bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between pre- and post-treatments of additively manufactured 316L parts and the resulting low cycle fatigue behavior
Authors: Garthe Kai-Uwe , Hoyer Kay-Peter , Hagen Leif , Tillmann Wolfgang , Schaper Mirko
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The currently existing restrictions regarding the deployment of additively manufactured components because of poor surface roughness, porosity and residual stresses as well as their influence on the low-cycle fatigue (LCF) strength are addressed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to evaluating the effect of different pre- and post-treatments on the LCF strength of additively manufactured 316L parts. Therefore, 316L specimens manufactured by laser powder bed fusion were examined in their as-built state as well as after grinding, or coating with regard to the surface roughness, residual stresses and LCF strength. To differentiate between topographical effects and residual stress-related phenomena, stress-relieved 316L specimens served as a reference throughout the investigations. To enable an alumina coating of the 316L components, atmospheric plasma spraying was used, and the near-surface residual stresses and the surface roughness are measured and investigated.

Findings

The results have shown that the applied pre- and post-treatments such as stress-relief heat treatment, grinding and alumina coating have each led to an increase in LCF strength of the 316L specimens. In contrast, the non-heat-treated specimens predominantly exhibited coating delamination.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of the correlation between the LCF behavior of additively manufactured uncoated 316L specimens in comparison with additively manufactured 316L specimens with an alumina coating.
Safety and risk analysis at railway crossings of north-south Addis Ababa light rail
Authors: Sekasi Jackson , Solihu Habeeb
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Railway-level crossings (RLCs) are the point of intersection between rail and road users and are therefore hotpots of road-rail user conflict and catastrophic collisions. The purpose of this study is to assess the risks associated with RLCs and suggest probable reduction measures. Through questionnaires and visual inspection, the authors identify the safety risks, hazards and hazardous events at some railway crossing of Addis Ababa light rail transit (AA-LRT) north-south (N-S) route. The identified risky events are then categorized based on As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) principle and generic risk ranking matrix. The authors then examine existing safety management measures at railway crossing and assess the need for additional safety management. Five major crossings on the 16.9 km (10.5 mi) N-S line, starting from Menelik II Square to Kality, were considered for the study. This study is carried out by data collection from about 145 stakeholders and the application of statistical data and risk analysis methods. The major findings of this study and the recommendations for improvement are suggested.

Design/methodology/approach

The research followed a case study approach. Through questionnaires and visual inspection, the authors identify the safety risks, hazards and hazardous events at some railway crossing of AA-LRT N-S route. The identified risky events are then categorized based on ALARP principle and generic risk ranking matrix. Collected data was then analyzed using SPSS to deduce relationships.

Findings

The study findings reveal human factors as the greatest cause of accidents, injury or death. About 22% of hazards identified by category are human factors, whereas 20% are because of technical problems. Intolerable risks stand at 42%, whereas the tolerable risks are at 36% according to risk classification results as per the ALARP model. Because the process of risk management is a long-term cycle, its importance should not be missed at any time.

Research limitations/implications

Because of design considerations of RLCs and the difference in generalized human behaviors for people of a given region, the results are limited to AA-LRT RLCs. This study opens a discourse for detailed evaluations, qualitative and quantitative analysis into the categorized identified hazards. There is also room for additional research into the performance of RLCs aimed at formulating standard necessary features that should be included on RLCs for proper risk control especially in emerging economies.

Originality/value

The research paper is original and has not been submitted for consideration to other journals.
How does uterine contractile activity affect the success of trial of labour after caesarean section, and the risk of uterine rupture? An exploratory, blinded analysis of a cohort from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hautakangas TM , Uotila JT , Huhtala HSA , Palomäki OL
Published: November 2021

Objective

To investigate the impact of uterine contractile activity on the outcome of trial of labour after caesarean section (TOLAC).

Design

Secondary, blinded analyses of a prospective TOLAC cohort.

Setting

Two labour wards, one in a university tertiary hospital and the other in a central hospital.

Population

A total of 194 TOLAC parturients with intrauterine tocodynamometry during labour.

Methods

Analysis of intrauterine pressure, frequency of contractions and baseline tonus of uterine muscle in 30‐minute periods for 4 hours before birth.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome: uterine contractile activity during TOLAC. Secondary aims: contributors associated with failed TOLAC and uterine rupture.

Results

TOLAC succeeded in 74% of cases. Uterine contractile activity, expressed as intrauterine pressure, was significantly higher in successful TOLAC compared with failed TOLAC (210 versus 170 Montevideo units). The statistically significant risk factors of failed TOLAC, after multivariate regression analysis, were prolonged gestational age, reduced cervical dilatation at admission and lower mean intrauterine pressure. In cases of uterine rupture, contractile activity did not differ from that in failed TOLAC. Cervical ripening with a Foley catheter appeared to be a risk factor for uterine rupture, as well as cervical dilatation <3 cm at admission. The incidence of total uterine rupture was 2.6% (n = 5).

