bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Nano-KIT for Synthesis of Silver and Gold Nanostructures with Emphasis on Biological Applications
Authors: Khade Bipin S. , Dongre P. M.
Published: January 2021

Nano-KIT consist of few standard chemicals (solvents)/constitutes that can be added sequentially by given protocol. Spherical silver (30 nm) and gold (25–30 nm) nanostructure were synthesized instantly in (5–10 min). Surface plasmon resonance for silver 413 nm and gold 545
nm were confirmed synthesis. Synthesized silver has stability more than 36 months in cold condition. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and High Resolution-Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) revealed 30 nm (silver) and 25–30 nm (gold). Nano-KIT can be used
for variety of application in Nano research areas like biomedical and industrial. Synthesized silver nanostructure were analysed with its molecular interaction between Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA). Biocompatibility assays with Red Blood Cells (RBC), number of binding sites, thermodynamic parameters
i.e., free energy, enthalpy and entropy were studied.
Fuzzy-Based Torsional Oscillations Mitigation via Thyristor Switched Braking Resistor in Multi-Machine Power System
Authors: Fayez M. , Bendary F. , El-Hadidy M. , Mandor M.
Published: January 2021

Turbine generator shaft torsional oscillations is an interdisciplinary power system dynamic problem as it involves mechanical and electrical engineering. Torsional oscillations occur in the mechanical for electrical reasons. Torsional oscillations cause fatigue life expenditure of the
mechanical shaft system. There have been great motivations to mitigate the shaft torsional oscillations especially when unrestricted high speed reclosure (HSR) is utilized on the overhead transmission lines emanating from a generation station. Mitigation of torsional oscillation compromises
between the use of HSR and preserving the mechanical integrity of the involved turbine generator set. Therefore, braking resistor (BR) controlled by fuzzy logic controller is presented in this paper as a low cost, reliable mean for torsional oscillations mitigation. BR was first utilized for
the system transient stability enhancement. It serves as an extra load capable of dissipating extra generated power in case of system severe faults close to a generation station consequently prevents generator pole slipping conditions. IEEE 3 machine 9 bus system is adopted in this paper to
test the effects of BR on shaft torsional oscillations mitigation in interconnected power system. Comparative simulation studies between the unsuccessful reclosure with and without fuzzy controlled BR prove the effectiveness of the scheme for mitigation of torsional oscillations significantly.
Development of a Correlation for the Estimation of the Higher Calorific Value of Diesel, Based on Its Kinematic Viscosity and Density
Authors: Bhalerao Mrunal , Pangavhane Pooja , Dhamangaonkar Pradyumna
Published: January 2021

Diesel is extensively used as a fuel in prime movers, boilers and other power generation plants. The higher calorific value of diesel gives a measure of the effective chemical energy stored in a unit amount of fuel. The higher calorific value is required for the efficiency calculation
of a machine and hence it directly affects the estimation of the gross turnover of a power plant. Traditionally the higher calorific value of diesel is determined by means of a bomb calorimeter; however, this procedure is time consuming and requires expensive, specialized equipment and oxygen
gas. In this paper the authors have developed a unified correlation relating the higher calorific value of diesel with its density and kinematic viscosity both. Kinematic viscosity and density can be measured easily and quickly using standard laboratory instruments. Thus, developing the correlation
has quickened the process of the estimation of the higher calorific value of diesel, and correlating two physical properties density and kinematic viscosity has made the estimation more accurate with a correlation coefficient of 0.985444 and a coefficient of determination of 0.9711 with a
standard error of 1.012414 J/kg only.
Numerical Simulation of Low Impact Velocity Behaviour of Polymeric Syntactic Foam
Authors: Chordiya Yash M. , Goel Manmohan Dass
Published: January 2021

In this study a FE model is prepared for drop weight impact hammer testing of polymeric syntactic foam. The foam is modelled using crushable foam material and hammer is modelled using bilinear material model of LS-DYNA®. A series of simulation is performed by varying density of
foam and impact velocity of hammer. Based on the prepared FE model and the force-displacement relation, energy absorption of the foam is computed and compared for three densities and three velocities. A comparative study is presented based on the displacement, reaction force-time history,
and forcedisplacement behaviour.
A Simplified Software for Uncertainty Estimation Using Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Singh Jasveer , Kumaraswamidhas L. A. , Bura Neha , Kaushik Kapil , Sharma Nita Dilawar
Published: January 2021

The current paper discusses about the application of Monte Carlo method for the evaluation of measurement uncertainty using in-house developed program on C++ platform. The Monte Carlo method can be carried out by fixed trials as well as adaptive trials using this program. The program
provides the four parameters viz. estimate of measurand, standard uncertainty in the form of standard deviation and end points of coverage interval as an output.
Numerical Combustion Evaluation of Select Detailed Chemistry Mechanisms for Their Impact on Compression Ignition Diesel Engine Performance Prediction
Authors: Dayal Akash , Shrivastava Manish , Upadhyaya Rajiv , Brar Lakhbir Singh
Published: January 2021

