bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
General Function sets theory-based type synthesis of the collaborative 3D printer for planar and non-planar printing
Authors: Zhao Donghua , Guo Weizhong , Han Youcheng
Published: May 2022

3-dimension printing (3DP) or Additive Manufacturing promises rapid prototyping with 3D printers, the precondition for manufacturing complex components and surfaces. Usually, three-axis 3D printers are widely applied with planar slicing, limiting solid freeform fabrication with finite printing direction. Non-planar slicing (or curved layer slicing) has been put forward to break through the layerwise framework with infinite directions, requiring multi-axis 3D printers with more than four DOFs. However, as far as the authors know, the specific design method of 3D printers’ structure has seldom been studied for non-planar printing. Furthermore, there is no specified systematical research on the type synthesis of the 3D printer, which has two collaborative modules functioning together. One module serves as the build platform and the other as the print head attached moving platform. Hence, to obtain topological structures of the collaborative 3D printer for planar and non-planar printing, this paper investigates the type synthesis by introducing a research background at first. Then, the motion characteristics of the collaborative 3D printer are determined based on the planned paths’ geometric characteristics and motion requirements of the 3D printer. After that, General Function sets theory and the distribution principles are introduced, and the case study of 3D printers with 3T, 3T1R, and 3T2R is given. Finally, this research paper proposes a class of rotary 3D printers having 2T1R, 2T2R, and 2T3R innovatively. Furthermore, one prototype of the above case study is designed, and a preliminary experiment for planar and non-planar printing is carried out to verify the feasibility of the type synthesis’s result. In general, aiming at planar and non-planar printing, this paper presents a theory for type synthesis of collaborative 3D printers to offer a much richer set of kinematic structures than the most commonly used three Degree of Freedom printers.
Fatigue life prediction and optimization of GFRP composites based on Failure Tensor Polynomial in Fatigue model with exponential fitting approach
Authors: Güneş Mehmet D , İmamoğlu Karabaş Neslişah , Deveci Hamza A , Tanoğlu Gamze , Tanoğlu Metin
Published: May 2022

In this study, a new fatigue life prediction and optimization strategy utilizing the Failure Tensor Polynomial in Fatigue (FTPF) model with exponential fitting and numerical bisection method for fiber reinforced polymer composites has been proposed. Within the experimental stage, glass/epoxy composite laminates with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] lay-up configurations were fabricated, quasi-static and fatigue mechanical behavior of GFRP composites was characterized to be used in the FTPF model. The prediction capability of the FTPF model was tested based on the experimental data obtained for multidirectional laminates of various composite materials. Fatigue life prediction results of the glass/epoxy laminates were found to be better as compared to those for the linear fitting predictions. The results also indicated that the approach with exponential fitting provides better fatigue life predictions as compared to those obtained by linear fitting, especially for glass/epoxy laminates. Moreover, an optimization study using the proposed methodology for fatigue life advancement of the glass/epoxy laminates was performed by a powerful hybrid algorithm, PSA/GPSA. So, two optimization scenarios including various loading configurations were considered. The optimization results exhibited that the optimized stacking sequences having maximized fatigue life can be obtained in various loading cases. It was also revealed that the tension-compression loading and the loadings involving shear loads are critical for fatigue, and further improvement in fatigue life may be achieved by designing only symmetric lay-ups instead of symmetric-balanced and diversification of fiber angles to be used in the optimization.
Optimization of processing parameters of cold metal transfer joined 316L and weld bead profile influenced by temperature distribution based on genetic algorithm
Authors: Gopal Dhivyasri , Ramasamy Sudha , Murugesan Manikandan , Venkatesan Chandran , Manimegalai Govindan Sumithra , Sathyamurthy Ravishankar
Published: May 2022

Austenitic stainless steel alloys find the wide range of application in modern industries like pipework, containers, food production and in medical industries for its excellent processing properties and corrosion resistance. There is enormous literature report on the mechanical properties, appropriate joining of materials using different fusion welding processes. Consequently, the cold metal transfer technique appears to weld materials with low heat input which is a noticeable feature of this welding process. In this paper, cold metal transfer welding is performed on austenitic stainless steel material 316L and its bead geometries such as reinforcement height, depth of weld penetration and bead width profile are examined. The temperature distribution at the welding line is observed by means of the data acquisition unit. Genetic algorithm based optimization technique is used to achieve the desired combination of input variables and weld bead geometry. This developed genetic algorithm optimizes the welding process parameters and geometry of the weld bead, by minimizing the least square error based objective function. The investigation outcome of this paper provides an insight into the characterization of the weldment, the effects of weld current and weld travel speed on temperature profile and mechanical properties include hardness, tensile and residual profiles.
Transonic flutter suppression with tuned mass damper by model-based stability analysis method
Authors: Fuqing Luo , Chuanqiang Gao , Zhen Lyu , Weiwei Zhang , Qiannan Xu
Published: May 2022

