bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vertical Temperature Structure Associated with Evaporation of Stratiform Precipitation in Idealized WRF Simulations
Authors: Virman M. , Bister M. , Sinclair V. A. , Räisänen J. , Järvinen H.
Published: March 2020

A recent study based on observations has shown that after precipitation over tropical oceans rather shallow temperature structures occur in the lower troposphere and that their magnitude depends on climatological low- to midtropospheric humidity. As any process that produces temperature perturbations in the lower troposphere can be of great significance for the formation of atmospheric deep convection, the vertical temperature structure associated with evaporation of stratiform precipitation and its sensitivity to low- to midtropospheric humidity are studied by conducting three-dimensional, high-resolution, idealized simulations with the Advanced Research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. In the simulations, rainwater with mixing ratio and number concentration characteristic of stratiform precipitation associated with mesoscale convective systems is added in a large round area at roughly 560 hPa. Evaporative cooling and subsidence warming below result in a cold anomaly at roughly 560–750 hPa and, especially, a warm anomaly at roughly 750–900 hPa. The cold-over-warm anomalies are stronger with smaller low- to midtropospheric relative humidity in the initial conditions, with the maximum magnitude of the warm anomaly ranging between 0.7 and 1.2 K. The temperature anomalies propagate to the environment and still remain present after precipitation stops. The results show that evaporation of stratiform precipitation alone can lead to temperature structures, which are on the same order of magnitude as the observed ones, that potentially inhibit subsequent convection by increasing convective inhibition. Therefore, the representation of microphysical processes affecting the location, amount, and vertical and horizontal distribution of stratiform precipitation and its evaporation in numerical models requires special attention.
Modeling of Water Fluxes and Budget in Nam Co Basin during 1979–2013
Authors: Tong Kai , Su Fengge , Li Chunhong
Published: March 2020

In this study, we established a hydrologic modeling framework over the Nam Co Lake basin by linking a glacier-melt scheme with a physically based, distributed land surface hydrologic model, and a heat-balance model was used for water surface evaporation. Hydrologic processes including evapotranspiration from land regions, runoff from both glacierized and nonglacierized areas, and lake surface evaporation were continuously modeled for 1979–2013, and then lake level changes were reconstructed. Rainfall runoff, snowmelt runoff, and glacier runoff contributed 59%, 28%, and 13% of total runoff, respectively. For the high-altitude region, runoff was mostly generated from glaciers. The lake had a positive water budget in most of the years with an average lake level depth of 128.8 mm, resulting in a total rise of approximately 4.5 m. Precipitation and precipitation-induced runoff were the main water supplies and played a dominant role in lake growth. Although the glacier runoff only contributed 13% of the total runoff, it played an important role in controlling the water level. The rising temperature led to increasing evaporation in two ways: one was providing an energy source for evaporation, and the second was extending the ice-free period. This mitigated the recent expansion of the lake, but on the other hand, it led to increasing glacier runoff into the lake. Hence, the rising temperature had two diametrically opposed effects on lake water balance.
On the Analysis of the Performance of WRF and NICAM in a Hyperarid Environment
Authors: Fonseca Ricardo , Temimi Marouane , Thota Mohan Satyanarayana , Nelli Narendra Reddy , Weston Michael John , Suzuki Kentaroh , Uchida Junya , Kumar Kondapalli Niranjan , Branch Oliver , Wehbe Youssef , Al Hosari Taha , Al Shamsi Noor , Shalaby Abdeltawab
Published: March 2020

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model and the Nonhydrostatic Icosahedral Atmospheric Model (NICAM) are forced with the Global Forecast System (GFS) data and run over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for two 4-day periods: one in the cold season (16–18 December 2017) and another in the warm season (13–15 April 2018). The models’ performance is evaluated against four observational datasets: weather station observations, eddy-covariance flux measurements at Al Ain, microwave radiometer–derived temperature profile, and twice-daily radiosonde measurements at Abu Dhabi. An overestimation of the daily mean air temperature by 1°–3°C is noticed for both models and periods. This warm bias is attributed to the reduced cloud cover and resulting increased surface downward shortwave radiation flux. A comparison with the eddy-covariance data suggested that both models also underestimate the observed albedo. However, when the models predict heavier amounts of precipitation, they tend to be colder than observations, typically by 2°–3°C. NICAM and WRF overpredict the strength of the near-surface wind speed at all weather stations by roughly 1–3 m s−1, which has been attributed to a poor representation of its subgrid-scale fluctuations and surface drag parameterization. WRF tends to be wetter and NICAM drier than the station observations, possibly because of differences in the cloud microphysics schemes. While the performance of both models for the near-surface fields is comparable, NICAM outperforms WRF in the simulation of vertical profiles of temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed, being able to partially correct some of the biases in the GFS data.
Laryngeal Granulomatous Polyp after Short-term Intubation of a Child
Authors: Drosnes Dean L. , Zwillenberg David A.
Published: March 2020

