bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Sequential Dynamic Chevron Warning Systems on Rural Two-Lane Curves
Authors: Hallmark Shauna , Goswamy Amrita , Litteral Theresa , Hawkins Neal , Smadi Omar , Knickerbocker Skylar
Published: July 2020

Roadway departure crashes are a significant safety concern. The majority of these crashes occur on rural two-lane roadways, with a disproportionate number occurring on horizontal curves. The average crash rate for horizontal curves is about three times that of other highway segments. Curve-related crashes involve a number of roadway and driver causative factors, with speed being a preeminent factor. Implementing safety countermeasures on rural horizontal curves to address these crash types can improve the safety performance. Chevron alignment signs provide additional emphasis and guidance for drivers negotiating curves. To further emphasize the curve, some agencies have started using a sequential dynamic chevron warning system (SDCWS) which uses light emitting diode (LED) lights within each chevron sign to provide sequential lighted guidance through the curve. The research team evaluated 18 rural horizontal two-lane curves where a SDCWS had been implemented. Reference sites with similar characteristics were selected and included in the study. Models were developed using an empirical Bayes methodology for non-intersection (total) crashes and injury crashes. Additional countermeasures were present at some of the sites and were included in the model. Using these data, the study developed crash modification factors (CMFs) for SDCWS with a resulting CMF of 0.34 for total crashes (non-intersection) and 0.49 for injury crashes.
Reverse logistics system applied to the reuse of iron ore tailings
Authors: de Araújo Samantha Rodrigues , Rodrigues Lásara Fabrícia , Mendes Júlia Castro , Peixoto Ricardo André Fiorotti
Published: July 2020

Iron ore tailings (IOT) from tailings dams cause significant environmental, economic, and social impacts, which has motivated the search for reuse alternatives. In this scenario, the present work uses reverse logistics to size the resources required to reuse the IOT for road infrastructure. A reverse logistics system was modelled to transport the IOT from the tailings dam to a processing plant and then to the construction site of a road. Resource capacity constraints and operational limitations were considered, and the economic feasibility of the system was analysed. Two scenarios for tailings transportation on the dam/plant route were simulated aiming at a cost less than R$ 25 (US$ 6.13) per tonne: (1) trucks; and (2) conveyor belts. The economic feasibility of both scenarios was proven, with scenario 1 presenting the most promising results – a transport distance of 290 km within the established price limit. This methodology can thus be applied to encourage the large-scale reuse of IOT.
The Effect of Home Foreclosures on Child Maltreatment Rates: A Longitudinal Examination of Neighborhoods in Cleveland, Ohio
Authors: Hoyle Mary Elizabeth , Chamberlain Alyssa W. , Wallace Danielle
Published: July 2020

Foreclosure rates have been linked to increased levels of neighborhood stress. Neighborhood stressors can impact a number of interpersonal and familial dynamics, including child maltreatment. Despite this, little research has examined the relationship between neighborhood foreclosure rates and aggregate trends in child maltreatment. Using substantiated child maltreatment cases, foreclosure, and census data at the neighborhood level in Cleveland, Ohio we find that home foreclosures are a significant predictor of neighborhood rates of child maltreatment. Importantly, this effect is durable and is not impacted by the housing crisis. Furthermore, this is a direct effect and is not shaped by other neighborhood conditions like poverty, as found in prior research. From a policy perspective, this suggests that policy makers need to be cognizant of the effect of foreclosures on child maltreatment regardless of the historical and economic contexts of the neighborhood.
Trust in the Underground: The Case from the History of “Solidarity”
Authors: Olaszek Jan
Published: July 2020

The article analyses the role of trust in the underground structures of the Polish opposition in the 1980s. The empirical material on which the analysis is based comprises historical sources concerning the history of one of the opposition groups in Warsaw, formed around an underground trade union structure (Inter-Enterprise Coordinating Committee), underground periodical (“Wola”) and a few other oppositional initiatives. The author looks for answers to the following questions: What types of trust can we find in the underground? What did it mean that one conspirator trusted another? and What was trust based on? First, the author characterizes the Solidarity movement after the imposition of martial law and shows why during this time the problem of trust was so important. Then he explains why this topic is interesting and useful not only for a historian of Solidarity but also for other researchers. He places his research in the context of historians’ works about trust, and especially about the problem of trust in communist countries. The author proposes two classifications of trust in the underground. He distinguishes trust regarding the following traits of colleagues: reliability, discretion, and integrity. The second classification concerns the basis for trust. The first type (“old”) is trust based on prior contact. The second type (“new”) is trust built during underground activity. In the conclusion, the author considers the role of trust in underground activity. The author puts forward the thesis that in opposition activities, trust was much more important than shared political views, to which historians of the Polish opposition generally attach great importance.
Evaluation of a Pharmacy Service to Lower BMI Prior to Total Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Chaplin Michelle DeGeeter , Boland Cassie L. , Custer Buzz , Gillette Chris
Published: July 2020

Background:

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) postsurgical complications are increased in patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2. Reducing BMI prior to surgery can be complicated and it is important to find effective methods to achieve weight loss goals prior to surgery. Pharmacy services have proven to be effective models for weight loss in prior studies and may be an avenue for achieving BMI reduction prior to TJA surgeries.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to examine the benefit of pharmacist-driven interventions in an ambulatory care setting to achieve weight loss goals prior to TJA orthopedic surgeries.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients referred from an orthopedic surgeon’s office to a clinical pharmacist service providing chronic disease state management. Patients were referred based on need to decrease BMI prior to TJA orthopedic surgeries. Visits included evaluations of medications, education on weight loss management techniques, including therapeutic lifestyle changes, and recommendations for weight loss medications.

