bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical property of polymer composites reinforced with nanomaterials
Authors: Chen Tao-Hsing , Wang I-Hsin , Lee Yu-Roung , Hsieh Tsung-Han
Published: June 2020

Polymer composite samples were prepared consisting of NC-826 epoxy and approximately 0.1–0.5 wt% aerographite nanomaterial. The compression properties of the various samples were evaluated at strain rates of 10−3–10−1 s−1 using a universal testing machine. The fracture surfaces of the tested samples were examined by scanning electron microscope. Additional composite samples consisting of NC-826 epoxy and 0.3 wt% multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared and tested under the same compression strain rates of approximately 10−1–10−3 s−1. In general, the results showed that the addition of aerographite nanomaterials to the resin matrix is beneficial in suppressing crack propagation under compression loads and therefore leads to an improved stress, toughness, and fracture strain compared to the pure resin sample. The results additionally showed that the use of MWCNTs as a reinforcement material yields a further small improvement in the mechanical properties of the sample.
What Does It Take to Clean the Ganga? Gendered Dimensions of Protest and Policy Perspectives
Authors: Dalal Anjali
Published: June 2020

In the last two decades, pollution in the river Ganga has become a serious issue, affecting the socio-economic activities and the health of the communities living on the banks and adjacent areas of the river. The impact has been greater on women, because their day-to-day activities for survival are intimately connected with this water resource. The response of the government has been to drastically improve its environmental policies. Social activists on the other hand continued to mobilize civil society in regional protests, which finally led to the beginning of the ‘Save Ganga’ movement. Yet, both the strategies to clean the river pollution have been colossal failures. An analysis was undertaken of various government policies, reports and court judgements on the river’s pollution and a primary survey was done on three sites: Garhwal in Uttarakhand and in Varanasi and Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh to gauge the nature of women’s participation in the movements. It was found that there was greater participation by women in the hilly Garhwal region than in the plains of Uttar Pradesh. The research proved that women’s knowledge and experiences in environmental conservation had led to greater sustainability, in contrast to the results of the modern-technocratic approach of state officials and so-called environmentalists. The article seeks to locate the failure of the project of cleaning the river to the lack of gender sensitive environmental policies and insufficient participation of women in ecological activism.
Book review: Asha Rani Mathur, Nilina’s Song: The Life of Naina Devi
Authors: Som Reba
Published: June 2020

Asha Rani Mathur, Nilina’s Song: The Life of Naina Devi. Niyogi Books, 2017. 201 pages, ₹595.
Book review: Ipshita Chanda, Selfing the City: Single Women Migrants and Their Lives in Kolkata
Authors: Dubey Shruti
Published: June 2020

Ipshita Chanda, Selfing the City: Single Women Migrants and Their Lives in Kolkata. SAGE New Delhi, Stree Kolkata, 2017. 322 pages, ₹995. ISBN: 978-81-906760-4-5.
Problems in Paradise: Low Wages and the Well-Being of Hawaiians
Authors: Karger Howard
Published: June 2020

Hawaii is used as a case study to examine the impact of wages related to the real cost of living (COL). Hawaii’s US$10.10 minimum wage is below the COL based on the federal Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM), raising its low poverty rate to the ninth highest nationally. Wages, housing, and the high rate of homelessness are examined, as is the necessity for multiple jobs, which impacts family life. This article also examines how the gig economy affects wages and economic insecurity. Low wages can lead to high debt levels and a reliance on a predatory shadow economy. Finally, this article examines macro and micro social work practice in the context of working toward higher wages, greater income equality, and addressing the needs of a new group of the “near poor.”
Design and performance comparison of interconnection and damping assignment passivity-based control for vibration suppression in active suspension systems
Authors: Sistla Pramod , Figarado Sheron , Chemmangat Krishnan , Manjarekar Narayan Suresh , Kallu Valappil Gangadharan
Published: June 2020

This study presents the design of interconnection and damping assignment passivity-based control for active suspension systems. It is well known that interconnection and damping assignment passivity-based control’s design methodology is based on the physical properties of the system where the kinetic and potential energy profiles are shaped, and asymptotic stability is achieved by damping injection. Based on the choice of control variables, special cases of the control law are derived, and tuning of the control law with the physical meaning of the variables is demonstrated along with their simulation results. The proposed control law is experimentally validated on a scaled model of a quarter-car active suspension system with different road profiles, varying load conditions, and noise and delay in the sensor measurements and actuator respectively. The results are compared with that of an uncontrolled system with linear quadratic regulator and sliding mode control.
Mapping relationship between dynamic responses of high-speed trains and additional bridge deformations
Authors: Gou Hongye , Liu Chang , Hua Hui , Bao Yi , Pu Qianhui
Published: June 2020

