bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the correlation between fuel injection quantity and key structural parameters for the fuel system of marine diesel engines
Authors: Fan Liyun , Wen Liming , Bai Yun , Lan Qi , Xu Jing , Gu Yuanqi
Published: May 2021

In order to demonstrate the relationship between the fuel injection quantity and the structural parameters of the fuel system for large marine diesel engines, an AMESim model of a double-valve controlled fuel system is proposed. The accuracy of the model is validated in view of fuel injection quantity and system pressures. The correlation analysis is performed to illustrate the effects of single parameters and the interactions between different parameters on the fuel injection quantity. Considering the high calculation cost of the simulation model, the prediction model between the fuel injection quantity and the structural parameters for each working condition is obtained based on D-optimal design of experiments and the response surface methodology in this article. For the maximum deviation between the calculated and predicted fuel injection quantity is only 4.27%, the prediction models could be used for further analysis. And the results show that the diameters of high-pressure fuel tube (HPFT), small and big ends of pressure amplification piston (PAP) are the key single parameters. The absolute values of their correlation coefficients are between 0.77 and 0.87, between 0.22 and 0.43 and between 0.14 and 0.26 respectively. The correlation coefficients for the other parameters are all relatively small. For interactive parameters, the absolute values for all the correlation coefficients are less than 0.1. And the interactions between the diameters of big and small diameters of PAP, between the diameter of small end of PAP and the diameter of HPFT, between the diameter of HPFT and the pre-tightening force of needle spring influence the fuel injection quantity relatively obviously.
Dynamic characteristics analysis and experimental of differential dual drive servo feed system
Authors: Yu Hanwen , Zhang Laigang , Wang Chong , Feng Xianying
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the design for a new differential-dual-drive low-speed micro-feed mechanism. The ‘nut rotary ball screw pair’ is the main driving component of the mechanism. The screw and nut are each driven by a servo motor and these motors rotate in the same direction at a similar speed. The nonlinear factors such as friction and backlash can lead to unstable behaviours such as stick-slip and oscillation of the feed system. We use the Euler–Bernoulli beam elements, which have axial and torsional degrees of freedom, to describe the axial and torsional vibration of the ball screw, and use the spring-lumped parameter method to analyse other components of the feed system. An electromechanical coupling dynamic model with nonlinear factors of friction and clearance is established. Through simulation analysis and experiment, the difference in response of single-drive and differential-dual-drive systems under the influence of friction and clearance is studied. The results show that the nonlinear factors of friction and clearance have an influence on the feed speed of single-drive and differential-dual-drive system, but the low-speed micro-feed performance of the differential-dual-drive system is evidently better than that of the single-drive system. In the experiment, under the condition of screw single drive and differential dual drive, the critical crawling velocities of the table are measured. The experimental results are consistent with the simulation results, which verifies that the established models are reasonable. This lays a foundation for the design and research of the controller.
Development of tolerance-based design optimization technology for the horizontal magnetized structure of acoustic vehicle alerting system
Authors: Ko Dong-shin , Lee Hyun-ju , Hur Deog-jae
Published: May 2021

Noise generation for helping people recognize the driving status of vehicles at low speeds has become legalized with the spread of electric and hydrogen vehicles, which requires a virtual engine sound generator. Furthermore, these generators require a slim design for installation in the vehicle. Therefore, in this study, in order to examine the relationship between the design parameters of the horizontal magnetized structure for maintaining the electromagnetic force performance and minimizing the actuator thickness, an independent analysis using a single variable and an investigation of the characteristic change due to multiple variables were sequentially performed. With respect to factor analysis of multiple variables, a screening analysis for performance improvement factors and an impact analysis for effects were conducted using a full factorial design. To verify the nonlinear characteristics, the significance of the curvature effect was verified by adding a central point to the analytical points of view, and a nonlinear regression model of the prediction model was derived using the face-centered central composite design of the response surface methodology. Five design parameters were found to influence the electromagnetic force performance and thickness minimization in the horizontal magnetized structure: magnet thickness, magnet adapter thickness, plate thickness, yoke position, and yoke thickness. Furthermore, when the tolerance management level of the design in the manufacturing process of each design parameter was limited to 3σ, the confidence level was predicted to increase to the range of 98.69–99.73% for the electromagnetic force performance and to the range of 97.64–99.73% for thickness minimization
Effects of spinning on residual velocity of ogive-nosed projectile undergoing ordnance velocity impact
Authors: Pranay V , Panigrahi SK
Published: May 2021

