bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Back to school: From dropout to Second Chance Schools
Authors: Kiprianos Pandelis , Mpourgos Ioannis
Published: December 2020

In this article, we explore the reasons why individuals who have dropped out of compulsory education in Greece return as adults to the educational system, particularly to Second Chance Schools. Second Chance Schools were planned and funded by the European Union two decades ago so that member states could offset the consequences of student dropout rates and counter social exclusion. In order to answer the question, during the school year 2018–1019, we carried out 23 semi-structured interviews with individuals who were attending Second Chance Schools in the prefecture of Eleia (Western Greece) or had graduated in previous years. The interviews were analysed using the Qualitative Content Analysis method. Four categories of reasons emerged from the analysis (instrumental reasons, inner needs, combined reasons and the influence of ‘significant others’) which reflect the varied ways of perceiving and utilizing Second Chance Schools. Although the majority of the participants belong to financially and socially impoverished strata, they do not face unemployment or marginalization. The use of the institution of Second Chance Schools in this particular area seems to be moving from reasons associated with social exclusion towards the fulfilment of other needs that were created by dropping out of compulsory education.
Waiora: Connecting People, Well-Being, and Environment Through Waka Ama in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Severinsen Christina , Reweti Angelique
Published: December 2020

Waka ama is unique as a sport because, as well as the physical benefits for paddlers, it also creates opportunities for participants to experience and connect with the natural environment. This research draws on interviews with waka ama paddlers in Aotearoa New Zealand to illustrate how the well-being of the environment connects to the spiritual, cultural, and physical health of people. Results highlight the multifaceted benefits of participating in waka ama. As well as the physical benefits for paddlers, waka ama also has a strong tikanga, which encourages language revitalization with the use of te reo Māori through karakia, waiata, and the general terms used associated with waka. It also creates opportunities for participants to experience and connect with the natural environment and improve their health. The knowledge gained from participants provide evidence of effective ways to improve health and well-being within communities with a particular focus on waiora, the spiritual connection between hauora and the environment.
Race and National Football League Player Salaries After Controlling for Fantasy Statistics and Arrests
Authors: Jepsen Christopher , Jepsen Lisa , Draisey Trevor , Mahoney Josh
Published: December 2020

This paper provides a novel contribution to studies of race and labor-market outcomes by using fantasy football statistics as a measure of performance across offensive skill positions and arrest data as a proxy for negative off-the-field behavior. We investigate whether the determinants of salaries and employment vary between 2005-06 and 2015-16, as the 2011 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) introduced extensive regulation of rookie contracts. As expected, fantasy football statistics are strong predictors of salaries and employment in both time periods, whereas race and arrests are not. Fantasy statistics and experience have diminishing marginal returns for both outcomes.
Experimental study on the hot-melt adhesive pattern produced by melt blowing nozzle designs
Authors: Formoso Ignacio , Rivas Alejandro , Beltrame Gerardo , Larraona Gorka S , Ramos Juan Carlos , Antón Raúl , Salterain Alaine
Published: December 2020

The high-quality standards of bodily absorbent hygiene products require that the adhesive bond between layers be as uniform and consistent as possible. The final adhesive pattern of the product is determined by the dynamics of the adhesive fibre, which in turn depends on the nozzle geometry and on its operating conditions. In order to gain a better understanding of the dynamics of adhesive fibres and the deposited application pattern, an experimental study was conducted on two multi-hole melt blowing (MB) nozzles designed for producing hot-melt adhesives. To this end, the fibre dynamics were captured through the use of high-speed imaging (HSI). The main parameters that govern the fibre dynamics, including its frequency of oscillation, were quantified through use of image analysis. The effect of the operating conditions on the fibre’s frequency of oscillation at the nozzle exit region was studied and the results indicate that increasing air-polymer flux ratios [Formula: see text] and decreasing dimensionless temperature ratios [Formula: see text] both increase the fibre whipping frequency. Additionally, information on the fibre dynamics on the two planes of oscillation is obtained by studying the deposited application pattern of hot-melt applications. Other related matters are also treated throughout the article, such as fibre contact in adhesive patterns, which represent one of the major defects that the melt blowing technology of hot-melt adhesives is trying to mitigate. Experimental measurements are presented throughout the article to support the validity of the conclusions.
Introduction: Special Journal Issue “Cowboys and Pirates: Verging on the Horizons of Dangerous Shores of the Past and All-Too Present”
Authors: Alexander Bryant Keith
Published: December 2020

Cowboys and pirates are sometimes romantic figures with contested genealogies that bridge and breach dangerous shores of their motivation and acceptability. These critical autoethnographic informed essays engage explorations of our romanticized and politicized orientations to the cowboy and the pirate as they stand in the historiography of our lived experiences, or the socio-political constructions that establish a relational dynamic in culture and human social relations.
CTNNB1 Knockdown Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Aldosterone Secretion Through Inhibiting Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in H295R Cells
Authors: Zhou Tingting , Luo Pengwei , Wang Liang , Yang Shiwei , Qin Shiyuan , Wei Zhitao , Liu Jiwen
Published: December 2020

Aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA) is one of the causative factors of primary aldosteronism. Previous studies have suggested that there are somatic CTNNB1 mutations in APA, but the specific mechanism of CTNNB1 mutation in APA tumorigenesis and aldosterone secretion remains unclear. In the present study, human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line H295 R was used to establish stable CTNNB1 knockdown cell lines. Cell proliferation and aldosterone secretion of H295 R cells in response to angiotensin Ⅱ (Agn Ⅱ) were analyzed. We found that CTNNB1 knockdown reduced β-catenin expression and inhibited proliferation of H295 R cells. CTNNB1 knockdown inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and downregulated expression of downstream genes including axin 2, lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 ( LEF1), and cyclin D1. In addition, CTNNB1 knockdown decreased responses of H295 R cells to Agn Ⅱ and decreased aldosterone secretion. Our findings suggest that CTNNB1 knockdown can inhibit H295 R cell proliferation and decrease aldosterone secretion in the responses of H295 R cells to Ang II through inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, indicating that targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may be an important approach to decrease aldosterone secretion in the treatment of aldoster-producing adenomas.
The Study of Tumor Volume as a Prognostic Factor in T Staging System for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Jia Bei , Zhang Xu , Mo Yunxian , Chen Biao , Long Hao , Rong Tiehua , Su Xiaodong
Published: December 2020

Background:

This study aimed to evaluate T staging system for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using tumor volume (TV) and other prognostic factors.

Methods:

This study included 1309 cases. The TV and greatest tumor diameter (GTD) were semi-automatically measured. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of TV and GTD were used to predict survival. The regression analysis was used to describe the correlation between GTD and TV. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox’s proportional hazards regression model was applied for multivariate analysis.

Results:

Using the OS in pN0M0 patients (997 cases), we obtained 4 optimal cutoff values and divided all cases into 5 TV groups (V1: TV ≤ 2.80 cm3; V2: TV > 2.80–6.40 cm3; V3: TV > 6.40–12.9 cm3; V4: TV > 12.9–55.01 cm3; V5: TV > 55.01 cm3) with significant OS ( P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that age, visceral pleural invasion (VPI), and all TV cutoff points were independent factors of OS ( P < 0.05). For V3 and V4 groups, the OS in patients without VPI was better than that in patients with VPI. Using the values of TV, VPI, and N stages, we classified all cases into 5 stages from I to V depending on the OS. The OS in I, II, III, IV, and V stages were 71.3%, 65.5%, 59.8%, 47.7%, and 35.1% respectively ( P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

We proposed a new T staging system using TV as the main prognostic descriptor in NSCLC patients, which may provide a better comprehensive clinical value than GTD in clinical applications.
Correlation of L-asp Activity, Anti-L-asp Antibody, Asn and Gln With Adverse Events Especially Anaphylaxis Risks in PEG-asp-Contained Regime Treated Pediatric ALL Patients
Authors: Wu Juan , Chen Changcheng , Huang Shiying , Shen Shuhong , Chen Jing , Zhang Shunguo
Published: December 2020

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the correlation of L-asparaginase (L-asp) activity, anti-L-asp antibody, asparagine and glutamine levels with the risks of adverse events (AEs), especially anaphylaxis, in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients who underwent polyethylene glycol-conjugated L-asp (PEG-asp)-contained treatment.

Methods:

Plasma samples were collected from 91 pediatric ALL patients who underwent PEG-asp-contained treatment on the 7th day after drug administration. Plasma L-asp activity, anti-L-asp antibody level, asparagine level and glutamine level were detected. Meanwhile, AEs related to PEG-asp administration were recorded.

Results:

AEs occurred in 13 (14.3%) patients, among which 7 (7.7%) patients had anaphylaxis, while another 6 patients had non-anaphylaxis AEs (including 4 (4.4%) patients who had acute pancreatitis, 1 (1.1%) patient who had abdominal pain and diarrhea, as well as 1 (1.1%) patient who had nausea and vomiting). L-asp activity was decreased, while asparagine and glutamine levels were increased in patients with AEs compared to patients without AEs, and ROC curves showed that they were correlated with higher AEs risk. Notably, further analyses revealed that L-asp activity, anti-L-asp antibody, asparagine and glutamine levels were highly correlated with anaphylaxis risk, but they were not associated with the risk of non-anaphylactic AEs.

Conclusion:

The measurement of L-asp activity, anti-L-asp antibody level, asparagine level and glutamine level might assist the prevention of anaphylaxis-related AEs in pediatric ALL patients who underwent PEG-asp-contained treatment.
Religiosity, Acculturation, and Preterm Birth in Mexican-Origin Women: A Pilot Study
Authors: Page Robin L. , Perez-Patron Maria , Han Gang , Burdette Amy M. , Badejo Megan
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Explanations for racial disparities in preterm birth (PTB) are elusive, especially when comparing high rates in some racial groups with low rates in Mexican-immigrant women. The purpose of this study was to examine potential protective factors against PTB such as religiosity and acculturation.

