bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La première révolution politique occidentale ? (Odyssée IX-XII)
Authors: Courtieu Giles
Published: May 2020

Homeric politics have interested scholars for a long time, but their attention has mostly focused on number of major political scenarios: the public assemblies and councils present in the Achaean camp, the agora of Ithaca, or the Trojan court. Yet nothing really decisive ever happens there, except the spread of confusion, despair, pride, and, in the end, either the lack of solution to the political issues variously raised in each case or the reinforcement of the established political order. Very likely the authors intended to express in this way their conservative ideas – and to echo those not-less conservative of their audiences – on who is apt to rule a community whatever its kind. However, this paper contends that, in order not to obliterate any possible political situation, they allowed some room for the portrayal of a special, if to their eyes undesirable, phenomenon that they therefore depicted in evil terms: the very possibility of a revolution, of a complete shift of authority within a given social group. Such possibility is evoked in the famous adventures that Ulysses tells the Phaeacians about a commander-in-chief who, due to his own fault, gradually loses power and authority over his rather small crew and is consequently deposed and replaced by someone else: a new spokesman for the majority – a daring choice which entailed their misfortune.
Sanctions and the Scientific Community of Iran
Authors: Tarikhi Parviz
Published: May 2020

Sanctions on the scientific community of Iran go back to the days following the victory of the 1979 revolution when the severe pressures on the country commenced. Although it is still difficult to estimate quantitatively the impacts of sanctions on the Iranian scientific community, the qualitative estimations and in situ observations bolster the idea that sanctions, particularly those in recent decades, have led to an obvious decrease in the quality of Iranian scientific production. It has led to further cosmopolitanism of the Iranian scientific community in diaspora, and has strengthened extremism and predomination of hardliner attitudes domestically. This paper demonstrates the impact of foreign sanctions on the scientific community of Iran in addition to the already deplorable pressure initiated by the post-revolutionary ruling system and its administration.
Molecular characterization of Helicotylenchus multicinctus and H. dihystera (Tylenchida: Hoplolaimidae) from Theobroma cacao in Nigeria
Authors: DARAMOLA FISAYO Y. , ORISAJO SAMUEL B. , MALAN ANTOINETTE P. , MARAIS MARIETTE
Published: May 2020

The genus Helicotylenchus contains cosmopolitan, ubiquitous plant-parasitic nematodes with some species capable of causing significant economic damage to agricultural crops. Accurate species identification in this genus is essential in recognizing the damaging species and establishing effective management options. In a study on cocoa plantations in Nigeria, two species of spiral nematodes were found in high numbers from soil samples obtained from a six-decade old cocoa plantation at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria. An integrated approach involving a combination of morphology, morphometrics, and molecular tools was used to identify the nematode species. Morphological data indicate the presence of both H. multicinctus and H. dihystera. There is congruence in the morphological and molecular data obtained for H. multicinctus. However, phylogenetic analysis of the 28S rDNA expansion segment revealed a high variability in the sequences of the Nigerian population of H. dihystera, suggesting the need for a careful appraisal and more comparative studies.
A pilot phylogeny study of Nemobiinae inferred from 18S, 28s and COI genes, with descriptions of two new genera and a new species from Hainan, China (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Trigonidiidae)
Authors: SHEN CHU-ZE , GUO PEI-KUN , HE ZHU-QING
Published: May 2020

The phylogenetic tree of Chinese Nemobiinae species was reconstructed based on one mitochondrial COI fragment and two nuclear ribosomal loci (18S and 28S). According to both of concatenated and coalescent trees, Dianemobius, Polionemobius and Pteronemobius (except P. jianfenglingensis Liu & Shi) were shown to be monophyletic with highly nodal supports. As to P. jianfenglingensis, it should be moved into a newly established genus, Giganemobius Shen & He gen. nov. In addition, a new mute species named as Qionemobius hsterus Shen & He gen. nov. & sp. nov. was reported. It differs from other genera by having six apical spurs on hind tibia, but lacking forewings. The type specimens are deposited in Museum of Biology, East China Normal University (ECNU).
The Impact of GPS RO Data on the Prediction of Tropical Cyclogenesis Using a Nonlocal Observation Operator: An Initial Assessment
Authors: Chen Shu-Ya , Kuo Ying-Hwa , Huang Ching-Yuang
Published: May 2020

