bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding social media discontinuance from social cognitive perspective: Evidence from Facebook users
Authors: Fu Shaoxiong , Li Hongxiu
Published: November 2020

Based on social cognitive theory, this study proposes a research framework to investigate two different social media discontinuance behaviours: reduced usage and abandoned usage. Specifically, perceived technology overload, information overload and social overload are the environmental factors that induce negative personal states, including dissatisfaction and social media fatigue, which lead to negative behavioural changes, such as reduced usage and abandoned usage of social media. The proposed research model was tested empirically with data collected among Facebook users. The research results indicate that impacts from perceived technology overload, information overload and social overload on social network fatigue and dissatisfaction vary. Dissatisfaction exerts greater impacts on abandoned-usage behaviour than social media fatigue, but similar impacts on reduced-usage behaviour as social media fatigue. In addition, reduced-usage behaviour was found to lead to abandoned-usage behaviour. Finally, we discuss the theoretical and practical contributions that can be gleaned from the proposed research model.
Telepsychiatry and Outpatient Department Services
Authors: Vadlamani Laxmi Naresh , Sharma Virinchi , Emani Amala , Gowda Mahesh R
Published: November 2020

The utilization of telemedicine and telepsychiatry (TP) services in the outpatient department (OPD) has been increasing in recent years. The information about the technological, administrative, and clinical challenges is being addressed by the telemedicine and TP guidelines published by several individual nations. TP aims to address the treatment gaps, barriers for utilization, accessibility, diagnostic validity, financial implications, and individual client preferences. Utilization of TP in the OPD varies from country to country depending upon their healthcare delivery systems. It also varies in populations utilizing the TP services—urban, rural, child and adolescent, geriatric, and differently abled. TP services in the OPDs are being incorporated differentially by government organizations, insurance recognized psychiatric healthcare organizations, private psychiatric group practice deliverers, and individual, standalone psychiatric healthcare deliverers. TP may not replace the traditional in-person consultations completely. Covid-19 pandemic has hastened its utilization across several healthcare delivery systems. Healthcare organizations, clinicians, other healthcare deliverers, and end users are in the process of adapting to the new scenario. Incorporation of the big data, machine learning, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other technological advances in the psychiatric healthcare delivery systems into TP services in the OPDs would significantly contribute to the overall quality and efficacy of the psychiatric healthcare delivery systems in the future.
Addition of aerobic training to conventional rehabilitation after hip fracture: a randomized, controlled, pilot feasibility study
Authors: Corna Stefano , Arcolin Ilaria , Giardini Marica , Bellotti Lucia , Godi Marco
Published: November 2020

Objectives:

To determine the feasibility and safety of aerobic training with an arm crank ergometer and its effectiveness in improving functional capacity and gait in patients with recent hip fracture.

Design:

Randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded pilot study, with intention-to-treat analysis.

Setting:

Inpatients, rehabilitation department.

Subjects:

40 patients with hip fracture surgically treated.

Interventions:

Training group performed aerobic exercise with an arm crank ergometer (15 sessions, 30 minutes/day) at an intensity of 64% to 76% of maximum heart rate, in addition to conventional inpatient rehabilitation.

Main measures:

Primary outcome was the feasibility (including eligibility rate, recruitment rate, number of drop-outs and adverse events, adherence). Secondary measures were the Timed Up and Go test, ability to walk independently, muscle torque of knee extensors of fractured and non-fractured leg, Functional Independence Measure.

Results:

Mostly due to pre-existing disability and fracture type, only 40/301 (13%) patients were eligible (age 84.6 ± 7.6 years, 75% female); all agreed to participate and 90% completed the trial, without adverse events. Adherence to aerobic exercise was good, with high attendance at sessions (93%), a strong compliance to exercise duration (95%) but lower compliance to the prescribed intensity (73%). After the program, more patients were able to walk independently in the training group ( n = 18) compared to control ( n = 13) ( P < 0.05). Also the muscle torque of fractured leg knee extensors was higher in the training group ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Aerobic training in addition to conventional rehabilitation after a hip fracture is feasible and safe and it was effective in improving gait performance and strength of fractured leg.

Trial registration:

NCT04025866.
A family with riboflavin-reactive lipid deposition myopathy caused by a novel compound heterozygous mutation in the electron transfer flavoprotein dehydrogenase gene
Authors: Wu Yue , Han Jingzhe , Wang Yaye , Zhang Jinru , Song Xueqin , Ji Guang
Published: November 2020