Results:

There was a statistically significant difference in post-BMI when compared with pre-BMI ( P = .007). Of 16 subjects who had complete pre- and post-BMI measurements, 4 (25%) subjects met their BMI goal. There was a statistically significant relationship between the number of appointments and difference in BMI (ρ = −0.71, P = .002).

Conclusion:

Pharmacists may be utilized in a collaborative health care model in the ambulatory care setting to assist patients with lifestyle or medication management to achieve weight loss prior to orthopedic surgeries.
The Reciprocal Relationship between Instrumental Support from Children and Self-Rated Health among Older Adults over Time in Rural China
Authors: Mao Weiyu , Silverstein Merril , Prindle John J. , Chi Iris
Published: July 2020

Objective: To investigate the dynamic interplay between instrumental support from children and self-rated health (SRH) among older adults over time in rural China. Methods: Data came from a regional representative, longitudinal study The Well-Being of Older People in Anhui Province collected in 2001, 2003, 2006, 2009, and 2012. At baseline, 1636 respondents reported having at least one child. Bivariate latent change score modeling was conducted, and sequential model comparison was used to assess the directionality of the reciprocal association. Results: Older adults who received higher levels of help with household chores from children tended to experience improvement in subsequent SRH, irrespective of gender. There is no evidence to support the influence of SRH on subsequent changes in instrumental support. Discussion: This study sheds light on the sequence of changes between support and health processes using population-based data within a specific sociocultural context.
Functional survival forests for multivariate longitudinal outcomes: Dynamic prediction of Alzheimer’s disease progression
Authors: Lin Jeffrey , Li Kan , Luo Sheng
Published: July 2020

The random survival forest (RSF) is a non-parametric alternative to the Cox proportional hazards model in modeling time-to-event data. In this article, we developed a modeling framework to incorporate multivariate longitudinal data in the model building process to enhance the predictive performance of RSF. To extract the essential features of the multivariate longitudinal outcomes, two methods were adopted and compared: multivariate functional principal component analysis and multivariate fast covariance estimation for sparse functional data. These resulting features, which capture the trajectories of the multiple longitudinal outcomes, are then included as time-independent predictors in the subsequent RSF model. This non-parametric modeling framework, denoted as functional survival forests, is better at capturing the various trends in both the longitudinal outcomes and the survival model which may be difficult to model using only parametric approaches. These advantages are demonstrated through simulations and applications to the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.
Adjusted win ratio with stratification: Calculation methods and interpretation
Authors: Gasparyan Samvel B , Folkvaljon Folke , Bengtsson Olof , Buenconsejo Joan , Koch Gary G
Published: July 2020

The win ratio is a general method of comparing locations of distributions of two independent, ordinal random variables, and it can be estimated without distributional assumptions. In this paper we provide a unified theory of win ratio estimation in the presence of stratification and adjustment by a numeric variable. Building step by step on the estimate of the crude win ratio we compare corresponding tests with well known non-parametric tests of group difference (Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Fligner–Policello test, van Elteren test, test based on the regression on ranks, and the rank analysis of covariance test). We show that the win ratio gives an interpretable treatment effect measure with corresponding test to detect treatment effect difference under minimal assumptions.
The Psychology of Intolerance: Unpacking Diverse Understandings of Intolerance
Authors: Verkuyten Maykel , Adelman Levi , Yogeeswaran Kumar
Published: July 2020

Intolerance appears to be commonplace worldwide. There are near-daily reports of intolerance toward refugees and immigrants, people from different religious and ethnic groups, and people who hold ideologically differing viewpoints. However, not all forms of intolerance are the same. In the present work, we discuss the psychology of three understandings of intolerance that are concealed within the literature: (a) prejudicial intolerance based on rigidity, closedmindedness, and antipathy toward a group of people; (b) intuitive intolerance involving disapproval of out-group beliefs or practices based on unreflective responding; and (c) deliberative intolerance, which involves interfering with specific beliefs or practices that are considered to violate moral principles and values. We argue that these three understandings have different implications for (a) how to respond to intolerance and (b) how disagreements on interpretation of examples of intolerance can result in irreconcilable differences among cultural, religious, and ideological groups.
Multi-task deep learning of near infrared spectra for improved grain quality trait predictions
Authors: Assadzadeh S , Walker CK , McDonald LS , Maharjan P , Panozzo JF
Published: July 2020