Flutter as a self-excited oscillation can cause catastrophic damage to the aircraft structure. Tuned mass damper (TMD) is one of the vibration suppression methods widely used in engineering. However, traditional linear aerodynamic methods are not accurate in transonic flow. In this study, we first establish an unsteady aerodynamic model of the NACA0012 airfoil using the system identification method based on the Auto-Regressive with eXogenous input (ARX) model. Then, a flutter suppression model is constructed by coupling the TMD with the aeroelastic system. The parameters of the TMD are investigated using the model-based aeroelastic stability analysis. It is found that the flutter instability mode of the original system has changed due to the participation of the TMD in the system modal coupling. The proposed reduced-order model (ROM) provides a fast stability analysis method for flutter suppression with TMD as well as significant guidance for TMD design and optimization.
Understanding the structure and cutting mechanism of shaver blades: A case study on articular cartilage
Authors: Zhang Yue , Chen Zhihua , Wang Chengyong , Tang Na , Dong Bangxi , Chen Bin
Published: May 2022

Mechanical shaver blades have been used in minimally invasive knee arthroscopy surgery for nearly 50 years, however, the tooth structure and cutting mechanism of shaver blades were less reported. This paper designed several shaver blades (triangular tooth/TT, circular tooth/CT and convex arc tooth/CAT), defined the cutting edges and angles of the original shaver (OS) and proposed a newly designed shaver (NDS) with a positive secondary rake angle to optimize cutting performance. The cutting process and theoretical model of the OS and NDS were analysed from 2D and 3D perspectives. A comparative experimental analysis of cutting performance, including cutting force, surface roughness, and groove geometries, was carried out to verify the influence of tooth structures and secondary rake angle. The results showed that the tooth of the OS has three different cutting edges, among which the secondary cutting edge sited at the tube section contributes to the puncturing process, and the primary cutting edge located on the outer wall of the tube participates in the oblique cutting process and finally removes the soft tissue. The cutting process of the secondary cutting edge of NDS has been changed from puncturing to oblique cutting, therefore, only the oblique cutting exists throughout the shaving process. This makes the shape and quantity of the chips of OS and NDS different, which has been verified by experiment. The cutting performance of CT was superior to that of TT and CAT, highlighting the importance of tooth roots in the cutting process. Positive secondary rake angle significantly improved the cutting performance of CAT, but not that of TT with a small profile angle (30°) and CT, which means both the puncturing and oblique cutting play important roles. Not all the positive secondary rake angle was helpful to the cutting process and 30° and 45° were suggested.
Determination of stress and displacement on human composite pelvis under static and dynamic loading
Authors: Beneš Jan , Kunz Ludvík , Liška Jiří , Šrám Jaroslav , Krbec Martin , Džupa Valér , Křivohlávek Martin , Návrat Tomáš
Published: May 2022

This case study describes the experimental determination of displacements and stresses on a composite model of a pelvis that was modified to represent a healthy intact pelvic ring. The modified model was stressed statically up to 1750 N to simulate standing on one leg and also cyclically to model walking. For two different model settings in the loading machine the values of displacements and stresses at the pelvic ring were determined. The two different settings correspond to two different loading vectors applied on the pelvic ring, boundary conditions and degrees of freedom. The experimentally determined values of displacements in both settings are very similar and in accordance with the knowledge on the behaviour of a real human pelvis. The modified model is thus suitable for testing of newly developed implants for pelvis treatment and experimental determination of displacements and stresses in pelvic ring which are caused by application of implants.
A solution for free vibration of rotating hybrid multiscale nanocomposite conical shell
Authors: Banerjee Ranojit , Rout Mrutyunjay , Karmakar Amit , Bose Dipankar
Published: May 2022

In the present investigation, first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) is employed to conduct free vibration analysis of hybrid CNT-fiber nanocomposite conical shells using finite element approach. The effective material properties of this three phase nanocomposite is computed using Halpin- Tsai and Micro-mechanics model approach. The Lagrange’s equation of motion is used to derive the equilibrium equations of the rotating carbon nanotube – fibre nanocomposite conical shell wherein the nonlinearity due to rotation is also introduced. The Coriolis effect is neglected because of the moderate rotational speed of the shell. Finite element code is developed using eight noded isoparametric shell element and the same is validated with some literature to analyse the effect of twist angle, length to thickness ratio, aspect ratio, weight fraction of CNTs, and rotational speed on the fundamental frequency. The effect of such parameter on the mode shapes of the three phase nanocomposite shell are also presented here.
Dynamic and sound radiation characteristics of a non-uniformly heated isotropic plate
Authors: Vaiduriyam Arul Raj , Chinnapandi Lenin Babu Mailan , Pichaimani Jeyaraj
Published: May 2022

