bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A rapid method for simulating residual stress to enable optimization against cure induced distortion
Authors: Cameron Christopher J , Saseendran Sibin , Stig Fredrik , Rouhi Mohammed
Published: July 2021

In this paper a rapid method for residual cure stress analysis from composite manufacturing is presented. The method uses a high-fidelity path-dependent cure kinetics subroutine implemented in ABAQUS to calibrate a linear elastic model. The path-dependent model accounts for the tool-part interaction, forming pressure, and the changing composite modulus during the rubbery phase of matrix curing. Results are used to calculate equivalent lamina-wise coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) in 3 directions for a linear temperature analysis. The goal is to accurately predict distortions for large complex geometries as rapidly as possible for use in an optimization framework. A carbon-epoxy system is studied. Simple coupons and complex parts are manufactured and measured with a 3 D scanner to compare the manufactured and simulated distortion. Results are presented and the accuracy and limitations of the rapid simulation method are discussed with particular focus on implementation in a numerical optimization framework.
Does an occupational physician have a duty to carry out general clinical assessments?
Authors: Cioffi Andrea , Rinaldi Raffaella
Published: July 2021

An occupational physician is employed to be responsible for the overall assessment of workers’ health risks and all work-related pathological situations which creates an unusual doctor–patient relationship. The duties of the occupational physician are also very limited as is their professional responsibility. However, the boundaries of the occupational physician’s duties and responsibilities are not always clear. The purpose of this article is to answer the following question: Does the occupational doctor have a duty to carry out general clinical evaluations (not work-related) of the patient?
Where, When and With Whom: Cannabis Use, Settings and Self-Regulation Rules
Authors: Skliamis Kostas , Benschop Annemieke , Liebregts Nienke , Korf Dirk J.
Published: July 2021

This article examines to what extent and how cannabis users in different countries, with different cannabis legislation and policies practice normalization and self-regulation of cannabis use in everyday life. Data were collected in a survey among a convenience sample of 1,225 last-year cannabis users aged 18–40 from seven European countries, with cannabis policies ranging from relatively liberal to more punitive. Participants were recruited in or in the vicinity of Dutch coffeeshops. We assessed whether cannabis users experience and interpret formal control and informal social norms differently across countries with different cannabis policies. The findings suggest that many cannabis users set boundaries to control their use. Irrespective of national cannabis policy, using cannabis in private settings and setting risk avoidance rules were equally predominant in all countries. This illustrates that many cannabis users are concerned with responsible use, demonstrating the importance that they attach to discretion. Overall, self-regulation was highest in the most liberal country (the Netherlands). This indicates that liberalization does not automatically lead to chaotic or otherwise problematic use as critics of the policy have predicted, as the diminishing of formal control (law enforcement) is accompanied by increased importance of informal norms and stronger self-regulation. In understanding risk-management, societal tolerance of cannabis use seems more important than cross-national differences in cannabis policy. The setting of cannabis use and self-regulation rules were strongly associated with frequency of use. Daily users were less selective in choosing settings of use and less strict in self-regulation rules. Further differences in age, gender, and household status underline the relevance of a differentiated, more nuanced understanding of cannabis normalization.
A multiple convex Lyapunov function for asynchronous control of discrete-time switched systems
Authors: Cui Jiahao , Wang Ruihua , Fei Shumin
Published: July 2021

In this paper, the problem of asynchronous control for a class of discrete-time switched systems is investigated under mode-dependent integrated dwell time (MDIDT) switching. By constructing a time-dependent convex function, a multiple convex Lyapunov function (MCLF) is firstly proposed for the asynchronous control of the switched systems. Under the MDIDT switching strategy, the matching interval is divided reasonably, and the convex function combination is constructed on the partitioned interval. Under asynchronous switching, the Lyapunov function is continuous when the subsystem mode is switched, but discrete when the controller mode is changed. Then, the increase of the Lyapunov function in the mismatched interval will be offset by the attenuation in the matched interval. In light of these merits, the stability results of the system are deduced, and the asynchronous controller is devised to guarantee the globally uniformly exponentially stability of the closed-loop system. Comparing with the traditional asynchronous control methods, the proposed method has less conservative results and larger stability regions. Finally, a numerical example and an application example are demonstrated to verify the validity and superiority of the asynchronous control scheme.
Extended dissipative-based state estimation for Markov jump coupled neural networks with reaction-diffusion terms
Authors: Hu Dongxiao , Song Xiaona , Li Xingru
Published: July 2021

This work mainly concentrates on the state estimation for Markov jump coupled neural networks (MJCNNs) with reaction-diffusion terms, in which the memory controller is employed. First, the considered MJCNNs model is introduced, and the dynamic error system can be obtained based on the proposed state estimator. Then, a memory controller that involves constant signal transmission delay is designed. Moreover, by Lyapunov functional method, inequality technique and Kronecker product law, a novel stable and extended dissipative analysis criteria can be established to ensure that the stability of the error system the error system. Meanwhile, the controller gains can be obtained by solving linear matrix inequalities. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the developed method.
A novel voltage matching-adaptive extended Kalman filtering construction method for the state of charge prediction of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Shi Weihao , Wang Shunli , Xia Lili , Yu Peng , Li Bowen
Published: July 2021

