bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Risk of Stroke after Traumatic Brain Injury: A Population-Based Medical Record Review Study
Authors: Sperl Michael A. , Esterov Dmitry , Ransom Jeanine E. , Mielke Michelle M. , Witkowski Julie E. , Brown Allen W.
Published: May 2022

Objective: To reliably inform secondary prevention strategies and reduce morbidity and mortality after traumatic brain injury (TBI), we sought to understand the long-term risk of stroke after TBI in patients aged 40 years and older in comparison to age- and sex-matched referents from a population-based cohort. Materials and Methods: TBI cases in Olmsted County, Minnesota from January 1, 1985, to December 31, 1999, were confirmed by manual review, classified by injury severity and mechanism, and nonhead trauma was quantified. Each TBI case was matched to 2 sex- and age-matched population-based referents without TBI and with similar severity nonhead trauma. Records of cases and referents were manually abstracted to confirm stroke diagnosis. Stroke events during initial hospitalization for TBI were excluded. Results: In total, 1,410 TBI cases were confirmed, 61% classified as possible TBI (least severe, consistent with concussive), with the most common mechanism being falls. There were 162 stroke events among those with TBI (11.5%) and 269 among referents (9.5%). Median time to stroke from the index date for those with TBI was 10.2 years (Q1–Q3 5.2–17.8), and for referents 12.1 years (Q1–Q3 6.2–17.3), p = 0.215. All-severity TBI was associated with increased risk of stroke (HR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.06–1.63, p = 0.011), but only definite TBI (consistent with moderate-severe) was associated with significant risk (HR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.04–4.64, p = 0.038) when stratified by severity. Discussion/Conclusion: By confirming TBI cases, stroke diagnoses, and injury severity classification using manual review with levels of accuracy not previously reported, these results indicate moderate-severe TBI increases long-term risk for stroke. These findings confirm the need to regularly assess long-term vascular risk after TBI to implement disease prevention strategies.
Tactical Disinformation: Interrogation of Data Politics through Noise in Interactive Media Installations
Authors: Day Kevin Tsuan-Hsiang
Published: May 2022

This article examines the potential for contemporary interactive media art to interrogate and subvert the data mining practices that encode and exploit user data in the big data economy. Specifically the author argues that this can be accomplished through the exacerbation of data mining operations and the provision of tactical disinformation—useless, fake, and alternative information, an amplification of the “noise” (the unsanctioned elements) that highlights the nonneutrality fallibility, and inadequacy of data. The author explores this through a Brechtian methodology and an examination of three of his media installations to show how they estrange us from normalized information systems to highlight their limits.
Out of Sight, but Not Out of Mind: A Diagrammatic Conversation on Relational Drawing
Authors: Heath Claude P.R. , Stell John G.
Published: May 2022

The authors reflect on their ongoing dialogue about connections between drawing in the practice of art and in the practice of mathematics. They show how visualizing relational connections in mathematical diagrams can be used to contextualize aspects of Heath’s drawings. The account provides a sequence of loops, reflecting on drawings where relational marks coexist with those in which they do not. Diagrams are the vehicle for this dialogue across the disciplines of art and science, acting as boundary objects supported by a common visual vocabulary of loops, connections, change over time, negative space, and a shared interest in exploring ideas through the physicality of practice.
An Astro-Animation Class: Optimizing Artistic, Educational, and Outreach Outcomes
Authors: Arcadias Laurence , Corbet Robin
Published: May 2022

The authors investigate how teaching art and astronomy together has the potential to inspire new art forms, enhance scientific public outreach, and promote art and science education. The authors teach an astroanimation class at the Maryland Institute College of Art in partnership with NASA scientists. The animations explore science in creative ways. Astrophysicists, educators, students, and the general public were surveyed to evaluate the experiences and benefits from this project. The responses were very positive—the program is an effective way to stimulate art students to learn science, share an artist’s viewpoint beyond the classroom, and engage with the public.
Colliding Ice Crystals in Turbulent Clouds
Authors: Sheikh M. Z. , Gustavsson K. , Lévêque E. , Mehlig B. , Pumir A. , Naso A.
Published: May 2022

Collisions, resulting in aggregation of ice crystals in clouds, is an important step in the formation of snow aggregates. Here, we study the collision process by simulating spheroid-shaped particles settling in turbulent flows and by determining the probability of collision. We focus on platelike ice crystals (oblate ellipsoids), subject to gravity, and to the Stokes force and torque generated by the surrounding fluid. We also take into account the contributions to the drag and torque due to fluid inertia, which are essential to understand the tendency of crystals to settle with their largest dimension oriented horizontally. We determine the collision rate between identical crystals, of diameter 300 μm, with aspect ratios in the range 0.005 ≤ β ≤ 0.05, and over a range of energy dissipation per unit mass, ε, 1 ≤ ε ≤ 250 cm2 s−3. For all values of β studied, the collision rate increases with the turbulence intensity. The dependence on β is more subtle. Increasing β at low turbulence intensity () diminishes the collision rate, but increases it at higher ε ≈ 250 cm2 s−3. The observed behaviors can be understood as resulting from three main physical effects. First, the velocity gradients in a turbulent flow tend to bring particles together. In addition, differential settling plays a role at small ε when the particles are thin enough (β small), whereas the prevalence of particle inertia at higher ε leads to a strong enhancement of the collision rate.
A Non-Monotonic Precipitation Response to Changes in Soil Moisture in the Presence of Vegetation
Authors: Drager Aryeh J. , Grant Leah D. , van den Heever Susan C.
Published: May 2022

