bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sales capability creation during new product development – early involvement of sales
Authors: Annunen Petteri , Mustonen Erno , Harkonen Janne , Haapasalo Harri
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aims to focus on creating sales capability as part of new product development (NPD). The aim is to define generic requirements for building sales capability as a part of NPD and to propose a necessary process by defining key activities for sales readiness.

Design/methodology/approach

An inductive and qualitative research method was used to construct a sales capability creation process based on a current state analysis in seven companies.

Findings

The results indicate that the status of companies’ sales-related planning varies during the NPD, and the related activities are not systematically managed. Considering sales early is necessary to enable a smooth and cost-efficient start of sales, and to avoid unnecessary delays and problems in other functions. At the same time, the companies recognise the need for improvement.

Originality/value

This paper presents a potential process including systematic activities for creating sales capability in conjunction with product development, which is novel to the literature. The proposed process is applicable in aligning industrial company needs.
How can environment get better? A research review of pollution governance
Authors: He Yuqing , Liu Xintian , Wang Xiaoqing
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aims to build a global environmental quality protection convention to jointly address the problems of environmental pollution governance worldwide.

Design/methodology/approach

From the perspective of environmental pollution of the air, ocean, forest, water and solid waste, the authors summarize the main important measures and mechanisms of environmental pollution governance in various countries.

Findings

The results indicate that management research on biodiversity and natural resources must be strengthened, the relationship between economic development and environmental quality management needs to be balanced, the comparative study of domestic and international environmental governance theories and practices should be strengthened, empirical and applied research on environmental governance needs to be focused on, and complete system research on environmental governance and management should be explored. In the future, further strengthening environmental awareness, addressing environmental pollution and managing environmental quality are necessary.

Originality/value

The environment is the foundation of human survival and development. With the development of economy, contradictions between human and natural environment (e.g. air, ocean, forest and water) have become prominent. Environmental pollution governance cannot only help address existing environmental problems but also solve economic problems of various countries. The prerequisite for sustainable development is to lay a solid foundation for the coordinated development of economic growth and pollution management.
Ambivalent complicities and knowledge production: Researching migrant women farmers' reproductive health experiences in the middle belt of Ghana
Authors: Baada Jemima Nomunume , Polzer Jessica
Published: November 2021

Using a critical reflexive process (An Invitation to Reflexive Sociology, 1992; Theory, Culture & Society, 13, 1996, 17), this article identifies and examines issues of power, complicity and knowledge production as they emerged in the first author's master's research on migrant women farmers' economic and reproductive health experiences in the middle belt of Ghana. We examine the ambivalent positionality of the international graduate student researcher as “other of the other” (Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 30, 2005, 2017, p. 2025), and how diverse fields of power, including the researcher's educational institution and cultural norms regarding gender relations, mediated interactions among various actors in the research process. Specifically, we examine how the student researcher was complicit in reinforcing patriarchal standards, perpetuating western saviourism and committing symbolic violence. Situating these reflexive findings in relation to insights from feminist postcolonial theories, we highlight how power relations, gender and social class informed these ambivalent complicities. Rather than erase/silence these tensions in the research process, we argue that such ambivalences may be an inevitable dimension of transnational knowledge creation, and thus, it is imperative that researchers consider how their ambivalent positionalities and complicities may be navigated and leveraged most productively and with the least harm to research participants.
Student perspectives of various learning approaches used in an undergraduate food science and technology subject
Authors: Choo Wee Sim
Published: November 2021

A broad range of approaches to learning such as traditional lectures, laboratory learning, online learning, and active learning are used in higher education settings. Specifically, in the field of science and technology, laboratory learning is crucial and a form of active learning. The objective of this study was to examine the use of these four different learning approaches in a third‐year, undergraduate Food Science and Technology subject to facilitate learning, where previously only traditional lectures and laboratory learning had been used. Two new learning approaches, online learning and active learning in class, were incorporated, replacing two‐thirds of the traditional lectures. Student perspectives and preference to these four learning approaches were recorded using an online survey. Hands‐on laboratory classes were selected by the majority of students as the most effective way they learned, and also their most preferred learning approach. Majority of the students also found that the use of an educational technology, a polling tool contributed to their active learning in class. Finally, the intended learning outcome of an activity should be carefully considered when applying a learning approach to facilitate learning.
Characterization of glyphosate‐resistant Burkholderia anthina and Burkholderia cenocepacia isolates from a commercial Roundup® solution
Authors: Hertel Robert , Schöne Kerstin , Mittelstädt Carolin , Meißner Janek , Zschoche Nick , Collignon Madeline , Kohler Christian , Friedrich Ines , Schneider Dominik , Hoppert Michael , Kuhn Ramona , Schwedt Inge , Scholz Patricia , Poehlein Anja , Martienssen Marion , Ischebeck Till , Daniel Rolf , Commichau Fabian M.
Published: November 2021

