bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remarriage migration of women in Asia: The case of Japan
Authors: Ishii Sari K.
Published: November 2022

This study aims to confirm the diversity of intra‐Asian female marriage migrants in Japan with comprehensive statistics. Methodologically, I used quantitative method, collecting appropriate data from local demographic and immigration statistics in Japan. Simultaneously, I reviewed related empirical studies on the various factors affecting marriage migration, including those written in the local language (Japanese). Results indicate that 42.9 per cent of intra‐Asian female marriage migrants in Japan were middle‐aged women whose marriages to Japanese men were their second. Beyond a simple development–migration nexus perspective on marriage migration in Asia, middle‐aged women entering Japan for their second marriage often aim to escape social stigmatization and poverty and to overcome the difficulties of marrying late or remarrying in their own countries. A more complex intersectionality of gender–class–age stigmatization should be considered to understand marriage migration. The findings have important policy implications for both origin and destination countries.
Which social contacts with natives matter? Attitudes towards gender roles of Muslim immigrants and their children in Western Europe
Authors: Ng Ka U.
Published: November 2022

Social contacts with mainstream individuals play a central role in acculturation. Yet, research has paid little attention to examining whether social contact with natives is linked to egalitarian gender role attitudes among Muslim immigrants and their children. Using a unique data set including 4584 Muslim immigrants and the second generation in six western European countries (EURISLAM), the study investigates whether public‐ and private‐sphere social contacts with natives are associated with attitudes towards women's employment and men's domestic roles. The findings show that immigrants and their children who report stronger private‐sphere social ties, that is native friends and family members, hold more egalitarian attitudes towards women's employment and men's domestic roles. However, public‐sphere social contacts (at the workplace and in the neighbourhood) are not associated with these attitudes. These results support theories stating that private‐sphere social contact with natives is important in gender role ideology acculturation among Muslim families.
The impact of social capital on successful ageing of empty nesters: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Chang Hui , Zhou Jia , Wang Zhiwen
Published: November 2022

Aim

To explore the impact of social capital on successful ageing among empty nesters in China.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The data for this study came from the survey of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2018. Overall, 6098 empty nesters aged 60 years and over were included. Successful ageing was defined according to Rowe and Kahn's model. Social capital includes social trust, social support, reciprocity and social networks. Multivariable logistic regression and a classification and regression tree model were applied to estimate the impact of social capital on successful ageing. For this study, we followed the Reporting of Studies Conducted Using Observational Routinely Collected Health Data (RECORD) reporting guidelines, an extension of Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.

Results

The successful ageing rate of empty nesters in China was 9.2%. Empty nesters who had a higher level of reciprocal behaviour and caregiving support in several dimensions of social capital and who were members of organizations in their social networks have had higher odds of achieving successful ageing. We also observed interactions with social capital associated with successful ageing, suggesting that special attention should be given to empty nesters who are less educated, have no caregiving support, live in rural areas, have worse self‐rated health, are older, do not have reciprocal behaviours and are unmarried.

Conclusions

The results of this study show that social capital, especially in terms of reciprocity, caregiving support and organizational membership in a social network, can contribute to the achievement of successful ageing among empty nesters.

Impact

This study confirms the impact of social capital on the successful ageing of empty nesters for the first time and provides new ideas for state, community and health care workers to address ageing issues.

No Patient or Public Contribution

Because of the public database data used in this study, all data were collected by survey agency personnel, so this section is not applicable to this study.
The effects of FTO gene rs9939609 polymorphism on the association between breast cancer and dietary intake
Authors: Doaei Saeid , Abdollahi Sepideh , Mohseni Golsa Khalatbari , Gholamalizadeh Maryam , Akbari Mohammad Esmail , Poorhosseini Seyed Mohammad , Bagheri Seyedeh Elaheh , Ghafouri‐Fard Soudeh , Tabesh Ghasem Azizi , Moslem Alireza , Hasanpour Ardekanizadeh Naeemeh , Omidi Saeed , Hekmatdoost Azita , Alam Rajabi Mahdi , Mosavi Jarrahi Seyed Alireza , Goodarzi Mark O.
Published: November 2022

Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths in females worldwide and is related to genetic and environmental factors. Dietary components may strongly influence the risk of BC. A possible association was also reported between the fat mass and obesity‐associated (FTO) single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and BC. This study aimed to investigate the impact of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism on the association between BC and dietary intake. This study was conducted on 180 women with BC as the case group and 360 healthy women as the control group. The dietary intakes were assessed by a valid 168‐item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The FTO gene was genotyped for rs9939609 polymorphism. After adjusting the confounding variables, there was no significant association between dietary intake and BC in individuals without risk allele. A positive association between dietary intake of omega‐6 fatty acids and BC was found only in individuals with risk allele of FTO gene (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.08–1.60, p: 0.006). FTO gene risk allele may influence the effect of diet on breast cancer risk. Further studies are needed to assess the possible effects of the FTO genotype on the association between BC risk and dietary components.
Association between periodontitis and chronic kidney disease by functional atherosclerosis status among older Japanese individuals: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Shimizu Yuji , Yamanashi Hirotomo , Kitamura Masayasu , Miyata Jun , Nonaka Fumiaki , Nakamichi Seiko , Saito Toshiyuki , Nagata Yasuhiro , Maeda Takahiro
Published: November 2022

