bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustaining agriculture with information: An assessment of rural citrus farmers’ information behaviour
Authors: Naveed Muhamad Asif , Hassan Ali
Published: July 2020

This study investigated information behaviour of citrus farmers residing in rural areas of Sargodha, Pakistan. The data were collected from 120 adult male farmers through face to face interviews using preformulated questionnaire and analyzed by applying descriptive statistics. The citrus farmers required information on land preparation, soil fertility management, better citrus varieties, citrus trees protection, harvesting techniques, pest and diseases control, fertilizer applications, plantation techniques, finance, Government policies and programs, better pricing, labor information in the locality, agrochemicals, how to stop fruit drop, weather, irrigation management, pesticides application, health and safety information, buyers, collections and traders, and herbicide. These farmers relied overwhelmingly on their prior experience and interpersonal relationships such as fellow farmers/friends, progressive farmers, for agricultural information. More than two-third of these farmers did not seem to have any contact, either written or oral, with government agricultural officials. The farmers’ farm size, education, and income appeared to predict their information needs and sources. Lack of timely access, inaccessibility, unawareness, bad timing of television programs, poor economic conditions, infrequent visits of extension staff, low level of education and language barriers were the primary obstacles in information acquisition. The results will be helpful for extension agents and librarians of the public libraries in the area while making adjustments for efficient and effective information delivery. This study would make a contribution in the existing research on farmers’ crop-specific information behaviour.
L1, L2 and L3: Same or different?
Authors: Bardel Camilla , Falk Ylva
Published: July 2020

This text comments on the Keynote article ‘Microvariation in multilingual situations: The importance of property-by-property acquisition’ by Marit Westergaard, who argues for Full Transfer Potential within the Linguistic Proximity Model in third language (L3) acquisition. The commentary points at some theoretical and methodological issues related to the Linguistic Proximity Model, e.g. the age factor in language learning, the role of metalinguistic knowledge and proficiency in L3 learning, and the lack of predictive power of the model.
Dual-task training on gait, motor symptoms, and balance in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Zhenlan , Wang Tian , Liu Haoyang , Jiang Yan , Wang Zhen , Zhuang Jie
Published: July 2020

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to systematically evaluate and quantify the effectiveness of dual-task training on gait parameters, motor symptoms and balance in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Data resources:

A systematic review of published literature was conducted until May 2020, using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EBSCO and CNKI databases.

Methods:

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs to evaluate the effects of dual-task training compared with those of non-intervention or other forms of training. The measurements included gait parameters, motor symptoms and balance parameters. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Outcomes were pooled by calculating between-group mean differences using fixed- or random-effects models based on study heterogeneity.

Results:

A total of 11 RCTs comprising 322 subjects were included in the present meta-analysis. Results showed that dual-task training significantly improved gait speed (standardized mean difference [SMD], −0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.38 to −0.08; P = 0.002), cadence (SMD, −0.25; 95% CI, −0.48 to −0.02; P = 0.03), motor symptoms (SMD, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.18 to 0.94; P = 0.004) and balance (SMD, −0.44; 95% CI, −0.84 to −0.05; P = 0.03). However, no significant changes were detected in step length or stride length.

Conclusion:

Dual-task training was effective in improving gait performance, motor symptoms and balance in patients with Parkinson’s disease relative to other forms of training or non-intervention.
Scapular exercise combined with cognitive functional therapy is more effective at reducing chronic neck pain and kinesiophobia than scapular exercise alone: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Javdaneh Norollah , Letafatkar Amir , Shojaedin Sadredin , Hadadnezhad Malihe
Published: July 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of scapular exercises alone and combined with cognitive functional therapy in treating patients with chronic neck pain and scapular downward rotation impairment.

Design:

Single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Outpatient.

Subjects:

A total of 72 patients (20–45 years old) with chronic neck pain were studied.

Intervention:

Allocation was undertaken into three groups: scapular exercise ( n = 24), scapular exercise with cognitive functional therapy ( n = 24) and control ( n = 24) groups. Each programme lasted three times a week for six weeks.

Main outcomes:

The primary outcome measure was pain intensity measured by the visual analogue scale scores. The secondary outcome measures included kinesiophobia and muscles activity.

Results:

Statistically significant differences in pain intensity were found when multidisciplinary physiotherapy group including a cognitive functional approach was compared with the scapular exercise alone group at six weeks (effect size (95% CI) = −2.56 (−3.32 to −1.80); P = 0.019). Regarding kinesiophobia, a significant between-group difference was observed at six-week (effect size (95% CI) = −2.20 (−2.92 to −1.49); P = 0.005), with the superiority of effect in multidisciplinary physiotherapy group. A significant between-group differences was observed in muscle activity. Also, there were significant between-group differences favouring experimental groups versus control.

