bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emission profiling of a common rail direct injection diesel engine fueled with hydrocarbon fuel extracted from waste high density polyethylene as a partial replacement for diesel with some modifications
Authors: Duraisamy Kulandaivel , Ismailgani Rahamathullah , Paramasivam Sathiyagnanam Amudhavalli , Kaliyaperumal Gopal , Dillikannan Damodharan
Published: July 2020

A hydrocarbon fuel extracted from waste high-density polyethylene (WHDPE) by catalytic pyrolysis in a batch scale reactor is blended with diesel by 30% vol. (called as D70H30) is tested in a variable compression ratio engine equipped with a common rail system. Experiments were conducted at three compression ratios (16:1, 17.5:1, and 19:1) and exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR) rates (0%, 10%, and 20%) at the engine’s rated power to evaluate its combustion, performance and emission characteristics. The results revealed that, increasing the compression ratio resulted in higher peak cylinder pressure (PCP) and heat release rates (HRR). Introduction of EGR diminished both PCP and HRR peaks. The brake thermal efficiency of D70H30 blend was 4% lower than diesel at same operating conditions which got better at higher compression ratio without EGR. NOx emission was highest when injected at compression ratio 19:1 and at 0% EGR rate which was 6% and 3% higher than diesel and D70H30 blend operated at engine stock settings. In comparison with baseline diesel smoke opacity remained lower at all operating conditions, where lowest smoke emission was recorded at CR19 and at 0% EGR rate. UHC and CO emission followed the similar trend of smoke opacity. Whereas CO2 emission increased with compression ratio and reduced with induction of EGR. It can be concluded from the study that at higher compression ratio and low EGR rates D70H30 blend can be effectively utilized in a CRDi engine.
High resolution paleo-environmental changes during the Sapropel 1 in the North Ionian Sea, central Mediterranean
Authors: Checa Helena , Margaritelli Giulia , Pena Leopoldo D , Frigola Jaime , Cacho Isabel , Rettori Roberto , Lirer Fabrizio
Published: July 2020

High-resolution paleoceanographic reconstruction of surface water properties during the most recent Sapropel event (S1) has been carried out by means of quantitative analyses of planktonic foraminiferal assemblages, planktonic foraminiferal oxygen isotopes (δ18O) and XRF elemental data from a 655 m depth core recovered in the North Ionian Sea. The results show that the S1 interval presents two distinctive warm phases (S1a and S1b), separated by a cold interruption event (S1i). High resolution faunal and geochemical analyses allow to identify two sub-phases within S1a interval, the oldest one has similar characteristics to S1b interval while the youngest sub-phase has less stratified surface waters with relatively lower nutrient content. The high abundance of Globigerinoides ruber white variety opposite to the low percentages of Neogloboquadrina pachyderma during the pre-S1 phase suggests that the onset of surface waters stratification occurred prior to the beginning of Sapropel deposition, acting as a pre-conditioning phase. Paleo-productivity proxies indicate that the deposition of S1 initiated after an increase in nutrient content, potentially related to increased fluvial inputs. Based on the integrated ecological interpretation of our records we argue that S1a and S1b are characterized as warm, stratified and nutrient rich surface waters in the Ionian Sea, while proxies related to oxygen content indicate dysoxic deep waters linked to a combination of the high nutrient content and stratified water column. The S1 interruption phase is characterized by the entrance of colder waters that caused mixing of the stratified water column and re-ventilation of the deep dysoxic waters.
Synthesis of stable isotopic data for human bone collagen: A study of the broad dietary patterns across ancient China
Authors: Liu Ruiliang , Pollard Mark , Schulting Rick , Rawson Jessica , Liu Cheng
Published: July 2020

Ancient China is one of the most important regions for the development of agriculture in human history, contributing the two key crops millet and rice. Meanwhile, it was closely connected to the wider Eurasian network, receiving wheat and barley from the West. Because of the large isotopic differences between C3 and C4 crops, we are able to track their changing importance in different regions of China and underlying connections to their cultural and environmental contexts. We take a ‘big data’ approach, assembling the stable isotopic measurements on over 2000 ancient human bones. This is the first comprehensive meta-analysis of ancient Chinese human stable carbon and nitrogen isotope results and creates a more efficient tool for scholars to establish a fuller picture of dietary practices in ancient China. By charting their spatial-temporal variation, we can show that the primary crop facilitating the rise of the early Chinese state in the Central Plains was millet, particularly during the Bronze Age. The dominance of millet (C4), from an isotopic viewpoint, offers an opportunity to investigate the major changes in dietary practice through the proxy of δ13C, as a result of shifts between millet and other major C3 crops (rice, wheat and barley). More importantly, millet is probably one of the earliest examples for the existing local system in the Central Plains within which other imported elements (e.g. wheat) have to fit. This pattern, which has also been repetitively discovered with bronze and iron technology in later periods, starts to characterise some intrinsic features of Chinese prehistory.
Role of unfolded protein response in genital malformation/damage of male mice induced by flutamide
Authors: Yu H , Wen K , Zhou X , Zhang Y , Yan Z , Fu H , Zhu J , Zhu Y
Published: July 2020

