bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of small abattoirs in the delivery of the UK's new agricultural policy objectives
Authors: Franks Jeremy , Peden Rachel
Published: May 2022

This study examines the impacts of the reduction in the network of private kill abattoirs on the delivery of public goods supported under the redesigned UK agriculture policy. An online survey was used to gather information about farmers selection and use of abattoirs, and a telephone survey of abattoir owners and managers complemented the farmer survey. Of the 300 respondents, 185 used abattoirs for private kill retail (PKR) services. 121 of these PKR farmers (65.4%) reported their PKR business as “essential” “or “very important” to the viability of their farm business. Seventy-five (41%) had no alternative abattoir, 21 of these 75 would have to close their PKR business if the abattoir they currently used closed, 22.7% would reduce their grassland area, releasing greenhouse gases, and 30% would stop farming native breeds, reducing the gene pool and conservation grazing environmental management options. 110 PKR farmers did have a viable alternative abattoir, but using it would increase livestock journeys, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and making it more likely farmers would need to use commercial rather than farm transport, further jeopardising animal welfare and biosecurity. Therefore, the continuing closure of private kill services threatens core government policy objectives. However, private kill services could be supported by government grant schemes, resolving confusion regarding food labelling, and reducing small abattoir costs by introducing “de minimis” derogation – as currently used on some Channel Island and mainland Europe abattoirs.
Seasonal mobility of populations and allocation of police resources in Finland
Authors: Sutela Mika , Lehtonen Olli
Published: May 2022

This study analyses the impact of the seasonal mobility of populations on the emergency response times (ERT) of the police. The concept of multi-locality increases the mobility of people but, however, the public service structures of the society and different administrative systems do not sufficiently account for that. The results of the mixed-model regression demonstrate the challenges in the police resources allocation when people are acting in different areas than expected. Emergency response times was lengthened as the seasonal population increased and spatially dispersed over the regions during the seasons. We suggest that the seasonal mobility should be involved the future planning process of police resource allocation.
Interconnecting embroidered hybrid conductive yarns by ultrasonic plastic welding for e-textiles
Authors: Dils Christian , Kalas David , Reboun Jan , Suchy Stanislav , Soukup Radek , Moravcova Daniela , Krshiwoblozki Malte von , Schneider-Ramelow Martin
Published: May 2022

This article presents a novel approach for the electrical interconnection of embroidered conductive yarns with each other at defined cross-points using ultrasonic spot welding. The electrically conductive yarns are made of silver-coated copper microwires plied with polyester filament fibers into a hybrid embroidery yarn. In this study we evaluated the influence of different material properties (number of microwires of conductive yarn, fabric substrate, and adhesive film), the embroidery designs of contact pads, and the main parameters of the welding process (energy, force, amplitude, and tools) on the welded interconnection. The results were evaluated by the process yield and the contact resistance of the welded contacts. The electrical contacts were then tested for long-term reliability (elevated temperature and humidity, temperature shock change, bending, washing and drying) and analyzed. In addition, the contacts were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro-computed tomography and in the form of cross-sections with optical and SEM techniques to discuss interconnection and failure mechanisms. The results show that ultrasonic spot welding can enable the production of highly reliable interconnections of textile-integrated conductive yarns with contact resistances of a few milliohms that are resistant to mechanical, environmental, and washing conditions, leading to potential new manufacturing processes of e-textiles.
Towards weird verticality: The spectacle of vertical spaces in Chongqing
Authors: Roast Asa
Published: May 2022

Critical scholarly attention to vertical urbanism has expanded greatly in recent years but has seldom engaged with the variety of high-rise urban forms developed in mainland Chinese cities following the demise of socialist urban political economy. This paper introduces the case study of Chongqing as a critical example of the cultural significance of vertical urbanism in the post-socialist Chinese city, examining how supposedly ‘weird’ spaces of vertical density are materially and discursively constructed. Chongqing has undergone rapid urban expansion since the 1990s within a narrow and mountainous terrain, resulting in a number of extraordinary instances of extreme vertical density in the city. These sites have subsequently become ‘spectacles’ in themselves, widely photographed and discussed on social media. This paper surveys online discourse and imaging of these sites to categorise them as examples of connection, compression and luxification. Verticality is used to construct imaginaries of urban futures, and designations of ‘weird’ verticality differ between outsiders and locals. Such imaginaries may also obscure the history of urban restructuring which gave rise to these spaces in the first instance, and the conflicts between public and private space which emerge from this restructuring. The example of Chongqing provides an important demonstration of verticality as an everyday, historically grounded and contested environment within the city, rather than a recent imposition on a residual horizontal way of life. This paper concludes with a call for greater ethnographic attention to the weird qualities of such vertical spaces in the production of new urban theory.
Gender Equity Commission Priorities: An Archival Study and Prospects for the Future
Authors: D’Agostino Maria J. , Elias Nicole M.
Published: May 2022

