bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Effects of Target-Controlled Infusion of Propofol and Sevoflurane as Maintenance of Anesthesia on Hemodynamic Profile in Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Aditianingsih Dita , Sukmono Besthadi , Agung Tjues A. , Kartolo Willy Y. , Adiwongso Erika S. , Mochtar Chaidir A.
Published: November 2019

Background. Target-controlled infusion (TCI) propofol and sevoflurane are common agents for general anesthesia, including for kidney transplantation procedure. This study compared the effect of TCI propofol and sevoflurane on intraoperative hemodynamic profile in kidney transplant patients. Methods. A single-blinded prospective study was performed in 46 kidney transplant recipients who were randomized into receiving TCI propofol or sevoflurane as anesthetics maintenance. Hemodynamic parameters such as mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac index (CI), stroke volume index (SVI), and systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) were measured at baseline before induction, postintubation, first surgical incision, every 15 minutes after the first incision, reperfusion, and 15 minutes after reperfusion. Data were analyzed using unpaired t-test, paired t-test, and general linear model. Results. Intraoperative MAP, CI, SVI, and SVRI changes were similar in both groups (p = 0.480, 0.216, 0.086, and 0.054). In comparison to the baseline value, TCI propofol and sevoflurane groups showed significant reductions of MAP at postintubation (p=0.010; p<0.001) and during the first surgical incision (p=0.009; p<0.001); significant reduction of CI at postintubation (p=0.003; p<0.001) and during the first surgical incision (p<0.001; p<0.001); significant reduction of SVI at postintubation (p=0.013; p=0.008), during the first surgical incision (p=0.008; p=0.003), and 15 minutes after reperfusion (p=0.010; p=0.005); and significant increasing of SVRI during the first surgical incision (p=0.007; p=0.005). The TCI propofol group showed significantly lower SVRI compared to the sevoflurane group postintubation (p=0.029) and during the first surgical incision (p=0.026). Conclusion. Intraoperative hemodynamic profile was similar between the TCI propofol and sevoflurane group during kidney transplant surgery. The TCI propofol group had higher CI and SVI but showed significantly lower SVRI as compared to the sevoflurane group. The incidence of postanesthesia agitation, postoperative outcome, and complication were not significantly different between the two groups.
Thermal Degradation and Water Uptake of Biodegradable Resin Prepared from Millet Flour and Wheat Gluten Crosslinked with Epoxydized Vegetable Oils
Authors: Mohamed Abdellatif A. , Hussain S. , Alamri M. S. , Ibraheem M. A. , Abdo Qasem Akram A.
Published: November 2019

The degradation temperatures (DTs), heat stability (IPDT), degradation kinetics, and water uptake of epoxy resin were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis. Epoxy resins were prepared by crosslinking epoxydized oils with vital wheat gluten (VG) and millet flour. The reactions included three oils (cottonseed, sesame, and sunflower) and three levels of zinc chloride (ZC) (1, 2, and 3%). The apparent activation energy (Ea) was calculated using the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa method. The DT increased at higher heating rates within the same ZC level of the same oil type. Cottonseed oil exhibited the highest DT. The highest IPDT was 637°C of the sunflower oil/millet resin (3% ZC), and the least was the cottonseed/millet (1% ZC) at 479°C. The sesame-millet resin exhibited the highest Ea (622 KJ/mol) followed by sunflower-gluten (496 KJ/mol) and sesame-gluten (454 KJ/mol). The profiles of all resins point to a multistep degradation, but some of the profiles display two dominant kinetic processes, and the remaining resins showed three processes. The variation in crosslinking density between the oils is attributable to the different amounts of oxirane rings which are associated with the double bonds of the fatty acid of the oils. Like other parameters, the water uptake was affected by the ZC content, where most of the resins did not reach water uptake equilibrium. Nonetheless, the 3% ZC resin reached equilibrium after 5 days of immersion.
The Expression Profile of MicroRNAs in Small and Large Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Černá Václava , Ostašov Pavel , Pitule Pavel , Moláček Jiří , Třeška Vladislav , Pešta Martin
Published: November 2019