Conclusions

Women with successful vaginal birth had higher uterine contractile activity than those experiencing failed TOLAC or uterine rupture despite similar use of oxytocin. Induction of labour with a Foley catheter turned out to be a risk factor for uterine rupture during TOLAC among parturients with no previous vaginal delivery.

Tweetable abstract

During VBAC the response to oxytocin, assessed as intrauterine pressure, is greater and adequate, in contrast to failed TOLAC.
The effect of hormone replacement therapy on the survival of UK women: a retrospective cohort study 1984−2017
Authors: Akter N , Kulinskaya E , Steel N , Bakbergenuly I
Published: November 2021

Objective

To estimate the effect of estrogen‐only and combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on the hazards of overall and age‐specific all‐cause mortality in healthy women aged 46–65 at first prescription.

Design

Matched cohort study.

Setting

Electronic primary care records from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database, UK (1984−2017).

Population

105 199 HRT users (cases) and 224 643 non‐users (controls) matched on age and general practice.

Methods

Weibull‐Double‐Cox regression models adjusted for age at first treatment, birth cohort, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and hypertension treatment, coronary heart disease, oophorectomy, hysterectomy, body mass index, smoking and deprivation status.

Main outcome measures

All‐cause mortality.

Results

A total of 21 751 women died over an average of 13.5 years follow‐up per participant, of whom 6329 were users and 15 422 non‐users. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of overall all‐cause mortality in combined HRT users was 0.91 (95% CI 0.88−0.94), and in estrogen‐only users was 0.99 (0.93−1.07), compared with non‐users. Age‐specific adjusted HRs for participants aged 46–50, 51–55, 56–60 and 61–65 years at first treatment were 0.98 (0.92−1.04), 0.87 (0.82−0.92), 0.88 (0.82−0.93) and 0.92 (0.85−0.98) for combined HRT users compared with non‐users, and 1.01 (0.84−1.21), 1.03 (0.89−1.18), 0.98 (0.86−1.12) and 0.93 (0.81−1.07) for estrogen‐only users, respectively.

Conclusions

Combined HRT was associated with a 9% lower risk of all‐cause mortality and estrogen‐only formulation was not associated with any significant changes.

Tweetable abstract

Estrogen‐only HRT is not associated with all‐cause mortality and combined HRT reduces the risks.
Origin of Quartz Cement in the Paleogene Sandstone Reservoir of Shahejie Formation, Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: KASHIF Muhammad , CAO Yingchang , DIN Nizam Ud , SIDDIQUE Uzair , XI Kelai , REHMAN Faisal , AHMED Noor , GU Xihao , GAGHMAN Mohammad Saleh
Published: November 2021

The precipitation of authigenic quartz plays a significant role to reduce the reservoir characteristics and enhance the stiffness of the rock. The Es1 sandstone of Shahejie Formation is acting as a significant hydrocarbon producing rock in the Nanpu Sag. Various methods like thin section petrography, cathodoluminescence (CL), scanning electron microscope (SEM, with EDS), and electron microprobe analysis has been used to reveal the origin of quartz cement as well as to evaluate the effect of quartz cement on reservoir quality. The studied sandstone is classified as immature to mature feldspathic litharenite and lithic arkose and consists of quartz, feldspar, rock fragments and micas. Petrographic studies and SEM analysis shows that the authigenic quartz is acting a significant cement that reduces the reservoir quality. Whereas clay minerals (kaolinite and mixed layer illite to smectite) are dominant in the Es1 sandstone, that can reduce the reservoir quality. SEM, CL and thin section analysis reveal that there are two stages of quartz cement in the studied samples; that are pore filling authigenic cement and quartz overgrowth cement. Fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures shows that stages of quartz cement were developed with continuous process from 70°C to 130°C. Quartz cements were generally originated from I/S reaction, feldspar dissolution, conversion of rock fragments and pressure solution. Feldspar dissolution (K‐feldspar) and kaolinite to illite reaction is an insignificant silica source for the silica cement which is internally precipitated in a close system with diffusion transporting mechanism. Overall, quartz cement significantly enhance the rock strengthen and brittleness effectively as well as it reduce the overall reservoir quality.
Can Auditors Improve Their Judgment by Drawing on the Crowd Within?†
Authors: Zimbelman Aaron F.
Published: November 2021

