bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manufacturing Distress: Race, Redevelopment, and the EB-5 Program in Central Brooklyn
Authors: Boston Amanda T.
Published: February 2021

Gentrification’s racial consequences are garnering increased attention as the process advances into majority–minority urban neighborhoods. This study examines the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program’s implementation in Brooklyn, New York to ground these trends in policies through which gentrification is promoted, histories of racism and uneven development against which they are unfolding, and their disparate impacts on Black communities. While the program purports to use foreign investment to promote job growth in high unemployment areas, its financing of multimillion and billion-dollar development projects facilitates the displacement of longtime residents of the very places the initiative was designed to improve. Central Brooklyn and its outlying areas, home to one of the largest contiguous Black communities in the United States, are host to numerous EB-5 projects that have failed to produce sustainable job growth for existing residents and heightened the growing crisis of unaffordability. My analysis shows how EB-5 projects have enabled investors to use distressed areas disproportionately inhabited by poor and working-class Black communities to qualify for funding, while redistributing benefits upward to wealthy developers and affluent residents and consumers. Ultimately, the EB-5 program and other neoliberal, colorblind urban development policies exacerbate existing racial inequalities in the organization and operation of urban space.
Investigation of thermal performance of double-layered thermally activated building system in heating mode
Authors: Çalişir Oğuzhan , Öztürk Müjdat , Genç Gamze
Published: February 2021

Main principle of the thermally active building system (TABS) which is a type of radiant heating system operating at low temperatures range as 30–50 ˚C is to bring the ambient temperature to the desired level by heating the building mass. TABS system is also a system that can heat at low temperatures such as underfloor heating systems, and both systems can be applied in multi-story buildings. Because these systems operate at low temperatures, they are compatible with both each other and with renewable energy sources. At the same time, heating and cooling at temperatures close to room temperature can also increase the coefficient of performance (COP) in these systems. In this study, a double-layered system which is a new concept was designed by using both underfloor heating and TABS on the same floor; and the thermal performance of the double-layered TABS system (DLTS) was examined using the FLUENT/ANSYS programs. In the calculations, different supply water temperatures (30, 35 and 40 °C) and the pipe positions on the vertical axis (0.001 m, 0.050 m, and 0.100 m) were considered. It can be obtained from the results that the efficiency of the heating systems can be increased by using the new DLTS proposed in this study.
Evaluation of cabergoline for lactation inhibition in women living with HIV
Authors: Boucoiran Isabelle , Roy Melissa , Poliquin Vanessa , Elwood Chelsea , Sheehan Nancy L , Thibaudeau Rosie , Ferreira Ema , Autmizguine Julie , Kakkar Fatima , Boucher Marc , Money Deborah , Tulloch Karen
Published: February 2021

We wished to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of cabergoline for lactation inhibition in women who live with HIV. In this multicenter prospective observational study, cabergoline was offered as a single oral dose of 1 mg within the first 48 h postpartum. Women were recruited if they delivered a live infant after 35 weeks of gestational age. Participants filled out a questionnaire regarding symptoms of lactation and cabergoline adverse effects on day 2 and day 14 postpartum. On day 14, they also completed a questionnaire about their satisfaction with cabergoline treatment. Prolactin serum level was measured on both visits. Among 68 participants, all but one received cabergoline. The overall effectiveness defined by partial or complete success at day 14 was 98.3% (confidence intervals: 89.5–99.9). At day 14, 67.4% of women who received cabergoline had prolactin serum levels <25 mcg/L (threshold necessary for galactopoiesis). Mild nonspecific adverse effects were experienced by 24 (29.9%) women on day 2 and 24 (41.4%) on day 14, and lasted 48 h or less. Overall, 96% of women were satisfied with cabergoline’s ability to prevent postpartum lactation symptoms. In conclusion, cabergoline is an effective, well-accepted, and well-tolerated medication for lactation inhibition in WLWH.
HIV-associated tuberculosis
Authors: Hamada Yohhei , Getahun Haileyesus , Tadesse Birkneh Tilahun , Ford Nathan
Published: February 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV. HIV-associated TB disproportionally affects African countries, particularly vulnerable groups at risk for both TB and HIV. Currently available TB diagnostics perform poorly in people living with HIV; however, new diagnostics such as Xpert Ultra and lateral flow urine lipoarabinomannan assays can greatly facilitate diagnosis of TB in people living with HIV. TB preventive treatment has been underutilized despite its proven benefits independent of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Shorter regimens using rifapentine can support increased availability and scale-up. Mortality is high in people with HIV-associated TB, and timely initiation of ART is critical. Programs should provide decentralized and integrated TB and HIV care in settings with high burden of both diseases to improve access to services that diagnose TB and HIV as early as possible. The new prevention and diagnosis tools recently recommended by WHO offer an immense opportunity to advance our fight against HIV-associated TB. They should be made widely available and scaled up rapidly supported by adequate funding with robust monitoring of the uptake to advance global TB elimination.
Past testate amoeba communities in landslide mountain fens (Polish Carpathians): The relationship between shell types and sediment
Authors: Marcisz Katarzyna , Buczek Krzysztof , Gałka Mariusz , Margielewski Włodzimierz , Mulot Matthieu , Kołaczek Piotr
Published: February 2021

