bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavior of epoxy reinforced banana glass fiber hybrid composite with nanoclay interference
Authors: M Sudhagar , TK Kannan , S Benjamin Lazarus , R Rajasekar , S Raj Sachin
Published: August 2021

Recent years, Polymer matrix hybrid composites have a greater attention in industry and research due to growing demand for versatile applications. The present work focused on the development of epoxy based hybrid nanocomposites. Nanoclay is another novel material that is widely used in the research. In this investigation, nanoclay dispersed hybrid composite materials has been studied for mechanical and wear behavior. Glass fiber and banana fiber combined epoxy laminates (EGB) were reinforced with nanoclay at different weight fractions of 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% using compression moulding. The enhanced properties of the nanoclay hybrid composites were analyzed with other specimens. Water absorption character study was also conducted. Morphological study was performed using Scanning Electron Microscope. It was observed that an optimum result attained with 4 wt% nanoclay reinforced composite with an increase in tensile strength of 8.62%, flexural strength of 30.19%, and impact strength of 48.15% when compared to EGB. Further the wear resistance of 4 wt% nanoclay hybrid composite showed an increase of 19.4% than the EGB composite.
Application of neural networks in predictions of brake wear particulate matter emission
Authors: Vasiljević Saša , Glišović Jasna , Stojanović Nadica , Grujić Ivan
Published: August 2021

According to the World Health Organization, air pollution with PM10 and PM2.5 (PM-particulate matter) is a significant problem that can have serious consequences for human health. Vehicles, as one of the main sources of PM10 and PM2.5 emissions, pollute the air and the environment both by creating particles by burning fuel in the engine, and by wearing of various elements in some vehicle systems. In this paper, the authors conducted the prediction of the formation of PM10 and PM2.5 particles generated by the wear of the braking system using a neural network (Artificial Neural Networks (ANN)). In this case, the neural network model was created based on the generated particles that were measured experimentally, while the validity of the created neural network was checked by means of a comparative analysis of the experimentally measured amount of particles and the prediction results. The experimental results were obtained by testing on an inertial braking dynamometer, where braking was performed in several modes, that is under different braking parameters (simulated vehicle speed, brake system pressure, temperature, braking time, braking torque). During braking, the concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 particles was measured simultaneously. The total of 196 measurements were performed and these data were used for training, validation, and verification of the neural network. When it comes to simulation, a comparison of two types of neural networks was performed with one output and with two outputs. For each type, network training was conducted using three different algorithms of backpropagation methods. For each neural network, a comparison of the obtained experimental and simulation results was performed. More accurate prediction results were obtained by the single-output neural network for both particulate sizes, while the smallest error was found in the case of a trained neural network using the Levenberg-Marquardt backward propagation algorithm. The aim of creating such a prediction model is to prove that by using neural networks it is possible to predict the emission of particles generated by brake wear, which can be further used for modern traffic systems such as traffic control. In addition, this wear algorithm could be applied on other vehicle systems, such as a clutch or tires.
Celebrating 30 years of Feminism & Psychology
Authors: Macleod Catriona Ida , Capdevila Rose , Marecek Jeanne , Braun Virginia , Gavey Nicola , Wilkinson Sue
Published: August 2021

Feminism & Psychology ( F&P) was launched in 1991 with a sense of possibility, enthusiasm and excitement as well as a sense of urgent need – to critique and reconstruct mainstream psychology (theory, research methods, and clinical practice). Thirty years have now passed since the first issue was produced. Thirty volumes with three or four issues have been published each year, thanks to the efforts of many. On the occasion of F&P’s 30th anniversary, we, the present and past editors, reflect on successes, changes and challenges in relation to the journal. We celebrate the prestigious awards accruing to the journal, its editors, and authors, and the significant contributions the journal has made to critical feminist scholarship at the interface of feminisms and psychologies. We note some of the theoretical and methodological developments and social changes witnessed over the last three decades. We highlight challenges facing feminist researchers in academia as well as international feminist publishing. We conclude that the initial enthusiasm and excitement expressed by the then editorial collective was justified. But, there is still much work to be done.
A frequency domain comparison of disturbance observer based control schemes
Authors: Bayrak Abdurrahman , Efe Mehmet Önder
Published: August 2021

