bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wartime in the 21st century
Authors: Hom Andrew R , Campbell Luke
Published: October 2022

Wartime dominates the 21st century. The term is ubiquitous in contemporary politics, providing an intuitive trope for narrating foreign relations, grappling with intractable policy problems, and responding to shocking events. Such pervasion makes it easy to forget that wartime is a relatively recent political invention. It began as an instrumental and somewhat stylized concept that authorized exceptional violence by promising to contain it within strict temporal boundaries. Yet in the same era that wartime achieved international prominence, war itself became an increasingly ordinary and extended dimension of politics. Today, ‘wartime’ refers to a number of unconstrained and often self-perpetuating violent practices that have changed global politics and national security policies in deep and enduring ways – nowhere more so than in the United States. To introduce the special issue, this article presents wartime as a neglected and paradoxical topic at the heart of International Relations. It sketches the concept’s historical emergence, from innovative Presidential discourse through expansion in World War II and the Cold War, to 21st century entrenchment in daily life and habits of foreign relations. We also make the case for why US wartime marks an especially apt example of a global phenomenon, and one worthy of increased scrutiny within International Relations (IR). Finally, we provide synoptic summaries of the articles that comprise the special issue, showing how they work together to interrogate key aspects of 21st century wartime. We conclude with reflections on how the study of wartime may be extended to better understand its impact on historical and contemporary global politics.
An Application of Finite-Element Method to the Deformation Analysis of Coated Plain-Weave Fabrics
Authors: Minami Hirokazu , Nakahara Yoshio
Published: October 2022

Methods for analysing coated plain-weave fabric which has properties of nonlinear elasticity have not yet been satisfactorily developed. In this paper, a method which is promising for use in engineering applications like the strength analysis of membrane structures is presented. The finite element method using a rectangular element consisting of plain-weave fabric and coating material which is assumed to be an isotropic elastic plate of plane stress is applied to the method. Verification of the method is made by using uniaxial stress-strain responses. A square piece of coated plain-weave fabric with a square hole in it is analyzed as an example of application of the present method.
Reinforced Substrates: Aerospace Technology Introduces a New Concept for Industrial Fabrics
Authors: Harper Jackson
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this research and development project was to determine if an engineered system of reinforcing substrates as developed by aerospace technology is adaptable to industrial fabrics. The creation of an entirely new breed of industrial fabrics, however, also requires solid, demonstrative proof that such fabrics will satisfy an existing need better than existing materials and practices or introduce fabricators and manufacturers to an entirely new market. Very thin films used in commercial and space aircraft for insulation covering require effective reinforcement both for fabrication and strength purposes. To keep weight at a minimum, a reinforcing system of bonded, oriented, and continuous strand yarns was developed. In this system the fill yarns are coated with an adhesive, passed over the warp, and bonded to a substrate in a continuous procedure. Fill yarn spacing is variable at will. Virtually any size, type, and combination of yarns can be used. Adhesives are selected to match the end use of the reinforced product. As a part of the project, this reinforcing system was applied to many types of plastic films and to both woven and non-woven substrates. Laboratory and field work on this project began in August 1976. Over 400 different types of fabrics were constructed and evaluated for possible use in approximately 60 industrial applications.
Cotton-Glass Fiber Outdoor Fabrics
Authors: Ruppenicker George F. , Graham Clarence O.
Published: October 2022

Cotton yarns reinforced with a glass fiber core were used to produce outdoor fabrics suitable for tentage, tarpaulins, and similar uses. The yarns were made on a conventional ring spinning frame modified to continuously insert a multifilament core, and contained from 17% to 57% glass fiber. The experimental yarns were evaluated as filling in common warps. Canvas type fabrics in a weight range of from 6 to 8 oz./sq.yd. were woven. The fabrics were given a typical commerical finish for 100% cotton which included mineral dyeing and the application of a wax emulsion to impart water repellency.

Fabrics were produced from the cotton/glass filament core yarns that were considerably stronger than those containing 100% cotton yarns. The experimental fabrics also lost less strength in accelerated weathering tests. Glass fiber reinforced fabrics treated with a flame retardant had better flammability resistance than 100% cotton fabrics. Appearance, hand, and finishing characteristics of the core yarn fabrics were similar to those of the all-cotton fabrics. Use of the glass fiber reinforced yarns could result in the production of stronger, lighter weight outdoor fabrics with the many desirable inherent properties of cotton.
Atomization System for Low Wet Pickup Finishing: Second Generation
Authors: Lambert Allan H. , Keating Esmond J.
Published: October 2022

The mechanics of a second generation atomization system for low wet pickup finishing has been studied. Air transports liquid spray particles to fabric from nozzles and utilizes particle momentum to eject the particles onto the fabric by redirecting the air/spray mixture. Wetting rates and uniformity were observed.
Culture and Indigenous Craftwork by Kuna Women: A Decolonial, Feminist Perspective
Authors: Alves da Silva Márcia , Ortiz Nick
Published: October 2022

Craftwork, the production of embroideries known as molas, is the principal product of the Kuna people of Panama, and it is performed exclusively by women. Kuna craftwork sheds light on a model of social organization centered on the matriarchal. The division of labor by sex assigns different tasks to men and women but, in contrast to those of other societies, does not hierarchize them. Kuna communities are evidence that equality can be established in productive relationships, and they have historically resisted patriarchal domination (both territorial and political).