In this study, the impact of global positioning system (GPS) radio occultation (RO) data on the prediction of the genesis of 10 tropical cyclones over the western North Pacific Ocean is assessed. With the use of a nonlocal excess phase observation operator in cycling data assimilation, the probability of detection for tropical cyclogenesis is increased from 30% to 70% for the cases considered, all of which developed into typhoons. However, the probability of detection is only increased to 40% when a local observation operator is used, indicating that the observation operator can significantly influence the performance of RO data assimilation in capturing tropical cyclogenesis. A nonlocal excess phase operator, which considers the atmospheric horizontal gradients by integrating the refractivity along a ray path, gives superior performance over the local observation operator. Additional sensitivity experiments on 3 of the 10 typhoon cases show that the RO data in the vicinity of the incipient cyclones (within 500 km of the cyclone center) are most critical to successful cyclogenesis prediction. This reflects the fact that having good RO observations at the right time and place is critical for RO to have beneficial impacts on tropical cyclogenesis. Further analyses for Typhoon Nuri (2008) show that assimilation of RO data using the nonlocal operator leads to moistening of the lower and middle troposphere, organized convection, robust grid-scale vertical motions, and the development of midlevel relative vorticity, all of which are favorable for tropical cyclogenesis.
Feasibility of Early Discharge after Open Hypopharyngeal Surgery for Dysphagia
Authors: Patel Jena , Spiegel Joseph , Topf Michael C. , Boon Maurits , Huntley Colin
Published: May 2020

Objective:

To determine the rate of surgical complications, unplanned readmission, and functional status after open hypopharyngeal surgery for dysphagia with early return to oral diet and hospital discharge.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent open hypopharyngeal surgery for management of dysphagia from March 2013 to June 2018 at a single academic institution. A clear liquid diet is restarted the day of surgery and is advanced to a soft diet on postoperative day one. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for postoperative complications and unplanned readmission.

Results:

Ninety patients met eligibility criteria; 62 patients underwent open cricopharyngeal myotomy, 13 underwent Zenker’s diverticulectomy, 15 had a Zenker’s diverticulopexy. Mean inpatient length of stay was 2.0 ± 2.0 days (range 0-11 days); 57 patients (63.3%) were discharged on the same day as surgery or on postoperative day one. Seven patients (7.8%) had postoperative complications; the most common complication was esophageal leak (n = 6). Six patients (6.7%) had unplanned readmissions within 30 days. Mean time to unplanned readmission was 12 days (range 2-19 days). Open diverticulectomy was associated with an increased risk of unplanned readmission with an OR = 7.63 (95% CI 1.29, 45.45, P = .025). At last follow-up, 70% of patients had an increased functional oral intake by at least one scale score (FOIS) after surgery (mean follow-up 0.8 ± 1.1 years, range 0.02-5.1 years).

Conclusion:

An early diet and discharge may be safe for patients undergoing open surgery without a mechanical or suture closure of their esophageal mucosa, whereas in those undergoing diverticulectomy, NPO status and a radiological check before resuming drinking and eating are advised.

Level of Evidence:

4
Supportive Organizational Context for Teams: A Study of Construct Validity
Authors: Francoeur-Marquis Camille , Aubé Caroline
Published: May 2020

Despite a call within scientific literature to better account for contextual factors in team studies, very little research has systematically analyzed the potentially critical role of such factors, thus limiting organizations’ ability to provide contextual conditions that would foster team effectiveness. The Supportive Organizational Context for Teams (SOCT) construct effectively captures some of these factors (rewards, information, education, and resource allocation). However, while the internal consistency of the SOCT has been analyzed, its multidimensional representation has never been tested. In this study, we address these limitations by assessing the factor structure of a measure proposed by Wageman et al. (2005) and of its distinctive nature in relation to Perceived Organizational Support. Using a sample of 235 participants and the newly developed bifactor-ESEM framework, this study supports the notion that a high-order model is superior to a first-order model, and SOCT and Perceived Organizational Support are distinct from one another.
Opening the Umbrella: The Effects of Rebranding Multiple Category-Specific Private-Label Brands to One Umbrella Brand
Authors: Keller Kristopher O. , Geyskens Inge , Dekimpe Marnik G.
Published: May 2020

The authors study the consequences of rebranding multiple category-specific private-label (PL) brands by “opening the umbrella” and unifying them under a common brand name. Retailers expect positive consequences that may manifest themselves in two ways: (1) an increased intrinsic brand strength and (2) an improved marketing-mix effectiveness. The authors analyze three substantially different retailers that rebranded one of their PL tiers. Consistent with the national-brand literature on umbrella rebranding, all three retailers realized an increase in the rebranded PL tier’s intrinsic brand strength, along with a reduced price elasticity. However, and in contrast to the national-brand literature, the effectiveness of both price-promoting and assortment size dropped for all three retailers after they unified their category-specific PLs under a common umbrella name.
Development and characterization of electrospun curcumin-loaded antimicrobial nanofibrous membranes
Authors: Awan Javeed A , Rehman Saif Ur , Bangash Muhammad Kashif , Ali Usman , Asad Muhammad , Hussain Fiaz , Jaubert Jean-Noël
Published: May 2020

