bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploration of Temperature‐Dependent Thermal Conductivity and Diffusion Coefficient for Thermal and Mass Transportation in Sutterby Nanofluid Model over a Stretching Cylinder
Authors: Raza Rabeeah , Sohail Muhammad , Abdeljawad Thabet , Naz Rahila , Thounthong Phatiphat
Published: March 2021

This declaration ponders the impacts of Joule warm, separation, and warming radiation for the progression of MHD Sutterby nanofluid past over an all‐inclusive chamber. The wonder of warmth and mass conduction is demonstrated under warm conductivity relying upon temperature and dispersion coefficients individually. Besides, the conventional Fourier and Fick laws have been applied in the outflows of warm and mass transport. The control model comprising of a progression of coupled incomplete differential conditions is changed over into a standard arrangement of nonlinear coupled differential conditions by reasonable likeness changes. The subsequent arrangement of articulations is systematically treated through an ideal homotopic method. The impacts of various dimensionless stream boundaries on the speed, temperature, and focus fields are delineated through diagrams. The range of some parameters involved is assumed for the convergent solution as 0 < Re < 10, 0 < Pr < 6.5, 0 < Ec < 40, 0 < Rd < 1.5, 0 < S1 < 0.5, 0 < S2 < 0.5, 0 < Le < 0.5, 0 < Nt < 2.5, and 0 < Nb < 2.0. The patterns of skin friction coefficient, local Nusselt, and Sherwood numbers are examined via bar charts. The principle consequence of the proposed study is that the decay of the speed for the Sutterby liquid boundary, the deterioration of the variable warm conductivity, the temperature, and the radiation increase the framework temperature. The delineation boundaries show the opposite conduct for the temperature and fixation outskirts layers.
Numerical Study on the Thermal Performance of Trombe Wall for Passive Solar Building in Semiarid Climate
Authors: Dhahri Maher , Khalilpoor Nima , Aouinet Hana , Issakhov Alibek , Sammouda Habib , Emani Sampath
Published: March 2021

The largest amount of energy in buildings is consumed to provide heating, cooling, and ventilation. Therefore, a practical solution such as using renewable energy sources can be considered to reduce energy costs and pollutants. In addition, architecture principles must be varied to utilize passive solar energy and also to reduce energy losses. In this research, a numerical study is presented to investigate the thermal behavior of TW-FR (Trombe wall placed in a fenestrated room) in the semiarid region of Tunisia. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation of fluid flow and heat transfer shows good agreement with published data in literature. The thermal comfort level was calculated according to ASHRAE (55-2013). The results show that (i) the normal Trombe wall cannot assure a satisfactory comfort level even in summer conditions and a higher vertical temperature gradient can take a value of 15°C, and the Trombe wall is shown to be more efficient in heating mode in the studied semi-arid region compared to cooling; (ii) the operative temperature for the coldest winter is between 17.85 and 19.85°C. The air temperature gradient in the comfort ranges between the head and feet is 2.3°C; and (iii) the Trombe wall is an excellent solution for Sousse city weather; it is suggested that the passive system (TW-FR) will be examined for a whole year to have a precise evaluation of its efficiency.
Refractory Acute Interstitial Nephritis in the Setting of Nivolumab Therapy
Authors: Faieta Antonio , Dancik Tavis
Published: March 2021

A 65-year-old male patient with metastatic CCRCC developed steroid-dependent, grade 3 AIN secondary to nivolumab weeks after its initiation that resulted in 3 hospitalizations with acute renal failure. The patient was started on MM and his AIN was successfully controlled after a 2-year period of follow-up. Refractory renal AIN resulting from PD-1 inhibitor use is rare, and its successful treatment with mofetil mycophenolate with a 2-year follow-up in a patient with metastatic CCRCC has not been reported. This case is important because not only was his renal irAEs controlled but also long-term treatment with MM did not result in progression of metastatic disease.
Correlation between TNF‐α ‐308 and +489 Gene Polymorphism and Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases
Authors: Yu Suyun , Xue Min , Yan Zhijun , Song Bin , Hong Haiping , Gao Xiwen
Published: March 2021