In many parts of the world, humans rely on afternoon rainfall for their water supply. However, it is not fully understood how land surface properties influence afternoon precipitation. In fact, disagreement remains regarding the relative prevalence of “wet-soil advantage” regimes, in which wet soils receive more precipitation than do dry soils, and “dry-soil advantage” regimes, in which the opposite occurs. Recent studies have proposed that the permanent wilting point (PWP) soil moisture threshold influences the location and organization of convective clouds. Motivated by this work, we investigate how changes in soil moisture relative to the PWP affect the timing and amount of surface rainfall, as well as how this response depends on the presence or absence of vegetation. This investigation is carried out by conducting several series of high-resolution, idealized numerical experiments using a fully coupled, interactive soil-vegetation-atmosphere modeling system. From these experiments, a new soil moisture-precipitation relationship emerges: in the presence of vegetation, simulations with moderately dry soils, whose initial liquid water content slightly exceeds the PWP, generate significantly less surface precipitation than do those with the driest or wettest soils. This result suggests that simulated “wet-soil advantage” and “dry-soil advantage” regimes may not necessarily be mutually exclusive, insofar as extremely wet and extremely dry soils can both exhibit an “advantage” over moderately dry soils. This non-monotonic soil moisture-precipitation relationship is found to result from the PWP’s modulation of transpiration of water vapor by plants. In the absence of vegetation, a wet-soil advantage occurs instead in these idealized simulations.
“Digital Colonization” of Highly Regulated Industries: An Analysis of Big Tech Platforms’ Entry into Health Care and Education
Authors: Ozalp Hakan , Ozcan Pinar , Dinckol Dize , Zachariadis Markos , Gawer Annabelle
Published: May 2022

Digital platforms have disrupted many sectors but have not yet visibly transformed highly regulated industries. This study of Big Tech entry in healthcare and education explores how platforms have begun to enter highly regulated industries systematically and effectively. It presents a four-stage process model of platform entry, which we term as “digital colonization.” This involves provision of data infrastructure services to regulated incumbents; data capture in the highly regulated industry; provision of data-driven insights; and design and commercialization of new products and services. The article clarifies platforms’ sources of competitive advantage in highly regulated industries and concludes with managerial and policy recommendations.
Intersecting Knowledge With Landscape: Indigenous Agriculture, Sustainable Food Production and Response to Climate Change – A Case Study of Chuktia Bhunjia Tribe of Odisha, India
Authors: Sabar Bhubaneswar , Midya Dipak K.
Published: May 2022

This paper documents the traditional agricultural practices of Chuktia Bhunjia tribe of Odisha, India, and attempts to comprehend as to how they negotiate with their ecosystem in order to ensure sustainable agricultural production and livelihood. Data, collected using interview and observation, reveal that agricultural practices of the Chuktia Bhunjia are revolved around local ecology, beliefs, rituals and knowledge. The knowledge-based intercropping, agroforestry, crop rotation, crop diversity, rain-water harvesting and management of soil fertility are important domains involved in their agricultural practices that are found to as a function of long-term observation and experiments, and are reported to have been culturally reproduced through self-engagement and ritualistic practices associated with agriculture. Their agriculture is assumed to have significance in maintaining the soil fertility and moisture, and reducing greenhouse gases and enhancing carbon sequestration whereby to balance the landscape. The agroforestry-based agricultural practices, coupled with belief, ritual and technology, is also found to make their agriculture cost-effective and ensure conservation of ecological system. Climate change–driven agricultural decision-making among them is found to as a tool not only to arrest their crop failure but also to ensure sustainable food production and livelihood. Yet, the expected evacuation of inhabitant including Chuktia Bhunjia due to ‘tiger-project’ is assumed to be a threat to their agricultural knowledge and other cultural domains. Therefore, owing to the livelihood implication of traditional agriculture, any attempt to integrate their agricultural knowledge base with scientific knowledge would ensure sustainability of both ecology and livelihood together.
Strong Black Women: Linking Stereotypes, Stress, and Overeating Among a Sample of Black Female College Students
Authors: Godbolt Dawn , Opara Ijeoma , Amutah-Onukagha Ndidiamaka
Published: May 2022