Curcumin is a naturally occurring hydrophobic polyphenol compound. It exhibits a wide range of biological activities such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, antifungal, anti-HIV, and antimicrobial activity. In this research work, antimicrobial curcumin nanofibrous membranes are produce by an electrospinning technique using the Eudragit RS 100 (C19H34ClNO6) polymer solution enriched with curcumin. The morphology and chemistry of the membrane are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Kirby Bauer disk diffusion tests are carried out to examine the antibacterial effectiveness of the membrane. Experimental results show that the nanofibers produced are of uniform thickness morphology and curcumin is successfully incorporated into the nanofibrous mat, while no chemical bonding was observed between curcumin and the polymer. The antimicrobial curcumin nanofibrous membranes can be effectively applied as antimicrobial barrier in a wide variety of medical applications such as wound healing, scaffolds, and tissue engineering.
Association Between Social Networks and Subjective Well-Being in Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Webster Deborah , Dunne Laura , Hunter Ruth
Published: May 2020

Social networks are ubiquitous in the lives of adolescents. This work systematically reviewed all studies which investigated the relationship between subjective well-being and the social networks of adolescents. Twenty-nine articles (out of 1,204 hits) were included within the review. Offline social networks have a positive association between the mood, self-esteem, and loneliness of adolescents but not body image. Nine of the studies investigating online social networks found a positive association on mood, life satisfaction, and loneliness through support seeking and receiving positive feedback. Fifteen of the studies found a negative association between online social networks and mood, self-esteem, life satisfaction, body image, and overall subjective well-being through high investment, passive use, receiving negative feedback, and social media ostracism. There is a need for intervention programs and education for young people, educators, and parents to address the risks to subjective well-being brought about by online social networks.
Ruth Harris: A Reticent Disrupter in St. Louis Public Schools’ Stowe Teachers College during Jim Crow Era
Authors: Garry Vanessa
Published: May 2020

In 1940, St. Louis Public Schools named Dr. Ruth Harris, the first African American female President of the Stowe Teachers College (now named, Harris–Stowe State University). Like many African American administrators, prior to the Brown v. Board of Education decision, Harris had to creatively find ways to acquire resources. This article is an examination of her community engagement programs for preservice teachers and the African American community. Preservice teachers were intentionally immersed in the communities they would one day teach-in while the community learned from well-known African Americans in a nurturing environment removed from the Jim Crow stigma prevalent during the time. Using the community as classrooms for preservice teachers and the campus for public service revealed one educator’s resourcefulness in teaching the marginalized.
The Industrious, the Laboring, and the Sunken: Berlin’s Mietskaserne and the Housing Question
Authors: Rousset Isabel
Published: May 2020

In late-nineteenth-century Berlin, the rapid growth of tenements ( Mietskaserne) housing the city’s expanding lower class population provoked a strong moral reaction from bourgeois social reformers in Germany, who railed against the perceived social disorders found therein. This essay explores the less understood moral terms upon which the problem of mass housing was articulated in response to the growth of the tenement system in Berlin, from the city’s first housing crisis in 1871 to the first widespread photographic inquiry of Berlin’s dwelling conditions in the first decade of the twentieth century. As this essay shows, debates on housing reform were not confined to bourgeois circles of social and public health expertise—they pervaded popular literature and formed an important part of a broader social imaginary that gave meaning to the urban environment and the task of nation-building at large.
Fixed and dilated pupils, not a contraindication for extracorporeal support: a case series
Authors: Desai Mehul , Wang Jing , Zakaria Asma , Dinescu Dan , Bogar Linda , Singh Ramesh , Dalton Heidi , Osborn Erik
Published: May 2020

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is considered a relative contraindication for patients with severe neurological injury manifested by fixed and dilated pupils. The inability to provide adequate cardiopulmonary support while attempting to treat the underlying neurologic disease results in a fatal outcome. The impairment of cerebral perfusion, compounded by the underlying neurologic condition, results in signs of brainstem dysfunction often equated with a fatal prognosis. As a result, these patients are not considered to be candidates for initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. We present a case series of three patients with complex neurologic conditions with fixed and dilated pupils, who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. All three patients achieved a significant neurologic recovery. Two survived with a cerebral performance category scale of 1, and the third succumbed to multi-organ failure after achieving a Glasgow Coma Scale of 11T. The decision to initiate extracorporeal membrane oxygenation should be based upon the pathophysiology of the underlying neurologic condition and not solely upon isolated clinical findings. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use is normally reserved for patients with reversible underlying processes, and a neurologic exam with fixed and dilated pupils is often interpreted as an irreversible neurologic injury. The implementation and success of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in this patient population require understanding of complex neurologic diseases, rapid recognition of neurocardiogenic shock, and expeditious initiation of cardiopulmonary support in carefully selected patients. The patients described demonstrate that fixed and dilated pupils are not a contraindication for extracorporeal support in select patients.
Cerebral haemodynamics with head position changes post-ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Carvalho Lilian B , Kramer Sharon , Borschmann Karen , Chambers Brian , Thijs Vincent , Bernhardt Julie
Published: May 2020

