bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a General Legal Confidence Scale: A First Implementation of the Rasch Measurement Model in Empirical Legal Studies
Authors: Pleasence P. , Balmer N. J.
Published: January 2019

Legal capability has long been of evident importance in our understanding of legal problem resolution behavior. Although legal capability remains a contested concept, there is much commonality between specifications. Some aspects are generic, while others—such as legal confidence—are particular to law. Such law‐specific measures as have been developed to date have been developed in an ad‐hoc fashion; with no attempts made to test psychometric properties, using either classical test theory or modern psychometric methods. This has been a shortcoming in the empirical legal field, weakening theoretical development and precluding reliable estimation of changes in levels of legal capability over time. In this article, we set out details of a study aimed at introducing new methods to scale development in the field of empirical legal studies based on the approaches that have evolved in other fields and the latest developments in psychometric modeling. Specifically, we set out details of the use of a specially designed item pool—based on an increasingly demanding legal scenario—and Rasch analysis to develop a general legal confidence scale. Once the 12 item pool items were reduced to a final set of six, this yielded a scale with good psychometric properties: a General Legal Confidence (GLC) Scale. The scale showed good overall fit, item fit, person fit, targeting, and internal consistency. All items had ordered thresholds, there was no response dependence, items were unidimensional, and there was no evidence of differential item functioning. The GLC scale constitutes an effective measure of general legal confidence, and demonstrates it is possible to arrive at robust and coherent law‐specific measures of legal capability through the careful design of questions and application of the latest psychometric modeling techniques.
A theory of multihoming in rideshare competition
Authors: Bryan Kevin A. , Gans Joshua S.
Published: January 2019

We examine competition among ridesharing platforms, where firms compete on both price and the wait time induced with idled drivers. We show that when consumers are the only agents who multihome, idleness is lower in duopoly than when consumers face a monopoly ridesharing platform. When drivers and consumers multihome, idleness further falls to zero as it involves costs for each platform that are appropriated, in part, by their rival. Interestingly, socially superior outcomes may involve monopoly or competition under various multihoming regimes, depending on the density of the city, and the relative costs of idleness versus consumer disutility of waiting.
Investigation of mecA gene, virulence traits and antibiotic resistance profiles in methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from dairy products
Authors: Elal Mus Tulay , Cetinkaya Figen , Karahan Hasan , Gurbuz Ismail Bulent , Degirmenci Gokhan
Published: January 2019

This study was performed to determine the prevalence of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in raw milk and dairy products and the presence of virulence traits in the isolates obtained and to assess their resistance to several antibiotics. MRSA was detected by CHROMagar MRSA II in 148 (22.8%) of 650 samples. Ninety‐eight isolates were confirmed as MRSA, 86 of these isolates were phenotype‐positive, 9 were phenotype/mecA‐positive, and 3 were phenotype‐negative but mecA‐positive. However, the virulence genes were not found in any MRSA strains. According to the results of antibiotic susceptibility tests, 100, 44.9, and 29.6% of strains were resistant to penicillin, tetracycline, and clindamycin, respectively. A low prevalence (1.02%) of resistance was observed against vancomycin and chloramphenicol antibiotics. Furthermore, multidrug resistance was seen among MRSA strains isolated from cheese, butter and buttercream samples. In contrast with other studies, we identified a high‐level vancomycin‐resistant MRSA strain in one buttercream sample and the intermediate‐level vancomycin resistance in six different multiple‐resistant MRSA strains from food of dairy origin.

Practical applications

Recently, MRSA has been isolated from foods of animal origin and become one of the rising public health concerns worldwide. This study focused on the prevalence of MRSA in raw milk and dairy products, the presence of genes encoding virulence factors that allow it to cause the disease and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns. Consequently, we revealed the emergence of resistance to vancomycin and multiple antibiotics among MRSA strains. The isolation of high‐level vancomycin‐resistant MRSA strain is an important finding because vancomycin continues to be the first‐line treatment agent for MRSA infections.
Evaluation of wheat kernels infected by fungi of the genus Fusarium based on morphological features
Authors: Ropelewska Ewa
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to propose a nondestructive method for evaluating wheat kernels infected by fungi of the genus Fusarium based on the morphological features of kernels and for distinguishing infected kernels from healthy kernels. Images were acquired with a flatbed scanner to determine 59 geometric parameters (linear dimensions and shape factors). Wheat kernels were classified as infected or healthy with the use of Decision trees, Rules, Bayes, Lazy, Meta, and Functions classifiers in WEKA 3.9 software. The classification accuracy of the model based on 59 attributes ranged from 58.12% to 73.37%. The selection of the best attributes shortened the time of the analysis and improved classification results. Linear Forward Selection and MLP classifiers were characterized by the highest classification accuracy.

