bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ICG/5-Fu coencapsulated temperature stimulus response nanogel drug delivery platform for chemo-photothermal/photodynamic synergetic therapy
Authors: Yao Shuting , Jin Xiaokang , Wang Cui , Cao Ao , Hu Jinhua , Chen Biling , Wang Bing
Published: January 2021

The multiple diagnosis and treatment mechanisms of chemotherapy combined with photothermal/photodynamic therapy have very large application prospects in the field of cancer treatment. Therefore, in order to achieve effective and safe antitumour treatment, it is necessary to design an intelligent responsive polymer nanoplatform as a drug delivery system. Herein, the thermosensitive poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) nanogel particles were prepared by soap-free emulsion polymerization and loaded with a large amount of photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG) and anticarcinogen 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu), which effectively to realize the cooperative chemotherapy and photothermal/photodynamic therapy for tumours. The 5-Fu@ICG-PNIPAM nanogels significantly improved the bioavailability of the drug and achieved controlled release. In addition, under near-infrared laser (NIR) irradiation at 808 nm, 5-Fu@ICG-PNIPAM nanogels generated lots of heat and reactive oxygen, which significantly enhanced cellular uptake and in vitro antitumour treatment effects. The results showed that 5-Fu@ICG-PNIPAM nanogels were effectively endocytosed by HeLa cells, which also enhanced the drug’s entrance into the nucleus. Moreover, compared with alone chemotherapy or photothermal/photodynamic therapy, 5-Fu@ICG-PNIPAM nanogels significantly increased cytotoxicity under NIR irradiation, suggesting that chemotherapy and photothermal/photodynamic synergistic therapy had excellent antitumour properties. Therefore, this temperature-responsive nanogel platform probably has great application prospects in clinical antitumour treatment.
Do Associations Between Vascular Risk and Mild Cognitive Impairment Vary by Race?
Authors: Rotblatt Lindsay J. , Aiken-Morgan Adrienne T. , Marsiske Michael , Horgas Ann L. , Thomas Kelsey R.
Published: January 2021

Objectives: Given prevalence differences of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among Black and white older adults, this study aimed to examine whether overall vascular risk factor (VRF) burden and individual VRF associations with amnestic (aMCI) and nonamnestic (naMCI) MCI status varied by Black/white race. Methods: Participants included 2755 older adults without dementia from the ACTIVE study. Comprehensive neuropsychological criteria were used to classify cognitively normal, aMCI, and naMCI. VRFs were primarily defined using subjective report and medication data. Multinomial logistic regression was run predicting MCI subtype. Results: Greater overall VRF burden, high cholesterol, and obesity evinced greater odds of naMCI in Black participants than whites. Across participants, diabetes and hypertension were associated with increased odds of aMCI and naMCI, respectively. Discussion: Results may reflect known systemic inequities on dimensions of social determinants of health for Black older adults. Continued efforts toward examining underlying mechanisms contributing to these findings are critical.
Moral Dilemma of Striking: A Medical Worker’s Response to Job Duty, Public Health Protection and the Politicization of Strikes
Authors: Li Yao-Tai , Ng Jenna
Published: January 2021

The emergence of COVID-19 has led many countries to take strong border control measures. In Hong Kong, in reaction to government reluctance to close the border, more than 9000 medical workers went on strike. The strike lasted for five days only, yet it provoked a moral dilemma for healthcare occupations – when workers strike, citizens’ medical needs may be sacrificed. This article presents Jenna, a medical worker who went on strike, and her evaluation of the moral dilemma. Her account shows the ways in which different narratives shape power and politics and lend legitimacy to striking. Her example reveals the contested framing of professionalism – the struggle between job duties, workplace safety and a commitment to the public interest (public health). This contribution highlights how the moral dilemma of medical strikes can be resolved, and how the politicization of strikes can be legitimized by medical workers.
Mechanism isomorphism identification based on artificial fish swarm algorithm
Authors: Yi Huijun , Wang Jianpei , Hu Yongle , Yang Ping
Published: January 2021

The aim of this paper is to propose a practical solution for mechanism kinematic chain isomorphism identification – an artificial fish swarm algorithm. The artificial fish model of mechanism isomorphism identification is established, and behavioral way of the artificial fish is designed. According to isomorphism identification features of topological graph, the process of mechanism isomorphism identification based on artificial fish swarm algorithm is confirmed. The rationality and reliability of artificial fish swarm algorithm on the isomorphic identification of mechanism have been illustrated by a specific example, which provides a new method for intelligent CAD system design of mechanism. It builds a basis for future work in isomorphism identification of mechanism with high efficiency. Isomorphic identification of mechanism will contribute to rational qualitative analysis of mechanism design, perfection of irrationality can be done timely, which is the key factor for mechanical manufacturing. In this paper, we introduce the mechanism kinematic chain firstly, then optimization of artificial fish swarm algorithm is illustrated, and it is shown that how fish swarm algorithm is applied to mechanism kinematic chain. Finally, the feasibility and efficiency of the method are verified by the example of 10 bars, and the complex mechanism can be identified by the example of 14 bars and 18 bars.
The effects of the moisture content of laminated veneer lumber on bending strength and deformation determination via two-dimensional digital image correlation
Authors: Sözen Eser , Kayahan Kadir , Bardak Timuçin , Bardak Selahattin
Published: January 2021