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is becoming a common respiratory disease, leading to increased morbidity and mortality worldwide. Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) is a powerful proinflammatory cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of AECOPD. Therefore, we proposed a close correlation between the TNF‐α polymorphism [‐308G/A (rs1800629), +489G/A (rs1800610)] and the disease progress of patients with AECOPD. Comparison of the TNF‐α genotypes between the 198 AECOPD diagnosed patients groups and 195 healthy peoples suggested their significant differences of the three genotypes (AA, GA, GG) distribution for TNF‐α ‐308 (P < 0.05), but no differences of that for TNF‐α +489. We found that patients with TNF‐α ‐308 GA/AA genotypes showed smaller adjacent arterial diameter, thicker bronchial wall, higher bronchial artery ratio, higher bronchial wall grading, and higher frequency of acute exacerbations than those with TNF‐α ‐308 GG genotype. Patients with TNF‐α +489 GA/AA genotypes showed the same AECOPD properties as patients with TNF‐α ‐308 except for the high frequency of acute exacerbations. Further experiment showed that the TNF‐α ‐308 and+489 gene polymorphisms could affect the expression level of TNF‐α in macrophages, suggesting the involvement of the macrophage population in disease regulation of AECOPD patients with TNF‐α ‐308G/A and+489G/A genotype heterogeneity. In conclusion, the TNF‐α ‐308 G/A genotype was related to AECOPD susceptibility and progress, while the TNF‐α +489G/A genotype was related to AECOPD progress, but not AECOPD susceptibility.
Focal Adhesion Kinase Inhibitor Inhibits the Oxidative Damage Induced by Central Venous Catheter via Abolishing Focal Adhesion Kinase‐Protein Kinase B Pathway Activation
Authors: Wang Yanru , Lin Sulan , Jiang Ping , Song Yunlin , Zhao Yanjie , Zheng Yujian
Published: March 2021

The vascular injury induced by central venous catheter (CVC) indwelling is the basis for the occurrence and development of CVC‐related complications, such as phlebitis, venous thrombosis, and catheter‐related infections. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and FAK‐protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway are of great significance in tissue repair after trauma. Here, we investigated the role and mechanism of the FAK inhibitor (1,2,4,5‐phenyltetramine tetrahydrochloride (Y15)) in oxidative damage caused by CVC. EA.hy926 cells were divided into the control group (normal control), CVCs+scratches group (the intercepted CVC segments coculturing with scratched EA.hy926 cells), and CVCs+scratches+Y15 group (Y15 was added to the cell culture supernatant with CVCs + scratches at a final concentration of 50 μmol·L-1). New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into the control group (normal control), CVC group (CVC was inserted through the rabbit’s right jugular vein to the junction of the right atrium and superior vena cava), and CVC+Y15 group (CVC was immersed in a 50 μmol·L-1 Y15 solutions before insertion). The levels of markers and proteins related to oxidative damage in cells, cell culture supernatant, serum, and external jugular vein were measured by commercial kits and western blot, respectively. We found that Y15 treatment significantly decreased ROS and MDA levels and increased cell viability, NO, and SOD levels in a time‐dependent manner in rabbit serum and cell culture supernatant. In addition, Y15 effectively reduced the CVC‐induced pathological changes of damaged vascular tissues. Y15 also downregulated the levels of p‐FAK Tyr 397 and p‐Akt Ser 473 in damaged external jugular vein and EA.hy926 cells. These findings suggest that Y15 alleviated CVC‐induced oxidative damage to blood vessels by suppressing focal FAK‐Akt pathway activation.
Early Weak Fault Diagnosis of Rolling Bearing Based on Multilayer Reconstruction Filter
Authors: Li Quanfu , Zhou Yuxuan , Tang Gang , Xin Chunlin , Zhang Tao
Published: March 2021

The early weak fault characteristics of rolling bearings are extremely weak and are easily overwhelmed by other noises. In order to effectively extract the characteristics of the early weak faults of the rolling bearings and draw on the multilayer wavelet decomposition idea, a method for diagnosing the early weak faults of the rolling bearing based on the multilayer reconstruction filter is proposed. As we all know, empirical wavelet transform (EWT) makes full use of wavelet filter bank, and variational mode decomposition (VMD) uses Wiener filter bank. This paper fully combines the advantages of the above two methods, adaptively determines the number of modes through empirical wavelet decomposition and divides the original signal, extracts the frequency band that contains the fault characteristic information, and effectively eliminates noise interference. These steps are repeated until the optimal component of the condition is obtained. In the output layer, the weak fault impact components are further separated by the strong filtering and signal decomposition capability of VMD. The advantages of the proposed method are proved by the experiment of weak fault of rolling bearing and the accelerated failure experiment of full life. The proposed method has the advantages of reducing noise influence and adaptive estimation of decomposed modes, which can be applied more efficiently in practice.
Association between Smoking History and Tumor Mutation Burden in Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Xinan , Ricciuti Biagio , Nguyen Tom , Li Xihao , Rabin Michael S. , Awad Mark M. , Lin Xihong , Johnson Bruce E. , Christiani David C.
Published: March 2021

Lung carcinogenesis is a complex and stepwise process involving accumulation of genetic mutations in signaling and oncogenic pathways via interactions with environmental factors and host susceptibility. Tobacco exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer, but its relationship to clinically relevant mutations and the composite tumor mutation burden (TMB) has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the dose–response relationship in a retrospective observational study of 931 patients treated for advanced-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between April 2013 and February 2020 at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Doubling smoking pack-years was associated with increased KRASG12C and less frequent EGFRdel19 and EGFRL858R mutations, whereas doubling smoking-free months was associated with more frequent EGFRL858R. In advanced lung adenocarcinoma, doubling smoking pack-years was associated with an increase in TMB, whereas doubling smoking-free months was associated with a decrease in TMB, after controlling for age, gender, and stage. There is a significant dose–response association of smoking history with genetic alterations in cancer-related pathways and TMB in advanced lung adenocarcinoma.