It is well known that prolonged endotracheal intubation may result in formation of laryngeal granulomata. It is rare to find such lesions following short-term intubation. Furthermore, the virtual absence of such granulomata in children has been attributed to certain characteristics of the pediatric larynx. We report a 7-year-old child who developed a laryngeal granulomatous polyp following endotracheal intubation for less than 12 hours. A discussion of the incidence, pathogenesis, and treatment of this and other postintubation laryngeal lesions follows.
Daily Fluctuations of Middle Ear Pressure in Atelectatic Ears
Authors: Luntz Michal , Sadé Jacob
Published: March 2020

The position of the drum of 84 atelectatic ears, of patients 5 to 79 years old, was examined with the help of the operating microscope at different times of the day. All ears were found to be atelectatic during the daytime, yet on the patients’ awakening in the morning, 37.73% of the drums of the adolescents’ and adults’ ears were found to be inflated, usually even hyperinflated. None of the children showed an inflated eardrum in the morning. All eardrums that were inflated in the morning returned to their original atelectatic position within an average of 54.56 minutes after awakening. This observation illustrates another fluctuating aspect of the atelectatic condition.
Quantitation of Tubotympanal Mucociliary Clearance in Otitis Media with Effusion
Authors: Takeuchi Kazuhiko , Majima Yuichi , Hattori Masahiko , Hirata Keisuke , Sakakura Yasuo
Published: March 2020

In an attempt to analyze the tubotympanal mucociliary function in otitis media with effusion (OME), human serum albumin labeled with technetium 99m was instilled into 36 ears with effusion and 16 without. The clearance function of the tubotympanum was measured quantitatively. The viscoelasticity of the effusions was measured and was compared with the clearance rate. The clearance rate was significantly lower in ears with effusion than in those without. A significant negative correlation was observed between clearance rate and dynamic viscosity at dynamic viscosities above 2 poise. It is concluded that ears with effusion have significantly lower mucociliary clearance than those without, and that the viscosity of the effusions plays an important role in the mucociliary dysfunction in OME.
Morphology of Synapses at the Base of Hair Cells in the Organ of Corti of the Chimpanzee
Authors: Nadol Joseph B. , Burgess Barbara J.
Published: March 2020

The synaptic morphology of inner and outer hair cells of the organ of Corti of the chimpanzee was evaluated by serial section electron microscopy. The morphology of nerve terminals and synapses at both sites was very similar to that of human and other mammalian species. Two types of nerve terminals, nonvesiculated and vesiculated, with distinct synaptic morphology were found. In addition, between some nonvesiculated endings and outer hair cells, a reciprocal synaptic relationship was seen. In such terminals there was morphologic evidence for transmission from hair cell to neuron and from neuron to hair cell between a single neuron and an outer hair cell.
Mobilizing From Scratch: Large-Scale Collective Action Without Preexisting Organization in the Syrian Uprising
Authors: Pearlman Wendy
Published: March 2020

Core social movement research argues that large-scale challenges to authority build upon preexisting organization and civil society resources. How do dissenters mobilize masses in repressive settings where, given curtailment of civil society, autonomous associations scarcely exist and norms discourage trust more than encourage it? Testimonials from the Syrian uprising illustrate how protest can become widespread under such conditions, yet occurs through processes different from what dominant theory expects. Activists get demonstrations off the ground by planning around awareness of their organizational deficits. Once in motion, contention propels both organization and increasing organizational sophistication. To be effective, mobilization sometimes evades or obscures established social relationships, even as it produces new forms of sociability. Bridging literatures on mass and clandestine mobilization, this research reconsiders the assumed sequential logic of movement development from organization to protest, rather than vice versa. It also shifts attention from movement antecedents toward the resourcefulness and strategy that enable mobilizing both from scratch and at grave risk.
Analysis of Human–Exoskeleton System Interaction for Ergonomic Design
Authors: Wang Yilin , Qiu Jing , Cheng Hong , Zheng Xiaojuan
Published: March 2020

Objective

Lower-limb exoskeleton systems are defined as gait training or walking-assisting devices for spinal cord injury or hemiplegic patients. Crutches, straps, and baffles are designed to protect subjects from falling. However, skin abrasions occur when the interaction forces are too large. In this study, the interaction forces between the human body and an exoskeleton system named the AIDER were measured to confirm whether the design was ergonomic.

Background

The AIDER system is a wearable lower-limb exoskeleton. It secures a subject by binding on the waist, thighs, shanks, and feet.

Method

Eight healthy subjects participated in the study. The interaction forces of the waist strap, thigh baffles, shank baffles, and crutch handles were measured by pressure sensors. Ten repetitions were completed in this study. After one repetition, custom comfort questionnaires were completed by the subjects.

Results

Although a few of the peak values of the maximum intensities of pressure between the hands and crutch handles reached the minimum value of the pain–pressure threshold (PPT), the average pressure intensities were much smaller than the PPT value.