This study examines whether auditors can improve their judgment by drawing on the crowd within—that is, making the same judgment twice and averaging the two responses. Improvements in judgment are of special interest to auditors given that poor judgment threatens audit effectiveness and efficiency. The results from my experiment suggest that drawing on the crowd within helps auditors better use their task‐relevant knowledge, leading to more accurate auditor judgments relative to the judgments of an expert panel. Also, auditors can employ different task‐relevant knowledge that leads to more justifiable judgments when they are prompted (vs. not prompted) to make a limited, intuitive initial judgment as they draw on the crowd within. Overall, auditors appear to increase their task‐relevant knowledge as they develop expertise but do not appear to better use that knowledge absent intervention. Auditors can manipulate how they draw on the crowd within to achieve different audit objectives—for example, accuracy versus justifiability.
Gaslighting Citizens
Authors: Beerbohm Eric , W. Davis Ryan
Published: November 2021

Gaslighting brings its victims to doubt the sources of their evidence. This article holds that political gaslighting, by leading citizens to hold beliefs disconnected from the available evidence, poses a distinctive threat to democratic politics. But holding “audacious beliefs”—beliefs that are ahead of the evidence—can serve as a core ingredient for democratic movements. This creates a dilemma for citizens, who must choose between two kinds of evidential policies. How can they protect themselves from gaslighting without rendering themselves insusceptible to the mobilizing efforts central to democratic politics? Citizens, then, face a standing challenge: to remain open to the bully pulpit while vigilant against the gaslighter's epistemic bullying.
Associations between visual function and ultrastructure of the macula and optic disc after childhood cataract surgery
Authors: Hansen Mathias Møller , Bach Holm Daniella , Kessel Line
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To investigate the association between visual function and ultrastructural characteristics of the retina and optic disc in children operated for cataract and factors influencing this relationship.

Methods

We included 56 children aged 7–18 years who had been operated for bilateral or unilateral cataract. Three‐dimensional swept source OCT scans of the macula and the optic disc were obtained using the Triton OCT (Topcon, Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). Best corrected distance visual acuity was measured using the HOTV 3 Meter visual chart. Contrast vision was evaluated using the Freiburg Visual Acuity Contrast Test (FrACT). Healthy fellow eyes of the unilateral group were used as control eyes.

Results

We did not find any associations between visual acuity or contrast sensitivity and structural retinal parameters. Shorter axial length, the presence of glaucoma and pseudophakia (opposed to aphakia) were all significant predictors of greater mean macular thickness in a multiple regression analysis, (p = 0.039). Two children had foveal hypoplasia, and one child had a right eye with a thin, disorganized retina.

Conclusions

Children with pseudophakia have a thicker macula but this does not seem to be related to visual function. Obtaining high quality OCT scans of the macula and optic disc in severely visually impaired children with glaucoma and/or nystagmus is challenging. We found structural macular changes which contributed to poor vision but most eyes with very reduced vision were difficult to image, and the prevalence of structural changes may be underestimated.
Association between adherence to oral therapies in cancer patients and clinical outcome: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Lasala Ruggero , Santoleri Fiorenzo
Published: November 2021

Aims

Adherence to therapy is a key factor in successful treatment. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the extent to which patients with better adherence to oral therapy have better clinical outcomes among cancer patients.

Methods

All studies published in PubMed up to 20 October 2020, which considered the use of oral anticancer drugs for cancer patients and which correlated treatment adherence with a clinical outcome, were considered.

Results

From the 42 studies considered in the systematic review, 14 were for oncological indications and 28 for haematological indications. There was considerable variance in calculation methods, outcomes considered, and in the definitions of adherence. However, it emerged that most studies reported a significant correlation between adherence to therapy and clinical outcome.

Conclusion

As adherence to therapy is a key factor in achieving a better clinical outcome, future studies with large samples, robust endpoints and the use of at least two methods of assessing adherence would be desirable in order to produce more robust evidence.
Gender Identity and Quality of Employment
Authors: Galván Estefanía
Published: November 2021

Studies for high‐income countries have shown that the prescription that a man should earn more than his wife holds back women's performance in the labour market, evidencing the importance of gender identity norms in explaining persistent gender gaps. Using data on couples in Uruguay for the period 1986–2016, this paper analyses behavioural responses to the male breadwinner norm, investigating the role of job informality as an additional mechanism of response to gender norms. My results show that the higher the probability that the wife earns more than her husband, the less likely she is to engage in a formal job, providing evidence that gender norms affect not only the quantity of labour supply (i.e. labour force participation and hours of work), but also the quality of jobs in which women are employed. Moreover, I also identify meaningful effects of the norm on men: those with lower potential earnings than their wives react to the norm by self‐selecting into better‐paid formal jobs. Not considering these effects would lead to underestimating the consequences of gender norms on labour market inequalities in the context of developing countries.
Disentangling climatic and nest predator impact on reproductive output reveals adverse high‐temperature effects regardless of helper number in an arid‐region cooperative bird
Authors: D’Amelio Pietro B. , Ferreira André C. , Fortuna Rita , Paquet Matthieu , Silva Liliana R. , Theron Franck , Doutrelant Claire , Covas Rita
Published: November 2021