Conclusion:

A group-based multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme including scapular exercise plus cognitive functional therapy was superior to group-based scapular exercise alone for improving pain intensity, kinesiophobia and muscle activation in participants with chronic neck pain.
Starting lithium in patients with compromised renal function – is it wise?
Authors: Golic Mihaela , Aiff Harald , Attman Per-Ola , Ramsauer Bernd , Schön Staffan , Steingrimsson Steinn , Svedlund Jan
Published: July 2020

Background:

Little is known of the risks involved for patients who, at the start of lithium treatment, already have compromised renal function.

Aims:

To assess the risk of developing severe renal impairment (chronic kidney disease (CKD) 4–5) among those patients and to explore predictors for the progression.

Methods:

A retrospective longitudinal cohort study using data from Sahlgrenska University Hospital’s laboratory database 1981–2017. We compared the risk of developing CKD 4–5 in two patient cohorts: an exposed cohort of 83 patients who had high serum creatinine prior to start of lithium and a reference cohort of 83 patients with normal serum creatinine, matched by gender, duration of lithium treatment and age at the start of lithium treatment. The patients’ medical charts were reviewed and the Swedish Renal Registry was used to identify patients with renal replacement therapy.

Results:

There were no significant differences between the exposed and reference cohorts with respect to our matching criteria. Almost half the patients in the exposed cohort versus only 10% of the reference patients progressed to CKD 4–5 (HR 6.7, 95%CI 3.1–14.3, p < 0.001) during a mean observation time of more than 10 years. The progressors were older at the start of lithium treatment and were characterised by a higher burden of comorbid somatic diseases, in particular cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusions:

Compromised renal function prior to initiating lithium treatment increases the risk of developing severe renal impairment. Monitoring of renal function should include somatic comorbidity among older patients.
The ARRIVE guidelines 2.0: Updated guidelines for reporting animal research*
Authors: Percie du Sert Nathalie , Hurst Viki , Ahluwalia Amrita , Alam Sabina , Avey Marc T. , Baker Monya , Browne William J. , Clark Alejandra , Cuthill Innes C. , Dirnagl Ulrich , Emerson Michael , Garner Paul , Holgate Stephen T. , Howells David W. , Karp Natasha A. , Lazic Stanley E. , Lidster Katie , MacCallum Catriona J. , Macleod Malcolm , Pearl Esther J. , Petersen Ole H. , Rawle Frances , Reynolds Penny , Rooney Kieron , Sena Emily S. , Silberberg Shai D. , Steckler Thomas , Würbel Hanno
Published: July 2020

Reproducible science requires transparent reporting. The ARRIVE guidelines (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) were originally developed in 2010 to improve the reporting of animal research. They consist of a checklist of information to include in publications describing in vivo experiments to enable others to scrutinise the work adequately, evaluate its methodological rigour, and reproduce the methods and results. Despite considerable levels of endorsement by funders and journals over the years, adherence to the guidelines has been inconsistent, and the anticipated improvements in the quality of reporting in animal research publications have not been achieved. Here, we introduce ARRIVE 2.0. The guidelines have been updated and information reorganised to facilitate their use in practice. We used a Delphi exercise to prioritise and divide the items of the guidelines into 2 sets, the “ARRIVE Essential 10,” which constitutes the minimum requirement, and the “Recommended Set,” which describes the research context. This division facilitates improved reporting of animal research by supporting a stepwise approach to implementation. This helps journal editors and reviewers verify that the most important items are being reported in manuscripts. We have also developed the accompanying Explanation and Elaboration document, which serves (1) to explain the rationale behind each item in the guidelines, (2) to clarify key concepts, and (3) to provide illustrative examples. We aim, through these changes, to help ensure that researchers, reviewers, and journal editors are better equipped to improve the rigour and transparency of the scientific process and thus reproducibility.
Health Beliefs and Breast Cancer Screening Practices Among African American Women in California
Authors: Davis Claudia M.
Published: July 2020

Background

African American women continue to have higher mortality rates of breast cancer when compared to other women, and evidence suggests that early detection of breast cancer can lead to favorable outcomes, yet there remains a paucity of literature about health beliefs and the utilization of three screening practices, namely breast self-examination, clinical breast examination and mammography in California, a state that currently has one of the highest breast cancer mortality rates among African American women.

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between health beliefs and three breast cancer detection practices, e.g. breast self-examination, clinical breast examination, and mammography in a cohort of African American women.

Methods

Using a descriptive correlational design, a convenience sample of two hundred and eighty-two (n = 282) self-identified women from six regional chapters of a national Black women’s political organization in California, completed a Demographic Data Questionnaire and Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale which assessed the hypothesized relationships of health beliefs and breast cancer detection practices.

Results

Among this culturally diverse group of women (49.8% American, 28.8% African, 21.4% West Indian), health motivation was positively related to the practice of BSE and annual physician visitation for clinical breast examinations. Health locus of control was positively related to the practice of BSE. Having relatives and friends who were diagnosed with breast cancer was strongly associated with having a mammogram and annual physician visitation for clinical breast examinations.