Methods

This study was a prospective investigation of Mexican- and U.S.-born pregnant women. Women were recruited from a low-income-serving prenatal clinic in Texas. Survey instruments included socioeconomic variables, acculturation, and religiosity/spirituality (R/S). Logistic regression was used to examine the associations between acculturation, religiosity, and PTB. Because of the low prevalence of PTB in our sample, we were not able to adjust for confounding characteristics.

Results

Ninety-one low-income women, mostly Mexican immigrants, participated in the study. PTB in our sample was lower than the national average in the United States (5.5% vs. 9.9%) and was positively but moderately associated with high R/S. R/S scores were high, particularly for frequency of attendance, prayer, and religious coping. Women with lower acculturation had higher scores on the religiosity measures.

Conclusion

Further research is needed with a larger sample to include other ethnic and racial minorities to more fully understand the relationships between acculturation, religiosity, and PTB.
Is Paternalistic Leadership a Double-Edged Sword for Team Performance? The Mediation of Team Identification and Emotional Exhaustion
Authors: Huang Tse Yao , Lin Chieh-Peng
Published: December 2020

Drawing on social identity theory and the conservation of resources theory, this study proposes a research framework to reconcile the arguments in previous findings regarding how paternalistic leadership affects team performance. Data from team workers with a variety of professional expertise and skills across 66 high-tech teams in Taiwan were analyzed. The empirical results of this study demonstrate authoritarianism as a double-edged sword for team performance in which authoritarianism positively relates to team performance through team identification but negatively relates to team performance through emotional exhaustion. At the same time, morality positively relates to team performance through team identification, whereas benevolence positively relates to team performance through emotional exhaustion. Based on the findings, theoretical implications, managerial implications, and research limitations are discussed.
End-to-end improved convolutional neural network model for breast cancer detection using mammographic data
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Srivastava Subodh , Mishra Ritesh Kumar , Sai Y Padma
Published: December 2020

Any disease is curable if it is diagnosed at the early stages with the help of a little human effort. The disease breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women after lung cancer. Mammography is one of the most mainstream clinical imaging modalities that are utilized for early recognition of breast cancer. Early breast cancer detection helps to alleviate unnecessary treatments as well as saving women’s lives. The speedy development in deep learning and some of the strategies of machine learning have invigorated abundant enthusiasm for their application to clinical imaging issues. This paper presents an improved convolutional neural network (CNN) model that consists of three convolutional layers where the starting layer searches for low-level features and the ending layer searches for high-level features. Two activation functions, that is, the Rectified Linear Unit and sigmoid functions, are utilized for the detection of breast cancer using digitized film mammograms from the Digital Database for Screening Mammography. The proposed convolutional neural system for identifying breast malignancy on mammogram imaging achieved praiseworthy execution on examination with prior models. The experimentation found that the model achieved has a true positive rate of 99% (accuracy = 97.20%, precision = 99%, true negative rate = 96%, F-score = 0.99, balanced classification rate = 0.975, Youden’s index = 0.95). The proposed improved CNN model can be used as a second opinion of doctors to detect breast cancer.
Brain Structure Alterations in Hemifacial Spasm: A Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study
Authors: Zhang Jian , Yu Qingyang , Gu Peng , Sun Hongtao , Yuan Fei , Zhang Quan
Published: December 2020

This study examined white matter integrity in patients with left-sided hemifacial spasm (HFS) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Thirty-six patients with left-sided HFS (mean age 53.24 ± 8.16 years) and 36 healthy volunteers (mean age 53.92 ± 7.73 years) were recruited. Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) analysis revealed significantly increased fractional anisotropy (FA) of bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus in HFS patients ( P < 0.05, family-wise error corrected), with trends for radial diffusivity to decrease. We inferred that the results may be associated with poor sleep quality, impairment in visuospatial construction, and activity-dependent increases in myelination in HFS patients. Furthermore, the FA value of left superior longitudinal fasciculus showed a positive correlation with HFS duration ( r = 0.352, P = .041) and spasm severity ( r = 0.416, P = .014). However, the alteration of medial diffusivity and axial diffusivity were not found in bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus between groups. These findings suggest FA changes of superior longitudinal fasciculus reflected by TBSS analysis may provide valuable insights into the diagnosis of HFS.
Emotional Consequences of Participating in Research: How Does a History of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Trauma Exposure Affect Participants’ Experiences?
Authors: Robertson Ryan A. , Nester M. Shae , Dardis Christina M.
Published: December 2020

