bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical features, damage accrual, and survival in patients with familial systemic lupus erythematosus: data from a multi-ethnic, multinational Latin American lupus cohort
Authors: Quintana Rosana , Pons-Estel Guillermo J , Roberts Karen , Sacnún Mónica , Serrano Rosa , Nieto Romina , Conti Silvana , Gervasoni Viviana , Catoggio Luis J , Soriano Enrique R , Scolnik Marina , García Mercedes A , Alvarellos Alejandro , Saurit Verónica , Berbotto Guillermo A , Sato Emilia I , Costallat Lilian T Lavras , Neto Eduardo Ferreira Borba , Bonfa Eloisa , Xavier Ricardo M , de Oliveira e Silva Montandon Ana Carolina , Molina-Restrepo José Fernando , Iglesias-Gamarra Antonio , Guibert-Toledano Marlene , Reyes-Llerena Gil Alberto , Massardo Loreto , Neira Oscar J , Cardiel Mario H , Barile-Fabris Leonor A , Amigo Mary-Carmen , Silveira Luis H , Torre Ignacio García De La , Acevedo-Vásquez Eduardo M , Ugarte-Gil Manuel F , Alfaro-Lozano José Luis , Segami María Inés , Chacón-Díaz Rosa , Esteva-Spinetti María H , Gomez-Puerta José A , Alarcón Graciela S , Pons-Estel Bernardo A
Published: July 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the clinical features, damage accrual, and survival of patients with familial and sporadic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

A multi-ethnic, multinational Latin American SLE cohort was studied. Familial lupus was defined as patients with a first-degree SLE relative; these relatives were interviewed in person or by telephone. Clinical variables, disease activity, damage, and mortality were compared. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using Cox proportional hazard adjusted for potential confounders for time to damage and mortality.

Results

A total of 66 (5.6%) patients had familial lupus, and 1110 (94.4%) had sporadic lupus. Both groups were predominantly female, of comparable age, and of similar ethnic distribution. Discoid lupus (OR = 1.97; 95% CI 1.08–3.60) and neurologic disorder (OR = 1.65; 95% CI 1.00–2.73) were significantly associated with familial SLE; pericarditis was negatively associated (OR = 0.35; 95% CI 0.14–0.87). The SLE Disease Activity Index and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) were similar in both groups, although the neuropsychiatric (45.4% vs. 33.5%; p = 0.04) and musculoskeletal (6.1% vs. 1.9%; p = 0.02) domains of the SDI were more frequent in familial lupus. They were not retained in the Cox models (by domains). Familial lupus was not significantly associated with damage accrual (HR = 0.69; 95% CI 0.30–1.55) or mortality (HR = 1.23; 95% CI 0.26–4.81).

Conclusion

Familial SLE is not characterized by a more severe form of disease than sporadic lupus. We also observed that familial SLE has a higher frequency of discoid lupus and neurologic manifestations and a lower frequency of pericarditis.
Insulin resistance and serum levels of adipokines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kuo Che-Yuan , Tsai Tsung-Yu , Huang Yu-Chen
Published: July 2020

Background

We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values, serum adiponectin, leptin and resistin levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Method

Online databases were searched on 31 March 2019 in order to identify studies comparing HOMA-IR, serum adiponectin, leptin and resistin levels between patients with SLE and controls. A random-effects model was adopted.

Results

Fifty-six studies involving a total of 4460 patients with SLE were included. Patients with SLE had significantly higher HOMA-IR values (standardized mean difference (SMD)=0.425; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.156–0.693; I2=93.8%) than the control group. The serum levels of adiponectin (SMD=0.547; 95% CI 0.219–0.874; I2=90.1%), leptin (SMD=0.843; 95% CI 0.454–1.231; I2=94.4%) and resistin (SMD=0.856; 95% CI 0.199–1.513; I2=96.6%) were all higher among patients with SLE than controls. A meta-regression analysis revealed that the serum resistin level was positively correlated with disease activity (coefficient 0.123; 95% CI 0.051–0.195; p<0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with SLE have higher HOMA-IR values and serum levels of adiponectin, leptin and resistin than individuals without SLE. The serum level of resistin correlates with SLE disease activity.
Sexual dysfunction in Egyptian females with systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross sectional study
Authors: Dorgham Dalia , Haggag Hisham M , Attia Doaa HS
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Sexual dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) patients is an important issue to be tackled. We aimed to study the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in SLE women and detect its association with depression, functional disability and quality of life.

Methods

This study included 94 SLE females. Ninety-eight control females agreed to participate. Patients and controls answered a written form of the Arabic version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Health Assessment Questionnaire–Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and Short Form 36 (SF-36). Disease activity and damage were assessed using the SLE Disease Activity Index and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index.