In this article, an analysis and synthesis of widely used linear disturbance observer based robust control approaches are presented. The main objective of this article is to provide an exhaustive comparison of disturbance observer based robust control approaches and to handle the structural details of each approach for gaining insight about the complexity of each approach. Toward this goal, nine performances and robustness equations portraying useful insights for understanding and analyzing control systems are derived by examining their common and equivalent block diagrams. Four of them are selected as gang of four equations, namely complementary sensitivity function, sensitivity function, disturbance sensitivity function and noise sensitivity function. Robustness and disturbance rejection performance analysis of all linear disturbance observer based control schemes and classical feedback control scheme are done using gang of four equations. With these representations, two tables discussing all prime issues and facilitating the selection of the best approach are obtained. Our research stipulates critical facts and figures of each scheme by considering the derived gang of four equations, which can be used for choosing the most appropriate disturbance observer based control approach for a given robust control problem. It is concluded that the uncertainty disturbance estimator approach is superior when time delay type uncertainty is involved in the model. Unfolding this is critical as time delay is an inevitable fact in most industrial control systems. The findings also emphasize that time domain disturbance observer based control approach is proficient if there is no process time delay.
Ensuring access to water in an emergency context: Towards an overexploitation and contamination of water resources?
Authors: Nicolas-Artero Chloé
Published: August 2021

This article shows how geo-legal devices created to deal with environmental crisis situations make access to drinking water precarious and contribute to the overexploitation and contamination of water resources. It relies on qualitative methods (interviews, observations, archive work) to identify and analyse two geo-legal devices applied in the case study of the Elqui Valley in Chile. The first device, generated by the Declaration of Water Scarcity, allows private sanitation companies to concentrate water rights and extend their supply network, thus producing an overexploitation of water resources. In the context of mining pollution, the second device is structured around the implementation of the Rural Drinking Water Programme and the distribution of water by tankers, which has made access to drinking water more precarious for the population and does nothing to prevent pollution.
Reconceptualising ‘risk’: Towards a humanistic paradigm of sexual offending
Authors: McAlinden Anne-Marie
Published: August 2021

Within Western criminal justice traditions, the ‘risk’ paradigm has become the defining logic of contemporary laws and policies on sex offender management. This article critically examines the limitations of current technocratic and algorithmic approaches to risk in relation to sexual offending and how they might be addressed. Drawing on nearly two decades of theoretical and empirical research conducted by the author, it applies the learning on sex offender reintegration and desistance to advance a ‘humanistic’ paradigm of sexual offending. The paper attempts to counter some of the dangers of algorithmic justice and shift risk-based discourse away from its predominantly ‘scientific’ origins. It argues that such a move towards a more expansive and progressive version of risk within criminal justice discourses would better capture the realities of sexual offending behaviour and its real-world governance.
Effect of alkaline treatment on mechanical properties of composites: Unsaturated polyester reinforced ZrO2/jute and sisal
Authors: Biswas Bhabatosh , Bandyopadhyay Nil Ratan , Mandal Gurudas , Sinha Arijit
Published: August 2021

Alkali treated (5 wt. % alkali was used on the total weight of the alkali solution and the treatment time was 2 h) discontinuous cellulosic fiber (jute and sisal were used as cellulosic fibers and 35 wt. % filler content was incorporated) reinforced chemically modified ZrO2 (ZrO2 was used as 10 wt. % of total filler content. In this context, it is worthwhile to mention that when both fillers were used, the fiber content was taken in the weight ratio of 1:1.) dispersed hybrid unsaturated polyester composites were fabricated by a compression molding technique. The mechanical behavior of the fabricated composites was evaluated at the sub-micron scale by nanoindentation (indentation with an applied load on the composites surface at the nano-metric range) or depth-sensing instrumented indentation technique. The significant effect of incorporation of the dispersing phases within the unsaturated polyester matrix with respect to mechanical properties at microstructural length scale was observed. A marked improvement in the nanoindentation-derived parameters viz. , nanohardness, reduced modulus, elastic recovery, and indentation creep was observed which may be attributed due to the influence of fillers inclusion within the unsaturated polyester matrix. An extensive effort was laid to analyze the dynamic mechanical properties using the sinus indentation mode associated with nanoindentation measurements to further correlate the influence of fillers addition with the indentation-derived parameters.
Women’s Struggle for a Voice in Local Governance: Challenges for Veiled Women in Haryana, India
Authors: Rani Saroj
Published: August 2021

This study explores the experiences of women as voters and political representatives at the local level. It includes women’s stories which capture the challenges they faced, their resistance and aspiration for change. The study also looks at men’s perception of women’s political participation. The study uses a feminist perspective with qualitative methods. Tools such as in-depth interview, focus group discussions and observations were used to gather data and information.
Self-Expression in the Cyber World: Challenges for a Woman
Authors: Siddiqi Nasrina
Published: August 2021