The effects of upright postures on the cerebral circulation early post-ischemic stroke are not fully understood. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of head positioning on cerebral haemodynamics assessed by imaging methods post-ischemic stroke. Of the 21 studies included ( n = 529), 15 used transcranial Doppler. Others used near-infrared, diffuse correlation spectroscopy and nuclear medicine modalities. Most tested head positions between 0° and 45°. Seventeen studies reported changes in CBF parameters (increase at lying-flat or decrease at more upright) in the ischaemic hemisphere with position change. However, great variability was found and risk of bias was high in many studies. Pooled data of two studies ≤24 h ( n = 28) showed a mean increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF) velocity of 8.5 cm/s in the ischaemic middle cerebral artery (95%CI,−2.2–19.3) from 30° to 0°. The increase found ≤48 h ( n = 50) was of 2.3 cm/s (95%CI,−4.6–9.2), while ≤7 days ( n = 38) was of 8.4 cm/s (95%CI, 1.8–15). Few very early studies (≤2 days) tested head positions greater than 30° and were unable to provide information about the response of acute stroke patients to upright postures (sitting, standing). These postures are part of current clinical practice and knowledge on their effects on cerebral haemodynamics is required.
Understanding how decision-makers practice discretion in the context of the Habitual Residence Condition in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Ryan Majka M , Power Martin J
Published: May 2020

This paper seeks to gain a greater understanding of how decision-makers practice discretion in the context of the Habitual Residence Condition, an additional criterion for eligibility to social assistance payments in the Republic of Ireland. The paper identifies two approaches to using discretion: nomocratic and telocratic, with both largely emerging as a result of specific structural and cultural conditions that exist within the organisations concerned, and directly impacting the decision-making practices of public servants. Some decision-makers are found to be happy to make discretionary decisions, while others struggle, resist and protest against the deployment of discretion in the provision of social assistance, instead arguing for rigid rules that can be applied to all welfare applicants.
Canada’s Evolving Medicare: End-of-Life Care
Authors: MacPherson Nicole , Montague Terrence , Aylen John , Martin Lesli , Gogovor Amédé , Baxter Sharon , Nemis-White Joanna
Published: May 2020

A challenging issue in contemporary Canadian Medicare is the evolution of end-of-life care. Utilizing data from the 2016 and 2018 Health Care in Canada (HCIC) surveys, this paper compares the support and priorities of the adult public (n = 1500), health professionals (n = 400), and administrators (n = 100) regarding key components for end-of-life care just prior to and post legalization of medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in Canada. In 2016 and 2018, the public, health professionals and administrators strongly supported enhanced availability of all proposed end-of-life care options: pain management, hospice and palliative care, home care supports, and medically assisted death. In 2018, when asked which option should be top priority, the public rated enhanced medically assisted death first (32%), followed by enhanced hospice and palliative care (22%) and home care (21%). Enhanced hospice and palliative care was the top priority for health professionals (33%), while administrators rated enhanced medically assisted death first (26%). Despite legalization and increasing support for MAiD over time, health professionals have increasing fear of legal or regulatory reprisal for personal involvement in medically assisted death, ranging from 38% to 84% in 2018, versus 23% to 42% in 2016. While administrators fear doubled since 2016 (40%-84%), they felt the necessary system supports were in place to easily implement medically assisted death. Optimal management of end-of-life care is strongly supported by all stakeholders, although priorities for specific approaches vary. Over time, professionals increasingly supported MAiD but with a rising fear of legal/regulatory reprisal despite legalization. To enhance future end-of-life care patterns, continued measurement and reporting of implemented treatment options and their system supports, particularly around medically assisted death, are needed.
Raising the Power of Curriculum-Based Measurement Tools in Preservice Training
Authors: Watt Sarah , Conoyer Sarah , Ford Jeremy W. , Foegen Anne , Luckey Georgia
Published: May 2020

Thirty-seven preservice teachers engaged in a self-regulated learning experience proposed to increase their algebra content knowledge and to examine their use of data to make instructional decisions. Using weekly algebra curriculum-based measures, preservice special education teachers set learning goals and objectives, individually selected and adjusted weekly learning activities, and self-monitored and graphed their progress. A mixed-methods approach identified that all participants significantly increased in their algebra content knowledge, but the decision-making approaches among students varied greatly.
Effect of alloying elements in Fe-based hardfacings to improve the abrasive wear behavior of ploughshares
Authors: Singh Jagseer , Chatha Sukhpal Singh , Sidhu Buta Singh
Published: May 2020