Results

The frequency of sexual dysfunction was similar in the patients and control groups (77.7% versus 82.7%) while the BDI, HAQ-DI and SF-36 scores were significantly worse in SLE patients. SLE patients with and without sexual dysfunction differed in neither disease characteristics nor disease activity and damage indices. The FSFI showed a strong positive correlation with SF-36, and strong inverse correlations with BDI and HAQ-DI in the patients group while it had a weaker positive correlation with SF-36 and no correlations with the other two indices in the control group.

Conclusion

No significant difference was found in the prevalence of sexual dysfunction between SLE patients and controls. Sexual dysfunction in SLE patients is mostly related to depression, poor functional status, increased pain, poor health perception and bad quality of life. Neither disease activity nor damage contributes significantly to sexual dysfunction in lupus females.
Intra-articular Injection of Cell-laden 3D Microcryogels Empower Low-dose Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis in a Rat Model
Authors: Xing Dan , Liu Wei , Wang Bin , Li Jiao Jiao , Zhao Yu , Li Hui , Liu Aifeng , Du Yanan , Lin Jianhao
Published: July 2020

Intra-articular injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in an osteoarthritic joint can help slow down cartilage destruction. However, cell survival and the efficiency of repair are generally low due to mechanical damage during injection and a high rate of cell loss. We, thus, investigated an improved strategy for cell delivery to an osteoarthritic joint through the use of three-dimensional (3D) microcryogels. MSCs were seeded into 3D microcryogels. The viability and proliferation of MSCs in microcryogels were determined over 5 d, and the phenotype of MSCs was confirmed through trilineage differentiation tests and flow cytometry. In Sprague Dawley rats with induced osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee joint, a single injection was made with the following groups: saline control, low-dose free MSCs (1 × 105 cells), high-dose free MSCs (1 × 106 cells), and microcryogels + MSCs (1 × 105 cells). Cartilage degeneration was evaluated by macroscopic examination, micro-computed tomographic analysis, and histology. MSCs grown in microcryogels exhibited optimal viability and proliferation at 3 d with stable maintenance of phenotype in vitro. Microcryogels seeded with MSCs were, therefore, primed for 3 d before being used for in vivo experiments. At 4 and 8 wk, the microcryogels + MSCs and high-dose free MSC groups had significantly higher International Cartilage Repair Society macroscopic scores, histological evidence of more proteoglycan deposition and less cartilage loss accompanied by a lower Mankin score, and minimal radiographic evidence of osteoarthritic changes in the joint compared to the other two groups. In conclusion, intra-articular injection of cell-laden 3D microcryogels containing a low dose of MSCs can achieve similar effects as a high dose of free MSCs for OA in a rat model. Primed MSCs in 3D microcryogels can be considered as an improved delivery strategy for cell therapy in treating OA that minimizes cell dose while retaining therapeutic efficacy.
Linc02381 Exacerbates Rheumatoid Arthritis Through Adsorbing miR-590-5p and Activating the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway in Rheumatoid arthritis-fibroblast-like synoviocytes
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhao Qing
Published: July 2020

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease. New evidence suggested that linc02381 suppressed colorectal cancer progression by regulating PI3 K signaling pathway, but the role of linc02381 in other diseases, such as RA, remains unclear. This study aimed to reveal the mechanism of linc02381 in RA progression. In vivo and in vitro, we found that linc02381 was upregulated in RA synovial tissues or RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs, P < 0.01), which were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell Counting Kit-8, EDU, and Transwell assays revealed that linc02381 overexpression enhanced cell proliferation and invasion, and linc02381 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in FLSs. Moreover, the results of bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter gene assay, and pull-down assay verified that linc02381 could directly bind with miR-590-5p. MiR-590-5p was downregulated in RA-FLSs, and overexpression of linc02381 suppressed expression of miR-590-5p that post-transcriptionally suppressed the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MAP2K3), and overexpression of miR-590-5p reversed the effect of linc02381 overexpression on MAP2K3 expression. MiR-590-5p inhibitor reversed the inhibition effect of linc02381 knockdown on proliferation and invasion of FLSs, which enhanced expression of MAP2K3, and activation of p38 and AP-1 in the MAPK signaling pathway. In summary, linc02381 was upregulated in RA synovial tissues and RA-FLSs, and it exacerbated RA by adsorbing miR-590-5p to activate the MAPK signaling pathway.
Electroacupuncture ameliorates corticotrophin-releasing factor-induced jejunal dysmotility in a rat model of stress
Authors: Zhao Yu-Xue , Cui Chang-Xiang , Gao Jun-Hong , Liu Jun , Liu Qun , Lu Feng-Yan , Xin Juan-Juan , Yu Xiao-Chun , Zhu Bing
Published: July 2020

Background

Central injection of corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) mimics the effect of stress on gastrointestinal (GI) responses, including inhibition of GI motility. This study was designed to explore the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on disordered jejunal motility in a rat model of stress induced by intracisternal (IC) injection of CRF.