The study focuses on the selection of detailed chemistry model for numerical combustion of compression ignition diesel engine. Three different established chemical reaction mechanisms of different chemistry resolution are considered to predict the macro performance characteristics.
The numerical computation is performed on turbocharged 5.67L 130PS commercial vehicle diesel engine. The three chemical reactions mechanisms are used for engine performance prediction analysis viz. PSM Mechanism (having 121 species and 593 reactions), ERC Mech reaction mechanism model (having
61 species with 235 reactions) and Chalmers’ reaction mechanism model (having 42 species with 168 reactions) for analyses. The surrogate diesel fuel n-heptane is used in the combustion analysis. By making use of the three-chemistry model, conclusive results indicate significant
differences in the computational runtime without much loss in the accuracy of the performance characteristics (expressed as the indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP)).
Effect of Temperature on Mo–C Blend Composite Coating for Piston Ring Applications
Authors: Tyagi Ankit , Pandey S. M. , Murtaza Qasim , Walia R. S.
Published: January 2021

The Mo–C blend composite coating was effectively developed with good surface morphology and enriched tribological properties using APS coating procedure for piston ring applications. The surface roughness values of composite coating maximum at 450 °C. The experimental result
of Mo–C based coating shows that as the temperature varies from 30 to 450 °, COF decreases from 0.6 to 0.3, while specific wear rate was increased from 0.2 to 0.5 mm3/Nm. The increase in specific wear rate and decrease in COF may be attribute due to tribofilm formation
on Mo blend composite coating.
Remote Sensing of High Temperature H2O–CO2 Mixture with the Multi-Spectral Correlated-k Distribution Model
Authors: Hou Longfeng
Published: January 2021

Radiative heat transfer of gas plays an important role in remote sensing applications. Several models have been proposed to estimate the radiative properties of gases. The Line-By-Line (LBL) approach is the most accurate one. However, The Line-By-Line (LBL) approach usually requires
excessive computation cost which makes it not applicable for most industrial most applications. Nevertheless, it still plays the role of benchmark reference for the assessment of other models. In this work, we propose the application of the Multi-Spectral Correlated-k distribution model
(MSCk) so as to make the simulation of hot jet signature at long distance. In the MSCk model, the breakdown of correlation assumption used in the original Ck model for non-uniform media is overcome by introducing the clustering of scaling functions. The principle of MSCk
model is to group together wavenumbers with respect to the spectral scaling functions-defined as the ratio between spectral absorption coefficients in distinct states-so that the correlation assumption can be considered as relatively exact over the corresponding intervals of wavenumbers. Results
show that the MSCk model demonstrates better performance compared with the traditional Ck model at nearly an equivalent calculation cost.
Superparamagnetic Magnetite Nanotubes Synthesized by Template-Assisted Sol–Gel Autocombustion
Authors: Zhang Xinwei , Song Xuanyu , Dong Huiyi , Zhang Chao , Wang Chunlei
Published: January 2021

Magnetite nanotubes with an average diameter of about 140 nm were synthesized by an AAO templateassisted sol–gel autocombustion method. The entire synthetic process is convenient, low-cost and nontoxic. The crystalline structure of the magnetite nanotubes was investigated by X-ray
diffraction. From the diffraction pattern, we conclude that pure phase magnetite nanotubes were obtained. Tubular morphologies of the products were observed by transmission electron microscope. The as-prepared magnetite nanotubes have a high aspect ratios. The magnetic properties of the nanotubes
were measured by a Physical Property Measurement System. The magnetic measurements indicate that the nanotubes have superparamagnetic characteristic at room temperature, and have ferromagnetic characteristic with a coercivity of about 518 Oe at 5 K. The blocking temperature TB
of the nanotubes are measured to be 95 K. The as-prepared magnetite nanotubes may find potential applications in bio-medicine.
Artificial Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm Based Hybrid Intelligence for Performance Optimization of Novel Inverted Funnel Shaped Fin Shaped Field Effect Transistor with Gate Stack High-k Dielectric
Authors: Kaur Gurpurneet , Gill Sandeep Singh , Rattan Munish
Published: January 2021

Today, Fin shaped Field Effect Transistors (FinFETs) are the foundation of the sub-nanometer technology node. The semiconductor industry endorses it in low-power (LP) and high-performance (HP) applications due to its better electrostatic control and exceptional scalability. In this
paper, the structure of an inverted funnel-shaped FinFET device with a high-k stacked gate has been optimized using integrated Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and genetic algorithm (GA) approach. The comparative analysis of rectangular FinFET, trapezoidal FinFET and proposed novel shaped
FinFET has also been explored. The electrical and analog performance parameters of the novel device present better performance results with respect to the other two transistors. In ANN training, the three datasets have been created by varying the metrics such as equivalent oxide thickness
(EOT) and dielectric constant (k) of novel shaped FinFET device in Technology computeraided design simulator (TCAD). The amalgamation technique of ANN and GA optimization provides diminished Subthreshold Swing (SS), reduced off-current (IOFF), enhanced on-current (ION)
and improved current ratio (ION/IOFF) corresponding to the optimal value of EOT and k. The new structure designed and simulated with the optimal amount of EOT and k results in outstanding performance parameters. The device metrics values, SS
of 62.1 mV/dec, IOFF of 6.56×10-11, ION of 3.938×10-5 and ION/IOFF of 5.95×105 indicate that optimized device has suppressed Short Channel Effects (SCEs). The average
deviatION of 3.48% between the value of ANN-GA optimized results obtained through MATLAB and TCAD simulated performance parameters justify the effectiveness of proposed FinFET.
Radial Waves Propagation in a Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube with Surface Irregularity
Authors: M. Selim Mahmoud
Published: January 2021