This qualitative study examines how the “Strong Black Woman” (SBW) label can have potentially negative health effects for African American/Black women that contribute to eating disorders. This study addresses the gap in literature on racial disparities that are present in understanding eating disorders that contribute to obesity and obesityrelated issues. Through semi-structured individual interviews conducted with ( N = 11) Black female higher education students, participants were able to discuss how disorganized overeating patterns were associated with the emotional stress of being labeled a Strong Black Woman. Findings provide implications to clinicians, educators, and researchers by identifying stress inducing factors heightened by racist and sexist microaggressions that contribute to the mental and physical health of Black women. This study also adds to the limited literature on the intersection of racism and sexism that contribute to poor health outcomes in Black women.
Translating Science into Improved Health for All
Authors: McCauley L.K. , Robinson M. , D’Souza R.N.
Published: May 2022

Our world is at a turning point with biological and social pathogens wreaking havoc at the same time that science and technology are exploding with new discoveries. It is a pivotal time for the new report Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges to be released and a pivotal time for our profession to take action and lead. The art, science, and practice of dentistry is very different from 20 y ago when the original Surgeon General’s report was released. We are on the precipice of individualized health care where providers will collaborate to deliver diagnostics and therapeutics that are data driven and inclusive of the social determinants of health. To move forward with alacrity requires a strong scientific foundation, effective educational approaches, an understanding of the upstream determinants of health, and partnerships across the health professions and beyond. Oral health has never been more important, and now is the time for our profession to further develop, elevate, and translate the science into practice and policy to improve the nation’s health.
Intersections in Music Education: Implications of Universal Design for Learning, Culturally Responsive Education, and Trauma-Informed Education for P–12 Praxis
Authors: Salvador Karen , Culp Mara E.
Published: May 2022

To increase equity in music education, teachers can strive to know each student as a whole child, proactively remove barriers to learning, and seek to honor students’ multifaceted and intersectional identities. In this article, we first define intersectionality and examine demographics in music education. Then, we summarize three asset-based pedagogical approaches (Universal Design for Learning, Culturally Responsive Education, and Trauma-Informed Education) and synthesize their similarities. Finally, we present implications in the form of generative ideas for music educator praxis, or values-guided action. We hope our suggestions help music educators create music experiences where students (and families) feel seen, safe, welcomed, and valued as musicians and people. We also hope our suggestions can contribute to music teacher collegiality and collaboration by providing educators with tools to develop positive relationships with colleagues who are different from themselves.
Comment on Martin Hammersley, “Is ‘Representation’ a Folk Term?”
Authors: Lynch Michael
Published: May 2022

Hammersley asserts that “radical” strands of ethnomethodology and constructionism in science and technology studies (STS) take an anti-representationalist approach which denies that “science produces representations referring to objects or processes that exist independently of it.” In this ‘Comment,’ I argue that ethnomethodology is distinct from both constructionist and post-constructionist research programs in STS, and that Hammersley presents a binary choice between being for or against the general proposition that scientific representations correspond to independent realities. He suggests that STS studies should “suspend” the philosophical question of whether scientific representations correspond to their worldly referents. Perhaps this is good advice for proponents of STS who promote a “turn to ontology” or propose to do “empirical philosophy,” but ethnomethodologists take a deflationary approach to the topics of philosophical inquiry.
Pth moment input-to-state stability of impulsive stochastic functional differential systems with Markovian switching
Authors: Huang Fang , Li Jianli
Published: May 2022

The paper introduces a unified criterion for pth moment input-to-state stability (p-ISS), pth moment integral input-to-state stability (p-iISS), and eσt-weighted pth moment integral input-to-state stability (eσt-p-ISS) of impulsive stochastic function differential system with Markovian switching under the perturbation of the stabilizing impulse and destabilizing impulse. The Lyapunov function approach, comparison principle, and impulsive average dwell-time method are applied in this paper. The linear coefficients of the upper bound of Lyapunov functional differential operators are time-varying functions, including the case of constants, which advances and improves the existing results. In addition, the same results were obtained by applying impulse differential inequality. At the end of this paper, we use a numerical example to verify the validity of the results.
Friction-free approach for a servo system: Design of a robust sliding-mode control based on a recurrent fuzzy neural network
Authors: Thinh Ngo Ha Quang , Nguyen Hung , Nguyen Thanh Phuong
Published: May 2022

Uncertainties such as disturbance and nonlinear friction always exist in physical motion control systems and degrade the precision of their tracking performance. In this research, a practical control strategy is integrated with a continuously differentiable friction model for a high-performance AC servo motor that performs with a continuous control input and is, hence, more properly suited for industrial applications. To further lessen the external disturbance and improve the tracking accuracy, a recurrent fuzzy neural network scheme was developed to approximate the system uncertainties, and its stability was guaranteed by the design of robust laws. The proposed controller was implemented on a high-performance digital signal processor (TMS320C6727). The results of the tracking simulations and experiments show that the proposed control scheme has a feasible and effective design for engineering servo system. In comparison with other algorithms, our approach has smaller values for both the peak and the root mean square of the tracking error while maintaining friction compensation, and it can potentially have a software implementation.
Mediterranean diet diminishes the effects of Crohn's disease and improves its parameters: A systematic review
Authors: Jaber Mawada , Altamimi Mohammad , Altamimi Almothana , Cavaliere Sara , De Filippis Francesca
Published: May 2022

Background

The pathogenesis and clinical course of Crohn's disease (CD) is influenced by diet. Mediterranean Diet (MD) helps Crohn's patients through many mechanisms.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the MD on CD patients and to evaluate such effect on body parameters.

