bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Reason, Partisanship and the Containment of the Populist Radical Right
Authors: Badano Gabriele , Nuti Alasia
Published: April 2021

This article discusses the growth of the populist radical right as a concrete example of the scenario where liberal democratic ideas are losing support in broadly liberal democratic societies. Our goal is to enrich John Rawls’ influential theory of political liberalism. We argue that even in that underexplored scenario, Rawlsian political liberalism can offer an appealing account of how to promote the legitimacy and stability of liberal democratic institutions provided it places partisanship centre stage. Specifically, we propose a brand-new moral duty binding ‘reasonable’ partisans committed to pluralism. This duty establishes conditions where partisans must strategically transform society’s public reason (i.e. transform the visions for society their parties campaign on) in ways that promise to attract back support from illiberal and antidemocratic competitors. While this strategic behaviour might seem impermissible, we show that Rawls’ distinctive account of sincerity in democratic deliberation is uniquely placed to justify it as perfectly ethical.
Justice and Internal Displacement
Authors: Draper Jamie
Published: April 2021

This article develops a normative theory of the status of ‘internally displaced persons’. Political theorists working on forced migration have paid little attention to internally displaced persons, but internally displaced persons bear a distinctive normative status that implies a set of rights that its bearer can claim and correlate duties that others owe. This article develops a practice-based account of justice in internal displacement, which aims to answer the questions of who counts as an internally displaced person and what is owed to internally displaced persons (and by whom). The first section addresses the question of who counts as an internally displaced person by offering an interpretation of the conditions of non-alienage and involuntariness. The second section articulates an account of what is owed to internally displaced persons that draws on and refines the idea of ‘occupancy rights’. The third section sets out an account of the role of the international community in supplementing the protection of internally displaced persons by their own states.
The role of oxidant-antioxidant markers and resistin in metabolic syndrome elderly individuals
Authors: Dzięgielewska-Gęsiak Sylwia , Wyszomirska Karolina , Fatyga Edyta , Wysocka Ewa , Muc-Wierzgoń Małgorzata
Published: April 2021

In elderly, hormones and oxidant-antioxidant interplay are suggested to mediate biochemical balance between adipose tissue to other tissues. Thus the study attempts to explore metabolic traits, plasma resistin, and oxidant-antioxidant markers in metabolic syndrome (MetS) in comparison to non-metabolic syndrome (non-MetS) elderly individuals. A total of 541 healthy elderly Caucasians, with no acute and/or chronic disorders were invited. After taking into account inclusion/exclusion criteria’s the MetS was defined as the presence of three out of ﬁve abnormal ﬁndings and allowed to divided groups into: non-metabolic syndrome, non-MetS ( n = 25, median age 69.0 years), and newly diagnosed MetS ( n = 29; median age 70.5 years) individuals. Glucose, plasma lipids, resistin (Res), thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances (TBARS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) were measured. The MetS had higher resistin than non-MetS ( p < 0.04). The linear correlation (all at p < 0.05) showed correlation for Res&triacylglycerols ( R = 0.44), and for Res&diastolic blood pressure ( R = −0.58) and for SOD-1&fasting glucose ( R = −0.34) in MetS, while in the non-MetS group fasting glucose correlates with Res ( R = 0.58) and with TAS ( R = −0.43). The multiple regression analysis (alone and in combination) showed that independently from other factors resistin correlated positively with fasting glucose (β = 0.37; R = 0.58; R 2 = 0.23; p < 0.01) in all investigated elderly participants. In the MetS resistin correlated negatively with diastolic blood pressure (β = −0.68; R = 0.80; R 2 = 0.53; p = 0.0004) moreover in that group TAS correlated negatively with HDL-C (β = −0.71; R = 0.72; R 2 = 0.37; p = 0.01). While age correlated negatively with systolic blood pressure (β = −0.60; R = 0.62; R 2 = 0.14; p = 0.03) independently from other factors in the non-MetS group. Various metabolic factors contribute to maintain serum resistin and oxidant-antioxidant balance in the elderly people in the presence or absence of MetS. Resistin may serve as a predictor of MetS in the elderly, while strong antioxidant defense interactions in older individuals may indicate good health.
Equivalent dynamic modeling of flexible morphing aircraft
Authors: Wei Changzhu , Wang Ruiming , Zheng Wei , Pu Jialun
Published: April 2021

A morphing aircraft can maintain optimal flight performance by adaptively changing shape. However, large deformation and fast motion of aircraft modules lead to complicated dynamics during morphing process. This paper proposes a mechanistic equivalent model with parameters identified by optimization method. Based on the dynamics of the aircraft modules with large deformation and fast motion and considering the coupling characteristics of rigid bodies and gimbal joints, an equivalent dynamic model of morphing aircraft is built in this study. Considering the huge amount of highly coupled parameters in the equivalent model, particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to identify the equivalent parameters based on the sample data of flexible model. By comparing the simulation results of proposed model to those of rigid model and flexible model, it can be seen that the accuracy of the proposed equivalent model is comparable to that of the flexible model, but the computational load is only 10% of that of flexible model. Further, based on this high-fidelity model with low computational load, an optimized morphing process is obtained, and the attitude variation during morphing is reduced by 4.23%.
Interdependent Group-Oriented Contingencies: Randomly Selected Components to the Rescue
Authors: Richardson Robert D. , Crewdson Margaret A. , Skinner Christopher H. , Wheat Laura S. , Martinez James A.
Published: April 2021

