bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Expanded Graphite and Graphite Nanosheets for Improving Electrical Conductivity of Polyester Coating Films
Authors: Ding Yun , Tian Mingxia , Wang Aili , Yin Hengbo
Published: July 2021

Expanded graphite and graphite nanosheets were facilely prepared by the thermal expansion of expandable graphite at 800 °C and sand milling of expanded graphite in water, respectively. When the expandable graphite precursor was prepared by the oxidation and intercalation of natural
graphite (5 g) using KMnO4 (6 g) as an oxidant in a concentrated sulfuric acid solution (120 mL) at room temperature (25 °C) for 8 h, the expanded graphite with a maximum volumetric rate of 317 mL g−1 was prepared after the thermal expansion of the expandable
graphite precursor at 800 °C for 60 s. The oxidation extent of natural graphite with KMnO4 is crucial for the preparation of expanded graphite. The thicknesses of graphite nanosheets decreased from 8.9 to 3.2 nm when the sand milling time of the expanded graphite in deionized
water was prolonged from 6 to 24 h. The prolonging of the sand milling time not only decreased the layer number of the graphite nanosheet but also increased the d002 spacing due to the shocking and shearing forces. The addition of the expanded graphite powder and graphite nanosheets
in a polyester paint efficiently improved the electrical conductivity of the resultant polyester coating films.
Preparing and Applying Silver Nanoparticles in Conductive Ink and Inkjet Painting
Authors: Bing Hong Gui , Hua Luo Yi , Jen Chuang Kai , Ming Ma Chih
Published: July 2021

Noble metal nanoparticles have special properties in optical, electronic, and physical chemistry due to their high surface area and volume. With the development of electronic printing technology, inkjet printing has gradually replaced traditional spin coating and blade coating, since
it leads to more material savings and a faster batch production, and the pattern can be easily designed by a computer. In this study, Ag nanoparticles were prepared by a chemical reduction method. Non-toxic, environment-friendly agents were selected to fabricate a single-shape, uniform-size,
crystal-form, and monodisperse product. The effects of the reducing agent ratio and the stabilizer ratio on the size, shape, and stability of the nanoparticles are discussed. The silver nanoparticles were characterized by an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-vis) and a transmission
electron microscope (TEM). In addition, in order to prepare conductive ink that can stably disperse for a long time and that can be applied to inkjet printing on a PET flexible substrate at a lower sintering temperature, a sintering agent and a commercial surfactant were added. The experimental
results show that the best addition ratio of the precursor to the reducing agent and the stabilizer is 1:6:1. The conductive silver ink was printed and treated by a70 mM NaCl solution, and the electric resistivity was 5.17×10−4 Ω· cm.
Manganese Dioxide (α-MnO2) and Graphene Oxide (GO) Nanocomposites: An Efficient Promotor for the Oxidative Deprotection of Trimethylsilyl, Tetrahydropyranyl and Methoxymethyl Ethers
Authors: Pourayoob Foumani Pouran , Tajik Hassan , Shirini Farhad , Hassanpoor Shahed
Published: July 2021

Manganese dioxide (α-MnO2) and graphene oxide (GO nanocomposites were prepared and successfully characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), field emission scanning-electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) mapping
methods and Xray diffraction (XRD) analyses. This reagent is an efficient catalyst for the aerobic oxidation of trimethylsilyl (TMS), tetrahedropyranyl (THP), and methoxymethyl ethers (MOM) to their corresponding carbonyl compounds in the presence of K2CO3. All reactions
were performed in n-hexane under mild and completely heterogeneous reaction conditions. Our novel method has the advantages of excellent yields, short reaction times, availability and reusability of the catalyst and simple and easy work-up procedure compared to the conventional methods
reported in the literature.
Direct Writing on Paper Substrate to Prepare Silver Electrode Structures for Flexible Sensors
Authors: Wang Qi , Li Mingwei , Xie Yao , Ou Yun , Zhou Weiping
Published: July 2021

With the rapid development of the electronics industry, electronic products based on silicon and glass substrates electronic products will gradually be unable to meet the rising demand. Flexibility, environmental protection, and low costs are important for the development of electronic
products. In this study, an efficient and low-cost method for preparing silver electrode structures by direct writing on paper has been demonstrated. Based on this method, a flexible paper-based sensor was prepared. The liquid printing ink used mainly comprises a precursor liquid without pre-prepared
nanomaterials. The precursor liquid is transparent with good fluidity. Simple direct writing technology was used to write on the paper substrate using the precursor ink. When the direct-writing paper substrate was subsequently heated, silver nanostructures precipitated from the precursor liquid
ink onto the paper substrate. The effect of different temperatures on the formation of the silver nanostructures and the influence of different direct writing processes on the structures were studied. Finally, a paper-based flexible sensor was prepared for finger-bending signal detection.
The method is simple to operate and low in cost and can be used for the preparation of environment-friendly paper-based devices.
The Aggregation Induced Emission Probe of Detecting Enhanced Permeation and Retention Effects is Structured for Evaluating the Applicability of Nanotherapy to Different Tumor Individuals
Authors: Liang Yuelan , Chang Ya-Nan , Li Xue , Chen Ziteng , Zhang Jiaxin , Li Jiacheng , Wang Yujiao , Liang Haojun , Mao Meiru , Chen Kui , Li Juan , Xing Gengmei
Published: July 2021

Enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect, the mechanism by which nanodrugs accumulate in tumors and acquire superior curative effect. The questions of these mechanisms occur because of limited clinical transformation of engineered nanomaterials after 30 years. The difference of
EPR limits the therapeutic effect of nanodrugs in the individual patient. Evaluation of the EPR effect in the individual patient will aid in selecting patients who will accumulate higher amounts of nanotherapeutics and show better therapeutic efficacy. Based on varied TIMP1/MMP-9 in serum,
an aggregation-induced emission luminogen probe was designed and constructed to detect and evaluate the EPR effect in model mouse. The result showed that the ratio of TIMP1/MMP-9 (in the range 0.2–1.2) and fluorescence intensity of the probe were negative linear correlation and the effects
of BSA-rhodamine accumulation in tumor were individualized differences as well as correlated with the relative ratio of TIMP-1/MMP-9 in serum. Our data support the development of these biomarkers probes based on the personalized nanotherapy of tumor.
Preparation and Photocatalytic Application of the Composites PMo12/AgNPs Based on Polyoxometalates
Authors: Zeng Sai , Liang Ce , Yu Hai-Hui , Wang Jun-Ping , Xue Chao-Bo , Zhu Jia-Yu , Kong Li
Published: July 2021

Supported catalysts, consisting of PMo12 immobilized on silver nanomaterials at different recombination time and the silver nanomaterials with different template sodium citrate amount characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, UV-vis and other test methods. The results show that the
AgNPs are relatively uniformed with sizes between 100–300 nm when the sodium citrate addition amount is 9.0 mL. As the reaction time of PMo12/AgNPs increases, the adhesion of AgNPs on the surface of PMo12 becomes more complete. Using PMo12 and PMo12/AgNPs
composite materials as catalysts, methylene blue (MB) is photocatalytically degraded under simulated visible light conditions. The results show that PMo12 can catalyze MB effectively, and the decolorization rate reached 98.6% when the catalyst content is 2 g/L, the solution pH is
3 and the MB concentration is 5 mg/L. Under the same experimental conditions, photocatalytic performance of the PMo12/AgNPs system is better than that of the PMo12 further improved the photocatalytic degradation effect of the MB solution with a decolorization rate of
100%. The composite still keeps good photocatalytic activity and stability after three cycles of use. Finally, the catalytic mechanism of the POMs composite material is preliminarily discussed.
The Magneto Electron Statistics in Heavily Doped N Type-Intrinsic-P Type-Intrinsic Structures
Authors: Das P. K. , Pal J. , Debbarma M. , Ghatak K. P.
Published: July 2021

In this paper we study the Electron Statistics in Heavily Doped N Type-Intrinsic-P Type-Intrinsic structures of non-linear optical, tetragonal and opto-electronic materials in the presence of magnetic quantization. It is found taking such heavily doped structures of Cd3As2,
CdGeAs2, InAs, InSb, Hg1−xCdxTe, In1−xGaxAsyP1−y as examples that the Fermi energy (EF) oscillates with inverse quantizing magnetic field
(1/B) and increases with increasing electron concentration with different numerical magnitudes which is the signature of respective band structure. The numerical value of the Fermi energy is different in different cases due to the different values of the energy band constants.
A Comprehensive Intermediate-Term Drought Evaluation System and Evaluation of Climate Data Products over the Conterminous United States
Authors: Xue Zeyu , Ullrich Paul
Published: July 2021

Climate models are frequently-used tools for adaptation planning in light of future uncertainty. However, not all climate models are equally trustworthy, and so model biases must be assessed to select models suitable for producing credible projections. Drought is a well-known and high-impact form of extreme weather, and knowledge of its frequency, intensity, and duration key for regional water management plans. Droughts are also difficult to assess in climate datasets, due to the long duration per event, relative to the length of a typical simulation. Therefore, there is a growing need for a standardized suite of metrics addressing how well models capture this phenomenon. In this study, we present a widely applicable set of metrics for evaluating agreement between climate datasets and observations in the context of drought. Two notable advances are made in our evaluation system: First, statistical hypothesis testing is employed for normalization of individual scores against the threshold for statistical significance. And second, within each evaluation region and dataset, principal feature analysis is used to select the most descriptive metrics among 11 metrics that capture essential features of drought. Our metrics package is applied to three characteristically distinct regions in the conterminous US and across several commonly employed climate datasets (CMIP5/6, LOCA and CORDEX). As a result, insights emerge into the underlying drivers of model bias in global climate models, regional climate models, and statistically downscaled models.
Understanding Knife Crime and Trust in Police with Young People in East London
Authors: Skarlatidou Artemis , Ludwig Lina , Solymosi Reka , Bradford Ben
Published: July 2021

