bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ogden and the extended tube model as backbone in describing electroactive polymers: advancements in modelling nonlinear behaviour and fracture
Authors: Kaliske M. , Storm J. , Kanan A. , Klausler W.
Published: August 2022

Hyperelastic constitutive relations form the basis of advanced models for novel materials. Such elastic deformation potentials are the backbone for complex material formulations at elastic and inelastic deformations, especially when embedded into powerful frameworks like generalized standard materials, as well as multiphysical and multiscale formulations. With the focus on electroactive polymers, the article at hand demonstrates the derivation of a variational, rate-dependent electromechanical model for quasi-incompressible polymers and the derivation of an electromechanical model for regularized fracture mechanics by means of the phase-field method. Starting at the prominent Ogden and the extended tube model, some developments from the last decades are revisited and presented via the principle of virtual power, for instance, the established mixed element formulation, nonlinear viscoelasticity and electromechanical coupling. An electromechanically fully coupled representative crack element is used to derive a novel phase-field model for fracture. A key property of the proposed model is the ability to describe the electrical free-space behaviour inside the crack gap, which is demonstrated by adopting three common crack-face conditions.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The Ogden model of rubber mechanics: Fifty years of impact on nonlinear elasticity’.
The Ogden model of rubber mechanics: 50 years of impact on nonlinear elasticity
Authors: Destrade Michel , Dorfmann Luis , Saccomandi Giuseppe
Published: August 2022

We place the Ogden model of rubber elasticity, published inProceedings of the Royal Society50 years ago, in the wider context of the theory of nonlinear elasticity. We then follow with a short interview of Ray Ogden FRS and introduce the papers collected for this Theme Issue.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘The Ogden model of rubber mechanics: Fifty years of impact on nonlinear elasticity’.
Linking neuronal and hemodynamic network signatures in the resting human brain
Authors: Elshahabi Adham , Ethofer Silke , Lerche Holger , van de Velden Daniel , Wehrl Hans , la Fougère Christian , Braun Christoph , Focke Niels K.
Published: August 2022

Despite several studies investigating the relationship between blood-oxygen-level-dependent functional MRI (BOLD-fMRI) and neuroelectric activity, our understanding is rather incomplete. For instance, the canonical hemodynamic response function (HRF) is commonly used, regardless of brain region, frequency of electric activity and functional networks. We studied this relationship between BOLD-fMRI and electroencephalography (EEG) signal of the human brain in detail using simultaneous fMRI and EEG in healthy awake human subjects at rest. Signals from EEG sensors were filtered into different frequency bands and reconstructed it in the three-dimensional source space. The correlation of the time courses of the two modalities were quantified on a voxel-by-voxel basis on full-brain level as well as separately for each resting state network, with different temporal shifts and EEG frequency bands. We found highly significant correlations between the BOLD-fMRI signal and simultaneously measured EEG, yet with varying time-lags for different frequency bands and different resting state networks. Additionally, we found significant negative correlations with a much longer delay in the fMRI BOLD signal. The positive correlations were mostly around 6-8 seconds delayed in the BOLD time course while the negative correlations were noticed with a BOLD delay of around 20 to 26 seconds. These positive and negative correlation patterns included the commonly reported alpha and gamma bands but also extend in other frequency bands giving characteristic profiles for different resting state networks. Our results confirm recent works that suggest that the relationship between the two modalities is rather brain region / network-specific than a global function and suggest that applying a global canonical HRF for electrophysiological data is probably insufficient to account for the different spatial and temporal dynamics of different brain networks. Moreover, our results suggest that the HRF also varies in different frequency bands giving way to further studies investigating cross-frequency coupling and its interplay with resting state networks.
Inflammation-induced mitochondrial and metabolic disturbances in sensory neurons control the switch from acute to chronic pain
Authors: Willemen Hanneke L.D.M. , Ribeiro Patrícia Silva Santos , Broeks Melissa , Meijer Nils , Versteeg Sabine , Małecki Jędrzej , Falnes Pål Ø. , Jans Judith , Eijkelkamp Niels
Published: August 2022

Pain often persists in patients with inflammatory diseases, even when the inflammation has subsided. The molecular mechanisms leading to this failure in resolution of inflammatory pain and the transition to chronic pain are poorly understood. Mitochondrial dysfunction in sensory neurons has been linked to chronic pain, but its role in resolution of inflammatory pain is unclear.

