (rho=−0.44, p < 0.001), E/A (rho = 0.30, p = 0.004), E/E’ (rho=−0.36, p < 0.001) in SLE patients. Univariable logistic regression models revealed that SLICC/ACR-DI, E/E’, tricuspid regurgitant peak gradient (TRPG), and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) were associated with 6MWT distance lower than < 450 m. ROC curves shown high predictive value of E/E’ ratio, TRPG, RVSP in the prediction for 6MWT distance < 450 m.

Conclusion

Impaired exercise tolerance seems to result mainly from the severity of SLE and LV diastolic dysfunction.
A comparative study of the acceptance and understanding of evolution between China and the US
Authors: Zhang Mingjun , Weisberg Deena Skolnick , Zhu Jing , Weisberg Michael
Published: April 2021

Prior work has found that Americans’ views on evolution are significantly and positively related to their understanding of this theory. However, whether this relationship is cross-culturally robust is unknown. This article extends earlier work by measuring and comparing the acceptance and understanding of evolution among highly educated individuals in China and the United States. We find a significantly higher evolution acceptance level in the Chinese sample than in the US sample, but no significant difference in their average levels of evolution knowledge. Our analysis also shows that accepting evolutionary theory is related to understanding in both the US and the Chinese samples. These results provide evidence for the robustness of the relationship between understanding and acceptance of evolution across different cultural contexts. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to comprehensively test understanding of evolutionary theory within a Chinese sample and to compare these results with the US sample.
Shared Reality: From Sharing-Is-Believing to Merging Minds
Authors: Higgins E. Tory , Rossignac-Milon Maya , Echterhoff Gerald
Published: April 2021

Humans are fundamentally motivated to create a sense of shared reality—the perceived commonality of inner states (feeling, beliefs, and concerns about the world) with other people. This shared reality establishes a sense of both social connection and understanding the world. Research on shared reality has burgeoned in recent decades. We first review evidence for a basic building block of shared-reality creation: sharing-is-believing, whereby communicators tune their descriptions to align with their communication partner’s attitude about something, which in turn shapes their recall. Next, we describe recent developments moving beyond this basic building block to explore generalized shared reality about the world at large, which promotes interpersonal closeness and epistemic certainty. Together, this body of work exemplifies the synergy between relational and epistemic motives. Finally, we discuss the potential for another form of shared reality—shared relevance—to bridge disparate realities.
Non-destructive estimation of fibre morphological parameters and chemical constituents of Tectona grandis L.f. wood by near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Shukla SR , Shashikala S , Sujatha M
Published: April 2021

Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is developing as an advanced and non-invasive tool in the wood, wood products and forestry sectors. It may be applied as a rapid and cost effective technique for assessment of different wood quality parameters of timber species. In the present study, NIR spectra of heartwood samples of Tectona grandis (teak) were collected before measuring fibre morphological parameters (fibre length, fibre diameter and fibre lumen diameter)and main chemical constituents (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and extractives) using maceration and wet chemistry methods respectively. Multivariate partial least squares (PLS) regression was applied to develop the calibration models between measured values of wood parameters and NIR spectral data. Pre-processing of NIR spectra demonstrated better predictions based on higher values of correlation coefficient for estimation (R2), validation (Rcv 2 ), ratio of performance to deviation (RPD), and lower values of root mean square errors of estimation (RMSEE), cross-validation (RMSECV) and number of latent variable (rank). Internal cross-validation was used to find the optimum rank. Robust calibrations models with high R2 (>0.87), low errors and high RPD values (> 2.93) were observed from PLS analysis for fibre morphological parameters and main chemical constituents of teak. These linear models may be applied for rapid and cost effective estimation of different fibre parameters and chemical constituents in routine testing and evaluation procedures for teak.
Resource Endowments in Emerging Market Countries
Authors: Qingjie Liu
Published: April 2021