This study determined the bending strength values of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) made with beech ( Fagus orientalis L.) veneer obtained by the peeling process and having four different moisture content values (0%/oven dry, 12%, 18%, and 25%). Bending tests were carried out in two different ways, i.e., for the flatwise and edgewise aspects of the LVL. Strain maps were created using two-dimensional digital image correlation (2 D DIC) and the samples having different moisture contents were compared. At the same time, the amount of displacement of the samples during the bending test was determined via conventional and DIC methods. Results of the study determined that the moisture content was effective in bending strength and tension zones. It was observed that increasing moisture content created homogeneous distribution of deformation. It was also observed that the data obtained by the 2 D DIC method were compatible with those obtained by the conventional method.
A review of challenges from increasing renewable generation in the Indian Power Sector: Way forward for Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2020
Authors: Debnath Ramit , Mittal Vibhor , Jindal Abhinav
Published: January 2021

About 70% of India’s current energy mix comprises of coal, and the increase in generation from renewable (RE) sources is affecting the health of the power system. We investigated this effect through the lens of asset utilisation, cost and the social disruption caused by accelerating RE into the Indian Power System. Our review-driven analysis revealed that increasing RE generation is pushing the coal plants to operate in low-loading conditions, causing heightened wear and tear of the plant as they are not suitable for flexible operation. The novel analysis of social disruption due to market parity between RE and coal-based generation presented a holistic view of the political economy of Indian Power System. We found that transition from coal to RE may have extended socio-political ramifications that can potentially disrupt the national economy at an unprecedented scale. Policy implications outlined by our study for the draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2020 include scoping a socio-technical framework which supports just energy transition through better financial support mechanisms for flexible operation of coal plants. Focusing on clean-up over shut-down of coal plants and facilitating investments in battery storage technologies and cross-border electricity trade as RE and conventional fuel reach market parity.
Seven-level grid-connected packed U-cells inverter using photovoltaic generators system
Authors: Ben Zid Alaeddine , Lamari Abdessalem , Bacha Faouzi
Published: January 2021

In this article, one of the most recent multilevel converter topologies named packed U-cells is developed for three-phase grid-connected inverter mode using photovoltaic input voltage sources. This topology makes a very important research subject in what concerns the adaptation of multilevel inverters with photovoltaic systems. According to the literature, it is well applicable with the string type and suitable for high-voltage applications because the number of switches is less than conventional topology and maximum blocking voltage is Udc and 2 Udc; however, it is not applicable for multistring type and unsuitable for the central type because it is based on isolated DC source. The packed U-cells topology is highly optimized from the point of view of the number of passive and active components. The output voltages of our converter are composed by seven levels obtained by the auxiliary buses voltages regulation. In order to obtain the DC input voltages of 120 V for the inverter, photovoltaic generators are connected to a boost converters. The maximum power point tracking method based on the Perturb and Observe was used to improve and optimize the performance of the photovoltaic system control in the simulation part. The grid-connected PUC7 inverter operates with a unit power factor and injects active power into the grid. The control is configured to make the current waveform in phase with the AC voltage waveform. Reference angle variations have been made to operate with different power factors to test the performance of the applied control and the influence of these variations on the auxiliary buses voltages regulation. The simulations were done under Matlab/Simulink platform and have been experimentally verified using dSpace 1104 controller board and three-phase packed U-cells inverter composed by nine half-bridge insulated-gate bipolar transistor modules.
Hospitalization in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus at Tawam Hospital, United Arab Emirates (UAE): Rates, causes, and factors associated with length of stay
Authors: Aldarmaki Reem , Al Khogali Hiba I , Al Dhanhani Ali M
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a relapsing and remitting multiorgan disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The survival rate of patients with SLE has recently improved, which was associated with increased morbidity and hospitalization rates. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the rate and causes of hospitalization in patients with SLE and explore factors associated with increased length of stay (LOS).

Methods

Patients who visited rheumatology clinics (Tawam hospital, United Arab Emirates (UAE)) and fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) SLE criteria were identified. Retrospective charts were reviewed to determine previous admissions. Demographic data, reason for hospitalization, duration of hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, number of specialist consultations, medications used, and SLE characteristics at time of admission were collected. The hospitalization rate was calculated as the number of hospitalized patients divided by the total number of patients with the disease. We performed multivariable regression analysis for factors associated with increased LOS.

