bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voice in Supply Chains: Does the Better Work Program Lead to Improvements in Labor Standards Compliance?
Authors: Pike Kelly
Published: April 2020

Using a six-year study of Better Work Lesotho (BWL), this article examines whether the ILO’s Better Work initiative leads to improvements in labor standards compliance. Data include 55 focus group discussions conducted with 426 workers during four waves of data collection between 2011 and 2017. In-depth qualitative research with workers before, during, and after BWL reveals the root causes underlying noncompliance. Findings indicate that improvements across a number of compliance areas are enabled by collective worker voice mechanisms established by BWL at the factory level. Workers also highlight additional positive impacts of these improvements beyond the workplace. The author concludes that worker voice is essential to long-term sustainable improvements in labor standards compliance. This study makes an empirical and a methodological contribution by demonstrating the importance of worker voice in both the implementation of Better Work and its evaluation and impact.
Structural health monitoring of carbon fiber reinforced matrix by the resistance variation method
Authors: Hamdi Khalil , Aboura Zoheir , Harizi Walid , Khellil Kamel
Published: April 2020

In this work, electrical resistance change method is used for carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymers damage monitoring. The electrical resistance variation could be an interesting complementary to existing/classical damage monitoring methods. It is extremely attributed to electrical conductivity of composite material and it appears that enhancing the conductivity of materials, by the use of conductive nanofillers in our case, improves their sensitivity to mechanical loading. Carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymers with different nanofillers types and concentrations were manufactured and tested in tensile loading. Concentration of 0 and 8 wt% of carbon black and 2.5 wt% of carbon nanotubes were used with Polyamide 6 sheets as matrix. Nanofillers weakening effect was discussed according to their concentrations and types. The acoustic emission, digital image correlation and in-situ microscopy were also recorded during testing. A correlation between all these signals and the evolution of the electrical resistance of the composites during the tensile loading was performed. It was found that CB enhances sensitivity of carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymers to damage detection, especially delamination. For the carbon nanotubes, results are less promising. A discussion is held about the nanofillers concentration influence.
Forecasting Civil Wars: Theory and Structure in an Age of “Big Data” and Machine Learning
Authors: Blair Robert A. , Sambanis Nicholas
Published: April 2020

Does theory contribute to forecasting accuracy? We use event data to show that a parsimonious model grounded in prominent theories of conflict escalation can forecast civil war onset with high accuracy and over shorter temporal windows than has generally been possible. Our forecasting model draws on “procedural” variables, building on insights from the contentious politics literature. We show that a procedural model outperforms more inductive, atheoretical alternatives and also outperforms models based on countries’ structural characteristics, which previously dominated models of civil war onset. We find that process can substitute for structure over short forecasting windows. We also find a more direct connection between theory and forecasting than is sometimes assumed, though we suggest that future researchers treat the value-added of theory for prediction not as an assumption but rather as a hypothesis to test.
Potential returns to yam research investment in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond
Authors: Mignouna Djana Babatima , Akinola Adebayo Akinboye , Abdoulaye Tahirou , Alene Arega D , Manyong Victor , Maroya Norbert G , Aighewi Beatrice Anim , Kumar Lava P , Balogun Morufat , Lopez-Montes Antonio , Rees Deborah , Asiedu Robert
Published: April 2020

Lack of good-quality planting materials has been identified as the most severe problem militating against increased agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and beyond. However, investment of research efforts and resources in addressing this menace will only be feasible and worthwhile if attendant economic gains are considerable. As a way of investigating the economic viability of yam investment, this research has been initiated to address problems confronting yam productivity in eight countries of SSA and beyond: Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Papua New Guinea, Jamaica, and Columbia. Research options developed were to be deployed and disseminated. Key technologies include the adaptive yam minisett technique (AYMT), varieties adapted to low soil fertility and drought, nematode-resistant cultivars (NRC), and crop management and postharvest practices (CMPP). This article aims at estimating the potential economic returns, the expected number of beneficiaries, and poverty reduction consequent to the adoption of technology options. Estimates show that the new land area that will be covered by the technologies in the eight countries will range between 770,000 ha and 1,000,000 ha with the highest quota accounted for by AYMT. The net present value will range between US$584 and US$1392 million and was highest for the NRC. The CMPP had the lowest benefit-cost ratio of 7.74. About 1,049,000 people would be moved out of poverty by these technologies by 2037 in the region. These technologies are less responsive to changes in cost than that in adoption rate. Therefore, the realization of the potential economic gains depends on the rate and extent of adoption of these technologies. Giving the knowledge-intensive nature of some of these interventions, capacity building of potential adopters will be critical to increasing the sustainability of the yam sector, thereby enhancing food security and reducing poverty.
Incremental passivity and stabilization for switched nonlinear systems
Authors: Pang Hongbo , Li Chensong
Published: April 2020