Apart from offering a platform to express opinions, social networking sites also enable people to maintain anonymity and express hatred. Women, particularly strong and opinionated ones, often fall prey to such revulsion. This investigation explores why and how women’s self-expression is curtailed in the virtual domain. To answer this question, thematic analysis has been carried out of Facebook comments and messages received by an Indian woman over a period of two years. Findings indicate that men responding to women’s online self-expression can fall into any of three emergent categories: self-proclaimed well-wishers, admirers turned abusers and the toxically masculine. While the first group silences women discreetly and typically by moral policing or invading women’s personal space, the latter two groups do so more blatantly. However, the three groups share a common patriarchal bias, believing that self-expression is a masculine privilege and women who try to democratise this privilege are cultural deviants.
Overcoming a corporate crisis: The role of a hegemonic elite – The Banco Ambrosiano case (1982)
Authors: Bellavite Pellegrini Carlo , Lionzo Andrea , Lai Alessandro
Published: August 2021

This article explores how an elite was able to facilitate the recovery of one of the greatest European banks, the Banco Ambrosiano, from a corporate crisis which led it to bankruptcy. Drawing on Gramsci’s theory of ‘intellectual and moral leadership’ or ‘hegemony’, this study undertakes a critical analysis of the role played by an elite, mainly composed of public servants, in enabling financial and political forces to avoid the loss of the great heritage of the bank, built over decades of success and public commitment. The study reveals how this elite positively constructed the path to allow the recovery process, using accounting data to identify the forward-looking solutions. This research helps expand historical and critical studies on crises, pointing out how accounting has been an instrument enabling new governing technologies while Gramsci’s theory has been applied extensively to interpret an institutional setting and an action towards an apt solution for protecting public interest.
Legal Issues in Early Childhood Special Education
Authors: Etscheidt Susan Larson , Schmitz Stephanie L. , Edmister Andi M.
Published: August 2021

Family and professional collaboration is beneficial to students, families, and educators. The importance of such collaboration was recognized for families of students with disabilities, resulting in provisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that mandate parental participation in educational planning. Despite the benefits of family and professional collaboration and the IDEA mandate, many parents disagree with the educational planning decisions provided to their children and request due process hearings. Parents perceive a lack of opportunity to provide input and/or to disagree with schools’ perspectives. Parents of early childhood students report significant concerns about their child’s readiness for the transition to kindergarten and their limited role in transition planning as their children prepared to enter preschool programs. The purpose of this article was to examine the issues identified in parental complaints in early childhood special education (ECSE) through a qualitative content analysis of recent court cases. The results revealed six themes related to current issues in ECSE programs. We conclude with several recommendations for state policy makers to improve services in ECSE based on the DEC Recommended Practices.
Reliability, Factor Validity, and Neuropsychological Correlates of the Child Concentration Inventory–2 in a Community Sample of Italian Adolescents
Authors: Somma Antonella , Becker Stephen P. , Leitner Caterina , Fossati Andrea
Published: August 2021

Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) has been less frequently studied in adolescents compared with school-aged youth, few studies have examined youth self-report of SCT, and no study has examined SCT in Italy. The present study examined the reliability and validity of the Child Concentration Inventory–Version 2 (CCI-2), a youth self-report measure of SCT, in 452 Italian adolescent high school students (37.8% female; mean age = 15.92 years). Adolescents were administered Italian translations of the CCI-2 and the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Self-Report Scale (ASRS). School performance variables (i.e., teacher-rated grades and teachers’ disciplinary ratings) were also collected. A random subsample ( n = 88) of participants was also administered the Mackworth Clock Test, a short version of the Attention Network Test, and the Stop-Signal Task. In our study, all CCI-2 items showed adequate convergent–discriminant validity, and the CCI-2 scale score showed adequate internal consistency reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis results suggested the adequacy of a one-factor model of the CCI-2 items, which showed to be invariant across sex. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the dissociability of SCT from ADHD-Inattention and ADHD-Impulsivity. SCT was significantly and negatively associated with adolescents’ average school grades, whereas ADHD was also significantly and negatively associated with adolescents’ disciplinary ratings. In the random subsample, the CCI-2 total score was positively, significantly, and uniquely associated with overall reaction time on the Attention Network Task, but not other neurocognitive variables. This study provides further support for the reliability and validity of self-reported SCT in adolescence.
Advances in vascular anatomy and pathophysiology using high resolution and multiparametric sonography
Authors: Ilaria Petrucci , Mario Meola , Ilaria Fiorina
Published: August 2021

B-mode and Color Doppler are the first-line imaging modalities in cardiovascular diseases. However, conventional ultrasound (US) provides a lower spatial and temporal resolution (70–100 frames per second) compared to ultrafast technology which acquires several thousand frames per second. Consequently, the multiparametric ultrafast platforms manage new imaging algorithms as high-frequency ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, shear wave elastography, vector flow, and local pulse wave imaging. These advances allow better ultrasound performances, more detailed blood flow visualization and vessel walls’ characterization, and many future applications for vascular viscoelastic properties evaluation.

