bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified Radial Malmquist–Luenberger Index Models for Infeasibility: An Application in Productivity Evaluation of Chinese Banks
Authors: Liang Nannan , Zhang Qian
Published: October 2022

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) model has been proved as a useful technique to solve the infeasibility problem encountered in the Malmquist–Luenberger index (MLI). This study provides an alternative to avoid infeasibility under dynamic environments. The availability of new models is verified with a numerical example. In detail, we apply modified MLI models to assess the change of productivity for 28 banks in China from 2007 to 2016. The analysis shows the following: (1) Productivities of most banks were progressive before 2014 and declined since the bad influence of the economic decline in 2015. (2) Time is the main factor that causes productivity differences among the four types of banks. (3) The technical change mainly affects the productivity change for all four types of banks. The results also provide useful guidance for financial regulators and bank managers. For example, the variable change during this period implies that the income structure of the banking system in China is slowly changing to some extent, where corresponding strategies are needed. It also conforms to the law that science and technology is the primarily productive force.
Hypertension, Neurovascular Dysfunction, and Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Santisteban Monica M. , Iadecola Costantino , Carnevale Daniela
Published: October 2022

Hypertension affects a significant proportion of the adult and aging population and represents an important risk factor for vascular cognitive impairment and late-life dementia. Chronic high blood pressure continuously challenges the structural and functional integrity of the cerebral vasculature, leading to microvascular rarefaction and dysfunction, and neurovascular uncoupling that typically impairs cerebral blood supply. Hypertension disrupts blood-brain barrier integrity, promotes neuroinflammation, and may contribute to amyloid deposition and Alzheimer pathology. The mechanisms underlying these harmful effects are still a focus of investigation, but studies in animal models have provided significant molecular and cellular mechanistic insights. Remaining questions relate to whether adequate treatment of hypertension may prevent deterioration of cognitive function, the threshold for blood pressure treatment, and the most effective antihypertensive drugs. Recent advances in neurovascular biology, advanced brain imaging, and detection of subtle behavioral phenotypes have begun to provide insights into these critical issues. Importantly, a parallel analysis of these parameters in animal models and humans is feasible, making it possible to foster translational advancements. In this review, we provide a critical evaluation of the evidence available in experimental models and humans to examine the progress made and identify remaining gaps in knowledge.
The species of Eilema Hübner, [1819] sensu lato present in Europe and North Africa (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini)
Authors: MACIÀ RAMON , YLLA JOSEP , GASTÓN JAVIER , HUERTAS MANUEL , BAU JOSEP
Published: October 2022

The species of Eilema Hübner, [1819] sensu lato, present in Europe and North Africa, are studied on the basis of morphological characteristics and molecular genetics. Images of adults, genitalia of both sexes, immature stages, as well as phylogenetic trees obtained from the combined analysis of three different genetic markers are presented. Data on life cycles, food plants, and geographic distribution are also included. The morphological differences observed within Eilema sensu lato have led the authors to create the genera Indalia gen. nov. and Pseudokatha gen. nov. New combinations are stablished: Manulea iberica (Mentzer, 1980) st. rest., comb. nov.; Indalia marcida (Mann, 1859) comb. nov.; Indalia predotae (Schawerda, 1927) comb. nov.; Indalia albicosta (Rogenhofer, 1894) comb. nov.; Indalia interposita (Rothschild, 1914) comb. nov.; Indalia uniola (Rambur, [1866]) comb. nov.; Indalia lutarella (Linnaeus, 1758) comb. nov.; Indalia pygmaeola (Doubleday, 1847) comb. nov.; Pseudokatha rungsi (Toulgoët, 1960) comb. nov., and Eilema albicosta witti Kobes, 1993 syn. nov.
A revision of the Australian species of Howickia Richards (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae: Limosininae)
Authors: KUWAHARA GREGORY K. , MARSHALL STEPHEN A.
Published: October 2022

