bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defining Eucalyptus urophylla with its hybrid and the rules of genetic recombination using near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Lu Wanhong , Arnold Roger J , Wang Chubiao , Lin Yan , Luo Jianzhong , Meder Roger , Yang Yan
Published: April 2021

Understanding the rules of genetic recombination in controlled pollination directly related to the selection of parental genotypes and the utilization of heterosis, and genotype identification is a primary study of the genetic rules. The aims of this study were to investigate the ability of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to accurately and efficiently discriminate pure species and hybrids within the genus of Eucalyptus, to evaluate the transmission of genetic pedigree in control pollination, and reveal the genetic variation within the genotypes studied. NIR spectra were collected both from fresh leaves and dried, milled leaves of seedlings from pure species E. urophylla and E. grandis, and their F1 hybrids. Principal component analysis (PCA) scores plots of NIR spectra from fresh leaves and dry, milled powder from pure species showed clear segregation, although the species clusters were scattered, suggesting different base genetics and high genetic variation within families of the two pure species. Classification using soft independent modelling of class analogy of the NIR spectra of dried leaves was significantly better than using spectra acquired on fresh leaves, meaning the water content had an effect on the analysis. The projections and orthogonal distance between hybrids and parents, as calculated using PCA models, demonstrated the visualized spectral distance between each hybrid and the parents was very different. Clouds of individuals within a hybrid clusters varied from tightly packed to scattered, which reflected the genetic additive effects inherited from female and male parents were different, and their genetic variation was also different after genetic recombination. The varying response values for partial least squares discriminant analysis prediction verified the conclusions shown by projections and orthogonal distance. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of using NIR spectroscopy to rapidly discriminate taxon. The application of NIR spectroscopy to non-destructively confirm taxonomic identity will greatly facilitate the evaluation of the genetic basis and genetic variation available within breeding populations and for accessing the levels of contamination by non-target pollen in control pollination.
Factors associated with test failure in pregnant women undergoing cell-free DNA-based testing for fetal trisomy
Authors: Chang Jiazhen , Qi Qingwei , Zhou Xiya , Jiang Yulin , Hao Na , Liu Juntao
Published: April 2021

Objective

To investigate the factors associated with cell-free DNA test failure, and the optimal subsequent management of these pregnancies.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 27,363 singleton pregnancies undergoing cell-free DNA testing. Women with cell-free DNA test failure were divided into a high-risk group and a low-risk group according to their indications. The subsequent management and pregnancy outcomes of these women were followed up.

Results

The rate of cell-free DNA test failure at the first sampling was 1.49%, and 78.4% of failures were due to a low fetal fraction. Of the 66 women who refused any subsequent management, an adverse pregnancy outcome was seen in 5 cases, all belonging to the high-risk group. Of the 13 low-risk women who chose second-trimester maternal serum screening, all obtained a low-risk maternal serum screening result and an unaffected pregnancy outcome. A redraw was chosen by 171 women, which yielded a result in 75.4% and their pregnancy outcomes were unaffected; 42 women had an uninformative result again and received an amniocentesis. As 158 women had an amniocentesis after the first sampling, this procedure was offered in 200 cases altogether. Abnormal genetic testing results were shown in six (3%, 6/200) cases, all in the high-risk group.

Conclusions

High-risk pregnant women with cell-free DNA test failure are at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. A second sampling for cell-free DNA test or maternal serum screening might be suggested to low-risk women. Invasive prenatal diagnosis should be offered to the high-risk patients, especially those with a second cell-free DNA test failure.
Politics and Governance in Emerging Market Countries
Authors: Liu Min
Published: April 2021

The rise of emerging market countries is of great significance for improving global governance. This study finds that 30 emerging market countries (E30) 1 , especially those in Africa and Asia, are relatively weak in governance. In the future, improvement in governance would be a critical factor for the economic growth of E30 countries, especially if these countries enjoy political stability. Though most of the E30 countries lack political stability, they have the capability for good governance, and their governments are striving to become more effective, which is particularly true for Asian countries. Unfortunately, for Latin American countries, corruption is a serious problem likely to undermine economic development in the region.
EPPO and a common sense of justice
Authors: Elholm Thomas
Published: April 2021

This article discusses the Union’s general inspirational idea of creating a ‘common sense of justice’ and its implications with reference to the development of the European Public Prosecutor. When the Commission presented its vision of an area of justice, it declared that the ‘ambition is to give citizens a common sense of justice throughout the Union’. Although a sense of justice seems to be something psychological and emotional, it also seems almost inevitably to promote EU integration. The article discusses the various roles that the EPPO may have in contributing to a common sense of justice and in particular the EPPO’s objective of achieving a Union-wide coherent practice on prosecution and penalty levels. It analyses critically whether this practice – by mediating between the different ‘common’ senses of justice in each Member State – is capable of contributing to a common sense of justice.
Utilizing the ACCESS Model to Understand Communication With the Ultraorthodox Community in Beit Shemesh During the First Wave of COVID-19
Authors: Romem Anat , Pinchas-Mizrachi Ronit , Zalcman Beth G.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

The coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately negatively affected the ultraorthodox in Israel. Their unique characteristics and slow adoption of preventative health guidelines resulted in a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. To lower these rates, health and government authority figures employed methods to change the ultraorthodox community health behaviors.