Although research into trauma and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is critical to informing evidence-based interventions, IRB committees express caution about the potential safety concerns these questions pose to participants. The present study examined the emotional consequences of participating in research asking questions about trauma and NSSI. A total of 544 participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing trauma exposure, NSSI, and reactions to research participation. Results indicated that trauma exposure was positively related with emotional reactions, and NSSI engagement was associated with higher incidences of trauma. Additionally, those with a history of NSSI reported greater emotional reactions and perceived drawbacks after participation. However, overall, individuals with a history of NSSI still indicated a positive research experience. Implications for how to safely conduct research with participants who have a history of NSSI and previous trauma exposure are discussed.
Relationships of the 5-Jump Test (5JT) Performance of Youth Players With Volleyball Specific’ Laboratory Tests for Explosive Power
Authors: Ben Ayed Karim , Ben Saad Helmi , Ali Hammami Mohamed , Latiri Imed
Published: December 2020

Volleyball involves movements with and/or without horizontal approaches (i.e., spike jumps, jump setting, blocking). The 5-jump test (5JT) was suggested to assess lower limb explosive power of athletes competing in some disciplines (e.g., soccer, judo, running). It appears that no previous study has investigated the 5JT performance components in volleyball players. This study aimed to test the relationship between 5JT performance and two specific laboratory tests for explosive power (i.e., countermovement jump [CMJ] and squat jump [SJ]). Forty volleyball players (boys, mean age: 12.4 ± 0.8 years) were tested for 5JT, CMJ, and SJ tests. 5JT performance was expressed in absolute terms (m), and relative to leg length (5JTLL) and body mass (5JTBM). The SJ and CMJ tests were evaluated using the optojump photoelectric cells and the following data were collected: peak power (Pp) of jump (W, W.kg-0.67), peak jumping force (Fpeak, N), peak jumping velocity (Vpeak, m/s), peak heights of CMJ and SJ (CMJH and SJH, respectively, cm). Only significant ( p < .05) Pearson product-moment correlations ( r) > 0.30 were considered. 5JT performance was significantly correlated with SJ, Vpeak ( r = 0.90), SJH ( r = 0.88), Pp [W.kg-0.67 ( r = 0.86), W ( r = 0.72)], Fpeak ( r = 0.45); and CMJ, Vpeak ( r = 0.82), CMJH ( r = 0.80), Pp [W.kg-0.67 ( r = 0.89), W ( r = 0.85)], Fpeak ( r = 0.73). 5JTLL values were significantly related to SJ, Pp [W ( r = 0.81), W.kg-0.67 ( r = 0.74)], Vpeak ( r = 0.82); and CMJ, Pp [W ( r = 0.73), W.kg-0.67 ( r = 0.84)], Vpeak ( r = 0.75), Fpeak ( r = 0.67)]. 5JTBM values were significantly related to SJ, Pp (W, r = −0.43). To conclude, in youth volleyball players, the 5JT may be viewed as an explosive strength diagnostic instrument under field circumstances.
Thermal and sound insulation properties of recycled cotton/polyester chemical bonded nonwovens
Authors: Sakthivel Santhanam , Senthil Kumar Selvaraj , Mekonnen Seblework , Solomon Eshetu
Published: December 2020

This research paper reports a study on thermal and sound insulation samples developed from recycled cotton/polyester (recycled cotton/PET) for construction industry applications. The waste recycled cotton and polyester fiber is a potential source of raw material that can be considered for thermal and sound insulation applications, but its quantities are limited. While the quantities are limited, waste recycled cotton fiber was mixed with recycled/PET fiber in 50/50 proportions in the form of two-layer nonwoven mats with a chemical bonding method. The samples such as cotton (color and white), polyester (color and white), and cotton-polyester blend (color and white) were prepared. All the samples were tested for thermal insulation, sound absorption, moisture absorption, and fiber properties as per the ASTM standard. Also, behaviors of six recycled cotton/polyester nonwoven samples under high humidity conditions were evaluated. The sound absorption coefficients were measured according to ASTM E 1050 by an impedance tube method, the sound absorption coefficient over six frequencies 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz were calculated. The result revealed that nonwoven mats that are prepared from recycled/PET/cotton waste have confirmed more than 70% of the sound absorption coefficient and the recycled nonwoven mats provided the best insulation, sound absorption, moisture absorption, and fiber properties. The recycled waste cotton/ polyester nonwoven mats have adequate moisture resistance at high humidity conditions without affecting the insulation and sound-absorbing properties.
Non-intrusive vital sign monitoring using an intelligent pillow based on a piezoelectric ceramic sensor
Authors: Wang Wei , Pang Zhiqiang , Peng Ling , Hu Fei
Published: December 2020