Howickia Richards, 1951, the largest genus of Sphaeroceridae in Australia, is revised to include 43 species, including all wingless Australian species of the family. The following new species are described: H. acicula (TAS), H. auricoma (VIC), H. biantenna (TAS), H. cruspica (VIC), H. erythrocephala (NSW), H. flagella (TAS), H. grandisterna (TAS), H. holti (NSW), H. irwini (NSW), H. loligo (TAS), H. notechis (TAS), H. nuda (NSW), H. pertusa (TAS), H. pinnula (TAS), H. pseudovittata (NSW, QLD), H. robustaseta (NSW), H. tricolor (NSW), H. truemani (TAS), H. wamini (NSW, QLD, TAS, WA), and H. xanthocephala (QLD, NSW). The genera Apterobiroina Papp, 1979, Australimosina Papp, 2008, Bentrovata Richards, 1973, Monteithiana Richards, 1973, Popondetta Richards, 1973, and Otwayia Richards, 1973 are treated as new synonyms of Howickia. Howickia is redefined and placed in the context of a key to genera of Sphaeroceridae in Australia, the Australian species of Howickia are keyed, and a morphological phylogeny is given for the Australian species. The following new combinations are given: Howickia australis (Papp, 1979) comb. nov., Howickia cynthia (Richards, 1973) comb. nov., Howickia dealata (Richards, 1973) comb. nov., Howickia flavipes (Papp, 2021) comb. nov., Howickia flaviterga (Richards, 1973) comb. nov., Howickia flavithorax (Papp, 2021) comb. nov., Howickia regalis (Richards, 1973) comb. nov., Howickia sabina (Richards, 1973) comb. nov., Howickia truncata (Papp, 2021) comb. nov., Paralimosina nasalis (Richards, 1973) comb. nov. (formerly in Pseudocollinella Duda, 1924), Pseudopterogramma fenestrata (Richards, 1973) comb. nov. (originally as Leptocera (Limosina) Macquart, 1835, transferred to Biroina Richards, 1973 by Marshall in Roháček et al. (2001)), and Pleuroseta dorrigonis (Richards, 1973) comb. nov. (formerly in Biroina). A new name, Howickia neoregalis nom. nov. is proposed for H. regalis Marshall, 2014, junior homonym of H. regalis (Richards, 1973). The following genera are newly recorded from Australia: Chaetopodella Duda, 1920, Paralimosina Papp, 1973, Pachytarsella Richards, 1963, Parapterogramma Papp, 2008, Philocoprella Richards, 1929, Piliterga Papp, 2008, Pterogrammoides Papp, 1972, Spelobia Spuler, 1924, and Spinilimosina Roháček, 1983.
A review of the genus Brachysomus Schoenherr (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae)
Authors: YUNAKOV NIKOLAI
Published: October 2022

The genus Brachysomus Schoenherr, 1823 is reviewed. A comparative morphological study of adults from 56 Brachysomus species is provided. Redescriptions, diagnoses and identification keys are given. Descriptions of two new species are provided: B. (s. str.) podlussanyi sp. n. from Greece and B. (s. str.) pseudosetiger sp. n. from Bulgaria, which appear to be closely related to B. (s. str.) mihoki Penecke, 1914. Females of B. (s. str.) longipterus Białooki, 2007 are described. The poorly known B. (Hippomias) moczarskii Penecke, 1924 is restored from synonymy with B. (H.) oertzeni Faust, 1889. New synonyms: B. (s. str.) echinatus (Bonsdorff, 1785) = B. (s. str.) hirsutus Iablokoff-Khnzorian, 1958 syn. n. New combinations: Brachysomus (s. str.) lituratus (Reitter, 1884) comb. n. from Foucartia Jacquelin du Val, 1854; Eurosphalmus tenuicollis (Yunakov, 2006) comb. n. from Brachysomus, Eurosphalmus cribrarius (Białooki, 2007) comb. n. from Brachysomus, Nanomias skodai (Białooki, 2007) comb. n. from Brachysomus, and Chiloneus bonnairei (Hoffmann, 1942) comb. n. from Brachysomus. Lectotypes are designated for: Strophosomus hirtus Boheman, 1845; Brachysomus ornatus Stierlin, 1892; B. bensae Stierlin, 1893; Platytarsus fasciatus Stierlin, 1899; and P. setiger Gyllenhal, 1840. For each species, all known localities are presented on a distribution map. Ecological preferences of Brachysomus species are specified. First records of Brachysomus (s. str.) fremuthi Košťál, 1991 from Romania, B. (Hippomias) carpathicus Košťál, 1992 from Serbia, and B. (H.) ponticus Apfelbeck, 1898 from Greece are given.
Two new species of Amphinemura (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) from southwestern China
Authors: YAN YANHUA , LI MENGYU , YANG DING , LI WEIHAI
Published: October 2022

Two new species of nemourid stonefly, Amphinemura daloushana sp. nov. and A. liui sp. nov., are described from Chongqing municipality of southwestern China. The relationships between the new species and similar species in the genus are discussed.
Russian–Chinese Cooperation at the United Nations Security Council: Costly Signalling and Trust Building in the Strategic Partnership
Authors: Machaffie James P.
Published: October 2022

China and Russia have a demonstrable record of coordinating their votes at the United Nations Security Council over the past 12 years. China, in particular, has coordinated its vetoes to align with Russia, while Russia still uses its veto in isolation of other states, except for Chinese abstentions. It is widely acknowledged in the literature on Chinese–Russian foreign relations that the two states are in a strategic partnership; however, there is open debate as to how long this partnership can be sustained.

 Both China and Russia seem to value the partnership, but trust-building is needed to sustain it due to the growing power imbalance between them. One way that trust can be built is through costly signalling, which provides reassurances to the receiving state that the signaller has benign intentions.