O artesanato, nomeadamente a produção de bordados denominados molas, é o produto principal do povo Kuna de Panamá que é confeccionado exclusivamente pelos mulheres. O artesanato Kuna traz à tona um modelo de constituição social baseado no matriarcado. Diferentemente de outras sociedades, a divisão sexual do trabalho na sociedade Kuna separam as atividades de homens e mulheres mas não as hierarquiza. Portanto, as comunidades Kuna são a prova de que a igualdade se pode estabelecer dentro de relações produtivas e que esse povo vêm resistindo a processos de dominação patriarcais (tanto territoriais como políticos).
Roylar, a New Family of Thermoplastic Elastoplastics
Authors: Blaich Charles F.
Published: October 2022

A new family of elastoplastics based on polyether/polyester polymer backbones is described in this paper. The new family of materials makes possible expanded engineering usage of urethanes. As engineering elastoplastics, these new polymers can be molded, extruded, or handled in any conventional thermoplastic processing mode, yet give the outstanding abrasion resistance, oil and solvent resistance, high and low temperature properties, and dynamic mechanical properties associated with thermosetting elastoplastics.
The Economics of Concrete Pavement Jointing
Authors: Fordyce Phil
Published: October 2022

Aggregate interlock joints spaced to control cracking in plain slab designs afford the most economical method of joint design. This design can be improved and its use extended with skewed joints, randomized joint spacings and cement-treated subbase for additional slab and joint support.
Metering High Viscosity Elastomers
Authors: Powers Arthur
Published: October 2022

This article describes processing equipment for elastoplastics. Equipment models described are in production on such applications as construction application for deck coatings and pavement joint sealing, elastomer moldmaking, encapsulation of electrical and electronic devices. Advances are being rapidly made in other industries, too. Automobile manufacturers, for example, are installing windshields and back lights with a polysulfide material, replacing the conventional rubber gasket. Aircraft manufacturers operate central “Sealant Cribs” to supply in-plant locations with elastomeric sealants for sealing of integral fuel tanks. With manufacturers guaranteeing product performance for 5 and 10 years, automatic metering and mixing equipment is becoming an integral part of the manufacturing process in many industries.
Engineering Properties of Viton® Fluoroelasromer
Authors: Thielker E. E.
Published: October 2022

VITON® fluoroelastomers, are used in applications requiring resistance to heat aging at temperatures to 650°F., and resistance to fluids and chemicals to 450°F. Characteristic properties of vulcanizates are discussed and include compression set, permeability, resilience, and environmental resistance. Representative case histories illustrating how an elastomer with exceptional heat and fluid resistance was used to solve particularly difficult problems shows the uniqueness of this elastomer.
Phosphonitrilic Additives in Preparation of Fire-Resistant Resins
Authors: Stahly Eldon E. , Johnson Ralph D. , Rice Rip G.
Published: October 2022

The objective of this study was the development of PNC12 polymers or their derivatives to impart fire-retardance to four types of resins, namely polyesters, epoxy, polyurethane and phenolic resins. Reaction of PNC12 polymers with the resin matrices was accomplished demonstrating the feasibility of the concept. Linear PNC12 polymer of about 1100 molecular weight has been successfully formulated in polyesters containing an epoxy compound to scavenge HC1 which is formed. At 5 to 15% content of PNC12 a flame-retardant laminate (60% glass, Mil Spec 21607B) is produced with over 2MM psi flexural modulus. Both linear and cyclopolymers are useful in producing resin laminates which are self-extinguishing and of conventional strength. Fire-resistant laminates were prepared successfully using the four types of resins cited above.
Adhesion of Elastomers
Authors: Jennings Charles
Published: October 2022

This article summarizes and interprets 21 papers relating to the Adhesion of Elastomers, as presented at an international conference in Paris, June 1970. As such, it can serve as a primer in the field, particularly in providing the reader with an up-to-the-minute picture of the state-of-the-art in adhesion. (The SOMMAIRE at the end of this article gives a list of the 21 papers.)
Rheology of Polymer Systems
Authors: Peterlin A.
Published: October 2022

The steady state and dynamic viscosity are the most important rheological properties of polymer systems which can be correlated with molecular structure of the polymer involved. In dilute solutions the extrapolation to infinite dilution yields the intrinsic viscosity which at zero gradient is proportional to the average volume of the randomly coiled macro-molecule. Its dependence on gradient and frequency is closely connected with the change of hydrodynamic interaction with coil deformation and the coil deformability in flow depending on internal coil viscosity and finite chain length of the polymer. In concentrated solutions and melts the chain entanglements are enormously increasing the molecular weight, gradient and frequency dependence of viscosity. Particularly the gradient and frequency dependence with a drastic almost discontinuous drop from ηo to η∞ at high entanglement density turns out to be completely different from that of isolated molecules. No theoretical explanation is yet available for the close similarity of the gradient and frequency dependence of viscosity of isolated and concentrated polymer systems.
A Theoretical Model for the Practice of Psychotherapy with Black Populations
Authors: Jackson Anna Mitchell
Published: October 2022