Generally, during soil tillage it is seen that farmers complain about the higher wear rate of agricultural implement. Wear of cultivator shovels is one of the major problem faced by farmers in the agricultural sector. Any improvement in the life of ploughshares will be of great significance to the farming sector. The aim of the present work is to improve the life of cultivator shovels by way of hardfacings by shielded metal arc welding process. The wear behavior of bare (EN-47 steel) and four different hardfacings (H1, H2, VB, and LH550) having different chromium content (i.e. 0.86% Cr, 2.4% Cr, 3.19% Cr, and 6.72% Cr) were investigated with regard to wear behavior. A test was conducted on a 60 ha area of the wheat field after harvesting (latitude 30.121207, longitude 75.009159). During the time of cultivation soil was dry and hard. Wear behavior of bare and hardfaced steel was analyzed in terms of weight loss (g/ha) and by wear resistance indices. Techniques like optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis were used for testing. The hardfaced steel has shown significantly better wear behavior in comparison to bare steel except H2. Wear of ploughshares according to cultivated area was found to be 3.459 g/ha for regular, 3.41 g/ha for H1, 4.267 g/ha for H2, 2.553 g/ha for VB, and 1.993 g/ha for LH550 hardfacing. The WRIs of different hardfacings, i.e. H1, H2, VB, and LH550 were found to be 1.014, 0.81, 1.354, and 1.735.
Thermal analysis of the triple-phase asynchronous motor-reducer coupling system by thermal network method
Authors: Chen Mingzhang , Zhuang Wuhao , Deng Song , Zhu Chengjie
Published: May 2020

As the core components of mechanical power system, triple-phase asynchronous motor and reducer are required strictly for temperature control. In this paper, the triple-phase asynchronous motor and the reducer are regarded as a coupling system, and thermal network method is used to predict the temperature field distribution of the coupling system. The predicted temperature of the thermal network method is consistent with the experimental result and the finite-element analysis. Furthermore, analysis shows that motor output power, coefficient of friction between teeth and lubricating oil parameters have a great effect on reducing the temperature of the coupling system.
Mechanics of the dicrotic notch: An acceleration hypothesis
Authors: Gamrah Mazen Abou , Xu Jing , El Sawy Amr , Aguib Heba , Yacoub Magdi , Parker Kim H
Published: May 2020

The dicrotic notch is a prominent and distinctive feature of the pressure waveform in the central arteries. It is universally used to demarcate the end of systole and the beginning of diastole in these arteries. Despite its importance clinically, no physical mechanism for the formation of the dicrotic notch has been demonstrated convincingly. We first explore a mechanism based on the reflection of a backward wavefront from the aortic valve at the time of closure. This hypothesis is rejected on the basis of experimental evidence from measurements made in dogs. A new hypothesis is presented involving the acceleration of the aortic valve apparatus at the time of valve closure. This hypothesis is supported by new calculations of the acceleration of the aortic valve apparatus during the cardiac cycle based on computed tomography scans in man.
Breast cancer screening with mammography in women aged 40–49 years: Impact of length of screening interval on effectiveness of the program
Authors: Mao Zheng , Nyström Lennarth , Jonsson Håkan
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To estimate the impact on the effectiveness of Swedish breast cancer screening program in women aged 40–49 years of shortening the screening interval from 21 months to 18 or 12 months.

Methods

The reduction in breast cancer mortality among participants in screening with mammography was previously estimated in the Swedish SCReening of Young women (SCRY) study to be 29%. The expected increased effectiveness with a hypothetical shorter screening interval than the average of 21 months in SCRY was calculated using data about the women who died from breast cancer even though they participated in the SCRY program.

Results

During the study period, 547 women who participated in the index screening round died from breast cancer. Shortening the screening interval to 18 months led to an improved effectiveness of 0.7–3.9% considering interval cancers only and of 1.3–7.6% considering screening-detected cancers only, and for both interval and screening-detected cancers the improvement was 1.9–11.5% when the assumed mortality reduction for the deceased cases varied from 5% to 30%. Shortening the screening interval to 12 months increased the effectiveness by 1.6–9.8% for interval cancers and by 2.9–17.4% for both interval and screening-detected cancers.

Conclusion

Shortening the screening interval for women aged 40–49 years to 18 or 12 months might further reduce the breast cancer mortality rate.
Why Do COVID-19 Fatality Rates Differ Across Countries? An Explorative Cross-country Study Based on Select Indicators
Authors: Banik Arindam , Nag Tirthankar , Chowdhury Sahana Roy , Chatterjee Rajashri
Published: May 2020

In this article, we analyse the factors that determine the fatality rates across 29 economies spread across both the developing and developed world. Recent emerging literature and expert opinions in popular media have indicated various factors that may explain cross-country difference in fatality rates. These factors range from access to public health infrastructure, BCG vaccination policies, demographic structure, restrictive policy interventions and the weather. In addition, articles are examining different kinds of fatality rates that can be explained. Progressing beyond fragmented databases and anecdotal evidence, we have developed a database for such factors, have explored various econometric models to test the explanatory power of these factors in explaining several kinds of fatality rates. Based on available data, our study reveals that factors such as public health system, population age structure, poverty level and BCG vaccination are powerful contributory factors in determining fatality rates. Interactions between factors such as poverty level and BCG vaccination provide interesting insights into the complex interplay of factors. Our analysis suggests that poor citizens’ access to the public healthcare system are worse in many countries irrespective of whether they are developed or developing countries.
An analytical model of multi-stress drops triggered by localized microcrack damage in brittle rocks during progressive failure
Authors: Li Xiaozhao , Qu Xiaolei , Qi Chengzhi , Shao Zhushan
Published: May 2020

