bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agreement of Cardiac Output Measurements between Bioreactance and Transthoracic Echocardiography in Preterm Infants during the Transitional Phase: A Single-Centre, Prospective Study
Authors: Van Wyk Lizelle , Smith Johan , Lawrenson John , de Boode Willem Pieter
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Bioreactance cardiac output (CO) monitors are able to non-invasively and continuously monitor CO. However, as a novel tool to measure CO, it must be proven to be accurate and precise. Objective: To determine the agreement between CO measured with a bioreactance monitor and transthoracic echocardiography-derived left ventricular output parameters in preterm infants. Methods: This is a prospective observational study in 63 preterm neonates with non-invasive respiratory support, not requiring inotrope support. The infants underwent continuous bioreactance monitoring of CO and stroke volume (SV) and simultaneous transthoracic echocardiography every 6 h until 72 h of life. Results: The agreement between bioreactance and transthoracic echocardiography, for both SV and CO, was poor. The percentage error was 67.5% for SV and 71.6% for CO. The mean error was 60.4% for SV and 69.8% for CO. Bias was affected by numerous variables. After correcting for time, CO and SV bias were significantly affected by the presence of an open patent ductus arteriosus and the level of CO. Conclusion: Bioreactance cannot be considered interchangeable with transthoracic echocardiography to measure CO in preterm infants during the transition phase. Agreement between bioreactance and other CO metrics should be assessed before concluding its accuracy or inaccuracy in neonates.
O método crítico de Antonio Candido: forma, Lírica e sociedade
Authors: Bischof Betina
Published: February 2020

Este artigo considera a construção do método crítico de Antonio Candido a partir de um ângulo específico e pontual, qual seja, o aproveitamento que ele faz de um ou dois ensaios críticos de Roger Bastide, a cujas premissas (a presença na ausência) dá um impulso e alcance que não se poderia prever, face às hipóteses ainda relativamente incipientes do sociólogo francês, que atuou na USP e foi professor de Candido. Em seu segundo momento, o artigo busca considerar como o método desenvolvido por Candido, que busca o externo (sociedade, história, psicanálise) na própria tessitura da obra literária (em sua forma), trabalha com a especificidade do poema lírico.
Deter o tempo com as palavras
Authors: Silva Walkiria Oliveira
Published: February 2020

No início do século 20, os germanistas Friedrich Gundolf e Herbert Cysarz buscaram refletir acerca da relação entre o mundo histórico e a eternidade. Inseridos na crise do paradigma historicista, ambos os germanistas procuraram responder a esta crise, que tinha como cerne a função pragmática do conhecimento histórico para a vida prática cotidiana. Este artigo analisa as reflexões de Gundolf e Cysarz sobre o tempo e a eternidade relacionando-as com a função formativa do conhecimento histórico, condensada no conceito neo-humanista de Bildung. Neste sentido, são analisadas as influências teóricas e filosóficas de ambos os autores e os desdobramentos epistemológicos de suas ponderações a partir da relação interdisciplinar entre a Germanística e a História.
Arterial Stiffness and Cognition Among Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Observational and Longitudinal Studies
Authors: Alvarez‐Bueno Celia , Cunha Pedro G. , Martinez‐Vizcaino Vicente , Pozuelo‐Carrascosa Diana P. , Visier‐Alfonso Maria Eugenia , Jimenez‐Lopez Estela , Cavero‐Redondo Ivan
Published: February 2020

Background

To estimate the strength of the cross‐sectional and longitudinal association between arterial stiffness, measured by pulse‐wave velocity, and cognitive function, distinguishing between global cognition, executive functions, and memory and to examine the influence of demographic, clinical, and assessment characteristics on this relationship.

Methods and Results

Systematic review of
MEDLINE
(via PubMed), Scopus, and
WOS
databases from their inception to March 2019, to identify cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies on the association between pulse‐wave velocity and cognitive domains (ie, global cognition, executive functions, and memory) among adult population. A total of 29 cross‐sectional and 9 longitudinal studies support the negative relationship between arterial stiffness and cognitive function, including global cognition, executive function, and memory. Demographic, clinical, and assessment characteristics did not substantially modify the strength of this association.