This research explores the priorities of the gender equity commission in New York City over forty-five years. Archival commission data was organized thematically to understand the history of gender equity and suggest future possibilities for gender equity beyond New York City. In our historical analysis, we see an expansion of the definition of gender and an adoption of an intersectional approach to gender. We identify four historical gender priorities: sexual harassment and violence, pay equity and economic advancement, health and safety, and gender recognition and celebration. To address systemic issues of gender inequity, we recommend local level administrators embed an intersectional approach in their policies and programming and move away from the commission model to one of a permanent office or agency. These recommendations will better equip municipalities with the resources to increase gender equity, particularly during COVID-19 recovery.
Can an Aging Leopard Change Its Spots? The Role of Mindset of Aging on Implicit and Explicit Attitudes in Older Adults
Authors: Brown Kellie E. , Hall Anna , Hillebrant-Openshaw Madisen , Fulton Erika K.
Published: May 2022

Growth mindset of aging (MA) refers to the belief that aging processes are malleable, while fixed MA is the belief that how one ages is predetermined and unchangeable. Using experimental methods, we manipulated MA and explored its impact on implicit old-age attitudes and self-perceptions of aging. Eighty-six older adults were randomly placed into a growth or fixed MA condition. Next, we assessed implicit old-age attitudes and self-perceptions of aging. The experimental manipulation was successful in that group MA scores differed, but MA did not significantly influence implicit old-age attitudes or self-perceptions of aging. However, a regression analysis revealed a novel finding: More growth MA was related to less negative implicit old-age attitudes and more positive self-perceptions of aging. These findings are an important contribution to the MA literature, which is in its infancy.
Financial Literacy in the Family Context: The Role of Spousal Education and Gender Among Older Couples
Authors: Li Yang , Mutchler Jan E. , Miller Edward Alan , Tucker-Seeley Reginald , Xiao Jing Jian
Published: May 2022

We examine cross-spouse associations between education and financial literacy among older couples, net of own education, and whether the cross-spouse associations differ by gender. Using data from the Cognitive Economics Study, we employ multilevel actor–partner interdependence regression models to examine both the actor and partner associations between education and financial literacy ( N = 205 dyads) and the moderating role of gender. Findings indicate that the partner association between education and financial literacy was moderated by gender. Husbands’ education was associated with wives’ financial literacy, net of own education and controls, but wives’ education was not associated with husbands’ financial literacy. The study adds to our knowledge of the role of the family context in financial literacy, net of own education. Results suggest that factors shaping financial knowledge may spill over from husbands to wives. Interventions to enhance older adults’ financial knowledge should take into account the family context and consider couple-based approaches.
Subxiphoid single-port thymectomy without CO2 insufflation: Experience of a single center
Authors: Kang Do Kyun , Kang Min Kyun
Published: May 2022

Background

The subxiphoid single-port approach for thymectomy has advantages compared with conventional lateral transthoracic approaches. Most of centers use CO2 insufflation to secure an appropriate surgical field during subxiphoid thymectomy, which causes fighting between surgical instruments and restrictions on the types of surgical instruments. The objective of this study is to introduce an effective method to establish the subxiphoid approach without CO2 insufflation using a retractor and steel wire.

Methods

All consecutive 59 patients undergoing subxiphoid single-port thymectomy between August 2014 and August 2021 were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

We analyzed data of 59 patients (31 male and 28 female) with a median age of 59 years (range 50–68). Two (3.4%) patients presented postoperative complications. The conversion to a different approach was required in 4 (6.8%) cases. The median follow-up time was 23 months (range 10–41) and loco-regional recurrence was observed in one patient (1.7%). There were no intraoperative deaths and the postoperative mortality. No complications related to sternal wiring occurred.

Conclusions

Subxiphoid single-port thymectomy without CO2 using a retractor and steel wire insufflation is a technically feasible method.
Paratesticular metastasis arising from colonic mucinous adenocarcinoma: a rare case report
Authors: Liu Min , Fan Yanpeng , Zhu Senqiang , Zhu Shusheng
Published: May 2022

Colonic mucinous adenocarcinoma rarely metastasizes to the paratesticular region, highlighting the importance of a correct diagnosis. We herein present a case involving a 65-year-old man with paratesticular carcinoma associated with scrotal swelling 1 year after radical resection of colon cancer. Computed tomography revealed a low-density tumor in the right scrotum and mild enhancement of the mass after administration of a contrast agent. The patient underwent radical surgery to remove the right testis. Pathology and immunohistochemistry revealed mucinous adenocarcinoma of the paratesticular tissue. The patient was discharged from the hospital 6 days after surgery. We reviewed the recent literature to summarize the clinical manifestations, treatments, and prognosis of this disease.
Visual snow syndrome is probably not mediated by CGRP: A case series
Authors: Evers Stefan , Holle-Lee Dagny , Schankin Christoph J , Kull Pia , Raffaelli Bianca
Published: May 2022

Background

Visual snow syndrome is a phenomenon for which no effective treatment is known. It is highly comorbid with migraine, therefore we performed a retrospective chart review of patients with visual snow syndrome treated with a monoclonal antibody against calcitonin gene related peptide or its receptor.