Landslide mountain fens formed in landslide depressions are dynamic environments as their development is disturbed by a number of factors, for example, landslides, slopewash, and surface run-off. These processes lead to the accumulation of mineral material and wood in peat. Disturbed peatlands are interesting archives of past environmental changes, but they may be challenging for providing biotic proxy-based quantitative reconstructions. Here we investigate long-term changes in testate amoeba communities from two landslide mountain fens – so far an overlooked habitat for testate amoeba investigations. Our results show that abundances of testate amoebae are extremely low in this type of peatlands, therefore not suitable for providing quantitative depth-to-water table reconstructions. However, frequent shifts of dominant testate amoeba species reflect dynamic lithological situation of the studied fens. We observed that high and stable mineral matter input into the peatlands was associated with high abundances of species producing agglutinated (xenosomic) as well as idiosomic shells which prevailed in the testate amoeba communities in both analyzed profiles. This is the first study that explores testate amoebae of landslide mountain fens in such detail, providing novel information about microbial communities of these ecosystems.
Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) dynamics in the Welsh Marches during the mid to late-Holocene
Authors: Sassoon Dael , Fletcher William J , Hotchkiss Alastair , Owen Fern , Feng Liting
Published: February 2021

Around 4000 cal yr BP, Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris) suffered a widespread demise across the British Isles. This paper presents new information about P. sylvestris populations found in the Welsh Marches (western central Britain), for which the long-term history and origins are poorly known. Two new pollen records were produced from the Lin Can Moss ombrotrophic bog (LM18) and the Breidden Hill pond (BH18). The LM18 peat core is supported by loss-on-ignition, humification analysis and radiocarbon dating. Lead concentrations were used to provide an estimated timeframe for the recent BH18 record. In contrast to many other Holocene pollen records from the British Isles, analysis of LM18 reveals that Scots pine grains were deposited continuously between c. 6900–300 cal yr BP, at frequencies of 0.3–5.4%. It is possible that individual Scots pine trees persisted through the wider demise on thin soils of steep drought-prone crags of hills or the fringes of lowland bogs in the Welsh Marches. At BH18, the record indicates a transition from broadleaved to mixed woodland, including conifer species introduced around AD 1850 including Picea and Pinus. The insights from BH18 suggest that the current populations may largely be the result of planting. Comparison of the LM18 findings with other regional pollen records highlights consistent patterns, including a Mid-Holocene maximum (ca. 7000 cal yr BP), long-term persistence at low pollen percentages and a Late-Holocene minimum (ca. 3000 cal yr BP). These distinctive trends encourage further studies on refugial areas for Scots pine in this region and elsewhere.
Impact of Quality of Unfamiliar Shopping App on Initial Trust Formation: A Moderated Mediation of Risk Attitude
Authors: Patel Vipul , Pandit Richa
Published: February 2021

Today, all phases of consumers' buying process from pre-information search, evaluation of alternatives, order placing and post-purchase service are conducted in shopping apps installed in smartphones. A shopping app is omnipresent and is a powerful retail channel for retailers all over the world. However, the primary concern for many customers is that online shopping is not secure. This insecurity is more if customers have to purchase from an unfamiliar shopping app. Customers generally hesitate to purchase using unfamiliar shopping apps, unless they feel that the app is trustworthy. Based on the survey of 264 respondents, this study attempts to measure the impact of the quality of unfamiliar shopping apps on initial trust formation and subsequently, purchase intention. An attempt was also made to study the moderated mediation impact of risk attitude on the relationship between shopping app quality and initial trust formation. The findings of this paper may be of practical use for the online retailers by providing a better understanding of the adoption of unfamiliar shopping apps among prospective customers. It will also provide strategic inputs to online retailers to craft suitable strategies for the adoption of unfamiliar shopping apps.
Factors Influencing Price Perception for Fashion: Study of Millennials in India
Authors: Wani Nitin S.
Published: February 2021