We explore young people’s experiences and perceptions of knife crime, and we compare these to the understanding of police experts, to explore the perceptions shaping trust in the police and policing. We carry out an experience sampling survey deployed using a mobile application reflecting on safety and knife crime, to understand young people’s daily lived experiences. We then use the mental models approach to interview young people and police experts and construct a shared mental model which identifies mismatches between the two groups and key areas of discord related to breakdown of trust and communication. We identify gaps, misconceptions and expectations for re-establishing trust and propose strategies to tackle knife crime and improve trust between young people and the police.
The comparison of the scores obtained by Bayesian nonparametric model and classical test theory methods
Authors: Yurtcu Meltem , Kelecioglu Hülya , Boone Edward L
Published: July 2021

Bayesian Nonparametric (BNP) modelling can be used to obtain more detailed information in test equating studies and to increase the accuracy of equating by accounting for covariates. In this study, two covariates are included in the equating under the Bayes nonparametric model, one is continuous, and the other is discrete. Scores equated with this model were obtained for a single group design for a small group in the study. The equated scores obtained with the model were compared with the mean and linear equating methods in the Classical Test Theory. Considering the equated scores obtained from three different methods, it was found that the equated scores obtained with the BNP model produced a distribution closer to the target test. Even the classical methods will give a good result with the smallest error when using a small sample, making equating studies valuable. The inclusion of the covariates in the model in the classical test equating process is based on some assumptions and cannot be achieved especially using small groups. The BNP model will be more beneficial than using frequentist methods, regardless of this limitation. Information about booklets and variables can be obtained from the distributors and equated scores that obtained with the BNP model. In this case, it makes it possible to compare sub-categories. This can be expressed as indicating the presence of differential item functioning (DIF). Therefore, the BNP model can be used actively in test equating studies, and it provides an opportunity to examine the characteristics of the individual participants at the same time. Thus, it allows test equating even in a small sample and offers the opportunity to reach a value closer to the scores in the target test.
Promoting Social Acceptance and Inclusion in Physical Education
Authors: O’Neil Kason , Olson LeAnn
Published: July 2021

In addition to psychomotor and cognitive learning, social development is one of the three pillars of the national standards for physical education instruction. Though a plethora of research has exhibited the benefits social inclusion can have for students with and without disabilities, inclusion cannot be successful unless physical educators are deliberate, persistent, and continually reflective on the needs of students. The purpose of this paper is to outline the state of inclusion of students with disabilities in a general physical education classes and to highlight teacher behaviors and instructional techniques that promote social acceptance and inclusion for all students in physical education.
Business model of garment enterprises: a scientometric review
Authors: Jin Yuran , Song Xiangye , Tang Jinhuan , Dong Xiaodong , Ji Huisheng
Published: July 2021

The research on the business model of garment enterprises (BMGE) has expanded rapidly in the last decade. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive reviews of it, let alone visual research. Based on scientometrics, in this paper 118 papers and their 4803 references from Science Citation Index Expanded, Social Sciences Citation Index, Conference Proceedings Citation Index—Science, and Conference Proceedings Citation Index—Social Science & Humanities for the period 2010–2020 about the BMGE were analyzed by visualizing the co-cited references, co-occurrence keywords, burst references, dual-map overlays, and more with CiteSpace, Google Maps, and VOSviewer. The research revealed the intellectual landscapes of the BMGE for the first time and mapped the landmark papers, hotspots and trends, national or regional distributions and their cooperation networks, highly cited authors, and prestigious journals and disciplines related to the BMGE. The results show that the biggest hotspot is the fast fashion business model; social responsibility, smart fashion, Internet of Things, and sharing fashion are the main emerging hotspots; and the research focuses has evolved from traditional business models to business models driven by new technologies, then to new issues such as circular economy models. The institutions are mainly distributed in China, the United States, and Western Europe, and there is cooperation between more than 11 countries. The most popular disciplines are economics and politics, while psychology, education, and social science are the essential basic disciplines. The Journal of Cleaner Production and Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, among others, actively promoted the research.
Graphic Reading Performance of Students with Visual Impairments and Its Implication for Instruction and Assessment
Authors: Zebehazy Kim T. , Wilton Adam P.
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

The ability of students to engage with graphical materials supports learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics areas. For students with visual impairments, understanding the factors that contribute to the effective interpretation of graphics can promote meaningful access to the curricula.

Methods:

Forty students with visual impairments completed multiple-choice question tasks for five types of graphics presented in their medium of choice and provided difficulty ratings. The teachers of students with visual impairments rated the students on several factors. Statistical analyses investigated the relationship between performance differences and teacher-rated factors.