This work is an attempt to study the propagation of radial waves in an irregular single-walled carbon nanotube (ISWCNT). The characteristics equation of phase velocity of radial waves is derived using cylindrical thin shell theory. Taking into account the effects of the surface irregularity,
dispersion curves are plotted and the effectiveness of surface irregularity is confirmed by comparing the obtained numerical results with those in cases of propagation of radial waves in uniform nanotube. The results turn out that, the phase velocity of radial waves is dependent on the surface
irregularity and it is increasing with an increase of surface irregularity parameter. To the author best knowledge, propagation of radial waves in the irregular single-walled carbon nanotubes has not yet been studied, and the present work is an attempt to find out the dispersion relation of
radial waves in ISWCNTs. Finally, the present results may serve as useful references for the application and the design of nano oscillators and nanodevices, in which single-walled carbon nanotubes act as the most prevalent nanocomposite structural element.
The Effect of Curcumin Nano-Suspension on Myocardial Fibrosis in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Xue Bingshuang , Xue Yi , Zhou Jiaojiao , Yang Qichao
Published: January 2021

The occurrence of complications of diabetic patients not only increases the difficulty and burden of treatment but also significantly affects the health and safety of patients. Traditional therapeutic drugs are prone to drug resistance, which affects the therapeutic effect. In recent
years, the application of plant-derived natural compounds in the treatment of diseases has become a hot spot in the research of diabetes drugs. Curcumin has anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation and antimicrobial effects, but the mechanism of its effect on cardiomyocytes in diabetic
patients is not yet clear. In this study, curcumin was prepared into nano-preparations and its mechanism of action in the process of myocardial fibrosis in diabetic rats was further explored. We found that injection of curcumin nano-suspension can increase the LVIDd and LVFS of rats, while
reducing the serum CKMB, LDH, AST and cTnI levels. Further exploration found that curcumin can reduce serum TNF- α and IL-1 β levels in diabetic rats, while increasing the SOD and GSH-Px activities of myocardial tissue, and reducing MDA content. These suggests that curcumin can
reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetic rats. Therefore, this study believes that curcumin nano-suspension can effectively inhibit diabetic cardiomyocyte fibrosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation and protect the rat myocardium.
Preparation of a Carboxymethyl Chitosan-Loaded L-Dopa Composite Nano-Pharmaceutical and Its Therapeutic Effect on Parkinson’s Syndrome
Authors: Wu Jie , Ren Rijun , Qiu Zhaoyou , Jiang Ning
Published: January 2021

Parkinson’s syndrome (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease in the world. The chronic disability of PD and the long-term medication required to treat it imposes a huge economic burden on patients and society. Thus, enhancing the therapeutic effect of PD drugs
while reducing the side effects caused by long-term drug use has become a challenge that researchers need to overcome. In this study, a compound drug—levodopa/carboxymethyl chitosan/resveratrol nanoparticles (LDP/CMCS/RVT NPs)—with both sustained release and neuroprotective effects
was constructed based on carboxymethyl chitosan. The new LDP compound nano-drug can significantly promote glutathione levels of and superoxide dismutase in the substantia nigra and striatum of mice, while increasing the expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Based on these findings,
LDP/CMCS/RVT NPs is expected to provide a new therapeutic strategy for the recovery of midbrain dopamine deficiency and neuroinflammatory changes in PD patients.
Seasonal Evolution of Anomalous Rainband over East China Regulated by Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies in the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Liu Boqi , Zhu Congwen , Jiang Ning , Guo Li
Published: January 2021

Seasonal evolution of rainband over East China is evident and shows remarkable year-to-year variations. The present study identified two dominant interannual modes of the seasonal evolution of rainband over East China from 1981 to 2018: (1) the sudden change pattern, in which the anomalous rainfall changes abruptly from boreal spring to summer, especially over South China; and (2) the northward migration pattern, which shows a gradual poleward migration of the anomalous rainband over East China with the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM). Both of them are regulated by the sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) in the Northern Hemisphere from spring to summer. In the sudden change pattern, the SSTAs in the Pacific modulate spring rainfall over South China via the ENSO–EASM teleconnection. By contrast, the North Atlantic SSTAs change the mid-latitude wave train and modify summer rainfall over South and North China, in conjunction with the anomalous tropical circulation due to the Indian SSTAs. In the northward migration pattern, the North Pacific SSTAs alter spring rainfall over South China by varying the low-level western North Pacific subtropical high and the zonal land–sea thermal contrast over East Asia. Afterward, the ENSO-like SSTAs induce a Pacific–Japan teleconnection and shift the anomalous rainband northward to the Yangtze-Huai River and North China in summer. The seasonal switch of the SSTAs regulating these two modes is physically linked from boreal spring to summer. This mechanism provides potential seasonal predictability of the seasonal evolution of the anomalous rainband over East China.
The Cyclonic Mode of Arctic Ocean Circulation
Authors: Morison James , Kwok Ron , Dickinson Suzanne , Andersen Roger , Peralta-Ferriz Cecilia , Morison David , Rigor Ignatius , Dewey Sarah , Guthrie John
Published: January 2021