Class-wide academic performance can be increased by overlaying existing instructional and classroom management procedures with supplemental interdependent group-oriented bonus rewards. The bonus reward strategies may be particularly effective for under-motivated, low-performing students. When applying supplemental interdependent group-oriented bonus rewards, rewards are delivered to all members of a class for meeting a group-oriented performance criterion. A description of supplemental interdependent group-oriented bonus rewards is provided, followed by reasons for using unknown, randomly-selected rewards and criteria for earning rewards. Guidelines for establishing a pool of possible rewards and criteria are provided that are designed to allow teachers to develop their own supplemental interdependent group-oriented bonus rewards.
Traumatic Brain Injury in Community Corrections: Prevalence and Differences in Compliance and Long-Term Outcomes Among Men and Women on Probation
Authors: Gorgens Kim A. , Meyer Laura , Dettmer Judy , Standeven Molly , Goodwin Emily , Marchi Cory , Lyman Hollis
Published: April 2021

There are 4.5 million adults in community corrections (e.g., probation and parole), nearly twice the number of people incarcerated in jails and prisons combined. Research suggests that more than half of men in jail have experienced at least one traumatic brain injury (TBI). Very little is known about TBI history in probation. This study reviewed TBI history, cognitive and psychosocial data, and judicial records. Results showed that 47% of persons on probation report TBI. People on probation with TBI also had comorbid behavioral health conditions like mental illness, substance abuse, trauma history, and attempted suicide. They were more likely to be determined to be high risk by probation officers, had a higher rate of felony convictions, had lower rates of successful probation completion, and were significantly more likely to re-offend. Attention to responsivity factors like TBI may help probation provide accommodations that support successful engagement in probation and treatment.
Dipo Rites of Passage and Psychological Well-being Among Krobo Adolescent Females in Ghana: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Abbey Elizabeth Anorkor , Mate-Kole Christopher Charles , Amponsah Benjamin , Belgrave Faye Z.
Published: April 2021

Dipo is a historical rites of passage among the Krobo in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The goal of Dipo is to assist pubertal girls in transitioning into adulthood by shaping moral values and social responsibilities, learning home management skills, and preventing risky sexual behavior. Differences in psychological distress among girls who had and had not participated in Dipo were examined in the current study. The sample included 145 adolescent females, 80 Dipo initiates and, 65 nonDipo initiates. Participants, 12 to 20 years of age, were recruited from junior and senior high schools, and administered a questionnaire with measures of psychological distress, a sex role inventory, and a measure of favorability of Dipo. Findings revealed that Dipo initiates reported significantly less psychological distress than noninitiates. Dipo initiates also reported more favorable attitudes about Dipo than noninitiates. Although this study is preliminary, findings suggest that Dipo may be useful for increasing psychological well-being. Recommendations for future research are provided.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Certain Aspects of the Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Hazard of Hospital Wastewaters by Using a Range of In Vitro Assays
Authors: Janousek Stanislav , Vlkova Alena , Jirova Gabriela , Kejlova Kristina , Krsek Daniel , Jirova Dagmar , Kandarova Helena , Wittlingerova Zdenka , Heinonen Tuula , Mannerstrom Marika , Maly Marek
Published: April 2021

Health care facilities and hospitals generate significant amounts of wastewater which are released into the sewage system, either after a preliminary treatment or without any further treatment. Hospital wastewater may contain large amounts of hazardous chemicals and pharmaceuticals, some of which cannot be eliminated entirely by wastewater treatment plants. Moreover, hospital effluents may be loaded with a plethora of pathogenic microorganisms or other microbiota and microbiome residues. The need to monitor hospital effluents for their genotoxic hazard is of high importance, as detailed information is scarce. DNA-based information can be acquired directly from samples through the application of various molecular methods, while cell-based biomonitoring assays can provide important information about impaired cellular pathways or mechanisms of toxicity without prior knowledge of the identity of each toxicant. In our study, we evaluated samples of chlorinated hospital wastewater discharged into the sewage system after this disinfection process. The assessment of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and mutagenicity of the hospital effluents was performed in vitro by using a broad battery of biomonitoring assays that are relevant for human health effects. All the tested hospital wastewater samples could be classified as potentially genotoxic, and it is concluded that the microbiota present in hospital wastewater might contribute to this genotoxic potential.
Strategy to prevent nerve injury and deep vein thrombosis in radiofrequency segmental thermal ablation of the saphenous veins using a new objective pain scale
Authors: Yamamoto Kenji , Miwa Senri , Yamada Tomoyuki , Setozaki Shuji , Hamuro Mamoru , Kurokawa Shunji , Enomoto Sakae
Published: April 2021

Objective

We evaluated the benefit of local anesthesia including tumescent anesthesia and active walking soon after surgery in preventing nerve injury and deep vein thrombosis caused during endovenous ablation.