Results:

Significant differences in performance between print and tactile graphics users were found for bar graph, map, and total correct responses on all tasks. For some tasks, perceived difficulty by tactile graphic users did not align with actual performance. Teachers’ ratings of students who had Individualized Education Program goals for graphics, independence in using graphics, problem-solving ability, mathematics ability, and frequency of engaging with graphics contributed to significant differences in performance across total correct and most individual graphic results.

Discussion:

Although medium type was a significant contributor across graphic types, some teacher-rated variables appeared to mitigate the importance of medium on student performance. Depending on the graphic type, experience, content knowledge, skills with graphics, and confidence and motivation can all affect student performance when interpreting graphics.

Implications for practitioners:

Teachers should provide students with early and frequent opportunities to engage with graphics and support their problem-solving abilities regarding how to engage with different graphic types to enhance their independent use of graphics.
Sexually transmitted infections among HIV serodiscordant partners: A secondary analysis of HIV Prevention Trial Network 052
Authors: Chagomerana Maganizo B , Hosseinipour Mina C , Pilotto Jose Henrique , Badal-Faesen Sharlaa , Nyirenda Mulinda , Shava Emily , Godbole Sheela V , Akelo Victor , Chariyalertsak Suwat , Panchia Ravindre , Cohen Myron
Published: July 2021

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a public health concern because of their interaction(s) with HIV. In the HPTN 052 study, STIs were evaluated in both HIV-positive index cases and their HIV-negative partners at enrollment and at yearly follow-up visits. Our definition for STI was based on any infection with Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, syphilis, or Trichomonas vaginalis. We used log-binomial regression models to identify factors associated with prevalent STIs. Generalized estimating equation models with the Poisson distribution were used to compare STI incidence between HIV-positive index cases and HIV-negative partners. 8.1% of the participants had STIs at enrollment. The prevalence of STIs (8.9 vs. 7.2) was higher in HIV-positive index cases than HIV-negative partners. Being female (prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.20–2.16) or unmarried (PR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.17–3.14) was associated with prevalent STIs. Compared to HIV-negative male partners, HIV-positive female index cases had a higher risk of STI acquisition (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.70–2.97). While we are implementing HIV prevention interventions for HIV-negative people, we should also intensify targeted STI prevention interventions, especially among HIV-positive women.
Global Variation in Subjective Well-Being Predicts Seven Forms of Altruism
Authors: Rhoads Shawn A. , Gunter Devon , Ryan Rebecca M. , Marsh Abigail A.
Published: July 2021

The geographic prevalence of various altruistic behaviors (nonreciprocal acts that improve other people’s welfare) is not uniformly distributed, but whether this reflects variation in a superordinate construct linked to national-level outcomes or cultural values is unknown. We compiled data on seven altruistic behaviors across 48 to 152 nations and found evidence that these behaviors reflect a latent construct positively associated with national-level subjective well-being (SWB) and individualist values, even when we controlled for national-level wealth, health, education, and shared cultural history. Consistent with prior work, our results showed that SWB mediated the relationship between two objective measures of well-being (wealth and health) and altruism ( n = 130). Moreover, these indirect effects increased as individualist values increased within the subset of countries ( n = 90) with available data. Together, our results indicate that altruism increases when resources and cultural values provide objective and subjective means for pursuing personally meaningful goals and that altruistic behaviors may be enhanced by societal changes that promote well-being.
Introduction to the special issue: multiple jobholding in Europe
Authors: Conen Wieteke , Schulze Buschoff Karin
Published: July 2021

In a number of European countries there is a clear trend towards increased multiple jobholding. As things stand, however, little is known about the structure and the potential consequences of this increase, notably in terms of quality of work and social protection. This special issue focuses on contemporary forms of multiple jobholding in Europe. Have the structure, nature and dynamics of multiple jobholding changed over time? What are the roles of labour market flexibility, technological change and work fragmentation in the development of multiple jobholding? And do multiple jobholders benefit from similar and adequate employment terms, conditions and protections compared with single jobholders, or are they worse off as a consequence of their (fragmented) employment situation? What implications do these findings have for unions, policy-makers and the regulation of work? The collection of articles in this special issue adds to the literature on emerging forms of employment in the digital age and challenges for social protection, also in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This introduction initiates a discussion of central debates on multiple jobholding and presents a synopsis of the articles in this issue.
Implementation of a Surgical Intensivist Model Increases Palliative Care Consultation in the Care of Trauma ICU Patients
Authors: Kirkland Kevin D. , Chabanon-Hicks Chloe , Acquista Elizabeth
Published: July 2021

Objective:

This study investigated patient outcomes of care before and after transitioning to a surgical intensivist-led trauma-intensive care unit (ICU) team. The intensivist team provided daily multidisciplinary rounds and continuity of care. Prior to an intensivist model, general surgeons cared for trauma patients admitted to the unit.