Conclusion

These findings may be used to target and develop interventions that are tailored to the unique characteristics of these diverse women.
“God Spoke to Me”: Subjective Paranormal Experience and the Homeostatic Response to Early Trauma
Authors: Marks David F.
Published: July 2020

The prevalence of reported subjective paranormal experience (SPE) is at high levels in all populations investigated to date. This article presents a new integrative theory of SPE in light of the brain’s homeostatic response to early trauma. I hold that developmental factors in the brain’s responses to trauma predispose victimized individuals towards SPE and paranormal beliefs. I examine the reported associations between childhood abuse, dissociation, depersonalization, compartmentalization, fantasy generation, homeostasis and SPE. A new integrative theory of psychological homeostasis draws upon the mechanisms of dissociation and fantasy generation to explain the origins of SPE. Twelve hypotheses from the Homeostasis Theory are found to be consistent with the findings of multiple studies and falsifying evidence has yet to be identified. Freezing and associated releases of fantasy, which may take the form of SPE, serve as a survival strategy in the homeostatic regaining of safety and control following childhood abuse. Prospective research is necessary to deepen our understanding of the brain mechanisms required by the system described here.
Weighted or internal rotation radiographs are not useful in the classification of acromioclavicular joint dislocations
Authors: Nordin Jonas S , Mogianos Felicia , Hauggaard Anders , Lunsjö Karl
Published: July 2020

Background

Weighted radiographs are performed to classify acromioclavicular joint dislocations; however, the evidence regarding their usefulness is conflicting. Laboratory studies suggest that internal rotation views can replace weighted radiographs, but this has not been clinically evaluated.

Purpose

To evaluate whether weighted or internal rotation radiographs uncovers more high-grade acromioclavicular joint dislocations than non-weighted radiographs.

Material and Methods

A total of 162 patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocations were prospectively included. After applying exclusion criteria, 140 remained. Three panorama radiographs, including both coracoclavicular intervals, were completed of each participant: first, a weighted radiograph with 5-kg weights suspended from the wrists; second, a non-weighted radiograph; and third, an internal rotation radiograph. The coracoclavicular intervals were measured by two radiologists independently, and measurements were translated into Rockwood classifications. The classifications and measurements derived from the different radiographic views were compared.

Results

Weighted radiographs caused no significant changes in classification. For the internal rotation views, there was a significant change in classification for radiologist 2; however, the reason was that more injuries were downgraded compared to the non-weighted views. Relative to the non-weighted radiographs, the mean increase of the coracoclavicular interval on the injured side in the weighted view was 0.5 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37–0.65) and in the internal rotation view 0.2 mm (95% CI 0.04–0.33). While these changes were statistically significant, they were small and not clinically important.

Conclusion

This study does not support the use of weighted and internal rotation radiographs in the classification of acromioclavicular joint dislocations.
Comparison of three FLAIR vascular hyperintensities methodologies in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Jing Lina , Sui Binbin , Shen Mi , Qin Haiqiang , Ke Dena , Gao Peiyi
Published: July 2020

Background

Multiple methods have been used to analyze fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) vascular hyperintensities (FVHs) which may represent collaterals in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS); however, there is no consensus between methods.

Purpose

To compare three frequently used FVH methods for predicting early infarct volume and clinical outcome in patients with AIS.

Material and Methods

Patients with AIS in middle cerebral artery territory were recruited. FVHs were evaluated using extensive FVHs, FVH-diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) mismatch, and FVH-in/out-DWI. Infarct volume at baseline and day 7 were measured. Early neurological improvement (ENI) was assessed. Good outcomes were defined by modified Rankin Scale scores of 0–2 at 90 days.

Results

Fifty-one patients were included. ENI was 55.6% in patients with extensive FVHs and 23.3% in those without ( P = 0.024). Patients with extensive FVHs had smaller infarct volume growth at seven days than those without ( P = 0.041). ENI was 48.3% in patients with FVH-DWI mismatch and 15.8% in those without ( P = 0.021). Patients with FVH-DWI mismatch had smaller infarct volumes at seven days than those without ( P = 0.038). Patients with FVH-out-DWI had smaller baseline infarct volumes, smaller seven-day volumes, and smaller infarct growth than those with FVH-in-DWI ( P<0.001, P<0.001, and P = 0.031, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the infarct growth at seven days negatively independently predicted ENI (OR = 0.737, 95% CI 0.593–0.915, P = 0.006). However, none of the FVH classifications could predict a good 90-day outcome.

Conclusion

Patients with extensive FVHs or FVH-DWI mismatch tend to have early favorable clinical outcome. FVH-out-DWI being associated with smaller infarct growth may also indicate early favorable clinical outcome.
Differential patterns of interhemispheric functional connectivity between AQP4-optic neuritis and MOG-optic neuritis: a resting-state functional MRI study
Authors: Sun Mingming , Zhou Huanfen , Xu Quangang , Yang Mo , Xu Xintong , Zhou Ming , Wei Shihui
Published: July 2020

Background

Several neuroimaging studies demonstrated that optic neuritis (ON) leads to functional and anatomical architecture changes in the brain. The alterations of interhemispheric functional connectivity (IFC) in patients with AQP4-ON and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-ON are not well understood.