In this paper, we provide an overview of each new technique’s principles and concepts and the real or potential applications of these modalities on the study of the artery and venous anatomy and pathophysiology of the upper limb before and after creating a native or prosthetic arterio-venous fistula. In particular, we focus on high-frequency ultrasound that could predict cannulation readiness and its potential role in the venous valvular status evaluation before vascular access creation; on contrast-enhanced ultrasound that could improve the peri-operative imaging evaluation during US-guided angioplasty; on shear wave elastography and local pulse wave imaging that could evaluate preoperative vessels stiffness and their potential predictive role in vascular access failure; on vector flow imaging that could better characterize the different components of the vascular access complex flow.
Complications associated with the use of radial arterial catheters in relation to their length: Does size matter?
Authors: Watts Fredy Alejandro , Ordoñez Andres , González Andres , Gomez Kevin Johanny Daza , Carvajal Daniel , Quintero Jaime , Uribe-Buritica Francisco L
Published: August 2021

Background:

Radial arterial catheters (RAC) are commonly used in emergency services and intensive care units (ICU) for continuous invasive monitoring of blood pressure and arterial blood gas sampling. Complications associated with RAC are rare. Regarding length of RAC catheters and complications, few studies were found in the literature. The present study seeks to provide health care professionals with scientific evidence to select an optimal length of RAC, based on the difference in the incidence of complications between ultrasound-guided catheters of the same diameter but different lengths.

Methods:

Observational, descriptive, retrospective study. Patients older than 17 years admitted to the emergency department or ICU were included. RAC were placed with diameters of 20 gauge, between 5 and 8 cm (Arrow–Teleflex), and 22 gauge diameters between 4 and 8 cm (Vygon). Univariate analysis was made to determine behavior of the numerical variables. Normality of variables was determined through a Shapiro-Wilk-test. Qualitative variables were expressed in percentages, quantitative variables in means and standard deviation, or with median and quartiles in the case of a non-normal distribution. Chi-square or Fisher method was used for qualitative variables and the t-test for symmetric quantitative variables. Asymmetric distributions were processed with the Mann-Whitney U test. A value p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The statistical analysis was performed with Stata 14.1 program.

Results:

About 793 RAC were placed between 2016 and 2019 were included, median age was 60 (37–73) (RIQ) years, 49% male. Complications were reported in all groups on average 17.5%, the most frequent being dysfunction/occlusion of the catheter. Given complications of the same diameter and different catheter lengths, there were no statistical differences between groups.

Conclusion:

Selecting one length or another with a catheter of the same diameter does not have statistically significant differences, in terms of the complications this device may cause—meaning that size does not matter.
The Occurrence of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in Swimming Pools: An Overview
Authors: Mustapha Saheed , Tijani Jimoh Oladejo , Ndamitso Muhammed Muhammed , Abdulkareem Saka Ambali , Taye Shuaib Damola , Mohammed Abdul Kabir , Amigun Azeezah Taiwo
Published: August 2021

The occurrence of several disinfectant byproducts has been investigated in swimming pools. Until now, there are only a few studies on nitrosamine, particularly N-nitrosodimethylamine in swimming pool water. This could be due to the lack of a suitable method that is sensitive enough for the measurement of N-nitrosodimethylamine in pool waters. Other disinfectant byproducts formed in pool water widely documented are trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, halonitromethanes, and chloramines but inadequate information on N-nitrosodimethylamine. This paper provides a review of the nitrogenous disinfectant byproduct in swimming pools and its health implications. Anthropogenic substances introduced by swimmers such as sweat, lotions, and urine contribute to the formation of N-nitrosodimethylamine. The reaction of secondary amines such as dimethylamine with mono/dichloroamines produced dimethyl hydrazine and further undergo oxidation to form N-nitrosodimethylamine. The reaction of chlorine and other disinfectants with these anthropogenic sources in swimming pools cause cancer and asthma in human tissues. Thus, the assessment of N-nitrosodimethylamine in the swimming pool is less well documented. Therefore, the health consequences, mutagenic, and genotoxic potentials of N-nitrosodimethylamine should be the focus of more research studies.
Senior leadership succession and market share: An econometric case study on Native American casinos
Authors: Legg Mark , Ampountolas Apostolos , Hancer Murat
Published: August 2021

Little is known on how turnover and senior leadership attributes affect the long-term performance of a casino resort. The ability to longitudinally measure the turnover effect on market share has been problematic due to most gaming markets exhibiting dynamic conditions with exogenous factors that provide competitive advantages. This study analyzed the effect the turnover rate and successor attributes of the CEO and Chairman of Tribal Council positions have on their casinos’ market share within a balanced oligopolistic market of Connecticut. Additionally, this study investigated which attributes amplify the sensitivity of the CEO tenure status to market share growth. The results suggest increased CEO turnover and CEO hires who already had prior CEO casino experience hinder long-term market share. Moreover, the tenures of more experienced CEOs were less susceptible to market share performance. The results can be leveraged for improved hiring practices at the senior levels of Native American casinos.
Sharing-collaborative economy in tourism: A bibliometric analysis and perspectives for the post-pandemic era
Authors: Vila-Lopez Natalia , Küster-Boluda Inés
Published: August 2021