Performing real-time monitoring for human vital signs during sleep at home is of vital importance to achieve timely detection and rescue. However, the existing smart equipment for monitoring human vital signs suffers the drawbacks of high complexity, high cost, and intrusiveness, or low accuracy. Thus, it is of great need to develop a simplified, nonintrusive, comfortable and low cost real-time monitoring system during sleep. In this study, a novel intelligent pillow was developed based on a low-cost piezoelectric ceramic sensor. It was manufactured by locating a smart system (consisting of a sensing unit i.e. a piezoelectric ceramic sensor, a data processing unit and a GPRS communication module) in the cavity of the pillow made of shape memory foam. The sampling frequency of the intelligent pillow was set at 1000 Hz to capture the signals more accurately, and vital signs including heart rate, respiratory rate and body movement were derived through series of well established algorithms, which were sent to the user’s app. Validation experimental results demonstrate that high heart-rate detection accuracy (i.e. 99.18%) was achieved in using the intelligent pillow. Besides, human tests were conducted by detecting vital signs of six elder participants at their home, and results showed that the detected vital signs may well predicate their health conditions. In addition, no contact discomfort was reported by the participants. With further studies in terms of validity of the intelligent pillow and large-scale human trials, the proposed intelligent pillow was expected to play an important role in daily sleep monitoring.
Planning Qualitative Research: Design and Decision Making for New Researchers
Authors: Tomaszewski Lesley Eleanor , Zarestky Jill , Gonzalez Elsa
Published: December 2020

For students and novice researchers, the choice of qualitative approach and subsequent alignment among problems, research questions, data collection, and data analysis can be particularly tricky. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide a concise explanation of four common qualitative approaches, case study, ethnography, narrative, and phenomenology, demonstrating how each approach is linked to specific types of data collection and analysis. We first introduce a summary and key qualities of each approach. Then, using two common research contexts, we apply each approach to design a study, enabling comparisons among approaches and demonstrating the internal consistency within each approach. Given the nuance and complexity of qualitative research, this paper provides an accessible starting point from which novice researchers can begin their journey of learning about, designing, and conducting qualitative research.
Diesel engine performance, emissions and combustion characteristics of castor oil blends using pyrolysis
Authors: Attai Youssef A. , Abu-Elyazeed Osayed S. , ElBeshbeshy Mohamed R. , Ramadan Mohamed A. , Gad Mohamed S.
Published: December 2020

Castor biodiesel (CBD) was manufactured by slow pyrolysis of oil from highly yielded seeds with anhydrous sodium hydroxide catalyst. An experimental study of engine’s performance, emissions and combustion characteristics using biodiesel blended with gas oil in volumetric ratios of 0, 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100% at different loads was performed. Increase of CBD percentage in the blend led to a reduction in engine’s thermal efficiency, cylinder pressure, net heat release rate, and smoke emission. The exhaust gas temperature, specific fuel consumption, unburned hydrocarbon, CO, and nitrogen oxide emissions were increased with the increase of CBD ratio. Biodiesel showed the maximum increase in specific fuel consumption by 10% and the thermal efficiency was decreased by 10.5% about pure diesel. Smoke emissions were decreased for CBD100 by 12% about gas oil. The maximum increases in NOx, CO, HC emissions, and exhaust gas temperature for CBD 100 were 22, 34, 48, and 11%, respectively related to diesel oil. The maximum reductions in cylinder pressure and net heat release rate were 5 and 13% for CBD100 about gas oil, respectively. Biodiesel percentage of 10% showed near values of performance parameters and emissions to gas oil, so, it is recommended as the optimum percentage.
Research on bolt pre-tightening and relaxation mechanism under transverse load
Authors: Gao Dawei , Gong Jiacheng , Tian Zhongling , Zheng Tengfei
Published: December 2020

In order to predict the bolt’s stress distribution under the pre-tightening state and the loosening process under the transverse load, a 3D model considering the bolt thread structure was established by finite element method (FEM). In this study, the looseness effect of transverse load amplitude, the friction coefficient of the bolt head load bearing surface and the thread contact surface are mainly studied. The result indicated that the stress under bolt pre-tightening is mainly concentrated on the contact part of the bolt’s head and bar. At the contact area of the load threads at one end and the transition part between the bolt bar and the thread, the stress and axial direction of the thread part are offset. Under the transverse displacement load, the sliding of the bolt can be divided into three stages: full contact, viscous contact, and full slip. The numerical model of bolt relaxation obtained in this paper can provide reference for the application, checking and prediction of threaded fasteners.
Finite element analysis of T-joint of mechanical connecting channels
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Li Fachao , Chen Zibo , Li Baishu , Zhu Jue
Published: December 2020

This paper studies the force and deformation of the connecting channel in Ningbo rail transit construction, which firstly used the mechanical shield method. Steel-concrete composite structural segments are used in the T-joint of connecting channel. The cutting part of the segments are replaced by the concrete and fiberglass instead of reinforced concrete. Basing on a variety of three-dimensional design software and ABAQUS finite element analysis software, a refined finite element analysis model of the special segments is established. By considering the influence of curved joint bolts, the force analysis of the special segments under the structural state before and after construction is performed. According to the analysis and comparison of the deformation of the segments with and without the bolts, it is concluded that the steel-concrete segments can withstand the pressure of the soil before and after the construction. Suggestions for the safety of the design and construction of the segments are put forward.
Local coating of curved rails by using low friction material for squeal noise reduction
Authors: Kim Jae Chul , Noh Hee-Min , Yun Yang Soo
Published: December 2020

