bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online cooperative path planning for multi-quadrotors in an unknown dynamic environment
Authors: Jia Zhenyue , Lin Ping , Liu Jiaolong , Liang Luyang
Published: May 2021

The online cooperative path planning problem is discussed for multi-quadrotor maneuvering in an unknown dynamic environment. Based on the related basic concepts, typical three-dimensional obstacle models, such as spherical and cubic, and their collision checking criteria are presented in this article. An improved rapidly exploring random tree (RRT) algorithm with goal bias and greed property is proposed based on the heuristic search strategy to overcome the shortcomings of the classical RRT algorithm. Not only are the kinematic constraints of the quadrotor established but the time and space coordination strategy matching with the improved RRT algorithm is also presented in this article. Furthermore, a novel online collision avoidance strategy according to the partial information of the surrounding environment is proposed. On the basis of the above work, a distributed online path planning strategy is proposed to obtain the feasible path for each quadrotor. Numerical simulation results show that the improved RRT algorithm has better search efficiency than the classical RRT algorithm. And the satisfactory path planning and path tracking results prove that the above model and related planning strategies are reasonable and effective.
Conceptual design and integration of a propulsion system for a supersonic transport aircraft
Authors: Hutchinson Rhys , Lawrence Jeremy , Joiner Keith F
Published: May 2021

Despite 50 years of technological advancement since the inception of Concorde, research on supersonic passenger aircraft has only recently resulted in design and flight test of several small 12 to 55-passenger business jets with supersonic cruises between Mach 1.2 and 2.2. Analytical research designs of larger 300-passenger aircraft have been conducted only to speeds of Mach 2.0 and 2.2, mainly avoiding moving beyond turbojet propulsion. This research extends on an earlier multifactor regression sizing study to determine in greater design detail whether the configuration of a 200-passenger Mach 3.0 aircraft is feasible using extant technology. This research article is the second part of two and covers a suitable and cost-effective propulsion system for the executive supersonic passenger aircraft. Through this high-speed design, the research examines modern propulsion technology and the performance advancements it affords through higher efficiencies, higher metallurgical thermal limits, variable cycle engines and variable stator technology. The analysis was conducted on several potential propulsion systems using GasTurb software to obtain engine performance data. The performance results led to a combined cycle turbofan–ramjet engine as being the engine that could yield the most extensive range for the aircraft. Further investigation is needed on aircraft noise, engine emissions, the accuracy of the thrust-critical lift-to-drag ratios and the aeroelastic effects that can be closely coupled to noise and performance.
On comprehensive analysis of root canal shaping ability of three endodontic files of different kinematics
Authors: Nayak Ankit , Jain Prashant K , Kankar Pavan Kumar , Jain Niharika
Published: May 2021

Infection of the tooth’s root canal requires what is called root canal treatment (RTC). The most important part of endodontic treatment is to shape the root canal and remove its infected portion using endodontic files of various protocols, kinematics and designs that suit the particular geometry. Cleaning and Shaping the canal efficiently remove the root canal bacterial biofilms or tissue remnants while keeping its natural geometry. The result is determined by shaping the ability of the relevant endodontic file. In the available literature, no norm has been established for the measurement of various endodontic files’ ability to do effective shaping. We present in this study a method to analyse and measure the shaping ability of endodontic files of three different kinematics.
Experimental evaluation of orthodontic bracket slot deformation to simulated torque
Authors: Magesh Varadaraju , Harikrishnan Pandurangan , Singh Devadhas Kingsly Jeba
Published: May 2021

In orthodontic fixed appliance therapy, the archwire torque used to refine the teeth position during the treatment imparts significant forces inside the bracket slot. The objective of this study was to measure the torque relevant bracket slot deformation in Stainless Steel (SS) brackets during various degree of archwire twist. Standard edgewise brackets 0.018-inch (in.)/0.022-in. each 20 no. and 0.016 × 0.022, 0.017 × 0.025, 0.019 × 0.025, and 0.021 × 0.025 in. archwires each 10 no. were used. A novel experimental setup consisting of loading fixture and torque key mounted on a Vision Measuring System (VMS) were used to measure the brackets slot deformation. The Top Slot and Middle Slot Deformations (TSD and MSD) of the brackets for 35° angle of twist in 0.016 × 0.022 in. archwire in 0.018-in. slot, 0.019 × 0.025 in. archwire in 0.022-in. slot and for 30° angle of twist in 0.017 × 0.025 in. archwire in 0.018-in. slot and 0.021 × 0.025 in. archwire in 0.022-in. slot were measured. Results showed that the mean TSD and MSD were higher when the archwire size, the slot size and the angle of twist were greater. In the evaluated bracket-archwire combinations, the TSD were higher than MSD and the bracket slots were elastically deformed within the clinically required 35° angle of twist in the archwire. Clinicians should be aware of this torque relevant bracket slot deformation which might be a factor for torque loss and suitably incorporate archwire angle of twist.
Low velocity oxy fuel spraying of hydroxyapatite coating on a multifunctional UNS S31254 austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Tiwari Srikant , Mishra Suryanarayan B
Published: May 2021

