bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active route planning for active diesel particulate filter regeneration
Authors: Zeng Xiangrui , Lim Jae Hyung , Schmotzer John W , Mohanty Amit
Published: December 2019

The vehicle route choice has great impact on the vehicle operating conditions, but it has rarely been used as a way to create desired vehicle operation and benefit automotive control. This paper presents a route planning algorithm which generates a route that meets the requirement of high-speed driving time from the diesel particulate filter controller for an active diesel particulate filter regeneration. Real-time traffic information is considered when designing the route. A new routing algorithm based on the unconstrained Dijkstra algorithm is developed to approximately solve this consecutive-highway-time-constrained shortest-path problem. A correctness proof of the algorithm is given based on an augmented graph. Examples are provided to show the scenarios in which the proposed routes can facilitate the diesel particulate filter regeneration control without adding too much travel time cost.
Efficacy and safety of bortezomib in refractory lupus nephritis: a single-center experience
Authors: Segarra A , Arredondo K V , Jaramillo J , Jatem E , Salcedo M T , Agraz I , Ramos N , Carnicer C , Valtierra N , Ostos E
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives

Resistant lupus nephritis (LN) has been associated with the persistence of long-lived plasma cells. Preliminary studies identified bortezomib as a potential treatment option for patients with refractory LN. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of bortezomib in the treatment of severe refractory LN.

Methods

This retrospective study included 12 female patients diagnosed for the first time with class IV or IV/V LN with acute or rapidly progressive kidney injury ( n = 11) and/or severe nephrotic syndrome ( n = 1) who showed resistance to induction therapy with cyclophosphamide, steroids, mycophenolate, and rituximab, and were treated with either intravenous or subcutaneous bortezomib plus intravenous dexamethasone.

Results

All patients with acute or rapidly progressive kidney injury showed a significant reduction in both biochemical and immunological activity after a mean of 6 (minimum 5, maximum 7) weekly cycles of bortezomib regimen, with a significant increase in C3 levels and a significant decrease of anti-ds DNA antibody titers, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index score, serum creatinine, and proteinuria. One patient (8.3%) achieved a complete response, and 10 patients (83.4%) achieved a partial response. During follow-up, all these patients maintained partial responses under treatment with mycophenolate and low-dose glucocorticoids. The patient with refractory nephrotic syndrome showed a partial response but relapsed 11 months after the end of bortezomib treatment and was resistant to treatment. A significant decrease in serum IgG levels after initiation of bortezomib treatment was observed in all patients, five of them (41.6%) showed hypogammaglobulinemia (<500 mg/dl), but no patient suffered from opportunistic infections; in only two patients (16.6%) hypogammaglobulinemia persisted at the end of follow-up. Two patients (16.6%) suffered from sensory neuropathy, which led to bortezomib treatment discontinuation.

Conclusions

Bortezomib may be an effective option for refractory LN, but close monitoring must be performed for possible adverse events such as peripheral neuropathy and hypogammaglobulinemia.
Developmental Impacts of Remittances on Migrant-Sending Households: Micro-Level Evidence from Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Imran Kashif , Devadason Evelyn S. , Kee Cheok Cheong
Published: December 2019

This article analyzes the overall and type of developmental impacts of remittances for migrant-sending households (HHs) in districts of Punjab, Pakistan. For this purpose, an HH-based human development index is constructed based on the dimensions of education, health and housing, with a view to enrich insights into interactions between remittances and HH development. Using high-quality data from a HH micro-survey for Punjab, the study finds that most migrant-sending HHs are better off than the HHs without this stream of income. More importantly, migrant HHs have significantly higher development in terms of housing in most districts of Punjab relative to non-migrant HHs. Thus, the government would need policy interventions focusing on housing to address inequalities in human development at the district-HH level, and subsequently balance its current focus on the provision of education and health.
Wages in Imperfect Markets: A Post-reforms Study of Indian Manufacturing
Authors: Sedai Ashish Kumar
Published: December 2019