Methods

PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, MEDLINE and Cochrane central library were searched for MD and CD from 2010 to 2020. Included studies met the following criteria: (1) male and female adults (18–75 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of CD; (2) MD as an intervention; (3) original interventional Trial, Cross-Sectional Analysis, or Prospective Cohort Studies.

Results

Five studies were included, involving 83,564 participants. A small number of patients with CD fulfilled the P-MDS criteria, the overall scores were low, 4.7 and 4.5 for females and males respectively. Patients with an inactive disease whose adherence to MD was greater, the MD score was negatively correlated with disease activity (p <0.001) and positively with IBDQ (p = 0.008). Twenty-seven percent had a prevalence of impaired adherence to a MD (mMED score = 0–2), giving such a population a risk attributed to 12% for the later CD. Seventy-point reduction in CDAI + decreased fecal CRP / calprotectin, calprotectin <250 mcg/gm or >50% decrease from baseline and hsCRP < 5 mg/L or >50% from baseline.

Conclusions

MD showed anti-inflammatory properties. Adherence to MD was associated with improvement in CD patients and negatively correlated with the disease activity, in addition to a lower risk of developing CD later in life.
Can social media help end the harm? Public information campaigns, online platforms, and paramilitary-style attacks in a deeply divided society
Authors: Reilly Paul , Gordon Faith
Published: May 2022

Online platforms can help public information campaigns reach target audiences who are unlikely to engage with content distributed via traditional media. This paper adds to this emergent literature, as the first study of the Ending the Harm campaign, which is designed to change public discourse about paramilitary-style attacks in Northern Ireland. Campaign effects were explored through interviews ( N  =  7) conducted with key stakeholders, as well as the results of a quantitative survey of residents ( N  =  805) in areas most affected by these attacks. Results indicate that exposure to the ETH advertisements correlated with a belief that PSAs were unjustified. Platforms like Snapchat helped the campaign reach younger demographics (16–34 years old). Nevertheless, it was unclear whether self-reported changes in attitude toward PSAs would lead to sustained behavioral changes.
Unique Isospora-associated histologic lesions in white-rumped shama (Copsychus malabaricus)
Authors: Wong Talia S. , Stalis Ilse H. , Witte Carmel , Kubiski Steven V.
Published: May 2022

Twenty-one white-rumped shamas (19 necropsied, 2 biopsied) ( Copsychus malabaricus) housed at the San Diego Zoo between 1992 and 2020 were diagnosed with Isospora infection based on evaluation of histologic sections. Review of these cases revealed a consistent histologic lesion characterized by nodular aggregates of atypical epithelioid macrophages containing few intracytoplasmic protozoa, with or without lymphocytic infiltrates. Of the 19 necropsied cases, 16 (84%) had systemic lesions variably affecting the liver, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, lung, pancreas, connective tissues, or bone marrow, while all 21 diagnosed cases had skin involvement. The findings suggest that white-rumped shamas have a unique inflammatory response to isosporosis with a predilection for the skin. Skin may be a diagnostically sensitive sampling site for histologic diagnosis of Isospora in this species.
Fall risk in older adults mediates the association between depression, executive dysfunction and daily life
Authors: Engel-Yeger Batya , Zilbershlag Yael
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The present study aimed to identify signs of frequent fall-related body dysfunction (depression/cognition) as exhibited in daily activities among older adults. The role of fall risk in mediating body dysfunction and daily activities was also explored.

Method

Participants included 123 non-institutionalised older adults. Depression and cognitive status were measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Fall risk was determined by a questionnaire, supported by the Time Up and Go test (TUG). Executive functions (EF) were assessed by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A) and the Alternate Executive Function Performance Test medication management performance-based assessment. Daily life measures included the Barthel and Instrumental scale of activities of daily living, and World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire.

Results

Based on a falls risk score, 39 out of 123 participants (32%) were high-risk fallers. High-risk fallers showed greater body dysfunction, as recognised in daily activities. Structural equation modelling (SEM) revealed that fall risk mediated the associations among depression, executive dysfunction and daily activities.