We report a family with riboflavin-reactive multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (RR-MADD) partially caused by a novel mutation in the electron transfer flavoprotein dehydrogenase gene (ETFDH). The RR-MADD family was identified by physical examination, electromyography, and muscle biopsy of the proband. Laboratory examination and electromyography suggested a muscle disease of the lipid storage myopathies. This was confirmed by a muscle biopsy that revealed lipid deposition in the muscle fibers. The proband’s sister previously had a similar disease, so the family underwent genetic testing. This revealed complex heterozygous ETFDH mutations c.389A > T (p. D130V) and c.1123C > A (p. P375T) in the proband and her sister, of which c.1123C > A (p. P375T) is a novel pathogenic mutation. The proband was treated with riboflavin and changes in physical symptoms and laboratory tests were evaluated before and after treatment. The discovery of a novel locus further expands the ETFDH mutation spectrum and suggests that genotyping is vital for early detection of RR-MADD as it can greatly improve the prognosis.
An underrepresented majority: A systematic review utilizing allodynic criteria to examine the present scarcity of discrete animal models for episodic migraine
Authors: Levine Aidan , Vanderah Todd W , Largent-Milnes Tally M
Published: November 2020

Background

Despite increasing evidence differentiating episodic and chronic migraine, little work has determined how currently utilized animal models of migraine best represent each distinct disease state.

Aim

In this review, we seek to characterize accepted preclinical models of migraine-like headache by their ability to recapitulate the clinical allodynic features of either episodic or chronic migraine.

Methods

From a search of the Pu bMed database for “animal models of migraine”, “headache models” and “preclinical migraine”, we identified approximately 80 recent (within the past 20 years) publications that utilized one of 10 different models for migraine research. Models reviewed fit into one of the following categories: Dural KCl application, direct electrical stimulation, nitroglycerin administration, inflammatory soup injection, CGRP injection, medication overuse, monogenic animals, post-traumatic headache, specific channel activation, and hormone manipulation. Recapitulation of clinical features including cephalic and extracephalic hypersensitivity were evaluated for each and compared.

Discussion

Episodic migraineurs comprise over half of the migraine population, yet the vast majority of current animal models of migraine appear to best represent chronic migraine states. While some of these models can be modified to reflect episodic migraine, there remains a need for non-invasive, validated models of episodic migraine to enhance the clinical translation of migraine research.
Dietary Inadequacy, Micronutrient Deficiencies, and Approaches to Preventing Poor Nutrition in the Gaza Strip
Authors: Horino Masako , Bahar Lina , Al-Jadba Ghada , Habash Rami , Akihiro Seita , West Keith P.
Published: November 2020

Palestine refugees comprise the largest refugee population in the world, most of whom are encamped in Middle Eastern countries. In the Gaza Strip, where ∼1.4 million Palestinians reside, there are high prevalences of anemia and multiple micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs), including those of iron, zinc, vitamins A, B12, D, and E, ranging from 11.4% to 84.7% among pregnant women and 2.9% to 70.9% among preschool children. Dietary diversification and adequate food fortification are framed in policies but remain aspirational goals. Alternative, effective, targeted preventive approaches include, for women, replacement of antenatal iron-folic acid with multiple micronutrient supplementation, and for young children, point-of-use multiple micronutrient powder fortification to prevent anemia, both of which can reduce other MNDs and may bring additional health benefits. These interventions coupled with monitoring of dietary intakes, periodic assessment of MNDs, and implementation research to improve existing nutrition interventions are warranted to protect the health of the Middle East Palestinian diaspora.
Linoleic acid-modified liposomes for the removal of protein-bound toxins: An in vitro study
Authors: Shen Yue , Shen Yuqi , Bi Xiao , Li Jiaolun , Chen Yingjie , Zhu Qiuyu , Wang Yifeng , Ding Feng
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs) and liver failure-related cholestatic solutes are associated with adverse outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and liver failure, respectively, and are not easily removed by traditional dialysis therapies. We constructed linoleic acid-modified liposomes (LA-liposomes) as indirect adsorbent in the dialysate, and evaluated their effects on the clearance of the representative PBUTs and cholestatic solutes.

Methods:

The LA-liposomes were prepared by the thin-film hydration method. The binding rates of liposomes and protein-bound solutes were detected by the ultrafiltration column. The in vitro dialysis experiments were performed using both non-current and current devices to assay the clearing efficiency of the dialysate supported by LA-liposomes.

Results:

The LA-liposomes exhibited good binding properties to the PBUTs, bilirubin and bile acids. The LA-liposome dialysate showed higher solute reduction rates of the representative PBUTs and cholestatic solutes than the traditional dialysate or dialysate supported by the unmodified plain liposomes. Also, albumin binding of the PBUTs was significantly inhibited by the addition of linoleic acid (LA), and the removal efficiency of PBUTs was greatly enhanced by the combination of indirect adsorbent LA-liposomes and LA as the competitive displacer.