 This article argues that China is engaged in costly signalling to Russia by aligning its votes with Moscow at the expense of angering the other permanent members of the Security Council—the United States, France and the United Kingdom—which in turn sours the relations between them. China is attempting to reassure Russia, the weaker partner, that it still values their friendship, and Russia has reciprocated by relying more on China.
Quest for regional power status: Explaining Turkey’s assertive foreign policy
Authors: Koçak Muhammet , Akgül Musa
Published: October 2022

This article explains Turkey’s hard power usage in Syria, Azerbaijan, and Libya. We argue that gaining a respected status forms the basis of Turkish foreign policy and the main cause of Turkey’s hard power usage was the failure of Turkey’s previous status-seeking strategy. Turkey had followed a cooperationist strategy since the early 1990s by pursuing membership in the EU, strengthening ties with the West, and leading regional mediation efforts. However, this strategy failed due to the changing the security environment in the early 2010s and the discord between the interests of West and Turkey. This led Turkey to be more prone to using hard power, through which Turkey could achieve status and influence in multiple regions. This study provides an insight into the status-seeking strategies of Turkey, as an emerging middle power, by unpacking its priorities and contributes to the ongoing debates on Turkey’s foreign policy under Erdoğan.
Novel tooling for direct melt impregnation of textile with variotherm injection moulding: Methodology and proof of concept
Authors: Werlen Vincent , Rytka Christian , Wegmann Stephanie , Philipp Halime , Khalaf Yara , Michaud Véronique , Brauner Christian , Dransfeld Clemens
Published: October 2022

Thermoplastic compression resin transfer moulding coupled with injection moulding is an appealing process for the production of thermoplastic composites. However, its implementation at an industrial scale remains challenging as variotherm injection moulding could prevent solid skin formation in the parting line, making cavity sealing difficult. In this study, a tool for thermoplastic compression resin transfer moulding and the related methods and process parameters for an implementation at an industrial scale are presented. The validity of the concept is proved by producing and characterizing composite plates with elevated fibre volume fractions and advantageous mechanical properties at a range of production temperatures within a cycle time not exceeding 20 min. The best mechanical properties were obtained at a production temperature of 270°C with a bending strength of 477 MPa, a flexural modulus measured at 25.7 GPa and a fibre volume content of 67%.
The Making of Strangers: Reflections on the Ethiopian Constitution
Authors: Addis Adeno
Published: October 2022

A constitution is an expression of a political community’s desire to establish a mode of politics for collective life. The normative underpinning of a well-designed and well-structured constitutional order is, therefore, an integrative process of association. Constitutions are meant to forge and develop a political community that enables members to see each other as co-participants in a common project. The Ethiopian Constitution seems to have adopted a model of dissociation rather than one of integrative association. Rather than bringing people together, the Constitution has set them apart. Through close examination of various provisions of the Constitution—from the preamble to the amendment process—this article shows that the Constitution has managed to fragment a people into “peoples”, a nation into “nations”, and in the process transformed neighbors into strangers who often see one another as mortal threats rather than as co-participants in a common project. In the guise of decentralizing power, the Constitution has, in fact, fundamentalized differences. Such an environment will not lend itself either to democratic governance or durable peace.
Framework and Overview of a State-Wide College Mental Health Program in Kerala, India
Authors: Jaisoorya T. S.  , Joseph Shiju , Kalarani K. S.  , Menon Maya , Smita G. S.  , Shini V. S.  , Jose Sheril Elizabeth , Mahesh M. M.  , Shibu K  , Sujisha T. G.  , Jayaprakashan K. P.  , Kiran P. S.  , Anil Kumar T. V.  , Vigneshwari V.  , Titus Usha
Published: October 2022

Background:

Mental health issues are common among college students, and structured services have been proven to enhance outcomes. Despite increased enrolment for higher education in India, college mental health services remain sparse. JEEVANI is the first structured state-wide college mental health service in India. This paper describes its framework and provides an overview of its functioning during the initial five months.

Methods:

In 2019–2020, the Directorate of Collegiate Education, Government of Kerala, implemented the program in 66 colleges catering to approximately 60,000 students. Qualified counsellors were trained to identify issues and provide interventions and early referrals, using a stepped-care approach. They conducted awareness programs to promote mental health and reduce stigma.

Results:

The services were accessed by 2,315 students during the assessment period (October 2019 to February 2020). The beneficiaries were predominantly females (54.1%). Over a third (38.8%) belonged to the lower socio-economic strata, and 2.5% had significant vulnerabilities. Although no syndromal diagnoses were made, anxiety and depression were the most common presentations. The counsellors provided 3,758 individual sessions and facilitated support for students who reported academic difficulties or interpersonal issues. Severe mental illness was detected in 54 students, and referrals for specialist mental health input were initiated in 68.