Transient inflammation causes neuronal plasticity, called hyperalgesic priming, which impairs resolution of hyperalgesia induced by a subsequent inflammatory stimulus. We identified that hyperalgesic priming in mice caused disturbances in mitochondrial respiration, oxidative stress, and redox balance in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. Preventing these priming-induced disturbances restored resolution of inflammatory hyperalgesia. Concurrent with these mitochondrial and metabolic changes, the expression of ATPSc-KMT, a mitochondrial methyltransferase, was increased in DRG neurons in primed mice. ATPSc-KMT overexpression in DRG neurons of naive mice induced similar mitochondrial and metabolic changes as observed after priming, leading to failure in pain resolution. Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration, knockdown of ATPSCKMT expression, or NAD+ supplementation were sufficient to restore resolution of inflammatory pain and prevent chronic pain development. Thus, inflammation-induced mitochondrial-dependent disturbances in DRG neurons promote failure in inflammatory pain resolution and drive the transition to chronic pain.
An investigation into the factors which influence attendance rates for psychology appointments in an adult intellectual disability service
Authors: Yates Luke , Brittleton Louise , Beail Nigel
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether factors previously shown to influence attendance rates for appointments in general practice and general mental health services also influence attendance rates in services for people with intellectual disabilities (ID).

Design/methodology/approach

Post hoc data from 452 psychology appointments, ID diagnostic and initial screening (triage) appointments were collected from the health-care files of a community adult ID psychology service. Demographic factors (age, sex) and clinical factors (waiting time, time between appointment invitation being sent and appointment being held, presence of prior telephone call or letter, type of appointment, weekday, month) were recorded along with the attendance outcome (attended/did not attend [DNA]). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was also explored by documenting whether the appointment predated March 2020.

Findings

No significant associations were found between any variable investigated and attendance outcome when analysing appointment data as a whole and when splitting the data between appointment type. Weekday was found to significantly be associated with attendance outcome for appointments held during COVID-19, in which more DNA appointments occurred on a Wednesday compared to the other days of the week. No other associations were found for appointments held during the COVID-19 pandemic or for appointments held prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. These results suggest that factors which influence attendance rates in general health-care settings do not necessarily generalise to ID services.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine whether certain demographic and clinical factors influenced attendance rates in an adult intellectual disability service.
Exploring private university attractiveness from students’ perspective to ensure sustainable institutes: an empirical investigation from Indian perspective
Authors: Yadav Radha , Shiva Atul , Narula Sumit
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore various determinants of university attractiveness and its relationship with sustainable institutes. Further, the study examines the mediating role of perceived student support and sense of belongingness on the relationship between university attractiveness and sustainable institutes.

Design/methodology/approach

The data analysis was conducted with 637 responses from the students from private universities located in the northern region of India. Variance based partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied in the study to investigate the proposed conceptual model on sustainable higher institutions. Additionally, by applying PLS Predict, the predictive relevance of sustainable institutions with important and performing constructs was found out.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that university attractiveness plays a critical role in enhancing perceived student support, and it has a direct and significant impact on developing sustainable institutes. Further, students’ sense of belongingness is expressed as significant mediator between university attractiveness and sustainable institutes. The predictive relevance of the study was reported to be high. Most important indicators of university attractiveness were found to be teaching, research and publications, branding and promotion, and diversity in courses offered by the private universities.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptual model under study can be investigated with a moderating effect of private and government universities in future. Additionally, the role of additional variables in online scenario under current pandemic situation can be assessed through the model used in this study. Future research can be done by using qualitative analysis through thematic analysis and sentiment analysis of students in higher education institutes.

Originality/value

The present study is the first to explore the mediating relationship of perceived student support and sense of belongingness with university attractiveness and sustainable institutes. The conceptual framework can prove to be important for education specialists, administrators of education institutes at university level and policymakers. The study offers effective ideas for policymakers to bring sustainability in education sector in near future especially in emerging economies and attain sustainable development goals.
Effect of presidential elections on investor herding behaviour in African stock markets
Authors: Musah Godwin , Domeher Daniel , Alagidede Imhotep
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate investor herding behaviour and the effect of presidential elections on investor herding behaviour in African stock markets at the sector level.

Design/methodology/approach

The study segregates listed firms into financial, consumer goods, consumer services and basic materials sectors and uses the cross-sectional absolute deviation approach as a metric of detecting herding in each of the sectors. The authors extend the model to tease out the effect of presidential elections on investor herding behaviour.

Findings

The study reveals that sectoral differences are fundamental to the evolution of herding. Herding is prominent in a financial services sector dominated by banks. The phenomenon also prevails in markets with smaller consumer goods and services sectors. A post-presidential election effect on investor herding is found for the consumer goods and services sectors of Ghana and a pre-presidential election effect is documented in Nigeria's consumer services sector. The authors conclude that post-presidential election effect is as a result of political connections whilst a pre-presidential election effect is attributable to political business cycles.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on four African countries due to data constraints. Nonetheless, the study is the first in Africa to the best of the authors' knowledge, and the results are very solid and have a lot of practical and policy implications.