Arctic Ocean surface circulation change should not be viewed as the strength of the anticyclonic Beaufort Gyre. While the Beaufort Gyre is a dominant feature of average Arctic Ocean surface circulation, empirical orthogonal function analysis of dynamic height (1950–89) and satellite altimetry–derived dynamic ocean topography (2004–19) show the primary pattern of variability in its cyclonic mode is dominated by a depression of the sea surface and cyclonic surface circulation on the Russian side of the Arctic Ocean. Changes in surface circulation after Arctic Oscillation (AO) maxima in 1989 and 2007–08 and after an AO minimum in 2010 indicate the cyclonic mode is forced by the AO with a lag of about 1 year. Associated with a one standard deviation increase in the average AO starting in the early 1990s, Arctic Ocean surface circulation underwent a cyclonic shift evidenced by increased spatial-average vorticity. Under increased AO, the cyclonic mode complex also includes increased export of sea ice and near-surface freshwater, a changed path of Eurasian runoff, a freshened Beaufort Sea, and weakened cold halocline layer that insulates sea ice from Atlantic water heat, an impact compounded by increased Atlantic Water inflow and cyclonic circulation at depth. The cyclonic mode’s connection with the AO is important because the AO is a major global scale climate index predicted to increase with global warming. Given the present bias in concentration of in situ measurements in the Beaufort Gyre and Transpolar Drift, a coordinated effort should be made to better observe the cyclonic mode.
Does Pepsin Saliva Concentration (Peptest™) Predict the Therapeutic Response of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Patients?
Authors: Lechien Jerome R. , Bobin Francois , Dequanter Didier , Rodriguez Alexandra , Le Bon Serge , Horoi Mihaela , Thill Marie-Paule , Salem Charelle , Muls Vinciane , Saussez Sven
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To study the profile and the therapeutic response of patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) at the hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (HEMII-pH) according to the initial pepsin saliva concentration.

Methods:

From January 2018 to January 2020, patients with positive LPR diagnosis at the HEMII-pH were consecutively recruited from 3 European Hospitals. Saliva pepsin concentration (Peptest™) was measured during the HEMII-pH testing period and patients were classified into 2 groups: negative versus positive Peptest. The clinical outcomes, that is, gastrointestinal and HEMII-pH findings, reflux symptom score-12 (RSS-12), and 3-month therapeutic response, were compared between groups.

Results:

A total of 124 patients completed the study. Among them, 30 patients had negative Peptest. Pharyngeal reflux events occurred outside 1-hour post-meal time in 74.0%, after the meals in 20.5% and nighttime in 5.5%. The pepsin saliva level was not significantly associated with the reflux events preceding the sample collection. Patients with positive Peptest had better improvement of RSS-12 digestive and respiratory subscores and oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal findings compared with patients with negative Peptest.

Conclusion:

Patients with high saliva pepsin concentration had no stronger gastrointestinal, HEMII-pH, or clinical outcomes compared with those with low or undetectable saliva pepsin concentration.
Exploring the long-term effect of strategy work: The case of Sustainable Sydney 2030
Authors: Kornberger Martin , Meyer Renate E , Höllerer Markus A
Published: January 2021

Strategy has become an important concern and practical tool in urban management and governance, with the literature highlighting implementation as a hallmark of effective strategy. Whilst such a strategy–action link (which we label here as ‘implementation nexus’) has been well established, other long-term effects have been documented in less detail. Our study of Sustainable Sydney 2030 finds that strategy was effective to the extent to which it changed the institutional a priori of what a collective of actors engaged in city-making knows, what it can articulate and how its members relate to each other. We capture this effect as ‘institution nexus’ and theorise our findings with Ludwik Fleck’s concept of ‘thought style’ of a focal ‘thought collective’– notions that also centrally influenced Mary Douglas’ work on ‘how institutions think’. We contribute to extant research by adding the institution nexus as a long-term effect of urban strategy as well as by advancing strategy theory in urban studies to foreground its ability to shape institutions.
An unusual cause of visual loss: Subfoveal, motile angiostrongyliasis
Authors: Sawh Roshni , Mowatt Lizette
Published: January 2021