A global predictive model was developed for protein, moisture, and grain type, using near infrared (NIR) spectra. The model is a deep convolutional neural network, trained on NIR spectral data captured from wheat, barley, field pea, and lentil whole grains. The deep learning model performs multi-task learning to simultaneously predict grain protein, moisture, and type, with a significant reduction in prediction errors compared to linear approaches (e.g., partial least squares regression). Moreover, it is shown that the convolutional network architecture learns much more efficiently than simple feedforward neural network architectures of the same size. Thus, in addition to improved accuracy, the presented deep network is very efficient to implement, both in terms of model development time, and the required computational resources.
Data Linkage: Cleft Live-Birth Prevalence and Hospitalizations in Western Australia: 1980 to 2016
Authors: Nicholls Wendy , Harper Craig , Robinson Suzanne
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To provide information on live-birth prevalence and hospitalizations, including anxiety and depression, for cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) in Western Australia (WA), using live-birth data 1980 to 2015.

Design:

Retrospective data linkage.

Setting:

Tertiary hospital.

Patients:

Cleft cohort consisted of people live-born with CL/P in WA between 1980 and 2015, and a gender and age-matched control group.

Measures:

Live-birth prevalence for CL/P by year. Hospital event counts, event ages, and length of stay (LOS) days by 18 diagnosis groups and 4 birth year categories between the cleft cohort and control group, and between cleft types. Count of events per alive persons per calendar year, and relative risk for proportions of persons in the cleft cohort and control group by diagnosis group.

Results:

Live-birth prevalence for CL/P was 19.7 per 10 000 (1 in 522). The cleft cohort had significantly higher event counts, lower event ages, and higher LOS days than the control group. Cleft lip and palate had significantly higher event counts, lower event ages, and higher LOS days than cleft lip or cleft palate only. There were 2 significant differences for anxiety or depression between the cleft cohort and control group, lower event ages, and higher LOS days in 1990s birth year category.

Conclusions:

This study provides a cleft data reference for WA. Live-birth prevalence for all clefts and by cleft type offers an appropriate method for estimating service utilization and provision. Patients with cleft accessed hospital services more frequently, at an earlier age, with higher LOS days than the control group.
The Impact of Family Strengths Oriented Therapeutic Conversations on Parents of Children with a New Chronic Illness Diagnosis
Authors: Svavarsdottir Erla Kolbrun , Kamban Solrun W. , Konradsdottir Elísabet , Sigurdardottir Anna Olafia
Published: July 2020

A growing number of families with children are dealing with a new diagnosis of chronic illnesses or health problems that are demanding. Nurses are in a prime position to provide support and empowerment to these families. The aim of the study was to evaluate the benefits of two sessions of a Family Strengths Oriented Therapeutic Conversation (FAM-SOTC) intervention, offered by advanced practice nurses (APNs) to mothers ( N = 31) of children and adolescents in Iceland with newly diagnosed chronic illnesses/disorders. Families of children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), epilepsy, Type 1 diabetes (T1DM), or with sleep disturbance with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), reported significantly higher family support, greater conviction about their illness beliefs, increased quality of life, and greater satisfaction with health care services after receiving two sessions of the FAM-SOTC intervention (Time 2) compared to before the intervention (Time 1). The findings emphasize the importance of the APN’s role and family nursing expertise in supporting families of children with a new diagnosis of chronic illnesses or disorders who are in active treatment.
Hybrids Before Nonprofits: Key Challenges, Institutional Logics, and Normative Rules of Behavior of News Media Dedicated to Social Welfare
Authors: Sparviero Sergio
Published: July 2020

This article proposes comparing nonprofit news organizations that prioritize social welfare goals with the hybrid organizational form that mixes the institutional logics of charities and business enterprises: the Social Enterprise. The institutional logic comprises organizing templates, patterns of actions and values. These Social News Enterprises (SNEs) are analyzed as hybrids mixing the institutional logics of commercial, public, and alternative news media. Financed by donations and the revenue from services, SNEs engage in public, investigative, and explanatory journalism. Normative behavioral principles of SNEs are used to compare the impact-based model of ProPublica with the growth-focused model of The Texas Tribune.
Operating Profit Drivers for Large Companies in the Spanish Hotel Sector: A Temporal Analysis (2004-2017)
Authors: Carreras-Simó Miquel
Published: July 2020

The improvement of performance and profitability in hotel companies is backed by a continuous and progressive management process. However, research methodologies have generally adopted a static perspective that does not specify the concrete trajectories used by companies to improve management performance and profitability. This article proposes a dynamic methodological approach to analyze the profit drivers of the largest Spanish hotel companies throughout the period 2004 to 2017. This period is characterized by a recession and subsequent economic recovery, and therefore, it supplies a long and varying perspective for evaluating the management trajectories used by these companies to push their profits. Findings show that the composition of profit drivers is neither uniform nor time invariant and can depend on both external and internal factors.
Swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography vitreo-retinal segmentation in proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Papayannis Alessandro , Tsamis Emmanouil , Stringa Francesco , Iacono Pierluigi , Battaglia Parodi Maurizio , Stanga Paulo Eduardo
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

To identify a new cortical vitreous segmentation protocol for non invasive standardised investigation of Neovascularisation (NV) with detection of regression of NV activity in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy (PDR).