Methods

A stress model was established by IC injection of CRF in Sprague–Dawley rats. GI motility was evaluated by assessing gastric emptying (GE), gastrointestinal transit (GIT) and jejunal motility in vivo. EA was performed at ST36. The functional roles of CRF receptor subtype 1 and subtype 2 (CRFr1 and CRFr2) were examined by IC administration of the corresponding selective CRF antagonists. Protein expression of CRFr1 and CRFr2 in the hypothalamus and jejunum was detected by Western blotting.

Results

IC injection of CRF significantly inhibited GE, GIT and jejunal motility. EA treatment remarkably improved the disturbed GI motility. Intriguingly, the disordered jejunal motility induced by central CRF was abolished by IC injection of a selective CRFr2 antagonist, indicating the essential role of central CRFr2 in mediating the stress-induced jejunal motor disorder. EA at ST36 decreased central and peripheral expression of CRFr2, which might be one of the potential mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of EA on jejunal dysmotility in this rat model of stress.

Conclusion

This study suggested that EA at ST36 could ameliorate disordered jejunal motility induced by stress, and that this might be associated with the down-regulation of CRFr2.
Near infrared spectroscopy to evaluate change in color and chemical composition in heat-treated bamboo
Authors: Mo Junqian , Zhang Wenbo , Fu Xiaohui , Lu Wei
Published: July 2020

This study investigated the feasibility of using near infrared spectroscopy technology to predict color and chemical composition in the heat-treated bamboo processing industry. The quantitative presentations of the changes in the chemical components were discussed using the difference spectra method of the 2nd derivative NIR spectra of the heat-treated bamboo samples. Then, the relationships between the color changes of the heat-treated bamboo and its near infrared spectra were constructed using the changes in the chemical components of the bamboo samples during the heating process. The prediction of color and chemical composition of both the outer and inner sides of the heat-treated bamboo surface were constructed using partial least squares regression method combined with a leave-one-out cross-validation process. Then, the results were validated by independent sample sets. The proposed prediction models were found to produce high r2P (above 0.93), RPD (above 3.13), and low RMSEP for both the outer and inner sides of the heat-treated bamboo samples. These studies’ results confirmed that the proposed models, especially outer side models, were perfectly suitable for the in-process inspections of the color and chemical content changes of heat-treated bamboo.
Development of an Integrated Pathways Model of Factors Influencing the Progress of Recovery After a Disaster
Authors: Bhattarai Sailesh , Maycock Bruce , Alfonso Helman , Reid Alison
Published: July 2020

Disaster recovery is a complex and multidimensional process that is affected by the physical environment, social and economic conditions, and institutional strength and integrity. However, there is a lack of understanding as to why some communities recover quicker than others after experiencing the same disaster event. What are the critical factors needed for optimal disaster recovery and what factors predispose communities or individuals to poor disaster recovery? This article presents a literature-generated integrated pathways model of disaster recovery. A systematic search of the peer-reviewed literature identified 54 peer-reviewed publications that met our search criteria. The thematic content analysis of that literature revealed 14 factors that affected disaster recovery, which were clustered into 4 domains (social, physical/environmental, economic, and institutional/procedural). The integrated pathways model was developed to accommodate all of the domains and factors identified in the reviewed literature and the mediation and impact pathways that they influence. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collected after the 2015 Nepal earthquake, the authors will examine and verify the interaction between domains and variables to identify those elements that are found in the most recovered and least recovered communities. The aim will be to modify and refine the model and enhance the understanding of the interaction between variables and to produce a data-driven model in order to better understand the factors that impede or enhance disaster recovery.
Competition and monopoly in the U.S. economy: What do the industrial concentration data show?
Authors: Davis Leila , Orhangazi Özgür
Published: July 2020

A recent series of academic studies, think-tank reports, and news articles shows widespread attention to rising industrial concentration and market power in the U.S. economy. In this paper, we focus on concentration in the U.S. nonfinancial corporate sector to make three contributions to the literature. First, we use examples from the debate on industrial concentration to show that there are often-divergent predictions in the theoretical literature surrounding the expected consequences of concentration and monopolization for nonfinancial firms. Second, we use industry-level concentration data to describe recent trends in average concentration. We show that, while concentration increases across the majority of industries after the late 1990s, the retail and information-services sectors are particularly key for understanding recent trends in average industrial concentration. Third, we link our industry-level analysis with firm-level data to describe the relationship between industrial concentration and nonfinancial corporations’ profitability, markups, and investment. Consistent with the ambiguities in the theoretical literature, we find that these relationships are not uniform: while some highly concentrated industries confirm standard expectations with high markups, high profitability, and low investment rates, other highly concentrated industries earn lower-than-average markups and profits, suggesting that – in some industries – increased concentration and intensified competition may go hand in hand.
Morphing of an adaptive shock control bump using pressurized chambers
Authors: Alves de Sousa Nuno , Kintscher Markus , Suleman Afzal
Published: July 2020