This article examines the emerging market countries on their national strategic resources—farmland, fresh water, and fossil energy—which are analyzed from the perspectives of distribution, status of development, and existing issues. The study draws the following conclusions: Emerging market countries have abundant farmland resources yet inadequate per capita resources; because of extensive operation on farmland, grain yield is low, which threatens food security; emerging market countries are saliently short in water resources per capita and face imbalances and low productivity over water use, and their agriculture practices are water-intensive; emerging market countries are growing as global centers for production, consumption, and trade of fossil energy, with a long, coal-dominated consumption structure that has a growing momentum, which subjects them to a greater pressure to reduce carbon emissions; and emerging market countries are inefficient in the use of energy, though they have huge potential for energy conservation and consumption reduction.
Industry evolution: Evidence from the Italian brewing industry
Authors: Garavaglia Christian
Published: April 2021

This paper provides historical evidence about structural change in the Italian brewing industry. After the WWII, the industry gradually became highly concentrated, dominated by multinationals. In the late 1980s, a new wave of entrants, i.e. craft breweries, revolutionized the industry. This paper discusses the causes of rising of concentration and the successive advent of the craft breweries. In the discussion, we highlight how the evolution of the brewing industry conforms to the predictions of the industry life cycle and resource-partitioning models. Various factors played a key role in rising concentration and successive late-stage entries although some of these have been disregarded in the economic literature on industry evolution. The findings and analysis provides important insights and help advance our understanding of the current and future competition and business strategies in this industry.
Educating Incarcerated Professionals: Challenges and Lessons from an Extreme PhD Context
Authors: Harvey William S. , Arora Navdeep K.
Published: April 2021

This essay outlines a unique set of challenges that we confronted as a PhD supervisor and candidate, drawing on a research project within a United States Federal Prison. We elicit the challenges that can be faced at different stages before, during, and after fieldwork, and share three lessons for others. First, exploring unique phenomena and processes often requires conducting research in extreme empirical contexts, which while challenging, helps to establish the boundaries within which other archetypes can be studied. Second, educating incarcerated individuals is a challenge and an opportunity, and requires creative approaches that can transcend work, family, and social boundaries. Finally, while it is tempting for supervisors and candidates to embark on PhDs for instrumental purposes, helping to support and develop each other should be the core motivation. We hope that others can learn from our experience and reflect on and share more widely their own experiences and practices.
An Integrative Review of Experiences Parenting Transgender and Gender Diverse Children
Authors: Warner Amy , Dorsen Caroline , Navarra Ann-Margaret Dunn , Cohen Sally
Published: April 2021

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) children face increased behavioral health risks including suicidal behaviors and substance abuse. Parental affirmation is associated with behavioral health outcomes similar to non-TGD peers. This integrative review synthesizes and appraises evidence regarding experiences of parenting a TGD child in the United States or Canada from 2008 to 2018. Most parents across these 15 studies described affirming their child’s gender at time of interview. Parents reported initial interpersonal processes (emotions, concerns, beliefs), sought education (frequently online), and described interactions with family members and professionals that were not always affirming. Parents accessed support groups but described their own well-being as a low priority relative to the child’s needs. Parents’ own needs for well-being may affect the process of parenting a TGD child and should be explored. Future research should address the experiences of non-parent family members and participants from more diverse backgrounds. Nursing education must consistently address gender affirming care.
Patterns of Maternal Childhood Maltreatment and Disrupted Interaction Between Mothers and Their 4-Month-Old Infants
Authors: Khoury Jennifer E. , Dimitrov Lina , Enlow Michelle Bosquet , Haltigan J. D. , Bronfman Elisa , Lyons-Ruth Karlen
Published: April 2021