Practical applications

The infection of cereal grains by fungi of the genus Fusarium is a food security challenge that can compromise the quantity and quality of yields in many agricultural regions. Selected fungi produce mycotoxins with carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and immunotoxic effects for humans and animals. In this study, a nondestructive method was applied to evaluate wheat kernels infected by fungi of the genus Fusarium based on the morphological features of kernels and to distinguish infected kernels from healthy kernels. The proposed method can be used for rapid, inexpensive, and effective detection of fungal infections in cereal grain.
Comparison of real‐time PCR and cultural method for detection of bacterial load in pasteurized milk
Authors: Farhoudi Ayda , Ghajarbeygi Peyman , Jozani Razi Allah Jafari , Mahmoudi Razzagh , Mardani Karim
Published: January 2019

In this study, we used a TaqMan® probes through the real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique as a rapid and sensitive way to detect bacterial load of pasteurized milk. The reaction was optimized for enumeration of bacteria in pasteurized milk samples. In parallel, the same milk samples were assessed by conventional cultural‐based method. The correlation between methods was evaluated by Bland Altman analysis. The minimum and maximum value for conventional culture‐based method were 0 and 10,000 cfu/ml while qPCR gave us 55 and 7,071 (Bacteria/ml of pasteurized milk), respectively. Results indicated that Taq Man real‐time PCR provides a useful tool for rapid and accurate quantification of bacterial load.

Practical applications

Dairy industries are required to determine total bacterial load in farmer's raw milk before collection based on legal standard methods for microbial detection. Moreover, the result of total bacterial counting is the major pricing criterion of raw milk. Despite the storage of raw milk from large farms in separate tanks, raw milk from small‐ and medium‐size farms are mixed in other tanks resulting in total bacterial load alteration. Traditional cultural‐based methods are common to determine total bacterial load in raw milk. However, these techniques are laborious and time‐consuming. Recent molecular‐based methods are easily applicable to ensure that perishable raw milk could be monitored precisely under national rules and legislation in the shortest possible time. This report provides the details of a TaqMan real‐time PCR (qPCR) that can be used in factory sites for accurate monitoring of raw milk bacterial load before transferring the raw milk into pasteurization line.
In vitro antibacterial activity of Pimpinella anisum essential oil and its influence on microbial, chemical, and sensorial properties of minced beef during refrigerated storage
Authors: Khanjari Ali , Bahonar Alireza , Noori Negin , Siahkalmahaleh Mahsa Rahimi , Rezaeigolestani Mohammadreza , Asgarian Zahra , Khanjari Javad
Published: January 2019

In this study, the antibacterial properties of Pimpinella anisum essential oil (PAO) were evaluated against six food‐related bacteria. Afterward, the effects of different concentrations of PAO on microbial, chemical, and organoleptic properties of minced beef were evaluated during refrigerated storage. Based on the findings, PAO was effective against all of the tested strains, where minimum inhibitory concentration of Listeria monocytogenes was 0.015% (v/v) and this value was 0.12% (v/v) for Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Salmonella typhimurium. At the end of storage time, the microbial population of samples treated with 0.5% v/w PAO was decreased approximately 1–2 log CFU/g compared to control (p < 0.05). The evolution pattern of total volatile basic nitrogen and peroxide value during storage revealed that the best results were related to the samples treated with higher percentages of PAO (0.3 and 0.5%v/w). The findings of this study suggest significant potential of PAO in improving the shelf life of meat products.

Practical applications

Results of this study revealed that Pimpinella anisum essential oil has activity against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacterial strains and also have a high potential to be applied as a natural preservative to enhance the safety and shelf life of meat products.
Influence of psychological stress exposure on orthodontic therapy: A comprehensive review
Authors: Al‐Shammery Deema , Michelogiannakis Dimitrios , Rossouw Emile , Romanos Georgios E. , Javed Fawad
Published: January 2019

The aim of the present study was to comprehensively review the influence of psychological stress exposure (PSE) on orthodontic therapy (OT). Original clinical and experimental studies were assessed. Quality assessment of experimental studies was performed using the Animal Research Reporting In Vivo Experiment (ARRIVE) guidelines. Six studies (2 clinical and 4 experimental) were included. One clinical study showed that PSE during OT significantly increases nickel release from orthodontic appliances into the saliva. In another study, maternal support was found to be an important predictor of the outcome of OT. In one experimental study, chronic PSE increased orthodontic tooth movement (OTM), and in two experimental studies, PSE decreased OTM. One study on rats reported that PSE is not a risk factor for orthodontically‐induced root resorption during OTM. One experimental study showed a significantly higher number of osteoclasts in the bone on the side of OTM in restrained rats compared with unrestrained rats. One study showed decreased osteoclast counts in the bone during OTM under PSE. The lowest, highest, and mean ARRIVE scores (out of 20) for the experimental studies were 16, 18, and 16.75 ± 0.96, respectively. The role of PSE in clinical orthodontics remains unclear, most likely due to a lack of studies in humans. Further power‐adjusted, well‐designed, and randomized studies are needed.
Consumer Skepticism of Claims in Food Ads vs. on Food Labels: An Exploration of Differences and Antecedents
Authors: Mitra Anusree , Hastak Manoj , Ringold Debra J. , Levy Alan S.
Published: January 2019

Considerable evidence shows that consumers are skeptical of advertising, that is, have a tendency to doubt the truth of advertising claims. The main focus of our paper is to explore, in the context of food products, whether this typically high level of skepticism is also exhibited for product labels. In addition, we look at consumer skepticism associated with health claims in food ads and labels as well as with the Nutrition Facts Panel on food packages. Finally, we examine some individual difference factors that might influence consumer skepticism. We report the results of a large‐scale survey designed to explore these issues, and we discuss the implications of our findings for public policy and future research.
Postoperative pain control with ropivacaine following laparoscopic myomectomy: A randomized double‐blind, pilot study
Authors: Kwack Jae Young , Ahn Kwang Hee , Kwon Yong‐Soon
Published: January 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate immediate pain control in patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) by intraoperative injection of ropivacaine into both uterosacral ligaments.