Conclusion:

Describing the framework, sharing the technical material, and providing an overview of its functioning from a resource-constrained setting in India may encourage higher education institutions in low- and middle-income countries to consider similar projects.
Remembering a Date in the History of the Indian Subcontinent
Authors: Chakravarty Pallavi
Published: October 2022

In light of the seventy-fifth year of India’s independence from colonial rule and the Indian government’s announcement that 14 August will be commemorated as ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’, this article connects the histories of the three nations in the Indian subcontinent: India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Using inputs from archives and oral testimonies, this article will revisit the important date of 15 August 1947, to preserve the multiple meanings of the day as portrayed in official and public memories.
Piero Sraffa—Doing ‘History in Reverse’
Authors: Rahim Eric
Published: October 2022

This article follows a suggestion made by Piero Sraffa in the late 1920s about the writing of his book that was published in 1960—a suggestion that he did not follow. The suggestion consisted in the writing of a history of political economy, starting with the ideas of the French Physiocrats, and its further development by Adam Smith and David Ricardo. This history was intended as an introduction to the 1960 book. The article concludes with a brief discussion of the ‘central propositions’ of the 1960 book, seen as a rigorous theoretical statement of the political economy of these ‘old’ economists.

JEL Code: J12
Innovative use of Protek Duo during bilateral lung transplant with Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation assistance
Authors: Dolci Giampiero , Antonacci Filippo , Salvaterra Elena , Daddi Niccolò , Pastore Saverio , Barbera Niccolò Antonino , Marrozzini Cinzia , Botta Luca , Bertoglio Pietro , Solli Piergiorgio
Published: October 2022

V-A ECMO during bilateral lung transplantation is routinely used when extracorporeal support is needed, in particular in case of patients affected by pulmonary hypertension. We report the case of a patient successfully transplanted with V-A ECMO assistance using a percutaneous double lumen cannula as venous drainage (Protek Duo, CardiacAssist Inc., Pittsburgh, PA) and central aortic cannulation. The double lumen cannula allowed an optimal drainage of the venous system and effective emptying of right heart chambers.
U“AI” Testing: User Interface and Usability Testing of a Chest X-ray AI Tool in a Simulated Real-World Workflow
Authors: Lam Shin Cheung Jeffrey , Ali Amna , Abdalla Mohamed , Fine Benjamin
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To observe interactions of practicing radiologists with a chest x-ray AI tool and evaluate its usability and impact on workflow efficiency. Methods: Using a simulated clinical workflow and remote multi-monitor screensharing, we prospectively assessed the interactions of 10 staff radiologists (5–33 years of experience) with a PACS-embedded, regulatory-approved chest x-ray AI tool. Qualitatively, we collected feedback using a think-aloud method and post-testing semi-structured interview; transcript themes were categorized by: (1) AI tool features, (2) deployment considerations, and (3) broad human-AI interactions. Quantitatively, we used time-stamped video recordings to compare reporting and decision-making efficiency with and without AI assistance. Results: For AI tool features, radiologists appreciated the simple binary classification (normal vs abnormal) and found the heatmap essential to understand what the AI considered abnormal; users were uncertain of how to interpret confidence values. Regarding deployment considerations, radiologists thought the tool would be especially helpful for identifying subtle diagnoses; opinions were mixed on whether the tool impacted perceived efficiency, accuracy, and confidence. Considering general human-AI interactions, radiologists shared concerns about automation bias especially when relying on an automated triage function. Regarding decision-making and workflow efficiency, participants began dictating 5 seconds later (42% increase, P = .02) and took 14 seconds longer to complete cases (33% increase, P = .09) with AI assistance. Conclusions: Radiologist usability testing provided insights into effective AI tool features, deployment considerations, and human-AI interactions that can guide successful AI deployment. Early AI adoption may increase radiologists’ decision-making and total reporting time but improves with experience.
Whose Interest Really Matters? The Role of NGOs’ Representatives within Local Advisory Councils in Poland
Authors: Kołomycew Anna
Published: October 2022

The article shows the results of empirical research conducted among members of advisory councils operating in Polish cities. The study covers five types of councils: councils of NGOs, senior citizen councils, councils for residents with disabilities, labor market councils, and sports councils. The author focuses mainly on advisory council members who are also NGO representatives. Thus, they have a twofold role: a member of a collegial advisory body, which is supposed to consult local authorities, and a representative of an NGO. The article aims to reveal the motives for engaging NGOs’ representatives in social council activities. Considering the specific character of the NGO sector in Poland, one may expect that membership within social councils will become an arena for pushing the interests of NGOs. However, research results show that the motivations for involvement in social council activities do not have clientelistic patterns. The members of the councils are motivated by similar factors as in other forms of prosocial activity, which may be divided into normative, rational, and affiliative-prestigious. Council members are aware of their double role. They, therefore, distance themselves from the possibility of achieving individual (private) benefits or benefits for the NGO they are associated with. Their membership in councils is motivated primarily by a sense of duty to the group or the organization they represent or local authorities, taking part in the decision-making, and being a member of the prestigious group of experts they consider advisory councils to be.
Evaluating the Decent Work Scale Measurement Model in Zimbabwe
Authors: Sanhokwe Hamfrey , Takawira Simon
Published: October 2022