Artificial material such as stainless steel (SS) is widely used for orthopaedic applications owing to its superior properties, ease of fabrication and lower cost. However, in the body environment, stainless steel can leach toxic elements such as nickel and chromium. To prevent this, a hydroxyapatite (HAp) coating having chemical characteristics very similar to the human bone was deposited on a medical-grade UNS S31254 austenitic stainless steel by a Low-velocity oxy-fuel spray gun (LVOF). The coating was characterised by using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR). The adhesion strength, microhardness and corrosion behaviour were studied using the Tensometre, Vickers microhardness tester and potentiodynamic polarisation with electrochemical impedance spectroscope. The bacterial adhesion and bioactivity of the coating were also evaluated. The LVOF sprayed HAp coating has shown better corrosion resistance, higher bioactivity and higher hardness than the uncoated steel. The presence of tricalcium phosphate, octa-calcium phosphate (OCP) and tetra-calcium phosphate (TTCP) was found in the coating. LVOF sprayed HAp coating is also found suitable in lowering the bacterial adhesion on the steel substrate.
Use of pritelivir in refractory aciclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus type 2
Authors: Cannon Luke , Tholouli Eleni , Ward Chris , Farooq Hamzah , Kingston Margaret
Published: May 2021

Recurrence of mucocutaneous herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections is common in immunosuppressed patients. Thymidine kinase mutations conferring resistance to the antiviral agent aciclovir have been observed in such patients. Recommended second-line therapeutic agents against HSV are associated with significant side effects contributing to disease burden. We present a case of aciclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) in an immunosuppressed (HIV negative) allogenic peripheral blood stem cell transplant (SCT) recipient which was refractory to second-line therapy. Compassionate acquisition of the novel oral helicase-primase inhibitor pritelivir provided both symptomatic and virological control for the duration of its use. We believe this to be the first clinical use of this therapeutic agent in the United Kingdom
Societal factors contributing to infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a veteran population
Authors: Wilkinson Laura A , Carter Michael T , Wattengel Bethany A , Lesse Alan J , Sellick John A , Mergenhagen Kari A
Published: May 2021

Background: Veterans have a higher incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) compared to the general population. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association of societal factors on the risk of chlamydia or gonorrhea. Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated data from Veteran Health Administration. Patients tested for chlamydia or gonorrhea between January 2009 and January 2019 were included. Descriptive statistics and regression were used to evaluate societal factors. Results: A total of 1,232,173 tests for chlamydia or gonorrhea were performed. There were 51,987 (4.2%) positive cases with 74.18% for chlamydia and 24.96% for gonorrhea. In 13.6% of veterans with reported military sexual trauma, there was no difference in risk of positivity ( p = 0.39). Veterans with a history of combat had lower odds of testing positive (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.91–0.97). Tests in veterans who were married had a 24% less chance of positivity (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.74–0.79) compared to tests in divorced veterans. Positive number of cases increased each year. Conclusion: Sexually transmitted infections are a growing concern. Gender, age, ethnicity, marital status, and race are societal identifiers which influence likelihood of STI acquisition.
Telephone-triage services do not lead to an increased wait time for assessment of gonorrhoea in symptomatic patients
Authors: Jasper William , Macdonald Madeleine , Luxmanan Danayan , Foley Elizabeth , Patel Rajul
Published: May 2021

In Spring 2017, Southampton and Portsmouth Sexual Health Services (SHSs) replaced an overstretched walk-in service with a telephone-triage service: patients calling that were symptomatic, vulnerable or at high risk of having an STI were invited into a clinic, whereas others were signposted to remote self-sample NHS postal testing services. This study aimed to establish whether patient care was disadvantaged by the introduction of the triage service. Electronic patient notes for all patients attending for treatment of gonorrhoea for two years before and for two years after the service change were interrogated; the site of infection and duration of symptoms before testing were compared. Of all patients attending for treatment of gonorrhoea in the study period, 499 patients (39% of cases) were symptomatic at testing: 364 had urethral symptoms, 45 had rectal symptoms and 18 had pharyngeal symptoms. 72.4% of patients with urethral symptoms were seen after the introduction of the triage system. Median wait times for patients with urethral symptoms rose from 6 (IQR = 3–7) to 7 (IQR = 3.75–14) days – although this increase was not statistically significant ( p = 0.064). There was not a statistically significant difference between the rectal symptom groups ( p = 0.422) and too few patients attended with pharyngeal symptoms to warrant analysis. Despite some outliers, the telephone-triage service did not increase wait times for patients attending STI services with symptomatic gonorrhoea and may have inadvertently increased access to services for those most at risk.
Five autopsy reports of rib fractures in the mental hospital of Reggio Emilia (1874–5): pathogenesis proposal in defence of the ‘non-restraint’ system
Authors: Tesi Chiara , Picozzi Mario
Published: May 2021