Findings

We enrolled 15 patients with visual snow syndrome who received at least once a monoclonal antibody against calcitonin gene related peptide or its receptor. None of the patients reported relief of visual snow syndrome whereas those patients with comorbid migraine reported a very good efficacy of the antibody against the migraine headache but not against the migraine aura.

Conclusion

The data suggest that visual snow syndrome is not mediated by calcitonin gene related peptide in a relevant way and that the calcitonin gene related peptide receptor is not involved in the network underlying the visual snow syndrome.
Manufacturing challenges and technological solutions for microwave ablation (MWA) probe prototyping
Authors: Valori Marcello , Rebaioli Lara , Marrocco Valeria , Modica Francesco , Bonelli Francesco , Pascazio Giuseppe , Portosi Vincenza , Prudenzano Francesco , Fasano Antonella , Lampignano Vito , Fassi Irene
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the manufacturing challenges and related technological solutions concerning the prototyping of microwave ablation (MWA) probes are addressed. In particular, the intertwined aspects pertaining probe design, fabrication and target performance are tackled. The development of a 14G MWA probe prototype, working at a frequency of 2.45 GHz, is proposed as a case study, describing design efforts and the use of rapid prototyping technologies combined with other manufacturing processes. A specific focus is dedicated to the insulating part of the probe radiating section, featuring high aspect ratio and complex shape, which was fabricated by means of Digital Light Processing (DLP) and by using a biocompatible material, the EnvisionTEC E-Shell® 300. Furthermore, the probe handling, properly designed to arrange cables and tubes routing, was fabricated by means of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology. Finally, ex vivo experiments conducted on bovine liver showed satisfactory treatment performance and structural reliability of the 14G MWA probe prototype. Besides being characterized by a good impedance matching ( S11 = −25 dB), prototype performance were also in good agreement with design simulations and even satisfying if compared to other results available in literature as, with an input radiation power of 40 W, the ablated zone after a 10 min treatment exhibited a ratio of the radial and longitudinal axis of 0.66.
Adaptive passivity-based control of an autonomous underwater vehicle
Authors: Keymasi Khalaji Ali , Haghjoo Monem
Published: May 2022

An Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) is a nonlinear nonholonomic dynamical system. Tracking control of AUVs in the presence of disturbances and uncertainties is a challenging problem. In this paper, an adaptive passivity-based algorithm is proposed for tracking control of an AUV. Also, a disturbance estimator has been used to attenuate the effects of unknown disturbances. A proper adaptive rule is designed to estimate unknown parameters and disturbances. The stability of the proposed method is analyzed using passivity properties and the Lyapunov theory. Obtained comparative results show the advantages of the proposed Adaptive Computed Torque Method ACTM plus disturbance estimator.
Health Condition of Internal Migrants in India: A Review
Authors: Krishna Puja , Raj Aditya
Published: May 2022

The surge in the number of internal migrants in India from 315 million in 2001 to 454 million in 2011 indicates that an average of about 14 million people migrate every year. With this ever-increasing rate of migration within the country, the act of providing effective healthcare services to all remains a challenge. Based on a systematic review of literature, the present study assesses the health condition of internal migrants in India, with emphasis on understanding the health status of and health care access to women migrants in their place of destination. Findings from the review delineated several health problems and morbid conditions, such as the threat of infectious diseases, work-related illness, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and psychological disorders. In the case of women migrants, critical health issues associated with pregnancy and maternal health, prevalence of anaemia, risk of STI, spousal abuse and harassment in the workplace were indicated. This review paper identifies lack of social security and health care coverage for the migrants as crucial concerns; and therefore demonstrates the need to have all-inclusive urban health care policies to ensure general health and well-being for migrants, along with better work and living conditions in the destination region.
Fault recognition of large-size low-speed slewing bearing based on improved deep belief network
Authors: Pan Yubin , Wang Hua , Chen Jie , Hong Rongjing
Published: May 2022