This study analyzes the effects of structural market imperfections on wage growth in the Indian manufacturing following concerns over wage inequality post economic reforms, 1991. Using firm-level sales, expenditure, and wage data, we construct indices for market concentration, mark-up, and wage growth for 22 three-digit manufacturing industries for the period 1999–2016. Preliminary observations show falling wage shares in 18 industries, a rising level of concentration in all the industries and a fluctuating mark-up across the period confirming the results of other empirical studies. A panel regression shows that the impact of imperfect markets on wage growth is dialectical: an increase in market concentration has a positive effect on wage growth, whereas an increase in mark-up has a negative effect. The study finds that having fewer firms in a market is more beneficial for wage growth, given that there are prudential regulations to check monopoly behaviour. The study recommends that the Competition Commission of India incorporates these wage concerns when deciding to prohibit the abuse of dominant positions.
Entrepreneurship, State–business Ties and Business Groups in Bangladesh
Authors: Nahid Farzana , Gomez Edmund Terence , Yacob Shakila
Published: December 2019

This study analyses how domestic companies in Bangladesh emerged as major conglomerates, despite little help from a weak state that could hardly nurture its enterprises. Using a business history approach, this study traces the development of Bangladesh’s leading business groups. The history indicates that the entrepreneurial capacity and the creation of close ties with the State were the core factors that helped these business groups survive and grow in an economy led by a state that could do little to promote and offer policies that help in fostering the growth of domestic companies in an emerging economy.
Active music making facilitates prosocial behaviour in 18-month-old children
Authors: Buren Verena , Degé Franziska , Schwarzer Gudrun
Published: December 2019

Whenever we celebrate in a group, music and dance are usually part of it. Music making is a highly social activity and even listening to recorded music in a group still gives us a sense of feeling as a unit. Recently, studies have shown that joint music making promotes prosocial feelings and behaviour in children and preschoolers. Active music making led to more prosocial behaviour than a similar non-musical activity. Until now, however, the impact of joint active music making on prosociality has not been studied in infants. Only the effect of passive bouncing to the beat has been studied so far. Therefore, in the current study we investigated whether the joint activity of music making in a natural multimodal way can evoke prosocial behaviour in infants. In our study, 50 18-month-olds were randomly assigned to one of three groups: active music, passive music or non-musical activity (joint book reading). Afterwards, we measured helping behaviour towards the experimenter. We found that joint music making led to more helping behaviour than listening to music or joint book reading, indicating that the prosocial effect of joint music making arises even in 18-month-olds.
School Leaders’ Cognitive Complexity: Impact on the Big 5 Model and Teachers’ Organizational Citizenship Behavior
Authors: Da’as Rima’a , Schechter Chen , Qadach Mowafaq
Published: December 2019

Cognitive complexity (CC)—the ability to differentiate and integrate in a dynamic environment—has been shown to be essential to understanding complex and uncertain environments. However, educational leaders’ CC has not been examined. In the current exploratory research, we examine the effect of school middle leaders’ CC in relation to their Big 5 personality traits (neuroticism, conscientiousness, openness to experience, extroversion, and agreeableness) on their organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) as well as the moderator effect of CC between the Big 5 personality traits and OCB. Participants in this study were 325 educational management and leadership MA students from five higher education institutions acting as middle leaders in their schools. Results showed that a high level of differentiating CC was linked to a high level of openness to experience, extroversion, conscientiousness, and OCB. Further, high levels of integrative CC were linked to conscientiousness, openness to experience, and OCB. Low integrative CC was linked to a high level of neuroticism. Regarding the moderation effect, only integration ability serves as a moderator between conscientiousness, openness to experience, and OCB. By integrating research from both educational and noneducational literature, this exploratory study contributes to our understanding of school leaders’ CC, suggesting future research avenues and implications.
Using High-Speed Nasopharyngoscopy to Quantify the Bubbling Above the Velopharyngeal Valve in Cases of Nasal Rustle
Authors: Oren Liran , Rollins Michael , Padakanti Srujana , Kummer Ann , Gutmark Ephraim , Boyce Suzanne
Published: December 2019

Objective:

The loud and severely distorting form of audible nasal emission (commonly known as nasal turbulence or nasal rustle) typically occurs with a small velopharyngeal opening during production of pressure-sensitive consonants. The purpose of this study was to determine whether bubbling of the secretions, which commonly occurs on the superior aspect of the velopharyngeal port when there is a small opening, is a periodic process that can generate sound in the nasal cavity.