Significance:

This study clarifies the relationship between smoking history and clinically relevant mutations in non–small cell lung cancer, revealing the potential of smoking history as a surrogate for tumor mutation burden.
Glucose Variability and Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Diabetes: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Yoo Jeong-Ju , Cho Eun Ju , Han Kyungdo , Heo Soo Seong , Kim Bo-Yeon , Shin Dong Wook , Yu Su Jong
Published: March 2021

Background:

Although diabetes is a well-known risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma, exactly which metabolic parameters of diabetes are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma remain unexplored. In this study, we investigated the relationship between glucose variability (GV) and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with diabetes through a nationwide population-based study.

Methods:

A population-based cohort study including 674,178 diabetic subjects participating in more than three health examinations within 5 years from the index year (2009 and 2010) were followed until the end of 2017. The coefficient of variation, SD, variability independent of the mean, and average real variability were calculated as GV indices.

Results:

During a median follow-up of 6.7 years, there were 5,494 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma. When groups were classified according to glucose level, the highest risk for hepatocellular carcinoma was observed when the basal blood glucose level was 180 mg/dL or greater [adjusted HR (aHR), 1.19; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08–1.31]. We observed increasing trends for the relationship between GV and hepatocellular carcinoma in multivariable Cox proportional analyses. The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma increased by 27% (aHR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.17–1.38) for the highest quartile of GV relative to the lowest quartile. These findings were consistent regardless of the presence of chronic viral hepatitis or cirrhosis, alcohol consumption, or body mass index.

Conclusions:

GV was an independent predictor of hepatocellular carcinoma, even after adjusting for confounding factors. There was a linear relationship between increase in GV and prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Impact:

Visit-to-visit GV might be helpful for identifying patients with diabetes at high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.
First Report of Sex Chromosomes in Plated Lizards (Squamata: Gerrhosauridae)
Authors: Kostmann Alexander , Kratochvíl Lukáš , Rovatsos Michail
Published: March 2021

Squamate reptiles show high diversity in sex determination ranging from environmental sex determination to genotypic sex determination with varying degrees of differentiation of sex chromosomes. Unfortunately, we lack even basic information on sex determination mode in several lineages of squamates, which prevents full understanding of their diversity and evolution of sex determination. One of the reptilian lineages with missing information on sex determination is the family Gerrhosauridae, commonly known as the plated lizards. Several species of gerrhosaurids have been studied in the past by conventional cytogenetic methods, but sex-specific differences were not identified. In this study, we applied both conventional and molecular cytogenetic methods to metaphases from both sexes of the Peters’ keeled plated lizard (Tracheloptychus petersi). We identified accumulations of rDNA loci in a pair of microchromosomes in metaphases from males, but only in a single microchromosome in females. The restriction of the observed heterozygosity to females suggests a putative ZZ/ZW system of sex chromosomes, which represents the first report of sex chromosomes in a gerrhosaurid lizard. The lack of sex-specific signals in all other cytogenetic methods implies that the sex chromosomes of T. petersi are poorly differentiated in sequence content.
Protection of Property Rights in Crimea: The Tools of International Investment Law compared to the Mechanism of the European Convention on Human Rights
Authors: Krimmer Maren
Published: March 2021

The Crimean conflict has been a challenge to the international community not only politically since the role of international law has now been questioned, especially concerning its interpretation and even applicability. As Crimea now falls into the category of an annexed/occupied territory, it is worth examining whether effective protection is afforded to property rights relating to foreign direct investments (fdi s) on Crimean territory. Foreign Direct Investments are usually protected by bilateral investment treaties (bit s) and this paper examines whether the Russia-Ukraine bit can guarantee an effective protection for property and also what other tools may exist for guarantee this protection. The article shows that there are two different “toolkits” which can protect investors’ property rights. Thus, not only the Russia-Ukraine bit can guarantee effective protection of property protection but also another tool, which is the European Convention on Human Rights. Both tools, the Russia-Ukraine bit and the echr protect the property rights and can co-exist.
Is it time to let go? The Best Loser System in Mauritius
Authors: Fessha Yonatan , Nam Nora Ho Tu
Published: March 2021

As Mauritius was moving towards independence, one contested issue was the electoral system to be adopted. Minority groups were wary of any electoral system which would allow for a Hindu-hegemony and which would leave them unable to access power. To respond to this anxiety, Mauritius adopted the best loser system (BLS), a unique system of ethnic representation in the national parliament. This contribution examines how the adoption of BLS, has over the years, contributed to the management of ethnic diversity. More importantly, it examines the current debate regarding the contemporary relevance of BLS to today’s Mauritius. At times heavily criticized for its communal and ethnic undertones, BLS has ensured continued minority representation in parliament. The article argues that one must be cautious about dismissing the relevance of inclusive institutions such as BLS as such an attitude might well undermine the move towards a more united Mauritius.
Improvement of Snow Gauge Collection Efficiency through a Knowledge of Solid Precipitation Fall Speed
Authors: Leroux Nicolas R. , Thériault Julie M. , Rasmussen Roy
Published: March 2021