Methods:

Outcomes of 1,078 trauma patients, admitted to the ICU at a Level II trauma center, under care of general surgeons (1/2011-8/2012, n = 449) were retrospectively compared with care managed by a surgical intensivist team (1/2013-5/2015, n = 629) by Pearson Chi-squared and Wilcoxon tests. A multivariable logistic regression technique was used to control for covariates. Demographics and injury severity were analyzed. The primary outcome was ICU mortality. The secondary outcomes were length of stay (LOS), ventilator-free and ICU-free days, and ICU readmission rate. Other data collected included palliative care consultation. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in ICU mortality (P = 0.055), hospital LOS (P = 0.481), ventilator-free days (P = 0.174), or ICU readmission rate (P = 0.587). The surgical intensivist team consulted palliative care more frequently (4.0% vs 13.5%, P < 0.001), while managing more trauma patients who were older than 65 years (P < 0.001) with lower Glasgow Coma Scale (P = 0.048) and higher injury severity (P = 0.025) and abbreviated injury scale (P < 0.001) scores.

Discussion:

There were no differences in outcomes. However, incorporating palliative care consultation in the ICU is essential in the support of critically ill patients and their families. These data demonstrate that a surgical intensivist team utilized palliative care more often in the management of trauma patients admitted to the ICU.
The Instructional Goals of the School Leadership Program: Future School Leaders’ and Educational Leadership Professors’ Perspectives1
Authors: Shen Jianping , Hsieh Chia-Lin
Published: July 2021

Through analyzing data from 147 professors of educational leadership and 457 future school leaders in a national sample, the study (a) inquired into the di mensionality of the instructional goals of the school leadership program and (b) com pared the importance of these instructional goals as perceived by the two groups. It was found that the respondents perceived there were multidimensions to the instruc tional goals of the school leadership program and that there was more similarity than difference between the two groups. Implications of the findings were discussed in terms of developing and improving the school leadership program.
Distance Learning in Educational Administration Doctoral Programs: The Wave of the Future?
Authors: Hackmann Donald G. , Berry James E.
Published: July 2021

Survey research was conducted to determine the status of distance learning in educational administration doctoral programming. Results from 109 institutions (55.9% response rate) indicated approximately one-half use some form of distance learning, defined as off-campus courses, interactive video, and Internet-based courses, and approximately 60% intend to offer distance learning in the future. Distance learning in educational administration appears to be initiated in response to student requests or institutional demands. When implementing courses utilizing distance learning programming, faculty concerns primarily revolve around five issues: demands on faculty, resource availability, program quality, technical issues, and program costs.
Human Factors Evaluation of Energy Visualization Dashboards
Authors: Nimbarte Ashish D. , Smith Nathaniel , Gopalakrishnan Bhaskaran
Published: July 2021

Energy visualization systems provide information about use in real-time to assist users with energy efficiency. In this study, three energy visualization dashboards for small businesses were developed and tested. Performance measurement, NASA Task Load Index (TLX) workload assessment, and posttest survey were used to conduct the usability testing. Compared with the dashboards that were designed using line charts and tables, a dashboard designed using visuals (e.g., gauges, pie charts, and flashing lights) produced quicker response time, lower mental and temporal demand and effort ratings, and higher ratings of engagement, interest, and trustworthiness.
Testing Psychology of Working Theory Among Spanish-Speaking Latinx Workers in the U.S.
Authors: Autin Kelsey L. , Shelton Andrew J. , Diaz Tapia Willy Anthony , Garcia Roberto G. , Cadenas Germán A.
Published: July 2021

Psychology of Working Theory (PWT) has recently gained empirical support; however, its assumptions have yet to be tested for cultural responsiveness in Latinx communities, one of the fastest-growing worker populations in the U.S. The current study had two major aims: (a) to translate and validate instruments measuring PWT constructs from English into Spanish, and (b) to test theorized PWT predictors of decent work in a sample of Latinx workers ( N = 287). First, we translated and validated instruments measuring economic constraints, lifetime marginalization, work volition, and decent work using confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). We then tested a structural model predicting decent work. Results partially supported PWT hypotheses, suggesting its utility and cultural responsiveness in studying the work patterns and conditions in Latinx communities. Practical implications are discussed.
Urban Political Development and the Social Construction of Interests: The Case of Chicago's Dearborn Park
Authors: Rast Joel
Published: July 2021

Studies of political power and governance in U.S. cities have long been dominated by political economy approaches in which the material interests of political actors are seen as the principal drivers of preferences and behavior. More recently, scholars from the emerging field of urban political development have questioned this view, arguing that ideas may play an important role—along with material factors—in determining what actors desire. Less understood, however, is where ideas of this nature come from. This article identifies social learning as one possible source. Social learning can be understood as a change in perceptions and behavior that results from experiences of some kind that provide important policy lessons. Through a case study of a near-downtown housing development in Chicago, I show how social learning caused actors to reinterpret their interests and behave in ways contrary to what materialist arguments would predict.
A Longitudinal Study of the Effects of Academy Socialization on Police Integrity
Authors: Schuck Amie M. , Rabe-Hemp Cara E.
Published: July 2021