Accurately estimating the state of charge of lithium-ion batteries is of great significance to the development of the new energy industry. This research proposes a method for estimating the state of charge of lithium-ion batteries based on a voltage matching-adaptive extended Kalman filtering algorithm. The voltage matching part and the first-order resistance-capacitance (RC) part is combined into a new equivalent circuit model. This model improves the accuracy of voltage simulation at different charging and discharging stages through segment matching. Model-based adaptive extended Kalman filter algorithm adds a noise correction factor to adaptively correct the influence of noise on the estimation process and improve the estimation accuracy. The forgetting factor is introduced to improve the real-time performance of the algorithm. To verify the reliability of the model and algorithm, a multi-condition experiment is carried out on the lithium-ion battery. The verification results show that the simulation error of the circuit model to the working state of the lithium-ion battery is less than 0.0487V. The improved algorithm can accurately estimate the state of charge of lithium-ion batteries, the estimation accuracy of the discharge stage is 98.34%, and the estimation accuracy of the charging stage is 97.75%.
The sedimentation of whiteness as landscape
Authors: Brand Anna Livia
Published: July 2021

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, one of the axioms of a “just recovery” was to redevelop the city’s historic high ground. While the call to limit the city’s footprint problematized low-lying geographies, the majority of which were Black, it ignored Lakeview, a low-lying, predominantly white neighborhood devastated by Katrina. Despite its vulnerability to flooding, Lakeview has thrived in the years following Katrina. Property values are rising and public and private investments are rolling in. Lakeview’s unquestioned future and its (re)valorization in the wake of the storm speak to how racial regimes of property have informed the reconstruction of the city and to the role that urban planning plays in constructing and valorizing landscapes of whiteness. This paper interrogates the ongoing lives of whiteness, asking how whiteness operates as an invisible substrate within planning and property regimes. Utilizing the concept of sedimentation, it explores how planning takes part in concretizing racial formation processes and suggests that the project of sustaining white geographies lays bare deeper questions about the ways that planning enacts multi-scaled, racialized regimes of property. This article excavates the emergence of Lakeview from the backswamps of a delta city to examine the unquestioned valorizations of whiteness as a landscape.
Loneliness in social relationships: Mapping the nomological network of loneliness with key conceptual domains and theoretical constructs
Authors: Anyan Frederick , Hjemdal Odin
Published: July 2021

To expand evidence for the nature and related mechanisms underlying loneliness measured by Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA-S), several hypotheses were developed and tested to map the nomological network of loneliness. Tests included examining the structure of the multidimensional experiences of loneliness, concurrent and prospective relations between loneliness, sociodemographic variables, worry, rumination, metacognition, symptoms of anxiety and depression. This study also sought to determine how resilience is involved in the protection against loneliness and depressive symptoms. Four hundred and eighty-two students with a mean age of 25.84 years ( SD = 5.74) participated ( N = 482; 59% females). Structural and temporal stability analyses supported the multidimensional experiences of loneliness, including family, romantic and social loneliness. Psychological network analysis identified especially strong connections (i.e., edges) between indicators belonging to loneliness in family and social relationships. At the general level, older participants and those who were single reported more loneliness. Loneliness was concurrently and prospectively associated with worry, rumination and metacognitions and predicted vulnerabilities in levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. At follow-up, the effect of loneliness on depressive symptoms was lower when scoring high on resilience. Interventions for loneliness may address improving family relationships and metacognitive processes underlying loneliness, which may in turn improve mental health. Interpersonal and intrapersonal protective factors involved in resilience may compensate for deficits in social relationships thereby buffering negative effects of loneliness on common mental health problems.
Aligning business strategy and information technologies in local governments using enterprise architectures
Authors: Gallegos-Baeza Daniela , Caro Angélica , Rodríguez Alfonso , Velásquez Ignacio
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, municipalities can provide services to citizens through information technologies, improving their massification and access. These are generally provided based on a country’s laws, but digitalization dissimilarities and the lack of guidelines complicate an equilibrium in their provision between the different municipalities of a country. On the other hand, enterprise architectures can be used for standardization, convergence, and interoperability in electronic governments, as they allow a holistic perspective for viewing the information technology resources of a municipality and aligning them with their business strategy. The current proposal emerges in this scenario, with the objective of presenting a method for developing reference enterprise architectures based on e-services and its use in a specific case. Concretely, a reference enterprise architecture has been developed for a set of minimum e-services that must be provided by Chilean municipalities.
Social Media Usage, Psychosocial Wellbeing and Academic Performance
Authors: Lake Yimer Beneyam
Published: July 2021

