bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teacher Educators’ Funds of Knowledge for the Preparation of Future Teachers
Authors: Banegas Darío Luis
Published: December 2020

The aim of this qualitative study is to examine the funds of knowledge that a group of teacher educators drew on as means of professional development and quality provision. The study was carried out with 13 teacher educators working at a pre-service English language teacher education (ELTE) programme in Argentina. Data were collected between 2014 and 2019 by means of interviews and an arts-based form instrument called significant circle. Findings show that the teacher educators deployed a wide range of individual-based as well as community-based funds of knowledge to enhance their knowledge of English language teaching and evidence-based practice. Based on the findings, a taxonomy is proposed to understand teacher educators’ funds of knowledge.
Necrotizing Bacterial Rhinitis in an Immunocompromised Patient
Authors: Poutoglidis Alexandros , Tsetsos Nikolaos , Vakouli Stella , Fyrmpas Georgios
Published: December 2020

Specific bacterial infections can cause rapid necrosis of the nasal mucosa in immunocompromised patients, mimicking an invasive fungal infection. The exclusion of the latter is a priority because rapid deterioration and death may ensue within hours to days. The time lag between investigations and final diagnosis warrants empiric administration of Amphotericin B but patients are exposed to significant side effects. Histopathology and culture of the nasal tissues provide the necessary diagnostic clues to avoid inappropriate treatment.
Unit-Level Counterproductive Work Behavior (CWB): A Conceptual Review and Quantitative Summary
Authors: Carpenter Nichelle C. , Whitman Daniel S. , Amrhein Rachel
Published: December 2020

Despite assumptions that counterproductive work behavior (CWB) leads to detrimental outcomes for organizations, most of the existing CWB research focuses on outcomes for the individual employee. In the present study, we clarify fundamental issues regarding unit-level CWB, including its definition and how it is distinct from individual-level CWB. We then use social information-processing (SIP) theory as a lens to articulate our hypotheses regarding the factors associated with unit-level CWB’s emergence (e.g., collective attitudes, human resources practices, leadership) as well as its relationship with unit-level performance (e.g., profit, customer satisfaction). We use meta-analysis (representing 7,110 units and over 391,000 employees) to test our hypotheses. Our results show that unit-level CWB is significantly related to antecedents such as collective job attitudes, the use of strategic human resource management practices (e.g., staffing, training, rewards), and collective perceptions of the work environment (e.g., unit-level fairness perceptions). Moreover, we demonstrate that unit-level CWB is empirically linked to unit-level productivity (ρ = −.23), turnover (ρ = .22), customer satisfaction (ρ = −.26), and profit (ρ = −.31), which verifies the detrimental consequences of CWB at the strategic level. We conclude with a detailed discussion of the theoretical and practical implications of this study as well as a clear plan for future research.
Automated Pleural Line Detection Based on Radon Transform Using Ultrasound
Authors: Chen Jiangang , Li Jiawei , He Chao , Li Wenfang , Li Qingli
Published: December 2020

It is of vital importance to identify the pleural line when performing lung ultrasound, as the pleural line not only indicates the interface between the chest wall and lung, but offers additional diagnostic information. In the current clinical practice, the pleural line is visually detected and evaluated by clinicians, which requires experiences and skills with challenges for the novice. In this study, we developed a computer-aided technique for automated pleural line detection using ultrasound. The method first utilized the Radon transform to detect line objects in the ultrasound images. The relation of the body mass index and chest wall thickness was then applied to estimate the range of the pleural thickness, based on which the pleural line was detected together with the consideration of the ultrasonic properties of the pleural line. The proposed method was validated by testing 83 ultrasound data sets collected from 21 pneumothorax patients. The pleural lines were successfully identified in 76 data sets by the automated method (successful detection rate 91.6%). In those successful cases, the depths of the pleural lines measured by the automated method agreed with those manually measured as confirmed with the Bland-Altman test. The measurement errors were below 5% in terms of the pleural line depth. As a conclusion, the proposed method could detect the pleural line in an automated manner in the defined data set. In addition, the method may potentially act as an alternative to visual inspection after further tests on more diverse data sets are performed in future studies.
Computation of Photoacoustic Absorber Size from Deconvolved Photoacoustic Signal Using Estimated System Impulse Response
Authors: Rathi Nikita , Sinha Saugata , Chinni Bhargava , Dogra Vikram , Rao Navalgund
Published: December 2020