The influence of non-uniform heating on the anisotropic plate’s dynamic and acoustic response characteristics is investigated numerically. The effect of non-uniform heating on the plate is accounted in the form of pre-stress developed on the plate due to non-uniform heating of the plate. The influence of structural boundary conditions, nature of temperature variation, and level of temperature on vibration and acoustic response characteristics are investigated in detail. Thermal buckling strength and fundamental buckling mode are highly sensitive to the nature of temperature variation across the plate. Free vibration mode shapes of the plates with high aspect ratio and free edges are changing their pattern with an increase in temperature. The resonant amplitude of sound power radiated associated with a particular mode is dominated by vibration nodes and anti-nodes shifting relative to the excitation location. Further, an increase in sound power level with an increase in temperature is observed clearly in the lower octave frequency bands.
Idebenone regulates sirt1/Nrf2/TNF-α pathway with inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in testicular torsion/detorsion in juvenile rats
Authors: Abdelzaher Walaa Yehia , Mostafa-Hedeab Gomaa , Sayed AboBakr Ali Abdel Hamid , Fawzy Michael Atef , Ahmed Amira F , Bahaa El-deen Mohamed Ahmed , Welson Nermeen N , Aly Labib Dina A
Published: May 2022

Testicular torsion is an emergency, mainly in newborn and adolescent males, resulting in testicular ischemia. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of Idebenone (IDE) on testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) in juvenile rats. Thirty-two rats were randomized into: (1) the sham group: rats received sham operations with no other interventions; (2) the IDE group: rats received idebenone (100 mg/kg, i. p) without T/D; (3) the T/D group: rats underwent torsion for 2 h and detorsion for 4 h; and (4) the IDE+ T/D group: rats received IDE 1 h before T/D. Testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitrite/nitrate (NOx), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), caspase-3, sirtuin type 1 (Sirt1), serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), total cholesterol, and testosterone were measured. Histological changes, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like-2 factors (Nrf2), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immuno-expressions were assessed. T/D displayed an increase in MDA, NOx, TNF-α, caspase-3, IL-1β, and total cholesterol with a significant decrease in TAC, Sirt1, and testosterone and strong positive Nrf2 and negative PCNA immuno-expressions. IDE could improve all oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic indicators. Therefore, IDE significantly reduced testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury in the juvenile rat testicular T/D model by limiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis via the Sirt1/Nrf2/TNF-α pathway.
Comparison of the mechanical properties of chopped glass, carbon, and aramid fiber reinforced polypropylene
Authors: Ari Ali , Bayram Ali , Karahan Mehmet , Karagöz Seçgin
Published: May 2022

In this work, a comparative assessment of the mechanical properties of chopped glass-carbon-aramid fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites was carried out. Reinforcement and matrix materials were mixed with the extrusion method, and then composite materials were produced in the form of plates with the press molding technique. The composites' tensile, 3-point bending, and drop weight tests were carried out and the surface morphology of the fractured surfaces was examined by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The tests’ results indicate that the mechanical properties increase significantly in the presence of fiber. On the other hand, it is observed that the effect in percentage decreases as the fiber content increases. Moreover, It was observed that some of the fiber materials were pulled out from the matrix as a result of stress. ANOVA analysis using S/N values, and F-Test were performed to observe the effectiveness of each test factor (fiber type, and fiber additive content) on the test results. Finally, an optimization study was carried out to obtain the mathematical expression by fitting the experimental data.
Impact of Divorce Law Liberalisation on Domestic Violence
Authors: Malhotra Shreya
Published: May 2022

I examine the extent to which a shift from a mutual consent divorce regime to a unilateral divorce regime (UDR) succeeds in preventing domestic violence. In my framework, a partner may be inclined to violence but dislikes being subjected to a partner’s violence. I find that, when payoff from marriage is positive, both parties choose the maximum level of violence under a mutual consent regime (MCR). There is a parameter zone within which domestic violence falls as a transition is made to a UDR. Further, I find that policymakers can reduce the cost of filing for divorce. I also find that the marriage rate changes with the switch in the regime.

JEL: C72, D10, D13, K36
A novel six-dimensional disturbance force and moment simulator for simulation of space micro-vibration environment
Authors: Wang Xiaoming , He Shuai , Xu Zhenbang , Li Hang , Sai Huayang , Yang Jianfeng , Li Lin
Published: May 2022

A novel six-dimensional disturbance force and moment simulator was developed because of the lack of a suitable vibration source for use in ground experiments. First, the dynamic relationship between the disturbance force, the disturbance moment generated at the center of the simulator platform, and the excitation forces of the six uniaxial actuators was established using the equivalent principle of force system. Then, the simulator structure was introduced and a modal analysis of this structure was performed. Finally, the simulator system was tested experimentally in both single-frequency experiments and multi-frequency experiments. The results obtained showed that the maximum error between the experimental values and the target values was 2.96%, which verified the correctness of the theoretical model of the six-dimensional disturbance force and moment simulator. Additionally, the multi-dimensional micro-vibration generation performance of the new simulator was verified. The proposed six-dimensional disturbance force and moment simulator can provide a micro-vibration environment to replace the real disturbance sources used in ground experiments and solve the problems caused by the lack of a vibration source for use in ground-based experiments.
Pox populi: Anti-vaxx, anti-politics
Authors: Russell Francis
Published: May 2022