Psychosocial wellbeing questionnaires were administered to Dire Dawa Polytechnic college students ( n, 204) to examine the interrelationship of social media usage, psychosocial wellbeing, and academic performance. The result revealed that male students use social media for the reason of making new relationships and female participants used social media to maintain the relationship, those students who spend more time on Facebook followed by telegram and Whatsapp. Results of the Pearson correlation indicated that the academic performance of students negatively correlated and significantly with social media usage (telegram, Facebook, and Whatsapp), while they are positively correlated with self-esteem. Besides, depression correlated positively with telegram, Facebook, and Whatsapp usage. Facebook usage was significantly and negatively correlated with students' self-esteem and social anxiety. Moreover, female students were low self-esteem and more depressed than male students regarding social media usage. Students who had a low level of social media usage are better in their psychosocial wellbeing than those students who had a high and moderate level of media usage.
Using modulated and smoothed data improves detectability of volume difference in group comparison, but reduces accuracy with atlas-based volumetry using Statistical Parametric Mapping 12 software
Authors: Goto Masami , Murata Syo , Hori Masaaki , Nemoto Kiyotaka , Kamatgata Koji , Aoki Shigeki , Abe Osamu , Sakamoto Hajime , Sakano Yasuaki , Kyogoku Shinsuke , Daida Hiroyuki
Published: July 2021

Background

Atlas-based volumetry using three-dimensional T1-weighted (3D-T1W) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used previously to evaluate the volumes of intracranial tissues.

Purpose

To evaluate the detectability of volume difference and accuracy for volumetry using smoothed data with an atlas-based method.

Material and Methods

Twenty healthy individuals and 24 patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) underwent 3-T MRI, and sagittal 3D-T1W images were obtained in all participants. Signal values (as tissue probability) of voxels in five segmented data types (gray matter, white matter, cerebrospinal fluid [CSF], skull, soft tissue) derived from the 3D-T1W images with SPM 12 software were assigned simulated 3D-T1W signal intensities to each tissue image. The assigned data were termed “reference data.” We created a reference 3 D-T1W image that included the reference data of all five tissue types. Standard volumes were measured for the reference CSF data with region of interest of lateral ventricle in native space, and measured volumes were obtained for non-smoothed and smoothed-modulated data. Detectability was evaluated between measured volumes in the healthy control and iNPH groups. Accuracy was evaluated as the difference between the mean measured and standard volumes.

Results

In group comparison of measured volumes between the healthy control and iNPH groups, the lowest P value was for smoothed-modulated CSF data. In both groups, the largest difference from the standard volume was found for the mean of the measured volumes for smoothed-modulated CSF data.

Conclusion

Our study shows that using smoothed data can improve detectability in group comparison. However, using smoothed data reduces the accuracy of volumetry.
Combination of the Archimedes Navigation System and cryobiopsy in diagnosis of diffuse lung disease
Authors: Zhang Quncheng , Li Huili , An Yunxia , Cheng Dongjun , Sun Guannan , Qi Yong , Xuan Weixia , Wang Zheng , Zhang Xiaoju
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of the Archimedes Navigation System (Broncus Medical, San Jose, CA, USA) for guidance during transbronchial cryobiopsy and the incidence of complications in patients with diffuse lung disease.

Methods

High-resolution computed tomography and transbronchial cryobiopsy were used to evaluate eight patients with diffuse lung disease. The Archimedes Navigation System was used before cryobiopsy to obtain the best path with which to avoid large vessels. Three to five cryobiopsy specimens were taken from each sampled segment.

Results

Preoperative planning using the Archimedes Navigation System was successfully performed on all eight patients. The probe-to-pleura distance was approximately 10 mm. No cases of pneumothorax occurred, one patient developed moderate bleeding, two developed minor bleeding, and five developed minimal bleeding that stopped spontaneously. A final diagnosis was obtained for seven patients, and ongoing follow-up was being conducted for the last patient at the time of this writing.

Conclusions

This is the first report of combining navigation technology with cryobiopsy to diagnose diffuse lung disease. The Archimedes Navigation System, which provides real-time guidance, is helpful in pre-cryobiopsy planning and diagnosis of diffuse lung disease. Moreover, this system can reduce the pneumothorax rate and bleeding risk by avoiding large vessels.
Neural network adaptive backstepping control via uncertainty compensation for PMSG-based variable-speed wind turbine: Controller design and stability analysis
Authors: Beniysa Mohsin , Janati El Idrissi Aziz El , Bouajaj Adel , Réda Britel Mohammed , Ariwa Ezendu
Published: July 2021