This is a short report describing the clinical presentation, investigations, treatment and outcome of a patient living in the Jamaican countryside who was diagnosed with a live, motile subfoveal helminth identified as Angiostrongylus cantonensis on optical coherence tomography at the University Hospital of the West Indies Eye Clinic. This is the second documented case in Jamaica. Early recognition of angiostrongyliasis is important as it may manifest as eosinophilic meningitis which can be fatal without prompt treatment.
Veterans and Media: The Effects of News Exposure on Thoughts, Attitudes, and Support of Military Veterans
Authors: Parrott Scott , Albright David L. , Eckhart Nicholas
Published: January 2021

The mass media are an important source of information concerning military service personnel and veterans. Veterans, veterans organizations, and others have criticized the mass media for providing the public shallow representations of veterans and military service in which veterans are heroes traumatized mentally and/or physically by their service. Despite the concern, scant research has empirically examined how exposure to such content affects public perceptions of veterans. Using an experiment, this study examined how exposure to news stories of military veterans informed thoughts, attitudes, and support intentions toward veterans. Results suggest short, one-time exposure to stereotypical news stories can lead readers to perceive an increased likelihood veterans will experience post-traumatic stress disorder and, in turn, feel less desire to be socially close with veterans. However, exposure to a story that challenges stereotypical representations of veterans appears to mitigate the effect. In addition, news exposure can influence support intentions related to veterans.
Therapeutic Benefits of Adult Doll Play
Authors: Ignacio Angelie , Cupchik Gerald
Published: January 2021

This study explored the episodic memories and therapeutic benefits associated with adult doll play. Forty adult collectors described a significant interaction they had with their dolls and interpreted the meaning of the episode. They rated both their narratives and interpretations on 7-point scales. They then completed four questionnaires reflecting on their motivations for joining the doll hobby, the aesthetic and therapeutic aspects of doll play, as well as play and fantasy and self-perception questionnaires developed in an earlier study. Principal components factor analyses were performed on all scales and questionnaires, and the factors were correlated. In addition, the narratives and interpretations were coded and thematically analyzed. Results show that attachment forms with imagined and situated characters during the customization and story making process. Attachment and bonding was critical in creating meaning and rituals within the ball-jointed doll hobby. Implications for the clinical field and AI mediated devices were discussed.
Worlding geography: From linguistic privilege to decolonial anywheres
Authors: Müller Martin
Published: January 2021

Geography studies the world. Our knowledge of the world, however, comes mostly from Anglophone sources. This makes Geography in urgent need of worlding – of including multiple voices and languages from around the world. Introducing the notion of linguistic privilege, the article establishes language as an important dimension of epistemic struggle, alongside gender, race, class and others. Its analysis finds the greatest linguistic privilege in the most influential positions in knowledge production – editors of handbooks and journals and authors of progress reports. Three strategies of worlding should challenge this: making gatekeepers multilingual, promoting multiple Englishes and valorising ex-centric knowledge.
Critical review towards thermal management systems of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicle with its electronic control unit and assessment tools
Authors: Kannan C , Vignesh R , Karthick C , Ashok B
Published: January 2021

Lithium-ion batteries are facing difficulties in an aspect of protection towards battery thermal safety issues which leads to performance degradation or thermal runaway. To negate these issues an effective battery thermal management system is absolute pre-requisite to safeguard the lithium-ion batteries. In this context to support the future endeavours and to improvise battery thermal management system (BTMS) design and its operation the article reveals on three aspects through the analysis of scientiﬁc literatures. First, this paper collates the present research progress and status of various battery management strategies employed to lithium-ion batteries. Further, to promote stable and efficient BTMS operation as an initiation the extensive attention is paid towards roles of BTMS electronic control unit and also presented the essential functionality need to consider for designing best BTMS control strategy. Finally, elucidates the various unconventional assessment tools can be employed to recognize the suitable thermal management technique and also for establish optimum BTMS operation based on requirements. From the experience of this article additionally delivers some of the research gaps identified and the essential areas need to focus for the development of superior lithium-ion BTMS technology. All the contents reveal in this article will hopefully assist to the design commercially suitable effective BTMS technology especially for electro-mobility application.
Ultrasound characterization of the nail bed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ferrusquia-Toriz Diana , Hernández-Díaz Cristina , Amezcua-Guerra Luis M , Ventura-Ríos Lucio , Higuera-Ortiz Violeta , Lozada-Navarro Ana C , Silveira Luis H
Published: January 2021

Objective

To characterize the ultrasound findings of the nail plate and nail bed in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its association with nail dystrophy.

Methods

Thirty-two SLE patients, 36 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and 20 healthy individuals were studied. High-frequency linear ultrasound was performed in nails of the second to fifth fingers in all participants. Disease activity (SLEDAI-2K index), accrued organ damage (SLICC/ACR index), autoantibody profile, and Raynaud’s phenomenon were also assessed in SLE patients.