Climate exerts a major influence on reproductive processes, and an understanding of the mechanisms involved and which factors might mitigate adverse weather is fundamental under the ongoing climate change. Here, we study how weather and nest predation influence reproductive output in a social species, and examine whether larger group sizes can mitigate the adverse effects of these factors. We used a 7‐year nest predator‐exclusion experiment on an arid‐region cooperatively breeding bird, the sociable weaver. We found that dry and, especially, hot weather were major drivers of nestling mortality through their influence on nest predation. However, when we experimentally excluded nest predators, these conditions were still strongly associated with nestling mortality. Group size was unimportant against nest predation and, although positively associated with reproductive success, it did not mitigate the effects of adverse weather. Hence, cooperative breeding might have a limited capacity to mitigate extreme weather effects.
Observed parenting aspects of child compliance in custodial grandfamilies
Authors: Portner Laura Collier , Kaminski Patricia L. , Hayslip Bert , Smith Gregory C. , Litvin Justin M.
Published: November 2021

Objective

This study explored differences between the observed parenting behaviors of custodial grandmothers (CGMs) with grandchildren varying in symptoms of hyperactivity–inattention (HI).

Background

Little is known about the parenting practices of grandparent caregivers, and most extant studies are based on self‐report data rather than direct observations of grandparent–grandchild interactions.

Method

Custodial grandmothers (N = 170) completed ratings of grandchild HI and participated in a dyadic interaction task with their grandchild so that the relative positivity of their comments and type and number of their commands could be coded. We also coded grandchildren's behavioral responses to each of their CGM's commands.

Results

Controlling for child age, there were no differences in parenting variables between high and low HI groups. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that, controlling for child age, child HI did moderate the relationship between commands given by a grandmother and child compliance, where children lower in HI were more likely than children high in HI symptoms to comply in the face of high levels of commands. In general, however, CGMs were effective in eliciting child compliance. A second hierarchical regression model, also controlling for child age, suggested that for some children, grandmothers’ encouragement and praise (vs. criticism and discouragement) was an effective method of gaining compliance without overrelying on commands.

Conclusion

This study revealed complex relationships among positive and negative parenting practices, direct and indirect commands, and compliance. Such relationships transcend grandchild HI status but, in part, vary with grandchild age.

Implications

This study provides unique insights into the childrearing practices of CGMs and has implications for interventions targeting grandparent caregivers’ parenting skills.
Gendering boundary work: Experiences of work–family practices among Finnish working parents during COVID‐19 lockdown
Authors: Otonkorpi‐Lehtoranta Katri , Salin Milla , Hakovirta Mia , Kaittila Anniina
Published: November 2021

In the spring of 2020, the COVID‐19 outbreak and governmental lockdowns changed the everyday lives of families with children worldwide. Due to remote work recommendations and the closing of school premises and childcare centers, work–family boundaries became blurred in many families. In this study, we examine the possibly gendered boundary work practices among Finnish parents during the COVID‐19 lockdown in spring 2020 by asking, how do parents perceive the blurring of work–family boundaries? What kind of boundary work practices did families develop to manage their work and family roles, and were these practices gendered and how? Boundary practices are analyzed by combining theories of doing boundaries and gender theories in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic and applying them to survey data. The results revealed that during lockdown, both spatial and temporal boundaries blurred or partly disappeared, and boundary practices developed by families were highly gendered. Especially in families where childcare practices had been gendered already before the lockdown, it was predominantly mothers, who shouldered the main responsibility of increased childcare and struggled to manage their work duties. Hence, families had varying means to cope with blurring boundaries based on their ability to switch to remote work, but also on their work–family practices before the pandemic.
A social history of the Avars: Historical and archaeological perspectives
Authors: Curta Florin
Published: November 2021

The Avars have been recently been of some interest to historians, but only from a political point of view, given that the written sources cover almost exclusively only the first century of Avar history. Comparatively less attention has so far been paid to the social organization of the Avar qaganate. Archaeologists, on the other hands, are now in a privileged position, as the quantity of material culture evidence has grown exponentially over the last decades or so. However, even the archaeological approach to social history is marred by serious problems deriving from the slavish application of a model of analysis first promoted by Gyula László. That model is based on dubious ethnographic parallels and does not account for the variety of situations within the Avar qaganate either in chronological or in geographical terms. Most archaeologists concerned with the analysis of cemetery sites (which produced the bulk of the evidence under discussion) still maintain that Avar society was divided into lords, middle class and commoners. New excavations, but especially new techniques (such as those associated with bioarchaeology) have slowly, but steadily eroded the simplistic model advanced by László and his students. A review of the most recent archaeological literature reveals a shift towards an intepretation that takes into account the staged representation of status in death, and therefore privileges the symbolism of the artifacts associated with social rank. “Princely burials” are now regarded as a sign of political and social crisis, and weapon burials have by now received a much more sophisticated interpretation largely inspired by gender archaeology.
What DNA barcodes reveal: microhabitat preference, hunting strategy and dispersal ability drive genetic variation across Iberian spider species
Authors: Domènech Marc , Malumbres‐Olarte Jagoba , Enguídanos Alba , Múrria Cesc , Arnedo Miquel A.
Published: November 2021

The current rate of species loss calls for immediate actions to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Cataloguing species richness and composition, and revealing how diversity is geographically distributed are the first steps towards designing efficient conservation strategies.