Methodology

This study utilizes the ACCESS model for transcultural nursing to analyze the response by authorities to high infection rates in the large ultraorthodox community in city of Beit Shemesh during the first wave of the outbreak (through early May).

Results

The authorities employed all model components to varying degrees and found moderate success in changing health behaviors of the ultraorthodox.

Discussion

Employing the ACCESS model as a response to the health care crisis among the ultraorthodox community in Beit Shemesh led to some success in increased compliance, thus lowering morbidity rates. However, not establishing strong respect and rapport hindered the process.
The Palatal Fistula Closure Using Buccal Fat Graft After Palatoplasty for Cleft Palate: Two Case Reports
Authors: Yaguchi Kiichiro , Fujita Kenya , Noguchi Masahiko , Nagai Fumio , Yuzuriha Shunsuke
Published: April 2021

Fistula recurrence is high after secondary follow-up operation to close the fistula after primary palatal surgery. Therefore, preventing fistula recurrence is important. Here, we describe the technique of closing palatal fistula after palatal surgery with a buccal fat graft in 2 cases. We elevate the mucosal flap around the palatal fistula, suture the nasal mucosa, transplant the buccal fat between the nasal and oral mucosa for the palatal fistula after palatal surgery, and suture the oral mucosa. Palatal fistula did not recur after surgery. This method is simple and useful for suturable fistula and does not require a local flap.
Elastoplastic-damage-seepage coupling model and numerical algorithm for rock slope stability evaluation
Authors: Xu Mengfei , Jiang Annan , Yang Xiurong , Jiang Tengfei
Published: April 2021

The stability of slope under complex geological conditions is one of the essential issues in geotechnical engineering. The mechanical damage caused by external force load and the hydraulic property of rock have both significant influences on slope stability. However, the two factors and the coupling process between them are not considered in the traditional slope safety calculation method. Firstly, in this paper, an elastoplastic-damage-seepage coupling model is established based on the modified Mohr-Coulomb (M-C) criterion. This model takes into account the weakening effect of damage on the strength of rock mass. Further, according to the Biot's theory and the evolution equation of permeability coefficient, a complete hydraulic-mechanics (HM) coupling model is established. Secondly, the fully implicit backward Euler algorithm and "strict-cornered" algorithm are used to integrate the stress precisely. The complete coupling analysis of HM is implemented by the step-by-step iterative method. By combining the centrifugal loading method (CLM) with the FEM program, the factor of slope safety (FOS) under the coupling influence of damage-seepage can be solved. The calculation results showed that, compared with the traditional rounded M-C model, the results obtained by the "strict-cornered" algorithm method in this paper are closer to the theoretical solution. The solution process is robust with a global second-order convergence rate. After considering the effects of damage and seepage, the FOS is obviously reduced. Finally, the model is applied to the stability evaluation of an actual engineering. The variation rules of pore water pressure, displacement field, damage zone and FOS are calculated under different head heights. The model built in this paper considers the coupling characteristics of rock seepage-stress-damage well. The proposed numerical algorithm ensures the accuracy and rationality of the calculation results which provides a theoretical foundation for engineering application.
The Feasibility of a School Nurse–Led Mindfulness Program
Authors: Henry Lisa , Smithson Colleen W. , Steurer Lisa M. , Ercole Patrick M.
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a school nurse–led mindfulness program in a public school. Elementary students in an urban public school system are exposed to many stressors including poverty, family disturbances, and mental health conflicts. Previous research suggests that mindfulness interventions given by teachers promote prosocial behavior and stress reduction; however, there are no studies that have determined whether the school nurse could lead the program. A pre- to posttest design was employed using school-aged children enrolled in the fourth grade who were administered a mindfulness program. The participants were assessed for emotional states before and after the intervention. A total of 12 students completed the intervention. Students found the mindfulness program to be helpful, and the school nurse may be able to successfully complete the intervention. With appropriate planning, school nurses may be able to successfully implement the mindfulness curriculum in an urban public school.
China’s Blue Economy: A State Project of Modernisation
Authors: Fabinyi Michael , Wu Annie , Lau Sallie , Mallory Tabitha , Barclay Kate , Walsh Kathleen , Dressler Wolfram
Published: April 2021