Roundup® is the brand name for herbicide solutions containing glyphosate, which specifically inhibits the 5‐enolpyruvyl‐shikimate‐3‐phosphate (EPSP) synthase of the shikimate pathway. The inhibition of the EPSP synthase causes plant death because EPSP is required for biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids. Glyphosate also inhibits the growth of archaea, bacteria, Apicomplexa, algae and fungi possessing an EPSP synthase. Here, we have characterized two glyphosate‐resistant bacteria from a Roundup solution. Taxonomic classification revealed that the isolates 1CH1 and 2CH1 are Burkholderia anthina and Burkholderia cenocepacia strains respectively. Both isolates cannot utilize glyphosate as a source of phosphorus and synthesize glyphosate‐sensitive EPSP synthase variants. Burkholderia. anthina 1CH1 and B. cenocepacia 2CH1 tolerate high levels of glyphosate because the herbicide is not taken up by the bacteria. Previously, it has been observed that the exposure of soil bacteria to herbicides like glyphosate promotes the development of antibiotic resistances. Antibiotic sensitivity testing revealed that the only the B. cenocepacia 2CH1 isolate showed increased resistance to a variety of antibiotics. Thus, the adaptation of B. anthina 1CH1 and B. cenocepacia 2CH1 to glyphosate did not generally increase the antibiotic resistance of both bacteria. However, our study confirms the genomic adaptability of bacteria belonging to the genus Burkholderia.
Youth use of e‐liquid flavours—a systematic review exploring patterns of use of e‐liquid flavours and associations with continued vaping, tobacco smoking uptake or cessation
Authors: Notley Caitlin , Gentry Sarah , Cox Sharon , Dockrell Martin , Havill Michelle , Attwood Angela S. , Smith Matthew , Munafò Marcus R.
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims

There is concern that young people may be attracted to e‐liquid flavours, prompting long‐term vaping in naive users and potentially subsequent tobacco smoking. We aimed to review the use of e‐liquid flavours by young people and describe associations with uptake or cessation of both regular vaping and tobacco smoking, adverse effects and subjective experiences.

Design

Systematic review, including interventional, observational and qualitative studies reporting on the use of e‐cigarette flavours by young people (aged < 18 years).

Setting

Studies published in English language from any country or cultural setting.

Participants

Young people and their carers (aged < 18 years).

Measurements

A meta‐analysis was not possible due to substantial heterogeneity, inconsistency in reporting of flavour categorizations and non‐interventional study designs; thus, we narratively report findings.

Findings

In total, 58 studies were included. The quality of the evidence was extremely low. Most (n = 39) studies were cross‐sectional survey designs. In total, 11 longitudinal cohort studies assessed trajectories; eight qualitative studies reported on user experiences. Studies reported views and experiences of a total of 512 874 young people. Both cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies suggested that flavours are important for initiation and continuation of vaping. Qualitative evidence shows interest and enjoyment in flavours. There was judged to be insufficient evidence that use of e‐liquid flavours specifically is associated with uptake of smoking. No studies found clear associations between flavours and cessation in this population. We found no included reports of adverse effects of flavours.

Conclusions

Flavours may be an important motivator for e‐cigarette uptake, but the role of flavours in tobacco smoking uptake or cessation is unclear. The quality of the evidence on use of e‐cigarette flavours by young people is low overall.
Automated detections reveal the social information in the changing infant view
Authors: Long Bria L. , Sanchez Alessandro , Kraus Allison M. , Agrawal Ketan , Frank Michael C.
Published: November 2021

How do postural developments affect infants’ access to social information? We recorded egocentric and third‐person video while infants and their caregivers (N = 36, 8‐ to 16‐month‐olds, N = 19 females) participated in naturalistic play sessions. We then validated the use of a neural network pose detection model to detect faces and hands in the infant view. We used this automated method to analyze our data and a prior egocentric video dataset (N = 17, 12‐month‐olds). Infants’ average posture and orientation with respect to their caregiver changed dramatically across this age range; both posture and orientation modulated access to social information. Together, these results confirm that infant’s ability to move and act on the world plays a significant role in shaping the social information in their view.
Impact of UNOS allocation policy changes on utilization and outcomes of patients bridged to heart transplant with intra‐aortic balloon pump
Authors: O'Connell Gillian , Wang Amy S. , Kurlansky Paul , Ning Yuming , Farr Maryjane A. , Sayer Gabriel , Uriel Nir , Naka Yoshifumi , Takeda Koji
Published: November 2021

Objective

Intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) support may improve the hemodynamic profiles of patients in cardiogenic shock and bridge patients to heart transplant. In 2018, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) introduced new heart allocation criteria that increased the waitlist status of patients with IABPs to Status 2. This study assesses the impact of this change on IABP use and outcomes of patients with IABPs.

Methods

We queried the UNOS database for first adult heart transplant candidates with IABPs listed or transplanted before and after the UNOS policy changes (October 18, 2016–October 17, 2018, or October 18, 2018–September 4, 2020). We compared post‐transplant survival and waitlist outcomes using Kaplan‐Meier and Fine‐Gray analyses.