This paper studies the problems of incremental passivity, incremental passification and incremental stabilization for a switched nonlinear system. First, an incremental passivity concept for switched nonlinear systems is proposed. Each subsystem is only required to be incrementally passive, when it is active. The energy change of each inactive subsystem is charaterized. Then, a sufficient condition for such a system to be incrementally passive is given. Second, a state-dependent switching law and state feedback controllers are designed to render a system with relative degree one incrementally passive. Third, we show that an incrementally passive switched nonlinear system can be incrementally stabilized under some constraints on the energy change of inactive subsystems. In particular, a recursive feedback incremental passification design technique is adopted to achieve the incremental stability for a switched nonlinear system with any same relative degree by designing a set of feedback controllers and a state-dependent switching law, constructively. Finally, two examples are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed theory.
Shape of the Cochlear Basal Turn: An Indicator for an Optimal Electrode-to-Modiolus Proximity With Precurved Electrode Type
Authors: Khurayzi Tawfiq , Dhanasingh Anandhan , Almuhawas Fida , Alsanosi Abdulrahman
Published: April 2020

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine the shape of cochlear basal turn through basic cochlear parameters measurement. The secondary aim was to overlay an image of the precurved electrode array on top of the three-dimensional (3D) image of the cochlea to determine which shape of the cochlear basal turn gives optimal electrode-to-modiolus proximity.

Materials and Methods:

Computed tomography (CT) preoperative image-data sets of 117 ears were made available for the measurements of cochlear parameters retrospectively. Three-dimensional slicer was used in the visualization and measurement of cochlear parameters from both 3D and 2D (2-dimensional) images of the inner ear. Cochlear parameters including basal turn diameter ( A), width of the basal turn ( B), and cochlear height (H) were measured from the appropriate planes. B/ A ratio was made to investigate which ratios correspond to round and elliptical shape of the cochlear basal turn.

Results:

The cochlear size as measured by A value ranged between 7.4 mm and 10 mm. The B value and the cochlear height ( H) showed a weak positive linear relation with A value. The ratio between the B and A values anything above or below 0.75 could be an indicator for a more round- or elliptical shaped cochlear basal turn, respectively. One sized/shaped commercially available precurved electrode array would not offer a tight electrode-to-modiolus in the cochlea that has an elliptical shaped basal turn as identified by the B/A ratio of <0.75.

Conclusion:

Accurate measurement of cochlear parameters adds value to the overall understanding of the cochlear geometry before a cochlear implantation procedure. The shape of cochlear basal turn could have clinical implications when comes to electrode-to-modiolus proximity.
Effects of implanting a long-term left ventricle assist device on post-transplant outcomes
Authors: Bedanova Helena , Pazdernik Michal , Sonka Milan , Zhi Chen , Krejci Jan , Novakova Marie , Dobsak Petr , Nemec Petr
Published: April 2020

Background:

An increasing number of patients are receiving left ventricle assist devices as a bridge to heart transplantation. The aim of this study was to determine the difference between patients who received transplants from a left ventricle assist device and those who underwent heart transplantation without a prior left ventricle assist device implantation.

Material and methods:

The study included patients who underwent heart transplantation in our institute between January 2010 and November 2018. The following clinical variables were evaluated: donor characteristics, patient’s pre-transplant demographical data, post-transplant data, and patient survival. Cardiac allograft vasculopathy progression was prospectively examined (after 1 month and 12 months after heart transplantation) by coronary optical coherence tomography. We were interested in the difference in 1- and 5-year survival between the left ventricle assist device and non-left ventricle assist device groups.

Results:

A total of 248 patients were identified; out of them, 48 patients received a left ventricle assist device before heart transplantation, whereas 200 had transplants with no prior left ventricle assist device implantation. There were no significant differences in any donor characteristics. The mean duration of cardiopulmonary bypass time in the non-left ventricle assist device group was 156 versus 175 min in the left ventricle assist device group ( p = 0.009), blood loss was 650 versus 1045 mL ( p < 0.001), the need to implant an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was 10% versus 23% ( p = 0.02). There was no difference in cardiac allograft vasculopathy progression between the groups 1 year after heart transplantation ( p = 0.528). The 1- and 5-year survival, according to Kaplan–Meier, was 80% and 70% in the left ventricle assist device group, compared to 80% and 73%, respectively, in the non-left ventricle assist device group (Log-rank test: p = 0.945).