Methods

The study was a prospective, double‐blind, randomized study. We analyzed 46 cases of LM performed between July 2015 and November 2016 by a single surgeon. We randomized the enrolled patients into either a ropivacaine or a saline injection group. Before the surgeon closed the abdominal wall, each 7.5% ropivacaine (5 mL) or saline (5 mL) was administered into both uterosacral ligaments through laparoscopic injection needle. We compared the pain intensity scores 2, 6, 12, and 24 h after injection between the two groups.

Results

The pain intensity scores were not significantly different. However, the ropivacaine group requested less of the analgesic than the placebo‐injected group requested (P = 0.035). No patient in the ropivacaine group reported any side effects.

Conclusion

Intraoperative ropivacaine injection into both uterosacral ligaments during LM can reduce the dosage of opioid analgesics.
A resources perspective on when and how proactive work behaviour leads to employee withdrawal
Authors: Pingel Ruta , Fay Doris , Urbach Tina
Published: January 2019

Previous organizational behaviour research has mainly focused on the benefits of proactivity while disregarding its possible drawbacks. The present study examines the ways in which proactive behaviour may foster counterproductive behaviour through increased emotional and cognitive strain. Drawing on conservation of resources theory, we propose that proactive behaviour is a resource‐consuming activity that causes irritability and work‐related rumination, which, in turn, leads to instrumentally driven employee withdrawal. Further, we hypothesize that external motivation towards proactivity amplifies its strain‐eliciting effects. We conducted a longitudinal three‐wave questionnaire study (N = 231) and tested hypotheses using an autoregressive, time‐lagged model with latent variables. Results showed that when external motivation for proactivity was high, proactivity led to increased irritability and rumination; irritability was, in turn, related to higher levels of withdrawal. The moderated mediation analysis revealed that when external motivation towards proactive behaviour was high, proactive behaviour had an indirect effect on withdrawal behaviour via irritability. The direct effect of proactivity on work‐related rumination was in the expected direction, but failed to reach conventional levels of significance (β = .09, p = .08). Our results indicate that proactivity is not without costs, most clearly if motivated by external reasons.

Practitioner points

Managers should be cautious about the ways they promote employees’ proactivity because our research shows that proactive behaviours that are motivated by a desire of external rewards, or an avoidance of negative consequences, might have detrimental effects on employees’ psychological well‐being.

Organizations should be aware that using rewards and punishments for motivating employees’ proactivity might not only backfire on employees’ well‐being, but also lead to increased counterproductive work behaviours in terms of withdrawal.
To Know and Be Known: An Intimacy‐Based Explanation for the Gender Gap in Biblical Literalism
Authors: Kent Blake Victor , Pieper Christopher M.
Published: January 2019

We assess the gender gap in U.S. Christianity by examining in a national sample (Baylor Religion Survey 2010) a particularly robust measure of religiosity: biblical literalism. Women are more likely to report biblical literalism than men in bivariate comparisons, but we argue that intimate attachment to God is a related intervening mechanism. The results of this study indicate: (1) intimate attachment to God is associated with more literal views of the Bible, (2) after accounting for attachment to God women are no longer associated with increased literalism, (3) divine proximity‐seeking behaviors are associated with more literal views of the Bible, (4) proximity‐seeking moderates the relationship between attachment to God and Bible views, and (5) gender moderates the relationship between both attachment to God and proximity‐seeking behaviors and Bible views. The evidence presented here provides a plausible mechanism by which gender differences in biblical literalism may be accounted for.
Morphological responses of two plant species from different elevations in the Dongting Lake wetlands, China, to variation in water levels
Authors: Li Youzhi , Bian Hualin , Ren Bo , Xie Yonghong , Ding Xiaohui , Yao Xin , Zhou Qiaoqiao
Published: January 2019