Here, we aim to determine diversity patterns and potential drivers of taxonomic and genetic diversity and population structure of Iberian spiders. We used a community level perspective, analysing more than 3000 DNA barcode sequences representing ~370 spider species dwelling in white‐oak forest habitats across the Spanish National Park network.

By combining and comparing morphological and DNA barcode‐based species delimitation methods, we assessed their performance and identified putative factors behind cases of incongruence. Our findings uncovered potential overlooked diversity as suggested by the geographic patterns of genetic variation and put a red flag on those taxa that may be undergoing overlooked evolutionary or ecological processes.

Spider functional traits associated with foraging strategy, microhabitat preference, ballooning ability and circadian activity explained the observed patterns of population structure across species but did not explain variation in genetic diversity. Overall, our study represents a major step forward in the understanding of large‐scale diversity patterns in Iberian spiders at the community level and provides relevant information to guide future conservation strategies of the so‐far largely overlooked invertebrate diversity.
Older adults' perceptions of their fall risk in the hospital: An integrative review
Authors: Dolan Hanne , Slebodnik Maribeth , Taylor‐Piliae Ruth
Published: November 2021

Aims and Objectives

The objectives of this review are to determine what is currently known about older adults' perceptions of their own fall risk in the hospital and associated factors and explore how perceived fall risk in the hospital is assessed.

Background

Every year, up to one million patients suffer an accidental fall in the hospital. Despite research efforts during the last decade, inpatient fall rates have not significantly decreased, and about one third of inpatient falls result in injuries. Limited evidence suggests that assessing hospitalised patients' perceptions of their fall risk and engaging them in their own fall prevention can reduce inpatient falls.

Design

An integrative review.

Methods

An electronic literature search was conducted in the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, Google Scholar, OpenGrey, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, PsycINFO and PubMed. Data extraction and quality assessments were independently performed by two reviewers. PRISMA guidelines were followed for reporting this review.

Results

Twenty‐two studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings suggest that hospitalised older adults inadequately estimate their own fall risk. Most participants did not perceive themselves as at risk for falling in the hospital. Educational and motivational interventions can change the patients' perceptions of their own fall risk in the hospital and engage them in fall prevention. The desire to remain independent and feeling vulnerable were associated with fall risk, and the relationship with nursing staff may affect how hospitalised patients perceive their own fall risk.

Conclusions

Hospitalised adults, and specifically older adults, do not adequately estimate their own fall risk. Factors associated with these perceptions must be further explored to develop assessment tools and interventions to decrease inpatient fall rates.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses' understanding and assessment of hospitalised adults' perception of their own fall risk is important to consider for reducing inpatient falls.
Family caregivers’ experiences of providing care for family members from minority ethnic groups living with dementia: A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Lillekroken Daniela , Halvorsrud Liv , Gulestø Ragnhild , Bjørge Heidi
Published: November 2021

Aims and objectives

To review the literature on family caregivers’ experiences of providing care for a family member from an ethnic minority group living with dementia within the European context.

Background

Due to labour migration during the late 1960s and early 1970s, many European countries are now encountering an increasing number of older people from diverse ethnic minority groups who have been diagnosed with dementia. Although family care is predominantly used as a care pathway among families with immigrant backgrounds, little is known about family caregivers’ experiences of providing care for a family member with dementia.

Design

A systematic review of qualitative literature.

Methods

Eight databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, SCOPUS, Social Care Online, SocIndex and Epistemonikos) were searched for original, peer‐reviewed papers, published in English between 2010 and 2021. The literature review was conducted and reported in accordance with PRISMA 2020 checklist for reporting systematic reviews.

Results

After identifying, screening and assessing articles for eligibility, 14 articles were critically appraised using the standardised assessment tool Mixed methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT, version 2018) and included in the review. The data synthesis process identified four themes across the qualitative studies: controversies and challenges; a lack of health literacy; barriers to seeking support from the healthcare or social services; and models of care.

