bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternative Equations for Horizontal Lifts of the Metallic Structures from Manifold onto Tangent Bundle
Authors: Khan Mohammad Nazrul Islam , Choudhary Majid Ali , Chaubey Sudhakar K.
Published: April 2022

We explore “the horizontal lift” of the structure J satisfying J2 − αJ − βI = 0 and establish that it as a kind of metallic structure. An analysis of Nijenhuis tensor of metallic structure JH is presented, and a new tensor field of (1,1)‐type is introduced and demonstrated to be metallic structure. Some results on the Nijenhuis tensor and the Lie derivative of in TM are proved and explicit examples are given. Moreover, the metallic structure endowed with projection operators and in TM is studied.
Simulation and Modelling of Safety of Roadways in Reverse Horizontal Curves (RHCs): With Focus on Lateral Acceleration
Authors: Khanjari Maziyar , Abdi Kordani Ali , Zarei Mohammad
Published: April 2022

As a type of horizontal curve, the reverse horizontal curves (RHCs) are one of the most critical types of road locations where many accidents occur due to slippage resulting from the centrifugal force of the vehicles. These crashes can increase dramatically if the RHC is combined with a longitudinal slope (downgrade or upgrade). In this study, by using the vehicle dynamic modeling (VDM) method, the lateral acceleration of vehicles (including E‐Class Sedan, E‐Class SUV, and Truck) passing through the RHC combined with three scenarios of downgrades, upgrades, and no slope was evaluated. Finally, in order to present the final model, the RHC lateral acceleration model was presented based on the effective parameters, including different design velocities (V), the direct distance between two horizontal curves (D), and different longitudinal slopes (G) by the multiple regression model method. The results of the VDM modeling showed that the slide potential of Sedans, SUVs, and Trucks when crossing the RHC combined with the downgrade was more significant than the upgrade and the no‐slope paths. On the other hand, the modeling results showed that the proposed models for Sedans and SUVs with a very high level of importance (R2 = 0.920 and R2 = 0.967) could be used to assess the safety of vehicles crossing the RHC. According to the mentioned models, increasing the speed (V) and reducing the direct distance (D) in both models reduced the lateral acceleration (increased safety) of both Sedans and SUVs.
Research on Optimization Algorithm of Cloud Computing Resource Allocation for Internet of Things Engineering Based on Improved Ant Colony Algorithm
Authors: Zhou Qiao
Published: April 2022

Considering the inability to use genetic algorithms, increased total execution time of tasks, and low user satisfaction and resource utilization based on existing algorithms, an improved ant colony algorithm optimization method for cloud computing resource allocation based on the mobile Internet of Things project is designed in order to better complete the allocation of cloud computing resources. In the mobile Internet of Things engineering environment, the tasks are classified by the characteristics of cloud computing resource allocation, and then, the justice distributive principle of the Berger model is analyzed through modeling by the human metamodel. Based on this, the global search capability of genetic algorithm is introduced into the initial information allocation process so as to integrate the genetic algorithm and ant colony algorithm and then apply them in the cloud computing resource allocation process. As can be learned from the simulation results, the proposed method can comprehensively improve user satisfaction and resource utilization while shortening the total execution time of tasks.
Data Analysis and Feedback System Construction of University Students’ Psychological Fitness Based on Fuzzy Clustering
Authors: Li Yuwei , Sun Xiaoya
Published: April 2022

With the advancement of information technology, mega data techniques are becoming more widely used in data analysis applications in all walks of life; the expansion of universities has resulted in a significant increase in the number of students; and the improvement of living standards has caused more parents to travel to other places. Children are becoming less and less communicative. Many students become lonely and worried in this environment, and psychological fitness issues develop over time. We should also introduce the application method of big data into the field of college psychological fitness education to improve the accuracy of college students’ psychological fitness education. Giving priority to university students’ psychological quality education, conducting targeted psychological fitness counseling based on the current state of university students’ psychological fitness, and effectively cultivating high-quality talents are realistic and urgent tasks faced by universities. Universities can use the relevant methods of fuzzy set and cluster analysis to evaluate university students’ psychological fitness in order to provide more relevant psychological fitness education and to study and evaluate university students’ psychological fitness problems more scientifically. We should extract the performance characteristics of university students’ rebellious psychological phenomenon and analyze the relationship between rebellious psychology and behavior obstruction in detail when modeling psychological fitness quality. Traditional methods, on the other hand, suffer from a large modeling error due to the introduction of a mapping table and a misclassification rate threshold. This paper investigates the analysis of university students’ psychological fitness data and the construction of a feedback system using mega data techniques, based on their current psychological fitness status.
Physicochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Bulb and Leek (Allium ampeloprasum L. var. Porrum) Leaf Oil Extracts
Authors: Lemma Elias , Yusuf Zekeria , Desta Mulugeta , Seyida Sultan , Idris Megersa , Mengistu Sewnet , Teneshu Jemal
Published: April 2022