Practical implications

The study has implications for investors as it guides investment behaviour in pre- and post-presidential election periods.

Originality/value

Past studies on investor herding behaviour in African stock markets have largely concentrated on the aggregate market. Knowledge on sectoral differences in investor herding is almost non-existent for African stock markets. Furthermore, premised on the fact that stock markets react to presidential elections, there is no known study that have attempted to examine the effect of presidential elections on investor herding behaviour. This paper contributes to the literature by providing evidence on sectoral differences in investor herding behaviour and the effect of presidential elections on sectoral herding behaviour.
The acceleration of digital communications in the durable goods industry. A study on white goods firms after COVID-19
Authors: Hu Lala , Olivieri Mirko
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how business-to-business (B2B) companies operating in durable goods use digital communications after the COVID-19 outbreak. In particular, this paper focuses on the objectives of these digital communication tools for the marketing strategies of B2B white goods firms.

Design/methodology/approach

As the research objective is explorative, the authors conducted a qualitative analysis by collecting 13 semi-structured interviews with B2B marketing professionals working for white goods firms in Italy. Primary data was triangulated with secondary data about the white goods industry, such as sector reports.

Findings

The findings of this paper show an acceleration in the adoption of digital communication tools among B2B firms after COVID-19. The authors also discuss the effects in the use of such tools both in the short and long term.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to contribute to the B2B marketing literature by providing an original analysis of the consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak focusing on the use of digital communication tools among white goods firms. It also provides managerial implications for firms operating in B2B.
Dynamics of national development and regional disparity: evidence from 184 countries
Authors: Jadhav Vivek
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The existence of the regional Kuznets curve, i.e. an inverted U-shaped relationship between regional disparity and economic development is widely debated and discussed. The bell-shaped curve of the spatial growth process where during the initial phase inequality increases and then reduces is theoretically supported by Myrdal (1957), Hirschman (1958), and Williamson (1965). It becomes important to understand regional Kuznets curve globally. Understanding the relationship between regional disparity and economic development becomes essential for public policy for balanced regional growth.

Design/methodology/approach

Regional Kuznets Curve which is an inverted U-shaped relationship between regional disparity and economic development is not a new phenomenon. Theoretical framework by Myrdal (1957), Hirschman (1958), and Williamson (1965) support the an inverted U-shaped relationship. To understand the relationship between regional disparity and economic development, the authors investigate the regional Kuznets curve by using data for 184 countries and 1765 subnational regions. Using parametric, semi-parametric, and non-parametric, it is found that there exists an inverted U-shaped relationship between regional disparity and economic development. The presence of the regional Kuznets curve is observed. As the theoretical framework suggests, regional inequality increases with income initially and decreases after attaining a certain level of income. This study identifies two stages of divergence-convergence where in the first stage, divergence across regions in a country happens with increasing income and in the later stage, convergence across regions in a country occurs with increasing income.

Findings

Using the parametric approach (panel data analysis), semi-parametric and non-parametric approaches, it is found that there exists a regional Kuznets curve. It is found that there exists an inverted-U relationship between regional inequality and per capita GNI. This suggests that the divergence-convergence passes through two stages. In the first stage, divergence across regions in a country happens with increasing income while in the later stage convergence occurs.

Originality/value

This research work has done three important things which fill the research gap that exists in the literature: (1) constructing the Gini coefficient to measure the regional inequality for 184 countries using 1765 subnational regional data; (2) using a parametric approach (panel data analysis) to understand the regional Kuznets phenomenon and (3) using a semi-parametric approach and non-parametric approach to understand the regional Kuznets phenomenon.
Access and tinkering: designing assistive technologies as political practice–A discussion with Zeynep Karagöz, Thomas Miebach and Daniel Wessolek
Authors: Bieling Tom , Şahinol Melike , Stock Robert , Wiechern Anna–Lena
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This contribution shows perspectives of experts from different disciplines and professional backgrounds in order to elaborate on maker approaches such as do-it-yourself prosthetics and collaborative tools. As a result, aspects of open source practices related to medical and assistive technologies will be critically reflected upon. In addition, implications of heterogeneous interests, economic implications and everyday achievements of social material assemblages produced through participatory design research are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to address an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspective on the relationships between body (differences) and technology, it is necessary to bring together studies from both Science and Technology Studies (STS) and crip technoscience as well as approaches from participatory design research and practice. This challenge was addressed by a roundtable organized as part of the third network meeting of the Dis/Ability and Digital Media Research Network on 16 September 2020.