This article reviews selected psychotherapy and personality models advanced by Black theoreticians and proposes a scheme developed by the author for the incorporation of African and African-American frames of reference into clinical and consultative activities. Facilitative and non-facilitative variables in the implementation of the model are discussed briefly.
Decolonising public service television in Aotearoa New Zealand: telling better stories about Indigenous rurality
Authors: Fountaine Susan , Bulmer Sandy , Palmer Farah , Chase Lisa
Published: October 2022

In settler-colonial countries like Aotearoa New Zealand, television programmes about rurality are fundamentally entwined with the nation’s colonial history, but how this context impacts on locally made, public service television content and production is seldom examined. Utilising data collected from interviews with programme makers and a novel bi-cultural friendship pair methodology, we examine how a high-rating mainstream programme, Country Calendar, conceptualises and delivers stories about Indigenous Māori and consider the extent to which these stories represent a decolonising of television narratives about rurality. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating Indigenous voices and values, the impact of structural limitations and staffing constraints on public service television’s decolonising aspirations, and challenges reconciling settler-colonialism with the show’s well-established ‘rosy glow’. While rural media are often overlooked by communication scholars, our study demonstrates the contributions they might make to the larger task of decolonising storytelling about national identity.
Energy Challenges, Green Growth, Blue Indicators, and Sustainable Economic Growth: A Study of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Waheed Rida
Published: October 2022

In recent years, the international community is struggling to achieve sustainable economic and environmental goals. Despite of the large literature, the impact of blue economy on sustainable growth and environment is missing, for the case of Saudi Arabia. The current study incorporates the energy, green, and blue indicators to examine the impact on sustainable goals of Saudi Arabia. For econometric estimations, we use the nonlinear ARDL approach to estimate the full sample and post-Vision 2030 sample. The findings confirm that blue economic activities are not mature enough to participate its role to achieve sustainable targets of Saudi Vision 2030. The outcomes of current study depict that blue indicators are neglected to attain sustainable economic and environmental goals. In view of econometric outcomes, we propose that Saudi Arabia have to emphasize on sea trade and ocean tourism. Moreover, the findings are useful to estimate the sustainable targets of Saudi Vision 2030.
Points of persuasion: Truth spots in future city development
Authors: Bunnell Tim , Aung-Thwin Maitrii , Clendenning Jessica N , Goh Daniel PS , Smith Nick R
Published: October 2022

Geographers and historians have contributed to a well-established literature on how places become repositories of inherited meanings and contested memories. Much less attention has been afforded to space and place as future-making resources. In this article, we consider how extant places feature in the imagination, planning and development of ex novo cities. Focusing on three new administrative capitals in Southeast Asia – Putrajaya (in Malaysia), Naypyidaw (in Myanmar) and Nusantara (in Indonesia) – we show how places have been mobilized as points of persuasion, or what sociologist Thomas Gieryn has termed “truth spots”. Drawing and building upon Gieryn’s work, we identify three heuristic types of truth spots: aspirational truth spots that demonstrate progressive developmental possibilities for emulation; antithetical truth spots signaling past failures to avoid in planning and developing the future city; and anticipatory truth spots that articulate future expectations, justifying forms of (in)action in the present. While existing work on truth spots emphasizes powers of persuasion associated with physical, in-person experiences of place, our emphasis and contribution centres on the narrative mobilization of place references.
Routine use of concurrent fluoroscopic imaging during superficial endovenous interventions: A position statement of the International Union of Phlebology, the Australasian College of Phlebology, the Australia and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery, the American Venous Forum, the American Vein and Lymphatic Society, the European College of Phlebology and the Interventional Radiology Society of Australasia
Authors: Parsi Kurosh , Subramaniam Peter , Davies Alun H. , Gasparis Antonios , Gloviczki Peter , Marston William A , Meissner Mark , Rogan Christopher , van Rij Andre
Published: October 2022

International evidence-based guidelines recommend preoperative duplex ultrasound mapping in the assessment of chronic venous disease, and concurrent ultrasound imaging to guide superficial endovenous interventions such as endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, cyanoacrylate adhesive closure, and sclerotherapy (ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy). Other imaging modalities such as venography, alone or in combination with computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging, may be included in the preoperative assessment of a small and select group of patients to exclude central venous obstruction, certain deep venous pathologies, pelvic origin extrapelvic varices, and complex vascular malformations. The signatory scientific and medical societies recommend against the routine use of fluoroscopy and other radiation-based imaging in the investigation and treatment of superficial venous disease.
The Ethics of Communication in Palliative Care
Authors: Wilkinson John
Published: October 2022