This article explores the political meaning of the interconnected anti-vaccine and anti-lockdown protest movements that have emerged in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. A range of academics and commentators have argued that such protests should be understood in terms of a dangerous resurgence of far-right populism, one that is fuelled by misinformation and extremist ideologies. This article tests such a framing by engaging with recent scholarship on the ‘anti-political’ – the theorisation of the growing inability for political action to occur other than in opposition to the political system itself. Against the conventional reading of the protests as fundamentally political, this article looks at recent anthropological work on ‘conspirituality’ in order to investigate how the aesthetic and performative dimensions of such protests may be key to understanding contemporary anti-vaccine thought and action.
Analysing the use of music to facilitate social interaction in care home residents with dementia: Narrative synthesis systematic review
Authors: Waters Bryony , Sousa Lídia , Orrell Martin , McDermott Orii
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Individuals with dementia residing in care homes can rely heavily on care staff to access activities and meaningful interactions. Previous research suggests that care home interactions can be short, fragmented and task-orientated due to staff workload and residents’ language impairments. However, music has the potential to be an alternative communication form that remains intact in the later stages of dementia. This systematic review aims to explore how care home music interventions can facilitate social interactions.

Methods

A narrative synthesis was conducted to explore the mechanisms behind how and why care home music intervention facilitate social interactions. The four-element framework guided analysis; (1) Developing a theory, (2) Developing a preliminary synthesis, (3) Exploring relationships, (4) Assessing robustness.

Findings

The final synthesis included 23 articles. The studies consisted of music therapy sessions, personalised music listening, structured music singing or instrument playing sessions and music therapeutic care. Despite the difference in music interventions, most studies reported an increase in residents’ sociable verbal and non-verbal communication and a decrease in unsociable communication. Music interventions allowed residents to reminisce, express themselves, focus and connect with others.

Discussion

The studies highlighted music interventions are accessible to all residents with dementia despite their impairments. The adaptability allows individuals to continue to connect and express themselves even when language deteriorates. More research is needed into the enablers and barriers to implementing interventions into practice, as this systematic review has highlighted that some form of music intervention for all residents can be highly beneficial. Care homes use of music could increase social interactions and meaningful activities.
Competencies for Spiritual Care Professionals Specializing in Palliative and Bereavement Care in Canada: A Mixed-Methods Study Using Qualitative Interviews and Modified Delphi Survey
Authors: Stang Vivian , Barnes Peter , Enfield Christine , Koots Heather
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this project was to update competencies for spiritual care professionals specializing in palliative and bereavement care in Canada. Phase one feedback was obtained from 11 clients: six inpatients with greater than two weeks of life expectancy using interviews and five bereaved family members in a focus group. Results were analyzed for congruence or discordance with draft competencies. In phase two, 22 spiritual care experts reached a consensus on nine competencies using a modified Delphi survey. Two limitations were the small sample size and cultural and religious homogeneity of participants.
The Utility of Constructivist Grounded Theory in Critical Policy Analysis
Authors: Sebeelo Tebogo B.
Published: May 2022

Constructivist grounded theory (CGT) has gained traction as a popular method across various fields in both the social and natural sciences. Its acclaim lies in its constructivist and pragmatist heritages that emphasize flexibility, co-construction and subjectivity. Despite its general appeal, CGT remain largely unexplored in the area of critical policy analysis. Using data from an alcohol policy dissertation in Botswana, this paper applies CGT to What’s the Problem Represented to Be (WPR), a Foucauldian-inspired poststructural policy analysis framework. WPR served as a framework while CGT provided strategies to do it. The paper demonstrates the utility of CGT as a useful strategy in critical policy analysis. The practice of CGT aligns with critical policy studies that consider subjectivity, temporality and reject value-free enquiry. Furthermore, CGT aligns with policy analysis studies that explicate human experience and meanings. The implications of deploying CGT to critical policy analysis are outlined in the paper.
Lessons Learned From the Glaserian Grounded Theory Approach: Professionalizing as a Basic Social Process in Elite Athletes’ Lifestyle
Authors: Safari Jafarloo Hamid Reza , Mohamadi Turkmani Ehsan , Ghorbani Mohammad Hossein
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a qualitative study conducted using the Glaserian grounded theory (GT) method. Glaser’s approach to GT differs from Strauss and Corbin’s method, which is more widespread. There are some differences in the focus on participants’ concerns, staying in the research environment for an extended period to discover participants’ main concerns and the emergence of a basic social process around the core category. The Glaserian GT method was used to understand elite athletes’ lifestyles. Two groups of athletes and non-athletes were recruited for the interview as the sample. The core category was determined through iterative coding, memoing, theoretical sampling, and theoretical sorting. There were overlaps in these phases; they fluctuated back and forth and were not as clear-cut as they could be. Results showed the lifestyle components of elite athletes. Besides identifying participants’ main concerns, the results also demonstrated how to address them over time. It is a category of a basic social process named “professionalizing.” Lastly, the steps of creating a concept map are explained practically, which in addition to sports science scholars, can be considered by researchers in other fields.
Prevalence of pre-existing peripheral artery disease in COVID-19 patients and relative mortality risk: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zuin Marco , Rigatelli Gianluca , Bilato Marco J , Bilato Claudio , Roncon Loris
Published: May 2022