The vegetation of wetlands show strong zonation patterns, but the mechanisms determining these patterns are not fully understood. In the present study, growth and morphological responses to a water level gradient (–20 cm (i.e. water level 20 cm below soil surface), –10 cm, 0 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm) were compared between a higher elevation plant (Imperata cylindrica) and a lower elevation plant (Carex brevicuspis) in the Dongting Lake wetlands of China. For both species, the aboveground, belowground, and total biomass were greater at –10 cm than at any other water level.. However, when the water level increased from –10 cm to 0 cm, there was a greater decrease in the biomass of I. cylindrica than in that of C. brevicuspis. Plant height, tiller number, leaf length, leaf width and leaf area showed greater variation along the water level gradient in I. cylindrica than in C. brevicuspis. Generally, with increasing water level, root length, rhizome number, and adventitious root biomass and number all decreased in I. cylindrica. However, in C. brevicuspis, neither the rhizome number nor the primary adventitious root biomass differed significantly among the five water levels. These results indicate that I. cylindrica have a lower tolerance for flooding and higher water sensitivity than C. brevicuspis and these differences may explain why I. cylindrica is found at relatively higher elevations that are not prone to flooding, while C. brevicuspis is found at comparatively lower elevations in the Dongting Lake wetlands.
Visceral artery anomalies in patients with Alagille syndrome
Authors: Sanada Yukihiro , Naya Itsuki , Katano Takumi , Hirata Yuta , Yamada Naoya , Okada Noriki , Ihara Yoshiyuki , Onishi Yasuharu , Mizuta Koichi
Published: January 2019

Background

Intracranial and pulmonary vascular anomalies are well‐known complications and causes of mortality in AGS; however, visceral artery anomalies are less commonly recognized. Herein, we present a retrospective analysis of our experience with pediatric LDLT that focuses on the current problems with and treatments for visceral artery anomalies in AGS after LDLT.

Methods

Between May 2001 and December 2017, 294 LDLTs were performed for 285 pediatric recipients. Of these, 13 LDLTs (4.4%) for 12 AGS patients were performed. We classified the visceral artery anomalies into aneurysms and stenosis.

Results

The overall incidence of visceral aneurysm was 2 of 12 recipients (16.7%) and included a SMA aneurysm in one patient and an IPDA aneurysm with a subsequent SPA aneurysm in one patient; the ages of the diagnosis of visceral aneurysm were 16.3, 21.1, and 21.7 y, respectively. An endovascular treatment was performed for a progressive IPDA saccular aneurysm (12.0 × 14.5 × 15.0 mm). The overall incidence of visceral artery stenosis was 7 of 12 recipients (58.3%) and the median age at the diagnosis of visceral artery stenosis was 15.5 y (range 1.7‐22.9 y). All 3 AGS patients with RA stenosis suffered from renal dysfunction (eGFR of 51, 78, and 51 mL/min/1.73m2).

Conclusion

The morbidity of visceral artery anomalies is not negligible. The performance of periodic imaging examinations is necessary, even for infants, because it is difficult to detect visceral vascular anomalies in the infant stage.
Introduction: Capturing the Dilemmas of Modernity and Tradition in Mexico
Authors: Villanueva Ulfgard Rebecka , Villanueva César
Published: January 2019

This Special Issue examines the dilemmas of modernity, modernization, and tradition in Mexico from a variety of disciplinary perspectives covering foreign policy, cultural diplomacy and nation image creation, security politics, civil society participation in domestic and foreign policy making, congruence/dissonance in the implementation of global and national development goals, poverty reduction strategies, education reforms and global education models, urban growth, and environmental concerns. The contributors identify and analyze events associated with the concept of disjuncture and how it has produced fragmented and confusing realities. Implicitly or explicitly, each author discusses the “push” and “pull” factors embedded in the forces of tradition and modernity that influence the policy‐making processes and occasionally give rise to disjunctures in specific areas. How do these disjunctures manifest themselves empirically and conceptually? If they seem to be produced and reproduced over and over again, what can be done to break this pattern? These are some of the underlying questions facing Mexico and its current transition in political history.
The Paradox of the Earned Income Tax Credit: Appreciating Benefits but not Their Source
Authors: Shanks‐Booth Delphia , Mettler Suzanne
Published: January 2019

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is widely recognized as the United States’ most effective contemporary policy for reducing poverty, and scholars have found that it elevates recipients’ sense of social inclusion. This raises the question of how it influences recipients’ civic engagement, namely their attitudes about government and political participation. We draw on policy feedback scholarship to consider expectations. Then we use a unique dataset to compare recipients of the EITC, Aid to Families With Dependent Children/Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, and nonrecipients of either policy in order to identify how policy features are related to political attitudes and behaviors. We find that despite the benefits they receive, EITC recipients experience low external political efficacy, but are more likely to be politically active than their peers.
Reinforced urns and the subdistribution beta‐Stacy process prior for competing risks analysis
Authors: Arfé Andrea , Peluso Stefano , Muliere Pietro
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we introduce the subdistribution beta‐Stacy process, a novel Bayesian nonparametric process prior for subdistribution functions useful for the analysis of competing risks data. In particular, we (i) characterize this process from a predictive perspective by means of an urn model with reinforcement, (ii) show that it is conjugate with respect to right‐censored data, and (iii) highlight its relations with other prior processes for competing risks data. Additionally, we consider the subdistribution beta‐Stacy process prior in a nonparametric regression model for competing risks data, which, contrary to most others available in the literature, is not based on the proportional hazards assumption.
High‐frequency (20‐MHz) high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) system for dermal intervention: Preclinical evaluation in skin equivalents
Authors: Bove Torsten , Zawada Tomasz , Serup Jørgen , Jessen Alexander , Poli Mattia
Published: January 2019

Background

High‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for non‐invasive treatment of a range of internal pathologies including cancers of major organs and cerebral pathologies is in exponential growth. Systems, however, operate at relatively low frequencies, in the range of 200‐2000 kHz as required for deep axial penetration of the body. HIFU utilizing frequencies in excess of 15 MHz has so far not been explored, but presents an opportunity to extend the HIFU modality to target specific dermal lesions and small animal research.