Photoacoustic signal recorded by photoacoustic imaging system can be modeled as convolution of initial photoacoustic response by the photoacoustic absorber with the system impulse response. Our goal was to compute the size of photoacoustic absorber using the initial photoacoustic response, deconvolved from the recorded photoacoustic data. For deconvolution, we proposed to use the impulse response of the photoacoustic system, estimated using discrete wavelet transform based homomorphic filtering. The proposed method was implemented on experimentally acquired photoacoustic data generated by different phantoms and also verified by a simulation study involving photoacoustic targets, identical to the phantoms in experimental study. The photoacoustic system impulse response, which was estimated using the acquired photoacoustic signal corresponding to a lead pencil, was used to extract initial photoacoustic response corresponding to a mustard seed of 0.65 mm radius. The recovered radius values of the mustard seed, corresponding to the experimental and simulation studies were 0.6 mm and 0.7 mm.
Design and implementation of FLC system for fault ride-through capability enhancement in PMSG-wind systems
Authors: Metwally Mahmoud Mohamed , Salama Hossam S , Aly Mohamed M , Abdel-Rahim Abdel-Moamen M
Published: December 2020

Fault ride-through (FRT) capability enhancement for the growth of renewable energy generators has become a crucial issue for their incorporation into the electricity grid to provide secure, reliable, and efficient electricity. This paper presents a new FRT capability scheme for a permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG)-based wind energy generation system using a hybrid solution. The hybrid solution is a combination of a braking chopper (BC) and a fuzzy logic controller (FLC). All proportional-integral (PI) controllers which control the generator and grid side converters are replaced with FLC. Moreover, a BC system is connected to the dc link to improve the dynamic response of the PMSG during fault conditions. The PMSG was evaluated on a three-phase fault that occurs on an electrical network in three scenarios. In the first two scenarios, a BC is used with a PI controller and FLC respectively. While the third scenario uses only FLC without a BC. The obtained results showed that the suggested solution can not only enhance the FRT capability of the PMSG but also can diminish the occurrence of hardware systems and reduce their impact on the PMSG system. The simulation tests are performed using MATLAB/SIMULINK software.
Longer Residence in the United States is Associated With More Physical Function Limitations in African Immigrant Older Adults
Authors: Nkimbeng Manka , Commodore-Mensah Yvonne , Angel Jacqueline L. , Bandeen-Roche Karen , Thorpe Roland J. , Han Hae-Ra , Winch Peter J. , Szanton Sarah L.
Published: December 2020

Acculturation and racial discrimination have been independently associated with physical function limitations in immigrant and United States (U.S.)-born populations. This study examined the relationships among acculturation, racial discrimination, and physical function limitations in N = 165 African immigrant older adults using multiple linear regression. The mean age was 62 years ( SD = 8 years), and 61% were female. Older adults who resided in the United States for 10 years or more had more physical function limitations compared with those who resided here for less than 10 years ( b = −2.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [–5.01, –0.23]). Compared to lower discrimination, those with high discrimination had more physical function limitations ( b = −2.51, 95% CI = [–4.91, –0.17]), but this was no longer significant after controlling for length of residence and acculturation strategy. Residing in the United States for more than 10 years is associated with poorer physical function. Longitudinal studies with large, diverse samples of African immigrants are needed to confirm these associations.
Sleep Behaviors in Persons With Alzheimer’s Disease: Associations With Caregiver Sleep and Affect
Authors: Mather Molly A. , Laws Holly B. , Dixon Jasmine S. , Ready Rebecca E. , Akerstedt Anna M.
Published: December 2020

Poor sleep in persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common stressor for family caregivers. Retrospective reports support associations between sleep disturbance in persons with AD and worse caregiver mood; however, prospective associations between sleep in persons with AD and caregiver outcomes have not been studied. The current study determined associations between affect and sleep of persons with AD and their caregivers using daily diary data. Multilevel mediation models indicated that sleep in persons with AD is linked to caregiver affect; furthermore, these associations are mediated by sleep characteristics in caregivers and affect in persons with AD. Daily fluctuations in sleep behaviors in persons with AD—rather than average values—were most strongly associated with caregiver outcomes. Interventions to improve sleep in persons with AD may decrease their negative affect and improve caregiver mood.
Factors Influencing Nurse Assistants’ Job Satisfaction in Nursing Homes in Canada and Spain: A Comparison of Two Cross-Sectional Observational Studies
Authors: McGilton Katherine S. , Stewart Steven , Bethell Jennifer , Chu Charlene H. , Mateos Jose T. , Pastells-Peiró Roland , Blanco-Blanco Joan , Rodriguez-Monforte Miriam , Escrig-Pinol Astrid , Gea-Sánchez Montserrat
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

To access associations between job satisfaction and supervisory support as moderated by stress.

Methods:

For this cross-sectional study, data collected from 591 nursing assistants in 42 nursing homes in Canada and Spain were analyzed with mixed-effects regression.

Results:

In both countries, stress related to residents’ behaviors was negatively associated with job satisfaction, and, in Canada, it moderated the positive association between supervisory support and job satisfaction. Stress related to family conflict issues moderated the positive association of supervisory support and job satisfaction differently in each location: in Canada, greater stress was associated with a weaker association between supervisory support and job satisfaction; in Spain, this was also observed but only when supervisory support was sufficiently weak.