Conclusion

Emotional and cognitive dysfunctions that affect people with high fall risk may manifest while older people perform daily activities. Community fall prevention programmes should screen for such fall-related dysfunction and provide strategies to minimise falls and enhance daily function.
Five Criteria to Evaluate Democratic Economic Planning Models
Authors: Tremblay-Pepin Simon
Published: May 2022

This article reviews three models of Democratic Economic Planning, those of Pat Devine and Fikret Adaman, Michael Albert and Robin Hahnel, and Paul Cockshott and Allin Cottrell. Part of a larger research project aiming to merge certain features of these models, this article proposes five criteria to evaluate them. Following a proposal made by David Laibman, it adopts the organization and regulation criteria and add three others to them: limitation, formalization, and scope. Finally, the article offers a brief analysis of the models from those criteria.

JEL Classification: P20, P51, B51
Moral Challenges of Nurses and Volunteers in Dutch Palliative Care. A Qualitative Study
Authors: Bosch Geerke van den , Schaik Malene van , Pasman H. Roeline , Janssens Rien , Widdershoven Guy , Metselaar Suzanne
Published: May 2022

Objective: To identify moral challenges experienced by nurses and volunteers in palliative care. Methods: A qualitative hermeneutic research design was used. Interviews with nurses ( N = 10) and volunteers ( N = 4) working in palliative care, in-home care, and hospice setting. Participants were recruited through maximum variation, a purposive sampling technique. Transcriptions were analyzed using qualitative thematic content analysis and open coding. Results: Two themes were identified, each with three subthemes: theme (A) Moral challenges regarding organizational and professional aspects contained the subthemes (1) dealing with protocols and regulations, (2) different professional perspectives on good care, and (3) limits of professionalism. Theme (B) Moral challenges regarding the patient and their family members contained the subthemes (1) dealing with the patient's wishes, (2) the patient's wish to die, and (3) dealing with family members. Conclusion: Nurses and volunteers working in palliative care are confronted with a wide range of moral challenges. Insight into ‘real-world ethical challenges’ of healthcare providers is important to provide adequate support to nurses and volunteers working in palliative care.
Loneliness Among Rural Self-Management Education Program Enrollees During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Brunner Wendy M. , Pullyblank Kristin , Scribani Melissa B. , Krupa Nicole L.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Pandemic-related isolation may exacerbate loneliness among rural adults; we sought to characterize loneliness and associated factors among rural adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

Cross-sectional observational study.

Setting

Remotely delivered self-management education (SME) workshops, rural upstate New York, May-December 2020.

Subjects

Rural SME workshop enrollees, aged 18+, n = 229

Measures

De Jong Gierveld 6-Item Loneliness Scale, sociodemographics, workshop type (chronic disease, chronic pain, diabetes), delivery mode (videoconference, phone, self-study); data collected via workshop process measures and enrollment surveys.

Analysis

Multivariable linear regression.

Results

Mean overall, emotional and social loneliness scores were 2.78 ( SD = 1.91), 1.27 ( SD = 1.02), and 1.52 ( SD = 1.26). Being not married/partnered (β = .61) and self-reported depression/anxiety (β = .64) were associated with higher overall scores, and selection of videoconference (β = −.77) and self-study (β =-.85) modes with lower scores. Self-reported depression/anxiety (β = .51) was associated with increased emotional loneliness. Being not married/not partnered (β = .37) and selection of chronic pain workshops (β = .64) was were associated with increased social loneliness. Selection of videoconference (β = −.44) and self-study (β = −.51) delivery modes were protective of social loneliness.

Conclusion

In addition to marital status and depression/anxiety, experiencing chronic pain and selecting phone-based workshops were associated with higher degrees of loneliness among rural adults during the pandemic. The latter may be partly explained by insufficient internet access. Health educators should be prepared to address loneliness in rural areas during the pandemic.
Early Adolescents Demonstrate Peer-Network Homophily in Political Attitudes and Values
Authors: Oosterhoff Benjamin , Poppler Ashleigh , Palmer Cara A.
Published: May 2022

Research on political homophily has almost exclusively focused on adults, and little is known about whether political homophily is present early in life when political attitudes are forming and friendship networks are rapidly changing. We examined political homophily using a social network approach with rural middle school students ( N = 213; mean age = 12.5 years; 57% female) from a remote U.S. community. Preregistered analyses indicated that early adolescents were more likely to spend time with people who shared similar political attitudes and values. These effects were most consistent for right-wing authoritarianism, patriotism, and anti-immigration attitudes. Our results show that political homophily is evident at an early age when young people are forming their political beliefs and making decisions about their friendships, suggesting that peer political-attitude socialization may emerge early in life.
Assessment of physical and thermal behaviour of chitosan-based biocomposites reinforced with leaf and stem extract of Tectona grandis
Authors: Rahman Lutfor , Goswami Jutika , Choudhury Devasish
Published: May 2022