The dawn of research on shock and boundary layer interaction control dates back to the 1970s, when humped transonic aerofoils were first studied as a means to improve the performance of supercritical aerofoil technology at off-design conditions. Since then, shock control bumps have been found to be promising devices for such kind of flow control. They have a smearing effect on the shock wave structure achieved through isentropic pre-compression of the flow upstream of the main shock and can significantly lower wave drag without incurring unacceptable viscous losses. However, their performance is strongly dependent on a set of geometrical parameters which must be adjusted according to the ever-changing flight conditions. A concept for an adaptive shock control bump is therefore presented. The proposed actuation mechanism aims at a compact, lightweight and simple structure which could be integrated into the spoiler region of near-future aircraft without major design changes required. Numerical optimization of a simplified analytical model of the structure is used to investigate the shock control bump adaptation to various aerodynamic target shapes. Compromises between geometrical conformity and both structural and actuation related requirements are studied. Furthermore, an outlook is given on design issues related to three-dimensional effects on a finite span shock control bump.
Longitudinal Medication Adherence in Older Adults With Multimorbidity and Association With Health Care Utilization: Results From the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing
Authors: Walsh Caroline A. , Cahir Caitriona , Bennett Kathleen E.
Published: July 2020

Background:

The association between objectively measured nonadherence and health care utilization in multimorbid older people is unclear.

Objective:

To measure medication adherence across multiple chronic conditions, identify adherence patterns, and estimate the association between adherence and self-reported health care utilization.

Methods:

This is a retrospective cohort study of multimorbid participants aged ≥70 years in the Irish LongituDinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Eligible participants had linked pharmacy claims data and completed TILDA wave 2 (2 years after wave 1). The RxRisk-V tool was used to identify multimorbidity. Average adherence (AA) across RxRisk-V conditions was estimated using the CMA7 function (AdhereR). Group-based trajectory models (GBTMs) identified adherence patterns in the 12 months following wave 1. Negative binomial regression was used to estimate the association between adherence and the rate of subsequent self-reported general practitioner [GP] visits, emergency department (ED) visits, outpatient visits, and hospitalizations in the 12 months following adherence measurement (reported at wave 2). Adjusted Incident Rate Ratios (aIRR) and 95% CIs are presented.

Results:

Higher AA (CMA7) was associated with a small significant decrease in GP visit rate (aIRR = 0.70; CI = 0.53-0.94) and outpatient visit rate (aIRR = 0.44; CI = 0.23-0.81). GBTM identified 6 adherence groups (n = 1050). Compared with high adherers, group 1 (rapid decline, modest increase) membership (aIRR = 1.72; CI = 1.09-2.73) and group 4 (high adherence, delayed decline) membership (aIRR = 1.92; CI = 1.19-3.05) significantly increased ED visit rate.

Conclusion and Relevance:

Suboptimal medication adherence in multimorbid older adults is associated with increased health care utilization. Identification of suboptimal adherence groups for medication management interventions may help decrease the health system burden and health care costs.
Sebaceous Carcinoma of the Breast: Fact or Fiction? A Case Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: De Vincentiis Ludovica , Mariani Maria Paola , Cesinaro Anna Maria , Dalena Anna Maria , Ferrara Gerardo
Published: July 2020

Introduction. Previously considered an exceedingly rare entity, sebaceous carcinoma of the breast is now regarded in the World Health Organization 2019 classification as a “special histopathological pattern” of invasive breast carcinoma of no special type. Case Description. In this article, we report the case of a fine needle aspiration cytology and the histopathological features of a breast carcinoma with clear-cut morphological features suggesting sebaceous differentiation, but showing no positive staining with the anti-adipophilin antibody. Conclusions. A morphologically clear-cut sebaceous differentiation is not invariably associated with adipophilin positivity; moreover, in breast carcinoma, adipophilin positivity does not automatically imply sebaceous differentiation. At present, immunomorphological evidence for the recognition of sebaceous carcinoma as a “special type” breast carcinoma subtype is too weak.
Implications of Culturally Implicit Perspective of Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Pathak Saurav , Muralidharan Etayankara
Published: July 2020

This article proposes a culturally implicit perspective of emotional intelligence and introduces the notion of culture-specific emotional intelligence (CSEI). Emotional intelligence (EI) as a construct has predominantly been associated with the individual. Given that emotions are also implicit beliefs and that their experience, expression, and management are known to be driven by cultural values, we suggest EI to be culturally embedded. We therefore suggest that EI is culture-specific. Culture-specific EI serves as an important social resource affecting behaviors. We provide a brief review of literature that elucidates the multi-level nature of EI and highlights the role of culture as both antecedent and moderator of CSEI. Implications for theory and cross-cultural phenomena are discussed.
Rationale for a new vehicle dynamic convention
Authors: Williams Dan , Margolis Don
Published: July 2020