Conclusions

The results indicated that the mechanical structure and control strategy of the AIDER must be improved to be more ergonomic in the future.
Ethnocentrism, universalism, and refugees’ social rights: The Israeli perspective
Authors: Tsfati Maya , Ben-Ari Adital , Lavi Iris
Published: March 2020

This article is a pilot study in which we analyzed interviews with 16 inhabitants of the Tel Aviv area. We show that Israeli adults’ views of refugees are shaped by the political discourse of threat and otherness. Yet the findings also suggest that individuals may resist the prevailing discourse and advocate for refugees’ inclusion within Israeli society through the welfare regime. Thus, a gap is revealed between two perspectives that reflect current conflicting perceptions of social inclusion, the immigration regime, social rights in regard to African refugees and the character of current-day Israeli society.
African American Young Adult Women’s Stories About Love: What I Want in a Long-Term Partner
Authors: Brooks Jada E. , Moore Darren D.
Published: March 2020

African American marriage rates have declined over the years. This qualitative study examines the ways in which African American young adult women describe their desires in potential long-term (possibly marriage) partners. The following research questions guided the study: (a) What are young adult African American women’s perceptions as it relates to long-term relationships and marriage? and (b) What qualities do African American young adult women desire in a long-term partner? A total of 35 African American young adults participated in the study. Findings for the study indicated that childhood observations of family members’ relationships, personality traits, and values had great influence in the type of partner desired. The study offers several recommendations for future research and strategies for marriage and family practices in the African American community.
Marijuana Use and Achievement Motives: An Exploratory Analysis of Self-Reported Health Among Adult Cannabis Consumers
Authors: Gould James , Greene David , Donnelly Richard
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to explore self-reported physical health and achievement motives in a sample of adult cannabis consumers. An online target sample ( n = 181) of adult cannabis consumers ( M = 38 yoa) was obtained from a cannabis tourism company in Colorado. Physical health and the primary benefit of cannabis use were self-reported and achievement motives were measured using the revised 10-item version of the Achievement Motives Scale (AMS). Results revealed five categories of benefit from cannabis consumption: stress/anxiety reduction (40%), pain/disease management (38.5%), thinking/introspection (11%), alternative drug (7.1%), and enhanced sociability (3%). t test results revealed no significant differences between the stress/anxiety and pain/disease groups in self-reported health (SRH), AMS dimensions, or cannabis consumption preferences. Regression results revealed that AMS factor fear of failure ( b = −0.224, p = .003), followed by cannabis spending per week ( b = −0.217, p = .024) best predicted SRH.
Use of Learning Centers, Achievement, and Attitudes of Students in Grade Nine Language Arts
Authors: Wevers Brenda Lynne , McLaughlin T. F.
Published: March 2020

The effects of two types of teaching procedures in two Grade 9 language arts classes on 38 students’ achievement and motivation were evaluated. A pre- and posttest control group design was employed. The students in the treatment group were taught five months of the regular curriculum using learning centers while the control group were given a teacher-directed program without learning centers. Pre- and posttest scores were taken from an examination requiring reading and writing and a teacher-developed questionnaire. Analysis indicated the students taught with the learning centers scored significantly better on the achievement and attitude posttest than the control group.
Prediction of Cancer and Coronary Heart Disease as a Function of Method of Questionnaire Administration1
Authors: Grossarth-Maticek R. , Eysenck H. J. , Barrett P.
Published: March 2020

We have tested the hypothesis in this study that different methods of administering a questionnaire produce differential approximations to truthful admission of undesirable personality traits and behaviours. Four different methods of administration produced different levels of trust and understanding, using the current prediction among healthy subjects of death by cancer or coronary heart disease 13 years later as the criterion. There were significant differences in the accuracy of the predictions, depending crucially on the method of administration of the questionnaires. Best predictions were achieved for subjects when both trust and understanding had been increased by interviewers’ suitable participation; worst results were achieved for subjects when no special effort was made to increase either. Intermediate results were found for procedures which increased either trust or understanding. It is argued that the success or failure of studies investigating the influence of personality and stress on diseases like cancer and coronary heart disease may depend crucially on the adopted method of interrogation.
Knowledge of Gender Stereotypes and Attitudes towards Women: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Innes J. M. , Dormer S. , Lukins J.
Published: March 2020

37 men and 77 women completed the British version of Spence and Helmreich's 1972 Attitudes Towards Women Scale and also generated what they believed were cultural stereotypes of women. The number of stereotypes produced by individuals was positively correlated with scale scores (.43 and .15) for men and women. The most frequently generated stereotypes were also those produced earlier in the respondents’ protocols, indicating that the most generally available stereotypes in the culture are most accessible to respondents.
Becoming a Good BookTuber
Authors: Suárez Mᵃ del Mar , González Argüello M. Vicenta
Published: March 2020