The importance of good communication between patient and professional in palliative care is emphasized, its role in care defined and its place in obtaining the patient's valid consent described. The limitations placed on it by the need for confidentiality are discussed and the type of communication required for disclosure of the diagnosis and prognosis to the patient is considered. This article is written in terms of the doctor—patient relationship, but in the full recognition that palliative care is a team activity and that all members of the team share in communication with the patient. However, the doctor is normally the leader of the team and the principles of the ethics of communication which apply to him (or her) also apply to the other members of the team who share in the care of the patient.
Reduced Hydration or Feeding in Advanced Disease — a Flow Diagram
Authors: Regnard Claud , Mannix Kathryn
Published: October 2022

Reduced hydration and feeding is here defined as a reduction in the intake and quality of drink or food sufficient to produce weight loss, nutritional deficiency, or both. Advanced disease includes any progressive disease process in which the prognosis is limited. This flow diagram outlines the management of reversible and irreversible causes of reduced intake.
Quality of life after trigeminal nerve block in refractory trigeminal neuralgia: A retrospective cohort study and literature review
Authors: Jacques Nicolas , Karoutsos Simon , Marais Loïc , Nathan-Denizot Nathalie
Published: October 2022

Objective

To evaluate the effect of trigeminal nerve block (TNB) on patients’ quality of life (QOL) 15 days after the procedure in patients with refractory TN.

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study involved patients receiving TNB (levobupivacaine, clonidine, corticosteroid) between 2014 and 2018 at a postoperative pain clinic in France. Change in QOL from Day 0 (before block) to Day 15 was assessed according to SF-12.

Results

21 patients (62 ± 14 y) were included in the study. Most patients (71%) were referred following surgery or dentistry. Of the 9 patients (43%) who exhibited >10% increase in SF-12 scores and so were deemed responders, SF12-physical and SF12-mental were increased by mean differences of 17 and 9 points, respectively. The mean duration of block lasted 15 ± 59 days (range 1 to 90 days) and no severe adverse effects were observed.

Conclusion

Improved QOL was observed in approximately 50% of patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) two weeks after specific nerve block. The technique was easy to administer and well accepted by the patients.
Chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy in primary female urethral squamous cell carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Bai Hongsong , Han Huifu , Wang Fan , Shi Hongzhe
Published: October 2022

Primary female urethral carcinomas are uncommon and have a low morbidity rate. Most of these patients have advanced illness with high invasion and a poor prognosis. There is no standard treatment, and multimodal therapy is recommended. The use of radiotherapy and chemotherapy were mostly reported in previous studies on advanced female urethral squamous cell carcinoma. We report that chemotherapy combined with a programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor was effective in treating metastatic female urethral squamous cell carcinoma. During four cycles, we used systemic chemotherapy of albumin-paclitaxel + carboplatin in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor (toripalimab 240 mg) every 3 weeks, and a complete response was achieved. We performed a genetic test on the patient who had a tumor mutation burden of 5.7 mutations/Mb, tumor proportion score of 20%, and combined positive score of 20% (22C3). No recurrence or distant metastasis was found after 20 months of follow-up. In conclusion, in patients with positive PD-1 ligand 1 expression in primary female urethral squamous cell carcinoma, chemotherapy combined with PD-1 inhibitors may be effective. Larger sample studies are required to determine PD-1 ligand 1 expression and the curative effect of PD-1 inhibitors, as well as their effect on survival.
The affective and sensory potencies of urban stone: Textures and colours, commemoration and geologic convivialities
Authors: Edensor Tim
Published: October 2022

In drawing out how human lives are always already inextricably entangled with the non-human elements of the world, this paper explores how stone, as a constituent of urban materiality, provokes a wealth of emotional, sensory and affective impacts in the experience of place. The paper discusses how the sonic, tactile and visual qualities of stone contribute to the sensory and affective experience of places, shape the symbolic meanings and affective impacts of diverse memorials, and trigger a powerful sense of geological conviviality.
Grafting of Synthetic Polyelectrolyte onto Polymer Surfaces—Comparison on Glow Discharge and 60Co-γ-Irradiation Method
Authors: Hari P. R. , Sharma Chandra P.
Published: October 2022

Water soluble polyelectrolyte synthesised from natural rubber contains sulfamate and carboxylate groups similar to that of heparin. It is observed that synthetic heparinoid polyelectrolyte is capable of inhibiting blood coagulation. In the present study, we attempted to graft the same onto polystyrene and polymethylmethacrylate surfaces using glow discharge technique and 60Co-γ-irradiation method, and the surfaces were compared with respect to water contact angle and platelet adhesion parameters. Heparinised surfaces are also evaluated for relative comparison.
The Palestine Exception, Racialization and Invisibilization: From Israel (Palestine) to North America (Turtle Island)
Authors: Abdo Nahla
Published: October 2022