Sharing economy research has risen exponentially during the last 4 years. Although several theoretical revisions on this topic have been developed, a conceptual analysis based on bibliometric techniques and science mapping tools is lacking. Within this framework, this article has two aims: (i) to carry on a performance analysis to identify the outstanding themes and (ii) to visually present the scientific structure by topics of research in sharing-collaborative economy as well as its evolution to identify future directions. The resources in the Web of Science Citation Index were used. Intelligent techniques and, more specifically, the SciMAT tool (based on co-word analysis and h-index analysis) were applied using a sample of 940 indexed papers from 2010 to 2020 (with 10.652 global citations). Our results show that the new post-pandemic era requires the sharing economy industry to investigate alternative ways: to improve trust, to innovate, to search for authenticity and experiences, to attend tourist motivations based on sustainability, and to use big data and manage overtourism.
Development of an indoor environment evaluation model for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning control system of office buildings in subtropical region considering indoor health and thermal comfort
Authors: Huang Miaohong , Liao Yundan
Published: August 2021

Office occupants spend most of their time in an enclosed indoor environment, controlled by heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems especially in subtropical regions owing to the hot and humid climate. A reasonable indoor environment evaluation model is necessary to achieve the reliable control of HVAC systems that satisfies the occupants’ health and comfort needs. However, traditional HVAC systems are controlled based on a simple index that does not consider the synthesis of indoor air quality, thermal comfort and occupant preferences. In this paper, we develop a comprehensive evaluation model that encompasses these three aspects based on field survey. Field surveys were conducted to investigate indoor environmental conditions and preferences of the occupants. Collected data were then verified for model hypothesis rationality and reviewed to identify weighting factors using Pearson and regression analysis. Results showed that these parameters had significant correlations without noticeable collinearity and can be integrated using regression method. The weighting factors of each parameter were calculated using occupants’ sensation and expectation to reflect the subjective preferences in model. Finally, an evaluation model expressing the indoor thermal, air quality and occupant preferences was developed to provide an HVAC intelligent control system that is more responsive to occupant needs.
Creative arts workers during the Covid-19 pandemic: Social imaginaries in lockdown
Authors: Flore Jacinthe , Hendry Natalie Ann , Gaylor Averyl
Published: August 2021

The arts and creative industries are among those most affected by government measures to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. This article discusses a qualitative survey study, open between August and October 2020, with creative arts workers living in Victoria, Australia. The study explored experiences of disruptions to work and broader impacts on daily lives during the pandemic. In this article, we examine how participants discuss their work and circulate pre-existing and create new intensified social imaginaries of a devalued and ignored arts sector in Australia. Our analysis points to how people understand their lives, work and communities amidst a global pandemic in relation to and entangled with particular social imaginaries of the creative arts.
Polarized platforms? How partisanship shapes perceptions of “algorithmic news bias”
Authors: Calice Mikhaila N. , Bao Luye , Freiling Isabelle , Howell Emily , Xenos Michael A. , Yang Shiyu , Brossard Dominique , Newman Todd P. , Scheufele Dietram A.
Published: August 2021

The use of artificial intelligence-based algorithms for the curation of news content by social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter has upended the gatekeeping role long held by traditional news outlets. This has caused some US policymakers to argue that platforms are skewing news diets against them, and such claims are beginning to take hold among some voters. In a nationally representative survey experiment, we explore whether traditional models of media bias perceptions extend to beliefs about algorithmic news bias. We find that partisan cues effectively shape individuals’ attitudes about algorithmic news bias but have asymmetrical effects. Specifically, whereas in-group directional partisan cues stimulate bias perceptions for members of both parties, Democrats, but not Republicans, also respond to out-group cues. We conclude with a discussion about the implications for the formation of attitudes about new technologies and the potential for polarization.
Situational effects of journalistic resources on gender imbalances in the coverage of Swiss news media: A longitudinal analysis from 2011 to 2019
Authors: Vogler Daniel , Schwaiger Lisa
Published: August 2021