Conclusions

Evidence reveals a negative association between arterial stiffness, measured using pulse‐wave velocity, and cognition, specifically executive function, memory, and global cognition. This association seems to be independent of demographic, clinical, and assessment characteristics. These results accumulate evidence supporting that pulse‐wave velocity assessment could be a useful tool to identify individuals at high risk of cognitive decline or early stages of cognitive decline, to implement interventions aimed at slowing the progression to dementia.
Experimental investigation on the preparation of active carbon with cottonwood based on phosphoric acid activation method
Authors: Zhang Junxia , Wang Zehua , Zou Lihua
Published: February 2020

Active carbon was prepared experimentally by means of drying and crushing cottonwood via the phosphoric acid activation method. The effects of the activation temperature, impregnation ratio, phosphoric acid concentration, and activation time on the performance of the active carbon were
analyzed. The optimum parameters of active carbon preparation, including the 60% concentration of the phosphoric acid, 1:4 impregnation ratio, 4 h activation time, and 500 °C activation temperature, were proposed. The features of the active carbon were analyzed with a scanning electron
microscope and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The specific surface area was 1020 m2 · g-1, and the average pore diameter and the overall pore volume were 3.01 nm and 0.96 cm3 · g-1, respectively. These active carbon performance
parameters prepared via the present method were compared with experimental data from relevant references. The adsorbance of the active carbon to the methylene blue solution was analyzed. Results showed that the adsorbance of the active carbon increased with the increment in the concentration
of the methylene blue solution, stirring time, and the dosage of the active carbon. Therefore, 9.2% is the best adsorption amount of active carbon to the methylene blue solution at 25 mg/L methylene blue solution concentration, 30 mg active carbon mass fraction, and 4 h stirring time.
Performance of a porous composite scaffold containing silk fibroin: Applied research repair on oral jaw epithelial defects
Authors: Zhu Huajun , Qian Chunyu , Xiao Wanshu , Zhang Qiang , Ge Zili
Published: February 2020

Application research on repairing oral and maxillofacial epithelial defects with filin-protein porous composite scaffold. The silk fibroin solution was synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis, and the film was prepared by stirring and pouring. Then silk fibroin film and silk fibroin freeze-dried
support were prepared by stirring and smooth casting. It was characterized by FTIR, mechanical properties, dissolution detection, contact Angle and SEM. To evaluate the performance of this material in repairing rabbit oral mucosa and rabbit skin epithelial defects. The characterization shows
that the material has good contact Angle, mechanical properties, dissolution and biocompatibility. It has good repair function to rabbit oral epithelial tissue and skin epithelial tissue. Silk fibroin has excellent and unique properties. It has good development prospects and great clinical
value in tissue regeneration.
Hydrothermal synthesis, crystal and electronic structure of a new hydrated borate CsKB4O5(OH)4·2H2O
Authors: Sambasivam Sangaraju , Maram Pardha Saradhi , Gopi Chandu V. V. Muralee , Obaidat Ihab M.
Published: February 2020

Hydrothermal method successfully produced a new cesium-metal borate (CsKB4O5(OH)4·2H2O). The crystals are grown in the P21/c space group with a monoclinic lattice, a = 10.7298 (13) Å, b =
8.1521 (11) Å, c = 13.2690 (15) Å, β = 108.325 (9)°, and Z = 4. The structure is composed of [B4O5(OH)4]2- groups connected to 8-coordinated potassium, 12-coordinated cesium ions, and water molecules forming the
final 3D framework. FTIR and Raman spectra identified the type and nature of the borate groups within the structure. UV-Vis- NIR diffuse reflection spectra have studied the transmission property, whereas TG-DSC analyses revealed the thermal stability of the crystals. In addition, theoretical
calculations have been executed to understand the density of states and band structure.
Complementing Optical Remote Sensing with Synthetic Aperture Radar Observations of Hail Damage Swaths to Agricultural Crops in the Central United States
Authors: Bell Jordan R. , Gebremichael Esayas , Molthan Andrew L. , Schultz Lori A. , Meyer Franz J. , Hain Christopher R. , Shrestha Suravi , Payne K. Cole
Published: February 2020

The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) has been frequently used to map hail damage to vegetation, especially in agricultural areas, but observations can be blocked by cloud cover during the growing season. Here, the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1A/1B C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery in co- and cross polarization is used to identify changes in backscatter of corn and soybeans damaged by hail during intense thunderstorm events in the early and late growing season. Following a June event, hail-damaged areas produced a lower mean backscatter when compared with surrounding, unaffected pixels [vertical–vertical (VV): −1.1 dB; vertical–horizontal (VH): −1.5 dB]. Later, another event in August produced an increase in co- and cross-polarized backscatter (VV: 0.7 dB; VH: 1.7 dB) that is hypothesized to result from the combined effects of crop growth, change in structure of damaged crops, and soil moisture conditions. Hail damage regions inferred from changes in backscatter were further assessed through coherence change detections to support changes in the structure of crops damaged within the hail swath. While studies using NDVI have routinely concluded a decrease in NDVI is associated with damage, the cause of change with respect to the damaged areas in SAR backscatter values is more complex. Influences of environmental variables, such as vegetation structure, vegetation maturity, and soil moisture conditions, need to be considered when interpreting SAR backscatter and will vary throughout the growing season.
Competition Law as a Form of Social Regulation
Authors: Lianos Ioannis
Published: February 2020