Results

A total of 91 patients with SLE (88 women and 3 men) met the inclusion criteria with a mean disease duration of 10.2 years (SD 5.5). A total of 222 admissions were identified, and 66 of 91 patients were admitted at least once. The mean crude hospitalization rate calculated was 29.8%. The primary reason for admission was pregnancy (29%), SLE activity (24%), and infection (20%). When combining primary and secondary reasons, the proportion of admissions due to SLE activity increased to 32%. The mean LOS was 5.9 (SD 6.0) days. About 7% of admitted patients required ICU admission. In multivariable analysis, patients with lupus nephritis, complications during hospitalization, and increased number of specialists consultations and who were admitted to ICU and started new medication were all associated with increased LOS.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of patients with SLE were hospitalized during their disease course. The hospitalization rate in this study appears to be higher than those reported elsewhere. Disease flare is the leading cause of admission in patients with SLE in this relatively young cohort. Lupus nephritis has been found to be significantly related to longer LOS. Measurements taken to reduce the incidence and severity of flares would likely decrease hospitalization rate and LOS in patients with SLE.
Identification and stratification of systemic lupus erythematosus patients into two transcriptionally distinct clusters based on IFN-I signature
Authors: Shobha Vineeta , Mohan Anu , Malini AV , Chopra Puneet , Karunanithi Preethi , Subramani Thulasingam Siva , Selvam Sabariya , Deyati Avisek , Srivastava Ratika , Basavanthappa Sushma , Lemos Nadine , Sunitha S Margaret , Mazumder Tagore Debarati , Anand Amit , Pant Saumya , Jayaswal Vivek , Ramarao Manjunath , Dudhgaonkar Shailesh
Published: January 2021

Objective

Despite the significant advancement in the understanding of the pathophysiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) variable clinical response to newer therapies remain a major concern, especially for patients with lupus nephritis and neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE). We performed this study with an objective to comprehensively characterize Indian SLE patients with renal and neuropsychiatric manifestation with respect to their gene signature, cytokine profile and immune cell phenotypes.

Methods

We characterized 68 Indian SLE subjects with diverse clinical profiles and disease activity and tried to identify differentially expressed genes and enriched pathways. To understand the temporal profile, same patients were followed at 6 and 12-months intervals. Additionally, auto-antibody profile, levels of various chemokines, cytokines and the proportion of different immune cells and their activation status were captured in these subjects.

Results

Multiple IFN-related pathways were enriched with significant increase in IFN-I gene signature in SLE patients as compared to normal healthy volunteers (NHV). We identified two transcriptionally distinct clusters within the same cohort of SLE patients with differential immune cell activation status, auto-antibody as well as plasma chemokines and cytokines profile.

Conclusions

Identification of two distinct clusters of patients based on IFN-I signature provided new insights into the heterogeneity of underlying disease pathogenesis of Indian SLE cohort. Importantly, patient within those clusters retain their distinct expression dynamics of IFN-I signature over the time course of one year despite change in disease activity. This study will guide clinicians and researchers while designing future clinical trials on Indian SLE cohort.
Mapping the Imaginative Mind: Charting New Paths Forward
Authors: Andrews-Hanna Jessica R. , Grilli Matthew D.
Published: January 2021

The fields of psychology and neuroscience are in the midst of an explosion of research aimed at illuminating the human imagination—the ability to form thoughts and mental images that stretch beyond what is currently available to the senses. Imaginative thought is proving to be remarkably diverse, capturing the capacity to recall past experiences, consider what lies ahead, and understand other people’s minds, in addition to other forms of creative and spontaneous thinking. In the first part of this article, we introduce an integrative framework that attempts to explain how components of a core brain network facilitate interacting features of imagination that we refer to as the mind’s eye and mind’s mind. We then highlight three emerging research directions that could inform our understanding of how imagination arises and unfolds in everyday life.
Feminism and Its Discontents: Punishing Sexual Violence in India
Authors: Dash Preeti Pratishruti
Published: January 2021

Following the infamous gang rape of a young woman in New Delhi in 2012, India introduced a host of legislative reforms, including harsh punishments for sexual offences. Indian feminist groups, though invested in some of these reforms, have been critical of the carceral approach, but other than denouncing the death penalty, they have largely abstained from conversations around appropriate punishments for sexual crimes. Mapping the responses of feminist groups to the J. S. Verma Committee, this article underscores inconsistencies between the positions on defining sexual offences on the one hand and suggesting appropriate punishments on the other. It argues that the absence of engagement around complex issues of criminal law and sentencing not only left feminists divided on the outcome in Mahmood Farooqui’s case but also revealed unintended consequences of the newly introduced law on rape. The article concludes by questioning the use of criminal law as a site for feminist reform.
A problem-solving approach to criminalised women in the Australian context
Authors: Beatrice Megan
Published: January 2021

