bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating workspace and positional accuracy in 3 Degrees of Freedom planar manipulator under the link tolerances
Authors: Jawale Hemant P , Jain Shubham
Published: March 2022

Parallel manipulators are playing a significant role in robotic applications for the last few decades due to their merits over the serial manipulators. In this paper, kinematic analysis for the 3-RPR planar parallel manipulator having three degrees of freedom through a simple geometric approach is presented. The aim of the study presented here consist of two parts: improving the reachable workspace and investigating the positional error at platform due to link tolerance. The reachable workspace is estimated at various magnification ratios of manipulator at different position and orientation of tool point. The geometric approach is applied to calculate the workspace. The validation of kinematic results is carried out through the Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) model. The positional error at platform and deviation in workspace due to tolerance on the link length are studied. The link tolerance results due to manufacturing and assembly constraints. The positional error for variation in link tolerance is presented. The proposed method is capable of quantification of maximum reachable workspace as well as worst error for the given tolerance value. The manipulator with highest possible accuracy over largest workspace area can be obtained applying proposed method as an optimized design.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Ripple Nanostructure Formation During Nanomachining via Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Geng Yanquan , Jia Junshuai , Li Zihan , Yan Yongda
Published: March 2022

Molecular dynamics (MD) constant force simulation mode is first used to study the formation of the ripple nanostructures on the single-crystal copper surface by combining the topography generated by machined grooves with the accumulated pile-up material on the side of these grooves via a triangular pyramid atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip. Groove morphologies, lateral forces, the evolution of subsurface defects, and atomic flow laws generated by different machining parameters are discussed. Specifically, the normal load, the feed value between grooves, and the scratching direction significantly affect groove formation. The simulated morphologies of the ripple nanostructures indicate that groove consistency and symmetry increase with increasing feed, and an optimized feed for various normal loads can be determined. The interaction between adjacent grooves produces a variation in the lateral forces with the groove number and feed. This is mainly related to the evolution of subsurface defects, the atomic flow law, and the volume of material pile-ups. The distributions of subsurface defects affect the atomic flow directions, and the atomic flow laws determine groove formation. The simulations provide important guidance for ripple nanostructure fabrication on single-crystal copper surface via AFM tips.
Influence of Financial Parenting and Financial Coping Behaviour on Well-Being of Young Adults: A Study in India
Authors: Mahapatra Mousumi Singha , Mishra Ram Kumar
Published: March 2022

The goal of the study is to understand the role of parents in developing financial behaviour among young adults. A total of 868 responses of college students in the age group of 18–28 years have been collected to achieve the objectives of the study. The study examines the data to understand the influence of the family’s financial interactions and financial environment in developing a young adult’s financial, psychological, and personal well-being. The study enriches the existing literature in two ways; first, it gives an exposure to the association of perceived financial parenting with the well-being of Indian students. It also highlights the significant indirect effect of financial parenting (through financial coping behaviour) on well-being. The results suggest promoting financial education among parents and guiding them about their role in improving positive financial behaviour among their next generation.
Economic Contagion of COVID-19 Pandemic on International Stock Markets: A Study Based on Cointegration Approach with Selected Countries
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Debabrata
Published: March 2022

The main objective of the present article is to understand the economic contagion of the COVID-19 pandemic that has been causing several economic disruptions with different impacts at different sectors and the global level through multiple channels including trade and financial markets. The purpose of this analysis is to examine the economic interdependence among the leading equity markets of the five big economies in the world namely, the USA, China, Japan, Germany, and India through the transmission of ‘market sentiments’ during the period 11 November 2019 to 10 July 2020, which includes the COVID period since 11 March 2020, based on cointegration approach and pairwise Granger causality. The results show the presence of cointegration among the five stock markets during the COVID-19 pandemic period, however, no such cointegration is present during the pre-COVID-19 period. There exist substantial differences in pairwise causality among these countries in the COVID-19 period compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. Domestic policies should be aimed at reducing financial fragility, that is, unnecessary debt commitments should be reduced. At the international level financial standards should be improved.
Effects of Antibiotics on Respiratory Symptoms in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients With Pneumonia: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Odagiri Takuya , Maeda Isseki , Masanori Mori  , Morita Tatsuya , Kaneishi Keisuke , Junko Nozato  , Kazuhiro Kosugi  , Higashibata Takahiro , Hamano Jun , Shimoinaba Junichi , Nishi Tomohiro , Kawashima Natsuki
Published: March 2022

Context

Patients in the terminal stages of cancer are frequently affected by infection, especially pneumonia; but the effects of antibiotics on respiratory symptoms and factors associated with improvement are still unclear.