Conclusion:

LA-liposomes were efficient in the clearance of the representative PBUTs and liver failure-related solutes. Moreover, the combination of indirect adsorbent LA-liposomes and competitive displacer suggested a potential application for the extremely highly-bound solutes.
Effects on Test Performance and Efficiency of Technology-Enhanced Items: An Analysis of Drag-and-Drop Response Interactions
Authors: Ponce Héctor R. , Mayer Richard E. , Loyola María Soledad
Published: November 2020

One of the most common technology-enhanced items used in large-scale K-12 testing programs is the drag-and-drop response interaction. The main research questions in this study are: (a) Does adding a drag-and-drop interface to an online test affect the accuracy of student performance? (b) Does adding a drag-and-drop interface to an online test affect the speed of student performance? In three different experiments involving fourth, sixth, and eighth graders, respectively; students answered reading comprehension questions presented in conventional (i.e., paper-based design) or drag-and-drop formats. The tests consisted of four-sentence ordering items in Experiment 1, four graphic organizer items in Experiment 2, and two cloze tests and two graphic organizer items in Experiment 3. The conventional and drag & drop groups were compared on test performance (i.e., accuracy) and efficiency (i.e., response time and number of mouse clicks). Across the three experiments, the conventional and drag & drop groups did not differ in mean performance, but the drag & drop group responded more efficiently than the conventional group (faster response time, d = 0.62, and fewer mouse clicks, d = 1.13).
Fabricating a pre-vascularized large-sized metabolically-supportive scaffold using Brassica oleracea leaf
Authors: Walawalkar Sonal , Almelkar Shahdab
Published: November 2020

Background

There is a significant pitfall in clinical translation of large-sized tissue-engineered grafts – a lack of vascularization. This study was carried out to find the answer in a plant leaf, as plants and animals share structural similarities.

Methods and results

We fabricated a scaffold using Brassica oleracea leaves (10%SDS) and expanded the endothelial cells onto them. The vascularity was demarcated by angiography. The thermal decomposition confirmed that the oxidation resistance of the scaffold is parallel to the natural leaf. The acellularity of the scaffold as well as the presence of cellular establishment after culture on the scaffold was confirmed by histology, scanning electron microscopy, periodic acid-Schiff, and DNA quantification. Further, we estimated various biochemical markers like MDA, catalase, total proteins, and total nitric oxide for confirming their metabolic activities. Cell-specific markers like vWF, lectin established their phenotype. Cytotoxicity and live-dead assay showed the viability of cells.

Conclusion

Our findings proved that the decellularized leaf scaffold preserves vascularity, exhibits non-toxicity, maintains the cell identity, and supports mammalian cells for their metabolic activities. The study gives a futuristic hope in combating the ever-growing issues of clinical applicability of large-sized grafts.
Thinking in, with, across, and beyond cases with John Forrester
Authors: Millard Chris , Callard Felicity
Published: November 2020

We consider the influence that John Forrester’s work has had on thinking in, with, and from cases in multiple disciplines. Forrester’s essay ‘If p, Then What? Thinking in Cases’ was published in History of the Human Sciences in 1996 and transformed understandings of what a case was, and how case-based thinking worked in numerous human sciences (including, centrally, psychoanalysis). Forrester’s collection of essays Thinking in Cases was published posthumously, after his untimely death in 2015, and is the inspiration for the special issue we introduce. This comprises new research from authors working in and across the history of science and medicine, gender and sexuality studies, philosophy of science, semiotics, film studies, literary studies and comparative literature, psychoanalytic studies, medical humanities, and sociology. This research addresses what it means to reason in cases in particular temporal, spatial, or genre-focused contexts; introduces new figures (e.g. Eugène Azam, C. S. Peirce, Michael Balint) into lineages of case-based reasoning; emphasizes the unfinished and unfinishable character of some case reading and autobiographical accounts; and shows the frequency with which certain kinds of reasoning attempted with cases fail (often in instructive ways). The special issue opens up new directions for thinking and working with cases and case-based reasoning in the humanities and human sciences.
Tunable-focus liquid lens actuated by a novel piezoelectric motor
Authors: Li Hanlu , Ren Weihao , Yang Lin , Ma Chengcheng , Tang Siyu , Yuan Ruijia
Published: November 2020

In this paper, a tunable-focus liquid lens driven by a novel piezoelectric motor is proposed for the adaptive application. Compressing the liquid chamber, the curvature of the lens can be changed by increasing the liquid pressure. This mechanism requires the motor to provide a vertical force to deform the lens surface, whose curvature can be decreased and thereby increasing its focus. As a key part of the tunable-focus liquid lens, a novel piezoelectric motor with the compact structure is emphatically developed in this paper. The operation process of the motor is discussed in detail, whose geometrical parameters are calculated by the finite element simulations. And the motor prototype is then fabricated and tested by the experimental platform. The testing results indicate that the motor can operate steadily and continuously, whose maximum linear velocity can reach 0.065 mm/s under the frequency of 11.80 kHz and voltage of 400 [Formula: see text]. The measurement shows that the proposed lens driven by the piezoelectric motor can zoom ranged from 9.6 mm to 17.9 mm, which is suitable for adaptive eyeglass application. Compared with other liquid lens, the prototype with a compact structure, easy and low cost fabrication process can provide high-precision adjustment within a certain range. The presented device exhibits well zooming characteristic and stability in the experiment, which also realizes the successful application of piezoelectric motor in the liquid-lens. It shows greatly potential in the adaptive eyeglasses, and may be employed as the mobile system in the near future.
Research on the operation condition indicator for centrifugal pump based on sensorless monitoring technology
Authors: Luo Yin , Han Yuejiang , Zhang Fan
Published: November 2020