Discussion:

Stress was associated with lower job satisfaction and moderated the association of supervisory support and job satisfaction, reinforcing the importance of supervisors supporting nursing assistants, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
An ethical approach to considering family presence during COVID-19
Authors: Bardon Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has required healthcare organizations to introduce risk mitigation strategies that challenge usual family presence (visitor) policies. Policies within healthcare must be viewed from an ethical lens, which includes ensuring that the patient voice helps guide decision-making. In considering pandemic-specific family presence policies, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, an academic tertiary care hospital in Southeastern Ontario, applied an ethical framework for decision-making. The various tensions between the values of duty to provide care, protection of the public from harm, transparency, proportionality, and patient-centred care are highlighted in a discussion of how patient partners contributed to decision-making about family presence in the first 9 months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cerliponase Alfa for the Treatment of Atypical Phenotypes of CLN2 Disease: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Wibbeler Eva , Wang Raymond , Reyes Emily de los , Specchio Nicola , Gissen Paul , Guelbert Norberto , Nickel Miriam , Schwering Christoph , Lehwald Lenora , Trivisano Marina , Lee Laura , Amato Gianni , Cohen-Pfeffer Jessica , Shediac Renée , Leal-Pardinas Fernanda , Schulz Angela
Published: December 2020

Background:

The classic phenotype of CLN2 disease (neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2) typically manifests between ages 2 and 4 years with a predictable clinical course marked by epilepsy, language developmental delay, and rapid psychomotor decline. Atypical phenotypes exhibit variable time of onset, symptomatology, and/or progression. Intracerebroventricular-administered cerliponase alfa (rhTPP1 enzyme) has been shown to stabilize motor and language function loss in patients with classic CLN2 disease, but its impact on individuals with atypical phenotypes has not been described.

Methods:

A chart review was conducted of 14 patients (8 male, 6 female) with atypical CLN2 phenotypes who received cerliponase alfa. Pre- and posttreatment CLN2 Clinical Rating Scale Motor and Language (ML) domain scores were compared.

Results:

Median age at first presenting symptom was 5.9 years. First reported symptoms were language abnormalities (6 [43%] patients), seizures (4 [29%]), ataxia/language abnormalities (3 [21%]), and ataxia alone (1 [7%]). Median age at diagnosis was 10.8 years. ML score declined before treatment in 13 (93%) patients. Median age at treatment initiation was 11.7 years; treatment duration ranged from 11 to 58 months. From treatment start, ML score remained stable in 11 patients (treatment duration 11-43 months), improved 1 point in 1 patient after 13 months, and declined 1 point in 2 patients after 15 and 58 months, respectively. There were 13 device-related infections in 8 patients (57%) and 10 hypersensitivity reactions in 6 (43%).

Conclusions:

Cerliponase alfa is well tolerated and has the potential to stabilize motor and language function in patients with atypical phenotypes of CLN2 disease.
Embedding 3D Printed Filaments with Knitted Textiles: Investigation of Bonding Parameters
Authors: Goncu-Berk Gozde , Karacan Burak , Balkis Ilke
Published: December 2020

The advancements in additive manufacturing technology and new materials paved the way for 3D printed textile-like structures. However, achieving the comfort and fit of traditional textiles and joining of the 3D printed segments have been challenging. Embedding 3D printed polymers with textiles using fused deposition modeling offers possibilities for innovative hybrid structures and end-products without compromising on the flexibility and unique qualities of the traditional textiles. This study investigates 3D printing of flexible thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer and rigid polylactic acid filaments on polyester and polyamide knitted textiles, and on laminated neoprene textiles. Perpendicular and shear tensile strength are tested before and after washing the samples manufactured by direct deposition of different filaments onto different textiles in multiple 3D forms. Results show that TPU filament is compatible with all textile surfaces and neoprene shows the best adhesion with all filament types before and after washing.
JUUL E-Cigarette Quit Attempts and Cessation Perceptions in College Student JUUL E-Cigarette Users
Authors: Pulvers Kim , Correa John B. , Krebs Paul , El Shahawy Omar , Marez Crystal , Doran Neal , Myers Mark
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

This study describes the frequency of JUUL e-cigarette (referred to as JUUL) quit attempts and identifies characteristics associated with confidence in quitting and perceived difficulty quitting JUUL.

Design:

Cross-sectional study from a self-administered online survey.

Setting:

Two public southern California universities.

Participants:

A total of 1,001 undergraduate students completed the survey from February to May 2019.

Measures:

Self-report measures about JUUL included use, history of quit attempts, time to first use, perceived difficulty with cessation/reduction, and confidence in quitting.

Analysis:

Binary logistic regressions were used to identify demographic and tobacco-related behavioral correlates of JUUL cessation-related perceptions and behaviors.