Allium species including garlic and leek exhibits a broad range of medicinal and nutritional properties. Therefore, this study investigates the physicochemical and biological activities of garlic (Allium sativum L.) and leek (A. ampeloprasum L. var. Porrum) oil extracts. The result indicated that physicochemical properties indicated that significantly higher oil yield (21.25%), ACV (2.66 mg/g), FFA (1.34%), and PV (4.10 meq/kg) and also antioxidant activities with respect to 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH (27.60 ± 1.55%), hydrogen peroxide (12.35 ± 0.92%) free radical scavenging activities, and ascorbic acid content (25.30 ± 3.25%) were obtained for leek leaf oil extract. Stronger antibacterial activity with a maximum zone of inhibition (16.00 mm), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (0.20 µg/ml), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) (0.40 µg/ml) was recorded for leek oil extract against S. pyogenes. However, garlic oil has presented stronger antifungal activity with a maximum zone of inhibition (13.50 mm), MIC (0.40 µg/ml), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) (0.75 µg/ml) against Candida albicans. It is concluded from the results of this investigation that oils extracts of garlic bulb and leek leaves demonstrated significant biological activities that can be used as sources for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical ingredients.
Fixture Design in Flexible Tooling of Aircraft Panel Based on Thin Plate Theory
Authors: Pan Zemin , Liu Ying , Sun Zhichao , Chang Songyang , Fang Qiang
Published: April 2022

Flexible and conformal positioning of the skin is of great significance for the efficient and low deformation assembly of aircraft panels. As the main conformal positioning part of the skin, the fixture positioning surface is complicated to design when taking into account the flexible positioning. In this study, taking the low deformation and flexible clamping of the skin under complex stress conditions as the target, a fixture positioning profile design method is proposed to predict the deformation of the skin and provide moderate support for the skin based on thin plate theory (TPT). In the face of complex stress and boundary conditions of the skin, the differential method is used to solve the stress and deformation of the skin under different support conditions, which is correctly verified by finite element simulation. The proposed method reveals the influence of the fixture positioning profile on the deflection of the aircraft skin under concentrated load (drilling force), which provides a good design theoretical basis for the fixture design for the low deformation flexible clamping of the skin.
Development and Characterization of Powdered Antioxidant Compounds Made from Shiraz (Vitis vinifera L.) Grape Peels and Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea L.)
Authors: Souza Euzélia Lima , Nascimento Talita Sousa , Magalhães Camila Miranda , Barreto Gabriele de Abreu , Leal Ingrid Lessa , Anjos Jeancarlo Pereira dos , Machado Bruna Aparecida Souza
Published: April 2022

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is a plant containing many phenolic compounds, mostly distributed in the peel, pulp, and seeds. This study evaluates the centesimal composition and bioactive compounds in Shiraz grape (Vitis vinifera) peels using spectrophotometric and UHPLC techniques and develops different formulations of compound powders from the peels and arrowroot using conventional drying technology. The results demonstrate that Shiraz grape skin contains significant amounts of insoluble fiber (15.3%), phenolics (157.09 ± 6.96–149.11 ± 9.27 mg GAE g−1), and flavonoids (0.75 ± 0.50–2.00 ± 0.50 mg QE g−1), with excellent antioxidant capacity observed in the alcoholic extracts. The phenolic content in the developed powdered compounds ranged from 128.32 to 139.70 mg GAE g−1. In general, the compounds showed good antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 0.17 to 0.19 μg mL−1). According to the chromatographic evaluation, it was possible to quantify gallic acid, catechin, and epicatechin, the latter of which was found in the largest quantities in the six formulations. The EV5 formulation was the most efficient in terms of phenolic compounds and protein amounts. This formulation’s composition and low cost could make it viable for use in the food industry.
Mixed-Numerology Channel Division for Wireless Avionics Intracommunications
Authors: Fan Xianghui , Li Shining , Cui Wen , Yang Pu , Chen Changsheng , Huang Guan-Long
Published: April 2022

Increasing attention has been paid to the wireless avionics intracommunications (WAIC) on aircraft. The frequency band of 4200-4400 MHz is recommended to WAIC by the International Telecommunication Union Radio Communication Sector (ITU-R), which thereby comes with a new challenge of using the available frequency band effectively to cater for the massive communication needs in aircraft. To address this challenge, we propose the first channel design framework named mixed-numerology channel division (MNCD) specifically for WAIC. Furthermore, a general interference model has been proposed to better utilize the recommended frequency band. Extensive evaluations show that the proposed framework can be a promising solution for massive wireless communications in aircraft.
Path Attenuation and Source Characteristics during the 2019 Sichuan Changning Earthquake Sequence in China
Authors: Jiang Zhijun , Zhang Lei , Zhang Qi
Published: April 2022