A centrifugal pump operates under off-design operation conditions would lead to flow instability, additional energy loss or mechanical damage. Early detection is of great importance to its operation efficiency and safety. Sensorless monitoring technology based on motor current signature analysis (MCSA) is a cost-effective and non-intrusive technology to monitor motor-driven devices. However, existing researches on MCSA for centrifugal pump usually realize their monitoring function through complicated time-frequency or energy analysis, they stop short of an indicator that has less calculation cost and definite physical significance compatible with the pump’s operation condition. In response to the limitations, this paper aimed at establishing such indicator for centrifugal pump based on MCSA. Theoretical analysis, CFD simulation and experiments were conducted to study the characteristics of pump torque and motor stator current, whose results suggest that the torque fluctuation frequency characteristics would be transmitted to motor stator current by electromagnetic coupling effect, and distribute as sidebands in current spectrum through power frequency modulation. As a result, torque disturbance caused by off-design operation would be reflected as stronger harmonic and noise distortion of motor stator current, and the distortion intensity could be quantified and employed as the operation condition indicator (OCI) for centrifugal pump. Experimental results show that the OCI has its lowest value under the design operation condition, and gradually increases as the pump’s operation condition getting worse. Such change law agrees well with the efficiency characteristics of centrifugal pump, which provides a new thought for the operation monitoring of centrifugal pump based on MCSA. The proposed indicator could be directly obtained from the current signal and easily calculated, which is more appropriate for application and probably more preferred for industry compared to the former operation monitoring methods.
Broken Physics: A Conjunction-Fallacy Effect in Intuitive Physical Reasoning
Authors: Ludwin-Peery Ethan , Bramley Neil R. , Davis Ernest , Gureckis Todd M.
Published: November 2020

One remarkable aspect of human cognition is our ability to reason about physical events. This article provides novel evidence that intuitive physics is subject to a peculiar error, the classic conjunction fallacy, in which people rate the probability of a conjunction of two events as more likely than one constituent (a logical impossibility). Participants viewed videos of physical scenarios and judged the probability that either a single event or a conjunction of two events would occur. In Experiment 1 ( n = 60), participants consistently rated conjunction events as more likely than single events for the same scenes. Experiment 2 ( n = 180) extended these results to rule out several alternative explanations. Experiment 3 ( n = 100) generalized the finding to different scenes. This demonstration of conjunction errors contradicts claims that such errors should not appear in intuitive physics and presents a serious challenge to current theories of mental simulation in physical reasoning.
Building the Bridge: Outlining Steps Toward an Applied Sleep-and-Memory Research Program
Authors: Feld Gordon B. , Diekelmann Susanne
Published: November 2020

Sleep’s beneficial role for memory is well documented, yet the translation of such fundamental memory processes into applications for improving memory function is limited so far. Although there are some commercial devices with varying levels of technical complexity that are claimed to improve sleep-dependent memory processing, none of them have been empirically validated. The main issue seems to be that there is basically no applied research in the field of sleep and memory. To change this, we identify the most promising targets for sleep-based memory-improvement applications. We outline the theoretical and technical aspects of the most promising memory-enhancing sleep interventions established in recent years and highlight potential targets of such interventions for different healthy and clinical populations. Finally, we propose a unifying framework that will lay the groundwork for a focused applied-research program in sleep and memory, bridging the gap between basic research and targeted application.
An Investigation into the Intertemporal Spending Path of Local Government in Mauritius
Authors: Naraidoo Sanju , Sobhee Sanjeev K.
Published: November 2020

This article examines whether local government expenditure in Mauritius is characterised by an intertemporal decision-making path. In other words, to what extent does local government expenditure respond to contemporaneous changes in revenues. In this respect, the article contributes to the existing body of literature by exploring the context of an upper-middle-income country like Mauritius while factoring intertemporal choice in the supply of local public goods. Moreover, the article determines the short-run and long-run responsiveness of local public expenditure to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through an error correction model based on time series data for Mauritius over the period 1987–2017. Our findings indicate that local government spending becomes less sensitive to its previous values when GDP and its past values are introduced as control variables in the model. Local government expenditure and real output are also found to be co-integrated or to share a long-term relationship.