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that patients undergoing heart transplantation from left ventricle assist devices suffer significantly more from intraoperative and post-operative complications; however, only insignificant cardiac allograft vasculopathy progression and survival differences between the two groups were observed.
Effect of moisture absorption on the wear and dynamic mechanical behavior of polymer composites
Authors: Chaudhary Vijay , Ahmad Furkan
Published: April 2020

The present study focuses on the effect of moisture uptake of jute/epoxy, hemp/epoxy, flax/epoxy and hybrid composites (jute/hemp/epoxy, hemp/flax/epoxy and jute/hemp/flax/epoxy) on the dynamic mechanical and tribological properties. Composite specimens were developed using hand lay-up compression technique. The developed composites were dipped in normal tap water at room temperature for the span of one year. Three parameters were used to analyze the results of dynamic mechanical analysis (damping capability, storage modulus and loss modulus), and three parameters (friction force, coefficient of friction and specific wear rate) were used to analyze the wear test results. Results of dynamic mechanical analysis and wear analysis after one year of moisture absorption were compared with already published results for specimens without moisture absorption. Substantial changes were observed in each parameter of dynamic mechanical analysis and tribology test performed after one year of water immersion. Water-saturated hybrid composite jute/hemp/epoxy achieved highest reduction of 16.03% in damping capability as compared to its dry specimens. Water-immersed jute/epoxy composite achieved highest increment of 763.2% and 589.8% in the value of storage modulus and loss modulus, respectively, as compared to its dry specimen. Hybrid composite jute/hemp/flax/epoxy achieved the highest increment of 13.5% and 19.9% in the value of coefficient of friction as compared to its dry specimen at 3 and 5 m/s sliding speed, respectively. Water-immersed hemp/flax/epoxy achieved the highest increment of 228.9% and 51.56% in the value of specific wear rate at 1 and 3 m/s sliding speed, respectively, as compared to its dry specimen.
Accentuate the Positive: The Association Between Informal and Formal Supports and Caregiving Gains
Authors: Leggett Amanda N. , Meyer Oanh L. , Bugajski Benjamin C. , Polenick Courtney A.
Published: April 2020

Background: To promote resilience among caregivers for persons living with dementia (PLWDs), we examine how formal and informal supports are linked to caregiving gains, and whether gender moderates the association between supports and gains. Method: Using the National Health and Aging Trends Study and associated National Study of Caregiving, sources of informal (emotional support, practical support, and help with the PLWD) and formal support (respite care, training program, support group) are considered as predictors of caregiving gains, with gender as a moderator of these associations. The sample included 707 caregivers for 502 PLWDs. Results: Greater caregiving gains were significantly associated with emotional support from friends/family (β = 0.14, SE = 0.09, p = .03). Furthermore, attending a caregiver training program was only associated with increased caregiving gains among men (β = 0.11, SE = 0.08, p = .02). Conclusion: Emotional support from family/friends appears particularly consequential for caregiving gains, and male caregivers may benefit most from programs that emphasize skill building.
Exploring Adolescent Faith Articulation among At-Risk Urban Youth
Authors: Severe Mike
Published: April 2020

Adolescents have significant capacity to engage in theological inquiry and theological reflection. How do at-risk teens articulate their faith and practice? This study explores how at-risk youth practice and articulate their beliefs through semi-formal qualitative interviews. This research suggests a caution to a simple therapeutic interpretation of adolescents’ faith without first taking into account the traumatogenic nature of their environment. Best practices for faith articulation and recommendations for further study are included.
Converting White Christian Congregations to Sites of Anti-racism
Authors: Iseminger Shalyse
Published: April 2020

This paper uses the idea of the hidden curriculum to discuss how predominantly White Christian Organizations (PWCOs) teach about race. By introducing multicultural education into PWCOs, they have the potential to function as sites of combatting racism. Using a case study of a Christian conference that was focused on racial unity, I describe how Christian organizations can join in the efforts to create a more racially equitable society.
Timing of Departure From the Parental Home: Differences by Immigrant Generation and Parents’ Region of Origin
Authors: Gillespie Brian Joseph , Bostean Georgiana , Malizia Stefan
Published: April 2020

Drawing on immigrant adaptation and life course perspectives, this study explores reasons for differences in the timing of young adults’ departure from the parental home. We extend existing research by examining: (a) associations between home-leaving, and immigrant generation and parental region of origin, and (b) the role of parental language use in the home as a moderator of these associations. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 ( N = 5,994), we used Cox proportional hazard regressions to estimate the risk of home-leaving. Results revealed that 3+ generation immigrants are most likely to leave home, followed by second, 1.75, and 1.5 generation. Youth whose parents were from Latin America were least likely to leave compared with those with parents from other regions. Parental language spoken at home is a moderator such that, net of controls, youth with Latin American parents are less likely to leave the parental home than those with U.S.-born parents when their parents speak a language other than English at home. Findings contribute to the immigration literature by examining nuanced differences among immigrants of different generations and origins, and pointing to multiple factors that contribute to differences in the timing of the transition out of the parental home.
Exposure to Potentially Traumatic Events, Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Pain Catastrophizing, and Functional Somatic Symptoms Among Individuals With Varied Somatic Symptoms: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Avishai-Cohen Hila , Zerach Gadi
Published: April 2020