In the present article, finite element analysis (FEA) based simulation on the study of the impact of projectiles having ogive nose shape has been made using ANSYS explicit dynamics. The effects of spinning on the residual velocity of ogive nosed projectile undergoing ordnance velocity impact have been presented. The variations of residual velocity due to different projectile materials and target plate thickness have been evaluated when the projectile is impacted by translational and spinning velocity. The target plates and ogive nosed projectile of a given material are discretized, and a rigorous error and convergence study has been made. Subsequently, the residual velocity of the considered model is evaluated by numerical techniques based on FEA. The results with the optimized meshed model are compared with the analytical results using the penetration theory and found that the results are well compared. Parametric study of the residual velocity has been made with varied ogive nosed materials and target plate thickness when the ogive nosed projectile undergoing ordnance velocity impact. Based on the numerical results, it has been found that the ogive nose projectile having tungsten alloy material is more effective undergoing ordnance velocity impact compared to steel 4340 material. For a given target plate thickness, spinning velocity, and impact velocity, the residual velocity is about 3 percent higher for the projectile made up of tungsten alloy compared to the steel 4340. The effects of the target plate thickness on the residual velocity of the ogive nose projectile do not seem to have much significant effects. It may be due to the simple reason that the ratio of the target plate thickness to projectile diameter is remaining within the intermediate range, i.e. within 1 and 10.
Vehicle attitude compensation control of magneto-rheological semi-active suspension based on state observer
Authors: Wang Ruochen , Sheng Fupeng , Ding Renkai , Meng Xiangpeng , Sun Zeyun
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a vehicle attitude compensation algorithm based on state observer for vehicle semi-active suspension system equipped with four magneto-rheological dampers (MR dampers). The proposed algorithm including magneto-rheological damper control algorithm, attitude compensation control algorithm, and design method of state observer is to effectively improve ride comfort and control vehicle body attitude. First, the actual equivalent damping of magneto-rheological damper is introduced into state observer, and the parameter matrix of suspension system is updated in real time via precise discretization method to enhance the estimation accuracy of state observer. Then, the velocity signal estimated by state observer is employed as the evidence to realize attitude compensation control for vehicle body. Finally, relevant co-simulations and hardware-in-the-loop test are conducted to verify the validity of the proposed control algorithm. Results of simulations and tests demonstrate that the application of the control algorithm proposed in this paper can significantly improve ride comfort of magneto-rheological suspension and optimize vehicle body attitude.
Vehicle running instability detection algorithm (VRIDA): A signal based onboard diagnostic method for detecting hunting instability of rail vehicles
Authors: Kulkarni R , Qazizadeh A , Berg M , Carlsson U , Stichel S
Published: May 2021

In recent years, significant research transpired on onboard monitoring of various phenomena arising in dynamic vehicle-track interaction. One key issue being monitoring of vehicle hunting instability. Current hunting detection standards are appropriate for certification tests of vehicles, but incapable to monitor the health of the vehicle and track subsystems influencing the hunting instability. This paper proposes a signal based procedure for accurately triggering Hunting/No-Hunting alarm by conforming to requirements of onboard monitoring. A new method is conceived to reveal coherence among lateral and longitudinal accelerations during vehicle hunting. Furthermore, an index which amalgamates phase and amplitude information of lateral and longitudinal axlebox accelerations is introduced to detect coupled modes in lateral and yaw directions, i.e. hunting modes. Several simulations based pragmatic case studies are performed to assess the efficacy of the proposed procedure. The proposed method outperforms traditional hunting detection procedures by detecting more Hunting/No-Hunting occurrences. The proposed method contributes towards digitalization of rail vehicles through condition-based and predictive maintenance.
Prediction of rail defect development using parametric bootstrapping modified Weibull equations
Authors: Cronin John J , Zarembski Allan M , Palese Joseph W
Published: May 2021

The railroad industry has historically used the 2-Parameter Weibull equation to determine the rate of rail fatigue defect occurrences and to forecast the fatigue life of railroad rail. However, the 2-Parameter Weibull equation has significant limitations to include inability to analyze segments of track with limited number of rail defects. These limitations are addressed through modification of the traditional 2-Parameter Weibull equation with a novel approach developed from Parametric Bootstrapping. The result is a Parametric Bootstrapping modified Weibull (PBW) forecasting approach. This methodology is applied to rail segments with insufficient numbers of defects to allow for appropriate defect forecasting analysis. Thus, the PBW method provides reasonable estimates of the rate of defects for track segments that have little or no prior defect history. This approach allows for more track to be analyzed and forecasts the probability of rail defect occurrence as a function of key parameters such as cumulative traffic over the rail. A validation of the proposed methodology was performed. Comparison of the output results of over 300,000 track segments with over 200,000 rail defects showed a major improvement in percentage of segments with reasonable Weibull parameters (alpha and beta). This percentage increased from 11% of segments using traditional Weibull analysis to 77% of segments using Parametric Bootstrap modified Weibull approach. These results show that the PBW Analysis approach introduced here offers a more accurate and effective approach to determining the probability of developing future rail defects. This provides a benefit to railroads in planning maintenance of their expensive rail assets.
The improvement of the dynamic behavior of railway bridge transition zone using furnace slag reinforcement: A numerical and experimental study
Authors: Jing Guoqing , Siahkouhi Mohammad , Wang Haoyu , Esmaeili Morteza
Published: May 2021