JEL Classification: B22, C1, D9, H4, H11
Does Financial Development Moderate the Effects on Growth Volatility? The Experience of Malaysia
Authors: Tang Chor Foon , Abosedra Salah
Published: November 2020

This article examines whether financial development can moderate the effects of growth volatility in the Malaysian economy. Using annual data from 1972 to 2018, we noted the existence of a strong link between growth volatility and financial development over the long-run. The findings also indicate that financial development alleviates the incidence of growth volatility over the long-run. Our basic estimated model shows further that trade openness has a significant positive impact on growth volatility, while inflation volatility, inward FDI and financial development have a significant negative impact on growth volatility in Malaysia. This model is extended to count the moderating effects of financial development on the impact of inflation volatility, trade openness and FDI on growth volatility in Malaysia. The results show that financial development not only has a direct impact on growth volatility but it also moderates the impacts of inflation volatility, trade openness and FDI on growth volatility. Therefore, our results extend established findings on the finance-growth volatility nexus for the Malaysian economy. More importantly, it shows additional possible benefits from financial development for growth stability. Furthermore, we note that ignoring such benefits may have contributed to the conflicting empirical results reported in the finance-growth volatility literature. We offer some specific policy implications based on such empirical results that are beneficial to the Malaysian economy and other countries in the region.

JEL Classification: C32, E32, O16
Homo- and transnegativity in sport in Europe: Experiences of LGBT+ individuals in various sport settings
Authors: Hartmann-Tews Ilse , Menzel Tobias , Braumüller Birgit
Published: November 2020

There is broad academic consensus that LGBT+ individuals have been marginalised in both sporting culture and in the academic literature. While the majority of academic research is conducted in the USA, UK, Canada and Australia, the present research is the first to provide a comprehensive picture of the situation and experiences of LGBT+ individuals in sport in Europe based on a quantitative online survey with LGBT+ respondents over 16 years old ( N = 5524). Against the background of a multilevel model for understanding the experiences of LGBT+ individuals and the minority stress model, this article focuses on two questions: firstly, if, and to what extent, LGBT+ individuals witness or experience homo-/transnegative episodes in sport and, secondly, whether they refrain from participating in sport and/or feel excluded from specific sports due to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. The analysis takes into account diverse intersections of sexual orientation and gender identities within the umbrella of LGBT+ and different sport contexts that reflect the broad scope of sport cultures. Data reveal that non-cisgender persons make up the most vulnerable group within the umbrella of LGBT+ and that there is an inverse relation of distal/proximal stressors with regard to experiences of homophobic language in different sport contexts.
Brazilian School Games: A globalized model for school sports policy
Authors: Seron Kiouranis Taiza Daniela , Marchi Júnior Wanderley
Published: November 2020

The aim of this article was to analyze the model of Brazilian School Games (BSG) developed from 2005 to 2017 under management of the Brazilian Olympic Committee (Comitê Olímpico do Brasil (COB)). The research used document analysis, and an interview as supplementary data. The initial categories adopted were the cultural flows that characterize the development and globalization process proposed by Appadurai. From analyzing the data we affirm that the BSG, in the investigated period, presented a globalized structure for the development of school sports, perceived by all of Appadurai’s flows—ethnic, media, technological, financial and ideological—and given the history and position of the COB in national and international sports fields, it had a key role in consolidating this globalized perspective.
‘We are the vocal minority’: The Safe Standing movement and breaking down the state in English football
Authors: Turner Mark
Published: November 2020

Lord Justice Taylor’s final report into the Hillsborough stadium disaster recommended that all Premier League and Championship football grounds in England and Wales should become all-seated and that football supporters would eventually become ‘accustomed and educated to sitting’. Thirty years later, thousands of fans continue to stand at matches but in areas not designed for them to do so. This ritual has become a source of conflict between clubs, supporters and official safety bodies. In 2018, the UK Sports Minister claimed that despite this problem, there remained no desire amongst top clubs to change the all-seating policy and that it was only a ‘vocal minority’ who wanted to see the permanent return of standing in English football. However, supporters, networked through the national Football Supporters Association, had been actively mobilizing a social movement against the legislation for over 20 years. In this article, I use relational sociology to analyse empirical snapshots of the latest phase of this movement, ‘Safe Standing’, to show how the switching and cooperation of supporter networks and their tactics were successful in breaking down the state to create new political opportunities. In doing so, the article reveals the key characteristics of safe standing, including conflict, organizational form and intersubjective motivations, to represent the collective – but also often complex and contradictory – responses to the neoliberal political economy which English football, and society more broadly, has inhabited over the past 30 years.
Exploring the Role of Privilege in Migrant Women’s Self-Employment
Authors: Webster Natasha A. , Haandrikman Karen
Published: November 2020

This paper launches a discussion for using privilege to understand migrant self-employment. Migrants are a heterogeneous and complex group, yet migrant self-employment studies have not yet considered how privilege provides opportunities or gains. Using mixed-methods this paper explores the role of privilege in migrant self-employment. Life course histories are combined with full-population register data to understand migrant self-employment and to provide a sense of privilege in process. Findings reveal theoretically and empirically how privilege shapes self-employment for women migrants in Sweden with certain groups benefitting more from privilege.
Electrical properties of anisotropic graphene/PDMS composites induced by aligned ferromagnetic particles
Authors: Dong Shuai , Chen Shiwei , Li Bin , Wang Xiaojie
Published: November 2020