Objectives

This study aimed to clarify the effects of antibiotics on respiratory symptoms of terminally ill cancer patients with pneumonia, and to explore factors associated with the improvement.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study in which we consecutively recruited terminally ill cancer patients diagnosed with pneumonia and treated with antibiotics at one of 23 palliative care units across Japan. At the baseline and Day 3, primarily responsible palliative care specialists recorded patient backgrounds, the results of physical and laboratory examination, and patient symptoms using the Support Team Assessment Schedule. Improvement was defined as improvement of dyspnea, cough, and sputum production on Day 3.

Results

Among all 1896 patients admitted during the study periods, 137 patients (7.2%) were enrolled into this study. Improvement was achieved in 65 patients (47.4%; 95% confidence intervals, 39–56). Univariate analyses revealed that the Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI), respiratory rate (RR), and oxygen requirement were significantly associated with the improvement. A multiple logistic regression analysis identified that PPI score of ≤ 6 and RR of <20 were independently associated with the improvement (odds ratios, 4.4 [1.6–12] and 2.5 [1.1–5.5], respectively).

Conclusion

Antibiotics may relieve respiratory symptoms from pneumonia in approximately half of the terminally ill cancer patients. PPI and respiratory rate are useful to identify the patients who received benefits of antibiotics.
Biweekly Raltitrexed Combined With Irinotecan as Second-Line Therapy for Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Phase II Trial
Authors: Cheng Ke , Zhou Yu-Wen , Chen Ye , Li Zhi-Ping , Qiu Meng , Liu Ji-Yan
Published: March 2022

Objective

Irinotecan-based doublet chemotherapy strategy was standard second-line backbone for patients with oxaliplatin-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate tolerability and efficacy of raltitrexed combined with irinotecan biweekly administered as the second-line therapy for mCRC patients.

Methods

The study was a prospective, single-center, non-randomized, open-label phase II clinical trial. Patients with mCRC after failure with oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidine or its derivatives were enrolled. Irinotecan (180 mg/m2) and raltitrexed (2.5 mg/m2) were given intravenously on day 1. Cycles were repeated every 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs).

Results

Between December 2012 and October 2016, 33 and 35 patients enrolled were assessed for response and safety, respectively. The ORR was 8.6%, and the DCR was 71.4%. The median PFS was 4.5 months (95% CI 3.8-5.2). The median OS was 12.0 months (95% CI 8.5-15.5). Four patients received conversion therapy to no evidence of disease (NED), and 2 patients were still alive with beyond 24 months survival. The most common grade 3/4 AEs were anorexia (14.3%), vomiting (14.3%), nausea (11.4%), fatigue (8.6%), and leukopenia (8.6%). No one died from treatment-related events. The incidence and severity of toxicity were irrelevant to UGT1A1 status.

Conclusions

The combination of irinotecan with raltitrexed is an efficient, convenient, and acceptable toxic regimen for second-line treatment for mCRC patients.
Everyday Violence and Crosscutting Conditions Shaping Social and Political Dimensions of Unsafety in Youth Activism
Authors: Coe Anna-Britt
Published: March 2022

Existing research addresses violence in youth activism from two directions, broader societal violence or specific violence targeting political action. Nonetheless, these are explored separately according to type of activism, suggesting that this is the most relevant factor shaping violence in youth activism. This article captures other crucial factors by exploring both directions together and bringing in the concept of everyday violence. Grounded theory method and situational maps were used to collect and analyse qualitative interviews with young adult activists in three Swedish cities. Three conditions were found that crosscut youth activism to shape meanings and actions of unsafety: temporal, spatial and organizational. Across the three cities, temporal conditions produced shared experiences among young adult activists with social dimensions of unsafety, which corresponded to broader societal violence. In the third city, spatial and organizational conditions produced different experiences with political dimensions of unsafety, which corresponded to specific violence targeting political action.
Health-related quality of life in endometriosis: The influence of endometriosis-related symptom presence and distress
Authors: Van Niekerk Leesa , Johnstone Lucy , Matthewson Mandy
Published: March 2022

This international cross-sectional study examined the relationships between endometriosis-related symptom experience and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in 318 women with endometriosis. Measures of symptom burden and distress, pain, psychological wellbeing, and HRQoL were collected via an online survey. Age, symptom duration, burden, and distress were associated with lower psychological wellbeing and HRQoL, with small to medium effect sizes. Somatic concern, depression, pain, dysmenorrhea, clitoral pain, dyspareunia, and bloating were found to be significant correlates of HRQoL. The findings highlight the importance of considering a broader range of endometriosis-related symptoms than pain alone and the ongoing need to reduce diagnostic delay in endometriosis.
A methodology to determine appropriate façade aperture sizes considering comfort and performance criteria: A primary school classroom case
Authors: Yılmaz Yiğit , Şansal Kenan Eren , Aşcıgil-Dincer Mine , Kültür Sinem , Tanrıöver Sezin Hatice
Published: March 2022