Gender imbalances in news coverage have been traced back to overarching societal structures and the characteristics of media companies, newsrooms and journalists. However, studies have rarely considered if and how journalistic resources can act situationally as drivers of gender imbalances. We investigated how often and in which contexts women are represented in Swiss news media articles between 2011 and 2019 ( n = 77,427) by combining manual and automated content analysis on a large scale. We looked at representation in general and the dependence of topic and media type, in addition to the influence of two resource-related features of news content: the source and the format. The study showed clear gender imbalances, which were heavily dependent on the topics in the news coverage. We found that when journalists relied on original reporting instead of news agencies and used contextualizing formats women were more frequently mentioned in the news. Our results, therefore, suggest that resources can situationally determine the representation of women in the news.
Being Breton through wrestling: Traditional gouren as a distinctive Breton activity
Authors: Nardini Dario , Épron Aurélie
Published: August 2021

Gouren is a style of wrestling practiced in Brittany, France. It has been “sportised” during the last century, but it still represents an emblematic tradition for those people involved who exploit its ancient origins to describe it as a distinctive Breton activity. Following the same path of Breton “identity”—one that has been defined in opposition to hegemonic French identity— gouren is largely defined by its practitioners in opposition to the “hegemonic” wrestling style in France, judo, viewed as an epitome of globalized sports. Through their actions and narratives, Breton wrestlers shape an alternative (pre-modern) sporting culture, promoting non-aggressive, social, and non-hierarchical attitudes over radical competition, athletic performance and personal achievement. Accordingly, gouren is associated with “old-fashioned” ideas of masculinity, strength and related values, that serve to root the practice in the idealized past of Brittany—even now that women are actively involved in gouren.
Experimental research on scavenging process of opposed-piston two-stroke gasoline engine based on tracer gas method
Authors: Ma Fukang , Yang Wei , Wang Yifang , Xu Junfeng , Li Yufeng
Published: August 2021

The scavenging process of two stroke engine includes free exhaust, scavenging, and post intake process, which clears the burned gas in cylinder and suctions the fresh air for next cycle. The gas exchange process of Opposed-Piston Two-Stroke (OP2S) engine with gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine is a uniflow scavenging method between intake port and exhaust port. In order to investigate the characteristics of the gas exchange process in OP2S-GDI engine, a specific tracer gas method (TGM) was developed and the experiments were carried out to analyze the gas exchange performance under different intake and exhaust conditions and opposed-piston movement rule. The results show that gas exchange performance and trapped gas mass are significantly influenced by intake pressure and exhaust pressure. And it has a positive effect on the scavenging efficiency and the trapped air mass. Scavenging efficiency and trapped air mass are almost independent of pressure drop when the delivery ratio exceeds 1.4. Consequently, the delivery ratio ranges from 0.5 to 1.4 is chosen to achieve an optimization of steady running and minimum pump loss. The opposed piston motion phase difference only affects the scavenging timing. Scavenging performance is mainly influenced by scavenging timing and scavenging duration. With the increased phase difference of piston motion, the scavenging efficiency and delivery ratio increased gradually, the trapping efficiency would increase first and decrease then and reaches its maximum at 14°CA.
Burden of Diabetic Foot Patients’ Caregivers and Affecting Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hançerlioğlu Sadık , Toygar İsmail , Ayhan Ayşe , Yilmaz İrem , Orhan Yavuz , Özdemir Göksu S. , Şimşir Ilgın Y. , Çetinkalp Şevki
Published: August 2021

With the increase in the diabetic foot patients in recent decades, the caregivers of diabetic foot patients increase too. Most of these caregivers are informal caregivers. However, the studies examining the burden of the caregivers and affecting factors are limited. This study was conducted to determine the burden of the caregivers of diabetic foot patients and affecting factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted between the January and October 2020 in a diabetic foot council of a university hospital. Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale and a participant identification form were used for data collection. Most of the caregivers were female (75.2%) and the mean age was 51.27 ± 11.48 years. The burden of the caregivers was at moderate level in the current study. Factors affecting the caregivers’ burden were caregivers’ age, patients’ family structure, caregivers’ education level, caregivers’ income level, hours per week spending for the care of the patients, and lack of choice.
Implementing a Service Project During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Valdez-Lowe Claudia , Infante Gerardo O.
Published: August 2021

This brief report describes our experiences and the holiday service project that was safely conducted at the height of the COVID-19 resurgence in Michigan. As COVID-19 resurgence emerged in the United States and Europe, many establishments were forced to decrease their services and or cease functioning altogether. While other organizations faltered, our chapter found the means to continue to work during the pandemic.
Global Leader Self-Complexity: Conceptualization and Scale Validation
Authors: Cotter Katherine C.
Published: August 2021