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is one of a switch of autophagy and apoptosis, and the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) which inducing UPR plays a role in the malformations caused by some genetic and environmental factors. Exposure to flutamide during pregnancy will also cause abnormalities in some male offspring reproductive organs such as cryptorchidism. In this study, after administered the pregnant mouse orally at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight every day during gestational day (GD)12 to GD18, flutamide can not only caused hypospadias in the male mouse offspring but also damaged the morphology and function of their testis. And the expression of UPR-related genes and proteins, autophagy, apoptosis, and angiogenesis-related genes of the damaged/teratogenic testis and penis in the mice were investigated to determine the role of UPR in this model. It was found that flutamide activated maybe the Atg7-Atg3-Lc3 pathway through the UPR pathway, caused cells excessive autophagy and apoptosis, and inhibited the formation of penile and testicular blood vessels by activating UPR and affecting the messenger RNA level of vascular endothelial growth factor and hypoxia-inducible factor 1.
Attempts to use statins in cancer therapy: An update
Authors: Matusewicz Lucyna , Czogalla Aleksander , Sikorski Aleksander F
Published: July 2020

Although it could be speculated that almost everything has been said concerning the use of statins in cancer therapy, statins as anticancer drugs have both committed supporters and opponents, for whom the dispute about the legitimacy of statin use in cancer treatment seems never to be clearly resolved; every year more than 300 reports which deepen the knowledge about statins and their influence on cancer cells are published. In this mini-review, we focus on the latest (since 2015) outcomes of cohort studies and meta-analyses indicating statin effectiveness in cancer treatment. We discuss attempts to improve the bioavailability of statins using nanocarriers and review the effectiveness of statins in combined therapies. We also summarise the latest results regarding the development of mechanisms of resistance to statins by cancer cells and, on the other hand, give a few examples where statins could potentially be used to overcome resistance to commonly used chemotherapeutics. Finally, special attention is paid to new reports on the effect of statins on epithelial–mesenchymal transition.
Using Psycholinguistic Inquiry and Content Analysis to Investigate Emotions in Memories of Musical Experiences
Authors: Yinger Olivia Swedberg , Springer D. Gregory
Published: July 2020

Psycholinguistic inquiry can provide insight into the way the words people use reflect psychological states, including emotional states. There is limited research on the use of Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software to investigate the psycholinguistic properties of emotional memories related to music. The purpose of this study was to test the extent to which LIWC can be used in the analysis of autobiographical memories related to music. Participants were undergraduates ( N = 99) at two large universities in the southeastern United States. Each participant was asked to write about times in their lives when music or experiences with music made them feel positive or negative emotions. The researchers conducted a content analysis of participants’ responses and used LIWC software to quantify emotion words (positive and negative), pronouns, causal thinking words, and insight words. Participants used significantly more positive than negative emotion words to describe positive memories of music, but there was no significant difference between the rates of negative and positive emotion words to describe negative memories of music. The content analysis revealed a similar trend: 51% of participants described mixed, conflicting, or changing emotions when describing negative experiences, whereas descriptions of positive experiences tended to be highly positive. Many participants wrote about social experiences and musical achievement. Results of this study offer insights on how humans describe music-related autobiographical memories. LIWC appears to be a useful tool for method triangulation when performing qualitative analysis of emotions in autobiographical memories of musical experiences.
Facilitators and Barriers to Implementing Standardized Outcome Measurement for Children With Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Weidler Erica M. , Britto Maria T. , Sitzman Thomas J.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

Identify facilitators and barriers to implementing standardized outcome measurement in cleft care.

Design:

Cross-sectional, qualitative study.

Setting/Participants:

Participants included 24 providers and staff from a large, multidisciplinary cleft team in the southwest United States, 5 caregivers of children with cleft palate (with or without cleft lip) treated by this team, and 3 experts involved in implementing a cleft-specific standardized outcome measurement in the United Kingdom.

Interventions:

Semistructured, qualitative interviews were conducted exploring perceived facilitators and barriers to implementing standardized outcome measurement in cleft care. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for content. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used to guide the interviews and analysis. The analysis focused on the characteristics of standardized outcome measurement that directly influence its adoption.

Results:

Participants identified both facilitators and barriers to implementing standardized outcome measurement. Facilitators included the strength and quality of evidence supporting improvements in cleft care delivery following implementation of standardized outcome measurement and the relative advantage of standardized outcome measurement over continuing the status quo. Barriers included the difficulty adapting standardized outcome measurement to meet local context and patient-specific needs and the complexity of implementing standardized outcome measurement.