Results:

Nearly half of ever-JUUL users (47.8%) reported a JUUL quit attempt. Adjusting for demographic factors and other tobacco product use, shorter time to first JUUL use after waking was associated with lower confidence in quitting JUUL (aOR = 0.02, 0.00-0.13) and greater perceived difficulty in quitting JUUL (aOR = 8.08, 2.15-30.35). Previous JUUL quit attempt history was also associated with greater odds of perceived difficulty quitting JUUL (aOR = 5.97, 1.74-20.53).

Conclusions:

History of JUUL quit attempts among college students was common. Those who had previously tried quitting were more likely to perceive difficulty with cessation. Time to first JUUL use, a marker of dependence, was linked with greater perceived cessation difficulty and lower confidence in quitting. These findings suggest that there is a need for cessation and relapse prevention support for college student JUUL users.
Axial stiffness identification of a ball screw feed system using generalized frequency response functions
Authors: Zhou Hua , Long Xinhua , Meng Guang , Dong Xingjian
Published: December 2020

Contact of balls in screw nuts and bearings causes the nonlinearity of a ball screw feed system. The identification of nonlinear stiffness helps to understand and control the feed system. The axial vibration of the ball screw feed system can be descripted by a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system with polynomial nonlinear terms. Since generalized frequency response functions (GFRFs) can be expressed in terms of linear and nonlinear system parameters, one can estimate these parameters based on the measured GFRFs. In this effort, both single-tone and multitone harmonic inputs are employed to measure GFRFs, and a simple search algorithm is proposed to find the suitable frequency set of the multitone input. Parameter identification based on these two methods has been compared by numerical simulation and experiment. Since the response spectrum measured from vibration experiment of a ball screw system has even and odd harmonics, it is suitable to simplify the restoring force with square and cubic nonlinearity form. Static experiment is also conducted to verify the identified parameters, and the results show that the method based on single-tone inputs performs effectively in identifying axial stiffness of a ball screw feed system, but the method based on multitone inputs gets the incorrect results in practical application
A flight mechanics-based justification of the unique range of Strouhal numbers for avian cruising flight
Authors: Bhattacharjee Diganta , Subbarao Kamesh
Published: December 2020

In this paper, analytical expressions for cycle-averaged aerodynamic forces generated by flapping wings are derived using a force model and flapping kinematics suitable for the forward flight of avian creatures. A strip theory-based formulation is proposed and the analytical expressions are found as functions of the amplitude of twist profile, mean twist angle, the flow separation point on the upper surfaces of the wings, and Strouhal number. Numerical results are obtained for a rectangular planform as well as for a representative avian wing planform. Utilizing these results, it is shown that there exists a narrow Strouhal number range where cycle-averaged net thrust, lift, and lift to drag ratio are optimal for a given flow pattern over the upper surfaces of the wings. This narrow Strouhal number range, found to be between 0.1 and 0.3, corresponds to the cruising range for a large number of avian creatures, as documented in current literature. An explanation, based on force constraints and local optimization in aerodynamic force generation, is provided for the unique range of Strouhal numbers utilized in avian cruising flight. The results and the approach outlined in the paper can be utilized to design efficient bio-inspired flapping vehicles.
Climate change in the Cameroonian press: An analysis of its representations
Authors: Kay Nicole , Gaymard Sandrine
Published: December 2020

Climate change is a global environmental issue and its outcome will affect societies around the world. In recent years, we have seen a growing literature on media coverage of climate change, but, to date, no study has assessed the situation in Cameroon, although it is considered to be one of the world’s most affected and vulnerable regions. This study attempted to address this deficit by analysing how climate change is represented in the Cameroonian media. A similarity analysis was performed on three newspapers published in 2013–2016. Results showed that climate coverage focused on politics and international involvement. It seems disconnected from local realities, potentially opening up a spatial and social psychological distance. The relationship between the representation of climate change and that of poverty is an area for further exploration.
The uncertainty trope: the duty to treat during a pandemic
Authors: Zubaran Carlos , Freeman Alexander
Published: December 2020

Background:

Past guidance in the codes of practice urged doctors to provide treatment even in the context of extreme adversities. Despite the significant societal changes of recent times, contemporary guidance regarding the duty to treat during a pandemic has been limited.

Objective:

The authors herewith examine deontological aspects pertaining to the duty to treat during a pandemic and the potential disruptions to health care services.