The blue economy is a globally emerging concept for ocean governance that seeks to tap the economic potential of the oceans in environmentally sustainable ways. Yet, understanding and implementation of particular visions of the blue economy in specific regions diverge according to national and other contexts. Drawing on a discourse analysis of Chinese language documents, this article assesses how the blue economy has been conceptualised in Chinese state policy and discourse. Part of a state ideology and practice of modernisation that is defined in terms of rejuvenation under a strong state, the blue economy in China is seen as an opportunity to promote modernisation from overlapping economic, geopolitical and ecological perspectives and actions. China’s distinctive model for the blue economy presents emerging challenges for global ocean governance.
The Big Five Inventory–2 in China: A Comprehensive Psychometric Evaluation in Four Diverse Samples
Authors: Zhang Bo , Li Yi Ming , Li Jian , Luo Jing , Ye Yonghao , Yin Lu , Chen Zhuosheng , Soto Christopher J. , John Oliver P.
Published: April 2021

The Big Five Inventory-2 (BFI-2) has received wide recognition since its publication because it strikes a good balance between content coverage and brevity. The current study translated the BFI-2 into Chinese, evaluated its psychometric properties in four diverse Chinese samples (college students, adult employees, adults treated for substance use, and adolescents), and compared its factor structure with those obtained from two U.S. samples. Across two studies, the Chinese BFI-2 demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach’s α and test–retest reliability), structural validity, convergent/discriminant validity, and criterion-related validity at the domain level. At lower levels of analyses, some facets and negatively worded items functioned better among participants with higher than those with lower education levels. Implications, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Economic Burden of Colorectal Cancer: A Case of Fars, Iran
Authors: Jafari Abdosaleh , Alamdarloo Peyman Mehdi , Dehghani Mehdi , Bastani Peivand , Ravangard Ramin
Published: April 2021

Among cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Some studies have shown that the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing in Iran and in Fars province. The present study aimed to determine the economic burden of colorectal cancer in patients referred to the referral centers affiliated to Iran, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2019 from the patients’ perspective. This is a partial economic evaluation and a cost-of-illness study conducted cross-sectionally in 2019. All the patients with colorectal cancer who had been referred to the referral centers affiliated to Iran, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, and had medical records were studied through the census method (N = 96). A researcher-made data collection form was used to collect the cost data. The prevalence-based and bottom-up approaches were also used in this study. The human capital approach was applied to calculate indirect costs. The mean annual cost per patient with colorectal cancer in the present study was $10930.98 purchasing power parity (PPP) (equivalent to 5745.29 USD), the main part of which was the medical direct costs (74.86%). Also, among the medical direct costs per patient, the highest were those of surgeries (41.7%). In addition, the mean annual cost per patient with colorectal cancer in the country was $ 116917762 PPP (equivalent to 61451621.84 USD) in 2019. Regarding the considerable economic burden of colorectal cancer and in order to reduce the costs, these suggestions can be made: increasing the number of specialized beds through the cooperation of health donors, establishing free or low-cost accommodation centers for patients and their companions near the medical centers, using the Internet and cyberspace technologies to follow up the treatment of patients, and increasing insurance coverage and government drug subsidies on drug purchase.
Three-dimensional dynamic analysis of ancient buildings with novel high damping isolation trenches
Authors: Li Jin-bao , Hu Zhong-wei , Xu Zhao-dong , Guo Ying-qing
Published: April 2021

To improve the efficiency of conventional isolation trench and lighten the impact of the excavation on neighbor buildings, a novel high damping isolation trench is proposed. The viscoelastic braces equipped in the high damping isolation trench can dissipate the energy of ground-borne vibration while providing supporting force to ensure the stability of the soil on both sides. According to two actual ancient buildings, two types of high damping isolation trenchs with the plane shape of U and L are designed to solve the potential damages caused by long-term train-induced vibration. First, three-dimensional finite/infinite models based on these two buildings are established, respectively. Then, the energy dissipation characteristics are obtained by experiments. Through calculation, the control effects of the high damping isolation trenchs for these two buildings are investigated. The results indicate that the viscoelastic braces possess high energy dissipation capacity. After setting the high damping isolation trenchs around the structures, even at a small excavation depth, the acceleration and velocity responses of the two buildings are reduced significantly. Furthermore, the selected U-shaped and L-shaped trenches also show superiority compared with the conventional linear-shaped trench in this project.
Free vibration analysis of axial-loaded beams with variable cross sections and multiple concentrated elements
Authors: Du Yunxing , Cheng Peng , Zhou Fen
Published: April 2021

A transfer matrix method is used to study free vibration characteristics of an axial-loaded Euler–Bernoulli beam with variable cross sections and multiple concentrated elements in the article. The differential equation for bending vibrations of the beam element is solved by the Frobenius method, and the solution is in power series form. Then, the transfer matrix method is applied to establish the state vector equation for both ends of the beam. Combined with boundary conditions, the frequency equation is obtained and expressed in a two-order determinant. The numerical results in this article are compared with those of the finite element method, which illustrates the accuracy of the method we proposed. The influence of the size of each concentrated elements and axial force on the natural frequency coefficients and the influence of the concentrated elements on the first critical buckling load are discussed.
Application of passivity-based and sliding mode control of permanent magnet synchronous motor under controlled voltage
Authors: Larbaoui Ahmed , Chaouch Djamel Eddine , Belabbes Baghdad , Razkallah Miloud
Published: April 2021

