bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-Level Mesoscale and Cloud-Scale Interactions Promoting Deep Convection Initiation
Authors: Marquis James N. , Varble Adam C. , Robinson Paul , Nelson T. Connor , Friedrich Katja
Published: May 2021

Data from scanning radars, radiosondes, and vertical profilers deployed during three field campaigns are analyzed to study interactions between cloud-scale updrafts associated with initiating deep moist convection and the surrounding environment. Three cases are analyzed in which the radar networks permitted dual-Doppler wind retrievals in clear air preceding and during the onset of surface precipitation. These observations capture the evolution of (i) the mesoscale and boundary layer flow, and (ii) low-level updrafts associated with deep moist convection initiation (CI) events yielding sustained or short-lived precipitating storms. The elimination of convective inhibition did not distinguish between sustained and unsustained CI events, though the vertical distribution of convective available potential energy may have played a role. The clearest signal differentiating the initiation of sustained versus unsustained precipitating deep convection was the depth of the low-level horizontal wind convergence associated with the mesoscale flow feature triggering CI, a sharp surface wind shift boundary, or orographic upslope flow. The depth of the boundary layer relative to the height of the LFC failed to be a consistent indicator of CI potential. Widths of the earliest detectable low-level updrafts associated with sustained precipitating deep convection were ~3–5 km, larger than updrafts associated with surrounding boundary layer turbulence (~1–3 km wide). It is hypothesized that updrafts of this larger size are important for initiating cells to survive the destructive effects of buoyancy dilution via entrainment.
Post-diagnosis young-onset dementia care in the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Authors: Cations Monica , Day Sally , Laver Kate , Withall Adrienne , Draper Brian
Published: May 2021

Objective:

Post-diagnosis service delivery for young-onset dementia (with onset prior to 65 years) recently moved to the disability system in an attempt to address systemic barriers to best practice in aged care. The objective of this study was to examine experiences and satisfaction with disability services so far among people with young-onset dementia and their care partners and identify strategies for service and system improvement.

Methods:

The 151 participating Australians living with young-onset dementia or providing informal care to a person with young-onset dementia were recruited via social media, advocacy bodies and specialist medical clinics. A cross-sectional online survey asked participants to provide a timeline of their interactions with the disability system so far and rate their satisfaction with the disability system, aged care and disability services.

Results:

Participants reported a mean age at symptom onset of 55 years. In all, 53% were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and 25% were diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Sixty percent had received an approved plan from the National Disability Insurance Scheme, although 3% were rejected. More than 27% waited longer than 6 months to receive their plan, and half waited at least a month post-approval to access services. Less than 30% agreed that the National Disability Insurance Scheme understands dementia, and fewer than half felt that the process of accessing National Disability Insurance Scheme funding is easy and fast enough. Nonetheless, respondents remained overwhelmingly in favour of young-onset dementia services remaining in the disability system rather than in aged care.

Conclusions:

While people with young-onset dementia and their care partners strongly agree with their inclusion in the National Disability Insurance Scheme, a relatively low level of experience with dementia in the disability workforce and a lack of integration with the healthcare and aged care systems continue to create important barriers for accessing the services they need.
Diversification of diversity: Migrations, cultural pluralism and urban transformations in Palermo (Italy): a case study
Authors: Di Rosa Roberta Teresa , Tumminelli Giuseppina
Published: May 2021

Italy experienced the transition from a country of emigration to a country of immigration only in the last decade of the 20th century. The extreme heterogeneity of the Italian scene – from the distribution and variety of productive sectors and local economic dimensions, to the geographical, cultural and linguistic varieties – results in an incredibly differentiated background on which the phenomenon of migrations fits as multiplier of diversity. But there are some particular fields in Italy where the challenges of superdiversity appear to be more prominent: the impact on the school system, in terms of linguistic-cultural pluralism; the change in religious belonging and identities; the dynamics of cohesion/marginality in everyday life; and the relationship between spaces and identities in a superdiverse context.
Exploring e-maturity in Italian local governments: empirical results from a three-step latent class analysis
Authors: Tangi Luca , Soncin Mara , Agasisti Tommaso , Noci Giuliano
Published: May 2021

This article undertakes a quantitative and holistic approach to frame a model of e-maturity in local governments, defined as the extent to which technologies permeate public service delivery. Moreover, the study adds evidence on the performance associated with different levels of e-maturity. In so doing, we collect survey data from 814 Italian local governments and integrate it with secondary sources. We propose a new angle for assessing e-maturity at the local government level, where the novel approach is the categorisation of public services on the basis of their final users. The application of a latent class analysis shows that the level of e-maturity is quite limited among Italian local governments and that most of them tend to prioritise government-to-business rather than government-to-citizen services in their digitisation process. A high level of e-maturity is associated with greater effectiveness rather than efficiency.