Maternal childhood maltreatment (MCM) is associated with parenting disruptions which may contribute to the intergenerational transmission of negative health and social outcomes. Most prior work has used variable-centered approaches to assess MCM. Complementary person-centered approaches can identify groups of participants characterized by similar patterns of maltreatment. The current study assessed both types and patterns of MCM in relation to disrupted parenting among 179 mothers and their 4-month-olds. In variable-centered analyses, physical abuse was related to negative-intrusive maternal behavior and physical neglect to role-confused behavior. Person-centered analyses derived three classes of MCM, which differed in disrupted parenting. For example, mothers who experienced multiple types of maltreatment displayed more withdrawal than mothers in both other classes. Results document the differential effects of particular types and patterns of MCM on aspects of parenting and reveal that mother’s history of maltreatment can affect the quality of mother-child interaction as early as 4 months of age.
Comparative study of not from concentrate and reconstituted from concentrate of pomegranate juices on nutritional and sensory profile
Authors: Brunda G , Kavyashree Urs , Shetty Shilpa S , Sharma Kirti
Published: April 2021

Pomegranate juice is popular due to its unique health benefits, sensory characteristics and also a good source of bioactive compounds. Comparative study on processing effect of Not from Concentrate (NFC) and Reconstituted from concentrate (RFC) pomegranate juice on the nutritional and sensory characteristics of ‘Ganesh’ variant was conducted. Results showed that not much differences observed in parameters like pH, acidity, essential elements, protein, total sugars and polyphenol content between NFC and RFC. As per the study NFC had a better antioxidant activity with intracellular ROS inhibition of 11% higher with significant ( p < 0.05) than RFC in HepG2 cell lines. Total anthocyanin content was significantly different ( p < 0.05) in NFC (428.05 mg/l) compared to 326.74 mg/l in RFC expressed as cyanidin-3-glucoside. Iron uptake was 40 units (µg/mg protein) higher in NFC than RFC ( p < 0.05) in HepG2 cells. Sensory flavor profile showed NFC having significant differences with respect to characteristic pomegranate freshness, fruitiness, sweetness and astringency mouthfeel. RFC had higher sweetish and cooked flavor with additional vegetable like notes of beet and carrot. Based on the data better antioxidant activity, iron bioavailability, anthocyanin content and sensory attributes were captured in pomegranate NFC juices over RFC juices.
Sonication treatment of pomegranate juice containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Byssochlamys fulva: Thermodynamic and predictive modeling after treatment and during shelf life
Authors: Hashemi Seyed Mohammad Bagher , Roohi Reza
Published: April 2021

The effect of ultrasound treatment (100 W, 30 kHz; 50 and 100% amplitudes) on inactivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Byssochlamys fulva in pomegranate juice and shelf life of the juice during storage at different temperatures (5, 15 and 30 °C) for 30 days was modeled using predictive and thermodynamics models. The Baranyi and square root type models were implemented to determine the growth rate of microorganisms. It was predicted that the minimum growth temperature ( Tmin) of B. fulva increased by increasing sonication amplitude, however, the Tmin of S. cerevisiae was not function of sonication amplitude. The predicted shelf life was shown to be in good agreement with the measured sensorial shelf life. Increasing the temperature from 5 to 35 °C, reduced the shelf life from 17.5 to 3.5 days for B. fulva and from 15 to 5 days for S. cerevisiae. Moreover, for B. fulva, the activation energy ( Ea) decreased from 43.4 to 27.5 kJ/mol by increasing the amplitude, while no significant change was observed for S. cerevisiae. Besides, thermodynamics properties of the shelf life such as enthalpy ([Formula: see text]), entropy ([Formula: see text]) and Gibbs free energy ([Formula: see text] were proven to be suitable measures to determine the microbial spoilage reaction.
Baseline Concussion Testing Increases Agreement With Favorable Concussion Safety Decisions in Hypothetical Scenarios
Authors: Deuschle Christina , Keith Julian , Dugan Kelly , Williams Mark , Taravath Sasi , Lecci Len
Published: April 2021

Background

Dangers of sports-related concussion are well documented, and those participating in sports involving significant contact are at an even higher risk relative to the general population. Despite extensive concussion education, athletes still make decisions that would be considered unsafe, such as underreporting and continuing to play despite experiencing symptoms. Although baseline testing is an increasingly common practice at all levels of sport, little is known about its ability to improve player safety perceptions.

Aims

The current study examines whether taking part in a standardized baseline concussion assessment changes athletes’ knowledge, attitudes, or perceptions of concussion safety decisions.