Materials and methods

A new 20‐MHz HIFU system (TOOsonix ONE‐R) with narrow focus corresponding to the dermis was studied in acoustic skin equivalents, for example, in a tissue‐mimicking gel and in bovine liver. HIFU lesion geometry, depth, and diameter were determined. The temperature increase in the focal point was measured as a function of acoustic power and the duration of HIFU exposure.

Results

The system produces highly reproducible ultrasound lesions with predictable and configurable depths of 1‐2 mm, thus corresponding to the depth of the human dermis. The lesion geometry was elongated triangular and sized 0.1‐0.5 mm, convergent to a focal point skin deep. Focal point temperature ranged between 40 and 90°C depending on the chosen setting. Observations were confirmed ex vivo in bovine liver and porcine muscle. Variation of acoustic power and duration of exposure produced linear effects in the range of the settings studied. Thus, effects could be adjusted within the temperature interval and spatial field relevant for clinical therapy and experimental intervention targeting the dermal layer of human skin.

Conclusion

The tested 20‐MHz HIFU system for dermal applications fulfilled key prerequisite of narrow‐field HIFU dedicated to cutaneous applications regarding reproducibility, geometry, and small size of the applied ultrasound lesions. Controlled adjustment of acoustic lesions within the temperature range 40‐90°C qualifies the system for a range of non‐ablative and ablative applications in dermatological therapy.
A study of skin characteristics according to humidity during sleep
Authors: Jang Sue Im , Han Jiyeon , Lee Myeongryeol , Seo Jeongeun , Kim Beom Joon , Kim Eunjoo
Published: January 2019

Introduction

During sleep, the skin is exposed to various environments for example low or high humidity and temperature. And the average of 7‐8 hours of sleeping in those situations can affect skin condition. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine skin characteristics according to humidity during sleep.

Method

Eleven healthy women in their ages of 20s and 30s were controlled. They slept more than 7 hours at lower than 30% relative humidity (RH) environment on the first day and at higher than 70% on the second day. The room temperature was controlled to 22 ± 5°C. Three measurement points were (a) before for sleep (after wash), (b) after 7 hours sleep (morning), and (c) after wash. Skin hydration, sebum secretion, and trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured. The statistical significance was determined at P < 0.05.

Result

After 7 hours of sleep in 30% RH condition, skin hydration decreased by 24.23% significantly, but there was no significant difference after sleeping in 70% RH. The sebum level was increased after sleep at 30% RH. The TEWL did not show differences according to the humidity during sleep but significantly increased after facial cleansing in 30% RH sleeping condition.

Discussion

In this study, we confirmed that the changes in skin characteristics may be affected by humidity during sleep. When sleeping in dry environment, skin hydration decreases but the amount of sebum increases to compensate for skin dryness. Therefore, this study might suggest how to care the skin before sleep depending on the room humidity.
Natural latex‐glycerol dressing to reduce nipple pain and healing the skin in breastfeeding women
Authors: de Barros Natan Roberto , dos Santos Ricardo Soares , Miranda Matheus Carlos Romeiro , Bolognesi Luis Felipe Cesar , Borges Felipe Azevedo , Schiavon João Victor , Marques Rodrigo Fernando Costa , Herculano Rondinelli Donizetti , Norberto Ana Maria Queiros
Published: January 2019

Background

Nipple pain is the second most common reason for early weaning, exceeded only by the insufficient milk supply. Nipple fissures can bring other problems, acting also as a portal for bacteria and leading to mastitis. This work proposes the breast protector composite development using materials with tissue repair and moisturizing properties, aligned with a low‐cost procedure, aiming not only to relieve pain, but also to heal the nipple fissures caused by breastfeeding.

Materials and methods

For the dressings, production was used Natural Latex extracted from the rubber tree and glycerol. The Samples were evaluated chemically and physically by the techniques of Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, mechanical traction, and contact angle. The samples were also biologically evaluated by the hemolytic and cytotoxic activity assays.

Results

From the physical‐chemical assays, the matrix with glycerol has high pore density; the natural latex and glycerol do not covalently interact, indicating that the glycerol can be released; the glycerol addition makes the matrix more elastic but fragile, and increase the wettability. From the biological assays, both materials showed no hemolytic effects; and the cytotoxicity results showed that glycerol did not present cytotoxicity in the fibroblasts, but show a dose‐dependent influence in the keratinocytes.