Introduction

This study aims to assess prevalence and prognostic implications of pre-existing peripheral artery disease (PAD) in patients infected by the SARS-CoV-2 by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Material and methods

We searched MEDLINE and Scopus to locate all the articles published up to 10 December 2021, reporting data on pre-existing PAD among COVID-19 survivors (S) and non survivors (NS). The pooled prevalence of pre-existing PAD in COVID-19 patients was calculated using a random effects model and presenting the related 95% confidence interval (CI), while the mortality risk was estimated using the Mantel–Haenszel random effects models with odds ratio (OR) and related 95% CI. Statistical heterogeneity was measured using the Higgins I2 statistic.

Results

Eight investigations, enrolling 13,776 COVID-19 patients (mean age: 67.1 years, 3.863 males), met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of pre-existing PAD was 5.7% of cases (95% CI: 3.8–8.4%, p < 0.0001), with high heterogeneity (I2 = 84.5%), which was directly correlated with age ( p < 0.0001), previous hypertension ( p = 0.003), and dyslipidaemia ( p = 0.02) as demonstrated by the meta-regression. Moreover, pre-existing PAD was significantly associated with higher risk of short-term death in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR: 2.78, 95% CI: 2.37–3.27, p < 0.0001 I2 = 0%); the sensitivity analysis confirmed yielded results.

Conclusions

Pre-existing PAD represents a comorbidity in about 1 out of 6 COVID-19 patients, but it is associated with a twofold higher risk of short-term mortality.
Leadership, incrementalism and the repetition of history: A Ukrainian tragedy in four acts
Authors: Grint Keith
Published: May 2022

Leadership is often associated with a particular form of decision-making: being decisive. This paper reflects on the limits of decisiveness and the role of incrementalism in the Russian decision to invade Ukraine and the role of the West and NATO’s decision-making over the prior 10 years. It suggests that incrementalism is both a legitimate mode and a significant problem in such scenarios, and focuses on the historical context to explain the decision to invade and the subsequent military failures.
The effects of an HIIT program on young soccer players’ physical performance
Authors: Michailidis Yiannis , Ganotakis Christoforos , Motsanos Nikos , Metaxas Thomas
Published: May 2022

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is widely used in soccer. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of an HIIT program on the performance of soccer players under the age of 17. Twenty-nine youth players participated in this study. Players were randomly separated into two groups: control group ( n = 14) and intervention group which performed extra HIIT (EX, n = 15). The duration of the training program was 4 weeks. Sprint 10 m, 30 m, countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), Illinois agility test, YO-YO intermitted recovery test 1, and repeated sprint ability (RSA) test (RSAbest, RSAmean, RSAdecrement) were measured pre and post the training program. The performance in 10 m, Illinois test, and RSAmean improved in the EX group ( P = 0.022, P = 0.047, and P = 0.045, respectively). The performances of the two groups differed significantly in post-measurement of 10 m, Illinois test, and RSAmean ( P = 0.046, P = 0.039, and P = 0.044, respectively). This study supports that a short-term program of HIIT can improve acceleration, agility, and RSA performance.
Utility of line probe assay in detecting drug resistance and the associated mutations in patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Diriba Getu , Kebede Abebaw , Tola Habteyes Hailu , Alemu Ayinalem , Yenew Bazezew , Moga Shewki , Addise Desalegn , Mohammed Zemedu , Getahun Muluwork , Fantahun Mengistu , Tadesse Mengistu , Dagne Biniyam , Amare Misikir , Assefa Gebeyehu , Abera Dessie , Desta Kassu
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

Molecular tests allow rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and drug resistance in a few days. Identifying the mutations in genes associated with drug resistance may contribute to the development of appropriate interventions to improve tuberculosis control. So far, there is little information in Ethiopia about the diagnostic performance of line probe assay (LPA) and the M. tuberculosis common gene mutations associated with drug resistance in extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Thus, this study aimed to assess the frequency of drug resistance-associated mutations in patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) and to compare the agreement and determine the utility of the genotypic in the detection of drug resistance in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted on stored M. tuberculosis isolates. The genotypic and phenotypic drug susceptibility tests were performed using LPA and BACTEC-MGIT-960, respectively. The common mutations were noted, and the agreement and the utility of the LPA were determined using the BACTEC-MGIT-960 as a gold standard.