This paper proposes a design scheme along with stability analysis of a new adaptive backstepping controller designed for permanent magnet synchronous generator-based wind turbine, by using artificial neural network-based uncertainty compensation. The idea is to control the rotor speed and the mechanical power generated under internal and external nonlinear parametric uncertainties. An uncertain model of permanent magnet synchronous generator is designed. Then, two artificial neural network compensators are built to compensate such uncertainties in the current loops. The stability of the closed-loop system is studied according to the Lyapunov function. Simulations of the dynamic model are performed under both variable step and random wind speeds by using the DEV-C++ software, and the results are plotted with MATLAB. Compared to the classical direct torque control technique, the obtained results show the robustness of the proposed controller despite the presence of different uncertainties.
Do family firms pay less for external funding?
Authors: Ali Muhammad Jahangir , Miglani Seema , Dang Man , Puwanenthiren Premkanth , Mieszko Mazur
Published: July 2021

We examine the impact of family control on the cost of raising external funds by family enterprises. Using a sample of Australian publicly listed firms, we find a significantly negative relation between cost of newly raised capital and family control. Moreover, we show that this relationship varies with the quality of corporate governance and the quality of firm’s information environment. Furthermore, we conduct several robustness checks and consistently find that our main results remain unchanged. Overall, our evidence suggests that family firms have easier access to external financing fostered by family involvement in the ownership and control.

JEL Classification: G31; G32; M41; M42
Delivery of care for migraine in the Asian Oceanian region: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Roxas Artemio , Quiles Liz Edenberg , Wang Shuu-Jiun
Published: July 2021

Objective

To determine the current availability of care for headaches, in particular migraine in the Asian Oceanian region.

Method

A questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study from August 2020 to February 2021, surveyed country representatives from the member countries of the Asian Oceanian Association of Neurology. The items of the survey were influenced by the findings and recommendations of the 2011 Atlas of Headache by Lifting the Burden and the World Health Organization.

Results

Respondents from all of the 21 member countries of the Asian Oceanian Association of Neurology and 3 other Asian countries participated in this survey. All countries have an established neurological association except for Brunei where there are only 6 neurologists. Thirteen countries (54%) have a dedicated council for headaches. The majority have no subspecialty training program for headaches (75%). Prevalence studies are available in 14 countries while 10 out of the 24 have clinical practice guidelines. Among the 6 countries who offer subspecialty training for headache, only 3 countries cater foreign neurologists. Most of the countries have a wide selection of non-specific migraine drugs. All countries except for Mongolia have at least 1 triptan but non-oral forms for triptans are only available in 8 countries. Monoclonal antibody for migraine prophylaxis is available in 12 out of 24 countries (50%). The majority of respondents agree that migraine is under-diagnosed and under-treated by non-neurologists and that more time should be allotted for lectures dedicated to primary headaches in medical schools.

Conclusion

The survey showed the scarcity of clinical guidelines, subspecialty training, dedicated headache clinics, and patient advocacy organization for the care of headache patients in the participating countries. Acute and prophylactic medications approved for migraine are available in most countries but approved non-pharmacologic devices are lacking. The recommendations in the 2011 Atlas of Headache Disorders are still to be achieved.
Comparison of fire extinguishing performance of four halon substitutes and Halon 1301
Authors: Wang Yawei , Zou Gaowan , Liu Conglin , Gao Y
Published: July 2021

The Halon 1301 fixed gas fire extinguishing system used in ship engine rooms has been banned from production all over the world, because halon destroys the ozone layer. Therefore, it is necessary to find an environmentally friendly, compatible and efficient alternative firefighting system. In this study, we performed fire extinguishing tests in an ISO9705 standard room for four alternative fire extinguishing agents, as well as Halon 1301. The fire extinguishing efficiency of each agent was determined based on its cooling effect, dilution effect of oxygen concentration, the extinguishing time of the oil pool fire and the re-ignition probability of the wood stack. The test results provide data support for the selection of alternatives of Halon 1301 from the aspect of fire extinguishing efficiency. Among these results, Novec 1230 had the best ability to put out the oil pool fire, and HFC-227ea suppressed the wood stack fire the best. The difference between the cooling ability of each fire extinguishing agent was small, and the inert gas (IG-541) displayed the best ability to dilute oxygen. Hot aerosol required the longest time to extinguish fire. Consequently, under the existing design standards, HFC-227ea had the better firefighting efficiency, more suitable to replace Halon 1301.
Naming my world: Finding my voice
Authors: Byrne Anne
Published: July 2021

This is a personal account of a sociological career over four decades, influenced by developments in Irish society and sociology. I focus on the growth of a feminist sociology, the stigmatisation of unmarried mothers, concealed stories and the changing treatment of ‘voice’ in sociological research.
Breast Density and Risk of Interval Cancers: The Effect of Annual Versus Biennial Screening Mammography Policies in Canada
Authors: Seely Jean Morag , Peddle Susan Elizabeth , Yang Huiming , Chiarelli Anna M. , McCallum Megan , Narasimhan Gopinath , Zakaria Dianne , Earle Craig C. , Fung Sharon , Bryant Heather , Nicholson Erika , Politis Chris , Berg Wendie A.
Published: July 2021