Aim

This study aimed to clarify the influence of functional atherosclerosis on the association between periodontitis and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 998 older Japanese individuals aged 60–99 years who participated in an oral health check‐up was conducted. Early and advanced periodontitis were defined as periodontal pocket depth of 4.0–5.9 mm and ≥6.0 mm, respectively. Functional atherosclerosis was defined as cardio‐ankle vascular index ≥9.0.

Results

Of the 998 study participants, 238 (23.8%) had CKD. No significant associations between periodontitis and CKD were observed in participants without functional atherosclerosis. After adjusting for known cardiovascular risk factors, the odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 1.31 (0.81–2.11) for early periodontitis and 0.74 (0.41–1.34) for advanced periodontitis. Significant positive associations were observed for participants with functional atherosclerosis; the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) were 1.76 (1.04–3.01) for early periodontitis and 1.95 (1.05–3.63) for advanced periodontitis.

Conclusions

A significant positive association between periodontitis and CKD was established for older participants with functional atherosclerosis. No significant associations were observed for those without functional atherosclerosis. These results can help clarify the influence of periodontitis on systemic circulation.
Anatomical study of the red flour beetle using synchrotron radiation X‐ray phase‐contrast micro‐tomography
Authors: Vommaro Maria Luigia , Donato Sandro , Lo Lai Ka , Brandmayr Pietro , Giglio Anita
Published: November 2022

Synchrotron X‐ray phase‐contrast microtomography (SR‐PhC micro‐CT) is well established, fast and non‐destructive imaging technique for data acquisition that is currently being used to obtain new insights into insect anatomy and function in physiological, morphological and phylogenetic studies. In this study, we described in situ the internal organs of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum Herbst 1797, a widespread pest of cereals and stored food causing serious damage to the human economy. Two‐dimensional virtual sections and volumetric reconstructions of the nervous, alimentary and reproductive systems were carried out in both sexes. The results provided a comprehensive overview of the morphological characteristics of this species, such as the different maturation stages of ovarioles and the realistic location, size and shape of internal organs. Given the great interest in this model species in experimental biology and forensic entomology, complete knowledge of the general anatomy is required for future functional applications in pest control and experimental studies. In addition, this study confirms SR‐PhC micro‐CT as a powerful and innovative tool in entomology, particularly suitable for small species and chitinized structures that are difficult to analyse using conventional dissection and histological methods.
‘All we've ever known is Covid’: A follow‐up study with newly qualified nurses who worked as student nurses during the pandemic
Authors: Godbold Rosemary , Whiting Lisa , Adams Claire , Chokeepermal‐Naidu Yogini
Published: November 2022

Aims and Objectives

To explore the experiences of nursing students in England who had worked through the first wave and transitioned to qualification in the ongoing pandemic.

Background

Experiences of health professionals and student nurses during the pandemic are now well documented, but the transition of students to qualification is less well understood. In Summer 2020, we interviewed 16 student nurses who had worked as health care assistants on paid extended placements as part of the COVID‐19 response in the East of England, finding surprisingly positive experiences, including perceived heightened preparedness for qualification. A year later, we re‐interviewed 12 participants from the original study to hear about transitioning to qualification during the ongoing pandemic. This study provides novel insights into their experiences.

Design

A qualitative study design was used.

Methods

Twelve newly qualified nurses who had participated in the original study took part in qualitative, online interviews where they shared their experiences of working and transitioning to qualification during the ongoing pandemic since we spoke to them a year earlier. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. COREQ guidelines were used in developing and reporting this study.

Results

Three themes were identified. Constant change: in the clinical environment and arising out of the transition to newly qualified nurse, mental health and well‐being and reflecting on the past to learn for the future.

Conclusions

Participants experienced a unique transition to qualification. The perceived heightened preparedness for qualification that participants who had worked as students during the first wave of the pandemic had become a reality, ameliorating some of the known effects of transition. However, increased expectations and added responsibilities in extremely busy, fluctuating clinical environments with minimal support add weight to calls for mandatory preceptorship programmes. While heightened resilience was evident, provision of ongoing mental health and well‐being support is strongly recommended.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

We need a partnership approach with nurse educators and practice colleagues which ensures preparation for qualified practice is appropriate. If we do not effectively prepare students for qualified nurse posts, patient care will almost certainly be compromised.
Oncologic outcome in patients with 2018 FIGO stage IB cervical cancer: Is tumor size important?
Authors: Tokalioglu Abdurrahman A. , Kilic Cigdem , Oktar Okan , Kilic Fatih , Cakir Caner , Yuksel Dilek , Comert Gunsu K. , Korkmaz Vakkas , Turan Taner
Published: November 2022

Background

To evaluate the prognostic factors and oncologic outcome in patients with 2018 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IB cervical cancer (CC) after radical hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy.