The collection efficiency of a typical precipitation gauge-shield configuration decreases with increasing wind speed, with a high scatter for a given wind speed. The high scatter in the collection efficiency for a given wind speed arises in part from the variability in the characteristics of falling snow and atmospheric turbulence. This study uses weighing gauge data collected at the Marshall Field Site near Boulder, Colorado, during the WMO Solid Precipitation Intercomparison Experiment (SPICE). Particle diameter and fall speed data from a laser disdrometer were used to show that the scatter in the collection efficiency can be reduced by considering the fall speed of solid precipitation particles. The collection efficiency was divided into two classes depending on the measured mean-event particle fall speed during precipitation events. Slower-falling particles were associated with a lower collection efficiency. A new transfer function (i.e., the relationship between collection efficiency and other meteorological variables, such as wind speed or air temperature) that includes the fall speed of the hydrometeors was developed. The root-mean-square error of the adjusted precipitation with the new transfer function with respect to a weighing gauge placed in a double fence intercomparison reference was lower than using previously developed transfer functions that only consider wind speed and air temperature. This shows that the measured fall speed of solid precipitation with a laser disdrometer accounts for a large amount of the observed scatter in weighing gauge collection efficiency.
Interannual Variability in Sea Surface Height at Southern Midlatitudes of the Indian Ocean
Authors: Nagura Motoki , McPhaden Michael J.
Published: March 2021

This study examines interannual variability in sea surface height (SSH) at southern midlatitudes of the Indian Ocean (10°–35°S). Our focus is on the relative role of local wind forcing and remote forcing from the equatorial Pacific Ocean. We use satellite altimetry measurements, an atmospheric reanalysis, and a one-dimensional wave model tuned to simulate observed SSH anomalies. The model solution is decomposed into the part driven by local winds and that driven by SSH variability radiated from the western coast of Australia. Results show that variability radiated from the Australian coast is larger in amplitude than variability driven by local winds in the central and eastern parts of the south Indian Ocean at midlatitudes (between 19° and 33°S), whereas the influence from eastern boundary forcing is confined to the eastern basin at lower latitudes (10° and 17°S). The relative importance of eastern boundary forcing at midlatitudes is due to the weakness of wind stress curl anomalies in the interior of the south Indian Ocean. Our analysis further suggests that SSH variability along the west coast of Australia originates from remote wind forcing in the tropical Pacific, as is pointed out by previous studies. The zonal gradient of SSH between the western and eastern parts of the south Indian Ocean is also mostly controlled by variability radiated from the Australian coast, indicating that interannual variability in meridional geostrophic transport is driven principally by Pacific winds.
Patient Education and Sacubitril/Valsartan: A Randomized Comparative Trial
Authors: Giuliano Christopher , St. Pierre Bradley , George Jamie
Published: March 2021

Objective: To compare video to pharmacist education for patients taking sacubitril/valsartan. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing video to pharmacist education with a second randomized intervention of education delivered through text or phone call at 14 days. The primary outcome compared the change in short term knowledge between groups and the secondary outcome was long term knowledge at 1 month. Results: Forty-three patients were included. Scores improved significantly ( P < .05) in the pharmacist group from 54.1% to 85.9% and from 64.3% to 86.1% in the video education group, although there was no difference between groups (31.8% vs 22.9%, P = .13). At 30 days, scores were significantly higher than baseline (difference 16.5%, P < .05) although did decrease from the posttest (difference 7.4%, P < .05). There was no difference at 30 days between those that received text messages versus phone calls (−10% vs −5.5%, respectively; P = .36). Conclusion: We saw improvements in both short term and long term knowledge for patients receiving education through pharmacist or video education. Neither approach was more effective than the other. Clinicians can use either approach based on patient preference.
The (mostly) robust influence of initial trustworthiness beliefs on subsequent behaviors and perceptions
Authors: Campagna Rachel L , Mislin Alexandra A , Dirks Kurt T , Elfenbein Hillary Anger
Published: March 2021

Do initial trustworthiness beliefs only have a short-term, temporary effect on one’s behavior and perceptions? Or might these initial beliefs have a lasting, robust effect that persists over time and in subsequent interactions? Trust development theories do not provide a consistent answer. Some research predicts the initial trustworthiness belief will be fleeting, whereas other research suggests it will have a more lasting role. We reconcile these different predictions by drawing on accessibility theory, and by conducting a longitudinal field study and two experimental studies. Our research tests the impact of initial trustworthiness beliefs on behaviors and perceptions following an exchange in which the trustworthiness of a counterpart plays a critical role. The studies confirm that initial trustworthiness beliefs continue to affect perceivers’ behaviors and perceptions in a subsequent exchange, even after a trust violation. However, following a two-week delay between interactions, the relationship becomes more complex. Our findings contribute to the trust literature by demonstrating the mostly robust nature of initial trustworthiness beliefs and explaining why and how these beliefs motivate future perceptions and behaviors.
Navigating Shared Consumption Experiences: Clarity About a Partner’s Interests Increases Enjoyment
Authors: Wu Yuechen , Hamilton Rebecca W. , Kim Nicole You Jeung , Ratner Rebecca K.
Published: March 2021