Transition zones between railway tracks and bridge decks can cause higher dynamic impacts. A solution is smoothly changing the track stiffness by gradually mixing steel furnace slag into the stone ballast. A nominated bridge transition zone is divided into 5 blocks of 7 meters long, with the mixing percentages of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. The mechanical behaviors of furnace slag-ballast combinations (FS-BCs) were studied using experiments of shear strength test, Los Angles abrasion index and plate load test. Furthermore, the dynamic behavior of bridge transition zone with FS-BCs blocks was investigated using a field validated FEM model. Results show that the 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% furnace slag by weight of ballast can increase the shear strength and ballast layer bending modulus by 13%, 12%, 9% and 7% at speed of 300 km/h compared with those of the stone ballast. The FEM study shows that rail deflections are reduced about 20%, 14%, 21% and 16% at speed of 300 km/h corresponding to 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% FS-BCs and accelerations are significantly reduced as well as increasing FS content of each block in bridge transition zone so that a smooth bridge transition zone can be achieved.
Bifurcation analysis for a novel flight vehicle with pitch-control single moving mass
Authors: Liu Zhitao , Li Jianqing , Gao Changsheng , Jing Wuxing
Published: May 2021

Moving mass flight vehicle is a strongly nonlinear system under high speed flying conditions. The system attitude dynamics becomes even more complex due to the coupling between the internal moving mass with large mass ratio and the vehicle body. This article investigates the open-loop nonlinear dynamics of a novel flight vehicle with pitch-control single moving mass from the prospective of bifurcation theory and continuation methods. Of particular interest is the influence of moving mass parameters on the number of system equilibrium points, stability of equilibrium curves, bifurcation characteristics, and the longitudinal static stability. Numerical results reveal the bifurcation phenomena existing in the proposed flight vehicle; the generated bifurcation diagrams illustrate that the multiple sets of limit points and Hopf points divide the moving mass parameter space into different regions with different values and types of stability, thus indicating the significant role of the moving mass parameters in the system nonlinear dynamics. Finally, a design strategy for the moving mass parameters is concluded based on the bifurcation analysis results.
Synchronization control of externally disturbed chaotic spacecraft in pre-assigned settling time
Authors: Ahmad Israr , Shafiq Muhammad
Published: May 2021

This article reports the design of a novel finite-time robust nonlinear controller for the synchronization of two identical chaotic spacecraft. The proposed controller does not cancel nonlinear terms appearing in the chaotic spacecraft dynamics. Avoiding the cancelation of the nonlinear terms of the plant by the controller makes the closed-loop robust stable in the presence of uncertainties in the chaotic spacecraft parameters; this concept blooms base for the design of computationally efficient simple control law. The proposed finite-time robust nonlinear controller (1) synchronizes two nearly identical chaotic spacecraft in finite-time duration, (2) expedites the convergence of errors vector to zero without oscillation, and (3) eradicates the effects of external disturbances. Analysis based on the Lyapunov second theorem proves that the synchronization error converges fast and verifying the closed-loop’s robust global stability. The finite-time stability technique affirms the convergence of the synchronization error to zero in settling time. This research article also studies the effects of the exogenous disturbances and the controller parameter’s slowly smooth variations on the closed-loop performance. The controller parameter variation analysis sets the procedure for tuning the controller parameters. The computer-based simulation results validate the theoretical findings and provide a comparative performance analysis with the other recently proposed synchronization feedback controllers. This article uses Mathematica 12.0 version in the Microsoft 10 environment for all the simulations.
Book review: Uma Chakravarti, Fault Lines of History: The India Papers II
Authors: Roy Mallarika Sinha
Published: May 2021

Uma Chakravarti, Fault Lines of History: The India Papers II (Zubaan Series on Sexual Violence and Impunity in South Asia) (New Delhi: Zubaan, 2016), 343 pp. ₹795. ISBN: 978-9-385-93231-1.
Book review: Reba Som, Margot: Sister Nivedita of Vivekananda
Authors: Karlekar Malavika
Published: May 2021

Reba Som, Margot: Sister Nivedita of Vivekananda (New Delhi: Penguin Viking, 2017), 291 pages, ₹599 (hardcover). ISBN: 978-06-700-8879-9.
Book review: Afiya S. Zia, Faith and Feminism in Pakistan: Religious Agency or Secular Autonomy?
Authors: Bora Papori
Published: May 2021

Afiya S. Zia, Faith and Feminism in Pakistan: Religious Agency or Secular Autonomy? (Lahore: Folio Books, 2019), 250 pp. $31.34 (paperback). ISBN: 978-969-7834-00-6.
Book review: Silvia Federici, Beyond the Periphery of the Skin: Rethinking, Remaking and Reclaiming the Body in Contemporary Capitalism
Authors: Chandran Aishwarya
Published: May 2021

Silvia Federici, Beyond the Periphery of the Skin: Rethinking, Remaking and Reclaiming the Body in Contemporary Capitalism (Ontario: Kairos Publishing, 2020), 176 pp., ₹1128 (paperback), ISBN-10: 162-9-637-068, ISBN-13: 978-1-629-63706-8.
Book review: Durba Mitra, Indian Sex Life: Sexuality and Colonial Origins of Modern Social Thought
Authors: Panda Nandini Bhattacharyya
Published: May 2021