Methods

Endovenous ablation was performed in 1334 consecutive patients. Varicectomy was performed using the stab avulsion technique. After surgery, patients were encouraged to walk 100–200 m inside the ward for 3–5 times/h. The pain was evaluated objectively using the Okamura pain scale and subjectively using the numerical rating scale.

Results

Stab avulsion was performed at 11.8 ± 8.0 sites and the mean operative time was 33.9 ± 15.2 min. The mean Okamura pain scale and numerical rating scale scores were 1.6 ± 1.3 and 3.0 ± 2.0, respectively. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were absent. The incidence of nerve injury was 0.3%.

Conclusions

Endovenous ablation should be performed with the patients under local anesthesia to prevent nerve injury and deep vein thrombosis.
Social-Ecological Predictors of Homophobic Name-Calling Perpetration and Victimization Among Early Adolescents
Authors: Valido Alberto , Merrin Gabriel J. , Espelage Dorothy L. , Robinson Luz E. , Nickodem Kyle , Ingram Katherine M. , El Sheikh America J. , Torgal Cagil , Fairclough Javari
Published: April 2021

Bias-based aggression at school in the form of homophobic name-calling is quite prevalent among early adolescents. Homophobic name-calling is associated with low academic performance, higher risky sexual behaviors, and substance abuse, among other adverse outcomes. This longitudinal study examined risk and protective factors across multiple domains of the social ecology (individual, peer, family, school and community) and levels of analysis (within- and between-person) associated with homophobic name-calling perpetration and victimization. Students from four middle schools in the U.S. Midwest ( N = 1,655; [Formula: see text] age = 12.75; range = 10–16 years) were surveyed four times (Spring/Fall 2008, Spring/Fall 2009). For homophobic name-calling perpetration, significant risk factors included impulsivity, social dominance, traditional masculinity, family violence, and neighborhood violence; while empathy, peer support, school belonging, and adult support were significant protective factors. For homophobic name-calling victimization, significant risk factors included empathy (between-person), impulsivity, traditional masculinity, family violence, and neighborhood violence, while empathy (within-person), parental monitoring, peer support, school belonging, and adult support were significant protective factors.
Solo self-employment, entrepreneurial subjectivity and the security–precarity continuum: Evidence from private tutors in the supplementary education industry
Authors: Holloway Sarah L , Pimlott-Wilson Helena
Published: April 2021

Entrepreneurship is regarded by policy makers and politicians as an accelerant for economic development. Economic geography demonstrates that rather than stimulating entrepreneurship in general, policy makers should support specific forms of entrepreneurship that fuel wider growth. The paper's original contribution is to insist that entrepreneurship research must also explore less growth-oriented, but crucially very widespread, forms of entrepreneurial activity. The paper therefore places solo self-employment – the self-employed without employees – centre stage as an exemplar of this trend. Research is presented on private tutors who run businesses from home, offering children one-to-one tuition in the burgeoning supplementary education industry. The paper scrutinises the causes, configuration and consequences of such solo self-employment as an economically marginal, but numerically dominant, form of entrepreneurship. In so doing, it makes three conceptual advances in the exploration of heterogeneous entrepreneurship. First, in examining why individuals become self-employed, the paper moves beyond classic efforts to understand entrepreneurship through binary push/pull mechanisms in models of occupational choice. Instead, the analysis demonstrates the importance of risk in entrepreneurship and paid employment, highlighting the multiple pathways into solo self-employment as opportunities and constraints coalesce in individual's lives. Secondly, in considering how the solo self-employed think about business, the research breaks through conventional definitions of entrepreneurship to demonstrate that solo self-employment involves a distinctively entrepreneurial subjectivity and practices. Thirdly, by investigating the consequences of solo self-employment, the findings transcend dualist interpretations of self-employment as the realm of entrepreneurial wealth or economic precarity, highlighting instead a security–precarity continuum in immediate and long-term outcomes.
The Crisis of the European Social Model in the Adverse Environment of Globalization
Authors: Bilbao-Ubillos Javier
Published: April 2021

This paper examines the apparently adverse environment for the viability of the European Social Model (ESoM) and identifies the main factors relevant to the consolidation of the model. It first looks back at the way in which social issues have been dealt with by European Union (EU) institutions, then seeks to identify the main internal and external challenges facing the ESoM. The crisis and the exit strategy initially adopted in the EU (based on austerity policies) compounded these challenges and threatened the model. An interpretation of this crossroads and the foreseeable scenarios for the model are presented under alternative hypotheses with and without specific EU intervention. This paper adopts the globalization theory of the welfare state. Accordingly, its main hypothesis is that unless decisive action is taken by EU institutions the ESoM faces progressive erosion or dilution in a globalized economy.