Deformations of high-speed railways accumulate over time and affect the geometry of the track, thus affecting the running safety of trains. This article proposes a new method to map the relationship between dynamic responses of high-speed trains and additional bridge deformations. A train–track–bridge coupled model is established to determine relationship between the dynamic responses (e.g. accelerations and wheel–rail forces) of the high-speed trains and the track deformations caused by bridge pier settlement, girder end rotation, and girder camber. The dynamic responses are correlated with the track deformation. The mapping relationship between bridge deformations and running safety of trains is determined. To satisfy the requirements of safety and riding comfort, the suggested upper thresholds of pier settlement, girder end rotation, and girder camber are 22.6 mm, 0.92‰ rad, and 17.2 mm, respectively. This study provides a method that is convenient for engineers in evaluation and maintenance of high-speed railway bridges.
Standing at One’s Post: Post-Qualitative Inquiry as Ethical Enactment
Authors: Kuntz Aaron M.
Published: June 2020

In this article, I advocate for a reading of the “post” as a type of watchful cartographic practice that bears productive similarity to Foucault’s project of building a “history of the present.” I then consider the implications of such mapping practices for post-qualitative inquiry, which I understand as a type of ethical enactment desperately needed given the inequities and systems of exploitation that govern our contemporary moment. I end with a call for post-qualitative inquirers to articulate an overt ethical orientation toward change.
Educational needs of oncology pharmacists: A survey by the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners
Authors: Patel Himanshu , Tan Chia Jie , Toh Yi Long , Danilak Melanie , Alexander Marliese
Published: June 2020

Background

The International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners (ISOPP) is committed to providing educational resources to members for their continuous learning and professional development. This survey was conducted to explore the educational needs of International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners members for the purpose of developing resources to support future learning relevant to the diverse global pharmacy practitioner membership of our society.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners membership was conducted between 10 December 2018 and 15 January 2019. The survey contained 17 questions and consisted of four sections: (1) respondents’ demographics, (2) common challenges/barriers faced by members in accessing oncology pharmacy education, (3) areas within oncology pharmacy where members need education and (4) preferred methods of education delivery. Descriptive statistics were utilized to summarize survey results.

Results

The survey was completed by 62 out of 363 International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners members (17% response rate). Respondents were from 19 different countries, representing all the habitable continents. Most respondents were practicing in North America (21%), Oceania (21%) and Asia (16%). The majority of respondents worked in inpatient cancer units (60%), ambulatory tertiary cancer centres (31%) and academia (26%). Reported barriers to accessing education relevant to oncology pharmacy practice included lack of financial support (44%), time spent travelling to attend educational activities (39%), limited learning opportunities in their country of practice (34%) and limited growth of the oncology pharmacy discipline in their country of practice (32%). The content areas of greatest demand included pharmacotherapy of various cancers followed by oncology pharmacy research, International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners oncology pharmacy practice standards, supportive care and medication safety. Among educational activities offered by International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners, respondents valued annual International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners symposia and Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice the most. Most respondents (87%) indicated webinars as an effective educational tool.

Conclusion

Among an international oncology pharmacist cohort, we identified practice areas prioritized by pharmacists for continuing and professional development. Time and cost were common barriers to education, both in developing and developed countries. These survey findings may help to guide future education initiatives of International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners and other providers of pharmacist oncology education.
Synchronous detection of multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia: A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge
Authors: Maral Senem , Albayrak Murat , Sahin Osman , Ozturk Hacer Berna Afacan , Han Unsal , Falay Mesude
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Synchronous detection of multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia in a single patient is a rare coincidence. Treatment of these patients is still unclear, mostly based on acute myeloid leukemia strategies combined with bortezomib.

Case report

A 72-year-old male with no medical history was investigated for pancytopenia. On medical examination, he was complicated with a wide and severe skin infection on arm. On examination of bone marrow aspirate, 25% myeloblasts infiltration and additional 10% plasma cells were seen. Acute myeloid leukemia was diagnosed and plasma cell proliferation was attributed to reactive plasmacytosis due to skin infection. However, flowcytometric studies and immunohistochemical examination revealed two different cell populations with 30–40% atypical plasma cells and >20% myeloblasts. Serum M-protein detected by serum electrophoresis test and immunofixation test revealed a monoclonal IgG lambda band. He was diagnosed with concurrent acute myeloid leukemia and multiple myeloma without history of chemotherapy. Management and outcome: The patient was initially treated with bortezomib and dexamethasone for the myeloma. Subsequently, azacitidine was administered subcutaneously for the acute myeloid leukemia treatment. The tru-cut biopsy of the lesion on his arm revealed suppurative inflammatory findings and no malign cells detected. Antibiotherapy was started according to susceptibility. He expired after three months of survival.