Participants:

Ten pediatric patients were included in the study. All participants had normal articulation and resonance but exhibited audible nasal emission characterized as nasal rustle.

Measures:

For each participant, high-speed video (HSV) nasopharyngoscopy and acoustic signals were recorded simultaneously. The acoustic recordings were captured in a manner similar to nasometry using nasal and oral microphones connected to a separation plate. Spectral analysis of the audio recordings and the HSV images was used to determine correlation between the acoustic and visual measurements.

Results:

This study showed that secretion bubbling is a periodic process and its frequency, measured from the HSV data, was also captured by the acoustic measurements. The nasal acoustic signal correlated more strongly with the video of bubbling than the oral acoustic signal in the majority of the cases where bubbling occurred.

Conclusion:

These findings are strong evidence that secretion bubbling plays a significant role in the mechanism that generates undesired sound in the nasal cavity. Further work is needed to determine whether this sound is perceived as nasal rustle.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Children With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: Differences Between Ipsilateral and Contralateral Ears
Authors: Hu Allen , Shaffer Amber D. , Jabbour Noel
Published: December 2019

Objective:

To evaluate Eustachian tube dysfunction in the ipsilateral and contralateral ears, in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP).

Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Setting:

Tertiary care children’s hospital.

Patients:

Seventy-four consecutive patients with UCLP born between 2005 and 2011 and treated at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Cleft-Craniofacial Center were included.

Main Outcome Measures:

Conductive hearing loss, tympanogram type, number of middle ear effusions, tympanostomy tubes, and complications. Hypothesis was formulated prior to data collection.

Results:

Conductive hearing loss was nearly twice as common in the ipsilateral ear (43.2%) compared with contralateral (23.0%; P = .001, McNemar test). There were no significant differences in the frequency of each type of tympanogram between the contralateral and ipsilateral ears. The proportions of ipsilateral (90.5%) and contralateral (91.9%) ears with effusion were not significantly different. The total number of tubes received was not significantly different between the 2 ears (median of 2 bilaterally). When combined, complications (retractions, perforations, and cholesteatomas) were significantly more common in the ipsilateral ear (29.7%) compared with the contralateral ear (18.9%; P = .039, McNemar test).

Conclusion:

In children with UCLP, there were significantly more instances of conductive hearing loss and complications on the cleft side compared to the noncleft side. This suggests that Eustachian tube dysfunction may indeed be more severe on the cleft side. Considering this information, clinicians may need to be especially observant of the ipsilateral ear.
Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumor of the Urinary Bladder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hamza Ameer , Guo Charles C.
Published: December 2019