To give an insight into the path attenuation and source characteristics of the 2019 Sichuan Changning earthquake sequence, 99 strong‐motion recordings at 33 stations were studied. The S‐wave Fourier amplitude spectra were used to determine the path‐attenuation function and key parameters of the seismic source characteristics of this sequence. The results show the following: (1) The geometric spreading effect presents hinged‐trilinear characteristics, and the corresponding geometric spreading rates were −0.97, 0.29, and −0.73 with the crossover distances 90 km and 183 km. (2) The quality factor Q is correlated with frequency and expressed as 217 × f0.82 for the range from 0.1 to 10.0 Hz. (3) The seismic moment was inversely proportional to the cube of the corner frequency, and their product was 2.37 × 1016 N. m/s3. (4) The stress drop varied from 1.18 to 12.44 MPa. Both the attenuation effect and source parameters of this sequence are significantly different from those of the Lushan and the Wenchuan aftershock sequences in the Sichuan region of China.
The Construction of Urban Park Green Infrastructure Network Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Wang Hui , Li Wei , Hou Yinfeng , Li Ma , Lee Shi-Young
Published: April 2022

In order to build a scientific and reasonable urban park green infrastructure network. Genetic Tabu hybrid algorithm is introduced into the field of urban park green infrastructure network construction, using ENVI5.5, ArcGIS10.2, Conefor2.6, and other software to construct the comprehensive green infrastructure network model and corresponding algorithm of a city park and improve and compare the genetic algorithm and Tabu search algorithm. Firstly, the ecological sensitivity of urban parks was evaluated, and 58 ecological source patches with high ecological value were selected. With the help of GIS platform, 71 potential corridors are simulated and generated by using the minimum cost path model. Then, select the index that can evaluate the importance of source patches in the ecological network to determine the importance ranking of source patches. Finally, according to the principles of clustering and network connectivity, select the ecological source with high patch importance, analyze the potential ecological corridor and current corridor, and combine and screen the factors of green infrastructure network. The results show that a city park green infrastructure network composed of 38 ecological source patches and 19 corridors is finally formed. Genetic algorithm has a potential application prospect in the construction of urban park green infrastructure network. By introducing genetic Tabu hybrid algorithm into the field of urban park green infrastructure network construction, it will change the mode of traditional urban park green infrastructure network construction.
Combining Targeted Radionuclide Therapy and Immune Checkpoint Inhibition for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Kleinendorst Simone C. , Oosterwijk Egbert , Bussink Johan , Westdorp Harm , Konijnenberg Mark W. , Heskamp Sandra
Published: April 2022

The development of immunotherapy, in particular immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), has revolutionized cancer treatment in the past decades. However, its efficacy is still limited to subgroups of patients with cancer. Therefore, effective treatment combination strategies are needed. Here, radiotherapy is highly promising, as it can induce immunogenic cell death, triggering the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby creating an immunogenic phenotype and sensitizing tumors to ICI. Recently, targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) has attained significant interest for cancer treatment. In this approach, a tumor-targeting radiopharmaceutical is used to specifically deliver a therapeutic radiation dose to all tumor cells, including distant metastatic lesions, while limiting radiation exposure to healthy tissue. However, fundamental differences between TRT and conventional radiotherapy make it impossible to directly extrapolate the biological effects from conventional radiotherapy to TRT. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of studies investigating the immunomodulatory effects of TRT and the efficacy of combined TRT-ICI treatment. Preclinical studies have evaluated a variety of murine cancer models in which α- or β-emitting radionuclides were directed to a diverse set of targets. In addition, clinical trials are ongoing to assess safety and efficacy of combined TRT-ICI in patients with cancer. Taken together, research indicates that combining TRT and ICI might improve therapeutic response in patients with cancer. Future research has to disclose what the optimal conditions are in terms of dose and treatment schedule to maximize the efficacy of this combined approach.
Un aperçu de la sémiolinguistique de Per Aage Brandt
Authors: Wildgen Wolfgang
Published: April 2022

La mort subite du sémioticien, linguiste, poète et pianiste de jazz Per Aage Brandt le 11 novembre 2021 a motivé l’auteur à relire et repenser sa contribution à la sémiotique et à la linguistique pendant un demi-siècle. Il a choisi trois livres représentatifs de trois phases de son œuvre sémiotique et linguistique : L’analyse phrastique: introduction à la grammatique (1973); La charpente modale du sens: pour une sémio-linguistique morphogénétique et dynamique (1992) et Spaces, Domains, and Meaning: Essays in Cognitive Semiotics (2004). Les trois livres renvoient à différents contextes intellectuels. En 1973, ce sont la dispute entre différents formats de grammaire et surtout la controverse entre grammaires de dépendance – par exemple celle de Tesnière, syntaxes formelles (Chomsky et d’autres) et sémantiques lexicales et casuelles (Lakoff, Fillmore). Per Aage Brandt recourt à la tradition danoise de Jespersen et Hjelmslev, introduit la notion de relateur de la grammaire de Šaumjan et propose son propre système de stemmas de dépendance. En 1992 (après sa Thèse d’État à Paris en 1987), c’est le structuralisme de l’école sémiotique de Paris (autour de Greimas) et l’innovation apportée par René Thom et sa sémantique topologique (introduite dans le groupe de Greimas par Jean Petitot) qui ont motivé une approche nouvelle. Le livre de 2004 contribue au paradigme de la sémantique cognitive initié par Lakoff, Langacker et Talmy et élaboré en interaction avec Per Aage Brandt dans son Centre de recherche sémiotique à Aarhus. Per Aage Brandt a passé les dernières années de sa carrière comme professeur à Cleveland (États-Unis) et des chapitres majeurs de son livre sont le résultat de sa réflexion sur les espaces mentaux de Fauconnier et l'opération de blending de Turner.
A estrutura básica como objeto da justiça: liberdades básicas e as bases sociais do autorrespeito
Authors: Werle Denílson Luis
Published: April 2022