This paper contends that the Zionist policies implemented by Israel had and continue to have a grave impact not only on the Palestinians in historic Palestine alone but also follows them in the diaspora, where some Palestinians have taken refuge. This article argues that Israel’s apartheid regime, exposed by various international Human Rights Organizations, is not a recent discovery. Apartheid, the exclusion of the natives, and their racialization have accompanied the Zionist movement since its inception. Crucial questions raised in this paper include how Palestine and the Palestinians are conceived by Zionism, in and outside of Israel, and how they are perceived by the West, especially within the Canadian context. This paper pays special attention to comparing the experience of Palestinians with that of North America’s Indigenous population, specifically concerning Israel’s and Canada’s colonial policies towards the Indigenous peoples. It also discusses the impact of Israel’s policies of silencing and vilification that doggedly follow Palestinians into the diaspora: vilifications and silencing enacted by the Israel lobby through its various Zionist (Jewish) branches, whose primary role is to silence and vilify the Palestinians and curb criticism of Israel and Zionism. This policy, it is argued, is strongly supported by Canada, structurally, institutionally and through media propaganda.
Exploring Nonprofit Advocacy Research Methods and Design: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Ward Kevin D. , Mason Dyana P. , Park Gowun , Fyall Rachel
Published: October 2022

The study of nonprofit advocacy has evolved significantly over the past two decades, yet gaps still remain in our understanding of the processes and roles of nonprofit organizations in policymaking and policy change. In part, these gaps may be exacerbated by limitations in the methodologies and research designs used to examine advocacy, despite the growing scholarship base. To investigate this possibility, this article reports the findings of a systematic literature review of 264 scholarly articles that examine the antecedents, processes, and/or outcomes of nonprofit advocacy. The sampling method relies heavily on scholarship published in six leading nonprofit and public administration journals. Although theory suggests that nonprofit organizations have a vital role in facilitating policy processes, much of the advocacy research relies upon a limited form of research questions and methods. Findings also reveal a need for greater precision in describing data, design, and methods, and suggest a need for clearer, validated measures of both nonprofit advocacy efforts and the resulting outcomes. Finally, we suggest new areas for nonprofit advocacy research, including investigating new venues, different levels of analysis, employing emerging research methods, and examining advocacy over time.
Jocular language practices in young boys’ performances of romantic relationships within their local peer culture
Authors: Andréasson Fredrik , Evaldsson Ann-Carita
Published: October 2022

Based on ethnographic fieldwork, we explore how boys use jocular play to perform romantic relationships in their peer culture and construction of masculinities. The analysis combines an ethnomethodological approach to doing gender with poststructuralist-influenced studies on masculinity and boyhood. We demonstrate how the boys – through game-playing, teasing, humorous narration, and ritual insults – do gender while they explore potentially embarrassing romantic experiences. The boys police and produce acceptable heterosexual masculinities while having fun and doing friendship, demonstrating the dynamic and entertaining potentials of performing romantic relationships in jocular peer play.
Entropy generation on biomagnetic gold-copper/blood hybrid nanofluid flow driven by electrokinetic force in a horizontal irregular channel with bioconvection phenomenon
Authors: Reddy Seethi Reddy Reddisekhar
Published: October 2022

Present research deals with the study of time-dependent pulsatile MHD (Magnetohydrodynamics) hybrid nanofluid with entropy optimization and electrokinetic force in a channel. The current mathematical model is formulated as the [Formula: see text] blood (Casson fluid) hybrid nanofluids flow between the bottom and wavy top walls. The pulsatile flow is subjected to an inverse magnetic field of uniform force to study the effect of the resulting Lorenz force. Exact solutions for velocity, temperature, heat transfer rate, and streamlines are constructed by employing the perturbation approach to evaluate coupled nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs). The velocity [Formula: see text] of the blood-based [Formula: see text] hybrid nanofluid increases with increasing values of the electro-osmotic parameter. The higher values of copper-gold nanoparticle volume fraction increase the entropy generation [Formula: see text]. This theoretical investigation helps estimate entropy in systems biology, which is used to treat cancer and improve the function of medical devices.
The Effect of Auditory and Visual Recommendations on Choice
Authors: Mariadassou Shwetha , Bechler Christopher J. , Levav Jonathan
Published: October 2022

We explore the effect of recommendation modality on recommendation adherence. Results from five experiments run on various online platforms ( N = 6,103 adults from TurkPrime and Prolific) show that people are more likely to adhere to recommendations that they hear (auditory) than recommendations that they read (visual). This effect persists regardless of whether the auditory recommendation is spoken by a human voice or an automated voice and holds for hypothetical and consequential choices. We show that the effect is in part driven by the relative need for closure—manifested in a sense of urgency—that is evoked by the ephemerality of auditory messages. This work suggests that differences in the physical properties of auditory and visual modalities can lead to meaningful psychological and behavioral consequences.
Comparative mainstreaming? Mapping the uses of the comparative method in social policy, sociology and political science since the 1970s
Authors: Ferragina Emanuele , Deeming Christopher
Published: October 2022