At the end of the nineteenth century, recurrent cases of rib fractures were recorded in psychiatric asylums, opening a long chapter of discussions about the application of the ‘non-restraint’ system. Here we present a brief discussion of an article written by Enrico Morselli about five cases of rib fractures in the mental asylum of Reggio Emilia, in 1874–5. Morselli, a supporter of the ideas of ‘non-restraint’, suggested a common pathological cause. His analysis proposed the osteomalacic condition as the possible cause of fractured ribs, rejecting the accusations of violence by asylum attendants. The discussion also examines similar cases of the same period, making rib fractures the means through which the issue of management of the insane was addressed.
Deficiencies and loopholes: Clashing discourses, problems and solutions in Australian migration advice regulation
Authors: Smith-Khan Laura
Published: May 2021

In Australia, access to high-quality migration advice can often be crucial to obtaining a visa, and migration advisors have attracted ongoing scrutiny from policymakers, leading to successive inquiries and reviews. Such inquiries and the recommendations they produce are used to justify policy design and reform that can have significant impacts on a range of stakeholders, including of course, migration advisors and their clients. This article explores one such recent inquiry, completed in 2018. It adopts a critical discourse analysis to examine the way the inquiry’s official report presents migration advisors, and how it frames the inquiry process itself. Finding that the report presents its recommendations as being based on evidence created by external stakeholder submissions, the examination goes on to explore to what extent this is actually the case. Through an examination of the ‘textual travels’ submissions undergo when incorporated in the report, the article finds that these texts are either transformed to support dominant discourses, or simply excluded. The article concludes that decision-making is inaccurately presented as a participatory, evidence-based process, thus legitimising particular policy decisions, and unfairly continuing to present migration advisors as problems requiring fixing.
Family leaves for fathers: Non-users as a test for parental leave reforms
Authors: Saarikallio-Torp Miia , Miettinen Anneli
Published: May 2021

The proportion of total parental leave days taken by fathers has increased in all Nordic countries almost hand in hand with parental leave reforms. However, the average pattern of fathers’ parental leave uptake hides the fact that a considerable proportion of fathers use no parental leave, even when they are earmarked for the father. In this study, we focus on the proportion and characteristics of non-users, that is, fathers who do not use parental leave. We distinguish two non-user groups: fathers who use no parental leave, not even birth-related leave and fathers who do not use the father’s quota. This distinction is relevant because it reflects the design and institutional status of fathers’ parental leave. Further, factors related to using no parental leave are likely to be somewhat different to those related to not using the father’s quota. In Finland, the father’s quota was introduced in 2003, but it became fully independent leave for the father only in 2013. We also investigate if the 2013 reform was followed by any changes in fathers’ parental leave use and in the profiles of non-users. We use a unique longitudinal register data that covers practically (fathers to) all children born in 2010–2015 and follow parental leave use until 2018. We find that the 2013 reform was followed by a considerable increase in the uptake of the father’s quota. The proportion of fathers who used no parental leave remained stable, but the reform encouraged some fathers to take longer, independent leave in addition to the birth-related leave. Overall, less educated and low-income fathers were less likely to use any parental leave, and if they took leave, they were more likely to use only the birth-related leave. However, the 2013 reform slightly diminished socioeconomic disparities in the use of the father’s quota.
Design, control, and experimental verification of a soft knee exoskeleton for rehabilitation during walking
Authors: Wu Qingcong , Zhang Yuming , Chen Ying
Published: May 2021

Since the rigid constructions of the traditional exoskeletons are liable to increase inertia of the joint and limit wearer flexibility, the soft-type exoskeletons have been developed in recent years, which can reduce system inertia, increase interaction compliance, and ensure operation safety. In this article, we present the detailed design and preliminary control of a soft body-worn and tendon-sheath-driven exoskeleton that can apply appropriate torques to the biological knee joints during rehabilitation training. This article focuses on the design of compliance tendon-sheath actuation system based on Hill muscle model, which utilizes multi-wrap pulleys and Hill-based series elastic actuator to transmit effective forces. Besides, the overall control system and strategy architectures of knee soft exoskeleton are also proposed. A fuzzy proportional–integral–derivative controller is developed for the passive rehabilitation training. On this basis, a back-propagation-neural-network-based adaptive impedance control scheme is presented to provide adaptive force based on the disease condition of the patient. Finally, preliminary experiments are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed exoskeleton and control strategies.
Mind the gap between discourses and practices: Platform workers’ representation in France and Italy
Authors: Borghi Paolo , Murgia Annalisa , Mondon-Navazo Mathilde , Mezihorak Petr
Published: May 2021