The upward trend of incarceration rates persists among women in Victoria, with increasingly punitive sentencing and onerous new bail laws. At the same time, the complex needs of women in the criminal justice system are becoming the focus of greater study and documentation. This article presents the case for a specialist women’s list under the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria jurisdiction, based in principles of therapeutic jurisprudence and procedural justice. While the list aims to reduce offending by addressing criminogenic factors unique to women, the picture is far bigger; the Victorian Women’s Court ultimately promotes justice for women who commit crimes.
Synthesis and characterization of novel flake-shaped carbonyl iron and water-based magnetorheological fluids using laponite and oleic acid with enhanced sedimentation stability
Authors: Maurya Chandra Shekhar , Sarkar Chiranjit
Published: January 2021

In this study, micron-sized flake shaped carbonyl iron (CI) water-based MR fluids were prepared with adding laponite and oleic acid as an additive and surfactant, respectively. The MR suspensions are comprised of the fixed CI particles and water weight %, while weight % of laponite and oleic acid changes from 1 to 3 wt% and 0.5 to 1.5 wt%, respectively. The remarkable enhancement in magnetorheological properties was obtained with improved sedimentation stability for CI/water MR suspensions with the addition of laponite and oleic acid. It was found that at the lowest magnetic field strength, the higher laponite concentration is effective, while at the highest magnetic field strength, the smaller concentration was effective. It was because of the combined effect of the field-induced CI chains and the laponite clay gel network. Its storage moduli showed a stable plateau area for whole angular frequencies, suggesting distinguished solid-like behavior of the MR fluid. Finally, a novel correlation was obtained between the initial settling rate of the CI particles and magnetorheological behavior of CI/laponite/OA MR suspensions with 1 wt% laponite and 0.5 wt% oleic acid, which has less zero-field, high on-state shear stress with enhanced sedimentation stability. The prepared MR fluids are a reliable industrial application vibration-isolation, clutch, and brake.
Enhancement of the broadband vibration attenuation of a resistive piezoelectric shunt
Authors: Berardengo Marta , Manzoni Stefano , Vanali Marcello , Bonsignori Riccardo
Published: January 2021

This paper shows how to enhance the vibration attenuation obtained by means of piezoelectric resistive shunt coupled to the use of negative capacitances. This improvement is achieved by adding an inductance in the shunt circuit. This additional inductance is not used to the usual purpose of mono-modal control, but to improve the attenuation in a broader frequency range. The benefits offered by the use of the inductance are explained by describing the shunted electro-mechanical system as a feedback control loop. The achievable attenuation improvements are highlighted in the paper at first through numerical analyses and then by means of an experimental campaign which also allows to evidence the reliability of the model employed to describe the electro-mechanical system.
Optimal tuned direct adaptive controller for seismic protecting of structures
Authors: Hosseini Amin , Taghikhany Touraj , Jahangiri Milad
Published: January 2021

In the past few years, many studies have proved the efficiency of Simple Adaptive Control (SAC) in mitigating earthquakes’ damages to building structures. Nevertheless, the weighting matrices of this controller should be selected after a large number of sensitivity analyses. This step is time-consuming and it will not necessarily yield a controller with optimum performance. In the current study, an innovative method is introduced to tuning the SAC’s weighting matrices, which dispenses with excessive sensitivity analysis. In this regard, we try to define an optimization problem using intelligent evolutionary algorithm and utilized control indices in an objective function. The efficiency of the introduced method is investigated in 6-story building structure equipped with magnetorheological dampers under different seismic actions with and without uncertainty in the model of the proposed structure. The results indicate that the controller designed by the introduced method has a desirable performance under different conditions of uncertainty in the model. Furthermore, it improves the seismic performance of structure as compared to controllers designed through sensitivity analysis.
Wargaming as a Methodology: The International Crisis Wargame and Experimental Wargaming
Authors: Schechter Benjamin , Schneider Jacquelyn , Shaffer Rachael
Published: January 2021

Background.

Wargaming has a long history as a tool for understanding the complexity of conflict. Although wargames have shown their relevance across topics and time, the immersive nature of wargames and the guild-like communities that surround them have often resisted the social scientific advances that occurred alongside the evolution of warfare. However, recent work raises new possibilities for integrating wargaming practices and social scientific methods.

Purpose.

Develop the experimental wargaming method and practice. Prioritizing the focus on iteration, control, and generalizability within experimental design can provide new opportunities for wargames to answer broader questions about decision-making, crisis behaviors, and patterns of outcomes.

Method.

The International Crisis Wargame developed in 2018 demonstrates the viability of experimental wargaming, and models the process of theorizing, designing, developing, and executing these wargames. It also identifies what makes games more or less experimental and details how experimental design influenced choices in the game.

Conclusion.

