bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Eccentric Analysis of Political Logistics of Maritime Mastery: Establishing a Framework
Authors: Hou Kuang‐hao
Published: October 2020

Definitions of sea power in reputable studies can be classified into two broad categories: sea power as a form of military power at sea, and sea power as the capacity at or from the sea to influence others’ actions or conditions. Despite the differences in definitions of sea power, the relevant literature written by international relations scholars, maritime historians, and naval affairs experts is abundant and has primarily focused on grand strategies, military strategies, and military doctrines. This paper briefly introduces an exceptional monograph on the logistic foundation of British maritime ascendancy, but it has not sufficiently explored the political processes of sea power. This paper thus utilises the concepts of politics, elite coalition, and power source to highlight the importance of studying the political processes behind the creation, maintenance, enhancement, and even corrosion and destruction of sea power. Specifically, building on the logistics of maritime ascendancy, this paper suggests that it is not only essential to examine how the state co‐ordinates all required resources for its sea power, but that it is also necessary to evaluate how elite coalitions amenable to sea power are organised and sustained.
Automatic Digital Design of the Occlusal Anatomy of Monolithic Zirconia Crowns Compared to Dental Technicians’ Digital Waxing: A Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Di Fiore Adolfo , Monaco Carlo , Brunello Giulia , Granata Stefano , Stellini Edoardo , Yilmaz Burak
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Reconstructing the occlusal morphology of posterior teeth in definitive dental prosthesis can be challenging. The use of the correlation technique enables replication of the information and occlusal anatomy of interim dental prostheses to the definitive ones. The purpose of this controlled clinical trial was to compare the static and dynamic contacts (SDC) of monolithic zirconia crowns designed with correlation and library techniques.

Material and Methods

Twenty‐four patients were included in the study for a total of 28 molars. For each abutment tooth, an interim crown was fabricated and two digital scans, with and without the interim crown in place were made. Two single crowns were designed using correlation and library techniques. Fifty‐six monolithic zirconia crowns were milled. The interim and definitive crowns were evaluated intraorally for SDC by using a 24‐μm‐thick blue articulating foil. After removing the interim and definite crowns, extraoral photographs were taken to calculate the SDC area using software (ImageJ) and analyzed by the Kruskal‐Wallis test.

Results

The average and ± standard deviation (SD) of area of the occlusal marks on interim crowns was 32.27 ± 3.45 mm2. Definitive crowns designed by using the correlation technique had an area of 31.01 ± 3.73 mm2; the area in the library technique was 36.85 ± 5.78 mm2. No statistically significant difference was found (p = 0.091) between the occlusal mark areas of the interim and definitive crowns designed by using the correlation technique. Whereas, there were significant differences between the areas of occlusal marks of the interim and definitive crowns designed by using the library technique, and between the areas of occlusal marks of definitive crowns designed by using the correlation and library techniques (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The average area of the SDC of monolithic zirconia crowns designed by using the correlation technique was similar to that of interim crowns. The library technique was less effective when replicating the SDC compared to the correlation technique.
Influence of Margin Designs on Crack Initiation of High Translucency Monolithic Zirconia Crowns
Authors: Juntavee Niwut , Juntavee Apa , Kornrum Sasiprapa
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Zirconia crowns often crack at the margin. This study determined the loads and the times at which cracks are initiated in high‐translucency monolithic zirconia crowns with different margin designs.

Materials and methods

A total of 90 crowns were fabricated from Zirconia blanks. The fabricated crowns had different margin thicknesses (light‐chamfer, CL and heavy‐chamfer, CH) and collar heights (no‐collar, NC; low‐collar, LC; high‐collar, HC). They were grouped as CLNC, CLLC, CLHC, CHNC, CHLC, and CHHC (15 crowns/group). The crowns were seated on a metal model and loaded vertically through round end punch (Φ = 10 mm) at 0.2 mm/min crosshead speed until cracks began to be seen. Videos of the crack initiation were recorded at the rate of 50 frames/second. Load‐initiated cracks and durability time were compared for significant differences using analysis of variance.

Results

The mean ± standard deviation values of load (N) and time (s) taken to initiate cracks were 3190 ±775, 212 ±47 for CLNC; 2754 ±1109, 180 ±42 for CLLC; 2887±832, 191±27 for CLHC; 4082 ±896, 241 ±36 for CHNC; 4180 ±1029, 220 ±28 for CHLC; 4119 ±1124, 222 ±39 for CHHC. This indicates that the thickness of the margin has a significant influence on load‐withstanding crack initiation capacity and durability time (p < 0.05). No significant impact of collar height was observed on either load‐withstanding capacity or durability time (p > 0.05). No interaction was observed among these factors.