Results

Two thousand three hundred fifty‐eight patients met inclusion criteria. Utilization of IABPs for hemodynamic support increased by 338% in the two years after the policy change. Patients with IABPs listed after the policy change were more likely to receive a transplant and were transplanted more quickly (p < .001). Posttransplant survival was comparable before and after the policy change (p = .056), but non‐transplanted patients were more likely to be delisted post‐policy change (p < .001).

Conclusion

The UNOS allocation criteria have benefited patients bridged with an IABP, given the higher transplant rate and shorter time to transplant.
To blind or not to blind first in human and exploratory clinical trials: Acceleration of development vs. risk of bias
Authors: Haertter Sebastian , Kanodia Jitendar , Cook Jack , Alicea Jeanette , Brennan Bonnie J. , Desai Amit , Patel Bela , Pan Lin , Goteti Kosalaram
Published: November 2021

An IQ consortium working group (WG) conducted a survey across multiple biopharmaceutical companies to gain information about the level of blinding commonly utilized for early clinical development trials. The main objectives were: (1) to understand blinding practices between healthy volunteer (HV) and early explorative patient trials in all therapeutic areas except oncology where early clinical trials are commonly open‐label; (2) to understand the rationale for blinding/unblinding practices; (3) to understand the groups and personnel involved in unblinding; and (4) strategic considerations around blinding/unblinding options in early clinical development trials—risk of bias vs. potential for acceleration. A survey containing 31 main questions with additional sub‐clarifying questions was conducted. Sixteen large and mid‐size pharmaceutical companies responded. Responses were aligned across functions within each participating company. Additional information was gathered at an American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) webinar with polling options to roughly 550 registered attendees to evaluate the reason for the unblinding decisions. The results revealed divergence across companies in the blinding approaches most commonly applied but with some study types, there were clearly favored options. Based on these results, the WG developed strategic considerations for first‐in‐human HV trials and nonpivotal explorative trials in patients. This paper should facilitate discussions among various clinical development functions, such as Clinical Pharmacology, Statistics, Clinical, Bioanalytics, and Regulatory Functions. Such discussions on study design and operations are warranted to allow implementation of more flexible blinding approaches to accelerate data driven decisions in drug development and allow earlier access of patients to needful medicines.
Visual lateralization in flight: Lateral preferences in parent‐offspring relative positions in geese
Authors: Zaynagutdinova Elmira , Kölzsch Andrea , Müskens Gerhard J. D. M. , Vorotkov Michael , Sinelshikova Alexandra , Giljov Andrey , Karenina Karina
Published: November 2021

Visual lateralization arises from the differential processing of information by the two brain hemispheres and can manifest itself in animal behaviour in the form of lateral preferences. Current evidence suggests that social coordination serves as a driving force for the emergence of one‐sided behavioural preferences in the populations. Collective movement is one of the most basic and ubiquitous examples of coordinated behaviour. Very little is known, however, about lateralized social interactions in such a complex and sensory demanding movement mode as flight. In the present study, we aimed at investigating lateralization in parent‐offspring interactions during migratory and nonmigratory flights in greater white‐fronted geese. Analyzing the GPS tracks of 19 goose families, we showed individual lateral preferences in the position of juvenile birds relative to a parent in nearly half of the juveniles. A population‐level preference to follow the mother on her left side was shown in juveniles during migratory flights but not in other analyses. This preference, differently from previous findings in mammals implicating a right eye bias, may be explained by the left hemisphere advantage for the functions involved in following behaviour of migrating birds, e.g., focussed attention. This highlights different drivers of lateralization in collective movement in relation to situation‐specific demands.
The magic and misdirection of public service loan forgiveness in the United States
Authors: Miller Julie B. , Rutledge Matthew S. , Yoquinto Luke , Coughlin Joseph
Published: November 2021

In recent years, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program has garnered more attention among student loan borrowers in the United States as a potential source of loan relief. However—at least prior to the PSLF Program Overhaul introduced in October 2021—arduous eligibility criteria, opaque communication on the part of the U.S. Department of Education and contracted loan servicers, and ongoing threats to the continuation of the program made for a skittish and frustrated group of enrollees. This article leverages a mixed methods study to explore the meaning borrowers ascribe to prospective loan forgiveness and interrogates how magical thinking contributes to enrollees' perspectives on prospective loan forgiveness. With several of these sources of meaning standing in conflict with each other and with confidence in personal prospects of loan forgiveness fairly low, we argue that magical thinking overlays the meaning of potential loan forgiveness among some borrowers.
Changes in selection policy and refugee welfare use in Canada
Authors: Kaida Lisa , Stick Max , Hou Feng
Published: November 2021