Conclusions:

Providers, staff, and caregivers involved in cleft care perceive multiple benefits from standardized outcome measurement, while also recognizing substantial barriers to its implementation. Results from this study can be used to guide development of an implementation strategy for standardized outcome measurement that builds upon perceived strengths of the intervention and reduces perceived barriers.
Honorable Surrender: On the Erosion of Resistance in a University Setting
Authors: Alvesson Mats , Szkudlarek Betina
Published: July 2020

This article addresses the temporality of resistance in the work context. We focus on the challenge of increasingly diminishing professional autonomy in higher education institutions as well as the vulnerability of staff subjected to academic managerialism. A case where a lecturer is exposed to the requirements to revise grading by senior administration is investigated. Power is understood from the “target’s” perspective and viewed as the erosion of resistance. We introduce the concepts honorable surrender and smoothers to capture the process of giving up of resistance. We argue that these concepts are of special significance in autonomy-espousing work contexts where multiplicity of power resources are employed to subordinate employees and influence their professional identities. We contend that de-subjectification is key in understanding the erosion of resistance.
A Case Study of Preservice Music Teachers’ Experiences With Play in a General Music Methods Course
Authors: Wolfe H. Ellie
Published: July 2020

Preservice music teachers may devalue play as a teaching approach unless music teacher educators reintroduce them to play through role-playing, cooperative games, and other playful activities. I designed a 4-week unit on play as part of an elementary general music methods course. Student participants engaged in, reflected on, and planned play activities over the course of the unit. My data sources, which included video recordings, written responses, lesson plans, and researcher notes, were analyzed through the lens of Gray’s conception of play as intrinsic, imaginative, and mentally active. Participants reflected on play experiences and play-based teaching in individualized ways, but also appeared to increasingly value play over time. I discuss implications for implementing play in preservice music teacher education.
Association of Strength Following Achilles Tendon Repair With Return to Same Level of Play in High-Level Athletes
Authors: Holzgrefe Russell E. , McCarthy Timothy P. , Wilson Jacob M. , Bariteau Jason T. , Labib Sameh
Published: July 2020

Background:

Rupture of the Achilles tendon is a common injury and the ability to return to the same level of sporting activity after treatment is an important outcome for patients. The objective of the current study was to examine the relationship between ankle strength and the ability to return to previous level of play following operative repair of an Achilles tendon rupture.

Methods:

Patients aged 18 to 50 years at a minimum 1 year postoperation from surgical repair of an Achilles tendon returned for a study visit. Patients reported both preinjury and current activity level using the 10-point Tegner Activity Level Scale. Isokinetic strength testing was performed and the Isokinetic Strength Score (ISS) was calculated. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between ISS and return to play by Tegner level. A total of 36 patients (mean 35 years old, 72% male) completed the study protocol at a mean 1.8 years postoperatively.

Results:

Logistic regression revealed no association between ISS and return to play in the complete cohort. Subgroup analysis revealed that for 20 high-level athletes (preinjury Tegner ≥ 7), for every 16-point increase in ISS, the odds ratio (OR) for return to same level of play was 8.3 ( P = .055) and the OR for return to within 1 Tegner level of play was 6.3 ( P = .043). There was no association between ISS and return to previous activity in the 16 patients with lower preinjury levels of activity.

Conclusion:

Improved ankle strength was associated with return to previous level of activity in patients participating in high-level athletic activity, suggesting that these patients were more dependent on recovery of ankle strength in the postoperative time period in order to return to their previous high level of play. In contrast, regaining strength may be less important for returning to normal activities for less active patients.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, comparative series.
Arthroscopic-Assisted Versus All-Arthroscopic Ankle Stabilization Technique
Authors: Guelfi Matteo , Nunes Gustavo Araujo , Malagelada Francesc , Cordier Guillaume , Dalmau-Pastor Miki , Vega Jordi
Published: July 2020

Background:

Both the percutaneous technique with arthroscopic assistance, also known as arthroscopic Broström (AB), and the arthroscopic all-inside ligament repair (AI) are widely used to treat chronic lateral ankle instability. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of these 2 arthroscopic stabilizing techniques.

Methods:

Thirty-nine consecutive patients were arthroscopically treated for chronic ankle instability by 2 different surgeons. The AB group comprised 20 patients with a mean age of 30.2 (range, 18-42) years and a mean follow-up of 19.6 (range, 12-28) months. The AI group comprised 19 patients with a mean age of 30.9 (range, 18-46) years and mean follow-up of 20.7 (range, 13-32) months. Functional outcomes using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score and visual analog pain scale (VAS) were assessed pre- and postoperatively. Range of motion (ROM) and complications were recorded.