Durba Mitra, Indian Sex Life: Sexuality and Colonial Origins of Modern Social Thought (Princeton University Press, 2020), 290 pp., $ 99.95, 82.00 Pound (UK) (paperback). ISBN: 978-0-691-19634-3, ISBN: 978-0-691-19635-0.
Book review: Joseph Henrich, The WEIRDest People in the World: How the West Became Psychologically Peculiar and Particularly Prosperous
Authors: Ramagopal N.
Published: May 2021

Joseph Henrich, The WEIRDest People in the World: How the West Became Psychologically Peculiar and Particularly Prosperous. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2020, 704 pp., $35. ISBN: 9780374173227 (Hardback).
Prevalence of Obesity in India and Its Neurological Implications: A Multifactor Analysis of a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Venkatrao Murali , Nagarathna Raghuram , Majumdar Vijaya , Patil Suchitra S. , Rathi Sunanda , Nagendra Hongasandra
Published: May 2021

Background:

India is undergoing a rapid epidemiological transition, from underweight to overweight/obese population. Obesity is a major risk factor in type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, and is also implicated as a factor in neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. A robust, pan-Indian estimate of obesity is not yet available.

Purpose:

This study estimates the pan-Indian prevalence of obesity, stratified across nonmodifiable (age and gender) and modifiable (education and physical activity levels) factors, and across zones and urban/rural.

Methodology:

Data for 1,00,531 adults from a nationwide randomized cluster sample survey ( Niyantrita Madhumeha Bharata 2017, phase 1) were analyzed. Obesity was determined using body mass index, and cross-tabulations were calculated across zones, age, gender, education, physical activity, and area. To determine statistical significance, t-tests were used. The odds of obesity within each category of the various factors were calculated using binary logistic regression.

Results:

Prevalence of obesity in India is 40.3%. Zonal variations were seen as follows: south highest at 46.51% and east lowest at 32.96%. Obesity was higher among women than men (41.88% vs. 38.67%), urban than rural (44.17% vs. 36.08%), and over 40 than under 40 (45.81% vs. 34.58%). More education implied a higher obesity (44.6% college vs. 38% uneducated), as did lowered physical activity (43.71% inactive vs. 32.56% vigorously active). The odds ratio for physical activity was 3.83, stronger than age (1.58), education (1.4), urban (1.3), and gender (1.2).

Conclusion:

Obesity levels in India are very high, across all zones. The odds of being obese increases with age, and is higher among women and among urban dwellers. Obesity is the highest among aging urban men and women who are college educated and are sedentary. Physical activity and aging are the strongest determinants of obesity. Given the high cost of obesity in terms of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease, urgent public health measures are necessary to reduce its impact.
Audit Characteristics, Gender Diversity and Firm Performance: Evidence from a Developing Economy
Authors: Meah Mohammad Rajon , Sen Kanon Kumar , Ali Md. Hossain
Published: May 2021

This study aims to explore the impact of audit characteristics and gender diversity on firm performance across family and non-family firms in Bangladesh. Using data of 61 non-family and 48 family firms from 2013 to 2019, this study applies system generalised method of moments approach to carry out regression analysis. Next, the consistency of results is detected by a full sample interaction analysis. In case of non-family firm, this study documents that Big4 audit firms (Big4) and female directors on board (FDR) have significant positive impact on firm performance. Conversely, audit meeting frequency (AMF) contributes negatively to the firm performance. Unfortunately, audit committee size (ACS) and audit committee independence (ACI) have no significant contribution on firm performance. In case of family firms, this study finds that ACS and ACI have significant negative impact on firm performance. Besides, Big4, AMF and FDR have no significant contribution on firm performance. It reflects that corporate governance mechanisms in family firm are not working well and even to some extent detrimental to the firm performance. It, ultimately, demands for reforms in corporate governance framework and incorporating new dimensions for family firms.
Industrial policy-making after COVID-19: Manufacturing, innovation and sustainability
Authors: Dean Mark , Rainnie Al , Stanford Jim , Nahum Dan
Published: May 2021

This article critically analyses the opportunities for Australia to revitalise its strategically important manufacturing sector in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It considers Australia’s industry policy options on the basis of both advances in the theory of industrial policy and recent policy proposals in the Australian context. It draws on recent work from The Australia Institute’s Centre for Future Work examining the prospects for Australian manufacturing renewal in a post-COVID-19 economy, together with other recent work in political economy, economic geography and labour process theory critically evaluating the Fourth Industrial Revolution (i4.0) and its implications for the Australian economy. The aim of the article is to contribute to and further develop the debate about the future of government intervention in manufacturing and industry policy in Australia. Crucially, the argument links the future development of Australian manufacturing with a focus on renewable energy.