With the introduction of the 2002Immigration and Refugee Protection Act(IRPA), Canada shifted its refugee selection criteria from adaptability to vulnerability. Little is known about the long‐term impact of this policy change on the economic self‐sufficiency of Government‐Assisted Refugees (GARs). Using data from the Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB), we compare the long‐term receipt of social assistance (SA) incomes among three GAR cohorts: those admitted pre‐IRPA (1997–2001), during the transition period (2002–2004) and post‐IRPA (2005–2009). We find GARs admitted during the transition period and post‐IRPA have higher SA rates than their pre‐IRPA counterparts three to eight years after arrival, and the gap is explained mostly by the former's lower employment rates. After year eight, however, the gap starts to decline. This suggests while post‐IRPA GARs require a more extended financial assistance, prioritising humanitarian goals in refugee admission policies does not lead to their prolonged welfare receipt.
Effects of chlortetracycline on growth performance and intestinal functions in weaned piglets
Authors: Han Hui , Zhang Shunfen , Zhong Ruqing , Tang Chaohua , Yin Jie , Zhang Junmin , Zhang Hongfu
Published: November 2021

Aim

Weaning stress can cause serious damage to piglet's health. Chlortetracycline (CTC) is widely used to ameliorate weaning stress and prevent infectious diseases in weaned piglets. However, antibiotics as growth promoters have to be limited because of increased antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we evaluated the effects of CTC on growth performance and intestinal functions in order to provide evidence for seeking antibiotic substitutes in weaned piglets.

Methods and results

A total of 20 weaned piglets were fed a basal diet or a diet supplemented with 75 mg/kg CTC. CTC decreased the crypt depth and increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth, whilst failing to affect growth performance and serum biochemical parameters and cytokines. 16S rRNA sequencing suggested that CTC supplementation had no effect on the diversity and composition of colonic microbiota.

Conclusion

We speculated that gut microbiota is no longer sensitive to a low concentration of CTC due to the long-term use and low bioavailability of CTC in weaned piglets.
Development of an in vivo methylation system for transformation of Ruminiclostridium cellulolyticum
Authors: Cheng Ying , Jiang Yuanyuan , Ren Zhenxing , Fu Yuejun , Xu Chenggang
Published: November 2021

Aims

Ruminiclostridium cellulolyticum, an anaerobic cellulolytic bacterium producing an efficient cellulolytic extracellular complex named cellulosome, is a promising host for biofuel production from lignocellulose. This study aims to develop a rapid transformation method for R. cellulolyticum avoiding its restriction system.

Methods and Results

The CceI restriction system is a major barrier to introduction of foreign DNA into R. cellulolyticum cells. To improve the transformation efficiency of R. cellulolyticum, the gene encoding CceI methyltransferase (M.CceI) of R. cellulolyticum H10 was functionally expressed in Escherichia coli, resulting in an in vivo methylation system for transformation of R. cellulolyticum. The electrotransformation experiments of R. cellulolyticum H10 with the E. coli-Clostridium shuttle plasmid pMTC6 showed that the transformation efficiency reached up to 2.6 × 103±0.23 × 103 CFU per μg plasmid DNA. The results demonstrated that the system is able to confer the M.CceI-specific DNA methylation pattern to its resident plasmid, which makes the plasmid resistant to the CceI restriction and efficiently transferred into R. cellulolyticum.

Conclusions

In this study, we generated an in vivo methylation system of R. cellulolyticum, allowing interspecies DNA transfer and improving transformation efficiency.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This research result will greatly facilitate the metabolic engineering of R. cellulolyticum for biofuel production directly from cellulose.
A tale of many jurisdictions: how universal jurisdiction is creating a transnational judicial space
Authors: LEFRANC SANDRINE
Published: November 2021

Universal jurisdiction (UJ), which not very long ago seemed condemned to extinction, is now becoming routine. It has been endorsed by 109 states, and the number of prosecutions is increasing. This article is based on an ethnographic study of the recent trial in France of Pascal Simbikangwa, a Rwandan accused of participating in the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. Using the concepts of ‘vernacularization’ and ‘transnational legal orders’, it shows how UJ is creating a transnational judicial space (TJS). Involving both partisan and ordinary actors, this process is fraught with multiple conflicts. Although UJ does not participate in the dissemination of a uniform definition of genocide, it makes various jurisdictions work together. This fragmented transnational justice is paradoxically contributing to the integration of national legal systems.
Digital product innovation management: Balancing stability and fluidity through formalization
Authors: Pesch Robin , Endres Herbert , Bouncken Ricarda B.
Published: November 2021