Audiovisual platforms like YouTube facilitate the introduction of informal learning practices for their pedagogical exploitation both in class and online. One such practice is the creation of a BookTuber community for recommending books, thus making it possible for students to engage in an out-of-class community where common interests can be shared. In this innovations in practice article, we present a project carried out with two English for Specific Purposes (ESP) groups of Media Studies of the University of Barcelona. The aim of this project was to determine features that make a BookTuber a good communicator so students could apply these features to their own BookTube video practice. Students could then use these features as a guideline for peer-review comments published on YouTube and the creation of an online BookTuber community. Students were first introduced to the concept of intertextuality in order to understand how it fosters connections among audiovisual consumers. The BookTuber community was then presented and the students viewed and analysed several BookTube videos with the objective of creating an evaluation rubric identifying the key aspects of a good BookTuber. The students then created their own BookTube video and uploaded it onto YouTube. They were also required to watch at least two videos created by their peers, post comments that considered key aspects included in the evaluation rubric and express their personal reactions to and opinions of the videos. In addition, an extended version of the peer-review was also required to achieve subject credits. This twofold feedback allowed for the practice of two discourse styles for the same content: informal (for YouTube) and formal (for the teacher). As a result, students had firsthand experience of becoming a BookTuber while developing their critical thinking skills for peer evaluation and academic and professional purposes of career development.
The relationship between individual differences in religion, religious primes, and the moral foundations
Authors: Yi Daniel , Tsang Jo-Ann
Published: March 2020

We present evidence for a complex relationship between religiousness and Haidt’s moral foundations, with data from four experiments, measuring 21 different dimensions of personal religiousness and utilizing six different religious primes. The more conservative dimensions of religiousness, such as intrinsic religious orientation and religious attendance, were positively related to binding moral foundations of loyalty, authority, and purity and sometimes related to the individualizing foundation of care. However, other, less conservative dimensions of religiousness, such as quest and extrinsic religious orientations, were unrelated or negatively related to binding foundations. Benevolent God concept was the only religious measure that was positively related to all five moral foundations. We did not find reliable effects of religious primes on endorsement of moral foundations. Results suggest a consistent but complicated relationship between religiousness and moral foundations at a dispositional level.
The Outcomes of Cochlear Implantation in Elderly Patients: A Single United Kingdom Center Experience
Authors: Amin Nikul , Wong Gentle , Nunn Terry , Jiang Dan , Pai Irumee
Published: March 2020

Objectives:

The average life expectancy in the United Kingdom is currently nearly 80 years for a newborn baby with nearly 15% of the population, by 2040, being >75 years old. Hearing impairment is a common disability in the elderly individual, and there have been significant drives to support this population to lead longer and healthier working lives. We aimed to assess the long-term audiological and health-related quality-of-life benefits of cochlear implants (CI) in elderly individuals.

Methods:

A retrospective and cross-sectional study of patients who received a CI at ≥70 years. Data extracted included speech perception scores, adverse events, telephone use, and patient-reported outcome measures using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaire with a minimum of 12 months follow-up.

Results:

Sixty-four patients aged ≥70 years received a unilateral CI. A significant improvement in speech perception scores in all conditions was noted with no significant difference between differing age groups. Glasgow Benefit Inventory scores showed a significant positive impact on patients’ lives and their health status, with no significant difference between the differing age groups.

Conclusions:

Cochlear implantation is a safe and well-tolerated procedure in the elderly patients with significant improvements observed in audiological performance, health status, and social interactions.
Development and Validation of a Novel Surgical Simulation for Parotidectomy and Facial Nerve Dissection
Authors: Gabrysz‐Forget Fanny , Rubin Samuel , Nepomnayshy Dmitry , Dolan Robert , Yarlagadda Bharat
Published: March 2020

We present the development and validation of a low‐cost novel model for training of parotid surgery. The model consists of a 3‐dimensionally printed skeleton, silicone‐based soft tissue, and facial nerve replicated with copper wire, circuited to indicate contact with instruments. The face validity of the simulator was evaluated with a 21‐item 5‐point Likert survey. Content validity was evaluated through a survey completed by the trainees after their first live parotidectomy following the simulation. Twelve residents and 6 faculty completed the simulated procedure of superficial parotidectomy after watching a video demonstration. Completion of 16 surgical steps evaluated by this model was graded for each participant. The mean ± SD total assessment score for faculty was 15.83 ± 0.41, as compared with 13.33 ± 2.06 for residents (P =. 0081). The simulator as a training tool was well received by both faculty and residents (5 vs 4, P =. 0206). Participants strongly agreed that junior residents would benefits from use of the model.
Effect of HPV Status on Survival of Oropharynx Cancer with Distant Metastasis
Authors: Kaplon Adam W. , Galloway Thomas J. , Bhayani Mihir K. , Liu Jeffrey C.
Published: March 2020