Purpose

To investigate the differential patterns of VMHC in patients with AQP4-ON and MOG-ON.

Material and Methods

Twenty-one patients with AQP4-ON, 11 patients with MOG-ON, and 34 healthy controls underwent resting-state MRI scans. One-way ANOVA was used to identify regions in which the zVMHC differed among the three groups. Post hoc two-sample t-tests were then conducted to compare zVMHC values between pairs of groups. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to reveal relationships between mean zVMHC values and clinical variables in the AQP4-ON and MOG-ON groups.

Results

The results revealed significant differences in zVMHC values in the PreCG among the three groups. Compared to the control group: the AQP4-ON group showed significantly lower VMHC values in the superior temporal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, and PreCG; and the MOG-ON group showed significantly higher zVMHC values in the PostCG. Compared to the AQP4-ON group, the MOG-ON group showed significantly lower zVMHC values in the PreCG/PostCG (voxel-level P<0.01, GRF correction, cluster-level P<0.05)

Conclusion

Patients with AQP4-ON and those with MOG-ON showed abnormal VMHC in the motor cortices, sensorimotor cortices, and frontal lobe, possibly indicating impaired sensorimotor function in patients with ON. Moreover, differential patterns of VMHC in patients with AQP4-ON, compared to patients with MOG-ON, might serve as a clinical indicator for classification of ON.
Value of MRI-based radiomics analysis for differentiation of benign and malignant epithelial neoplasms in the lacrimal gland: a retrospective study
Authors: Guo Jian , Li Zheng , Qu Xiaoxia , Xian Junfang
Published: July 2020

Background

It is essential to distinguish malignant from benign epithelial neoplasms in the lacrimal gland for different treatment options and prognosis.

Purpose

To retrospectively assess the performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics features in the differentiation of benign and malignant epithelial neoplasms in the lacrimal gland.

Material and Methods

Seventy-six consecutive patients with histopathology-proven epithelial neoplasms of the lacrimal gland were enrolled in the study, including 41 benign and 35 malignant neoplasms. Radiomics features were extracted from T2-weighted and post-contrast T1-weighted imaging. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method was used to select imaging features and reduce data dimension to discriminate malignant from benign neoplasms in the lacrimal gland. Diagnostic performance of the radiomics model was assessed by receive operation characteristic (ROC) curve and compared with that of radiologists.

Results

Four quantitative image features including inverse difference moment normalized (IDMN), mean deviation (MD), standard deviation (SD), and long-run emphasis (LRE) were selected to distinguish malignant from benign epithelial neoplasms in the lacrimal gland. Area under the curve (AUC) of these four features were 0.88, 086, 0.88, and 0.86, respectively, with 0.93 for the combination model. The model identified malignant epithelial neoplasms from benign group with 89% sensitivity, 93% specificity, and 89% accuracy. There was a significant difference in the diagnostic performance of radiomics model and the radiologists, with AUC of 0.70 for radiologists. The diagnostic performance of radiomics is superior to that of radiologists.

Conclusion

MRI-based radiomics analysis has potential for differentiation of benign and malignant epithelial neoplasms in the lacrimal gland.
A meta-analysis comparing regorafenib with TAS-102 for treating refractory metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Su Guan-Li , Wang Yuan-Yuan , Wang Jin-Cheng , Liu Hao
Published: July 2020

Objective

We performed this meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and toxicity of regorafenib and TAS-102.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched to identify studies comparing the efficacy and safety of regorafenib and TAS-102 in patients with chemotherapy-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer using pooled analyses.

Results

Three clinical trials were included in this analysis. Regarding the reasons for treatment discontinuation, regorafenib was significantly associated with disease progression (odds ratio [OR] = 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.21–0.50) and adverse events (OR = 4.38, 95% CI = 2.69–7.13). However, overall (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.81–1.17) and progression-free survival (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.86–1.18) did not significantly differ between the groups. The most common treatment-related adverse events in the regorafenib group were neutropenia (OR = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.03–0.11), hand–foot syndrome (OR = 50.34, 95% CI = 10.44–242.84), and liver dysfunction (OR = 34.51, 95% CI = 8.30–143.43). Conversely, the incidence of thrombocytopenia did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusions

Regorafenib and TAS-102 have similar efficacy but different adverse event profiles. Differences in the toxicity profiles of the two drugs will help guide treatment selection.
Evaluation of monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio in ischemic stroke
Authors: Liu Huiling , Zhan Feng , Wang Yazhou
Published: July 2020

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of the combination of the monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) with the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in ischemic stroke patients.

Methods

There were 253 patients who were diagnosed with ischemic stroke and 211 healthy subjects enrolled into this retrospective study.