Conclusion

The material developed for application in breast fissures has mechanical properties similar to those found for materials for dermal applications, present high wettability and pore density. Furthermore, the material showed no cytolytic activity and the tests with skin cell cultures demonstrated the biocompatibility.
The use of Twitter for knowledge exchange on sustainable soil management
Authors: Mills Jane , Reed Matthew , Skaalsveen Kamilla , Ingram Julie
Published: January 2019

Encouraging the uptake of sustainable soil management practices often requires on‐farm experiential learning and adaptation over a sustained period, rather than the traditional knowledge transfer processes of identifying a problem and implementing a solution. Farmer‐to‐farmer learning networks are emerging with farmers experimenting and sharing knowledge about these practices amongst themselves. One potential communication channel for such interaction and knowledge sharing is social media and Twitter in particular. A content analysis of a Twitter account for an EU research project, SoilCare, and in‐depth qualitative interviews with five farmers using Twitter, was used to illustrate the extent and type of farmer‐to‐farmer knowledge sharing in relation to sustainable soil management practices. Evidence of farmer learning and knowledge sharing on Twitter with respect to these practices was identified. Twitter can capture the immediacy of the field operations and visual impacts in the field. Furthermore, the brief messages channelled through Twitter appeal to time‐constrained farmers. The ability for interaction around particular hashtags in Twitter is developing virtual networks of practice in relation to sustainable soil management. Within these networks, farmer champions are emerging that are respected by other farmers. Twitter works best for those actively seeking information, rather than passive recipients of new knowledge. Therefore, its use with other forms of face‐to‐face interaction as part of a blended learning approach is recommended. Twitter also offers a potential space for other actors, such as researchers and advisers, to interact and share knowledge with farmers.
Improving the informed consent process among HIV‐infected undisclosed minors participating in a biomedical research: insights from the multicentre nutritional SNACS study in Senegal
Authors: Hejoaka Fabienne , Varloteaux Marie , Desclaux‐Sall Caroline , Ndiaye Sidy Mokhtar , Diop Karim , Diack Aminata , Niasse Fatou , Cames Cécile
Published: January 2019

Objectives

Providing research information in a manner accessible to minors participating in biomedical research is a major challenge. Guidance is dramatically lacking regarding best practices for seeking informed consent among undisclosed minors enrolled in HIV‐related research. We implemented an improved informed consent process (IICP) and identified factors associated with understanding of the information presented to HIV‐infected minors prior to their enrolment in a study.

Methods

We enrolled study participants attending 12 paediatric HIV clinics in Senegal. Children ≥7 years were provided with standardised research information using the IICP, which involves viewing a video and taking part in extended group discussions. Understanding was assessed by seven basic questions scored 1 or 2 points, with a maximum score of 11 points. A score of 9 or more points was defined as satisfactory understanding. Factors associated with understanding were identified using a stepwise logistic regression model.

Results

Overall, 112 children, with a median age of 12.9 years (IQR: 10.2–15.0), participated in the IICP, of whom 37% were HIV disclosed. 71% achieved a satisfactory understanding score and all gave consent to participate in the research. HIV‐disclosed children were more likely to demonstrate satisfactory understanding than undisclosed children (aOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.1–9.6). Age, study setting and education level were not associated with satisfactory understanding.

Conclusion

These findings provide practical guidance for the development of improved and friendly informed consent processes in research involving minors. The implementation of the paediatric HIV research agenda will require a standardised and operational definition of informed consent, integrating the issue of HIV disclosure.
Translating red cell “omics” into new perspectives in transfusion medicine: mining the gems in the data mountains
Authors: Spitalnik Steven L. , Devine Dana V.
Published: January 2019

See article on page 46–56, in this issue
Technical solutions to social issues?
Authors: Dodd Roger Y. , Stramer Susan L.
Published: January 2019

See article on page 267–276, in this issue
Epidemic potential of Zika virus in Australia: implications for blood transfusion safety
Authors: Watson‐Brown Peter , Viennet Elvina , Mincham Gina , Williams Craig R. , Jansen Cassie C. , Montgomery Brian L. , Flower Robert L.P. , Faddy Helen M.
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Zika virus (ZIKV) is transfusion‐transmissible. In Australia the primary vector, Aedes aegypti, is established in the north‐east, such that local transmission is possible following importation of an index case, which has the potential to impact on blood transfusion safety and public health. We estimated the basic reproduction number (R
0) to model the epidemic potential of ZIKV in Australian locations, compared this with the ecologically similar dengue viruses (DENV), and examined possible implications for blood transfusion safety.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Varying estimates of vector control efficiency and extrinsic incubation period, “best‐case” and “worst‐case” scenarios of monthly R
0 for ZIKV and DENV were modeled from 1996 to 2015 in 11 areas. We visualized the geographical distribution of blood donors in relation to areas with epidemic potential for ZIKV.

RESULTS

Epidemic potential (R
0 > 1) existed for ZIKV and DENV throughout the study period in a number of locations in northern Australia (Cairns, Darwin, Rockhampton, Thursday Island, Townsville, and Brisbane) during the warmer months of the year. R
0 for DENV was greater than ZIKV and was broadly consistent with annual estimates in Cairns. Increased vector control efficiency markedly reduced the epidemic potential and shortened the season of local transmission. Australian locations that provide the greatest number of blood donors did not have epidemic potential for ZIKV.