Human papillomavirus (HPV)–positive oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is known to have improved survival over HPV‐negative disease. However, it is largely unknown whether HPV status similarly affects survival in patients presenting with distant metastatic disease. We queried the National Cancer Database for OPSCC with distant metastasis. Kaplan‐Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression models controlling for relevant demographics were used to evaluate overall survival. In total, 768 OPSCC cases were available for analysis with HPV and survival data: 50% of cases were HPV negative and 50% were HPV positive. The 1‐ and 2‐year survival for HPV‐negative disease was 49% and 27%, respectively, as compared with 67% and 42% in the HPV‐positive cohort. HPV positivity was associated with improved median survival in treated and untreated patients. Age, comorbidities, and HPV status were predictive of improved survival on multivariate analysis. HPV‐positive OPSCC has improved survival in the setting of distant metastatic presentation as compared with HPV‐negative disease and shows greater responsiveness to treatment.
Maxillary Frenulum in Newborns: Association with Breastfeeding
Authors: Razdan Reena , Callaham Sarah , Saggio Renee , Chafin Mary , Carr Michele M.
Published: March 2020

Objective

To relate maxillary and lingual frenulum configuration to breastfeeding success.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Newborn nursery in tertiary care academic hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Newborns were observed between 24 and 72 hours after birth. Mothers were asked a series of questions relating to their breastfeeding experience. The maxillary and lingual frenula were examined and scored. Corresponding LATCH scores were recorded.

Results

A total of 161 mothers with newborns participated. The mean gestational age of newborns was 38.81 weeks (95% CI, 38.65‐38.98); 82 (50.9%) male and 79 (49.1%) female newborns were included. In sum, 70.8% had the maxillary frenulum attached to the edge of the alveolar ridge; 28.6%, attached to the fixed gingiva; and 0.6%, attached to mobile gingiva. In addition, 3.7% had anterior ankyloglossia, and 96.3% had no obvious anterior ankyloglossia. There was no significant correlation between maxillary frenulum scores or lingual frenulum scores and LATCH scores (P >. 05). Of the mothers included in the study, 56.5% were first‐time mothers. Overall, 43.5% of the mothers had other biological children, with 70.0% of those mothers having previously breastfed. Experienced mothers who had breastfed for >3 months had significantly higher LATCH scores. Those who had previously breastfed had a mean LATCH score of 9.16 (95% CI, 8.80‐9.52), as compared with those who had not, with a mean of 8.14 (95% CI, 7.43‐8.85).

Conclusion

We did not find that maxillary frenulum configuration correlated with LATCH scores. Mothers experienced with breastfeeding had better LATCH scores. Attention toward breastfeeding education, particularly in new mothers, should precede maxillary frenotomy in neonates with breastfeeding difficulties.
If You Build It, Will Vets Come? An Identity Theory Approach to Expanding Veterans’ Treatment Court Participation
Authors: Ahlin Eileen M. , Douds Anne S.
Published: March 2020

Veterans’ treatment courts (VTCs) provide a veteran-centric diversion option to traditional court case processing. These courts have proliferated across the United States without much consideration about whether veterans want, or need, a specialty court. In this article, we investigate the underlying importance of a veteran identity in the decision to enroll in a VTC. Based on in-depth qualitative interviews with veterans, we identify four primary implications for practitioners. First, veterans are ashamed of their criminal justice involvement. Second, they are concerned about increased punitiveness by criminal justice actors, particularly law enforcement, because of their veteran status. Third, veterans perceive the VTC process to bestow upon them stigma and retaliation. Fourth, veterans resist VTC involvement for fear of dishonoring their branch of service. To expand enrollment, results demonstrate that practitioners should consider how veterans reconcile their veteran and offender identities when considering VTC enrollment.
Clinical Implementation of a Parent Questionnaire to Identify Seizures in High-Risk Children
Authors: Greenlaw Celia , Nuss Sarah , Camayd-Muñoz Cristina , Jonas Rinat , Rollins Julie Vanier , Cabral Howard , Douglass Laurie M.
Published: March 2020

Background:

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a parent-completed questionnaire for detecting seizures in high-risk children.

Methods:

A 2-part seizure screen for children up to 12 years of age with suspected autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, or seizure, was implemented in 12 Massachusetts clinics serving populations with high health disparities. Primary care providers and developmental behavioral pediatricians administered part 1, a brief highly sensitive screen. If the result was positive, a research assistant administered part 2, a more detailed screen with higher specificity. Positive part 2 results prompted a specialized assessment by a pediatric neurologist. Screening data were evaluated for detection of seizures or other diagnoses, reason for conducting the screen, and appointment outcomes. Data analysis included chi-squared tests, percentages for categorical variables, and means for numerical data.

Results:

Of 207 administered seizure questionnaires, 78% of children screened positive on part 1. Of those, 94% of families completed part 2 by telephone, and 64 individuals screened positive. The screen helped to detect 15 new seizure diagnoses and 35 other neurologic diagnoses. Average time to first scheduled appointment was 23.8 days. The no-show rate was 7%.