Results

Nail bed thickness in SLE patients was higher than in healthy individuals (1.25 ± 0.31 mm vs 1.17 ± 0.29 mm; P = 0.01) but lower than in OA (1.39 ± 0.37 mm; P < 0.001), while nail plate thickness was similar among groups. Nail dystrophy was found more frequently in SLE and OA than in healthy individuals. SLE patients with nail dystrophy were older than their counterparts with no dystrophy (39.4 ± 10.4 years vs 27.8 ± 5.6 years; P = 0.004), although nail dystrophy showed no association with SLICC/ACR, SLEDAI-2K, nail bed vascularity, or autoantibodies.

Conclusions

Nail bed in SLE patients is thicker than in healthy individuals but thinner than in OA patients. Nail dystrophy in SLE is associated with advanced age, but not with accrued organ damage, disease activity, Raynaud's phenomenon, or DIP synovitis assessed by ultrasound.
Is Mobile Phone Use Invading Multiple Boundaries? A Study of Rural Illiterate Women in India
Authors: Garg Chhavi
Published: January 2021

Blurring various boundaries of age, place of residence (urban/rural) and sociocultural–economic factors, the mobile phone has become an integral part of everyday life of almost everyone in this world. Through the identification of differences in accessibility and use of technology including the mobile phone, a digital divide is seen to be emerging, and what is of great concern is the emergence of a digital gender divide. The article is based on a study of mobile phone use by rural illiterate women in India, exploring whether three different parameters, namely, place of residence (rural or urban), gender and illiteracy, are hindering the use of the mobile phone or not. Nearly 85 per cent of the rural illiterate women studied were found to be using a mobile phone without necessarily owning it. It was their quickest means of communication and receiving information. A further improvement such as a community radio through which interaction with the outside world can be facilitated should be encouraged.
Locating a Course on Environmental Justice in Theories of Environmental Education and Global Citizenship
Authors: Amos Rob , Carvalho Priscila
Published: January 2021

Environmental education is an increasingly important concern for policymakers and universities, as it is critical to the success of the broader agenda represented by the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals. Achieving this within the higher education sector has proven difficult, however. This article examines how an interdisciplinary, extra-curricular course on the justice implications of climate change, delivered as part of University College London’s Global Citizenship Programme, combined a range of practical and theoretical methodologies to deliver environmental education and the related concept of education for global citizenship. Evidence indicates that courses such as this could be a powerful means of overcoming the shortcomings in mainstream higher education and equipping students with the skills necessary for them to assist society, at global, national and subnational levels, in transitioning towards more sustainable behaviours.
Teaching SDGs Using Concept Maps in Primary Teacher Training
Authors: Mandrikas Achilleas
Published: January 2021

This article presents an original and innovative way for primary teacher training concerning teaching the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using concept maps. Four types of concept maps were designed and built so that the interconnections between the 17 SDGs could be captured and the complexity of their interdependencies could be highlighted. This educational tool was used in 14 workshops with interesting results, which took place in Piraeus (Greece), and was addressed to primary teachers. Concept maps have proven to be a powerful tool for highlighting correlations between the 17 SDGs, as each group of teachers who used them linked the SDGs in a unique manner and simultaneously justified this interconnection. In addition, the use of concept maps was an opportunity for teachers to experience group work and its quality characteristics, such as participation, exchange of opinions, argumentation and different perspectives.
Managing Precarity: Understanding Latinas’ Sexual and Reproductive Care-Seeking in a Midwest Emergent Latino Community
Authors: Guerra-Reyes Lucia , Palacios Iris , Ferstead Amanda
Published: January 2021

In this qualitative interview study, we took a two-pronged approach to understand the complexities of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care access for Latinas in an emerging Latino community (ELC). Phase 1 assessed the SRH resources available for uninsured Latinas through provider interviews. In Phase 2, we interviewed 15 Latina-identified women about their considerations for SRH care-seeking. The scant options for SRH care are focused largely on contraception and pregnancy. Providers viewed themselves as prevention-oriented and perceived Latinas did not prioritize preventive care. Women described compounding challenges and precarious conditions. Annual checkups, accessing contraception, and treating vaginal infections were identified as needs. Barriers to SRH care were enhanced in an ELC. Participants described too much paperwork and limited time as organizational barriers which aggravated others, such as language limitations and feeling embarrassed to ask questions. Further research on SRH care using a reproductive justice approach is needed in ELCs.
Transforming Preservice Teacher Perceptions of Immigrant Communities Through Digital Storytelling
Authors: Kolano Lan , Sanczyk Anna
Published: January 2021

Background: As diverse communities continue to be targets of racism and anti-immigrant sentiments permeate current political discourse, the need to prepare a teaching force that understands immigrant children and their families continues to be a critical priority. Purpose: This study explored the ways in which one digital storytelling project that required 20 clinical hours working with English learners (ELs) engaged preservice teachers in learning about immigrant issues. Methodology/Approach: Data in the form of critical reflections, digital storytelling video transcripts, and archival data were collected from undergraduate teacher education candidates over three semesters. Narrative data from participants were analyzed using thematic narrative analysis. Findings/Conclusions: The findings of the study are organized into themes that included enriching experience, transformed attitudes, and stories of resilience. The results showed the ways that preservice teachers’ dispositions about immigration were challenged and how much their understanding of the experiences of ELs was deepened through the experience. Implications: This study offers insight for teacher education programs and shows how experiential pedagogical tools such as digital storytelling and authentic clinical experiences can challenge existing and problematic beliefs and assumptions, helping to build a cadre of teacher advocates of immigrant children.
New Possibilities for Culturally Responsive Experiential Education in Teacher Education
Authors: Yomantas Elizabeth Laura
Published: January 2021