Indians are culturally conditioned to be price sensitive, but do the Indian millennials hold similar price perception for fashion. This paper provides new insights into the price perception of Indian millennials for fashion and is the first to examine the influence of fashion involvement and personality traits viz., self-confidence and public self-consciousness with fashion innovativeness as a mediator and zodiac signs as a moderator on price perception with specific focus on price-quality schema of Indian millennials. A conclusive, descriptive and single cross-sectional research design was used to collect data from Indian millennials using a self-completion questionnaire. The model fit and hypothesized relationships between the variables were assessed using AMOS, a covariance-based structural equation modeling technique. The results indicate a statistically significant relationship between personality traits and price perception of Indian millennials for fashion. The mediating effect of fashion innovativeness was not found. The moderating effect of zodiac signs was observed. This study contributes to the understanding of the price perception of Indian millennials and brings to light a new dimension of the moderating role of zodiac signs. The results provide valuable inputs to the marketers in designing their marketing strategies.
A Quantitative Analysis of Facial Asymmetry in Torticollis Using 3-Dimensional Photogrammetry
Authors: Baratta Vanessa M. , Linden Olivia E. , Byrne Margaret E. , Sullivan Stephen R. , Taylor Helena O.
Published: February 2021

Objective:

To assess whether children with torticollis have quantifiably greater facial asymmetry than their age-matched controls using 3-dimensional (3D) photogrammetry.

Design:

We retrospectively analyzed patients diagnosed with torticollis and age-matched volunteers who underwent 3D photogrammetry of their faces. We calculated the root mean square deviation (RMSD) between native and reflected facial images, as a measure of asymmetry. Two observers independently measured RMSD values for all study participants. The Spearman correlation coefficient evaluated interobserver reliability. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test with Bonferroni adjusted P values for multiple comparisons.

Setting:

Institutional.

Participants:

Twenty patients diagnosed with torticollis and 12 age-matched volunteers. Patients were analyzed on a computer database and volunteers were selected and consented in the hospital. We excluded patients with a history of facial trauma, facial operations, or other craniofacial diagnoses.

Interventions:

Facial surface scans were obtained using the Canfield Vectra stereophotogrammetry system. The technology captures surface anatomy without radiation.

Main Outcome Measures:

RMSD comparisons between patients with torticollis and age-matched controls.

Results:

Compared to controls, patients with torticollis had statistically significant greater full face, upper third, and middle third facial asymmetry. There was a trend toward greater asymmetry of the lower facial third.

Conclusions:

We used 3D photogrammetry to quantitate facial asymmetry from torticollis. We found greater asymmetry in patients with torticollis than in their unaffected peers. All areas of the face appeared to be affected, though the asymmetry in the lower facial third just failed to reach significance.
Gender Faultline Strength on Boards of Directors and Strategic Change: The Role of Environmental Conditions
Authors: Wu Jie , Triana María del Carmen , Richard Orlando C. , Yu Luman
Published: February 2021

Drawing on the notion of “faultlines” and the upper echelons perspective, we argue that the gender faultline strength of a board of directors is negatively related to strategic change. More interestingly, while gender faultline strength negatively relates to strategic change under low levels of environmental complexity, environmental dynamism, and environmental munificence, it is positively related to strategic change when environmental complexity, environmental dynamism, and environmental munificence are at high levels. The analyses of panel data of 5781 firm-year observations of 1171 Chinese firms provide support for the hypotheses.
Design and experimental validation of a vibration isolator with high-static low-dynamic stiffness and operating point variable property
Authors: Zhou Zhenhua , Zhou Minrui , Dai Zhihui , Liu Xin , Li Zhanhui
Published: February 2021

Vibration isolator with high-static low-dynamic stiffness property has been researched extensively, but the isolator’s stability and performance will be deteriorated with the operation point variation. In this article, a vibration isolator that operation point can be variable was proposed, and it was constructed by combining a coil spring and flexible leaf springs with a negative stiffness magnet spring in parallel. Unlike previous studies, this article focuses on the realization of the high-static low-dynamic stiffness characteristic of the isolator, and the operation point of the vibration isolator can be varied in a certain range. The effects of configuration parameters on the negative stiffness are investigated in detail. Furthermore, the designing procedure to realize the linear negative stiffness with the expected magnitude and range was also developed. A prototype was installed and the vibration transmissibility of the system at different operation points was measured, the experimental results indicated that the isolator can be kept stable in different operation points, and the performance does not deteriorate with the variation of the operation point. The effectiveness of the designing procedure of the realization of linear negative stiffness with the expected magnitude and range and the variable of the operation point of the isolator was validated.
Safety and efficacy of bone-modifying agents among multiple myeloma patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Billias Christina , Langer Megan , Ursu Sorana , Schorr Rebecca
Published: February 2021

Objective

To determine the incidence of skeletal-related events among multiple myeloma patients who received chemotherapy without a bone-modifying agent (zoledronic acid and denosumab) versus those who received chemotherapy with a bone-modifying agent. The secondary objective was to determine the incidence of skeletal-related events in patients without any prior history of skeletal-related events and who were treated with zoledronic acid every four weeks versus those who received zoledronic acid at an extended interval of every twelve weeks. Additional secondary objectives included the incidence of nephrotoxicity, hypocalcemia and osteonecrosis of the jaw in all patients.