While an increasing body of research is considering the role of digital product innovation for firms’ survival, there is still a dearth of studies on how firms can best pursue digital product innovations. The development of these innovations is often accompanied by uncertainty and ambiguity. Thus, firms might benefit from the greater clarity and guidance that result from formalization. However, the application of formalized procedures and structures might also lead to the suppression of fluidity, creativity, or change. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine if formalization at the project level can enhance digital product innovation. A partial duality logic integrating evidence of both the positive and negative effects of formalization builds the fundament for the hypothesized model. We use survey and patent data for a sample of 395 firms operating in the manufacturing industry to test the model. The results suggest the diminishing marginal utility of formalization—that is, formalization enhances digital product innovation radicalness and digital product innovation performance but with decreasing positive marginal returns. These findings challenge the widespread assumptions on the relationship between formalization and innovation. This new perspective on the relationship between formalization and innovation helps identify conditions in which formalization can facilitate firms’ efforts to develop profitable, innovative digital products. For example, the results demonstrate that older firms in particular can benefit from formalization. In turn, beyond providing insights for executives, this study offers answers to persistent research questions concerning which organizational arrangements are optimal for enhancing digital product innovation.
Molecular profiling of intrabony defects' gingival crevicular fluid
Authors: Koidou Vasiliki P. , Hagi‐Pavli Eleni , Cross Samantha , Nibali Luigi , Donos Nikolaos
Published: November 2021

Aim

To profile, for the first time, the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of intrabony defects against a wide array of inflammatory and regenerative markers.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐one patients contributed one intrabony defect and one periodontally healthy site. Clinical and radiographic measures were obtained. GCF samples were analyzed with multiplex bead immunoassays over 27 markers previously identified by our group. Comparisons were performed using Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐ranks tests, using a Bonferroni corrected α = 0.05/27 = 0.0019.

Results

Intrabony defect sites presented significantly increased GCF volume and disease‐associated clinical and radiographic characteristics (p < .05). Intrabony defect sites presented significantly increased IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IFN‐γ, and MMP‐8 levels compared with periodontally healthy sites (p < .0019). For regeneration markers, significantly higher FGF basic and VEGF levels were observed (p < .0019). Notably, traits of cell senescence were identified for the first time in the GCF.

Conclusions

The differentiation of intrabony defects from periodontally healthy control sites can be based on clinical and radiographic measures and on a differentiated GCF profile that is site‐specific. Alongside catabolic processes, through significant up‐regulation of inflammation and connective tissue remodeling, unique molecular characteristics of intrabony defects may render them a microenvironment amenable to regeneration. Traits of the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype may suggest the existence of senescent cells during periodontal inflammation in intrabony defects.
Financial reporting transparency, citizens' understanding, and public participation: A survey experiment study
Authors: Langella Cecilia , Anessi‐Pessina Eugenio , Botica Redmayne Nives , Sicilia Mariafrancesca
Published: November 2021

This study investigates the conditions under which transparency contributes to citizens' understanding of financial reporting and examines how this enhanced understanding is associated with public participation. To this end, a survey experiment was conducted in which two attributes of financial reporting transparency (i.e., content clarification and presentation format) were the manipulated variables, whereas citizens' understanding and public participation were the outcome variables. Results demonstrate that the provision of explanations to clarify obscure technical jargon does have a positive effect on citizens' understanding. A similar effect was found for the provision of graphical and visual representations. However, the study reveals that there is no additional benefit in simultaneously providing both explanations of technical jargon and visual aids. Furthermore, findings show that the levels of public participation are highest among the individuals who felt they understood the financial information the best, but yet possessed the lowest level of actual understanding.
La colaboración público-privada en Salud en España. El caso del Departamento de Torrevieja
Authors: Vivas Orts David , Sancho Mestre Carla , Gómez Sacedón Mario , Roche Vilanova Carlos
Published: November 2021

Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar la financiación y el movimiento de pacientes en el Departamento de Salud de Torrevieja en España, situado en la Comunidad Valenciana, en una zona limítrofe con gran afluencia de turistas extranjeros, y donde el Gobierno regional ha firmado un partenariado público-privado (PPP). Para ello se utilizan datos extraídos de las cuentas anuales de la concesionaria y de los presupuestos regionales, y los aplicativos que recogen los demás aspectos de la sanidad pública en el territorio. Los resultados muestran varios aspectos. Primero, existe un incremento constante en el gasto público del Departamento de Salud de Torrevieja, a pesar de no observar un incremento total en la evolución de la población cubierta, que contrasta con el crecimiento menor del gasto público en los hospitales de gestión directa. Segundo, el análisis de la población del territorio costero muestra una gran presencia de extranjeros y, en períodos estivales, una mayor carga asistencial causada por los desplazamientos de la población nacional y extrajera. Los resultados pretenden ser útiles para futuros PPP en hospitales de zonas limítrofes y turísticas.
Migración de venezolanos a Florida Central, Estados Unidos. Aspectos relacionados con la percepción de condiciones y necesidades de salud mental en 2019
Authors: Cubillos Novella Andrés , Vargas Monroy Angélica María , Wharton Tracy
Published: November 2021