Curve squeal noise is one of the most prominent noises among railway noises. High levels of noise are generated when a train passes through curved sections, resulting in several complaints from the residents and vehicle passengers. To mitigate this problem, the squeal noise was attempted to be mitigated by laser cladding the composite material on the head of the rail. First, the effect of the negative gradient of the coefficient of friction on the squeal noise was theoretically examined. A simple model analysis indicated that the vibration of the wheel increased rapidly when the vibration system involved instability characteristics. In addition, the change in the friction coefficient owing to the local coating of the rail with a low friction material was investigated using a roller rig test equipment. The results demonstrated that the negative friction coefficient did not occur when the contact position between the wheel and rail was locally coated. Furthermore, the effect of the low friction local coating on the squeal noise in the curve section was examined in operational rails. The comparison of the results obtained before and after the local coating confirmed that the local coating of the rail can effectively reduce the squeal noise.
How ethical leadership influences professional learning communities via teacher obligation and participation in decision making: A moderated-mediation analysis
Authors: Liu Shengnan , Yin Hongbiao
Published: December 2020

This study tested a moderated-mediation model of the processes linking principal ethical leadership and professional learning communities in China, in which teacher obligation is included as a mediator, and teacher participation in school decision making is considered as a moderator. The results from 3374 teachers revealed significant direct and indirect effects of ethical leadership on the professional learning communities via teacher obligation. Teacher participation in decision making significantly moderated the effects of ethical leadership on both teacher obligation and on the professional learning communities. The positive effects of principal ethical leadership were strengthened when teachers perceived high participation in school decision making.
Toward distributed pedagogical leadership for quality improvement: Evidence from a childcare centre in Singapore
Authors: Yang Weipeng , Lim Sirene
Published: December 2020

This article presents findings from a representative case study of a typical childcare centre in Singapore that achieved an emerging level of quality certification despite being under-resourced as a non-profit centre. Like other centres, it was navigating a climate of early childhood care and education (ECCE) policy reforms and teacher shortage. Given that quality rating has existed for a few years, the study aimed to explore centre-based conditions that could hinder or facilitate teachers’ distributed pedagogical leadership and the development of a community of practice – both assumed to be necessary for teachers’ continued learning and improvement of centres’ practices. Qualitative data were generated across 10 months through observations, individual interviews and focus group discussions to journey with the teaching team as they negotiated relationships and built a shared vision for their practices. Results are presented here as three overarching themes that explicate: (a) the inevitable influences of the national context of the sector’s workforce; (b) organisational culture and power relations; and (c) pedagogical vision. These illustrate the intricacies involved in centre-based quality improvement work, signalling the need for more investigations into the everyday realities of ECCE reforms as experienced by teachers-as-learners and leaders.
Targeting HPV in gynaecological cancers – Current status, ongoing challenges and future directions
Authors: Crusz Shanthini M , El-Shakankery Karim , Miller Rowan E
Published: December 2020

Despite the success of preventive vaccination, the Human Papilloma Virus still accounts for 266,000 deaths annually, as the main causative factor of cervical, vaginal, anal, penile and oropharyngeal cancers. Human Papilloma Virus infects epithelial cells, driving tumourigenesis primarily from incorporation of DNA into the host cellular genome. Translation of two particular Human Papilloma Virus–specific oncoproteins, E6 and E7, are the key drivers of malignancy. If diagnosed early cervical, vaginal and vulval cancers have good prognosis and are treated with curative intent. However, metastatic disease carries a poor prognosis, with first-line systemic treatment providing only modest increase in outcome. Having shown promise in other solid malignancies, immune checkpoint inhibition and therapeutic cancer vaccines have been directed towards Human Papilloma Virus–associated gynaecological cancers, mindful that persistent Human Papilloma Virus infection drives malignancy and is associated with immunosuppression and lack of T-cell immunity. In this review, we discuss novel therapeutic approaches for targeting Human Papilloma Virus–driven gynaecological malignancies including vaccination strategies, use of immunomodulation, immune checkpoint inhibitors and agents targeting Human Papilloma Virus–specific oncoproteins. We also highlight the evolving focus on exciting new treatments including adoptive T-cell therapies.
Mutual influences between numerical and non-numerical quantities in comparison tasks
Authors: Hendryckx Charlotte , Guillaume Mathieu , Beuel Anthony , Van Rinsveld Amandine , Content Alain
Published: December 2020