This article, based on a 6-month cross-national ethnography conducted in France and Italy, aims at contributing to comparative debates on the representation of platform workers. The study takes the cases of both traditional and alternative actors that currently represent platform workers. In particular, by investigating both trade unions and grassroots groups, research findings show the gap between discursive and effective representation in the two European countries studied. Drawing on Hyman and Gumbrell-McCormick’s concept of ‘variable geometry of resistance’, we discuss how these gaps are wider or narrower depending on to what extent – in the two countries and in the studied organizations – there is capacity to build both solidarity in difference and alliances between traditional and alternative actors.
The management of the Eurozone in crisis times: Actors, institutions and the case of bailout packages
Authors: Goyer Michel , Glatzer Miguel , Valdivielso del Real Rocio
Published: May 2021

The adjustment to the financial crisis was particularly brutal for Eurozone countries targeted by private bondholders. Financial assistance through the newly created Eurozone governance system was conditional on the implementation of austerity measures and the introduction of structural reforms in industrial relations (decentralization of collective bargaining and liberalization of employment protection). Our analysis focuses on the formation process and the structural features of Eurozone supranational institutions. Building from the insights of actor-centred institutionalism, we illustrate the importance of coalitions among some, but not all, important actors based on the overlapping of their non-monolithic preferences in the process of institutional innovation. The structural features of Eurozone institutions curtailed member states’ ability to effectively resist the imposition of internal devaluation policies. A contested outcome, these institutional features were secured by a specific coalition of important actors – most notably, the German government and the European Central Bank – based on their overlapping interests around internal devaluation policies.
An artificial intelligence algorithm for analyzing acetaminophen-associated toxic hepatitis
Authors: Yen J-S , Hu C-C , Huang W-H , Hsu C-W , Yen T-H , Weng C-H
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

Very little artificial intelligence (AI) work has been performed to investigate acetaminophen-associated hepatotoxicity. The objective of this study was to develop an AI algorithm for analyzing weighted features for toxic hepatitis after acetaminophen poisoning.

Methods:

The medical records of 187 patients with acetaminophen poisoning treated at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital were reviewed. Patients were sorted into two groups according to their status of toxic hepatitis. A total of 40 clinical and laboratory features recorded on the first day of admission were selected for algorithm development. The random forest classifier (RFC) and logistic regression (LR) were used for artificial intelligence algorithm development.

Results:

The RFC-based AI model achieved the following results: accuracy = 92.5 ± 2.6%; sensitivity = 100%; specificity = 60%; precision = 92.3 ± 3.4%; and F1 = 96.0 ± 1.8%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was approximately 0.98. The LR-based AI model achieved the following results: accuracy = 92.00 ± 2.9%; sensitivity = 100%; specificity = 20%; precision = 92.8 ± 3.4%; recall = 98.8 ± 3.4%; and F1 = 95.6 ± 1.5%. The AUROC was approximately 0.68. The weighted features were calculated, and the 10 most important weighted features for toxic hepatitis were aspartate aminotransferase (ALT), prothrombin time, alanine aminotransferase (AST), time to hospital, platelet count, lymphocyte count, albumin, total bilirubin, body temperature and acetaminophen level.

Conclusion:

The top five weighted features for acetaminophen-associated toxic hepatitis were ALT, prothrombin time, AST, time to hospital and platelet count.
Anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I IgA in the SLICC classification criteria dataset
Authors: Elkhalifa Marwa , Orbai Ana-Maria , Magder Laurence S , Petri Michelle , Alarcón Graciela S , Gordon Caroline , Merrill Joan , Fortin Paul R , Bruce Ian N , Isenberg David , Wallace Daniel , Nived Ola , Ramsey-Goldman Rosalind , Bae Sang-Cheol , Hanly John G , Sanchez-Guerrero Jorge , Clarke Ann E , Aranow Cynthia , Manzi Susan , Urowitz Murray , Gladman Dafna D , Kalunian Ken , Werth Victoria P , Zoma Asad , Bernatsky Sasha , Khamashta Munther , Jacobsen SØren , Buyon Jill P , Dooley Mary Anne , Vollenhoven Ronald van , Ginzler Ellen , Stoll Thomas , Peschken Christine , Jorizzo Joseph L , Callen Jeffery P , Lim Sam , Inanc Murat , Kamen Diane L , Rahman Anisur , Steinsson Kristjan , Franks Andrew G
Published: May 2021

Objective

Anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I IgA is a common isotype of anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I in SLE. Anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I was not included in the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) SLE classification criteria, but was included in the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) criteria. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anti-beta 2-glycoprotein I IgA in SLE versus other rheumatic diseases. In addition, we examined the association between anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I IgA and disease manifestations in SLE.