School environments have a profound effect on pupils. The building envelope, particularly the façade, has a significant role in determining thermal, visual, acoustic comfort, energy usage and life-cycle cost as it regulates the relationship between the exterior and the interior. Nonetheless, there is a lack of a multi-perspective approach in the literature, assessing the façade as the key feature for achieving the comfort and performance criteria. Therefore, this paper aims at proposing a methodology to determine appropriate facade aperture sizes through examining a primary school classroom case. For the comfort and performance analyses, a typical Turkish primary school classroom was modelled. The aperture size was assumed to vary for the window to wall ratio from 28.54% to 71.34% with seven options. Analysis results revealed that aperture orientation was more important than its size. The smallest aperture was found to be better for visual, acoustic and thermal comfort. The heating setback strategy appeared to be an effective parameter for thermal comfort as much as the aperture size. A multi-criteria decision-making method, modified weighted sum model, was used to assess the results to decide on the appropriate option and also present a methodology that can be used in different cases.
Vibration reduction and isolation performance of a platform foundation and column base of an ancient wooden structure based on the energy transfer analysis
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Zhang Nan , Wang Juan , Yao JinBao
Published: March 2022

Wooden structures, as the most representative structural types of the ancient Chinese architecture, are very common and have a long history. The special construction methods adopted in ancient wooden structures, such as the platform foundations and plinth connections, enabled the ancient buildings to stand for thousands of years. However, research on the vibration reduction and isolation of the unique structures is insufficient. Thus, this paper investigates the vibration reduction and isolation performance of the platform foundation and column base of ancient wooden buildings, taking the 1500-year-old Feiyun wooden pavilion as a case study. First, using the acceleration RMS, the traffic-induced vibrations were analyzed in the time domain. It was found that the platform foundation tends to amplify the horizontal vibrations, while the column base tends to reduce them. Furthermore, background vibrations were eliminated from the measured data by using the principle of energy conservation. A frequency domain analysis of the processed data showed that the horizontal traffic-induced vibrations below 16 Hz were reduced by the platform foundation, and the column base had an obvious effect on the vibration reduction and isolation below 40 Hz. Both the platform foundation and the column base demonstrated a good effect on the reduction of traffic-induced vibrations in the vertical direction. The reported research results can be used as a basis for further studies on the dynamic performance of ancient wooden structures.
“The right to voice your opinions”: A historical case study in audience members’ emotional hostility to radio journalists
Authors: McGarr Kathryn J
Published: March 2022

A focus on political consensus in the United States in the early 1950s has created a false sense of a period of national unity and of the press in that period as a trusted institution. This article uses listener hate mail to radio reporters during a divisive moment—President Harry Truman’s removal of General Douglas MacArthur from his command in the Korean War in April 1951—to identify a politically rancorous discourse, aimed at the press. This period of high emotion for Americans provides a case study in audience members’ sometimes hostile relationship with journalists and does so at an early moment in the creation of a truly mass national news audience. I analyze hundreds of unpublished, archival letters, from a time when public opinion polling was relatively new and still problematic, to rethink what our baseline measurement is for media trust and better contextualize claims about its trajectory. I find three tropes that are especially resonant in the present day and became more visible parts of the public discourse with the presidency of Donald Trump: anti-press attitudes, isolationism, and antisemitism.
Social participation of youth through volunteering: Case study of Centre for Peace Studies in Zagreb
Authors: Krnić Rašeljka , Vukušić Dino
Published: March 2022

Centre for Peace Studies (CPS) ( Centar za mirovne studije – CMS) falls under the broader corpus of examples of youth activation where organisation has used its work to highlight the existence of a ‘critical mass’ among youth in Croatia. This ethnographic research deals with social activism through attempts to make up for (according to the actors) inefficient state care for marginalised groups, in this specific case migrants. Participatory observation method and semi-structured interviews provided us with an in-depth insight into the activities of the organisation, but also into the specific motives, values and norms of young people gathered around the organisation. The basic research questions refer to the specific sets of motives of young people involved in volunteering and their attitude towards their own culture and cultural heritage as an indicator of the strategy of constructing their own identity and attitudes towards the ‘other’.
Self-monitoring of stresses in grouted sleeves using smart grout
Authors: Qiao Guofu , Sun Jiongfeng
Published: March 2022