Conclusions:

The seizure questionnaire effectively identified seizures and other disorders in a diverse population of high-risk children. Broader use of this low-cost screening tool could improve access to care for children with suspected seizures, increase seizure recognition, and help allocate resources more effectively.
Professionals’ Identification Within and Across Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Fields
Authors: Simpson Amber , Collazo Jose Morales , Zilvinskis John , Maltese Adam
Published: March 2020

Professional identity, for many, is a substantial component of their career choices and development. In this study, we utilized data from an online survey completed by 1,867 participants living across the United States to consider the extent to which an individual working in science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics (STEM) field identifies with each discipline, and how this may be associated with recognition, competence, and sense of belonging. Results from structural equation modeling indicated that participants’ STEM field had a positive, direct impact on their discipline-specific identity but a negative, direct impact on other discipline identities. Furthermore, recognition and competence had significant direct and indirect effects on participants’ STEM identity, which was not consistent by STEM field. Alternatively, sense of belonging and self-identifying as a woman had limited effects in our model. Our findings raise questions as to the possibility (or not) of STEM as an interdisciplinary identity for professionals with a career in STEM.
Building just and sustainable cities through government housing developments
Authors: Culwick Christina , Patel Zarina
Published: March 2020

While government housing can raise living standards for the urban poor, it has environmental impacts and contributes to urban resource consumption. In Gauteng Province, South Africa, government housing aims to improve quality of life, reduce poverty and inequality, and transform unsustainable urban forms. This paper draws on survey and interview data to explore the social justice and environmental sustainability outcomes of Gauteng’s government housing programmes. The data reveal improved access to basic services and amenities. However, the developments tend to be poorly located with regard to economic opportunities, and residents are forced to explore other income generation opportunities. This paper highlights the complex interplay between justice and sustainability, where the outcomes are aligned in some instances and conflictual in others. It points to the need to move beyond linear, reductionist relationships between justice and sustainability to further the conceptual understanding of their interlinkages.
Production and mechanical characterization of LLDPE biocomposite filled with almond shell powder
Authors: Boujelben M , Abid M , Kharrat M , Dammak M
Published: March 2020

Substitution of synthetic polymers by polymers prepared from renewable resources as well as synthetic fibers by natural fibers is a current research topic. They target various sectors of application such as the automotive industry, transport, packaging, building, and so on, that can offer a solution of lightness, great performance, and a minimum impact on the environment. In the present study, biocomposites based on linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) reinforced with nonchemically treated and noncompatibilized almond shell powder (ASP) particles were prepared by an elaboration process based on mixing polymer powder with ASP particles having similar density in solid state. For consolidation, thermocompression technique has been used. The mass ratio of ASP in the LLDPE/ASP composites varied from 10 wt% to 40 wt%. Effects of ASP wt% on the mechanical and structural properties of biocomposites have been explored through tensile and shore D hardness tests as well as microscopic observations. Homogenous repartition of ASP particles in the polymer matrix was observed for less than 20 wt% ASP. For more than 20 wt% ASP, agglomeration of fillers particles has been observed. Also, it has been found that elastic modulus of the biocomposites increases with ASP particles wt%, while tensile strength and ductility decrease when the ASP wt% increases.
Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Chinese Children With Orofacial Cleft
Authors: Lin Jiu , Fang Xinyi , Ha Pin , Fu Min , Wang Hang
Published: March 2020

Objective:

To measure the validity and reliability of a Chinese version of Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP) and to assess oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) with regard to gender, age, and cleft types in Chinese children with orofacial cleft (OFC).

Design:

A total of 120 patients with OFC (8-15 years old) and their parents were investigated with COHIP in the West China Hospital of Stomatology. Items were divided into oral symptoms, functional well-being, emotional well-being, school, and peer interaction subscales, and scores on all subscales were compared between and within groups.

Results:

The internal consistency measured by Cronbach α was satisfactory in children’s sample (0.85) and parents’ sample (0.90). The correlation between children’s and parents’ questionnaires was moderate to weak (Pearson r = 0.34), which was also supported by moderate intraclass correlation coefficients. The OHRQoL of children differed significantly from parents on the overall COHIP, functional well-being, emotional well-being, and school subscales. Older children had poor OHRQoL, functional well-being, and emotional well-being. Girls had poor emotional well-being. Children with cleft lip and palate and cleft palate performed worse on the overall COHIP, functional well-being, and school subscales. Parents, boys, and younger children had better treatment expectations and global health perceptions.