Background. Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are relatively frequent in elderly population, and their ruptures are related with high mortality rate. There are no actually used laboratory markers predicting the AAA development, course, and rupture. MicroRNAs are small noncoding molecules involved in posttranscriptional gene expression regulation, influencing processes on cell and tissue levels, and are actually in focus due to their potential to become diagnostic or prognostic markers in various diseases. Methods. Tissue samples of AAA patients and healthy controls were collected, from which miRNA was isolated. Microarray including the complete panel of 2549 miRNAs was used to find expression miRNA profiles that were analysed in three subgroups: small (N = 10) and large (N = 6) aneurysms and healthy controls (N = 5). Fold changes between expression in aneurysms and normal tissue were calculated including corresponding p values, adjusted to multiple comparisons. Results. Six miRNAs were found to be significantly dysregulated in small aneurysms (miR-7158-5p, miR-658, miR-517-5p, miR-122-5p, miR-326, and miR-3180) and 162 in large aneurysms, in comparison with the healthy control. Ten miRNAs in large aneurysms with more than two-fold significant change in expression were identified: miR-23a-3p, miR-24-3p, miR-27a-3p, miR-27b-3p, miR-30d-5p, miR-193a-3p, miR-203a-3p, miR-365a-3p, miR-4291, and miR-3663-3p and all, but the last one was downregulated in aneurysmal walls. Conclusion. We confirmed some previously identified miRNAs (miR-23/27/24 family, miR-193a, and miR-30) as associated with AAA pathogenesis. We have found other, yet in AAA unidentified miRNAs (miR-203a, miR-3663, miR-365a, and miR-4291) for further analyses, to investigate more closely their possible role in pathogenesis of aneurysms. If their role in AAA development is proved significant in future, they can become potential markers or treatment targets.
Dynamic Hybrid Multiple Attribute Decision‐Making Problem Based on Reference Point Adaptation
Authors: Ma Wei-Min , Zhang Hui , Sun Bing-Zhen , Wang Neng-Li , Zhao Hai-Yan
Published: November 2019

Individuals’ decision‐making depends on reference points in prospect theory. This research considers the bounded rationality of decision makers and constructs a dynamic hybrid multiple attribute decision‐making (DHMADM) model. Unlike existing models, the DHMADM model focuses on dynamic reference point, which has been proven in prospect theory. This research presents the effects of reference point adaptation on decision‐making through model calculation. The optimal choice of decision makers changed with the change of the reference point in the DHMADM model. By experiment, we found that the DHMADM model considering reference point adaptation can more accurately express the final choice of decision makers than models only considering the static reference point.
Experimental Study on the Influence of Moisture Content during Gas Depressurization Extraction
Authors: Chen Yuexia , Chen Xuexi , Xu Jiang , Chu Tingxiang
Published: November 2019

Although there are many reports about the influence of moisture in the process of gas extraction, studies about the influence of moisture on gas flow, permeability, and coal deformation by experimental system analysis are lacking. Physical simulations of gas depressurization extraction using triaxial servo-controlled seepage equipment for hot-fluid-solid coupling were conducted. The gas flow rate, permeability, and strain were analysed during gas depressurization extraction. The relationship between gas flow rate and gas pressure was a quadratic polynomial. Permeability and strain changed continuously with the decrease of gas pressure and interacted with each other during gas depressurization extraction. In the initial stage, the effective permeability decreased. With the continuous decrease of gas pressure, the permeability gradually recovered. When the gas pressure dropped to about 0.6 MPa, the permeability increased rapidly and the corresponding volumetric strain increased gradually. With the increase of moisture content, the relationship between gas flow rate and gas pressure became less significant. The experiments showed that the higher the moisture content, the lower the effective permeability and the larger the volumetric strain.
Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction, Left Ventricular Remodeling, and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Impairment
Authors: Bajaj Navkaranbir S. , Singh Amitoj , Zhou Wunan , Gupta Ankur , Fujikura Kana , Byrne Christina , Harms Hendrik J. , Osborne Michael T. , Bravo Paco , Andrikopolou Efstathia , Divakaran Sanjay , Bibbo Courtney F. , Hainer Jon , Skali Hicham , Taqueti Viviany , Steigner Michael , Dorbala Sharmila , Charytan David M. , Prabhu Sumanth D. , Blankstein Ron , Deo Rahul C. , Solomon Scott D. , Di Carli Marcelo F.
Published: November 2019

Background:

Cardiac dysfunction and cardiovascular events are prevalent among patients with chronic kidney disease without overt obstructive coronary artery disease, but the mechanisms remain poorly understood. Coronary microvascular dysfunction has been proposed as a link between abnormal renal function and impairment of cardiac function and cardiovascular events. We aimed to investigate the relations between chronic kidney disease, coronary microvascular dysfunction, cardiac dysfunction, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods:

Patients undergoing cardiac stress positron emission tomography, echocardiogram, and renal function ascertainment at Brigham and Women’s Hospital were studied longitudinally. Patients free of overt coronary (summed stress score <3 and without a history of ischemic heart disease), valvular, and end-organ disease were followed up for the adverse composite outcome of death or hospitalization for myocardial infarction or heart failure. Coronary flow reserve (CFR) was determined from positron emission tomography. Echocardiograms were used to measure cardiac mechanics: diastolic (lateral and septal E/e’) and systolic (global longitudinal, radial, and circumferential strain). Image analyses and event adjudication were blinded. The associations between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), CFR, diastolic and systolic indices, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes were assessed in adjusted models and mediation analyses.