The Decent Work Agenda recognises the role of work and work-related contexts in giving meaning, fulfilment, opportunities for development and growth to the employed and those who aspire to work. The Decent Work Scale (DWS) is a commonly referenced measure to appreciate the experience of decent work in organizations. Limited research has examined the quality of the DWS measurement model in the developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined the factor structure of the DWS using bifactor modelling. The study also conducted invariance tests using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis. Last, the study evaluated the predictive validity of the decent work construct using covariance-based structural equation modelling. A probability sample from a large manufacturing firm in Zimbabwe informed the analysis. Bifactor analysis suggested the presence of a strong underlying general factor for DWS. The measure was invariant across gender groups. Decent work had significant, positive relationships with organisational learning and work engagement.
A Comparison of Midazolam and Propofol for Deep Sedation in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Requiring Neuromuscular Blocking Agents
Authors: Addison Janci D. , Daley Mitchell J. , Curran Molly , Hodge Emily K.
Published: October 2022

Purpose: The optimal agent for deep sedation in patients undergoing continuous infusion (CI) neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) use for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is unknown. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of propofol and midazolam in ARDS patients requiring CI NMBA. Methods: A multi-center, retrospective study was performed in mechanically ventilated (MV) adult patients requiring CI NMBA for management of ARDS. The primary outcome was to compare the time to liberation from MV in patients sedated with propofol vs midazolam. Results: In the 109 patients included, there was no difference in time to MV liberation with propofol as compared to midazolam (121 hr [Interquartile range (IQR) 67 195] vs 98 hr [IQR 48, 292], P = .72). Median time to sedation emergence after NMBA discontinuation was shorter in patients receiving propofol (12.9 hr [IQR 19.8, 72.5] vs 31.5 hr [IQR 6.4, 34.6], P < .01). There were no significant differences in time to therapeutic sedation, ICU stay, mortality, and adverse events. Conclusion: Propofol may be an effective and safe alternative to midazolam for patients undergoing CI NMBA for ARDS. Additionally, patients receiving propofol may have a quicker return to light sedation after NMBA discontinuation.
Keeping Up With the Literature: New Solutions for an Old Problem
Authors: Stephens Katy S. , White Bryan P.
Published: October 2022

Pharmacists utilize medical literature to provide evidence-based care to patients. However, staying up to date with current literature can be challenging, especially with the increasing number of publications produced in a growing number of journals. While evaluating literature is a standard in pharmacy education and training, the specific skill of keeping up with the literature is often not included. We explore the following 5 strategies to help pharmacists stay up to date with the literature: medical journals, social media, podcasts, teaching/precepting, and continuing education/board certification. Pharmacists are encouraged to evaluate which tactics fit best into their practice and incorporate them into their workflow, as well as routinely reflect on the system they create and continue to modify as needed.
An Emergency Department Quality Improvement Project for Intravenous Levetiracetam Administration
Authors: Rublee Caitlin , Hynes Emilie Calvello , Paavola Nicole , Tremolet de Villers Kathryn , McLaughlin Julie
Published: October 2022

Background: Levetiracetam is a readily available, safe anticonvulsive medication. It is frequently administered as IV piggyback with a pump, carrier fluid, and tubing. The Established Status Epilepticus Treatment Trial demonstrated levetiracetam being similarly effective to previously used treatments in doses up to 4500 mg administered over 10 minutes. Objective: We sought to compare usage, cost, and waste of IV piggyback with IV push administration of levetiractam following implementation of an IV push protocol in an academic emergency department. Methods: A three-month review of levetiracetam administration was done following protocol implementation using IV push for initial treatment of benzodiazepine-refractory status epilepticus. The review quantified the number of IV push vs IV piggyback doses for all indications and evaluated cost of supplies necessary for administration. Results: During the study period, 137 patients received 142 doses of IV levetiracetam. Fifty-one doses (36%) were given as IV push rather than IV piggyback. The majority of doses 116 (82%) were 1000-2000 mg and 11 doses (8%) 3500-4500 mg. Estimated three-month savings with complete transition of IV piggyback to IV push would exceed $6000 just in our ED. The amount of sterile solution carrier fluid was also reduced and IV pump time freed. Conclusion: Implementation of an emergency department IV push levetiracetam protocol resulted in cost savings. Opportunities remain to improve clinical implementation practices. Medication administration represents one crucial target area where healthcare systems can implement policies to reduce waste and commit to climate-smart health care.
Probability distribution of derailment factor using identical probability distribution evolution method
Authors: Zhou Zi-ji , Zhang Nan , Wang Kun-peng
Published: October 2022