The relationships between exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs), as well as posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and somatic syndromes, have recently been exemplified. Exposure to PTEs can also set in motion complex psychological processes such as pain catastrophizing that is associated with PTSS and somatic syndromes. However, the specific moderating role of pain catastrophizing in these links remains relatively unexamined. The present study aims to assess a moderated mediation model in which catastrophizing will moderate the indirect effect of exposure to PTEs on the number of somatic symptoms and chronic pain severity via PTSS, among individuals with somatic syndromes. A volunteers’ sample of 175 Israeli adults with varied somatic symptoms responded to online validated self-report questionnaires in a cross-sectional designed study. Participants’ self-reported PTSS rates (57.1%) were high. PTSS and pain catastrophizing, but not exposure to PTEs, were related to chronic pain severity. Interestingly, a moderated mediation analysis indicated that the indirect effect of catastrophizing in the relation between exposure to PTEs and the number of somatic symptoms via PTSS existed only among those with high levels of catastrophizing. The present study highlights the assumption that functional somatic syndromes (FSS) have much in common. Our findings support a moderated mediation model that begins with exposure to PTEs that leads to PTSS, which in turn increase the number of somatic symptoms. Higher levels of pain catastrophizing might attenuate this indirect link by affecting the interpretation of PTSS and create a vulnerability to more somatic symptoms. Thus, changes in cognitive-sensory processing in the form of catastrophic thinking can affect psychobiological processes and heighten sensitivity to stimuli arising in the body and should be considered as possible target for future research and psychological interventions.
Who Uses Wearable Activity Trackers and Why? A Comparison of Former and Current Users in the United States
Authors: Friel Ciarán P. , Garber Carol Ewing
Published: April 2020

Background:

There has been an explosion in the use of wearable activity trackers (WATs), but we do not fully understand who wears them and why. This study’s purpose was to describe the characteristics of WAT users and to compare current and former users.

Materials and Methods:

A variety of internet-based resources (eg, Craigslist, Facebook) were used to recruit current and former WAT users. Respondents completed a web-based survey, where they provided information on sociodemographic characteristics, health, physical activity behavior, and about their WAT use.

Results:

Of the 2826 respondents who gave informed consent, 70.8% (n = 2002) met inclusion criteria for this analysis. Respondents ranged from 18 to 81 years old (mean 32.9 ± 12.2 standard deviation) with 73.8% women. Most were current WAT users (68.7%), and the average length of WAT use overall was 9.3 ± 9.7 months. On average, current users wore the device for 3.7 months longer than former users. Compared to current users, former users had a lower body mass index (1.2 kg/m2 less), reported fewer medical conditions, shared data from their device less often, and received the device as a gift more frequently.

Conclusions:

Current and former users varied in their reasons for using a WAT and how they used their device. Differences identified between these groups support further exploration of associations between WAT users’ profiles and their physical activity behavior.
Graphics process unit accelerated lattice Boltzmann simulation of indoor air flow: Effects of sub-grid scale model in large-eddy simulation
Authors: Jahidul Haque Md , Mamun Molla Md , Amirul Islam Khan Md , Ahsan Kamrul
Published: April 2020

In this present study, three-dimensional lattice Boltzmann method is implemented with the popular turbulence modeling method large-eddy simulation incorporating three different non-dynamic sub-grid scale models Smagorinsky, Vreman, and wall-adapting local eddy-viscosity for finding the inhomogeneous turbulent airflow patterns inside a model room with a partition. The large eddy simulation-lattice Boltzmann method code is validated with the experimental results of Posner’s model, where the model room having one partition at the bottom, one inlet, an outlet placed at top wall considered for the comparisons. The lattice Boltzmann method code is also validated without any sub-grid scale model with the results of lid-driven flow in a cubic cavity. The present numerical simulations are performed by the graphics process unit accelerated parallel programs using compute unified device architecture C platform. Double precession capable a Tesla k40 with 2880 compute unified device architecture cores NVIDIA graphics process unit card has been used for these simulations. Graphics processor units have gained popularity in recent years as a propitious platform for numerical simulation of fluid dynamics. In fact, faster computational task performance in graphics process units is one of the key factors for researchers to choose graphics process unit over conventional central processing units for the implementation of data-intensive numerical methods like lattice Boltzmann method. The effects of the sub-grid scale model have been evaluated in terms of the mean velocity profiles, streamlines as well as turbulence characteristics and found that there are significant differences in the results due to the different sub-grid scale models.
Vibration of porous functionally graded plates with geometric discontinuities and partial supports
Authors: Bansal Gaurav , Gupta Ankit , Katiyar Varun
Published: April 2020

