bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large Amplitude Free Vibration Analysis of Isotropic Curved Nano/Microbeams Using a Nonlocal Sinusoidal Shear Deformation Theory-Based Finite Element Method
Authors: Prateek G. , Sarthak De , Vasudevan R. , Haboussi M. , Ganapathi M.
Published: January 2021

In this investigation, the nonlinear flexural free vibration characteristics of size dependent curved isotropic nano/microbeams are studied using the nonlocal elasticity theory along with the sinusoidal shear deformation theory (SSDT). Based on Hamilton’s principle, the governing equations are derived in terms of generalized displacements using finite element approach. The formulation by extending the von-Karman model accounts for both large deflections and rotations in the strain displacement definition. Direct iterative procedure is used to solve the nonlinear problem through eigenvalue procedure. This investigation aims to study the effect of various design parameters like slenderness ratio of the beam, curved beam included angle, nonlocal parameter, and boundary conditions on the amplitude–frequency response obtained from the free vibration behavior of curved nano/microbeams. This study is very useful to designers for optimal design of nano/microsystem involving structural elements of the beam type.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nanoporous Carbon Co-Zn-MOF-C: Magnetic Recovery and Efficient Adsorption Performance
Authors: Lin Xiaoying , Zhong Qinhua , Zeng Weipeng , Lin Songye , Gong Linzhu , Liu Minyi , Liu Yamin
Published: January 2021

Metal-Organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained significant attention as precursors for magnetic nanoporous carbon material. However, the preparation of MOF-derived carbon with high specific surface area is very limited. In this work, magnetically recoverable nanoporous carbon materials (Co-Zn-MOF-C) were synthesized using Co/Zn-MOF as the starting precursor. Physicochemical properties of Co-Zn-MOF-C materials were well characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms (BET) and EDS. Co-Zn-MOF-C has a high specific surface area up to 1093.74[Formula: see text]m2/g and saturation magnetization of 7.71 emu/g. Besides, the adsorption capacity of methylene blue dye could reach 780[Formula: see text]mg/g, the adsorption processes agreed well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model.
Nonlinear free vibration analysis of a bi-directional functionally graded microbeam on nonlinear elastic foundation using modified couple stress theory
Authors: Moradifard Reza , Gholami Mohammad , Zare Elnaz
Published: January 2021

In this research, a size-dependent Euler–Bernoulli beam model is proposed for nonlinear free vibration of a bi-directional functionally graded (BFG) based on a three-layered nonlinear elastic foundation within the framework of the modified couple stress (MCS) theory. The nonlinearity due to the stretching effect of the mid-plane of the BFG microbeam is the source of the nonlinearity of the assumed free vibration issues. The motion governing equations and the corresponding boundary conditions are derived by applying the principle which is associated to Hamilton, under the assumption that the axial inertia is negligible. By applying cubic nonlinearity via Galerkin’s method, the partial nonlinear differential equation can be reduced and turned into an ordinary nonlinear equation of the differential. Then, Galerkin’s variational method is used to gain proximate analytical expressions for the nonlinear frequency of microbeams with boundary conditions of pinned–pinned ends and clamped–clamped ends. The precision of the present solution is evaluated through comparing the nonlinear frequency provided by the proposed approach with the results available from previous studies. The influence of changes in some parameters such as amplitude ratio, the material length scale parameter, material gradient parameters, end supports and stiffness coefficients of the foundation with nonlinearity on the normalized fundamental frequency is studied in detail. As a main result, it is observed that the nonlinear vibration frequencies are higher than their linear counterparts.
Role of Internet of Things (IoT) in Adoption of Industry 4.0
Authors: Khan Ibrahim Haleem , Javaid Mohd.
Published: January 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) is a critical component of Industry 4.0. It has extensive applications in the monitoring of production systems in manufacturing and services. This technology opens up newer and innovative possibilities in manufacturing by facilitating higher performance. IoT’s major capability is to collect and share information with the help of internet-connected machines and devices. It is associated with unique identification numbers or codes that can be controllable through our daily use devices like smartphones. This technology’s major components are software, hardware with the network’s connectivity for data altercation, and collection. IoT creates disruptive innovation in the field of manufacturing. The need is to understand this technology and how it can help the contemporary production systems. Here, we have studied the potential of this technology to provide better solutions in Industry 4.0. The major drivers of IoT for Industry 4.0 are studied. This paper discusses how Industry 4.0 helps create a smart factory. Finally, we have identified and studied significant IoT applications to adopt Industry 4.0 successfully, and the same is presented in tabular form. With proper implementation of this technology, industries observe an improvement in efficiency during the manufacturing of products. Manufacturing is done with lesser cost and errors. However, there is a long way to reap full benefits for humankind.
Advancements in Biosensor Technologies for Medical Field and COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bahl Shashi , Bagha Ashok Kumar , Rab Shanay , Javaid Mohd , Haleem Abid , Singh Ravi Pratap
Published: January 2021