Points for practitioners

• When assessing e-maturity, municipalities should treat differently Government to Citizen and Government to Business services. • Currently, municipalities are focused more on the digitization of Government to Business services. • Socio-economic and environmental factors have a partial effect on e-maturity. The size of the municipality and the income per capita are the most significant indicators. • E-maturity raises effectiveness without a clear effect on efficiency. Only when reaching a fully accomplished e-maturity a slight effect on municipalities' expenditures can be detected.
Interacting User-Generated Content Technologies: How Questions and Answers Affect Consumer Reviews
Authors: Banerjee Shrabastee , Dellarocas Chrysanthos , Zervas Georgios
Published: May 2021

This article studies the question and answer (Q&A) technology of electronic commerce platforms, an increasingly common form of user-generated content that allows consumers to publicly ask product-specific questions and receive responses, either from the platform or from other customers. Using data from a major online retailer, the authors show that Q&As complement consumer reviews: unlike reviews, questions are primarily asked prepurchase and focus on clarification of product attributes rather than discussion of quality; answers convey fit-specific information in a predominantly sentiment-free way. Drawing on these observations, the authors hypothesize that Q&As mitigate product fit uncertainty, leading to better matches between products and consumers and, therefore, improved product ratings. Indeed, when products suffering from fit mismatch start receiving Q&As, their subsequent ratings improve by approximately .1 to .5 stars, and the fraction of negative reviews that discuss fit-related issues declines. The extent of the rating increase due to Q&As is proportional to the probability that purchasers will experience fit mismatch without Q&A. These findings suggest that, by resolving product fit uncertainty in an e-commerce setting, the addition of Q&As can be a viable way for retailers to improve ratings of products that have incurred low ratings due to customer–product fit mismatch.
Juvenile Diversion and the Family: How Youth and Parents Experience Diversion Programming
Authors: Magidson Mark , Kidd Taylor
Published: May 2021

Despite extensive research into juvenile justice interventions, there is a limited focus on family engagement, including parent–child experiences in these various programs. Even less research explores how families, specifically youth and parents, are affected by diversion from the traditional juvenile justice system. The current study fills this gap by drawing from in-depth interviews with 19 parents and 19 youths participating in a juvenile pretrial diversion program in Southern California. This research highlights how a diversion program can influence how families understand the justice system and law-related behaviors. The themes discussed include how diversion programs shape parent–child bonds, how parents navigate negative indictments of youth and themselves for participating in diversion, and the influence of external challenges and social forces shaping youth and parent experiences. Findings support the theoretical contributions from social bond and labeling theory. Implications and future research will also be discussed.
To Test or Not to Test: Tools, Rules, and Corporate Data in US Chemicals Regulation
Authors: Creager Angela N. H.
Published: May 2021

When the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) was passed by the US Congress in 1976, its advocates pointed to new generation of genotoxicity tests as a way to systematically screen chemicals for carcinogenicity. However, in the end, TSCA did not require any new testing of commercial chemicals, including these rapid laboratory screens. In addition, although the Environmental Protection Agency was to make public data about the health effects of industrial chemicals, companies routinely used the agency’s obligation to protect confidential business information to prevent such disclosures. This paper traces the contested history of TSCA and its provisions for testing, from the circulation of the first draft bill in the Nixon administration through the debates over its implementation, which stretched into the Reagan administration. The paucity of publicly available health and environmental data concerning chemicals, I argue, was a by-product of the law and its execution, leading to a situation of institutionalized ignorance, the underside of regulatory knowledge.
Teacher Praise and Reprimand: Examining the Generalizability and Dependability of Observational Estimates
Authors: Floress Margaret T. , Briesch Amy M. , Jenkins Lyndsay N. , Hampton Kaylee A.
Published: May 2021

This study examined the generalizability and dependability of observational estimates of middle and high school teachers’ use of praise and reprimands. Frequency of behavior-specific praise, general praise, and total reprimands were collected across 67, 20-min observations that took place during class-wide instruction in general education classrooms. Generalizability theory was used to determine the number of observations needed to obtain dependable estimates of teacher behavior. Behavior-specific praise rates were consistently low. General praise rates were slightly higher and reprimand rates were notably higher and slightly more variable. Total reprimands had the strongest generalizability results and general praise had the weakest. Behavior-specific praise reached an acceptable level of dependability after 15 min, whereas general praise required a 35-min observation, and reprimand only required 5 min. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Relationship between Company Characteristics and HR Disclosure Level: Evidences from Indian Public Sector Companies
Authors: Aggarwal Kirti
Published: May 2021