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) of the urinary bladder is a rare neoplasm showing distinct melanocytic and smooth muscle differentiation. We aimed to review the clinicopathologic features of bladder PEComa using all the available cases in the literature, along with 2 new cases from our database. The patients included 15 females and 15 males with a mean age of 39.2 ± 15.3 years. Painless hematuria was the most common clinical presentation. The tumors were usually well circumscribed with a mean tumor size of 4.4 ± 2.7 cm. Bladder PEComas demonstrated nests, trabeculae, or sheets of epithelioid cells with intermixed spindled cells and numerous thin-walled vessels. Immunohistochemical studies showed that the tumors were positive for HMB45 (27/27), cathepsin (4/4), SMA (20/22), and caldesmon (3/3) and were negative for pan cytokeratin (0/18) and EMA (0/4). Molecular studies revealed that PEComa was associated with the TFE3 (n = 3) and EWSR1 (n = 1) gene rearrangements. Treatment included partial cystectomy (n = 18), transurethral resection (n = 8), and radical cystectomy (n = 4). Twenty patients had no evidence of disease during a mean follow-up time of 19.4 ± 17.2 months. Two patients had recurrence, and 1 patient died of metastatic disease. In conclusion, bladder PEComas demonstrate distinct morphologic and immunohistochemical features. Although most tumors follow a benign course, a small subset may develop metastasis and cause death.
Role of Hypoalbuminemia as an Independent Predictor of 30-Day Postoperative Complications Following Surgical Fixation of Ankle Fractures
Authors: Wilson Jacob M. , Kukowski Nathan R. , Staley Christopher A. , Bariteau Jason T.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Malnutrition is known to be negatively associated with outcomes after multiple orthopedic procedures. We hypothesized that admission albumin levels, as a marker for malnutrition, would correlate with postoperative outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate this relationship following surgery for ankle fracture.

Methods:

This is a retrospective cohort study of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database. Patients undergoing operative fixation of an ankle fracture were identified. A total of 6138 patients with albumin available for analysis were identified. Baseline patient information, preoperative serum albumin levels, 30-day postoperative complications, readmission, reoperation, and length of stay data were then collected. Poisson regression with robust error variance was performed to assess the effect of preoperative serum albumin level on postoperative outcomes.

Results:

The mean albumin level was 3.86 g/dL and 20.3% (1246/6138) of patients with available albumin levels were hypoalbuminemic. Multivariate analysis revealed that an albumin level <3.5 g/dL was an independent risk factor for complications (relative risk [RR], 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.78; P = .002) and readmission (RR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.13-2.08; P = .006). Additionally, when analyzed as a continuous variable, albumin level was negatively correlated with risk of mortality (RR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.19-0.72; P = .003). Patients with hypoalbuminemia also had significantly longer lengths of stay (4.5 vs 2.1 days; P < .001).

Conclusion:

While complication rates after fixation of ankle fractures remain low, hypoalbuminemia was a predictor of postoperative course. Malnutrition, therefore, may help inform the decision between surgical and conservative management of patients with ankle fractures potentially amenable to nonoperative management. Additionally, hypoalbuminemia should trigger heightened awareness and prophylactic therapy where appropriate.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, comparative study.
Roles and Motivations of Planning Professionals Who Promote Public Participation in Urban Planning Practice: Two Case Studies from Beijing, China
Authors: Zhang Lin , Hooimeijer Pieter , Lin Yanliu , Geertman Stan
Published: December 2019

Public participation in urban planning is a contested issue in China. In this article, we look at the endogenous mechanism of institutional change, by analyzing the roles and motivations of “third-party” planning professionals in two contrasting cases: a government-led and a citizen-led participatory practice. Findings show that planners were advocates of citizen participation in heritage preservation in both cases and acted as “mediators” in the first and “activists” in the second, yet remained within the mainstream planning structure. Their motivation to serve the rights of the citizens was clear, but subordinate to the drive to conform to the professional norms of authenticity in preservation in both cases. In contrast to both the Global North where more agonistic approaches question inclusive planning and the Global South where insurgent planning finds space to maneuver, Chinese urban planning seems to proceed by taking small steps within narrow margins when it comes to citizen engagement.
Evaluation of awareness and understanding of cancer immunotherapy among healthcare professionals in eastern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hamad Rabab S
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Cancer immunotherapy is a complicated field that develops rapidly; in the past decades, immunotherapy has become the standard treatment for several cancer types. The aim of the current study was to estimate the awareness and understanding of cancer immunotherapy and associated immunological concepts among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in eastern Saudi Arabia in order to assess educational needs.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted among multidisciplinary HCPs in healthcare institutions in eastern Saudi Arabia from April 2019 to June 2019. The survey was designed to assess the awareness and understanding of HCPs’ basic scientific knowledge of cancer immunotherapy. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Reliability was tested through Cronbach’s alpha, and a χ2 or Fisher’s exact test was used to determine the distribution of categorical variables between groups.

