bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Examination of Dating Violence Among College Student-Athletes
Authors: Cantor Nicole , Joppa Meredith , Angelone D. J.
Published: February 2020

College students are at increased risk for dating violence (DV) perpetration and victimization. One group of college students who may be at elevated risk is college student-athletes. While levels of athletic involvement range from National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I to Division III, there is currently a lack of information about the dating and relationship behaviors of male and female Division III student-athletes. This study identified the frequency of both minor and severe physical, psychological, and sexual DV perpetration and victimization in a sample of NCAA Division III college student-athletes. We also examined hazardous drinking and hostile sexism as risk factors for DV perpetration and victimization among male and female student-athletes. A total of 350 student-athletes from a Division III university participated in this study. In total, 57% of student-athletes reported perpetrating some form of DV in the past year, while 56% reported experiencing some form of DV victimization in the past year. Two negative binomial generalized linear models assessed if hazardous drinking and hostile sexism were associated with sexual assault perpetration and victimization among men and women. Both hostile sexism and hazardous drinking were predictive of DV perpetration and victimization. These findings serve as an important first step in identifying behaviors that contribute to DV among Division III student-athletes and can be used to inform future prevention interventions aimed at decreasing DV among student-athletes.
Development of Mushroom Mycelium Composites for Footwear Products
Authors: Silverman Jillian , Cao Huantian , Cobb Kelly
Published: February 2020

This research aims to reduce solid waste, resource depletion, and material toxicity in the footwear industry. Mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms, binds together substrate materials as it grows, offering opportunities for composite development. Mycelium composites were developed using edible mushroom species alongside other natural materials. The 4 × 2 experiment tested four mushroom species (reishi, oyster, king oyster, and yellow oyster) and two fabric levels (with or without a natural fabric mat). Scanning electron microscopy images confirmed mycelium growth within the composite and around the substrates. Two-way analysis of variance tests found that both species and fabric significantly affected the density, and the species significantly affected the compressive strength. A positive and significant linear relationship was found between density and compressive strength, with higher density leading to higher compressive strength. The compressive strength of the mycelium composites, especially those made from king oyster mycelium, provides opportunities for renewable and biodegradable footwear inputs.
Body, Sexuality, and Passive Victimhood in the Post-1989 Reimagining of the Polish City of Wałbrzych
Authors: Vassileva-Karagyozova Svetlana
Published: February 2020

This article explores how the changes in commemorative culture in postcommunist Poland, namely, the loss of status of the traditional self-sacrificial martyr/hero at the expense of the passive victim, have produced new models for individual and collective identification based on vulnerability and suffering. Through the analysis of Pilgrim/Majewski’s surrealist plays The Peregrinations of the Black Iza of Wałbrzych (2009) and The Testimonies of the Ups Downs Ups Ups Ups Downs and so on of Antek Kochanek (2012), I examine the artistic transformations of two nearly forgotten city legends into victims of communist gender oppression and cultural icons of tolerance and inclusiveness for the purposes of reinventing the Lower Silesian Town of Wałbrzych’s postcollapse identity. I argue that Pilgrim/Majewski’s plays challenge the centering of Wałbrzych’s post-1989 identity discourse on the traumatic loss of the coal-mining industry by undermining hegemonic male heterosexuality’s exclusive claim on collective trauma and inscribing female and queer trauma into collective suffering. By heroizing two marginal characters with “socially inappropriate” sexual behavior, the playwright brings to the fore alternative subjectivities predicated on gender, sexuality, and the body, thus advocating for a more inclusive, polyvalent citizenship. More broadly, the author questions essentialist understandings of the self as a set of immutable core attributes (hinting at Wałbrzych’s clinging to its traditional identity as a coal-mining center) and promotes the social constructivist approach to identity as a fluid entity, a product of human definition and interpretation shaped by cultural and historical contexts.
Underwater cultural heritage and the disputed South China Sea
Authors: Zhong Hui
Published: February 2020

Due to unsolved maritime delimitations, the protection of underwater cultural heritage (hereafter underwater heritage) in the South China Sea demands coordinated action by neighbouring states. However, the suspicion that China uses underwater heritage to justify its interests has tempered the general enthusiasm of its neighbours to cooperate in the issue of heritage protection. In the face of such concerns, this article examines the role of underwater heritage in China’s South China Sea claims, and it argues that underwater heritage provides little support to underpin China’s territorial or maritime claims. In addition, China’s initiatives in maritime archaeology have long been misinterpreted. Instead of being entirely driven by its South China Sea claims, China’s approach to underwater heritage is a natural result of its general policy on cultural heritage and nation-building philosophy.
Thermo-magnetohydrodynamic effects on Cu + engine oil/water nanofluid flow in a porous media-filled annular region bounded by two rotating cylinders
Authors: Siddiqui Abuzar Abid , Chamkha Ali J
Published: February 2020