Conclusion

Heavy chamfer margin provided a stronger zirconia crown than the light chamfer margin, but both of them were capable of withstanding crack‐initiated load higher than the theoretical maximum masticatory force. The presence or absence of a collar did not have any impact on the crack initiation. Fabrication of zirconia crowns with either a heavy or light chamfer margin and with or without the presence of a collar should be generated by considering the relevant emergence profile.
Foraging behaviour, digestion and growth performance of sheep grazing on dried vetch pasture cropped under conservation agriculture
Authors: Abidi Sourour , Benyoussef Salah , Ben Salem Hichem
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to investigate the replacement value of half time grazing of wheat stubbles by vetch, which had been cropped under the context of conservation agriculture (CA). Three grazing treatments were evaluated on Barbarine lambs (initial BW 18 ± 1.42 kg). Treatment 1 consists of 6‐hr grazing on dried vetch only (V). For treatment 2, the sheep were grazing 3 hr on wheat stubbles in morning and 3 hr on dried vetch in the afternoon (VWS). Treatment 3 consists of 6‐hr grazing of wheat stubbles only (WS). At grain maturity stage, biomass yield of vetch averaged 7 tons DM/ha allowing a grazing period of 2 consecutive months. Along this period, vetch conserved its pods indehiscent. Biomass and nutritive value of vetch and wheat stubbles were decreasing from the start to the end of the grazing period. Residual biomass was higher in vetch and wheat stubble assigned to treatment VWS. WS lambs spent more time on walking and standing, while V and VWS lambs allocated more time on biomass uptake. The DM, OM and CP intakes were higher in animal grazing vetch alone or combined to wheat stubble. Rumen fermentation parameters (pH, ammonia nitrogen concentration and protozoa count) were not affected (p > .05) by any of the three treatments. The average daily gain of lambs on V and VWS lambs was three times greater (p < .05) than that of WS lambs (164, 152 and 49.5 g respectively). Cold carcass yield averaged 444, 428 and 388 g/ kg for lambs assigned to V, VWS and WS treatments respectively. It is concluded that grazing vetch alone or combined with WS increased substantially the growth performance and carcass yield of lambs compared with WS grazing only. Therefore, dried vetch grazing could be a solution to make possible mulching and biomass uptake by sheep under the context of CA.
The devil is in the details: How arbitration system design and training facilitate and inhibit repeat‐player advantages in private and state‐run arbitration hearings
Authors: Talesh Shauhin A. , Alter Peter C.
Published: October 2020

This article demonstrates that arbitration system design and the training that arbitrators receive shape the extent to which repeat players gain advantages in arbitration hearings. While prior arbitration research does suggest that arbitrator training matters, this is the first article to show how it matters, as we observe actual arbitration hearings in private and state‐run arbitration systems in two states. Our comparative analysis links three literatures interested in how seemingly interest‐neutral institutions, like disputing forums, serve in practice to reinforce dominant norms, values, and hierarchies: (1) sociolegal studies of repeat‐player advantages in disputing, (2) studies of occupational socialization in educational settings, and (3) neoinstitutional organizational sociology studies of how managerial values influence the way in which organizations construct law. We bridge these literatures by showing how arbitrator system design and the occupational socialization that arbitrators receive in private arbitration are primary mechanisms through which managerial values influence the arbitration process, ultimately providing a pathway for repeat‐player advantages in hearings. Because our analysis compares two distinct arbitration systems, we identify variation in these processes and offer preliminary but tangible policy recommendations for the design and implementation of arbitration systems that best protect civil and consumer rights within arbitral forums that the Supreme Court continually upholds.
Variation in trophic resources in female South American sea lions at a small geographic scale
Authors: Grandi M. Florencia , Vales Damián G. , Crespo Enrique A. , Loizaga Rocío
Published: October 2020

Difference among colonies in the population structure of otariids can be driven by philopatry and/or by specializations in the foraging ecology of females. In northern Patagonia, the South American sea lion (SASL) shows some degree of spatial genetic structure among colonies from north and south zones. This study aims to explore the isotopic niche of SASL females in the last period of the pregnancy from different colonies of northern Patagonia and to consider whether the fine scale genetic spatial structuring is potentially related to variation in trophic resources. Stable isotope analysis was performed on 101 skin samples of newborn pups in 10 colonies, as a proxy for the feeding ecology of their mothers. Differences among colonies in the metrics studied revealed the plasticity of the species and support individual trophic specialization of SASL females at a small geographic scale. Also, significant differences were found in all isotopic metrics between the north and south zones. Several hypotheses were proposed to explain the differences in SASL females' isotope values (e.g., use of different foraging areas or prey, isotopic baseline variation). Nonetheless, further research is needed to better understand the relation between fine scale genetic structuring and the foraging ecology of SASL females.
The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances in COVID‐19 patients: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Deng Jiawen , Zhou Fangwen , Hou Wenteng , Silver Zachary , Wong Chi Yi , Chang Oswin , Huang Emma , Zuo Qi Kang
Published: October 2020