Results:

Of the 352 patients (median age, 65 years; 63% female; 22% black) studied, 35% had an eGFR <60 mL·min
−1
·1.73 m
−2
, a median left ventricular ejection fraction of 62%, and a median CFR of 1.8. eGFR and CFR were associated with diastolic and systolic indices, as well as future cardiovascular events (all
P
<0.05). In multivariable models, CFR, but not eGFR, was independently associated with cardiac mechanics and cardiovascular events. The associations between eGFR, cardiac mechanics, and cardiovascular events were partly mediated via CFR.

Conclusions:

Coronary microvascular dysfunction, but not eGFR, was independently associated with abnormal cardiac mechanics and an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Coronary microvascular dysfunction may mediate the effect of chronic kidney disease on abnormal cardiac function and cardiovascular events in those without overt coronary artery disease.
Child Protection and the echr
Authors: O’Mahony Conor
Published: November 2019

The European Court of Human Rights has generated a significant volume of case law that imposes demanding standards on States Parties to prevent, investigate and remedy ill-treatment of children at the hands of private actors. However, confusion and inconsistency is evident on a number of key points. Similar cases are decided on different grounds; and the approach to whether the right to an effective remedy under Article 13 has been violated is erratic. This creates uncertainty as to what is required of States to implement judgments, and makes it more difficult for similarly situated victims to vindicate their rights without bringing repetitive applications to Strasbourg. This article provides the first comprehensive treatment of Convention obligations to protect children from ill-treatment. It identifies problematic aspects of the case law, and proffers a more coherent body of principles that would provide greater clarity regarding what the echr requires of States Parties in the sphere of child protection, and regarding the measures of implementation required of States in cases where violations are found.
Rights, Risks and Responsibilities in the Recruitment of Children within the Global Football Industry
Authors: Mason Carolynne , Darby Paul , Drywood Eleanor , Esson James , Yilmaz Serhat
Published: November 2019

This paper examines children’s engagement with the increasingly global and commercialised football industry. By combining a Global Production Network approach and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child it is argued that, for children’s rights and best interests to be better upheld and realised within the football industry, regulatory conditions need to account for geographical contextuality and incorporate scope for children to inform regulatory frameworks and practice. The paper highlights the importance of designing and implementing research that recognises and operationalises children’s agency, which can both inform and influence regulations and practices, better to reflect children’s best interests.
Universal Rights or Everyday Necessities?
Authors: Delius Anna
Published: November 2019

Polish opposition against the state-socialist government emerged out of the political engagement of predominantly left-leaning intellectuals with repressed workers in the 1970s. In their writings, these intellectuals addressed not only workers in the country, but also Western European left-wing intellectuals and politicians. Based on an analysis of relevant samizdat publications, this article shows how Polish intellectuals modified their rhetorical strategies depending on their audience. It thus challenges the monothematic focus on an internationally salient human rights language as the main tool for political empowerment during the 1970s. Whereas the universalizing human rights discourse presented repression and the lack of democratic labor structures negatively, the inner Polish debate between intellectuals and workers initially framed these issues as basic necessities deduced from tangible problems. It was only after two years of organizational work that the Warsaw-based Workers’ Defense Committee, in their “Charter of Workers’ Rights” (1979), depicted repression as a violation of human and labor rights. The rhetoric changed so drastically because the Charter addressed not only workers, but also different target groups on an international and national level. Even so, a singularizing narrative of repression made more sense in the context of Polish labor protests than the adoption of a universalizing human rights language.
The Songs We Sing: A Textual Analysis of Popular Congregational Songs of the 20th and 21st Century
Authors: Hussey Ian
Published: November 2019

Contemporary worship songs have been the subject of criticism over their lyrical quality. Objective assessment of the veracity of the criticisms has been difficult to achieve. This research seeks to address this issue by performing a textual analysis of the most popular hymns of the 19th and 20th centuries and contemporary popular worship songs and comparing the results. The research concludes that although there are differences in the lyrical content they are not crucial and that both contemporary worship songs and traditional hymns should find a home in congregational song.
A new species of the genus Morimotanthribus Senoh & Trýzna (Coleoptera: Anthribidae) from South China
Authors: LI BO-YAN , TRÝZNA MILOŠ , GUO JIAN-JUN
Published: November 2019

A new species, Morimotanthribus leigongshani sp. nov. (Anthribidae: Anthribinae: Phloeophilini), from Guizhou and Guangxi provinces, South China, is described. Male genitalia are studied and illustrated and colour photographs are provided. The new species is compared with the only other known species of the genus, M. chinensis Senoh & Trýzna, 2006. A key is provided to distinguish Morimotanthribus from the similar Palaearctic and Oriental genera Bothrus Wolfrum, 1956 and Phloeophilus Schoenherr, 1833.
The Role of Illness Identity in Assertive Community Treatment
Authors: Waynor William R. , Eissenstat SunHee J. , Yanos Phillip T. , Reinhardt-Wood Dawn , Taylor Ellen , Karyczak Sean , Lu Weili
Published: November 2019