Experimental wargames are a promising new tool for both the social science and the wargaming communities. A proposed new research agenda for experimental design within wargames would support this nascent method
Registry-Based Study of Prevalence of Cleft Lip/Palate in Thailand from 2012 to 2015
Authors: Fuangtharnthip Pornpoj , Chonnapasatid Wannapong , Thiradilok Sasipa , Manopatanakul Somchai , Jaruratanasirikul Somchit
Published: January 2021

Objective:

Two main objectives were established. First objective was to determine the prevalence of the cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P) in Thailand from 2012 to 2015 using the orofacial clefts (OFCs) registry and civil registration. Second objective was to conduct a quality control of this OFC registry especially for the Birth Defects Registration (BDR).

Design:

Registry-based survey.

Setting:

Analyzing data from the Thailand National Health Security Office.

Participants:

Registered patients with CL/P in Thailand from 2012 to 2015.

Intervention:

None

Main Outcome Measure:

Duplicated records were verified using National Identity Number (Thai ID#) and date of birth. The prevalence of CL/P and specific phenotypes was then calculated. From this prevalence estimate method, quality assurance of the OFCs registry was possible.

Results:

For the main outcome, the population-weighted pool prevalence of CL/P was 2.14 per 1000 live births (95% confidence interval of 2.08-2.20). Thai ID# and expense reimbursement systems were the main factors driving this cases capturing. However, this OFCs registration still requires active case finding with clinical verification, improvement of staff training and databases networking.

Conclusions:

This study reported a very high CL/P prevalence of Thailand. Strengths and limitations of these OFCs registry and BDR were described.
Electric–elastic analysis of multilayered two-dimensional decagonal quasicrystal circular plates with simply supported or clamped boundary conditions
Authors: Huang Yunzhi , Zhao Min , Feng Miaolin
Published: January 2021

A three-dimensional (3D) electric–elastic analysis of multilayered two-dimensional decagonal quasicrystal (QC) circular plates with simply supported or clamped boundary conditions is presented through a state vector approach. Both perfect and imperfect bonds between the layers are considered by adjusting the parameter sets in the model. Governing equations for the plates subjected to electric or elastic load on the bottom surfaces are derived using the state equations and the propagator matrix method. We explicitly obtain the analytical solution by writing the physical variables as Bessel series expansions and polynomial functions with respect to the radial coordinate. The solution is validated by comparing the numerical results with the 3D ﬁnite element analysis. The basic physical quantities of the plates in the phonon, phason, and electric fields are computed in the numerical examples. Result shows that the QC layers as coatings decrease the deflection in the phonon and phason fields of plates. The phonon–phason coupling elastic modulus and piezoelectric constant produce positive and negative effects on the magnitudes of stresses. Besides, compliance coefficients of the weak interface in the phonon field contribute more to the variations than those in the phason field.
Excavating Embodied Literacies Through a Chicana/Latina Feminist Framework
Authors: González Ybarra Mónica , Saavedra Cinthya M.
Published: January 2021

In this article, the authors take a reflective, self-study journey that digs into their own embodied literacies as Chicana feminist literacy researchers. Chicana/Latina feminisms offer an/other angle for exploring embodied literacies and are one way to center bodies and knowledge from the margins. The authors emphasize Anzaldúa’s concept of geographies of selves as an entry point for theorizing the embodied literacies of Chicanas/Latinas. To support this excavation process, the authors demonstrate how autohistoria-teoría, as a methodological approach to literacies, can be used to locate, narrate, and document the embodied literacies of Chicanas/Latinas. The findings demonstrate how places and people shape knowledge and ways of reading the world and thus impact the literacies imprinted on bodies.
The Association of Fetal Congenital Cardiac Defects and Placental Vascular Malperfusion
Authors: Ozcan Tulin , Kikano Sandra , Plummer Sarah , Strainic James , Ravishankar Sanjita
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Abnormal early angiogenesis appears to impact both placental disorders and fetal congenital heart defects (CHD). We sought to assess the association of placental perfusion defects (PPD) and fetal (CHD).

Methods

Singleton pregnancies with isolated severe fetal CHD were compared to controls without congenital anomalies or maternal malperfusion (MVM) risk factors. CHD was categorized into group 1: single left ventricle morphology and transposition of the great vessels (TGA) and group 2: single right ventricle and two ventricle morphology. Malperfusion was defined as fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM), MVM, and both FVM and MVM.

Results

PPD was increased for all CHD (n = 47), CHD with or without risk factors, and CHD groups compared to controls (n = 92). Overall CHD cases and CHD with risk factors had an increased risk of FVM (30% and 80% vs 14%), and MVM (43% and 50% vs 21%), respectively. MVM rates were similar in CHD with and without maternal risk factors. FVM (38% vs 14%) and MVM (44% vs 21%) were increased in Group 1. MVM (42% vs 21%) and both FVM and MVM (16% vs 3%) were increased in Group 2.