To better understand the randomness of the derailment factor of the high-speed trains, its probability distribution function (PDF) and extreme value PDF are studied using the identical probability distribution evolution method (IPDEM). The standard deviation and mean of wheel-rail contact forces are obtained by pseudo-excitation method (PEM) and time history simulations. Then, based on the mean and standard deviation, the PDF and extreme value PDF of the derailment factor are obtained by IPDEM. The PDF and extreme value PDF of the derailment factor are validated by Monte Carlo method (MCM) simulations. Using a 6-car Pioneer EMU train passing over a 3-span 32-m long simply supported bridge as a case study, the applicability of the PDF and extreme value PDF of the derailment factor under varying train speeds, different track irregularities and different bridge deflection/span ratios are discussed. Finally, experimental data obtained from a field test are also used to verify the accuracy of the theoretical approaches. The results show that the PDF and extreme value PDF of the derailment factor proposed in this paper can provide a foundation for statistical evaluations.
Differential flatness-based pseudospectral optimal control of six-degrees-of-freedom aircraft and its issues
Authors: Sandeepkumar R , Mohan Ranjith
Published: October 2022

The advent of efficient numerical algorithms and powerful computing resources have made real-time optimization a reality. However, for systems like 6DoF aircraft, the problem remains challenging due to the complexity and fast dynamics of the system. Smaller optimization problems with fewer constraints can be obtained from a differential flatness-based optimization scheme. This paper proposes a flatness-based nonlinear model predictive controller (NMPC) for a 6DoF aircraft to improve computational time. However, it is difficult to tell in advance if flatness-based NMPC can outperform the simultaneous NMPC with many variables and constraints. This is because there is a trade-off between loss in convexity and an increase in nonlinearity with a dimension reduction. In addition, nonlinear optimization solvers like IPOPT can exploit the underlying sparse structure of the optimization problems from simultaneous NMPC to compute solutions efficiently. Hence, a comparative study between flatness-based and simultaneous nonlinear model predictive control is necessary to assess the computational performance. Results are presented with discussions on solve time, numerical conditioning, convergence, convexity, and solve success rates of the optimization problem. The discussions presented can be extended to other systems to study the effectiveness of flatness-based optimization in a systematic manner. In addition, pseudospectral knots are explored in the paper, which improves sparsity and numerical conditioning of flatness-based optimal control problems.
Computational study of hydrogen and air co-flow jets mixing in dual-combustor ramjet in presence of ramp shock generator
Authors: Rostamian MohammadKazem , Maddah Soroush , Rostamiyan Yasser
Published: October 2022

Flame stabilization distribution and efficient fuel mixing are highly significant in the performance of ramjet engine. In this paper, numerical studies are done to investigate the supersonic combustion of hydrogen and air co-flow in presence of the ramp edge. In this study, flame maintenance and combustion formation in a dual-combustion ramjet engine are fully investigated. The primary emphasis of this work is to disclose the impact of produced shocks due to the existence of ramp edge on the structure of fuel and air-jet immediately downstream of injector. The shock interactions of two different angles (10 deg and 30 deg) of the ramp edge are investigated. Favre-averaged conservation equations are considered for the simulation of compressible flows inside the combustor. Various mechanisms expressing the flame spreading characteristics are also examined. Depending on the angle of the ramp edge, the produced shock waves influence on size and strength of vortices. Our findings also show that high angles of ramp edge augment the fluctuation of the vortices by the splitter and consequently, fuel mixing enhances in the combustion chamber of ramjet engine. Our findings also confirm that the similar jet pressure would be more effective on the vortex production downstream of the splitter. The application of ramp edge with angle of 30 deg would increase average momentum thickness of the mixing layer up to 55%.
Experimental study on the heat transfer performance and dimensionless correlations for R134a spray cooling system
Authors: Zhou Nianyong , Guo Yixing , Liu Wenbo , Peng Haoping , Lei Yun , Deng Song , Feng Hao , Xu Yu
Published: October 2022

Spray cooling is a promising and effective cooling method, which may be used to solve the heat dissipation problem of high-power electronic components. In this paper, the influences of flow rate, sub-cooling degree, and refrigerant charge on the spray cooling heat transfer performance with R134a as the working fluid were experimentally studied. Results showed that the enhancement effect of the increase of sub-cooling degree on the heat transfer performance is very limited in this experiment. When the sub-cooling degree rises from 5 to 8 K, the heat transfer coefficient increases by 2.6% on average at lower heat flux (45.93–72.55 W/cm2). The increase of refrigerant charge can effectively improve the heat transfer performance, especially at higher heat flux (84.02–105.25 W/cm2). However, the Jacobian number decreases with the increase of the refrigerant charge, which hinders the improvement of heat transfer performance at higher heat flux. Therefore, there is an optimal refrigerant charge of 1.05 kg in this experiment. In addition, based on the experimental data, a Nusselt number dimensionless correlation of R134a solution with higher prediction accuracy was proposed.
Science and visual Arts: Binomial or Dichotomy? A Pilot study in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients
Authors: Ferrara Vincenza , Perrone Maria Elisabetta , Mina Concetta , Ceccarelli Fulvia , Olivieri Giulio , Fattapposta Francesco , Conti Fabrizio
Published: October 2022