We examine the thermo-magnetohydrodynamic effects on nanofluid flow in a porous circular annular region bounded by two rotating cylinders in the presence of a constant radial magnetic field but variable thermal conductivity. The nanofluid consists of a sample liquid (water/ engine oil) along with suspended copper nanoparticles. This physical problem is formulated and analytical solutions for the governing equations are obtained by using the homotopy analysis method in the form of the physical variables such as, the pressure, fluid speed, temperature, shear stress, heat transfer, and the concentration of nanoparticles. The obtained results are compared with the existing results for the clear fluid and are found in excellent agreement. The effects of the field parameters on these physical variables are studied. It is found that the fluid speed (pressure) increases (decreases) with the Forchheirmer coefficient, porosity, applied magnetic field intensity, and the angular speed of the outer cylinder, but it decreases with the angular speed of the inner cylinder for both liquids. The reverse flow exists if the inner and outer cylinders are rotating in the opposite directions for both the liquids. Furthermore, the thermal transfer rate in the engine oil is lower than that in water. If the annulus region is squeezed, then the fluid speed decays while the pressure rises. The temperature and the thermal transfer rate decay if we march from the inner cylinder to the outer one. The porosity and the angular speed of the outer cylinder enhance the viscous dissipation and shear stress.
Impact of compressed air energy storage demands on gas turbine performance
Authors: Igie Uyioghosa , Abbondanza Marco , Szymański Artur , Nikolaidis Theoklis
Published: February 2020

Industrial gas turbines are now required to operate more flexibly as a result of incentives and priorities given to renewable forms of energy. This study considers the extraction of compressed air from the gas turbine; it is implemented to store heat energy at periods of a surplus power supply and the reinjection at peak demand. Using an in-house engine performance simulation code, extractions and injections are investigated for a range of flows and for varied rear stage bleeding locations. Inter-stage bleeding is seen to unload the stage of extraction towards choke, while loading the subsequent stages, pushing them towards stall. Extracting after the last stage is shown to be appropriate for a wider range of flows: up to 15% of the compressor inlet flow. Injecting in this location at high flows pushes the closest stage towards stall. The same effect is observed in all the stages but to a lesser magnitude. Up to 17.5% injection seems allowable before compressor stalls; however, a more conservative estimate is expected with higher fidelity models. The study also shows an increase in performance with a rise in flow injection. Varying the design stage pressure ratio distribution brought about an improvement in the stall margin utilized, only for high extraction.
Structural and dielectrical properties of PMMA/TiO2 composites in terms of free volume defects probed by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy
Authors: Kaya AU , Kösem G , Yener MY , Tav C , Yahsi U , Esmer K
Published: February 2020

A suspension of ultrasonically agitated Titanium dioxide micrometer-sized powder has been introduced into a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix by solvent (CHCl3) mixing under slow mechanical stirring, and the resulting suspension was used to cast free-standing PMMA/TiO2 composite films. Filler contents from 0 wt% to 7.5 wt% were selected, since TiO2 particles could not be previously suspended in chloroform at higher concentrations by ultrasonic agitation. Optical and dielectric properties of composites were determined by ultraviolet (UV)-visible and dielectric spectrometry. In the UV region, 450% improvement of UV absorption was achieved in the TiO2/PMMA composite compared with neat PMMA. The structural properties and hole-free volume of the composites were determined by X-ray diffractometry and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy, respectively. The particle size and homogeneous dispersion of the particles in the polymer matrix were related to the hole-free volume of the PMMA.
Circular Designing and Green Growth: Insights on Future of Sustainability
Authors: Pandey Pooran Chandra
Published: February 2020

The movement in sustainability and green growth approaches are not new though its application and broad basing its outcome on business is a growing phenomenon. It involves a set of key stakeholders including, but not limited to, the sovereign governments, businesses and civil society organizations to be able to orchestrate a fine balance between policy, implementation approaches and its review and reporting, including transparency for purposes of gauging uptick and progression of stated mandates. In this day and age, more than anything else, consumer pressure on manufacturers of the products is leading a sort of momentum, witnessing a new era of corresponding public policy with civil society holding any ultra-virus actions to account in quest to safeguarding the interest of consumers stands more nuanced. In this context, the issues of responsible outsourcing, traceability, supply chain management and its bearing on green growth and clean ecosystems will only help the manufacturing processes improve its efficiency and overall outcomes. These outcomes are expected to arrive at an equilibrium product price point, ensure traceability and set standards for fairness in quest for responsible consumption.
Exploring the Subjective Frame of References in the Development of Gerotranscendence in Korean Older Adults: Q Methodology
Authors: Lee Young Whee , Kim Nam Cho , Ahn Soo Yeon , Cho Myung-Ok , Choi Kyung Sook , Kong Eun Suk , Kim Chun-Gill , Kim Hee Kyung , Chang Sung Ok
Published: February 2020