Regular screening mammography reduces breast cancer mortality. However, in women with dense breasts, the performance of screening mammography is reduced, which is reflected in higher interval cancer rates (ICR). In Canada, population-based screening mammography programs generally screen women biennially; however, some provinces and territories offer annual mammography for women with dense breast tissue routinely and/or on recommendation of the radiologist. This study compared the ICRs in those breast screening programs with a policy of annual vs. those with biennial screening for women with dense breasts. Among 148,575 women with dense breasts screened between 2008 to 2010, there were 288 invasive interval breast cancers; screening programs with policies offering annual screening for women with dense breasts had fewer interval cancers 63/70,814 (ICR 0.89/1000, 95% CI: 0.67-1.11) compared with those with policies of usual biennial screening 225/77,761 (ICR 1.45 /1000 (annualized), 95% CI: 1.19-1.72) i.e. 63% higher (p = 0.0016). In screening programs where radiologists’ screening recommendations were able to be analyzed, a total of 76,103 women were screened, with 87 interval cancers; the ICR was lower for recommended annual (65/69,650, ICR 0.93/1000, 95% CI: 0.71, 1.16) versus recommended biennial screening (22/6,453, ICR 1.70/1000 (annualized), 95%CI: 0.70, 2.71)(p = 0.0605). Screening program policies of annual as compared with biennial screening in women with dense breasts had the greatest impact on reducing interval cancer rates. We review our results in the context of current dense breast notification in Canada.
Modelling and intelligent prediction of sound quality for high-voltage fans on fuel cell vehicles
Authors: Rong Guo , Mi Tiantian , Ye Shengwang , Jiang Yanqing , Lv Jiaming , Wang Ziyi
Published: July 2021

Since fuel cell vehicles have much higher heat dissipation requirements, 350-V high-voltage fans are adopted instead of traditional 12-V cooling fans, generating more aerodynamic noise. The installed fans are required to possess not only low sound pressure level but also good psychoacoustic performance. This paper is aimed at solving the complex correlation between subjective sound quality evaluation results and objective psychoacoustics parameters and establishing a sound quality prediction model for high-voltage fans. The noise signals of two high-voltage fans operating on a fuel cell vehicle under different running conditions are collected by an artificial head and preprocessed to acquire seven objective parameters. Then the subjective evaluation experiment on the annoyance of the noise samples is carried out based on pair-wise comparison method. A sample group of 23 adults is selected and a graphical user interface is programmed for test guiding. The subjective annoyance scores of the noise signals are obtained after data processing and effectiveness verification. By analyzing the tested results, the correlations between the subjective score and each of the single psychoacoustic parameters are summarized. Two sound quality prediction models are established by multiple linear regression and backpropagation neural network respectively, and the training results of the two methods are verified and compared, proving the reliability of neural network training results. With the established models, the sound quality of the high-voltage fans can be estimated effectively without complex subjective tests, contributing to improving the acoustic performance of fan products.
Determination of mapping relation between wheel flat and wheel/rail contact force for railway freight wagon using dynamic simulation
Authors: Mu Jian , Zeng Jing , Wang Qunsheng , Sang Hutang
Published: July 2021

In order to comprehensively consider the dynamic behavior of vehicle system and the contact forces between wheel and rail, the vehicle-track coupling model is established considering the flexible wheelset and rail modal characteristics. Guyan reduction theory is introduced to reduce the degrees of freedom of wheelset and rail and to improve the calculation speed. Due to small axle load variation of freight wagon operating on the special line for the coal transportation, the vehicles with different speeds and wheel flat lengths, whether in empty or loaded conditions, are simulated and then the mapping relations between the flat lengths and wheel/rail impact force are obtained. Subsequently, the fitting functions for the empty and loaded vehicles are fitted to quantitatively detect the wheel flat by trackside equipment. The results indicate that the fitting function of empty vehicle has a better effect on predicting the flat length within 6% error since wheel/rail contact force of empty vehicle induced by wheel flat increases with the increase of flat length, while that of loaded vehicle presents a parabola variation trend at low speed and increasing trend at higher speed.
Influence of aging, disease, exercise, and injury on human hand movements: A systematic review
Authors: Sankar Krishnakumar , Michael Christudhas Jobin Christ
Published: July 2021

The human hand is a versatile organ that performs a variety of activities in daily life. The coordination of digits allows them to deal with objects of various sizes and shapes with an appropriate range of motions (ROM). A systematic literature review was performed to identify the clinical and non-clinical factors which affected the normal ROM, grip strength (GS), and dexterity of hand. The overall outcomes of the systematic review showed that: the performance of the individual declined as the age progressed; the performance of the dominant hand (DH) of an individual was better compared to his/her non-dominant hand (NDH); the tasks performed by a healthy hand was more efficient compared to a diseased one; appropriate rehabilitation programs/exercise techniques after a disease or injury improved the ROM, GS, and dexterity of hand post-surgery on par to a healthy hand.
Yawning in the history of psychiatry
Authors: Walusinski Olivier
Published: July 2021