Results:

In both groups the AOFAS and VAS scores significantly improved compared with preoperative values ( P < .001) with no difference ( P > .1) between groups. In the AB group the mean AOFAS score improved from 67 (range, 44-87) to 92 (range, 76-100) and the mean VAS score from 6.4 (range, 3-10) to 1.2 (range, 0-3). In the AI group the mean AOFAS score changed from 60 (range, 32-87) to 93 (range, 76-100) and the mean VAS score from 6.1 (range, 4-10) to 0.8 (range, 0-3). At the final follow-up 8 complications (40%) were recorded in the AB group. In the AI group 1 complication (5.3%) was observed ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Both the AB and AI techniques are suitable surgical options to treat chronic ankle instability providing excellent clinical results. However, the AB had a higher overall complication rate than the AI group, particularly involving a painful restriction of ankle plantarflexion and neuritis of the superficial peroneal nerve.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Glioblastoma and bevacizumab in elderly patients: Monocentric study
Authors: Barrascout Eduardo , Lamuraglia Michele
Published: July 2020

Purpose

A retrospective monocentric comparison of progression-free survival, overall survival, clinical benefit and tolerability between elderly (age>70) and non-elderly (age ≤ 70) patients receiving bevacizumab for recurrent glioblastoma.

Methods

We analyzed 47 patients with recurrent glioblastoma receiving bevacizumab (10 mg/kg every 14 days) between January 2011 and January 2014. Bevacizumab was introduced for all patients at recurrence after a first-line treatment by temozolomide.

Results

Nineteen patients were classified as elderly and 28 patients as non-elderly. No statistically significant difference was detected in the groups in terms of progression-free survival (3.8 vs. 4.1 months, p > 0.05) and overall survival at relapse (5.5 vs. 6.5 months, p > 0.05). A significant ( p = 0.01) improvement of Karnofsky Performance Status Scale was observed in non-elderly patients.

Conclusions

Despite the small number of patients in this retrospective study, the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab in recurrent glioblastoma appear similar in elderly and non-elderly patients. However, clinical benefit seemed to be less evident in younger patients. A prospective multicentric study integrating geriatric assessment tools and quality of life metrics would be interesting in this patient population.
Certain cases of elastic equilibrium of a composed wedge with an interface crack
Authors: Ustinov Konstantin B
Published: July 2020

Problems of interface cracks starting from the common corner points of pairs of perfectly glued wedges of different isotropic elastic materials are addressed. It is demonstrated that for a few particular configurations and a restrictive condition imposed on values of elastic constants (corresponding to vanishing of the second Dundurs parameter), the problem of elastic equilibrium may be solved by Khrapkov’s method. These configurations are: (i) the wedges forming a half-plane; (ii) the wedges forming a plane; (iii) one of the wedges being a half-plane. In all cases, the external boundaries are supposed to be free of stresses. By applying Mellin’s transform for all three configurations the problem has been reduced to vector Riemann’s problem, and the matrix coefficient has been factorized for the case of the mentioned restrictive condition. The first configuration, i.e. the problem of an inclined edge crack located along the boundary separating two wedges of different elastic isotropic materials forming a half-plane is considered in more detail. The solution has been obtained for both uniform (corresponding to remote loading) and non-uniform (loading applied at the crack faces) problems. Numerical results are presented and compared with the available results obtained by other authors for particular cases. The obtained solutions appear especially valuable for analysing extreme cases of parameters.
Are higher-gradient models also capable of predicting mechanical behavior in the case of wide-knit pantographic structures?
Authors: Spagnuolo Mario , Yildizdag M Erden , Andreaus Ugo , Cazzani Antonio M
Published: July 2020

The central theme of this study is to investigate a remarkable capability of a second-gradient continuum model developed for pantographic structures. The model is applied to a particular type of this metamaterial, namely the wide-knit pantograph. As this type of structure has low fiber density, the applicability of such a continuum model may be questionable. To address this uncertainty, numerical simulations are conducted to analyze the behavior of a wide-knit pantographic structure, and the predicted results are compared with those measured experimentally under bias extension testing. The results presented in this study show that the numerical predictions and experimental measurements are in good agreement; therefore, in some useful circumstances, this model is applicable for the analysis of wide-knit pantographic structures.
ZnO Nanowire-Anchored Microfluidic Device With Herringbone Structure Fabricated by Maskless Photolithography
Authors: Sooriyaarachchi Dilshan , Maharubin Shahrima , Tan George Z
Published: July 2020

The integration of nanomaterials in microfluidic devices has emerged as a new research paradigm. Microfluidic devices composed of ZnO nanowires have been developed for the collection of urine extracellular vesicles (EVs) at high efficiency and in situ extraction of various microRNAs (miRNAs). The devices can be used for diagnosing various diseases, including kidney diseases and cancers. A major research need for developing micro total analysis systems is to enhance extraction efficiency. This article presents a novel fabrication method for a herringbone-patterned microfluidic device anchored with ZnO nanowire arrays. The substrates with herringbone patterns were created by maskless photolithography. The ZnO nanowire arrays were grown on the substrates by chemical bathing. The patterned design was to introduce turbulent flows as opposed to laminar flow in traditional devices to increase the mixing and contact of the urine sample with ZnO nanowires. The device showed reduced flow rates compared with conventional planar microfluidic channels and successfully extracted urine EV-encapsulated miRNAs.
Politics of all-women exhibitions today: The case of Poland
Authors: Jakubowska Agata
Published: July 2020