Este estudio utilizó un enfoque fenomenológico cualitativo con migrantes venezolanos ubicados en Florida Central, Estados Unidos, para explorar las percepciones relacionadas con la salud mental. Se obtuvo información sobre las expectativas y experiencias relacionadas con su viaje, las relaciones sociales y familiares, y el contexto socioeconómico en el que se perciben a sí mismos, así como información relacionada con sus reacciones emocionales, físicas, y cognitivas antes, durante, y después de migrar. La mayoría de los participantes en el estudio adujeron razones políticas o económicas para abandonar su país de origen, pero más de la mitad, señaló como un motivo importante el futuro de sus hijos. Cuatro de cada cinco personas migrantes indicaron estrés, y tres de cada cinco reportaron una tristeza o frustración significativa y manifiestan que no tienen control sobre su realidad actual, y cuatro de cada cinco participantes informaron sentimientos de aislamiento desde su llegada a Florida. El aislamiento es un predictor importante de los desafíos de salud mental, y la falta de apoyo en las redes sociales está relacionada con la resiliencia limitada.
Calidad y prestigio de la edición académica. El caso colombiano
Authors: Giménez Toledo Elea , Córdoba Restrepo Juan Felipe , Giraldo González Esteban , Mañana Rodriguez Jorge
Published: November 2021

Reconocer la publicación de libros académicos en español en los procesos de evaluación científica requiere disponer de información objetiva y precisa sobre libros, colecciones y editoriales. En este trabajo, se presenta un estudio sobre el prestigio de las editoriales académicas –colombianas y no colombianas- a partir de una encuesta realizada entre profesores e investigadores colombianos, siguiendo el modelo del proyecto SPI. La encuesta obtuvo una tasa de respuesta del 17%. El estudio permite identificar los núcleos de editoriales académicas relevantes para los investigadores, tanto del ámbito nacional como internacional. Un total de 167 editoriales colombianas y 345 no colombianas fueron reconocidas por los académicos. El indicador ICEE genera una lista ordenada de editoriales. Los resultados muestran cómo se concentra el prestigio en pequeños núcleos, liderados por la edición universitaria.
Synergistic Lubricating Performance of h-BN/GF Nanoparticles as Oil Additives for Steel-Steel Contact
Authors: Li Shuai , Ma Qiang , Tong Zhe , Liu Qi , Dong Guangneng
Published: November 2021

The major objective of this work is to investigate the synergistic lubricating performance of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and graphite fluoride (GF) nanoparticles (NPs) in white oil. The tribological tests were carried out on steel-steel contacts using a reciprocating ball-on-disk tribometer. Compared with white oil, an addition of 0.1 wt% h-BN/GF could reduce the friction coefficient, wear-rate and wear depth by 41.1%, 89.1%, and 92.3%, respectively. Furthermore, compared with 0.1 wt% h-BN and 0.1 wt% GF, 0.1 wt% h-BN/GF nanocomposite also showed the best lubrication and wear resistance performances. The synergistic lubrication mechanism of h-BN/GF nanocomposite was investigated, and the unique microstructure of the h-BN/GF composite and the weak interfacial interaction between h-BN and GF were found to be beneficial to the formation of continuous and adhesive tribo-films at the interface.
Uncertainty Quantification in Support of Severe Accident Analysis Code User Confidence Using MELCOR-DAKOTA
Authors: Boafo Emmanuel K. , Numapau Gyamfi Emmanuel
Published: November 2021

Uncertainty and Sensitivity analysis methods are often used in severe accident analysis for validating the complex physical models employed in the system codes that simulate such scenarios. This is necessitated by the large uncertainties associated with the physical models and boundary conditions employed to simulate severe accident scenarios. Uncertainty analysis involves primarily the estimation of the distribution of a key figure-of-merit (FOM) following the propagation of uncertainty in selected input parameters through a system code. The input parameters are sampled within defined ranges based on assigned probability distribution functions (PDFs) for the required number of code runs/realizations using stochastic sampling techniques. Input parameter selection is based on their importance to the key FOM, which is determined by the parameter identification and ranking table (PIRT). Sensitivity analysis investigates the contribution of each uncertain input parameter to the uncertainty of the selected FOM. In this study, the integrated severe accident analysis code MELCOR was coupled with a design analysis kit for optimization and terascale applications (DAKOTA), an optimization and uncertainty quantification tool in order to investigate the effect of input parameter uncertainty on hydrogen generation. The methodology developed was applied to the Fukushima Daiichi unit 1 nuclear power plant (NPP) accident scenario, which was modeled in another study. The results show that there is approximately 22.46% uncertainty in the amount of hydrogen generated as estimated by a single MELCOR run given the uncertainty in selected input parameters. The sensitivity analysis results also reveal that MELCOR input parameters: COR_SC 1141(melt flow rate per unit width at breakthrough candling), COR_ZP (porosity of fuel debris beds), and COR_EDR (characteristic debris size in the core region) contributed most significantly to the uncertainty in hydrogen generation.
Deterministic and Probabilistic Evaluations of Structures and Components Credited for Seismic Design Extension Conditions
Authors: Saudy Ayman , Elgohary Medhat
Published: November 2021