Yawning is a fascinating physiological behaviour that has been poorly addressed except in old medical books. Whereas the purpose of this behaviour is still not clearly identified, the ancient authors made it a clinical symptom, especially a psychological one. After presenting some current notions about yawning, we review publications on yawning written by physicians, from antiquity to the twentieth century, and, in particular, those dealing with psychological and psychiatric aspects.
Development and degradation of a submontane forest in the Beskid Wyspowy Mountains (Polish Western Carpathians) during the Holocene
Authors: Kołaczek Piotr , Buczek Krzysztof , Margielewski Włodzimierz , Gałka Mariusz , Rycerz Aleksandra , Woszczyk Michał , Karpińska-Kołaczek Monika , Marcisz Katarzyna
Published: July 2021

Mountain regions harbour high biodiversity; however, in numerous areas, they are strongly degraded by human activity. Our study reconstructs the development of the submontane forest belt (400 and 650 m a.s.l.) in the Beskid Wyspowy Mountains (Western Carpathians, Central Europe) affected by climate, humans, fire, and parasitic fungi during the Holocene. This forest belt is considered the most transformed by the human in the Carpathian region. Our multi-proxy study included analyses of pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs), plant macrofossils, micro- and macrocharcoal (size fraction >100 µm, analysed in contiguous sampling), geochemical, and sedimentological markers. The results revealed that Picea abies dominated on the fen subjected to study at ca. 8510–5010 cal. BP. Tilia cordata was a substantial component of the submontane forest between ca. 8510 and 2970 cal. BP and it survived a probable Kretzschmaria deusta outbreak, as well as a period of increased fire activity (ca. 6000 cal. BP). The final retreat of forests with a substantial contribution of Tilia was induced by the expansion of Abies alba, Fagus sylvatica, and partly Carpinus betulus and was preceded by the period of increased fire activity and erosion. From ca. 900 cal. BP human-induced deforestations and agricultural and pastoral activity increased. The modern presence of woodlands with Pinus sylvestris and Larix decidua, in the submontane zone in the Beskid Wyspowy Mountains, is a result of sub-recent anthropogenic afforestation on overgrazed areas. The example of the Zbludza site reveals that changes related to fire and pathogen infections, if they have low magnitudes and new competitive taxa are absent, may be reversible in a forest composed of fire-intolerant tree taxa as Tilia. Nonetheless, the widespread submontane ecosystem degradation and the introduction of alien species hamper the regeneration of forest vegetation typical of the submontane zone.
Unemployment in Spain: The failure of wage devaluation
Authors: Villanueva Paloma , Cárdenas Luis
Published: July 2021

This article analyses from a Keynesian approach the effect of wage devaluation on the Spanish labour market during the Great Recession post-2008. It challenges the pro-flexibility literature, which attributes to labour relations reforms the prevention of larger job destruction in the recession and a larger reduction in unemployment during the subsequent expansion. Instead, we examine the role of wage devaluation in the operation of Okun’s law and gross domestic product, using an extended version of the Bhaduri–Marglin model. We find that wage devaluation has not significantly modified Okun’s law and that through its impact on income distribution, the unemployment rate rose by 1.9 percentage points. We therefore provide evidence for the negative effect of wage devaluation on gross domestic product and the positive effect on the unemployment rate.

JEL Codes: C22, E11, E24
Actively Involving Students With Learning Disabilities in Progress Monitoring Practices
Authors: Furey Jenlyn , Loftus-Rattan Susan M.
Published: July 2021

Academic progress monitoring is essential when implementing Individualized Education Programs for students with learning disabilities and more generally in a multi-tiered system of supports framework. Although students' progress is monitored frequently in schools today, these students often are not actively involved in this practice. Research has shown that actively involving students in progress monitoring through performance feedback and goal setting can lead to improved academic and motivational outcomes. This column describes a progress-monitoring performance feedback and goal-setting routine that supplements typical academic progress-monitoring practices. The ways in which the routine aligns with evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes in reading, writing, mathematics, and academic motivation are discussed. Step-by-step guidance, examples, and resources are provided to support practitioner implementation. Resources for evaluating outcomes are described.
What is the Experience of Parents During the Home Care Management of Children With Congenital Heart Disease, Following Cardiac Surgery? Findings From a Metasynthesis
Authors: Dellafiore Federica , Belloni Silvia , Caruso Rosario , Udugampolage Nathasha , Flocco Serena , Baroni Irene , Colaceci Sofia , Magon Arianna , Conte Gianluca , Manco Federica , Russo Sara , Villa Giulia , Arrigoni Cristina
Published: July 2021