Materials and Methods

This study included 290 patients with type II or III radical hysterectomy + pelvic ± para‐aortic lymphadenectomy and 2018 FIGO stage IB1‐3 epithelial CC. Disease‐free survival (DFS) estimates were determinate by using the Kaplan–Meier method. Survival curves were compared using the log‐rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed using a Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

The mean age of study cohort was 52 ± 10.25 years. Five‐year DFS was 93% in entire cohort. On univariate analysis, surgical border involvement (p = 0.007), lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) (p = 0.040), uterine involvement (p = 0.040), and depth of cervical stromal invasion (p = 0.007) were found to have statistical significance for DFS. However, none of them were independent prognostic factors for the risk of recurrence. Tumor size according to 2018 FIGO staging criteria was not related with recurrence.

Conclusions

Surgical border involvement, LVSI, depth of cervical stromal invasion, and uterine involvement were predictors for DFS on univariate analysis. Tumor size was not predicting to recurrence in patient with 2018 FIGO stage IB1‐3 CC.
The Impact of COVID‐19 on Education Experiences of High School Students in Semi‐Rural Georgia
Authors: Ashta Jasleen K. , Weingart Rachel , Gazmararian Julie A.
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

This study examines the consequences of COVID‐19 pandemic on academic and career concerns of high school students; relationship between attendance and grades with educational concerns; and association between student perception of the pandemic and decision to attend school virtually or in‐person.

METHODS

Diverse students in grades 9‐12 from two public high schools in semi‐rural Georgia (n = 666) completed a survey shortly after school closures. Survey results were linked to academic and demographic data. Analyses were examined for differences by demographic and education measures.

RESULTS

Overall, 60% expressed academic worry and reported obstacles to virtual learning. Hispanic students expressed more worry and less confidence while black students reported less worry than peers. Females indicated more worry than males. Grade 12 students reported greater academic and career worry than younger students. Students eligible for free and reduced lunch expressed more worry and obstacles than peers. Non‐honors and low‐attendance students reported more worry about grades and graduation than their counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

Results can inform targeted multi‐level interventions to reduce the pandemic's effects on learning and ensure healthy trajectories for development across demographics. Stakeholders must take proactive measures to recover from academic loss to ensure our youth's healthy development.
Severe rail wear detection with rail running band images
Authors: Wang Qihang , Gao Tianci , He Qing , Liu Yong , Wu Jun , Wang Ping
Published: November 2022

Rail wear occurs continuously owing to the rolling contact load of trains and is fundamental for railway operational safety. A point‐based manual rail wear inspection cannot satisfy the increasing demand for rapid, low‐cost, and continuous monitoring. This paper proposes a depth‐plus‐region fusion network for detecting rail wear on a running band, which is a collection of wheel–rail interaction traces. The following steps are involved in the proposed method. (i) A depth map estimated by a modified MiDaS model is utilized as guidance for exploiting the depth information of the running band for rail wear detection. (ii) The running band of a rail is segmented and extracted from images using an improved mask region‐based convolutional neural network that uses the scale and ratio information to perform instance segmentation of the running band images. (iii) A two‐channel attention–fusion network that classifies rail wear is constructed. In this study, we collected real‐world running band images and rail wear‐related data to validate our approach using a high‐accuracy rail‐profile measurement tool. The case‐study results demonstrated that the proposed method can rapidly and accurately detect rail wear under different ambient light conditions. Moreover, the recall rate of severe wear detection was 84.21%.
Binding immunoglobulin 2 functions as a proviral factor for potyvirus infections in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Widyasari Kristin , Bwalya John , Kim Kook‐Hyung
Published: November 2022

Infection of viruses from the genera Bromovirus, Potyvirus, and Potexvirus in Nicotiana benthamiana induces significant up‐regulation of the genes that encode the HSP70 family, including binding immunoglobulin protein 2 (BiP2). Three up‐regulated genes were knocked down and infection assays with these knockdown lines demonstrated the importance of the BiP2 gene for potyvirus infection but not for infection by the other tested viruses. Distinct symptoms of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and potato virus X (PVX) were observed in the BiP2 knockdown line at 10 days postagroinfiltration. Interestingly, following inoculation with either soybean mosaic virus (SMV) or pepper mottle virus (PepMoV) co‐expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP), neither crinkle symptoms nor GFP signals were observed in the BiP2 knockdown line. Subsequent reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated that knockdown of BiP2 resulted in a significant decrease of SMV and PepMoV RNA accumulation but not PVX or CMV RNA accumulation. Further yeast two‐hybrid and co‐immunoprecipitation analyses validated the interaction between BiP2 and nuclear inclusion protein b (NIb) of SMV. Together, our findings suggest the crucial role of BiP2 as a proviral host factor necessary for potyvirus infection. The interaction between BiP2 and NIb may be the critical factor determining susceptibility in N. benthamiana, but further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism.
High sampling resolution optical coherence tomography reveals potential concurrent reductions in ganglion cell‐inner plexiform and inner nuclear layer thickness but not in outer retinal thickness in glaucoma
Authors: Tong Janelle , Phu Jack , Alonso‐Caneiro David , Khuu Sieu K. , Kalloniatis Michael
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To analyse optical coherence tomography (OCT)‐derived inner nuclear layer (INL) and outer retinal complex (ORC) measurements relative to ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) measurements in glaucoma.