Vibrational study of the porous functionally graded plate with geometric discontinuities and partial supports has been presented in the present paper. The kinematics of functionally graded plate is based on the refined exponential shear deformation theory. The displacement field has been refined by dividing the in-plane and out of the plane displacements into bending and shear components. The theory accounts for the nonlinear transverse shear stress variation along with the thickness with only four unknowns. The closed-form solution (Navier’s solution), as well as FEM-based solution, have been used for the vibration analysis of functionally graded plate. The geometric discontinuities have been incorporated in terms of a circular cut-out of different sizes at the center of the plate. Modified rule of mixtures, modified sigmoid law, and trigonometric law have been used to compute the effective material properties of the functionally graded plate. A C0 continuous iso-parametric FEM formulation has been used to attain the results in the case of FEM solution, and the efficacy of the present solution is demonstrated by comparing the results with the available literature. The results reflect that the porosity inclusion, circular cut-out, and position of the boundary constraints have a notable influence on the fundamental frequency of the functionally graded plate. It is also concluded that after a specific radius of circular cut-out, the vibration response of functionally graded plate exhibits nonlinearity in nature.
Enhanced MoS2antiwear performance by the presence of ZnSO4against ZDDP
Authors: Özkan Doğuş , Yaşa Yavuz
Published: April 2020

Zinc dithiophosphate is the most commonly used antiwear additive in lubricating oil. However, zinc dithiophosphate has a poisoning effect on engine catalysis via phosphorus and zinc content that reduces the efficiency causing hazardous emission increase, therefore, it needs to be replaced with an alternative additive. In this study, the antiwear performance of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is enhanced by zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) addition and subjected to tribometer tests at different contact pressures to explore the MoS2 + ZnSO4friction and antiwear performance against MoS2and zinc dithiophosphate. Wear rates and surface morphology changes were carried out by an optical microscope, optical profilometer, and atomic force microscope analysis. Furthermore, tribochemical and surface energies of tribofilms were evaluated via scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscope adhesion force mapping analysis. Results showed that ZnSO4addition to MoS2 + base oil improves the antiwear performance of the lubricating oil significantly and it presents similar friction characteristics to zinc dithiophosphate.
Application of dynamic programming to optimal energy management of grid-independent hybrid railcars
Authors: Sorrentino Marco , Serge Agbli Kréhi , Hissel Daniel , Chauvet Frédéric , Letrouve Tony
Published: April 2020

In this paper, a dynamic programming-based optimization analysis is performed to quantitatively assess the energy-saving potential associated to the battery hybridization of railcars, which is nowadays regarded as a high-potential solution to reduce the greenhouse-gas impact of regional trains. A computationally effective longitudinal model is first developed, starting from an available energetic macroscopic representation modeling tool. The resulting simplified railcar model was first integrated with a battery state of charge simulator and then embedded within a fast constrained optimization algorithm. The optimization outcomes, reachable within reasonable timeframe and considering cost-effective hybridization scenarios, are highly informative for train manufacturers and operators interested in substantial hybridization of railcars. Particularly, fuel savings as high as 18% can be achieved with respect to the current diesel-powered trains. As a consequence, useful design and control guidelines are made available, considering both retrofitting or replacing the existing railway systems (particularly focusing on regional trains), while coping with capital and operating costs, safety, and traffic constraints.
Experimental investigation of shock train unsteady movement in a mixing duct
Authors: Lu Lei , Wang Yi , Yan Guowei , Fan Xiaoqiang , Xu Shangcheng
Published: April 2020

The structure and dynamic of the shock train in a mixing duct are investigated experimentally in a supersonic air breathing wind tunnel. High-speed schlieren technique and pressure measurements are utilized for the data acquisition. Nozzle clapboards are applied to separate the incoming flow into upper secondary flow, primary flow, and lower secondary flow. The Mach number of all incoming flows is 2.05, whereas the static pressures between primary and secondary flow stay unmatched. Experimental results indicate that nozzle clapboards lead to complex background waves and mixing layers in the mixing duct. As the throttling valve rotates at a constant speed, two motion patterns alternatively govern the shock train movement, namely jump movement and slow movement. Judging from the path of shock train leading edges, adverse pressure gradient at the wall of background flow induces jump movement, while the slow movement only appears at the zone of favorable pressure gradient. Besides, leading shock structures continuously change in the forward propagation process. Four types of leading shock structures are discovered namely regular reflection, convex-stem Mach reflection, straight-stem Mach reflection, and concave-stem Mach reflection. Based on the numerical results of the background flow field, these special structures are explained theoretically by analyzing the variation of the wavefront Ma contour lines.
Innovative Multiple Matching Charts approach to support the conceptual design of hypersonic vehicles
Authors: Ferretto Davide , Fusaro Roberta , Viola Nicole
Published: April 2020