Conclusion:

The Chinese version of COHIP is a reliable and valid tool to assess OHRQoL in Chinese children with OFC. Parents’ reports could not replace children’s answers but add complementary information. Children’s gender, age, and cleft types should be considered in OHRQoL assessment and individual treatment plan.
Recommendations about estimating errors-in-variables regression in Stata
Authors: Lockwood J. R. , McCaffrey Daniel F.
Published: March 2020

Errors-in-variables (EIV) regression is a standard method for consistent estimation in linear models with error-prone covariates. The Stata commands eivreg and sem both can be used to compute the same EIV estimator of the regression coefficients. However, the commands do not use the same methods to estimate the standard errors of the estimated regression coefficients. In this article, we use analysis and simulation to demonstrate that standard errors reported by eivreg are negatively biased under assumptions typically made in latent-variable modeling, leading to confidence interval coverage that is below the nominal level. Thus, sem alone or eivreg augmented with bootstrapped standard errors should be preferred to eivreg alone in most practical applications of EIV regression.
lassopack: Model selection and prediction with regularized regression in Stata
Authors: Ahrens Achim , Hansen Christian B. , Schaffer Mark E.
Published: March 2020

In this article, we introduce lassopack, a suite of programs for regularized regression in Stata. lassopack implements lasso, square-root lasso, elastic net, ridge regression, adaptive lasso, and postestimation ordinary least squares. The methods are suitable for the high-dimensional setting, where the number of predictors p may be large and possibly greater than the number of observations, n. We offer three approaches for selecting the penalization (“tuning”) parameters: information criteria (implemented in lasso2), K-fold cross-validation and h-step-ahead rolling cross-validation for cross-section, panel, and time-series data (cvlasso), and theory-driven (“rigorous” or plugin) penalization for the lasso and square-root lasso for cross-section and panel data (rlasso). We discuss the theoretical framework and practical considerations for each approach. We also present Monte Carlo results to compare the performances of the penalization approaches.
Speaking Stata: Concatenating values over observations
Authors: Cox Nicholas J.
Published: March 2020

Concatenation, or joining together, of strings or other values, possibly with extra punctuation such as spaces, is supported in Stata by addition of strings and by the egen function concat(), which concatenates values of variables within observations. In this column, I discuss basic techniques for concatenating values of variables over observations, emphasizing simple loops that can be tuned to suit variants as desired. Commonly, such concatenated strings report a profile or history of each individual within panel or longitudinal data. Such histories can then be analyzed further.
Partial image encryption using format-preserving encryption in image processing systems for Internet of things environment
Authors: Jang Wonyoung , Lee Sun-Young
Published: March 2020

Concomitant with advances in technology, the number of systems and devices that utilize image data has increased. Nowadays, image processing devices incorporated into systems, such as the Internet of things, drones, and closed-circuit television, can collect images of people and automatically share them with networks. Consequently, the threat of invasion of privacy by image leakage has increased exponentially. However, traditional image-security methods, such as privacy masking and image encryption, have several disadvantages, including storage space wastage associated with data padding, inability to decode, inability to recognize images without decoding, and exposure of private information after decryption. This article proposes a method for partially encrypting private information in images using FF1 and FF3-1. The proposed method encrypts private information without increasing the data size, solving the problem of wasted storage space. Furthermore, using the proposed method, specific sections of encrypted images can be decrypted and recognized before decryption of the entire information, which addresses the problems besetting traditional privacy masking and image encryption methods. The results of histogram analysis, correlation analysis, number of pixels change rate, unified average change intensity, information entropy analysis, and NIST SP 800-22 verify the security and overall efficacy of the proposed method.
H-infinity adaptive observer enhancements for vehicle chassis dynamics-based navigation sensor fault construction
Authors: Xia Linlin , Cong Jingyu , Xu Xun , Gao Yiping , Zhang Shufeng
Published: March 2020

The issues of chassis dynamics-based navigation sensor fault and state estimation in land vehicles are specialized in this study. Owing to the essential attributes of robust theory-based observers, an H-infinity adaptive observer is proposed to implement the fault reconstructions of faulty sensors, offering a reference to vehicles for further favorable control decision-making. This observer fuses a linear matrix inequality convex optimization strategy, with the dynamics of land vehicles established mathematically, the consequent problems associated with augmented descriptor system state-space model, Lyapunov stability and linear matrix inequality convex optimization are discussed in detail. The numerical simulations on vehicular systems that suffered with single-existing deadlocking, gain scheduling, and constant deflection sensor fault are conducted. The results indicate, the fault channel outputs fairly reflect the variations of real faults under severe step-type fault input circumstances, so that the applicability of the fault observer against sensor failures is guaranteed. The proposed sensor fault construction idea is further extended to a loosely coupled inertial measurement units/global positioning system (GPS) illustration with GPS unavailable in its north velocity channel. After reconstructing the priori system state for “State one-step prediction” of Kalman filter, the compensated navigation parameters by state estimator exhibit consistent with the references as expected, the vehicle chassis dynamics-based sensor fault construction method, therefore, may be recognized as an effective measure to a class of integrated navigation systems experiencing some unknown sensor failures.
A comparison of the catalytic efficiency of copper-based bimetallic nanoparticles in the click reactions
Authors: Li Ning , Liu Xiang
Published: March 2020