Methods

This institutional review board-approved, retrospective cohort study included patients 18 to 89 years old with a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, who were being treated with chemotherapy between July 1, 2016 and October 31, 2019. Safety and efficacy were assessed through analysis of pertinent data collected: patient demographics, baseline skeletal-related events, development of new skeletal-related events, number and type of bone-modifying agent doses administered, and drug-related toxicities such as nephrotoxicity, hypocalcemia, and osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Results

A total of 73 patients were included. New skeletal-related events occurred in 12 patients (27%) in the chemotherapy without a bone-modifying agent group and in 5 patients (17%) in the chemotherapy with a bone-modifying agent group (OR = 0.56, 95% CI [0.172–1.8]; P = 0.32). The incidence of skeletal-related events was similar among patients receiving zoledronic acid every four weeks versus every twelve weeks in patients without a prior skeletal-related event (N = 0 vs. N = 2 respectively; P = 0.47). There were no statistically significant differences observed in each of the three secondary safety endpoints: incidence of hypocalcemia, nephrotoxicity and osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Conclusion

Multiple myeloma patients receiving chemotherapy without a bone-modifying agent had higher rates of skeletal-related events compared to those being treated with chemotherapy and a bonemodifying agent. Our results highlight the benefit of utilizing bonemodifying agents for the prevention of skeletal-related events in all multiple myeloma patients being treated with chemotherapy.
A note about hardening-free viscoelastic models in Maxwellian-type rheologies at large strains
Authors: Davoli Elisa , Roubíček Tomáš , Stefanelli Ulisse
Published: February 2021

Maxwellian-type rheological models of inelastic effects of creep type at large strains are revisited in relation to inelastic strain gradient theories. In particular, we observe that a dependence of the stored energy density on inelastic strain gradients may lead to spurious hardening effects, preventing the model from accommodating large inelastic slips. The main result of this paper is an alternative inelastic model of creep type, where a higher-order energy contribution is provided by the gradients of the elastic strain and of the plastic strain rate, thus preventing the onset of spurious hardening under large slips. The combination of Kelvin–Voigt damping and Maxwellian creep results in a Jeffreys-type rheological model. The existence of weak solutions is proved by way of a Faedo–Galerkin approximation.
Anisotropic hyperelastic constitutive modeling of in-plane finite deformation responses of commercial composite hexagonal honeycombs
Authors: Shahverdi Moghaddam H , Keshavanarayana SR , Yang C , Horner AL
Published: February 2021

This research presents the adaptation of an anisotropic hyperelastic constitutive model for predicting the experimentally observed in-plane, orthotropic, bi-modular and nonlinear-elastic responses of a commercial adhesively bonded HRP-C fiberglass/phenolic hexagonal honeycomb core. The hyperelastic constitutive model is evaluated under simple states of loading using single-element finite element analysis. The predictions of the model, including stress-strain behavior, Poisson effects, and strain energy densities, are compared with test data for the in-plane uniaxial tension/compression responses of the honeycomb core as well as the single-element model with a linear orthotropic constitutive model to highlight the effectiveness of the hyperelastic model at high strain levels. Good agreement is observed between the model predictions and test data. Tension tests in ribbon and transverse directions with the full-scale honeycomb core are also simulated to ensure the suitability of the single element model for simulations of the simple loading cases and preliminary validation process.
Development of structure and properties in bimetallic Al/Cu sandwich composite during cumulative severe plastic deformation
Authors: Kocich Radim , Kunčická Lenka
Published: February 2021

Development of modern materials is non-negligibly connected with enhancement of their mechanical and utility properties, which can advantageously be performed via optimized deformation processing. The study presents preparation of Al/Cu sandwich composite, reinforced with Cuwires, by the twist channel angular pressing (TCAP) method. Extrusion of the sandwich composite via single and double pass TCAP was simulated using the finite element method, and performed experimentally. The predicted deformation behaviour was verified by 3 D Micro-CT scanning, as well as detailed microstructure observations. The results showed that already the single TCAP resulted in substantial deformation strengthening of both the component metals, and the effective strain imposed within the Alsheath reached the value of 5 after the second pass. The Alsheath also featured homogeneous distribution of the lowest absolute values of residual stress, and the smallest average grain size of 1.66 µm. The Cu grains within both the composites were also significantly refined, to almost 3 µm after the second pass. Nevertheless, the observed parameters featured slight variations across the composites’ cross-sections, which can be attributed to the plastic flow behaviour phenomena. The severe imposed shear strain also resulted in increase in microhardness and imparted changes in the thermal conductivity.
Illuminating Indigenous health care provider stories through forum theater
Authors: Van Bewer Vanessa , Woodgate Roberta L , Martin Donna , Deer Frank
Published: February 2021