This article maps the development and uses of the comparative method in academic research since the 1970s. It is based on an original database that we constructed for our review of 12,483 articles extracted from leading journals representing the disciplines of Social Policy, Political Science and Sociology. We proceed to a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the reported comparative research effort. We find that the comparative method became mainstream in the 1990s – following the publication of the Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism and that JESP is the most comparative journal of all. In 2020, 66% of articles published in JESP are comparative. The comparative turn has been stronger in Social Policy than Sociology and Political Science over the last three decades. We witness a rise in the use of formal techniques (case studies and comparative historical analysis, SEM/factorial techniques, cluster analysis, QCA/Fuzzy-set) and mixed-methods in comparison to descriptive analysis, and this is particularly pronounced in Sociology. Regression analysis is dominant, however the most cited comparative articles are based on case studies and descriptive statistics. Overall, we argue that the comparative method is, in essence, ‘a way of thinking’ and not simply the application of a set of disparate techniques.
Rapid recognition of different sources of methamphetamine drugs based on hand-held near infrared spectroscopy and multi-layer-extreme learning machine algorithms
Authors: Zhang Jianqiang , Yang Jun , Chen Jin , Hu Junxun , Yang Shuangyan
Published: October 2022

The rapid recognition of the sources of the drugs can provide valuable clues and provide the basis for determining the nature of a drug case. Here, a novel recognition method was put forward to identify the source of methamphetamine drugs rapidly and non-destructively by using a hand-held near infrared (NIR) spectrometer and a multi-layer-extreme learning machine (ML-ELM) algorithm. The accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and F-score were higher with the proposed ML-ELM algorithm than in traditional linear discriminant analysis (LDA), extreme learning machine (ELM) classification, and partial least squares (PLS) regression algorithms. The prediction accuracy of ML-ELM algorithm is 25.0%, 15.3% and 18.1% higher than that of LDA, ELM and PLS regression, respectively. The ML-ELM models for recognizing the different sources of methamphetamine drugs had the best generalization ability and prediction results. The experimental results indicated that the combination of hand-held NIR technology and ML-ELM algorithm can recognize the different sources of methamphetamine drugs rapidly, accurately, and non-destructively.
Clinical nurse adherence to professional ethics: A grounded theory
Authors: Yang Qingqing , Zheng Zhihui , Pang Shuqin , Wu Yilong , Liu Jujuan , Zhang Jiahui , Qiu Xiahua , Huang Yufeng , Xu Jia , Xie Liyue
Published: October 2022

Background

Professional ethics is the regulation and discipline of nurses’ daily nursing work. Nurses often encounter various ethical challenges and problems in their clinical work, but there are few studies on nurses' adherence to professional ethics.

Research Aim

An analysis of nursing adherence to nursing ethics from the perspective of clinical nurses in the Chinese public health system.

Research Design

This study adopts the grounded theory approach proposed by Strauss and Corbin.

Participants and research context

Between July 2021 and January 2022, Clinical nurses were recruited for online video interviews using purposive and theoretical sampling methods in seven hospitals in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Henan, Guangdong, and Fujian, China. Data analysis was conducted using Strauss and Corbin’s coding approach.

Ethical considerations

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Sanming First Hospital (MingYiLun 71/2021)

Findings

A total of 27 participants were included. A theoretical model of nursing staff adherence to professional ethics was constructed. The main core was adherence to professional ethics and the other cores were (1) causal conditions: professional ethics code, individual conscience; (2) intervening conditions: personal growth, social support system, matching career compensation, prediction of adverse consequences; (3) action strategies: sticking to professional values, self-regulation, flexible response, post-event improvement; and (4) outcomes: self-harmony, reduced medical disputes.

Conclusions

This study provides an interpretive understanding of why clinical nurses adhere to professional ethics in China and describes the challenges and issues posed by nurses’ use of strategies to cope with ethical adversity. The findings can be used to develop future complex studies.
Relationship Formation and Change in Ego Networks: A Regulatory Focus Framework
Authors: Bilgili Hansin , Bilgili Tsvetomira V. , Ellstrand Alan E.
Published: October 2022

Drawing on regulatory focus and brokerage literatures, we develop new theory that explains individuals’ motivation to form and change their relationships in organizational networks. Specifically, we examine how promotion and prevention regulatory foci influence such relational processes as tie formation, maintenance, dissolution, and reconstitution. We further explore the relationship between motivational orientations of regulatory foci and relational orientations to brokerage (i.e., tertius iungens/gaudens) and develop a typology that outlines four major ego-level configurations. Each of the four configurations, labeled dutiful coordinators, aspirational arbitrators, versatile brokers, and indifferent egos, offers distinct predictions on network change and structuring. Overall, our theory contributes to organization theory by elaborating on the important role of ego motivation and strategy in organizational networks, and in so doing, advances research that focuses on individual agency in social networks and complements structuralist approaches to understanding social network dynamics.
Effects of an Intrathecal Drug Delivery System Connected to a Subcutaneous Port on Pain, Mood and Quality of Life in End Stage Cancer Patients: An Observational Study
Authors: Giglio Mariateresa , Preziosa Angela , Mele Roberta , Brienza Nicola , Grasso Salvatore , Puntillo Filomena
Published: October 2022

Background

In cancer patients with limited life expectancy, an implant of an intrathecal (IT) drug delivery system connected to a subcutaneous port (IDDS-SP) has been proposed as a successful strategy, but conflicting results are reported on quality of life (QoL). The aim of this prospective observational study is to report the effects on pain, mood and QoL of an IT combination therapy delivered by an IDDS-SP in malignant refractory pain.