Results:

Of the 151 isolates, the sensitivity and specificity of MTBDR plus in detecting isoniazid resistance were 90.9% and 100%, respectively. While for rifampicin, it was 100% and 99.3% for sensitivity and specificity, respectively. The katG S315Tl was the most common mutation observed in 85.7% of the isoniazid-resistant isolates. In the case of rifampicin, the most common mutation (61.9%) was observed at position rpoB S531L. Mutations in the gyrA promoter region were strongly associated with Levofloxacin and Moxifloxacin resistance.

Conclusion:

Line probe assay has high test performance in detecting resistance to anti-TB drugs in EPTB isolates. The MTBDR plus test was slightly less sensitive for the detection of isoniazid resistance as compared to the detection of rifampicin. The most prevalent mutations associated with isoniazid and rifampicin resistance were observed at katG S315Tl and rpoB S531L respectively. Besides, all the fluoroquinolone-resistant cases were associated with gyrA gene. Finally, a validation study with DNA sequencing is recommended.
The incarnation and education as acts of weaving: Towards a comprehensive approach to schooling from a Christian perspective
Authors: Galioto Carmelo
Published: May 2022

This article proposes the Incarnation as a theological principle that illuminates the educational task, especially for Christian-oriented schools. Initially, I develop keys to understanding the Incarnation as an integrating event that can help us understand education as a comprehensive phenomenon. Then, I explore implications: First, based on the symbolism of the Incarnation as act of weaving, I consider education as a set of processes that allows the emergence of the divine-human vocation; second, studying can be conceived as a tool for a comprehensive weaving of a person’s true self. I discuss the validity of the implications of this perspective.
Deplatformization, platform governance and global geopolitics: Interview with José van Dijck
Authors: van Dijck José , Lin Jian
Published: May 2022

In this interview, José van Dijck distinguishes the concept of deplatformization from deplatforming and platformization. It describes the phenomena of the systematic pushing back of controversial platforms and their communities to the edge of the platform ecosystem, dominated by mainstream platforms (such as Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft). Deplatformization further demonstrates the hierarchical power relations within the global platform ecosystem and the complexity of platform governability. From the European perspective, van Dijck argues that public values and public institutions should play more active role in platform governance. The recent Russia–Ukraine war also indicates the vulnerability brought by such co- and inter-dependence on American platforms.
Efficacy of Oral Nutritional Supplements in Patients Undergoing Surgical Intervention for Hip Fracture
Authors: Ashkenazi Itay , Rotman Dani , Amzalleg Nissan , Graif Nadav , Amal Khoury  , Ben-Tov Tomer , Steinberg Ely
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Malnutrition is considered a risk factor among geriatric individuals with hip fracture, affecting functional healing and recovery, increasing healthcare spending, and associated with high mortality. In this study, we sought to evaluate the clinical efficacy of oral nutritional supplements in geriatric patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture. Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of 1625 consecutive patients who underwent fixation or arthroplasty for hip fracture in a tertiary medical center between 2017 and 2020. Patients who had no available albumin or body mass index levels were excluded. The study group is of patients who received an advanced formula in the form of an oral nutritional supplement (ONS), and the control group of patients that received no ONS. Peri- and postoperative complications, readmissions, short-term mortality, and albumin levels were compared between the 2 groups. Results: The final cohort included 1123 patients, 298 in the study group and 825 controls, with a follow-up of at least 1-year. Provision of the advanced enriched formula was not associated with 30-day, 90-day, or 1-year mortality (P = .62, P = .52, and P = .72, respectively) or any perioperative complications, such as 30-day or 90-day readmission (P = .37 and P = .1, respectively), revision surgery of any cause (P = .35), and postoperative infection rates (P = .73). Albumin levels on admission and the minimum albumin levels during hospitalization were similar between the groups, but they were significantly higher in the study group before discharge (33.42 g/L vs. 32.79 g/L, P = .01). Discussion: The use of an ONS was not associated with reduced perioperative complications or mortality, although it did affect nutritional status, as indicated by increased albumin levels, a known marker of nutritional status. Conclusions. While current findings do not support ONS use to minimize major postoperative complication after hip fracture surgery, further long-term study is warranted to evaluate subjective and functional outcomes associated with improved nutritional status.
Analysing the Legal Rights of the Climate Refugees during COVID-19 Pandemic in India: Challenges to International Law
Authors: Banerjee Mrinalini , Shanthakumar S.
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic came as a shock for the entire world, and it is still ongoing, consequentially hindering mankind from following their normal lives. The novel coronavirus was first reported from the Wuhan city, Hubei province of China, and WHO was aware of the same on 31 December 2019. The entire world came to still for months to prevent the virus from spreading. In India, there was a massive displacement of over 200 million migrant workers due to the sudden lockdown in the country. During this turmoil, the authors feel that the rights of the climate refugees were overlooked. This article will examine the health rights of the climate refugees during this pandemic with a specific focus on the climate refugees staying in the Sundarban Delta during this pandemic. The authors have undertaken a theoretical and qualitative data analysis to analyse the same. The study’s findings showcase the vulnerability due to the negligible health facilities available for them. In this regard, the article would identify the lacuna in the legal framework for protecting the rights of the climate refugees and will argue for integrating and interpreting International Law and Human Rights Law to at least cover the health rights of the climate refugees during pandemics. The authors suggest that the rights of climate change refugees should not be ignored.
Order from Above: The Evolvement of Elections in Qatar
Authors: Admoni Ariel
Published: May 2022