The main purpose of the study is to examine the effect of company characteristics on Human Resource (HR) disclosure practices of listed public sector companies in India. The present study has taken into consideration 71 Indian public sector companies listed on NSE-500 Index. To measure the level of voluntary disclosure of listed public sector companies in India, the Human Resource Disclosure Index (HRDI) is created. It consists of 90 items. The data of HR disclosure score are collected through content analysis of annual reports of selected sample companies. The study was conducted over a period from 2012–2013 to 2017–2018. The data are analysed through descriptive statistics, correlation, Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression model and Kruskal–Wallis test. The results of the study demonstrate that market capitalization, ownership concentration, type of auditor, pages of an annual report and return on total assets significantly influence the HRDI of Indian public sector corporations. On the other hand, debt–equity ratio, net fixed assets, net sales, company age, EPS, return on equity, current ratio, profit after tax and listing status are insignificantly associated with HRDI of listed public sector companies in India. Further, it has been observed that the HR disclosure practices varied with various industrial sectors. The present study contributes to the existing studies. HRDI used in the study would be used by businesses as a yardstick to strengthen their HR disclosure in future.

JEL Codes: M14, M41, M48, O15
Balloon occlusion as an adjunctive technique during sclerotherapy of Puig's classified advanced venous malformations
Authors: Sundararajan Sri Hari , Ranganathan Srirajkumar , Shellikeri Sphoorti , Srinivasan Abhay , Low David W , Pukenas Bryan , Hurst Robert , Cahill Anne Marie
Published: May 2021

Objective

Puig types 2 through 4 venous malformations (VMs) are challenging to treat with sclerotherapy given their robust systemic outflow. Endovenous balloon occlusion offers a means of temporarily occluding systemic venous outflow to allow for more complete sclerotherapy. This study reviews our experience of implementing this technique in patients with Puig advanced (types 2 through 4) VMs.

Methods

An IRB approved review of treated venous malformations from 2013–2016 revealed 10 patients fitting inclusion criteria. Patient demographics, pre-procedural imaging, intra-procedural technical parameters, and post-procedural follow-up outcomes were recorded. All patients underwent temporary balloon occlusion of a systemic or major draining vein during sclerotherapy. Embolic agents included n-butyl cyanoacrylate glue, sodium tetradecyl sulfate foam, and coils. Standard 5 French angioplasty balloons ranged from 4 to 8 mm diameter and 2 to 8 cm length depending on vessel requiring occlusion. All patients underwent minimum 3-year follow-up questionnaire administration re-assessing resolution of lesion symptomology and post-procedural quality of life (QoL) measures.

Results

Of the 10 VMs treated, 2 were Type 2, 6 were Type 3, and 2 were Type 4. More than one sclerotherapy session was required in 7/10 patients (mean: 2, range: 1–4). Most common sites of VM systemic drainage included subclavian, popliteal, internal/external jugular, and basilic veins. All patients had no indication for further sclerotherapy following adjunctive balloon occlusion. No non-target embolization or immediate post-procedural complications occurred. Follow-up questionnaires (mean interval: 3 years 6 months, range: 3 years–3 years 11 months) confirmed the persistence of embolization effects, improved QoL, and no additional sclerotherapy sessions for all patients in the cohort.

Conclusions

Endovenous balloon occlusion as an adjunct to sclerotherapy can be considered when treating patients with types 2–4 venous malformations. This technique lowers the risk of non-target systemic venous embolization, allowing for operator-driven deeper intralesional sclerosant penetration and subsequently maintained treatment efficacy.
Pelvic tilt impacts cup orientation on CT: how accurate is the gold standard?
Authors: Kaiser Moritz , Renkawitz Tobias , Benditz Achim , König Matthias , Thieme Max , Weber Markus
Published: May 2021

Background

Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for the accurate measurement of cup inclination and anteversion in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, functional cup position strongly depends on the tilt of the pelvis and thus pelvic tilt in the supine position on the CT table harbors the risk of misinterpretation.

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of pelvic tilt on cup measurements in postoperative CT scans.

Material and Methods

This is a secondary outcome analysis of a prospective study. In 123 patients undergoing THA, anatomic cup inclination and anteversion as measured on postoperative 3D-CT scans were compared between: (i) the anterior pelvic plane (APP) resembling neutral pelvic tilt; and (ii) the coronal plane representing the standard planes on CT. Furthermore, the effect of the variation on cup positions within Lewinnek’s safe zone in relation to the applied reference plane was assessed.

Results

Mean pelvic tilt in supine position was –3.5° ± 5.6°. This resulted in a mean difference for anteversion between APP und coronal plane of 2.1° ± 3.7° and of 2.1° ± 1.9° for cup inclination, respectively. The change varied up to 20.2° for cup inclination and up 12.2° for cup anteversion. The overall conversion rate for inclination and/or anteversion regarding Lewinnek’s safe zone was high at 23.6% (29/123).