Methods

Glaucoma participants (n = 271) were categorised by 10‐2 visual field defect type. Differences in GCIPL, INL and ORC thickness were calculated between glaucoma and matched healthy eyes (n = 548). Hierarchical cluster algorithms were applied to generate topographic patterns of retinal thickness change, with agreement between layers assessed using Cohen's kappa (κ). Differences in GCIPL, INL and ORC thickness within and outside GCIPL regions showing the greatest reductions and Spearman's correlations between layer pairs were compared with 10‐2 mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD) to determine trends with glaucoma severity.

Results

Glaucoma participants with inferior and superior defects presented with concordant GCIPL and INL defects demonstrating mostly fair‐to‐moderate agreement (κ = 0.145–0.540), which was not observed in eyes with no or ring defects (κ = −0.067–0.230). Correlations (r) with MD and PSD were moderate and weak in GCIPL and INL thickness differences, respectively (GCIPL vs. MD r = 0.479, GCIPL vs. PSD r = −0.583, INL vs. MD r = 0.259, INL vs. PSD r = −0.187, p = <0.0001–0.002), and weak in GCIPL‐INL correlations (MD r = 0.175, p = 0.004 and PSD r = 0.154, p = 0.01). No consistent patterns in ORC thickness or correlations were observed.

Conclusions

In glaucoma, concordant reductions in macular INL and GCIPL thickness can be observed, but reductions in ORC thickness appear unlikely. These findings suggest that trans‐synaptic retrograde degeneration may occur in glaucoma and could indicate the usefulness of INL thickness in evaluating glaucomatous damage.
Amount of Melanin Granules in Human Hair Defines the Absorption and Conversion to Heat of Light Energy in the Visible Spectrum
Authors: Roldan‐Kalil Joshua , Zueva Lidia , Alves Janaina , Tsytsarev Vassiliy , Sanabria Priscila , Inyushin Mikhail
Published: November 2022

One of the known important functions of hair is protection from extensive sunlight. This protection is accomplished in large part due to natural hair pigmentation which is known to reflect the number of melanin granules (melanosomes) in the hair shaft, and melanin variants. Melanin takes in excessive light energy and converts it to heat in a process called absorption; heat is then dissipated into the environment as infrared radiation, thereby protecting the underlying skin. We used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to visualize the melanosome counts in samples of human hair, and used thermal microscopy to measure the temperature changes of the samples when exposed to green and blue light lasers. In our experiments green light conversion to heat was highly correlated to the number of melanosomes, whereas blue light conversion to heat was less correlated, which may be because the reddish melanosomes it contains are less effective in absorbing energy from the blue spectrum of light. Anyway, we have shown the metals accumulation in the melanin can be easily visualized with TEM. We confirmed that the amount of melanin granules in human hair defines the conversion to heat of light energy in the visible spectrum.
Investigating sustained attention in contextual threat using steady‐state VEPs evoked by flickering video stimuli
Authors: Stegmann Yannik , Andreatta Marta , Pauli Paul , Keil Andreas , Wieser Matthias J.
Published: November 2022

Anxiety is characterized by anxious anticipation and heightened vigilance to uncertain threat. However, if threat is not reliably indicated by a specific cue, the context in which threat was previously experienced becomes its best predictor, leading to anxiety. A suitable means to induce anxiety experimentally is context conditioning: In one context (CTX+), an unpredictable aversive stimulus (US) is repeatedly presented, in contrast to a second context (CTX−), in which no US is ever presented. In this EEG study, we investigated attentional mechanisms during acquisition and extinction learning in 38 participants, who underwent a context conditioning protocol. Flickering video stimuli (32 s clips depicting virtual offices representing CTX+/−) were used to evoke steady‐state visual evoked potentials (ssVEPs) as an index of visuocortical engagement with the contexts. Analyses of the electrocortical responses suggest a successful induction of the ssVEP signal by video presentation in flicker mode. Furthermore, we found clear indices of context conditioning and extinction learning on a subjective level, while cortical processing of the CTX+ was unexpectedly reduced during video presentation. The differences between CTX+ and CTX− diminished during extinction learning. Together, these results indicate that the dynamic sensory input of the video presentation leads to disruptions in the ssVEP signal, which is greater for motivationally significant, threatening contexts.
Temporal and spatial changes of soil erosion under land use and land cover change based on Chinese soil loss equation in the typical watershed on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Zhang Biao , Chen Ziyu , Shi Xuejin , Wu Shufang , Feng Hao , Gao Xiaodong , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: November 2022