JEL Codes: L50; L52; L78; O10; O13: O25; O44; P18; Q42
Comparison of immunohistochemical profiles of ovarian germ cells in dysgerminomas of a captive maned wolf and domestic dogs
Authors: Rosa Rafael B. , Bianchi Matheus V. , Ribeiro Paula R. , Argenta Fernando F. , Vielmo Andréia , de Sousa Felipe A. B. , Piva Manoela M. , Pohl Camila B. , Daoualibi Yasmin , Cony Fernanda G. , Brunner Carolina B. , Von Hohendorff Raquel , Sonne Luciana
Published: May 2021

We characterized the immunohistochemical expression profiles of dysgerminomas from a 16-y-old maned wolf and 13 domestic dogs using the following biomarkers: Sal-like protein 4 (SALL4), octamer-binding transcription factor 3/4 (OCT3/4), placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), c-kit, and vimentin. The maned wolf had nonspecific and long-standing clinical signs of lethargy, anorexia, and weight loss, and was euthanized because of poor prognosis. At autopsy, the left ovary was effaced by a 12 × 8 × 6 cm mass, comprised of anaplastic cells with a mitotic count of 20 mitoses in 10 high power fields. Dysgerminomas from 7 of 13 domestic dogs had nuclear expression of SALL4. Dysgerminomas from the maned wolf and 2 domestic dogs had both nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of SALL4. Cytoplasmic expression of PLAP and OCT3/4 was present in dysgerminomas from the maned wolf and 3 (PLAP) or 4 (OCT3/4) domestic dogs. All dysgerminomas expressed vimentin. Membranous c-kit expression was rare in the dysgerminoma from the maned wolf, and variable in dysgerminomas from 4 domestic dogs. A dysgerminoma from a domestic dog had cytoplasmic expression of c-kit. SALL4 is a useful marker to confirm germ cell origin of dysgerminoma in canids.
The Middle Class of Business: Endurance as a Dependent Variable in Entrepreneurship
Authors: Sarasvathy Saras D.
Published: May 2021

The prediction-control (PC) space offers a theoretical framework for the entrepreneurial method and shows how it can foster the development of a middle class of business, defined as ventures that grow and endure over time, but don’t necessarily grow very large in size. Analogous to the middle class in history fostered by the scientific method, the middle class of business is likely to provide spaces of non-churn and non-change requisite for the cocreation of robust communities and new ends worth achieving for human well-being. Such new ends are also likely to be crucial to tackling the problems of the 21st century and beyond.
Standards for Evaluating Impact in Entrepreneurship Education Research: Using a Descriptive Validity Framework to Enhance Methodological Rigor and Transparency
Authors: Yi Soohyun , Duval-Couetil Nathalie
Published: May 2021

Given calls for more rigorous research able to measure the impact of entrepreneurship education, this study proposes guidelines for enhancing methodological and reporting practices. First, drawing on prior research syntheses, we developed a descriptive validity framework that outlines key elements for rigorous evaluation research. Second, we use this framework to examine 61 quantitative, university-based entrepreneurship education impact studies to identify and describe methodological and reporting practices that are most prevalent. The result is a set of Impact Evaluation Research Standards for entrepreneurship educators and scholars wishing to improve education evaluation research.
Call to Pharmacists: End Use of “Red Man Syndrome”
Authors: Rivera Christina G. , Ryan Keenan L.
Published: May 2021

Red Man Syndrome is a term used for an adverse event attributed to vancomycin infusion. Based on the presentation within white patients, the term is imprecise at best and can lead to suboptimal classification and management. Recent calls have advocated for the discontinuation of the use of this terminology. Pharmacists should take the lead in advocating for this change.
Deservingness Heuristics and Policy Attitudes toward the Elderly in an Aging Society: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Kweon Yesola , Choi ByeongHwa
Published: May 2021

Deservingness theory contends that spending on the elderly is widely supported across age groups because, unlike other groups such as immigrants or the unemployed, senior citizens are perceived as morally worthy of social aid. However, through a survey experiment in Japan, a prototypical aging society, this study shows that in a state with a large population of senior citizens, there is a significant age gap in policy preferences with the working-age population demonstrating stronger opposition to government support for the elderly. To induce empathetic policy attitudes toward the elderly, therefore, effective issue framing is necessary. However, emphasizing economic need is not enough; it is only when both the elderly’s economic need and effort to work are emphasized that we see a positive attitudinal change among the working-age population. In addition, we find that the economically secure are more sensitive to senior citizens’ economic need and effort to work in determining their policy support. By contrast, the economically insecure exhibit unqualified support for the elderly. These findings demonstrate that deservingness for the elderly is not innate, but is driven by conditional altruism. Furthermore, our work emphasizes the importance of issue framing in generating intergenerational solidarity in a rapidly aging society.
Free vibration analysis of Euler–Bernoulli curved beams using two-phase nonlocal integral models
Authors: Zhang Pei , Qing Hai
Published: May 2021