Conclusion

Pelvic tilt affects cup orientation on CT scans depending on the applied reference plane. Standard CT planes should be corrected regarding pelvic tilt before measurements to avoid errors in measurement.
Long noncoding RNA LINC01296 plays an oncogenic role in colorectal cancer by suppressing p15 expression
Authors: Xu Jianing , Zhang Zhehao , Shen Dong , Zhang Ting , Zhang Jinsong , De Wei
Published: May 2021

Objective

To examine the role of the long noncoding RNA LINC01296 in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and to explore the underlying mechanism.

Methods

We detected LINC01296 expression levels in a cohort of 51 paired CRC and normal tissues. We also assessed the effects of LINC01296 on cell proliferation and apoptosis in CRC cells in vitro, and measured its effect on tumor growth in an in vivo mouse model. We identified the potential downstream targets of LINC01296 and assessed its regulatory effects.

Results

Expression levels of LINC01296 were elevated in 37/51 CRC tissues compared with the corresponding normal tissues and were significantly associated with tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis. Knockdown of LINC01296 using antisense oligonucleotides inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis of colon cancer cells in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Knockdown of LINC01296 also significantly increased the gene expression of p15 in colon cancer cells. LINC01296-specific suppression of p15 was validated by the interaction between enhancer of zeste homolog 2 and LINC01296.

Conclusion

Overexpression of LINC01296 suppressed the expression of p15 leading to CRC carcinogenesis. These findings may provide the basis for novel future CRC-targeted therapies.
Transhepatic hilar approach for Bismuth types III and IV perihilar cholangiocarcinoma with long-term outcomes
Authors: Xu Xinsen , Yang Linhua , Chen Wei , He Min
Published: May 2021

Objective

To compare the outcomes of the transhepatic hilar approach and conventional approach for surgical treatment of Bismuth types III and IV perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 82 patients who underwent surgical resection of Bismuth types III and IV perihilar cholangiocarcinoma from 2008 to 2016. The transhepatic hilar approach and conventional approach was used in 36 (43.9%) and 46 (56.1%) patients, respectively. Postoperative complications and overall survival were compared between the two approaches.

Results

Similar clinical features were observed between the patients treated by the conventional approach and those treated by the transhepatic hilar approach. The transhepatic hilar approach was associated with less intraoperative bleeding and a lower percentage of Clavien grade 0 to II complications than the conventional approach. However, the transhepatic hilar approach was associated with a higher R0 resection rate and better overall survival. Multivariate analysis showed that using the transhepatic hilar approach, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center classification, and R0 resection were independent risk factors for patient survival.

Conclusion

The transhepatic hilar approach might be the better choice for surgical resection of Bismuth types III and IV perihilar cholangiocarcinoma because it is associated with lower mortality and improved survival.
Simultaneous femoro-popliteal artery bypass and foot free flap for lower limb salvage: a 13-year follow-up
Authors: Fodor Marius M , Fodor Lucian
Published: May 2021

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) associated with lower extremity complex wounds is challenging for vascular and plastic surgeons. Despite a high risk of perioperative morbidity, complex reconstructive surgery in these patients is an alternative to primary major limb amputation. We present a patient with CLI and a complex foot wound treated with simultaneous femoro-popliteal arterial bypass and free flap for lower limb salvage. The 13-year follow-up showed good functional results.
Association between functional mitral regurgitation and recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation following catheter ablation: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ke Fusheng , Huang Yinhui , Jin Zhexiu , Huang Lei , Xiong Qiang , Jia Fang , Chen Yu , Chen Gang
Published: May 2021

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) on recurrence of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) in patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation.

Methods

This prospective cohort study comprised 107 patients with PAF. The patients were divided into the FMR and non-FMR groups. FMR was assessed by Doppler echocardiography before index ablation. All patients initially underwent circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) and were followed up for 12 months after ablation. PAF, atrial tachycardia, or atrial flutter served as the endpoint indicator.

Results

The median duration of PAF was 24 (3–60) months. Binary logistic univariate and multivariate analyses showed that FMR was not a risk factor for recurrence of catheter ablation for PAF (hazard ratio=0.758, 95% confidence interval: 0.191–3.004; hazard ratio=0.665, 95% confidence interval: 0.134–3.300, respectively). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed no significant difference in the recurrence rate between the groups. Fifteen (15/107, 14%) cases of PAF were triggered by the pulmonary vein. Three (3/107, 2.8%) cases of PAF were triggered by the superior vena cava.