Findings

Against the backdrop of “crip technoscience” DIY and collaborative open source practices are not only understood as valuable alternatives to standardized medical prosthetics and assistive devices. These bottom-up approaches which draw from the expert knowledge of disabled users (Hamraie and Fritsch, 2019) also facilitate devices that defy categories such as “prosthetic” or “medical aid” not only aesthetically but semantically, too.

Originality/value

The Network Dis/Abilities and Digital Media intends to integrate media and technology studies with disability studies on a theoretical level. This round table discussion delivers proof of how – on the practical level – technology and dis/ability need to be thought of as relational and co-constitutive (Mills and Sterne, 2017).
A paradigm of blockchain and supply chain performance: a mediated model using structural equation modeling
Authors: Rashid Aamir , Baber Ali Syed , Rasheed Rizwana , Amirah Noor Aina , Ngah Abdul Hafaz
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to find the impact of blockchain supply chain on supply chain performance with a mediating role of supplier trust, traceability and transparency.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected using the purposive sampling technique on a five-point Likert scale from 150 respondents. For data analysis, IBM SPSS and Smart PLS 3.3.7 were used to test the hypotheses by evaluating the structural equation modeling.

Findings

The blockchain supply chain found a significant effect on supply chain performance. Moreover, there is a substantial effect of the blockchain supply chain on supply chain performance via mediators, including supplier trust, supply chain traceability and supply chain transparency. Further, the mediation type of all mediators was full mediation in the relationships between blockchain supply chain and supply chain performance.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings are helpful for industrialists, supply chain practitioners and policymakers. The practitioners can adopt blockchain technology to enhance inter-organizational collaboration, develop trust, data visibility and traceability, and critical decisions, ultimately bringing sustainable growth for the firm.

Originality/value

The outcomes of this research enrich the literature and share the impact of one of the most trending technologies in the supply chain perspective. Future research can empirically test the relationship between blockchain and supply chain sustainability.
Adapting to dynamic business environments: a comparative study of family and non-family firms operating in Western Australia
Authors: Duarte Alonso Abel , Vu Oanh Thi Kim , Kok Seng Kiat , O'Shea Michelle
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine adaptation to a dynamic business environment from the perspective of family and non-family firms. Furthermore, the study provides a comparative component and proposes a theoretical framework to understand firm adaptation, incorporating the dynamic capabilities approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews were undertaken predominantly with firm owners and managers of family and non-family-owned firms operating in Western Australia.

Findings

Regardless of firms’ family or non-family background, valuable, rare, imperfectly imitable and non-substitutable attributes were strongly associated with both groups. Moreover, expertise, tacit and new knowledge, innovation or established brand image emerged as key adaptive responses to challenges posed by new trends, consumer expectations, increased demand or competition. These attributes allowed firms to sense and seize opportunities, and experience transformational processes to remain competitive. Implications of the findings and future research directions will be discussed.

Originality/value

First, and empirically, the study’s objectives contribute to addressing extant research gaps, including scant research on methodologies and innovative approaches used by family firms to adapt to contemporary challenges. Thus, the study complements entrepreneurship scholarly discourses on firms’ adaptation. Second, the chosen inductive approach results in the development of a framework, which also exhibits various relationships with the adopted dynamic capabilities approach. Both the findings and the developed framework enhance the understanding of adaptive behaviour among both family and non-family firms. Finally, the study contributes to the literature examining firms operating in geographically dispersed and isolated regions.
A graph-based path planning method for additive manufacturing of continuous fiber-reinforced planar thin-walled cellular structures
Authors: Zhang Guoquan , Wang Yaohui , He Jian , Xiong Yi
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Composite cellular structures have wide application in advanced engineering fields due to their high specific stiffness and strength. As an emerging technology, continuous fiber-reinforced polymer additive manufacturing provides a cost-effective solution for fabricating composite cellular structures with complex designs. However, the corresponding path planning methods are case-specific and have not considered any manufacturing constraints. This study aims to develop a generally applicable path planning method to fill the above research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a path planning method based on the graph theory, yielding an infill toolpath with a minimum fiber cutting frequency, printing time and total turning angle. More specifically, the cellular structure design is converted to a graph first. Then, the graph is modified to search an Eulerian path by adding an optimal set of extra edges determined through the integer linear programming method. Finally, the toolpath with minimum total turning angle is obtained with a constrained Euler path search algorithm.