The term “slip angle” has been inconsistently applied in the vehicle dynamics field for some time, even in the presence of a clear definition in the SAE J670 standard defining vehicle dynamic terms. This work proposes the opposite of the Society of Automotive Engineers slip angle convention, not a completely unknown concept in the literature. This proposed slip angle convention is combined with a simple yet novel convention change for axle location. Differences between the conventional model and the new conventions are discussed, and the differences between the proposed convention and SAE J670 are clearly delineated. This work is intended as a reference to be used in the vehicle dynamics community by any researcher wishing to work with a model more intuitively pleasing and widely applicable than the accepted standard. This work does not present a particular new research result. Rather, it provides context on the often confusing choice of vehicle dynamic conventions and suggests a preferable selection.
Interdiffusion in many dimensions: mathematical models, numerical simulations and experiment
Authors: Sapa Lucjan , Bożek Bogusław , Tkacz–Śmiech Katarzyna , Zajusz Marek , Danielewski Marek
Published: July 2020

Over the last two decades, there have been tremendous advances in the computation of diffusion and today many key properties of materials can be accurately predicted by modelling and simulations. In this paper, we present, for the first time, comprehensive studies of interdiffusion in three dimensions, a model, simulations and experiment. The model follows from the local mass conservation with Vegard’s rule and is combined with Darken’s bi-velocity method. The approach is expressed using the nonlinear parabolic–elliptic system of strongly coupled differential equations with initial and nonlinear coupled boundary conditions. Implicit finite difference methods, preserving Vegard’s rule, are generated by some linearization and splitting ideas, in one- and two-dimensional cases. The theorems on the existence and uniqueness of solutions of the implicit difference schemes and the consistency of the difference methods are studied. The numerical results are compared with experimental data for a ternary Fe-Co-Ni system. A good agreement of both sets is revealed, which confirms the strength of the method.
Determinants of Discrepancy in the Left Ventricular Systolic Function Evaluation Between Preoperative and Intraoperative Evaluations
Authors: Spencer Chad , Khatri Nasir , Smeltz Alan M.
Published: July 2020

Unexpectedly decreased left ventricular global systolic function can be difficult to manage, even for patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery, and should prompt a multidisciplinary discussion. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the evidence describing key perioperative variables expected to influence left ventricular systolic function to facilitate this discussion.
Efficacy and Safety of Botulinum Toxin Type A in Preventing Postoperative Scars and Improving the Cosmetic Appearance of Scars: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Xinyi , Li Xiaojing
Published: July 2020

Background

Scars with poor cosmesis that develop after wound healing may affect normal life.

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) in preventing postoperative hypertrophic scars or keloids.

Methods

A systematic review was performed by searching the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases from their inception date up to February 2020 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of BTXA in preventing hypertrophic scars or keloids. The primary outcome measures included the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, scar width, patient satisfaction, and adverse events.

Results

Twelve RCTs involving 497 cases (372 patients) were included. The meta-analysis showed significant differences in the VAS score (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.55, P < .00001), VSS score (WMD = −1.02, 95% CI = −1.72 to −0.32, P = .004), scar width (WMD = −0.18, 95% CI = −0.29 to −0.08, P = .0008), and patient satisfaction (relative risk = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.06-1.49, P = .01). Four studies reported trivial adverse events.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis showed that BTXA was more effective than the control treatment in preventing postoperative scars and improving the cosmetic appearance of facial scars for East Asians, and no serious adverse events were found during the follow-up period. However, there was insufficient evidence to support the use of BTXA for the prevention of scars in patients from other ethnic groups and regions or scars in non-facial areas.
Meeting the socio-emotional dimension of gifted students based on Vygotsky
Authors: Ribeiro Piske Fernanda Hellen , Stoltz Tania
Published: July 2020

This research seeks to investigate the senses and meanings that gifted students and their families and teachers have in relation to social and emotional aspects of their development in the school context. This research takes a qualitative and exploratory approach. Participants in this research are five gifted students, five families (one representative from each family) and four teachers, three from the regular classroom and one from the resource room.Data collection took place through semi-structured interviews and observations made with gifted students, their families and their teachers. It is concluded that there is a need for personal and material investment in the education of students with high potential as well as support for their families, but this support does not always occur on a regular basis and when it does occur, teaching staff are not sufficiently well prepared to deal with this demand.
Religion on the rise again? A longitudinal analysis of religious dimensions in election manifestos of Western European parties
Authors: Schwörer Jakob , Fernández-García Belén
Published: July 2020

Several scholars suggest that religion is on the rise in party competition due to the upswing of radical right parties presenting themselves as defender of Christianity against a Muslim threat. The lack of comparative and longitudinal studies calls for a systematic investigation of parties’ religious references in order to know whether religion indeed is on the rise in party politics. Conducting a partially computer-based quantitative content analysis of 71 election manifestos in five countries since the 1980s, we provide empirical evidence that religion is recently gaining salience in party competition. The study reveals that we are experiencing the evolution of a new religious cleavage originating from the exclusion of Islam and resulting in an emphasis on Christian roots and values and in a strategic use of secular arguments by the radical right. The findings further suggest that mainstream parties responded to these religious discourses by incorporating religious elements in their own election manifestos.
Pedagogy of Difference 2.0: Interactive documentary practices and participatory research with young people
Authors: Mikelli Danai
Published: July 2020