The home management of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) in the postsurgical phase represents one of the most complex phases for their parents. To date, the information available in the scientific landscape regarding the experiences and difficulties faced by the parents of children with CHD during this phase is still lacking. Accordingly, the study aims to synthesize the available qualitative evidence on parents’ experience during the home care management of children with CHD after cardiac surgery. Two databases were systematically searched to identify qualitative studies relating to parental experience about the home care management of children with CHD after cardiac surgery. Studies were carried out using Noblit and Hare's meta-ethnographic approach. The search yielded 183 results. After applying the inclusion criteria, nine articles were included in the meta-synthesis. The included articles were analyzed following the meta-ethnography approach. Five main themes were identified: (a) psychological and emotional impact and daily challenges; (b) continuity of care; (c) loneliness, isolation, and the need for knowledge; (d) new parental role; (e) assistance and support. The role of parents in the postsurgical phase of children with CHD is essential. However, numerous psychological nuances and emotional contradictions emerged from the experience of parents involved in this phase. Further studies are needed to identify parenting health and psychosocial support improvement strategies at home.
Role of Risk Taking and Inhibitory Control in Alcohol Use Among Maltreated Adolescents and Nonmaltreated Adolescents
Authors: Kim Hyoun K. , Bruce Jacqueline
Published: July 2021

Exposure to childhood maltreatment is a significant risk factor for the development and persistence of problematic alcohol use. The present study examined the role of risk taking and inhibitory control, key cognitive processes believed to govern behavioral regulation, as mechanisms that underlie the association between childhood maltreatment and the early stages of alcohol use. A sample of 129 maltreated adolescents and 102 socioeconomic status–matched, nonmaltreated adolescents and their parents completed three annual assessments, including computer-administered tasks and adolescent- and parent-report questionnaires, across ages 12–13 through 14–15 years. Childhood maltreatment was not directly associated with alcohol use in middle adolescence but was significantly associated with deficits in inhibitory control in early adolescence, which, in turn, led to significantly increased alcohol use in middle adolescence. Indeed, decreased inhibitory control was significant as a mediator, highlighting the salient role of this cognitive process in the early stages of alcohol use among maltreated adolescents.
Clinical nurses’ knowledge and practices on routine care related to the prevention of complications of peripheral intravenous therapy: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yilmaz Derya Uzelli , Yilmaz Dilek , Karaman Dilek
Published: July 2021

Aim:

The aim of this descriptive and cross-sectional study was to determine the knowledge and practices of nurses related to the prevention of peripheral intravenous therapy (PIT) complications, and to identify the influencing factors.

Methods:

The study adopted a cross-sectional and descriptive design and was conducted between April and August of 2018 with a total of 214 clinical nurses. The data collection tools employed were a 12-item sociodemographic questionnaire and a 16-item questionnaire on knowledge and practices related to the prevention of peripheral intravenous therapy complications.

Results:

The mean knowledge scores of the nurses were found to be 81.54 ± 12.06 (min: 50, max: 100). No statistically significant difference was found to exist between the scores, and the variables of the nurses’ gender, length of employment in the health profession, type of work, training received related to PIT complications, and self-competence level in PIT complications.

Conclusion:

The nurses were found to have high knowledge levels; however, their practices for preventing PIT complications differed. Standardized practice procedures and workplace training are needed in order to transform nurses’ knowledge into practice with regard to the prevention of PIT complications.
(In)visible perceptions of objects (‘things’) during early transitions: Intertwining subjectivities in ECEC
Authors: White E Jayne , Westbrook Fiona , Hawkes Kathryn , Lord Waveney , Redder Bridgette
Published: July 2021

Objects in early childhood education (ECEC) experiences have begun to receive a great deal more attention than ever before. Although much of this attention has emerged recently from new materialism, in this paper we turn to Merleau-Ponty’s phenomenological concern with the (in)visibility of ‘things’ to illuminate the presence of objects within infant transitions. Drawing on notions of écart and reversibility, we explore the relational perceptions objects are bestowed with on the lead up to, and first day of, infant transitions. Recognizing the intertwining subjectivities that perceive the object, a series of videos and interviews with teachers and parents across three ECEC sites in Australia and New Zealand provided a rich source of phenomenological insight. Our analysis reveals objects as deeply imbued anchoring links that enable relational possibilities for transitions between home and ECEC service. Visible and yet invisible to adults (parents and/or teachers) who readily engage with objects during earliest transitions, the significance of things facilitates opportunities to forge new relationships, create boundaries and facilitate connections. As such, our paper concludes that objects are far more than mediating tools, or conceptual agents; they provide an explicit route to understanding with potential to play a vital role in supporting effective early transitions when granted visibility within this important phenomenon.
Modeling the emissions of a gasoline engine during high-transient operation using machine learning approaches
Authors: Moradi Mohammad Hossein , Heinz Alexander , Wagner Uwe , Koch Thomas
Published: July 2021