Findings

The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through the fabrication of both periodic and nonperiodic composite cellular structures, i.e. triangular unit cell-based, Voronoi diagram-based and topology optimized structures. The proposed method provides the basis for manufacturing planar thin-walled cellular structures of continuous fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). Moreover, the proposed method shows a notable improvement compared with the existing method. The fiber cutting frequency, printing time and total turning angle have been reduced up to 88.7%, 52.6% and 65.5%, respectively.

Originality/value

A generally applicable path planning method is developed to generate continuous toolpaths for fabricating cellular structures in CFRP-additive manufacturing, which is an emerging technology. More importantly, manufacturing constraints such as fiber cutting frequency, printing time and total turning angle of fibers are considered within the process planning for the first time.
Reducing the impacts of tourism seasonality in the small island state of Cyprus
Authors: Garanti Zanete , Berjozkina Galina
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This concluding article aims to summarize the key points and outcomes from the theme issue question: How could the Republic of Cyprus reduce the impact of seasonal tourism on long-term sustainable development? Which is a follow-up issue to the Cyprus sustainability theme issue published in Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes volume 13 number 6 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper summarizes the findings of the theme issue in relation to how stakeholders in the Republic of Cyprus can reduce the impact of severe tourism seasonality on long-term sustainable tourism development.

Findings

The findings of the articles in this theme issue explore the depth of the seasonality problem and its impact on the long-term sustainability of the small island state of Cyprus. Further, the articles in this collection explore potential remedies and ways to mitigate seasonality with the help of alternative, special interest tourism activities, improved air connectivity, established cluster-based activities, and improved accessibility to the island.

Originality/value

The articles in this issue provide perspectives from academics, practitioners, industry professionals, and policymakers on what steps could be taken to tackle increasing tourism seasonality that has profound effects on economic, social, and environmental sustainability in the island of Cyprus.
Exploring the role of discretionary income as a social determinant of health
Authors: Anyatonwu Sophia C. , Callaghan Timothy
Published: August 2022

Objective

The object of this study is to explore the impact of discretionary income on the overall well‐being of Americans.

Data Source

The data source used for this study was 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data comprising 12 states that used the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) module.

Study Design

Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship between discretionary income and self‐reported health status after adjusting for common SDOH measures, sociodemographic factors, chronic conditions, and perspectives and experiences of respondents regarding specific aspects of their health. Average marginal effects (AME) were reported.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Not applicable.

Principal Findings

At all income levels, those with discretionary income at the end of the month were 6–7 percentage points more likely to report better than average health than those with none, controlling for other factors (AME: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.02–0.12).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that discretionary income has a role to play in overall health and well‐being that goes beyond that of disposable income and may be an important resource for diverse communities.
Validation of serotonin transporter mRNA as a quantitative biomarker of heavy drinking and its comparison to ethyl glucuronide/ethyl sulfate: A randomized, double‐blind, crossover trial
Authors: Cornell Jessica , Conchas Andrew , Wang Xin‐Qun , Fink Jeffrey C. , Chen Hegang , Kane Maureen A. , Pilli Nageswara , Ait‐Daoud Nassima , Gorelick David A. , Li Ming D. , Johnson Bankole A. , Seneviratne Chamindi
Published: August 2022

Background

The serotonin transporter (SERT) mRNA was previously reported to be a quantitative and pathophysiology‐based biomarker of heavy drinking in 5HTTLPR:LL genotype‐carriers treated with ondansetron. Here, we validated the potential use of SERT mRNA for quantitative prediction of recent alcohol consumption (in the absence of treatment) and compared it with the known biomarkers ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS).

Methods

Binge drinking men and women of European ancestry aged 21 to 65 years were enrolled in a 12‐day, in‐patient, randomized, double‐blind, crossover study, where they were administered three beverage doses (placebo, 0.5 g/kg [0.4 g/kg] ethanol, and 1 g/kg [0.9 g/kg] ethanol for men [women]) individually in three 4‐day periods (experiments), separated by minimum 7‐day washout period. Diet, sleep, and physical activity were controlled throughout the inpatient experiments. Twenty‐nine participants were randomized to receive beverage doses counterbalancing the sequence of treatment and gender within subgroups stratified by SERT genotypes 5HTTLPR:LL+rs25531:AA (LALA) versus 5HTTLPR:LS/SS. Peripheral venous blood was collected daily for (1) quantification of SERT mRNA (the primary outcome measure) using qRT‐PCR and (2) plasma EtG and EtS levels using tandem mass‐spectrometry.