The objective of this study was to examine changes in American recruits’ perceptions of the seriousness of behaviors related to police integrity from the beginning to the end of their academy training. Using a sample of 655 recruits from multiple academies in the United States, multilevel growth models were used. The results showed that the recruits rated scales related to misconduct, code of silence, and a noble cause less seriously at the end than at the beginning of their training. The results also showed that ethics training mitigated the effects of socialization, while organizational injustice intensified the effects of socialization. Female recruits rated the behaviors more seriously at the beginning and the end of training compared to male recruits. The results confirm the role of the academy in socializing officers into the negative aspects of the traditional police culture and highlight important avenues for police reform.
Exposure-enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for adolescents with binge eating: An initial case series
Authors: Manasse Stephanie M , Lampe Elizabeth W , Abber Sophie R , Butler Rachel , Gillikin Lindsay , Trainor Claire
Published: July 2021

Binge eating (BE) often develops during adolescence and is associated with deleterious psychological and physical consequences. Current treatments for adolescents achieve suboptimal results, likely due to failure to adequately address fear of weight gain (FOWG) which maintains BE. Thus, exposure treatment (the most powerful intervention for fear) may be a promising approach. However, exposure treatment has only minimally tested in adults with BE and never tested in adolescents. Thus, the current study is the first to evaluate a 4-session exposure module within a 12-session standard cognitive behavioral therapy for adolescents with BE. We recruited adolescents with BE ( N = 5) and examined treatment feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects on FOWG and eating pathology. Overall, the 4-session exposure module was feasible and acceptable and showed preliminary evidence that it could reduce FOWG. However, several participants did not endorse significant fears of weight gain; rather, these participants reported that fears of deprivation or social judgment were more related to their BE. Future research should test higher doses of exposure and further examine the role of fear of deprivation/social judgment. Finally, future iterations of this treatment could include more parent involvement or test exposure in combination with treatments other than cognitive behavioral therapy, such as family-based treatment.
More diverse, more politically varied: How social media, search engines and aggregators shape news repertoires in the United Kingdom
Authors: Fletcher Richard , Kalogeropoulos Antonis , Nielsen Rasmus Kleis
Published: July 2021

There is still much to learn about how the rise of new, ‘distributed’, forms of news access through search engines, social media and aggregators are shaping people’s news use. We analyse passive web tracking data from the United Kingdom to make a comparison between direct access (primarily determined by self-selection) and distributed access (determined by a combination of self-selection and algorithmic selection). We find that (1) people who use search engines, social media and aggregators for news have more diverse news repertoires. However, (2) social media, search engine and aggregator news use is also associated with repertoires where more partisan outlets feature more prominently. The findings add to the growing evidence challenging the existence of filter bubbles, and highlight alternative ways of characterizing people’s online news use.
Operation of a turbine-compound free-piston linear alternator
Authors: Lee Chang-Ping , Borgnakke Claus , Durrett Russell
Published: July 2021

A free-piston linear-alternator combined with combustion chambers has been examined in many studies. However, only simplified thermodynamic and mechanical models were developed to mimic the actual behavior of the free-piston engine. The purpose of this study is to establish a fully dynamic model that can calculate the energy transformation under the operation of the free-piston engine. The Matlab/Simulink® model uses non-constant-volume combustion event, the piston transient dynamics, flow, heat losses, and thermodynamics as bridges to connect control volumes. The model successfully captured the behavior and measurements of a GS-34 free-piston engine, based on a thermodynamic calculation calibrated with experimental data. The resulting model is used for a series of parametric studies to understand the very complex system behavior, including low load operation. Operation parameters (injection timing and bounce chamber mass) are optimized to generate the engine map for different alternator sizes. At the end, the advantages of the opposed free-piston engine with a linear alternator are presented through the energy analysis.
Physical activity and exercise as an essential medical strategy for the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond
Authors: Seman Stefan , Dražilov Sanja Srzentic , Ilić Vladimir , Tešić Milorad , Stojiljković Stanimir , Arena Ross , Popović Dejana
Published: July 2021

COVID-19 disease has been a problem in today’s society, which has worldwide effects on different areas, especially on the economy; also, from a health perspective, the disease affects the daily life quality. Physical activity is one major positive factor with regard to enhancing life quality, as it can improve the whole psychological, social, and physical health conditions. Current measures such as social distancing are focused on preventing the viral spread. However, the consequences on other areas are yet to be investigated. Elderly, people with chronic diseases, obese, and others benefit largely from exercise from the perspective of improved health, and preventive measures can drastically improve daily living. In this article, we elaborate the effects of exercise on the immune system and the possible strategies that can be implemented toward greater preventive potential.
Staged Head and Neck Reconstruction: Heresy or a Reasoned Approach in a Select Group of Patients?
Authors: Urken Mark. L. , O’Malley Quinn , Sandler Mykayla , Xing Monica H. , Ansari Edward , Mundi Neil , Buchbinder Daniel , Alon Eran , Okay Devin
Published: July 2021

Study Design:

case series.