Results

The study included 360 HCPs: 43.6% physicians, 21.9% nurses, 20.8% medical laboratory scientists, and 13.6% pharmacists. Only 20.6% of the HCPs considered immunotherapy the best-known cancer therapy. The overall level of awareness of cancer immunotherapy was low (55.8%), and only 6.4% of the participants had a high knowledge rate. The majority of the respondents indicated the importance of studying the science of immunotherapy. Cronbach's alphas for the HCPs’ perceptions, self-evaluation rate, and reflection scales were 0.74, 0.90, and 0.66, respectively. Simple linear regression showed a significant relationship between reflection and self-evaluation.

Conclusions

A reliable and consistent study revealed a low level of awareness and understanding of immunotherapy among multidisciplinary HCPs.
A successful case of venetoclax-based therapy in relapsed/refractory secondary plasma cell leukemia
Authors: Kupsh Allison , Arnall Justin , Voorhees Peter
Published: December 2019

Background

Secondary plasma cell leukemia (sPCL) patients typically are either refractory to conventional therapies or have short remissions to drug regimens used in multiple myeloma (MM), which highlights sPCL’s aggressive nature and association with advanced stage disease. t(11,14) is correlated with increased BCL-2 expression, which makes it a cytogenic marker of interest for use of the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax. Little data of venetoclax’s use has been published in plasma cell leukemia. We present a case of a refractory/relapsed sPCL patient displaying t(11,14) who achieved a very good partial response (VGPR) from venetoclax therapy in combination with dexamethasone and bortezomib.

Case report

Our case describes a 67-year-old male initially diagnosed with IgG kappa MM in 2013, which transformed into non-secretory secondary plasma cell leukemia. Over a two-year period, despite responses to various therapies, the patient continued to experience relapses and exhausted options of novel agents seen in MM treatment. The patient was started on venetoclax in combination with bortezomib and oral dexamethasone.

Management and outcome

Due to the patient’s disease transformation into a non-secretory form of sPCL, PET/CT scans were relied upon to monitor disease progression. The PET/CT scan after three months of venetoclax combination treatment showed a very good partial response to therapy, with near resolution of metabolically active osseous disease.

Discussion

The success of venetoclax-based therapy in achieving a very good partial response suggests its utility in relapsed/refractory sPCL patients, who have exhausted various combinations of drug regimens used in treatment of MM and have historically poor survival outcomes.
Bone morphology of the proximal femoral canal: ethnicity related differences and the influence on cementless tapered wedge stem designs
Authors: Wuestemann Thies , Hoare Samuel G , Petersik Andreas , Hofstaetter Bernhard , Fehily Max , Matsubara Masaaki , Markel David C
Published: December 2019

Background:

Differences in proximal femoral morphology between ethnicities may have implications on the design of cementless tapered wedge stems. This study analyses the differences in Asian and Caucasian bone morphology as well as the related fit of various cementless tapered wedge stem designs.

Methods:

A computed tomography database and modelling software was used to retrospectively analyse a total of 1345 femora. Ethnicity related comparisons as well as the fit of the stem designs were analysed.

Results:

Statistically significant differences between canal shape of Caucasian and Japanese as well as non-Japanese Asians were observed. The fit of the stems within the femoral canal was highly dependent on the respective stem shape.

Conclusions:

The shape differences in stem designs had a larger influence on the fit within the femoral canal than the differences in ethnicity related to bone morphology.
Outcomes of post-operative duplex ultrasound following arteriovenous fistula formation: A pragmatic single-centre experience
Authors: Nickinson Andrew TO , Rogers Rebecca , Elbasty Ahmed , Nunney Ian , Bennett Philip C
Published: December 2019

Background:

Duplex ultrasound surveillance with pre-emptive treatment of an identified stenosis is increasingly being utilised to help maintain arteriovenous fistula patency. This study aims to determine whether post-operative duplex ultrasound surveillance can improve fistula patency at 12 months and improve the proportion of ‘pre-haemodialysis’ patients commencing haemodialysis via a usable fistula.