Background: Understanding how students conceptualize culturally responsive service learning (CRSL) before and after an experiential education (EE) program has the potential to inform the instructional and theoretical designs and long-term possibilities of EE programs in teacher education. Purpose: To (a) explore students’ early-trip conceptions of CRSL in comparison with their end of trip conceptions while on a month-long EE program in rural Fiji and (b) examine which self-reported experiences facilitated the transformation of participant understandings of CRSL. Methodology/Approach: This study was situated in EE theory and critical pedagogy and utilized a narrative inquiry methodology. Findings/Conclusions: Students held traditional notions of service in their early-trip definitions. In their end of trip definitions, the participants’ definitions transformed to include new understandings. Implications: CRSL is a complex concept that requires cyclical reflexivity and self-interrogation. In teacher education, CRSL can serve as a springboard for meaningful culturally responsive fieldwork experiences. Further CRSL programming and research are needed to expand the field and open new possibilities in teacher education and beyond.
State Medicaid Financing and Access to Large Assisted Living Settings for Medicare–Medicaid Dual-Eligibles
Authors: Fabius Chanee D. , Cornell Portia Y. , Zhang Wenhan , Thomas Kali S.
Published: January 2021

Assisted living has become more widely used by dual-eligible Medicare beneficiaries as states try to rebalance their long-term services and supports away from institutional (nursing home) care. In an analysis of 2014 Medicare data for 506,193 adults who live in large (25+ beds) assisted living communities, we found wide variability among states in the share of assisted living residents who were dual-eligible, ranging from 6% in New Hampshire to over 40% in New York. This variation is strongly correlated with the Medicaid support for assisted living care: In states with a Medicaid state plan option covering services in assisted living or both a state plan and waiver, the percent of assisted living residents with dual-eligibility was more than 10 percentage points higher than in states with neither a state plan nor waiver. Findings provide a basis for understanding the role of Medicaid financing in access to assisted living for duals.
Sclerosing Epithelioid Fibrosarcoma of the Kidney: First Reported Case in a Young Child
Authors: Kurtz Justin L , Tan Serena Y , Hazard Florette K
Published: January 2021

Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) is a rare variant of fibrosarcoma primarily arising in the deep soft tissue of the extremities and trunk. Despite having the morphologic appearance of a low-grade sarcoma, it generally has an aggressive clinical course with frequent local recurrences and distant metastases. It typically occurs in middle aged adults and is characterized by immunoexpression of MUC4 and recurrent gene fusions, most commonly EWSR1-CREB3L1. We report a primary renal SEF in a 4-year-old male. To our knowledge, this is the youngest patient reported with SEF and the second case of SEF in a pre-adolescent child. It is the eleventh reported case of primary renal SEF in the literature. While SEF arising in visceral organs is rare, the kidney is the most common primary site of any visceral organ. This case demonstrates SEF can occur in pre-adolescents, is an important consideration when evaluating sarcomas in young children, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis for primary renal tumors.
Teachers’ Use of Specific, Contingent, and Varied Praise
Authors: Markelz Andrew , Riden Benjamin , Floress Margaret T. , Balint-Langel Kinga , Heath Joshua , Pavelka Shelby
Published: January 2021

Behavior-specific praise is a research-based classroom management strategy that promotes appropriate student behaviors. Praise specificity, however, may not be the only characteristic of praise that enhances efficacy. The current study examined teacher’s natural use of specific, contingent, and varied praise to understand additional qualities of praise. Praise statements of inservice special education ( n = 12), inservice general education ( n = 13), and dual special education/general education preservice ( n = 17) teachers were observed in natural elementary school settings. Statistical results did not indicate differences between teacher groups and praise characteristics; however, descriptive results demonstrate all teacher groups delivered low rates of general and specific praise. Percentages of praise contingency (average range = 59%–91.2%) suggest teachers did not deliver sufficient praise statements contingent on student behavior. Furthermore, percentages of praise variety (average range = 44.5%–57.7%) show use of repetitive praise statements that may reduce efficacy on student behaviors. These findings and other implications are discussed in the context of future praise research.
Pseudobulbar Affect Symptoms in Nursing Home Patients with Neurocognitive Disorders
Authors: de Similien Ralph , Al-Jammaly Milania D , Predescu Iuliana , Belzie Louis
Published: January 2021

Background:

Symptoms of pseudobulbar affect (PBA) often are misinterpreted as those of a mood disorder. Symptoms seen in patients with PBA can be influenced by a mood disorder and vice versa. Our aim in this study was to determine the occurrence rate of PBA symptoms and comorbid depressive symptoms in a cohort of nursing home patients with different subtypes of neurocognitive disorders (NCD)/dementia.