Introduction: This study aims to explore how older people structure the subjectivity that accompanies the development of gerotranscendence in late adulthood within a specific sociocultural context. Method: Q methodology, a common method for assessing subjectivity, was applied. Results: The four subjective frames of reference that accompany the development of gerotranscendence, represented by four corresponding Q-factors, were (a) generation awareness, (b) awareness of aging, (c) awareness of the big picture of life, and (d) awareness of temporality. Discussion: The subjective frames of reference that characterize the development of gerotranscendence in late adulthood are closely related to cultural and psychosocial environmental influences over the course of an individual’s life.
Studies on development of NiTi-integrated optical fiber sensor and its life cycle behavior
Authors: Singh Shalini , Subramaniam Karthick , Chittora Nishita , Brolin A , Palani IA
Published: February 2020

Shape memory alloy coating on an optical fiber plays an important role in developing novel active thermal sensors in the field of microelectromechanical systems. In this article, a detailed analysis of NiTi alloy deposited over plastic optical fiber was discussed. A detailed investigation of the morphological, structural, and thermal properties of the NiTi-coated optic fiber was conducted. The uniformity, crystallinity, transformation temperatures, and thermal stability of the coatings were measured using differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. Also, an electrical actuation setup thermo-mechanical test was conducted through Joule heating in which different voltages at varying loads have been used. The sensor characteristic–based parameters (time response and sensitivity) were also calculated. The article presents a complete analysis of experimental results showing the properties and performances of the plastic optical fiber after coating with shape memory alloy.
Modeling and electromechanical performance analysis of frequency-variable piezoelectric stack transducers
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Cai Shuyuan , Qin Lei , Liu Donghuan , Wei Peijun , Tang Lihua
Published: February 2020

An exact analytical model of frequency-variable piezoelectric stack transducers is proposed, and their dynamic characteristics are studied in this article. Based on the linear piezoelasticity theory, the dynamic analytical solution is first derived, and then its correctness is validated by comparing it with the results of a special example in the previous literature and the ones of the experimental study. The effects of the tuning resistance and the layer number of the active element on the dynamic characteristics are discussed. Numerical results show that tuning the resistance and the layer number of the active element can enable the multi-frequency characteristics of the piezoelectric stack transducers. A proper layer number of the active element can minimize the short-circuited resonance frequency and the open-circuited anti-resonance frequency. These findings provide guidelines to design and optimize the piezoelectric stack transducers, which have promising potential in developing the multi-frequency Langevin transducers for some underwater sound and ultrasonic applications, such as ultrasonic cleaning, ultrasonic chemistry, and sonar radiators.
Adapting an Online Prevention Program to the Higher Education Area in Germany
Authors: Braun Michael , Ganz Thomas , Heidenreich Thomas , Laging Marion
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

Hazardous alcohol consumption among university students represents a prime health risk for this population. Due to a lack of appropriate German-language (online) prevention programs, an existing U.S.-American program was transferred to the German higher education area and then evaluated.

Method:

For this purpose, both qualitative focus groups and a quantitative evaluation were undertaken. The guided focus groups allowed a further adaptation of the prevention program: An improved frequency–quantity questionnaire for the drinking behavior of German-speaking students was developed, and thresholds for hazardous consumption were included.

Results:

The additional quantitative verification of the adaptation found that 65.9% of the surveyed students found the adapted program suitable for the higher education context and 62.6% stated that every university should provide such a program.

Discussion:

The adaptation process described here made it possible to develop an online prevention program tailored to the lifeworld of students in the German-speaking region.
Evaluation of a Comprehensive Assessment-Based Intervention for Secondary Students With Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Problems
Authors: Kern Lee , Evans Steven W. , Lewis Timothy J. , State Talida M. , Mehta Paras D. , Weist Mark D. , Wills Howard P. , Gage Nicholas A.
Published: February 2020

Despite a high dropout rate and poor educational and posteducational outcomes, limited evidence-based practices have been validated with students at the high school level who have emotional and behavioral problems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a multitreatment, assessment-based intervention package. Participants were 647 high-school-age students with both emotional/behavioral problems and impairment in school functioning. Using a randomized controlled trial, the intervention group showed significantly fewer disruptions, measured using direct observation. No significant differences were found in directly observed engagement or on standardized measures. However, in general, interventions were implemented with low frequency. Dosage effects were examined for classroom interventions and a social skills intervention (Interpersonal Skills Group [ISG]). Results indicated a dosage effect for ISG, reflected in standardized measures. Although implementation was low, teachers and staff rated practices that they implemented highly favorably.
Distribution or Diversion? Distribution of Local Public Goods in the Presence of Clientelist Brokers
Authors: Carlson Elizabeth
Published: February 2020