Learning about the historical and current context of Indigenous peoples’ lives and building campus communities that value cultural safety remains at the heart of the Canadian educational agenda and have been enacted as priorities in the Manitoba Collaborative Indigenous Education Blueprint. A participatory approach informed by forum theater and Indigenous sharing circles involving collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous health care professionals ( n = 8) was employed to explore the above priorities. Through the workshop activities, vignettes were created and performed to an audience of students and educators ( n = 7). The findings emerging from the workshop illuminated that Indigenous people in nursing and higher education face challenges with negotiating their identity, lateral violence and struggle to find safe spaces and people due to tokenism and a paucity of physical spaces dedicated to Indigenous students. This study contributed to provoking a greater understanding of Indigenous experiences in higher education and advancing reconciliation.
The use of realist approaches for health research in Indigenous communities
Authors: Bergeron Dave A , Tremblay Marie-Claude , Dogba Maman Joyce , Martin Debbie , McGavock Jonathan
Published: February 2021

Research approaches and underlying epistemologies should be carefully considered when conducting health research involving Indigenous communities in order to be aligned with the distinct Indigenous values and goals of the communities involved. If Western research approaches are used, it is helpful to consider how they might be consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing. Among Western research approaches, realist approaches might have some congruence with Indigenous epistemologies. For health research in Indigenous communities, realist approaches might be relevant because they are based on a wholistic approach congruent with Indigenous ontologies, anchored in local knowledge, process-oriented and dynamic. The use of these approaches might make it possible to link diverse knowledge systems into action that is meaningful for Indigenous communities.
On best acoustical parameters’ values for ‘Liederistic’ music performance: A preliminary study
Authors: Domenighini P.
Published: February 2021

‘Liederistic’ music is a musical genre on which architectural acoustical research is rarely focused. Despite this lack of scholarship, however, this genre represents one of the most interesting challenges for acoustical problem solving. In fact, it combines speech and music comprehension requirements in a fascinating manner to illuminate elements of both the magnification of the musical score and the hidden tension of a sung poetry text. To individualise the main characteristics of this genre, a multidisciplinary approach is taken, starting from a musical point of view. A knowledge and comprehension of music is a fundamental step to determine the parameters that allow for the best performance and listening experience of this particular music. Consequently, an introduction to the physics and acoustical characteristics of the singing voice and the piano is given, specifically highlighting the technological development of the piano since the 18th century. Through a combination of historical, architectural, and interior design research, a possible location of the original performance is recreated to investigate the probable primal acoustic conditions using computational analysis. Various contemporary chamber music halls were then considered and compared to the reconstructed location to investigate whether actual places exist with similar acoustic conditions.
The impact of the source credibility of Instagram influencers on travel intention: The mediating role of parasocial interaction
Authors: Yılmazdoğan Orhan Can , Doğan Rana Şen , Altıntaş Emre
Published: February 2021

The primary objective of this study is to determine the impact of the sub-dimensions of source credibility (attractiveness, trustworthiness and expertise), and its secondary objective is to investigate the mediating role of parasocial interaction the effect of the sub-dimensions of source credibility on travel intention. The study was conducted with data obtained from 379 participants and the response rate was found to be 88%. The validity and credibility of the constructs were tested through confirmatory factor analysis, while its hypotheses were tested using path analysis. It was found, as a result of the study, that the trustworthiness and expertise sub-dimensions of source credibility significantly impacted travel intention and played a significant mediating role between the trustworthiness and expertise sub-dimensions of parasocial interaction and travel intention. It is thought that the mediating role of parasocial interaction, which was not previously available in the literature, will make an important contribution to the researchers working on tourism-related marketing research in understanding the travel intention.
Reconsidering a role for attachment in eating disorder management in the context of paediatric diabetes
Authors: Oldham-Cooper Rosie , Semple Claire , Wilkinson Laura L.
Published: February 2021

We suggest a reconsideration of the role of ‘attachment orientation’ in the context of eating disorders and paediatric diabetes. Attachment orientation is a psychological construct that describes a relatively stable set of expectations and behaviours an individual relies upon in managing relationships. There is considerable evidence of an association between attachment orientation and the development and maintenance of disordered eating in individuals without diabetes, though evidence is more scant in populations with diabetes. We discuss the underpinning theory and critically examine the existing literature for the relationship between attachment orientation and disordered eating in paediatric diabetes. Finally, we draw on adjacent literatures to highlight potential future directions for research should this area be revisited. Overall, we contextualise our discussion in terms of patient-centred, holistic care that addresses the mind and body (i.e., our discussion of attachment orientation assumes a psycho-biological approach).
Prevention and early help for eating disorders in young people with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Oldham-Cooper Rosie , Semple Claire
Published: February 2021