Methods

The dataset consisted of 1384 patients, 657 with a consensus physician diagnosis of SLE and 727 controls with other rheumatic diseases. Anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I isotypes were measured by ELISA. Patients with a consensus diagnosis of SLE were compared to controls with respect to presence of anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I. Among patients with SLE, we assessed the association between anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I IgA and clinical manifestations.

Results

The prevalence of anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I IgA was 14% in SLE patients and 7% in rheumatic disease controls (odds ratio, OR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.6, 3.3). It was more common in SLE patients who were younger patients and of African descent (p = 0.019). Eleven percent of SLE patients had anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I IgA alone (no anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I IgG or IgM). There was a significant association between anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I IgA and anti-dsDNA (p = 0.001) and the other antiphospholipid antibodies (p = 0.0004). There was no significant correlation of anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I IgA with any of the other ACR or SLICC clinical criteria for SLE. Those with anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I IgA tended to have a history of thrombosis (12% vs 6%, p = 0.071), but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

We found the anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I IgA isotype to be more common in patients with SLE and in particular, with African descent. It could occur alone without other isotypes.
Time, space, and power in digital modernity: From liquid to solid control
Authors: Lee Raymond LM
Published: May 2021

Zygmunt Bauman addressed spatiotemporal compression as a critical aspect of the transition from solid to liquid modernity. In this transition, speed and flexibility came to define the conditions of social life which no longer relied on spatiotemporal separation as the basis of all power relations. But digitization of these conditions raises the question of whether the present phase of modernity depicts a resolidification of capital and power that exploits the fluidity of a densely intermediated world. By treating databases as the new localities of power, the digital operations inherent to their utility and productivity render the systemic nature of intermediation as solid as the power relations of the pre-digital era. The example of mass surveillance demonstrates the solidity of a new power derived from surreptitious data gathering and collation in populations attuned to intermediation as a way of life. A new mass culture is emerging through spaces of power that have reset speed in the service of datafication. This is not simply a culture of mobility and choice but one prefabricated and utilized for advancing the redesigned solidity of a digitized modernity.
Estimation of covariate effects on net survivals in the relative survival progressive illness-death model
Authors: Azarang Leyla , Giorgi Roch ,   the CENSUR working survival group
Published: May 2021

Recently, there has been a lot of development in relative survival field. In the absence of data on the cause of death, the research has tended to focus on the estimation of survival probability of a cancer (as a disease of interest). In many cancers, one nonfatal event that decreases the survival probability can occur. There are a few methods that assess the role of prognostic factors for multiple types of clinical events while dealing with uncertainty about the cause of death. However, these methods require proportional hazard or Markov assumptions. In practice, one or both of these assumptions might be violated. Violation of the proportional hazard assumption can lead to estimates that are biased, and difficult to interpret and violation of Markov assumption results in inconsistent estimators. In this work, we propose a semi-parametric approach to estimate the possibly time-varying regression coefficients in the likely non-Markov relative survival progressive illness-death model. The performance of the proposed estimator is investigated through simulations. We illustrate our approach using data from a study on rectal cancer resected for cure conducted in two French population-based digestive cancer registries.
Improving the estimation of the COVID-19 effective reproduction number using nowcasting
Authors: Salas Joaquin
Published: May 2021

As the interactions between people increases, the impending menace of COVID-19 outbreaks materializes, and there is an inclination to apply lockdowns. In this context, it is essential to have easy-to-use indicators for people to employ as a reference. The effective reproduction number of confirmed positives, Rt, fulfills such a role. This document proposes a data-driven approach to nowcast Rt based on previous observations’ statistical behavior. As more information arrives, the method naturally becomes more precise about the final count of confirmed positives. Our method’s strength is that it is based on the self-reported onset of symptoms, in contrast to other methods that use the daily report’s count to infer this quantity. We show that our approach may be the foundation for determining useful epidemy tracking indicators.
A method for highlighting differences between bacteria grown on nutrient agar using near infrared spectroscopy and principal component analysis
Authors: Treguier Sylvain , Jacq Kevin , Couderc Christel , Ferhout Hicham , Tormo Helene , Kleiber Didier , Levasseur-Garcia Cecile
Published: May 2021

Fast diagnostic tools such as near infrared spectroscopy have recently gained interest for bacterial identification. To avoid a process involving microbial pellet or suspension preparation from Petri dishes for NIR analysis, direct screening from agar in Petri dishes was explored. This two-step study proposes a new procedure for bacterial screening directly on agar plates with minimal nutrient medium bias. Firstly, principal component analyses showed optimal discrimination between the genera Lactobacillus, Pseudomonas and Brochothrix on different culture media, in transmission mode and with the bottom of Petri dishes facing the light source. The repeatability of spectra in these conditions was assessed with an average coefficient of variation inferior to 5% in the 12,500–3680 cm−1 range. Secondly, 40 strains of Lactococcus and Enterococcus species were grown on Bennett agar and measured over a series of five assays. Principal component analyses highlighted better clustering according to genera and species and lower external bias while retaining the 8790–3680 cm−1 spectral range and applying an extended multiplicative scatter correction with an average agar spectrum as a reference, in comparison to raw data and standard multiplicative scatter correction.
Effect of hybrid thermal cycling and shock on flexural properties of nanoclay/glass/epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Bayat A , Damircheli M , Esmkhani M
Published: May 2021