Several well-established best practices and reliable tools have been developed along the years to support aircraft conceptual and preliminary design. In this context, one of the most widely used tool is the Matching Chart (MC), a graphical representation of the different performance requirements (curves representing the thrust-to-weight ratio (T/W) requirement as function of the wing loading (W/S)) for each mission phase. The exploitation of this tool allows the identification of a feasible design space as well as the definition of a reference vehicle configuration in terms of maximum thrust, maximum take-off weight, and wing surface since the very beginning of the design process. Although the tool was originally developed for conventional aircraft, several extensions and updates of the mathematical models have been proposed over the years to widen its application to innovative configurations. Following this trend, this paper presents a further evolution of the MC model to support the conceptual design of high-speed transportation systems, encompassing supersonic and hypersonic flight vehicles. At this purpose, this paper reports and discusses the updates of the methodology laying behind the generation of the MC for high-speed transportation. Eventually, the results of the validation of the updated methodology and tool are reported, using as case study, the STRATOFLY MR3 vehicle configuration, a Mach 8 antipodal civil transportation system, currently under development within the H2020 STRATOFLY project.
The role of 5-HT7 receptors on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats with high-fat diet exacerbated coronary endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Cinar I , Halici Z , Dincer B , Sirin B , Cadirci E
Published: April 2020

The presence of 5-HT7r’s in both human and rat cardiovascular and immune tissues and their contribution to inflammatory conditions prompted us to hypothesize that these receptors contribute in acute myocardial infarction (MI) with underlying chronic endothelial dysfunction. We investigated the role of 5-HT7 receptors on heart tissue that damaged by isoproterenol (ISO)-induced MI in rats with high-fat diet (HFD). In vitro and in vivo effects of 5-HT7r agonist (LP44) and antagonist (SB269970) have been investigated on the H9C2 cell line and rats, respectively. For in vivo analyses, rats were fed with HFD for 8 weeks and after this period ISO-induced MI model has been applied to rat. To investigate the role of 5-HT7r’s, two different doses of LP44 and SB269970 were evaluated and compared with standard hypolipidemic agent, atorvastatin. In vitro studies showed that LP44 has protective and proliferative effects on rat cardiomyocytes. Also in in vivo studies stimulating 5-HT7r’s by LP44 improved blood lipid profile (decreased total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-C, and triglyceride, increased high-density lipoprotein), decreased cardiac damage markers (creatine kinase and troponin-I), and corrected inflammatory status (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6). Our results showed significant improvement in LP44 administered rats in terms of histopathologic analyses. In damaged tissues, 5-HT7 mRNA expression increased and agonist administration decreased this elevation significantly. We determined for the first time that 5-HT7r’s are overexpressed in ISO-induced MI of rats with underlying HFD-induced endothelial dysfunction. Restoration of this overexpression by LP44, a 5-HT7r agonist, ameliorated heart tissue in physiopathologic, enzymatic, and molecular level, showing the cardiac role of these receptors and suggesting them as future potential therapeutic targets.
Financial natives: Real estate developers at work
Authors: Bardet Fabrice , Coulondre Alexandre , Shimbo Lucia
Published: April 2020

Financialization, even contested, is a major focus of contemporary urban studies. The growing interest of institutional investors in real estate investments has been the subject of in-depth analyses that have suggested the need to critically examine their weight in contemporary urban production. Have investors become the new masters of the urban fabric, to the detriment of historical players such as property developers or local authorities? This article informs the discussion by looking at developers at work and identifying how financial profitability calculations could have invaded their activities. Based on a qualitative survey conducted in France on practising or retired professionals, it shows that there has actually been a surprising degree of stability in professional practices over the past 50 years, even though the economic environment changed at the beginning of the 1990s. Since the origins of the property development sector in France, the real estate firms have had close ties with the financial industry and have been using financial instruments. This is why they were considered as ‘financial natives’, while employees at the operational level remain outside the scope of the colonization of organizations by financial quantifications. The specific nature of real estate work, particularly its political component, means that decisions lower down in these companies cannot be guided solely by financial ratios. The extent of the changes triggered by the massive arrival of financial investments has not been as great as it may seem, since developers appear to have maintained most of their ability to influence contemporary urban governance.
Effectiveness of a Three-Stage Intervention in Reducing Caregiver Distress During Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Liu Ying-Mei , Wen Yu-Chuan , Weng Pei-Yin , Jaing Tang-Her , Chen Shih-Hsiang
Published: April 2020