There is building evidence that early intervention is key to improving outcomes in eating disorders, whereas a ‘watch and wait’ approach that has been commonplace among GPs and other healthcare professionals is now strongly discouraged. Eating disorders occur at approximately twice the rate in individuals with type 1 diabetes compared to the general population. In this group, standard eating disorder treatments have poorer outcomes, and eating disorders result in a particularly high burden of morbidity. Therefore, our first priority must be prevention, with early intervention where disordered eating has already developed. Clinicians working in both eating disorders and diabetes specialist services have highlighted the need for multidisciplinary team collaboration and specific training, as well as improved treatments. We review the current evidence and future directions for prevention, identification and early intervention for eating disorders in children and young people with type 1 diabetes.
Evaluation of the heat changes in an ancient church because of restoration works: A microclimatic study supported by thermal images
Authors: Ridolfi Stefano , Crescenzi Susanna , Zeli Fabiana , Perilli Stefano , Sfarra Stefano
Published: February 2021

This work is centred on an ancient Italian church. Since 2011, a restoration plan has been undertaken by following sequential phases. The methodological approach to restoration was guided by environmental monitoring campaigns. In particular, two thermo-hygrometric campaigns were carried out during the warm months of the years 2015 and 2016. The first set of measurements was executed during the restoration of facades and roofs, making it possible to reach even areas that are usually difficult to access. The second set was performed to evaluate the indoor thermo-hygrometric conditions following the work of the previous year. This was intended to assess their differences in variability, the influence of the outdoor environment and any real and perceived improvement. Results demonstrate that thermal images helped in identifying both the heat sources causing thermal discomforts and the good thermal capacity of masonries. Concerning the heat index (HI), the church showed an improvement in the trend of malaise perceived by people during the second summer period (∼2°C lower than 2015). Finally, in the last microclimate monitoring, the roof structure no longer acted as an amplifier for daily temperature excursions.
Characterization of fuel drop impact on wall films using SPH simulation
Authors: Pan Yaoyu , Yang Xiufeng , Kong Song-Charng , Ting Foo Chern , Iyer Claudia , Yi Jianwen
Published: February 2021

The ability to accurately predict the outcome of the drop/wall interaction is essential to engine spray combustion modeling. In this paper, the process of fuel drop impact on a wet wall was simulated using a numerical method based on smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). The present numerical method was first validated using experimental data on the crown height and crown diameter resulting from water drop impact on a liquid film. Then, the impact process of iso-octane drops on wet walls under engine relevant conditions were studied. The presence of a wall film will affect not only the splash threshold but also the crown evolution and the secondary droplets ejected from the rim of the crown. Numerical results show that the splash threshold increases with the film thickness; the splashed mass ratio increases as the kinetic energy of the incident drop increases. The effect of film thickness on the splashed mass ratio is determined by two competing mechanisms. On the one hand, as the film thickness increases, more incident energy will be absorbed and transferred into the crown, thus producing more secondary droplets. On the other hand, more impinging energy will be dissipated during the spreading as the film thickness increases, thus generating fewer secondary droplets. The properties of the secondary droplets are very different as the film thickness increases. Instead of moving outward, the secondary droplets will move upward and even congregate to the center when the film becomes thicker. The impact angle will affect not only the distributions of the secondary droplets but also the splashed mass. The locations and velocities of the secondary droplets were analyzed. These outcomes were incorporated into formulas that can be further developed into a model for simulating engine spray/wall interactions.
Experimental research on the frictional performance of real laser-textured cylinder liner under different lubrication conditions
Authors: Yin Bifeng , Xu Bo , Jia Hekun , Hua Xijun , Fu Yonghong
Published: February 2021

Laser surface texturing technology including the steps of surface pre-processing, laser texturing, and surface post-polishing was utilized to process typical micro-dimples(diameter 50 μm, depth 8 μm, and area ratio 10%) on the cylinder liner surface in a production engine. By conducting the reciprocating friction tests on a friction-wear tester, the instantaneous friction force of the real cylinder liner-piston ring pair was measured for comparing the tribological performance of plateau-honed cylinder liner and laser-textured cylinder liner. The testing results showed that under different lubrication conditions, laser texturing cylinder liner could effectively reduce the friction force, especially the peak force around the reciprocating stroke ends of ring/liner pair. Within a reciprocating stroke, the average friction coefficients of the laser-textured cylinder liner-piston ring pair decrease by approximately 18.6%–37.6% under low temperature oil bath condition dominated by hydrodynamic lubrication, while the friction coefficients decrease by approximately 1.8%–6.1% under high temperature oil bath condition dominated by mixed lubrication compared with these of the plateau-honed cylinder liner-piston ring pair. This indicates that laser texturing cylinder liner with appropriate micro structures could enhance the hydrodynamic effects and reduce the friction of ring/liner system, which is conducive to improving the engine mechanical efficiency and the application of low-friction design on production engine.
Finding yourself in your wardrobe: An exploratory study of lived experiences with a capsule wardrobe
Authors: Bardey Aurore , Booth Madison , Heger Giuliana , Larsson Jonas
Published: February 2021