The Glowing Divide (2015) is an interactive documentary exploring the topic of social isolation in young people. Created by a group of young adults at Knowle West Media Centre in Bristol, the project follows three teenagers with the aim to change perceptions of social isolation. This interactive documentary was used as a resource in a Critical Media Literacy intervention which deployed the methodology of Participatory Action Research and took place in Coventry in partnership with the creative production company Imagineer. Based on the outcomes of this research, I argue towards a Pedagogy of Difference 2.0, which is a new and more nuanced approach to teaching and learning with interactive media in complex environments. This innovative pedagogy embraces the limitations of interactivity on young people’s media production and does not take young people’s familiarity with technology for granted. In this regard, Pedagogy of Difference 2.0 acknowledges the contextual nature of teaching and learning, moving beyond the often abstract discourse of Critical Pedagogy.
Physical activity and posttraumatic growth in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis: A prospective study
Authors: Chen Jieling , Liu Lingling , Chen Jing , Jiang Weijie , Wu Bibo , Zhu Jingfen , Lou Vivian WQ , He Yaping
Published: July 2020

This study used a prospective design to examine the association between self-reported physical activity and posttraumatic growth (PTG) over a 1-year period among 150 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. Transport-related, household, and leisure-time physical activity were positively associated with PTG at baseline and follow-up. Total physical activity could predict higher levels of PTG at follow-up, after controlling for baseline PTG and other covariates. The findings indicate that daily physical activity could be a modifiable behavioral factor associated with PTG among patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis. Further study is needed using a randomized controlled design and objective measures of physical activity.
Mechanical properties of cracked concrete under uniaxial tensile load
Authors: Hu Yuquan , Hu Shaowei
Published: July 2020

Cracks have a serious impact on the safety of concrete structures, and the tensile behavior of concrete is the key to control generation and propagation of crack. To improve the safety of concrete structures, it is crucial to understand the mechanical properties of cracked concrete under uniaxial tensile load. In this article, dynamic tensile test and tensile test after different fatigue damage were conducted to investigate the mechanical properties of cracked concrete. First, the damage evolution law of cracked concrete under dynamic tensile load was investigated by means of [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]: crack mouth opening displacement) control mode whereupon the relationship of stress– dCMOD considering rates effect was obtained. Then, the change law of cracked concrete under uniaxial tensile load after fatigue damage was studied by analyzing four mechanical parameters including tensile strength, elastic modulus, critical displacement, and fracture toughness. The empirical formulas of the four parameters with numbers of fatigue cycles are given. Furthermore, acoustic emission technology was applied additionally.
A review of experimental results on structural performance of reinforced recycled aggregate concrete beams and columns
Authors: Deresa Simret T , Xu Jinjun , Demartino Cristoforo , Heo YeongAe , Li Zhi , Xiao Yan
Published: July 2020

This article presents a comprehensive and critical review of the structural performances of reinforced recycled aggregate concrete beams and columns based on experimental results reported in the literature. Extensive data sets collected from the literature are categorized to investigate the effects on the local and global structural behavior. First, the flexural and shear response of reinforced recycled aggregate concrete beams is discussed. The structural performances are reviewed focusing on the main geometric and material variables such as the recycled concrete aggregate replacement ratio, the longitudinal reinforcement ratio, the transverse reinforcement ratio, and the shear span-to-depth ratio. Then, the behavior of reinforced recycled aggregate concrete columns under concentric and eccentric compressive loads and the seismic performance under low cyclic loading are discussed. The similarities and the differences between reinforced recycled aggregate concrete and reinforced natural aggregate concrete beams and columns are highlighted. The need for further research is pointed out at the end of the article. The results reported in this review clearly indicate that reinforced recycled aggregate concrete beams and columns with various recycled concrete aggregate replacement ratios have comparable or slightly lower structural performances to the reinforced natural aggregate concrete ones indicating the feasibility of recycled concrete aggregate for structural applications.
Experimental and numerical study on largely perforated steel shear plates with rectangular tube–shaped links
Authors: Monsef Ahmadi H , Sheidaii MR , Boudaghi H , De Matteis G
Published: July 2020