Conclusions

FMR is not an independent risk factor for predicting recurrence of catheter ablation for PAF. FMR does not affect patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation for PAF.
Emerging progress on diagnosis and treatment of female genital tuberculosis
Authors: Wang Ying , Shao Ruifeng , He Chihua , Chen Ligang
Published: May 2021

Female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) is an infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and usually occurs secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) through the blood circulation, lymph circulation, or direct spreading from abdominal TB. FGTB is an uncommon type of TB that can destroy genital organs, and lead to menstrual disorders and infertility. The diagnosis of FGTB is often made by detection of acid-fast bacilli under microscopy, culture with endometrial biopsy, or histopathological examination of epithelioid granuloma on a biopsy. A multidrug anti-TB regimen is the major management of FGTB, including rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, while surgery is proposed in more deteriorated cases. However, the conception rate in infertile women with FGTB is still low, even after multidrug anti-TB therapy. Additionally, the risk of complications, such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, remains high. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of FGTB, present current epidemiological data, and focus on its early diagnosis and effective management.
Physical exercise increases perceived musical pleasure: Modulatory roles of arousal, affect, or dopamine?
Authors: Hove Michael J , Martinez Steven A , Shorrock Samantha R
Published: May 2021

Music’s ability to influence exercise performance is well known, but the converse, how exercise influences music listening, remains largely unknown. Exercise can elevate arousal, positive affect, and neurotransmitters including dopamine, which are involved in musical pleasure. Here we examine how exercise influences music enjoyment, and test for a modulatory role of arousal, affect, and dopamine. Before and after exercise (12 min of vigorous running) and a rest control session, participants ( N = 20) listened to music clips and rated their enjoyment and subjective arousal; we also collected ratings of affect and eye-blink rates, an established predictor of dopamine activity. Ratings of musical enjoyment increased significantly after exercise, but not after the rest control condition. While changes in subjective arousal ratings did not differ between exercise and control conditions, change in subjective arousal correlated with change in music enjoyment. After exercise, the change in music enjoyment had a positive but non-significant correlation with change in eye-blink rates ( r = .36). Positive affect increased more after exercise than after the control session, but the change in positive affect did not correlate with change in music enjoyment. In sum, exercise leads to increased musical enjoyment, and this effect was related to changes in arousal.
Geography and sexuality II: Homonormativity and heteroactivism
Authors: Browne Kath , Brown Gavin , Nash Catherine J.
Published: May 2021

Sexually inflected and queer geographies have variously responded to the changing legal, social and cultural landscapes of the 21st century. This report explores the spatial normalisations that these changes have created, through the concept of homonormativity, and the locatedness of these homonormative critiques. It then examines how these changes have been challenged in an effort to restore forms of heteronormativity through heteroactivism. The report shows the multiplicities and inherent spatialities of the significant changes to sexual and gendered equalities in the 21st century.
Acceptance criteria for the tracking error of wind turbine drivetrain test bench when replicating dynamic loads
Authors: Giguère Philippe , Wagner John R
Published: May 2021

A 7.5-MW wind turbine drivetrain test bench has been used to apply dynamic loads from IEC 61400-1 design load cases to a multi-MW wind turbine drivetrain. A total of 15 test profiles were tested with each test profile demanding the simultaneous application of vertical, lateral, and longitudinal forces, yawing and nodding bending moments, and rotational speed. These inputs to the test bench were compared with the forces, bending moments, and speed that were applied to the wind turbine drivetrain to quantify the tracking error of the test bench and cross-coupling between forces and bending moments. The effect of the tracking error and cross-coupling on the dynamic response of the test article was quantified using multibody simulation. The tracking error was found not to significantly change the dynamic response of the drivetrain. The experimental and simulation results are used to recommend acceptance criteria for the tracking error when replicating dynamic loads.
Integrated Herfindahl–Hirschman Index, Compromise Programming, and ε-Constraint Method For Multicriteria Performance-Based Transportation Budget Allocation
Authors: Truong Tung Q. , Zhang Ji , Li Zongzhi , Wang Lu
Published: May 2021

This paper introduces a new method for multicriteria performance-based transportation budget allocation. First, the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI) that has long been used in economics for measuring the level of monopolization in a marketplace is employed to derive the relative weights of multiple non-commensurable transportation performance criteria. Next, a compromise programming (CP) model is formulated to help transform the multicriteria optimization formulation for transportation budget allocation to a single-objective optimization model solvable by minimizing the Chebyshev distance to the ideal levels of performance targets associated with individual performance criteria. Finally, the ε-constraint trade-off analysis method is incorporated into the combined use of HHI and CP framework to iteratively derive the optimal decision outcome. Six-year data on candidate investment projects proposed for a U.S. state-maintained rural Interstate highway system along with data details of the available budget is used in a computational study for method application. Comparative analysis of decision outcomes is conducted with the STEP method for cross validation. It has revealed that the proposed HHI-CP ε-constraint method outperforms the existing method and can be adopted by state and local transportation agencies to carry out effective budget allocation.
Development of a Multi-Distress Detection System for Asphalt Pavements: Transfer Learning-Based Approach
Authors: Peraka Naga Siva Pavani , Biligiri Krishna Prapoorna , Kalidindi Satyanarayana N.
Published: May 2021