Objective:

The restoration of defects in a single procedure with microvascular free flap reconstruction has become a mainstay of head and neck surgery. Yet in patients with complex defects and pre-existing comorbid medical conditions, a staged-reconstructive approach can enhance the safety of the procedure and improve the patient’s outcome.

Methods:

We present 3 representative case examples of a larger series of patients who underwent reconstruction of major defects and discuss the usefulness of a staged-reconstructive approach in the management of complex patients.

Results:

All 3 patients, with an existing composite defect in the setting of prior radiation therapy, underwent successful staged-reconstructive surgery using a variety of free tissue and regional flap transfers.

Conclusions:

A staged approach facilitates the reconstruction of complex composite defects, increases vessel availability, and mitigates the risk of flap failure. Although this approach commits the patient to multiple procedures and a more prolonged plan of care, it is preferable to 1 operation in specific complex situations with adverse, high-risk clinical features.
Quantification of the relative arm use in patients with hemiparesis using inertial measurement units
Authors: David Ann , ReethaJanetSureka StephenSukumaran , Gayathri Sankaralingam , Annamalai Salai Jeyseelan , Samuelkamleshkumar Selvaraj , Kuruvilla Anju , Magimairaj Henry Prakash , Varadhan SKM , Balasubramanian Sivakumar
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Accelerometry-based activity counting for measuring arm use is prone to overestimation due to non-functional movements. In this paper, we used an inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based gross movement (GM) score to quantify arm use.

Methods

In this two-part study, we first characterized the GM by comparing it to annotated video recordings of 5 hemiparetic patients and 10 control subjects performing a set of activities. In the second part, we tracked the arm use of 5 patients and 5 controls using two wrist-worn IMUs for 7 and 3 days, respectively. The IMU data was used to develop quantitative measures (total and relative arm use) and a visualization method for arm use.

Results

From the characterization study, we found that GM detects functional activities with 50–60% accuracy and eliminates non-functional activities with >90% accuracy. Continuous monitoring of arm use showed that the arm use was biased towards the dominant limb and less paretic limb for controls and patients, respectively.

Conclusions

The gross movement score has good specificity but low sensitivity in identifying functional activity. The at-home study showed that it is feasible to use two IMU-watches to monitor relative arm use and provided design considerations for improving the assessment method. Clinical trial registry number: CTRI/2018/09/015648
Dartanan: Prototype evaluations of a serious game to engage children in the calibration of their hearing aid functionalities
Authors: Hallewell Madeline , Salanitri Davide , D’Cruz Mirabelle , Cobb Sue , Picinali Lorenzo , Frost Emily , Tamascelli Stefano , Patel Harshada ,   On behalf of the 3D Tune-In project consortium
Published: July 2021

Introduction

It is notoriously difficult to obtain a perfect fitting of hearing aids (HAs) for children as they often struggle to understand their hearing loss well enough to discuss the fitting adequately with their audiologist. Dartanan is an ‘edutainment’ game developed to help children understand the functions of their HA in different sound contexts. Dartanan also has elements of a leisure game for all children, in order to create an inclusive activity.

Methods

Game prototypes were evaluated during two formative evaluations and a summative evaluation. In total 106 children with and without hearing loss in Italy, Spain and the UK played Dartanan. A built-in virtual HA enabled children with hearing loss to use headphones to play. Results and conclusions: During the formative stages, feedback was discussed during focus groups on factors such as the audiological aspects, the extent to which children learned about HA functions, accessibility and usability, and this feedback was presented to the developers. After redevelopment, a summative evaluation was performed using an online survey. It was concluded that the game had met the goals of helping children understand their HA functionalities and providing an inclusive activity. User-evaluations were crucial in the development of the app into a useful and useable service.
Exploring Relationships Between Family Firms’ Market Orientation and Innovation: Proposition of a Conceptual Framework
Authors: Chaudhary Sanjay , Sangroya Deepak , Nema Priyanka
Published: July 2021

This conceptual article uses dynamic capability theory in small family firms with an aim to provide insights into the market orientation–innovation relationship. The research article synthesizes existing findings from the existing literature on the streams of strategy, marketing and family firms, and proposes an integrated theoretical framework comprising market orientation, potential absorptive capacity, realized absorptive capacity, explorative and exploitation innovation. Furthermore, it addresses existing research questions on the links among constructs and proposes several relationships that may advance current organizational innovation literature. This research article initiates the process of empirical examination of small family firms’ innovation process through this theoretical model. The dynamic capability theory adopted here provides managers with the knowledge on the market orientation–innovation process relationship and dimensions of absorptive capacity that are important for initiating and successfully adopting the innovation process. This research article also fulfils the identified gap in the literature. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first that brings together and applies research findings from the strategy and marketing literature in small firms’ context and proposes an integrated approach to understand the market orientation–innovation relationship.
A Factor Analysis of the Entrepreneurial Success, Motivation andProblems Faced: The Case of Chinese Entrepreneurs
Authors: Gok Kubilay , Kara Orhan , Lakshman Sangeetha , Demirtas Ozgur , Chu Hung M.
Published: July 2021