Chitosan (Ch) has been incorporated with Tectona grandis leaf extract and stem extract at different compositions (5%, 10% and 15% v/v) to study the physicochemical properties of the biocomposites. The thin-film composites were prepared by the solution casting method to investigate the removal of chromium (VI) from water at varied pH conditions. The results showed that incorporation of the plant extracts improved the mechanical and UV barrier properties of the TFCs. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the degradation temperature of the films containing the extracts improved only slightly in comparison to the control film. Adsorption studies showed that for maximum Cr (VI) removal, Ch-L5 and Ch-L10 films were efficient. These eco-friendly prepared films are cost-effective and can also be a suitable material for food packaging.
The Failure of Constitution-making in Sri Lanka (2015–2019)
Authors: Pushparajah Nadarajah , Balamayuran Malini
Published: May 2022

When the coalition government known as the National Unity Government of 2015 initiated the promulgation of a new constitution for Sri Lanka, it had embraced transparent and inclusive procedures that were never rehearsed in the constitutional politics since independence. As part of the progress, within one and half years’ time, the members of the steering committee set up by constitutional assembly, presented the interim proposals on the new constitution. Impressive progress was made by the government, yet the task of moving towards a new constitution experienced a deadlock and had to be discontinued. This article examines constraints experienced by the National Unity Government during 2015 and 2019 that at some point sabotaged the project of constitution-making. By utilizing the insights of Jon Elster in this regard, this qualitative study finds that political parties serving at both constitutional assembly and parliament have influenced the progress of the constitution-making and contributed to its failure. This study reveals that group interest and permanent passion (the loyalty to their own ethnic population) have encouraged certain groups and factions within the constitutional assembly and the parliament to wield it as a tool of political capital. Therefore, Government of Sri Lanka should rethink the parliament serving as constitutional assembly and adopt compulsory equilibrium between publicity and secrecy.
Molecular detection of Metastrongylus salmi eggs from pigs in low-resource communities in the state of Piauí, northeastern Brazil
Authors: Bacelar Polyanna A. A. , Jaeger Lauren H. , Calegar Deiviane A. , Santos Jéssica P. , Coronato-Nunes Beatriz , Reis Elis R. C. , Bóia Márcio N. , Monteiro Kerla J. L. , Carvalho-Costa Filipe A.
Published: May 2022

Metastrongylosis is an infection of the respiratory tract of pigs caused by parasites of the genus Metastrongylus, whose eggs are similar to other Strongylida through light microscopy; species-specific identification can be performed with molecular tools. We explored the species composition and the genetic diversity of Metastrongylus infecting pigs in close contact with humans in impoverished rural communities in the state of Piauí, in northeastern Brazil. Fecal samples ( n = 78) were collected for parasitologic tests. Egg morphometry and molecular characterization, using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 ( cox1) gene, were performed. For strongyliform eggs, 62 of 78 (80%) pigs were positive and 6 of 99 (6%) eggs had dimensions compatible with Metastrongylus. Of the 37 samples submitted to PCR, 10 were identified as M. salmi. We found 3 M. salmi haplotypes, including 2 new and 1 described previously in Europe. Overall, M. salmi demonstrated lower intraspecific genetic diversity: diversity index (H) ± SD = 0.318 ± 0.164, n = 12, compared with published M. pudendotectus sequences (1.000 ± 0.272, n = 3). To our knowledge, M. salmi DNA sequences have not been published previously from pigs in South America.
Whorling Sclerosing Ependymoma of the Cervical Spinal Cord Presenting Tanycytic Histopathologic Features: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Yaltırık Cumhur Kaan , Yamaner Emin Oğuzcan , Suakar Öznur , Gürkan Sezin , Sav Aydın , Türe Uğur
Published: May 2022

Tanycytic ependymoma is a neuroectodermal tumor that arises from ependymoglial cells or tanycytes. It is highly uncommon. We reported a 34-year-old man who was diagnosed with intradural-intramedullary tanycytic ependymoma, located at the level of C4-5 who had a 9-months history of neck pain and left arm pain, and numbness on fingers. One month prior to presentation, his left arm numbness and paresthesia deteriorated. The lesion was removed totally by C4, C5 hemilaminoplasty. The histologic pattern of this lesion was consisted of fascicles forming nebula-like whorling structures. Because of these structures, tanycytic ependymoma should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of a whorling-sclerosing variant of meningiomas.
How Consumers Behave in a Crisis: International Lessons (and Innovations) from COVID-19
Authors: Wood Stacy
Published: May 2022

Among the myriad challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, many touched on how individuals chose to utilize their resources to protect their personal well-being and the downstream impact on society. Marketing researchers rose to the challenge, and much work in the 2020–2022 period has been devoted to improving well-being by using marketing theory to create better health messaging, develop effective interventions, understand mechanisms that shift purchasing patterns, motivate cooperation and compliance, and speak to the high-impact decisions that people and organizations are being forced to make each day. Here, the author introduces the Protection Knowledge Model to synthesize much of the research to date on COVID-19 response. This model highlights the individual–institution interaction in how people choose (and institutions promote) protective strategies and focuses on the dangers of misalignment in individuals’ and institutions’ knowledge of each other and of the situation.
Caregiver Perspectives on the Benefits, Burdens, and Moral Distress of Participation in Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Paidipati Cynthia P. , Foxwell Anessa M. , Mooney-Doyle Kim , Tiller Deborah , Pinto-Martin Jennifer , Ulrich Connie M.
Published: May 2022