The major objective of this research was to develop a multi-distress detection system (MDDS) that is competent in detecting various asphalt pavement functional distresses simultaneously from video images using appropriate artificial intelligence techniques. You Only Look Once Version 4 (YOLOv4), a state-of-the-art objection detection architecture incorporated with transfer learning-based approach was utilized to quantify multiple severity-based distresses obtained from actual pavement condition images. Eighteen distress classes were defined consisting of three levels of severity pertinent to cracking, potholes, and patch deterioration. The customized MDDS algorithm was trained and tested on 1,518 images retrieved from three different datasets. During training, MDDS attained an average loss of 1.5123, and the validation mean average precision was reported to be 87.44% after 7,900 iterations. During the training process, the customized architecture transformed the training images and segmented them into two million images that potentially enhanced the probability of prediction even when the images are spatially transformed. The model detected multiple distresses in the pavement video clip at an average rate of 6.7 frames per second, which makes it suitable for real-time distress detection. It is envisioned that the novel real-time MDDS tested on diverse datasets could be used by roadway agencies to identify and quantify severity-based distress classes during the monitoring process itself, which ultimately reduces the time between data analysis, pavement forensic evaluation, and decision making on maintenance interventions.
Assessment of Skeletal Maturity and Postoperative Growth Disturbance After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Skeletally Immature Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fury Matthew S. , Paschos Nikolaos K. , Fabricant Peter D. ,   PLUTO Study Group, Anderson Christian N. , Busch Michael T. , Chambers Henry G. , Christino Melissa A. , Cordasco Frank A. , Edmonds Eric W. , Ganley Theodore J. , Green Daniel W. , Heyworth Benton E. , Lawrence J. Todd R. , Matava Matthew J. , Micheli Lyle J. , Milewski Matthew D. , Nepple Jeffrey J. , Parikh Shital N. , Pennock Andrew T. , Perkins Crystal A. , Saluan Paul M. , Shea Kevin G. , Wall Eric J. , Willimon Samuel C. , Kocher Mininder S.
Published: May 2021

Background:

Growth disturbance is an uncommon but potentially serious complication after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in skeletally immature patients.

Purpose:

To describe how the pediatric ACL literature has assessed preoperative skeletal maturity and the amount of growth remaining and to comprehensively review the incidence, reporting, and monitoring of postoperative growth disturbance.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

This review included studies reporting original research of clinical outcomes of skeletally immature patients after ACL reconstruction. Patient characteristics, surgical techniques, preoperative assessments of skeletal maturity or growth remaining, and postoperative assessments of growth disturbances were extracted.

Results:

A total of 100 studies met inclusion criteria. All studies reported chronological age, and 28 studies (28%) assessed skeletal age. A total of 44 studies (44%) used Tanner staging, and 12 studies (12%) obtained standing hip-to-ankle radiographs preoperatively. In total, 42 patients (2.1%) demonstrated a leg length discrepancy (LLD) >10 mm postoperatively, including 9 patients (0.5%) with LLD >20 mm; furthermore, 11 patients (0.6%) with LLD underwent growth modulation. Shortening was the most common deformity overall, but overgrowth was reported more frequently in patients who had undergone all-epiphyseal techniques. Most LLDs involved the femur (83%). A total of 26 patients (1.3%) demonstrated a postoperative angular deformity ≥5°, and 9 of these patients underwent growth modulation. The most common deformities were femoral valgus (41%), tibial recurvatum (33%), and tibial varus (22%). Although standing hip-to-ankle radiographs were the most common radiographic assessment of growth disturbance, most studies inadequately reported the clinical and radiographic methods of assessment for growth disturbance. Additionally, only 35% of studies explicitly followed patients to skeletal maturity.

Conclusion:

This systematic review described significant variability in the reporting and monitoring of growth-related complications after ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients. The incidence of LLD and angular deformity appeared to be low, but the quality of research was not comprehensive enough for accurate assessment.