In present research, the flexural properties of glass/epoxy composites reinforced by nanoclay particles (3, 5 and 7 wt.%) under various hybrid thermal cycling and shock loadings (15 and 30 thermal cycles at immediate −70°C and +100°C temperatures) have been investigated. It was found that the flexural strength of 5 wt.% nanoclay/glass/epoxy nanocomposites under 15 and 30 hybrid thermal loadings was enhanced by 19.35% and 20.78%, respectively. Also, after 15 hybrid thermal loadings, the flexural stiffness of 5 wt.% clay/glass/epoxy nanocomposites increased by 9.30% compared to static conditions. More importantly, after 30 hybrid thermal loadings, by adding more filler contents, the flexural stiffness was increased. For instance, at 7 wt.% clay/glass/epoxy nanocomposites, the flexural stiffness enhanced 17.97% compared to neat composite. FESEM morphology images confirmed that presence of optimum filler contents changed the composites inherent properties. Therefore, the outcome of this research can show various remarkable advantages for researchers to apply nanoclay as nanofillers to reinforce composites structures under hybrid thermal cycling and shock applications.
The effect of nanoparticle additive on surface milling in glass fiber reinforced composite structures
Authors: Ceritbinmez Ferhat , Yapici Ahmet , Kanca Erdoğan
Published: May 2021

In this study, the effect of adding nanosize additive to glass fiber reinforced composite plates on mechanical properties and surface milling was investigated. In the light of the investigations, with the addition of MWCNTs additive in the composite production, the strength of the material has been changed and the more durable composite materials have been obtained. Slots were opened with different cutting speed and feed rate parameters to the composite layers. Surface roughness of the composite layers and slot size were examined and also abrasions of cutting tools used in cutting process were determined. It was observed that the addition of nanoparticles to the laminated glass fiber composite materials played an effective role in the strength of the material and caused cutting tool wear.
Plasticizer effect on dielectric properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)/titanium dioxide composites
Authors: Abaci Ufuk , Guney H Yuksel , Yilmazoglu Mesut
Published: May 2021

The effect of plasticizer on dielectric properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) composites was investigated. Propylene carbonate (PC) was used as plasticizer in the samples which were prepared with the conventional solvent casting technique. Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (SEM-EDX) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses and LCR Meter measurements (performed between 300 K and 400 K), were conducted to examine the properties of the composites. With the addition of plasticizer, the thermal properties have changed and the dielectric constant of the composite has increased significantly. The glass transition temperature of pure PMMA measured 121.7°C and this value did not change significantly with the addition of TiO2, however, 112°C was measured in the sample with the addition 4 ml of PC. While the dielectric constant of pure PMMA was 3.64, the ε′ value increased to 5.66 with the addition of TiO2 and reached 12.6 with the addition of 4 ml PC. These changes have been attributed to increase in amorphous ratio that facilitates polymer dipolar and segmental mobility.
Differences in advance care planning among nursing home care staff
Authors: Gilissen Joni , Wendrich-van Dael Annelien , Gastmans Chris , Vander Stichele Robert , Deliens Luc , Detering Karen , Van den Block Lieve , Pivodic Lara
Published: May 2021

Background

A team-based approach has been advocated for advance care planning in nursing homes. While nurses are often put forward to take the lead, it is not clear to what extent other professions could be involved as well.

Objectives

To examine to what extent engagement in advance care planning practices (e.g. conversations, advance directives), knowledge and self-efficacy differ between nurses, care assistants and allied care staff in nursing homes.

Design

Survey study.

Participants/setting

The study involved a purposive sample of 14 nursing homes in Flanders, Belgium. Nurses, care assistants and allied care staff (e.g. social workers, physical therapists) completed a survey.

Ethical considerations

The study was approved by the University Hospital of Brussels (B.U.N. 143201834759), as part of a cluster randomized controlled trial (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03521206).

Results

One hundred ninety-six nurses, 319 care assistants and 169 allied staff participated (67% response rate). After adjusting for confounders, nurses were significantly more likely than care assistants to have carried out advance care planning conversations (odds ratio 4; 95% confidence interval 1.73–9.82; p < 0.001) and documented advance care planning (odds ratio 2.67; 95% confidence interval 1.29–5.56; p < 0.001); differences not found between allied staff and care assistants. Advance care planning knowledge total scores differed significantly, with nurses (estimated mean difference 0.13 (score range 0–1); 95% confidence interval 0.08–0.17; p < 0.001) and allied staff (estimated mean difference 0.07; 95% confidence interval 0.03–0.12; p < 0.001) scoring higher than care assistants. We found no significant differences regarding self-efficacy.