Land use and land cover change (LULCC) directly affect the temporal and spatial change of soil erosion. As a typical governance watershed in the hilly and gully area of the Loess Plateau, the Jiuyuangou watershed has experienced significant LULCC in the past 10 years due to conversion of farmland to forests, economic construction, and cropland abandonment. However, the evolution process of soil erosion change and LULCC in the watershed is unclear, as is the relationship between the two. This study used satellite images to extract information on LULCC in the watershed and the Chinese soil loss equation (CSLE) model to evaluate the temporal and spatial evolution of soil erosion in the watershed from 2010 to 2020. The main results showed that (1) the continuous vegetation restoration project in the watershed reduced soil erosion from 2010 to 2015; however, the increased frequency of extreme rainfall events after 2015 reduced its impact. The annual average soil erosion modulus decreased from 10.85 t ha−1 year−1 in 2010 to 8.03 t ha−1 year−1 in 2015 but then increased to 10.57 t ha−1 year−1 in 2020; (2) the main land use and land cover (LULC) type in the Jiuyuangou watershed is grassland, accounting for 62% of the total area, followed by forestland, cropland, buildings, and water. Cropland has the largest multi‐year average soil erosion modulus, followed by grassland and buildings, with forestland having the smallest; (3) significant spatial correlations occurred between soil erosion change and LULCC for common ‘no change’ and common ‘gain’ in the settlements, roads, and areas near the human influences with good soil and water conservation, but not other regions due to the influence of climatic factors (heavy rain events). Thus, we should repair terraces, control dams in the watershed, and actively conserve water and soil. This study provides a scientific reference for planning and managing water and soil conservation and ecological environment construction in the watershed.
Identification of the novel HLA‐B*07:458 allele, detected in two unrelated bone marrow donors
Authors: Ananeva Anastasiia , Vizerov Timofey , Zabudskaya Kseniya , Gorelyshev Alexander , Shagimardanova Elena
Published: November 2022

HLA‐B*07:458 has one non‐synonymous nucleotide compared with HLA‐B*07:02:01 in codon‐21.
Nigeria and the AfCFTA as a two‐level game
Authors: Byiers Bruce Irving , Woolfrey Sean
Published: November 2022

This paper makes the case for analysing the political economy of regional integration in Africa to help address the implementation gap that affects African economic integration. It builds on the “two‐level games” model of inter‐state negotiations developed by Putnam (International Organisation, 42, 1988, 427) and the “five lenses” approach to political economy analysis proposed by Byiers et al. (African Economic Brief, 6, 2015, 1). The paper then applies the approach to Nigeria's engagement with AfCFTA negotiations, and identifies potential constraints, challenges and opportunities in relation to the implementation of the AfCFTA by Nigeria. At the continental level, Nigeria's power and aspirations to continental leadership allowed and inspired it to play a prominent role in the AfCFTA negotiations. However, within‐country dynamics in Nigeria slowed the signing of the AfCFTA Agreement and the same may yet undermine its implementation. More broadly the Nigerian case study illustrates the kinds of actors and factors that will shape how other African states implement the AfCFTA. In this regard political economy analysis, and in particular, the methodological approach developed here, can help understand the interests, incentives and agency at play in domestic contexts.
Services trade policy and industry performance in African economies
Authors: Fiorini Matteo , Hoekman Bernard , Quinn Dennis
Published: November 2022

This paper assesses the potential impacts of services trade liberalisation for a sample of African countries. The focus is on the relationship between labour productivity of manufacturing sectors and two types of services trade‐related policies – restrictions on foreign direct investment (FDI) in services and restrictions on international payments for invisibles. The analysis takes into account differences across manufacturing sectors in the intensity of use of different services as inputs into production as well as difference in the quality of economic governance across countries. We find that services trade liberalisation may have substantial positive impacts on the performance of manufacturing sectors, and increase with services input intensity and the quality of governance.
Linking Southern Africa to South Africa's exports: New opportunities for regional value chains
Authors: Banga Karishma , Balchin Neil
Published: November 2022

This study explores the potential for South Africa to become an engine for intra‐regional trade and industrial development in Southern Africa. It focuses on new backward linkages that can be created from South African exports of final products to producers of intermediate inputs in other Southern African countries. We do so by identifying South Africa's lead products, where it has formed its own GVCs, and, in turn, earmarking intermediate inputs used in the production of these lead products. Using Revealed Comparative Advantage and Unit Cost analysis, we identify Southern African countries that could supply the identified imported intermediate inputs more competitively than South Africa's existing partners and kickstart regional integration. We explore issues around the nature of linkages, supplier capabilities and industrial policies in the region, with special reference to the identified product value chains. Focusing on the agricultural sector—a key regional priority with immense potential for industrial growth and large‐scale employment—we also identify existing agricultural lead products in South Africa, and the ‘new markets’ to which South Africa can export.
Midwives’ and registered nurses’ role and scope of practice in acute early pregnancy care services in Australia: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Freeman Nicole , Bradfield Zoe , Cheney Kate , Warland Jane
Published: November 2022

Objective:

The objective of this review is to review and synthesize what is documented on the role and scope of practice of midwives and registered nurses working in acute early pregnancy care settings in Australia.