World health organization (WHO) has declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern and then as a pandemic on 30th of January and 11th of March 2020, respectively. After such concern, the world scientific communities have rushed to search for solutions to bring down the disease’s spread, fast-paced vaccine development, and associated medical research using modern technologies. Biosensor technologies play a crucial role in diagnosing various medical diseases, including COVID-19. The present paper describes the major advancement of biosensor-based technological solutions for medical diagnosis, including COVID-19. This review-based work covers the biosensors and their working principles in the context of medical applications. The paper also discusses different biosensors and their applications to tackle medical issues, including this ongoing pandemic.
Brain–Machine Interfaces: Closed-Loop Control in an Adaptive System
Authors: Sorrell Ethan , Rule Michael E. , O'Leary Timothy
Published: January 2021

Brain–machine interfaces (BMIs) promise to restore movement and communication in people with paralysis and ultimately allow the human brain to interact seamlessly with external devices, paving the way for a new wave of medical and consumer technology. However, neural activity can adapt and change over time, presenting a substantial challenge for reliable BMI implementation. Large-scale recordings in animal studies now allow us to study how behavioral information is distributed in multiple brain areas, and state-of-the-art interfaces now incorporate models of the brain as a feedback controller. Ongoing research aims to understand the impact of neural plasticity on BMIs and find ways to leverage learning while accommodating unexpected changes in the neural code. We review the current state of experimental and clinical BMI research, focusing on what we know about the neural code, methods for optimizing decoders for closed-loop control, and emerging strategies for addressing neural plasticity.
Enhanced Success History Adaptive DE for Parameter Optimization of Photovoltaic Models
Authors: Song Yingjie , Wu Daqing , Wagdy Mohamed Ali , Zhou Xiangbing , Zhang Bin , Deng Wu
Published: January 2021

In the past few decades, a lot of optimization methods have been applied in estimating the parameter of photovoltaic (PV) models and obtained better results, but these methods still have some deficiencies, such as higher time complexity and poor stability. To tackle these problems, an enhanced success history adaptive DE with greedy mutation strategy (EBLSHADE) is employed to optimize parameters of PV models to propose a parameter optimization method in this paper. In the EBLSHADE, the linear population size reduction strategy is used to gradually reduce population to improve the search capabilities and balance the exploitation and exploration capabilities. The less and more greedy mutation strategy is used to enhance the exploitation capability and the exploration capability. Finally, a parameter optimization method based on EBLSHADE is proposed to optimize parameters of PV models. The different PV models are selected to prove the effectiveness of the proposed method. Comparison results demonstrate that the EBLSHADE is an effective and efficient method and the parameter optimization method is beneficial to design, control, and optimize the PV systems.
The Multidimensional Motion Features of Spatial Depth Feature Maps: An Effective Motion Information Representation Method for Video-Based Action Recognition
Authors: Ou Hongshi , Sun Jifeng
Published: January 2021

In video action recognition based on deep learning, the design of the neural network is focused on how to acquire effective spatial information and motion information quickly. This paper proposes a kind of deep network that can obtain both spatial information and motion information in video classification. It is called MDFs (the multidimensional motion features of deep feature map net). This method can be used to obtain spatial information and motion information in videos only by importing image frame data into a neural network. MDFs originate from the definition of 3D convolution. Multiple 3D convolution kernels with different information focuses are used to act on depth feature maps so as to obtain effective motion information at both spatial and temporal. On the other hand, we split the 3D convolution at space dimension and time dimension, and the spatial network feature map has reduced the dimensions of the original frame image data, which realizes the mitigation of computing resources of the multichannel grouped 3D convolutional network. In order to realize the region weight differentiation of spatial features, a spatial feature weighted pooling layer based on the spatial-temporal motion information guide is introduced to realize the attention to high recognition information. By means of multilevel LSTM, we realize the fusion between global semantic information acquisition and depth features at different levels so that the fully connected layers with rich classification information can provide frame attention mechanism for the spatial information layer. MDFs need only to act on RGB images. Through experiments on three universal experimental datasets of action recognition, UCF10, UCF11, and HMDB51, it is concluded that the MDF network can achieve an accuracy comparable to two streams (RGB and optical flow) that requires the import of both frame data and optical flow data in video classification tasks.
A New Study on Halpern and Nonconvex Combination Algorithm for Nonlinear Mappings in Banach Spaces with Applications
Authors: Li Gaobo
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we introduce a Halpern algorithm and a nonconvex combination algorithm to approximate a solution of the split common fixed problem of quasi-

ϕ

-nonexpansive mappings in Banach space. In our algorithms, the norm of linear bounded operator does not need to be known in advance. As the application, we solve a split equilibrium problem in Banach space. Finally, some numerical examples are given to illustrate the main results in this paper and compare the computed results with other ones in the literature. Our results extend and improve some recent ones in the literature.
Listeria monocytogenes Peritonitis in a Patient Receiving Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sin Ho-Kwan , Cheuk Au , Lee William , Yim Ka-Fai , Poon Clara , Wong Ivy , Lam Bosco , Tang Hon-Lok , Fung Samuel K.
Published: January 2021

Listeria monocytogenes is a rare cause of peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis. Only a handful of cases have been reported, and the optimal management is still uncertain. We present a case of Listeria monocytogenes peritonitis and perform a review of the literature to elucidate optimal antibiotic therapy.
Remarks on

