bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CEO Machiavellianism and Strategic Alliances in Family Firms
Authors: Chandler Jeffrey A. , Petrenko Oleg V. , Hill Aaron D. , Hayes Nathan
Published: July 2020

In this study, we build on upper echelons theory and insights from psychology to suggest that CEO Machiavellianism is manifested in the alliance behaviors of family firms. Specifically, we argue that more Machiavellian chief executive officers (CEOs) seek out strategic alliances—as doing so provides opportunities to manipulate, control, and exploit others—and that their tendency toward manipulative and controlling behaviors results in less sustainable alliances. We also argue that the effect of CEO Machiavellianism on the engagement and sustainability of strategic alliances is affected by operating in family firms. Since the owning family often intervenes and mitigates any concerns regarding the organization or its leadership, we argue that any concerns that alliance partners have regarding more Machiavellian CEOs will be weaker as family ownership increases; as such, we argue that as family ownership increases, the positive relationship between CEO Machiavellianism and strategic alliance engagement will be more strongly positive while the negative relationship between CEO Machiavellianism and alliance sustainability will be less strongly negative. Our study presents and tests a theory of how more Machiavellian CEOs affect the decisions surrounding strategic alliances by providing a novel antecedent of the decisions surrounding strategic alliances in family firms. We find support for our arguments with a sample of Standard & Poor’s 500 firms.
Extended model for selection of optimum turning conditions based on minimum energy considerations
Authors: Alswat Haitham M , Mativenga Paul T
Published: July 2020

Reducing energy consumption in manufacturing is essential for using energy effectively and minimising carbon footprint. In this study, the equation for selecting optimum cutting conditions to minimise energy footprint was extended by considering the fact that as tool wear increases, power and specific energy also increase. This new model enables selecting optimum conditions for energy-smart machining by considering energy footprint, cutting tool utilisation and the volume of material to be removed. This timely research improves the integrity of energy models in machining and their suitability and impact in practical machining conditions.
Optimization, design and testing for morphing leading edge
Authors: Yang Yu , Wang Zhigang , Wang Binwen , Lyu Shuaishuai
Published: July 2020

Wing's morphing leading edge, drooping in a seamless way, has significant potential for noise abatement and drag reduction. Innovative design methods for compliant skin and internal actuating mechanism, respectively, are proposed and validated through a mockup in this paper. For the skin, a collaborative optimization method is presented, which takes all design variables, continuous and discrete, into account simultaneously. Moreover, to overcome the drawback of conventional algorithm, which is insufficient for deformation control in critical regime, weight penalty is imposed on present objective function. On the other hand, an internal kinematic actuating mechanism is designed from an improved concept, of which positions of level-rod hinges are optimized in a larger zone to fit the deflection requirement. The test of mockup validates the above methods, and excellent morphing quality of the compliant skin proves the advancement of the collaborative optimization method. However, the design method of internal actuating mechanism needs further improvement, and the error induced deteriorates the final morphing quality of the mockup.
An investigation of a high-performance centrifugal compressor with a variable map width enhancement slot for proton exchange membrane fuel cell systems in commercial vehicle application
Authors: Jin Jianjiao , Pan Jianfeng , Lu Zhigang , Wu Qingrui , Xu Lizhong
Published: July 2020

Maintaining required performance and rated power output of proton exchange membrane fuel cells while reducing fuel consumption demands and improving efficiencies at the largest parasitic work loss contributor, namely the air compressor. In this paper, we built a high-efficiency one-dimensional match model of centrifugal compressor for proton exchange membrane fuel cells first, which was based on the fuel cell air supply system and the optimal trim factor. And then a variable map width enhancement slot design adjusted by a closed ring was first introduced to extend the surge margin and keep high efficiency. Finally, the compressor with a variable map width enhancement slot was validated at a compressor performance rig and a fuel cell simulation system. The results from compressor performance test rig indicate that the compressor peak efficiency is as high as 77% and the surge margin is enhanced by about 28.1∼ 42.7 %. The simulation results of the fuel cell system indicate the maximum power consumption of the compressor and the H2 consumption of comprehensive adapted world transient vehicle cycle are reduced by nearly 1.6 kW and 4.86%, respectively, in comparison with the baseline screw compressor.
Are there enormous age-trends in stable carbon isotope ratios of oak tree rings?
Authors: McCarroll Danny , Duffy Josie E , Loader Neil J , Young Giles HF , Davies Darren , Miles Daniel , Bronk Ramsey Christopher
Published: July 2020