Method

A total of 229 club and National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes completed a modified Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey–Student Version (RoCKAS-ST), which was used to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of concussion safety decisions in hypothetical scenarios. Athletes were randomly assigned to either complete baseline concussion testing prior to the RoCKAS-ST or complete baseline testing after the RoCKAS-ST.

Results

Athletes randomly assigned to complete baseline testing before the RoCKAS-ST demonstrated greater agreement with favorable concussion safety decisions in hypothetical scenarios relative to athletes completing baseline testing after the RoCKAS-ST. The two conditions did not differ with respect to concussion knowledge or attitudes.

Discussion

Baseline testing appears to have an added benefit of resulting in more favorable perceptions toward making safe decisions following suspected concussions.

Conclusion

Baseline testing may provide an effective means of improving a broader constellation of concussion safety behavior, particularly in club athletes, who are typically underserved in terms of concussion-related resources and care.
Faking Detection Improved: Adopting a Likert Item Response Process Tree Model
Authors: Sun Tianjun , Zhang Bo , Cao Mengyang , Drasgow Fritz
Published: April 2021

With the increasing popularity of noncognitive inventories in personnel selection, organizations typically wish to be able to tell when a job applicant purposefully manufactures a favorable impression. Past faking research has primarily focused on how to reduce faking via instrument design, warnings, and statistical corrections for faking. This article took a new approach by examining the effects of faking (experimentally manipulated and contextually driven) on response processes. We modified a recently introduced item response theory tree modeling procedure, the three-process model, to identify faking in two studies. Study 1 examined self-reported vocational interest assessment responses using an induced faking experimental design. Study 2 examined self-reported personality assessment responses when some people were in a high-stakes situation (i.e., selection). Across the two studies, individuals instructed or expected to fake were found to engage in more extreme responding. By identifying the underlying differences between fakers and honest respondents, the new approach improves our understanding of faking. Percentage cutoffs based on extreme responding produced a faker classification precision of 85% on average.
Intra-operative control of positive vitreous pressure in a graded manner by pars plana sutureless, small gauge trocar-cannula
Authors: Kataria Manisha , Agarwal Abhishek
Published: April 2021

Background:

The purpose of this paper is to delineate a technique of using a 23G, single, sutureless transconjunctival pars plana sclerotomy to facilitate anterior segment surgery in eyes with increased positive vitreous pressure (PVP) ascribe to predisposing or intraoperative factors.

Methods:

We have implemented this technique in five eyes when PVP was anticipated before the surgery because of risk factors or it was encountered during anterior segment surgery. Different case scenarios in which PVP occurs during the surgery comprising phacolytic glaucoma, corneal tear repair combined with cataract surgery with IOL in a case with traumatic corneal injury, anterior capsule rupture and secondary glaucoma, Trabeculectomy in case of uveitic glaucoma, routine phacoemulsification cataract surgery with PVP encountered during surgery were addressed by using this technique.

Results:

The new technique outlined by the authors consists of passing sutureless 23 G trocar cannula which enables controlled and gradual efflux of clear watery fluid, resulting in passive vitreous decompression with minimal risk of vitreous traction and retinal breaks. Once PVP is reduced, anterior segment surgery can be safely completed without risk of developing devastating complications.

Conclusions:

This sutureless single port pars plana trocar cannula technique is minimally invasive, safe, effective and fast technique which can cause reduction of PVP intraoperatively in a controlled and graded manner, thereby minimizing complication rates in difficult case scenarios.
Effect of shape/size and distribution of microgeometries of textures on tribo-performance of crankpin bearing
Authors: Liem Nguyen Van , Zhenpeng Wu , Renqiang Jiao
Published: April 2021