α
,
β

-Admissible Mappings and Fixed Points under
Z
-Contraction Mappings
Authors: Khomdram Bulbul , Priyobarta N. , Rohen Yumnam , Indubala Thounaojam
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we discuss about different types of

α
,
β

-admissible mappings and introduce some new

α
,
β

-contraction-type mappings under simulation function. Furthermore, we present the definition of

S

-metric-like space and its topological properties. Some fixed point theorems in this space are established, proved, and verified with examples.
Novel Nonsingular Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control for a Class of Second-Order Uncertain Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Pan Huihui , Zhang Guangming
Published: January 2021

This paper presents a novel nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode control scheme for a class of second-order uncertain nonlinear systems. First, a novel nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode manifold (NNFTSM) with adaptive coefficients is put forward, and a novel double power reaching law (NDP) with dynamic exponential power terms is presented. Afterwards, a novel nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode (NNFTSMNDP) controller is designed by employing NNFTSM and NDP, which can improve the convergence rate and the robustness of the system. Due to the existence of external disturbances and parameter uncertainties, the system states under controller NNFTSMNDP cannot converge to the equilibrium but only to the neighborhood of the equilibrium in finite time. Considering the unsatisfying performance of controller NNFTSMNDP, an adaptive disturbance observer (ADO) is employed to estimate the lumped disturbance that is compensated in the controller in real-time. A novel composite controller is presented by combining the NNFTSMNDP method with the ADO technique. The finite-time stability of the closed-loop system under the proposed control method is proven by virtue of the Lyapunov stability theory. Both simulation results and theoretical analysis illustrate that the proposed method shows excellent control performance in the existence of disturbances and uncertainties.
A Successful Three-Phase Metaheuristic for the Shift Minimization Personal Task Scheduling Problem
Authors: Nurmi Kimmo , Kyngäs Nico
Published: January 2021

Workforce scheduling process consists of three major phases: workload prediction, shift generation, and staff rostering. Shift generation is the process of transforming the determined workload into shifts as accurately as possible. The Shift Minimization Personnel Task Scheduling Problem (SMPTSP) is a problem in which a set of tasks with fixed start and finish times must be allocated to a heterogeneous workforce. We show that the presented three-phase metaheuristic can successfully solve the most challenging SMPTSP benchmark instances. The metaheuristic was able to solve 44 of the 47 instances to optimality. The metaheuristic produced the best overall results compared to the previously published methods. The results were generated as a by-product when solving a more complicated General Task-based Shift Generation Problem. The metaheuristic generated comparable results to the methods using commercial MILP solvers as part of the solution process. The presented method is suitable for application in large real-world scenarios. Application areas include cleaning, home care, guarding, manufacturing, and delivery of goods.
Um monumento “colonial” para uma cidade moderna: o conjunto jesuítico do Pátio do Colégio nas comemorações do IV Centenário de São Paulo
Authors: Canado Junior Roberto dos Santos
Published: January 2021

O artigo aborda as mobilizações em prol da reconstrução do conjunto arquitetônico jesuítico do Pátio do Colégio, em São Paulo. Tais mobilizações resultaram na aprovação da Lei Estadual n° 2658 de 1954. Por meio desse instrumento legal, ocorreu a doação da área correspondente ao antigo Colégio aos jesuítas, representados pela Sociedade Brasileira de Educação, e ainda previu a reconstrução como parte das comemorações do IV Centenário de São Paulo. É objetivo desse artigo abordar a dimensão política dessa reconstrução e compreender o seu papel discursivo perante outras iniciativas de comemoração do IV Centenário, com destaque para o Parque Ibirapuera.
Falência da extubação orotraqueal em uma amostra de pacientes oncológicos
Authors: Agu Camilla Giovana , Caruso Pedro , Oliveira Indiara Soares , Friedrich Celena Freire , Costa Ivan Peres
Published: January 2021

Objetivo: Classificar a taxa de falha de extubação orotraqueal (FE) em uma amostra de pacientes oncológicos e avaliar a associação entre FE, índice de mortalidade e eventos clínicos. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, para coleta de dados do prontuário no período de março de 2012 a maio de 2017 envolvendo 1.088 prontuários que necessitaram suporte ventilatório invasivo durante a internação na UTI. Resultados: 39 pacientes necessitaram de reintubação precoce durante a estadia em UTI, no qual a taxa de incidência de FE foi de 3,6%, média de idade de 59,6 anos com predomínio do sexo masculino, com uma alta incidência de complicações respiratórias e pneumonia. O tempo médio de reintubação após a extubação foi de 16,5 ± 14,0 h, tendo como principal motivo da reintubação fadiga respiratória (48,7%) e o principal desfecho foi óbito (56,4%). Foram elaborados três modelos de regressão univariada e multivariada para o tempo de reintubação, dias de internação na UTI (R2: 61,7%) e o óbito (R2: 78,8) que demonstrou variáveis independentes capazes de predizer a mudança nos modelos estudados. O modelo que melhor respondeu à nossa meta foi óbito com variância explicada de 78,8%. Conclusão: Nossos achados demonstraram uma baixa incidência da falência na extubação e a importância da identificação de fatores de risco específicos para a população oncológica, predizendo que tais fatores poderiam influenciar a necessidade de reintubação.
Osteoblastoma em coluna dorsal: relato de caso
Authors: Silva Gabriel André Duarte , Carvalho Ana Paula Caldas , Machado Fabiana Soares , Lacerda Mateus Barros de , Faria Talitha Araújo , Pessoa Pedro Afonso Londe
Published: January 2021