Methods:

Eighty patients were screened and 61 met the inclusion criteria. These individuals were divided into 5 groups according to NCD subtypes: Alzheimer’s disease, vascular, HIV, unspecified, or combined types. The Center for Neurologic Study–Lability Scale (CNS-LS) and the Geriatric Depression Scale–Short Form (GDS-SF) were used to screen for PBA and depressive symptoms, respectively. The Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) was used to determine patients’ baseline functioning. Fifty-nine patients successfully completed the CNS-LS and 42 completed the GDS.

Results:

Forty-four percent of individuals screened positive for PBA symptoms. Depressive symptoms were found among 23% of these patients. Not only were PBA-symptoms positive patients common among this nursing home residents, the PBA-symptoms positive patients were found to cluster mostly among those with NCD due to HIV (66.0%). PBA symptom-positive patients often received psychotropics.

Conclusion:

Better awareness, screening tools, and treatment approaches for patients with NCD expressing PBA-symptoms—especially those with NCD due to HIV Infection—are needed.
Do religious voters support populist radical right parties? Opposite effects in Western and East-Central Europe
Authors: Marcinkiewicz Kamil , Dassonneville Ruth
Published: January 2021

The rise of populist radical right parties fuels a discussion about the roots of their success. Existing research has demonstrated the relevance of gender, education and income for explaining the far-right vote. The present study contributes to the aforementioned debate by focusing on the role of religiosity. The data collected in the eighth round of the European Social Survey (2016) allow examining in more detail the political relevance of attendance at religious services and other measures of religious devotion. This study focuses in particular on 15 countries, 11 from Western Europe and 4 from East-Central Europe. In none of the Western European countries is there evidence of a positive relationship between religiosity and vote for a populist radical right party. In fact, in many countries of this region more religious voters are substantively less inclined to support far-right movements. The situation is different in parts of East-Central Europe. In Poland, and to a weaker extent also in Hungary, the probability of a vote for right-wing populists increases with religiosity.
Attachment representations to parents and emotional-behavioral problems: A comparison between children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and healthy children in middle childhood
Authors: Bizzi Fabiola , Della Vedova Anna Maria , Prandi Elena , Cavanna Donatella , Manfredi Paola
Published: January 2021

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is one of the most demanding chronic diseases for children and their families, since controlling diabetes involves a process of co-regulation with attachment figures. However, there is insufficient evidence in middle childhood on psychological mechanisms involved that might complicate the adaptation of these children. Therefore, 106 children ( N = 31 with T1D and N = 75 as matched healthy group [HG]) aged 8 to 13 were assessed using the Child Attachment Interview, the Child Behavior Checklist, and the measure of glycated hemoglobin. Results showed that insecure T1D children did not have worse diabetes control than the secure ones. However, T1D children differed from HG for higher levels of idealization to father and withdrawn/depressed problems. Moreover, T1D children with insecure attachment to mother scored significantly higher in anxious/depressed, withdrawn/depressed, attention problems, and rule-breaking behavior, while T1D children with insecure attachment to father scored significantly higher only in the withdrawn/depressed scale compared to the remaining children. Therefore, diabetes does not in itself determine a psychological vulnerability in middle childhood, but the presence of an insecure attachment, especially to the mother, worsens the psychological adaptation of T1D children. Psychological support should be provided for these young patients and their families.
Balancing livelihoods with environmental protection: A case study from Fiji
Authors: Farran Sue
Published: January 2021

Pacific Island states – sometimes classified as small island developing states, are among those most vulnerable to climate change and environmental degradation brought about by development initiatives such as logging, mining, commercial agriculture and tourism. While these may have economic benefits, many Fijians live in rural areas with limited or no opportunity for paid employment and rely on subsistence farming and natural resources for their livelihoods. The importance of the latter – particularly for many women – and increasing pressure on these resources, raise sustainability concerns. If natural resource environments are to be protected, restrictions – some of which are already in place – need to be not only enforced but possibly extended. This could, however, impact negatively on these dependent livelihoods. This article considers this dilemma in the context of two Fijian villages in the district of Ba, where women depend on the mangrove areas, primarily for catching crabs for sale in the local markets, using the money earned to meet basic needs.
Exploring toddlers’ rituals of ‘belonging’ through risky play in the outdoor environment
Authors: Little Helen , Stapleton Matthew
Published: January 2021

The notion of ‘belonging’ is a core component of many early childhood curriculum frameworks and recognises the importance of children’s sociocultural context for their self-identity and well-being. Children’s risk-taking in play has also been the focus of contemporary research in examining its beneficial role for children’s physical, social and emotional development. This study applies diverse disciplinary and theoretical lenses, including Hedegaard’s cultural-historical model and Gibson’s affordance theory, to present a critical and multi-perspective understanding of children’s experience of ‘belonging’ and risky play. The study involved naturalistic observations of 18–26-month-old children’s outdoor play in an environment designed to provide affordances for risky play. The findings suggest that children’s engagement in risky play also supports their sense of belonging through their shared engagement in risky-play experiences.