JEL Classification: I38, H53, F60, F15, F68
Amorphous silica nanoparticles induced spleen and liver toxicity after acute intravenous exposure in male and female rats
Authors: Tassinari Roberta , Martinelli Andrea , Valeri Mauro , Maranghi Francesca
Published: April 2021

Synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) nanomaterial – consisting of aggregates and agglomerates of primary silicon dioxide (SiO2) particles in the nanorange (<100 nm) – is commonly used as excipient in pharmaceuticals, in cosmetics and as food additive (E551). The available data suggest that SAS nanoparticles (NP) after intravenous (IV) exposure persist in liver and spleen; however, insufficient data exist to verify whether SAS may also induce adverse effects. The aim of the present study was to verify the potential long-term effects of SAS NP (NM-203) on spleen and liver as target organs following short-term exposure. Adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated by IV injection in the tail vein with a single (1-day) dose (SD) and repeated (5-day) doses (RD) of 20 mg/kg bw per day of SAS dispersed in sterile saline solution as vehicle. Histopathological examinations of target organs were performed after 90 days. Tissue biodistribution and full characterization of NM-203, primary particle size 13–45 nm, was performed within the framework of the Nanogenotox project. No mortality or general toxicity occurred; histopathological analysis showed splenomegaly in the RD group accompanied by inflammatory granulomas in both sexes. Granulomas were also present in liver parenchyma in the RD (both sexes) and SD groups (male only). The histopathological results indicated that SAS NP have the potential to persist and induce sex-specific chronic inflammatory lesions in spleen and liver upon short-term treatment. Overall, the data showed that the widespread use of silica in drugs might elicit chronic reactions in spleen and liver prompting to the need of further investigations on the safety of SAS NP.[Formula: see text]
3D-printing pen from valorization of pine cone residues as reinforcement in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS): Microstructure and thermal properties
Authors: Costa Isabella LM , Pereira Paulo HF , Claro Amanda Maria , Amaral Nayara Cavichiolli do , Barud Hernane da Silva , Ribeiro Rosinei Batista , Mulinari Daniella Regina
Published: April 2021

This study presents an alternative to reducing solid waste, improving the concept of green composites. So, the use of fibers from pine cone as reinforcement in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) composites filaments as a potential for 3D pen was evaluated. The effect of the treatment chemical (alkaline and bleaching) was studied. A thermokinetic mixer processed the ABS/pine cone fibers (2 and 5% wt.) composites. After, the filaments were prepared by mini extruder and printing 3D pen. Filaments were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetry (TGA), and Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Filaments revealed homogeneous diameters. The addition of 2 and 5% wt. fiber not significantly influenced the filament’s diameter and density. On the other hand, thermal stability and morphological analysis influenced the type of fiber (raw, treated, and bleached). The addition of bleached fibers to ABS increased composites’ thermal stability compared to other fibers (treated and raw). Also, inserting bleached fibers was perceptible a uniformly distributed and embedded throughout the wire cross-section compared to treated and raw fiber added to ABS due to good interfacial bonding. Results indicated that fibers were hydrogen-bonded to ABS chains and increased the filament’s density. So, it is possible to affirm that the addition of fibers from pine cone to ABS thermally improved and can be a low-cost feedstock for printing 3D pen applications. Despite the low concentration of natural fiber on the composites investigated in this work, the successful obtainment of ABS reinforced with biodegradable natural fiber, compromising neither its thermal properties nor its processability and printability, opens the possibility for future work investigation into a composite with larger fiber content.
Optimization of bimodal automated peritoneal dialysis prescription using the three-pore model
Authors: Öberg Carl M
Published: April 2021

Background:

Previous studies suggested that automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) could be improved in terms of shorter treatment times and lower glucose absorption using bimodal treatment regimens, having ‘ultrafiltration (UF) cycles’ using a high glucose concentration and ‘clearance cycles’ using low or no glucose. The purpose of this study is to explore such regimes further using mathematical optimization techniques based on the three-pore model.

Methods:

A linear model with constraints is applied to find the shortest possible treatment time given a set of clinical treatment goals. For bimodal regimes, an exact analytical solution often exists which is herein used to construct optimal regimes giving the same Kt/ V urea and/or weekly creatinine clearance and UF as a 6 × 2 L 1.36% glucose regime and an ‘adapted’ (2 × 1.5 L 1.36% + 3 × 3 L 1.36%) regime.

Results:

Compared to the non-optimized (standard and adapted regimes), the optimized regimens demonstrated marked reductions (>40%) in glucose absorption while having an identical weekly creatinine clearance (35 L) and UF (0.5 L). Larger fill volumes of 1200 mL/m2 (UF cycles) and 1400 mL/m2 (clearance cycles) can be used to shorten the total treatment time.