Compared to monometallic nanoparticles, bimetallic nanoparticles have attracted wide attention due to their physical properties, excellent catalytic activity, high regioselectivity, selectivity, and stability. Here, we have first synthesized 10 different kinds of graphene quantum dot–stabilized Cu-based bimetallic nanoparticles (including CoCu, NiCu, RuCu, RhCu, PdCu, AgCu, IrCu, AuCu, FeCu, and PtCu) and compared their catalytic activities in a CuAAC click reaction. Among them, RhCu provides the highest yield of the desired product in the click reaction (77%). The catalytic activity of these MCu in the click reaction is in the order: RhCu > PdCu > AuCu > CoCu > PtCu > AgCu > NiCu > CuNP > RuCu > FeCu > IrCu.
Zirconocene-mediated selective synthesis of 1,4-bis(alkynyl)benzenes
Authors: Zhang Bo , Qu Hongmei , Li Zhongxuan , Zhai Yuanyuan , Zhou Xiaolu , Liu Liqiang
Published: March 2020

A series of novel 1,4-bis(alkynyl)benzene derivatives were synthesized from trimethylsilyl-substituted alkynes by the mediation of zirconocene with excellent regioselectivity in high yields. The 3,6-bis(trimethylsilyl)-4,5-dialkylphthalic acid dimethyl esters were prepared by cycloaddition of 2,5-bis(trimethylsilyl)zirconacyclopentadienes to dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate. After iodination with iodine monochloride, 3,6-diiodo-4,5-dialkylphthalic acid dimethyl esters reacted with terminal alkynes to prepare the corresponding 1,4-bis(alkynyl)benzene derivatives by Sonogashira coupling reactions. After removal of trimethylsilyl, 4,5-dibutyl-3,6-bis(ethynyl)phthalic acid dimethyl ester (compound 3) reacted with 4-iodobenzoic acid ethyl ester and 2-iodothiophene, respectively, to obtain the corresponding products 4a and 4c. Compound 3 can be extended to higher oligomers, which reacted with 1-bromo-4-iodobenzene and phenylacetylene in a stepwise manner under Sonogashira conditions to give the phenylene-ethynylene oligomer 5 in an isolated yield of 85%. The structures of the products were confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy, 13C NMR spectroscopy, and MS. The optical properties of the 1,4-bis(alkynyl)benzene derivatives were studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy and fluorescence spectra. The results indicated that some can be developed into potential photovoltaic materials.
Laboratory and on ice tests to evaluate kinematics of Para ice hockey players
Authors: Rosso Valeria , Cinus Gabriele , Gastaldi Laura
Published: March 2020

Sprint and technique abilities of Para ice hockey players are of great importance to increase skating performance. To assess skating abilities, kinematics is widely used. This study had two purposes: (1) to assess two-dimensional kinematics of Para ice hockey players’ performance in the laboratory and on ice (sprint and agility) tests and (2) to quantify the relationship between the laboratory and on ice performance. Seven athletes were recruited. In the laboratory, three alternated reach tests were performed in which athletes touched the ground as many times as possible with hands, elbows, or shoulders. The sprint test consisted of 30-m skating at the highest speed starting from standstill, whereas the agility test consisted of sprinting for four left curves and four right curves. Athletes’ movements in the laboratory and on ice tests were acquired using a portable technology. In the laboratory, the best performance was realized when participants touched the ground with hand or elbow. In the sprint test, lower speed and trunk inclination were observed in the first 10 m. In the agility test, greater blade angle was observed in the left curves, compared with the right curves. Significant correlations were found between the laboratory and on ice test performance. Overall, these findings are a useful indicator of athletes’ skating abilities and could be used to increase athletes’ ability to accelerate rapidly and improve sledge manoeuvrability. For detailed player information, kinematics should still be evaluated using sport specific tests and video analysis.
Does tackling form affect head acceleration in youth football players?
Authors: Gellner Ryan A , Campolettano Eamon T , Rowson Steven
Published: March 2020

To reduce head impact exposure, a number of youth football organizations have begun teaching tackling technique. This study sought to develop and utilize a set of tackling form grading criteria for both tacklers and ball carriers as well as to relate tackling form to head acceleration outcome. It was hypothesized that players exhibiting better form would experience lower head accelerations in individual tackles. Three teams consisting of 67 players (20, 29, and 18 players per team; age 12.7 ± 0.95, age range 11–14 years, body mass 55.1 ± 16.2 kg) were instrumented with helmet-mounted accelerometer arrays for one season. Videos of close-range tackling drills were used to develop tackling form criteria. Two raters used these criteria to each score 105 impacts. Six of the seven categories were found to have good inter-rater reliability metrics (total percent agreement ≥ 79%, agreement coefficient ≥ 0.65). Bending at both the hips and knees, leading with the shoulder or arm, and initiating contact were found to reduce risk of high-magnitude (>40 g) head impacts in tacklers. Keeping the eyes up and avoiding dropping the head reduced the risk of high-magnitude head impacts in ball carriers. This study shows the potential effectiveness of training both tacklers and ball carriers in proper technique for collisions in youth football to minimize head impacts.