Slewing bearing is one of critical transmission in wind turbine and shield machine withstanding low-speed and heavy-load working condition. Fault recognition is crucial to their high reliability operation. Many studies have been conducted using traditional shallow networks for fault recognition. However, they suffer from inherent disadvantages, such as low learning ability under high-dimensional nonlinear features, which make them unsuitable for fault recognition of slewing bearing. To solve these shortcomings, a novel fault recognition method is proposed based on improved deep belief network (DBN) using sampling method of free energy in persistent contrastive divergence (FEPCD). A systematic methodology based on multi-domain feature extraction is proposed to describe the fault characteristic information. After that, improved DBN optimized by FEPCD is employed to capture the fault features and recognize the fault condition of slewing bearing. The application and superiority of proposed methodology are validated using a slewing bearing life-cycle test dataset. Meanwhile, a comparison is conducted between traditional sampling methods contrastive divergence (CD) and persistent contrastive divergence (PCD). The results illustrate that improved FEPCD gets better result in training sampling. Compared with other deep learning methods such as deep Boltzmann machine (DBM) and stacked auto-encoder (SAE), and shallow intelligent algorithms like back propagation (BP) neural network and support vector machine (SVM), the fault recognition accuracy of slewing bearing is improved by using the improved DBN with FEPCD.
An analytical study of the effects of a circumferentially corrugated core on sound transmission through double-walled cylindrical shells
Authors: Kornokar Mohammad , Shahsavari Hesamoddin , Daneshjou Kamran , Talebitooti Roohollah
Published: May 2022

Corrugated structures are widely being used in industrial applications, which raises the demand for careful analysis of their behavior. To fill the gap for vibroacoustic characteristics, this paper focuses on proposing a model to investigate sound transmission through double-walled cylindrical shells with a circumferentially corrugated core. The structure is composed of outer and inner isotropic layers and a corrugated core. The outer layer is subjected to an oblige plane wave, and also a subsonic flow is traveling outside the double-walled shell. An equivalent method is applied to replace the corrugated core as axial, radial, and rotational springs with specific stiffness coefficients. The first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) is applied to describe the behavior of isotropic shells. A considerable parametric study is established concerning both the incident wave and structural characteristics. The results show that the presence of the corrugated core improves sound transmission loss (STL) of the structure in the mass-controlled region, and it has a negative effect on STL in the coincidence-controlled region; therefore, using such a core for sound insulation depends on the desired frequency domain.
Erector Spinae Plane Catheter Analgesia in Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery: A Retrospective Case–Control Study for Inclusion in an Enhanced Recovery Program
Authors: Statzer Nicholas J. , Plackis Andreas C. , Woolard Austin A. , Allen Brian F. S. , Siegrist Kara K. , Shi Yaping , Shotwell Matthew
Published: May 2022

Background. A retrospective case-control study was conducted to assess the feasibility of erector spinae plane (ESP) block as part of a multimodal enhanced recovery program for patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve replacement surgery. Methods. This retrospective analysis was conducted at a single center between January and August 2019. 61 patients were included; 23 received ESP and 38 did not. Erector spinae catheters (ESCs) were placed preoperatively, using a loading dose of 30 mL .5% ropivacaine, followed by an infusion of .2% ropivacaine at 10 mL/h throughout the study period. Primary outcome was 48-hour opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative morphine equivalents, extubation within 24 hours, reintubation, ICU length of stay and hospital length of stay and 30-day mortality. Results. Median [inter-quartile range] of the postoperative morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) in the first 48 hours was 70[45-121] MMEs in the ESC) group, and 109[70–148] MMEs in the no ESC group ( P-value = .16). No significant difference was observed in intraoperative morphine equivalents, extubation within 24 hours or ICU length of stay. The ESC group had shorter hospital length of stay (6.0 vs 7.0 days, P-value = .043). Conclusion. This study found a statistically insignificant, though potentially clinically significant reduction in postoperative opioid consumption. A reduced hospital length of stay as well as an acceptable safety profile was also observed in the ESC group. An adequately powered, prospective trial is warranted to accurately assess the potential role for ESP catheters for patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery.
The Psycho-Anthropological Perspectives of Natural Hazards: Applicability of the ‘Protection Motivation Theory’ in Explaining Behavioral Responses Towards Tropical Cyclone Idai in the Chimanimani District of Zimbabwe
Authors: Kudejira Denboy , Kwembeya Maurice , Songo Sifikile , Sifelani Innocent , Matsikure Memory
Published: May 2022

This paper adopts a psycho-anthropological approach to explain individual behaviors in response to tropical cyclone Idai which made a landfall in the Chimanimani district of Zimbabwe in March 2019. Employing the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) as a lever of diagnosis, the study sought to demonstrate how psychological concepts and anthropological approaches can be infused to improve disaster preparedness. The evidence presented in the paper is based on an intensive ethnographic study conducted in Chimanimani district between November 2020 and July 2021, and which benefited from a variety of data collection techniques. The research findings reveal that beyond its utility in predicting individual protective behaviors towards a disaster, the PMT framework can be adopted as a tool with which postmortems of past disasters can be conducted to identify gaps and inform future disaster administration. The findings suggest that to be useful as a policy making and planning tool, the PMT should remain flexible, allowing for modifications to suite different socio-cultural contexts, including the flexibility to incorporate salient factors that might influence individuals’ cognitive mediating processes.
Tracing a historical development of conspiracy theory networks on the web: The hyperlink network of vaccine hesitancy on the Danish web 2006–2015
Authors: Brügger Niels
Published: May 2022