Evidence from previous coronavirus outbreaks has shown that infected patients are at risk for developing psychiatric and mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. To construct a comprehensive picture of the mental health status in COVID‐19 patients, we conducted a systematic review and random‐effects meta‐analysis to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances in this population. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Wanfang Data, Wangfang Med Online, CNKI, and CQVIP for relevant articles, and we included 31 studies (n = 5153) in our analyses. We found that the pooled prevalence of depression was 45% (95% CI: 37–54%, I2 = 96%), the pooled prevalence of anxiety was 47% (95% CI: 37–57%, I2 = 97%), and the pooled prevalence of sleeping disturbances was 34% (95% CI: 19–50%, I2 = 98%). We did not find any significant differences in the prevalence estimates between different genders; however, the depression and anxiety prevalence estimates varied based on different screening tools. More observational studies assessing the mental wellness of COVID‐19 outpatients and COVID‐19 patients from countries other than China are needed to further examine the psychological implications of COVID‐19 infections.
Dancing on a tightrope: The reputation management of local governments in response to public protests in China
Authors: Wei Yuming , Guo Yue , Su Jun
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study is to explore the characteristics of local government's reputation management in response to public protests under the dual pressure from higher‐level authorities and the public. This study connects reputation management theory to the literature on local governments in the dual pressure dilemma. By comparing three cases of how local governments respond to public protests against nuclear facilities in China, we conclude that different pressures perceived by local governments generate diverse behaviours of reputation management in response to public protests. If the perceived bottom‐up pressure is higher, local governments will focus on their moral reputation and make concessions to the public; if the perceived top‐down pressure is higher, local governments will build a performative reputation to meet the demands of higher‐level authorities and suppress public protests; if local governments face dual high pressures, they will comply with all normative procedures and avoid accountability to any party.
The relationship between parental factors, child symptom profile, and persistent postoperative pain interference and analgesic use in children
Authors: Siemer Lauren C. , Foxen‐Craft Emily , Malviya Shobha , Ramirez Mark , Li G. Ying , James Chrystina , Voepel‐Lewis Terri
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Both parental and child factors have been previously associated with persistent or recurrent postoperative pain in children. Yet, little is known about the relative contribution of parent factors or whether child symptom factors might impact the association between parent factors and long‐term pain. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between parent factors, child symptomology, and the child's long‐term pain outcomes after surgery.

Methods

This prospective, longitudinal study included parents and their children who were scheduled to undergo spinal fusion for underlying scoliosis. Parents completed baseline surveys about their pain history, pain relief preferences (ie, preference to relieve their child's pain vs avoid analgesic risks), and pain catastrophizing (ie, beliefs about their child's pain). Children were classified previously into high vs low symptom profiles at baseline based on their self‐reported pain, catastrophizing, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Children were assessed 1‐year after surgery for their long‐term pain interference scores and analgesic use. Serial regression modeling was used to explore whether associations between parent factors and the outcomes were changed when accounting for child factors.

Results

Seventy‐six parent/child dyads completed all surveys. Parental preferences and catastrophizing were atemporally associated with the child's baseline psychological‐somatic symptom profile. Though parent and child factors were both associated with the long‐term pain outcomes, when all three factors were accounted for, the associations between parent factors and long‐term pain was fully attenuated by the child's profile.

Discussion

These findings suggest that the relationship between parent factors and long‐term postoperative pain outcomes may be dependent on the child's symptom profile at baseline. Since there may be bidirectional relationships between parent and child factors, interventions to mitigate long‐term pain should address child symptoms as well as parental factors.
An easy way to tidy up long hair with rubber bands during scalp surgery
Authors: Lee Eun Hye , Kim Jun Young
Published: October 2020

One of the most challenging steps in preparing for dermatologic operations on the scalp can be securing a clean surgical field without long and messy hair. We present a simple and painless way to remove hair from the scalp surgical field utilizing three rubber bands.
Use of spironolactone to treat acne in adolescent females
Authors: Roberts Erin E. , Nowsheen Somaira , Davis Dawn M. R. , Hand Jennifer L. , Tollefson Megha M. , Wetter David A.
Published: October 2020

Background/objectives

Studies assessing the utility of spironolactone for treating acne in adolescent females are lacking. Thus, we sought to examine spironolactone's role in treating this patient population.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed to determine the efficacy of spironolactone treatment in adolescent females seen at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, from 2007 to 2017.

Results

In a cohort of 80 pediatric patients with a median age of 19 years (range, 14‐20 years), 64 patients (80%) experienced improvement of acne on treatment with spironolactone (median dose, 100 mg daily) with a favorable side effect profile. Approximately a quarter of patients (22.5%) had a complete response; more than half (58.8%) had a complete response or a partial response greater than 50%. Initial and maximal responses were observed at a median of 3 months and 5 months, respectively. Patients received treatment with spironolactone for a median duration of 7 months (range, 3‐45 months) with limited side effects.