Graphene nanoplate (GNP) is a two-dimensional plate-like carbon material with high aspect ratio and excellent electrical conductivity. It is one of the most commonly used fillers for conductive polymer composites (CPCs), which have potential applications in flexible electrodes and sensors. The electrical properties of the CPCs particularly depend on the microstructure of GNP networks. The electrical conductivity of the CPCs leaps in several magnitude levels when the graphene concentration reaches a critical value, which is defined as the percolation threshold. For ordinary isotropic CPCs, the percolation threshold is relatively high, which leads to inferior performance with poor mechanical and electrical properties. Aligning the graphene plates is an effective method to reduce the percolation threshold of the CPCs. Carbonyl iron particles (CIPs) are easily aligned to form chain-like structures when a magnetic field is applied. In this work, CIPs and GNPs are mixed with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and the hybrid is cured under a magnetic field of 0.5 T. The alignment of CIPs induces the GNPs in the PDMS to orientate in a certain direction under the applied magnetic field generating anisotropic structures. Both isotropic and anisotropic structured GNPs/PDMS composites are prepared with various GNP concentrations. The microstructure and electrical conductivity of the GNPs/PDMS composites are investigated by experimental methods. It is found that anisotropic graphene networks are formed and the percolation threshold of the anisotropic composites is 0.15 vol%, compared to that of the isotropic composites which is 0.85 vol%. The alignment of GNPs significantly reduces the percolation threshold. Furthermore, a plate lattice model is proposed to reveal the effect of the alignment of GNPs on the formation of conductive networks. With the increase of the alignment degree of GNPs, the percolation threshold decreases significantly, which is consistent with the experimental results.
Business with Purpose and the Purpose of Business Schools: Re-Imagining Capitalism in a Post Pandemic World: A Conversation with Jay Coen Gilbert, Raymond Miles, Christian Felber, Raj Sisodia, Paul Adler, and Charles Wookey
Authors: Rocha Hector , Pirson Michael , Suddaby Roy
Published: November 2020

The emergence of innovative business models suggests that the foundational assumptions of competitive capitalism are increasingly in doubt. Business schools, however, appear to be followers rather than leaders in this historical moment of social change. While consumers and businesses are experimenting with new models of capitalism, business schools have been slow to change. What role should business schools play in this emerging new era of purpose-driven capitalism and business with purpose? We explore this question in conversation with six global experts, three in academia and three in practice, who are leading this change. The experts conclude that business must serve the needs of humanity rather than the needs of business. Business schools, therefore, need to reduce their emphasis on how to make businesses more rational and efficient and should instead focus on how businesses can help address more fundamental questions of the human condition.
Continuum damage-healing framework for the hydration induced self-healing of the cementitious composite
Authors: Chen Qing , Liu Xiangyong , Zhu Hehua , Ju J Woody , Yongjian Xie , Jiang Zhengwu , Yan Zhiguo
Published: November 2020

The self-healing materials have become more and more popular due to their active capacity of repairing the (micro-) damages, such as the (micro-) cracks, the (micro-) voids and the other defects. In this paper, the thermodynamic based damage-healing framework is presented for the hydration induced self-healing composite with a compatible healing variable. The new variable is incorporated to consider the time-dependent properties of the hydration products, with which a new damage healing law is proposed. The hydration kinetics are employed to describe the healing process. The properties of the hydration products are arrived with the multiscale and multilevel homogenization scheme. The presented damage-healing model is applied to an isotropic cementitious composite under the tensile loading histories. The presented framework is compared with the classic continuum damage-healing theory and the experimental data. The results show that the presented damage-healing model is capable of describing the hydration induced self-healing of the cementitious composite. It can describe the behavior of the partially and fully healed concrete material. The effects of the healing time and the compatible healing variables on the damage-healing results are investigated based on our proposed framework.
Evaluation of Tumor Budding in Predicting Survival for Gastric Carcinoma Patients in Vietnam
Authors: Dao Tu Van , Nguyen Chu Van , Nguyen Quang Tien , Vu Ha Thi Ngoc , Phung Huyen Thi , Bui Oanh Thi , Nguyen Dung Khac , Luong Bang Viet , Tran Thuan Van
Published: November 2020

Background:

Tumor budding (Bd) has been demonstrated to be a promising prognostic factor in many carcinomas and in gastric cancer. It may represent an optimal additional parameter that is helpful for risk stratification in gastric adenocarcinoma. Hence, the present research was designed to predict the survival outcomes of gastric cancer in Vietnam, applying the tumor budding criteria of the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference (ITBCC) 2016.

Methods:

The present study was conducted on 109 gastric cancer patients who underwent surgery but did not receive neo-adjuvant chemotherapy from 2012 to 2015. The patients’ clinicopathological features were recorded. Bd was evaluated according to the 2016 ITBCC criteria and classified as Bd1 (0–4 buds), Bd2 (5–9 buds), and Bd3 (≥10 buds) grades, in addition to being categorized into 2 main Bd groups: low (<10 buds) and high (≥10 buds) Bd. Kaplan–Meier and log-rank models were applied to analyze survival proportions.