Currently, grouted sleeves are widely used in the connection of prefabricated reinforced concrete (RC) members. The mechanical performance of a connection joint is critical to the safety and durability of structures, and traditional monitoring techniques have many limitations. This paper proposes a stress self-monitoring approach based on the smart grout in which the structural and sensing functions are perfectly combined. A theoretical model was proposed to address the relationship between the sensing sensitivity and the uniaxial tensile load. The influence of the rebar embedment length on the sensitivity was investigated. Then, experiments were performed to verify the self-monitoring performance of smart grouted sleeves. Moreover, the stress self-monitoring performance of the smart grouted sleeves was compared to that of traditional grouted sleeves. The results revealed that the sensitivity increased with the uniaxial tension, and the sensitivity decreased as the embedded length of the rebar in the sleeves decreased in the theoretical model. The effectiveness of the proposed model was verified with a comparison between the calculated and experimental results. When the rebar yielded, the value of the damage coefficient ω was less than 3%, and the sensing sensitivity was close to 20% in the pull-out test. When the destruction approached, the value of ω exceeded 7% or more. This investigation provides a theoretical and experimental basis for the application of the smart grouted sleeves in actual engineering.
Plasma advanced glycation end products and soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products as indicators of sterol content in human carotid atherosclerotic plaques
Authors: Pinto Raphael S , Ferreira Guilherme S , Silvestre Gina Camillo R , Santana Monique de Fátima M , Nunes Valéria S , Ledesma Lucas , Pinto Paula R , de Assis Sayonara Ivana S , Machado Ubiratan F , da Silva Erasmo S , Passarelli Marisa
Published: March 2022

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are independently related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and favor cholesterol and oxysterol accumulation in macrophage foam cells. Soluble RAGE (sRAGE) impairs cellular AGE signaling alleviating the deleterious effects of AGE in atherogenesis. The association between plasma AGEs and sRAGE with the content of cholesterol, markers of cholesterol synthesis and absorption, and oxysterols in atherosclerotic plaques was evaluated in subjects undergoing carotid endarterectomy.

Plasma and carotid plaques were obtained from symptomatic ( n = 23) and asymptomatic subjects ( n = 40). Lipids from plaques were extracted and sterols (oxysterols, cholesterol, desmosterol, lathosterol, sitosterol, and campesterol) were determined by using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Plasma total AGEs and pentosidine were measured by using fluorimetry and sRAGE by using ELISA.

In symptomatic subjects´ atherosclerotic plaques, an increased amount of cholesterol (3x) and oxysterols [7 α-hydroxycholesterol (1.4x); 7 β−hydroxycholesterol (1.2x); 25-hydroxycholesterol (1.3x); 24-hydroxycholesterol (2.7x), and 27-hydroxycholesterol, (1.15x)], with exception to 7 ketocholesterol, were found in comparison to asymptomatic individuals. Plasma total AGEs and pentosidine significantly and positively correlated to sterols accumulated in the atherosclerotic lesion, including cholesterol, desmosterol, campesterol, sitosterol, and oxysterols. On the other hand, sRAGE inversely correlated to total AGEs and pentosidine in plasma, and with major species of oxysterols, cholesterol, and markers of cholesterol synthesis and absorption in the atherosclerotic lesion. In multiple regression analyses, it was observed a significant inverse correlation between sRAGE and 24-hydroxycholesterol and desmosterol, and a positive significant correlation between pentosidine and 24-hydroxycholesterol, 27-hydroxycholesterol, and campesterol.

In conclusion, the plasma concentration of AGEs and sRAGE is a tool to predict the accumulation of sterols in atherosclerotic lesions in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, helping to prevent and improve the management of acute cardiovascular complications.
A Systematic Review Exploring Variables Related to Bystander Intervention in Sexual Violence Contexts
Authors: Mainwaring Chelsea , Gabbert Fiona , Scott Adrian J.
Published: March 2022

This article presents a systematic review of the available literature which has investigated the role of key variables in facilitating or inhibiting bystander intervention (including direct intervention, tertiary and secondary prevention) in sexual violence (SV) contexts. Studies exploring the role of individual, situational and contextual variables were grouped to provide a narrative overview of bystanders’ personal characteristics as well as the immediate and wider contexts which may be influencing their bystander behaviour. A systematic search of published literature from four electronic databases identified 2526 articles that were screened, of which 85 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies focused upon the role of individual variables, in particular gender of bystander. This body of work finds females are more likely to intervene than males; however, not all studies report these differences and in some cases, this is influenced by the type of intervention behaviour being considered. Regarding situational variables, the most commonly researched variable was the presence of other bystanders, although the role of this variable as inhibiting or facilitating was not clear. Finally, the most commonly researched contextual variable was social norms towards intervention, which has consistently shown greater bystander intervention when there is a belief that peers support such behaviour. Very few studies considered the interaction between these variables. Therefore, it is important for future research to consider this gap in the literature so that we can obtain a more well-rounded understanding of variables that can inhibit and facilitate bystander intervention in SV contexts.
An Umbrella Review of the Literature on Perinatal Domestic Violence: Prevalence, Risk Factors, Possible Outcomes and Interventions
Authors: Wong Siu-Ching , Do Phuc Huyen , Eisner Manuel , Hughes Claire , Valdebenito Sara , Murray Aja Louise
Published: March 2022