This article investigates the vast field of conspiracy theories by focusing on the example of conspiracy theories related to vaccine hesitancy. Conspiracy theories have been with us for a long time, and as any other type of semantic content they spread by travelling through media. Therefore, if one wants to understand how conspiracy theories proliferate, it is relevant to investigate the media roads by which they travel and that each offer different opportunities for establishing connections. It is obvious that within the last three decades the advent of digital media has opened up new road systems to support conspiracy theories’ getting around. This article focuses on one such road system, the World Wide Web, and how the hyperlink networks on the Danish web related to conspiracy theories and vaccine hesitancy have developed from 2006 to 2015. The article aims at (1) contributing to the development of methods that enables such a study, and (2) providing results about how these hyperlink networks have developed. The network analysis reveals that the potential exchange of ideas about vaccination between experts and non-experts is not facilitated by the media material structures in either of the years, since almost no links exist between the two actor types, at least not on the physical performative level of hyperlinks. Experts are connected, but non-experts as a whole tend to function as an archipelago of isolated islands—isolated from the experts, and by and large isolated from each other. This tendency has remained almost the same throughout the investigated period. News media that one could expect to function as brokers connecting experts and non-experts are not particularly well-connected in the network and apparently do not mediate between actor types.
Building relationship orientation among travelers through destination brand authenticity
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Kaushal Vikrant , Kaushik Arun Kumar
Published: May 2022

Tourism destinations strive to develop a strong and enduring relationship with travelers to gain a competitive edge. In this regard, previous studies have validated numerous marketing constructs for building strong and enduring relationship orientation among travelers. The importance of authentic experiences in providing innumerable benefits to tourism destinations and travelers has long been acknowledged. This study extends the scope of the benefits of destination authenticity in developing and maintaining an enduring relationship orientation among travelers towards heritage tourism destinations in India. After examining the data collected from 409 respondents, findings suggest that perceived authenticity in tourism destination brands helps develop and foster relationship orientation among travelers. Moreover, such induced relationship orientation generates favorable behavior, i.e., promoting revisit intentions and destination advocacy. The study offers multiple implications for researchers and practitioners.
Soliciting children’s views on other-perspectives in child mental health assessments
Authors: Lester Jessica Nina , O’Reilly Michelle , Smoliak Olga , Muntigl Peter , Tseliou Eleftheria
Published: May 2022

Child mental health assessments are complex and involve the analysis of data from multiple sources to inform treatment decisions. Question sequences are central to mental health assessments; however, little research has examined the functions of questions in child mental health interactions, particularly questions that aim to elicit information from children that might be used to inform diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we utilize a large corpus of video-recorded child mental health assessments to examine the use and function of a particular kind of wh-question—circular questions—that is, questions that seek clients’ views on other family members’ feelings, actions, and thoughts. Using conversation analysis, we identified three “broad” functions of circular questions in child mental health assessment. Our findings provide clinicians with clinically relevant examples for using circular questions to more fully involve children in the assessment process and acquire valuable information for diagnosis.
Children for integrity: The influence of moral stories on pre-schoolers’ integrity values
Authors: Betawi Iman A
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to analyze the effect of an integrity intervention program in preschool focusing on the use of moral integrity stories that resemble the Jordanian cultural identity on children’s moral integrity values. A total of 200 preschoolers’ (4- to 5-year-olds) participated in the study, 95 female and 105 male participants from three private preschools in Amman were recruited. The sample was randomly selected and divided into experimental and control groups. Two-way ANOVA analysis was used to analyze the data. The results revealed main effect ( p < 0.0001) of the intervention for each dimension of the scale, empathy, honesty, respect, and courage, and the overall scale of integrity was in favor of the experimental group, with no main effect of the intervention by gender on any scale dimension. This study concluded that use of moral stories to integrate core moral values in pre-schoolers’ from the beginning aid in developing honesty, empathy, courageous and respectful intentions in coming generation to improve prosocial attitude leading to overall benefit to Jordanian society.
Psychological profiles, quality of life, and parental attitudes in children with Sighing dyspnea
Authors: Kara Mahmut Zabit , Başaran Abdurrahman Erdem
Published: May 2022

Background:

There are a limited number of studies investigating the relationship of sighing dyspnea (SD) with psychiatric disorders and various mental states.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study enrolled 39 pediatric patients with SD, but free from apparent cardiopulmonary diseases, who presented to a pediatric pulmonology policlinic between June and December 2019 and age-gender matched 34 healthy children were recruited for comparison. Patient characteristics, psychological or physical trauma history, and cigarette smoke exposure were recorded. All the participants completed the “NOSE scale,” “Modified Borg Scale,” “Children Depression Inventory,” “Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders,” “Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory,” “Stress Coping Style Scale,” “Family Assessment Device,” and “Parents Attitude Scale.”