In this article, I argue that, in clientelist regimes, money officially allocated to local public goods will sometimes be diverted to private handouts, and that the extent of diversion will be systematically correlated with electoral outcomes. I show that allocated funds are more likely to translate into local public goods in opposition areas and the incumbent’s ethnic core. Diversion of funds is greatest in areas outside the ethnic core that are nevertheless won by the regime. This is consistent with a model in which brokers tasked with delivering non-coethnic voters to the regime divert funds for this purpose. As a result of extensive diversion in loyal non-coethnic districts, these voters are significantly less likely to see completed local public goods projects than either core voters or those who oppose the regime. This unexpected result suggests that the behavior of local brokers may be responsible for a number of puzzling findings in the distributive politics literature.
Preferences for the Scope of Protests
Authors: Pellicer Miquel , Wegner Eva , De Juan Alexander
Published: February 2020

This paper studies a dimension of protest largely overlooked in the literature: protest scope, that is, whether protests seek large, structural, changes for a large share of the population or focus on small-scale improvements for small groups. We argue that this protest dimension is relevant for understanding the political consequences of protests. We show empirically that protests vary substantially in scope and that scope is not collinear with other protest dimensions, such as size, motive, or tactics. We explore drivers of individual preferences for protest scope with a survey experiment in two South African townships. We find that respondents made to feel more efficacious tend to support protests of broader scope. This effect operates via a social psychology channel whereby efficacy leads people to assign blame for their problems to more systemic causes.
Mother–Adult Daughter Questionnaire: Psychometric Evaluation Across First- and Second-Generation Black Immigrant Women
Authors: Muruthi Bertranna A. , Bermudez J. Maria , Chou Jessica L. , Shivers Carolyn M. , Gale Jerry , Lewis Denise
Published: February 2020

This study was conducted to determine the generalizability of the Mother–Adult Daughter Questionnaire (MAD) for first- and second-generation Afro-Caribbean women. The measure was created specifically to explore adult daughters’ reports of their relationship with their mothers in order to capture the values of connectedness, trust in hierarchy, and interdependence in the mother–daughter relationship. We test this cross-generational applicability to (1) determine the generalizability of the measure for first- and second-generation women and (2) assess whether the means of the subscales differ across first- and second-generation women. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the factor structure of the MAD with this population. The sample ( N = 285) was comprised of reports from 129 adult daughters born in the United States and 156 born in the Caribbean. CFAs indicated that the scoring algorithm for the subscales fit these data well. Results indicated that the MAD subscales (Connectedness, Trust in Hierarchy, and Interdependence) were applicable and may operate similarly across first- and second-generation Afro-Caribbean women.
Protective effect of N-acetylcysteine on oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity in patients with colorectal and gastric cancers: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial
Authors: Bondad Nazanin , Boostani Reza , Barri Alireza , Elyasi Sepideh , Allahyari Abolghasem
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Neuropathy is one of the most prevalent and dose-limiting side effects of platinum chemotherapeutic agents. N-acetylcysteine is an antioxidant thiol which is able to increase whole blood concentration of glutathione, which may be protective against chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of N-acetylcysteine on neurotoxicity induced by oxaliplatin in patients with gastric or colorectal cancers.

Methods

During this randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, the preventive effect of N-acetylcysteine effervescent tablets was assessed in comparison with placebo, on neuropathy occurrence. Thirty-two patients with colorectal or gastric cancer randomly received N-acetylcysteine (two 600 mg tablets) or placebo tablets 1 h before receiving oxaliplatin in dose in XELOX (oxaliplatin and capecitabine regimen) for eight courses of chemotherapy. Neuropathy severity was assessed after eight courses of chemotherapy based on National Cancer Institute Common Terminology for Adverse Events (NCI‐CTCAE) criteria neuropathy grading scale and also sensory and motor electrophysiological assessment was performed by a neurologist.

Results

The NCI-CTCAE scale grade of patients in intervention group was significantly lower than placebo group after eight course of oxaliplatin ( P = 0.01); however, the sensory electrophysiological assessment result was not significantly different ( P = 0.501). No patient in both group had motor electrophysiological changes.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that N-acetylcysteine could reduce the incidence of the neuropathy induced by oxaliplatin and delay its occurrence in patients with gastric or colorectal cancers.
Association of Gene Variations in Ionotropic Glutamate Receptor and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in the Chinese Population: A Two-Stage Case–Control Study
Authors: Zhang Qi , Huang Xin , Chen Xin-Zhen , Li Shan-Ya-Wen , Yao Ting , Wu Jing
Published: February 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to comprehensively explore the relationship between genetic variations within GRIN2A, GRIN2B, GRIK1, GRIK4, GRID2, and ADHD. Method: Genotyping was performed with the Sequenom MassARRAY system in a two-stage case–control study. ADHD symptoms were assessed using the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham version IV scale and the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test. In silico analysis was performed with website resources. Results: GRID2 rs1385405 showed a significant association with ADHD risk in the codominant model (OR = 2.208, 95% CI = [1.387, 3.515]) in the first stage and in the codominant model (OR = 1.874, 95% CI = [1.225, 2.869]) and recessive model (OR = 1.906, 95% CI = [1.265, 2.873]) in the second stage and related to inattention and hyperactivity symptom. In addition, rs1385405 disturbed the activity of exonic splicing enhancer and mediated GRID2 gene expression in the frontal cortex. Conclusion: our data provided evidence for the participation of GRID2 variants in conferring the risk of ADHD.
ADHD Diagnosis and Drug Use Estimates in France: A Case for Using Health Care Insurance Data
Authors: Ponnou Sébastien , Haliday Héloïse
Published: February 2020