Stress drops in stress–strain constitutive curves of intact brittle rocks under high confining pressure have great significance for evaluating the earthquake mechanism and the safety of deep underground engineering. Microcrack growth in intact rock strongly influences the stress drops. However, the theoretical model of microcrack growth-dependent multi-stress drops rarely is proposed in stress–strain curves of intact rocks. In this study, a constitutive model depending on the damage variable relating to microcrack growth and strain increment is proposed to explain the multi-stress drops in stress–strain curves including strain hardening and softening phases of intact rocks. This model is formulated by combining the wing crack growth model, the suggested relationship between axial strain and wing crack growth, and the stepping function of damage relating to axial strain. This stepping function of damage relating to axial strain approximately is used to simulate the developing process of the small individual shear bands caused by the local microcrack accumulation and coalescence. The effects of parameters in the suggested stepping function of damage on the stress–strain curves containing stress drops are discussed. The theoretical model qualitatively explains the experimental phenomena of multi-stress drops in the stress–strain curves, which provides an important implication for evaluating the earthquake mechanism and the safety of deep underground engineering.
Questioning the Meaning of a Change on the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog): Noncomparable Scores and Item-Specific Effects Over Time
Authors: Cogo-Moreira Hugo , Krance Saffire H. , Black Sandra E. , Herrmann Nathan , Lanctôt Krista L. , MacIntosh Bradley J. , Eid Michael , Swardfager Walter
Published: May 2020

Longitudinal invariance indicates that a construct is measured over time in the same way, and this fundamental scale property is a sine qua non to track change over time using ordinary mean comparisons. The Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale–cognitive (ADAS-Cog) and its subscale scores are often used to monitor the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, but longitudinal invariance has not been formally evaluated. A configural invariance model was used to evaluate ADAS-Cog data as a three correlated factors structure for two visits over 6 months, and four visits over 2 years (baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months) among 341 participants with Alzheimer’s disease. We also attempted to model ADAS-Cog subscales individually, and furthermore added item-specific latent variables. Neither the three-correlated factors ADAS-Cog model, nor its subscales viewed unidimensionally, achieved longitudinal configural invariance under a traditional modeling approach. No subscale achieved scalar invariance when considered unidimensional across 6 months or 2 years of assessment. In models accounting for item-specific effects, configural and metric invariance were achieved for language and memory subscales. Although some of the ADAS-Cog individual items were reliable, comparisons of summed ADAS-Cog scores and subscale scores over time may not be meaningful due to a lack of longitudinal invariance.
Admissible consensus of uncertain fractional-order singular multiagent systems with actuator fault
Authors: Zhang Xuefeng , Dong Jia
Published: May 2020

Consensus of fractional-order singular multiagent systems is considered in this article. The model of uncertain systems with actuator fault is established, and its admissible consensus in the field of fractional-order systems is studied. First, the uncertain singular multiagent systems with actuator fault are proposed. Then, a state feedback controller and a state consensus protocol with an observer based on output information are designed. Then, new consensus criteria of uncertain fractional-order singular multiagent systems are proposed. Finally, for the sake of demonstrating the validity of proposed results, some relevant numerical examples are provided.
Time period of transverse vibration of skew plate with parabolic temperature variation
Authors: Bhardwaj Reeta , Mani Naveen , Sharma Amit
Published: May 2020

Time period of natural transverse vibration of a nonhomogeneous skew (parallelogram) plate with variable thickness and temperature field has been investigated on clamped CCCC and combination of clamped and simply supported CSCS edge conditions. The thickness variation on the plate is assumed to be linear in two dimensions, and the temperature variation on the plate is considered to be parabolic in two dimensions. For nonhomogeneity, authors considered circular variation in density. The Rayleigh–Ritz technique is applied to solve the differential equation of motion. A comparative analysis of frequency modes of the present study with the available published result is also given to support the present findings. The convergence study of obtained results is also presented with the help of figures.
Continuous time-varying feedback control of a robotic manipulator with base vibration and load uncertainty
Authors: Wang Xi , Hou Baolin
Published: May 2020