For a long time considered a fringe topic, of interest for developing and emergent economies, the question of inequality and poverty has recently taken center stage in mainstream competition law scholarship in the developed countries. Some of this literature deplores the current state of competition law, which has largely ignored this issue, and argues for a different paradigm that would actively engage with economic inequality and its causes. Taking a social contract perspective, and noting the hybrid nature of competition law, which is a tool of economic order, but also a form of social regulation, this study explores the main difficulty in enriching competition law with equity concerns: the economic foundations of mainstream competition law in welfare economics and the crucial separation of the economic efficiency dimension from that of distributive justice. It then examines alternative traditions in economic thought, which are more compatible with an egalitarian perspective. It then turns to the institutional question, exploring the various instruments that governments dispose in order to equalize, and the respective role of more conventional tools against inequality, such as taxation, concluding that the institutional argument against equity concerns in competition law does not stand serious scrutiny. It also critically engages with the argument that there is a trade-off between equality and efficiency, and again concludes that this argument does not stand serious scrutiny. The final part revisits the thorny question of what is to be equalized. Drawing on the idea of “complex equality,” it presents the contours of a fairness-driven competition law.
Regulations of Digital Platform Markets Under the Japanese Antimonopoly Act: Does the Regulation of Unfair Trade Practices Solve the Gordian Knot of Digital Markets?
Authors: Fuchikawa Kazuhiko
Published: February 2020

When it comes to digital platform markets, the competition authorities of Japan, the EU, and the United States share a similar approach toward the regulation of mergers. Additionally, they share a common approach with respect to exclusive dealings but apply slightly different rules concerning a refusal to deal in the regulation of monopolization. However, the regulation of Unfair Trade Practices (UTPs) in Japan is unique in that it is possible to regulate a vertical nonprice restraint imposed by a company with a market share between 20% and 50%. The author explores the regulation in the digital platform markets by the UTPs under the Japanese Antimonopoly Act and examines the possibility of the regulations by the UTPs as an alternative method. This article argues that it is desirable, especially in the case of private suits, that the assessment of market definition and the burden of proof be simplified.
Power Sector Reforms and Performance Assessment of Power Sector Utilities of Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Maurya Nagendra Kumar
Published: February 2020

A series of power sector reforms were undertaken by the state government aimed at introducing a set of regulatory reforms and at unbundling of what was originally an integrated State Electricity Board. The reforms aimed at segregating production, distribution and regulation functions. Ratification of the Electricity Act 2003 led to a further deepening of the reform process by dismantling monopoly in the power sector.

The paper provides an overview of the impact of power sector reforms on the operational and financial performance of the power sector utilities of Uttar Pradesh. Utilising the data obtained from the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd. and the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Uttar Pradesh, the paper highlights the status of transmission and distribution losses, aggregate technical and commercial losses, plant load factor, operating and financial performance of the state power utilities of Uttar Pradesh between 2002–2003 and 2015–2016 (the latest point of time for which data is available). In addition to other financial indicators, liquidity, asset management, leverage and profitability ratios have been calculated to analyse the financial performance. The paper concludes that the state power-utilities are yet to cover a long distance to become financially and commercially viable. However, the positive impact of the reform measures has been abundantly visible since the financial year 2012–2013.
“Dead Men Make Such Convenient Heroes”: The Use and Misuse of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy as Political Propaganda
Authors: Rounds Christopher D.
Published: February 2020

In American history and memory, few figures stand as prominently as Martin Luther King Jr. In the minds of countless Americans, he remains the consummate activist for civil rights and social justice. Perhaps the most telling indication of his stature is the manner in which he is called upon, again and again, by proponents of varying political parties and ideologies as somebody who would, were he alive, support their candidacy, position, or initiative. The objective of this article is to document and discuss how the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. has become political propaganda. This is not a partisan effort and will not argue who “got it right” or “got it wrong” in claiming King as a supporter. Nor will it posthumously assign King membership in a political party or align him with a particular ideology. It aims only to present this ongoing history.
Sex-Based Diverse Plaque Microbiota in Children with Severe Caries
Authors: de Jesus V.C. , Shikder R. , Oryniak D. , Mann K. , Alamri A. , Mittermuller B. , Duan K. , Hu P. , Schroth R.J. , Chelikani P.
Published: February 2020

Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) is a multifactorial disease that can lead to suffering and reduced oral health–related quality of life in young children. The bacterial and fungal composition of dental plaque and how children’s sex is associated with S-ECC are largely unknown. In this study, V4-16S rRNA and ITS1 rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was used to compare the plaque bacteriome and mycobiome of children <72 mo of age: 40 with S-ECC (15 males, 25 females) and 40 caries-free (19 males, 21 females). Health- and nutrition-related questionnaire data were also investigated. This study aimed to analyze potential sex-based differences in the supragingival plaque microbiota of young children with S-ECC and those caries-free. Behavioral and nutritional habit differences were observed between children with S-ECC and those caries-free and between male and female children. Overall, higher levels of Veillonella dispar, Streptococcus mutans, and other bacterial species were found in the S-ECC group as compared with caries-free controls ( P < 0.05). A significant difference in the abundance of Neisseria was observed between males and females with S-ECC ( P < .05). Fungal taxonomic analysis showed significantly higher levels of Candida dubliniensis in the plaque of children with S-ECC as compared with those caries-free ( P < 0.05), but no differences were observed with Candida albicans ( P > 0.05). Significant differences in the relative abundance of Mycosphaerella, Cyberlindnera, and Trichosporon fungal species were also observed between the caries-free and S-ECC groups ( P < 0.05). Machine learning analysis revealed the most important bacterial and fungal species for classifying S-ECC versus caries-free. Different patterns of crosstalk between microbial species were observed between male and female children. Our work demonstrates that plaque microbiota and sex may be important determinants for S-ECC and could be factors to consider for inclusion in caries risk assessment tools.
A BlackCrit Re/Imagining of Urban Schooling Social Education Through Black Youth Enactments of Black Storywork
Authors: Coles Justin A.
Published: February 2020

This article highlights the organizing role of Blackness and anti-Blackness in the social worlds of nine Black adolescents at an urban high school. Outside and within urban schooling, Black youth understand that anti-Blackness prompts the negotiation of two distinct social worlds—Black and non-Black—however, urban schooling invisibilizes this distinction. Based on a yearlong BlackCrit ethnography, I analyze three scripts of participants’ dialogic storying, which informs a re/imagining of urban schooling social education that explicitly addresses anti-Blackness. Through my findings, I outline sources of anti-Blackness in the lives of participants, explaining its operation at three levels: individual, institutional, and societal.
Predictors of Intensive Care Unit Nurses’ Practice of Evidence-Based Practice Guidelines
Authors: Abuejheisheh Ashraf , Tarawneh Omar , Qaddumi Jamal A. S. , Almahmoud Omar , Darawad Muhammad W.
Published: February 2020

Although many studies discussed evidence-based practice among general nurses, few studies were found by the researchers among intensive care unit nurses. Also, no study has been conducted to investigate the predictors of evidence-based practice among intensive care unit nurses in Jordan. Therefore, this study aims to identify the predictors of evidence-based practice among intensive care unit nurses in Jordan. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to conveniently recruit 132 participants. Self-reported questionnaires were utilized including the Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire and Evidence-Based Practice barrier scale. Participants’ rate of evidence-based practice was 60% (M = 4.2/7), which was significantly correlated with their knowledge ( r = 0.739, P < .01) and attitudes ( r = 0.564, P < .01) of evidence-based practice. The results revealed a 2-predictor model that explained 62.2% of the variance in evidence-based practice among intensive care unit nurses. The 2 variables were attitude (β = 0.245) and knowledge (β = 0.563). The outcomes of this study added new information regarding the prediction of evidence-based practice among intensive care unit nurses. An educational program for nurses regarding this issue is crucial to improve their practice aiming at enhancing nursing care. Also, nursing schools should update their curricula to explain the importance of evidence-based practice and to enhance students’ competencies in research utilization and statistical skills.
Analysis of Disialyllacto-N-Tetraose (DSLNT) Content in Milk From Mothers of Preterm Infants
Authors: Hassinger Denise , Clausen Dana M. , Nitka Sarah , Herdt Aimee , Griffin Ian
Published: February 2020

Background

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) have been recognized for the protective effects they may elicit among high risk infants. One HMO, disialyllacto-N-tetraose (DSLNT), has been shown to reduce the risk for developing necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants.

Research aims

To measure DSLNT content in the human milk from mothers of preterm infants, and (1) assess variability; (2) establish correlations between maternal factors and/or an infant’s risk for developing necrotizing enterocolitis; and (3) determine the effect of pasteurization.

Methods

DSLNT was measured in 84 samples of preterm milk, in human donor milk, and in Holder and flash pasteurized samples. Preterm infant outcomes were assessed by medical record review.

Results

DSLNT content of mother’s own milk was highly variable and decreased significantly with increasing postnatal age. Four preterm infants (6.7%) developed necrotizing enterocolitis (Bell stage II or greater), 4 (6.7%) developed spontaneous intestinal perforation, and 1 developed both. DSLNT z-score was below the age-specific M within 8 (89%) of the 9 milk samples from mothers whose babies developed necrotizing enterocolitis ( p = 0.039), but the DSLNT content did not differ between infants with necrotizing enterocolitis, spontaneous intestinal perforation, or neither condition ( p > 0.1). DSLNT levels were significantly reduced in samples of donor milk compared to mothers’ own milk ( p = 0.0051). Pasteurization did not significantly reduce DSLNT content.