Steel plate shear wall is one of the most effective dissipation systems which are commonly used in buildings. In order to improve the hysteretic behavior of shear panels, large perforation patterns may be applied, transforming the shear plate into a sort of grid systems, where plastic deformations are concentrated on specific internal link elements. This study investigates the behavior of grid systems loaded in shear where the internal links are created by cutting out internal parts, leaving rectangular tube–shaped link elements. The influence of internal link geometry on the cyclic performance of the systems is investigated experimentally. To this purpose, two specimens that varied in the width of links were fabricated and tested. The results indicate that any increase in the width of links leads to the growth of the ultimate strength, stiffness, and energy absorption capacity. Likewise, the stress distribution and fracture tendency of the tested specimens have been simulated by the finite element software (ABAQUS) and validated according to the experimental results. Based on finite element results, a suitable analytical formulation for the prediction of the shear strength at several shear deformation demands, considering the effect of thickness of the link, has been provided. Moreover, to improve the fracture tendency of the specimens, butterfly-shaped links, which varied in the middle length, were applied. The obtained results, which have been interpreted by considering the equivalent plastic strain value, prove that the shear panel behavior improves significantly when butterfly-shaped links are considered.
Platform enclosure of human behavior and its measurement: Using behavioral trace data against platform episteme
Authors: Wu Angela Xiao , Taneja Harsh
Published: July 2020

Digital trace data from giant platforms are gaining ground in the study of human behavior. This trend accompanies contestations regarding representativeness, privacy, access, and commercial origin. Complementing existing discussions and focusing on knowledge production, we draw attention to the different measurement regimes within passively captured behavioral logs from industries. Taking an institutional perspective on measurement as a management technology, we compare platforms with third-party audience measurement firms. Whereas the latter measure to provide “currency” for a multi-sided advertising market, the former measure internally for their own administrative purposes (i.e. prescribing behavior through design). We demonstrate the platform giants’ two-fold enclosure of first the user ecology and subsequently the previously open market for user attention. With platform trace data serving as a lifeline for scholarly research, platform episteme extends itself to enclose knowledge production. We conclude by suggesting ways in which academic quantitative social sciences may resist these platform enclosures.
Carers Create: Carer perspectives of a creative programme for people with dementia and their carers on the relationship within the (carer and cared-for) dyad
Authors: Skingley Ann , Billam Diane , Clarke David , Hodges Rona , Jobson Isabella , Jobson Roger , Moore Jacky , Vella-Burrows Trish , Vickers Pamela , Walker Jo , West Helen
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Relationships between people with dementia and their carers can prove challenging over the trajectory of the disease. Interventions with a potential to address this include arts and music-based activities. This research project aimed to evaluate a community engagement programme (Carers Create) where both people with dementia and their carers participate together in singing and other activities. A specific focus was on the impact of the sessions on the dyadic relationship.

Methods

A grounded theory approach involved conducting three focus group interviews with carers of people with dementia ( n = 16) facilitated by members of a local U3A (University of the Third Age) who were trained and supported by university researchers. Recorded conversations were transcribed and analysed using a three-stage coding and thematic development technique.

Results

Four overarching themes were identified from the discourse: remembering the positive qualities of the cared-for, the physical and emotional demands of caring, Carers Create as a shared, beneficial activity and the enduring value of Carers Create.

Conclusion

Carers found the sessions to positively influence the relationship with the person they cared for through offering some relief from the day-to-day pressures of caring and, in some cases, restoring elements of a previously strong relationship. Crucial to the experience was the fact that the sessions included both carer and cared-for, offering activities to do together, and that they took place within a group, thereby offering a degree of mutual support. In addition, some carers were able to build on learning which had taken place and use certain techniques, such as singing, to help manage care, thus extending the improved relationship.
Eccentric pie charts and an unusual pie cutting
Authors: Bozóki Sándor
Published: July 2020

The eccentric pie chart, a generalization of the traditional pie chart is introduced. An arbitrary point is fixed within the circle, and rays are drawn from it. A sector is bounded by a pair of neighboring rays and the arc between them. Eccentric pie charts have the potential of visualizing multiple sets of data, especially for small numbers of items/features. The calculations of the area-proportional diagram are based on well-known equations in coordinate geometry. The resulting system of polynomial and trigonometric equations can be approximated by a fully polynomial system, once the non-polynomial functions are approximated by their Taylor series written up to the first few terms. The roots of the polynomial system have been found by the homotopy continuation method, then used as starting points of a Newton iteration for the original (non-polynomial) system. The method is illustrated on a special pie-cutting problem.
Laser ultrasonic visualization technique using a fiber-optic Bragg grating ultrasonic sensor with an improved adhesion configuration
Authors: Yu Fengming , Saito Osamu , Okabe Yoji
Published: July 2020