Result

MHR and MLR were significantly higher in ischemic stroke patients compared with controls. MHR and MLR remained as independent variables for the presence of ischemic stroke. In receiver operating characteristic analyses, the optimal cut-off values for MHR and MLR were 0.28 and 0.19, respectively. The area under the curve for MHR was 0.777 (sensitivity, 66.01%; specificity, 77.25%), and that for MLR was 0.742 (sensitivity, 70.36%; specificity, 67.77%) in ischemic stroke patients. Moreover, the combination MHR and MLR increased the sensitivity compared with MHR or MLR alone.

Conclusion

The present study shows that a high MHR and MLR are each predictive for the risk of ischemic stroke, and together, they exhibit a better diagnostic value compared with each ratio alone.
Infantile hepatic haemangioendothelioma resection in a newborn: A case report and literature review
Authors: Long Xin , Wang Yuwei , Zheng Kai , Zhang Bixiang
Published: July 2020

Infantile hepatic haemangioendothelioma (IHH) is the most common benign hepatic tumour in infants. However, experience of managing IHH is lacking and treatments for symptomatic IHH are controversial. Here we report the case of a patient with IHH treated by liver resection. A liver mass was found in a newborn by prenatal ultrasonography. The patient presented with abdominal distention with a tangible mass. Further imaging diagnosis and biopsy were carried out and complete surgical resection of the mass was performed. Histological examination confirmed IHH. The patient recovered uneventfully after surgery, with no additional therapy after discharge and no recurrence during follow-up. We also summarise previously published resected cases of IHH and review the surgical outcomes. Surgical resection and liver transplantation appear to be effective treatments for symptomatic IHH.
Non-linear relationship between gamma-glutamyl transferase and type 2 diabetes mellitus risk: secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Lixia , Zhang Shouyan
Published: July 2020

Objective

To investigate the association between gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis based on a publicly available DRYAD dataset that included 15 444 study participants that received medical examinations at a single centre in Japan between 2004 and 2015. Crude, minimally-adjusted and fully-adjusted regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between GGT levels and T2DM risk.

Results

The study participants (mean ± SD age of 43.72 ± 8.90 years; 8415 of 15 444 [54.49%] were male) were followed-up for a median of 1968 days (5.39 years). After adjusting for potential covariates, a non-linear relationship between the baseline GGT level and T2DM incidence was observed. The inflection point for T2DM risk was 10 IU/l GGT; below this point, the T2DM incidence increased by 1.18-fold per unit change in GGT. Above this point, the association between GGT and the incidence rate of T2DM became nonsignificant.

Conclusion

Baseline GGT exhibited a non-linear association with T2DM incidence. Elevated GGT levels should be incorporated into routine screening for individuals at high risk of T2DM, allowing for early intervention targeting GGT to potentially reduce T2DM-related morbidity.
Resilience in a behavioural/Keynesian regional model
Authors: Allan Grant , Figus Gioele , McGregor Peter G. , Swales J. Kim
Published: July 2020

This paper constructs a regional dynamic macroeconomic model with an eclectic, broadly Keynesian and behavioural flavour. The model, which is parameterized on Scottish data, is used to identify the impact of expectations and business confidence on regional resilience. Simulations compare the evolution of the regional economy after a temporary negative export shock under a range of investment functions. The mainstream perfect foresight formulation generates a reduction in activity, which is small and is limited to the duration of the shock. The heuristic-based, imperfect-information investment models produce more negative, longer-lasting and unstable adjustment paths.
Deep dynamic stall and active aerodynamic modification on a S833 airfoil using pitching trailing edge flap
Authors: Samara Farid , Johnson David A
Published: July 2020

Due to the dynamic nature of the wind resource, wind turbine blades are subjected to significant variation in flow parameters, such as the angle of attack ([Formula: see text]). In some cases, the occurrence of dynamic stall on wind turbine blades causes load fluctuation which leads to material fatigue that tends to decrease the life span of the blades. In this study, the influence of a trailing edge flap on dynamic stall effects is investigated at high [Formula: see text] typical of wind turbines but atypical elsewhere. Pitching of the trailing edge flap was found to have a significant impact on the dynamic stall hysteresis loops responsible for the load fluctuation. Frequency analysis showed that the trailing edge flap was capable of reducing the cyclic fluctuation in the coefficient of lift and root bending moment by at least 26% and 24%, respectively. These results are a significant contribution toward understanding the advantages of using trailing edge flaps and how implementing them will reduce wind turbine blade load fluctuations.
Application of Dynamic Adaptive Planning and Risk-Adjusted Decision Trees to Capture the Value of Flexibility in Resilience and Transportation Planning
Authors: Singh Prerna , Ashuri Baabak , Amekudzi-Kennedy Adjo
Published: July 2020