Caregivers often face critical decisions, burdens, and perceived benefits related to a loved one participating in cancer clinical trial (CCTs). The purpose of this analysis was to better understand caregivers’ perceptions on the benefits and burdens of participation in cancer clinical trials. Using a qualitative descriptive design, interviews with 20 caregivers of patient-participants from a larger parent study were conducted. Three major themes emerged. The benefits of research participation focused on enhancing the potential for saving a loved one’s life, improving quality of life, and holding altruistic intentions. The burden of research participation emphasized a loved one’s suffering as well as physical, emotional, logistical, and financial burden to caregivers. Caregiver moral distress highlighted distressing ethical encounters, such as making decisions on research participation and navigating suboptimal care. Understanding caregiver perceptions is an important step in designing future CCTs that minimize burdens and maximize patient and caregiver health and family-centered care.
Insurgent Asylum Policies in European Cities: A Multi-Level Governance Perspective
Authors: Bazurli Raffaele , Kaufmann David
Published: May 2022

Cities worldwide operate on the frontlines to support forced migrants. Some of these cities even overstep their formal prerogatives by refusing to comply with, and at times overtly subverting, the prescriptions of national authorities. This article builds a conceptual framework to understand such forms of insurgent urban asylum policy-making. We argue that insurgency depends on how city governments mediate the constraints and opportunities that emanate from the horizontal and vertical dimensions of multi-level governance, which capture city-level political dynamics as well as intergovernmental interactions. To illustrate our framework, we compare asylum policy-making in Barcelona, Milan, and Munich during the 2010s “refugee crisis.” While Munich invested in rather uncontroversial integration programs, Milan and Barcelona overstepped their jurisdictional boundaries and supported migrants considered “illegal” by national governments. These insurgent responses were enacted as a “remedy from below,” stemming from a sense of urgency that was not as pressing for Munich’s policy-makers because of the greater capacity of Germany’s asylum system.
Growth and Welfare Implications of Mortality Differentials in Unfunded Social Security Systems
Authors: Kelly Mark C.
Published: May 2022

Several recent studies have examined the steady-state welfare implications of mortality differentials within unfunded Social Security systems, concluding that these differentials undermine the progressivity of the system and make society worse-off relative to alternative public pension schemes. This study is the first to systematically investigate the long-run implications of mortality inequality within the U.S. Social Security system. Utilizing an OLG endogenous growth model of the U.S. economy, I compare the current pay-as-you-go (PAYG) system to versions of the model without either mortality differentials or income inequality. I find that the assumption of mortality homogeneity biases the equilibrium growth rate and welfare analysis. The PAYG system is also compared to a fully funded system based on capital subsidies. The model predicts that PAYG suppresses growth and that, for a given range of subsidy rates, the fully funded system Pareto dominates PAYG in both the medium-run and the long-run.
I, Robot, You, Consumer: Measuring Artificial Intelligence Types and their Effect on Consumers Emotions in Service
Authors: Pantano Eleonora , Scarpi Daniele
Published: May 2022

This research draws upon the increasing usage of AI in service. It aims at understanding the extent to which AI systems have multiple intelligence types like humans and if these types arouse different emotions in consumers. To this end, the research uses a two-study approach: Study 1 builds and evaluates a scale for measuring different AI intelligence types. Study 2 evaluates consumers’ emotional responses to the different AI intelligences. The findings provide a measurement scale for evaluating different types of artificial intelligence against human ones, thus showing that artificial intelligences are configurable, describable, and measurable (Study 1), and influence positive and negative consumers’ emotions (Study 2). The findings also demonstrate that consumers display different emotions, in terms of happiness, excitement, enthusiasm, pride, inspiration, sadness, fear, anger, shame, and anxiety, and also emotional attachment, satisfaction, and usage intention when interacting with the different types of AI intelligences. Our scale builds upon human intelligence against AI intelligence characteristics while providing a guidance for future development of AI-based systems more similar to human intelligences.
Influence of shaft combined misalignment on vibration and noise characteristics in a marine centrifugal pump
Authors: Ma Qijiang , Wang Kai , Liu Houlin , Cheng Zhiming
Published: May 2022