O osteoblastoma é tumor benigno primário do osso e corresponde a 1% destes tumores. Acomete indivíduos jovens, principalmente na coluna vertebral, onde produz sintomatologia variada, desde dor até deformidades estruturadas, onde a duração dos sintomas até o diagnóstico definitivo é prolongada. O tratamento é eminentemente cirúrgico. Predomina nos jovens do sexo masculino, cerca de 3:1. Este relato descreve um caso de uma lesão vertebral expansiva na vértebra T6, com margens delimitadas, causando expansão discreta do osso em um paciente do sexo masculino de 24 anos de idade. A ressonância magnética da coluna vertebral revelou presença de um tumor com tamanho maior que uma laranja lima a nível de vértebra T6. Muitas lesões produtoras de osso possuem características clínicas, especialmente neurológicas e radiológicas. Conclui-se que compreender todos esses achados é de extrema importância, uma vez que auxilia no diagnóstico adequado para levar ao tratamento deste raro dano, levando a um bom prognóstico.
Paisagem e Apropriação Urbana
Authors: Hindi Tiago de Mattos Chafik
Published: January 2021

Os conjuntos Abdelnur e Zavaglia no município de São Carlos, no estado de São Paulo – Brasil ilustram como a monofuncionalidade produzida pelas políticas públicas brasileiras em habitação popular, contemporâneas, produzem paisagens urbanas conflituosas e monótonas, destituídas de espaços livres qualificados, incoerentes com o cotidiano de seus usuários, em contraponto a paisagem criada por processos de apropriação, como o caso da requalificação da cooperativa de habitação Jeanne-Mance, na cidade de Montreal, na província do Quebec - Canadá. O objetivo deste trabalho é comparar as duas realidades, ilustrando o resultado da produção habitacional implantada com os espaços naturais projetados (espaços livres, verdes e de lazer) e de conjuntos habitacionais construídos sem esta preocupação. Através de visitas aos conjuntos habitacionais Abdelnur e Zavaglia, em São Carlos/SP e a cooperativa de habitação Jeanne-Mance, em Montréal/QC, foi mapeado e analisado como a transformação da paisagem pelos próprios usuários configura um quadro de maior vitalidade e qualidade paisagística que os cenários de produção mercantil produzidas pelas recentes políticas públicas em habitação brasileiras.
A COVID-19 e sua influência no comportamento e fruição das praias marítimas urbanas de Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina, Brasil
Authors: Garbuio Maria Emília Martins da Silva , Ribeiro Eduardo Augusto Werneck
Published: January 2021

É consenso mundial que a incidência da pandemia do novo Coronavírus tem afetado de forma inequívoca o turismo em praticamente todos os países do globo, com perdas inestimáveis e sem precedentes. O lockdown praticado por muitas cidades tem sido a alternativa para restringir o rápido contágio. Espaços públicos como parques e praias urbanas também adotaram esta medida, na tentativa de minimizar a aglomeração de pessoas. Diante desse cenário, pretendeu-se identificar como a Covid-19 tem influenciado o comportamento, percepções e expectativas de usuários das praias urbanas em Balneário Camboriú. Adotou-se a pesquisa por questionário com residentes do município, com uma amostra de 129 informantes, cuja análise se deu por meio da comparação entre os dados. Os resultados demonstraram que os moradores têm acatado as orientações para se manterem distantes da praia e orla, espaços estes que já faziam parte de seu cotidiano. O sentimento mais evidenciado no grupo foi a insegurança em relação à Covid-19 e seus diferentes impactos sobre a cidade como destino turístico.
Preventing Another Korean War: A Case Study of Crisis Management from the Perspective of Readiness Theory
Authors: Schiff Amira
Published: January 2021

This study explores the relevance of readiness theory’s analytical framework in illuminating the fundamentals that contribute to the de-escalation process in international crises. By applying this analytical framework to the U.S.-North Korea crisis management episode of 2017–2018, this study elucidates the interplay of elements that led to the winding down of the intense crisis and to the parties’ agreement to formally embark on negotiations at the end of the Singapore Summit in June 2018. The study shows how the multiple variables underlying the movements in conflict transformation, as outlined by readiness theory, can help to explain the effect of bilateral strategies applied by the U.S. and North Korea and the role of third-party involvement by South Korea and China in managing the crisis.
The Meaning of Diplomacy
Authors: Hart Dan , Siniver Asaf
Published: January 2021