Results:

Of all the patients, 22.9% were classified as Bd1, 31.2% as Bd2, and 45.9% as Bd3 grades. Furthermore, 54.1% patients were categorized into the low and 45.9% into the high Bd groups. Patients with Bd1 and Bd2 grades (the low Bd group) exhibited the best prognosis, with 5-year overall survival (OS) rates of 85.7%, 90.8%, and90.3%, respectively. Patients with Bd3 grade (the high Bd group exhibited the worst prognosis, and none of them lived for 5 years (p < 0.001). Similar to OS rates, disease-free survival (DFS) rates markedly reduced from the Bd1 to Bd3 grade: Bd1, 95.0%; Bd2, 84.7%; and Bd3, 0% (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Patients with different gastric cancer Bd grades exhibited significantly different OS and DFS rates. The present study findings suggest that the ITBCC criteria can be used to stratify Bd for the treatment and prognosis of gastric cancer patients in Vietnam.
Risks of hepatitis C virus reactivation in a real-life population of oncology patients treated in an academic center
Authors: Boutin Catherine-Audrey , Adam Jean-Philippe , Martel Dominic , Doucet Stéphane , Martel-Laferrière Valérie
Published: November 2020

Background

Chemotherapy has been associated with a theoretical risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) reactivation. However, little is known about the amplitude of viral replication and the incidence of subsequent hepatic exacerbation.

Method

We aimed to describe the occurrence of hepatitis flare and HCV reactivation at our center. We included, over a period of 5 years, adult patients with chronic HCV receiving intravenous chemotherapy. We excluded patients with undetectable HCV RNA, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver metastases or other etiologies of hepatic disease. The primary objective was to identify hepatic flares (elevation of alanine aminotransferase 3 times above the upper limit of normal). Secondary objectives were to assess viral reactivation (HCVr, HCV-RNA ≥1 log10 IU/mL when compared to baseline value), hepatic decompensation, mortality and the impact on the chemotherapy. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results

A total of 11 patients with chronic HCV were identified among the 5761 oncology patients. Five patients experienced a hepatic flare with median maximal ALT value of 139 U/L (IQR 133-237). Only 2 patients met criteria for HCVr with a median RNA increase of 1.16 log IU/mL (IQR 1.1-1.2). One patient presented with both HCVr and a hepatic flare. Only one patient required chemotherapy discontinuation following hepatic flare. No hepatic decompensation or related mortality were observed.

Conclusion

We identified a very small number of HCV cases among our population. We observed HCVr and hepatic flares, but only one consequence on cancer treatment. Nonetheless, HCV screening is encouraged among patients undergoing chemotherapy to allow close follow-up of hepatic function.
Wide-field choroidal vascular analysis in central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Singh Sumit Randhir , Invernizzi Alessandro , Rasheed Mohammed Abdul , Cagini Carlo , Goud Abhilash , Gujar Ramkailash , Vupparaboina Kiran Kumar , Ankireddy Samatha , Cozzi Mariano , Lupidi Marco , Chablani Jay
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To report the wide-field choroidal vessel analysis in central serous chrorioretinopathy (CSCR) and their fellow eyes.

Methods:

Wide-field optical coherence tomography (WF-OCT) images (55°) were obtained using Spectralis HRA + OCT (Heidelberg Engineering, Germany) in extremes of gazes in all quadrants and manual montages were created to obtain wide field images up to equator. Choroidal thickness (CT), large choroidal vessel layer thickness (LCVT), and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) were calculated in macular segment (twice the disc to fovea distance) and all four quadrants. Regression analysis was performed to identify the factors influencing CVI.

Results:

Thirty-one patients of CSCR including 39 eyes of CSCR (32 chronic, 7 acute) and 23 fellow eyes were analyzed. CT and LCVT were significantly higher in submacular choroid than all extramacular segments in both CSCR and fellow eyes (all p values <0.01). CVI varied significantly in different segments in horizontal ( p < 0.01 in both) and vertical meridian ( p < 0.01 and p = 0.01 respectively) in CSCR and fellow eyes. Both CSCR and fellow eyes had highest CVI in nasal segment with minimum CVI in macular segment. Age ( p = 0.85), gender ( p = 0.39), chronicity of the disease (acute vs chronic, p = 0.57), axial length ( p = 0.67), SBP ( p = 0.81), and DBP ( p = 0.94) were not significantly correlated to CVI.

Conclusion:

CVI shows significant regional variation with macular segment showing the lowest CVI whereas nasal segments have highest CVI in both CSCR and their fellow eyes. On the contrary, submacular segment has highest CT and LCVT with taper towards periphery in both CSCR and fellow eyes.
Suprachoroidal haemhorrage and vortex vein varix: A potential association
Authors: Milani Paolo , Mazzola Marco , Bergamini Fulvio
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To report on the association between a vortex vein varix and suprachoroidal hemorrhage.