We test a recent prediction that stable carbon isotope ratios from UK oaks will display age-trends of more than 4‰ per century by measuring >5400 carbon isotope ratios from the late-wood alpha-cellulose of individual rings from 18 modern oak trees and 50 building timbers spanning the 9th–21st centuries. After a very short (c.5 years) juvenile phase with slightly elevated values, the number of series that show rising and falling trends is almost equal (33:35) and the average trend is almost zero. These results are based upon measuring and averaging the trends in individual time-series; the ‘mean of the slopes’ approach. We demonstrate that the more conventional ‘slope of the mean’ approach can produce strong but spurious ‘age-trends’ even when the constituent series are flat, with zero slope and zero variance. We conclude that it is safe to compile stable carbon isotope chronologies from UK oaks without de-trending. The isotope chronologies produced in this way are not subject to the ‘segment length curse’, which applies to growth measurements, such as ring width or density, and have the potential to retain very long-term climate signals.
Stereological and histopathological evaluation of doxorubicin-induced toxicity in female rats’ ovary and uterus and palliative effects of quercetin and vitamin E
Authors: Samare-Najaf M , Zal F , Safari S , Koohpeyma F , Jamali N
Published: July 2020

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent with demonstrated reproductive toxicity. This study sought to determine the DOX-induced toxicity in the ovary and uterus and the preventive effects of quercetin (QCT) and vitamin E (Vit.E). Female rats were divided into six groups as follows: control, QCT (20 mg/kg), Vit.E (200 mg/kg), DOX (accumulative 15 mg/kg), DOX/QCT, and DOX/Vit.E. After 3 weeks, the toxicity of DOX in ovarian and uterine tissues and the potential palliative effects of QCT and Vit.E were evaluated by histopathological–stereological methods. The findings indicate a dramatic decline in the number of ovarian follicles ( p < 0.001), ovarian and its associated structures volume, the volume of the uterus, its layers, and related structures ( p < 0.05). Coadministration of QCT and Vit.E with DOX-treated rats demonstrated an alleviative effect on most of the studied parameters. Nevertheless, few adverse effects were recognized concerning these antioxidants administration ( p < 0.05). In conclusion, the findings of this study support the protective role of these dietary supplements in the prevention of DOX-induced toxicity in uterine and ovarian tissues.
A deliberative study of public attitudes towards sharing genomic data within NHS genomic medicine services in England
Authors: Hassan Lamiece , Dalton Ann , Hammond Carrie , Tully Mary Patricia
Published: July 2020

Whole genome (DNA) sequencing is becoming part of routine care healthcare in England. Genomic data are most useful when pooled with other patients’ data, meaning that clinicians may need to share data to effectively treat patients. We ran deliberative focus groups to explore views among 44 patients and members of the public about proposals for wider genomic data sharing for clinical care. Participants were briefed about genomic medicine and engaged in group and individual exercises to deliberate on the benefits and risks of using genomic data. Findings showed that participants supported wider sharing of genomic data within health services and naturally linked care and research activities. Nonetheless, they were concerned about managing flows of information to protect patient confidentiality and guard against unauthorised uses, now and over the long-term. Ongoing conversations with the public are needed to determine appropriate uses of genomic data and safeguards to inform service development.
Transformational Leadership’s Impact on Organizational Innovation: The Mediating Role of Management Control System
Authors: Alharbi Ibrahim Bader , Jamil Rossilah , Mahmood Nik Hasnaa Nik , Shaharoun Awaluddin Mohamed
Published: July 2020

Contemporary organizations are made up of various tangible and intangible components. While several of these components have been subjected to a variety of scholarly studies, both individually and in relation to one another, a number of organizational components still require deeper investigation. The present study looks at the direct and indirect effects of transformational leadership (TL) on organizational innovation (OI) through management control system (MCS) as a mediating variable. This objective has been achieved through an exhaustive review of the literature on the impacts of TL and MCS on OI. The data were collected through questionnaire distribution among 400 high-level managers of seven universities in Saudi Arabia, within the period of May–July 2019. Subsequently, 264 surveys were acquired for the final analysis, indicating 66 per cent accuracy in the response rate. Furthermore, Partial least squares SmartPLS 3.0 used to assess the measurement model and the structural model. It is revealed that TL and MCS have a significant correlation with OI. However, the levels of influence of TL and MCS are quite different in terms of the influence on OI. Finally, our study proposes a few future studies for the research scholars and practitioners.
Preparation, identification, and functional analysis of monoclonal antibodies against atypical porcine pestivirus NS3 protein
Authors: Yan Miaomiao , Huang Jingling , Chen Jianing , Yang Wenting , Liu Guangliang
Published: July 2020

Atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) had been detected in many countries. However, to date, a commercial detection kit is not available because of a lack of specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to APPV. We generated 7 mAbs targeting the NS3 protein of APPV. Isotyping results indicated that all of these mAbs are IgG1 with a kappa light chain. We analyzed the epitopes recognized by mAbs 2B6, 6G11, 8D1, 8D3, and 8F12, which recognized the same linear epitope (GRIKSAYSDE); the 6H3 and 7E10 mAbs recognized 2 different conformational epitopes. Applications of these antibodies were verified by ELISA, western blot, indirect immunofluorescence assay, and flow cytometry. The antibodies were functionally workable for these immunoassays except for 8F12, which could not be used in flow cytometry.
Nurse-Led Intervention Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors in a Yazidi Community
Authors: Johnson Michelle L. , Hunt Tiffany , Johnson Jessica P.
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Immigrating to a new country poses many challenges, including managing daily health care in a new environment. Yazidis experiencing long-standing ethnoreligious persecution in Northern Iraq, fled their homeland seeking safety and refuge in the United States, where approximately 10,000 Yazidi immigrants reside. Method: The researchers collaborated with Yazidi community members to design the healthy lifestyle intervention and ensure cultural sensitivity. Six weekly classes addressed healthy lifestyle behaviors. Data were collected on health promoting activities, biomarkers, and participants’ experiences with the intervention. Results: Participants reported doing slightly more health promoting activities postintervention. Age-related health promoting activities were significantly different at baseline, χ2(2) = 6.093, p = .048, but not postintervention, χ2(2) = 0.212, p = .899. Median loss in biomarkers trended toward clinically significant findings. Participants recommended more strategies to manage stress. Discussion: The pilot study provided an empowering example of nurses collaborating with community members to design a culturally sensitive intervention.
Reporting Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Assault: A Mixed Methods Study of Concerns and Considerations Among College Women of Color
Authors: Burton Candace W. , Guidry Jeanine D.
Published: July 2020

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to explore how women of color affiliated with a large public university in the United States evaluated involving authorities in cases of intimate partner violence (IPV) and/or sexual assault (SA) and to discover if structural stressors such as racism or sexism influenced their thinking. Methodology: Surveys on perceived ethnic discrimination, depression, trauma history, stress, social support, resilience, and sleep disturbance were completed by 87 self-identified women of color. All women also participated in one of several focus groups on IPV and SA. Results: Roughly half of participants had experienced SA and about a third experienced IPV. Participants identifying as Latinx/Hispanic or Black/African American reported the greatest experiences of structural stressors and also felt there was not always a potential safety gain with reporting IPV and/or SA. Discussion: The results of this study suggest universities must create more culturally competent environs of safety for women of color.
Interdisciplinarity and Team Innovation: The Role of Team Experiential and Relational Resources
Authors: Vestal Alex , Mesmer-Magnus Jessica
Published: July 2020

Interdisciplinary teams composed of members with different expertise possess a variety of perspectives, which increases their potential for innovation. In reality, team members often fail to integrate their expertise, resulting in the team not reaching its innovative potential. It is argued the unsharedness of expertise within interdisciplinary teams has an inverted-U relationship with innovation. To explore the conditions under which the unsharedness of expertise enhances or impairs innovation, the resource-based view of organizational productivity is applied to teams. It is argued the amount and configuration of team relational and experiential resources facilitate teams’ ability to integrate members’ expertise for innovation.
Face-to-Face Compared With Online Collected Accounts of Health and Illness Experiences: A Scoping Review
Authors: Davies Louise , LeClair Karissa L. , Bagley Pamela , Blunt Heather , Hinton Lisa , Ryan Sara , Ziebland Sue
Published: July 2020

Advocates of online alternatives to face-to-face interviewing suggest online approaches save money and time, whereas others have raised concerns about the quality and content of the resulting data. These issues affect researchers designing and costing their studies and application reviewers and research funders. We conducted a scoping review of English language articles describing the range of online alternative approaches. Furthermore, we systematically identified studies directly comparing online alternatives with face-to-face approaches. Synthesis of these 11 articles (565 participants) suggests that online alternatives should not be viewed as a straightforward replacement for face-to-face, a particularly important finding given the rapid communication changes occurring in the COVID-19 pandemic. When applied with consideration of the evolving evidence on their strengths and weaknesses, online methods may increase the likelihood of obtaining the desired sample, but responses are shorter, less contextual information is obtained, and relational satisfaction and consensus development are lower.
Endoscopic endonasal balloon-dacryoplasty in failed dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Indelicato Pietro , Vinciguerra Alessandro , Giordano Resti Antonio , Bussi Mario , Trimarchi Matteo
Published: July 2020

Objective:

Endoscopic endonasal balloon-assisted dacryoplasty is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure that can be used in recurrent epiphora, a common pathology in both adulthood and childhood.

Study design/Settings:

We present a retrospective case series of eight patients who underwent trans-nasal balloon-assisted dacryoplasty after a failed external or endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy, from March 2019 to January 2020, at the Department of Otolaryngology, San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.

Subjects and Methods:

All patients underwent routine preoperative work-up including fluorescein test (Jones test I–II), probing and irrigation of the lacrimal pathway and nasal endoscopy. Because of the recurrent nature of the pathology, pre-operatory computed tomography scan or dacryocystography was not performed. The surgical procedure was based on enlargement of the stenotic neorhinostomy created by primary dacryocystorhinostomy through the use of a high-pressure balloon catheter. Anatomical success was defined as a patent ostium on irrigation, whereas functional success was defined as free lacrimal flow on functional test and resolution of epiphora.