This article draws on interviews with 198 state ambassadors and applies an interpretivist lens to provide a more nuanced conceptualization of diplomacy. In doing so, we seek to project a closer fit between scholarly definitions of the term and how diplomacy is understood by practitioners. We contribute to the literature by proposing a more refined understanding of the term, presented here as five distinct (though not mutually exclusive) ‘meanings’ of diplomacy: (1) The actors taking part in modern diplomacy; (2) the objectives of diplomacy; (3) the mechanisms of diplomacy; (4) diplomacy as a skill; and (5) diplomacy as a profession. We find that drawing on the full range of the diplomatic experience is particularly important given the growing challenges to negotiation as the primary agency of diplomacy.
Nomenclatural adjustments in two South American species of Senecio (Compositae, Senecioneae)
Authors: CALVO JOEL , MORALES-FIERRO VANEZZA
Published: January 2021

After the monographic revision of the genus Senecio Linnaeus (1753: 866) from Chile by Cabrera (1949), several nomenclatural adjustments were made (Jeffrey 1992, Soldano 1998, Calvo 2020, Wu et al. 2020). Herein, we point out the illegitimacy of two names that have widely been accepted in the literature dealing with Senecio in the Southern Cone of South America (Cabrera 1949, Cabrera 1971, Marticorena & Quezada 1985, Freire 2008, Freire et al. 2014, Rodríguez et al. 2018). The respective priority names are indicated. Moreover, the name S. crepidoides Philippi (1894: 252) is lectotypified.
Racial Disproportionality and Disparities in the Child Welfare System: Why Do They Exist, and What Can Be Done to Address Them?
Authors: Dettlaff Alan J. , Boyd Reiko
Published: January 2021

Children of color are overrepresented in the child welfare system, and Black children have been most significantly impacted by this racial disproportionality. Racial disproportionality in child welfare exists because of influences that are both external to child welfare systems and part of the child welfare system. We summarize the causes of racial disproportionality, arguing that internal and external causes of disproportional involvement originate from a common underlying factor: structural and institutional racism that is both within child welfare systems and part of society at large. Further, we review options for addressing racial disproportionality, arguing that it needs to be rectified because of the harm it causes Black children and families and that forcible separation of children from their parents can no longer be viewed as an acceptable form of intervention for families in need.
Jugular Bulb Anomalies Involving the Internal Auditory Canal: A Case Series
Authors: Hwa Tiffany P. , Husain Qasim , Brant Jason A. , K. Lalwani Anil
Published: January 2021

Objective:

Jugular bulb abnormalities (JBA) such as high riding jugular bulb and jugular bulb diverticulum can extend or erode into the middle and inner ear. In this report, we report on a series of 6 patients with jugular bulb anomalies involving the internal auditory canal (IAC).

Methods:

A retrospective case series.

Results:

Six females, ages 6 to 63 presenting with myriad of otologic symptoms including hearing loss, tinnitus, balance disturbance, fullness, and otalgia were discovered to have JB eroding into IAC. Computerized tomography, but not Magnetic Resonance Imaging, was able to identify IAC erosion by a significantly enlarged JB.

Conclusion:

A significantly enlarged JB eroding into the IAC maybe congenital or acquired. It can present with a variety of common otologic symptoms. Long term follow-up is needed to determine the natural history of JB anomalies involving the IAC and need for intervention.
Building a better global health security early-warning system post-COVID: The view from Canada
Authors: Wark Wesley
Published: January 2021

In the years following the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2002–2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) created a new system for global disease outbreak surveillance. The system relied on timely reporting by nation-states and gave the WHO a leading role in the global response. It also recognized the value of a multiplicity of sources of information, including from open-source media scanning. The post-SARS system faced its most significant task with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the People’s Republic of China and its rapid spread in 2020. The WHO architecture for early warning of disease outbreaks arguably failed and gives rise to questions about how the international community can better respond to pandemic threats in future. This article explores the inter-connectedness of Canada’s system for global health surveillance, featuring the work of the Global Public Health Intelligence Network and that of the WHO, and argues that, while Canada has positioned itself as a global leader, much work needs to be done in Canada, and globally, if the concept of collective health security and shared early warning is to be maintained in the future.
“Breaking through the 40% adoption ceiling: Mind the seed system gaps.” A perspective on seed systems research for development in One CGIAR
Authors: McEwan Margaret A , Almekinders Conny JM , Andrade-Piedra Jorge JL , Delaquis Erik , Garrett Karen A , Kumar Lava , Mayanja Sarah , Omondi Bonaventure A , Rajendran Srinivasulu , Thiele Graham
Published: January 2021

Seed systems research is central to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Improved varieties with promise for ending hunger, improving nutrition, and increasing livelihood security may be released, but how do they reach and benefit different types of farmers? Without widespread adoption the genetic gains achieved with improved crop varieties can never be actualized. Progress has been made toward demand responsive breeding, however the draft CGIAR 2030 Research and Innovation Strategy fails to recognize the complexity of seed systems and thus presents a narrow vision for the future of seed systems research. This points to the lack of evidence-based dialogue between seed systems researchers and breeders. This perspective paper presents findings from an interdisciplinary group of more than 50 CGIAR scientists who used a suite of seed systems tools to identify four knowledge gaps and associated insights from work on the seed systems for vegetatively propagated crops (VPCs), focusing on bananas (especially cooking bananas and plantains), cassava, potato, sweetpotato, and yam. We discuss the implications for thinking about and intervening in seed systems using a combined biophysical and socioeconomic perspective and how this can contribute to increased varietal adoption and benefits to farmers. The tools merit wider use, not only for the seed systems of VPCs, but for the seed of crops facing similar adoption challenges. We argue for deeper collaboration between seed systems researchers, breeders and national seed system stakeholders to address these and other knowledge gaps and generate the evidence and innovations needed to break through the 40% adoption ceiling for modern varieties, and ensure good quality seed once the new varieties have been adopted. Without this, the achievements of breeders may remain stuck in the seed delivery pipeline.
Book review: Anil Kumar (Ed.), Women, Gender, and Justice: Issues and Perspectives
Authors: Srivastava Sumit Saurabh
Published: January 2021