Conclusions

Spironolactone demonstrated efficacy in treating acne in adolescent females and is a safe long‐term alternative to systemic antibiotics in these patients.
Using “responsive regulation” to reduce tax base erosion
Authors: Alm James , Gerbrands Peter , Kirchler Erich
Published: October 2020

How can governments get individuals and firms to pay taxes, especially given increasing tax base erosion via tax evasion, tax avoidance, and money laundering? In this paper we discuss the many different perspectives to explain why people pay – and do not pay – their taxes, especially perspectives based on “responsive regulation,” and we use then these perspectives to suggest policies that governments may use to improve tax collections. We first describe an approach that is based on asingle individualpursuing asingle motivationby choosing asingle method(tax evasion) and operating in asingle country. This perspective has generated important insights, but it nonetheless has significant limitations. As a result, we then argue that this perspective must be expanded to includeadditional actors in the field, all pursuingadditional motivations. We also expand our discussion to includeadditional methodsof tax base erosion like tax avoidance and money laundering, as well asadditional countries. We argue that explaining behavior and then devising appropriate policies requires incorporating all of these additional considerations. We also discuss the likely impact of technological innovations both on the ability of governments to collect taxes and on the ability of private agents to reduce their taxes. An important contribution of our paper is that we simulate the effects of all of these expansions to the basic model using a novel agent‐based model that is fully grounded in theory and calibrated for 33 European economics. We use this model to simulate the impacts over time of various reforms, especially reforms that implement international information‐sharing programs, by comparing tax base erosion in the absence of these reforms to erosion in their presence. Our simulation results demonstrate the importance of using a fully specified theoretical model that goes well beyond the standard economics of crime approach when considering the effects of government policy innovations. We conclude with recommendations that can in principle reduce tax base erosion via evasion, avoidance, and money laundering in the current multi‐dimensional environment as derived from the responsive regulation framework. However, these recommendations require a firm commitment from governments to their tax administrations, and these recommendations also cannot be introduced unilaterally by a single country but require international cooperation, especially via information sharing across borders.
Exogenous and endogenous sterilisation under managed exchange rates
Authors: Pantelopoulos George
Published: October 2020

One of the most widely debated aspects of international macroeconomics surrounds the efficacy of Central Bank sterilisation. However, ‘exogenous’ sterilisation initiatives by the Central Bank are involuntary if policymakers are to achieve a policy rate objective. Also, in many instances any excess liquidity is able to be sterilised ‘endogenously’ by commercial banks. To demonstrate both forms of sterilisation, this paper employs several structural VAR models. We show that (a) both exogenous and endogenous sterilisation initiatives are more or less involuntary, (b) the impossible trinity can be challenged and (c) why imbalances across the international monetary system can occur and persist.
Immune checkpoint blockade and biomarkers of clinical response in non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Hallqvist Andreas , Rohlin Anna , Raghavan Sukanya
Published: October 2020

Immunotherapy with PD‐1 and PD‐L1 inhibitors has revolutionized the treatment for patients with NSCLC the last years with increased overall survival and in particular increased number of long‐time survivors in patients with metastatic disease. It is now a treatment of choice for patients with distant metastases (stage IV) and in conjunction with chemoradiotherapy for patients with limited spread confined to the chest (stage III). PD‐1 inhibition has been proven to be superior to standard chemotherapy, both as a single treatment and when combined with either chemotherapy or CTLA‐4 inhibition. Despite the success of immunotherapy, the majority of patients do not respond or relapse within a short time frame. Biomarkers that would help to properly select patients with a high likelihood of clinical response to PD‐1 and PD‐L1 inhibitors are scarce and far from optimal, and only one (PD‐L1 expression) has reached clinical practice. Thus for immunotherapy to be effective, the discovery and validation of additional biomarkers is critical for patient selection and prediction of clinical response. In this mini‐review, we give an overview of current clinical management of NSCLC including treatment landscape with regard to immunotherapy, as well as discuss the current genetic and immune cell biomarker studies and their potential for introduction into clinical practice.
Localism partnerships as informal associations: The work of the Rural Urban Synthesis Society and Lewisham Council within austerity
Authors: Teo Shaun SK
Published: October 2020

This paper frames a critical evaluation of the progressive aspirations of localism partnerships by conceptualising them as informal associations. I show how the selective limitations and affordances of the Localism Act and its related policies necessitated and enabled direct, deliberative encounters, and pragmatic working between the Rural Urban Synthesis Society and its local authority, Lewisham Council. These practices allowed them to co‐produce a precedent for community‐led affordable housing development in London, as well as contribute to the growth of the sector. Informal associations are thus both means and end. They enable innovative articulations of localism and underpin a broader, ongoing project of progressive localism. They also form the conceptual basis for future research to delve more deeply and widely into analyses of localism partnerships and their relationalities to the institutions in which they are embedded. Within the vagarious and incoherent institutional landscape of austerity, informal associations invoke a local politics which embraces collaborative, direct experimentation between state agents and societal actors, working with uncertainty in planning to achieve progressive developmental and governance outcomes.
Spatial equilibrium analysis of Chinese tariff on world cotton markets
Authors: Sabala Ethan , Devadoss Stephen
Published: October 2020

We develop a theoretical and an empirical spatial equilibrium model (SEM) to analyse the effects of the 25% Chinese cotton tariff on United States, Chinese and world markets. The tariff causes US cotton price, production and exports to decrease, while simultaneously increasing China's price and production. The SEM determines the trade reallocations caused by the Chinese tariff. The United States diverts some of its exports to other importing countries, which allows the United States to mitigate some of its losses. Other cotton exporters increase their exports to China at the expense of the United States.
Corrective osteotomy and partial tarsal arthrodesis in two greyhounds with calcaneal malunion
Authors: Abrams Brittany E. , Wavreille Vincent A. , Hettlich Bianca F. , Selmic Laura E.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To describe the clinical presentation and outcome of two greyhounds with calcaneal malunions that were treated with corrective osteotomy and partial tarsal arthrodesis.