Conclusions

Most of the family caregivers highlighted the value of being able to care for a family member living with dementia. However, the findings also reveal that they experience controversies and challenges due to their lack of dementia health literacy and perceived barriers to seeking healthcare support.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings from the current review can inform healthcare and social services in relation to implementing models of care that facilitate and complement family caregivers’ role in caring for family members living with dementia from minority ethnic groups.
Feminist judging in lower courts
Authors: HUNTER ROSEMARY , ROACH ANLEU SHARYN , MACK KATHY
Published: November 2021

Much of the literature on feminist judging concentrates on judges and judging in appellate and superior courts. This article extends that literature by investigating whether and how feminist judging manifests in lower courts, which deal with the vast bulk of criminal offences and civil claims. It does so through analysis of transcripts of non‐trial criminal proceedings in Australian magistrates courts, focusing on judicial practices rather than the gender or other known characteristics of the magistrates. Clear instances of feminist judging are relatively rare. Where they occur, they are often in the form of isolated feminist ‘moments’ rather than a magistrate exhibiting a distinct feminist orientation. The article reflects on what these findings suggest about the nature of judging in lower courts and the possibilities for feminist judging in that context.
Associations Between Weight‐Based Bullying, Developmental Internal Assets, and Perceived Social Support Among Youth
Authors: Yourell Jacqlyn L. , Doty Jennifer L.
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Youth with obesity are likely to experience weight‐based bullying victimization, and adolescents have the highest obesity rates among children. Factors that protect youth from traditional bullying victimization may protect youth from weight‐based bullying victimization: internal assets such as positive identity and social competence, and external assets such as perceived support from parents and friends.

METHODS

To examine this proposition, data from 8th, 9th, and 11th graders were obtained from the 2016 Minnesota Student Survey (N = 126,495). Logistic regressions were conducted to identify the relationship between assets and weight‐based bullying and to determine possible moderation by weight status.

RESULTS

Results demonstrate that positive identity, parent support, and friend support were associated with lower odds of experiencing weight‐based bullying victimization. Moderation analyses revealed that perceived parent support was most protective against experiencing weight‐based bullying victimization among youth with obesity compared to youth with overweight, normal weight, or underweight.

CONCLUSION

School administrators, counselors, and teachers should be aware of the increased risk of weight‐based bullying for youth with obesity and underweight. Results underscore the need to foster youth's internal assets like positive identity to promote a strength‐based approach for prevention. Parent involvement is warranted in weight‐based bullying prevention efforts.
Counterfactual epistemic scenarios
Authors: Mackay John
Published: November 2021

In two‐dimensional semantics in the tradition of Davies and Humberstone, whether a singular term receives an epistemically shifted reading in the scope of a modal operator depends on whether the world considered as actual is shifted. This means that epistemically shifted readings should be available only in environments where an explicit contrast between the actual world and some counterfactual worlds cannot be made. In this paper, I argue that this is incorrect. Whether a singular term receives an epistemically shifted reading is independent of whether the world treated as actual is shifted. This, I argue, undermines the two‐dimensionalist account of epistemic shift. I then turn to the question how a positive view should handle these two phenomena separately. I argue for treating singular terms with a version of counterpart theory in which the difference between epistemically shifted and other readings is determined in the context of utterance.
Combined versus conventional photodynamic therapy with 5‐aminolaevulinic acid nanoemulsion (BF‐200 ALA) for actinic keratosis: A randomized, single‐blind, prospective study
Authors: Sáenz‐Guirado Soledad , Cuenca‐Barrales Carlos , Vega‐Castillo Jorge , Linares‐Gonzalez Laura , Ródenas‐Herranz Teresa , Molina‐Leyva Alejandro , Ruiz‐Villaverde Ricardo
Published: November 2021

Background

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has become one of the most effective therapies for the treatment of actinic keratosis, allowing the removal of more than one lesion in a single session. However, the pain sustained by the patient during treatment and local skin reactions can limit its use.

Objectives

To determine the efficacy and safety of combined PDT (daylight PDT followed by conventional PDT) vs conventional PDT 12 weeks after treatment.

Methods

The study was performed as a randomized, single‐center, non‐inferiority clinical trial with two parallel groups. A total of 51 patients with grade I and II AKs on the scalp or face were randomized. Twenty‐five patients received one session of combined PDT (combPDT), and 26 patients received one session of conventional PDT (cPDT). The primary endpoint was the reduction of AKs, 12 weeks after treatment. The secondary endpoint was the reduction in pain and local skin reaction.

Results

The reduction rate of grade I and II AKs was similar in combPDT and cPDT, showing no statistically significant differences between both groups, 76.67% vs 86.63% [P = .094] and 80.48% vs 83.08% [P = .679], respectively. However, pain was significantly lower in the combPDT group (2.56 vs 5, P < .01), as were local skin reactions.