Humans possess a numerical intuition that allows them to manipulate large non-symbolic quantities. This ability has been broadly assessed with the help of number comparison tasks involving simultaneously displayed arrays. Many authors pointed out that the manipulation (or the lack thereof) of non-numerical features deeply impacts performance in these tasks, but the specific nature of this influence is not clear. This study investigates the interaction between numerical and non-numerical quantity judgement tasks. Adult participants performed five distinct comparison tasks, each based on a target dimension: numerosity, total area, dot size, convex hull, and mean occupancy. We manipulated the relation between the target and the other dimensions to measure their respective influence on task performance. Results showed that total area and convex hull substantially affected numerosity comparisons. The number of dots conversely acted as an informative dimension when participants had to make a decision based on the total area or the convex hull. Our results illustrate that adults flexibly use non-target dimensions as visual cues to perform comparison judgements. Overall, this suggests that the influence found in numerical comparison tasks is explicit and deliberate rather than due to implicit visual integration processes.
Schizotypy is associated with difficulty maintaining multiple hypotheses
Authors: Griffiths Oren , Balzan Ryan
Published: December 2020

Among neurocognitive accounts of delusions, there is a growing consensus that it is the certainty with which delusions are held, rather than their content that defines some beliefs as delusional. On a continuum model of psychosis, this inappropriate certainty ought to be present (albeit in an attenuated form) in healthy adults who score highly in schizotypy. It was hypothesised that this might be most evident in circumstances where the environment provides incomplete or probabilistic information, which thereby forces the participant to hold two imperfectly supported, concurrent hypotheses in mind. A cued visual search task was used to measure people’s capacity to use partially predictive information (i.e., a cue that predicted the target may occur in one of the two locations) to facilitate speeded responding. As hypothesised, people’s performance on the trials that required holding two hypotheses in mind concurrently was significantly and specifically associated with the positive components of schizotypy. This finding is consistent with a hyperfocusing of attention in schizophrenia, and may help explain why delusion-prone individuals have a tendency to “jump to conclusions” or be resistant to disconfirming information when faced with multiple, partially supported hypotheses.
Positive development of young futsal players is influenced by the coach's method and leadership profile
Authors: Albuquerque Luis Rogério de , Scheeren Eduardo Mendonça , Biscaia Renato Rodrigues , Vagetti Gislaine Cristina , Oliveira Valdomiro de
Published: December 2020

The objective of the current study was to investigate the influence of the teaching methods and the leadership profile of the coach in relation to the positive development of young futsal practitioners. In total, 541 Brazilian adolescents (13.86 ± 1.61 years) and 34 Brazilian coaches (45.58 ± 5.81 years), from a public sports program in 29 public schools in the city of Curitiba, in the state of Paraná, participated in the study. Ordinal logistic regression was used to verify the independent associations between the variables sex, category, trainer methodology, and athletes' perception with the tertiles of the scores of each characteristic of positive development of young people. Odds ratios (CR) were obtained with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) adopting p < 0.05. Small sized games were positively associated with goal setting (OR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.05–1.74). Positive associations were also found between athletes' perceptions of the coaches' leadership profile with personal and social skills (instructor, democratic behavior), cognitive skills (instructor, democratic behavior and social support), goal setting (instructor, democratic behavior and social support), and initiative (instructor). A longer time spent in the program demonstrated significant correlations with personal and social skills, goal setting, and initiative. Girls presented significantly higher scores than boys regarding goal setting and initiative. For the program evaluated, the results suggest the coaches choose small sized games, combined with a democratic, affective, and accurate leadership profile in teaching instructions.
Deep learning health state prognostics of physical assets in the Oil and Gas industry
Authors: Figueroa Barraza Joaquín , Guarda Bräuning Luis , Benites Perez Ruben , Morais Carlos Bittencourt , Martins Marcelo Ramos , Droguett Enrique Lopez
Published: December 2020

Due to its capital-intensive nature, the Oil and Gas industry requires high operational standards to meet safety and environmental requirements, while maintaining economical returns. In this context, maintenance policies play a crucial role in the avoidance of unplanned downtimes and enhancement of productivity. In particular, Condition-Based Maintenance is an approach in which maintenance actions are performed depending on the assets’ health state that is evaluated through different kinds of sensors. In this paper, Deep Learning methods are explored and different models are proposed for health state prognostics of physical assets in two real-life cases from the Oil and Gas industry: a Natural Gas treatment plant in an offshore production platform where elevated levels of CO2 must be predicted, and a sea water injection pump for oil extraction stimulation, in which several degradation levels must be predicted. A general methodology for preprocessing the available multi-sensor data and developing proper models is proposed and apply in both case studies. In the first one, a LSTM autoencoder is developed, achieving precision values over 83.5% when predicting anomalous states up to 8 h ahead. In the second case study, a CNN-LSTM model is proposed for the pump’s health state prognostics 48 h ahead, achieving precision values above 99% for all possible pump health states.
A presentation of adenovirus with hypokalemia and rhabdomyolysis in pregnancy
Authors: Kishkovich Thomas P , Lu Connie F , Hardy Erica J , Russo Melissa L
Published: December 2020

Background

Adenovirus infection is usually mild in presentation. However during pregnancy, the course can be more severe.