Consumers frequently engage in activities with others, such as visiting an art gallery with a friend or going to a sports match with a family member, and they tend to assume that sharing experiences with another person will make these activities more enjoyable. However, navigating a shared experience—making decisions about pacing, sequencing, and interacting with another person as the experience unfolds—can take consumers’ attention away from the activity, potentially reducing their enjoyment. In a series of studies in which consumers engage in real consumption experiences, the authors show that lack of clarity about a partner’s interests can distract consumers, making it difficult for them to focus on the shared activity and reducing their enjoyment of shared experiences relative to solo experiences. Notably, simple interventions can increase clarity of a partner’s interests and consumers’ enjoyment of shared activities, providing tools for service providers who want to retain customers and benefit from positive word of mouth.
Rejection sensitivity and the development of social anxiety symptoms during adolescence: A five-year longitudinal study
Authors: Zimmer-Gembeck Melanie J. , Gardner Alex A. , Hawes Tanya , Masters Mitchell R. , Waters Allison M. , Farrell Lara J.
Published: March 2021

Rejection sensitivity is a bias toward expecting rejection that can result from negative social experiences and degrade emotional adjustment. In this study, rejection sensitivity was expected to predict patterns of adolescent social anxiety over 5 years when considered alongside other known or expected risk and protective factors: peer rejection (peer-reported), emotion dysregulation, self-worth, temperament (parent-reported), female gender, and grade. Participants were 377 Australian students (45% boys; 79% White, 15% Asian) aged 10 to 13 years ( M = 12.0, SD = .90) and their parents (84%) who completed seven repeated surveys across 5 years. In an unconditional latent growth model, social anxiety symptoms had a significant quadratic pattern of growth, with symptoms increasing about midway into the study when adolescents were age 14, on average. In a model with all predictors, rejection sensitivity was uniquely associated with a higher intercept and a more pronounced quadratic growth pattern of social anxiety symptoms. Other predictors of growth in symptoms were the temperamental trait of negativity affectivity and emotion dysregulation; negative affectivity was associated with a higher intercept and a more pronounced quadratic pattern, and emotion dysregulation was associated with a higher intercept and a less pronounced quadratic pattern. Gender was associated with the intercept, with girls higher in symptoms than boys.
Healthy and Indulgent Food Consumption Practices Within Grandparent–Grandchild Identity Bundles: A Qualitative Study of New Zealand and Danish Families
Authors: O’Donohoe Stephanie , Gram Malene , Marchant Caroline , Schänzel Heike , Kastarinen Anne
Published: March 2021

Both grandparenting and food provisioning practices play an important role in contemporary family life, but the role of food in grandparent–grandchild and wider family relationships is underresearched. Popular and academic discourse often focuses on grandparents as indulgent feeders with negative implications for children’s weight and eating practices. Drawing on the concept of family identity bundles and interviews with Danish and New Zealand grandparents and grandchildren, it was found that, for both generations, being alone together was a treat in itself and a time for treats, although they were fluent in the discourse of balance and moderation. Grandparents’ food-related practices were shaped by the internalized as well as actual presence of the parents, but they tended to experience rather than express tensions over parental feeding practices. These findings offer a nuanced account of grandparents’ role in children’s (un)healthy eating practices and of the role of food in intergenerational family relationships.
The Relationship Between Conflict Topics and Romantic Relationship Dynamics
Authors: Meyer Dixie , Sledge Renata
Published: March 2021

Romantic coupling in the United States is changing (e.g., communication patterns). Research investigating couple conflict topics has not updated with current trends. A large, representative sample ( n = 1,013) selected frequent couples conflict topics and reported relationship satisfaction and conflict behaviors. Results suggested communications was the most frequently reported conflict topic for all couples and parenting was the most frequently reported conflict topic for parents. Other commonly reported topics included personal/partner habits, household chores, finances, decision-making, quality time, sex, screen time, role expectations, and time management. Finances, parenting, and sex were negatively associated with relationship satisfaction, whereas household chores and time management were positively associated with relationship satisfaction. Communication, finances, parenting, and sex were associated with an increase in dysfunctional conflict behaviors, whereas time management was associated with a decrease in dysfunctional conflict behaviors. Understanding how conflict sources affect relationships may help couples navigate conflict to preserve the relationship.
Triangulations of “Motherly Love”: Negotiated Intimacies among Migrant Domestic Workers, Mothers, and Children
Authors: Hoiting Iris
Published: March 2021