Conclusions

PPD risk is increased in severe isolated fetal CHD. The highest risk is seen in fetal CHD with maternal risk factors.
Theory of Dining
Authors: Roberts Chris , Young Lisa , Johanson Misty
Published: January 2021

Dining, the activity of eating food, is a basic human function. A theory of dining is offered focused on dining at home, in the local community, and while traveling far away from home. Dining is the process of consuming food, regardless of geography, culture, or era; however, human behaviors do vary depending on the setting. A historical overview of restaurants and dining in different areas of the world is presented to provide a background for the theory. Use of the theory for managers is suggested.
The Floor: A Reinterpretation of the Korean Home, Focusing on the Ondol
Authors: Lee Keunhye
Published: January 2021

This research explores the relationship between space and activity as a means of investigating a phenomenological understanding of Korean floor-based living. An understanding of the floor as space has been a fundamental element in Korean everyday life since the ondol (a traditional Korean floor heating system) became the prevalent heating resource throughout the Korean peninsula during the time of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910). Thus, I will draw upon the spatial implications of these cultural practices by engaging with the spatial experience of the ondol, which is fundamentally different to the Western lifestyle that has been layered over this regional tradition. I argue that the spatial typology is informed by repetitive activities in terms of everyday life and that the floor is a substantial element for Korean identity that refers back to this rich cultural tradition. This distinguishes the Korean home as unique, in a similar way to the more well-known particularities and cultural heritage found in Japanese and Chinese houses.
Tribological approach for the safety assessment of flooring/walkway surfaces: Application for the prevention of pedestrian fall incidence
Authors: Kim In-Ju
Published: January 2021

This study investigated the role of surface finishes from different material types of floors/walkways on traction properties and identified their effects on slipperiness controls under diverse walking environments to prevent fall incidence. Measurements and analyses of surface textures and traction properties of floors/walkways and interpretations were based on a tribological concept. Dynamic friction tests were conducted amongst nine indoor and outdoor floor specimens and three shoes under four different risk levels of environments. Test results showed that traction performances were considerably influenced by surface finishes of the floor specimens under the moderately (soapy) and highly (oily) risky conditions. This study also uncovered that rough floors did not mechanically ensure higher slip resistance whilst some smooth floors exhibited better slip resistance than the rougher ones. Nevertheless, outcomes from this study provided fundamental, but important information on the walkway traction properties that showed multifaceted features of tribological phenomena. Based on the overall findings, this study proposed an insight to identify the impact of floor/walkway textures on traction performances and consequently exploit sensible design concepts for the floor surfaces to prevent fall incidents.
Are there anthropometric and body composition differences between children with autism spectrum disorder and children with typical development? Analysis by age and spectrum severity in a school population
Authors: Esteban-Figuerola Patricia , Morales-Hidalgo Paula , Arija-Val Victoria , Canals-Sans Josefa
Published: January 2021

Overweight and obesity have been reported to be more prevalent in populations with autism spectrum disorder than in children with typical development. The aim of this study was to compare the anthropometric status of children with autism spectrum disorder (diagnosed and subclinical) and children with typical development and analyse which variables can affect the anthropometric and health status of children with autism spectrum disorder. We present a two-phase epidemiological study in a school population of two age groups which assesses autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, anthropometric data and bioelectrical impedance analysis. From an initial sample of 3,713 children, 79 with autism spectrum disorder, 42 with subclinical autism spectrum disorder and 350 with typical development participated in the study. Pre-schoolers with autism spectrum disorder were taller than pre-schoolers with typical development. School-age children with autism spectrum disorder showed a significantly higher body mass index and rate of overweight/obesity than children with typical development (63.4% vs 46.3%). No significant differences were found for bioelectrical impedance analysis, but school-age children with autism spectrum disorder showed a significantly higher waist circumference, waist/height ratio and cardiovascular risk than children with typical development. The quality of the diet was lower in children with autism spectrum disorder than in children with typical development. Multiple regression analyses showed that having autism spectrum disorder and internalizing psychological problems were associated with waist/height ratio and high cardiovascular risk in school-age children.

Lay abstract

This study makes a comparison between the growth status of pre-school and school-age children with autism spectrum disorder and typical development children. Pre-schoolers with autism spectrum disorder were taller than children with typical development. School-age children with autism spectrum disorder were more overweight/obese, had more body fat and a greater waist circumference and waist/height ratio than children with typical development. The presence of autism spectrum disorder and internalizing problems was associated with cardiovascular risk in school-age children.
Empathy is the mother of invention: Emotion and cognition for creativity in the classroom
Authors: Demetriou Helen , Nicholl Bill
Published: January 2021