Design:

Retrospective study.

Participants:

One hundred and eighty-six eyes of 93 consecutive diabetic patients (mean age: 52.6 ± 11.0 years) imaged using Topcon Triton® Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (SS-OCTA) from June 2015 to January 2017.

Methods:

Scans were performed through the macula, optic disc and areas of possible NV in mid-peripheral retina using 6 × 6 mm and/or 9 × 9 mm raster-patterns in three segmentation protocols: Vitreo-Retinal (VRS), Outer-Vitreous (OVS) and Core-Vitreous Segmentation (CVS). Any suspicion of PDR was confirmed in all patients by Heidelberg® Widefield-Fundus-Fluorescein-Angiography (WF-FFA) and/or Optos® Ultra-WF-FFA (UWF-FFA). Inter-observer reproducibility of NV diagnosis and agreement between SS-OCTA and UWF-FFA were assessed. Primary outcome was the identification of an effective and reproducible segmentation protocol. Secondary outcome was the identification of NV regression after treatment.

Results:

Sensitivity-specificity reached, respectively, the value of 100 to 100 in detecting NVD, and 96.6 to 100 in detecting NVE in compared areas. SS-OCTA was able to confirm absence of blood flow within the residual NV plexus when using VRS protocol in 30 eyes in which regression of NV with absence of leakage was documented on FFA.

Conclusion:

Three segmentation protocols (VRS, OVS and CVS) with different but complementary characteristics, allowed a reproducible and standardised investigation of NVD and NVE. The proposed new SS-OCTA cortical vitreous segmentation protocols may be of value when identifying and assessing NV-activity (VRS, OVS and CVS) or NV-regression (VRS) in PDR and therefore, response to therapy.
Comparison between Fundus Automated Perimetry and Humphrey Field Analyzer: Performance and usability of the Fundus Automated Perimetry and Humphrey Field Analyzer in healthy, ocular hypertensive, and glaucomatous patients
Authors: Morbio Roberta , Longo Chiara , De Vitto Antonia Maria Luce , Comacchio Francesco , Della Porta Lucia Barbara , Marchini Giorgio
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

We compared the performance and usability of the Fundus Automated Perimetry (FAP) and Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) in patients with glaucoma, ocular hypertension, and healthy subjects.

Materials and methods:

A total of 60 participants, divided in three groups of 20, glaucoma (POAG), ocular hypertension (OHT), and controls group, underwent a HFA test 24-2 SITA standard and a FAP test 24-2 ZEST sequence, in randomized order. The mean differences between perimeters of mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD) were correlated using the t-test and the Bland–Altman plot while execution time, Glaucoma Staging System 2 (GSS2), Hodapp–Parrish–Anderson staging system, localization of the defect, false positives (FP), and false negatives (FN) were compared with t-test analysis. Usability was measured through answers of a dedicated questionnaire.

Results:

MD’s difference was higher for FAP than HFA: OHT −2.20 ± 1.33 dB ( p < 0.001), POAG −2.00 ± 1.66 dB ( p < 0.001), and controls −1.08 ± 1.43 dB ( p < 0.001). PSD’s difference was higher for FAP than HFA: OHT 0.85 ± 1.16 dB ( p < 0.001), POAG 0.78 ± 2.32 dB ( p = 0.043), and controls 0.49 ± 1.15 dB ( p < 0.001). GSS2’s difference showed that FAP found more severe defects than HFA. Exams duration was longer for FAP versus HFA: in OHT 363 s versus 301 s, in POAG 494 s versus 362 s, and in controls 360 s versus 277 s. For FN and FP, there were no statistically significant differences. The 77% of all subjects preferred FAP to HFA test.

Conclusion:

Considering MD and GSS2 classification, FAP finds more severe defects. Moreover, although FAP duration is longer, this method is preferred by most of the patients.
Effect of turmeric oil and halloysite nano clay as anti-oxidant and anti-wear additives in rice bran oil
Authors: Sneha E , Sarath VS , Rani S , Bindu Kumar K
Published: July 2020