Persistent economic inequality between men and women, combined with differences in gender expectations and growing inequalities among women globally, has resulted in families “outsourcing” childcare by employing migrant domestic workers (MDWs). While studies have addressed the intimacy and complexity of “mothering” in such contexts, the agentic position of child-recipients of such care have seldom been explored. This article increases our understanding of care-relationships by examining their triangularity among children, MDWs, and mothers in Hong Kong. Drawing on in-depth interviews with young people who grew up with MDWs, alongside interviews with MDWs themselves, this article describes processes through which care work transforms into what Lynch describes as “love labor” in these relational contexts. In these contexts, commodified care from MDWs can develop, through a process of mutual trilateral negotiations, into intimate love-laboring relationships that, in turn, reflect larger dynamics of familial transformation that are endemic to “global cities.”
Parametric study of aluminum bar shearing using Johnson-Cook material modeling
Authors: Moakhar Sonda , Hentati Hamdi , Barkallah Maher , Louati Jamel , Haddar Mohamed
Published: March 2021

Previous studies of the shearing process demonstrated that clearance and shear rate are the most influential parameters on the geometry of sheared billets. This paper illustrates a parametric numerical study of the impact of these parameters on the quality of the shear surface using the finite element simulation of shearing. In order to account for interactions between stress state evolution and the associated heating during shearing, a fully coupled thermo-mechanical simulation method was adopted. The influence of stress state, strain rate, and temperature on the material behavior were taken into account by using Johnson-Cook plasticity and ductile failure models. Many simulations were carried out involving diverse shear rates and shear clearances. The relationship between the parameters of shear surface geometry and the temperature was illustrated and proven. Contrary to the expectation of high-speed shearing performance, a burr free smooth shear surface was found using a low shear rate. This study illustrates a numerical strategy to determine the best shear clearance-rate set for aluminum alloy Al7075-T6 bars that minimizes the shear surface defects.
Development of L1-norm sliding mode observer for sensor fault diagnosis of an industrial gas turbine
Authors: Akbari Mahyar , Khoshnood Abdol Majid , Irani Saied
Published: March 2021

In this article, a novel approach for model-based sensor fault detection and estimation of gas turbine is presented. The proposed method includes driving a state-space model of gas turbine, designing a novel L1-norm Lyapunov-based observer, and a decision logic which is based on bank of observers. The novel observer is designed using multiple Lyapunov functions based on L1-norm, reducing the estimation noise while increasing the accuracy. The L1-norm observer is similar to sliding mode observer in switching time. The proposed observer also acts as a low-pass filter, subsequently reducing estimation chattering. Since a bank of observers is required in model-based sensor fault detection, a bank of L1-norm observers is designed in this article. Corresponding to the use of the bank of observers, a two-step fault detection decision logic is developed. Furthermore, the proposed state-space model is a hybrid data-driven model which is divided into two models for steady-state and transient conditions, according to the nature of the gas turbine. The model is developed by applying a subspace algorithm to the real field data of SGT-600 (an industrial gas turbine). The proposed model was validated by applying to two other similar gas turbines with different ambient and operational conditions. The results of the proposed approach implementation demonstrate precise gas turbine sensor fault detection and estimation.
Deciphering the Emerging Roles of Adipocytes and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Fat Transplantation
Authors: Yi Yi , Hu Weijie , Zhao Chongru , Wu Min , Zeng Hong , Xiong Mingchen , Lv Wenchang , Wu Yiping , Zhang Qi
Published: March 2021

Autologous fat transplantation is widely regarded as an increasingly popular method for augmentation or reshaping applications in soft tissue defects. Although the fat transplantation is of simple applicability, low donor site morbidity and excellent biocompatibility, the clinical unpredictability and high resorption rates of the fat grafts remain an inevitable problem. In the sites of fat transplantation, the most essential components are the adipocyte and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). The survival of adipocytes is the direct factor determining fat retention. The efficacy of fat transplantation is reduced by fat absorption and fibrosis due to the inadequate blood flow, adipocyte apoptosis and fat necrosis. ADSCs, a heterogeneous mixture of cells in adipose tissue, are closely related to tissue survival. ADSCs exhibit the ability of multilineage differentiation and remarkable paracrine activity, which is crucial for graft survival. This article will review the recent existing research on the mechanisms of adipocytes and ADSCs in fat transplantation, especially including adipocyte apoptosis, mature adipocyte dedifferentiation, adipocyte browning, ADSCs adipogenic differentiation and ADSCs angiogenesis. The in-depth understanding of the survival mechanism will be extremely valuable for achieving the desired filling effects.
The Spectrum of Congenital Central Nervous System Anomalies Among Stillborn: An Autopsy Based Study
Authors: Vinutha S. P. , Narayanappa D. , Manjunath G. V. , Sujatha M. S. , Sapna Patel M. C. , Bhat Deepa
Published: March 2021

Background:

Congenital central nervous system (CNS) anomalies are the structural or functional abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord that occur during the intrauterine developmental process.