There is “high confidence” in the ability of the structures, systems, and components (SSCs) of nuclear power plants (NPPs) to perform as designed for design basis accidents (DBAs). For design extension conditions (DECs), the SSCs are required to perform as designed with “reasonably high confidence.” DECs represent scenarios or accidents that are more severe than DBAs. Typically, a spectrum of initiating events including random failure of systems or components, internal and external hazards is used in defining scenarios leading to the DECs. Seismic events that exceed the design basis earthquake (DBE) of a station could be considered seismic DECs. A deterministic design method is proposed to address higher demands of seismic DECs in the new and existing Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) NPPs. The deterministic method builds on the current requirements of applicable codes and standards and recommends more relaxed acceptance criteria. Nevertheless, a means to probabilistically evaluate built-in margin exceeding the demand induced by a seismic DEC would provide a measure of the confidence in a DEC-assigned structure or component performing its function. Therefore, a probabilistic method that estimates the probability of survivability for a structure or component when subjected to the demand induced by a seismic DEC is proposed. The probabilistic method could be used to indicate whether there is a need for applying design modification to existing design features to address demands of seismic DEC. The mean, 5th-percentile, and 95th-percentile fragility functions of these SSCs are used. These fragility functions are typically developed to determine the high-confidence-low-probability-of-failure (HCLPF) value associated with the contribution of a structure or component to the overall plant seismic risk. Sample cases for design features that were implemented in existing CANDU NPPs to address seismic DECs are presented. Both the deterministic and probabilistic methods are applied to cases of civil structures, passive mechanical and electrical components, as well as active control and instrumentation components.
Topology Optimization Taking Into Account Geometrical Constraint of No-Closed Hole for Additive Manufacturing Based on Fictitious Physical Model Concept
Authors: Yamada Takayuki , Noguchi Yuki
Published: November 2021

This paper proposes a topology optimization method that considers the geometrical constraint of a non-closed hole for additive manufacturing based on the fictitious physical model concept. First, the basic topology optimization concept and level set-based method are introduced. Second, the concept of a fictitious physical model for geometrical constraint in the topology optimization framework is discussed. Then, the model for the geometrical constraint of a non-closed hole for additive manufacturing is proposed. Numerical examples are provided to validate the proposed model. In addition, topology optimization considering this geometrical constraint is formulated, and topology optimization algorithms are constructed using the finite element method. Finally, optimization examples are provided to validate the proposed topology optimization method.
Business Intelligence and Obsolescence Engineering: Prediction, Performance and Innovation, Linked Destinies
Authors: Boissie Kevin , Vigier Thomas , Zolghadri Marc , Addouche Sid-Ali
Published: November 2021

This paper establishes the process in which resilience leads to obsolescence requires a close link between information literacy in one’s sector (industrial and economic) and the ability to anticipate changes (technical and sectoral). Based on an industrial case study, in the automotive manufacturing sector, it is intended to be an engineering analysis in industrial technology with the aim of demonstrating that there is a new axis of reflection, allowing a better performance of the company. This research applies to the life cycles that we have defined and which are sections of the global life cycle. Links are demonstrated between the economic risks to the different types of obsolescence. This article addresses a new research axis in business intelligence, for the benefit of a better technological and industrial management, but also, a new source of data collection to predict market developments, support decision making and the implementation of strategic development plans.
Improving Customer Attribute Management Within the House of Quality by Integrating the Non-User
Authors: Augustin Laura , Wolffram Andrea , Beyer Christiane , Kokoschko Björn , Frilling Peter
Published: November 2021

The House of Quality is an established model for human centric product development, that among other aspects uses both customer attributes and product requirements to define a product and its most important features. Industry application of this model is difficult due to its overall complexity and lack of clear instructions on how to specifically build a catalogue of customer attributes from user research in particular and how to prioritize them.

This contribution seeks to simplify customer attribute formation and management by introducing the concept of non-use within a use case. Types of non-use and reasons for non-use of robot vacuums are examined and decoded into attributes. Attributes of users and non-users are compared and analyzed. By introducing a clear interview structure for users and non-users, this contribution visualizes how to translate interviews to attributes used within the House of Quality.

The use case discussed in this contribution indicates that non-use can yield more information than conventional user research, since non-users’ reasons for non-use were more extensive than users’ negative feedback about the product and could therefore generate more attributes. Industry feedback suggests that non-user attributes are similar to user attributes and can therefore be used in place of user attributes.
Pre-Bending Motion Strategy Analysis of a 3-DOF UACT Robotic Finger
Authors: Qiao Shangling , Wang Yichen , Guo Hongwei , Xiao Hong , Deng Zongquan
Published: November 2021