More than one fourth of primary caregivers report clinically significant distress during the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) process. Providing early support to primary caregivers could reduce caregiver distress and improve the quality of life. This study examined the effects of a three-stage caregiver support intervention designed to reduce caregiver distress and improve quality of life during pediatric HSCT hospitalization. A two-group comparative study was conducted with repeated measures. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received the support intervention 5 days before the transplant, 14 days after transplant, and 1 week before hospital discharge. The control group received standard support provided in the hospital ward. Measures were obtained at all three time points from self-report questionnaires, which were related to anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and quality of life. Findings indicated that primary caregivers in the intervention group ( n = 22) reported significantly lower levels of perceived stress and higher levels of quality of life than the control group ( n = 23) at 14 days after transplant. In the intervention group, caregiver distress significantly decreased from pretransplant through 14 days after transplant, while over the same period caregiver quality of life significantly increased. The intervention effectively changed the trend of distress and quality of life for caregivers of children during the process of HSCT and hospitalization. The findings of this study suggest that it is important to provide early targeted interventions at critical junctures for caregivers at risk of adverse outcomes.
Evaluating Structural Models of Cognitive Vulnerabilities: Transdiagnostic and Specific Pathways to Internalizing Symptoms
Authors: Poh Ruth Y. N. , Zhuang Sici , Ong Xiang Ling , Hong Ryan Y.
Published: April 2020

The structure of cognitive vulnerabilities to anxiety and depression was examined via a hierarchical approach to examine the usefulness of a bifactor model for identifying a broad transdiagnostic (i.e., common core) factor versus disorder-specific variables (i.e., unique dimensions) in predicting internalizing psychopathology. Several models (i.e., single factor, correlated factor, single hierarchical, and bifactor models) were evaluated in undergraduate ( n = 351) and adolescent ( n = 385) samples. Across both samples, the bifactor model exhibited comparable good fit as the correlated and single hierarchical models. This model comprised a core transdiagnostic vulnerability factor and six specific factors (i.e., negative cognitive style, dysfunctional attitudes, ruminative style, intolerance of uncertainty, anxiety sensitivity, and fear of negative evaluation). Although the transdiagnostic factor predicted a general internalizing symptom factor, unique fear-related specific-level associations between individual vulnerability and symptom remained significant. Moreover, the transdiagnostic vulnerability factor predicted internalizing symptoms, even after controlling for personality and gender. These findings highlight the importance of advancing an integrative etiologic model of internalizing psychopathology.
Feline abdominal ultrasonography: what’s normal? what’s abnormal? The kidneys and perinephric space
Authors: Griffin Sally
Published: April 2020

Practical relevance:

Abdominal ultrasound plays a vital role in the diagnostic work-up of many cats presenting to general and specialist practitioners. Ultrasound examination of the kidneys and perinephric space can provide important information on several conditions including chronic renal disease, hydronephrosis and perinephric pseudocyst formation.

Clinical challenges:

Despite ultrasonography being a commonly used modality, many practitioners are not comfortable performing an ultrasound examination or interpreting the resulting images. Even for the experienced ultrasonographer, differentiating between incidental findings, such as a medullary rim sign, and pathological changes can be challenging.

Aim:

This review, part of an occasional series on feline abdominal ultrasonography, discusses ultrasonographic examination of the normal and diseased kidney and perinephric space. Aimed at general practitioners who wish to improve their knowledge of and confidence in feline abdominal ultrasound, this review is accompanied by high-resolution images and videos available online as supplementary material. A subsequent article will address ultrasonography of the collecting system including the renal pelvis and urinary bladder.

Equipment:

Ultrasound facilities are readily available to most practitioners, although use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool is highly dependent on operator experience.

Evidence base:

Information provided in this article is drawn from the published literature and the author’s own clinical experience.
Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in cats: A literature review to raise clinical awareness
Authors: Schäfer Ingo , Kohn Barbara
Published: April 2020

Practical relevance:

Granulocytic anaplasmosis is a disease in humans and animals caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum within the family Anaplasmataceae. The pathogen is transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes species. Infections with A phagocytophilum have often been described in dogs but reports on natural infections in cats are rare. An infection with A phagocytophilum should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cats if the history reveals tick infestation and/or outdoor access in combination with the relevant clinical signs.

Global importance:

A phagocytophilum is also important in human medicine because of its zoonotic potential. Due to the risk of vector-borne infections for both feline and public health, cats should be protected with ectoparasiticides, especially in endemic areas.

Aim:

The aim of this review is to give an overview of the published data and summarise the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical signs and therapy of feline granulocytic anaplasmosis. As clinical signs are vague and non-specific, this review aims to raise awareness of A phagocytophilum infection, both among clinicians, so that they consider testing potentially exposed cats, and scientists, in order to prompt further research.