O artigo parte do pressuposto de que para fazer um diagnóstico das injustiças, vulnerabilidades e carências das pessoas uma teoria crítica da justiça deve tomar como ponto de partida a posição real das pessoas no mundo, seus contextos de socialização e suas relações sociais de interdependência. Para isso, o objeto primário de uma teoria da justiça não deve ser diretamente os indivíduos e suas capacidades, mas sim a estrutura básica da sociedade, formada pelas principais instituições sociais, econômicas e políticas, isto é, os contextos intersubjetivos das relações interpessoais de cooperação social e de socialização que são determinantes na vida concreta das pessoas e principalmente na realização igual de suas liberdades e na formação do sentido interno do que significa ser autônomo.
Plasma Total Homocysteine Level Is Related to Unfavorable Outcomes in Ischemic Stroke With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Nam Ki‐Woong , Kim Chi Kyung , Yu Sungwook , Oh Kyungmi , Chung Jong‐Won , Bang Oh Young , Kim Gyeong‐Moon , Jung Jin‐Man , Song Tae‐Jin , Kim Yong‐Jae , Kim Bum Joon , Heo Sung Hyuk , Park Kwang‐Yeol , Kim Jeong‐Min , Park Jong‐Ho , Choi Jay Chol , Park Man‐Seok , Kim Joon‐Tae , Choi Kang‐Ho , Hwang Yang Ha , Seo Woo‐Keun
Published: April 2022

Background

Unlike patients with stroke caused by other mechanisms, the effect of elevated plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) on the prognosis of patients with both ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation (AF) is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the association between tHcy level and the functional outcome of patients with AF‐related stroke.

Methods and Results

We included consecutive patients with AF‐related stroke between 2013 and 2015 from the registry of a real‐world prospective cohort from 11 large centers in South Korea. A 3‐month modified Rankin Scale score ≥3 was considered an unfavorable outcome. Since tHcy is strongly affected by renal function, we performed a subgroup analysis according to the presence of renal dysfunction. A total of 910 patients with AF‐related stroke were evaluated (mean age, 73 years; male sex, 56.0%). The mean tHcy level was 11.98±8.81 μmol/L. In multivariable analysis, the tHcy level (adjusted odds ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01–1.07, per 1 μmol/L) remained significantly associated with unfavorable outcomes. In the subgroup analysis based on renal function, tHcy values above the cutoff point (≥14.60 μmol/L) showed a close association with the unfavorable outcome only in the normal renal function group (adjusted odds ratio, 3.10; 95% CI, 1.60–6.01). In patients with renal dysfunction, tHcy was not significantly associated with the prognosis of AF‐related stroke.

Conclusions

A higher plasma tHcy level was associated with unfavorable outcomes in patients with AF‐related stroke. This positive association may vary according to renal function but needs to be verified in further studies.
Effect of Sacubitril/Valsartan on the Right Ventricular Function and Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Zhang Jing , Du Le , Qin Xiaohan , Guo Xiaoxiao
Published: April 2022

Background

Sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) demonstrated significant effects in improving left ventricular performance and remodeling in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. However, its effects on the right ventricle remain unclear. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to assess the impact of S/V on right ventricular function and pulmonary hypertension.

Methods and Results

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from January 2010 to April 2021 for studies reporting right ventricular and pulmonary pressure indexes following S/V treatment. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale. Variables were pooled using a random‐effects model to estimate weighted mean differences with 95% CIs. We identified 10 eligible studies comprising 875 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (mean age, 62.2 years; 74.0% men), all of which were observational. Significant improvements on right ventricular function and pulmonary hypertension after S/V initiation were observed, including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (weighted mean difference, 1.26 mm; 95% CI, 0.33–2.18 mm;
P
=0.008), tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (weighted mean difference, 0.85 cm/s; 95% CI, 0.25–1.45 cm/s;
P
=0.005), and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (weighted mean difference, 7.21 mm Hg; 95% CI, 5.38–9.03 mm Hg;
P
<0.001). Besides, S/V had a significant beneficial impact on left heart function, which was consistent with previous studies. The quadratic regression model revealed a certain correlation between tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and left ventricular ejection fraction after excluding the inappropriate data (
P
=0.026).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis verified that S/V could improve right ventricular performance and pulmonary hypertension in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, which did not seem to be fully dependent on the reverse remodeling of left ventricle.