Methods

Adult patients in which IT therapy was recommended were recruited. An IT therapy with morphine and levobupivacaine was started: VASPI score, depression and anxiety (evaluated by the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System -ESAS-), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the 5-level EuroQol 5D version (EQ-5D-5L) and the requirements of breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) medications were registered, with adverse events rate and the satisfaction of patients scored as Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC).

Results

Fifty patients, (16 F/34 M) were enrolled (age 69 ± 12). All had advanced cancer with metastasis. The median daily VASPI score was 75, the median depression score was 6, and the median anxiety score was 4, median PSQI was 16. At 28 days, a significant reduction in VASPI score was registered as well as in depression and anxiety item. Also, PSQI decreased significantly. The EQ-5D-5 L showed a significant improvement in all components at 14 and 28 days. Patient Global Impression of Change scores showed high level of satisfaction. A low incidence of adverse events and a reduction in BTCP episodes were also registered.

Conclusion

Intrathecal combination therapy delivered by an IDDS-SP could ensure adequate control of cancer related symptoms, such as pain, depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances. These effects, with low rate of AEs and reduced BTcP episodes, could explain the improvement in QoL and the overall high levels of patients’ satisfaction.
Scavenging energy from aeroelastic vibrations for hybrid stall control in a fixed-wing micro aerial vehicle
Authors: Esmaeili Ali , Delgado Hugo Emanuel da Costa , Sousa Joao Manuel Melo
Published: October 2022

Scavenging energy from aeroelastic vibrations was considered for a self-powered hybrid passive-active stall control system intended to improve the aerodynamic performance of fixed-wing micro aerial vehicles without exhausting available batteries. It was found that the passive component of the system generates intense streamwise vortices, which give rise to vortex-induced vibrations. Measured frequency response functions indicated accelerations in a wing prototype up to 0.1  g at relatively low frequencies, when it was operated at simulated flight conditions in a wind tunnel. Aiming to use this resource for additional power, a piezoelectric energy harvesting device was installed inside the wing and tuned for resonant response. Two electromechanical modeling approaches for the piezoelectric harvester were investigated, namely, an analytical model and finite elements simulations. A comparison with experimental results has shown that the latter approach is better equipped to deal with advanced designs, yielding accurate predictions in the present study. Extracted power and generated voltage were quantified as a function of the electric loading resistance. The reported data demonstrated that the proof of concept was achieved, so that a lightweight, low-consumption actuator for the active component of the stall control system can be powered by the energy of structural vibrations.
Thoracic Interfascial Plane Blocks and Outcomes After Minithoracotomy for Valve Surgery
Authors: Cheruku Sreekanth R. , Fox Amanda A. , Heravi Hooman , Doolabh Neelan , Davis Jennifer , He Jenny , Deonarine Christopher , Bereuter Lauren , Reisch Joan , Ahmed Farzin , Skariah Lisa , Machi Anthony
Published: October 2022

Introduction. Thoracic interfascial plane blocks are increasingly used for pain management after minimally invasive thoracotomy for valve repair and replacement procedures. We hypothesized that the addition of these blocks to the intercostal nerve block injected by the surgeon would further reduce pain scores and opioid utilization. Methods. In this retrospective cohort study, 400 consecutive patients who underwent minimally invasive thoracotomy for mitral or aortic valve replacement and were extubated within 2 hours of surgery were enrolled. The maximum pain score and opioid utilization on the day of surgery and other outcome variables were compared between patients who received interfascial plane blocks and those who did not. Results.193 (48%) received at least one interfascial plane block while 207 (52%) received no interfascial plane block. Patients who received a thoracic interfascial plane block had a maximum VAS score on the day of surgery (mean 7.4 ± 2.5) after the block was administered which was significantly lower than patients in the control group who did not receive the block (mean 7.9 ± 2.2) ( P = .02). Opioid consumption in the interfascial plane block group on the day of surgery was not significantly different from the control group. Conclusion. Compared to intercostal blocks alone, the addition of thoracic interfascial plane blocks was associated with a modest reduction in maximum VAS score on the day of surgery. However, no difference in opioid consumption was noted. Patients who received interfascial plane blocks also had decreased blood transfusion requirements and a shorter hospital length of stay.
Mutagenic, Acute, and Subchronic Toxicity Studies of the Hesperetin-7-Glucoside–β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex
Authors: Moriwaki Masamitsu , Kito Kento , Nakagawa Ryo , Tominaga Etsuko , Kapoor Mahendra P. , Matsumiya Yoshiki , Fukuhara Tomohisa , Yamagata Hiroshi , Katsumata Toyohisa , Minegawa Kazuyuki
Published: October 2022