Discussion

The synchronous occurrence of these two different clonal hematological malignancies is rare in hematology practice. Patient-based prospective studies and case series are needed to guide diagnosis and treatment strategies. Furthermore, this report highlights the importance of ruling out reactive plasmacytosis in patients with hematological malignancy who developed severe infections.
Reproducibility of parallel preconditioned conjugate gradient in hybrid programming environments
Authors: Iakymchuk Roman , Vayá Maria Barreda , Graillat Stef , Aliaga José I , Quintana-Ortí Enrique S
Published: June 2020

The Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient method is often employed for the solution of linear systems of equations arising in numerical simulations of physical phenomena. While being widely used, the solver is also known for its lack of accuracy while computing the residual. In this article, we propose two algorithmic solutions that originate from the ExBLAS project to enhance the accuracy of the solver as well as to ensure its reproducibility in a hybrid MPI + OpenMP tasks programming environment. One is based on ExBLAS and preserves every bit of information until the final rounding, while the other relies upon floating-point expansions and, hence, expands the intermediate precision. Instead of converting the entire solver into its ExBLAS-related implementation, we identify those parts that violate reproducibility/non-associativity, secure them, and combine this with the sequential executions. These algorithmic strategies are reinforced with programmability suggestions to assure deterministic executions. Finally, we verify these approaches on two modern HPC systems: both versions deliver reproducible number of iterations, residuals, direct errors, and vector-solutions for the overhead of less than 37.7% on 768 cores.
Chronic Stress Exposure Suppresses Mammary Tumor Growth and Reduces Circulating Exosome TGF-β Content via β-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling in MMTV-PyMT Mice
Authors: Dawes Ryan P , Burke Kathleen A , Byun Daniel K , Xu Zhou , Stastka Petr , Chan Leland , Brown Edward B , Madden Kelley S
Published: June 2020

Preclinical models of breast cancer have established mechanistic links between psychological stress and cancer progression. However, epidemiological evidence linking stress and cancer is equivocal. We tested the impact of stress exposure in female mice expressing the mouse mammary tumor virus polyoma middle-T antigen (MMTV-PyMT), a spontaneous model of mammary adenocarcinoma that mimics metastatic hormone receptor–positive human breast cancer development. MMTV-PyMT mice were socially isolated at 6 to 7 weeks of age during premalignant hyperplasia. To increase the potency of the stressor, singly housed mice were exposed to acute restraint stress (2 hours per day for 3 consecutive days) at 8 to 9 weeks of age during early carcinoma. Exposure to this dual stressor activated both major stress pathways, the sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis throughout malignant transformation. Stressor exposure reduced mammary tumor burden in association with increased tumor cleaved caspase-3 expression, indicative of increased cell apoptosis. Stress exposure transiently increased tumor vascular endothelial growth factor and reduced tumor interleukin-6, but no other significant alterations in immune/inflammation-associated chemokines and cytokines or changes in myeloid cell populations were detected in tumors. No stress-induced change in second-harmonic generation-emitting collagen, indicative of a switch to a metastasis-promoting tumor extracellular matrix, was detected. Systemic indicators of slowed tumor progression included reduced myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) frequency in lung and spleen, and decreased transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) content in circulating exosomes, nanometer-sized particles associated with tumor progression. Chronic β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) blockade with nadolol abrogated stress-induced alterations in tumor burden and cleaved caspase-3 expression, lung MDSC frequency, and exosomal TGF-β content. Despite the evidence for reduced tumor growth, metastatic lesions in the lung were not altered by stress exposure. Unexpectedly, β-blockade in nonstressed mice increased lung metastatic lesions and splenic MDSC frequency, suggesting that in MMTV-PyMT mice, β-AR activation also inhibits tumor progression in the absence of stress exposure. Together, these results suggest stress exposure can act through β-AR signaling to slow primary tumor growth in MMTV-PyMT mice.
The circulation of Chinese film in New Zealand as a potential platform for soft power
Authors: Huffer Ian
Published: June 2020

New Zealand is one of only a handful of countries worldwide in which Chinese blockbusters are regularly released in cinemas and has also been a site of increasing debate regarding China’s soft power. This article consequently examines the circulation of Chinese films in New Zealand, not only through theatrical exhibition but also non-theatrical channels, and considers how this might build a platform for soft power. It considers the balance between ‘official’ and ‘unofficial’ mainland filmmaking, and between mainland filmmaking and Hong Kong, Taiwanese and diasporic filmmaking, along with the target audiences for these different channels. The article shows that, taken as a whole, the distribution and exhibition landscape for Chinese film in New Zealand builds a successful platform for the People’s Republic of China’s aspirations of winning the ‘hearts and minds’ of overseas Chinese, while also being characterised by clear limitations in reaching non-Chinese audiences in New Zealand.
Ti-6Al-4V fretting wear and a quantitative indicator for fretting regime evaluation
Authors: Wang Jianfei , Duan Deli , Xue Weihai , Gao Siyang , Li Shu
Published: June 2020