Conclusions

DSLNT content of human milk is variable and may be lower in milk from mothers whose infants developed necrotizing enterocolitis. DSLNT content is unaffected by flash or Holder pasteurization.
Multi-material topology optimization of compliant mechanisms via solid isotropic material with penalization approach and alternating active phase algorithm
Authors: Majdi Behzad , Reza Arash
Published: February 2020

The present study aims at providing a topology optimization of multi-material compliant mechanisms using solid isotropic material with penalization (SIMP) approach. In this respect, three multi-material gripper, invertor, and cruncher compliant mechanisms are considered that consist of three solid phases, including polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, and polypropylene. The alternating active-phase algorithm is employed to find the distribution of the materials in the mechanism. In this case, the multiphase topology optimization problem is divided into a series of binary phase topology optimization sub-problems to be solved partially in a sequential manner. Finally, the maximum displacement of the multi-material compliant mechanisms was validated against the results obtained from the finite element simulations by the ANSYS Workbench software, and a close agreement between the results was observed. The results reveal the capability of the SIMP method to accurately conduct the topology optimization of multi-material compliant mechanisms.
Immunological biomarkers in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus: a comparative cross-sectional study from a tertiary care center in South India
Authors: Seth G , Sundaresh A , Mariaselvam C M , Kumar G , Chengappa K G , Adarsh M B , Tamouza R , Negi VS
Published: February 2020

Introduction

The prevalence of various immunological biomarkers in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) differs among various patients with varied neuropsychiatric manifestations and different populations. We studied the prevalence of these biomarkers; especially the neuron specific autoantibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and compared them among patients with and without neuropsychiatric involvement.

Methodology

This is a comparative cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care hospital in South India. The prevalence of immunological biomarkers including complement levels, systemic and brain specific autoantibodies (anti-myelin antibody, anti–myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and anti–myelin-associated glycoprotein antibody) were assessed and compared among those with and without NPSLE and with different NPSLE manifestations.

Results

A total of 522 SLE patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the study participants was 28.5 ± 8.8 years and 93.5% were women. Neuropsychiatric manifestations were seen in 167 (32%) patients. Seizure was the most common neuropsychiatric manifestation seen in 41.3%, followed by psychosis (18.6%), mood disorder (16.8%), stroke (10.8%), mononeuropathy (10.2%), headache (9.6%), acute confusional state (6.6%) and aseptic meningitis (5.4%). Patients with NPSLE had a higher SLE disease activity index score. Most of the autoantibodies, that is anticardiolipin antibody (aCL), anti–β2 glycoprotein 1 antibody (β2GP1), lupus anticoagulant (LA), anti-nucleosome, anti–ribosomal P, anti-Ro52, anti-Ro60 and anti-La, were seen in higher proportion in the NPSLE group, although the difference failed to reach statistical significance. On subgroup analysis, psychosis was significantly higher in patients with anti-ribosomal P positivity than without (11.8% versus 4.1%, p.0.007; odds ratio (OR) 3.1, confidence interval (CI) 1.4–6.8), while stroke had a higher proportion among those with positive b2GP1 IgG (6.3% versus 1.8%, p.0.03; OR 3.6, CI 1.2–11.0). A higher proportion of demyelination was seen among the LA positive than the negative (10.3% versus 0.2%, p.0.03; OR 5.39, CI 1.15–24.17) and anti–myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein in mood disorder (14.3% versus 3.4%, p = 0.03; OR 4.66, CI 1.13–19.13).

Conclusion

No single biomarker correlated with NPSLE. Among different NPSLE manifestations, the prevalence of IgG β2GP1 in stroke, LA in demyelination, anti–ribosomal P in psychosis and anti–myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein in mood disorder were higher. Further studies on the pathogenic mechanisms underlying NPSLE and its different manifestations may help us to identify better biomarkers.
Dalit Girls and Sexual Harassment in the University
Authors: Vandana
Published: February 2020

Little is known about the frequency, severity and types of violence dalit women go through in higher education institutions in India. This article explores the lived experiences of dalit girls in a university in North India and elaborates their experiences of sexual harassment in their everyday social interactions on campus. This issue has been gaining more attention recently, but most studies focus on gender, not caste. How do dalit girls experience sexual harassment in ways that differ from harassment suffered by upper caste girls? This article focuses on the specificities of dalit girls’ experiences in a university which is controlled by the upper castes and dominant classes. It also highlights the ways in which dalit girls articulate and interpret sexual harassment, and the circumscribed ways in which they try to negotiate with their predicament while seeking higher education.
Women’s Collectives and Collective Action for Food and Energy Security: Reflections from a Community of Practice (CoP) Perspective
Authors: Dhal Sunita , Lane Linda , Srivastava Nilima
Published: February 2020

In feminist political ecological discourses, women are seen as potential initiators and actors in collective action. Gendered differential practices in sustaining certain forms of collective action within the community have remained under-researched. Women play a key role as providers of food, water, fuel and fodder. They have also gained access to alternative means of livelihood and formed groups to conserve forest resources. Women’s roles hold the potential to ensure their claim to inclusion in the development process.