Recent years have brought enormous growth in the number of women-only art exhibitions. These exhibitions are accompanied by discussions that concentrate on curatorial feminist activism. In this text, I propose a different perspective by taking into consideration all exhibitions where the participants were determined by social category (i.e. women) and which were organized in one country during one year (i.e. in Poland in 2017). This perspective not only allows us to remark on and analyse activities that otherwise remain unnoticed but also encourages us to extend our understanding of politics behind women-only initiatives. These exhibitions are generally intended to increase the capital of women artists, and to shift forces within the art and social fields in favour of women. However, as my analysis demonstrates, the organizers of different exhibitions occupy different places both in the art field and in the social field, and it is their position that determines, to a large extent, what changes they envision, what objectives they – in consequence – have and how they formulate their politics. This text also offers a reflection on whether the objectives behind organizing women-only shows has been constant or if they are a result of the current situation of women (artists).
Long-term course and morphological MRI correlates of cognitive function in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Pinter Daniela , Khalil Michael , Pirpamer Lukas , Damulina Anna , Pichler Alexander , Fruhwirth Viktoria , Ropele Stefan , Schmidt Reinhold , Fuchs Siegrid , Enzinger Christian
Published: July 2020

Background:

Cognitive impairment frequently occurs in patients with MS (pwMS). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers could help to identify patients at risk for decline.

Objective:

To characterize the long-term course and morphological MRI correlates of cognitive function in pwMS.

Methods:

We invited 116 pwMS who had undergone clinical, cognitive, and MRI evaluations between 2006 and 2012 (baseline, BL) to attend follow-up (FU) testing between 2016 and 2018. Disability (expanded disability status scale (EDSS)), cognition (brief repeatable battery of neuropsychological test (BRB-N)), global and regional T2-lesion load (T2-LL), brain volumes, and cortical thickness were assessed.

Results:

Sixty-three pwMS were willing to attend the FU (54%; median EDSS = 2, interquartile range (IQR) = 2) and did not differ from non-participating pwMS regarding BL characteristics. At BL, half of the participants showed cognitive deficits in at least one domain. Across the entire group, we observed no relevant changes in physical disability and cognition over 10 years. BL thalamic volume best predicted cognitive function at FU, in addition to age and BL cognition, explaining 67% of variance. Cognitive decliners (23.8%) were older, had longer disease duration, and a tendency for lower thalamic volume at BL.

Conclusion:

Thalamic volume predicted FU cognitive function and distinguished declining from stable pwMS, underlining the potential of MRI to define risk groups.
COVID-19 in people with multiple sclerosis: A global data sharing initiative
Authors: Peeters Liesbet M , Parciak Tina , Walton Clare , Geys Lotte , Moreau Yves , De Brouwer Edward , Raimondi Daniele , Pirmani Ashkan , Kalincik Tomas , Edan Gilles , Simpson-Yap Steve , De Raedt Luc , Dauxais Yann , Gautrais Clément , Rodrigues Paulo R , McKenna Landon , Lazovski Nikola , Hillert Jan , Forsberg Lars , Spelman Tim , McBurney Robert , Schmidt Hollie , Bergmann Arnfin , Braune Stefan , Stahmann Alexander , Middleton Rodden , Salter Amber , Bebo Bruce F , Rojas Juan I , van der Walt Anneke , Butzkueven Helmut , van der Mei Ingrid , Ivanov Rumen , Hellwig Kerstin , Sciascia do Olival Guilherme , Cohen Jeffrey A , Van Hecke Wim , Dobson Ruth , Magyari Melinda , Brum Doralina Guimarães , Alonso Ricardo , Nicholas Richard , Bauer Johana , Chertcoff Anibal , de Sèze Jérôme , Louapre Céline , Comi Giancarlo , Rijke Nick
Published: July 2020

Background:

We need high-quality data to assess the determinants for COVID-19 severity in people with MS (PwMS). Several studies have recently emerged but there is great benefit in aligning data collection efforts at a global scale.

Objectives:

Our mission is to scale-up COVID-19 data collection efforts and provide the MS community with data-driven insights as soon as possible.

Methods:

Numerous stakeholders were brought together. Small dedicated interdisciplinary task forces were created to speed-up the formulation of the study design and work plan. First step was to agree upon a COVID-19 MS core data set. Second, we worked on providing a user-friendly and rapid pipeline to share COVID-19 data at a global scale.

Results:

The COVID-19 MS core data set was agreed within 48 hours. To date, 23 data collection partners are involved and the first data imports have been performed successfully. Data processing and analysis is an on-going process.