Fashion overconsumerism and overproduction have placed the fashion industry one of the world’s most polluting industries. In addition to its environmental impact, research has shown that materialism leads to lower life satisfaction and decision fatigue. Recently, studies have highlighted an increased interest in sustainable fashion consumption and ethical lifestyle. The capsule wardrobe phenomenon, that is, defined by limited clothing pieces that focus on quality, longevity, and minimal or classic design, has gained exposure as a road map for consumers to remain fashionable while consuming less. Until today, no research has evaluated the impact of minimalist wardrobe on consumers. Using a phenomenological approach, the present study method to understand 10 female participants’ lived experiences with a capsule wardrobe. Our results showed a positive impact of a 3-week capsule wardrobe on our participants who felt less stressed, detached from fashion trends, have found joy in their fashion style, and enhanced their awareness of conscious consumption. Our findings highlight the richness of minimalism, sustainable consumption, and self-expression through an innovative and relevant phenomenon.
CD9, a tetraspanin target for cancer therapy?
Authors: Lorico Aurelio , Lorico-Rappa Marco , Karbanová Jana , Corbeil Denis , Pizzorno Giuseppe
Published: February 2021

In the present minireview, we intend to provide a brief history of the field of CD9 involvement in oncogenesis and in the metastatic process of cancer, considering its potential value as a tumor-associated antigenic target. Over the years, CD9 has been identified as a favorable prognostic marker or predictor of metastatic potential depending on the cancer type. To understand its implications in cancer beside its use as an antigenic biomarker, it is essential to know its physiological functions, including its molecular partners in a given cell system. Moreover, the discovery that CD9 is one of the most specific and broadly expressed markers of extracellular membrane vesicles, nanometer-sized entities that are released into extracellular space and various physiological body fluids and play a role in intercellular communication under physiological and pathological conditions, notably the establishment of cancer metastases, has added a new dimension to our knowledge of CD9 function in cancer. Here, we will discuss these issues as well as the possible cancer therapeutic implications of CD9, their limitations, and pitfalls.
Mitotic kinases as drivers of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and as therapeutic targets against breast cancers
Authors: Colón-Marrero Stephanie , Jusino Shirley , Rivera-Rivera Yainyrette , Saavedra Harold I
Published: February 2021

Biological therapies against breast cancer patients with tumors positive for the estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors and Her2 amplification have greatly improved their survival. However, to date, there are no effective biological therapies against breast cancers that lack these three receptors or triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC). TNBC correlates with poor survival, in part because they relapse following chemo- and radio-therapies. TNBC is intrinsically aggressive since they have high mitotic indexes and tend to metastasize to the central nervous system. TNBCs are more likely to display centrosome amplification, an abnormal phenotype that results in defective mitotic spindles and abnormal cytokinesis, which culminate in aneuploidy and chromosome instability (known causes of tumor initiation and chemo-resistance). Besides their known role in cell cycle control, mitotic kinases have been also studied in different types of cancer including breast, especially in the context of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a cellular process characterized by the loss of cell polarity, reorganization of the cytoskeleton, and signaling reprogramming (upregulation of mesenchymal genes and downregulation of epithelial genes). Previously, we and others have shown the effects of mitotic kinases like Nek2 and Mps1 (TTK) on EMT. In this review, we focus on Aurora A, Aurora B, Bub1, and highly expressed in cancer (Hec1) as novel targets for therapeutic interventions in breast cancer and their effects on EMT. We highlight the established relationships and interactions of these and other mitotic kinases, clinical trial studies involving mitotic kinases, and the importance that represents to develop drugs against these proteins as potential targets in the primary care therapy for TNBC.
The Importance of Health Values Among Health Care Providers
Authors: Cepni Aliye B. , Hatem Cherine , Ledoux Tracey A. , Johnston Craig A.
Published: February 2021

Medical professionals’ healthy eating and physical activity behaviors are likely to wane as other life events and everyday pressures increase. This is vital because as health behaviors decrease, the likelihood that this topic is addressed with patients also decreases. Increased training to improve health care providers’ knowledge about lifestyle behaviors may be inadequate to actually bring about a healthier lifestyle. The area of personal identity and value formation may shed light on a significant barrier in this area. Developing health care professionals who have values consistent with a healthy diet and physical activity, instead of just being informed about it, would increase the likelihood that healthy behavior changes are discussed with patients. Strategies to encourage value formation around healthy lifestyles among medical professionals are discussed.
Scepter mini assisted angiographic cure of a Vein of Galen Malformation with n-butyl cyanoacrylate
Authors: White Timothy G , Dehdashti Amir R , Woo Henry H
Published: February 2021