Conclusion:

The ethical, legal and professional guidance for duty of care during a pandemic is uncertain and demands further debate.
The Effectiveness of Theraplay® as a Counseling Practice With Mothers and Their Children in a Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Residential Facility
Authors: Weir Kyle N. , Pereyra Sergio , Crane Jeff , Greaves Mandy , Childs Timothy S. , Weir Allison B.
Published: December 2020

Substance abuse in parents is damaging to their children and the family system as a whole. If family treatment is paired with substance abuse treatment for the parents, children have the possibility of having better attachment with their parents and thus increase general functioning skills and overall family well-being. This study examined the impact of Whole Family Theraplay as an effective play therapy treatment with mothers in recovery from substance abuse and their children with attachment issues in an inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation facility. Scores indicated that women/mothers had reduced symptoms of distress and improved their mental health functioning. Their children demonstrated improved interpersonal relationships, reduced interpersonal distress, and improvement in overall mental health functioning. The implications of this study were that by implementing Whole Family Theraplay, in addition to individual and group counseling in substance abuse treatment, subjects showed demonstrated improvement in attachment relationships and mental health outcomes.
Disentangling Cognitions About Sexual Aggression
Authors: Pedneault Chloe I. , Hermann Chantal A. , Nunes Kevin L.
Published: December 2020

We examined the extent to which evaluative attitudes toward sexual aggression are distinct from other cognitions regarding sexually aggressive behavior. Evaluative attitudes toward sexual aggression refer to the extent to which sexual aggression is viewed negatively or positively. In a secondary analysis of online survey data from 495 community men, exploratory factor analysis revealed that items from a measure of evaluative attitudes formed a distinct factor from items designed to measure cognitive distortions regarding rape. These findings suggest that evaluative attitudes may be distinct from cognitive distortions. Furthermore, hierarchical regression analyses indicated that evaluative attitudes explained unique variance in self-reported past sexual aggression, proclivity for sexually aggressive behavior, and likelihood to rape. If future research finds support for a causal relationship between evaluative attitudes and sexual aggression, well-established evaluative-attitude-change procedures from the social psychological literature could be adapted to address evaluative attitudes toward sexual aggression in interventions aimed at reducing sexually aggressive behavior.
Variational principles of nonlinear magnetoelastostatics and their correspondences
Authors: Sharma Basant Lal , Saxena Prashant
Published: December 2020

We derive the equations of nonlinear magnetoelastostatics using several variational formulations involving the mechanical deformation and an independent field representing the magnetic component. An equivalence is also discussed, modulo certain boundary integrals or constant integrals, between these formulations using the Legendre transform and properties of Maxwell’s equations. Bifurcation equations based on the second variation are stated for the incremental fields as well for all five variational principles. When the total potential energy is defined over the infinite space surrounding the body, we find that the inclusion of certain terms in the energy principle, associated with the externally applied magnetic field, leads to slight changes in the Maxwell stress tensor and associated boundary conditions. Conversely, when the energy contained in the magnetic field is restricted to finite volumes, we find that there is a correspondence between the discussed formulations and associated expressions of physical entities. In view of a diverse set of boundary data and the nature of externally applied controls in the problems studied in the literature, along with an equally diverse list of variational principles employed in modelling, our analysis emphasises care in the choice of variational principle and unknown fields so that consistency with other choices is also satisfied.
Low carbohydrate diets in eating disorders and type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hart Melissa , Pursey Kirrilly , Smart Carmel
Published: December 2020

Dietary intake requires attention in the treatment of both eating disorders and type 1 diabetes (T1D) to achieve optimal outcomes. Nutritional management of both conditions involves encouraging a wide variety of healthful foods in the context of usual cultural and family traditions. In recent times, low carbohydrate diets have seen a rise in popularity, both in T1D and in the general population. Low carbohydrate diets involve dietary restriction, although the extent depends on the level of carbohydrate prescription. Although dietary restriction is a known risk factor for eating disorders, there is limited literature on the impact of following a low carbohydrate diet on the development and maintenance of eating disorders in T1D. The aim of this review is to discuss the impact of dietary restriction on the development and treatment of eating disorders and propose considerations to enable optimum health outcomes in individuals with T1D, an at risk group. In order to achieve this, clarity regarding strategies that allow both flexibility in dietary intake and facilitate healthy eating behaviours, whilst achieving glycaemic targets, are required.
The process of integrating psychology into medical clinics: Pediatric psychology as an example
Authors: Ward Wendy L , Smith Allison , Munns Catherine , Bai Shasha
Published: December 2020

The integration of psychological services in medical settings has numerous benefits but a process for systematic integration and system wide evaluation is needed. A process model was created and evaluated for integrating services in 32 outpatient subspecialty clinics. Levels of satisfaction in caregivers ( n = 98), physicians ( n = 27), and non-physicians ( n = 45) were assessed. Most caregivers rated psychology services at the highest level of satisfaction (85%) and would recommend these services to others (100%). Teammates indicated that services should continue in their clinic (85% non-physician; 96% physician) and have improved patient care (71% non-physician; 81% physician). These findings demonstrate positive outcomes associated with the process model and support its utility in integrating psychology services across a health system.
Numerical investigation on load transfer mechanism of bonded post-tensioned concrete beam-column substructures against progressive collapse
Authors: Qian Kai , Hu Hai-Ning , Weng Yun-Hao , Deng Xiao-Fang , Huang Ting
Published: December 2020