Registration

URL:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero
; Unique identifier: CRD42021247970.
Nemacheilus pezidion, a new species of loach from southern Laos (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)
Authors: KOTTELAT MAURICE
Published: April 2022

Nemacheilus pezidion, new species, is described from the Xe Kong watershed, Mekong drainage, in Attapeu province, southern Laos. It is distinguished from all other Nemacheilidae in Southeast Asia by its unique colour pattern consisting of a black midlateral stripe and a middorsal row of 11–15 narrow saddles. Besides, the male has a globulous suborbital flap with tubercles along its posterior edge, and the pectoral fin with thickened anterior rays, and branched rays 1–4 and unculiferous pads behind them covered by small tubercles. It was found in habitats with moderate flow, on mud to gravel bottom. Nemacheilus pezidion was earlier misidentified as N. longistriatus.
Hidden pressure: the effects of politicians on projects of collaborative innovation
Authors: Van Dijck Charlotte , Steen Trui
Published: April 2022

Collaborative innovation is increasingly put forward as a way of addressing the many wicked problems our society faces today. This article focuses on how politicians indirectly affect projects of collaborative innovation and whether stakeholders experience them as helpful or hindering to the project. The impact of politicians on projects of collaborative innovation are compared across four cases and throughout three project phases (set-up, implementation and sustainment). The results show six ways in which politicians can help projects of collaborative innovation: by providing funding, by making a project a political priority, by connecting stakeholders, by resolving stakeholder conflicts, by unblocking red tape barriers and by extending a collaborative network legitimacy. Furthermore, stakeholders perceived politicians as potentially hindering collaborative innovation projects in three ways: through the adjustment of the project goals, through the loss of a project’s ‘neutral’ status and through blocking or obstructing a project.

Points for practitioners

One important point to take away for practitioners is that there appears to be a strong focus among stakeholders on the potentially hindering effects of politicians on collaborative innovation projects (CIPs). Yet, across the four cases, the positive impact of political support played a bigger role. While some of these findings can be case specific, it shows that public servants may benefit from being more open-minded about the potentially positive impact of politicians on CIPs.
COVID-normal workplaces: Should working from home be a ‘collective flexibility’?
Authors: Williamson Sue , Pearce Alicia
Published: April 2022

Working from home expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This Controversy examines how working from home was framed and regulated pre-pandemic. We contrast this with the changes made to Australia's industrial award system during the pandemic to increase flexibilities around working from home, in response to a collective need for a responsive safety net. We argue that the conception and regulation of working from home is shifting from an individual flexibility, to a ‘collective flexibility’ available to a wide array of workers, collectively negotiated and governed by increased regulation. While industrial instruments were varied to accommodate public health requirements and the need of organisations and employees to work from home, these shifts were temporary. We argue that working from home provisions should rightly be regulated as a collective entitlement. We therefore consider possible ways forward in regulating this form of working, drawing from international developments. We raise these issues to extend debates around how working from home can be regulated to benefit employers and employees as we move towards COVID-normal.
Difficulties Experienced by Turkish Parents With Children in Pediatric Palliative Care: An Exploratory Qualitative Study
Authors: Kuzlu Ayyildiz Tülay , Kurt Aylin , Topan Aysel , Kulakçı Altıntaş Hülya , Veren Funda , Üstüner Top Fadime
Published: April 2022

We aimed to identify the difficulties of the parents of pediatric palliative care patients and how they cope with these problems in this qualitative study in Turkey. This study was carried out with 20 parents by in-depth interviews. Content analysis was used for data analysis. Four themes were identified: The problems in the process of acceptance, the difficulties of being at the hospital, the expectations from the health staff, the coping strategies. The families had difficulties in coping with the end-of-life of their children. Future researches may focus on the effectiveness of family-centered care and the experience of parents with its implementation. The findings suggest that social support resources and coping strategies can play an important role in the acceptance of the child’s disease process and maintenance of palliative care effectively.
Book review: Gurminder K. Bhambra and John Holmwood, Colonialism and Modern Social Theory
Authors: Hegde Sasheej
Published: April 2022

Gurminder K. Bhambra and John Holmwood, Colonialism and Modern Social Theory. Cambridge: Polity Press, 2021, 257 pp., $26.95 (paperback). ISBN: 9781509541300.
Cementless Isoelastic RM Total HIP Prosthesis
Authors: Bombelli Renato , Mathys Robert
Published: April 2022

Some surgeons are beginning to doubt the reliability of bone cement in joint replacements. In 1967 Robert Mathys conceived the idea of an isoelastic prosthesis made of plastic, which would anchor into the bone without cement. He developed the idea by extensive tests in animals and, in 1973, the first human RM cementless hip prosthesis was inserted by E Morscher. In this paper the concept of the cementless isoelastic prosthesis is developed by Robery Mathys, and Professor Bombelli records his experience with the prosthesis between 1977 and 1981.
Pain and Dysphagia in Patients with Squamous Carcinomas of the Head and Neck: The Role of Perineural Spread
Authors: Carter R L , Pittam M R , Tanner N S B
Published: April 2022