Results

The association between administered beverage dose and SERT mRNA from completers of at least one 4‐day experiment (N = 18) assessed by a linear mixed model was not statistically significant. Significant positive associations were found with beverage dose and plasma EtG, EtS and EtG/EtS ratio (β = 5.8, SE = 1.2, p < 0.0001; β = 1.3, SE = 0.6, p = 0.023; and β = 3.0, SE = 0.7, p < 0.0001, respectively; the C‐statistics for discriminating outcomes were 0.97, 0.8, and 0.92, respectively). Additionally, we observed a sequence effect with a greater placebo effect on SERT mRNA when it was administered during the first experiment (p = 0.0009), but not on EtG/EtS measures.

Conclusion

The findings do not validate the use of SERT as a biomarker of heavy drinking. Larger and more innovative studies addressing the effects of placebo, race, gender, and response to treatment with serotonergic agents are needed to fully assess the utility of SERT as a biomarker of heavy and binge drinking.
Pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes among women with spinal cord injury in Sweden 1997–2015: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Khalili Molly , Berlin Marie , Pettersson Karin , Lindgren Carl , Hultling Claes , Ekéus Cecilia
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The aim of this study was to describe the rate of pregnancy in spinal cord injured women in Sweden as well as pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes.

Material and Methods

This study was based on data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register and the National Patient Register. The study population included women with spinal cord injury who gave birth in Sweden during the period 1997 to 2015. The general population was used as reference and included all non‐spinal cord injured patients who gave birth during the same period of time.

Results

In the spinal cord injury group, 109 births were identified. Eighty‐nine (82%) of them were among paraplegic women and 20 (18%) were among tetraplegic women. Women with spinal cord injury in our study population had urinary tract infections during pregnancy in five cases (5%) and anemia during pregnancy in nine cases (8%), compared with 0.2% and 4%, respectively, in the general population. Compared with the general population more deliveries were induced in the study population, 18 (17%) in the spinal cord injury group and 12% in the general population. Vaginal delivery was achieved in 52 (48%) of the births with 42 of them (39%) being non‐instrumental and 10 (9%) being instrumental vaginal deliveries. Elective cesarean section rate was 34% (n = 37). Sixteen infants (15%) were born preterm (gestational week <37). We found an overall low rate of pregnancy and delivery complications.

Conclusions

Our results show predominantly favorable outcomes of pregnancy and delivery in women with spinal cord injury as well as their infants. These results are in concordance with previous research.
Digital participation of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities during the Covid‐19 pandemic in the UK
Authors: Caton Sue , Bradshaw Jill , Gillooly Amanda , Hatton Chris , Flynn Samantha , Oloidi Edward , Jahoda Andrew , Maguire Roseann , Marriott Anna , Mulhall Peter , Taggart Laurence , Todd Stuart , Abbott David , Beyer Stephen , Gore Nick , Heslop Pauline , Scior Katrina , Hastings Richard P.
Published: August 2022

Background

During the Covid‐19 pandemic, there has been a worldwide increase in the use of digital technology. Many people with learning disabilities have learned new digital skills, taken part in online activities, and kept in touch with family and friends using video calls. However, the experiences of digital participation or nonparticipation for the people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) is less understood.

Method

Between December 2020 and August 2021, family carers or paid support workers of adults with PMLD completed an online survey around the experiences of the person they care for during the Covid‐19 pandemic, including questions on Internet use. We draw on the findings of this UK‐wide study to explore the digital participation of the people with PMLD during the pandemic.

Findings

Around half of the people with PMLD had Internet access at home. Around half of the participants interacted with others on video calls like Facetime or Zoom and most commonly used the Internet for being with family and friends online and streaming TV and films. In the event of another lockdown, 27.5% of the people supporting someone with PMLD said they would like support with technology to make seeing friends and family easier. For some the people, digital participation during the pandemic was not beneficial enough to want to continue when restrictions eased. For others, the new online experiences had the potential to be developed in their postpandemic lives.

Conclusion

Around half of the people surveyed participated in digital activities during Covid‐19. Future attention is needed to afford more people opportunities, and respond to access barriers experienced for the people with PMLD and those that support them.
The digital era and public sector reforms: Transformation or new tools for competing values?
Authors: Lindquist Evert A.
Published: August 2022

This article considers the tools and management approaches associated with the “digital‐era” public sector reform, which many observers suggest has supplanted or should supplant previous reforms such as those associated with the New Public Management. This article levers and adapts the Competing Values Framework to categorize various public service reform movements—Traditional Public Administration, New Public Management, Public Value Management, and New Public Governance—and associated value systems and cultures. It argues that not only do these prior reform movements persist as values and repertoires in public service systems, but they are also each variously receiving oxygen from “digital” as the latest wave of technological innovation affecting societies, markets, and governments. It calls for more systematic empirical work to gauge how digital tools have been affecting the mix and balance of values and repertoires associated with these reform movements in different parts of public service systems in Canada and beyond.
Patterns of site‐level periodontal disease and within‐mouth correlation among older adults in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos
Authors: Shing Tracie L. , Preisser John S. , Sotres‐Alvarez Daniela , Divaris Kimon , Beck James D.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Clinical measures of periodontal disease such as attachment loss (CAL) and probing depth (PD) vary considerably between and within individuals with periodontitis and are known to be influenced by person‐level factors (e.g. age and race/ethnicity) as well as intraoral characteristics (e.g. tooth type and location). This study sought to characterize site‐level disease patterns and correlations using both person‐level and intraoral factors through a model‐based approach.