This paper presents the high-fidelity finite-element-based numerical models for modeling the behavior of prestressed concrete (PC) beam-column substructures to resist progressive collapse under column removal scenario. After careful calibration against data, the validated numerical models are further employed to shed light on the influence of bonded post-tensioned tendons (BPT) with a parabolic profile on the load transfer mechanisms of PC frames against progressive collapse. The effects of parameters, including initial effective prestress, profile of tendon and lateral constraint stiffness at the beam ends, are also investigated. The study shows that, due to the presence of prestressed tendons, the mobilization of compressive arch action in the beam at small deflections demands stronger lateral constraints, and the ultimate load resistance of PC beam-column substructures depends on combined catenary action from non-prestressed reinforcement and BPT at large deflections. For a given constraint stiffness, the initial effective prestress of BPT has less significant effect on the overall structural behavior. For prestressed tendon, a straight profile usually employed in structural strengthening can improve the initial structural stiffness and yield strength, but is less effective in enhancing the ultimate resistance against progressive collapse than the parabolic profile.
Understanding news engagement on social media: A media repertoire approach
Authors: Dvir-Gvirsman Shira
Published: December 2020

This study promotes the news repertoire framework as an analytical approach best suited for studying news engagement on social media (SM), considering its multifaceted nature. To demonstrate the theoretical benefits of this proposal, the study seeks to (1) identify user profiles based on SM news viewing and sharing, and news consumption on other platforms; (2) determine profile predictors; and (3) evaluate their possible outcomes. A panel study ( N = 1786) demonstrated the emergence of identifiable profiles, attributed to differences in SM use and political interest. In addition, profiles embodied different effects on political participation over time. A second study ( N = 86) was conducted thereafter, in which users’ Facebook news feed use was analyzed to determine differences in news supply according to profiles. Findings that could not have been achieved using the more common unidimensional news consumption methods are discussed in light of new theoretical gains provided by the repertoire approach.
Typography: the constant vector of dynamic logos
Authors: Lelis Catarina , Leitão Sandra , Mealha Óscar , Dunning Ben
Published: December 2020

Visual identities can be constructed from a number of elements which together can be described as the Visual Identity System (VIS). Typography is one of the VIS’s central elements. Typically, the VIS elements have been considered as static and associated with prescribable visual mandates; however, the hypermodernity paradigm boosted the notion of mobility in everything – and brands are no exception. Brand logos now change in shape, colour, wear different textures and sit on top of a variety of backgrounds. All this incredible flexibility has implications for their typographical elements too. In the empirical part of this research, 50 dynamic logos were selected, grouped according to Van Nes’ categories in Dynamic Identities: How to Create a Living Brand (2012) and the changes in their typographic components were analysed under the Multilingual Typeface Anatomy Terminology framework (Amado, 2012), firstly by the researchers, and then by a group of independent coders. It was verified that dynamic logos present a consistent pattern regarding typography since they preserve consistency through type’s structural axes. This result led to a set of recommendations for both designers working with type in the context of the (re)design of dynamic logos, and academics preparing the next generation of brand designers. This research aimed at identifying the typographical inroads in brands with dynamic logos and is a relevant contribution to the perception of how the anatomy of type can define visual consistency.
The cultural group in intercultural understanding: implications for teaching from a social identity theory perspective
Authors: Williams-Gualandi Debra
Published: December 2020

Learning about one’s own cultures as well as other cultures is a central aspect of the cognitive dimension of intercultural understanding, focusing the individual on cultural group affiliations, belonging and questions of ‘who one is’. Using a social identity lens, with a particular focus on self-categorisation theory to explore how individuals view themselves in relation to the groups to which they belong, this article presents the implications of applying self-categorisation theory to aspects of the field of intercultural understanding. From within the self-categorisation framework, the article also reports on findings from a qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews which investigated the beliefs of experienced secondary teachers working in international schools regarding the relationship between the development of intercultural understanding and identity. Teachers indicated increased awareness of primarily national group affiliation, limited engagement with the concept of multiple cultural identities, a process of distancing and creating new group affiliations, as well as some psychological discomfort and conflict avoidance.
A review on diagnostic and prognostic approaches for gears
Authors: Kundu Pradeep , Darpe Ashish K , Kulkarni Makarand S
Published: December 2020