Objective: Prevalence estimates for ADHD have been debated for decades. In France, the only available study states the prevalence rate in France ranges from 3.5% to 5.6% of children aged 6 to 12. It also evaluates that 3.48% of children aged 6 to 12 are treated with psychostimulants. The article uses a different method to determine whether these estimates hold true. Method: Estimating ADHD diagnosis and methylphenidate prescription rates can be done by analyzing national health care insurance system’s data. We used data from the French Healthcare Insurance as reported by the National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety. Results: We claim that an adequate estimate of the ADHD prevalence rate in France fluctuates around 0.3% of children aged 6 to 11. Discussion: Methodological biases in ADHD prevalence studies and factors contributing to the low level of prescription in France need to be assessed. Conclusion: We call for supplementary investigations in health care insurance databases to conduct contradictory studies.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 and melanoma of the iris arising from a dysplastic nevus: A rare yet casual association?
Authors: Alessio Giovanni , Guerriero Silvana , Albano Valeria , Piscitelli Domenico , Falcone Veronica , Lastella Patrizia , Resta Nicoletta , Stella Alessandro
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

We investigated the molecular causes of an unusual pigmented and ulcerated iris lesion detected in a patient diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).

Case Report:

A 52-year-old man was referred to our clinic with a non-traumatic ulcer in his left eye. Hyphema reabsorption disclosed a pigmented iris mass, thus ultrasound biomicroscopy and anterior segment fluorescein angiography were performed to investigate for the presence of a malignant lesion. Upon angiography, the lesion appeared highly vascularized but prevented posterior iris examination. Therefore, a gonioscopy was executed revealing extension of the lesion into the peripheral iris. Histopathology of the excisional iris biopsy revealed iris melanoma over a dysplastic nevus. NF1 is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by pigmented cutaneous lesions, multiple skin tumors, and spinal and cranial nerve tumors. Uveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. Up to 92% of cutaneous melanomas occur in patients with dysplastic nevus syndrome. Skin melanomas have been found in 0.1%–5.4% of NF1 patients. In literature, only 18 reports of uveal melanoma have been documented in association with NF1, including three cases of iris melanoma.

Results:

NF1 gene testing identified a causative mutation in the germline but no loss of the wild-type allele in the iris melanoma.

Conclusions:

Occurrence of both diseases in one patient is extremely rare, but the common origin of Schwann cells and melanoblasts suggests a non-casual association. Therefore, we propose that NF1 patients should be screened for nevi, both cutaneous and uveal, for better patients’ management.
Economic impact of dry eye disease in Spain: A multicentre retrospective insurance claims database analysis
Authors: Darbà Josep , Ascanio Meritxell
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

To analyse the occurrence and cost of dry eye disease in Spain in the recent years.

Methods:

A cross-sectional analysis based on anonymised data from an insurance claims database that includes data from 1997 to 2015 from public and private hospitals and healthcare centres; 36,081 patients were eligible for the study after duplicate elimination. Five ICD9 codes associated with dry eye were used for patient selection, including vitamin A deficiency with xerophthalmic scars of cornea, xerophthalmia due to vitamin A deficiency, keratoconjunctivitis sicca not specified as Sjögren’s, dry eye syndrome and keratoconjunctivitis sicca Sjögren’s disease.

Results:

Over 88% of the patients were female, and the mean age was 66 years. Patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca Sjögren’s disease represented more than 89% of all patients and had the highest percentage of women. Both the annual number of patients and the number of admissions have increased exponentially since 1997 raising from 1079 to 3097 and from 1344 to 5938, respectively. The in-hospital length of stay was 9.6 (standard deviation = 11.6) days where more than 65% of the admissions were due to emergencies. Total costs were found to increase from €4.9 to €30.3 million during the study period; in parallel, there was an increase in the mean annual cost per patient, which was on average €7379.