To perform a suitable optimization method in terms of emission and efficiency for an internal combustion engine, first highly accurate and possible real-time capable modeling for the transient operations should be provided. In this work, the modeling of NO x and HC raw emission (before exhaust aftertreatment systems) in a six-cylinder gasoline engine under highly transient operation was performed using machine learning approaches. Three different machine learning methods, namely Artificial Neural Network, Long Short-Term Memory, and Random Forest were used and the results of these models were compared with each other. In general, the results show a significant improvement in accuracy compared to other studies that have modeled transient operations. Furthermore, the shortcoming of Artificial Neural Network for the prediction of the HC emission by the transient operation is observed. The coefficient of determination ( R2) for the best model for NO x prediction is 0.98 and 0.97 for the training data and test data, respectively. This value is 0.9 and 0.89 for the best HC prediction model.
The Crosstalk Between Long Non-Coding RNAs and Various Types of Death in Cancer Cells
Authors: Tang Wenwen , Zhu Shaomi , Liang Xin , Liu Chi , Song Linjiang
Published: July 2021

With the increasing aging population, cancer has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and the number of cancer cases and deaths is only anticipated to grow further. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are closely associated with the expression level of downstream genes and various types of bioactivity, are regarded as one of the key regulators of cancer cell proliferation and death. Cell death, including apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, plays a vital role in the progression of cancer. A better understanding of the regulatory relationships between lncRNAs and these various types of cancer cell death is therefore urgently required. The occurrence and development of tumors can be controlled by increasing or decreasing the expression of lncRNAs, a method which confers broad prospects for cancer treatment. Therefore, it is urgent for us to understand the influence of lncRNAs on the development of different modes of tumor death, and to evaluate whether lncRNAs have the potential to be used as biological targets for inducing cell death and predicting prognosis and recurrence of chemotherapy. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the various forms of cancer cell death, including apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, and to describe the mechanisms of different types of cancer cell death that are regulated by lncRNAs in order to explore potential targets for cancer therapy.
Closure of Complex Wounds by a Simple Skin Stretching System Associated With Vacuum Sealing Drainage—Clinical Outcome of 34 Patients
Authors: Wu Yaojun , Chen Liang , Mao Xinliang , Ru Zhengliang , Yu Liying , Chen Mimi , Wang Jingnan , Chen Jiejie , Pang Qingjiang
Published: July 2021

Management of complex wounds with large skin defects presents a real challenge for orthopedic or reconstructive surgeons. We developed a simple skin stretching system associated with vacuum sealing drainage to examine the efficiency and complication. A total of 34 patients with different types of complex wounds were retrospectively included from January 2015 to March 2021. All patients in the study were underwent the treatment by 2 stages. The method was used to the wounds from 4.71 to 169.65 cm2 with a median defect size of 25.13 cm2. The median time for wound closure was 11.5 days (range: 5-32 days), although the median absolute reduction was 2.08 cm2/day (range: 0.15-25.66 cm2/day). Depending on the site of the wounds, the cause of the wound, and the rate of max-width/max-length ( W/ L), these complex wounds could be separately divided into several groups. There were statistically significant differences in the median value of the above variables ( P < .05 Kruskal–Wallis test). The results showed that different anatomical sites had different viscoelastic properties, the complex wounds caused by trauma were easier to close than caused by diabetic foot and the complex wounds in group A ( W/ L ＞ 0.5) were more difficult to close than in group B ( W/ L ≤ 0.5). No major complications were encountered in this study. In summary, the results of our study showed that the simple skin stretching system associated with vacuum sealing drainage was a safe approach for closure of complex wounds. Nevertheless, more attention should be paid to the viscoelasticity of the wounds to ensure closure and avoid undue complications when applying the method.
Reaching Out: The Lived Experiences of Self-Becoming Through International Service-Learning
Authors: Liou Chin-Ping
Published: July 2021

Research findings generally agree that international-service-learning (ISL) experiences may contribute to changes in the self in service learners. However, few studies have investigated how the self is experienced and rediscovered in the process of ISL. The purpose of this study was to investigate how students experienced their own self-becoming in interpersonal encounters with locals during ISL experiences. Seven in-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted with seven college students engaged in a 21-day ISL project in Ghana; their accounts were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Three major themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) experiencing a gap, (2) launching out into the deep, and (3) embracing new possibilities. The findings provide a basis for future research and demonstrate the potential of ISL to help students explore and reconstruct their sense of self.
Constitutions and Gender Equality in Chile and Argentina
Authors: Lambert Priscilla , Scribner Druscilla
Published: July 2021

Gender equality provisions have become nearly standard in constitutional design for new democracies. How do such provisions affect the ability of women’s rights advocates to achieve social change? To address this question, we compare the political use (legislation, policy, and judicial interpretation) of these provisions in Chile and Argentina, countries that differ with respect to how they have constitutionalised gender rights. The comparative analysis demonstrates how gender-specific constitutional provisions provide a legal basis and legitimacy for women’s rights advocates to advance new policy, protect policy gains, and pursue rights-based cases through the courts.