Recent developments in electrical machines, power electronics, and control theories help the variable speed drive technology to offer precise speeds at every level of operation. In that same context, this study investigated on improving the performance of variable speed drive based on a permanent magnet synchronous motor by rejecting the external disturbance in speed control using the passivity-based control and sliding mode control approach. The sliding mode control approach is implemented with an exponential reaching law to improve the robustness of the system. Furthermore, a passivity-based q-axis current loop and d-axis current loop controllers are detailed. The system stability with the proposed scheme is mathematically proved using Lyapunov stability criteria. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the superior properties of the proposed control method using MATLAB Simulink.
A novel case of ocular cicatricial pemphigoid induced by levamisole-adulterated cocaine
Authors: Igwe Chinedu N , Robinson Fiona , Jones Sophie M
Published: April 2021

Aim:

To report a case of ocular cicatricial pemphigoid caused by levamisole-adulterated cocaine.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 54-year-old woman with multi-systemic levamisole-induced vasculitis which triggered bilateral cicatrizing conjunctivitis refractory to conventional immunosuppressants due to continued cocaine misuse.

Conclusion:

Levamisole-induced vasculitis is a significant public health issue due to its popularity as an adulterant to cocaine. Our report suggests that levamisole caused vasculitis and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid in this case. Ocular manifestation of this syndrome is rare.
Aqueous misdirection syndrome following ab interno gelatin stent can be managed successfully with anterior vitrectomy approach
Authors: Kennedy Alasdair , Haddad Fadi , Georgopoulos Minas
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is a relatively new surgical technique available to glaucoma surgeons. The ab interno gelatin XEN stent (XEN®45, Allergan Inc., CA, USA) drains aqueous into the subconjunctival space and is theoretically less invasive than trabeculectomy and therefore carries less risk. Aqueous misdirection syndrome (AMS) is a rare but well-recognised complication of any intraocular surgery. Only four cases have been reported following XEN stents but their management and outcome was not discussed. We present a case of AMS following XEN implantation including management and outcome.

Case presentation:

A 78 year old lady with an axial length of 21.27 mm and a previous episode of acute angle closure glaucoma was treated with laser peripheral iridectomy and, later, clear crystalline lens extraction. However, she continued to have high intraocular pressure (IOP) and a shallow anterior chamber. Despite medical therapy, she developed worsening glaucoma. She had XEN implantation to her right eye with no intraoperative complication. Unfortunately, she developed signs of AMS. Medical and laser zonulohyaloidectomy failed to resolve the condition. She then had surgical iriodozonulohyaloidectomy and anterior vitrectomy which resolved the AMS.

Discussion:

Management of AMS has been well documented. However, incidence following novel surgical techniques, such as XEN implantation, is not well reported. We have shown that AMS following XEN can be successfully treated using an anterior approach.
Management of bleeding with a temporary arterial occlusion balloon in revision total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Ullmark Gösta , Ribers Hanna , Haller Olov
Published: April 2021

Purpose:

Perioperative bleeding is an undesirable surgical phenomenon. An effective way of diminishing bleeding is by use of a temporary arterial occlusion balloon (TAOB) to produce regional hypotension. We analysed TAOB-related complications at our institution occurring with total hip arthroplasties between years 2000 and 2016. We also compared the effect on bleeding for a TAOB group and a matched group during this same time.

Patients and methods:

76 consecutive cases had a total hip arthroplasty (THA) combined with a TAOB. In an analysis of all complications connected to the use of TAOB, 48 of them were revision THAs. The matched reference group consisted of 20 patients with revision surgery, but without TAOB. We analysed and compared perioperative bleeding, surgery, and balloon occlusion time for these 2 groups.

Results:

No thromboembolic complications or other severe complications were recorded. 1 case had bleeding from the insertion site after catheter removal. 3 cases had balloon failure without the consequences of this complication. The TAOB group had significantly less haemoglobin loss, total perioperative bleeding, bleeding per minute, and total transfusion than the matched reference group.