Results:

Compared to the control group, there was a statistically significantly higher rate in the SD group of physical or psychological trauma history (35.9% vs. 14.7%, p = .04) and passive cigarette smoking (60.5% vs.27.3%, p = .005). When the groups were compared in respect of depression and anxiety levels, the depression score, total anxiety level, somatic/panic, generalized anxiety and fear of school points were determined to be statistically significantly higher in the SD group. The QoL scores (total, physical, and psychosocial) in the SD group were found to be statistically significantly lower than those of the control group.

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to have examined the psychological profiles of SD patients and their families in detail, and to have evaluated the effect of SD on quality of life.
Punching shear strength of recycled aggregate-steel fibrous concrete slabs with and without strengthening
Authors: Saadoon Ali M , Mashrei Mohammed A , Al Oumari Kasim A
Published: May 2022

This paper presents an experimental study on the punching shear behavior of reinforced concrete flat slabs fabricated using recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) in addition to the presence of steel fibers strengthened by carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). The ratios of replacement natural coarse aggregate by RCA were (0, 35, 55, and 75%) and the volume fraction of the steel fiber used in this study was 1.2%. Two strengthening methods were used, namely, externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) and externally bonded reinforcement on groove (EBROG). 16 square slabs were cast with overall dimensions of 800 mm by 800 mm by 80 mm thickness. The slabs were designed to fail in punching shear only. All the slabs were simply supported on four edges and tested for punching via a vertical load applied through the square central column. The test results showed that the mechanical properties, ultimate loads, and first crack loads decreased with increasing proportion of RCA replacement, while the incorporation of steel fibers improved the compressive strength and ultimate loads by the ranges of 12%–17% and 16%–25%, respectively. Strengthened slabs lead to considerable improvements in the punching behavior of slabs, with an increase in punching load ranging from 22–30% compared to unstrengthened slabs when using the EBR technique, while the increase in the punching loads ranged between 40 and 55% when using EBROG strengthening technique. However, using half amount of CFRP with the EBROG method led to an increase in punching shear of 20–28%. This research indicates the particular improvement offered by the EBROG with regard to the punching shear capacity of fibrous recycled coarse aggregate concrete (RCAC) slabs compared to the EBR method. In addition, the mode of failure of reinforced concrete (RC) slabs changed from one of debonding failure to concrete cover separation when using the EBROG method.
Two-stage damage identification method based on fractal theory and whale optimization algorithm
Authors: Huang Minshui , Wan Zihao , Cheng Xihao , Xu Zian , Lei Yongzhi , Pan Deng
Published: May 2022

Structural damage identification based on time domain method of vibration response has been widely developed in the recent decades, however, it still confronts some difficulties, such as measurement noise and model error. This paper proposes a novel two-stage damage identification method based on fractal dimension and whale optimization algorithm (WOA). In this study, based on vibration data, the difference in curvature of fractal dimension (DCFD) is used as the damage index to identify the location of suspicious damage elements in the first stage. A new objective function is proposed based on the curvature of fractal dimension (CFD) of acceleration signal, and the WOA is used to estimate the severity of the suspicious damaged element in the second stage. Firstly, the validity of the proposed method is verified by a numerical simply supported beam, and the results exhibit good damage identification ability. Then different noise levels (5% ~ 20%) are introduced into the dynamic responses to verify its robustness, the result shows that the method is of good anti-noise ability in the first stage. Although the second stage is slightly sensitive to noise, it can still effectively identify the severity of damage. Secondly, the vibration testing of a steel I-beam is designed to verify the rationality of the method in the application of actual structure. Finally, based on the simulated vibration test data of the I-40 Bridge, the applicability of the method to complex civil structure is verified, which shows that the method still has good ability to identify the location and severity of damage in complex structure and is of great significance in practical application.
Robust correlation mapping of train-induced stresses for high-speed railway bridge using convolutional denoising autoencoder
Authors: Niu Jin , Li Zhonglong , Zhuo Yi , Di Hao , Wei Jianfeng , Wang Xin , Guo Yapeng , Li Shunlong
Published: May 2022