Introduction:

Women experiencing complications before 20 weeks of pregnancy may need to attend an acute care service, often a hospital emergency department. Midwives and registered nurses provide care for women with early pregnancy complications, and it is important that their role and scope of practice is documented. This review will explore the literature relating to acute early pregnancy care in Australia to better understand how midwives’ and registered nurses’ roles and scope are currently described in this setting.

Inclusion criteria:

Any literature that explores the role and scope of practice of midwives and registered nurses who care for women who present to acute care services in Australia with early pregnancy complications will be considered for inclusion in the review.

Methods:

A 3-step review process will involve a preliminary search of MEDLINE and ProQuest, followed by a more detailed search of a larger selection of databases, using identified keywords and phrases from the initial search. Reference lists of retrieved literature will then be examined for relevant citations. Literature in English will be considered, including relevant gray literature. Search results will be imported into reference and review support software. Data that align with the inclusion criteria will be organized into tabulated and narrative formats for presentation.

Details of this review project are available at:

Open Science Framework https://osf.io/5bnqz
Spatial Relationship of the Median Nerve and Transverse Carpal Ligament in Asymptomatic Hands
Authors: Jordan David , Zhang Hui , Li Zong-Ming
Published: November 2022

The spacing between the median nerve and transverse carpal ligament (TCL) within the carpal tunnel can potentially affect the nerve morphology. This study aimed to quantify the spatial relationship between the median nerve and transverse carpal ligament in asymptomatic hands. Twelve subjects were recruited to image the carpal tunnel using robot-assisted ultrasound. The median nerve and TCL were segmented from each image and three-dimensionally reconstructed using kinematic information from the robot. The TCL-median nerve distance, nerve cross-sectional area, circularity, and position were measured along the entirety of the nerve length within the carpal tunnel. Results were averaged at every 5% of nerve length. At the nerve length percentages of 0% (distal), 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% (proximal), the TCL-median nerve distance (±SD) was 0.7 ± 0.4, 0.7 ± 0.2, 0.5 ± 0.2, 0.5 ± 0.2, and 0.6 ± 0.3 mm, respectively. The corresponding nerve cross-sectional area was 9.4 ± 1.9, 10.6 ± 2.6, 11.2 ± 2.1, 11.2 ± 1.7, and 9.7 ± 1.9 mm2. A one-way analysis of variance showed no significant differences between the respective percentages of nerve length for TCL-median nerve distance (p = 0.219) and cross-sectional area (p = 0.869). Significant (p < 0.0001) but weak correlations were observed between the TCL-median nerve distance with cross-sectional area (r = −0.247) and circularity (r = −0.244). This study shows that the healthy median nerve morphology is consistent along the continuous nerve length within the carpal tunnel, supporting the use of 2D imaging in the evaluation of the healthy nerve.
A Tutorial on the Stability and Bifurcation Analysis of the Electromechanical Behaviour of Soft Materials
Authors: Yang Shengyou , Sharma Pradeep
Published: November 2022

Soft materials, such as liquids, polymers, foams, gels, colloids, granular materials, and most soft biological materials, play an important role in our daily lives. From a mechanical viewpoint, soft materials can easily achieve large deformations due to their low elastic moduli; meanwhile, surface instabilities, including wrinkles, creases, folds, and ridges, among others, are often observed. In particular, soft dielectrics subject to electrical stimuli can achieve significantly large deformations that are often accompanied by instabilities. While instabilities are often thought to cause failures in the engineering context and carry a negative connotation, they can also be harnessed for various applications such as surface patterning, giant actuation strain, and energy harvesting. In the biological world, instability and bifurcation phenomena often precede important events such as endocytosis, and cell fusion, among others. Stability and bifurcation analysis (especially for soft materials) is challenging and often present a formidable barrier to entry in this important field. A multidisciplinary audience may lack the background in one or more areas that are needed to carry out the requisite modeling or even understand papers in the literature. Furthermore, combining electrostatics together with large deformations brings its own challenges. In this article, we provide a tutorial on the basics of stability and bifurcation analysis in the context of soft electromechanical materials. The aim of the article is to use simple examples and “gently” lead a reader, unfamiliar with either stability analysis or electrostatics of deformable media, to develop the ability to understand the pertinent literature that already exists and position them to embark on state-of-the-art research on this topic.
Investigation of the Influence of Alternative Spark Plug Electrode Material on Ignition Behavior
Authors: Tilz Anton , Gruber Manuel , Harrer Walter , Engelmayer Michael , Fimml Wolfgang , Klawitter Marc , Wimmer Andreas
Published: November 2022

Robust engine operation with long maintenance intervals and low emissions is the key to meeting future engine requirements. At the same time, engines should be environmentally friendly, resource-friendly, and cost-effective to produce and operate.