Prognostics and health management has become a significant part of component life-cycle in modern industries. The prognostics and health management framework is implemented in the industries to identify the fault type, assess fault severity, and predict the future state or remaining useful life to optimize the maintenance activities. Three significant aspects of a prognostics and health management framework are diagnostics, prognostics, and decision making. This article presents a review of different types of diagnostic and prognostic approaches (i.e. physics-based, data-driven, and hybrid approaches) developed for the gears. The flow of information between diagnostics and prognostics parts of the framework is briefly discussed. Regarding the physics-based approaches, this article discusses different physics-based diagnostic and prognostic models developed for different types of gear failure modes such as crack, pitting, and wear. In the data-driven approaches, the article attempts to summarize the data processing techniques used for extracting fault-related information from the recorded raw vibration signal, health indicators developed for different kinds of gear failure modes, processing/selection approaches for best health indicators, fault classification, and fault prognostic models particularly developed for the gear. The article discusses how a hybrid approach can be developed by the integration of a data-driven diagnostics approach and a physics-based prognostics approach. Finally, uncertainty quantification of prognostic approaches, performance evaluation metrics, decision-making strategies, and future research and development perspectives are discussed. This article focuses on the diagnostic and prognostic approaches developed for gears, given the fact that these approaches for other components such as bearing and batteries are reviewed in the past.
Effect of nano TiO2 particles on the properties of carbon fiber-epoxy composites
Authors: Al-Zubaydi Ahmed Sattar Jabbar , Salih Rana M , Al-Dabbagh Balqees M
Published: December 2020

A composite material was prepared using epoxy as a matrix, and carbon fiber (20% volume fraction) together with nano titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles in varying weight fractions (0,2,4 and 6%) as hybrid reinforcement. Mechanical tests (impact strength and wear resistance) were carried out, in addition to the study of liquid uptake behavior during immersion in chemical solutions, and inspection with scanning electron microscope imaging to reveal the microscopic details. The results showed that the addition of TiO2 have improved the mechanical properties of the composites, as the specimen reinforced with 4% TiO2 showed the highest impact strength, in addition to improved wear resistance. The scanning electron images for the specimens showed finely dispersed carbon fibers surrounded by the ultrafine TiO2 nano powder, suggesting a uniform distribution of reinforcement throughout the whole matrix for all the prepared specimens. The liquid uptake results showed that the specimen reinforced with 20% carbon fibers and 6% nano TiO2 had the highest diffusion rate, especially when immersed in hydrochloric acid. The results show that the prepared composite could be a good alternative to traditional materials whenever good wear resistance is involved, together with impact and chemical resistance, such as in anti-skid flooring applications.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Methods and Molecular Markers for Early Detection
Authors: Wu Ziwei , Li You , Zhang Yibin , Hu Hui , Wu Tangwei , Liu Shuiyi , Chen Weiqun , Xie Shenggao , Lu Zhongxin
Published: December 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the digestive tract in humans. The development of colorectal cancer is composed of multiple stages, starting with benign adenomatous polyps in the inner wall of the large intestine and rectum, and then gradually developing. Then it developed into advanced adenomas carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinoma. Represents the distant metastasis of the most advanced development. The purpose of this review is to novel routine screening and diagnostic methods (e.g., Endoscopy and CT colonoscopy, SEPT9 methylation assay, Fecal test) and find reliable molecular markers for early diagnosis of CRC.
Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients With Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Serban Dragos , Papanas Nikolaos , Dascalu Ana Maria , Stana Daniela , Nicolae Vanessa Andrada , Vancea Geta , Badiu Cristinel Dumitru , Tanasescu Denisa , Tudor Corneliu , Balasescu Simona Andreea , Pantea-Stoian Anca
Published: December 2020

This review discusses the evidence on diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with diabetic foot ulceration (DFU). A systematic literature review was performed on PubMed, Medline, Springer Nature, and Scopus, following the PRISMA guidelines, using the following terms, individually or in combination: “diabetic foot ulcer” OR “diabetic foot syndrome” OR “DFU” and “diabetic retinopathy.” The initial search yielded 648 articles published between 1975 and 2020. After applying exclusion and inclusion criteria, a total of 9 articles were analyzed, assessing the correlations between DR and DFU. In all cases, DR and especially proliferative diabetic retinopathy were significantly higher in the presence of DFU, though the frequency of DR showed large variability (22.5% to 95.6%). There was a significant correlation between advanced stages of DFU and increased frequency of DR and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. On the other hand, there is a risk of accelerated progression of DR in nonhealing DFUs, possibly related to chronic inflammation and associated infection. Hence, patients with DFUs should be monitored by an ophthalmologist, and those with DR should be promptly referred to a specialized diabetic foot clinic.
Readmission and Utilization After Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in the United States
Authors: Braet Drew J. , Taaffe John P. , Singh Priyanka , Bath Jonathan , Kruse Robin L. , Vogel Todd R.
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has emerged as a less invasive alternative to open repair for ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (rAAA), but comparisons to traditional open rAAA repair and late complications leading to readmission are limited.

Materials and Methods:

Hospitalizations for patients undergoing repair for rAAA were selected from the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD). In-hospital mortality, complications, 30-day readmission, readmission diagnoses, and charges were evaluated. Design-adjusted chi-square, Wilcoxon test, and logistic regression were used for analysis.