To solve precise and fast position control of a robotic manipulator with base vibration and load uncertainty, a continuous time-varying feedback control method based on the implicit Lyapunov function is studied. This method is proportional–derivative-like in the form of control law, but its proportional and differential coefficients depend on the system Lyapunov function, which are differentiable functions of system error variables. In the motion process of the robotic manipulator, the system performance is influenced by three main nonlinear factors: system friction, balance torque, and base vibration. As the former two factors are available to be modeled and identified through experiments, compensation of the two terms is added to the proposed control law to reduce the effects of system nonlinearities to a certain extent. Experimental results show that the proposed control strategy is robust to base vibration and load uncertainty. Besides, the compensation of system friction and balance torque can shorten the positioning time by 27.3%, from 1.32 s to 0.96 s. Meanwhile, the positioning precision is guaranteed, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Peer Relations and Delinquency Among Girls in Foster Care Following a Skill-Building Preventive Intervention
Authors: Hu Alana , Van Ryzin Mark J. , Schweer-Collins Maria L. , Leve Leslie D.
Published: May 2020

There is evidence that risk for delinquency is elevated among girls with foster care histories, and one correlate of delinquency is affiliating with peers who engage in delinquent behavior. Although intervention studies have shown positive effects of interventions that target delinquent peer affiliation on reductions in delinquency among adolescents with juvenile justice histories, the success of such interventions for younger girls in foster care, without prior involvement with juvenile justice, is unknown. We analyzed data from a randomized clinical trial of the middle school version of the Keep Safe intervention in a sample of girls in foster care ( n = 100). The intervention was delivered to girls and foster parents during the transition to middle school. Path analysis suggested a significant intervention effect on reduction in affiliation with delinquent peers at 12 months ( B = −.21). No significant mediation effects were identified. The middle school Keep Safe intervention shows promise as a preventative intervention for reducing affiliation with delinquent peers, which importantly is associated with adolescent delinquent behavior. Implications for researchers and professionals who tailor and deliver evidence-based programs for girls in foster care are discussed.
Profiling Gastronomes from their Food Experience Journey
Authors: Babolian Hendijani Roozbeh , Boo Huey Chern
Published: May 2020

Identifying the conditions that will lead gastronomes to challenge their assumptions and knowledge are paramount for interest research in tourism settings and for marketers who aim to develop appropriate marketing strategies. An interpretivist paradigm adopted here consisted of the Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique, which allowed the investigation on behavior development and interest among gastronomes and depict their typology. Findings revealed three stages of the development process which are labelled as (a) novice, (b) learner, and (b) expert to symbolize the different stages of development in food exploring of gastronomes over time. The typology with characteristics of gastronomes in different stages offers researchers and marketers an appealing way to think about the change in leisure participation. Results revealed that the value of participating in this activity is not merely not only to gain novel sensory experiences but also to actively seek for positive feelings and ideas that gastronomes associate with food exploring. The results reported here offer new insights for food tourism strategies in management and marketing.
Stern tube seals under static condition: A multi-scale contact modeling approach
Authors: Borras F Xavier , Bazrafshan Mohammad , B De Rooij Matthijn , J Schipper Dik
Published: May 2020

A thermomechanical model of a stern tube seal has been developed by paying particular attention to the contact between the seal and the shaft. The finite element method is used to capture the macroscopic behavior of the seal while roughness was evaluated at a microscopic level by applying the boundary element method. The seal material was independently characterized, and the results were used to calibrate the material constitutive model used for the seal. Two specialized setups were built to validate the model in terms of radial force, contact width, and percolation threshold. By combining the two models, the strains, stresses, temperature, and the limits of static tightness can be predicted at high accuracy for a wide range of operating conditions.
Playful approaches to news engagement
Authors: Ferrer-Conill Raul , Foxman Maxwell , Jones Janet , Sihvonen Tanja , Siitonen Marko
Published: May 2020

From crossword puzzles and quizzes to more complex gamification strategies and serious newsgames, legacy media has long explored ways to deploy playful approaches to deliver their content and engage with the audience. We examine how news and games fit together when news organizations, game creators and news audiences welcome gameful forms of communication and participation. Moreover, we reflect on the theoretical and empirical significance of merging news with games as a way to reformulate normative assumptions, production practices and consumption patterns. As a result, the boundaries between journalism and game’s logics start to erode, and they begin to find new ways of converging.
Hashtag narrative: Emergent storytelling and affective publics in the digital age
Authors: Dawson Paul
Published: May 2020

This article investigates the role that narrative plays in the emergence of cultural movements from the networked interactions of users with the algorithmic structures of social media platforms. It identifies and anatomizes a new narrative phenomenon created by the technological affordances of Twitter, a phenomenon dubbed ‘emergent storytelling’. In doing so, it seeks to explain: (a) the multiple concepts of narrative that operate at different levels of hashtag movements emerging from the dynamic forces that circulate in and through Twitter; (b) the interplay of narrative cognition with stochastic viral activity and the invisible design of social media algorithms; and (c) the varying rhetorical purposes that narrative is put to in public discourse about viral movements. Using #MeToo as a case study in the generation and reception of ‘affective publics’, it clarifies how iterative appeals to the experiential truth of individual stories manifest as narratable social movements in the networked public sphere.
Non-stereotype-based threat in gender-imbalanced work groups: Mismatched self-construal erodes self-esteem and promotes performance-avoidance goals
Authors: Heidemeier Heike , Otten Sabine , Göritz Anja S.
Published: May 2020