Assertive community treatment (ACT) provides comprehensive clinical services, including vocational rehabilitation, to individuals with psychiatric disorders for which traditional community mental health services are insufficient. ACT is an evidence-based intervention yielding many positive outcomes, yet service recipients continue to struggle with workforce involvement. The purpose of this study is to determine whether internalized stigma, psychiatric hospitalization, and psychiatric symptoms are associated with work-related self-efficacy among ACT service recipients. A total of 72 individuals with severe mental illness were recruited from ACT programs in three counties in a Mid-Atlantic state. Multiple linear regression was conducted to examine the relationship between work-related self-efficacy and the independent variables of internalized stigma, psychiatric hospitalization, and psychiatric symptoms. Higher internalized stigma scores were negatively associated with work-related self-efficacy (β = −.31, t = −2.32, p < .05), while psychiatric hospitalization in the past year was positively associated with work-related self-efficacy (β = .22−.27, t = −2.13, p < .05). Findings from this study suggests internalized stigma to be an important recovery variable requiring the attention of ACT team members when preparing individuals for work, while countering the assumption that recent hospitalization is a barrier to work-related self-efficacy.
Cross-classified Multilevel Models for Personal Networks: Detecting and Accounting for Overlapping Actors
Authors: Vacca Raffaele , Stacciarini Jeanne-Marie R. , Tranmer Mark
Published: November 2019

Multilevel models are increasingly used in sociology and other social sciences to analyze variation of tie outcomes in egocentrically sampled network data, particularly in studies of social support. Existing research assumes that the personal networks in the data do not overlap (i.e., they do not have actors in common), which makes standard hierarchical models suitable for analysis. This assumption is unrealistic in certain sampling designs, including the case of egos sampled from higher level groups or via link-tracing methods. We describe different types of ego-network overlap and propose a method to detect overlapping actors and analyze the resulting data with cross-classified multilevel models. The method is demonstrated with an application to research on personal networks and social support among Hispanic immigrants in rural U.S. destinations. Overlap detection and modeling result in better model fit, more correct partition of tie variation among different sources, and the ability to test new substantive hypotheses.
Youths’ Facial Appearance Distinguishes Leaders From Followers in Group-Perpetrated Criminal Offenses and Is Associated With Sentencing Outcomes
Authors: Sutherland Jessica E. , Cojocariu Ana M. , Day David M. , Hehman Eric
Published: November 2019

Group-perpetrated crime often involves leaders and followers, but it is not currently understood how peer groups form around leaders during a criminal incident. Impression formation research has shown that specific facial cues are associated with leadership and perceptions of leadership. We extend this research to leadership among group-perpetrated youth crime and examine its role in downstream sentencing outcomes. Study 1 revealed that leaders of groups may be perceived as more dominant than their followers. In Study 2, participants were tasked with selecting the leaders from their groups and were more likely to (correctly) select targets perceived as more dominant but also (incorrectly) select targets perceived as more Trustworthy. In Study 3, we examined whether facial impressions were associated with downstream sentencing outcomes. Perceptions of Trustworthiness were associated with reduced sentencing, but dominance was unrelated. The results underscore the role that facial appearance plays in group formation and sentencing among youth.
Referendums as a political party gamble: A critical analysis of the Kurdish referendum for independence
Authors: O’Driscoll Dylan , Baser Bahar
Published: November 2019

This article brings the case of the Kurdish referendum for independence into the wider literature on independence referendums. It examines the decision to hold an independence referendum and explores the pre-referendum conditions and the post-referendum consequences. The article argues that the referendum in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq was held due to internal political competition and party politics rather than the ripeness of the timing for independence. Theoretically, this article adds a new dimension to the scholarship on independence referendums, as it demonstrates that the purposes of independence referendums can go beyond the question put to the population – such as consolidating popular support by connecting to the population’s nationalist desires, despite independence not being a realistic prospect. Finally, it brings further support for previous findings of the importance of international support for independence referendums.
Tracheobronchial injuries: tertiary center experience
Authors: Saleh Mohamed Elshabrawy , Beshir Hatem , Mohammed Walid H , Sanad Mohammed
Published: November 2019

Background

Tracheobronchial injury is a rare and serious outcome of thoracic trauma. The aim of this study was to describe our experience in the management of tracheobronchial injuries.

Methods

We reviewed the presentation, line of management, and results of all 23 patients (17 males and 6 females) with a mean age of 27.87 years, who presented with traumatic tracheobronchial injuries and were admitted to the level 3 trauma center of our university emergency hospital over an eight-year period.