Purpose:

The present study aims to detect the prevalence of congenital CNS anomalies among stillborn fetuses, the association between congenital anomalies and maternal factors, and also the association between autopsy and ultrasound findings.

Methods:

This study was conducted on 50 stillborn fetuses, obtained from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at JSS Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru. The fetuses were fixed in 10% formalin and autopsies were performed as per the standard fetal autopsy protocol. The congenital CNS anomalies were studied in detail.

Results:

CNS anomalies were the most common congenital anomalies observed. Out of the total 50 stillborn fetuses studied, CNS anomalies were found in 17 fetuses and their occurrence was more common among male stillborn than females. Meningomyelocele was the most common anomaly, followed by anencephaly. The other anomalies documented were meningocele, encephalocele, meningoencephalocele, agenesis of the corpus callosum, craniorachischisis, bifid cerebellum with hypoplastic vermis, holoprosencephaly, and sirenomelia. Fisher’s exact test showed a significant association between maternal hypothyroidism and congenital CNS anomalies ( P < .05). The autopsy confirmed the ultrasound findings in 40 (80%) fetuses. There were significant additional findings observed in seven (14%) fetal autopsies and ultrasound diagnosis completely changed in three (6%) cases, after the final autopsy procedure.

Conclusion:

The fetal autopsy is the single most directly evident investigation, which gives information that changes or significantly improves the clinical diagnosis. A multidisciplinary holistic approach toward pregnancy will help to detect any kind of abnormality in the fetus and thus to take a timely decision toward the management.
Interobserver reliability of canine urine specific gravity assessed by analog or digital refractometers
Authors: Rowe John C. , Hokamp Jessica A. , Braatz Jessica N. , Freitag-Engstrom John R. , Stephens Nicole L. , Chew Dennis J. , Langston Catherine , Rudinsky Adam J.
Published: March 2021

Refractometry is utilized routinely to evaluate canine urine specific gravity (USG) in veterinary clinical settings. We aimed to determine if the magnitude of interobserver reliability when assessing canine USG via refractometry could impact clinical judgment. USG was determined in 38 dogs by 3 registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) using both an optical analog refractometer and a digital refractometer. Summary statistics were reported, interobserver reliability was assessed via intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis through a 2-way mixed-effects model, and agreement between RVT pairs was compared through Bland–Altman plots. The median analog refractometer USG measurement was 1.018 (range: 1.004–1.040) and for the digital refractometer was 1.0176 (1.0035–1.0357). The analog refractometer average measure ICC was 0.995 (95% CI: 0.992, 0.997; p < 0.001). The digital refractometer average measure ICC was 0.999 (95% CI: 0.999, 1.000; p < 0.001). Strong agreement between all pairs of RVTs was seen via Bland–Altman plots for both analog and digital refractometers, with 95% CIs spanning no more than 0.002 in either the positive or negative direction for all pairings. The interobserver variability in canine USG measurements by RVTs was trivial and did not impact clinical judgment and decision-making.
Multisource Feedback as an Experiential Learning Enabler in Large-Format Management Classes
Authors: Black Stephanie Lee , DeGrassi Sandra W. , Sweet Kenneth M.
Published: March 2021

An extensive body of literature has examined the benefits and challenges of experiential learning in higher education. At the same time, colleges and universities have increased the utilization of large class sections, both online and face-to-face. To date, little research has examined mechanisms for leveraging the benefits, while mitigating the challenges, of experiential learning in large classes. This article seeks to address some of the inherent problems of experiential learning activities in large classes by providing an extension of Kolb’s experiential learning framework. Drawing on the multisource feedback literature, we integrate a multisource evaluation process employing self-assessment, peer collaboration, and community engagement to enhance experiential learning outcomes. We propose that this process will help reduce faculty feedback and coaching requirements, while increasing student engagement and career readiness in large classes. We contend that our framework provides a viable model to facilitate student learning, sheds light on an understudied area of pedagogy, and addresses a practical issue facing management instructors in large classrooms. We conclude by offering a pilot study and implementation examples in three different types of management classes as well as proposing future research directions.
Managing Customer Uncertainty in Making Service Offshoring Decisions
Authors: Lu Lu , Gregory Gary D. , Ngo Liem Viet , Bagozzi Richard P.
Published: March 2021

Despite a long-standing interest in service offshoring from both academics and practitioners, the questions how and under what conditions customers react when a well-known national brand decides to outsource its services to an offshore service provider (OSP) is an understudied area. Drawing on cognitive consistency theory, we test a new construct called, “service offshoring fit” (SOF) that captures customer overall perceptual consistency in their memory networks between the focal firm and the OSP as indicated by the suitability, appropriability, and logicality of the alliance. Using 393 responses from a panel of customers of focal brands, we show that customer certainty mediates the relationship between SOF and intention not to switch by current customers. Our findings also reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship between marketing communications and customer certainty at different levels of SOF. Specifically, if firms communicate consumers’ benefits associated with offshoring, they can mitigate or avoid negative customer reactions (and subsequently increase customer certainty); however, after a certain point, such effects are reduced.
Are Supplemental Branched-Chain Amino Acids Beneficial During the Oncological Peri-Operative Period: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cogo Elise , Elsayed Mohamed , Liang Vivian , Cooley Kieran , Guerin Christilynn , Psihogios Athanasios , Papadogianis Peter
Published: March 2021