Results:

Anatomic and functional success was achieved in 100% of patients. Operative time ranged from 9 to 22 min (mean 16 min). No significant complications were reported.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that trans-nasal balloon-assisted dacryoplasty can be considered as a safe and reliable surgical approach after a failed primary dacryocystorhinostomy. The shorter surgical time and reduced post-operative complication rates are the main advantages of this procedure.
Large choroidal excavation in myopic macular degeneration: A case report
Authors: Borghesan Federico , Arrigo Alessandro , Bandello Francesco , Battaglia Parodi Maurizio
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

To report the morphological and clinical features of a case of myopic macular degeneration with large choroidal excavation.

Methods:

A myopic patient underwent multimodal imaging, including optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography, over a 8-year follow-up.

Results:

A choroidal excavation was found in left eye, superior to the fovea. The excavation started as a focal choroidal excavation (FCE) and got deeper and larger during the 8-years-long follow-up, thus resulting in a large choroidal excavation (LCE).

Conclusions:

LCE may be the evolution of FCE in highly myopic eyes, further studies are needed to describe the natural history of choroidal excavations in degenerative myopia.
Challenging the monolingual mindset: Understanding plurilingual pedagogies in English as an Additional Language (EAL) classrooms
Authors: Slaughter Yvette , Cross Russell
Published: July 2020

Current theories of bilingualism argue that the language practices of bilinguals are drawn from a single linguistic repertoire, and that enabling access to the full breadth of students’ language practices can be a vital resource for further language development. This challenges commonplace practices within English as an Additional Language (EAL) education in Australia, where curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment are predicated on monolingual (English-only) structures. Even though many teachers identify with the need to draw on students’ linguistic repertoires, a lack of pedagogical guidance can result in disengagement with this issue. As we move towards identifying and systematizing plurilingual practices, it is imperative we understand teacher stance towards the use of languages other than English in the classroom. This research, therefore, sought to explore the use of language mapping to build teachers’ awareness of their students’ communicative lifeworlds, and to reflect on their stance towards students’ languages (other than English) in contexts where the focus is learning English as an additional language. The findings illustrate pedagogical practices which go at least some way to subverting the dominance of English-only structures, as well as demonstrating that teacher positioning towards the use of first languages is dynamic in that it is responsive to changes in student context, as well as to new knowledge, as gained through the language mapping activities.
Socio-cultural factors influencing preschool enrolment in a rural cohort exposed to early parenting interventions in Pakistan: A qualitative study
Authors: Rasheed Muneera A , Siyal Saima , Arshad Alma , Farid Arooba A , Obradović Jelena , Yousafzai Aisha K
Published: July 2020

Early parenting interventions have shown to be effective for changing parenting behaviours to provide stimulation at home. However, evidence about the effect on decision to timely enrol the child in preschool and the related pathways is scarce. A follow-up study of a rural cohort exposed to early parenting interventions in the first 2 years of life in Pakistan though indicated benefits for children’s cognitive skills and learning environment at home but did not improve preschool enrolment rates. The aim of this study was to explore stakeholder knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about preschool education that may influence parent’s decision of enrolment. A qualitative study using a phenomenological approach was conducted. Data collection methods included focus group discussion and in-depth interviews with the parents and the teachers and observations of selected preschools. An emergent thematic analysis was followed. Findings showed that community attitudes related to their role in children’s preschool education (e.g. lack of parental involvement), and their perceptions of stakeholders’ responsibilities and accountability (child being responsible for own motivation and interest to learn) were barriers to preschool enrolment. Facilitators included quality of preschools and older siblings enrolled in the school. Early parenting interventions may be insufficient to change community perceptions of preschool education in disadvantaged contexts with dysfunctional education systems. Targeted strategies addressing socio-cultural barriers for early learning are needed.
Shear stiffness of inclined screws in timber–concrete composite beam with timber board interlayer
Authors: Du Hao , Hu Xiamin , Sun Zhixiang , Fu Weijie
Published: July 2020