Interpretation:

The use of TAOB in elective THA surgery is safe and effective in reducing intraoperative bleeding.
Improving destination competitiveness in South Africa: A DEA approach
Authors: Fourie Alicia , van Heerden Chris , du Plessis Engelina
Published: April 2021

The notion to travel to a tourist destination is often based on competitiveness aspects. The efficiency of these target markets is, however, not clear, and this article will determine the efficiency of tourists visiting South Africa, which will be categorised according to demographic aspects in relation to cost and competitiveness. Empirical evidence by means of the data envelopment analysis model found that South Africa is currently facing poor price competitiveness in different markets from tourists across different demographic backdrops. Results indicated that age, gender, time spent and continent of origin cause tourists to perceive South Africa as a price competitive tourist destination, differently. Being able to determine these efficiencies for different demographical markets, destination marketing officers will be able to use competitiveness and cost attributes as indicators to which markets will respond. Tourism councils must ensure that the correct information reaches visitors through advertising and marketing campaigns, as visitors’ expectations must be managed to improve the perceived price competitiveness of South Africa’s tourism industry. The findings have clear implications for DMOs’ managers regarding the designed marketing campaigns for South Africa as a tourist destination, especially for segments under investigation in this study.
The trope of the vulnerable child in conditional welfare discourses: An Australian case study
Authors: Peterie Michelle , Marston Greg , Humpage Louise , Mendes Philip , Bielefeld Shelley , Staines Zoe
Published: April 2021

Conditional welfare policies are frequently underpinned by pejorative representations of those they target. Vulnerable children, under physical or moral threat from their welfare-dependent parents, are a mainstay of these constructions, yet the nuances of this trope have received little focused attention. Through a discourse analysis of parliamentary debates at the introduction of compulsory income management (CIM) to Australia, this article explores the complexities of the vulnerable child trope. It shows how the figure of the child was leveraged to justify hard-line welfare reforms in Australia, and offers a deeper and more intersectional understanding of how social and economic marginalisation is reproduced through welfare discourse.
Finite element bending analysis of symmetric and non-symmetric functionally graded sandwich beams using a novel parabolic shear deformation theory
Authors: Belarbi Mohamed-Ouejdi , Khechai Abdelhak , Bessaim Aicha , Houari Mohammed-Sid-Ahmed , Garg Aman , Hirane Hicham , Chalak HD
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the bending behavior of functionally graded single-layered, symmetric and non-symmetric sandwich beams is investigated according to a new higher order shear deformation theory. Based on this theory, a novel parabolic shear deformation function is developed and applied to investigate the bending response of sandwich beams with homogeneous hardcore and softcore. The present theory provides an accurate parabolic distribution of transverse shear stress across the thickness and satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of the functionally graded sandwich beam without using any shear correction factors. The governing equations derived herein are solved by employing the finite element method using a two-node beam element, developed for this purpose. The material properties of functionally graded sandwich beams are graded through the thickness according to the power-law distribution. The predictive capability of the proposed finite element model is demonstrated through illustrative examples. Four types of beam support, i.e. simply-simply, clamped-free, clamped–clamped, and clamped-simply, are used to study how the beam deflection and both axial and transverse shear stresses are affected by the variation of volume fraction index and beam length-to-height ratio. Results of the numerical analysis have been reported and compared with those available in the open literature to evaluate the accuracy and robustness of the proposed finite element model. The comparisons with other higher order shear deformation theories verify that the proposed beam element is accurate, presents fast rate of convergence to the reference results and it is also valid for both thin and thick functionally graded sandwich beams. Further, some new results are reported in the current study, which will serve as a benchmark for future research.
‘Becoming more confident in being themselves’: The value of cultural and creative engagement for young people in foster care – Dawn Mannay, Phil Smith, Catt Turney, Stephen Jennings and Peter Davies
Authors: Mannay Dawn , Smith Phil , Turney Catherine , Jennings Stephen , Davies Peter Henry
Published: April 2021

There is evidence that engagement with the arts can engender transformative effects on young people’s views of themselves and their futures, this can be particularly useful for children and young people in care. This paper draws on a case study of an arts-based programme delivered in Wales, UK. Field observations of the arts-based sessions were conducted, and the participant sample included young people in foster care (n = 8), foster carers (n = 7) and project facilitators (n = 3). The study employed interviews, observations, reflexive diaries, and metaphor work to explore the subjective accounts of these different stakeholders. This provided an insight into their experience of being involved with the arts-based programme, the impacts of this involvement, and what steps they felt could be taken to improve the model. The paper argues that arts and cultural engagement can be transformative in improving the confidence and social connectedness of young people in foster care, but that attention needs to be given to how programmes are delivered. The paper documents the often overlooked mundane, yet important, aspects of planning arts-based programmes, exploring the involvement of foster carers, interpersonal relationships, and the provision of refreshments. It calls for investment in developing carefully designed extracurricular opportunities for young people in care, where they can experience ‘becoming more confident in being themselves’.
Biodegradation properties and thermogravimetric analysis of 3D braided flax PLA textile composites
Authors: Kanakannavar Sateeshkumar , Pitchaimani Jeyaraj , Thalla Arunkumar , Rajesh M
Published: April 2021