Eringen’s nonlocal elastic model has been widely applied to address the size-dependent response of micro-/nanostructures, which is observed in experimental tests and molecular dynamics simulation. However, several recent studies have pointed out that some inconsistent results appear while applying it in the analysis of bounded structures, which indicates that it is necessary to adopt other suitable models. In this work, both the well-posed strain-driven and stress-driven two-phase local/nonlocal integral models are used to study the size effect in the free vibration of Euler–Bernoulli curved beams. The governing equations of motion and the associated boundary conditions are derived on the basis of Hamilton’s principle. The two-phase nonlocal integral relation is transformed into an equivalent differential law with two constitutive boundary conditions. Using the generalized differential quadrature method, the governing equation in terms of displacements is solved numerically. The vibration frequencies of the beam under different boundary conditions are obtained and validated by comparing with those existing results. For all boundary conditions, the nonlocal related parameters of the two types of two-phase nonlocal strategies show consistent softening and stiffening effects on vibration response, respectively. Moreover, the effect of the curvature radius of the beam is also investigated.
An Analysis of The Impact of Short-Term Vacation Rentals on the Hotel Industry
Authors: Soh Jungtae , Seo Kwanglim
Published: May 2021

Much scholarly attention has been paid to Airbnb’s influence on the hotel industry. However, extant studies have limitations because they consider only Airbnb while overlooking various other short-term vacation rental players that can also affect performance of hotels. To address this research gap, this study aims to provide a broader understanding of the impacts of short-term vacation rentals by analyzing data obtained from various vacation rental platforms. This study shows that while increase in short-term vacation rentals has an overall negative effect on hotel performance, the economic effect is more significant in the low-end market than in the high-end market. Our findings further reveal that the negative effect is reduced when there is a large price difference between short-term vacation rentals and hotels. By comprehensively examining multiple sources of data on hotels and vacation rentals, this study brings alternative perspectives to the attention of researchers for further investigation of vacation rentals.
Are multi-cat homes more stressful? A critical review of the evidence associated with cat group size and wellbeing
Authors: Finka Lauren R , Foreman-Worsley Rachel
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The primary objective of this review was to conduct a systematic critical appraisal of published literature, in order to assess the evidence regarding the impact of cat group size on cat wellbeing in the domestic home. The secondary objectives were to: (i) identify additional social and environmental mediators of cat wellbeing in these contexts; and (ii) identify general limitations within the current evidence and provide recommendations for future studies.

Methods

A systematic search of electronic databases (Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar) was conducted using targeted Boolean phrasing. Papers were retained for appraisal of full text where they included a comparison of both single (n = 1) and multi-cat (n ⩾2) domestic housing conditions and/or comparison of different multi-cat group sizes, within a single study, and where they compared outcome measures that were either behavioural and/or physiological and deemed as relevant indicators of cat wellbeing.

Results

A total of 1334 unique papers were returned, 15 of which were retained. Of these papers, only four stated their primary aim to be an investigation of links between cat group size and cat wellbeing. Overall, the reviewed papers did not indicate consistent directions of effects regarding cat group size and outcome measures relevant to wellbeing. This was similar for the other social and environmental mediators identified.

Conclusions and relevance

Inconsistency in results is likely due to the substantial methodological variation, limitations in measures used as indicators of wellbeing and limitations in general study designs and reporting. Results also highlight the complex, multifactorial relationships between cat wellbeing and various social and environmental factors. These may be as, if not more, important than absolute numbers of cats residing within a household. Due to the various limitations and general paucity of research, further studies are recommended to provide a suitable evidence base regarding impacts of multi-cat living on cat wellbeing in domestic environments.
Vitamin D Deficiency in Children and Adolescents: Role of Puberty and Obesity on Vitamin D Status
Authors: Saneifard Hedyeh , Shakiba Marjan , Sheikhy Ali , Baniadam Leila , Abdollah Gorji Fatemeh , Fallahzadeh Aida
Published: May 2021

Background:

Vitamin D deficiency is common among children and adolescents and can be affected by several factors such as puberty and obesity.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate vitamin D status in children and adolescents and to analyse the influence of puberty and obesity on its level.

Method:

A cross-sectional study was carried-out, in which clinical and biochemical data were gathered from 384 healthy children and adolescents between May 2019 to May 2020.

Results:

220 females and 164 males were enrolled (aged 7-16 years; mean ± SD: 11 ± 2.5). Vitamin D deficiency was found in 49% of the total cases and was significantly more prevalent in females than males (33.1% in female; 15.9% in male, P < .001). Mean vitamin D level was lower in obese children compared with non-obese ( P < .001). Non-obese group had significantly higher levels of vitamin D in Tanner stage IV of puberty than obese individuals (20.1 ± 17.0 vs 5.4 ± 2.0) ( P = .03). Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in females than males only in Tanner stage II (12.3 ± 9.0 vs 19.6 ± 16.6) ( P = .005). The lowest level of Vitamin D was in Tanner stage Ⅳ-Ⅴ in boys and in Tanner stage Ⅱ-Ⅲ in girls ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Puberty is an additional risk factor for vitamin D deficiency especially in girls and obese children. This increased risk, together with the fact that most important time for building a proper skeleton is during childhood and adolescent, makes it essential to monitor vitamin D in these age groups.
Best Practices in Specialized Amyloidosis Centers in the United States: A Survey of Cardiologists, Nurses, Patients, and Patient Advocates
Authors: Nativi-Nicolau Jose , Sarswat Nitasha , Fajardo Johana , Finkel Muriel , Abdulsattar Younos , Castaño Adam , Klein Lori , Haddad-Angulo Alexandra
Published: May 2021

Background:

Because transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) poses unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, referral of patients with known or suspected disease to specialized amyloidosis centers is recommended. These centers have developed strategic practices to provide multidisciplinary comprehensive care, but their best practices have not yet been well studied as a group.