The timber board interlayer is applied as the formwork for the pouring of concrete slab in various practical applications of timber–concrete composite structures, with the rehabilitation of timber buildings, in particular. At present, there are few studies performed to study the shear stiffness of inclined screws in timber–concrete composite beams with timber board interlayer. In this article, eight groups of shear tests were carried out to study the shear stiffness of inclined screws in timber–concrete composite beams with timber board interlayer. The key parameters included the embedment depth of the screw connector into timber, screw diameter, the thickness of concrete slab, and concrete strength. As indicated by the test results, the shear stiffness of the inclined screws was improved as the embedment depth of screw into timber and screw diameter increased. When the embedded depth of screw into concrete remained unchanged, the thickness of concrete slab and concrete strength exhibited no significant impact on the shear stiffness of inclined crossing screws. On the basis of the theory of a beam on a two-dimensional elastic foundation, the calculation method for predicting the shear stiffness of inclined screw in timber–concrete composite beams with interlayer was proposed. The comparisons demonstrated that the shear stiffness of inclined screw can be well predicted using the calculation method.
Sociology in a crisis: Covid-19 and the colonial politics of knowledge production in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Barber Simon , Naepi Sereana
Published: July 2020

Rather than being exceptional for Māori and Pacific Peoples, Covid-19 is the latest iteration of virulent disease that arrived with European colonisation. The various pandemics are connected; they exacerbate and intensify existing conditions of colonial inequality and injustice. The political and economic marginalisation of Māori and Pasifika within Aotearoa New Zealand ensures that Covid-19 will have disproportionate impacts upon them. Covid-19’s impacts will be felt in the academy as everywhere else. The immediate issue will be the culling of less popular ‘uneconomic’ courses, and of precarious instructors (where Māori and Pacific teachers are over-represented). Colonisation never ended. Ongoing domination is secured through the reproduction of social life, including via social institutions like the university. While sociology likes to think of itself as the critical edge, it often fails to be so in relation to its own assumptions. In order for sociology to be part of the solution, instead of simply perpetuating the problem of racism as it is wont to do, its practitioners must recognise our place in the world, must speak to our ways of knowing and being, and must validate the aspirations of Māori and Pacific communities, Māori and Pacific students and Māori and Pacific staff.
Temporal and moral orders of social work intervention: The accomplishment of relationship work in a case of physical abuse
Authors: Dennis Alex , Leigh Jadwiga
Published: July 2020

This paper explores the employment of communication, engagement and relationship-based practice skills by a Flemish social worker working with a parent who was alleged to have assaulted his child. We deploy insights gained from ethnomethodology to analyse extracts from an ethnographic observation. We show how a respectful approach can be developed between two parties who seek to find meaning from the chain of events they are presented with. In doing so, we establish how practice can be conducted differently depending on the context in which professionals and families find themselves. We argue that social workers’ identities revolve around being competent members of their professional community by working within the recommended guidelines and keeping children safe. However, this does not mean that organisational rules determine the activities that take place. Instead, we show how social workers can use their experience and skills to develop effective working relationships and still achieve their intended outcomes without blaming or shaming parents.
Care goes underground: thinking through relations of care in the maintenance and repair of urban water infrastructures
Authors: Buser Michael , Boyer Kate
Published: July 2020

This article extends understanding of the underground city and the workings of the urban backstage through a critical analysis of water infrastructure maintenance and repair. It is based on analysis of ethnographic work undertaken with water maintenance operatives on-site at 11 water infrastructure repair jobs between 2015 and 2016 in Bristol, England. In this article, we argue that water infrastructure maintenance and repair constitutes an important but largely unrecognised form of care work. We extend existing conceptual work by arguing that nonhumans can be vital participants within practices of care.
Characterization of multilayer delaminations in composites using wavenumber analysis: numerical and experimental studies
Authors: Mei Hanfei , Giurgiutiu Victor
Published: July 2020

Delamination is one of the most common and dangerous failure modes for composites because it takes place and grows in the absence of any visible surface damage. The successful implementation of delamination detection in aerospace composite structures is always challenging due to the general anisotropic behavior of composites and multilayer delamination scenarios. This article presents a numerical and experimental investigation to detect and characterize the multilayer delaminations in carbon fiber–reinforced polymer composite plates using guided waves and wavenumber analysis. Multiphysics three-dimensional finite element simulations of the composite plate with five different delamination scenarios are conducted to provide the out-of-plane wave motion for wavenumber analysis. The out-of-plane results from finite element simulations of one delamination and two delaminations are validated by the scanning laser Doppler vibrometer measurements. It is found that the wavenumber analysis can identify the plies between which the delamination occurs and evaluate the delamination severity by comparing the new wavenumbers due to the trapped waves in the delamination regions, which is potentially related to delamination severity. Both numerical and experimental results demonstrate a good capability for the detection and characterization of multilayer delaminations in composite structures.
Shortcut to the Fourth Industrial Revolution: The case of Latin America
Authors: Celani Gabriela
Published: July 2020

In the fields of architecture and urban design, there has always been a delay in the impact of industrial revolution technologies, and in the case of less industrialised countries, the delay has been even bigger. This article starts with a review of the history of computer-aided architectural design in Brazil and then describes the state of the field in some Latin American countries. Finally, we discuss the ‘ideal computer curriculum’ for architects in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in Northwest Russia: The ARKHsleep study
Authors: Khokhrina Anna , Andreeva Elena , Degryse Jean-Marie
Published: July 2020