Recent advances in the development and application of bio-based (natural fiber and biopolymer) composites are gaining broad attention because the resulting polymer completely degrades and does not release harmful substances. In this study, natural fiber 3 D braided yarn textile PLA (Polylactic acid) bio-composites are developed by film sequencing followed by hot-press compression molding. Bio-deterioration and thermal stability of the composites are analysed for storage, machining, transportation, and in-service uses in different environmental conditions (compost and thermal). Composite samples with different fiber wt.% (0, 22, 44) are exposed to compost soil. Tensile testing is performed under different configurations to characterise the tensile properties. Prepared bio-composite specimens are evaluated for weight loss and reduction in tensile properties over soil burial time, to observe the rate of biodegradation of braided yarn textile bio-composites. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is employed to analyse the biodegradability of the composites. To study the thermal stability of the prepared bio-composites thermogravimetric (TG) analysis is carried out. Results showed that biodegradability, tensile properties and thermal stability of the composites are enhanced significantly with the reinforcement of 3 D braided yarn fabric.
Chelidonine Induces Apoptosis via GADD45a-p53 Regulation in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Jang Hyun-Jin , Yang Jae Ho , Hong Eunmi , Jo Eunbi , Lee Soon , Lee Sanghun , Choi Jong Soon , Yoo Hwa Seung , Kang Hyuno
Published: April 2021

Chelidonium majus has been used as a traditional medicine in China and western countries for various diseases, including inflammation and cancer. However, the anti-cancer effect of chelidonine, a major compound of C. majus extracts, on pancreatic cancer remains poorly understood. In this study, we found that treatment with chelidonine inhibited proliferation of BxPC-3 and MIA PaCa-2 human pancreatic cancer cells. Annexin-V/propidium iodide staining assay showed that this growth inhibitory effect of chelidonine was induced through apoptosis. We found that chelidonine treatment upregulated mRNA levels and transcription factor activity in both cell lines. Increases in protein expression levels of p53, GADD45A, p21 and cleaved caspase-3 were also observed, with more distinct changes in MIA PaCa-2 cells compared to the BxPC-3 cells. These results suggest that chelidonine induces pancreatic cancer apoptosis through the p53 and GADD45A pathways. Our findings provide new insights into the use of chelidonine for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Application of the Spanish-Language Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) Measure to Assess Patient-Centered Care Among Latino Populations
Authors: La Flair Lareina N. , Christensen Anna L. , Brown Jonathan D. , Wissow Lawrence S.
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Reliable and valid measures are needed to assess the patient-centeredness of clinical care among Latino populations.

Methods:

We translated the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) measure from English to Spanish and assessed its psychometric properties using data from 349 Latino parents/guardians visiting a pediatric clinic. Using confirmatory factor analysis, we examined the psychometric properties of the Spanish CARE measure.

Results:

Internal reliability of the Spanish CARE measure was high (Omega coefficient = 0.95). Similar to the English-language CARE measure, factor analysis of the Spanish CARE measure yielded a single domain of patient-centeredness with high item loadings (factor loadings range from 0.79 to 0.96).

Conclusion:

This preliminary analysis supports the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the CARE measure among Latinos in pediatric care settings. With further testing, the Spanish CARE measure may be a useful tool for tracking and improving the health care delivered to Latino populations.
A Systematic Review of Modified Schema-Based Instruction for Teaching Students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities to Solve Mathematical Word Problems
Authors: Clausen Amy M. , Tapp Melissa C. , Pennington Robert C. , Spooner Fred , Teasdell Annette
Published: April 2021

Modified schema-based instruction (MSBI) is a strategy to teach mathematical word problem solving to students with moderate and severe disabilities (MSD). In this comprehensive review, we explore the current state of research on MSBI to determine whether MSBI is an evidence-based practice (EBP) for students with MSD. We reviewed 12 studies, of which 11 met quality standards. Thirty-nine participants, all of whom participated in statewide alternate assessments, were included in these studies, the majority of whom were middle school students with intellectual disability. Four research teams explicitly targeted state content standards. The researcher served as interventionist in 82% of the studies. Although the overall effect size was very large (1.0 Tau), our findings suggest that MSBI is not yet an EBP for students with MSD. We provide an overview of current contextual factors and suggestions for future researchers to continue the investigation of MSBI.
A Powerful Antidote to Physician Burnout: Intensive Healthy Lifestyle and Positive Psychology Approaches
Authors: Lianov Liana
Published: April 2021

Burnout rates among physicians are rapidly rising. Leaders in the movement to address burnout have made the case that health care workplaces need to foster a culture of well-being, including trusting coworker interactions, collaborative and transparent leadership, work-life balance, flexibility, opportunities for meaningful work and for professional development, and effective 2-way communication. The rationale for focusing on organizational change to prevent burnout has pointed to persistent symptoms of burnout even when individual healthy lifestyle interventions are adopted. However, a case can be made that the lifestyle interventions were not implemented at the level of intensity recommended by the lifestyle medicine evidence-base to secure the desired improvement in physical and mental health when facing significant personal and environmental stressors. The lifestyle medicine community has the ethical mandate to advocate for intensive healthy lifestyle approaches to burnout prevention, in conjunction with organizational supports. By combining comprehensive and intensive lifestyle changes with organizational cultures of well-being, we can more effectively turn the tide of physician burnout.
Control system of 4-DOF palletizing robot based on improved R control multi-objective trajectory planning
Authors: Wang Jianqiang , Zhang Yanmin , Liu Xintong
Published: April 2021