Anil Kumar (Ed.), Women, Gender, and Justice: Issues and Perspectives. Delhi: Pragati Publications, 2019, xxiv+248 pp., ₹895 (hardback). ISBN: 978-81-7307-176-8.
Identity Safety Cues Predict Instructor Impressions, Belonging, and Absences in the Psychology Classroom
Authors: Howansky Kristina , Maimon Melanie , Sanchez Diana
Published: January 2021

Background:

Students with marginalized identities report a lack of cultural competence among faculty in higher education classrooms. Identity safety cues (ISCs) signal to minority group members that their identities are valued and respected.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to test for differences in students’ perceptions of their professor, sense of belonging, and academic outcomes when comparing an ISC course with a control course.

Method:

We randomly assigned one of two sections of a large social psychology course to receive ISCs while the other section was taught in a control format. The same professor taught both sections.

Results:

Participants in the ISC class believed their professor was trying to create an inclusive classroom and disapproved of social inequalities more than participants in the control course. These students also reported a higher sense of belonging and fewer absences.

Conclusion:

ISCs were associated with favorable impressions of faculty, a sense of belonging in the classroom, and fewer absences.

Teaching Implications:

Professors can make small adjustments to signal identity safety in their classrooms. These ISCs may foster a sense of belonging and motivation to attend the class for learners with diverse identities.
The Provincial Contexts of Paul’s Imprisonments: Law Enforcement and Criminal Procedure in the Roman East
Authors: Brélaz Cédric
Published: January 2021

This article explores the legal contexts which led to the multiple imprisonments experienced by the Paul of the letters (as attested in particular by Phil. 1.13) and depicted also in Acts, contrasting these with the numerous occasions where the apostle faced opposition or even violence from local populations and authorities without being jailed. By looking at the realities of law enforcement operations and criminal procedures in the Eastern provinces of the Roman Empire, this article helps reassess two major issues with regard to the rise of Christ-groups from the middle of the first to the beginning of the second century, namely: For what reasons were Christians arrested and imprisoned by Roman authorities? What was the agenda of the author of Acts in paying so much attention to the legal context of Paul’s arrest and later transfer to the emperor’s court?
Aerobic exercise improves hippocampal blood flow for hypertensive Apolipoprotein E4 carriers
Authors: Kaufman Carolyn S , Honea Robyn A , Pleen Joseph , Lepping Rebecca J , Watts Amber , Morris Jill K , Billinger Sandra A , Burns Jeffrey M , Vidoni Eric D
Published: January 2021

Cerebrovascular dysfunction likely contributes causally to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset AD, Apolipoprotein E4 ( APOE4), may act synergistically with vascular risk to cause dementia. Therefore, interventions that improve vascular health, such as exercise, may be particularly beneficial for APOE4 carriers. We assigned cognitively normal adults (65–87 years) to an aerobic exercise intervention or education only. Arterial spin labeling MRI measured hippocampal blood flow (HBF) before and after the 52-week intervention. We selected participants with hypertension at enrollment (n = 44). For APOE4 carriers, change in HBF (ΔHBF) was significantly ( p = 0.006) higher for participants in the exercise intervention (4.09 mL/100g/min) than the control group (−2.08 mL/100g/min). There was no difference in ΔHBF between the control (−0.32 mL/100g/min) and exercise (−0.54 mL/100g/min) groups for non-carriers (p = 0.918). Additionally, a multiple regression showed an interaction between change in systolic blood pressure (ΔSBP) and APOE4 carrier status on ΔHBF ( p = 0.035), with reductions in SBP increasing HBF for APOE4 carriers only. Aerobic exercise improved HBF for hypertensive APOE4 carriers only. Additionally, only APOE4 carriers exhibited an inverse relationship between ΔSBP and ΔHBF. This suggests exercise interventions, particularly those that lower SBP, may be beneficial for individuals at highest genetic risk of AD.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02000583
Cost-effectiveness analysis of durvalumab plus etoposide: platinum in the first-line therapy of extensive stage small-cell lung cancer from the Chinese payers’ perspective
Authors: Tong Ying-hui , Ding Hai-ying , Xin Wen-xiu , Zhong Li-ke , Xu Gao-qi , Zhang Bo , Yang Guo-nong , Fang Luo
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Results from the CASPIAN trial (Durvalumab ± Tremelimumab in Combination With Platinum Based Chemotherapy in Untreated Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer) trial demonstrated the clinical benefit of durvalumab plus etoposide–platinum (EP) chemotherapy as first-line treatment for patients with extensive stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). However, considering the high price of durvalumab, it is unclear whether addition of durvalumab to EP chemotherapy has economic value compared with EP alone. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of durvalumab plus EP chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with ES-SCLC.