Methods:

A qualitative survey was conducted by telephone/email from October 2019 to February 2020 among eligible healthcare providers with experience in the management of ATTR-CM at US amyloidosis centers, patients with ATTR-CM treated at amyloidosis centers, and patient advocates from amyloidosis patient support groups.

Results:

Fifteen cardiologists and 9 nurse practitioners/nurses from 15 selected amyloidosis centers participated in the survey, with 16 patients and 4 patient advocates. Among participating healthcare providers, the most frequently cited center best practices were diagnostic capability, multidisciplinary care, and time spent on patient care; the greatest challenges involved coordination of patient care. Patients described the “ideal” amyloidosis program as one that provides physicians with expertise in ATTR-CM, sufficient time with patients, comprehensive patient care, and opportunities to participate in research/clinical trials. The majority of centers host patient support group meetings, and patient advocacy groups provide support for centers with physician/patient education and research.

Conclusions:

Amyloidosis centers offer comprehensive care based on staff expertise in ATTR-CM, a multidisciplinary approach, advanced diagnostics, and time dedicated to patient care and education. Raising awareness of amyloidosis centers’ best practices among healthcare providers can reinforce the benefits of early referral and comprehensive care for patients with ATTR-CM.
Contrasting the brain imaging features of MOG-antibody disease, with AQP4-antibody NMOSD and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Messina Silvia , Mariano Romina , Roca-Fernandez Adriana , Cavey Ana , Jurynczyk Maciej , Leite Maria Isabel , Calabrese Massimiliano , Jenkinson Mark , Palace Jacqueline
Published: May 2021

Background:

Identifying magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers in myelin-oligodendrocytes-glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder-aquaporin-4 positive (NMOSD-AQP4) and multiple sclerosis (MS) is essential for establishing objective outcome measures.

Objectives:

To quantify imaging patterns of central nervous system (CNS) damage in MOGAD during the remission stage, and to compare it with NMOSD-AQP4 and MS.

Methods:

20 MOGAD, 19 NMOSD-AQP4, 18 MS in remission with brain or spinal cord involvement and 18 healthy controls (HC) were recruited. Volumetrics, lesions and cortical lesions, diffusion-imaging measures, were analysed.

Results:

Deep grey matter volumes were lower in MOGAD ( p = 0.02) and MS ( p = 0.0001), compared to HC and were strongly correlated with current lesion volume (MOGAD R = −0.93, p < 0.001, MS R = −0.65, p = 0.0034). Cortical/juxtacortical lesions were seen in a minority of MOGAD, in a majority of MS and in none of NMOSD-AQP4. Non-lesional tissue fractional anisotropy (FA) was only reduced in MS ( p = 0.01), although focal reductions were noted in NMOSD-AQP4, reflecting mainly optic nerve and corticospinal tract pathways.

Conclusion:

MOGAD patients are left with grey matter damage, and this may be related to persistent white matter lesions. NMOSD-AQP4 patients showed a relative sparing of deep grey matter volumes, but reduced non-lesional tissue FA. Observations from our study can be used to identify new markers of damage for future multicentre studies.
Competition and collaboration: Title IX Coordinators and the barriers to achieving educational equity
Authors: Pappas Brian
Published: May 2021

How do compliance occupations successfully navigate complex institutional environments characterized by changing policy initiatives, managerial logics, unclear expectations, and competition from other occupational groups?  This article examines the work of Title IX Coordinators at U.S. Colleges and Universities, who often hold dual roles, operate at lower levels within the institution, and lack the necessary resources to do their work.  Using interviews, surveys, professional association materials, and Title IX job ads, this paper describes how Title IX Coordinators adapt to a complex institutional environment and overcome these obstacles in their efforts to enforce Title IX. Title IX Coordinators develop and create collaborative networks of expertise that develop and build shared institutional influence.  Using pre-existing relationships and sharing information and expertise, Title IX Coordinators partner with legal counsel, campus police, human resources, ombuds, student affairs, and other occupations to co-produce Title IX compliance.
COVID-19 pandemic fears and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in adolescents with pre-existing mental disorders: An exploratory cross-sectional study
Authors: Khan Yasser Saeed , Jouda Muayad , Albobali Yahia , Osman Abouelseoud Manal , Souid Aouatef , AlMeraisi May Jasem , Alabdulla Majid
Published: May 2021

Background:

Previous research has established an association between pandemic fears and the development of obsessive-compulsive symptoms mainly in the general population.

Aim:

To explore whether COVID-19 pandemic fears are associated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms and vice versa in adolescents with preexisting mental and behavioural disorders.