CONCLUSION

We estimate that areas of north‐eastern Australia could sustain local transmission of ZIKV. This early contribution to understanding the epidemic potential of ZIKV may assist in the assessment and management of threats to blood transfusion safety.
A Simultaneous Multiscale and Multiphysics Model and Numerical Implementation of a Core-Shell Model for Lithium-Ion Full-Cell Batteries
Authors: Liu Binghe , Wang Xu , Chen Hao-Sen , Chen Sen , Yang Hongxin , Xu Jun , Jiang Hanqing , Fang Dai-Ning
Published: January 2019

The increasing significance on the development of high-performance lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries is calling for new battery materials, theoretical models, and simulation tools. Lithiation-induced deformation in electrodes calls attention to study the multiphysics coupling between mechanics and electrochemistry. In this paper, a simultaneous multiscale and multiphysics model to study the coupled electrochemistry and mechanics in the continuum battery cell level and the microscale particle level was developed and implemented in comsolmultiphysics. In the continuum scale, the porous electrode theory and the classical mechanics model were applied. In the microscale, the specific particle structure has been incorporated into the model. This model was demonstrated to study the effects of mechanical constraints, charging rate, and silicon/C ratio, on the electrochemical performance. This model provides a powerful tool to perform simultaneous multiscale and multiphysics design on Li-ion batteries, from the particle level to full-cell level.
Assessing Shoulder Biomechanics of Healthy Elderly Individuals During Activities of Daily Living Using Inertial Measurement Units: High Maximum Elevation Is Achievable but Rarely Used
Authors: Chapman Ryan M. , Torchia Michael T. , Bell John-Erik , Van Citters Douglas W.
Published: January 2019

Current shoulder clinical range of motion (ROM) assessments (e.g., goniometric ROM) may not adequately represent shoulder function beyond controlled clinical settings. Relative inertial measurement unit (IMU) motion quantifies ROM precisely and can be used outside of clinic settings capturing “real-world” shoulder function. A novel IMU-based shoulder elevation quantification method was developed via IMUs affixed to the sternum/humerus, respectively. This system was then compared to in-laboratory motion capture (MOCAP) during prescribed motions (flexion, abduction, scaption, and internal/external rotation). MOCAP/IMU elevation were equivalent during flexion (R2 = 0.96, μError = 1.7 deg), abduction (R2 = 0.96, μError = 2.9 deg), scaption (R2 = 0.98, μError = −0.3 deg), and internal/external rotation (R2 = 0.90, μError = 0.4 deg). When combined across movements, MOCAP/IMU elevation were equal (R2 = 0.98, μError = 1.4 deg). Following validation, the IMU-based system was deployed prospectively capturing continuous shoulder elevation in 10 healthy individuals (4 M, 69 ± 20 years) without shoulder pathology for seven consecutive days (13.5 ± 2.9 h/day). Elevation was calculated continuously daily and outcome metrics included percent spent in discrete ROM (e.g., 0–5 deg and 5–10 deg), repeated maximum elevation (i.e., >10 occurrences), and maximum/average elevation. Average elevation was 40 ± 6 deg. Maximum with >10 occurrences and maximum were on average 145–150 deg and 169 ± 8 deg, respectively. Subjects spent the vast majority of the day (97%) below 90 deg of elevation, with the most time spent in the 25–30 deg range (9.7%). This study demonstrates that individuals have the ability to achieve large ROMs but do not frequently do so. These results are consistent with the previously established lab-based measures. Moreover, they further inform how healthy individuals utilize their shoulders and may provide clinicians a reference for postsurgical ROM.
An Inverse Dynamics Optimization Formulation With Recursive B-Spline Derivatives and Partition of Unity Contacts: Demonstration Using Two-Dimensional Musculoskeletal Arm and Gait
Authors: Xiang Yujiang
Published: January 2019

In this study, an inverse dynamics optimization formulation and solution procedure is developed for musculoskeletal simulations. The proposed method has three main features: high order recursive B-spline interpolation, partition of unity, and inverse dynamics formulation. First, joint angle and muscle force profiles are represented by recursive B-splines. The formula for high order recursive B-spline derivatives is derived for state variables calculation. Second, partition of unity is used to handle the multicontact indeterminacy between human and environment during the motion. The global forces and moments are distributed to each contacting point through the corresponding partition ratio. Third, joint torques are inversely calculated from equations of motion (EOM) based on state variables and contacts to avoid numerical integration of EOM. Therefore, the design variables for the optimization problem are joint angle control points, muscle force control points, knot vector, and partition ratios for contacting points. The sum of muscle stress/activity squared is minimized as the cost function. The constraints are imposed for human physical constraints and task-based constraints. The proposed formulation is demonstrated by simulating a trajectory planning problem of a planar musculoskeletal arm with six muscles. In addition, the gait motion of a two-dimensional musculoskeletal model with sixteen muscles is also optimized by using the approach developed in this paper. The gait optimal solution is obtained in about 1 min central processing unit (CPU) time. The predicted kinematics, kinetics, and muscle forces have general trends that are similar to those reported in the literature.
The Path to Deliver the Most Realistic Follower Load for a Lumbar Spine in Standing Posture: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Zhang Han , Zhu Weiping
Published: January 2019