Qatar slowly opened up to the democratic system. In 1963, the Qatari Sheikh made some concessions and allowed Municipal Council to be elected by all Qatari males. However, it appears to have faded from view without any noticeable impact. After the independence, Sheikh Khalifa believed that elections were neither necessary nor useful and his son, Sheikh Hamad, began to reform the country in this area. In April 2003, Qatari citizens voted on a constitution that included an election. Until 2021, Doha postponed plans for a partially elected Shura Council. Instead, members of the body, the top advisory body for the government, have been appointed by the Emir. On October 2, 2011, Qataris began voting in the Emirate’s first legislative election. The results were an example of the conservative view of the Qatari population. The conservative atmosphere also appeared in the sessions of another elected advisory council, the Central Municipal Council (CMC) and every reform or change can be initiated only by the leadership, specifically the Emir. The conservative atmosphere and the significant role of the Emir in the change appeared especially in the question of the women in the democratic process. However, during the years, the Al-Thani continued to closely monitor the implementation of the elections and make sure things would not go out of hand. Moreover, political participation limited different factions of the Al-Thani family and prominent families in the Emirate, sometimes connected through marriages to the ruling family.
Harnessing Spinal Interneurons for Spinal Cord Repair
Authors: Zholudeva Lyandysha V , Lane Michael A
Published: May 2022

Interest in spinal interneurons (SpINs), their heterogeneity in the naive spinal cord and their varying responses to central nervous system injury or disease has been steadily increasing. Our recent review on this topic highlights the vast phenotypic heterogeneity of SpINs and the efforts being made to better identify and classify these neurons. As our understanding of SpIN phenotype, connectivity, and neuroplastic capacity continues to expand, new therapeutic targets are being revealed and novel treatment approaches developed to harness their potential. Here, we expand on that initial discussion and highlight how SpINs can be used to develop advanced, targeted cellular therapies and personalized medicines.
Putting the pieces together: A qualitative study exploring perspectives on self-management and exercise behavior among people living with multimorbidity, healthcare professionals, relatives, and patient advocates
Authors: Jäger Madalina , Lindhardt Mathias Constantin , Pedersen Julie Rønne , Dideriksen Mette , Nyberg Mette , Bricca Alessio , Bodtger Uffe , Midtgaard Julie , Skou Søren T
Published: May 2022

Background Behavior change and exercise are considered critical for successful self-management in people with multimorbidity, however, little is known about people’s needs, experiences, and preferences. Purpose The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the perspectives of people living with multimorbidity, healthcare professionals, relatives, and patient advocates in relation to self-management and exercise behavior. Research design Analysis was carried out by means of a hybrid inductive-deductive approach using Framework Analysis that enabled the subsequent use of the COM-B model in relation to the study of exercise behavior specifically. Study sample We conducted 17 interviews (9 focus groups; 8 key informants) with 48 informants from four groups (22 people living with multimorbidity, 17 healthcare professionals, 5 relatives, and 5 patient advocates). Data analysis Through an inductive Framework analysis, we constructed three themes: Patient education, supporting behavior change, and lack of a “burning platform.” Subsequent deductive application of the COM-B profile (applied solely to data related to exercise behavior) unveiled a variety of barriers to exercise and self-management support (pain, fatigue, breathlessness, lack of motivation, financial issues, accessibility, decreased social support). Results Overall, the four groups shared common understandings while also expressing unique challenges. Conclusions Future interventions and/or policies targeting exercise behavior in people living with multimorbidity should address some of the barriers identified in this study.
Glabridin, a bioactive component of licorice, ameliorates diabetic nephropathy by regulating ferroptosis and the VEGF/Akt/ERK pathways
Authors: Tan Hongtao , Chen Junxian , Li Yicong , Li Yingshan , Zhong Yunchang , Li Guangzhao , Liu Lingling , Li Yiqun
Published: May 2022

Background

Glabridin (Glab) is a bioactive component of licorice that can ameliorate diabetes, but its role in diabetic nephropathy (DN) has seldom been reported. Herein, we explored the effect and underlying mechanism of Glab on DN.