Study design

Short case series.

Animals

Two adult racing greyhounds.

Methods

Varus and recurvatum deformity of the calcaneus was ascribed to malunion of prior calcaneal fracture with concomitant central bone fracture that had been sustained during racing in both dogs. Both dogs exhibited severe, weight‐bearing lameness and had radiographic evidence of moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the proximal intertarsal joint. A closing wedge corrective osteotomy and partial tarsal arthrodesis were performed with a 2.7‐mm locking compression plate and cancellous autograft.

Results

Calcaneal morphology and alignment of the common calcaneal tendon seemed restored postoperatively. The implant was removed in one dog, while the other dog experienced no postoperative complications. Lameness improved in both dogs, although residual intermittent lameness after heavy exercise was reported by owners of both dogs 1 year after surgery. Overall, owner satisfaction and outcome were considered good‐to‐excellent in both dogs.

Conclusion

Corrective osteotomy and partial tarsal arthrodesis for treatment of malunited calcaneal fractures may be considered in dogs with clinical signs related to calcaneal malunion.
Human placenta‐derived matrix with cancellous autograft and demineralized bone matrix for large segmental long‐bone defects in two dogs with septic nonunion
Authors: Kim Stanley E. , McFetridge Peter S. , Hagen Jennifer E.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To report the successful treatment of septic nonunion in two dogs with large segmental defects secondary to long‐bone fractures by using a novel human placenta‐derived matrix (hPM) as adjunct to fixation.

Animals.

One 3‐kg 9‐year‐old neutered male Yorkshire terrier with a distal antebrachial fracture and one 6‐kg 4‐year‐old spayed female miniature pinscher with a distal humeral fracture.

Study design.

Short case series.

Methods

Both dogs presented for septic nonunion after internal fixation of Gustilo type II open diaphyseal fractures from dog bite injuries. During revision, debridement of nonviable bone resulted in segmental defects of 32% and 20% of the bone length for the antebrachial and humeral fractures, respectively. The antebrachial fracture was stabilized with a circular external fixator, and the humeral fracture was stabilized with biaxial bone plating. The fracture sites were not collapsed, and full length was maintained with the fixation. Autogenous cancellous bone graft and canine demineralized bone allograft were packed into the defects, and hPM was injected into the graft sites after closure.

Results

Radiographic union was documented at 8 weeks and 6 weeks for the antebrachial and humeral fractures, respectively. Both dogs became fully weight bearing on the affected limbs and returned to full activity.

Conclusion

Augmenting fixation with grafts and hPM led to a relatively rapid union in both dogs reported here.
Efficacy of allogeneic cord blood platelet gel on wounds of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa patients after pseudosyndactyly surgery
Authors: Torkamaniha Elham , Amirkhani Mohammad Amir , Dahmardehei Mostafa , Rebulla Paolo , Piccin Andrea , Hortamani Shamim , Heidari‐Kharaji Maryam , Mansouri Parvin , Hamidieh Amir Ali , Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad Ali
Published: October 2020

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the formation of blisters and wounds in skin and mucous membranes; it is classified into four types and has various methods of treatment. Management of previous wounds and prevention of formation of new lesions are the most important strategies in the course of therapy to improve patient's quality of life; lack of wound management can lead to further complications such as infection. The current study investigated the therapeutic effects of allogeneic platelet gel (prepared from umbilical cord blood) in a group of children diagnosed with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) eligible for surgical correction of pseudosyndactyly in the hand. The post‐surgical clinical outcome in this group was compared with the clinical outcomes of DEB patients receiving the standard treatment (paraffin gauze wound dressing and topical antibiotics) after corrective surgery. The current study results showed an increase in the rate of recovery and promotion of tissue granulation, complete wound healing, and a decrease in pain level and treatment period. The application of cord blood platelet gel topical dressing was not a conventional method of treatment in patients with DEB wounds and blisters. However, the current study results demonstrated that this gel dressing could effectively accelerate epithelialization and healing of the wounds and decrease patients' pain and post‐surgical recovery period, which altogether leads to improvements in patients' overall quality of life.
SERGIUS BULGAKOV'S CRITIQUE OF N. F. FEDOROV'S TECHNOLOGIZED RESURRECTION (AND WHY IT STILL MATTERS FOR THE CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE WITH TRANSHUMANISM)
Authors: Dumsday Travis
Published: October 2020