This article formulates a set of interrelated questions to interrogate the role of community of practice (CoP) as an analytical framework to understand informal community action led by rural women. These questions concern the significance of collective action in relation to social structures, institutions and processes. Communities practise different kinds of sustainable and shared methods of collective action; for example, women’s collectives or self-help groups continuously work to create sustainable forms of collective action. We argue that the CoP framework provides an opportunity to explore the integral social basis of collective action, which cannot be understood without acknowledging women as important agents in shaping community initiatives.
The Impact of Financial Innovation on the Money Demand Function: An Empirical Verification in India
Authors: Adil Masudul Hasan , Hatekar Neeraj , Sahoo Pravakar
Published: February 2020

Traditional money demand functions are often criticized for persistent over-prediction, implausible parameter estimates, highly serially correlated errors and unstable money demand. This study argues that some of these problems may have emerged for the lack of factoring financial innovation into the money demand function. This study estimates money demand for India during the post-reform period, from 1996:Q2 to 2016:Q3. The money demand function is estimated with the linear ARDL approach to cointegration developed by Pesaran, Shin, & Smith (2001), Bounds testing approaches to the analysis of level relationships, Journal of Applied Econometrics, 16(3), 289–326, after employing various proxies for financial innovation. In conclusion, the study finds that there is a stable long-run relationship among variables, such as real money balances, and the scale and opportunity cost variables. In a nutshell, the study assesses the relative importance of financial innovation variables in the money demand equation, and finds that financial innovation plays a very significant role in the money demand specification and its stability.

JEL Classification: E41, E44, E42, E52, O16, O53
Does Defence Spending and its Composition Affect Economic Growth in India?
Authors: Mohanty Ranjan Kumar , Panda Sidheswar , Bhuyan Biswabhusan
Published: February 2020

The article investigates the relationship between economic growth and defence expenditure in India from 1970–1971 to 2015–2016. By using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag and Toda-Yamamoto Granger Causality approach, the empirical results find that defence expenditure has a positive and significant impact on economic growth in India. The study also finds that capital defence expenditure has a positive and significant effect on economic growth, while revenue defence expenditure does not have any substantial influence on it. The causality test confirms a bidirectional causality between defence expenditure and economic growth, while it finds a unidirectional causality that runs from capital defence expenditure to economic growth. The study suggests that defence spending, especially capital defence spending, should be encouraged to enhance economic growth in the Indian economy.

JEL Classification: H56, O40, C32
Do Large Foreign Direct Investment Inflows Behave Differently From Smaller Inflows? Evidence from Developing Countries
Authors: Sahu Jagadish Prasad
Published: February 2020

This article examines whether large inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) behave differently from smaller inflows in a sample of 56 developing countries for the period 1990–2017. We use the quantile regression method to investigate whether the responsiveness of FDI inflows to various push and pull factors differs across the conditional distribution of the former. Our results show that the magnitudes of the coefficients are significantly different across quantiles of FDI inflows for a number of covariates. That is to say, the coefficients are significantly larger for the upper quantiles compared to the lower ones. The interquantile regressions, which estimate the quantile differences, confirm the finding that large FDI inflows are more responsive to their covariates than smaller inflows. Our results suggest that large inflows of FDI are indeed different, both quantitatively and qualitatively, from smaller inflows. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the causes of large and smaller inflows separately for a better understanding of the determinants of FDI inflows to developing countries.

JEL Classification: F21, F23, F41
A Real-business-cycle Model with a Stochastic Capital Share: Lessons for Bulgaria (1999–2018)
Authors: Vasilev Aleksandar
Published: February 2020

We allow for a stochastic capital share into a real-business-cycle setup with a government sector. We calibrate the model to Bulgarian data for the period following the introduction of the currency board arrangement (1999–2018). We investigate the quantitative importance of the variability in capital share for cyclical fluctuations in Bulgaria. In particular, allowing for a stochastic capital share in the model increases variability of investment and employment, at the cost of decreasing the volatility of wages, and causing employment to become countercyclical.

JEL Classification: E24, E32
Performing the Norm: Men in the Performing Arts and the Materialization of White, Heteronormative Masculinity
Authors: Norman Moss Edward , Bryans John
Published: February 2020

There is a relatively robust body of scholarship examining popular cultural representations of masculinity, yet there is comparatively little research on the men who take up and perform these representations. Based on interviews with 12 men in the performing arts, including dance, theater, film, and television, we examine the everyday lived experiences of men in the arts, with a specific focus on the complex and dynamic processes by which normative masculine performances are materialized. Using Judith Butler’s theory of performativity, we argue that performances of normative masculinity in the arts are not nearly as stable and certain as we might imagine. Rather, normative masculinity is continuously formed and re-formed within an assemblage of discursive and nondiscursive relations that performatively materialize the seemingly stable white, heteronormative masculine subject.
Fuzzy neural network control algorithm for asymmetric building structure with active tuned mass damper
Authors: Yan Xiao , Xu Zhao-Dong , Shi Qing-Xuan
Published: February 2020