Conclusions:

We reached a consensus on a core data set and established data sharing processes with multiple partners to address an urgent need for information to guide clinical practice. First results show that partners are motivated to share data to attain the ultimate joint goal: better understand the effect of COVID-19 in PwMS.
Maternal sensitivity and mother-infant attachment are associated with antibiotic uptake in infancy
Authors: Fuertes Marina , Gonçalves Joana L , Faria Anabela , Lopes-dos-Santos Pedro , Conceição Inês C , Dionisio Francisco
Published: July 2020

Attachment security has been associated with health status and symptom reporting. In this longitudinal study, we investigated the association between antibiotics uptake by infants at 9-months and mother-infant attachment at 12-months. Logistic regression analyses indicated that lower maternal sensitivity was associated with increased odds of antibiotic uptake. Furthermore, 89.7% of insecure-ambivalent infants consumed antibiotics, which contrasted with 32.5% of avoidant infants and 21.5% of secure infants. This study suggests that maternal behavior and mother-infant attachment impact on antibiotic consumption, which is worrying because antibiotics may lead to several health problems later in life and antibiotic-resistance.
Doing trust work – the purchase of sex in a Swedish context
Authors: Grönvall Ylva , Holmström Charlotta , Plantin Lars
Published: July 2020

The relationship between commercial sex and intimacy has been in focus in a number of studies on the purchase of sex, often distinguishing between one-time visitors and regular customers. This article is based on a study exploring how men who buy sex as one-time visitors navigate between commercialization and intimacy in a Swedish context. Based on interviews with 29 Swedish men purchasing sex, an inductive thematic analysis has been applied. The findings show how the men in this study balance between excitement and trust when purchasing sex, and how trust work is crucial for the purchase of sex not to be experienced as dangerous and instead pleasurable.
Experimental investigation on the cyclic performance of perfobond rib shear connectors
Authors: Li Zhixiang , Wu Bin , Liao Man , Yang Xingwang , Deng Kailai , Zhao Canhui
Published: July 2020

The behavior of perfobond rib shear connectors (PBL shear connectors) under monotonic loading has been widely studied. However, the performance of these connectors under cyclic loading is poorly understood and has seldom been investigated. This work presents an experimental study focusing on the cyclic performance of representative PBL shear connectors with passing rebar. Optical fibers were introduced to measure the detailed strain distributions. Results showed that the bearing capacity of these connectors could reduce up to 55.04% when compared with that under monotonic loading. The performance of these connectors differed significantly between the pull and push directions in the cyclic loading process. The concrete cracks, relative slip, and strains were developed earlier and more completely under pull than under push. Furthermore, rapid stiffness degradation, severe cracking and deformation of the concrete dowels were revealed, indicating the rapid failure of the adhesive effect, reduction of both the shear-friction effect and the dowel action of the passing rebars. These factors all contributed to the observed significant cyclic deterioration of the peak load and the slip. Based on this, a modified formula was proposed to consider the reduction effect. Comparisons between the analytical solution and test results validated the formula.
Experimental and numerical studies on the deployment process of self-locking cuboid foldable structural units
Authors: Zhao Zhanwei , Hu Weibing , Yu Lei
Published: July 2020

Structural units are the basic components of self-locking foldable grid structures, and their spatial configurations have a vital influence on the structural performance of the overall grid. Research on the deployment process of structural units can help effectively control their stress level and achieve a rational self-locking capability for the units. Therefore, this article describes experimental and modeling studies on the deployment process of structural units and provides a reference for the establishment of numerical models and the design of structural units. The experimental results revealed that the self-locking capability of a structural unit is mainly determined by the bending moments of its members in the planes of the scissor-like elements. The method for adjusting the locations of the pivot endpoints at the radial bars is effective for improving the self-locking capacity, but the degree of adjustment must be strictly controlled to prevent large rotation at the inner lower hub joint. In addition, the feasibility of the modeling method was verified by comparing the experimental curves with the curves obtained by theoretical models.
Beer drinking, resistance and the politics of alcohol tax levy in Botswana
Authors: Sebeelo Tebogo B
Published: July 2020

Aim:

The study investigated how beer drinkers coped, made sense of, and internalised the effects of the 30% alcohol levy implementation in Botswana in 2008.

Methods:

Constructivist grounded theory guided this study and explored how active beer drinkers ( n = 20) coped with the new alcohol reforms.

Results:

Beer drinkers resisted the new alcohol reforms through various acts theorised as individualised resistance, social drinking networks and seeking alternative drinking avenues. These resistance(s) are synergistic, fluid and situated. Actions by beer drinkers are culturally framed, enacted through the aegis of time to entrench drinker’s autonomy.