Conclusions

CombPDT has proven to be as effective as cPDT for the treatment of grade I and II AKs located on the scalp and face. Furthermore, combPDT has been shown to be considerably more tolerable than cPDT, causing only mild local skin reactions.
Blood perfusion and diameter of bovine corpus luteum as predictors of luteal function in early pregnancy
Authors: Velho Gabriella dos Santos , Rovani Monique Tomazele , Ferreira Rogério , Gasperin Bernardo Garziera , Dalto André Gustavo Cabrera
Published: November 2021

A feasible and non‐invasive luteal function assessment which enables timely intervention to improve progesterone (P4) support at early pregnancy is not well‐established. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation among morphological and functional assessment methods of corpus luteum (CL) on Day 5 (D5) following timed‐artificial insemination effect on luteal blood perfusion (LBP), CL diameter and serum P4 concentration. Beef heifers (n = 89) were synchronized and inseminated (D0). On D5, CL was scanned by colour‐Doppler ultrasonography using an LBP score (0 = absent; 3 = high blood perfusion); CL diameter was obtained and blood was collected. Diameter of CL had a positive linear effect on P4 concentration (p < .001); and larger CL diameter increased the probability to become pregnant (p < .05; odds ratio =1.21). Heifers with a CL larger than 14.95 mm had a higher pregnancy rate than heifers with a 14.95 mm or smaller CL (p < .05). Animals with LBP 2 and 3 had larger CL when compared to scores 0 and 1 (p < .001). Scores 1, 2 and 3 can accurately estimate heifers with higher P4 (accuracy =0.79, 0.72 and 0.61 respectively). In conclusion, LBP on Day 5 post‐TAI allows to estimate heifers with higher P4 and larger CL size, and a larger CL diameter was positively associated with pregnancy rate.
Using Satellite Data to Guide Urban Poverty Reduction
Authors: Sohnesen Thomas Pave , Fisker Peter , Malmgren‐Hansen David
Published: November 2021

Poverty reduction in low‐ and middle‐income countries is increasingly an urban challenge, and a challenge that continues to be constrained by lack of data, including data on the spatial distribution of poverty within cities. Utilizing existing household survey data in combination with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) applied to high‐resolution satellite images of cities, this study shows that existing data can generate detailed neighborhood‐level maps providing key targeting information for an anti‐poverty program. The approach is highly automatic, applicable at scale, and cost‐effective. The method also provides direct support for policy development, as illustrated by the case study, where the Government of Mozambique is implementing an urban social safety net program, targeting poor urban neighborhoods, utilizing the estimated poverty maps.
Assessing Early Stage Design Sketches and Reflections on Prototyping
Authors: Das Madhurima , Yang Maria C.
Published: November 2021

Designers routinely create informal “thinking” sketches to explore a design space and “talking” sketches to communicate design ideas during the early phases of the design process. This study proposes a rubric for assessing the quality of novice designers’ early stage design sketches including line smoothness, proportion, and understandability. The study finds a positive correlation between sketch quality and understandability, which indicates the importance of sketch quality when using sketches as a communication tool. Results indicate that early stage sketch quantity is linked with design outcomes, though sketch quality does not have a strong correlation with design outcomes. The study also finds a link between frequency of sketching and having higher maximum sketch quality scores (i.e. at least one excellent sketch) as well as a correlation between individuals’ maximum sketch quality scores and their overall design outcomes. This study presents a new tool to capture what is learned by the designer after each iteration of a prototype. Preliminary results indicate that reflection on both the technical and emotional aspects of prototyping may be valuable and should be an area of further study. Finally, several results point to novice designers’ lack of consistent focus on users in their prototyping reflections and presentations.
Teaching Mechatronic System Modeling: A Fifteen-Year Journey
Authors: Das Shuvra
Published: November 2021

Most innovations happen at the intersections of disciplines. New products get designed through synergistic integration of multi-disciplinary concepts. For example, in today’s automobiles purely mechanical systems have been replaced by “by-wire” devices that are software controlled, lighter, more efficient, and reliable. While engineering disciplines are merging seamlessly in real world products, academic silos are mostly still intact. At University of Detroit Mercy, we have broken down some silos by launching the Robotics and Mechatronics Systems Engineering major. Mechatronic Systems Modeling is a mandatory course in this major. This course uses a technique of power flow called bond graphs to model mechatronic systems. This technique is not discipline specific and students with different disciplinary background can easily understand and master it. Recently, the use of Simscape, a MATLAB/Simulink tool for physical system modeling has also been added to this course. The use of these two tools in complex system modeling tasks helps students develop an understanding of engineering system behavior by moving beyond the narrow boundaries of individual disciplines. This paper describes the course content and structure, the modeling methods, selected student projects, some of the lessons learned, and several offshoot activities that have resulted from this course.
Delta Based Non-Anthropomorphic Hand
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Kansal Sachin , Mukherjee Sudipto
Published: November 2021