The present studies investigated whether the gender composition of a group represents a sufficient situational cue for creating a mismatch between situationally accessible and ideal self-views. A longitudinal study of 333 employees revealed that being in the numerical minority implied a mismatch with ideal self-views among those who de-emphasized independence in their chronic self-construal, whereas being in the numerical majority constituted a mismatch with ideal self-views among those who emphasized independence. Both types of employees suffered a drop in self-esteem and adopted maladaptive motivational states, namely performance-avoidance goals. The observed deleterious effect of mismatched self-construal on goal pursuit was fully mediated by a perceived lack of acceptance (low social self-esteem). We replicated these findings in a laboratory study with 268 unacquainted individuals who collaborated in small groups on a non-gender-typed group task.
Implementing an emissions-rate model in computational fluid dynamics simulations of contaminant diffusion processes: A case study with xylene in painting workshops
Authors: Liu Aihua , Huang Xiaofei , Yuan Zhi , Wan Jing , Zhuang Yijie
Published: May 2020

Organic solvents frequently lead to substantial occupational health issues in secondary industries. This study examined the xylene diffusion process in painting workshops as a case study to develop a control of indoor air quality in manufacturing workshops. Three-dimensional simulations of xylene emission were built based on a ventilated chamber test to provide the source term for the mathematical model. An exponential relationship was established between xylene emissions rates and time. Numerical results obtained using the emissions rate model were more consistent with experimental data than those from constant emission rate. Owing to the property that is denser than air; therefore, given the coupled influence of molecular diffusion, gravity and environmental turbulence, the xylene concentration at a height of 0.75–2.5 m is high, and it could possibly exceed the Chinese standard, GBZ 2.1–2019 permissible concentration time weighted average (PC-TWA) of 50 mg/m3 in human-occupied zones. At the height of the human breathing zone (1.1 m), the aggregated concentration may even exceed the PC-TWA at 450 s by 100 times. Considering that the diffusion of xylene in a painting workshop represents heavy-gas pollutant diffusion problems, this study can be extended to predict pollutant concentration distributions in other secondary industrial workshops.
Journalistic illusio in a restrictive context: Role conceptions and perceptions of role enactment among Iranian journalists
Authors: Ranji Banafsheh
Published: May 2020

Discussions about Iranian journalism have disproportionately focused upon the restrictive political context of the country. Accordingly, journalism culture and the way journalists construct their roles and identities in the face of constraints in Iran have received scant attention. This study redresses this gap by focusing on Iranian journalists’ role conceptions and perceptions of role enactment. Based on interviews with 26 journalists working in media outlets in Iran, this study found that the role conceptions of Iranian journalists correspond to adversarial advocate, detective watchdog, change agent, educator and informer roles. Although the journalists perceive a large gap between their role ideals and their role performance, they believe they have occasionally been successful in acting out their roles. Journalists’ role conceptions and perceived role enactment serve as journalistic illusio, which not only motivate journalists to continue operating under pressure but also allow the journalistic field to exist and function over time in the restrictive media environment of Iran. These results are discussed in relation to whether and how journalism outside a democratic context is possible.
Increasing Community Readiness for Childhood Obesity Prevention: A Case Study of Four Communities in Georgia
Authors: Heath Erica , Sanon Victoria , Mast Dana Keener , Kibbe Debra , Lyn Rodney
Published: May 2020

The community readiness model (CRM) was used to assess changes in community readiness across four counties in Georgia that were targeted as part of a 3-year Childhood Obesity Prevention Program. Key respondent interviews were conducted with community stakeholders in 2012 (n = 20) and 2017 (n = 18) using a semistructured questionnaire assessing six dimensions of community readiness (i.e., community efforts, community knowledge of efforts, leadership, community climate, community knowledge about the issue, and resources available to support efforts). Interviews were analyzed using the CRM scoring protocol and qualitative methods. Paired t tests were used to compare mean score differences between baseline and follow-up assessments. At baseline, overall mean readiness scores for the four counties ranged from 4.52 to 5.05 on the CRM 9-point scale. At follow-up, overall readiness scores ranged from 6.01 to 6.97 out of 9.00. Data revealed a statistically significant improvement in scores across all communities (+1.70, p = .007; 95% confidence interval [0.87, 2.51]). Data also revealed statistically significant improvements in every dimension of readiness, except community knowledge of the issue. Information gleaned from interviews suggested that investing in staff to support efforts, building awareness to shift the community climate, and cross sector collaboration contributed to improved community readiness among the study communities. The provision of technical assistance, peer learning opportunities, and financial support as part of a cooperative grant initiative holds promise for increasing the capacity of community coalitions to advance childhood obesity prevention efforts in their local communities.