Asymmetric structures experience torsional effects when subjected to seismic excitation. The resulting rotation will further aggravate the damage of the structure. A mathematical model is developed to study the translation and rotation response of the structure during seismic excitation. The motion equations of the structures which cover the translation and rotation are obtained by the theoretical derivations and calculations. Through the simulated computation, the translation and rotation response of the structure with the uncontrolled system, the tuned mass damper control system, and active tuned mass damper control system using linear quadratic regulator algorithm are compared to verify the effectiveness of the proposed active control system. In addition, the linear quadratic regulator and fuzzy neural network algorithm are used to the active tuned mass damper control system as a contrast group to study the response of the structure with different active control method. It can be concluded that the structure response has a significant reduction by using active tuned mass damper control system. Furthermore, it can be also found that fuzzy neural network algorithm can replace the linear quadratic regulator algorithm in an active control system. Because fuzzy neural network algorithm can control the process on an uncertain mathematical model, it has more potential in practical applications than the linear quadratic regulator control method.
Nonlinear buckling behavior of functionally graded material sandwich cylindrical shells with tangentially restrained edges subjected to external pressure and thermal loadings
Authors: Hieu Pham Thanh , Tung Hoang Van
Published: February 2020

An analytical investigation on buckling and postbuckling behavior of sandwich cylindrical shells comprising functionally graded material layers and subjected to uniform temperature rise and external pressure in thermal environments is presented in this paper. Two sandwich models corresponding to functionally graded material face sheets and core layer are considered. The properties of constitutive materials are assumed to be temperature dependent and effective properties of functionally graded material are determined according to linear rule of mixture. Formulations are based on the classical shell theory taking Von Karman–Donnell nonlinearity and elastic constraint at edges into consideration. Multi-term solutions of deflection and stress function are assumed to satisfy simply supported boundary conditions and Galerkin method is applied to derive nonlinear load–deflection relations from which buckling loads and postbuckling paths are determined. The effects of sandwich configurations, material gradation, tangential constraints of edges, and temperature dependence of material properties on buckling loads and postbuckling curves are analyzed through numerical examples.
Bilateral fungal infection inducing a serpiginous-like picture
Authors: Fernández-Vega González Alvaro , Fernández-Vega González Carlos , Fernández-Vega Sanz Beatriz , Peláez María Teresa , Merayo-Lloves Jesús
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

To report the clinical findings of a patient who presented with an atypical bilateral fungal retinitis that was established by retinochoroidal biopsy.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 56-year-old systemically healthy man presented with progressive visual loss in his left eye for 3 weeks. Visual acuity was 20/40 in the left eye, and 20/20 in the right eye and fundus examination showed macular retinal pigmented epithelium changes in his left eye. Over the following four months, his lesions progressed to serpiginous-like widespread retinal pigmented epithelium atrophy and his visual acuity decreased to 20/100, but no signs of ocular inflammation were found. Treatment with oral corticoids, valganciclovir and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole showed no efficacy. Blood analysis and cultures, laboratory investigations, and imaging tests were carried out looking for infectious and inflammatory diseases, but all tests were negative. Two months later, the patient presented with the same kind of lesions in the other eye (right eye), so he was subjected to retinochoroidal biopsy. Histopathological examination of specimen revealed the presence of intraretinal and choroidal fungal hyphae. Oral voriconazole was initiated achieving clinical remission, but no visual improvement was obtained. The source of the infection remains unknown since all tests results were negative. However, his profession as brewmaster might be related to the origin of the infection.

Conclusion:

Diagnosis of intraocular fungal infection can be challenging. Retinochoroidal biopsy may be useful to establish the diagnosis in those atypical cases with nonrevealing workup and inflammation localized to the retina.
Morals from rationality alone? Some doubts
Authors: Messina JP , Wiens David
Published: February 2020

Contractarians aim to derive moral principles from the dictates of instrumental rationality alone. It is well-known that contractarian moral theories struggle to identify normative principles that are both uniquely rational and morally compelling. Michael Moehler’s recent book, Minimal Morality, seeks to avoid these difficulties by developing a novel ‘two-level’ social contract theory, which restricts the scope of contractarian morality to cases of deep and persistent moral disagreement. Yet Moehler remains ambitious, arguing that a restricted version of Kant’s categorical imperative is a uniquely rational principle of conflict resolution. We develop a formal model of Moehler’s informal game-theoretic argument, which reconstructs a valid argument for Moehler’s conclusion. This model, in turn, enables us to expose how a successful argument for Moehler’s contractarian principle rests on assumptions that can only be justified by subtle yet significant departures from the standard conception of rationality. We thus extend our understanding of familiar contractarian difficulties by showing how they arise even if we restrict the scope of contractarian morality to a domain where its application seems both promising and necessary.
Employment status three years after percutaneous coronary intervention and predictors for being employed: A nationwide prospective cohort study
Authors: Olsen Siv JS , Schirmer Henrik , Wilsgaard Tom , Bønaa Kaare H , Hanssen Tove A
Published: February 2020

Background:

Vocational support is recommended for patients in cardiac rehabilitation (CR), as returning to work is important in patients social readjusting after an acute coronary event. Information is lacking on whether CR leads to higher long-term employment after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Aims:

The aims of this study were to determine employment status three years after PCI, to compare employment status between CR participants and CR non-participants and to assess predictors for employment.