Registration:

CRD42019136059 (PROSPERO)
How Spatially Concentrated Are Industrial Clusters?: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Fang Li , Drucker Joshua
Published: May 2021

This study conducts a meta-analysis of empirical studies that have measured the spatial scale of industrial clustering. Two types of scales are examined: the peak scale (at which cluster effects are maximized) and the maximum reach (beyond which cluster effects are undetectable). We find that the scale varies significantly by the unit of analysis, industry sector, country of study, and the sources of cluster effects examined (e.g., knowledge spillovers, localization, and urbanization). Planners and policy makers should tailor the geographies embodied in cluster strategies to match the specific local needs and circumstances.
Sexualized Music Videos Desensitize Fijian Women to Intimate Partner Violence Suffering: The Mediating Role of Culpability Attributions
Authors: Johnson James D. , Edwards Wrenn , Pagliaro Stefano , Lecci Len
Published: May 2021

Although there is growing evidence that receiving positive emotional support (e.g., empathy) facilitates improved mental health outcomes among intimate partner violence (IPV) victims, there has been minimal exploration of factors that might undermine the likelihood of such supportive responses. The current study addressed this issue by examining whether exposure to sexualized music videos would affect IPV victim-directed empathic responding of third-party respondents. In a three-condition design, 243 female Fijian university students viewed sexualized, nonsexualized, or neutral music videos. They then read about a male-to-female IPV incident involving a university student victim who focused heavily on academic success and rated aspiration-related culpability and empathic responding for the victim. Relative to those who viewed neutral and nonsexualized videos, those who viewed the sexualized video reported less victim-directed empathy. Moreover, the impact of video type on empathy was mediated by aspiration-related culpability (i.e., the perception that the victim studied too much). The present research examined, in an understudied, patriarchal population (Fijian women) with an extremely high rate of IPV, how exposure to sexualized music videos can contribute to both greater blame and greater desensitization to the suffering of an IPV victim. The importance of studying third-party responders (bystanders) is that they may represent a fundamental resource for the victim, or by contrast, if they fail to respond empathically, they would be unsupportive to a victim. This provides some directions for facilitating social controls and decreasing social tolerance for harmful patriarchal beliefs and gender-based violence in the Pacific Region of the world.
Inclusive relationships, sex and health education: Why the moral panic?
Authors: Lee Catherine
Published: May 2021

There are an estimated 50,000 LGBT teachers in English schools. In common with all workplaces, under the Equality Act 2010, schools have a responsibility to protect Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) teachers from harassment in the workplace. From September 2020, for the first time, schools in England have been required to teach Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) that is inclusive of LGBT relationships. Representatives of faith communities and parents of school children in Birmingham and other major cities have protested outside school gates in opposition to the introduction of LGBT inclusive RSHE. This article explores what is at the heart of the moral panic about the inclusion of LGBT identities in the curriculum. As schools introduce inclusive RSHE, we must consider the impact of protests on LGBT teacher health, well-being and identity. More than half of LGBT teachers have suffered from anxiety or depression linked to their sexual identity and role as a teacher and so supportive and unequivocal support and intervention is needed to ensure schools are safe places, free from hostility, for LGBT teachers, pupils and their families.
Modelling and experiment of gear hob tooth profile error for relief grinding
Authors: Yang Shuying , Chen Weifang , Wang Zhiqiang , Zhou Yanfeng
Published: May 2021

Gear hob is an important tool that is most used in gear processing. Hob accuracy directly exerts an overwhelming influence on the quality of the processed gear. Generally, the hob tooth profile accuracy is mainly determined by relief grinding process. Studies on tooth profile errors of gear hobs caused by severe friction and cutting with the high-speed rotation of the wheel during the form grinding machining of hobs are limited. Thus, a theoretical model of the tooth profile error prediction under different machining parameters was established based on the analysis of coupling influence of high temperature and high strain rate on gear hobs in the relief grinding process. The model was completed on the basis of the dynamic explicit integral finite element method of thermo-mechanical coupling. Through the prediction model, the influence of the grinding depth ap, feed speed Vw and grinding speed Vs on the tooth profile error can be analysed. In addition, an algorithm for accurately calculate the grinding wheel axial profile by combining instantaneous envelope theory and hob normal tooth profile was proposed. The hob relief grinding experiments were carried out using the proposed grinding wheel profile algorithm. The relative error of the prediction obtained by comparing the calculation results of the prediction model with the experimental results is within 10%. Results prove the validity of the prediction model. This finding is greatly important for optimising the accuracy of hob relief grinding.
Design optimization of a shell and tube heat exchanger with staggered baffles using neural network and genetic algorithm
Authors: Saijal Kizhakke Kodakkattu , Danish Thondiyil
Published: May 2021

A shell and tube heat exchanger with staggered baffles (STHX-ST) is designed by integrating the features of both segmental and helical baffles, which produces a helical flow in the shell side. This work studies the effect of different parameters on the performance of the STHX-ST through numerical analysis. Shell inner diameter, tube outer diameter, baffle cut, baffle spacing, and baffle orientation angle are the design parameters. Multi-objective optimization using genetic algorithm (GA) is carried out to maximize the heat transfer rate while minimizing the pressure drop. The objective functions for optimization are approximated using artificial neural networks (ANNs). The training data for ANNs are simulated from CFD analysis as per the Taguchi orthogonal test table. The optimal solution obtained from the Pareto front has a maximum heat transfer of 154555 W for a minimum pressure drop of 88083.86 Pa.
Thermal analysis of higher-order chemical reactive viscoelastic nanofluids flow in porous media via stretching surface
Authors: Eid Mohamed R , Mabood F
Published: May 2021