Results

Blunt trauma was the leading cause (73.9%) of injury. Bronchoscopy was routinely performed. A right thoracotomy was carried out in 73.9% of patients. The right main bronchus was the most common site of injury (30.4%), followed by the trachea in 26.1%. Pulmonary resection was undertaken in 5 cases. Three operative mortalities were recorded.

Conclusion

Tracheobronchial injuries can be treated conservatively or ideally by surgical repair which is the core line of treatment. Surgery has excellent outcomes depending on skillful use of bronchoscopy and the surgeon’s experience of the surgical approach and technique.
Clinical aspects of autoimmune hypothalamitis, a variant of autoimmune hypophysitis: Experience from one center
Authors: Wei Qian , Yang Guoqing , Lue Zhaohui , Dou Jingtao , Zang Li , Li Yijun , Du Jin , Gu Weijun , Mu Yiming
Published: November 2019

Objective

Autoimmune hypothalamitis (AHT) is a rare inflammatory disorder that involves the hypothalamus. It remains unclear whether autoimmune hypophysitis (AH) and AHT represent different diseases or different aspects of the same disease. Thus, further investigation of AHT is required.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical and pathological records of AHT patients from the Chinese PLA General Hospital were examined from January 1, 2005 to May 1, 2017. Clinical data, treatments, and outcomes were investigated.

Results

Five female patients were identified (median age, 42.6 years). Symptoms included central diabetes insipidus, hypopituitarism, hyperprolactinemia, headache, and hypothalamic syndrome. The following hormonal deficits were noted: follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, and growth hormone. One patient underwent high-dose methylprednisolone pulse treatment (HDMPT) and azathioprine plus intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and two patients underwent HDMPT and two rounds of replacement therapy. During follow-up, one patient died because of non-compliance with therapy and the others were in remission or they recovered.

Conclusions

AHT had similar MRI results, pathology, and treatment compared with AH. Thus, it may be a subtype of AH, and AHT patients may also show hypothalamic syndrome.
The clinical, functional and disability characteristics of patients with severe obesity presenting for non-bariatric surgery
Authors: Smith Natalie A , Batterham Marijka , Peoples Gregory E , Shulman Mark A
Published: November 2019

The clinical and functional characteristics of patients with severe obesity who present for non-bariatric surgery have rarely been described. For this study, 293 such patients (mean body mass index 42 kg/m2) were investigated using their medical records, a 6-minute walk test, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide measurement, and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 measure of disability. Cardiorespiratory disease and diabetes were common, with blood tests revealing a high probability of additional unexpected and undiagnosed renal and cardiac disease in a significant proportion of patients. One-third of patients had natriuretic peptide values that identify early left ventricular dysfunction in the community, with 16% above a value described as useful in predicting adverse outcomes for elective surgical patients. Only 10% of patients walked a distance within 10% of that predicted in six minutes, and 22% did not complete the test. Over one-third of patients (34%) had a clinically significant level of disability, with those unable to walk for six minutes describing higher levels of disability. Functional capacity as measured by the 6-minute walk test was significantly lower than would be expected from age, gender, and weight alone, and was related to age and degree of disability but not body mass index. We describe a severely obese population presenting for non-bariatric surgery who had significant levels of comorbid disease, functional impairment, and disability that were not apparent on routine preoperative assessment.
The Role of Social Norm in Acceptability Attitude of Women Toward Intimate Partner Violence in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad , Malik Muhammad Irfan
Published: November 2019

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health and human rights issue with the social and economic impacts felt by women. Punjab is a male-dominated society, where partner violence is generally accepted as a cultural norm and viewed as normal behavior within a marriage. It stems from attitudes that partner violence is a private matter and usually a justifiable response to misbehavior on the part of the wife. The focus of the current study is to investigate the impact of this cultural norm in acceptability attitude of women toward IPV in Punjab province. A large-scale sample size of more than 46,000 from Multi-Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2018 has been used. The impact of the cultural norm on the wife-beating attitude has been investigated in five dimensions: wife going out without telling him, neglecting the children, arguing with him, refusing to have sex with him, and burning the food. The logistic regression results indicate that wife-beating is accepted as a community norm. It has been found that if wife-beating is accepted by community, then the individual female is more than 3 times more likely to consider it justifiable in all five dimensions. The other important factors are education level, household wealth, ethnicity, media exposure, and wife–husband age difference. The level of education of women plays the most important role in rejecting the wife-beating norm, as an increase in level of education is associated with an increase in the probability of rejecting the wife-beating. So, the current study suggests that there is a dire need to increase the female education level to overcome this issue.
Ballot Paper Design and Vote Spoiling at Polish Local Elections of 2014: Establishing a Causal Link
Authors: Pierzgalski Michał , Górecki Maciej A. , Stępień Paweł
Published: November 2019