Conclusion:

Disease incidence is likely to increase due to the influence of modern-day workplace, and it is important to take into account the high economic burden and the large decrease in quality of life in regards to Spanish society and health policies.
The slippery slope of cultural non-participation: Orientations of participation among the potentially passive
Authors: Heikkilä Riie
Published: February 2020

Research on cultural practices has highlighted the rise of different cultural consumption patterns that challenge the classic theories on class-based hierarchies. However, most scholarly work has focused on active, rather than passive, cultural consumers. This article aims to fill that gap by exploring the orientations of cultural participation of hypothetically passive cultural consumers in contemporary Finland. Existing research proves that culturally non-active groups are difficult to reach through quantitative methods, so this project will draw on qualitative data: 40 individual interviews on everyday life, cultural taste, knowledge and participation with a theoretical sample of people whose background profiles statistically predict cultural non-participation. This article finds three main orientations of participation, expressed as attitudes on different kinds of cultural practices and symbolic boundaries drawn – these orientations of participation are the social-mundane, the cultural-legitimate and the introvert-hostile. It is argued that while none of the orientations equals to cultural non-participation, the latter orientation stands out from the other two as drawing symbolic boundaries upward, highlighting that cultural participation remains a highly stratified and polarized field, also in an egalitarian society.
Study on the compression performance of steel reactive powder concrete columns
Authors: Li Hongbing , Wu Fangbo , Bu Liangtao , Liu Yong , Yao Jiang
Published: February 2020

In this study, the mechanical properties and failure characteristics of steel reactive powder concrete columns with different strength grades were investigated through compression testing. Six steel reactive powder concrete columns were tested; three columns underwent axial compression testing and three columns underwent eccentric compression testing. The results of the axial compression testing showed that steel and reactive powder concrete could work cooperatively at the initial stage, and the final column failure mode was primarily splitting failure at the end of the column, with the formation of a main crack in the longitudinal direction extending to the middle of the column. The results of the eccentric compression testing showed that the eccentrically loaded steel reactive powder concrete columns had comparatively strong deformability. The columns presented ductile failure mode under the eccentric load with 0.2 eccentricity. The final failure of the column involved a sudden increase in the horizontal crack width on the tension side, the steel flange on the tension side reached the yield state, the reactive powder concrete in the middle of the compressive side was crushed, and the reactive powder concrete surface layer burst open and partially spalled off. According to the test results and with reference to the relevant standards, equations for calculating the approximate ultimate bearing capacities of axially and eccentrically compressed reactive powder concrete columns were proposed.
Plain writing in the legal field: An approach from the discourse of specialists
Authors: Meza Paulina , González-Catalán Felipe , López-Ferrero Carmen , Gutiérrez Israel
Published: February 2020

This research aims to describe how practicing lawyers perceive ‘plain writing’ in the legal field and to conceptualize this notion through the discourse analysis of these specialists. To do so, a qualitative research framed in the interpretive paradigm has been developed. Specifically, 18 practicing lawyers, from different countries and with different specializations in the practicing of Law, were surveyed. After analyzing the discourse of the interviewed lawyers, eight macro categories accounting for plain language both generally and particularly were identified. The audience was identified as a key element in the production of legal texts which facilitate justice to citizens. Based on our analysis, we conclude with a definition of plain writing.
Balancing generosity and critique: reflections on interviewing young men and implications for research methodologies and ethics
Authors: Elliott Karla , Roberts Steven
Published: February 2020

Feminist research methodologies have challenged power imbalances in qualitative interviews and gendered inequalities more broadly. We explore the methodological and ethical complexities of, and implications for, doing feminist research with young men. We draw on two studies in which narrative interviews with young men were conducted: one in 2014 and 2015 with 28 middle-class men between the ages of 20 and 31 living in Australia and Germany; and one a longitudinal study beginning in 2009 in the south-east of England with 24 working-class men between the ages of 18 and 24. We explore the production of narratives in interviews with young men, rapport-building, and interactional issues. Balancing generosity and critique emerges as a key ethical and methodological consideration for research conducted with young men. We suggest that negotiating the tensions of this balance can hold key possibilities for research and for proliferating alternative modes of masculinity.
Changes in cardiac anxiety and self-care practices in heart failure patients following implantation of wireless hemodynamic monitoring sensors
Authors: Sager David M , Burch Ashley E , Alhosaini Hassan , Vaughan Tracy , Sears Samuel F
Published: February 2020

Background:

Wireless implantable hemodynamic monitors assist cardiac care providers in tailoring medication regimens to reduce chronic heart failure hospital admissions and to improve patient quality of life. Previous research exists to support wireless implantable hemodynamic monitors favorable impact on medical endpoints but, however, their psychological and behavioral effects have not yet been established. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate patient psychological and behavioral changes after receiving the wireless implantable hemodynamic monitor.

Methods:

Patients with heart failure ( n=26) who were implanted with wireless implantable hemodynamic monitor sensors completed the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire and Self-Care of Heart Failure Index version 6.2 at pre-implant and at one-month post-implant, as well as an initial demographic questionnaire.

Results:

Heart failure patients who received a wireless implantable hemodynamic monitor experienced a significant reduction in cardiac anxiety, t(25)=2.93, p=0.007, z=−0.46, d=0.58, driven by a reduction in fear of their condition, t(25)=2.26, p=0.03, z=−0.42, d=0.44. Increases in self-care behaviors fell short of significance t(25)=1.67, p=0.11, but showed a medium effect size, d=0.33.