Case description:

A healthy 60 years-old man with high myopia (–10 diopters) was seen because of sudden paracentral metamorphopsias after emesis. Multimodal imaging included Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT), ultrasonography and retinal angiography with fluorescein and indocyanine green. His vision was 20/20 but clinical assessment and imaging procedures evaluations showed a suprachoroidal hemorrhage in the temporal part of the para-macular area. The lesion corresponded to a mild hypo-fluorescence area on fluorescein angiography and to a massive detachment of the inner part of the choroid from the suprachoroidal space on SD-OCT. Indocyanine green angiography disclosed engorgement of a big choroidal vessel in the area of the lesion. An adjacent vortex vein varix was found on SD-OCT. A few weeks later the suprachoroidal hemorrhage resolved spontaneously, whereas the vortex vein varix persisted.

Conclusion:

We speculate that vortex vein varixes might represent a risk factor for the occurrence of suprachoroidal hemorrhage in high myopia and that this association may be worth investigating.

Summary statement:

In a high myopia suprachoroidal hemorrhage might be secondary to vortex vein varixes.
Role of filler morphology on friction and dry sliding wear behavior of epoxy alumina nanocomposites
Authors: Verma Vijay , Tiwari Himanshu
Published: November 2020

Epoxy alumina composite was fabricated by instant cross-linking process containing 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 wt.% of alumina reinforcement. Ultrasonication process is used to disperse alumina nanoparticles in epoxy. To study effect of particle morphology two types of alumina nanoparticle’s were used, one was of rod shape whose diameter varies from 5–10 nm and length not more than 50 nm. Whereas other type of particle used was spherical in shape with diameter varying from 27-43 nm. Reinforcement of alumina nano particles enhances the micro hardness of epoxy composite. There is no significant effect of reinforcement on water absorption behavior of epoxy composite. Friction and dry sliding wear behavior was experimentally evaluated by pin on disc setup. Infusion of alumina nanoparticles improves friction and wear behavior of epoxy composite. Reduction of 34% in friction coefficient (CoF) was recorded at 1.5 wt.% of spherical alumina particles. Wear rate also decreases with by 74% at 1.0 wt.% inclusion of spherical nano particles. Calculated energy dissipation was in good correlation with wear rate, thus a good method to predict the wear characteristics of epoxy composite. Stable development of tribo-film and surface smoothening are the major phenomena in improvement of tribological behavior of epoxy composite.
Static thermal performance evaluation of elliptical journal bearings with nanolubricants
Authors: Dang Rajeev Kumar , Chauhan Amit , Dhami SS
Published: November 2020

Journal bearings of different configurations have been extensively used in turbomachinery and power generating equipments. Although circular bearings have simplest configuration and commonly used journal bearings, non-circular bearings such as multi-lobe and elliptical bearings have an added advantage of lower lubrication film temperature alongwith stable operation. In this study, static thermal performance of pure elliptical bearing lubricated with nanoparticles based mineral oils has been studied at different eccentricity ratios and bearing speeds. Two types of nanoparticles, namely, CuO and TiO2 with 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 wt.% concentrations have been separately added in three different viscosity grades of oils. The effect of nanoparticles on thermo-physical properties of oil was considered to compute bearing performance parameters (pressure distribution, load capacity, oil temperature and power losses). Bearing model was generated by taking into account the modified Krieger Dougherty method to determine viscosity at different combinations of oils and nanoparticles. The findings indicate the increase in maximum pressure and load capacity with addition of nanoparticles and this increase was more pronounced at higher concentrations of nanoparticles and at higher viscosity grade oils. Load capacity was found to be increased by 14.24% and 9.21% with 2 wt% concentration of TiO2 and CuO nanoparticles respectively in base oil (AW68) at eccentricity ratio of 0.7. An increase in load capacity with nanolubricants was achieved without an appreciable increase in oil temperature.
Identification of cracks in an Euler–Bernoulli beam using Bayesian inference and closed-form solution of vibration modes
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Noori Mohammad , Altabey Wael A.
Published: November 2020

Over the past two decades, extensive research has been carried out in the field of structural health monitoring for damage detection in structural systems. Some crack detection methods are based on the finite element model of a beam and use vibration data are developed. These methods identify the crack by updating of the finite element model according to the vibration data of structure. This paper proposes a novel method for crack detection in Euler–Bernoulli beams based on the closed-form solution of mode shapes using Bayesian inference. The expression of vibration modes is derived analytically with the crack parameters as unknown variables. Subsequently, the Bayesian inference is used to obtain the probability density function of crack parameters and to evaluate the uncertainty of the modes. Finally, the method is applied to a series of numerical examples, including a beam with a single-crack and multi-cracks, to verify the effectiveness of this method.