Sergius Bulgakov (1871–1944) was one of the centrally important Russian Orthodox theologians of the past century. His theological system (Sophiology) is among the most detailed and comprehensive attempts at a novel, Orthodox systematic theology developed in engagement with western philosophical and theological movements. His first major work of theology, Unfading Light (1917), incorporates an early Orthodox critique of the radical Christian transhumanism propounded by Nikolai Fedorovich Fedorov (1829–1903). Fedorov had developed an account of humanity's prospects for a technologically facilitated eschatology. The goals of this article are: (1) to provide a concise summary Fedorov's ideas on technologized resurrection; (2) to provide an overview of Bulgakov's sympathetic critique of Fedorov's model; and (3) to discuss the ongoing relevance of that critique vis‐à‐vis current and future Christian dialogue with the transhumanist movement.
UNINTERRUPTED CENSORED DARWIN: FROM THE MIDDLE EAST TO THE MALAY‐INDONESIAN WORLD
Authors: Daneshgar Majid
Published: October 2020

This essay outlines the significance of understanding the relationship between Islam and science, particularly from the twentieth century onward. It mainly revolves around the viability of Darwin's evolutionary thought in the Muslim world, which is confronted by various groups of Muslim commentators and scholars. This study goes through various original sources, official documents, former unpublished theses, and Qur’ānic commentaries in Islamic languages from north Africa to the Malay‐Indonesian world to display the uninterrupted challenge of Muslims with European science in general and European evolutionary thought in particular; an act which is not going to stop now, nor tomorrow. Finally, this essay aims to inform readers how a philosophical reading of Islam and science would be crucial before approving or rejecting any form of connection between the two, particularly in future.
ISLAM AND SCIENCE: THE PHILOSOPHICAL GROUNDS FOR A GENUINE DEBATE
Authors: Hossein Khani Ali
Published: October 2020

What does it take for Islam and science to engage in a genuine conversation with each other? This essay is an attempt to answer this question by clarifying the conditions which make having such a conversation possible and plausible. I will first distinguish between three notions of conversation: the trivial conversation (which requires sharing a common language and the meaning of its ordinary expressions), superficial conversation (in which although the language is shared, the communicators fail to share the meaning of their theoretical terms), and genuine conversation (which implies sharing the language and the meaning of ordinary as well as theoretical terms). I will then argue that our real concern with regard to the exchange between Islam and science is to be to specify the conditions under which their proponents can engage in a genuine conversation with each other and that such a conversation to take place essentially requires sharing a common ontology. Following Quine, I will argue that Muslims, like the followers of any religion, would have no other choice but to work from within science. Doing so, however, would not prevent Muslims from having a genuine conversation with the proponents of other worldviews because when the shared ontology fails to offer any potentially testable answer to our remaining questions about the world, the Islamic viewpoint can appear as a genuine alternative among other underdetermined ones, deciding between which would be a matter of pragmatic criteria.
THE FUTURE OF ISLAM AND SCIENCE: PHILOSOPHICAL GROUNDS
Authors: Daneshgar Majid
Published: October 2020

This introduction provides an overview of the significance of this Symposium on Islam and Science in the Future. Compiling this project began in early 2019 and various articles by philosophers, Islamicists and historians tackle the relationship between Islam and science from different angles.
THEORIZING RELIGION AND QUESTIONING THE FUTURE OF ISLAM AND SCIENCE
Authors: Feyzbakhsh Mohsen
Published: October 2020

Will there be any joint future for science and Islam? Although such questions have recently received considerable attention, more basic questions are often ignored. This article aims at addressing some of those more basic questions through exploring the assumptions that underlie different possible understandings of the question about the future of Islam and science. By investigating the relation between conceptualizations of religion and the question about the future of Islam and science, it will be argued that different understandings of the concept of religion (i.e., whether it denotes real objects, whether it is universal, and whether it is belief centered) lead to extremely different readings of the question. Besides, it will be argued that different answers to the question about the future of Islam and science can be understood in terms of the inference to best theological explanation; thus, the criteria that one assumes for the best theological explanation result in different criteria for evaluation of the answers.
ISLAMIC PHILOSOPHY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: EPISTEMOLOGICAL ARGUMENTS
Authors: Popova Biliana
Published: October 2020

This essay presents an analysis of different processes of machine learning: supervised, unsupervised, and semisupervised, through the prism of the epistemologies of several prominent Islamic philosophical schools. I discuss the way each school conceptualizes the ontological absolute (immortality, death, afterlife) and the way this shapes their respective epistemologies. I present an analysis of the different machine learning processes through the prism of the epistemological constructs of each of these philosophic traditions. I conclude with the argument that more scholars from the Islamic philosophical tradition should engage in the debates about the development of artificial intelligence and its implications, given that many Muslim countries are among the leaders in this development and its application in everyday life.
Assessment of Thorax Finite Element Model Response for Behind Armor Blunt Trauma Impact Loading Using an Epidemiological Database
Authors: Cronin D. S. , Bustamante M. C. , Barker J. , Singh D. , Rafaels K. A. , Bir C.
Published: October 2020