Transportation infrastructure around the world is under pressure to perform with ever-changing climate scenarios, unpredictable disasters, and stress on resources stemming from rapid urbanization and population growth. Current approaches to developing resilience applied to the transportation system focus primarily on engineering resilience and do not explicitly deal with deep uncertainties arising from climate change. This paper reviews adaptation, a critical aspect of a resilient system in an uncertain and changing environment, as applied in the transportation resilience literature. It compares and contrasts the status of adaptive resiliency in transportation with that in other fields to highlight gaps and research opportunities. The paper then presents Dynamic Adaptive Planning (DAP) as a method for dealing more effectively with deep uncertainty in decision making and offers an approach that combines economic analysis with DAP to enhance decision making under external uncertainties, such as natural disasters, with financial constraints. It presents a case study of the San Francisco–Oakland Bridge to demonstrate the economic benefits of DAP. This paper provides transportation practitioners with guidance on the application of DAP and insight into the economic benefits of such an approach to decision making in various settings including emergency response planning, long-range planning, maintenance and renewal planning, and operations planning. The paper also identifies areas for possible future research combining financial theory with DAP as important in developing more robust decision-making frameworks for handling deep uncertainty.
Trends in Suicide Mortality in Canada by Sex and Age Group, 1981 to 2017: A Population-Based Time Series Analysis: Tendances de la mortalité par suicide au Canada selon le sexe et le groupe d’âge, 1981 – 2017 : Une analyse de séries chronologiques dans la population
Authors: Varin Mélanie , Orpana Heather M. , Palladino Elia , Pollock Nathaniel J. , Baker Melissa M.
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

Suicide is a complex global public health issue. The objective of this study was to assess time trends in suicide mortality in Canada by sex and age group.

Methods:

We extracted data from the Canadian Vital Statistics Death Database for all suicide deaths among individuals aged 10 years and older based on International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Ninth Revision (E950-959; 1981 to 1999) and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (X60-X84, Y87·0; 2000 to 2017) for a 37-year period, from 1981 to 2017. We calculated annual age-standardized, sex-specific, and age group-specific suicide mortality rates, and used Joinpoint Regression for time trend analysis.

Results:

The age-standardized suicide mortality rate in Canada decreased by 24.0% from 1981 to 2017. From 1981 to 2007, there was a significant annual average decrease in the suicide rate by 1.1% (95% confidence interval, −1.3 to −0.9), followed by no significant change between 2007 and 2017. From 1981 to 2017 and from 1990 to 2017, females aged 10 to 24 and 45 to 64 years old, respectively, had a significant increase in suicide mortality rates. However, males had the highest suicide mortality rates in all years in the study; the average male-to-female ratio was 3.4:1.

Conclusion:

The 3-decade decline in suicide mortality rates in Canada paralleled the global trend in rate reductions. However, since 2008, the suicide rate in Canada was relatively unchanged. Although rates were consistently higher among males, we found significant rate increases among females in specific age groups. Suicide prevention efforts tailored for adult males and young and middle-aged females could help reduce the suicide mortality rate in Canada.
Relations of Power and Nonhuman Agency: Critical Theory, Clever Hans, and Other Stories of Horses and Humans
Authors: Wadham Helen
Published: July 2020

Critical Theory pioneered the theorization of human-animal relations, helping establish that agency extends beyond the human world. Nonhuman agency is now widely accepted within the “new materialisms” and beyond but there are growing calls for more critical approaches that consider why and how such agency is mobilized. These calls effectively bring together the concerns of “old” and “new” materialisms. I therefore return to Critical Theory, bringing its explanatory analysis, practical framework and future imaginary into conversation with more recent research into nonhuman agency. Together, they reveal how the relations between human and nonhuman actors shape and are shaped by their broader socio-political context. I suggest that paying closer attention to human-domestic animal relations in particular might help us resolve some of the issues at stake. Consequently, for illustrations to extend the analysis, the article turns to horses, a nonhuman group who occupy a unique place in our collective unconscious.
Multiscale Finite Element Modeling of the Viscoelastic Behavior of Sportswear Under Periodic Load
Authors: Sajjadi Ali , Hosseini Seyed Abdolkarim , Ajeli Saeed , Mashayekhi Mohammad
Published: July 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different stitch factors on the mechanical behavior of the seam section of sportswear under periodic load. Multiscale finite element (FE) modeling was then utilized to predict the mechanical behavior of the samples under periodic tensile load. The unit cells of the fabric and the stitched section were modeled in the mesoscale. Elastic and viscoelastic properties of the yarns were assigned to the model. In order to obtain the mechanical properties of the sample, periodic boundary conditions were applied to the unit cell. Elastic and viscoelastic properties calculated from the mesoscale were then used for the macromodel. FE results had a good agreement with the experimental ones in predicting the mechanical behavior of the seam section under the periodic tensile load. By using Taguchi method, the optimum sample was found.
Overdose Awareness and Reversal Trainings at Philadelphia Public Libraries
Authors: Lowenstein Margaret , Feuerstein-Simon Rachel , Dupuis Roxanne , Herens Allison , Hom Jeffrey , Sharma Meghana , Sheni Risha , Encarnacion Lonard , Flaherty Carina , Cueller Maria , Cannuscio Carolyn
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate an overdose response training program in public libraries.