Train-induced stresses in different monitoring points not only reflects local mechanical characteristics of the structural components but also has inherent spatiotemporal correlations in the high-speed railway bridges. Mapping correlations among the stress responses can assist recognizing train-induced stress pattern and lay foundation for structural health diagnosis. However, correlation mapping and feature extraction of structural responses rely heavily on the data integrity, the pre-constructed model may be out of action due to data acquisition/transmission error, sensor faults, etc., commonly exists in the structural health monitoring system. Considering the characteristics of various incomplete train-induced stresses, this study presents a robust correlation mapping of incomplete data to complete data using one-dimensional convolutional denoising autoencoder. Stacked convolutional layers are employed as encoder to extract robust spatiotemporal feature of incomplete stresses, and transposed convolutional layers served as decoder to reconstruct denoised and complete stresses. In the training strategy, various incomplete data conditions, where stress data are lost continuously or discretely with different missing rates, are considered as training samples, making the established correlation mapping robust, accurate, and adaptive. The application on a high-speed railway truss bridge demonstrates that the proposed method can robustly reconstruct the complete stress data under different data loss conditions. The method can also be employed to assess the importance of any sensor combinations to the monitoring item, which shed light on the maintenance of sensor network.
An up-scaling temperature compensation framework for guided wave–based structural health monitoring in large composite structures
Authors: Giannakeas Ilias N. , Sharif Khodaei Zahra. , Aliabadi M. H.
Published: May 2022

Variations in environmental conditions can significantly impair the accuracy and reliability of guided wave structural health monitoring systems. Acquisition of baseline signals over a wide temperature range for the purposes of damage detection and localization is impractical for large composite structures. A novel framework for compensating the effect of temperature at a post-processing stage is presented in this paper to allow updating the compensation factors using observations obtained at different scales. The proposed methodology utilizes observations collected at the lower scales, where a large amount of data under controlled environment is available. Subsequently, the estimated compensation factors are propagated to the higher scales as priors within a Bayesian framework. This way, the measurements required from the high levels are reduced while making it possible to also update the estimated factors during the operation of the structure. The performance of the methodology is evaluated at different scales and compared with the direct use of compensation factors obtained from coupon studies only. It is demonstrated that the proposed methodology improves the fidelity of the compensation algorithm leading to a reduction in the uncertainty of the temperature-compensated signals. Based on the findings of the present study, the reduction in the uncertainty of the compensation improves the performance of both damage detection as well as damage localization in a large composite panel.
News Media Image: A Typology of Audience Perspectives
Authors: Shin Soo Young
Published: May 2022

The premise of this study is the timeliness of interdisciplinary approaches in news media research, specifically including the perceptions of news audiences. Using a multidisciplinary literature review and qualitative and quantitative analysis, this study adopted a multidimensional construct— news media image—to investigate how news audiences perceive news media organizations. The respondents studied here, who were representative of the general U.S. population, referenced the news media in general in their evaluation of news outlets. Results of focus groups and online surveys (factor analyses) indicated that news audiences evaluate the content and practices of news media overall based on perceptions related to seven specific criteria: usefulness, credibility, empathy, personality, usability, news selection bias, and social responsibility. Image perception encompasses rational, cognitive judgment, and affective evaluation. That news audience respondents commonly employed multiple evaluation criteria related to news media points to the need to broaden the scope of journalistic research in the direction of a new heuristic. Examining news media image, that is, investigating how “the general public” views news media as an institution in a continuously changing—and challenging—news media landscape adds value to media research. Results from a confirmatory factor analysis used in this study suggest that a positive news media image can enhance audience satisfaction and, subsequently, loyalty.
The Collector, the Glitcher, and the Denkbilder: Toward a Critical Aesthetic Theory of Video Games
Authors: Cao Jan
Published: May 2022

To examine the aesthetics of video games, this paper proposes to consider games as a contemporary multi-media version of the so-called “Denkbild,” or “thought-image,” an experimental genre of philosophical writing employed by members of the Frankfurt School that takes literary snapshots of philosophical, political, and cultural insights that interrupt and challenge the enigmatic form of traditional philosophical thinking. While previous scholarship tends to examine the aesthetics of video game as a homogenous, self-contained genre that can be clearly defined and understood within the framework of a variety of dichotomies, thinking of video game through the lens of the Denkbild allows us to understand the diversity, conditionality, and incommensurability of game as a multimedia aesthetic object. By presenting two snapshots of video game players, the collector and the glitcher, this paper argues that the concept of Denkbild allows us to better understand the relationships between game, gamers, and the socio-political context in terms of unexpected bonds, accidental breakthroughs, and moments of absolute freedom.
Revascularization of Left Subclavian to Common Carotid Artery Prepares for Covered Stent Implantation in Patients With Complex Aortic Coarctation
Authors: Schleiger Anastasia , Michel Jörg , Kramer Peter , Buz Semih , Peters Björn , Photiadis Joachim , Berger Felix , Nordmeyer Johannes , Schubert Stephan
Published: May 2022