Existing research and theory provides support for the assertion that the survival of organizations in the globalized world is contingent upon the match between their external complexity and the complexity of their internal systems, including their leadership processes. Global leaders high in self-complexity are equipped to lead the successful adaptation of their organizations to their global environments. Unfortunately, the absence of clear conceptualization and valid, reliable measures have prevented the advancement of our understanding of self-complexity in general, and global leader self-complexity in particular. To help close this research gap, I put forth a theory of global leader self-complexity, which I then operationalize with the Global Leader Self-Complexity Scale (GLSCS). I assess the factor structure, reliability, and validity in three studies. The Study 1 results suggest that global leader self-complexity is a two-dimensional construct comprised of global leader self-differentiation and self-integration. The Study 2 results provide evidence for the test-retest reliability and convergent, divergent, and predictive validity of the GLSCS. Obtained with a sample of hundreds of global leaders from around the world, the Study 3 results provide evidence for the generalization validity of the GLSCS. The theoretical implications for the nomological network of global leader self-differentiation are self-integration are discussed, as well as practical implications for the development and selection of effective global leaders. Finally, I suggest avenues for future researchers to advance the research of global leader self-complexity and leader self-complexity more broadly.
Professionals’ attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities who self-harm: A literature review
Authors: Samways Beverley
Published: August 2021

Background:

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2013) Guidance on Self-Harm states that professionals supporting people who self-harm should demonstrate compassion, respect and dignity. This literature review examines the evidence for professionals’ attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities who self-harm.

Method:

Four databases (PsychInfo, IBSS, CINAHL and Medline) were systematically searched to find relevant research since 2000.

Results:

Four studies met the criteria. Attitudes of professionals supporting people with intellectual disabilities are contrasted with those of professionals in settings focused on supporting people without intellectual disabilities. Professionals supporting people with intellectual disabilities tended to display attitudes and attributions reflective of biobehavioural and psychosocial theories of self-harm, with a greater emphasis on relationships.

Conclusion:

Much more research is needed which examines the attitudes of professionals supporting people with intellectual disabilities who self-harm.
Acutely increased workload is correlated with significant injuries among national basketball association players
Authors: Orringer Matthew J , Pandya Nirav K
Published: August 2021

Background

Particularly at the level of professional athletics, injury prevention is of critical importance. We hypothesized that elevated in-game statistics over a period of 3-10 games places increased cumulative stress on players’ joints and thus predisposes players to injury.

Methods

Utilizing a comprehensive database of National Basketball Association (NBA) player statistics, we identified 34 NBA players who suffered significant in-game injuries during the 2016-2019 seasons, leading them to miss at least ten consecutive games. We then assessed several potential markers of increased player workload during the cumulative one, three, five, and ten games directly preceding the injuries and compared them to season averages for each player.

Results

Increased minutes played per game over the cumulative three (4.9% increase, p = 0.04), five (5.8% increase, p = 0.004), and ten (4.0% increase, p = 0.02) games directly preceding injury were closely related to increased injury occurrence. In-game activity level as measured by statistics such as points scored and rebounds per game did not relate to injury occurrence.

Conclusion

In addition to injury mitigation practices currently used by NBA teams, maintaining players’ minutes played per game constant over time may be an additional effective strategy to be used by coaches and general managers in the future.
‘Scribbled hastily in pencil’: The mediation of World War I Unit War Diaries
Authors: Ramsay Debra
Published: August 2021

In World War I, the British Army implemented daily record keeping throughout its organization. Despite being crucial to the army’s operational effectiveness and essential for historiography, the history of Unit War Diaries as mediated artefacts has been largely overlooked. This article investigates the interplay of culture, institutional practices and hitherto unnoticed technologies of writing involved in the mediation of operational record keeping. It reveals Unit War Diaries as not just containers or conduits in the army’s practices of Information Management but as the nexus of tensions between bureaucracy, technologies and individuals that have shaped the understanding of warfare.
Input Quality Upgrading from Tariff Reduction and Firm Productivity: Evidence from Ethiopian Manufacturing
Authors: Gebreamilack Zenebech Admasu , Feng Yin
Published: August 2021

Using a panel of firms from Ethiopian manufacturing census covering the period 2000–2016, this paper investigates how openness to trade help firms' input quality upgrading which further contribute to productivity gains. We estimate the quality of imported inputs at the firm level, and firm-level productivity using the Levinsohn and Petrin method. Then we estimate the effect of input tariff cut on input quality and further measure how input quality through input tariff reduction affect firms' productivity at different stages of regression. Our results suggest that input tariff reduction is associated with firms’ input quality upgrading and further with improvement in firms’ productivity.The effect of tariff cut is more pronounced for input-importing firms, and our result implies that the effect of input tariff cut motivates firms to participate in foreign input markets and helps upgrading input quality, thus contributing to firm productivity. Hence, further input trade liberalization measures should be designed to help key strategic manufacturing sectors. Besides, strategies have to be put in place to integrate the manufacturing sector into the global supply chain to reap more productivity gains.