Shaft combined misalignment is the main form of shaft misalignment fault in a marine centrifugal pump. To investigate the influence of shaft misalignment on the vibration and noise of marine centrifugal pumps, a marine pump is experimentally measured under normal condition and shaft combined misalignment condition. In this paper, the frequency domain characteristics of vibration and noise are analyzed by Fast Fourier transform technique. The characteristics of axis orbit, the spectral characteristics of vibration and noise, and the One-Third octave spectral distribution characteristics are also comprehensively compared. Results show that after shaft combined misalignment occurs, the maximum amplitudes of 1APF (axial passing frequency) in the X and Y directions at M1 increase by 35.06% and 24.04%, the maximum amplitudes of 2APF in the X and Y directions at M1 increase by 2.61 times and 2.61 times, and the axis orbit shows a clockwise variation of the “8” shape. As the flow rate decreases, the shape of an “8” of the rotor axis orbit becomes progressively flatter. The maximum Overall vibration velocity level (OAVL) of M2 and M5 decreases by 12.03% and 1.79%, and the maximum OAVL of M3 and M4 increases by 6.52% and 2.27%. The frequency domain amplitude of M6 increases significantly in 1APF and 2APF, and the maximum increases are 12.41% and 2.24% at different flow rates. The overall sound pressure level of M6 increases by 0.42% at 0.6 Qd. These findings indicate the vibration energy of M1-M5 and noise energy of M6 are related to the running condition. The axis orbit of M1 shows the shape of 8, which can significantly judge the misalignment of the shafting. Then, combined with the amplitude variation of 1APF and 2APF of the M2-M6 spectrum, the comprehensive misalignment of shafting can be further judged. The above discoveries provide reference to the diagnosis of shaft combined misalignment fault that occurred for the marine pump.
Marine environment numerical simulation of morphological planning of land reclamation
Authors: Zhang He , Li Yantong , Jiang Wei , Wang Rui
Published: May 2022

Based on the evaluation criteria of the impact of different types of reclamation design on the natural environment of coastal waters, the environmental fluid dynamics model was used to simulate the seawater environment in 13 scenarios from three aspects: the shape of the artificial island, the size of inner lake outlet and the layout of the artificial island. The hydrodynamic force and water exchange capacity of these islands were quantitatively compared, and the effects of different artificial islands on the Marine environment were summarized. The planning morphology design guidelines are summarized in four aspects: (1) reduce the serrated steep slope shoreline, avoid forming semi-closed water, and increase the simple and smooth shoreline; (2) reduce the width of the lake mouth to increase the length of the lake; (3) choose a simple alignment parallel to the shore; (4) the design mainly focuses on the morphology of shoreline, followed by consideration of the lake mouth and artificial island arrangement.
Stereo-vision-based 3D concrete crack detection using adversarial learning with balanced ensemble discriminator networks
Authors: Shim Seungbo , Kim Jin , Cho Gye-Chun , Lee Seong-Won
Published: May 2022

The functional performance of concrete structures degrades over time as a result of continuous loads, stress fatigue, and external environmental changes. Thus, periodic diagnoses and inspections are essential because such conditions can eventually lead to disaster. Hence, the detection of cracks in concrete is a key component of structural management. In recent years, deep-learning-based computer vision technologies have emerged as a promising trend and have been actively used for crack detection. Unfortunately, the performance of existing crack detection technologies decreases under environmental conditions that vary widely. To resolve this issue, we propose a new deep neural network that applies an optimal mixing ratio of training data to improve recognition performance alongside an adversarial learning-based balanced ensemble discriminator network. Furthermore, a method to reconstruct the 3-dimensional shape of cracks is proposed using a stereo-vision-based triangulation measurement technique that determines the size of detected cracks. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieved a crack detection performance with a mean intersection-over-union of 84.53% and an F1 score of 82.91%. The proposed inspection technology for concrete structures is expected to be implemented in the future in connection with various automation techniques.
Prediction of frequency and spatially dependent attenuation of guided waves propagating in mounted and unmounted A380 parts made up of anisotropic viscoelastic composite laminates
Authors: Guo Shuanglin , Rébillat Marc , Mechbal Nazih
Published: May 2022

Monitoring damage in composite structures using guided wave-based techniques is particularly effective due to their excellent ability to propagate over relatively long distance and hence to cover a large area with few testing time and equipment. The industrialization of this method is highly tributary of the number and placement of the active elements. Yet, the optimal sensorization of a structure relies on the decrease in amplitude of guided waves over propagation distance. A reliable prediction of attenuation of guided waves is still a challenge especially for anisotropic viscoelastic composite materials which exhibit complex changes of attenuation with propagation direction and thus a spatial dependency of attenuation. In this paper, the damped global matrix method (dGMM), having stable and efficient merits, is developed to predict the frequency and spatially dependent attenuation of waves propagating in anisotropic composite materials. dGMM integrates three damping models (Hysteretic, Kelvin-Voigt, and Biot models) into the conventional undamped GMM to consider viscoelasticity of composite laminates. The proposed dGMM is first theoretically validated by numerical comparison with the semi-analytical finite element method. In addition, two industrial case studies, parts of an A380 nacelle at scale one, are employed to experimentally validate the proposed attenuation prediction method. The first one is a fan cowl structure and the second one is an inner fixed structure, both either unmounted or mounted on an actual instrumented A380 plane. This makes the validation extremely valuable for both the scientific and industrial communities. The proposed attenuation prediction method thus paves the way to optimally deploy sensor network for structural health monitoring of anisotropic viscoelastic composite structures.