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a chronic condition characterized by repeated breathing pauses during sleep. The reported prevalence of SDB in the general population has increased over time. Furthermore, in the literature, a distinction is made between SDB, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and “OSA syndrome” (OSAS). Patients with SDB are at increased risk of comorbid cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The aim of the ARKHsleep study was to assess the prevalence of SDB in general and of OSA and OSAS in particular. A total of 1050 participants aged 30–70 years, who were randomly selected from a population register, were evaluated for the probability of SDB using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score and body mass index. Sleep was recorded for one night via home sleep apnea testing (Somnolter®). Medical conditions were determined from medical records. Additional data included background characteristics, anthropometric variables, blood pressure, and scores from four questionnaires. The survey sample consisted of 41.2% males and had a mean age of 53.1 ± 11.3 years. The prevalence of mild-to-severe, moderate-to-severe, and severe SDB was 48.9% [45.8–51.9], 18.1% [15.9–20.6], and 4.5% [3.2–5.8], respectively. Individuals reporting snoring or breathing pauses had a higher severity of SDB than individuals free of symptoms. The ARKHsleep study revealed a high burden of both SDB and CVD; however, more large-scale cohort studies and intervention studies are needed to better understand whether the early recognition and treatment of mild SDB with or without symptoms will improve cardiovascular prognosis and/or quality of life.
Postsecondary Students With Disabilities: Predictors of Adaptation to College
Authors: Herrick Samantha J. , Lu Weili , Bullock Deanna
Published: July 2020

This study examined the relationship between acceptance of disability, perceived stigma of students on a college campus and adaptation to college for students with disabilities. One hundred forty-five surveys were collected from student participants via the disability support services offices at sixteen colleges or universities in the northeast and mid-west United States. The results of a hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed two statistically significant relationships, students with a higher level of acceptance of disability were more adapted to college, and higher GPA was associated with less adaptation to college. The exploratory test of mediation revealed that the relationship between acceptance of disability and adaptation to college was significantly mediated by perception of stigma on a college campus. The implications for higher education support services and recommendations for future research are discussed.
“The ball is round, the game lasts 90 minutes, everything else is pure theory”
Authors: Jost Peter-J.
Published: July 2020

We model a soccer match between two heterogeneous teams as a two-stage contest where each team chooses its attacking and defending effort for each half of the match. We characterize the optimal teams’ efforts as well as the optimal effort allocation between offense and defense. In contrast to the theoretical literature on soccer we show, for example, that the leading team may preempt its competitor in the first half. Our analysis also sheds new light on empirical studies that investigate the change in winning points on the number of ties by showing that this effect depends crucially on teams’ heterogeneity.
Experimental investigations on high precision abrasive waterjet cutting of natural fibre reinforced nano clay filled green composites
Authors: Rajamani D , Balasubramanian E , Dilli Babu G , Ananthakumar K
Published: July 2020

The present investigation focused on abrasive waterjet cutting (AWJC) of natural fibre reinforced nano clay filled polyester composites with the objectives of maximizing material removal rate ( MRR) and minimizing the kerf taper ( KT) and surface roughness ( Ra). The influence of nano clay addition, traverse speed (TS), jet pressure (JP) and stand-off distance (SOD) on the AWJC characteristics of fabricated composite laminates are investigated. The natural fibre reinforced composite (NFRC) laminates are fabricated through hand lay-up technique through varying the wt% of nano clay fillers (0, 1 and 2). The AWJC experiments are planned and rigorous experiments were performed by adopting box-behnken design approach. The relative consequence of process variables on response features and quadratic regression models were assessed through analysis of variance (ANOVA). Further, multiple response optimization is carried out using statistical desirability technique to enhance the cut quality characteristics. The optimal AWJC parameters such as JP of 316.24 MPa, SOD of 2 mm and TS of 304.24 mm/min with 1.15 wt% of nano clay addition are determined. Microstructure of cut surface is examined to ascertain the morphological behaviour of AWJC surfaces with different processing conditions.
JANEX-1 improves acute pulmonary embolism through VEGF and FAK in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells
Authors: Pan Longfei , Peng Zhuo , Zhang Ruipeng , Zhang Rui , Liang Dean , Chen Heming , Tian Hongyan
Published: July 2020