Perinatal domestic violence (P-DV) is a common form of violence experienced by women and is associated with adverse impacts on their own physical and mental health and that of their offspring. Illuminating the risk factors for, potential effects of, and promising interventions to reduce P-DV is essential for informing policies to tackle P-DV and mitigate its negative impacts. This umbrella review of recent high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses of worldwide research on P-DV provides a systematic synthesis of current knowledge relating to the prevalence, risk factors for, possible outcomes of and interventions to reduce and prevent P-DV. 13 reviews identified through systematic searches of computerised databases, manual search and expert consultation met our inclusion criteria (i.e. English systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses that were from recent 10 years, focused on women exposed to P-DV, assessed risk factors, possible outcomes and/or interventions, and were of fair to high methodological quality). Our results suggest that while there is a growing understanding of risk factors and possible outcomes of P-DV, this knowledge has thus far not been translated well into effective interventions. P-DV intervention programmes that have been subject to rigorous evaluation are mostly relatively narrow in scope and could benefit from targeting a wider range of maternal and child wellbeing outcomes, and perpetrator, relationship and community risk factors. The overall quality of the evidence syntheses in this field is reasonable; however, future studies should involve multiple reviewers at all key stages of systematic reviews and meta-analyses to help enhance reliability.
The Process of Using Participatory Action Research when Trying out an ICT Solution in Home-Based Rehabilitation
Authors: Nyman Anneli , Rutberg Stina , Lilja Margareta , Isaksson Gunilla
Published: March 2022

This article describes the process of using PAR and discusses the strengths and challenges of adopting it as a methodology. With a pilot project “the rehabilitation journey” as a showcase, we share experiences of how we co-created knowledge and illustrate the actions taken and participants’ involvement in the process. This pilot project aimed to explore how ICT solutions can create new ways to deliver home-based rehabilitation that meet the needs of the organization, rehabilitation professionals, and older persons. Our experience is that using PAR as a research method had several strengths. Our project stemmed from demographic and epidemiological trends in society viewed as a “real life problem” experienced on different levels in the organization of home-based rehabilitation. At the same time, PAR was a challenging research method to use, as it was time-consuming and required the commitment and contribution over time of the different participants involved. There were also specific challenges that had to be considered regarding routines and regulations, as the pilot project was conducted in a health care context. This article aspires to offer methodological guidelines by using a six-step method to illustrate a PAR process. We propose that these guidelines can act as a tool to guide researchers in carrying out PAR.
Putting participation into practice: An ethnographic study of sheltered workshops in the Netherlands and Portugal
Authors: Sebrechts Melissa , Tonkens Evelien
Published: March 2022

Full participation is recognized as fundamental for the inclusion and wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities. Only few studies have identified subjective meanings of participation from the perspective of people with intellectual disabilities themselves. Three cross-cutting themes that arise in the few studies that have are choice, social interaction and making a contribution. This ethnographic study of sheltered workshops in the Netherlands and Portugal takes this body of work a step further by investigating to what extent the ideal of participation is put into practice in such a way that it indeed contributes to these three elements. By including contrasting cases, it scrutinizes different ways of institutionalizing participation and the consequences this bears for the lived experiences of people with mild intellectual disabilities. The results show that there is a tension between choice on the one hand, and social interaction and making a contribution on the other.
“We’re in the same book, but we’re in different parts of the book”: Dominant and sub-group narratives of life following a Down syndrome determination
Authors: Sangster Sarah L. , DeLucry Kailey J. , Lawson Karen L.
Published: March 2022

Parents of children with Down syndrome (DS) were interviewed about if their experiences raising their children matched their initial assumptions about parenting a child with DS. A dominant narrative was identified, wherein most parents described initially having negative assumptions, which did not come to fruition; parenting their child was not very different from parenting a typical child. There was also a sub-group of participants who disputed the dominant narrative; parenting their child was challenging and the dominant narrative marginalizes that experience. The findings indicate that although for many parents, having a child with DS is like “ taking the scenic route” (i.e., it involves a few more hurdles, but often more rewards), this framing is not always applicable. Therefore, health care providers and support organizations should promote a narrative that encompasses the diversity of parenting a child with DS.
Bilateral antererior circulation stroke: A rare but threatening consequence of pituitary apoplexy. Case report and systematic literature review
Authors: Zoli Matteo , Guaraldi Federica , Rustici Arianna , Cirillo Luigi , Asioli Sofia , Mazzatenta Diego
Published: March 2022

Background

Brain stroke is a rare, life-threatening condition associated with pituitary apoplexy (PA), resulting from direct arterial occlusion due to mechanical compression secondary to the sudden enlargement of the pituitary adenoma, or to vessel vasospasm, induced by tumor hemorrhage.