Large proportions of spoilt ballots may lead to a distortion of election results. While invalid votes are sometimes meaningful political acts, reflecting political protest, spoilt ballot papers may also be a consequence of voter error, which can be attributed to the poor design of a ballot paper. In this study, we focus on the widely publicized case of the Polish local elections of 2014. These elections saw unprecedentedly large proportions of spoilt votes, and ballot paper format was often mentioned as a potential culprit. Yet it remains largely unclear whether or not there indeed does exist a cause-and-effect relationship between ballot card format and the tendency of voters to cast invalid votes. We argue that what we deliver here is the first methodologically refined test of the aforementioned hypothesis. We apply the generalized synthetic control comparative method, proposed by Yiquing Xu (in 2017), and show that the implementation of a complex or ambiguous ballot design can result in a substantial increase in the rate of spoilt votes. We thus demonstrate that ballot paper design matters. Specifically, the results of this study corroborate the existence of a cause-and-effect relationship between ballot paper format and the fraction of invalid votes in the 2014 municipal elections in Poland.
Study on the cutting performance in machining assembled hardened steel workpiece with torus cutter
Authors: Chen Tao , Gao Weijie , Wang Guangyue , Liu Xianli
Published: November 2019

Torus cutters are increasingly used in machining high-hardness materials because of high processing efficiency. However, due to the large hardness variation in assembled hardened steel workpiece, the tool wear occurs easily in machining process. This severely affects the machined surface quality. Here, we conduct a research on the tool wear and the machined surface quality in milling assembled hardened steel mold with a torus cutter. The experimental results show the abrasive wear mechanism dominates the initial tool wear stage of the torus cutter. As the tool wear intensifies, the adhesive wear gradually occurs due to the effect of alternating stress and impact load. Thus, the mixing effect of the abrasive and adhesive wears further accelerates tool wear, resulting in occurrence of obvious crater wear band on the rake face and coating tearing area on the flank face. Finally, the cutter is damaged by the fatigue wear mechanism, reducing seriously the cutting performance. With increase of flank wear, moreover, there are increasingly obvious differences in both the surface morphology and the cutting force at the two sides of the joint seam of the assembled hardened steel parts, including larger height difference at the two sides of the joint seam and sudden change of cutting force, as a result, leading to decreasing cutting stability and deteriorating seriously machined surface quality.
The influence of alternating current and direct current electric fields on the rheological behavior of electrorheological fluids with particles of the different crystalline structure
Authors: Korobko Evguenia , Makhnach Leonid , Novikova Zoya , Kharlamova Inga , Novik Katya
Published: November 2019

The rheological behavior of electrorheological fluids with dispersed fillers whose particles have different crystalline structures is investigated in direct and alternating electric fields. The dielectric characteristics of the materials were measured and the influence of the strength, frequency, and shape of the signal of electric field was investigated, and the influence of temperature on the shear stress in electrorheological fluids was estimated in direct current electric field.
A micromechanics-based elastoplastic constitutive model for frozen sands based on homogenization theory
Authors: Zhang De , Liu Enlong , Yu Di
Published: November 2019

A micromechanics-based constitutive model is formulated to describe the nonlinear elastoplastic behaviors of frozen sands. In the model, frozen soils are conceptualized as two-phase materials, in which the first phase is regarded as virgin/undamaged frozen soil specimen including the components of soil particles, ice crystals, and partial water with elastic–brittle behaviors (bonded elements), and the second phase is treated as fully damaged soil sample including soil particles and unfrozen water with elastoplastic behaviors (frictional elements). The interactions between bonded elements and frictional elements are well considered in the representative volume element within the framework of continuum micromechanics and homogenization theory. Moreover, the non-uniform distribution of strain is taken into account and the breakage process is considered due to the structural degradation/loss of ice crystals in the representative volume element. It is found that the ice crystals are gradually breaking up and then melting into unfrozen water with the increase of external loads, so at the moment the bonded elements are considered to transform into frictional elements and then both elements bear the external loads collectively. A novel binary-medium constitutive model is established by the Mori–Tanaka technique and then validated by two groups of laboratory tests about frozen soils and unfrozen sands under conventional triaxial compression conditions. Eventually, the predictions demonstrate that the theoretical calibrations are well in agreement with the available experimental stress–strain responses.
Textural and quality changes of hairtail fillets (Trichiurus haumela) related with water distribution during simulated cold chain logistics
Authors: Xie Jing , Wang Zun , Wang Shuo , Qian Yun-Fang
Published: November 2019