Motion strategy analysis at the pre-bending stage is a fundamental component of underactuated finger grasp research. This study presents the pre-bending motion strategy and corresponding analysis of cable driving forces a 3-DOF underactuated finger comprising cable truss units. This robotic finger uses a tendon-pulley transmission and parallel four-linkage mechanism to realize the grasp capability. The structure and four motion strategies at the pre-bending stage are illustrated. The equivalent joint-driven and quasi-static motion models are established in the case where one or two cable driving forces drive the finger. In accordance with the virtual work principle, the tendon-pulley transmission is transformed into an equivalent joint-driven system. On the basis of the constraints of maximum motion space of the finger, the joint spring stiffness distributions are discussed and the finger quasi-static motion space is analyzed under the condition of single motor driving force. The unique coupled motion process and corresponding cable driving force of the finger driven by a single motor are assessed. Furthermore, three other typical quasi-static motion strategies and their corresponding cable driving forces are discussed. Valid simulation experiments are conducted to verify the accuracy of the quasi-static motion strategy. The analysis of this study can provide guidance and a theoretical reference for the design of cable-driven underactuated hands and control of the couple-driven underactuated mechanism.
Cross-Sensitivity Characteristics of Instrumented Wheelset Associated With Longitudinal Force and Lateral Contact Position
Authors: Hondo Takatoshi , Tanaka Takayuki , Kuniyuki Shoya , Suzuki Mitsugi
Published: November 2021

It is crucial to grasp wheel-rail contact forces in the evaluation of running safety and curving performance of railway vehicles. To measure the wheel-rail contact forces, instrumented wheelset, which has the strain gauges on the wheel surface, is widely used. The purpose of this research is to increase the measurement accuracy of the wheel-rail contact forces by understanding the detailed characteristics of the instrumented wheelset. Although the various researches on the instrumented wheelset have been carried out to increase the measurement accuracy of wheel-rail contact forces, there are few works considering the longitudinal force and the lateral shift of the wheel-rail contact point. However, sometimes the longitudinal force has a non-negligible influence on the measurement accuracy on the instrumented wheelset. In this paper, the authors clarify the cross-sensitivity characteristics of the instrumented wheelset when the longitudinal force is applied to the various lateral position on the wheel tread through the FEM analysis and the static load test. The authors also propose a method to approximate the cross-sensitivity as an analytical function of the lateral and circumferential contact positions.
A Gaussian Mixture Variational Autoencoder-Based Approach for Designing Phononic Bandgap Metamaterials
Authors: Wang Zihan , Xian Weikang , Baccouche M. Ridha , Lanzerath Horst , Li Ying , Xu Hongyi
Published: November 2021

Phononic bandgap metamaterials, which consist of periodic cellular structures, are capable of absorbing energy within a certain frequency range. Designing metamaterials that trap waves across a wide wave frequency range is still a challenging task. In this study, we proposed a deep feature learning-based framework to design cellular metamaterial structures considering two design objectives: bandgap width and stiffness. A Gaussian mixture variational autoencoder (GM-VAE) is employed to extract structural features and a Gaussian Process (GP) model is employed to enable property-driven structure optimization. By comparing the GM-VAE and a regular variational autoencoder (VAE), we demonstrate that (i) GM-VAE has the advantage of learning capability, and (ii) GM-VAE discovers a more diversified design set (in terms of the distribution in the performance space) in the unsupervised learning-based generative design. Two supervised learning strategies, building independent single-response GP models for each output and building an all-in-one multi-response GP model for all outputs, are employed and compared to establish the relationship between the latent features and the properties of interest. Multi-objective design optimization is conducted to obtain the Pareto frontier with respect to bandgap width and stiffness. The effectiveness of the proposed design framework is validated by comparing the performances of newly discovered designs with existing designs. The caveats to designing phonic bandgap metamaterials are summarized.
Sequentially Utility Maximizing Path Planning Using a Distributed Pool Architecture
Authors: Mollan Calahan , Pandey Vijitashwa , Slon Christopher , Gorsich David
Published: November 2021

Operation of ground vehicles in remote unstructured terrains is a challenging task. While information on terrain parameters such as elevation, slope, and soil content and its use in tasks such as path planning and vehicle simulation is immensely useful, it requires detailed analyses that are computationally expensive and time-consuming. At the same time, higher-level decisions made without a full understanding of the terrain properties and vehicle capabilities are bound to be suboptimal, possibly even leading to mission failure. In this paper, we approach the problem from a decision-making standpoint to address both the aspects described above. The approach divides a given terrain into smaller cells and progressively finds the path to the goal. At each step, the operator’s utility between competing immediate terrain cells is compared so that the vehicle chooses the best next step considering detailed vehicle simulation. To account for the increased computational effort, a pool-based distributed computing architecture is employed to speed-up pathfinding and provide resilience towards failure of processors and communication links. The pool architecture also admits heterogeneous, geographically distributed processors and storage locations. Concurrently, the multiattribute utility formulation takes into account the tradeoff between different attributes and the uncertainty in the vehicle performance. The proposed method can be used for medium and long-range navigation in unstructured environments for efficient rough path planning or re-planning based on changing mission requirements and dynamically arriving terrain data. The method is demonstrated on data acquired from USGS sources.