Results:

During 2014-2016, 3,629 open rAAA and 5,037 EVAR were identified. The index mortality rate was 21.4% for EVAR vs. 33.5% for open (p < .0001). Median index length of stay (LOS) was 4.9 days for EVAR vs. 8.6 days for open repair (p < 0.001). All-cause 30-day readmission after rAAA was higher following EVAR (18.9%) than open (14.3%, p = .007). Time to readmission and charges for readmission stays did not differ between procedure groups. Respiratory complications were more common following open repair than EVAR (20.4% vs 11.4%, respectively; p = .008). Patients who underwent open repair suffered more infectious complications than patients treated with EVAR during readmission (49.2% vs 39.8%, respectively; p = 0.054). In multivariable analysis, factors associated with readmission included having EVAR during the index stay (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-1.88; p = .003), increased length of index stay (OR = 1.01; 95% CI 1.01-1.02; p = 0.002), chronic kidney disease (OR = 1.51; 95% CI 1.18-1.94; p = .001), and coronary artery disease (OR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.02-1.71; p = .034). Aggregate readmission charges totaled $79 million. Readmissions were most often infectious complications for both repair types.

Conclusions:

EVAR was used more often than open repair for rAAA. In-hospital mortality and length of the index stay were significantly lower following EVAR. After multivariable adjustment, the odds of readmission were 1.5 times higher after EVAR, costing the health system more over time when prevalence and readmission are considered. Coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, and index length of stay were also associated with 30-day readmission. Further investigation into reasons why a less invasive procedure, EVAR, has a higher readmission rate and understanding post-discharge infectious complications may help lower overall health care utilization after rAAA.
Surgical and Endovascular Management of Isolated Internal Iliac Artery Aneurysms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Perini Paolo , Mariani Erica , Fanelli Mara , Ucci Alessandro , Rossi Giulia , Massoni Claudio Bianchini , Freyrie Antonio
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

The purpose of this paper is to report the different modalities for the treatment of isolated internal iliac artery aneurysms (IIIAA), as well as their outcomes.

Methods:

We performed a systematic review of the literature (database searched: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library; last search: April 2020). We included articles reporting on the outcomes for IIIAA interventions comprising at least 5 patients. Studies were included when presenting extractable outcome data regarding intraoperative and/or early results. We performed meta-analyses of proportions for different outcomes, using random effects model.

Results:

Thirteen non-randomized studies were included (192 patients with 202 IIIAA). IIIAA were symptomatic in the 18.1% (95%CI 9.3-26.9; I2 54.46%, P = .019). Estimated mean IIIAA diameter was 46.28 mm (95%CI 39.72-52.85; I2 88.85%, P < .001). Open repair was performed in 21/202 cases. Endovascular treatments were: embolization (81/181), embolization and hypogastric artery coverage (79/181), hypogastric artery coverage by stent-grafting (15/181), stent-grafting in the hypogastric artery (6/181). Overall estimated technical success (TS) rate was 91.6% (95% CI 86.8-95.5; I2 45.82%, P = .031). TS rate was 94.5% for open surgery (95%CI 85.3-100; I2 0%, P = .907), and 89.7% for endovascular repair (95%CI 83.8-95.6; I2 55.43%, P = .006). Estimated overall 30-day mortality was 3.1% (95%CI 0.8-5.4; I2 0%, P = .969). Mortality rates after open surgery and endovascular repair were 8.2% (95%CI 3.4-19.8; I2 0%, P = .545) and 2.8% (95%CI 0.5-5.1; I2 0%, P = .994), respectively. Estimated mean follow-up was 32.63 months (95%CI 21.74-43.53; I2 94.45%, P < .001). During this timeframe, IIIAA exclusion was preserved in 92.8% of the patients (95%CI 89.3-96.2; I2 0%, P = .797). Buttock claudication occurred in 13.9% of the patients (95%CI 8.7-19.2; I2 0%, P = .622).

Conclusions:

IIIAA are frequently large, and symptomatic at presentation. Several treatments are proposed in literature, open and endovascular, both with good results. The endovascular treatment is the preferred method of treatment in literature, since it offers good short- to mid-term results and low early mortality. Buttock claudication after hypogastric artery exclusion is a common complication.
Open Space, Transformative Education, and the Pursuit of Flourishing
Authors: Lee Matthew T. , Hartsough Molly , Borick Sam , Gathagan Brooks
Published: December 2020

This reflective essay advances a model of transformative education based on the collaborative experiences of a professor and three students who sought greater opportunities for flourishing through reflective and contemplative methods in an instructor-created open space. Open space derives from research in education, child psychology, and anthropology and emphasizes an integration of cognitive, affective, and experiential forms of learning in a context of freedom and creativity. This may involve moving outside the walls of the standard classroom, extending learning activities beyond the confines of the semester, blurring the roles of student and teacher in order to cocreate opportunities for deeper learning, and flexibility with regard to syllabi and traditional boundaries of academic disciplines. Open space approaches offer more room for students and faculty to exercise their authenticity and imaginations, thereby promoting greater self-discovery, transformative growth, and other valued aspects of a flourishing life.