Background:

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs; leucine, isoleucine, and valine) are essential amino acids involved in immune responses, and may have roles in protein malnutrition and sarcopenia. Furthermore, certain liver diseases have been associated with a decreased Fischer’s ratio (BCAAs to aromatic amino acids; phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan). We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BCAAs use in patients with cancer undergoing surgery.

Methods:

MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched (inception to July 24, 2020) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative observational studies in English evaluating BCAAs (alone or in combinations) during the oncological peri-operative period. Study selection, data extraction, and quality appraisal were done in duplicate. RCT risk-of-bias was appraised using Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool, and observational studies’ quality assessment was conducted with Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analyses were conducted when appropriate.

Results:

20 articles were included comprising 13 RCTs and 6 observational cohort studies in 7 reports and 2019 total participants overall. Among 13 RCTs, 77% involved liver cancer. Methodological study quality scored substantial risk-of-bias across most RCTs. Meta-analysis of RCTs found a 38% decreased risk of post-operative infections in BCAAs group compared to controls (RR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.44 to 0.87; P = .006; number of RCTs, k = 6; total sample size, N = 389; I2 = 0%). BCAAs were also found to be beneficial for ascites (RR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.35 to 0.86; P = .008; k = 4; N = 296; I2 = 0%), body weight (MD = 3.24 kg; 95% CI = 0.44 to 6.04; P = .02; k = 3; N = 196; I2 = 24%), and hospitalization length (MD = −2.07 days; 95% CI = −3.97 to −0.17; P = .03; k = 5; N = 362; I2 = 59%). No differences were found between BCAAs and controls for mortality, recurrence, other post-operative complications (liver failure, edema, pleural effusion), blood loss, quality of life, ammonia level, and prothrombin time. No serious adverse events were related to BCAAs; however, serious adverse events were reported due to intravenous catheters. No safety concerns from observational studies were identified.

Conclusions:

Branched-chain amino acids during the oncological surgical period demonstrated promise in reducing important post-operative morbidity from infections and ascites compared to controls. Blinded, placebo-controlled confirmatory trials of higher methodological quality are warranted, especially using oral, short-term BCAAs-enriched supplements within the context of recent ERAS programs.

PROSPERO registration:

CRD42018086168.
Content Analysis of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Recreational Sports Journal, 2005–2019
Authors: French Matthew T. , Cardinal Bradley J.
Published: March 2021

While its content and editorial decisions are independent of NIRSA, the Recreational Sports Journal is NIRSA’s scholarly communication outlet and supported by the NIRSA Foundation. Both the organization and journal share a common interest in shaping the future of college recreational sports programs. In response to and reflective of growing diversity on college campuses, that future prioritizes equity, diversity, and inclusion. This study sought to determine the extent that equity, diversity, and inclusion content has appeared in the Recreational Sports Journal during the time period of May, 2005–April, 2019. A retrospective content analysis was conducted on 200 research articles from the journal. To date, equity, diversity, and inclusion has not been addressed in a meaningful way, at least in this forum and during this time period. There is an urgent need for researchers to address this void. The journal is encouraged to assert greater influence in shaping this future.
Denervation as a Treatment for Arthritis of the Hands: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Zhu Sarah L. , Chin Brian , Sarraj Mohamed , Wang Eugene , Dunn Emily E. , McRae Matthew C.
Published: March 2021

Joint denervation has been proposed as a less invasive option for surgical management of hand arthritis that preserves joint anatomy while treating pain and decreasing postoperative recovery times. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the efficacy and safety of surgical joint denervation for osteoarthritis in the joints of the hand. EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases were searched from January 2000 to March 2019. Studies of adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis of the hand who underwent joint denervation surgery were included. Two reviewers performed the screening process, data abstraction, and risk of bias assessment (Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies). This review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (#125811). Ten studies were included, 9 case series and 1 cohort study, with a total of 192 patients. In all studies, joint denervation improved pain and hand function at follow-up (M = 36.8 months, range = 3-90 months). Pooled analysis of 3 studies on the first carpometacarpal joint showed a statistically significant ( P < .001) reduction in pain scores from baseline (M = 6.61 ± 2.03) to postoperatively (M = 1.69 ± 1.27). The combined complication rate was 18.8% (n = 36 of 192), with neuropathic pain or unintended sensory loss (8.8%, n = 17 of 192) being the most common. This review suggests that denervation may be an effective and low-morbidity procedure for treating arthritis of the hand. Prospective, comparative studies are required to further understand the outcomes of denervation compared with traditional surgical interventions.