Scientific literature demonstrated the impairment in cognitive/executive functions and pragmatic language in SLE patients, potentially involving also asymptomatic subjects. The present study focuses on the assessment in an SLE cohort of emotional intelligence, which is an ability regulated by the network of the executive functions, cognitive abilities involved in the initiation, planning, organization, and regulation of achievement-oriented behaviors: with emotional. Thus, emotional intelligence, defined as the ability to reason with emotions, was evaluated in a SLE cohort diagnosed according to the 1997 American College of Rheumatology criteria. As control healthy subjects were enrolled. The Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT), a skill-scale that measures the ability to perform tasks and solve emotional problems, was administered to patients and controls. Second, a group of SLE patients underwent the Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) method in order to assess the potential impact of art in cognitive skills like critical thinking, problem solving, and emotional intelligence quotient. The protocol also included the evaluation of the improvement of some skills using a validated VTS skill grid. Self-reported scales for anxiety and depression were performed to rule out the influence of mood disorders on emotional intelligence. The present study demonstrated similar quotient scores of emotional intelligence in SLE patients and healthy controls. Furthermore, VTS method could help in improving this cognitive ability in patients, by implementing critical thinking and problem solving, promoting empathy, and improving tolerance to ambiguity and relational capacity.
How the public evaluates media representations of uncertain science: An integrated explanatory framework
Authors: Ratcliff Chelsea L. , Wicke Rebekah
Published: October 2022

Understanding how to portray uncertain science to the public is a pressing goal for science communication. This study compared US public audience reactions to a news article depicting a novel discovery in neurogenomics as certain or uncertain, with statements of (un)certainty attributed to either affiliated or unaffiliated scientists. The uncertainty disclosure had no main effect on perceived news article credibility, scientist trustworthiness, objectivity of the scientists’ depiction, or willingness to participate in genomic research. However, news credibility and scientist objectivity ratings were higher for uncertainty disclosure attributed to the affiliated scientists. Participants with greater preference for information about uncertainty found the scientists more trustworthy, their depictions more balanced, and the news article more credible when the research was described as uncertain, and these effects were stronger for affiliated scientist attribution. Findings underscore the important roles of disclosure source and audience characteristics in public reactions to media representations of scientific uncertainty.
The Shaping of Japanese Discourse on Nuclear Energy Technology in the Early Post-War Period
Authors: Choi Jongmin , Yun Sun-Jin
Published: October 2022

This article explores Japanese perceptions of nuclear technology from 1945 to 1956, the early stage of the introduction of nuclear technology, by using discourses of the government and of antinuclear civil movements. It is based on the theoretical framework that discourses construct social perceptions of science and technology. For this purpose, statements such as official documents of the Japanese government and declarations made by the antinuclear movement were used as main resources of analysis. This article finds that various technological aspects influenced the formation of the Japanese nuclear technological system. In addition, the Japanese government tried to keep open the possibility of developing nuclear weapons. It tried to justify its ‘peaceful use of nuclear power’ by portraying itself as the sole victim of nuclear weapons while hiding its intention to develop nuclear weapons. Moreover, the nuclear safety myth was formed at the beginning of the introduction of nuclear technology. As a result, we can see that in Japan, the nuclear safety myth was growing from the beginning of the introduction of nuclear technology amid a dichotomous understanding of good and bad uses of nuclear power and the desire to enter an advanced state of science and technology.
Shrinking Civil Space? Exploring State and Civil Society Perspectives on the Contemporary Situation of Human Rights Defenders in South Asia
Authors: Chaney Paul
Published: October 2022

This study analyses state and civil society organizations’ (CSOs) perspectives on the contemporary situation of human rights defenders (HRD) in South Asia using submissions to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), the United Nations five-yearly monitoring process. The governments’ UPR discourse shows how their engagement is characterized by performativity and legitimation. They appear to embrace the promotion of HRDs’ rights in a way that advances governments’ political legitimacy on the international stage. Instead, analysis of CSOs’ UPR discourse reveals that HRDs face a raft of rights violations, including threats, violence and murder. Their work is being curtailed by increasing state restrictions on freedom of association and expression. The malaise is compounded by impunity for offenders, corrupt practices and governments’ failure to respond to earlier UPR recommendations. The analysis shows a strong gendered dimension to HRD oppression with women HRDs particularly vulnerable to all types of violation. These findings underline the extension to South Asia of what international analysis elsewhere has dubbed a ‘counter-associational revolution’, or the rise, spread and contagion of restrictive legislation. This threat to democracy in the region shows that key reforms are urgently required, including measures to ensure the justiciability of the UN Declaration on HRD.
Comparing exposed and buried Kirschner wires in fixation for pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures: A propensity score-matched study
Authors: Suganuma Seigo , Tada Kaoru , Takagawa Shingo , Yasutake Hidetoshi , Shimanuki Keito , Shinmura Kazuya , Fujita Kenji , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To thoroughly compare the outcomes between exposed and buried Kirschner wires (K-wires) in fixation for pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures.