This study investigated the total viable counts, sensory and physicochemical qualities (total volatile basic nitrogen, K-value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value, water holding capacity and texture parameters), as well as water distribution of fresh hairtail fish during simulated cold chain. The results showed that total volatile basic nitrogen, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and K-values increased with the increasing time, while sensory scores, water holding capacity, hardness and elasticity decreased. The transverse relaxation time T2 data detected by low-field nuclear magnetic resonance also showed that T22 (trapped water) gradually decreased with the increasing time, while T23 (free water) increased. It was observed that the quality deterioration of the fish fillets developed more quickly when the samples suffered frequent temperature fluctuations than they stored at higher but stable temperatures. The changes of T22 and T23 of both the samples stored at stable and fluctuated temperatures showed good correlations with sensory, total volatile basic nitrogen and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values (R2 > 0.9, p < 0.05). Therefore, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance technology can be a potential tool to monitor the quality changes of hairtail fish during cold chain logistics.
A brief review on the mental health for select elements of the built environment
Authors: Beemer Cody J. , Stearns-Yoder Kelly A. , Schuldt Steven J. , Kinney Kerry A. , Lowry Christopher A. , Postolache Teodor T. , Brenner Lisa A. , Hoisington Andrew J.
Published: November 2019

Global urbanization, combined with evidence of increased prevalence of mental illness in urban environments, highlights a need to investigate potential connections between the built environment and mental health. Previous research has shown that the built environment may impact occupant mental health through its effects on connection to nature, personal control and indoor air quality. Contact with the natural environment has physiological and psychological benefits; consequently, reduced contact or exposure leads to negative mental health outcomes. The control an occupant has in the built environment can alter the mental health of individuals through direct pathways, such as prevention of exposures to environmental stressors and indirect pathways, such as social connections to others. Indoor air quality is connected to the mental health of built environment occupants, as particulate matter, malodorous irritants and toxins have all been shown to alter mental well-being. Opportunities for architects and engineers to optimize building designs that improve occupant mental health include planned urban greenspace, personalized temperature control and building ventilation. To understand optimization targets, interdisciplinary research utilizing controlled experiments are needed to confirm causality and improve our current understanding of mechanisms underlying the association between the built environment and mental health.
The colorist-historical trauma framework: Implications for culturally responsive practice with African Americans
Authors: Ortega-Williams Anna , Crutchfield Jandel , Hall J Camille
Published: November 2019

An evolution of thought and practice regarding the relationship of racism to well-being, healing, and trauma continues within social work and the helping professions. Additionally, empirical research on colorism as a key dimension of racism suggests that colorism negatively impacts the psychological and physical well-being of African Americans. However, few studies have examined well-being among African Americans in the context of historical trauma, through the lens of colorism. In this paper, the intersectionality of colorism and historical trauma is explored to inform culturally responsive social work education, practice, and research regarding African American well-being. It is the first step toward developing a colorist-historical trauma framework. The impact of colorism as a function of historical trauma response transmission among African Americans is presented.

Findings

Advances in culturally responsive practice in social work address the impact of social determinants of health, such as racism. However, the impact of colorism within systemic racism is often unacknowledged. The authors assert that social work practice must attune to the differentiated socioemotional, political, and economic needs that exist among African Americans due to the impact of colorism and historical trauma. An intersectional lens, such as the colorist-historical trauma framework, is essential for culturally responsive practice.

Applications

The colorist-historical trauma framework contributes to the professional social work discourse aimed at strengthening effective micro-, meso-, and macro-level practice with African Americans for well-being. Implications for social work practice, research, and education are presented.
How risky debt became ordinary: A practice theoretical approach
Authors: Pellandini-Simányi Léna , Vargha Zsuzsanna
Published: November 2019

Existing research on how consumers experience increasing debt as normal focuses on the shifting moral meanings surrounding debt. Examining rapid mortgage debt escalation in post-socialist Hungary, we propose a different approach. Using practice theory, we identify credit use as ‘ordinary consumption’: a non-expressive practice which enables other, meaningful practices; akin to energy use. Like energy, credit is channelled by background infrastructures, such as mortgage instruments. We find that mortgage debt grew and became ‘naturalized’ through the co-evolution of practices associated with a ‘normal life’ centred on the home on the one hand, and of available mortgage instruments on the other. This process did not change what debt means but stripped its meanings, making debt increasingly unreflected and invisible. We argue that this invisibility is not a natural characteristic of mortgages but a contested quality. High-risk mortgages became invisible through particular selling devices and discourses that positioned mortgages as ‘expert goods’, to be preselected and installed by qualified advisers. Emphasising the socio-material structuring of this process, we conclude by integrating the meaning-laden and unreflected credit practices into a new theoretical framework, as contingent qualities of credit consumption.
Old Gibellina: the map, the world, the Aleph
Authors: Messina Giovanni
Published: November 2019