In this research, we attempt to establish a reliable structural health monitoring technique for composite materials by combining phase-shifted fiber-optic Bragg grating sensing with the laser ultrasonic visualization technology. In the first part of this article, a novel cross-adhesion configuration is designed to resolve the directionality problem of the phase-shifted fiber-optic Bragg grating ultrasonic sensing. In the adhesion configuration, Lamb waves are guided by an orthogonally bonded optical fiber from the adhesion point to the phase-shifted fiber-optic Bragg grating sensor. The analysis of the ultrasonic measurement results reveals that the proposed adhesion method enables us to use one sensor to receive Lamb waves in all in-plane directions with similar magnitude because two wave components propagating along with the two orthogonal directions are guided to the phase-shifted fiber-optic Bragg grating sensor and exhibit a linear superposition in the sensor. This simplified configuration gives our method an advantage over the existing approaches, such as the rosette configuration in which three or more phase-shifted fiber-optic Bragg grating sensors are required to relieve the sensing directionality. The phase-shifted fiber-optic Bragg grating ultrasonic sensor with the proposed adhesion configuration is then applied to visualize the propagation of ultrasonic waves in aluminum plates and carbon fiber–reinforced plastic laminates. Those verification experiments also show us that the new adhesion configuration is effective at protecting the phase-shifted fiber-optic Bragg grating ultrasonic measurement from the sensing directionality. Meanwhile, the broad bandwidth of the phase-shifted fiber-optic Bragg grating sensor enables us to visualize the propagation behavior of various Lamb wave modes over a broad frequency range. Finally, we also validate that the ultrasonic visualization technique merged with the phase-shifted fiber-optic Bragg grating ultrasonic sensing can be used to identify the hidden damage in the carbon fiber–reinforced plastic composite.
Instant bridge visual inspection using an unmanned aerial vehicle by image capturing and geo-tagging system and deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Saleem Muhammad Rakeh , Park Jong-Woong , Lee Jin-Hwan , Jung Hyung-Jo , Sarwar Muhammad Zohaib
Published: July 2020

The structural condition of bridges is generally assessed using manual visual inspection. However, this approach consumes labor, time, and capital, and produces subjective results. Therefore, industries today are using automated visual inspection approaches, which quantify and localize damages such as cracks using robots and computer vision. This paper proposes an instant damage identification and localization approach that uses an image capturing and geo-tagging system and deep convolutional neural network for crack detection. The image capturing and geo-tagging allows the geo-tagging of three-dimensional coordinates and camera pose data with bridge inspection images; the deep convolutional neural network is trained for automated crack identification. The damages extracted by the convolutional neural network are instantly transformed into a global bridge damage map, with georeferencing data acquired using the image capturing and geo-tagging. This method is experimentally validated through a lab-scale test on a wall and a field test on a bridge to demonstrate the performance of the instant damage map.
Depoliticising Gender Equality in Turbulent Times: The Case of the European Gender Action Plan for External Relations
Authors: Beier Friederike , Çağlar Gülay
Published: July 2020

Since more than a decade, the EU is confronted with a number of crises that significantly changed the environment under which the EU operates in the field of gender equality. Evidence shows, that in many European countries, the different crises have led to a deprioritisation of gender equality policies. However, the way in which the new Gender Action Plan for External Relations 2015–2020 of the European Union addresses and operationalises gender equality suggests in contrast a policy shift towards an intensified commitment and more comprehensive understanding of gender. Against this background, this article analyses, first, how the content and the conceptual orientation of gender equality policies in European Union’s external relations have changed in the light of post-crisis recommendations. Second, the article scrutinises the ways in which the European Union tries to tackle the credibility crisis through increasingly intensified and operationalised policy procedures. The argument put forth is that the gender-related indicators in the Gender Action Plan translate complex societal processes into a technical data-based framework and thereby depoliticise gender equality by simulating a technocratic, evidence-based and quantified form of politics.
Design and development of glass/basalt fiber reinforced composite material for automobile applications
Authors: Paramasivam Chandrasekaran , Venugopal Rameshbabu
Published: July 2020

The main focus of automotive industry is on developing and applying new materials and technologies for enhancing the comfort and security levels in the vehicles. To fulfill this requirement high strength and high modulus fiber reinforced composite structures play an important role in the automotive industry. The novelty in this research work is that the composite panel made by 2 D woven fabrics by using Glass and Basalt fabric material composite structure by suitable incorporation of panel design which enhanced the mechanical properties. The blend proportion of Glass and Basalt fabric reinforcement was 100% Glass, 100% Basalt and 50:50 Glass/Basalt fabrics. Hand lay-up process was adopted to fabricate the composite panels. Different sets of panel were produce by varying the curing time, pressure. The resultant panels were analyzed for the mechanical properties such as Tensile strength, Flexural strength and Impact strength tests. From the analysis of results the panel made by using 100% Basalt fabric with 20 bar pressure and 15 minutes curing time showed a better tensile strength of 95 MPa, flexural strength of 29.91 MPa and impact strength of 12.50 MPa. Similarly, the results of 50:50 Glass/Basalt fibre with 30 bar pressure and 15 minutes curing time showed a better tensile strength of 94.83 MPa, flexural strength of 29.51 MPa and impact strength of 12.30 MPa. The outcome of the findings is that the mechanical properties of panel are directly proportional to pressure and time and blend type.