Case report

We report the case of a 64-year-old woman with PA complicated by bilateral anterior circulation stroke due to critical stenosis of both anterior cerebral arteries (ACA). Despite the quick surgical decompression and consequent blood flow restoration, the neurological conditions of the patient did not improve and she died 18 days later. Ten other cases of anterior circulation stroke due to PA were retrieved in a systematic review of literature. Clinical and neuroradiological features of these patients and treatment outcome were assessed to suggest the most proper management.

Conclusion

The onset of neurological symptoms suggestive for brain stroke in patients with PA requires performing an emergency Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), including Diffusion-weighted and angiographic MR-sequences. The role of surgery in these cases is debated, however, transsphenoidal adenomectomy would permit us to decompress the ACA and restore blood flow in their territories. Although the prognosis of PA-induced anterior circulation stroke is generally poor, a timely diagnosis and treatment would be paramount for improving patient outcome.
Modelling the response regimes of elastomer-coated concrete slabs subjected to blast pressure loading
Authors: Fallon Chanel , McShane Graham J.
Published: March 2022

Elastomer coatings have been found to offer protection to structural components when subjected to dynamic load cases, such as impact and blast. One such application of interest is the protection of concrete structures. Elastomer coatings have the potential to provide a cost effective and practical protective solution. The dynamic response of quasi-brittle concrete structures to blast loading is complex, with a range of dynamic response regimes. It remains to be identified in which regimes of response an elastomer coating can offer a protective benefit. Numerical and analytical modelling of thin, one-way reinforced concrete slabs subjected to varying intensities of simulated blast loading is carried out, in order to ascertain the protective effect of an elastomeric coating. Three configurations are considered: uncoated, coated with elastomer on the blast-receiving face and coated with elastomer on the non-blast-receiving face. It is found that the slab is relatively insensitive to the elastomer coating during response regimes where concrete damage is minimal. At higher load intensities, where the slab exhibits severe damage, the numerical results indicate a substantial reduction in slab deflections may be achieved by coating on the non-blast-receiving face. At the highest loading intensities, a shift in failure mechanism is observed to one dominated by transverse shear at the supports. An analytical model quantitatively predicts a substantial coating benefit in protecting against this failure mechanism.
Experimental investigation of 3D-printed auxetic core sandwich structures under quasi-static and dynamic compression and bending loads
Authors: Türkoğlu İ.Kürşad , Kasım Hasan , Yazıcı Murat
Published: March 2022

Auxiliary metamaterials designed according to the Negative Poisson’s Ratio (NPR) property are exciting structures due to their high impact strength, impact energy absorption abilities, and different damage mechanisms. These good mechanical features are suitable for aviation, automotive, and protective construction applications. These structures, whose most significant disadvantages are production difficulties, have become easier to produce with the development of 3D production technology and have been the subject of many studies in recent years. In this presented study, two conventional core geometries and three different auxetic geometries, commonly used in sandwich structures, were designed and produced with 3D printer technology. The strength and energy absorption capabilities of prototype sandwich structures investigated experimentally under bending loads with static and dynamic compression. Except for the re-entrant (RE) type core, the auxetic core foam sandwich structures demonstrate higher rigidity and load-carrying capacity than classical sinusoidal corrugated (SC) core and honeycomb (HC) core sandwich structures under both quasi-static and impact-loaded compression and three-point bending experiments. Double arrowhead (DAH) and tetrachiral (TC) auxetic cores outperformed honeycomb core in terms of specific quasi-static and impact load-bearing performance under compression by 1.5 ± 0.25 times. In three-point bending experiments under both quasi-static and impact loading conditions, the load-carrying capacity of the double arrowhead and tetrachiral auxetic cores was found to be more than 1,86 ± 0.38 times that of the honeycomb core sandwich panels.
A Qualitative Exploration of Information and Communication Technology Use among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Emerging Adult Migrants Before and After Arrival in the United States
Authors: Alessi Edward J. , Cheung Shannon , Dentato Michael P. , Eaton Andrew , Craig Shelley L.
Published: March 2022

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been shown to facilitate LGBTQ+ emerging adult development as well as international migration. Nonetheless, few studies have examined pre- and post-migration ICT use among LGBTQ+ emerging adult migrants. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted online interviews with 37 LGBTQ+ individuals (ages 20–25) who migrated from various countries to different U.S. states. Constructivist grounded theory was used to identify four themes: In and out: Balancing identity exploration with identity concealment when using ICTs in the country of origin; relying on ICTs to prepare for migration to the United States; using ICTs to find housing, work, and friends in the United States; and drawbacks of using ICTs in the United States. ICTs facilitated identity development and eased integration but exposed participants to harassment and scams. Findings indicate that closely investigating ICT use can enhance developmental and migration theories, improve research, and inform programs and services.
Internal Chain of Correlation of Sagittal Cervical Alignment in Asymptomatic Subjects
Authors: Rossanez Roberto , de Rezende Pratali Raphael , Smith Justin S , Nasreddine Mohamed Ahmed , Pereira da Silva Herrero Carlos Fernando
Published: March 2022

Study Design

Cross-sectional observational study in a prospective cohort.