The paper reports design and implementation of a Delta Robot based non-anthropomorphic hand. A set of three constant orientation Delta robots are shown to be useful to perform manipulation maneuvers on the object. Voice coil arc actuators are deployed to improve the backdrivability of the robot. The hand consists of three constant orientation fingers which are deployed to grasp an object. The fingers are programmed to behave as a set of springs to generate stable object acquisition. The capability of the robotic hand to perform different maneuvers is demonstrated. The dynamic feedback linearisation method is shown to be useful both for controlling the robotic hand and also to ensure passive grasp of the robotic system. It is shown that the hand can be used to catch an object, improve the grasp forces on the surface of the object, impart oscillatory motion, and also to throw the object in a prescribed direction. Standalone examples are described to suggest the same. The backdrivability of the voice coil arc actuators are demonstrated to be of purpose in improving the passive grasp behaviour of the robot. The swift motion of the actuators are shown to be useful while performing quick oscillations and also to throw the object.
Finite Time Control of a Fractional Order Hydro-Turbine Governing System With Load Rejection
Authors: Chen Peng , Wang Bin
Published: November 2021

This study focuses on the finite time control of a fractional order hydro-turbine governing system (HGS) with load rejection. First, the hydraulic servo system has significant historical reliance. Since it is a powerful advantage for fractional calculus to describe the function which has significant historical reliance, the fractional order hydraulic servo system is adopted and the more actual fractional order hydro-turbine governing system is presented. Second, some definitions and properties are given, and the state trajectories of HGS with load rejection is observed. The simulation results show that the state trajectory of the system is not stable, so it is necessary to design a controller with better control effect. Third, based on the frequency distribution model, the equivalent transformation model of HGS is presented. A new finite time sliding mode control scheme is proposed for the stability control of the HGS with load rejection. Furthermore, the no chattering sliding mode controller and its detailed mathematical derivation are given. The system stability is proved, and the upper limit of HGS finite time stability is given. Finally, numerical simulations have verified the theoretical results. The controller can make the state trajectories of the HGS converge to zero in a finite time, and the control time is very short.
Detection of Electrolytes Based on Solid-State Ion-Selective Electrode
Authors: Chen Li-Da , Wang Gou-Jen
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to develop simple electrochemical electrodes for the fast detection of chlorine, sodium, and potassium ions in human serum. A flat thin-film gold electrode was used as the detection electrode for chloride ions; a solid-state ion-selective electrode (ISE), which was formed by covering a flat thin-film gold electrode with a mixture of 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) and ion-selective membrane (ISM), was developed for sodium and potassium ions detection. Through cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square-wave voltammetry (SWV), the detection data can be obtained within two minutes. The linear detection ranges in the standard samples of chlorine, sodium, and potassium ions were 25–200 mM, 50–200 mM, and 2–10 mM, with the average relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.79%, 1.65%, and 0.47% and the average recovery rates of 101%, 100%, and 96% respectively. Interference experiments using normal concentrations of Na+, K+, Cl−, Ca2+, and Mg2+ in human blood demonstrated that the proposed detection electrodes have good selectivity. Moreover, the proposed detection electrodes have characteristics such as the ability to be prepared under relatively simple process conditions, excellent detection sensitivity, and low RSD, and the detection linear range is suitable for the Cl−, Na+, and K+ concentrations in human serum.
Multi-Keel Passive Prosthetic Foot Design Optimization Using the Lower Leg Trajectory Error Framework
Authors: Prost Victor , Peterson Heidi V. , Winter Amos G.
Published: November 2021

People with lower-limb amputation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) lack access to adequate prosthetic devices that would restore their mobility and increase their quality of life. This is largely due to the cost and durability of existing devices. Single-keel energy storage and return (ESR) prosthetic feet have recently been developed to provide improved walking benefits at an affordable cost in LMICs. These low-cost single-keel ESR feet were created using a novel design methodology, the lower leg trajectory error (LLTE) framework. The LLTE framework enables the optimization of the stiffness and geometry of a user’s prosthesis to match a target walking pattern. However, these low-cost single-keel ESR prostheses do not provide the required durability to fulfill the international standards organization (ISO) testing, which prevents their widespread use and adoption. In this work, we developed a multi-keel prosthetic foot parametric model, and extended the LLTE framework to include this multi-keel architecture and the durability requirements. This extended LLTE framework enabled the design of durable and low-cost multi-keel ESR prosthetic feet made of Nylon 6/6. Multi-keel foot designs were shown to provide 76% improved walking performance (lower LLTE values) compared with single-keel ESR designs. Load testing of prototype multi-keel feet validated the multi-keel constitutive model predictions used in the LLTE framework. The measured deflections of the prototypes under load were accurately described with an average error of 0.6 ± 0.4 mm (5.7 ± 4.2%). These multi-keel feet designed using the extended LLTE framework withstood ISO fatigue and static tests, validating their durability. Given their single-part 2D extruded geometries, multi-keel feet designed with the extended LLTE framework could be cost-effectively manufactured, providing affordable and durable high-performance prostheses that improves the mobility of LMIC users.