Seven adult patients underwent a two-stage treatment of complex coarctation (CoA), including surgical revascularization of the left subclavian artery (LSA) to left common carotid artery (LCCA), followed by transcatheter covered stent implantation. The majority of patients (5 of 7, 71%) received 1 covered stent (covered Cheatham Platinum stent: 8 zig/45 mm [ n = 2], 10 zig/60 mm [ n = 1], 10 zig/65 mm [ n = 1]; BeGraft: 24/48 mm [ n = 2]). In 1 patient (14%), the implantation of 2 covered stents (BeGraft 20/48 mm) was necessary. During a median follow-up of 2.4 years (interquartile range, 0.1 to 4.9 years), complications occurred in 3 of 7 patients (43%), including an asymptomatic but severe stenosis of the LSA bypass ( n = 1), a recoarctation with a mild endoleak ( n = 1), and a severe endoleak ( n = 1). Surgical revascularization of the LSA to the LCCA can successfully prepare for covered stent implantation in complex CoA in adult patients. This two-stage approach was feasible and safe with complications occurring in 3 of 7 patients (43%). All complications were managed by catheter reintervention only.
Role of low- versus high-power laser in the treatment of lower pole stones: prospective non-randomized outcomes from a university teaching hospital
Authors: Pietropaolo Amelia , Mani Mriganka , Hughes Thomas , Somani Bhaskar K.
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

Ureteroscopy and laser stone fragmentation [flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy (FURSL)] has risen over the last two decades. Laser technology has also evolved over the time, shifting from low- to high-power lasers with the addition of MOSES technology that allows for ‘dusting and pop-dusting’ of stones. The aim of the study was to look at the outcomes of FURSL in lower pole stones (LPS) using low- and high-power lasers.

Patient and Methods:

In this study, we compared the outcomes of low-power holmium laser (group A, 20 W) and high-power holmium laser (group B, including both 60 W MOSES integrated system and 100 W lasers) for all patients with LPS treated with laser lithotripsy. Data were collected for patient demographics, stone location, size, pre- and postoperative stent, length of stay, complications and stone free rate (SFR).

Results:

A total of 284 patients who underwent FURSL procedure for LPS were analysed (168 group A, 116 group B). Outcomes showed that compared with group A, group B had a higher SFR (91.6% versus 96.5%, p = 0.13) and shorter operative time (52 versus 38 min, p < 0.001). The median length of stay was <24 h in all groups (day-case procedures). The complication rate was comparable between the two groups but with more infectious complications ( n = 7) noted in group A compared with group B ( n = 3) ( p = 0.53).

Conclusion:

Compared with low-power laser, the use of high-power laser for LPS significantly reduced the use of ureteral access sheath (UAS), postoperative stent and procedural time. Although non-statistically significant, the SFR was higher in the high-power group even for relatively larger stone sizes, which was also reflected in a reduction of sepsis-related complication rates with these lasers.
Organizational stigma: A complementary approach to individuating evaluation of organizations
Authors: Fong Ivy Wai-Yin
Published: May 2022

Mainstream Public Relations literature concerns primarily with individuating, positive evaluation of organizations, such as relationship or reputation management. Comparatively, limited attention has been paid to the case when publics do not evaluate organizations as individual entities but based on the categories they belong or associate with, such as industry, country of origin, political orientation. In this regard, the organizational stigma perspective facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of publics’ evaluation of organizations. The case of Hong Kong real estate developers was examined from this theoretical lens. Basic and interpretative content analysis of related discussion forum and media content illustrates the coexistence of individuating and deindividuating evaluation in the light of various normative expectations. Analysis of stigma labels in circulation uncovers conditions accelerating transmission of deindividuating, negative stereotypes. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Usability testing of a wireless individual indicator system application: Monitoring exposure to outdoor air pollution among Malaysian Traffic Police
Authors: Mohamad Jamil Putri Anis Syahira , Karuppiah Karmegam , Mohammad Yusof Nur Athirah Diyana , Mohd Suadi Nata Dayana Hazwani , Abdul Aziz Nurhanim , How Vivien , Mohd Tamrin Shamsul Bahri , Naeni Hassan Sadeghi
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Designs for low-cost air monitors and associated performance data appear in many peer-reviewed articles; however, few manuscripts provide feedback from end user's experiences or comprehensive evaluation. The present study addresses the usability of the wireless outdoor individual exposure indicator system from the viewpoint of the Malaysian Traffic Police (end users). This study is one of the first to chronicle end user experiences for low-cost pollution sensing.

Method

The evaluation involved 12 target end users to assess the usability of a prototype for Malaysian Traffic Police to manage their exposure to outdoor air pollution. The test evaluation includes a pre-test, post-task and post-test questionnaire (Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire). The main components in this Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire are Overall satisfaction, System Usefulness, Information Quality and Interface Quality.

Findings

The results of the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire indicated the mean score of the Overall satisfaction item (2.33), System Usefulness (2.25), Information Quality (2.36) and Interface Quality (2.17) on a scale of 1–10. Prototype users were satisfied with the system because the score is close to 1 on the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire.

Conclusions

A user-friendly wireless outdoor individual exposure indicator system is now available for Malaysian Traffic Police. Users have stated that they are happy to use the system at work. However, in addition to more technological advances, practical implementation requires evidence supporting its efficacy, viability and effectiveness.