According to the age-old proverb from Plato’s Republic: necessity is the mother of invention, the main motivation for creating new discoveries is the need for them. However, as well as the necessity factor, we argue that a very important aspect that influences invention and creativity is the empathy factor. This mixed methods research investigated the impact of empathy instruction on the social and emotional skills of creativity in the UK Design and Technology (D&T) classroom. Pupils in year 9 (aged 13 to 14 years) from two schools were assessed for their creativity levels using the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (TTCT) both at the start and at the end of the academic school year. In the intervening period, whereas the control school continued as normal with its usual D&T lessons, the intervention school’s D&T lessons were replaced by a creativity tuition kit called Designing Our Tomorrow (DOT), which involves instruction in empathising. Pupils from year 7 (aged 11 to 12 years) in a third school were given the DOT task alone and interviewed about their experiences of it. Results showed that unlike the control school, whose emotional and cognitive creative scores in fact decreased over time, the intervention school increased in its levels of emotional and cognitive creativity, as measured by the TTCT. These quantitative as well as the subsequent qualitative interview findings and pupils’ portfolios suggest that creativity can be taught and particularly via instruction that advocates the importance of empathising with the subject matter. The findings are discussed in relation to the need for a holistic approach to teaching, where social, emotional and cognitive dimensions of teaching and learning are needed to complete and enhance the learning experience for the D&T classroom and beyond.
Translating YouTube vlogs for a global audience: Innovative subtitling and community-building
Authors: Lee Seryun
Published: January 2021

Increasingly, YouTubers are translating their self-produced videos in order to reach out to a global viewership. Those YouTubers’ translations often incorporate innovative practices that prioritise displaying affinity with their audience. Non-representational subtitling is one such translation apparatus. It does not seek to reproduce speech in another language accurately but contains additional information that is not otherwise included in the content. I examine non-representational subtitles deployed in culture-brokering YouTube vlogs, as well as viewers’ reactions to those subtitles. The key argument of this article is that non-representational subtitling can be utilised as a means both of expressing YouTubers’ voices outside of filmed space during the translating process and of manipulating ways to address viewers’ different language constituencies. I also argue that translation-driven communities are interactive transnational networks in which viewers develop a sense of community by amplifying translation-mediated information, suggesting alternative translations, and expressing their feelings.
Deep learning based thermal crack detection on structural concrete exposed to elevated temperature
Authors: Andrushia A Diana , N Anand , Lubloy Eva , G Prince Arulraj
Published: January 2021

Health monitoring of concrete including, detecting defects such as cracking, spalling on fire affected concrete structures plays a vital role in the maintenance of reinforced cement concrete structures. However, this process mostly uses human inspection and relies on subjective knowledge of the inspectors. To overcome this limitation, a deep learning based automatic crack detection method is proposed. Deep learning is a vibrant strategy under computer vision field. The proposed method consists of U-Net architecture with an encoder and decoder framework. It performs pixel wise classification to detect the thermal cracks accurately. Binary Cross Entropy (BCA) based loss function is selected as the evaluation function. Trained U-Net is capable of detecting major thermal cracks and minor thermal cracks under various heating durations. The proposed, U-Net crack detection is a novel method which can be used to detect the thermal cracks developed on fire exposed concrete structures. The proposed method is compared with the other state-of-the-art methods and found to be accurate with 78.12% Intersection over Union (IoU).
Comparison of thermal comfort in different kinds of building spaces: Field study in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Wu Peihao , Zhang Yuchun , Fang Zhaosong , Gao Yafeng
Published: January 2021

In addition to typical indoor and outdoor spaces, there are numerous transitional spaces in a building that are unlike indoor and outdoor spaces, where most people spend time for entertainment. There is a need to investigate the comparison between these three types of spaces, including indoor spaces, transitional spaces and outdoor spaces. In this study, the thermal responses and thermal environmental parameters of the indoor, outdoor and transitional spaces were simultaneously recorded. Values of standard effective temperature (SET*), physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) and universal thermal climate index (UTCI) were calculated, and relationships between mean thermal sensation vote (MTSV), SET*, PET and UTCI were also analysed. The results indicate that the air velocity fluctuation and mean radiant temperature of the outdoor space were more significant than those of other two spaces. The neutral thermal indices of the outdoor space were higher than those of the indoor and transitional spaces. Additionally, regression models between MTSV and thermal indices (SET*, PET and UTCI) were analysed. There are strong linear relationships between MTSV and SET* in all spaces. The linear relationships between MTSV were significant when compared with PET and UTCI. Thus, the adaption of thermal indices for evaluation of different spaces must be considered.
Assessment of risk from irradiation originating from mortars with mineral waste addition
Authors: Estokova Adriana , Singovszka Eva
Published: January 2021