Clinical and pathological features of perineural spread have been investigated in patients with squamous carcinomas at several sites in the head and neck. In 100 surgical cases, the clinical and pathological findings were congruent in 76%. Combined clinical and histological evidence of perineural invasion was recorded in 33% and the overall incidence of nerve involvement detected morphologically was 44%. Perineural infiltration was demonstrated histologically in 51% of major excisions from the buccal cavity and in 34% of resections from the oropharynx, hypopharynx and cervical oesophagus. The neurological findings were dominated by hypoaesthesia, dysaesthesia and referred pain — Mainly in the territories of cranial nerves V and IX. Multiple and/or sequential nerve involvement was occasionally seen. No correlation was established between nerve invasion and metastasis to regional lymph nodes. Long-distance infiltration of nerve trunks, and multiple involvement, are grave prognostic features.

In 17 terminal patients submitted to autopsy, 65% had combined clinical and pathological evidence of perineural spread and the overall incidence of nerve involvement detected morphologically was 88%. Sensory changes again predominated. Multiple nerve involvement was observed in 35%. An apparently new ‘dysphagia syndrome’ is described in 4 patients with oropharyngeal carcinomas in whom gross mechanical obstruction was simulated by a combination of perineural spread of tumour into the ipsilateral vagal trunk, sometimes accompanied by segmental infarction, variable invasion of the sympathetic chain, and ‘splinting’ of the pharynx by local fibrosis and tumour in the soft tissues of the neck. Short-term palliation was achieved in these patients with high-dose steroids.
Evaluating Health Education in Asthma — Developing the Methodology: Preliminary Communication
Authors: Hilton Sean , Sibbald Bonnie , Anderson H Ross , Freeling Paul
Published: April 2022

The results are reported of a preliminary study to a controlled trial evaluating health education in asthma. A questionnaire designed to assess asthma morbidity in the previous twelve months and knowledge of the condition was administered to 50 asthma patients. An independent assessment of morbidity was made by the patient's general practitioners, utilizing case notes and their knowledge of the patients. For each aspect of morbidity, ‘severe’ asthma as assessed by doctors tended to be associated with increasing disability on questionnaire assessment. Overall, questionnaire ‘morbidity scores’ were significantly higher in the doctors' ‘severe’ group. Patients' level of knowledge was low, but no significant correlation was found between patients' level of knowledge and level of morbidity.

The findings suggest that there is a need for health education in asthma, and that the questionnaire used is a valid tool for measuring the impact of such education on patients' morbidity. An outline of the controlled trial for evaluation of health education is given.
Everyday Perceiver-Context Influences on Impression Formation: No Evidence of Consistent Effects
Authors: Xie Sally Y. , Thai Sabrina , Hehman Eric
Published: April 2022

Facial impressions (e.g., trustworthy, intelligent) vary considerably across different perceivers and targets. However, nearly all existing research comes from participants evaluating faces on a computer screen in a lab or office environment. We explored whether social perceptions could additionally be influenced by perceivers’ experiential factors that vary in daily life: mood, environment, physiological state, and psychological situations. To that end, we tracked daily changes in participants’ experienced contexts during impression formation using experience sampling. We found limited evidence that perceivers’ contexts are an important factor in impressions. Perceiver context alone does not systematically influence trait impressions in a consistent manner—suggesting that perceiver and target idiosyncrasies are the most powerful drivers of social impressions. Overall, results suggest that perceivers’ experienced contexts may play only a small role in impressions formed from faces.
‘The Left will find that it has bought a Trojan Horse’: The dialectics of universal basic income
Authors: Hogg David James
Published: April 2022

Recent years have seen an explosion of interest in basic income proposals. While this is not an entirely new phenomenon, what is different about the current discourse is the Left’s wholehearted embrace of what has traditionally been seen as a conservative social policy in Britain. It is my contention that UBI is potentially a dangerous policy for the Left, in that it risks undermining the – admittedly imperfect – welfare protections already in existence. This paper draws on Marxist political economy in order to demonstrate how the emancipatory potential of UBI has been somewhat overstated by some of its Leftist supporters, while a discussion of the neutrality of the State is important in considering how this ‘shape-shifting social policy' is likely to be implemented in practice.
The enrich marital satisfaction scale: Adaptation and psychometric properties among at-risk and community Portuguese parents
Authors: Nunes Cristina , Ferreira Laura I. , Martins Cátia , Pechorro Pedro , Ayala-Nunes Lara
Published: April 2022