To realize efficient palletizing robot trajectory planning and ensure ultimate robot control system universality and extensibility, the B-spline trajectory planning algorithm is used to establish a palletizing robot control system and the system is tested and analyzed. Simultaneously, to improve trajectory planning speeds, R control trajectory planning is used. Through improved algorithm design, a trajectory interpolation algorithm is established. The robot control system is based on R-dominated multi-objective trajectory planning. System stack function testing and system accuracy testing are conducted in a production environment. During palletizing function testing, the system’s single-step code packet time is stable at approximately 5.8 s and the average evolutionary algebra for each layer ranges between 32.49 and 45.66, which can save trajectory planning time. During system accuracy testing, the palletizing robot system’s repeated positioning accuracy is tested. The repeated positioning accuracy error is currently 10−1 mm and is mainly caused by friction and the machining process. By studying the control system of a four-degrees-of-freedom (4-DOF) palletizing robot based on the trajectory planning algorithm, the design predictions and effects are realized, thus providing a reference for more efficient future palletizing robot design. Although the working process still has some shortcomings, the research has major practical significance.
How does ankle push-off balance the walking speed and energy efficiency of planar biped robots?
Authors: Ji Qiaoli , Qian Zhihui , Ren Lei , Ren Luquan
Published: April 2021

Ankle push-off is defined as the phase in which muscle-tendon units about the ankle joint generate a burst of positive power during the step-to-step transition in human walking. The dynamic walking of a biped robot can be effectively realized through ankle push-off. However, how to use ankle push-off to balance the walking speed and energy efficiency of biped robots has not been studied deeply. In this study, the effects of the step length (the inter-leg angle is 40°, 50°, and 60°), torque and timing of ankle push-off on the walking speed and energy efficiency of biped robots were studied. The results show that when the step length is 50°, the push-off torque is 30 N· m and the corresponding push-off timing occurs at 43% of the gait cycle, the simulated robot obtains a highly economical walking gait. The corresponding maximum normalized walking speed is 0.40, and the minimum mechanical cost of transport is 2.25. To acquire a more economical walking gait of biped robots, the amount of ankle push-off and the push-off timing need to be coordinated. The purpose of this study is to provide a reference for the influence of ankle push-off on the motion performance of biped robots.
Cue combination in goal-oriented navigation
Authors: Qi Yafei , Mou Weimin , Lei Xuehui
Published: April 2021

This study examined cue combination of self-motion and landmark cues in goal-localisation. In an immersive virtual environment, before walking a two-leg path, participants learned the locations of three goal objects (one at the path origin, that is, home) and landmarks. After walking the path without seeing landmarks or goals, participants indicated the locations of the home and non-home goals in four conditions: (1) path integration only, (2) landmarks only, (3) both path integration and the landmarks, and (4) path integration and rotated landmarks. The ratio of the length between the testing position (P) and the turning point (T) over the length between the T and the three goals (G) (i.e., PT/TG) was manipulated. The results showed the cue combination consistently for participants’ heading estimates but not for goal-localisation. In Experiments 1 and 2 (using distal landmarks), the cue combination for goal estimates appeared in a small length ratio (PT/TG = 0.5) but disappeared in a large length ratio (PT/TG = 2). In Experiments 3 and 4 (using proximal landmarks), while the cue combination disappeared for the home with a medium length ratio (PT/TG = 1), it appeared for the non-home goal with a large length ratio (PT/TG = 2) and only disappeared with a very large length ratio (PT/TG = 3). These findings are explained by a model stipulating that cue combination occurs in self-localisation (e.g., heading estimates), which leads to one estimate of the goal location; proximal landmarks produce another goal location estimate; these two goal estimates are then combined, which may only occur for non-home goals.
Challenging serve myths in doubles tennis
Authors: Martínez-Gallego Rafael , Salvador Santiago Micó , Luján José Francisco Guzmán , Reid Machar , Ramón-Llin Jesús , Crespo Miguel
Published: April 2021