Mineral oils, which are mainly used as lubricant base oils in industries and automobiles, are non-bio degradable, toxic and cause harm to our environment. A large quantity of the lubricants, approximately 150 million barrels are used per year. In order to tackle the adverse effects of mineral oils on the environment, an idea emerged to replace mineral oils with an environmentally friendly bio lubricant. Vegetable oils having good lubricating properties, biodegradability and non-toxicity became the forerunners in these new bio lubricant formulation methods. In this paper, physical, chemical, tribological properties and oxidative stability of rice bran oil with two non-toxic additives, namely turmeric oil and halloysite nano clay, were evaluated. The gas chromatography method was used for structure elucidation. The tribological properties were evaluated by a four-ball apparatus as per ASTM D4172-94. Rice bran oil with 0.1% halloysite nano clay and 1.5% turmeric oil has shown 16.1% and 13.4% reduction in coefficient of friction and wear scar diameter, respectively, whereas the acid and peroxide value has reduced to 49% and 52%, respectively, when compared with the pure rice bran oil. The effect of turmeric oil in rice bran oil was evaluated using DFT-based quantum chemical studies using Gaussian 09, and it was found that the curcumin, which is the major component of turmeric oil, has shown good anti-oxidant behaviour. The properties of rice bran oil were observed to increase at a synergic combination of turmeric oil and halloysite nano clay.
Gratitude and social support mediate the association between mindfulness and mood: A cross-cultural replication study
Authors: Mirnics Zsuzsanna , Hittner James B , Swickert Rhonda , Kövi Zsuzsanna
Published: July 2020

Swickert and colleagues surveyed young adults in the United States and found that gratitude and social support mediated the association between mindfulness and mood (both positive and negative affect). This study attempted to replicate Swickert et al.’s mediational findings using a young adult Hungarian sample. Results indicated that with one exception, the mediational findings were replicated. The exception was that for the Hungarians, gratitude did not mediate the association between mindfulness and negative affect. Overall, these findings indicate that the mediational effects of gratitude and social support are quite similar for individuals living in the United States and Hungary.
Disentangling annuities and transfers: The case of Greek retirement benefits
Authors: Leventi Chrysa , Matsaganis Manos
Published: July 2020

The aim of this paper is to estimate the relative importance of annuities and transfers in Greek retirement benefits and to assess their impact on intergenerational and intragenerational equity. We analyse a large sample of private sector workers retiring in 2008. Adopting a longitudinal approach, we compute the net present value of contributions paid and benefits received by individuals over their life course. We define the difference between the two as the implicit transfer, which can be either positive or negative. Lifetime retirement benefits are calculated both according to the rules in place at the time of retirement, and after the spending cuts introduced in 2010-2013. Our findings suggest that for the vast majority of retirees pension benefits are heavily subsidized, i.e. exceed the actuarially fair level paid for by social contributions. Austerity policies have reduced but not eliminated this subsidy.
Surface distribution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in Leishenshan Hospital in China
Authors: Wang Ying , Qiao Fu , Zhou Fuling , Yuan Yufeng
Published: July 2020

The global pandemic of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) necessitated the rapid construction of field hospitals as the main strategies to control the detrimental effects of the outbreak. Little is known about the extent of the environmental contamination of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in an urgently field hospital. A total of 66 surface samples were randomly collected from a general isolation ward and an ICU (intensive care unit) at a rapidly built field hospital (Wuhan Leishenshan Hospital) in Wuhan, China, from 12 March to 17 March 2020. The samples were used for SARS-CoV-2 detection and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) monitoring. Among these samples, 3.03% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. The nurses' hands and nurse station in the ICU were weakly positive (CT value = 38.79; CT value = 37.56) and the ATP value of these two sites was higher than the mean value of all samples (ATP = 817; ATP = 577). The environmental cleaning and disinfection normalization bundle measures in Leishenshan hospital included air disinfection, object surface cleaning and disinfection, instrument equipment surface disinfection and hand hygiene, etc. These have been tested and were shown to be reliable and useful. Our experience can provide a useful reference in the fight against the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19.
A review of spectral analysis for low-frequency transient vibrations
Authors: Chen Chin-Tsun , Chang Luh-Maan , Loh Chin-Hsiung
Published: July 2020

The precision tools equipped with active vibration isolation platform in high-tech facilities are sensitive to low-frequency vibration. Currently, there are neither standards nor rules to select the time period of vibration data for conducting the spectral analysis of low-frequency vibration, and none of the analyses can be used to compare and discuss the differences of spectral amplitude generated by the selection of different time periods. Therefore, to estimate the amplitude of low-frequency vibration, the spectral analysis at low-frequency range is crucial. This paper is to elaborate the spectral analysis procedures on various band widths by using zero-padding on the vibration signal in low-frequency band. The mechanism not only facilitates to obtain more reliable result but also to lay a common base for comparison from different user. Finally, the in situ measurement data, including high-speed train-induced low-frequency vibration, are used to exemplify the length of time period affects the results of spectral analysis, either on narrowband or one-third octave band analysis.
Rupture of alumina coatings on C35 steel: A numerical simulation
Authors: Berkouch Réda , Bernardie Raphaëlle , Valette Stéphane , Lefort Pierre , Absi Joseph
Published: July 2020