Design:

Mixed methods evaluation including pre- and post-intervention questionnaires and debriefing interviews.

Setting:

Ten Philadelphia public libraries.

Sample:

Overdose response training participants (library staff and community members).

Intervention:

Public, hour-long overdose response trainings run by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, the Free Library of Philadelphia, and the University of Pennsylvania between March and December 2018.

Measures:

Questionnaires assessed motivation for attending trainings, overdose response readiness, and intention to acquire and carry naloxone. Debriefing interviews elicited training feedback.

Analysis:

We assessed changes in overdose response readiness and intention to carry naloxone and performed thematic analysis on interview data.

Results:

At 29 trainings, 254 people attended, of whom 203 (80%) completed questionnaires and 23 were interviewed. 30% of participants had witnessed an overdose, but only 3% carried naloxone at baseline. Following training, overdose response readiness and intention to acquire/carry naloxone improved significantly ( P < .01). Interviewees nonetheless noted that they experienced barriers to naloxone acquisition, including cost, stigma, and concern regarding future insurability. Trainings subsequently included naloxone distribution. Interviewees reported that public libraries were welcoming, nonstigmatizing venues.

Conclusion:

In Philadelphia, library-based overdose response trainings were well-attended and reached a population with prior overdose encounters. Similar trainings could be deployed as a scalable overdose prevention strategy in the nation’s 16 568 public libraries.
Investigation of the internal structure, combustion, and thermal resistance of the rigid polyurethane materials reinforced with vermiculite
Authors: Kirbaş İbrahim
Published: July 2020

In this study, 5%, 10%, and 15% vermiculite was added to the rigid polyurethane (PU) structure as a fire retardant. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), limiting oxygen index, thermal gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) curves, and combustion behavior of the composite materials were investigated. When SEM/EDS analyses were examined, it was observed that surface morphology was affected by the amount of additive material. When XRD analyses were examined, peaks appeared in three different groups. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to determine the thermal stability of PU material with the addition of vermiculite. When the DSC analysis was examined, four temperature zones were obtained. The combustion behaviors of the vermiculite added PU samples with single-flame source and the flammability classes were determined with TS EN ISO 11925-2 standard. It can be said that the usage of inorganic mineral, which is harmless to the environment, can enhance the thermal stability of the material and also reduce the cost of production.
Peritoneal fibrosis and epigenetic modulation
Authors: Wang Yi , Shi Yingfeng , Tao Min , Zhuang Shougang , Liu Na
Published: July 2020

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. However, peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is a common complication that ultimately leads to ultrafiltration failure and discontinuation of PD after long-term PD therapy. There is currently no effective therapy to prevent or delay this pathologic process. Recent studies have reported epigenetic modifications involved in PF, and accumulating evidence suggests that epigenetic therapies may have the potential to prevent and treat PF clinically. The major epigenetic modifications in PF include DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNAs. The mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in PF are complex, predominantly involving modification of signaling molecules, transcriptional factors, and genes. This review will describe the mechanisms of epigenetic modulation in PF and discuss the possibility of targeting them to prevent and treat this complication.
On the suitability of induction heating system for metal additive manufacturing
Authors: Sharma Gourav K , Pant Piyush , Jain Prashant K , Kankar Pavan K , Tandon Puneet
Published: July 2020

Induction heating is a non-contact-based energy source that has the potential to quickly melt the metal and become the alternate energy source that can be used for additive manufacturing. At present, induction heating is widely used in various industrial applications such as melting, preheating, heat treatment, welding, and brazing. The potential of this source has not been explored in the additive manufacturing domain. However, the use of induction heating in additive manufacturing could lead to low-cost part fabrication as compared to other energy sources such as laser or electron beam. Therefore, this study explores the feasibility of this energy source in additive manufacturing for fabricating parts of metallic materials. An experimental system has been developed by modifying an existing delta three-dimensional printer. An induction heater coil has been incorporated to extruder head for semi-solid processing of the metal alloy. In order to test the viability of the developed system, aluminium material in the filament form has been processed. Obtained results have shown that the induction heating–based energy source is capable of processing metallic materials having a melting point up to 1000° C. The continuous extrusion of the material has been achieved by controlling the extruder temperature using a proportional integral derivative–based controller and k-type thermocouple. The study also discusses various issues and challenges that occurred during the melting of metal with induction heating. The outcomes of this study may be a breakthrough in the area of metal-based additive manufacturing.
Locations optimization of multiple cable-drivers for an anti-wind disturbance system in large antenna
Authors: Liang Wei , Huang Jin , Zhang Jie
Published: July 2020