Doubles tennis has received little interest from quantitative research to date. Coach-led anecdotes therefore abound. The aims of this study were therefore to evaluate the veracity of the following common anecdotes: (a) serving teams have an advantage regardless of the length of the point; (b) serving teams have a greater advantage with new balls; (c) regular teams perform better when serving than new teams and (d) serving teams decrease their performance during break points. Data from doubles hard-court and clay-court tennis were collated for 52 doubles teams during 2018 ATP tournaments. Results revealed that the advantage of serving teams was evident on the points lasting up to 4 shots. Serving teams only had a greater advantage with new balls when playing on clay courts and suffered reduced winning probabilities on break points. A team’s familiarity only seemed to positively influence outcomes on hard courts. In sum, our novel findings highlight the important role that quantitative analysis can play in challenging doubles convention and shaping contemporary practice design and match strategy.
Selective segmentation of a feature that has two distinct intensities
Authors: Burrows Liam , Chen Ke , Torella Francesco
Published: April 2021

It is common for a segmentation model to compute and locate edges or regions separated by edges according to a certain distribution of intensity. However such edge information is not always useful to extract an object or feature that has two distinct intensities e.g. segmentation of a building with signages in front or of an organ that has diseased regions, unless some of kind of manual editing is applied or a learning idea is used. This paper proposes an automatic and selective segmentation model that can segment a feature that has two distinct intensities by a single click. A patch like idea is employed to design our two stage model, given only one geometric marker to indicate the location of the inside region. The difficult case where the inside region is leaning towards the boundary of the interested feature is investigated with recommendations given and reliability tested. The model is mainly presented 2D but it can be easily generalised to 3D. We have implemented the model for segmenting both 2D and 3D images.
Modeling and image quality enhancement for dynamic compressive imaging system
Authors: Zha* Changjun , Zhang* Qian , Duan Huimin
Published: April 2021

Traditional single-pixel imaging systems are aimed mainly at relatively static or slowly changing targets. When there is relative motion between the imaging system and the target, sizable deviations between the measurement values and the real values can occur and result in poor image quality of the reconstructed target. To solve this problem, a novel dynamic compressive imaging system is proposed. In this system, a single-column digital micro-mirror device is used to modulate the target image, and the compressive measurement values are obtained for each column of the image. Based on analysis of the measurement values, a new recovery model of dynamic compressive imaging is given. Differing from traditional reconstruction results, the measurement values of any column of vectors in the target image can be used to reconstruct the vectors of two adjacent columns at the same time. Contingent upon characteristics of the results, a method of image quality enhancement based on an overlapping average algorithm is proposed. Simulation experiments and analysis show that the proposed dynamic compressive imaging can effectively reconstruct the target image; and that when the moving speed of the system changes within a certain range, the system reconstructs a better original image. The system overcomes the impact of dynamically changing speeds, and affords significantly better performance than traditional compressive imaging.
Elites and Culture: Social Profiles in the Cultivated Population
Authors: Ariño Villarroya Antonio , Llopis-Goig Ramon
Published: April 2021

Since the 1990s, the central references of the sociology of cultural practices have been the theoretical frameworks developed by Pierre Bourdieu and Richard A. Peterson around the concepts of distinction and omnivorousness. This article is based on these frameworks; it revises them together with those of Donnat and Lahire and postulates that the terms of cultural classification and especially those of the upper classes (distinguished and omnivorous) require revision. The article also claims that there are diverse socio-cultural profiles due to the fact that there is never a single logic of differentiation of tastes, and that the results of the present research demand a new conceptual framework capable of showing the operation of diverse logics of differentiation and hierarchy.

In order to do this, an analysis of the socio-cultural profiles of the cultivated groups in Spanish society is carried out on the data obtained from the Survey of Cultural Habits and Practices in Spain 2018/19. This work proves the existence of three types of cultivated population – classical, modern and syncretic – with notable differences in their cultural interests and practices, as well as in their underlying sociodemographic features and aesthetic logics, and concludes by posing the need to delve into the latter in what it defines as the study of cultural practice regimes.
Chemical Constituents and Coagulation Activity of Amygdalus persica L. Flowers
Authors: Zhang Juanjuan , Zhang Wei , Yin Zhenhua , Yang Baocheng , Kang Wenyi
Published: April 2021

The ethyl acetate extract of Amygdalus persica L. flowers (family Rosaceae) was fractionated by silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and, after recrystallization, oleanolic acid (1), ursolic acid (2), quercetin (3), kaempferol (4), hesperetin (5), naringenin (6), and kaempferol-3- O-glucoside (7) were isolated. Their identities were elucidated by spectral techniques and from their physicochemical properties. Compounds 3-7 were identified from A. persica flowers for the first time. All the compounds were evaluated for their procoagulant activity by determining their activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), and fibrinogen (FIB) in vitro. The coagulation activity results showed that oleanolic acid and ursolic acid could significantly prolong APTT and TT; quercetin could significantly shorten PT and TT; kaempferol and hesperetin could significantly shorten APTT, PT, and TT; and naringenin could significantly shorten APTT, PT, and TT and decrease the content of FIB compared with the blank group. All of the above revealed that quercetin, kaempferol, hesperetin and naringenin possessed significant procoagulant activity, while ursolic acid had anticoagulant activity in vitro.