Methods

This study used full‐mouth, six sites per tooth, periodontal examination data collected from 2301 Hispanic/Latino adults aged 60–74 years in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). The presence of site‐level CAL ≥3 mm and PD ≥4 mm was estimated using generalized estimating equations (GEE), explicitly modelling pairwise periodontal site correlations, while adjusting for number of teeth, sex and Hispanic/Latino background. Subsequently tooth‐ and tooth‐site patterns of intraoral CAL ≥3 mm and PD ≥4 mm were estimated and visualized in the HCHS/SOL population.

Results

The findings showed that posterior sites had the highest odds of CAL ≥3 mm and PD ≥4 mm. Sites located in the interproximal space had higher odds of PD ≥4 mm but lower odds of CAL ≥3 mm than non‐interproximal sites. Mexicans had the lowest odds of CAL ≥3 mm among all Hispanic/Latino backgrounds. While Mexicans had lower odds of PD ≥4 mm than Central Americans and Cubans, they had higher odds than Dominicans and Puerto Ricans. Site‐level proportions and pairwise correlations of PD ≥4 mm were generally smaller than those of CAL ≥3 mm.

Conclusions

The patterns of site‐level probabilities of clinical measures of periodontal disease can be defined based on tooth, site and individual‐level characteristics. Intraoral correlation patterns, while complex, are quantifiable. The risk factors for site‐level CAL ≥3 mm may differ from those of PD ≥4 mm. Likewise, participant risk factors for site‐level clinical measures of periodontal disease are distinct from those that affect individual‐level periodontitis prevalence. Future epidemiological investigations should consider model‐based approaches when examining site‐level disease probabilities to identify intra‐oral patterns of periodontal disease and make inferences about the larger population.
Influence of Benggang slope cracks on soil water regimes: Comparison of model simulation and time‐domain reflectometry
Authors: Duan Xiaoqian , Deng Yusong , Liu Changxin , He Yangbo , Lin Lirong , Chen Jiazhou
Published: August 2022

Cracks greatly influence the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) of soil and are one of the most important factors for increasing Ks. Moreover, both cracks and Ks influence soil water distribution. This study aimed to investigate the consistency of the effects of cracks and Ks on the water distribution along slopes. Ks was measured in three soil layers along two typical Benggang (a severe gully erosion landform) slopes using a double‐ring infiltrometer. The Ks values show a gradual decrease with increasing distance from the gully head in the same soil layer, and this phenomenon is consistent with the distribution of cracks on the slope measured by the staining tracer method. This indicates that the distribution of cracks can be accurately predicted by measuring the spatial variation in Ks. The VADOSE/W model was employed to simulate soil water configurations and yielded inaccurate simulation results, typically in the lower slope. In addition, the simulation results were greatly improved through the inclusion of effective cracks by adjusting the material properties, but not solely by adjusting the Ks. Therefore, the influence of cracks on the water distribution is not well reflected by Ks, and cracks must be incorporated into the relevant models. The soil water content in the topsoil of the lower slope near the headwall with more cracks was than that of the upper slope, implying that cracks likely accelerate the downward movement of water and increase leakage. This process increases the water content and pore water pressure in deeper soil layers, thereby eventually increasing the likelihood of soil erosion. The results of this study can improve our understanding of the triggers of Benggang erosion and provide guidance on the prevention and control of soil erosion risks in areas with granitic soil.

Highlights

The influence of cracks on water distribution cannot be strongly reflected by Ks.

Cracks must be considered when analysing the soil water content in a simulation mode.

The distribution of cracks influences the timing and frequency of Benggang erosion.