With the ever-increasing trend of incorporation of various wastes into building materials, monitoring the potential rise in the radioactive load due to used waste is needed. This paper presents the results of our investigation into the radioactivity of cement mortars of various percentage of granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS). The calculated gamma indexes, Iγ, reached 0.19–0.22 and thus did not exceed, in case of any sample, the required level (Iγ = 1) for bulk materials. Indoor gamma absorbed dose, D, ranged from 41.08 to 47.80 nGy/h being lower by 47% than the world average ones are. The excess life cancer risk, ELCR70, obtained for the cement mortars ranged from 0.71 × 10−3 to 0.82 × 10−3 with the average value of 0.75 × 10−3. Linear correlation between the GBSF content and ionizing radiation was found for 226Ra radionuclide, while polynomic correlations have been found for the mass activities of 232Th and 40K radionuclides and the GBSF amount in the cement sample. Findings revealed that the overall 226Ra mass activity of the composite could be predicted based on the measurement of the mass activities of the individual input components.
Post-growth, post-democracy, post-Memoranda: What can the ‘post-growth’ debate learn from Greece and vice versa?
Authors: Markantonatou Maria
Published: January 2021

The crisis in Greece in the last decade has led to a wide economic transition, raising the question of whether Greece can be understood as a kind of a ‘post-growth’ society. The article has two aims. First, it examines how the Greek crisis has been discussed within the post-growth debate and focuses on three views: Greece as a post-growth anti-paradigm, Greece as an opportunity for democratic post-growth and austerity in Greece as a path for anti-Keynesian degrowth. Second, the article examines how ideas and projects with a post-growth orientation have influenced specific social initiatives born out of the crisis period in Greece. Some of these initiatives are reviewed (self-organized social and economic collectives, grassroots initiatives for solidarity, solidarity economy actions, etc.). As further discussed in the article, these initiatives were part of a broader ‘countermovement’ (Polanyi), and they faded together with other forms of labour and social protest, in accordance with events at the central political scene, and especially SYRIZA’s adoption of Memoranda politics. It is observed that in the post-Memoranda era in Greece, although past strategies of social reproduction are either unavailable (the pre-crisis finance-led growth model) or no longer equally effective (the familistic social model) and fiscal discipline remains, the search for other alternatives, including social initiatives with a post-growth orientation, did not actually extend as was expected, due to some new growth opportunities, e.g. in the field of tourism. It is finally concluded that, although they constituted an important part of the Greek countermovement, born as responses to the crisis, these social initiatives did not manage to consolidate more permanent structures of social action that could successfully challenge the neoliberal agenda.
Numerical simulation of fuel dribbling and nozzle wall wetting
Authors: Gavaises Manolis , Murali-Girija Mithun , Rodriguez Carlos , Koukouvinis Phoevos , Gold Martin , Pearson Richard
Published: January 2021

The present work describes a numerical methodology and its experimental validation of the flow development inside and outside of the orifices during a pilot injection, dwelt time and the subsequent start of injection cycle. The compressible Navier-Stokes equations are numerically solved in a six-hole injector imposing realistic conditions of the needle valve movement and considering in addition a time-dependent eccentric motion. The valve motion is simulated using the immersed boundary method; this allows for simulations to be performed at zero lift during the dwelt time between successive injections, where the needle remains closed. Moreover, the numerical model utilises a fully compressible two-phase (liquid, vapour) two-component (fuel, air) barotropic model. The air’s motion is simulated with an additional transport equation coupled with the VOF interface capturing method able to resolve the near-nozzle atomisation and the resulting impact of the injected liquid on the oleophilic nozzle wall surfaces. The eccentric needle motion is found to be responsible for the formation of strong swirling flows inside the orifices, which not only contributes to the breakup of the injected liquid jet into ligaments but also to their backwards motion towards the external wall surface of the injector. Model predictions suggest that such nozzle wall wetting phenomena are more pronounced during the closing period of the valve and the re-opening of the nozzle, due to the residual gases trapped inside the nozzle, and which contribute to the poor atomisation of the injected fluid upon re-opening of the needle valve in subsequent injection events.
Application of a MEMS heat flux sensor to heat transfer research on an impinging diesel jet
Authors: Dejima Kazuhito , Nakabeppu Osamu , Moussou Julien , Pilla Guillaume
Published: January 2021

To clarify the mechanisms of heat transfer on an engine wall is an important challenge because the heat loss on the wall is one of the dominant factors that limit the thermal efficiency. A thin-film resistance type heat flux sensor fabricated with Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technologies was applied to research on the heat transfer of an impinging diesel jet. The MEMS sensor had a high sensitivity and multiple measurement points with a scale comparable to the turbulence of in-cylinder flow for the investigation of local instantaneous heat transfer characteristics in engines. Measurements of wall temperature and heat flux were conducted in a constant volume chamber under the reference conditions of Engine Combustion Network (ENC) Spray A with variations in injection pressure. As a result, the maximum heat flux and heat transfer coefficient reached about 5 MW/m2 and 3 MW/(m2 K), respectively. The results were compared to those obtained with a commercially available thermocouple, and both sensors produced similar trends. In addition, fluid motion near the wall was estimated from the heat flux fluctuations using a cross-correlation analysis. The relationship between heat transfer and flow was investigated in a dimensionless number fashion, and it was compared to a semi-theoretical prediction that was based on a steady state laminar flow heat transfer model.