Methods:

We included first-time PCI patients from the NorStent trial, who were of working age (<63 years; n = 2488) at a three-year follow-up. Employment status and CR participation were assessed using a self-report questionnaire. Propensity score method was used in comparing employment status of CR participants and CR non-participants.

Results:

Seventy per cent of participants who were <60 years of age at the index event were employed at follow-up and CR participation had no effect on employment status. Being male, living with a partner and attaining higher levels of education were associated with a higher chance of being employed, while being older, prior cardiovascular morbidity and smoking status were associated with lower chance of being employed at follow-up.

Conclusion:

Because a significant number of working-age coronary heart disease patients are unemployed three years after coronary revascularization, updated incentives should be implemented to promote vocational support. Such programmes should focus on females, patients lacking higher education and patients who are living alone, as they are more likely to remain unemployed.
Items Selection for the Japanese Version of the Preschool Activity Card Sort
Authors: Igarashi Go , Karashima Chieko , Uemura Jun-ichi
Published: February 2020

Preschool Activity Card Sort (PACS) is a valid measure of preschoolers’ participation and is a useful and unique tool for focusing on the extent and frequency of their participation. However, given the cultural differences between Japan and other countries, researchers should consider these differences when adapting the PACS for use with children in Japan. The purpose of this study was to select culturally suitable activity items to develop the Japanese version of PACS (PACS-JPN). A two-round survey of parents (who had typically developing children aged between 3 and 6 years) was conducted. The final version of the PACS-JPN included 98 activity items. The PACS-JPN reflects Japanese sociocultural background and allows occupational therapists to assess preschoolers’ actual participation by assessing multiple aspects of children’s community life. The psychometric properties, including the validity and reliability of the PACS-JPN should be examined in future research.
Subjective Experiences of a Cisgender/Transgender Dichotomy: Implications for Occupation-Focused Research
Authors: Dowers Eden , Eshin Kalen
Published: February 2020

The subjectivity of researchers has received little attention in occupational research of trans and/or gender diverse (TGD) lives. Secondary thematic analysis of a peer ethnography was conducted to explore the meaning and epistemological significance of a cisgender/transgender dichotomy for TGD adults. The primary research comprised an occupational analysis of participation in a secret Facebook group (“Virtually Trans”) for TGD adults who were assigned female at birth and live in Melbourne, Australia. Three themes were developed from this secondary analysis of the experiences of 12 group members. First, an oppositional cisgender/transgender dichotomy was salient and significant to all participants. Second, belonging norms, while profoundly felt, also obscured intragroup differences and opportunity for outgroup contact. Finally, participants recognized the need for self-reflexive allies to document the varied occupational experiences and priorities of this cohort. A cisgender/transgender dichotomy is a significant ontological distinction that must be attended to in TGD occupation-focused research.
Efficacy of Controlled Whole-Body Vibration Training on Improving Fall Risk Factors in Stroke Survivors: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Feng , Butler Andrew J.
Published: February 2020

Background. Controlled whole-body vibration (CWBV) training has been applied to people with stroke. However, it remains inconclusive if CWBV reduces fall risk in this population. Objective. To (1) assess the immediate and retention effects of CWBV training on fall risk factors in people at postacute and chronic stages of stroke and (2) examine if CWBV dosage is correlated with the effect size (ES) for 3 fall risk factors: body balance, functional mobility, and knee strength. Methods. Twelve randomized controlled trials were included. ES was calculated as the standardized mean difference, and meta-analyses were completed using a random-effects model. Results. CWBV training may lead to improved balance and mobility immediately after training (ES = 0.27, P = .03 for balance; ES = 0.34, P = .02 for mobility) but not at the 3-month follow-up test (ES = 0.02, P = .89 for balance; ES = 0.70, P = .11 for mobility). CWBV affects knee strength capacity with mild ES (ES = 0.08 and 0.11, respectively, for immediate and retention effect; P ≥ .68 for both). Metaregression indicated that the immediate ES is strongly correlated with training dosage for balance ( r = 0.649; P = .029) and mobility ( r = 0.785; P = .036). Conclusions. CWBV training may benefit balance and mobility immediately, but the training effect may not persist among people with stroke. Additionally, the CWBV dosage correlates with the ES for body balance and mobility. More high-quality studies are needed to determine the retention effects of CWBV training.