A spine is proven to be subjected to a follower load which is a compressive load of physiologic magnitude acting on the whole spine. The path of the follower load approximates the tangent to the curve of the spine in in vivo neutral standing posture. However, the specific path location of the follower load is still unclear. The aim of this study is to find out the most realistic location of the follower load path (FLP) for a lumbar spine in standing. A three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear finite element model (FEM) of lumbosacral vertebrae (L1-S1) with consideration of the calibrated material properties was established and validated by comparing with the experimental data. We show that the shape of the lumbosacral spine is strongly affected by the location of FLP. An evident nonlinear relationship between the FLP location and the kinematic response of the L1-S1 lumbosacral spine exists. The FLP at about 4 and 3 mm posterior to the curve connecting the center of the vertebral bodies delivers the most realistic location in standing for healthy people and patients having low back pains (LPBs), respectively. Moreover, the “sweeping” method introduced in this study can be applicable to all individualized FEM to determine the location of FLP.
Effect of Surface Curvature on Contact Resistance Between Cylinders
Authors: Mayer Michael , Hodes Marc , Kirk Toby , Crowdy Darren
Published: January 2019

Due to the microscopic roughness of contacting materials, an additional thermal resistance arises from the constriction and spreading of heat near contact spots. Predictive models for contact resistance typically consider abutting semi-infinite cylinders subjected to an adiabatic boundary condition along their outer radius. At the nominal plane of contact, an isothermal and circular contact spot is surrounded by an adiabatic annulus and the far-field boundary condition is one of constant heat flux. However, cylinders with flat bases do not mimic the geometry of contacts. To remedy this, we perturb the geometry of the problem such that, in cross section, the circular contact is surrounded by an adiabatic arc. When the curvature of this arc is small, we employ a series solution for the leading-order (flat base) problem. Then, Green's second identity is used to compute the increase in spreading resistance in a single cylinder, and thus the contact resistance for abutting ones, without fully resolving the temperature field. Complementary numerical results for contact resistance span the full range of contact fraction and protrusion angle of the arc. The results suggest as much as a 10–15% increase in contact resistance for realistic contact fraction and asperity slopes. When the protrusion angle is negative, the decrease in spreading resistance for a single cylinder is also provided.
Finite Element Plastic Limit Loads of Complex Cracks in Pipes With Two-Layered Materials
Authors: Jeon Da-Som , Huh Nam-Su , Shim Do-Jun , Lee Sang-Min
Published: January 2019

Based on the detailed three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) limit analyses, the present study investigates the plastic limit loads of complex-cracked pipes with two-layered materials for determining maximum load-carrying capacity or critical crack length of pipes with two-layered materials. The complex cracks in pipes with two-layered materials consist of a partial through-wall crack and 360-deg circumferential surface crack in the inner side of pipe in the same plane in pipe, which could be developed in the preemptive weld overlay region on the dissimilar metal weld (DMW) of nuclear pipe. In terms of FE limit analyses for complex-cracked pipes with two-layered materials, total thickness of pipe, depth of 360-deg internal surface crack, length of partial through-wall crack and the effect of strength mismatch between two materials are systematically considered in the present study. As for loading conditions, axial tension, global bending moment, and internal pressure are employed in the present FE analyses, and then, the confidence of the present FE procedure is confirmed by comparing the FE results with the existing solutions for complex cracks in single material. The results of the present FE plastic limit loads are compared with the existing solutions for complex-cracked pipes with two-layered materials. Also, a simple approach using equivalent single material based on the weighted average concept instead of using the properties of two materials is suggested for predicting plastic limit loads of two-layered materials. The present results can be applied to leak-before-break (LBB) analyses of nuclear piping with weld overlay.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Study of Cuttings Transport in Narrow Annulus
Authors: Huaizhong Shi , Heqian Zhao , Zhaosheng Ji , Jingbin Li , Xinxu Hou , Shijie Zhou
Published: January 2019

With the development of petroleum industry, it needs an efficient drill method such as under balanced drilling (UBD) to enhance the rate of penetration (ROP). However, borehole instability is a problem that UBD must face. The coiled tubing partial underbalanced drilling (CT-PUBD) is proposed to try to solve this problem while keeping an underbalanced condition with high ROP. This paper analyzes the laws of cuttings transport in the narrow annulus focus on this new technique through the simulations and experiments. From the results of simulations, it obtains that the particle velocity declines with the increase of rotational speed and increases with the increase of flow rate. The particles become concentrated as the flow rate increases, and the high flow rate limits particles in a small area. The particle distribution undergoes a process of concentration, dispersion, and concentration as the rotational speed increases. The high rotational speed makes particles deviate from the high fluid velocity area, which causes low particle velocity. The relationships between particle velocity and rotational speed and between particle velocity and flow rate are fitted through the equations, respectively. The phenomenon of collision of particles, sinking and rising of particles, and variation of particle velocity are observed in the experiments. The error between the particle velocity in the experiment and numerical simulation is less than 8.5%. This paper is an exploratory study conducted for the cuttings transport in narrow annulus.