Nonperforating ballistic impacts on thoracic armor can cause blunt injuries, known as behind-armor blunt trauma (BABT). To evaluate the potential for this injury, the back face deformation (BFD) imprinted into a clay backing is measured; however, the link between BFD and potential for injury is uncertain. Computational human body models (HBMs) have the potential to provide an improved understanding of BABT injury risk to inform armor design but require assessment with relevant loading scenarios. In this study, a methodology was developed to apply BABT loading to a computational thorax model, enhanced with refined finite element mesh and high-deformation rate mechanical properties. The model was assessed using an epidemiological BABT survivor database. BABT impact boundary conditions for 10 cases from the database were recreated using experimentally measured deformation for specific armor/projectile combinations, and applied to the thorax model using a novel prescribed displacement methodology. The computational thorax model demonstrated numerical stability under BABT impact conditions. The predicted number of rib fractures, the magnitude of pulmonary contusion, and injury rank, increased with armor BFD, back face velocity, and input energy to the thorax. In three of the 10 cases, the model overpredicted the number of rib fractures, attributed to impact location positional sensitivity and limited details from the database. The integration of an HBM with the BABT loading method predicted rib fractures and injury ranks that were in good agreement with available medical records, providing a potential tool for future armor evaluation and injury assessment.
A Multirate, Multiscale Economic Model Predictive Control Approach for Velocity Trajectory Optimization of a Heavy Duty Truck
Authors: Earnhardt Christian , Groelke Ben , Borek John , Naghnaeian Mohammad , Vermillion Chris
Published: October 2020

This paper introduces a hierarchical economic model predictive control (MPC) approach for maximizing the fuel economy of a heavy-duty truck, which simultaneously accounts for aggregate terrain changes that occur over very long length scales, fine terrain changes that occur over shorter length scales, and lead vehicle behavior that can vary over much shorter time/length scales. To accommodate such disparate time and length scales, the proposed approach uses a multilayer MPC approach wherein the upper-level MPC uses a long distance step, a long time-step, and coarse discretization to account for the slower changes in road grade, while the lower-level MPC uses a shorter time-step to account for fine variations in road grade and rapidly changing lead vehicle behavior. The benefit of this multirate, multiscale approach is that the lower-level MPC leverages the upper-level's sufficiently long look-ahead while allowing for safe vehicle following and adjustment to fine road grade variations. The proposed strategy has been evaluated over four real-world road profiles in both open-highway and traffic environments, using a medium-fidelity simulink model furnished by Volvo Group North America. Compared with a conventional cruise control system plus vehicle following controller as a baseline, results show 4–5% fuel savings in an open highway setting and 6–8% fuel savings in the presence of traffic, without compromising trip time.
Enhancing the Aggressive Intensity of a Cavitating Jet by Introducing Water Flow Holes and a Long Guide Pipe
Authors: Kamisaka Hirokazu , Soyama Hitoshi
Published: October 2020

It is known that the geometry of the nozzle has a great effect on the aggressive intensity of a cavitating jet. In previous reports, various nozzle geometries were proposed, and improvements made to the aggressive intensity were reported. However, no detailed description of the reasons why the aggressive intensity is improved by these various geometries was given. In this study, we conducted erosion tests on pure aluminum Japanese Industrial Standards JIS A1050P using 11 different nozzles with different geometries downstream from the throat outlet in order to understand the effects of the nozzle geometry on the aggressive intensity. In addition, in order to investigate the characteristics of the cavitating jet produced by each nozzle, measurements of the erosion areas, images of the cavitating jet using a high-speed video camera, and measurements of the impingement pressure of the cavitating jet were taken, and correlations between the parameters were obtained. It was found that the nozzle with the largest mass loss was a nozzle with water flow holes near to the throat outlet and a long guide pipe (LGP). The mass loss was 2.5 times that of the previously reported optimum geometry nozzle. Very high correlations were obtained between the mass loss, the inner diameter of the annular erosion area, the impingement pressure measured at the same standoff distance and the cavitation cloud lifetime. Based on these results and the images of the cavitating jets taken with the high-speed video camera, a new cavitating jet progression process is proposed.
Particle Image Velocimetry Measurements of Turbulent Jets Issuing From Twin Elliptic Nozzles With Various Orientations
Authors: Morris Ella Marie , Biswas Neelakash , Aleyasin Seyed Sobhan , Tachie Mark Francis
Published: October 2020