Marital satisfaction is a multidimensional construct that encompasses the satisfaction with marital interactions and with the emotional and the practical aspects of marriage. Marital satisfaction has a great impact on personal well-being and affects the family as a whole; low marital satisfaction has been associated with unhappiness and with higher divorce rates. Furthermore, marital satisfaction is related with family functioning and is an indicator of the quality of the parenting relationship. The Enrich Marital Satisfaction (EMS) scale is a two-factor and 15-items self-report measure that assesses satisfaction with the marital relationship. This study analysed the psychometric properties of the EMS among two samples: at-risk ( N = 273, M = 37.05 years, 82.05% women) and community ( N = 205, M = 38.38 years, 52.2% women) Portuguese parents. Participants completed the EMS and measures of parenting sense of competence, parenting stress, and parenting alliance. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the revised two-factor model obtained the best fit, after removing a few items. Measurement invariance across the two samples was demonstrated. The EMS showed good psychometric properties, namely internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity. The EMS is a time-efficient tool for both researchers and practitioners who need to assess marital satisfaction, a relevant dimension for family functioning and parenting.
Earth’s gravity field and prevalence of varicose veins and chronic venous disease: Systematic review
Authors: Rusinovich Yury , Rusinovich Volha
Published: April 2022

Aim

This study examines the influence of Earth’s gravity field on the prevalence of varicose veins in geophysical area.

Material and Methods

We performed a systematic review (OVID and Google Scholar) of studies focusing on prevalence of varicose veins to determine the influence of Earth’s gravity field—GRACE GGM05S gravity model—on the disease prevalence. PROSPERO: CRD42021279513.

Results

81 studies met inclusion and quality criteria. Areas with stronger gravity have significantly higher prevalence of varicose veins with adjustment for age, gender and body mass index (BMI) ( p-values < 0.02). Adjusted for age, prevalence of varicose veins in areas with gravity field +20 mGal and more is 1.37 time higher than in areas with gravity field less than +20 mGal, p-value 0.005 (95% CI: −12.5 to −2.4): mean disease prevalence for gravity field +20 mGal and more—27.5% (mean age, 40.1 years; mean gravity field, +27.1 mGal; 63.9% females, 37 studies, 123,164 participants) vs mean disease prevalence for gravity field less than +20 mGal – 20.1% (mean age, 42.2 years; mean gravity field, +5.7 mGal; 56.8% females, 44 studies, 205,925 participants). Older age is the main risk factor for varicose veins ( p-values < 0.005). Female gender and high BMI are insignificantly associated with high prevalence of varicose veins ( p-values > 0.4 for gender, p-values > 0.2 for BMI).

Conclusion

Stronger gravity field is significantly associated with higher prevalence of varicose veins—risk factor. The potential mechanism of this phenomenon is that high gravity field alters systemic venous return, pooling blood and fluid in the peripheral, gravity-dependent regions of the body in upright humans constantly living in the defined geophysical area.
A qualitative study with people with young-onset dementia and their family caregivers on advance care planning: A holistic, flexible, and relational approach is recommended
Authors: Van Rickstal Romy , Vleminck Aline De , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , Versijpt Jan , Van den Block Lieve
Published: April 2022

Background:

Broad consensus exists on the relevance of advance care planning in dementia. Although people with young-onset dementia and their family are hypothesized to have distinct needs and preferences in this area, they are hardly ever included in studies.

Aim:

We aim to explore the experiences with and views on advance care planning of people with young-onset dementia and their family caregivers.

Design:

A qualitative study was conducted, analyzing semi-structured interviews through the method of constant comparative analysis.

Setting/participants:

We included 10 people with young-onset dementia and 10 of their family caregivers in Flanders.

Results:

Participants lacked awareness about the concept of advance care planning, especially as a communication process. They had not or barely engaged in planning future care yet pointed out possible benefits of doing so. Initially, people with young-onset dementia and their caregivers directly associated advance care planning with planning for the actual end of life. When discussing advance care planning as a communication process, they paid ample attention to non-medical aspects and did not distinguish between medical, mental, and social health. Rather, respondents thought in the overarching framework of what is important to them now and in the future.

Conclusions:

Engagement in advance care planning might be hindered if it is too medicalized and exclusively patient-centered. To accommodate advance care planning to people with young-onset dementia’s and their caregivers’ needs, it should be presented and implemented as a holistic, flexible, and relational communication process. Policy and practice recommendations are provided on how to do so.
Multipurpose Bracket Holder—Tucker, NiTi Bender, and Open-Coil Spring Placer
Authors: Ambashikar Vaibhav Ram , Kangane Suresh , Ambekar Anand
Published: April 2022

Fixed orthodontic treatment is predominantly governed by the use of nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires for alignment and leveling due to its shape memory properties.

Engaging NiTi wires in the misaligned dentition for initial alignment and leveling is an inconvenient procedure and requires the use of wire tucker for engaging in the slot of the bracket. Similarly, cinching NiTi wire at the ends of the tube is a tedious process and requires the use of a wire cincher. Intraoral placement of an open coil spring sometimes becomes tricky due to its springiness, thus making its ligation time-consuming and may also require assistance or else might cause injury.

Moreover, since the introduction of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ( SARS-CoV-2) and its spread throughout the world, dentists, in general, are at higher risk of contracting the disease for their close contact with saliva. The need for sterilization is of utmost importance and thus an instrument that serves the purpose of three instruments is a major boon for the practitioner in terms of user-friendliness and maintaining its sterility.