Methods:

A Markov model comprising three health states (stable, progressive, and dead) was developed to simulate the process of small-cell lung cancer. Utility and costs were obtained from published resources. Health outcomes were derived from the CASPIAN trial. Costs were calculated based on the standard medical fees in Zhejiang Province from Chinese patients’ perspective. Utility values were obtained from published data. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were applied to verify model robustness.

Results

The addition of durvalumab to EP chemotherapy costs more than $32,220, with a gain of 0.14 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) compared with EP alone. The incremental cost-effective ratio was $230,142.9 per QALY, which exceeds the willingness to pay threshold of $28,527 per QALY. In the sensitivity analysis, the utility values for the progressive state, costs of durvalumab and EP chemotherapy, and costs for the progressive state were considered to be the three most sensitive factors in the model.

Conclusion:

The addition of durvalumab to EP chemotherapy is not a cost-effective strategy in the first-line therapy of ES-SCLC from the Chinese payers’ perspective.
Effect of Digital Serious Games Related to Patient Care in Pharmacy Education: A Systematic Review
Authors: Silva Rafaella de Oliveira Santos , Pereira André Mascarenhas , Araújo Dyego Carlos Souza Anacleto de , Rocha Kérilin Stancine Santos , Serafini Mairim Russo , de Lyra Jr Divaldo Pereira
Published: January 2021

Background. In recent years, the use of digital serious games in the education of healthcare students and professionals has been frequent. However, there are no high-level evidence studies focused on the effect of this tool in the development of patient care-related competencies in pharmacy education. Aim. To assess the effect of digital serious games on learning about patient care in pharmacy education. Methods. The Cochrane Library, ERIC, Embase, IPA, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were reviewed to identify relevant studies published up to October 2, 2018. Standardized and non-standardized terms including “games,” “serious games,” “pharmacy education,” “pharmacists,” and “pharmacy students” were used as search terms. The quality of the studies was assessed using validated tools. Results and Discussion. Of the 1,521 studies reviewed, seven met the eligibility criteria. Three studies were performed in the United States (42.85%). The most-frequent design studies were randomized controlled studies (n = 3; 42.85%). The number of participants ranged between 6 and 354. In most cases, game scenarios were based on simulations in which users performed the role of the pharmacist (n = 5; 71.42%). The predominant primary outcome was attitudes (n = 5; 71.42%) related to patient care. Only one study (14.27%) demonstrated significant improvements in the assessed primary outcomes. The methodology of the included studies lacked robustness. Conclusion. The effect of learning technological tools on patient care-related competencies was not significant in most of the included studies. Future studies must provide high-quality, integrated-manner evidence on the effect of digital serious games in pharmacy education (knowledge, skills, and attitudes) to facilitate the transfer of learning to real-life scenarios and changes in organizational practices.
Experiences of Volunteers Supporting Parents Following a Fatal Fetal Anomaly Diagnosis
Authors: Power Stacey , O’Donoghue Keelin , Meaney Sarah
Published: January 2021

Ireland has had a reliance on voluntary groups to provide peer-to-peer bereavement support. The aim of this study was to explore volunteers’, within these voluntary groups, experiences of supporting parents following a fatal fetal anomaly diagnosis. Purposive sampling was used to recruit volunteers ( n = 17) and face-to-face interviews undertaken. NVivo12 was utilized to assist in the thematic analysis of the data. Five themes; “motivation for altruistic acts,” “being challenged,” “value of education and training,” “supporting volunteers to support others,” and “it is not a sprint, it is a marathon” were identified. Volunteers felt comfortable in their peer-support role but found the lack of knowledge regarding newly implemented termination of pregnancy (TOP) services challenging. The importance of education/training was identified, emphasizing the need for collaboration with health care professionals and other voluntary organizations for support. The findings illustrate the need for collaborative working between health care professionals and volunteers to assist them in supporting bereaved parents.
Fathers’ Coping Strategies and Children’s Temperament as Predictors of Parental Attitudes among Polish Fathers
Authors: Lipowska Małgorzata , Łada-Maśko Ariadna Beata , Lipowski Mariusz
Published: January 2021