The knowledge of the rupture mechanism of multilayer systems is necessary for improving the bonding of materials, particularly for the ceramic-to-metal junctions, and especially in the case of the ceramic coatings on metallic substrates. For this purpose, coupling experimental measurements of macroscopic interfacial adhesions with numerical tools of fracture mechanics allow understanding how the stress distribution and the cracking mechanisms are influenced by the local environment. This brings an explanation to the cracks initiation and propagation and to the role of local characteristics of the interfacial zone. The present work illustrates this, in the case of alumina coatings strongly bonded to C35 steel substrates previously pre-oxidized in CO2. The experimental tool is based on the “silver print test”. It consists in covering the central part of the samples with a thin layer of silver paint before coating in order to create a defect zone. Concerning the numerical part, the finite element method is used as a powerful tool to describe the mechanical phenomena at the local scale influencing the crack propagation. The obtained numerical results show a good agreement with the experimental observations and they allow a local description of the phenomena influencing the cracking mechanism. Moreover, they lead to a concrete proposition for improving the coatings adherence.
An Investigation Into the Relationship Between Playfulness and Well-being in Australian Adults: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Farley Arlena , Kennedy-Behr Ann , Brown Ted
Published: July 2020

Playfulness is well researched in children; however, much less is known about its impact on the well-being of adults. To investigate the relationship between playfulness and well-being in Australian adults. Participants ( N = 175) completed the Other-directed, Lighthearted, Intellectual, and Whimsical (OLIW) scale for playfulness and the Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationship, Meaning, and Accomplishment (PERMA-Profiler) scale for well-being through an online survey. Multiple regression analyses with bootstrapping were completed to investigate whether playfulness predicted well-being. Six of the eight regression models analyzed contained significant predictors of well-being in adults. Adult playfulness exhibited the most robust positive relations with positive emotion, engagement while with others and during activities, relationships, finding meaning in one’s life, and overall well-being. Playfulness was significantly related to several different indicators of well-being in adults. Therefore, incorporating elements of playfulness during occupational engagement could potentially nurture an individual’s well-being.
Experimental and numerical study of the effect of coil structure on induction nitriding temperature field
Authors: Song Kangjie , Guan Jing , Li Kunmao , Liu Jing
Published: July 2020

The axial and radial temperature distributions of an induction heating workpiece considerably impact the subsequent nitriding process. To obtain a satisfactory temperature distribution, an equal pitch coil, a variable pitch coil, and a variable radius coil were designed. Furthermore, an induction heating model that exhibits electromagnetic and temperature field coupling was established; thus, the effects of the current density and frequency on the heating efficiency and temperature distribution of the workpiece were analyzed and compared. In addition, an induction heating experiment was conducted to verify the model. According to the numerical results, the variable radius coil can reduce the axial temperature difference in comparison with equal pitch coil and variable pitch coil. Hence, the workpiece heated using the variable radius coil can achieve a better temperature distribution when compared with those heated by the equal pitch coil and variable pitch coil, with appropriate current density and current frequency values.
Noise reduction in high-speed train gangways using fairings and side barriers
Authors: Noh Hee-Min
Published: July 2020

Interior noise in high-speed trains creates passenger discomfort and fatigue. In particular, the noise generated around the gangway between carriages tends to be easily transmitted to the passenger spaces due to the large noise component in the low-frequency region. In addition, the noise from the between-cars space around the gangway exterior tends to increase significantly when the high-speed train is travelling inside a tunnel. Therefore, this study analyses the cause of the noise generated in the gangways and identifies an effective method for reducing it. First, the mechanism for noise generation around the gangways was determined by computational flow noise analysis using a simple two-dimensional cavity model. From this simulation, it was confirmed that noise is generated when air flow enters the cavity. To investigate the influence of noise reduction in the between-cars section, blocking the airflow indirectly by installing fairings or directly by using side barriers was proposed. These noise reduction methods were examined by flow noise analysis, and then applied to an actual high-speed train. The interior noise was measured, and the results show that the use of side barriers was effective in reducing interior noise by 10 dB or more. In particular, a high noise reduction effect was exhibited in the low-frequency region. Therefore, this study verifies that directly blocking the inflow into the between-cars section is an effective noise reduction method.
Disciplining transnationality? The impact of study abroad educational experiences on Turkish returnee scholars’ lives, careers and identity
Authors: Karakaş Ali
Published: July 2020

Using the literature on transnationalism, this article explores overseas-trained Turkish scholars’ experiences and whether these have had any effects on their identity construction/transformation, professional and personal lives after returning home. This exploration is informed by quantitative and qualitative data collected from Turkish scholars who completed their MA and/or PhD degrees in English-speaking countries and are now working in universities as academics. Besides highlighting the differences between educational values and practices in Turkey and Western countries, this article also examines how these differences influence professional trajectories and negotiations of identities among overseas-trained academics, with follow-up references to the author’s autoethnography as a Western-trained scholar to spotlight the commonalities in the lived experiences of returnees. The results highlight the dynamic nature of overseas experiences and returning home with new competences, skills and a broadened worldview which results in returnees’ distinguishing themselves from those around them in their personal and professional transactions.
The Taboo Against Explicit Causal Inference in Nonexperimental Psychology
Authors: Grosz Michael P. , Rohrer Julia M. , Thoemmes Felix
Published: July 2020