Methods:

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study among adolescents with pre-existing mental disorders. The extent of worrying related to the COVID-19 pandemic was measured using the COVID-19 inventory whereas obsessive-compulsive symptoms were assessed using the obsessive-compulsive inventory-revised (OCI-R). Pearson correlation coefficient ( r) was used to explore the relationship between COVID-19 pandemic fears and the development of obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Results:

A total of 57 patients out of 63 participants (90.4%) had a COVID-19 inventory score of 12 or higher suggesting that a vast majority of young people with mental disorders had significant pandemic-related worries. Out of these 57 patients, over half (31) had an OCI-R modified score of 17 or higher indicating significant obsessive-compulsive symptoms. A positive correlation was found between the means of the two scores. This relationship was statistically significant – { r = 0.405, Sig. (two-tailed) = 0.001}.

Conclusion:

Adolescents with mental disorders can exhibit significant pandemic fears and this is likely to be associated with obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
A qualitative study of autism services and supports in Singapore: Perspectives of service providers, autistic adults and caregivers
Authors: Han Emeline , Tan Melisa Mei Jin , Crane Laura , Legido-Quigley Helena
Published: May 2021

The lifelong and complex nature of autism necessitates an array of services and supports spanning across different sectors and providers at different life stages of an autistic individual. However, research has shown that autistic individuals and their families often experience barriers accessing the autism-related services and supports that they need. This is the first qualitative study to explore the provision and coordination of autism services and supports in Singapore from the perspectives of service providers, autistic adults and caregivers. Semi-structured interviews with 21 participants revealed three main themes: (1) improving access to autism-specific services, (2) creating flexible supports in an inclusive environment and (3) addressing stigma and changing societal attitudes. Our findings suggest that Singapore may have achieved rapid growth in autism services, but broader social structures may be slower to change. To better support autistic individuals in society, autistic voices need to be amplified and a collective effort is needed to achieve a paradigm shift from impairment to capability.

Lay abstract

Because autism is a lifelong and complex condition, autistic people may need a range of supports cutting across different sectors (e.g. health, education and social care) at different stages of their lives. Studies in some countries have shown that autistic people and their families face difficulties accessing the services they need, but no research has been done on this topic in Singapore. To start addressing this gap, we interviewed 21 service providers, autistic adults and caregivers/parents of autistic children to find out their perceptions and experiences of autism services and supports in Singapore. Our participants told us that beyond improving access to autism-specific services, they also hoped to see more flexible supports in an inclusive environment and a broader change in societal attitudes. This study highlights that autism service provision should be informed by autistic voices and not only focus on impairment but also recognise the strengths of autistic people alongside their very real needs. The whole of society – including policymakers, professionals, employers, educators, families and autistic people themselves – needs to work together to fight autism stigma and discrimination.
Using Photovoice to understand physical and social living environment influence on adherence to diabetes
Authors: Scavarda Alice , Costa Giuseppe , Beccaria Franca
Published: May 2021

Within the past several years, a considerable body of research on adherence to diabetes regimen has emerged in public health. However, the focus of the vast majority of these studies has been on the individual traits and attitudes affecting adherence. Still little is known on the role of the social and physical context in supporting or hindering diabetes self-management, particularly from a qualitative standpoint. To address these limitations, this paper presents the findings of a Photovoice study on a sample of 10 type 2 diabetic older adults living in a deprived neighbourhood of an Italian city. The findings reveal that the possibility to engage in diet, exercise and blood sugar monitoring seems to be more affected by physical and social elements of the respondents’ environment than by the interviewees’ beliefs and attitudes. Both environmental barriers and social isolation emerge as barriers to lifestyle changes and self-care activities related to blood sugar monitoring. The predominance of bonding social capital, the scant level of trust and the negative perception of local health services result in a low level of social cohesion, a limited circulation of health information on diabetes management and, consequently, in poor health outcomes.
“Hopefully you’ve landed the waka on the shore”: Negotiated spaces in New Zealand’s bicultural mental health system
Authors: Jordan Lorien S. , Seponski Desiree M. , Hall Jori N. , Bermúdez J. Maria
Published: May 2021

The multifaceted context of Aotearoa / New Zealand offers insight into the negotiation of cultural discourses in mental health. There, bicultural practice has emerged as a theoretically rights-based delivery of culturally responsive and aligned therapies. Bicultural practices invite clinicians into spaces between Indigenous and Westernized knowing to negotiate and innovate methods of healing. In this article, we present findings from a qualitative study based on one year of ethnographic fieldwork. Drawing on negotiated spaces theory and critical interactionism, we report results of a situational analysis of interviews conducted with 30 service providers working within the bicultural mental health system. Through iterative map-making, we chart the discursive positions taken in the negotiated spaces between Indigenous and Western lifeworlds. In total, we identified five major positions of negotiated practices within the institutionalized discourses that constitute bicultural mental health. Findings indicate that negotiations from Westernized systems of care have been, at best, superficial and that monoculturalism continues to dominate within the bicultural framework. Implications are made for genuine engagement in the negotiated spaces, so treatment has resonance for clients living in multi-cultural, yet Western-dominant societies.