Objective

To analyze the cervical alignment characteristics and their chain of correlation in a sample of asymptomatic individuals.

Methods

Asymptomatic adults who had full spinal radiographs performed. Cervical radiographic parameters were measured, including upper cervical curvature (McGregor line-C2), lower cervical curvature (C2-C7), McGregor slope, and sagittal vertical axis from C2-C7 (CSVA) and T1-slope (T1S). Subjects were stratified by age into 3 groups (18-39 years, 40-59 years, and >60 years), and radiographic parameters were compared across age groups and based on sex.

Results

102 asymptomatic subjects (mean age, 50 years) were included. The T1S significantly increased with age, accompanied by an increase in C2-C7 lordosis. The cervical sagittal alignment, represented by CSVA, did not significantly differ based on age. There was a close correlation among the cervical sagittal parameters, such that the CSVA may be predicted based on the T1S and C2-C7 lordosis. Comparisons of the normative values identified in the present study with those reported in previous studies demonstrate variability in what constitutes normal in different populations.

Conclusion

This analysis of cervical alignment in a sample of asymptomatic volunteers revealed that with increasing age there is an observed increase in the sagittal inclination of the base of the cervical spine (T1S) that is accompanied by an increase in cervical lordosis as a means of maintaining cervical sagittal alignment (CSVA). The variability in what constitutes normal values for cervical parameters suggests that further study is warranted using standardized methodologies across diverse populations.
Surgical Treatment of Spinal Metastatic Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma: A Single Institutional Cohort of 18 Patients
Authors: Du Suiyong , Hu Panpan , Yang Shaomin , Zhuang Hongqing , Wei Feng , Liu Xiaoguang , Liu Zhongjun
Published: March 2022

Study design

Retrospective Cohort Study

Objectives

To describe surgeries and treatment outcomes of metastatic pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) on the spine.

Methods

We reviewed a cohort of 18 patients with spinal PPGLs who were consecutively treated in our spinal center. Their clinical data was reviewed. The survival period and its relevant factors was then analyzed.

Results

The cohort included ten cases of pheochromocytomas and eight paragangliomas. The local pain and neurological deficits were the two most common symptoms. One third of the spinal PPGLs were diagnosed as functional tumors, arousing secondary hypertension. The imaging features were consistent with those of osteolytic lesions. The surgical strategies for the cohort included percutaneous vertebroplasty, neurological decompression and partial tumor resection, and total en-bloc resection. The postoperative courses were uneventful except 1 patient developed heart failure. The adjuvant therapies were implemented in 6 patients with 131I-MIBG, five with radiotherapy, two with chemotherapy, and 1 with target therapy. The median survival period was 39 months, and the overall survival rate of 1 year was 77.8% (14/18). The patients’ Karnofsky performance scores were positively correlated with the survival period ( P < .05).

Conclusion

Surgery is indicated for intractable local pain and neurological impairment in the patients with spinal PPGLs. Palliative surgical strategies, including neurological decompression and partial tumor resection, could bring fair outcomes, especially for the patients in poor physical conditions.
Investigating the Relationship Between Export Antecedents and Export Performance of Handloom Industry
Authors: Singh Vishal Kumar , Gautam Amit
Published: March 2022

This study identified the export antecedents that could influence the occurrence of export performance of the industry. The export antecedents are the phenomenon that acts as a backend support system for effective export performance. This study aims to build a simple linear model representing the structural relationship between the export antecedents and export performance. The model building is based on the identified antecedents and attempts to reflect the combined gist of pre-established theories, that is, contingency theory, resource-based view and dynamic capabilities. In data interpretation, second-order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) helps to analyse the combined impact of all studied antecedents on export performance. The identified antecedents are export knowledge, export perception, export commitment, export strategy and organizational capability as independent variables tested against the dependent variable export performance.
Evaluation of the Antibacterial Effects of Four Different Adhesives Against Three Bacterial Species in Two Time Periods: An In Vitro Comparative Study
Authors: Ünal Samican , Bakir S¸eyhmus , Bakir Elif Pınar
Published: March 2022

Aim:

The study aimed at evaluating the antibacterial activities of four adhesive systems against three bacterial species in two time periods.

Material and Method:

Four different antibacterial adhesive materials, a nonantibacterial adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond), and a vancomycin-impregnated antibiogram disc were used in the study. The antibacterial activities of Gluma 2 Bond, Clearfil SE Protect Bond (CPB) Primer, FL Bond II (FLB), and Peak Universal Bond (PUB) on Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Lactobacillus acidophilus were evaluated by the disc diffusion method. Antibiogram discs onto which the adhesive agent was dripped were placed on agar plates at intervals. Inhibition zone diameters around the discs, which were incubated, were measured. Statistical analysis was done with the one-way analysis of variance.