Discussion

While nursing home nurses conducted more advance care planning conversations and documentation than allied care staff and care assistants, these two professional groups may be a valuable support to nurses in conducting advance care planning, if provided with additional training.

Conclusions

Allied care staff and care assistants, if trained appropriately, can be involved more strongly in advance care planning to enhance relational and individual autonomy of nursing home residents, alongside nurses. Future research to improve and implement advance care planning should consider this finding at the intervention development stage.
Collective Intelligence: The Creative Way from Knowledge to Open Innovation
Authors: Yun Jinhyo Joseph , Jeong Euiseob , Kim Sangwoo , Ahn Heungju , Kim Kyunghun , Hahm Sung Deuk , Park Kyungbae
Published: May 2021

This study aims to answer the following research question: Is there any difference in the effects of collective intelligence on the open innovation between before (2001–2005) and after (2011–2015) of the introduction of smartphones and crowd web services regarding electronics and mathematics? The research method of this study includes multiple regression analysis, including (1) the effect of collective intelligence on open innovation (i.e., the number of citations), (2) the effect of the amount of knowledge (i.e., the number of references) on open innovation and (3) the moderating effect of the amount of knowledge (i.e., the number of references) between collective intelligence and open innovation. The research scope of this study is Scopus published papers from two periods, namely, 2001–2005 and 2011–2015. The scope here is limited to mathematics and electronics. According to the research conducted here, if the amount of knowledge increases in an economic system, collective intelligence will increasingly motivate open innovation. The implication of this study is that there are diverse methods for collective intelligence to impact open innovation and the consequent results.
‘New-Age’ Preferential Trade Agreements and Global Value Chains: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Tokas Kalpana
Published: May 2021

This article analyses the impact of the ‘depth’ of new-age preferential trade agreements (PTAs) signed by nations on value-added trade as well as trade in final and intermediate goods carried out between them. This objective of this article goes beyond the black-boxing of a PTA through a dummy and aims to focus on the ‘depth’ of a PTA as measured by its provisions and content. For this purpose, we construct an intensive panel data set. The data set spans across 6 years (3-year intervals across 2000–2015) and is constructed on a dyadic (country pair) level for 61 countries and 110 PTAs across the world, using the Trade in Valued Added (TiVA) Database from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Content of Deep Trade Agreements database from World Bank. Further, we construct two indices for measuring the ‘depth’ of the PTAs based on their content. Our study uses augmented gravity equation with three-way fixed effects, namely country pair, exporter time and importer time, for estimating the results. Our results indicate that the ‘depth’ of a PTA significantly affects trade in final goods, intermediate goods and value-added trade, and the impact is highest for trade in value added. We also observe that PTA with greater number of provisions has a higher impact on trade in final goods, intermediate goods as well as trade in value added.
Analysis of Reverse Logistics Functions of Small and Medium Enterprises: The Evaluation of Strategic Business Operations
Authors: Pawar Avinash , Kolte Ashutosh , Sangvikar Balkrishan Vasudeo , Jain Surbhi
Published: May 2021

Today, reverse logistics (RL) is still considered as an emerging field, despite the fact that it has drawn increasing attention over the last decade and now there is a growing interest in the domain of RL than ever before. Although many firms have yet to recognize the capability of effective RL, some firms have realized the strategic importance of RL and initiated deployment of thoughtful investments in functions and systems of their RL practices. Nowadays, RL is considered as a crucial activity for the survival of companies. This article deliberates on RL, cost optimization (CO) and return strategies (RS), along with their implications for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Information is collected from 420 SMEs using judgemental sampling. On the basis of the literature, the framework of the study is proposed and further analysis is performed using a reliability assessment, normality and adequacy examination, evaluation of the homogeneity of variances, development of the structural model with coefficients and testing of the model through fitment analysis. The outcome of the study highlights that there is no direct causal association between RL and CO; however, there is an indirect association through RS. It is observed that there is a significant cause-and-effect association between RL and RS, as well as a significant cause-and-effect association between RS and CO, in SMEs.
Determinants of Energy Intensity Trends in Indian Metallic Industry: A Firm-level Analysis
Authors: Jain Megha , Kaur Simrit
Published: May 2021