Over the last few decades, perceptions of fatherhood have changed significantly and expectations regarding fathers’ involvement in childcare have risen. Parenting is undoubtedly the source of many positive experiences, however, it can also be a stressful challenge. Thus, the way in which fathers deal with everyday life stress can significantly affect their parental attitudes. There is significant evidence that a child’s predisposition can modify parental attitudes and therefore relate to stress coping strategies. In the current study we tested a model of the reciprocal relationships between a father’s coping strategies, his parental attitudes, and his child’s individual traits (temperament and gender). The first model assumes that the father’s stress coping strategies and the child’s individual traits determine parental attitudes independently; the second model, assumes that parental attitudes will be influenced by coping strategies and that individual traits of the child will modify this relationship. A total of 176 Polish fathers ( Mfather’s age = 35.07, SD = 5.71) of only children of preschool age ( Mchildren’s age = 5.6, SD = .21; 88 girls, 88 boys) participated in the study. The following research tools were used: the Parental Attitudes Scale, to measure fathers’ attitudes towards their children; the Brief COPE, to evaluate fathers’ coping strategies; the EAS Temperament Questionnaire – Parental Ratings, to assess children’s temperaments. The results indicate that fathers had the highest scores for Inconsequent and Demanding parental attitudes and the lowest for Overprotective and Autonomy attitudes. Moreover, their attitudes towards daughters and sons were consistent, except for Autonomy. Furthermore, mediation analyses show that the child’s temperamental traits do not significantly modify the relation between a father’s coping strategies and parental attitudes. However, the results indicate that a father’s coping strategies and his child’s temperament affect the father’s parental attitudes independently. Differences depending on the child’s gender were also found.
Complete anterior segment reconstruction: Corneal transplantation and implantation of an iris prosthesis and IOL in a single surgery
Authors: Mayer Christian , Baur Isabella Diana , Storr Julia , Khoramnia Ramin
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

Patients who have suffered an ocular trauma may present with varying degrees of injury to the anterior segment. In this retrospective interventional case series, we report the outcome of seven patients who underwent complete anterior segment reconstruction in a single surgery.

Methods:

All patients with posttraumatic corneal decompensation or scar, aphakia, and iris defect underwent human donor corneal graft transplantation and implantation of an intraocular lens combined with a flexible silicone iris prosthesis. Postoperative examinations included assessment of best corrected distance visual acuity, objective refraction, and intraocular pressure. Sensitivity to glare and subjective discontent with the eye’s appearance was rated on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 standing for low and 10 for high severity.

Results:

Mean best corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA) was 1.51 ± 0.26 logMAR preoperatively and 1.29 ± 0.36 logMAR postoperatively. Mean IOP was 15.71 ± 8.94 mmHg pre-surgery and 13.57 ± 6.52 mmHg post-surgery. The mean sensitivity to glare was reduced from 7.17 ± 2.91 to 3.80 ± 3.43 and subjective cosmetic disfigurement was reduced from 5.33 ± 3.35 to 1.80 ± 1.60.

Conclusions:

A single surgery technique for entire anterior segment reconstruction in trauma patients can effectively reduce glare and patient discontent with the eye’s appearance.
Gossip as evaluative sensemaking and the concealment of confidential gossip in the everyday life of organizations
Authors: Fan Ziyun , Dawson Patrick
Published: January 2021

Gossip is pervasive at the workplace, yet receives scant attention in the sensemaking literature and stands on the periphery of organization studies. We seek to reveal the non-triviality of gossip in processes of sensemaking. In drawing on empirical data from an observational study of a British Media firm, we adopt a processual perspective in showing how people produce, understand, and enact their sense of what is occurring through gossip as an evaluative and distinct form of informal communication. Our research draws attention to the importance of gossip in the routines of daily practice and the need to differentiate general from confidential gossip. We discuss how gossip continuously informs learning as evaluative sensemaking processes that encourages critiques and evaluation to shape future action and behavior. Within this, we argue how confidential gossip can challenge power relations while remaining part of formal authority structures, constituting forms of pragmatic and micro-resistance. This shadowland resistance provides terrain for learning that both criticizes and preserves espoused values and cultural norms. We conclude that confidential gossip as an evaluative and secretive process provokes a learning paradox that both enables and constrains forms of resistance in reinforcing and simultaneously questioning power relations at work.
A vulnerability inspired Universal Design of Justice
Authors: Sarrett Jennifer C
Published: January 2021

The US criminal justice system is built on the notion of the liberal, autonomous subject who chooses to engage in criminal activity, rather than one that addresses the underlying factors that lead to crime. I argue that by combining Vulnerability Theory, a feminist legal theory focused on universal human vulnerability, and Universal Design, a disability approach aimed at creating access for the widest range of bodies and minds, we can create a system that necessitates an analysis of how social institutions are related to risk for criminal justice involvement to reduce the harms perpetuated by criminal justice involvement. Applied to criminal justice reform together, I develop a Vulnerability Inspired Universal Design of Justice that identifies important areas of reform throughout our social institutions in order to reduce the harms of the criminal justice system.
From breast cancer surgery to survivorship: Insecure attachment tendencies predict negative psychological outcomes
Authors: Favez Nicolas , Antonini Tania , Delaloye Jean-François , Notari Sarah Cairo
Published: January 2021

Little is known about the variables explaining individual variability in the long-term adaptation of breast cancer survivors. Attachment tendencies have, however, been shown to explain negative psychological outcomes in the postsurgical period. The present study aimed to assess the continuing influence of attachment tendencies in the survivorship period. A sample of 28 women were surveyed 2 weeks, 3 months, 12 months, and 5 to 7 years after surgery. Attachment tendencies and psychological outcomes (distress, body image, sexuality) were assessed through questionnaires, and medical and sociodemographic data collected. Results show that insecure attachment tendencies predict negative body image and elevated distress.