To meet these market requirements, a central component in engine development is the ignition system and in particular the spark plug.

To increase the maintenance intervals of internal combustion engines, it is necessary to increase spark plug lifetime by reducing spark plug wear. The electrode materials used to date are often expensive and rare, and their mining is not without controversy.

Successful use of alternative spark plug electrode materials which are available in large quantities, inexpensive, and more resistant to wear than existing materials with similar ignition behavior would advance engine development so it can meet further economic and environmental requirements.

To this end, ceramic spark plug electrodes were investigated to determine their spark and ignition behavior as well as their wear. These materials seem to be an interesting alternative to existing spark plug electrode materials.

This paper presents a spark plug with ceramic spark plug electrodes that achieves conditions similar to those of standard spark plugs in terms of secondary voltage trace and ignition behavior. Furthermore, it introduces a sophisticated method for scientific, cost-effective, and application-oriented development.

Finally, it provides a promising outlook for the ignition behavior and combustion performance of engines with this spark plug.
Influence of Exhaust Gas Recirculation on NOx Emissions of a Hydrogen Fueled Spark Ignition Engine
Authors: Söhnlein Sebastian Oswald , Judith Jörn Alexander , Taschek Marco , Hammer Moritz , Kettner Maurice
Published: November 2022

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is a common state of the art technology to reduce NOx emissions in internal combustion engines. Owing to the exponential dependency of NOx formation on temperature, the effect of EGR is to increase combustion duration and thus, to reduce the peak temperature in the combustion chamber. The variation of EGR rates has effects on the combustion process and NOx formation. Furthermore, according to the setup of the EGR system, the EGR supplied interferes with the air dynamics at the intake manifold affecting the delivery ratio, especially in a naturally aspirated combustion engine. Depending on the setup of the EGR line, it is possible to condense out a major amount of water, which effects the caloric mixture properties.

Hence, the scope of this paper is to identify the difference between two types of EGR setups by using a modified single cylinder gas engine fed with hydrogen. In this investigation, emissions and performance parameters are measured and compared for a wet EGR setup and a dry EGR setup. Using dried EGR the NOx emissions decrease with the increase of the EGR rate. The exhaust gas temperature and the efficiency are nearly constant with the increase of EGR rate. Using wet EGR the NOx emissions increase at low EGR rates and decrease at high EGR rates.
Experimental Study on Spark Assisted and Hot Surface Assisted Compression Ignition (SACI, HSACI) in a Naturally Aspirated Single-Cylinder Gas Engine
Authors: Judith Joern Alexander , Kettner Maurice , Schwarz Danny , Klaissle Markus , Koch Thomas
Published: November 2022

Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) promises low NOx emission and high efficiency, though showing a limited operating range and difficult-to-control combustion timing. In recent years, spark assisted compression ignition (SACI) was shown to be an efficacious technique to extend the operating range and to control combustion timing in HCCI engines within certain limits. As an alternative to spark assist, a hot surface ignition system (HSI) was demonstrated in a previous work to enable hot surface assisted compression ignition (HSACI) featuring similar combustion characteristics compared to SACI. The scope of this work is the comparison of both types of ignition assistance at various levels of dilution and intake temperatures with regard to the ability to control combustion timing, similarities in the course of combustion, the strength of the ignition systems and the susceptibility to cycle-by-cycle variations (CCV).

Engine trials were conducted at a single-cylinder test-bench under steady state conditions at a constant engine speed of 1400 1/min. The engine operated naturally aspirated under full load conditions using natural gas as the fuel and conditioned intake pressures in the range of 993–995 mbar. Experimental conditions cover relative air-fuel ratios (λ) in the range of λ = 2.1–3.1 and intake temperatures in between 140–170°C. The earliest applicable combustion timing was used as the target variable for the evaluation of the strength of the ignition systems.

Results show similar capabilities of SACI and HSACI to control combustion timing by means of spark timing in SACI and hot surface temperature in HSACI. Heat release analyses of individual combustion cycles at same crank angle timing of center of combustion (CA50) in SACI and HSACI show high agreement of the course of heat release and point out the similarity of both combustion processes. The evaluation of the strength of the ignition systems reveals that HSACI extends the lean limit by Δλ = 0.05–0.10 and the early ignition limit by ΔMinCA50 = 1.0–4.5°CA towards earlier CA50 depending on intake temperature and provided that ringing is not of concern. Comparison of CCV in HCCI, SACI and HSACI at given levels of CA50 show highest combustion stability for HCCI, followed by SACI. HSACI evinces highest CCV due to a larger variation in the start of combustion compared to HCCI and SACI.
Laminar Flame Speed Measurements of Primary Reference Fuels at Extreme Temperatures
Authors: Susa Adam J. , Zheng Lingzhi , Nygaard Zach D. , Ferris Alison M. , Hanson Ronald K.
Published: November 2022