Fretting wear between titanium alloy components in aero engine is prevailing in the blade dovetail, the blade crown, and the damping shoulders. In this study, the fretting wear behavior of Ti-6Al-4V alloy was investigated by changing the load and displacement under a high frequency (100 Hz). To simulate the actual working conditions in aero engines, both the ball and flat samples were Ti-6Al-4V alloy. It was found that as the load increased, or as the applied displacement decreased, the fretting regime changed from gross slip regime to partial slip regime. The coefficient of friction/traction at steady stage decreased as load increased. Wear scar morphologies varied with fretting running conditions. In gross slip regime, the central area was higher than the rest region of the wear scar. In the mixed slip regime, large material accumulation could be found at both ends of the reciprocating motion. In partial slip regime, a nearly original fretting sample surface was observed in the central area and wear occurred in the edge area. Furthermore, considering the wear of the paired samples, a method based on the fretting wear scar diameter was proposed to evaluate the fretting running conditions.
Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated diffuse orbital inflammation
Authors: Deschamps Romain , Poillon Guillaume , Marill Alexandre , Marignier Romain , Gout Olivier , Sene Thomas
Published: June 2020

An 87-year-old man presented with a 2-day history of painful bilateral visual loss. On examination, exophthalmos, lid edema, chemosis, and optic disc edema, on the left side only, were found. Visual acuity was 4/10 OD and no light perception OS. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed bilateral optic neuritis and a diffuse and severe infiltration of the intra- and extraconal fat on the left. Laboratory testing was negative except for serum myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies. This presentation adds a new variant to the MOG-associated disease spectrum. Testing for MOG antibodies should be considered in patients presenting with diffuse orbital inflammation and optic neuritis.
The role of inflammasomes in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Yavarpour-Bali Hanie , Ghasemi-Kasman Maryam
Published: June 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is considered as an inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS), with a complex and heterogenic etiology. However, the involvement of inflammation in its pathophysiology is well documented and current therapies for MS are mainly immunosuppressive drugs. Although the available drugs reduce new lesions and relapses, their long-term outcome is not completely satisfactory. Inflammasomes are multimeric protein complexes that play a critical role in the inflammatory process. Several lines of evidence suggest an association between inflammasome activation and MS. In this paper, we have reviewed current studies that demonstrate the involvement of inflammasomes in MS development, in both animal model and MS patients. Furthermore, prior studies about the effect of inflammasome inhibitor drugs on development and progression of MS are discussed.
Detecting changes between two strangers: Insight from a classic change blindness paradigm
Authors: Marquis Alexandra R. , Sugden Nicole A. , Moulson Margaret C.
Published: June 2020

The current study aims to investigate what factors influence whether adults detect a change between social partners in a brief interaction. In two experiments, we examined whether locale diversity, a stranger’s marginalized minority status (e.g., minority race, minority religious affiliation), and race congruence (e.g., own or other race) influenced the likelihood of being differentiated. Using a change blindness paradigm, an experimenter approached pedestrians asking for directions, then surreptitiously changed places with a confederate. After the switch, we measured whether pedestrians noticed if the person had changed. In Experiment 1, noticing rates were significantly lower for confederates belonging to a minority race compared to White confederates, but only in the more homogenous location and not in the highly diverse location. In Experiment 2, pedestrians were least likely to detect a change when confederates belonged to a religious minority and a racial minority. We discuss the important implications for prejudicial behaviour and eyewitness identification, as well as the utility of performing psychological research outside of the lab.
Effect of current on the dynamic response of a bi-articulated offshore tower
Authors: Zaheer Mohd Moonis , Islam Nazrul
Published: June 2020

Wind and wave loadings have a predominant role in the design of articulated offshore towers for its successful service and survival. Such towers are very sensitive to the dynamic effect of environmental loads. The compliant nature of these towers with environmental loads introduces geometric nonlinearity due to large displacements, which becomes an important consideration in the analysis of these towers. This article deals with the dynamic response of a bi-articulated offshore tower to wind, wave, and current forces. The exposed portion of the tower is subjected to the action of wind, while the submerged portion is acted upon by random wave and current forces. Wind load is modeled by Ochi and Shin spectrum, while the wave load is characterized by Pierson–Moskowitz spectrum. The nonlinear dynamic equations of motion are derived by Hamilton’s principle. Response of the tower is determined by a time domain iterative (Wilson-θ) method. Power spectral density of important parameters such as surge, tilting motion, hinge shear, and bending moment are presented under high and low sea states. It is observed that response of tower due to current modifies the peak energy of power spectral density functions.
Ion current–based homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion control using direct water injection
Authors: Zhu Denghao , Deng Jun , Dewor Raphael , Wick Maximilian , Andert Jakob , Li Liguang
Published: June 2020