Case

A 21-year-old woman in her second pregnancy presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, and fevers at 34 weeks and 4 days of gestation. Her respiratory pathogen panel on nasopharyngeal secretions was positive for adenovirus. Electrolytes were notable for hypomagnesaemia and persistent hypokalemia (nadir of 2.6 mmol/L) despite repletion but otherwise unremarkable. During her course, she developed rhabdomyolysis. During routine fetal monitoring at 35 weeks and 6 days of gestation, prolonged fetal bradycardia was identified, and an emergency caesarean delivery was performed. The infant had no clinical or laboratory evidence of adenovirus infection. The patient had a protracted clinical course but recovered with supportive care.

Conclusion

Adenovirus can present with severe complications in a pregnant woman including hypokalemia and rhabdomyolysis. The mainstay of treatment is supportive care and monitoring of electrolyte abnormalities and renal function.
The reliability and accuracy of Polar Team Pro GPS units
Authors: Akyildiz Zeki , Yildiz Mehmet , Clemente Filipe Manuel
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to investigate the accuracy and reliability of Polar Team Pro GPS units (10 Hz) when used to measure distance and total distance covered in different speed zones. Eight amateur soccer players (age: 21.37 ± 1.40 years, height: 176.75 ± 5 cm, body mass: 176.75 ± 9.47 kg) completed a team sport simulation cycle. Two Polar Team Pro GPS units were positioned on each player’s chest, and one GPSports GPS unit (15 Hz) was positioned between the scapulae. The data obtained from the two Polar Team Pro GPS units were compared to determine inter-unit reliability. The data obtained from one of the Polar Team Pro GPS units and the GPSports GPS unit (reference standard) were compared to determine concurrent accuracy. There was acceptable inter-unit reliability of Polar Team Pro GPS units for total distance (TD), low speed running (LSR) (0.00–13.99 km h−1), high speed running (HSR) (14.00–19.99 km h−1) and very high speed running (VHSR) (>20.0 km h−1) with high ICCs (0.63, 0.99, 0.99 and 0.99, respectively), and low typical error of measurement (%) (TEM%) (4.64, 5.05, 1.06 and 2.89, respectively). Regarding accuracy, the ICCs were extremely high for LSR and HSR (0.99 and 0.92, respectively), but high for TD and VHSR (0.63 and 0.65, respectively). Moreover, TEM (%) values were very low for TD and LSR (0.6 and 1.6, respectively), but they were high for HSR and VHSR (13.8 and 13.1, respectively). Consequently, acceptable inter-unit reliability was observed, indicating that the Polar Team Pro GPS unit is suitable for tracking pertinent team-sport variables. Moreover, the Polar Team Pro GPS units (10 Hz) are accurate under the same conditions. However, the research showed that the two systems cannot be used interchangeably for quantifying distances covered at higher speeds.
Pharmacogenomics: Prescribing based on genetic variation
Authors: Rafi Imran , Hayward Judith , Dawes Martin
Published: December 2020

Clinical decision support systems relating to prescribing are available on general practice information technology systems, with warnings relating to drug–drug interactions and allergies. These tools can help us anticipate and avoid known side effects of drugs, but only after we have selected the drug. Combining these with renal function, liver function, other biophysical markers and pharmacogenomics information, can improve medicines optimisation and reduce adverse effects. Managing all these variables at the same time as conforming to disease guidelines is a challenge. The challenge is even greater when managing multi-morbidity and the associated polypharmacy.
Cerebrospinal fluid inflammatory biomarkers predicting interferon-beta response in MS patients
Authors: Stampanoni Bassi Mario , Drulovic Jelena , Pekmezovic Tatjana , Iezzi Ennio , Sica Francesco , Gilio Luana , Gentile Antonietta , Musella Alessandra , Mandolesi Georgia , Furlan Roberto , Finardi Annamaria , Marfia Girolama Alessandra , Bellantonio Paolo , Fantozzi Roberta , Centonze Diego , Buttari Fabio
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims:

Interferon beta (IFNb) is a safe first-line drug commonly used for relapsing-remitting (RR)-MS. Nevertheless, a considerable proportion of patients do not respond to IFNb treatment. Therefore, until now, a number of studies have investigated various markers that could predict the patients who would respond to IFNb therapy. The objective of this study was to identify reliable biomarkers to predict the efficacy of IFNb treatment in MS.

Methods:

In a group of 116 patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and RR-MS, we explored the association between CSF detectability of a large set of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules at the time of diagnosis and response to IFNb after the first year of treatment. The absence of clinical relapses, radiological activity and disability progression (NEDA-3) was assessed at the end of 1-year follow up. The results were compared with those obtained in additional groups of CIS and RR-MS patients treated with other first-line drugs (dimethyl fumarate and glatiramer acetate).

Results:

CSF undetectability of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α was the main predictor of reaching NEDA-3 status after 1 year of IFNb treatment. Moreover, detectable platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was associated with higher probability of reaching NEDA-3. Conversely, no associations with the CSF molecules were found in the two other groups of patients treated either with dimethyl fumarate or with glatiramer acetate.

Conclusion:

MIP-1α and PDGF could potentially represent suitable CSF biomarkers able to predict response to IFNb in MS.