Soil cracks distribution is important in soil risk remediation and control such as Benggang erosion.
Intra‐company transfers: The government/corporate interface in the United Kingdom
Authors: Salt John , Brewster Chris
Published: August 2022

This paper explores the role of intra‐company transfers in the United Kingdom government's labour immigration policy over the last quarter century. It demonstrates their role in determining the number of non‐European Economic Area foreigners working in the country and examines the way policy, both generally and specifically, has developed. It presents new statistical data and uses that evidence to examine the interplay between the government and multinational corporations in the determination of a significant element of foreign labour immigration. Its findings demonstrate that intra‐company transfers have consistently played a major role in the management of UK labour immigration with a small number of occupations and countries of origin characterizing the system at various times. It concludes that the system has operated through a symbiotic relationship between government and major companies to the mutual benefit of both. However, ‘Brexit’ and the COVID‐19 pandemic are leading to reassessment of political and corporate objectives.
Short fiber spraying process of all‐oxide ceramic matrix composites: A parameter study
Authors: Winkelbauer Jonas , Puchas Georg , Krenkel Walter , Schafföner Stefan
Published: August 2022

Fiber spraying processes have been established for polymer matrix composites for decades. In this study, we transferred an automated fiber spraying process to short fiber bundle‐reinforced Nextel 610/ Al2O3‐ZrO2 oxide fiber composites (SF‐OFC). The effect of the processing factors travel height, spray angle, and movement speed on the specimen strength was analyzed in a full factorial experimental design. As a result, the significance of the travel height as well as the interaction between travel height and movement speed was demonstrated. Furthermore, the influence of the fiber length (14, 28, 56, and 112 mm) on the bending stress and strain was investigated. Independent of the used fiber length, the SF‐OFC exhibited an excellent quasi‐ductile fracture behavior with bending strains in the range of .6% and in‐plane isotropic material properties. The average bending strength increased from 133 ± 27 MPa with 14 mm fiber reinforcements to 163 ± 29 MPa with 112 mm fibers. The achieved bending strengths clearly exceeded the off‐axis properties of currently used fabric‐reinforced OFC. These properties, combined with the excellent drapability and cost effectiveness, make the novel material highly promising for industrial applications such as flame tubes, burner nozzles, kiln furnitures, or foundry components.
Effects of soybean 7S protein on the quality and digestibility of dry rice noodles under twin‐screw extrusion process
Authors: Qiao Fan , Wang Lin , Guan Chunmin , Long Xinkang , Lin Qinlu , Liu Chun
Published: August 2022

Starch and protein are important components of food, the mixed system formed between them (complexes, gels, mixtures, etc.) can improve the physical and chemical properties of starch and protein, and its potential application in the food industry has also attracted widespread attention. In this study, indica rice flour and soybean 7S protein (β‐Conglycinin) were used as the experimental materials to explore the effect of soybean 7S protein addition on the quality and digestibility of rice noodles. Aims to develop rice noodles with high protein and low GI, so that people can take care of their health while satisfying their appetites. The results showed that with the increase of soybean 7S protein addition, the starch digestibility decreased, resulting in the estimated glycaemic index (eGI) and glycaemic load (GL) decreasing. However, the cooking loss rate and breakage rate of rice noodles gradually increased, the water absorption first increased and then decreased, and the taste of rice noodles is acceptable when the 7S protein addition amount is within 9%. The interaction between starch and soybean 7S protein was mediated by weak interactions such as hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic forces indicated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD).
The origin and evolution of carpels and fruits from an evo‐devo perspective
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Li Jun , Gong Pichang , He Chaoying
Published: August 2022

The flower is an evolutionary innovation in angiosperms that drives the evolution of biodiversity. The carpel is integral to a flower and develops into fruits after fertilization, while the perianth, consisting of the calyx and corolla, is decorative to facilitate pollination and protect the internal organs, including the carpels and stamens. Therefore, the nature of flower origin is carpel and stamen origin, which represents one of the greatest and fundamental unresolved issues in plant evolutionary biology. Here, we briefly summarize the main progress and key genes identified for understanding floral development, focusing on the origin and development of the carpels. Floral ABC models have played pioneering roles in elucidating flower development, but remain insufficient for resolving flower and carpel origin. The genetic basis for carpel origin and subsequent diversification leading to fruit diversity also remains elusive. Based on current research progress and technological advances, simplified floral models and integrative evolutionary‐developmental (evo‐devo) strategies are proposed for elucidating the genetics of carpel origin and fruit evolution. Stepwise birth of a few master regulatory genes and subsequent functional diversification might play a pivotal role in these evolutionary processes. Among the identified transcription factors, AGAMOUS (AG) and CRABS CLAW (CRC) may be the two core regulatory genes for carpel origin as they determine carpel organ identity, determinacy, and functionality. Therefore, a comparative identification of their protein–protein interactions and downstream target genes between flowering and non‐flowering plants from an evo‐devo perspective may be primary projects for elucidating carpel origin and development.