Methods

We examined patients who underwent surgery at our institution between January 2007 and June 2021. We investigated their age, sex, fracture pattern, number of K-wires used, whether they were exposed or buried, operative time, postoperative complications, number of outpatient visits, duration from surgery to K-wire removal, total length of hospitalization, and perioperative radiographic parameters. After propensity score matching, intergroup comparisons were performed to assess the differences in postoperative complication rate, number of outpatient visits, duration from surgery to K-wire removal, total length of hospitalization, and loss of reduction.

Results

Propensity score matching resulted in 43 pairs in both groups. Although more patients complained of skin irritation in the buried K-wire group, there was more backing out of the K-wire in the exposed K-wire group ( p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in other complications. There were more outpatient visits in the buried K-wire group ( p < 0.01). The duration from surgery to K-wire removal and the total length of hospitalization were significantly longer in the buried K-wire group ( p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the loss of Baumann’s angle ( p = 0.61), tilting angle ( p = 0.48), or the development of rotation ( p > 0.99) between groups.

Conclusion

More outpatient visits and longer lengths of hospitalization in the buried K-wire group may lead to increased costs and burden on parents.
Interprofessional Interventions to Improve Serious Illness Communication in the Intensive Care Unit: A Scoping Review
Authors: Bernal Olivia A. , Roberts Benjamin , Wu David S.
Published: October 2022

Serious illness communication is fundamental to the provision of quality care for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Evidence suggests that including interprofessional team members in such communication is beneficial. This scoping review--conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines—maps existing evidence regarding interprofessional interventions to improve serious illness communication in the ICU. The review yielded 14 studies for inclusion, which were organized by 3 thematic categories of strategies implemented: training curriculum, scheduled meetings, and liaison role. Most used a combination of intervention strategies. Outcome measures varied across the studies but could be broadly categorized as patient/family-focused, provider-focused, or systems-focused. Great heterogeneity between studies exists. More research is needed.
The Cumulative Prevalence of Congregate Care Placement for U.S. Children by Race/Ethnicity, 2019
Authors: Covington Clayton C. , Sernaker Sarah , Wildeman Christopher
Published: October 2022

Congregate care placement is among the most consequential forms of foster care placement that youth can experience, as it means a removal from both the family of origin and a family setting more broadly. Unfortunately, little research has estimated how common this intervention is. In this article, we use data from the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis Reporting System (AFCARS) and synthetic cohort life tables to show what proportion of children ever placed in foster care will ever be placed in congregate care, what proportion of children in the entire population will ever be placed in congregate care, and how these proportions vary by state of residence and race/ethnicity. Our results support four main conclusions. First, roughly 15% of all children ever placed in foster care will experience congregate care placement. Second, among children who will ever be placed in foster care, the risk of congregate care placement peaks at age 16. Third, congregate care placement is highly stratified by race/ethnicity. Finally, there are vast geographic differences in both congregate care placement and ethno-racial disparities therein. Taken together, these findings enhance our understanding of the demography of the child welfare system with implications for research, policy, and practice.
Pre-Habilitation of Cardiac Surgical Patients, Part 2: Frailty, Malnutrition, Respiratory disease, Alcohol/Smoking cessation and Depression
Authors: Subramanian Harikesh , Knight Joshua , Sultan Ibrahim , Kaczorowski David J. , Subramaniam Kathirvel
Published: October 2022

The concept of “pre-habilitation” comprises screening for and identification of pre-existing disorders followed by medical optimization. This is performed for many types of surgeries, but may have profound impacts on outcomes, particularly in cardiac surgery given the multiple comorbidities typically carried by these patients. Components of pre-habilitation include direct medical intervention by preoperative specialists as well as significant care coordination and shared decision-making. In this second part of a two-part review, the authors describe existing evidence to support the optimization of various preoperative problems and present a few institutional protocols utilized at out center for cardiac presurgical care. This second installment will focus on alcohol and smoking cessation and the management of frailty, malnutrition, respiratory disease, and depression.
Compressive properties characterization of PBO paper honeycomb core constituent material and relationship with honeycomb behaviors
Authors: Huang Ziqi , Long Jin , Wang Yi , Hu Jian
Published: October 2022

Poly ( p-phenylene benzoisoxazole) (abbreviation: PBO) paper honeycomb core (PPHC) is gradually being used as a novel honeycomb material for lightweight structures in high temperature environment. However, compressive properties of PBO paper can hardly be obtained accurately due to the thin thickness and easy-to-buckling of the paper. Therefore, the Short Span Test Method is applied to obtain the compressive strength of PBO paper. The compressive strength and failure of PBO paper are characterized experimentally for the first time. The strength of compression is then used in theoretical formula to study the compressive behaviors of PPHC and the reasonable agreement with the experimental results indicates the validity of the compressive strength. Furthermore, the failure mode of PPHC subjected to compressive loads is obtained, which presents the importance of the accurate characterization on the compressive strength of PBO paper.