The effect of the shape/size and distribution of microgeometries of textures on improving the tribo-performance of crankpin bearing is proposed. Based on a combined model of the slider-crank mechanism dynamic and hydrodynamic lubrication, the distribution density, area density, and shape of spherical textures, square-cylindrical textures, wedge-shaped textures, and a hybrid between spherical texture and square-cylindrical texture on the crankpin bearing's tribo-performance are investigated under different operating conditions of the engine. The tribological characteristic of the crankpin bearing is then evaluated via the indexes of the oil film pressure p, asperity contact force, friction force, and friction coefficient of the crankpin bearing. The research results show that the distribution density with n = 12 and m = 6, and area density with α = 30% of various microtextures have an obvious effect on ameliorating the crankpin bearings tribo-performance. Concurrently, at the mixed lubrication region, the shape of the square-cylindrical texture on improving the tribo-performance is better than the other shapes of the spherical texture, wedge-shaped texture, and spherical and square-cylindrical texture. Particularly, all the average values of the asperity contact force, friction force, and friction coefficient with a square-cylindrical texture are significantly reduced by 14.6%, 19.5%, and 34.5%, respectively, in comparison without microtextures. Therefore, the microtextures of the spherical texture applied on the bearing surface can contribute to enhance the durability and decrease the friction power loss of the engine.
Longitudinal analysis of T1w/T2w ratio in patients with multiple sclerosis from first clinical presentation
Authors: Cooper Graham , Chien Claudia , Zimmermann Hanna , Bellmann-Strobl Judith , Ruprecht Klemens , Kuchling Joseph , Asseyer Susanna , Brandt Alexander U , Scheel Michael , Finke Carsten , Paul Friedemann
Published: April 2021

Background:

Cross-sectional studies suggest normal appearing white matter (NAWM) integrity loss may lead to cortical atrophy in late-stage relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

To investigate the relationship between NAWM integrity and cortical thickness from first clinical presentation longitudinally.

Methods:

NAWM integrity and cortical thickness were assessed with 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 102 patients with clinically isolated syndrome or early MS (33.2 (20.1–60.1) years old, 68% female) from first clinical presentation over 2.8 ± 1.6 years. Fifty healthy controls (HCs) matched for age and sex were included. NAWM integrity was evaluated using the standardized T1w/T2w ratio (sT1w/T2w). The association between sT1w/T2w and cortical thickness was assessed using linear mixed models. The effect of disease activity was investigated using the No Evidence of Disease Activity (NEDA-3) criteria.

Results:

At baseline, sT1w/T2w ( p = 0.152) and cortical thickness ( p = 0.489) did not differ from HCs. Longitudinally, decreasing sT1w/T2w was associated with cortical thickness and increasing lesion burden (marginal R2 = 0.061). The association was modulated by failing NEDA-3 (marginal R2 = 0.097).

Conclusion:

sT1w/T2w may be a useful MRI biomarker for early MS, detecting relevant NAWM damage over time using conventional MRI scans, although with less sensitivity compared to quantitative measures.
“Everything feels risky now”: Perceived “risky” sexual behavior during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bowling Jessamyn , Montanaro Erika , Gattuso Jennifer , Gioia Diana , Guerrero Ordonez Sarai
Published: April 2021

Social distancing through the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted sexuality and relationships, which may also change risk perceptions beyond traditional definitions (e.g. sexually transmitted infections). This study examines risk perceptions related to sexuality during the pandemic. We present qualitative analyses of a survey of adults in the United States ( N = 333) to identify impacts of COVID-19 on individuals’ risk perceptions. Risky sexual behavior definitions included: (1) COVID-19-related, (2) STI/pregnancy, (3) relationship-related, (4) physical boundaries, (5) drug or alcohol, and (6) multiple risks. Conventional public health messaging may need to incorporate changing risk definitions to address sexual health during the pandemic.
‘How much freedom do we have?’ The perceived autonomy of secondary school EFL teachers in Indonesia
Authors: Cirocki Andrzej , Anam Syafi’ul
Published: April 2021