Causal inference is a central goal of research. However, most psychologists refrain from explicitly addressing causal research questions and avoid drawing causal inference on the basis of nonexperimental evidence. We argue that this taboo against causal inference in nonexperimental psychology impairs study design and data analysis, holds back cumulative research, leads to a disconnect between original findings and how they are interpreted in subsequent work, and limits the relevance of nonexperimental psychology for policymaking. At the same time, the taboo does not prevent researchers from interpreting findings as causal effects—the inference is simply made implicitly, and assumptions remain unarticulated. Thus, we recommend that nonexperimental psychologists begin to talk openly about causal assumptions and causal effects. Only then can researchers take advantage of recent methodological advances in causal reasoning and analysis and develop a solid understanding of the underlying causal mechanisms that can inform future research, theory, and policymakers.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage for malignant biliary obstruction with surgically altered anatomy: a multicenter prospective registration study
Authors: Minaga Kosuke , Takenaka Mamoru , Ogura Takeshi , Tamura Takashi , Kuroda Taira , Kaku Toyoma , Uenoyama Yoshito , Noguchi Chishio , Nishikiori Hidefumi , Imai Hajime , Sagami Ryota , Fujimori Nao , Higuchi Kazuhide , Kudo Masatoshi , Chiba Yasutaka , Kitano Masayuki
Published: July 2020

Background:

Endoscopic treatment for malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) in patients bearing surgically altered anatomy (SAA) is not well-established. Although endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has emerged as a new treatment option for MBO, limited data are available regarding the efficacy and safety of EUS-BD in patients with SAA. We conducted a multicenter prospective registration study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EUS-BD in this population.

Methods:

This study involved 10 referral centers in Japan. Patients with SAA who were scheduled to receive EUS-BD for unresectable MBO between May 2016 and September 2018 were prospectively registered. The primary endpoint was technical success and the secondary outcomes were clinical success, procedure time, procedure-related adverse events (AEs), stent patency, and overall survival.

Results:

In total, 40 patients were prospectively enrolled. The surgical reconstruction methods were gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction (47.5%), gastrectomy with Billroth-II reconstruction (15%), pancreaticoduodenectomy (27.5%), and hepaticojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction (10%). EUS-BD was performed for primary biliary drainage in 31 patients and for rescue biliary drainage in nine patients. Transmural stenting alone (60%), antegrade stenting alone (5%), and a combination of the two techniques (35%) were selected for patients treated with EUS-BD. Technical and clinical success rates were 100% (95% confidence interval, 91.2–100.0%) and 95% (95% confidence interval, 83.1–99.4%), respectively. Mean procedure time was 36.5 min. Early AEs were noted in six patients (15%): three self-limited bile leak, one bile peritonitis, and two pneumoperitonea. Late AEs occurred in six patients (15%): one jejunal ulcer and five stent occlusions. Stent patency rate after 3 months of survival was 95.7% (22/23). Median overall survival was 96 days.

Conclusion:

EUS-BD for MBO in patients with SAA appears to be effective and safe not only as a rescue drainage technique after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiography but also as a primary drainage technique.

Clinical Trial Registration:

UMIN000022101
Collaborating alone? Teachers’ and pedagogues’ unequal cross-professional collaboration and what it means for their professional learning in Danish schools
Authors: Dahl Kari Kragh Blume
Published: July 2020

Cross-professional collaboration in schools is a prerequisite for professional teaching practice and thus for professional development in many post-industrialized societies, yet little is known about how teachers with different professional backgrounds make meaning of and internalize cross-professional collaboration and how inequities in legitimacy and power in cross-professional collaboration affect professional learning. This article examines cross-professional collaboration and the professional learning it initiates between teachers and pedagogues (Danish term for childcare professionals) in Danish schools. Drawing on situated learning theory, critical psychology and Pierre Bourdieu, it explores teachers’ and pedagogues’ professional learning in conflictual cross-professional collaborations. The findings of the study document that cross-professional collaborations are spaces for negotiating and drawing professional boundaries and for producing hierarchies of different forms of professional capital, thereby re/producing dominant understandings of what constitutes teaching professionalism for teachers and pedagogues. The article concludes that cross-professional collaboratory practices may position and draw boundaries between the different professional groups, thus limiting productive learning.
“The tale of the three little tits”: Different nest building solutions under the same environmental pressures
Authors: Alambiaga Iván , Álvarez Elena , Diez-Méndez David , Verdejo José , Barba Emilio
Published: July 2020