Homogeneous charge compression ignition has proven to be both highly efficient and to operate with ultra-low NOx raw emissions. However, homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion is a dynamic process due to strong cycle-to-cycle coupling effects caused mainly by the residual gas. Compared to conventional spark-ignited and diesel engines, the lack of direct mixture composition and ignition control increases the challenge of combustion instabilities, especially at boundary conditions. To stabilize the combustion process, real-time in-cylinder combustion diagnostics and control are often used. In this study, for the first time, ion current detection technology and direct water injection are combined for homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion control. By analyzing the return map of the crank angle at 50% cumulative heat release under unstable conditions, it was identified that a misfire or incomplete combustion is usually followed by knocking-like early combustion with high cylinder pressure gradients. Through the correlation analysis between ion current and combustion, a cycle-to-cycle closed-loop control strategy was developed and implemented on a rapid control prototyping engine control unit. Real-time calculated ion current parameters were used to predict the 50% cumulative heat release position of the next cycle and prevent early combustion by direct water injection. The calculation results and controller performance were validated on a single-cylinder research engine. With the controller activated, the standard deviation of 50% cumulative heat release and dynamic programming to the max could be reduced by 19% and 11%, respectively. The coefficient of variation of indicated mean effective pressure was reduced by 12%. A slight increase in indicated mean effective pressure after activating the controller also shows the potential for efficiency improvement. Moreover, not only early combustion is controlled, but also late combustion is significantly reduced.
An experimental investigation on spray, performance and emission of hydrotreated waste cooking oil blends in an agricultural engine
Authors: Kumar Naveen , Sonthalia Ankit , Tomar Mukul , Koul Rashi
Published: June 2020

Biomass-based fuels are gaining importance for operating a compression ignition engine as they can curb greenhouse gases and are a key for addressing the energy security. Hydrotreated oil is considered to be a potential drop-in fuel for the compression ignition engine as its cetane number is higher than fossil diesel. In this study, hydrotreated waste cooking oil and its blends (10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% by volume) with diesel were prepared. The ignition probability of the test fuel samples was found using a hot-plate test setup. The neat hydrotreated fuel has higher ignition probability at a particular temperature than the other test fuels. The Sauter mean diameter of the test fuels was also observed using a Malvern Spraytec test setup. The results reveal that the neat hydrotreated fuel has higher Sauter mean diameter due to its high viscosity. As the percentage of the hydrotreated fuel in the blend decreases, the Sauter mean diameter decreases and diesel has the lowest Sauter mean diameter. The test fuels were also used to run a compression ignition engine. The results reveal a decrease in brake thermal efficiency with the increase in the hydrotreated fuel share in the blend. The heat release for the blends starts earlier than diesel and the peak heat release is also lower than diesel. The HC, CO and smoke emissions for the test blends decreases up to 30% blend. When the percentage of the hydrotreated oil is further increased, the emissions starts increasing. The NO emissions were lower than diesel for all the test samples. As compared to diesel, the maximum reduction in NO (neat), HC (30% blend), CO (30% blend) and smoke emissions (30% blend) is 23.2%, 14.4%, 13.83% and 13.3%, respectively.
Safety modelling of marine systems using neutrosophic logic
Authors: Pai Sunay P , Prabhu Gaonkar Rajesh S
Published: June 2020

Precisely assessing risk associated with critical and complex engineering systems operating in an environment with high amount of uncertainty is extremely difficult. Taking proper decisions to reduce risk level depends on how accurately the risks associated with the system are assessed. Risk assessment and safety modelling of complex systems were studied using various tools such as crisp sets, Bayesian belief network, fuzzy sets, classical logic and fuzzy logic. Neutrosophic set which is an extension of fuzzy set represents the real world better than fuzzy set due to the inclusion of the hesitancy component in the set. This research focuses on developing a neutrosophic logic–based model employing neutrosophic IF-THEN rules using linear trapezoidal neutrosophic number and analytical hierarchy process for qualitative and subjective analysis of human knowledge. The model is validated using an illustrative example for safety analysis of marine system.
Wall pressure fluctuations induced by a single stream jet over a semi-finite plate
Authors: Meloni Stefano , Lawrence Jack LT , Proença Anderson R , Self Rod H , Camussi Roberto
Published: June 2020