Results:

As a result of our study, it was concluded that the CPB Primer was the agent with the highest antibacterial activity, including the control group. One of the remarkable findings in our study was that CPB Primer showed the most significant effect against Streptococcus mutans among microorganisms. Although not statistically significant, the antibacterial effect of adhesive agents at the end of the 48th h was found to be higher than at the end of the 24th h ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

The strong antibacterial activity of the CPB Primer on all three bacteria suggests that it is a preferable adhesive agent in deep dentinal caries as well as in initial caries lesions.
Odia Dalit Migrants in Hyderabad City: A Case Study
Authors: Digal Ganesh , Atungbou N.
Published: March 2022

Every thread of caste and occupation in India is intrinsically linked to the migration patterns. Migration of the upper caste is more of an economic, while the lower castes are both social and economic. Differential distribution of resources deprived the Dalits, reduced them to degraded social status. To escape from the clutches of caste discrimination, Dalits migrated to different places. In this context, this study unravels the lived experiences and socio-economic changes among the Odia Dalit migrant workers in Hyderabad city and how they reconstruct their identities in the urban landscape, reasons leaving their home, challenges, and difficulties in new social space. The study employed a qualitative research approach assisted by in-depth interviews and informal discussions. Hyderabad city is chosen for this study, as it attracts migrant workers across the country, and a majority of the Odia migrants are found working in different industrial sectors. Study shows migration offered an opportunity not only in economic and employment spheres but also in the socio-cultural spheres. The city gives a space to escape from caste discrimination, and significantly improved their lifestyle but fear psychosis of caste identity is prevalent. To escape their Dalit identity, they identify themselves as other backward classes (OBCs) or Khandayat. Improvement in economic life has little impact on the social structure. Migration brings wealth but not the alteration in caste structure. Methodologically and conceptually, the study contributes to the knowledge of the lived experience of the Odia Dalit migrants in city space, how they identify themselves, and how they make sense of themselves and others, and how Hyderabad shapes their experiences.
2018 Ortaokul Fen Bilimleri Dersi Öğretim Programında ve Ders Kitaplarında Yaşam Temelli Yaklaşımın Etkileri
Authors: ERDOĞAN Hatice , AZİZOĞLU Nursen
Published: March 2022

Bu çalışmada, 2018 yılında Millî Eğitim Bakanlığının yayımladığı ortaokul fen bilimleri dersi öğretim programındaki kazanımların ve bu programa uygun olarak hazırlanmış 5., 6., 7. ve 8. sınıf fen bilimleri ders kitaplarının içeriğinin, yaşam temelli öğrenme yaklaşımına ait etkiler içerip içermediğinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma, doküman inceleme yöntemi ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Program kazanımlarının yaşam temelli unsurlar içerip içermediği oluşturulan kontrol listesi yardımıyla belirlenmiştir. Programdaki kazanımlar, yaşam temelli unsurlar içerip içermediklerine göre iki gruba ayrılmıştır. Yaşam temelli unsur içeren kazanımların ders kitaplarına öğretimsel aktarımı da yaşam temelli geleneksel, modern ve güncel yaklaşımlar bazında incelenmiştir. Fen bilimleri dersi öğretim programında, yaşam temelli yaklaşım unsurları içeren kazanımların sayısı sekizinci sınıf düzeyinde en yüksek olmasına rağmen ders kitaplarına yaşam temelli öğrenme yaklaşımlar bazında öğretimsel aktarımı yapılan kazanımların oranı düşük çıkmıştır. Sonuçlar, ders kitaplarında en sık kullanılan yaşam temelli yaklaşımın da yaşam temelli geleneksel yaklaşım olduğunu göstermiştir. Bu çalışmanın sonuçları dikkate alındığında, program geliştiricilerine ve ders kitabı yazarlarına program ve kitap içeriklerinde daha sık yaşam temelli öğrenme yaklaşımını kullanmaları önerilebilir.
Why do climate change negotiations stall? Scientific evidence and solutions for some structural problems
Authors: Frey Ulrich J. , Burgess Jazmin
Published: March 2022

Climate change is perhaps the biggest challenge of our times. In order to cope with it, we have to organise action collectively. The most important way to cooperate globally is through United Nations negotiations, known as ‘conferences of the parties’. However, progress has been very slow, and disillusionment with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change process has set in. From a scientific point of view, several obstacles surfacing in these negotiations have been well researched. Institutional analysis may provide suggestions or even solutions to some of these problems. Hence, we think that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiations could profit from scientific support. We provide scientific background for three prominent problems: how to reconcile different interests in a global public goods situation; how to ameliorate the consensus decision-making process; and how to design institutions to implement resolutions. Enhancing communication, trust and fairness, and enforcing sanctions, are suggested as key elements for that. Finally, we point to similar processes that have been brought to a successful end.