This article presents the findings of a study measuring perceptions of teacher autonomy of practitioners of English as a foreign language (EFL). This study also sought to identify areas in which Indonesian secondary schools need to improve to enable teachers to enjoy a greater degree of freedom while completing teaching-related activities. Additionally, it aimed to explore correlations between practitioners’ perceptions of teacher autonomy and their gender, school location, school status and teaching experience. This was a mixed-methods study comprising a sequential explanatory design with two consecutive stages: quantitative and qualitative. The data were gathered using two instruments: a closed-ended questionnaire and a focus group. The sample consisted of 185 (74 male and 111 female) Indonesian secondary school EFL teachers, recruited using convenience sampling. The findings indicated that teachers’ sense of autonomy in relation to seven specific areas of their work was relatively high. Specifically, they perceived themselves to have a considerable amount of autonomy with respect to teaching methodology, instructional materials, course content, assessment, and, more recently, lesson planning. However, they expressed disappointment at being excluded from the decision-making process regarding the school curriculum. The findings also revealed that teachers expected more school support in relation to teaching facilities and professional development. The article concludes by considering several key implications for school management teams regarding the need to foster teacher autonomy among English language practitioners.
We will rescue Italy, but we dislike the European Union: Collective narcissism and the COVID-19 threat
Authors: Żemojtel-Piotrowska Magdalena , Piotrowski Jarosław , Sawicki Artur , Jonason Peter K.
Published: April 2021

Collective narcissists are hostile towards outgroup members, especially in response to threats against the ingroup. In the current study ( N = 662; Polish community sample), we examined the associations between collective narcissism and intergroup relations using the agency–communion model of collective narcissism during the initial weeks of the COVID-19 threat in Poland. Assuming the COVID-19 threat is agentic (i.e., related to biological and economic danger), we expected it to be unrelated to collective narcissism’s communal aspect. We also expected that collective narcissists would enhance their ingroup image to modify the effects of the COVID-19 threat on intergroup relations. In general, collective narcissism was related to less favorable attitudes toward the European Union, more favorable attitudes toward China, and a willingness to help Italians. The agentic aspect of narcissism was unrelated to intergroup prosocialness, while the communal aspect of narcissism was unrelated to attitudes toward the European Union. The COVID threat suppressed unfavorable attitudes towards the European Union among collective narcissists. Therefore, the COVID threat has limited yet unexpected effects on attitudes toward outgroups among collective narcissists.
Engagement at the margins: Investigating how marginalized teens use digital media for political participation
Authors: Kaskazi Amana , Kitzie Vanessa
Published: April 2021

This study investigates the information and participatory political practices of marginalized youth via four focus groups with 23 teens (aged 13–17 years) from two geographically distinct regions of the United States to address this limited understanding. The findings indicate that teens encounter political information and news from members of their social networks via digital media more than legacy media outlets, because it enables them to assert agency over social and political issues to which they feel connected. Furthermore, teens identify a tension between viewing adults, specifically teachers and politicians, as authoritative yet untrustworthy information sources, which can lead to their use of digital media to verify or challenge what adults are telling them. Finally, teens must navigate the sociotechnical challenges of digital media, including exposure to unwanted information and the potential social backlash of posting content that could be considered by others to represent slacktivism.
Wideband fractal-inspired piezoelectric energy harvesters
Authors: Castagnetti Davide
Published: April 2021

Harvesting kinetic ambient energy from vibrations or impact loads to obtain electrical energy useful to supply electronic sensors is still a challenging issue, with a huge number of potential applications, from the industrial field to consumer goods. This work investigates four simple piezoelectric energy harvesters developed from fractal-inspired structures: these structures are square laminas with inner divisions that originate a fractal geometry, since it is obtained by the repetition of a base configuration. Starting from the description of the fractal-inspired structures, the work presents a computational modal analysis highlighting the peculiar wideband frequency response of these structures and thus their applicability as energy converters. Using commercial piezoelectric transducers, we built four energy harvesters and assessed their output voltage and output power performing dynamic tests on a vibrating table. The proposed structures exhibit a wideband frequency response and a good energy conversion, specifically at the fundamental eigenfrequency.
The influence of infill density gradient on the mechanical properties of PLA optimized structures by additive manufacturing
Authors: Pais AIL , Silva C , Marques MC , Alves JL , Belinha J
Published: April 2021