Since the structural vibration deformation of a large antenna under wind disturbance leads to the pointing deterioration, an adaptive anti-wind disturbance system was presented by Liang et al. (Int. J. Antennas Propag., Article ID 2015341, 2019). To further improve the vibration suppression performance, this paper presents a locations-optimization algorithm of multiple cable-drivers for the anti-wind disturbance system. First, according to the spatial geometric relationship among the antenna structure, single slide track, four cables and drivers, the feasible domain of the drivers is determined. Next, the separate optimization method, and the joint optimization method for the locations of the four drivers are proposed, respectively. Finally, the simulation implementation of a 7.3 m antenna under various wind conditions is used to compare the joint optimization method and the separate optimization method.
Analysis of typical working conditions and experimental research of friction stir welding robot for aerospace applications
Authors: Haitao Luo , Tingke Wu , Jia Fu , Fengqun Zhao
Published: July 2020

In an attempt to address the limitations of single function and the poor process flexibility of existing friction stir welding equipment, a new friction stir welding robot has been developed to address practical problems in three-dimensional surface welding. Based on an analysis of the components of the robotic system, a kinematics model was established, and the forward and backward kinematics solutions were derived for the robot. An iterative nearest point algorithm, iterative closest point based on point cloud matching, was used to plan the welding trajectory for the most complex petal welding conditions, and an experimental study was conducted. The results show that the kinematic and dynamic test results were consistent with the acquired simulation curves for specific sizes of the rocket cap flaps under appropriate welding conditions. The normal error of the weld was less than 85 µm, the average tensile strength was 359 MPa, and the elongation was 7.20%, 78.0%, and 72.0% of 2A14-T6 aluminum alloy. The friction stir welding robot exhibited robust performance, and the proposed trajectory planning method is practical and effective. The appearance, geometric dimension, and mechanical properties of the weld achieved the expected criteria, and high-precision welding of large complex thin-walled surfaces is possible.
Extended validation of a ground-based three-axis spacecraft simulator model
Authors: Ousaloo H Sh , Sharifi Gh , Akbarinia B
Published: July 2020

The ground-based spacecraft dynamics simulator plays an important role in the implementation and validation of attitude control scenarios before a mission. The development of a comprehensive mathematical model of the platform is one of the indispensable and challenging steps during the control design process. A precise mathematical model should include mass properties, disturbances forces, mathematical models of actuators and uncertainties. This paper presents an approach for synthesizing a set of trajectories scenarios to estimate the platform inertia tensor, center of mass and aerodynamic drag coefficients. Reaction wheel drag torque is also estimated for having better performance. In order to verify the estimation techniques, a dynamics model of the satellite simulator using MATLAB software was developed, and the problem reduces to a parameter estimation problem to match the experimental results obtained from the simulator using a classical Lenevnberg-Marquardt optimization method. The process of parameter identification and mathematical model development has implemented on a three-axis spherical satellite simulator using air bearing, and several experiments are performed to validate the results. For validation of the simulator model, the model and experimental results must be carefully matched. The experimental results demonstrate that step-by-step implementation of this scenario leads to a detailed model of the platform which can be employed to design and develop control algorithms.
Finite-time velocity-free prescribed performance control for Halo orbit autonomous rendezvous
Authors: Zheng Dandan , Luo Jianjun , Yin Zeyang , Dang Zhaohui
Published: July 2020

This paper studies the problem of autonomous rendezvous in the libration point orbit without relative velocity measurement information. The proposed rendezvous algorithm consists of the finite-time-convergent differentiator and the finite-time prescribed performance controller. Wherein, the differentiator is used to compute the unknown relative velocity between the target and the chaser spacecraft. The novel differentiator-based finite-time prescribed performance controller ensures that the rendezvous error converges to an arbitrarily small prescribed region in finite time in spite of the presence of additive bounded disturbances. Furthermore, the prescribed convergence rate can be also achieved simultaneously. The associated stability proof is constructive and accomplished by the development of a Lyapunov function candidate. Numerical simulations on a final rendezvous approach example are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control algorithm.
Affective Arousal Links Sound to Meaning
Authors: Aryani Arash , Isbilen Erin S. , Christiansen Morten H.
Published: July 2020

Prior investigations have demonstrated that people tend to link pseudowords such as bouba to rounded shapes and kiki to spiky shapes, but the cognitive processes underlying this matching bias have remained controversial. Here, we present three experiments underscoring the fundamental role of emotional mediation in this sound–shape mapping. Using stimuli from key previous studies, we found that kiki-like pseudowords and spiky shapes, compared with bouba-like pseudowords and rounded shapes, consistently elicit higher levels of affective arousal, which we assessed through both subjective ratings (Experiment 1, N = 52) and acoustic models implemented on the basis of pseudoword material (Experiment 2, N = 70). Crucially, the mediating effect of arousal generalizes to novel pseudowords (Experiment 3, N = 64, which was preregistered). These findings highlight the role that human emotion may play in language development and evolution by grounding associations between abstract concepts (e.g., shapes) and linguistic signs (e.g., words) in the affective system.