Background

Even in the modern endovascular era, the treatment of Vein of Galen Malformations (VOGM) is extremely challenging. While their natural history is very poor, endovascular embolization has emerged as the standard of care. These lesions often require multiple treatment sessions to decrease shunting, with each treatment including multiple pedicles. Here we present the first reported use of the Scepter Mini (Microvention, Aliso Viejo, CA) in the treatment of vein of Galen malformations.

Clinical presentation

A 7 month old female presented with an enlarging VOGM that was initially identified on prenatal ultrasound. Given the enlarging size of the lesion and failure to meet developmental milestones, the patient underwent planned endovascular embolization of the VOGM. The novel Scepter Mini balloon catheter was used for treatment of this lesion affording easy access to the target pedicle and immediate flow arrest which allowed for immediate cure of the lesion.

Conclusion

The novel Scepter Mini Balloon (Microvention, Aliso Viejo, CA) afforded excellent distal access with subsequent immediate flow arrest therefore facilitating endovascular cure. Initially, a staged approach was favored for the treatment of the lesion, but the flow arrest achieved by the Scepter mini facilitated immediate occlusion from a single pedicle.
Endovascular treatment of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms using self-expandable covered stent grafts: A single center retrospective study
Authors: Gao Peixian , Qi Jiaxin , Wang Mo , Li Gang , Yang Le , Dong Dianning , Wu Xuejun
Published: February 2021

Objectives

This study was aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECAAs) using self-expandable covered stent grafts.

Methods

All patients with ECAA at a single institution were reviewed from February 2014 to February 2020. Eight consecutive patients (three men, mean age 64.5 years) treated with endovascular repair with self-expandable covered stent graft were retrospectively reviewed. Patient characteristics, angiographic results, and follow-up outcomes were retrospectively recorded. Access to ECAA was gained via a femoral approach or a direct puncture of common carotid artery after surgical exposure because of kinking of the aortic arch and common carotid artery. A self-expandable covered stent graft (Viabahn; W. L. Gore, Flagstaff, AZ) was deployed to exclude the aneurysm.

Results

Based on imaging features, there were five peudoaneurysms and three true aneurysms. The technical success rate was 100%. Cerebral protection devices were not used in all the patients during the procedures. Immediate absolute obliteration of the ECAA with no endoleak was documented in all the patients. Perioperative complications included one internal carotid-cavernous sinus fistula, one bleeding at the puncture site, and one stroke. The mean follow-up period was 35.5 months (range, 9–72 months). All the patients were alive, with an obligation rate of 100%. No transient ischemia attack, stroke, or reoccurrence of symptoms was identified during the follow-up period. Radiological examinations identified patency of the stent grafts and revealed no endoleaks, stent fracture, stent migration, or aneurysm rupture.

Conclusions

Endovascular treatment of ECAAs with self-expandable covered stent grafts appears to be a safe and feasible alternative for traditional open surgery, especially in the challenging anatomy and instable physical conditions. Although cerebrovascular accidents can occur as the result of hemodynamic changes during the perioperative period, the minimal alternative can yield satisfactory midterm follow-up clinical outcomes.
A robotic grasping approach with elliptical cone-based potential fields under disturbed scenes
Authors: Geng Wenjie , Cao Zhiqiang , Li Zhonghui , Yu Yingying , Jing Fengshui , Yu Junzhi
Published: February 2021

Vision-based grasping plays an important role in the robot providing better services. It is still challenging under disturbed scenes, where the target object cannot be directly grasped constrained by the interferences from other objects. In this article, a robotic grasping approach with firstly moving the interference objects is proposed based on elliptical cone-based potential fields. Single-shot multibox detector (SSD) is adopted to detect objects, and considering the scene complexity, Euclidean cluster is also employed to obtain the objects without being trained by SSD. And then, we acquire the vertical projection of the point cloud for each object. Considering that different objects have different shapes with respective orientation, the vertical projection is executed along its major axis acquired by the principal component analysis. On this basis, the minimum projected envelope rectangle of each object is obtained. To construct continuous potential field functions, an elliptical-based functional representation is introduced due to the better matching degree of the ellipse with the envelope rectangle among continuous closed convex curves. Guided by the design principles, including continuity, same-eccentricity equivalence, and monotonicity, the potential fields based on elliptical cone are designed. The current interference object to be grasped generates an attractive field, whereas other objects correspond to repulsive ones, and their resultant field is used to solve the best placement of the current interference object. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified by experiments.