Experimentally measured values of the laminar flame speed (SL) are reported for the primary reference fuels over a range of unburned-gas temperatures (Tu) spanning from room temperature to above 1,000 K, providing the highest-temperature SL measurements ever reported for gasoline-relevant fuels. Measurements were performed using expanding flames ignited within a shock tube and recorded using side-wall schlieren imaging. The recently introduced area-averaged linear curvature (AA-LC) model is used to extrapolate stretch-free flame speeds from the aspherical flames. High-temperature SL measurements are compared to values simulated using different kinetic mechanisms and are used to assess three functional forms of empirical SL–Tu relationships: the ubiquitous power-law model, an exponential relation, and a non-Arrhenius form. This work demonstrates the significantly enhanced capability of the shock-tube flame speed method to provide engine-relevant SL measurements with the potential to meaningfully improve accuracy and reduce uncertainty of kinetic mechanisms when used to predict global combustion behaviors most relevant to practical engine applications.
An Experimental Study on the Performance and Durability of Nanostructured Spark Plugs
Authors: Nasim Md Nayer , Nawaz Behlol , Dyakov Oliver A. , Mack J. Hunter
Published: November 2022

Lean-burn spark ignition engines can reduce emissions, increase efficiencies, and mitigate knocking conditions. Several factors can affect the lean flammability limit of natural gas engines, including the fuel composition, temperature, pressure, and spark characteristics. It has recently been shown that spark plugs with a nanostructured central electrode, treated using pulsed laser irradiation and effectively increasing the surface area, extend the lean flammability limit (LFL) of methane/air mixtures in a constant volume combustion chamber (CVCC). In this study, the effect of varying levels of surface modifications is experimentally examined for two different power configurations of femtosecond laser. These spark plugs are tested by igniting methane/air mixtures at different equivalence ratios in a CVCC coupled with high-speed Z-type Schlieren visualization. The durability of the nanostructures on the electrode surfaces is tested by repeating the evaluations after 6,000, 66,000 and 666,000 spark events. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images at different magnification rates and the root mean square (RMS) surface roughness derived from optical profilometry are used to examine the degradation of the electrode surfaces. The results point towards the existence of an optimized value of surface roughness in terms of the LFL (phi = 0.55 for 5.89 μm and phi = 0.58 for 13.68 μm). Performance degradation was particularly pronounced for electrodes with a high level of initial surface roughness (13.68 μm) whereas the electrode with a lower initial surface roughness (5.89 μm) held a superior LFL (phi = 0.57) compared to the standard spark plug (phi = 0.61) even after going through 666,000 sparks.
Particle Deposition Characteristics of Supercritical CO2 in a 90° Bend
Authors: Mao Shang , Zhou Tao , Liu Wenbin , Xue Chunhui , Jiang Yi
Published: November 2022

90° bends are widely used in industrial tubes such as supercritical CO2 reactors, which inevitably generate some particle matters during the operation of supercritical CO2 reactors. The particle deposition characteristics in the 90° bend is simulated based on the DPM (Discrete phase model) model. The results show that when the fluid enters the bend, the pressure of the outer wall increases and the pressure of the inner wall decreases due to the centrifugal effect, forming a secondary flow between the inner and outer walls, and forming an obvious low velocity region in the inner wall. As the particle size increases, the deposition rate gradually increases, reaching a maximum at a particle size of 60 μm. Increasing the inlet flow rate first results in a sharp increase in the deposition rate and then a slow increase. The deposition rate is significantly increases with the increasing of wall heat flux due to the thermophoresis effect. The conclusions of this paper can provide reference for the deposition motion characteristics of fine particles in supercritical CO2.
CFD Uncertainty Analysis of Once-Through Steam Generator
Authors: Feng Han , Zhou Youxin , Hu Yousen , Wang Naihua , Zhu Xixi
Published: November 2022

As key nuclear equipment, once-through steam generator (OTSG) can guarantee the safe operation of nuclear power plants. The accurate calculation of the OTSG’s pressure drop is particularly critical to the design of the nuclear power plant primary circuit. When using CFD to calculate the OTSG’s pressure drop, the inlet pressure, the inlet temperature and the inlet flow rate as input parameters are measured. Measurement errors will cause uncertainty. The uncertainty of these input parameters will be transmitted in the CFD calculation, resulting in the uncertainty of the OTSG’s pressure drop. Therefore, how to analyze the uncertainty of the OTSG’s pressure drop in the CFD calculation process is particularly important.

In this paper, a three-dimensional CFD model of OTSG is established. And the uncertainty of OTSG’s pressure drop is analyzed by polynomial chaos expansions (PCE). This paper mainly quantifies the influence of the uncertainty of boundary conditions and turbulence model parameters on the OTSG’s pressure drop. Therefore, the risk of OTSG operation caused by uncertain factors is reduced. The results show that the uncertainty of the OTSG’s pressure drop due to the boundary conditions is 2842 Pa, and the most influential input parameter is inlet flow rate, which accounts for 96.8%. The uncertainty caused by turbulence model parameters is 202 Pa.