The effects of nozzle orientation on the mixing and turbulent characteristics of elliptical free twin jets were studied experimentally. The experiments were conducted using modified contoured nozzles with a sharp linear contraction. The centers of the nozzle pair had a separation ratio of 5.5. Two nozzle configurations were tested, twin nozzles oriented along the minor plane (Twin_Minor) and twin nozzles oriented along the major plane (Twin_Major) and the results were compared with a single jet. In each case, the Reynolds number based on the maximum jet velocity and the equivalent diameter was 10,000. A planar particle image velocimetry (PIV) system was used to measure the velocity field in the jet symmetry plane. It was observed that the velocity decay rate is not sensitive to nozzle orientation. However, close to the jet exit, the spread rate was highest in the minor plane. In addition, contour plots of swirling strength, Reynolds shear stress and turbulent intensities revealed significant differences between the minor and major planes. Velocity profiles showed little variation close to the jet exit, while further downstream the variations between the velocity profiles were more pronounced between the major and minor planes.
Streamwise Aspect Ratio Effects on Turbulent Flow Separations Induced by Forward–Backward-Facing Steps
Authors: Chalmers Heath , Fang Xingjun , Tachie Mark F.
Published: October 2020

Separated and reattached turbulent flows induced by two-dimensional forward–backward-facing steps (FBFS) with different streamwise lengths submerged in a thick turbulent boundary layer (TBL) are investigated using time-resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV). The aspect ratios (AR) of the step range from 1 to 8, and the Reynolds number based on the freestream velocity and step height is 13 200. The thickness of the incoming turbulent boundary layer is 6.5 times the step height. The effects of varying aspect ratio of the steps on the mean flow, principal stretching, Reynolds stresses, triple velocity correlation, two-point autocorrelation, and unsteadiness of turbulent separation bubbles are studied. The results indicate that the mean flow reattaches over the step for FBFS with aspect ratios of 2 and higher. Two local peaks of Reynolds stresses occur irrespective of AR, and for a sufficiently large AR, a third local peak of Reynolds stresses appear in the shear layer emanating from the trailing edge of the bluff bodies. The streamwise decay of Reynolds stresses is slower for smaller AR cases. Incoming coherent structure is strongly disturbed near an inclined edge where principal stretching switches orientation abruptly. The temporal variation of the first proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) mode and reverse flow area over the bluff bodies shows remarkable correlation, which signifies the flapping motion of separation bubble.
Fundamental Study on Injector Flow Characteristics of Self-Pressurizing Fluid for Small Rocket Engines
Authors: Yasuda Kazuki , Nakata Daisuke , Uchiumi Masaharu , Okada Kugo , Imai Ryoji
Published: October 2020

Nitrous oxide is a suitable propellant for rocket engines and has been widely used in various countries, given its high saturated vapor pressure, which enables self-pressurization. Because nitrous oxide is in a state of vapor–liquid equilibrium in tanks, it is easy to form a gas–liquid two-phase flow by cavitation in feed line. Since accurately estimating the performance of rocket engines requires evaluating the characteristics of propellant flows, tests reported in this paper were conducted using hybrid rocket engines under three conditions: cold flow test, hot firing test at low back pressure, and hot firing test at high back pressure. With consideration to the subcooling degrees, nitrous oxide may be in an unsteady superheated state in the upstream flow of the injector. In a comparison of the pressure ratios between the injector in each test condition, it is observed that a critical two-phase flow was formed in the injector in the cold flow test and in the low backpressure firing test. In the high backpressure hot firing test, the injector flow may be choked, but the large oscillations were observed in chamber pressure and thrust. According to the FFT analysis results, these oscillations were caused by chugging and acoustic oscillation. In light of these experimental results, it is suggested that when the chamber pressure fluctuates due to combustion instability such as chugging and acoustic oscillation, it may affect the injector flow characteristics and the critical two-phase flow.
Theoretical, Numerical, and Experimental Study on an Unsteady Venturi Flowmeter for Incompressible Flows
Authors: Kambayashi Izuru , Kang Donghyuk , Nishimura Naoki
Published: October 2020

To examine the dynamic characteristics of turbomachinery and cavitation, the pulsating flow rates should be evaluated. As it is difficult to measure these pulsating flow rates quantitatively, systematic research has not been conducted on the dynamic characteristics of turbomachinery and cavitation. In this paper, an unsteady energy equation for a venturi tube has been proposed to measure pulsating flow rates. The pulsating flow rates were calculated using two methods based on the unsteady energy equation for incompressible flows. The first method calculated a pulsating flow rate by using the Euler method. The second one calculated the complex amplitude of a pulsating flow rate using a transfer function derived from the linearized unsteady energy equation. We analytically examined the order of magnitude for unsteady terms. The results indicated that the unknown unsteady loss was much smaller than the unsteady momentum. In the experiment, pulsating flows were generated by a reciprocating piston, and the given pulsating flow was measured using a hot wire anemometer. The pulsating flow rates evaluated by using the proposed methods were validated via numerical simulation and experiment. In particular, the influence of amplitudes on the evaluation of pulsating flow rates was numerically examined. Therefore, the nonlinear effect could be evaluated by using the proposed method, and the time-averaged loss coefficient was enough to evaluate the pulsating flow rate coefficient. The proposed unsteady venturi flowmeter can be applied to a wide range of research fields, such as analyzing dynamic characteristics of flows.