Hesperetin glucosides such as hesperidin and hesperetin-7-glucoside are abundantly present in citrus fruits and have various pharmacological properties. However, the potential toxicity of hesperetin glucosides remains unclear. An initial assessment of the safety of hesperetin-7-glucoside–β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex (HPTGCD) as a functional food ingredient was undertaken to assess toxicity and mutagenic potential. A bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test) using Salmonella typhimurium (strains TA98, TA1535, TA100, and TA1537) and Escherichia coli (strain WP2 uvrA) with HPTGCD (up to 5000 µg/plate) in the absence and presence of metabolic activation was negative. In a single oral (gavage) toxicity study in male and female rats, HPTGCD at dose up to 2000 mg/kg did not produce mortality nor clinical signs of toxicity or change in body weight. In a subchronic oral (dietary admix) toxicity study in rats receiving 0, 1.5, 3, and 5% HPTGCD for 13 weeks, no adverse effects were noted and the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was 5% in the diet (equivalent to 3267.7 mg/kg/day for males and to 3652.4 mg/kg/day for females). These results provide initial evidence of the safety of HPTGCD.
Design, development and preliminary assessment in a porcine model of a novel peripheral intravenous catheter aimed at reducing early failure rates
Authors: Doyle Barry J. , Kelsey Lachlan J. , Shelverton Caroline , Abbate Gabriella , Ainola Carmen , Sato Noriko , Livingstone Samantha , Bouquet Mahe , Passmore Margaret R , Wilson Emily S. , Colombo Sebastiano , Sato Kei , Liu Keibun , Heinsar Silver , Wildi Karin , Carr Peter J. , Suen Jacky , Fraser John , Li Bassi Gianluigi , Keogh Samantha
Published: October 2022

Background:

Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are the most commonly used invasive medical device, yet despite best efforts by end-users, PIVCs experience unacceptably high early failure rates. We aimed to design a new PIVC that reduces the early failure rate of in-dwelling PIVCs and we conducted preliminary tests to assess its efficacy and safety in a porcine model of intravenous access.

Methods:

We used computer-aided design and simulation to create a PIVC with a ramped tip geometry, which directs the infused fluid away from the vein wall; we called the design the FloRamp™. We created FloRamp prototypes (test device) and tested them against a market-leading device (BD Insyte™; control device) in a highly-controlled setting with five insertion sites per device in four pigs. We measured resistance to infusion and visual infusion phlebitis (VIP) every 6 h and terminated the experiment at 48 h. Veins were harvested for histology and seven pathological markers were assessed.

Results:

Computer simulations showed that the optimum FloRamp tip reduced maximum endothelial shear stress by 60%, from 12.7 Pa to 5.1 Pa, compared to a typical PIVC tip and improved the infusion dynamics of saline in the blood stream. In the animal study, we found that 2/5 of the control devices were occluded after 24 h, whereas all test devices remained patent and functional. The FloRamp created less resistance to infusion (0.73 ± 0.81 vs 0.47 ± 0.50, p = 0.06) and lower VIP scores (0.60 ± 0.93 vs 0.31 ± 0.70, p = 0.09) than the control device, although neither findings were significantly different. Histopathology revealed that 5/7 of the assessed markers were lower in veins with the FloRamp.

Conclusions:

Herein we report preliminary assessment of a novel PIVC design, which could be advantageous in clinical settings through decreased device occlusion and reduced early failure rates.
Incomplete immunization and associated factors among children 12–23 months in Aletawondo district, Sidama zone, South Ethiopia: Across-sectional study
Authors: Tayu Binyam , Melaku Nebiyu , Tefera Kebede , Gebretsadik Achamyelesh
Published: October 2022

Immunization is one of the most cost-effective and commonly used public health strategies for preventing child mortality. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of incomplete immunization and associated variables in children aged 12–23 months in the Aleta Wondo district of Southern Ethiopia. The researchers utilized a community-based cross-sectional study approach. A modified World Health Organization-Expanded Program on Immunization cluster sampling method was used to choose 634 mothers/caregivers of children aged 12–23 months. Data were collected by trained data collectors between March and April 2019. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were done. In this study, 138 (21.8%) of children were not completed their immunization. Mothers who were literate [AOR = 2.1; (95% CI: 1.1, 4.2)]. Home birth [AOR = 2.9; (95% CI: 1.7, 5.3)], walking time from home to vaccination site [AOR = 1.95; (95% CI: 1.1,3.3)], inconvenience times for vaccination service [AOR = 2.4; (95% CI: 1.3,4.5)], postponing vaccination session schedule [AOR = 2.4; (95% CI:1.1,5.4)], households not visited by health extension workers [AOR = 4.1; (95% CI: 2.2,7.4)], poorer knowledge about child immunization [AOR = 4; (95% CI:2.2,7.5)] were factors associated with incomplete immunization. Incomplete immunization was higher compared to the national target. It is necessary to strengthen the program by enhancing the number of outreach sites considering the size of the target group.