We examined the following factors in this study of Chinese entrepreneurs’ success: entrepreneurial motivation, success factors, start-up challenges, business growth, the role of family and social network in reducing stress, and professional satisfaction. In this study, we examined Chinese entrepreneurs for their motivations to start a business, factors that support their success, problems that occur during start-up and growth of the business, the role of family and social network in creating a less stressful working environment, and the overall level of satisfaction with their profession. Results indicate that economic worries were the most important reason for starting one’s own business than career and personal motives. Chinese small and medium-sized enterprise(SME) owners cited honesty and customer relations as the other most important factors in their success. Additionally, Chinese entrepreneurs rated employee-related problems as the most critical problem among all problems we asked in the survey. Results also showed that the gender of the entrepreneurs we sampled was not a significant differentiating factor in identifying entrepreneurial motivations.
The Use of Split Temporalis Muscle Flap in Maxillofacial Reconstruction
Authors: Marwan Hisham , Hardman Caleb
Published: July 2021

Study Design:

Case Report.

Objective:

The Temporalis muscle (TM) Flap is a reliable, versatile flap with adequate bulk and flexibility. However, temporal hollowing is the most common postoperative complication after harvesting the flap. We describe a surgical modification for harvesting the split TM flap to prevent postoperative temporal hollowing and report 2 cases with up to 18 months of follow-up.

Method:

This study discusses the posterior ⅔ split temporalis muscle flap in preventing temporal hollowing. We report 2 well-documented cases with up to 18 months of postoperative follow-up. Also, the authors discuss the key points regarding the technique’s indication and limitation.

Results:

The posterior ⅔ split temporalis muscle flap is reliable in both benign and malignant disease processes. The results demonstrate the flap’s reliability with minimum donor site morbidity.

Conclusion:

The use of the posterior ⅔ of the TM flap is a viable technique to prevent the flap’s harvest’s temporal hollowing.
ets1 associates with KMT5A to participate in high glucose-mediated EndMT via upregulation of PFN2 expression in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Lu Lihong , Zhong Ziwen , Gu Jiahui , Nan Ke , Zhu Minmin , Miao Changhong
Published: July 2021

Background

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is currently the leading cause of end-stage renal disease globally. The endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) of glomerular endothelial cells has been reported to play a crucial role in DN. As a specific form of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, EndMT and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition may exhibit mutual modulators. Profilin 2 (PFN2) has been reported to participate in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Moreover, ETS proto-oncogene 1 (ets1) and lysine methyltransferase 5A (KMT5A) have been reported to contribute to high glucose-mediated endothelial injury and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. In this study, we hypothesize ets1 associates with KMT5A to modulate PFN2 transcription, thus participating in high glucose-mediated EndMT in glomerular endothelial cells.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to detect protein levels in the kidney tissues and/or aorta tissues of human subjects and rats. Western blot, qPCR and immunofluorescence were performed using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays and dual luciferase assays were performed to assess transcriptional activity. The difference between the groups was compared by two-tailed unpaired t-tests or one-way ANOVAs.

Results

Our data indicated that vimentin, αSMA, S100A4 and PFN2 levels were increased, and CD31 levels were reduced in glomerular endothelial cells of DN patients and rats. Our cell experiments showed that high glucose induced EndMT by augmenting PFN2 expression in HUVECs. Moreover, high glucose increased ets1 expression. si-ets1 suppressed high glucose-induced PFN2 levels and EndMT. ets1 overexpression-mediated EndMT was reversed by si-PFN2. Furthermore, ets1 was determined to associate with KMT5A. High glucose attenuated KMT5A levels and histone H4 lysine 20 methylation (H4K20me1), one of the downstream targets of KMT5A. KMT5A upregulation suppressed high glucose-induced PFN2 levels and EndMT. sh-KMT5A-mediated EndMT was counteracted by si-PFN2. Furthermore, H4K20me1 and ets1 occupied the PFN2 promoter region. sh-KMT5A cooperated with ets1 overexpression to activate PFN2 promoter activity. Our in vivo study demonstrated that KMT5A was reduced, while ets1 was augmented, in glomerular endothelial cells of DN patients and rats.

Conclusions

The present study indicated that ets1 cooperated with KMT5A to transcribe PFN2, thus contributing to hyperglycemia-induced EndMT in the glomerular endothelial cells of DN patients and rats.

Trial registrationChiCTR, ChiCTR2000029425. 2020/1/31,http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=48548