This work provides an experimental investigation into the interaction between a jet flow and a semi-finite plate parallel to the jet. Wall pressure fluctuations have been measured in a high compressible subsonic regime and for different distances between the jet and the plate trailing edge. The experiment has been carried out in the ISVR anechoic Doak Laboratory at the University of Southampton, using wall pressure transducers flush mounted on the plate surface. Signals were acquired in the stream-wise direction along the jet centreline and in the span-wise direction in a region close to the trailing edge. The radial position of the flat plate was fixed very close to the jet axis to simulate a realistic jet–wing configuration. The plate was moved axially in order to investigate four different jet-trailing edge distances and to include measurements upstream of the nozzle exhaust. The acquired database was analyzed in both the frequency and the time domains providing an extensive statistical characterization in terms of spectral uni– and multi–variate quantities as well as high order statistical moments. A wavelet analysis was performed as well to investigate the time evolution of the wall pressure events.
Decision comprehensiveness and the outcomes of firms: Reinterpreting and extending a recent meta-analysis
Authors: Miller C. Chet , McKee Rob Austin
Published: June 2020

Disagreement and debate are the lifeblood of any scientific field. With that truth in mind, we express our disagreement with some of the conclusions drawn by Samba et al. in a generally well-conducted meta-analysis recently published in Strategic Organization. We carefully reexamine several aspects of their study and suggest that two of their key conclusions are flawed because of misinterpretations of data and analyses. We present new findings that call into question their conclusion that observed positive relationships between decision comprehensiveness and firm outcomes are likely a methodological artifact of researchers’ use of subjective outcome measures. In addition, we question Samba et al.’s conclusion regarding the unimportance of proper lag structures in assessments of comprehensiveness and outcomes. Because meta-analyses are vital tools for consolidating and extending research, our work is important for informing future directions of both science and practice. Because the value of systematic, extensive decision processes has been the focus of a decades-long debate in organizational science and strategic management, our goal is particularly important.
Navigating School Reentry in Lung Transplant Recipients With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Groh Jaclyn D. , Dempster Nicole R. , Cole Tina , Hayes Don
Published: June 2020

In addition to medical and psychological support, social support plays a key role in the success of lung transplant recipients, especially in children. An important component of that social support for pediatric lung transplant recipients is school reentry. These children face daily challenges, which often have to be addressed by the transplant team with little existing guidance in the medical literature. In this article, we discuss relevant practice issues for pediatric lung transplant recipients with cystic fibrosis including heightened concern for infection risk, bullying, school performance, and body image concerns. In addition to discussing these important issues, we provide recommendations based on our experiences.
Transformative Sustainability Education in Higher Education: Activating Environmental Understanding and Active Citizenship Among Professional Studies Learners
Authors: Gal Adiv , Gan Dafna
Published: June 2020

Transformative sustainability education (TSE) is an uncommon pedagogical practice in higher education, even though it has a positive impact on student learning and behavioral change. This qualitative case study explored 20 Israeli graduate students' understanding of the social-ecological systems through the analysis of reflections, interviews, and observations. The findings reported that these graduate students displayed a deep understanding of the social-ecological systems when TSE was applied in a higher education course. As such, TSE contributed to these graduate students' knowledge construction along with encouraging their pro-environmental action. We concluded that teacher professional training, especially in higher education, should emphasize knowledge construction as a key for action, as part of TSE, in creating relational change at ontological and epistemological levels
The Investigation of Simultaneous EEG and Eye Tracking Characteristics During Fixation Task in Mild Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Moghadami Malihe , Moghimi Sahar , Moghimi Ali , Malekzadeh Gholam Reza , Fadardi Javad Salehi
Published: June 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that occurs many years before the first clinical symptoms. Finding more exact, significant, and valuable criteria or indices for the diagnosis of the mild form of Alzheimer’s disease is very important for clinical and research purposes. Electroencephalography (EEG) and eye tracking biomarkers would provide noninvasive tools for the early detection of AD. Due to the advantages of EEG and eye tracking, in this study, we employed them simultaneously to conduct research on the mild AD. For this purpose, 19 patients with mild AD were compared with 19 gender- and age-matched normal subjects who did not have any history of cognitive or neurological disorders. EEG and eye-tracking data were concurrently collected in both groups in a fixation task. Our results revealed that the total fixation duration was significantly shorter for the AD patients, but their fixation frequency was more than that of the controls. In addition, increased theta power and decreased alpha power were observed in the AD group. Interestingly, there was a statistically significant correlation between fixation frequency and alpha power in the parietal area in the control group. However, this connection was not statistically significant in the AD group. The findings also indicated an elevated coherence in the AD patients in the parieto-occipital area. It is assumed that the AD patients might use the neural compensational processes for the fixation state. This study provides evidence for the simultaneously EEG and eye-tracking changes in the areas, which are involved in the control of the fixational eye movements.
Implantable Agents for Fecal Incontinence: An Age-Matched Retrospective Cohort Analysis of GateKeeper versus SphinKeeper
Authors: Grossi Ugo , Brusciano Luigi , Tolone Salvatore , Del Genio Gianmattia , Di Tanna Gian Luca , Gambardella Claudio , Docimo Ludovico
Published: June 2020