JEL Codes: D22 D24 F13 H32 L15 L23
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aeboGlove therapy for

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pper limb disability and

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evere

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and

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mpairment after stroke (SUSHI): Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Alexander Jen , Langhorne Peter , Kidd Lisa , Wu Olivia , McConnachie Alex , van Wijck Frederike , Dawson Jesse
Published: August 2021

Background

Impaired active digital extension is common after stroke, hindering functional rehabilitation, and predicting poor recovery. The SaeboGlove assists digital extension and may improve outcome after stroke. We recently performed a single group, open, pilot trial of the SaeboGlove early after stroke which demonstrated satisfactory safety, feasibility and acceptability. An adequately powered randomised clinical trial is now needed to assess the clinical effectiveness of the SaeboGlove.

Methods

SUSHI is a pragmatic, multicentre, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial with blinded outcome assessment, and embedded process and economic evaluations. Adults, 7–60 days post-stroke, with upper limb disability and severe hand impairment, including reduced active digital extension, will be recruited from NHS inpatient stroke services in Scotland. Participants will be randomised on a 1:1 basis to receive 6 weeks of self-directed, repetitive, functional-based practice involving a SaeboGlove plus usual care, or usual care only. The primary outcome is upper limb function measured by the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes will be measured at 6 and 14 weeks. A process evaluation will be performed via interviews with ‘intervention’ participants, and their carers and clinical therapists. A within-trial cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed. 110 participants are required to detect a difference between groups of 9 in the ARAT with 90% power at a 5% significance level allowing for 11% attrition.

Discussion

SUSHI will determine if SaeboGlove self-directed, repetitive, functional-based practice improves upper limb function after stroke, whether it is acceptable to stroke survivors and whether it is cost-effective.
Do the Heterogeneous Determinants of Repayment Affect Differently across Borrowers of Diverse Credit Sources in Rural Assam? A Double Hurdle Approach
Authors: Das Tiken , Guha Pradyut , Das Diganta
Published: August 2021

This study made an attempt to answer the question: Do the heterogeneous determinants of repayment affect the borrowers of diverse credit sources differently? The study is based on data collected from 240 households from three districts in the lower Brahmaputra valley of Assam through a carefully designed primary survey. Besides, the study uses the double hurdle approach and the instrumental variable probit model to reduce possible selection bias. It observes better repayment performance among formal borrowers, followed by semiformal borrowers, while occupation wise it is prominent among organised employees. It has been found that in general, the household characteristics, loan characteristics and location-specific characteristics significantly affect repayment performance of borrowers. However, the nature of impact of the factors influencing repayment performance is remarkably different across credit sources. It ignores the role of traditional community-based organisations in rural Assam while analysing the determinants of repayment performance. The study also recommends for ensuring productive opportunities and efficient market linkages in rural areas of Assam. The study is based on an original data set that has specially been collected to examine question that—do the heterogeneous determinants of repayment affect the borrowers of diverse credit sources differently in the lower Brahmaputra valley of Assam—which has not been studied before.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Haplotype analysis on correlation between transcription factor 7-like 2 gene polymorphism and breast cancer risk
Authors: Wang Yang , Men Xiaojuan , Gu Yongxue , Wang Huidong , Xu Zhicai
Published: August 2021

Background

Up to now, limited researches focused on the association between transcription factor 7-like 2 gene (TF7L2) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and breast cancer (BC) risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between TF7L2 and BC risk in Chinese Han population.

Methods

Logistic regression model was used to test the correlation between polymorphisms and BC risk. Strength of association was evaluated by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was applied to analyze the SNP-SNP and gene-environment interaction.

Results

Logistic regression analysis indicated that the BC risk was obviously higher in carriers of rs1225404 polymorphism C allele than that in TT genotype carriers (TC or CC versus TT), adjusted OR (95%CI) =1.40 (1.09–1.72). Additionally, we also discovered that people with rs7903146- T allele had an obviously higher risk of BC than people with CC allele (CT or TT versus CC), adjusted OR (95%CI) =1.44 (1.09–1.82). GMDR model was used to research the effect of interaction among 4 SNPs and environmental factors on BC risk. We discovered an important two-locus model (p = 0.0100) including rs1225404 and abdominal obesity, suggesting a potential gene–environment correlation between rs1225404 and abdominal obesity. In general, the cross-validation consistency of two-locus model was 10 of 10, and the testing accuracy was 0.632. Compared with subjects with normal waist circumference (WC) value and rs1225404 TT genotype, abdominal obese subjects with rs1225404 TC or CC genotype had the highest BC risk. After covariate adjustment, OR (95%CI) was 2.23 (1.62–2.89). Haplotype analysis indicated that haplotype containing rs1225404-T and rs7903146-C alleles were associated with higher BC risk.

Conclusions

C allele of rs1225404 and T allele of rs7903146, interaction between rs1225404 and abdominal obesity, rs1225404-T and rs7903146-C haplotype were all related to increased BC risk.