Conclusions:

The alcohol levy implementation in Botswana illuminates the intersection of power, culture and resistance. Policies that are perceived to be draconian and not evidence-based are likely to be resisted by consumers. An examination of the interplay between power/resistance is critical for future alcohol policy development.
Elevated alcohol consumption among geriatric psychiatric in-patients
Authors: Helvik Anne-Sofie , Engedal Knut , Johannessen Aud
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Although a clear relationship has been established between elevated alcohol consumption and psychiatric problems in old age, there are few descriptions of the prevalence of elevated alcohol consumption in older adults who have been referred to geriatric psychiatric treatment.

Aim:

To describe the prevalence of self-reported elevated alcohol consumption in men and women referred to geriatric psychiatry wards in Norway, and to explore factors associated with elevated alcohol consumption.

Method:

This cross-sectional study includes data from a registry of geriatric psychiatry patients aged ≥ 65 years from December 2016 until December 2018. The outcome measure was reported elevated alcohol consumption assessed with the short version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C). The analyses used demographic data as well as a measure of cognitive function, psychiatric diagnosis and use of psychotropic drugs.

Results:

In total, 367 patients (131, 35.7% men) with a mean ( SD) age of 74.7 (7.6) years were included. Of these patients, 27% scored above the pre-set cut-off for elevated alcohol consumption according to AUDIT-C (≥ 3 and 4 for women and men, respectively). The prevalence of elevated alcohol did not differ by gender. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, older age, living with someone and use of antidepressants were associated with reduced odds for reporting elevated alcohol consumption ( OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89–0.96; OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.31–0.97; and 0.54, 95% CI 0.32–0.92, respectively).

Conclusion:

A relatively high proportion of psychiatric patients aged 65 years or older reported elevated alcohol consumption, regardless of diagnosis. Older age, living with someone and use of antidepressants were associated with lower odds for elevated alcohol consumption.
Characterization of the turbulent flame front surface in spark ignition engines during spark ignition operation to identify controlled auto-ignition and abnormal combustion
Authors: Macián Vicente , López J. Javier , Martín Jaime , Valero-Marco Jorge
Published: July 2020

The combustion diagnostics and subsequent analysis are standardized tools based on the estimation of the heat release law (HRL). From this estimation, the different combustion parameters can be obtained: combustion phasing and duration, heat release rate, and so on. This analysis might be usually enough to study traditional spark ignition (SI) engines. However, with the new upcoming SI engines, this is probably not the case anymore, since different combustion modes can be operated in the same engine, as for instance a combination of SI and controlled auto-ignition (CAI) combustion modes. When different combustion modes are combined, it seems interesting to study in more depth the HRL, trying to get more data and to study the differences among the diverse combustion modes. Toward this end, a methodology to go deeper in the study of the HRL is proposed in this work, consisting of, mainly quantifying and taking into account the most relevant influencing parameters: the fuel properties (mainly its lower heating value), the in-cylinder oxygen content, the density of the burned and unburned zones, the laminar combustion speed, and the turbulence effect. With the proposed methodology, a standard SI combustion, developed by a flame front, can be characterized at any given operating point. This would allow to predict which the combustion developement would be, at this operating point, assuming it to be developed by a flame front. Subsequently, this SI combustion prediction can be compared to the one obtained experimentally, making it possible to identify and analyze abnormal combustion phenomena, as well as to study the differences between a combustion developed by a flame front (SI) and by auto-ignition (CAI). Derived from this work, an alternative equation to experimentally characterize the laminar combustion velocity has also been proposed, in order to improve its applicability in a wider range of fuel/air ratios and dilution degrees.
Development and Validation of the Minnesota Inference Assessment
Authors: Kendeou Panayiota , McMaster Kristen L. , Butterfuss Reese , Kim Jasmine , Slater Susan , Bulut Okan
Published: July 2020

The overall aim of the current investigation was to develop and validate the initial version of the Minnesota Inference Assessment (MIA). MIA is a web-based measure of inference processes in Grades K–2. MIA leverages the affordances of different media to evaluate inference processes in a nonreading context, using age-appropriate fiction and nonfiction videos coupled with questioning. We evaluated MIA’s technical adequacy in a proof-of-concept study. Taken together, the results support the interpretation that MIA shows promise as a valid and reliable measure of inferencing in a nonreading context for students in Grades K–2. Future directions involve further development of multiple, parallel forms that can be used for progress monitoring in K–2.
Coming to Appreciate Diversity: Ontological Change Through Student–Student Relationships
Authors: Sohn Brian Kelleher
Published: July 2020

This article, developed from a phenomenological case study of a graduate seminar, presents the development of student–student relationships over the course of a semester and the ways in which they were part of a transformative learning (TL) experience. Often neglected in studies of adult learners, such relationships are revealed to be of critical importance to fostering TL —not to diminish teacher–student relationships but to augment them. Participant diversity included gender, age, race, religion, and field of study. Findings include the student experiences of being “all together” in a collegial and supportive classroom environment and how their relationships developed over time. Superficial comparisons between students, as the course progressed, gave way to intimate explorations of content and changes in disposition. Interpretation of the findings is guided by existential phenomenology and TL theory. Implications for instructors include adapting a phenomenological approach to teaching that brings students together through emotional engagement.
Lower limb motor function assessment based on TensorFlow convolutional neural network and kernel entropy component analysis–local tangent space alignment
Authors: Zhang Yan , Li SiNing , Zhou Ying , Liu Jian
Published: July 2020