Evolutionary selection pressures, and species-specific ecology and behavior, promote a great variability in the size and composition of nests. However, it would be expected that phylogenetically close species, with similar ecological needs, breeding at the same time in the same place, would also build similar nests. In contrast with this, previous studies have found differences in nest mass and composition among closely related sympatric species. These differences have been attributed to small differences in body size (smaller species building larger and/or more insulated nests), or to the different ways in which species perceive the environment (e.g. perceived predation risk). In this study, for the first time, we searched for differences between nest mass, composition, and importance of the different functional parts of the nest between Blue ( Cyanistes caeruleus), Great ( Parus major) and Coal tits ( Periparus ater) breeding under the same conditions. We found that smaller species built larger nests and/or include more thermoregulatory materials, probably having greater insulating capacity, which agrees with previous hypotheses. In particular, Blue Tits made greater use of bark, feathers and vegetable fiber, while Great Tits used wild boar hair in greater proportions. In addition, for the first time, we described in detail the nest composition of Coal Tits, which contained large amounts of fluff compared to the other two species. All these results are in line with previous hypothesis linking nest size and composition to the size of the birds, and the existence of species-specific characteristics in the selection of materials for nest building.
Outcomes of the Latarjet procedure with minimum 5- and 10-year follow-up: A systematic review
Authors: Gilat Ron , Lavoie-Gagne Ophelie , Haunschild Eric D , Knapik Derrick M , Parvaresh Kevin C , Fu Michael C , Forsythe Brian , Verma Nikhil , Cole Brian J
Published: July 2020

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate mid- and long-term outcomes following the Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability.

Methods

PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane libraries were systematically searched, in line with PRISMA guidelines, for studies reporting on outcomes following the Latarjet procedure with minimum five-year follow-up. Outcomes of studies with follow-up between 5 and 10 years were compared to those with minimum follow-up of 10 years.

Results

Fifteen studies reporting on 1052 Latarjet procedures were included. Recurrent instability occurred in 127 patients, with an overall random summary estimates in studies with a minimum five-year follow-up of 0–18% (I2 = 90%) compared to 5–26% (I2 = 59%) for studies with a minimum 10-year follow-up. Overall rates for return to sports, non-instability related complications, and progression of arthritis estimated at 65–100% (I2 = 87%), 0–20% (I2 = 85%), and 8–42% (I2 = 89%) for the minimum five-year follow-up studies and 62–93% (I2 = 86%), 0–9% (I2 = 28%), and 9–71% (I2 = 91%) for the minimum 10-year follow-up studies, respectively. All studies reported good-to-excellent mean PRO scores at final follow-up.

Conclusions

The Latarjet is a safe and effective procedure for patients with shoulder instability. The majority of patients return to sport, though at long-term follow-up, a trend towards an increased incidence of recurrent instability is appreciated, while a significant number may demonstrate arthritis progression.
Targeting aggressive osteosarcoma with a peptidase-enhanced cytotoxic melphalan flufenamide
Authors: Byrgazov Konstantin , Anderson Claes , Salzer Benjamin , Bozsaky Eva , Larsson Rolf , Gullbo Joachim , Lehner Manfred , Lehmann Fredrik , Slipicevic Ana , Kager Leo , Fryknäs Mårten , Taschner-Mandl Sabine
Published: July 2020

Background:

Low survival rates in metastatic high-grade osteosarcoma (HGOS) have remained stagnant for the last three decades. This study aims to investigate the role of aminopeptidase N (ANPEP) in HGOS progression and its targeting with a novel lipophilic peptidase-enhanced cytotoxic compound melphalan flufenamide (melflufen) in HGOS.

Methods:

Meta-analysis of publicly available gene expression datasets was performed to determine the impact of ANPEP gene expression on metastasis-free survival of HGOS patients. The efficacy of standard-of-care anti-neoplastic drugs and a lipophilic peptidase-enhanced cytotoxic conjugate melflufen was investigated in patient-derived HGOS ex vivo models and cell lines. The kinetics of apoptosis and necrosis induced by melflufen and doxorubicin were compared. Anti-neoplastic effects of melflufen were investigated in vivo.

Results:

Elevated ANPEP expression in diagnostic biopsies of HGOS patients was found to significantly reduce metastasis-free survival. In drug sensitivity assays, melflufen has shown an anti-proliferative effect in HGOS ex vivo samples and cell lines, including those resistant to methotrexate, etoposide, doxorubicin, and PARP inhibitors. Further, HGOS cells treated with melflufen displayed a rapid induction of apoptosis and this sensitivity correlated with high expression of ANPEP. In combination treatments, melflufen demonstrated synergy with doxorubicin in killing HGOS cells. Finally, Melflufen displayed anti-tumor growth and anti-metastatic effects in vivo.

Conclusion:

This study may pave the way for use of melflufen as an adjuvant to doxorubicin in improving the therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of metastatic HGOS.
Other People’s Children
Authors: Foster Elissa
Published: July 2020

Integrating personal stories of maternal connection and separation with a detailed analysis of the 2018 crisis of migrant family separation in the United States, this autoethnographic essay examines the continuum between parental responsibility and collective engagement for the greater good. A comparison is made between the current crisis of family separation and the case of the Stolen Generations of Indigenous children in Australia, particularly the tendency toward collective forgetting. The essay calls for the protective and compassionate impulses felt in the midst of this crisis to be translated into democratic participation and empowered voices raised in resistance.