Background. We aim to evaluate morphofunctional changes of the sphincter complex after GateKeeper (GK) and SphinKeeper (SK) procedures and correlate these with symptom improvement. Methods. Ten consecutive females undergoing SK implant were age-matched with a cohort of 10 females who previously underwent the GK procedure. Patients in the SK and GK groups underwent implantation of 10 and 6 prostheses, respectively. Muscle tension ( Tm), expressed in millinewtons per centimetre squared, mN (cm2)−1, was calculated using the equation Tm = P( r i)( tm)−1, where P is the average maximum squeeze pressure and r i and tm the inner radius and thickness of the external anal sphincter, respectively. The pre- and postimplant changes in Tm and Cleveland Clinic Fecal Incontinence Score (CCFIS) were tested by linear and Poisson regression models, respectively. Results. The CCFIS significantly improved in both groups at 12-month postimplantation. Although not reaching statistical significance, symptom improvement after SK was 33% above that observed after GK ( P = .088). Compared to the baseline, a significant increase in Tm was observed in both groups at 12 months (GK, 508.1 [478.8-568.0] vs 864.4 [827.0-885.8] mN (cm2)−1; SK, 528.0 [472.7-564.0] vs 858.6 [828.0-919.6] mN (cm2)−1, P = .005). Compared to the GK group, Tm was significantly higher in patients after SK implant (158.3 mN (cm2)−1 [95% confidence interval, 109.6-207.0]; P < .001), after controlling for baseline values, at 12-month postimplantation. Conclusions. GK and SK are safe and effective treatments for FI with good short-term clinical outcomes. Comparative analysis showed superiority of SK over GK in terms of gain in Tm, with borderline significantly better improvement in symptoms. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Adaptive chattering-free terminal sliding-mode control for full-order nonlinear system with unknown disturbances and model uncertainties
Authors: Wan Lei , Chen Guofang , Sheng Mingwei , Zhang Yinghao , Zhang Ziyang
Published: June 2020

This study investigates an adaptive chattering-free sliding-mode control method for n-order nonlinear systems with unknown external disturbances and uncertain models. The proposed method takes the advantage of finite-time fast convergence to avoid singularity problem and ensure its robustness against system uncertainty and unknown disturbance. To achieve fast convergence from any initial condition to system origin, a full-order terminal sliding-mode controller containing differential terms is proposed based on the property of n-order nonlinear systems. Then the continuous and smooth actual control law is obtained by integrating the differential control law containing the discontinuous sign function to realize chattering free. Meanwhile, instead of evaluating the fixed upper bound of system uncertainty and interference in practical implementations, an adaptive method is utilized for its unknown upper bound estimation. The convergence of the adaptive terminal sliding-mode controller in finite time is verified based on Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, two simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Artificial potential field-based swarm finding of the unmanned surface vehicles in the dynamic ocean environment
Authors: Tan Guoge , Zhuang Jiayuan , Zou Jin , Wan Lei , Sun Zhiyuan
Published: June 2020

Using multiple unmanned surface vehicle swarms to implement tasks cooperatively is the most advanced technology in recent years. However, how to find which swarm the unmanned surface vehicle belongs to is a meaningful job. So, this article proposed an artificial potential field-based swarm finding algorithm, which applies the potential field force directly to unmanned surface vehicles and leads them to their belonging swarm quickly and accurately. Meanwhile, the proposed algorithm can also maintain the formation stable while following the desired path. Based on the swarm finding algorithm, the artificial potential field-based collision avoidance method and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea-based dynamic collision avoidance strategy are applied to the swarm control of multi-unmanned surface vehicles to enhance the performance in the dynamic ocean environment. Methods in this article are verified through numerical simulations to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of proposed schemes.
Development, implementation and participant evaluation of combining text messaging and peer group support in a weight management programme for African-American women
Authors: Lee Sohye , Lindquist Ruth , Schorr Erica , Chi Chih-Lin , Treat-Jacobson Diane J
Published: June 2020

Background

Development of highly accessible interventions that are effective in reducing body weight, preventing weight gain, and maintaining weight loss is urgently needed to solve the current obesity epidemic, especially among African-American women.

Aims

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development, implementation, and participant evaluation processes of a combined text messaging and peer support group programme to enhance weight management skills among African-American women.

Methods

The programme’s conceptual framework and operational model were developed to enhance the research design and protocol to support the study rationale and to lay a solid theoretical base for programme implementation. The programme curriculum and schedule were established and embedded into the programme protocol.

Results

The 16-week text messaging and peer support group intervention was implemented from September 2014 to March 2015. In total, 2089 messages were sent using an online text messaging application. Eight support group sessions were held in the participant’s community centre or community church bi-weekly for approximately one hour.