Conclusion:

Heart failure patients who received a wireless implantable hemodynamic monitor reported significantly reduced cardiac fear, indicating that wireless implantable hemodynamic monitor technology may produce a collateral benefit in psychological effects. Patient self-care may also benefit but the current study was under-powered to reach statistical significance. Patient education about psychological and behavioral aspects of the wireless implantable hemodynamic monitor implant may yield increased patient engagement and broader health benefits if these results are confirmed in a larger study.
Three-dimensional convolutional neural network–based underground object classification using three-dimensional ground penetrating radar data
Authors: Khudoyarov Shekhroz , Kim Namgyu , Lee Jong-Jae
Published: February 2020

Ground-penetrating radar is a typical sensor system for analyzing underground facilities such as pipelines and rebars. The technique also can be used to detect an underground cavity, which is a potential sign of urban sinkholes. Multichannel ground-penetrating radar devices are widely used to detect underground cavities thanks to the capacity of informative three-dimensional data. Nevertheless, the three-dimensional ground-penetrating radar data interpretation is unclear and complicated when recognizing underground cavities because similar ground-penetrating radar data reflected from different underground objects are often mixed with the cavities. As it is prevalently known that the deep learning algorithm-based techniques are powerful at image classification, deep learning-based techniques for underground object detection techniques using two-dimensional GPR (ground-penetrating radar) radargrams have been researched upon in recent years. However, spatial information of underground objects can be characterized better in three-dimensional ground-penetrating radar voxel data than in two-dimensional ground-penetrating radar images. Therefore, in this study, a novel underground object classification technique is proposed by applying deep three-dimensional convolutional neural network on three-dimensional ground-penetrating radar data. First, a deep convolutional neural network architecture was developed using three-dimensional convolutional networks for recognizing spatial underground objects such as, pipe, cavity, manhole, and subsoil. The framework of applying the three-dimensional convolutional neural network into three-dimensional ground-penetrating radar data was then proposed and experimentally validated using real three-dimensional ground-penetrating radar data. In order to do that, three-dimensional ground-penetrating radar block data were used to train the developed three-dimensional convolutional neural network and to classify unclassified three-dimensional ground-penetrating radar data collected from urban roads in Seoul, South Korea. The validation results revealed that four underground objects (pipe, cavity, manhole, and subsoil) are successfully classified, and the average classification accuracy was 97%. In addition, a false alarm was rarely indicated.
An assessment of a hybrid lighting system that employs ultraviolet-A for mitigating healthcare-associated infections in a newborn intensive care unit
Authors: Brons JA , Bierman A , White R , Benner K , Deng L , Rea MS
Published: February 2020

Reducing healthcare-associated infections is critically important. A new hybrid lighting system technology, designed to provide both visible white light and disinfecting UV-A (λmax = 366 nm) radiation, was retrofitted into a modern hospital newborn intensive care unit. The UV-A dosing was set to levels calculated to be safe for human occupation (maximum of 10 W m−2 for 8 hours at eye level). Eight-hour exposures at 3 W m−2 on newborn intensive care unit counter surfaces were effective for suppressing selected pathogens identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as problematic for healthcare facilities. Professional staff accepted the hybrid lighting system, although its implementation in this newborn intensive care unit was not completely satisfactory. An analysis of photodegrading effects suggested that UV-A resistant equipment and furnishing may need to be installed with this technology. The present findings should form the foundation for the next generation of this lighting technology.
Post-conflict reconstruction in the Middle East and North Africa region: A bidirectional parametric urban design approach
Authors: Steinø Nicolai , Dabaieh Marwa , Ben Bih Karima
Published: February 2020

Post-conflict reconstruction is a major topic in war-torn cities in the Middle East and North Africa region. Rather than being limited to re-establishing pre-conflict conditions, new formats of urban settings may be adopted, both for the design and quality of urban space, as well as for the design and building process. This article proposes a combined top-down and bottom-up design approach, supported by parametric urban design modelling. As sustainable (re-)development of the urban-scape requires coordination across different scales, a top-down approach is partly needed for reasons of coordination. As participatory design processes involving local stakeholders work from the partial to the whole, a bottom-up approach is partly needed for reasons of inclusion. By means of a parametric urban model combining both overview and detail, the two approaches can be combined. This article shows the theoretical framework and, by way of example, applies the model to Fallujah in Iraq as a case study.
Developing a fabrication workflow for irregular sawlogs
Authors: Aagaard Anders Kruse , Larsen Niels Martin
Published: February 2020