Motor function assessment of patients and the elderly is crucial to gait assessment and gait rehabilitation. Accuracy of the assessment is affected by clinician’s experience. To solve the problem, this article proposes motor function assessment index to assess the motor function of patients. VICON system collects video of subjects when they are walking. And the original gait videos are pre-processed by the pixel-based adaptive segmenter and extracted by the convolutional neural network. The kernel entropy component analysis and local tangent space alignment reduced the dimensions of extracted features, and motor function assessment index is obtained. The Pearson correlation analysis shows that the motor function assessment index and modified gait abnormality rating scale are significantly correlated, and Pearson correlation coefficient is 0.92. These effectiveness results demonstrate that the proposed method has the considerable potential to promote the future design of automatic motor function assessment for clinical rehabilitation research.
Recruiting breast cancer patients for mHealth research: Obstacles to clinic-based recruitment for a mobile phone app intervention study
Authors: Gupta Alisha , Ocker Gabrielle , Chow Philip I
Published: July 2020

Background

Nearly half of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients will report clinically significant symptoms of depression and/or anxiety within the first year of diagnosis. Research on the trajectory of distress in cancer patients suggests that targeting patients early in the diagnostic pathway could be particularly impactful. Given the recent rise of smartphone adoption, apps are a convenient and accessible platform from which to deliver mental health support; however, little research has examined their potential impact among newly diagnosed cancer patients. One reason is likely due to the obstacles associated with in-clinic recruitment of newly diagnosed cancer patients for mHealth pilot studies.

Methods

This article draws from our experiences of a recently completed pilot study to test a suite of mental health apps in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Recruitment strategies included in-clinic pamphlets, flyers, and direct communication with clinicians. Surgical oncologists and research staff members approached eligible patients after a medical appointment. Research team members met with patients to provide informed consent and review the study schedule.

Results

Four domains of in-clinic recruitment challenges emerged: (a) coordination with clinic staff, (b) perceived burden among breast cancer patients, (c) limitations regarding the adoption and use of technology, and (d) availability of resources. Potential solutions are provided for each challenge.

Conclusion

Recruitment of newly diagnosed cancer patients is a major challenge to conducting mobile intervention studies for researchers on a pilot-study budget. To realize the impact of mobile interventions for the most vulnerable cancer patient populations, health researchers must address barriers to in-clinic recruitment to provide vital preliminary data in proposals of large-scale research projects.
A case study of the experiences of women leaders in senior leadership positions in the education district offices
Authors: Bodalina Kishan N , Mestry Raj
Published: July 2020

This research was inspired by two critical factors relating to women leaders in senior positions in education district offices. Firstly, women leaders are continually plagued with stereotyping, and secondly, women are repeatedly undermined by male colleagues. Although the South African Constitution and other related legislation prohibits any form of gender discrimination, inequalities and injustices against women still prevail. Women are subjected to a false notion that they lack the resilience and experience desired when faced with hard-hitting or threatening situations. The primary focus of this study was to explore the experiences of women leaders in senior positions in the Gauteng East Education District office. To underpin this study, intersectionality and feminist theories were selected. Using a qualitative case study, one of the main findings of this study revealed that women in senior leadership positions in education districts persistently struggled to balance their work and family life amidst rooted patriarchal systems and cultural traditions. These women primarily lacked the aspiration to apply for senior leadership positions, but through formal mentorship, dedication and resilience took up senior leadership positions in education district offices.
Cue duration determines response rate but not rate of acquisition of Pavlovian conditioning in mice
Authors: Austen Joseph M , Sanderson David J
Published: July 2020

The duration of a conditioned stimulus (CS) is a key determinant of Pavlovian conditioning. Rate estimation theory (RET) proposes that reinforcement rate is calculated over cumulative exposure to a cue and the reinforcement rate of a cue, relative to the background reinforcement rate, determines the speed of acquisition of conditioned responding. Consequently, RET predicts that shorter-duration cues require fewer trials to acquisition than longer-duration cues due to the difference in reinforcement rates. We tested this prediction by reanalysing the results of a previously published experiment. Mice received appetitive Pavlovian conditioning of magazine approach behaviour with a 10-s CS and a 40-s CS. Cue duration did not affect the rate at which responding emerged or the rate at which it peaked. The 10-s CS did elicit higher levels of responding than the 40-s CS. These results are not consistent with rate estimation theory. Instead, they are consistent with an associative analysis that assumes that asymptotic levels of responding reflect the balance between increments and decrements in associative strength across cumulative exposure to a cue.