Conclusion:

These theoretical results imply substantial improvements in glucose absorption using optimized APD regimens while achieving similar water and solute removal as non-optimized APD regimens. While the current results are based on a well-established theoretical model for peritoneal dialysis, experimental and clinical studies need to be performed to validate the current findings.
Women’s Attrition from Male-Dominated Workplaces in Norway: The Importance of Numerical Minority Status, Motherhood and Class
Authors: Madsen Aleksander Å , Brekke Idunn , Fekjær Silje Bringsrud
Published: April 2021

This study explores women’s attrition from male-dominated workplaces based on Norwegian public administrative records, covering individuals born 1945–1983, in the period between 2003 and 2013. It examines sex differences in rates of attrition and tests the significance of two commonly proposed explanations in the literature, namely the degree of numerical minority status and motherhood. It also investigates whether these explanations vary by occupational class. Selection into male-dominated workplaces is accounted for by using individual fixed effects models. The results show that attrition rates from male-dominated workplaces are considerably higher among women than among men. Moreover, the risk of female attrition to sex-balanced workplaces increases, regardless of occupational class, with increases in the percentage of males. Childbirth is associated with an increased risk of attrition to female-dominated workplaces, while having young children (⩽ 10 years old) lowered the risk. This association, however, was primarily evident among working-class women in manual occupations.
Graphene/graphene nanoplatelets reinforced polyamide nanocomposites: A review
Authors: Madhad Himanshu V , Mishra Nikita S , Patel Sunil B , Panchal Siddhi S , Gandhi Rusvi A , Vasava Dilip V
Published: April 2021

Graphene and its derivatives have received considerable attention in industrial and academic research due to their unique, useful properties and applications. The use of graphene is still difficult due to its high cost of production. Hence, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) have been identified as a substitute for graphene, which are produced in large scale at a very low cost. Moreover, GNPs have played a significant role in various engineering thermoplastic materials [i.e., polyamides (PAs)] to enhance their properties and applications. The GNPs help in the production of low-cost multifunctional nanocomposites with notable useful properties such as high electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and high aspect ratio. The GNPs based nanocomposites have a broad spectrum of application areas including 3D-printing, automotive materials, electrical appliances, low-cost composites films, and many more. This review summarizes different preparation techniques, properties, and applications of GNPs based PAs nanocomposites as reported in current literature.
A design for manufacturing methodology using defects knowledge for aerospace product manufacturing
Authors: Elsouri Mohammed , Gao James , Simmonds Clive , Martin Nick
Published: April 2021

Defects generated by the UK supply chain is much higher than its global competitors. Defects impact costs and production throughput due to unpredictable disruptions resulting in many non-value adding activities. However, defects data associated knowledge have rarely been considered and implemented as the manufacturing capability in existing design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA) data/knowledge bases. On the other hand, current ICT systems used in the aerospace industry are not flexible enough to keep up with the new requirements of collaborating to manage knowledge properly, and the use of real-time manufacturing data generated in manufacturing activities. This research was carried out in collaboration with one of the UK’s largest aerospace companies in order to analyse the complexity of design and manufacturing activities of high-value safety-critical aerospace products. The results of the work are presented, and a novel approach and system was developed, that can be used to support DFMA using defects knowledge. The approach was implemented as a knowledge management system using collaborative design principles. Key findings from the main contribution in the context of extended enterprises of high value low volume safety critical product manufacturing are discussed.
Performance degradation prediction of aeroengine based on attention model and support vector regression
Authors: Che Changchang , Wang Huawei , Ni Xiaomei , Fu Qiang
Published: April 2021

Accurate performance degradation prediction of aeroengines can ensure the safety and reliability of the aircraft. Based on the mass long time series data of multiple state parameters, a novel performance degradation prediction method based on attention model (AM) and support vector regression (SVR) is proposed in this article. The AM uses the attention mechanism between encoder and decoder to realize weight distribution of different source samples, so as to realize time series prediction of state parameters. The SVR model is used to mine the mapping relationship between multiple state parameters and performance degradation. The performance degradation prediction results can be achieved by putting the time series prediction results of multiple state parameters into the SVR model. The turbofan engine degradation simulation dataset carried out using commercial modular aero-propulsion system simulation (C-MAPSS) is used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results demonstrate that it can get accurate time series prediction and performance degradation analysis results. Compared with other methods, the proposed attention model and support vector regression (AM-SVR) model has lower prediction error and higher stability when dealing with noised samples.
Patient-specific musculoskeletal models as a framework for comparing ACL function in unicompartmental versus bicruciate retaining arthroplasty
Authors: Zhang Qida , Chen Zhenxian , Jin Zhongmin , Muratoglu Orhun K , Varadarajan Kartik M
Published: April 2021