Although clinical treatment has significant progress, acute pulmonary embolism is still a common disease with high morbidity and mortality. Janus Kinase 3, a member of JAK family, has been demonstrated to promote smooth muscle cell proliferation through STAT3. In this work, we explored the effect of JANEX-1 (a specific Janus Kinase 3 inhibitor) on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced proliferation-related molecules in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PVSMCs) in vitro and assessed the therapeutic potential of Janus Kinase 3 for vascular remodeling in acute pulmonary embolism mice. The results revealed that Janus Kinase 3 was overexpressed and active in PDGF-induced PVSMCs and acute pulmonary embolism mice, compared to a low expression in normal conditions. JANEX-1, blocking Janus Kinase 3 expression or activity, reduced Janus Kinase 3/STAT3 signaling pathway, VEGF expression, FAK activation, and PDGF-induced proliferation of PVSMCs, while overexpression of VEGF or FAK induced PVSMCs proliferation and resisted the negative effects of JANEX-1. Moreover, JANEX-1 improved right ventricular systolic pressure, survival and lung damage in acute pulmonary embolism-mice, and inhibited the thrombus-induced intimal hyperplasia and the expression of α-SMA, VEGF, and FAK activation under neointimal smooth muscle cells of acute pulmonary embolism mice. In conclusion, the data suggest that JANEX-1 exerts protective effects by inhibiting PVSMCs proliferation and vascular remodeling post-acute pulmonary embolism, in part through Janus Kinase 3/STAT3 signaling pathway-mediated VEGF expression and FAK activation. The data are helpful to elucidate the pharmacological mechanism and potential therapeutic effect of JANEX-1 in APE.

Impact statement

Accumulating evidence suggests that vascular remodeling due to immoderate proliferation and migration of SMCs is a common process occurring in APE. In this work, we tried to find a breakthrough in the pathological mechanism to alleviate the prognosis of APE by improving SMCs proliferation and explored the effect of JANEX-1 on PDGF-induced proliferation-related molecules in PVSMCs and assessed the therapeutic potential of JAK3 for vascular remodeling in APE mice. We demonstrated that JANEX-1, blocking JAK3 expression or activity, reduced JAK3/STAT3 signaling pathway, VEGF expression and FAK activation, and PDGF-induced proliferation of PVSMCs. Moreover, JANEX-1 inhibited the thrombus-induced intimal hyperplasia and the expression of VEGF and FAK activation in neointimal SMCs of APE mice. The data are helpful to elucidate the pharmacological mechanism and potential therapeutic effect of JANEX-1 in APE.
Looking Back to Move Forward: Charles Fowler and His Reconstructionist Philosophy of Music Education
Authors: Resta Craig
Published: July 2020

Charles Fowler (1931–1995) was an important thinker whose reconstructionist philosophy of music education represents an untold view worthy of examination in the modern context. Fowler described the philosophy in his dissertation completed in 1964, based on the reconstructionist theory of Theodore Brameld. He outlined seven major objectives stating how music education can impact students, schools, and communities, and can serve as an agent of social change. This perspective was the basis for Fowler’s pragmatic and progressive outlook throughout his 45-year career as teacher, researcher, writer, and arts advocate. His philosophy is presented here as another critical viewpoint of music teaching and learning, and for its impact on those who experience it. Following an introduction to Fowler and his connections to reconstructionism, his seven objectives for music education are presented, along with samples of writing showing his consistent philosophical beliefs over time, concluding with a review of his thinking while considering the future through a lens of the past. While prevailing viewpoints center on aesthetic, praxial, and pedagogical views, Fowler’s reconstructionist philosophy is worthy of inclusion in the history of music education as he argued for a sociological perspective that predates most viewpoints commonly read in the field today.
Modeling fast jet infrared countermeasures: Pseudo-imaging seekers with an ultraviolet guard band
Authors: Glover A , Richardson M A , Barlow N
Published: July 2020

In 2012, a study looking back 35 years indicated that 90% of all aircraft losses in battle were caused by infrared (IR) guided missiles. Man portable air defense systems are a cheap and prolific resource for both state and non-state actors that enables the employment of IR guided missiles. As such, significant time is required to be invested in developing effective countermeasures to ensure a fast jet can attain and sustain air superiority in operations.

This article will provide a summary of the thesis by Glover (Glover AX. Electro-optic countermeasure modelling in a fast jet environment: rosette scanning seekers with an ultraviolet guard band. Thesis, Cranfield University, 2019) that aimed to develop a myriad of IR-based countermeasure techniques. Specifically, when pseudo imaging, a rosette scan IR seeker is employed against a fast jet with an ultraviolet guard band counter-countermeasure.

A series of seven trials was simulated using Chemring’s CounterSim program to produce a spread of results based on the developed technique’s effectiveness. Several of these trials produced outcomes with a probability of escaping hit greater than 97% across a range of altitudes. The successful techniques involve an assortment of concepts, including employment of spectral flares, aircraft maneuvering, multi-flare patterns, and the notion of masking.
Benign Hand Tumors (Part II): Soft Tissue Tumors
Authors: Lans Jonathan , Yue Kai-Lou C. , Castelein René M. , Suster David I. , Petur Nielsen G. , Chen Neal C. , Lozano-Calderon Santiago A.
Published: July 2020