The essence of the present investigation is to reveal the hydrothermal variations of viscoelastic nanofluid flow in a porous medium over a stretchable surface. A higher-order chemical reaction is incorporated with thermophoresis and Brownian motion. Similarity conversions reduce the resulting equations into their dimensionless form and then solved using Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg (RKF) based shooting procedure. The effects of underlying factors on the flow are discussed through various graphs and tables. Computational results for noteworthy skin friction and heat and mass transport are presented and reviewed with sensible judgment. The study reveals that the fluid velocity reduces with incremental values of the viscoelastic parameter [Formula: see text] and magnetic strength. The temperature reduces for the suction parameter with the existence of stretchable but enhances with thermophoresis and Brownian motion effects. Heat transfer rate amplifies for [Formula: see text] but declines for [Formula: see text]. Mass transfer rate increases with the increase in Brownian parameter and Schmidt number. A comparative analysis shows a better agreement with previous results in limiting scenarios.
Effect of surface curvature on destabilization and unsteadiness of low-Re flow across two tandem elliptic cylinders
Authors: Zhang Wei , Su Xuemei
Published: May 2021

This work performed a direct simulation investigation on two-dimensional flow across two tandem elliptic cylinders at Re = 100. The cylinders are placed with a center-to-center distance D/ d = 2-10 where d is the diameter, and the minor-to-major axis ratio, denoted as aspect ratio AR, varies as AR = 0.25-1.00. The objective of this study is to quantitatively identify the effect of surface curvature of the cylinders, as represented by AR, and the separating distance on the destabilization and unsteadiness of flow. Numerical results reveal that the local surface curvature at the ends of major axis of the cylinder has substantial influence on the separation and detachment of boundary layer flow on the leeward side of the upstream cylinder, determines the characteristics of gap flow, perturbs the flow around the downstream cylinder, and finally produces various patterns of wake flow. As AR increases, the gap flow tends to be stabilized for small separating distance and even quasi-steady flow for the AR = 0.75 and 1.00 cylinders at D/ d = 2; the wake flow after the downstream cylinder also gets less unstable and only sheds in the far-wake region. The non-uniformity of time-averaged pressure coefficient around the downstream cylinder is reduced but the fluctuating amplitude increases, while the flow around the upstream cylinder is quite close to that of the single cylinder case.
Investigation on the effects of winglet geometry in a high loading compressor rotor
Authors: Zhao Qingjun , Cui Weiwei , Zhao Wei , Xiang Xiaorong , Xu Jianzhong
Published: May 2021

The tip winglet is employed to improve the flow stability of NASA Rotor 37. Two suction-side winglets with the maximum width of 0.25 and 0.5 times of the width of local blade tip section and two pressure-side winglets with the maximum width of 0.5 and 0.9 times of the width of local blade tip section are designed and evaluated by numerical analysis of 3-D flowfield. The results show a rough leakage channel with two static pressure peaks over blade tip is formed due to the existing of pressure side winglet, and it benefits to reduce the effective through-flow area and massflow rate of leakage flow. The blocking effect on leakage flow weakens in new rotor with suction side winglet and it brings out the dramatical increase of leakage massflow rate and additional losses in tip region of rotor. With the comprehensive effects produced by tip winglet on leakage flow, the low-velocity region concerned on the interaction of leakage flow with passage shock has been reduced obviously in rotor with pressure side winglet and it leads to an over 11% increase of stall margin of transonic rotor with no penalty of efficiency. On the contrary, the suction side winglet contributes to a significant deterioration of tip flow characteristics of rotor with full expanded leakage flow and a smaller stall margin with over 17% decrease.
Robust sampled-data control for direct current to direct current converters via switched affine description and error tracking strategy
Authors: Yang Hongjing , Li Panshuo , Xing Mali , Zhang Bin
Published: May 2021

In this article, a novel sampled-data control method is proposed for direct current to direct current converter. According to its switching property, the direct current to direct current converter is described as a switched affine system. A novel error tracking switching law is designed based on the multi-Lyapunov functions method and sampled-data control strategy with variant sampling intervals. The sufficient condition concerning the state of the constructed switched affine system converging to a finite region is developed, which guarantees the outcome voltage can approach the desired value and achieve the voltage adjustment. Based on it, the condition under uncertain parameters is developed as well, which would be more desirable in applications. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by numerical simulations. The proposed method is also applicable to other types of power converters.