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty has been shown to provide superior functional outcomes compared to total knee arthroplasty and have motivated development of advanced implant designs including bicruciate retaining knee arthroplasty. However, few validated frameworks are available to directly compare the effect of implant design and surgical techniques on ligament function and joint kinematics. In the present study, the subject-specific lower extremity models were developed based on musculoskeletal modeling framework using force-dependent kinematics method, and validated against in vivo telemetric data. The experiment data of two subjects who underwent TKA were obtained from the SimTK “Grand Challenge Competition” repository, and integrated into the subject-specific lower extremity model. Five walking gait trials and three different knee implant models for each subject were used as partial inputs for the model to predict knee biomechanics for unicompartmental, bicruciate retaining, and total knee arthroplasty. The results showed no significant differences in the tibiofemoral contact forces or angular kinematic parameters between three groups. However, unicompartmental knee arthroplasty demonstrated significantly more posterior tibial location between 0% and 40% of the gait cycle ( p < 0.017). Significant differences in range of tibiofemoral anterior/posterior translation and medial/lateral translation were also observed between unicompartmental and bicruciate retaining arthroplasty ( p < 0.017). Peak values of anterior cruciate ligament forces differed between unicompartmental and bicruciate retaining arthroplasty from 10% to 30% of the gait cycle. Findings of this study indicate that unicompartmental and bicruciate retaining arthroplasty do not have identical biomechanics and point to the complementary role of anterior cruciate ligament and articular geometry in guiding knee function. Further, the patient-specific musculoskeletal model developed provides a reliable framework for assessing new implant designs, and effect of surgical techniques on knee biomechanics following arthroplasty.
Disruption, values and resilience: The British Library’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Keating Roly
Published: April 2021

This article focuses on the institutional response of the British Library to the Covid-19 pandemic over the course of the past year. National libraries have a key part to play as the world recovers, and the experiences of the British Library highlight the central role of digital in adapting to massive disruption, of the importance of institutional values in steering a course through a year of crisis, and the contribution that we can make to building national and international resilience against future shocks and turmoil.
What Prevents Adolescent Girls from Transitioning from School to Work in India? Insights from an Exploratory Study in Rajasthan
Authors: Jejeebhoy Shireen J. , Kumar A. K. Shiva
Published: April 2021

Female labour force participation among young women in India is disturbingly low, and yet little evidence is available regarding the factors likely to affect the school-to-work transition among the young. Data from 325 girls aged 15–19 years and in-depth interviews with 10 of these girls and 9 of their mothers in one block of Jodhpur district, obtained from a mixed-methods study in Rajasthan, explore girls’ aspirations for professional, administrative or technical careers and factors likely constraining or facilitating their articulation of such aspirations. Findings show that girls who aspired for a professional, administrative or technical career were more likely than others to display better learning outcomes (odds ratio = 1.31), greater work-related agency and a readiness to overcome community obstacles (odds ratio, 1.28) than those who did not aspire for a professional, administrative or technical career. They were also more likely to be unmarried or married but residing in the natal home (odds ratio = 2.97) and have supportive parents (odds ratio = 1.37). In-depth interviews corroborate these obstacles. Findings underscore the need to empower girls and break down traditional norms held by girls, parents and communities. On the programme front, it is important to ensure empowerment programmes for girls and address the quality and girl-friendliness of education and vocational training opportunities.
Mechanical responses of microencapsulated self-healing cementitious composites under compressive loading based on a micromechanical damage-healing model
Authors: Han Kaihang , Ju Jiann-Wen Woody , Zhu Yinghui , Zhang Hao , Chang Tien-Shu , Wang Zhengyao
Published: April 2021

The cementitious composites with microencapsulated healing agents have become a class of hotspots in the field of construction materials, and they have very broad application prospects and research values. The in-depth study on multi-scale mechanical behaviors of microencapsulated self-healing cementitious composites is critical to quantitatively account for the mechanical response during the damage-healing process. This paper proposes a three-dimensional evolutionary micromechanical model to quantitatively explain the self-healing effects of microencapsulated healing agents on the damage induced by microcracks. By virtue of the proposed 3 D micromechanical model, the evolutionary domains of microcrack growth (DMG) and corresponding compliances of the initial, extended and repaired phases are obtained. Moreover, the elaborate studies are conducted to inspect the effects of various system parameters involving the healing efficiency, fracture toughness and preloading-induced damage degrees on the compliances and stress-strain relations. The results indicate that relatively significant healing efficiency, preloading-induced damage degree and the fracture toughness of polymerized healing agent with the matrix will lead to a higher compressive strength and stiffness. However, the specimen will break owing to the nucleated microcracks rather than the repaired kinked microcracks. Further, excessive higher values of healing efficiency, preloading-induced damage degree and the fracture toughness of polymerized healing agent with the matrix will not affect the compressive strength of the cementitious composites. Therefore, a stronger matrix is required. To achieve the desired healing effects, the specific parameters of both the matrix and microcapsules should be selected prudently.
Robust optimal proportional–integral–derivative controller design for a class of uncertain second-order delay-free and time-delay systems
Authors: Simorgh Abolfazl , Razminia Abolhassan , Shiryaev Vladimir I
Published: April 2021