The aim of this work is the development of a novel framework for structural optimization using bio-inspired remodelling algorithm adapted to additive manufacturing. The fact that polylactic acid (PLA, E = 3145 MPa (Young’s modulus) according to the supplier for parts obtained by injection) shows a similar parameterized behavior with ductile metals, in the sense that both materials are characterized by a bi-linear elastic-plastic law, allows to simulate and prototype parts to be further constructed in ductile metals at a lower cost and then be produced with more expensive fabrication processes. Moreover, cellular materials allow for a significant weight reduction and therefore reduction of production costs. Structural optimization algorithms based on biological phenomena were used to determine the density distribution of the infill density of the specimens. Several simple structures were submitted to distinct complex load cases and analyzed using the mentioned optimization algorithms combined with the finite element method and a meshless method. The surface was divided according to similar density and then converted to stereolitography files and infilled with the gyroid structure at the desired density determined before, using open-source slicing software. Smoothing functions were used to smooth the density field obtained with the remodeling algorithms. The samples were printed with fused filament fabrication technology and submitted to mechanical flexural tests similar to the ones analyzed analytically, namely three- and four-point bending tests. Thus, the factors of analysis were the smoothing parameter and the remodeling method, and the responses evaluated were stiffness, specific stiffness, maximum force, and mass. The experimental results correlated (obtaining accuracy of 35% for the three-point bending load case and 5% for the four-point bending load case) to the numerical results in terms of flexural stiffness and it was found that the complexity of the load case is relevant for the efficiency of the functional gradient. The fused filament fabrication process is still not accurate enough to be able to experimentally compare the results based of finite element method and meshless method analyses.
Investigation on mechanical properties and deformation behavior of copper-based three-phase metal matrix composite: Experimental and micro-macro-mechanical finite element analysis
Authors: Saxena Ambuj , Dwivedi Shashi Prakash , Maurya Nagendra Kumar , Srivastava Ashish Kumar
Published: April 2021

The present study involved development of copper-based metal matrix composite, reinforced with waste EN 31 steel chips and TiB2 ceramic particles. Waste EN 31 steel chips and TiB2 ceramic particles were ball-milled for 100 h to obtain a single entity. The composite material was produced with a stir-casting technique, followed by a squeeze pressure process. The addition of Cu + 10 wt% of waste steel chips + 5 wt% of TiB2 improved the tensile strength of the copper matrix by about 68.35%. Furthermore, the addition of Cu + 5 wt% of waste steel chips + 10 wt% of TiB2 and Cu + 12.5 wt% of waste steel chips + 2.5 wt% of TiB2 increased the hardness and toughness of the copper matrix by about 133.33% and 28.57%, respectively. The addition of Cu + 10 wt% waste steel chips + 5 wt% of TiB2 ensured minimal corrosion weight loss in the metal matrix composite as a result of low porosity and a strong bond between the molecules. Further, representative volume element (size: 225 × 225 × 225 nm)-based finite element analysis was done to explain the micro-mechanical deformation, interfacial strength of matrix-particle interaction and damage behavior of Cu + 10 wt% of waste steel chips + 5 wt% of TiB2 metal matrix composite. A user material sub-routine model was also written and implemented with the help of FORTRAN subroutines to simulate the macro-mechanical tension test process of Cu + 10 wt% waste steel chips + 5 wt%TiB2 metal matrix composite. The results revealed a good agreement between the micro-mechanical and macro-mechanical finite element analysis models on the one hand and the experimental results on the other. Further, the representative volume element (with matrix and particles) showed about 59% and 66.5% higher tensile strength compared to the matrix–particle interface and the matrix (without particles), respectively. The percentage difference between the micro-mechanical finite element analysis and the experiments as well as the macro-mechanical finite element analysis and the experiments was found to be 5.58% and 9.64%, respectively. The finite element analysis results established that the waste steel chip powder particles exhibited greater stress than the TiB2 powder particles.