Evidence base:

Sixteen publications describing 55 cats have been reviewed. Thirty-four cats were well diagnosed based on guidelines of the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases and blood analyses were performed to varying extents for these cats. Because of the limited number of studies and a lack of knowledge in cats, clinical signs and blood analyses are compared with available data in dogs.
Benefits of micronutrient supplementation for reducing the risk of wet age-related macular disease and diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Battaglia Parodi Maurizio , Brunoro Andrea , Tomasso Livia , Scuderi Gianluca
Published: April 2020

Age-related macular disease and diabetic retinopathy are chronic degenerative diseases characterised by progressive visual impairment. In Europe, age-related macular disease accounts for over 15% of blindness in adults over 50 years of age, and although the burden of diabetic retinopathy in terms of vision impairment is lower, vision loss associated with diabetic retinopathy is increasing with the rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus and the ageing of the population. Late-stage age-related macular disease can be subdivided into dry (non-neovascular) or wet (neovascular or exudative) forms. The large Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 showed that supplementation with antioxidant nutrients reduces choroids neovascularisation and reduces the risk of progression of neovascular age-related macular disease. Antioxidant micronutrient supplements have also shown promising results in preventing the pathogenesis of retinopathy in animal models of diabetes. Age-related macular disease and diabetic retinopathy are understood to share some common pathophysiological characteristics, suggesting that micronutrients have an important role in ocular health in both conditions. This article will review the current evidence for the utility of micronutrients in preventing the development and progression of neovascular age-related macular disease and diabetic retinopathy.
Numerical estimation of fretting fatigue life of bolted joints using continuum damage mechanics and SEAM Tool
Authors: Lin Xinhao , Xu Yazhou , Zhang Hui , Ren Qianqian , Yu Junqi
Published: April 2020

For fretting fatigue, micro-slipping often causes initial micro-cracks in the contact surfaces, which gradually propagate and eventually result in fracture failure. However, it is difficult to directly observe and measure the crack initiation and propagation processes of single-lap bolted joints due to the obstacle of testing technique. Therefore, this article presents an elastic analysis–based method, in which the total fretting fatigue lifetime is divided into initiation life predicted by continuum damage mechanics and propagation life calculated by SEAM Tool in combination with Paris’s law. Since the initiation life model implicitly reflects the result of damage process, one can directly calculate the initiation life based on the elastic stress analysis. The predicted fretting fatigue life, initial crack location, and propagation path are in reasonable agreement with the fretting fatigue test and scanning electron microscope observation results. In addition, it is found that among the main factors affecting fretting fatigue of steel single-lap bolted joints, the initial life is affected by cyclic stress, friction coefficient, and tightening torque, and the propagation path is mainly influenced by tightening torque.
Substance use disorder patients’ expectations on transition from treatment to post-discharge period
Authors: Johannessen Dagny Adriaenssen , Nordfjærn Trond , Geirdal Amy Østertun
Published: April 2020

Aim:

There is limited knowledge about how inpatients anticipate factors that facilitate the transition between specialised inpatient treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) and the post-discharge period. This study explores factors that inpatients anticipated would facilitate such a transition period.

Method:

A focus group study, consisting of four group interviews with individuals in inpatient SUD treatment, was conducted to explore their expectations for the transition and post-discharge period ahead of them. The transcribed interview material was analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings:

The analytical process led to three themes: “Belonging”, “Intrapersonal processes” and “Predictability”. Correspondence between inpatients’ expectations and the services they are offered in the transition and post-discharge period may serve as proper support for inpatients ahead of a vulnerable phase, such as the transition and post-discharge period.

Conclusions:

Findings from the current study highlight overarching elements that inpatients envisioned to be facilitating, such as social support, motivation, self-efficacy, self-awareness and predictability in basic elements such as employment, housing and personal finances. Findings from this study and previous ones imply that certain factors appear to facilitate in vulnerable phases, such as service level transitions. These facilitating factors should be taken into consideration and used as steppingstones through the transition and post-discharge period after inpatient SUD treatment.
Playing games to re-story troubled family narratives in Danish maximum-security prisons
Authors: Markussen Thomas , Knutz Eva
Published: April 2020

Narrative criminology has successfully demonstrated how the construction and structure of self-narratives are important for prisoners’ process of change and desistance from crime. However, much of this work has tended to focus narrowly on the offender and how he or she uses self-narrative to relate to the offense, the victim, past childhood, the family, or projected hopes for future change. In an effort to extend prior work, this study takes a complementary approach by analyzing how children and their long-term incarcerated fathers in Danish maximum-security prisons talk about family relations and cohesiveness during imprisonment. To address the gap in research and methodology, we introduce the notion of family narratives, and through microanalyses of in-depth interviews with seven prisoners and seven children, we extract three kinds of family narratives. These narratives were prompted by using a board game recently implemented into the visiting program in Danish prisons to help children and prisoners to re-construct disrupted family relations. Our findings illuminate how the design of a game can be a novel method for collecting data on children and incarcerated fathers and how family narratives can serve as lenses for studying fragile family identity, masculinity, and child–parent relations.