Background: Benign soft-tissue tumors of the hand are more common than both their benign bone and malignant soft-tissue counterparts. This study evaluates the characteristics and treatment of benign soft tissue tumors in light of 1 institution’s experience. Methods: Histologically confirmed benign soft-tissue tumors of the hand were retrospectively identified using International Classification of Disease codes from 1992 to 2015. A medical chart review was conducted to collect patient demographics, tumor epidemiology, and treatment. Results: A total of 199 soft-tissue tumors were identified. The median patient age at time of treatment was 47.4 ± 14.7 years in age. The majority of tumors were located in the digits (n = 168, 84%) and treated by excision (n = 191, 96%). Localized type tenosynovial giant cell tumors (n = 71, 36%) were the most common and had the highest rates of recurrence (8.5%) in this series. Other frequent histologies included hemangioma, schwannoma, and glomus tumors. Conclusion: Awareness and understanding of tumor characteristics may help physicians with diagnosis and treatment. There is an extensive variety of tumors, but the principles of clinical and imaging diagnosis are common to all of them. Marginal excision for the treatment pain, improvement of function, and cosmetic correction applies to all these tumors independent of the histology.
Effect of Trapeziectomy on Carpal Stability
Authors: Paul Aaron W. , Athens Christian M. , Patel Raahil , Rizzo Marco , Rhee Peter C.
Published: July 2020

Background: The scaphoid-trapezoid-trapezium (STT) articulation stabilizes the scaphoid and links the proximal and distal carpal rows. The purpose of the study was to determine whether trapezium excision in the treatment of trapeziometacarpal (TM) arthritis affects carpal stability. Methods: A retrospective chart and radiographic review was performed on all wrists that underwent trapeziectomy with suspensionplasty or ligament reconstruction, and tendon interposition for TM arthritis between 2004 and 2016. Radiographic outcome measures included the modified carpal height ratio (MCHR) and radioscaphoid (RS), radiolunate (RL), and scapholunate (SL) angles. Degenerative change at the TM and STT joints was classified according to the Eaton-Littler, and Knirk and Jupiter classification systems. Radiographic parameters were compared between preoperative and final follow-up time points. Results: A total of 122 wrists were included in the study with a mean follow-up of 3.5 years (range: 1.0-13.0 years). The mean RL (range: −2.2° ± 11.8° to −10.7° ± 16.5°) and RS angles (range: 52.6° ± 13.8° to 44.4° ± 17.8°) decreased significantly (<.001) without significant change in SL angle, indicating progressive lunate and scaphoid extension after trapeziectomy. The mean MCHR decreased significantly (range: 1.6 ± 0.1 to 1.5 ± 0.1) following trapeziectomy, indicating progressive carpal collapse. Progressive scaphoid-trapezoid arthrosis was observed following trapeziectomy. No other preoperative radiographic factors investigated were associated with significant differences in preoperative and postoperative values for radiographic outcome measures. Conclusions: Trapeziectomy can lead to loss of carpal height, coordinated extension of both the lunate and scaphoid, and progressive scaphotrapezoid arthrosis. As such, in wrists with dynamic or static carpal instability, trapeziectomy should be performed with caution due to the risk of carpal collapse with a nondissociative pattern of dorsal intercalated segment instability.
The Effects of Intraoperative Electrical Stimulation on Regeneration and Recovery After Nerve Isograft Repair in a Rat Model
Authors: Keane Grace C. , Pan Deng , Roh Joseph , Larson Ellen L. , Schellhardt Lauren , Hunter Daniel A. , Snyder-Warwick Alison K. , Moore Amy M. , Mackinnon Susan E. , Wood Matthew D.
Published: July 2020

Background: Therapeutic electrical stimulation (ES) applied to repaired nerve is a promising treatment option to improve regeneration. However, few studies address the impact of ES following nerve graft reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to determine if ES applied to a nerve repair using nerve isograft in a rodent model could improve nerve regeneration and functional recovery. Methods: Adult rats were randomized to 2 groups: “ES” and “Control.” Rats received a tibial nerve transection that was repaired using a tibial nerve isograft (1.0 cm length), where ES was applied immediately after repair in the applicable group. Nerve was harvested 2 weeks postrepair for immunohistochemical analysis of axon growth and macrophage accumulation. Independently, rats were assessed using walking track and grid-walk analysis for up to 21 weeks. Results: At 2 weeks, more robust axon regeneration and greater macrophage accumulation was observed within the isografts for the ES compared to Control groups. Both walking track and grid-walk analysis revealed that return of functional recovery was accelerated by ES. The ES group demonstrated improved functional recovery over time, as well as improved recovery compared to the Control group at 21 weeks. Conclusions: ES improved early axon regeneration into a nerve isograft and was associated with increased macrophage and beneficial M2 macrophage accumulation within the isograft. ES ultimately improved functional recovery compared to isograft repair alone. This study supports the clinical potential of ES to improve the management of nerve injuries requiring a nerve graft repair.