Methods

The bioactive component-target network of licorice against DN was by a network pharmacology approach. The protective effect of Glab on the kidney was investigated by a high-fat diet with streptozotocin induced-diabetic rat model. High glucose-induced NRK-52E cells were used for in vitro studies. The effects of Glab on ferroptosis and VEGF/Akt/ERK pathways in DN were investigated in vivo and in vitro using qRT-PCR, WB, and IHC experiments.

Results

Bioinformatics analysis constructed a network comprising of 10 bioactive components of licorice and 40 targets for DN. 13 matching targets of Glab were mainly involved in the VEGF signaling pathway. Glab treatment ameliorated general states and reduced FBG, HOMA-β, and HOMA-insulin index of diabetic rats. The renal pathological changes and the impaired renal function (the increased levels of Scr, BUN, UREA, KIM-1, NGAL, and TIMP-1) were also improved by Glab. Moreover, Glab repressed ferroptosis by increasing SOD and GSH activity, and GPX4, SLC7A11, and SLC3A2 expression, and decreasing MDA and iron concentrations, and TFR1 expression, in vivo and in vitro. Mechanically, Glab significantly suppressed VEGF, p-AKT, p-ERK1/2 expression in both diabetic rats and HG-induced NRK-52E cells.

Conclusions

This study revealed protective effects of Glab on the kidney of diabetic rats, which might exert by suppressing ferroptosis and the VEGF/Akt/ERK pathway.
Construction of Pd Single Site Anchored on Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon and Its Application for Total Antioxidant Level Detection
Authors: Zhang Jingwen , Li Zhi , Li Hui , Dai Ge , Luo Feifei , Chu Zhaohui , Geng Xing , Zhang Fan , Wang Qingjiang
Published: May 2022

Natural enzymes have excellent catalytic activity. However, due to their unstable nature and high cost, current research has turned to the synthesis and development of enzyme-like nanomaterials and single-atomic nanozymes. In this study, a single-atomic palladium-loaded nitrogen-doped porous carbon catalyst (SA-Pd/NPC) was prepared and used as a mimetic peroxidase to catalyze the substrates oxidation. The catalytic capability of the SA-Pd/NPC was tested by the TMB-H2O2 system, and it expressed a superior catalytic capability owing to the plentiful catalytic centers of the single-atom Pd, its high porosity, the large specific surface area, and the strong electron transfer capability of the NPC. For the color reaction of TMB, thiol antioxidants (e.g., glutathione, GSH) and non-thiol antioxidants (e.g., ascorbic acid, AA) are suitable for different inhibition mechanisms. GSH and AA are typical substances of these two main antioxidant types, respectively. Here, we demonstrate that this prepared catalyst could be used to simultaneously determine a variety of major known physiologically relevant thiol-containing and thiol-free antioxidants, accompanied by a blue color gradient change with UV–Vis spectra at 652 nm through the SA-Pd/NPC-catalyzed TMB-H2O2 system. Linear responses to GSH and AA could be obtained in the concentration ranges of 0.01–0.10 mM and 1–13 μM (both R2 values were greater than 0.970), respectively, while the limits of detection were 3 μM and 0.3 μM, respectively. The ability of the nanozyme to detect overall antioxidant levels (TAL) was also confirmed in subsequent tests on artificial saliva and biological samples.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis reveals region-specific expression patterns in different beef cuts
Authors: Zhang Tianliu , Wang Tianzhen , Niu Qunhao , Zheng Xu , Li Haipeng , Gao Xue , Chen Yan , Gao Huijiang , Zhang Lupei , Liu George E. , Li Junya , Xu Lingyang
Published: May 2022

Background

Beef cuts in different regions of the carcass have different meat quality due to their distinct physiological function. The objective of this study was to characterize the region-specific expression differences using comparative transcriptomics analysis among five representative beef cuts (tenderloin, longissimus lumborum, rump, neck, chuck).

Results

We obtained 15,701 expressed genes in 30 muscle samples across five regions from carcass meat. We identified a total of 80 region-specific genes (RSGs), ranging from three (identified in the rump cut) to thirty (identified in the longissimus lumborum cut), and detected 25 transcription factors (TFs) for RSGs. Using a co-expression network analysis, we detected seven region-specific modules, including three positively correlated modules and four negatively correlated modules. We finally obtained 91 candidate genes related to meat quality, and the functional enrichment analyses showed that these genes were mainly involved in muscle fiber structure (e.g., TNNI1, TNNT1), fatty acids (e.g., SCD, LPL), amino acids (ALDH2, IVD, ACADS), ion channel binding (PHPT1, SNTA1, SUMO1, CNBP), protein processing (e.g., CDC37, GAPDH, NRBP1), as well as energy production and conversion (e.g., ATP8, COX8B, NDUFB6). Moreover, four candidate genes (ALDH2, CANX, IVD, PHPT1) were validated using RT-qPCR analyses which further supported our RNA-seq results.

Conclusions

Our results provide valuable insights into understanding the transcriptome regulation of meat quality in different beef cuts, and these findings may further help to improve the selection for health-beneficial meat in beef cattle.