A multipurpose bracket holder is thus presented, which can be used easily as a NiTi bender, archwire tucker, and an open-coil spring placer.
The show must go on: Pandemic consequences on musicians’ job insecurity perception
Authors: Alfarone Irene , Merlone Ugo
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this article is to analyze the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on Italian musicians’ perception of job insecurity. We collected the answers of more than 200 Italian musicians, and the data showed that musicians’ perception of job insecurity increased in the post-pandemic period. Furthermore, we analyzed the different impact of two objective indicators of job insecurity, the pandemic outbreak and contracts, on strains and resources. We found that contracts are a strong predictor of perceived job insecurity even after the pandemic. Social support is vital in buffering job insecurity perception, motivation is a powerful moderator of emotional exhaustion and turnover intentions, and job insecurity is strongly related to the intentions of leaving the profession. In addition, the analyses have shown that the most detrimental effects are due to subjective job insecurity rather than from its objective indicators. Finally, as this study arose from an Australian research, we provide a brief comparison of the findings.
Self-administered subcutaneous diclofenac sodium in acute migraine attack: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-finding pilot study
Authors: Geppetti Pierangelo , De Cesaris Francesco , Benemei Silvia , Cortelli Pietro , Cevoli Sabina , Pierangeli Giulia , Favoni Valentina , Lisotto Carlo , Usai Susanna , Frediani Fabio , Di Fiore Paola , D'Arrigo Giacomo , Tassorelli Cristina , Sances Grazia , Cainazzo Maria Michela , Baraldi Carlo , Sarchielli Paola , Corbelli Ilenia , De Vanna Gioacchino , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Russo Antonio ,   on behalf of the Italian 17I-DCsc09 Study Team
Published: April 2022

Background

A novel formulation of diclofenac, complexed with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) as a solubility enhancer, in a prefilled syringe for self-administered subcutaneous injection may overcome the limitations of acute migraine treatments administered by oral, rectal, intramuscular, or intravenous routes.

Methods

This multicentre, phase 2, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-finding pilot study evaluated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of three different doses (25/50/75 mg/1 mL) of subcutaneous diclofenac sodium in the treatment of an acute migraine attack in 122 subjects. The primary efficacy endpoint was the percentage of patients pain-free at 2 hours after the study drug injection.

Results

A significantly higher percentage of patients in the 50 mg diclofenac group 14 (46.7%) were pain-free at 2 hours when compared with placebo: 9 (29.0%) ( p = 0.01). The 50 mg dose proved superior to placebo also in the majority of the secondary endpoints. The overall global impression favoured diclofenac vs placebo. There were no adverse events leading to study withdrawal. The majority of treatment-emergent adverse events were mild.

Conclusions

The 50 mg dose of this novel formulation of diclofenac represents a valuable self-administered option for the acute treatment of migraine attacks. Trial registration: EudraCT Registration No. 2017-004828-29.
Effects of a Two-Tier Test Strategy on Students’ Digital Game-Based Learning Performances and Flow Experience in Environmental Education
Authors: Wang Xiao-Ming , Wang Shi-Man , Wang Jia-Ni , Hwang Gwo-Jen , Xu Su
Published: April 2022

At present, environmental issues are of concern to all countries, especially for developing countries, and education on waste sorting is urgent. However, it remains a challenge to improve students’ learning achievement and engagement in environmental education. Researchers have pointed out the potential of digital games for promoting students’ learning motivation. In addition, the two-tier testing mechanism has been recognized as an effective tool for correcting students’ misconceptions and promoting their in-depth thinking. Therefore, this study proposed a two-tier testing-based digital gaming approach. To verify the effectiveness of the approach, a digital game was developed and a quasi-experiment was conducted. The participants were two classes of fifth graders, with one class as the experimental group using the two-tier test-based digital game and the other class as the control group learning with the conventional digital game. The results showed that the digital game-based learning with two-tier testing model was conducive to students' improved academic performance compared with the conventional digital game-based learning model, especially for students in the low-level group, who were able to make greater progress. In addition, the approach was effective in terms of reducing students’ cognitive load and improving their flow experience.
Climate change and health in informal settlements: a narrative review of the health impacts of extreme weather events
Authors: Hambrecht Emma , Tolhurst Rachel , Whittaker Lana
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we present a narrative review of primary research on the health impacts of extreme weather events in urban informal settlements published between 1990 and June 2021. We include 54 studies and examine the health impacts of extreme weather events and how these were determined. We find that these events impact health directly by causing mortality, injury and disease and through indirect pathways by impacting livelihoods, access to healthcare, coping strategies and adaptive capacity. Drawing on the social determinants of health framework to frame our analysis, we find that health impacts are determined by multiple intersecting factors, relating to individual circumstances, material conditions, health status, and political and socio-economic context. Consequently, vulnerability varies between and within informal settlements. Overall, we show that responding to and minimising these health impacts requires an intersectional approach to understand and address these contextual root causes of vulnerability.