In this article, we suggest using contemporary manufacturing technologies to integrate material properties with architectural design tools, revealing new possibilities for the use of wood in architecture. Through an investigative approach, material capacities and fabrication methods are explored and combined towards establishing new workflows and architectural expressions, where material, fabrication and result are closely interlinked. The experimentation revolves around discarded, crooked oak logs, doomed to be used as firewood due to their irregularity. This project treats their diverging shapes differently by offering unique processing to each log informed by its particularities. We suggest here a way to use the natural forms and properties of sawlogs to generate new structures and spatial conditions. In this article, we discuss the scope of this approach and provide an example of a workflow for handling the discrete shapes of natural sawlogs in a system that involve the collection of material, scanning/digitisation, handling of a stockpile, computer analysis, design and robotic manufacturing. The creation of this specific method comes from a combination of investigation of wood as a material, review of existing research in the field, studies of the production lines in the current wood industry and experimentation through our in-house laboratory facilities. As such, the workflow features several solutions for handling the complex and different shapes and data of natural wood logs in a highly digitised machining and fabrication environment. This up-cycling of discarded wood supply establishes a non-standard workflow that utilises non-standard material stock and leads to a critical articulation of today’s linear material economy. The project becomes part of an ambition to reach sustainable development goals and technological innovation in global and resource-intensive architecture and building industry.
Development and blood compatibility evaluation of novel fibrous textile scaffold based on polyurethane amalgamated with Alternanthera sessilis oil for the bone tissue engineering
Authors: Jaganathan Saravana Kumar , Mani Mohan Prasath
Published: February 2020

In the recent decade, the growth of medical textiles is enormous and it paves the sustained development in the quality of life. In this research, an electrospun textile scaffold comprising polyurethane impregnated with Alternanthera sessilis oil was developed for the bone tissue engineering. Morphology analysis showed that the addition of Alternanthera sessilis oil in the polyurethane membrane resulted in reduced fiber diameter (821 ± 140.87 nm) compared to the pristine PU (890 ± 119.11 nm). The presence of Alternanthera sessilis oil in polyurethane membrane was confirmed through hydrogen bond formation as revealed in the infrared analysis. Further, the polyurethane blended with Alternanthera sessilis oil showed hydrophobic (113.7° ± 3.215) and improved surface roughness (329 nm) than the pristine polyurethane (contact angle – 100° ± 0.5774 and Ra – 313 nm). Moreover, the blood compatibility assessments revealed that the developed biocomponent polyurethane/ Alternanthera sessilis oil membrane possesses enhanced anticoagulant nature compared to the pristine polyurethane. Finally, the newly developed biocomponent polyurethane/ Alternanthera sessilis oil membrane with reduced fiber diameter, hydrophobic behavior, improved surface roughness, and enhanced blood compatibility enabled them as a potential candidate for bone tissue regeneration.
The Beauty and the Dish: Brain Organoids Go Active
Authors: Sanchez-Aguilera Alberto , Menendez de la Prida Liset
Published: February 2020

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Sustainable Brain Activity and no End in Sight—What’s in It for Status Epilepticus?
Authors: Gross Christina
Published: February 2020

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Epigenetic Therapeutic Intervention for a Rare Epilepsy Disorder
Authors: Sint Jago Silvienne C. , Lubin Farah D.
Published: February 2020

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Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Reintegration to Normal Living Index in Amputees
Authors: Demirdel Senem , Bayramlar Kezban
Published: February 2020

In our country, outcome measures are needed to evaluate the results of occupational therapy in amputees. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI) and to evaluate the reliability and validity of a Turkish version of the RNLI. The Turkish version of the RNLI was applied to 120 amputees. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to determine internal consistency and test–retest reliability, respectively. Criterion validity was assessed using Short Form 36 (SF-36). The Turkish version of the RNLI presented reliable results in repeated assessments (ICC = .88), and the internal consistency of the RNLI was high (Cronbach’s α coefficient = .89). A statistically significant relationship was found between RNLI and SF-36 ( p < .05). The Turkish RNLI is a reliable and valid tool to evaluate the level of reintegration to normal living for amputees.
Validity of the Sock Test for Sitting Balance: A Functional Sitting Balance Assessment
Authors: Franc Ingrid A. , Baxter Mary Frances , Mitchell Katy , Neville Marsha , Chang Pei-Fen
Published: February 2020

There is a relationship between sitting balance and self-care functioning, but no occupation-based sitting balance assessment. The objective of this study was to determine whether the Sock Test for Sitting Balance (STSB) is a valid balance assessment for use by therapists in acute care. Results of the STSB were compared with those of the Adapted Functional Reach (AFR), the Functional Independence Measure (FIM™) chair transfer, and the Kansas University Sitting Balance Scale (KUSBS), in both hospitalized and healthy participants. There is a significant relationship between STSB results and AFR results for all participants ( rs = −.382, p = .012). Relationships between STSB results and score on the FIM™ Chair Transfer subscale ( p = .001), and score on the KUSBS ( p = .003) are significant. The STSB can differentiate between a hospitalized population and healthy population ( p = .017). Criterion and known-groups validity are demonstrated, but should be confirmed with further testing.