The second-order systems can capture the dynamics of a vast majority of industrial processes. However, the existence of uncertainty in second-order approximation of such processes is inevitable because the approximation may not be accurate or the operating condition changes, resulting in performance degradation or even instability. This article aims at designing a novel robust proportional–integral–derivative controller for the uncertain second-order delay-free and time-delay systems in an optimal manner. The method is simple, effective, and can efficiently improve the performance of the uncertain systems. The approach is based on the linear quadratic theory, in which by adding a new matrix in the quadratic cost function regarding the uncertainties, the stability of the perturbed system is guaranteed and proven for both time-delay and delay-free second-order cases. The comparison with the recent works in the literature supports the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Damage accumulation comparison for various vibration test profile generation methods applied to a complex payload
Authors: Warren Mark , Joiner Keith F , Tahtali Murat
Published: April 2021

There are potential sources of uncertainty when using default or generic profiles for vibration testing, particularly for large and complex payloads ( Warren and Joiner, 2019 ). Replacing these severities with custom profiles generated using measured data offers one alternative; however, care must be taken not to select an inappropriate or inaccurate method. This research details the methodology and results of a trial which involved the design and implementation of a series of vibration tests, each to simulate a mixed-terrain environment applied to a complex payload. A systematic approach was used to develop and execute a test plan via the design of experiments method. An estimate of the damage potential for each was formed using Miner’s rule (linear damage accumulation) applied to direct strain gauge data. This approach was compared with damage measured during a time waveform replication style test to be used as a baseline. The results of this test can be used to guide test specifiers and programme-level acceptance test guidelines and may be useful in implementing or guiding standards in this space. In addition, the damage measured in a series of increasing amplitude vibration tests (with an identical power spectral density) was compared with predicted values to assess the gain linearity assumptions often used in accelerated vibration testing. The research is unique as the authors could not source a thorough trial comparing the damage produced using a range of different profile development methods with a complex, real-world payload. Test houses and test specifiers seeking to improve the accuracy of their tests should consider the key findings and guidance in this article.
Numerical investigation of the 2d–1d structure interaction model
Authors: Ljulj Matko , Tambača Josip
Published: April 2021

In this article, we explore the possibility of modeling the interaction of a 2d elastic body with a thin 2d elastic body of possibly higher thickness using a 1d model for the thin body. We use the asymptotic analysis with respect to the small thickness of the 2d interaction model and formulate five different limit models depending on the order of stiffness of the thin body with respect to the thickness. Then we formulate a 2d–1d model which has the same asymptotics as the 2d–thin 2d model with respect to thickness. Finally, we numerically test the approximation of the 2d–thin 2d model by the 2d–1d model on two problems, one with an analytical solution and one more realistic problem.
Fracture progression in fragility fractures of the pelvis: A case report
Authors: Kolk Roos HE , Loggers Sverre AI , van der List Jelle P , Schakenraad Ditmar , de Nooij Linda , Bijlsma Taco S
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) are becoming increasingly common as our population ages. Usually treated conservatively the concept of fracture progression is little recognized but can have important consequences for the patient if missed.

Case report

A patient with a FFP presented with increase of pain after initial conservative treatment. Additional imaging revealed extensive fracture progression resulting in an unstable pelvic ring, requiring surgical intervention. Most FFPs are currently treated conservatively. However, initially stable FFPs can progress into more unstable fracture patterns that may require invasive treatment.

Conclusion

Physicians should be aware of fracture progression and concomitant posterior ring fractures in case of prolonged or recurrent pain or mobilization difficulties. Careful follow-up and awareness might help to prevent or treat debilitation in an early phase and improve outcomes.
Influence of filler material on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and residual stresses in tungsten inert gas welded Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy joints
Authors: Iltaf Asim , Khan Fahd Nawaz , Shehbaz Tauheed , Junaid Massab
Published: April 2021

The microstructure and defects in the weld zone affect the weldment characteristics. One way to improve the microstructure and reduce the defects in the weld zone is by using a filler during welding which influences the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the manufactured component. In the present study, tungsten inert gas (TIG) was used to weld Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy using different titanium alloy fillers; Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-5Al-2.5Sn, and autogenous weldments were also produced. The welded joints were characterized in terms of their microstructure, mechanical properties, and residual stresses in its various regions. The weldment with Ti-6Al-4V as filler exhibited a higher proportion of α′ martensite in fusion zone, as compared to the welded joint with Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy as filler, owing to the higher proportions of β stabilizers present in Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The α’ martensite was present in basketweave and acicular morphology in all the weldments, with and without fillers. Ti-6Al-4V filler welded joint showed higher tensile strength (approximately 1144 MPa) and relatively higher hardness than Ti-5Al-2.5Sn filler welded joint (approximately 1027 MPa) and autogenous weldment (approximately 770 MPa), due to increased amount of martensite in its fusion zone. As compared to the weldment produced with Ti-5Al-2.5Sn filler, the welded joint produced without filler and with Ti-6Al-4V as a filler had more compressive residual stresses at surface (approximately 25% higher), leading to less amount of pile up after nanoindentation. This was attributed to the generation of compressive strains due to martensitic transformations in the fusion zone of both these weldments.
Social connectedness and dementia prevention: Pilot of the APPLE-Tree video-call intervention during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Cooper Claudia , Mansour Hassan , Carter Christine , Rapaport Penny , Morgan-Trimmer Sarah , Marchant Natalie L , Poppe Michaela , Higgs Paul , Brierley Janine , Solomon Noa , Budgett Jessica , Bird Megan , Walters Kate , Barber Julie , Wenborn Jennifer , Lang Iain A , Huntley Jonathan , Ritchie Karen , Kales Helen C , Brodaty Henry , Aguirre Elisa , Betz Anna , Palomo Marina
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives

The Covid-19 pandemic reduced access to social activities and routine health care that are central to dementia prevention. We developed a group-based, video-call, cognitive well-being intervention; and investigated its acceptability and feasibility; exploring through participants’ accounts how the intervention was experienced and used in the pandemic context.

Research Design and Method

We recruited adults aged 60+ years with memory concerns (without dementia). Participants completed baseline assessments and qualitative interviews/focus groups before and after the 10-week intervention. Qualitative interview data and facilitator notes were integrated in a thematic analysis.

Results

12/17 participants approached completed baseline assessments, attended 100/120 (83.3%) intervention sessions and met 140/170 (82.4%) of goals set. Most had not used video calling before. In the thematic analysis, our overarching theme was social connectedness. Three sub-themes were as follows: Retaining independence and social connectedness: social connectedness could not be at the expense of independence; Adapting social connectedness in the pandemic: participants strived to compensate for previous social connectedness as the pandemic reduced support networks; Managing social connections within and through the intervention: although there were tensions, for example, between sharing of achievements feeling supportive and competitive, participants engaged with various lifestyle changes; social connections supported group attendance and implementation of lifestyle changes.

Discussion and Implications

Our intervention was acceptable and feasible to deliver by group video-call. We argue that dementia prevention is both an individual and societal concern. For more vulnerable populations, messages that lifestyle change can help memory should be communicated alongside supportive, relational approaches to enabling lifestyle changes.
The role of emotions in Moral Case Deliberation: Visions and experiences of facilitators
Authors: Spronk Benita , Widdershoven Guy , Alma Hans
Published: April 2021

Moral Case Deliberation is intended to assist healthcare professionals faced with difficult dilemmas in their work. These are situations that involve emotions. During Moral Case Deliberation, participants are invited to reflect on moral views and deliberate on them. Emotions are not explicitly addressed. This article aims to elucidate the role of emotions in Moral Case Deliberation, by analysing experiences of Moral Case Deliberation facilitators. Our research shows the role of emotions varies according to the phase of the Moral Case Deliberation process. One negative aspect of emotions is that they can obstruct the Moral Case Deliberation discussion or distract from the moral question. A positive aspect is that they bring the dilemma into sharper focus. Devoting attention to emotions can help to ensure that responsible decisions are made, while also increasing the moral resilience of participants.
Tumor Suppressor Effect of RBMS3 in Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Chunyang , Wu Yidan , Liu Yunqi , Pan Fushun , Zeng Huijuan , Li Xiaoxi , Yu Liang
Published: April 2021

Background:

RBMS3 (RNA-binding motif, single-stranded-intervacting protein 3) acts as a tumor-suppressive gene in a number of human cancers, however, its role in breast cancer is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the expression and clinicopathological significance of RBMS3 in breast cancer.

Methods:

A total of 998 breast cancer tissue samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database with survival outcomes were divided into high RBMS3 expression and low expression groups using the median as the cutoff. Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis were compared between the 2 groups.

Results:

TCGA showed that RBMS3 mRNA was downregulated in breast cancer tissues, and RBMS3 downregulation was correlated with poor prognosis. Immunohistochemistry staining of 127 paraffin-embedded breast cancer tissues showed that RBMS3 protein was localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus; however, nuclear staining was present in 90.0% of normal breast tissues but only 28.3% of breast cancer tissues. Decreased RBMS3 protein expression was significantly correlated with estrogen receptor (ER)-negative status and death at final follow-up. Patients with lower RBMS3 protein expression had substantially shorter survival than those with higher RBMS3 expression. Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that the combination of RBMS3 expression and ER status (a variable designated as “cofactor”) was an independent prognostic factor in patients with breast cancer (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.420, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.223-0.791, P = 0.007).

Conclusion:

RBMS3 downregulation was correlated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients, and the combination of RBMS3 expression and ER status was an independent prognostic factor.
Treating Post-Traumatic Seizures to Limit Tau Accumulation in Larval Zebrafish
Authors: Bordey Angelique
Published: April 2021

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