Conclusions

This paper provides a blueprint of the methodological aspects and insights from participants’ evaluation of a combined weight management intervention that can be used or adapted by public health nurses and other community health professionals in their work to develop weight management skills among African-American women.
Cognitive load but not immersion plays a significant role in embodied cognition as seen through the spontaneous act of leaning
Authors: Will Paris , Rothwell Austin , Chisholm Joseph D , Risko Evan F , Kingstone Alan
Published: June 2020

An important aspect of embodied approaches to cognition is the idea that human cognition does not occur simply in the brain, but is influenced by a complex bi-directional interplay between the brain, body, and external environment. Though embodied cognition is often studied in a controlled laboratory setting, by its very nature it can arise spontaneously in everyday life (e.g., gesturing). A recent paper by Chisholm et al. suggested that leaning while playing a video game may be another instance of a natural spontaneous expression of embodied cognition that can be studied to gain insight into a person’s ongoing covert cognition. Consistent with this proposal, Chisholm et al. found that, like gestures, leaning increases when cognitive demand is increased. However, in Chisholm et al., immersion also increased with cognitive demand. We argue that their test to exclude it as a contributing factor—by holding cognitive demand constant while manipulating immersion—was limited. Despite their test, it remains possible and plausible that cognitive demand has an effect on leaning only when immersion increases. To address this issue, the present study systematically varied demand and immersion. We replicate Chisholm et al.’s finding that leaning increases with cognitive load. We also show that the effect of load is not influenced by a robust and reliable change in immersion. Collectively our results provide new and converging evidence that spontaneous overt embodiment of an individual’s intention is modulated by cognitive demand, and emphasises the utility of using natural behaviours to understand the embodiment of cognition.
Medical image fusion based on quaternion wavelet transform
Authors: Zhancheng Zhang , Xiaoqing Luo , Mengyu Xiong , Zhiwen Wang , Kai Li
Published: June 2020

Medical image fusion can combine multi-modal images into an integrated higher-quality image, which can provide more comprehensive and accurate pathological information than individual image does. Traditional transform domain-based image fusion methods usually ignore the dependencies between coefficients and may lead to the inaccurate representation of source image. To improve the quality of fused image, a medical image fusion method based on the dependencies of quaternion wavelet transform coefficients is proposed. First, the source images are decomposed into low-frequency component and high-frequency component by quaternion wavelet transform. Then, a clarity evaluation index based on quaternion wavelet transform amplitude and phase is constructed and a contextual activity measure is designed. These measures are utilized to fuse the high-frequency coefficients and the choose-max fusion rule is applied to the low-frequency components. Finally, the fused image can be obtained by inverse quaternion wavelet transform. The experimental results on some brain multi-modal medical images demonstrate that the proposed method has achieved advanced fusion result.
Salvage of advanced carpal collapse: proximal row carpectomy with pyrocarbon resurfacing of the capitate versus four-corner arthrodesis
Authors: Ferrero Matteo , di Summa Pietro G. , Giacalone Francesco , Senesi Letizia , Sapino Gianluca , Battiston Bruno
Published: June 2020

In this retrospective study we report on two comparable groups of patients with advanced carpal arthritis treated with either proximal row carpectomy combined with a pyrocarbon resurfacing of the capitate (31 patients) or a four-corner arthrodesis and dorsal plating (26 patients). Follow-up time was 46 months (24–118). Except for a modestly higher radial wrist deviation in the patients treated with four-corner arthrodesis, there were no significant differences in outcomes between the groups. Asymptomatic progression of osteoarthritis in the lunate fossa was observed in four cases in both groups. Two cases were converted to a total wrist arthrodesis in the pyrocarbon group compared with one case in the four-corner arthrodesis group. Although four-corner arthrodesis remains the reference standard in the treatment of wrist osteoarthritis with involvement of the midcarpal joint, proximal row carpectomy combined with pyrocarbon resurfacing of the capitate is an alternative option. It can even be used in selected cases with erosion of the lunate fossa.

Level of evidence: III
Lung under attack by COVID-19-induced cytokine storm: pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic implications
Authors: Pelaia Corrado , Tinello Caterina , Vatrella Alessandro , De Sarro Giovambattista , Pelaia Girolamo
Published: June 2020

The lung is a key target of the cytokine storm that can be triggered by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for the widespread clinical syndrome known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Indeed, in some patients, SARS-CoV-2 promotes a dysfunctional immune response that dysregulates the cytokine secretory pattern. Hypercytokinemia underlies the hyperinflammatory state leading to injury of alveolar epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells, as well as to lung infiltration sustained by neutrophils and macrophages. Within such a pathogenic context, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and other cytokines/chemokines play a pivotal pro-inflammatory role. Therefore, cytokines and their receptors, as well as cytokine-dependent intracellular signalling pathways can be targeted by potential therapies aimed to relieve the heavy burden of cytokine storm. In particular, the anti-IL-6-receptor monoclonal antibody tocilizumab is emerging as one of the most promising pharmacologic treatments.

The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.