The present contribution intends to propose an epistemological reflection on the links and relationships that interweave the map, cultural heritage, landscape and places. I have identified an interpretative horizon that intersects the scientific geographic debate with the literary subject and proposed a specific reading of the site of Old Gibellina in Sicily, Italy, where reality and representation seem to converge. In 1968, Gibellina was razed to the ground by an earthquake. Then the site of Old Gibellina was covered by the ‘Grande Cretto’: the work of Land Art made by the artist Alberto Burri. In my perspective, the Cretto represents a unique place: it is a full-size map, it is landscape and it is world at the same time. What happens, then, when reality and representation coincide in a place?
Symptom perception in heart failure: a scoping review on definition, factors and instruments
Authors: Santos Gabrielle Cécile , Liljeroos Maria , Dwyer Andrew A , Jaques Cécile , Girard Josepha , Strömberg Anna , Hullin Roger , Schäfer-Keller Petra
Published: November 2019

Background:

Symptom perception in heart failure has been identified as crucial for effective self-care that is a modifiable factor related to decreased hospital readmission and improved survival.

Aims:

To review systematically the heart failure symptom perception literature and synthesise knowledge on definition, description, factors and instruments.

Methods:

We conducted a scoping review including studies reporting patient-reported symptom perception in adults with heart failure. Structured searches were conducted in Medline, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane, JBI and grey literature. Two authors independently reviewed references for eligibility. Data were charted in tables and results narratively summarised.

Results:

The search yielded 3057 references, of which 106 were included. The definition of heart failure symptom perception comprised body listening, monitoring signs, recognising, interpreting and labelling symptoms, and furthermore awareness of and assigning meaning to the change. Symptom monitoring, recognition and interpretation were identified as challenging. Symptom perception facilitators include prior heart failure hospitalisation, heart failure self-care maintenance, symptom perception confidence, illness uncertainty and social support. Barriers include knowledge deficits, symptom clusters and lack of tools/materials. Factors with inconsistent impact on symptom perception include age, sex, education, experiences of living with heart failure, comorbidities, cognitive impairment, depression and symptom progression. One instrument measuring all dimensions of heart failure symptom perception was identified.

Conclusion:

Heart failure symptom perception definition and description have been elucidated. Several factors facilitating or hampering symptom perception are known. Further research is needed to determine a risk profile for poor symptom perception – which can then be taken into consideration when supporting heart failure self-care.
Associations Between Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Value With Pathological Type, Histologic Grade, and Presence of Lymph Node Metastases of Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yating , Bai Genji , Guo Lili , Chen Wei
Published: November 2019

Objective:

To investigate the application value of apparent diffusion coefficient value in the pathological type, histologic grade, and presence of lymph node metastases of esophageal carcinoma.

Materials and Methods:

Eighty-six patients with pathologically confirmed esophageal carcinoma were divided into different groups according to pathological type, histological grade, and lymph node status. All patients underwent conventional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging scan, and apparent diffusion coefficient values of tumors were measured. Independent sample t test and 1-way variance were used to compare the difference of apparent diffusion coefficient value in different pathological types, histologic grades, and lymph node status. Correlation between the apparent diffusion coefficient value and the histologic grade was evaluated using Spearman rank correlation test. Receiver operating characteristic curve of apparent diffusion coefficient value was generated to evaluate the differential diagnostic efficiency of poorly and well/moderately differentiated esophageal carcinoma.

Results:

No significant difference was observed in apparent diffusion coefficient value between esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma and in patients between those with and without lymph node metastases ( P > .05). The differences of apparent diffusion coefficient value were statistically significant between different histologic grades of esophageal carcinoma ( P < .05). The apparent diffusion coefficient value was positively correlated with histologic grade ( rs = 0.802). The apparent diffusion coefficient value ≤1.25 × 10−3 mm2/s as the cutoff value for diagnosis of poorly differentiated esophageal carcinoma with the sensitivity of 84.3%, and the specificity was 94.3%.

Conclusions:

The performance of apparent diffusion coefficient value was contributing to predict the histologic grade of esophageal carcinoma, which might increase lesions characterization before choosing the best therapeutic alternative. However, they do not correlate with pathological type and the presence of lymph node metastases of esophageal carcinoma.
Do Researchers in Empirical Ethics Studies Have a Duty to Act Upon their Findings? Case Study in End-of-Life Decision Making
Authors: Winkler Eva C.
Published: November 2019

The outlined empirical study on the decision-making process concerning the limitation of life-prolonging treatment (DLT) in patients with advanced cancer at a University hospital setting triggered some new questions for research ethics with respect to studies using empirical methods in medical ethics. The analyzed data of the study showed that less than half of the patients were involved in DLT. Deciding against CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and transferal to the ICU (intensive care unit) without informing and explaining it to the perfectly competent patient can be regarded as a violation of the ethical principle of respect for autonomy. This is what the embedded researcher witnessed throughout the study recruitment and data acquisition, as the noninvolvement of patients was not just a result of the final data analysis. The ethical question raised in this situation was as follows: Does the embedded researcher has a moral duty to intervene when she witnesses that ethical standards are not upheld?