Though the demand for industrial energy by manufacturing firms has witnessed substantial growth, not enough evidence exists regarding the energy intensity trends of such firms. Furthermore, empirical evidence on the determinants of energy intensity trends or even the energy intensity levels per se remains limited. Given this gap, the present article analyses the determinants of energy intensity trends (and also the energy intensity levels) of Indian manufacturing firms over the period 2007–2017. This study has been undertaken with special reference to the metallic industry. A sample of 41 firms is analysed by grouping them into 3 categories, namely firms with increasing energy intensity trends (IEITs), decreasing energy intensity trends (DEITs) and relatively constant energy intensity trends (CEITs) over the stated period. Multinomial logistic model (MLM) is employed to examine the determinants of energy intensity trends for the three categories. Our pertinent findings are as follows: firms with higher labour intensity and also older firms have a greater probability of belonging to the category of DEIT firms vis-à-vis the reference category of IEIT firms. Furthermore, size per se does not significantly impact the probability of a firm belonging to any specific category of energy intensity trend; nevertheless, evidence shows that large-sized firms, though old, have a greater probability of belonging to the DEIT category. Rather surprisingly, R&D intensity has been estimated to have a non-significant impact on the probability of belonging to the DEIT group of firms. However, although R&D-intensive firms have a higher profitability, their impacts remain both favourable and significant. Evidence also suggests that an increase in capital intensity and profitability lowers the probability of a firm to belong to the DEIT category. Additionally, a pooled (panel) econometric analysis has also been undertaken wherein the ‘level’ of energy intensity is considered as the dependent variable and not the ‘trend’ in energy intensity. Important findings also emerge from this analysis. Finally, we conclude from a broad policy perspective.
Organization Citizenship Behaviour and Work-Life Interface Practices: Exploring Entrepreneurial and Intrapreneurial Mindset
Authors: Chandra Yamini , Mathur Kamayani
Published: May 2021

This research was conducted on women working professionals (such as entrepreneurs and managers/intrapreneurs), to understand the effects of organizational citizenship behaviour on the quality of their work life. A representative sample of 480 women working professionals was selected using a quasi-experimental sampling technique. The data were collected using the Organization Citizenship Behaviour-Checklist and Quality of Worklife Scale (QoWL) and was analyzed using ‘t’, UNIANOVA, two-way ANOVA with post-hoc analysis. Findings indicated that the respondents’ attitude towards work was favourably affected by their involvement, satisfaction and commitment towards their work-roles, organizational size and tenure of work. The analysis of interviews with respondents revealed that there is a negative impact of their professional lives on their psychological and physical self and many of them complained of experiencing insomnia, lack of consideration for own health, juggling between personal-professional life, dissatisfying work-life balance, negative displacement of anger among family members and children and so on. Striking similarities were also observed on the scores, high scorers were also observed to be high on achievement motive, have tolerance towards risk, were driven by ‘internal locus of control’, and were cautious and vigilant, having high intention towards entrepreneurial pursuits. Here ‘selection of the career’ has become their ‘lifestyle-by-product’ differentiating their work and life phenomena.
Online Retail Service Quality: Scale Development and Validation
Authors: Swar Biranchi Narayan , Panda Rajesh
Published: May 2021

The growth of online retailing has created an opportunity to create a scale specifically for online retail services. At the same time, the increasing rate of internet penetration in India coupled with electronic banking and wallets has formed new market place for many online retailers. In this context, to gain competitive advantage, the online retailers should provide better service quality. Thus, the present research tries to know the various constructs of retail service quality (RSQ) in online format and develop a measurement scale. The study has borrowed the constructs from ‘Retail Service Quality’ (RSQ) and ‘Technology Acceptance Model’ (TAM). For this purpose, we collected data from 600 respondents. The scale has been confirmed and validated by using CFA. The study confirmed that online RSQ (ORSQ) scale consists of four constructs: ‘Ease of Use’, ‘Problem Solving’, ‘Policy’ and ‘Reliability’ with 18 variables. The article has concluded and validated a scale for ORSQ which can help the online retailers to design their service offering. The implications of the ORSQ scale for practitioners, as well as for future research, are discussed in this article.
Making Research Collaborations: Learning from Processes of Transdisciplinary Engagement in Agricultural Research
Authors: Manjula M. , Rengalakshmi R.
Published: May 2021

This article is an attempt to capture the process and outcomes of disciplinary collaborations in two multi-partner transdisciplinary research projects on agriculture. The focus of the projects was building smallholder resilience in semi-arid tropics. The collaborating disciplines fall broadly into natural sciences and social sciences. The farming community and other actors across the agricultural value chain, being the end users of research, were active stakeholders. This paper details the drivers and barriers in transdisciplinary collaboration and articulates the extent of disciplinary integration achieved between the natural sciences, social sciences and the end users of research. The key elements contributing to effectiveness of transdisciplinary research are the conceptual clarity of disciplinary contributions and interfaces, shared knowledge of the expected research outcomes, positioning of the different disciplines within the research framework, openness of the researchers to disciplinary cross fertilisation, the transdisciplinary research experience of the partnering institutions and accommodation of the cultural differences between the collaborating partners.