Methods:

All arteriovenous fistulae formed between 1st January 2015 and 31st August 2017 in a single, tertiary vascular centre were included. Primary and secondary patency at 12 months, along with the proportion of pre-haemodialysis patients commencing haemodialysis via a usable arteriovenous fistula, were compared between the fistulae undergoing duplex ultrasound surveillance and ‘standard practice’.

Results:

Two hundred forty-one arteriovenous fistulae were created in 216 patients. A higher proportion of brachiobasilic transposition arteriovenous fistula and patients undergoing arteriovenous fistula creation following a previously failed access were identified in the duplex ultrasound surveillance group. Primary patency at 12 months (hazard ratio = 0.43, 95% confidence interval = 0.30–0.61, p < .001) was significantly lower in the duplex ultrasound surveillance group compared with the ‘standard practice’ group. Despite this, no difference was identified in secondary patency at 12 months (hazard ratio = 1.82, 95% confidence interval = 0.87–3.80, p = .112). No difference was also identified in the proportion of pre-haemodialysis patients starting haemodialysis with a usable arteriovenous fistula (duplex ultrasound surveillance = 65.0% vs standard practice = 77.8%; odds ratio = 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.58–1.19, p = .279).

Conclusion:

Post-operative duplex ultrasound surveillance following arteriovenous fistula formation is associated with higher rates of post-operative intervention; however, this does not translate into improved secondary patency or the proportion of pre-haemodialysis patients commencing HD via their fistula.
Sociocultural processes of ability in Physical Education and Physical Education Teacher Education: A systematic review
Authors: Nabaskues-Lasheras Itsaso , Usabiaga Oidui , Lozano-Sufrategui Lorena , Drew Kevin J , Standal Øyvind Førland
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study is to systematically review the empirical evidence about the sociocultural processes of ability in Physical Education (PE) and PE Teacher Education (PETE) between 2004 and 2019. Content analysis of 17 included articles demonstrated that all the studies took place in PE, but none were conducted in PETE. Qualitative methodologies were common, underpinned by a variety of theoretical approaches, such as those focused on social structures, discourses, power relations and pedagogical approaches that (re)produce social constructions of ability. Our analysis resulted in four main themes: structuring elements of the field, the able student in PE, (mis)educational consequences and practical implications. In considering findings from this study, three reflections are presented: (a) there is a clear gap in PETE literature about the sociocultural process of ability in PE; (b) understanding ability as movement literacy could be useful in PE; and (c) future research exploring how ability is socially constructed by different groups of people is needed. PETE programmes should incorporate pedagogical practices in their curriculums directed to challenge students’ views about ability, enabling them at the same time to provide more habitable learning environments in their future practice.
Extreme value distribution and dynamic reliability estimation of high-pier bridges subjected to near-fault impulsive ground motions
Authors: Chen Zhi-Qiang , Zheng Shi-Xiong , Zhou Qiang , Chen Zhi-Wei , Li Xi
Published: December 2019

The seismic behaviour of high-pier and long-span bridges in fault zones is significantly influenced by the near-fault impulsive effect. In view of this, this study evaluates the extreme value distribution and dynamic reliability of high-pier bridges built in fault zones. First, based on the improved maximum entropy method constrained with fractional moments, a new method is proposed to evaluate the extreme value distribution of nonlinear structure seismic response. In the proposed method, the fractional moments are evaluated by the Latin hypercube sampling, and a linear system of equations that determine the initial value of fractional exponents and Lagrange multipliers is illustrated to improve the stability of the simplex algorithm. Second, based on the obtained extreme value distribution, the seismic reliability of structure is estimated by the simple numerical integration. Two numerical examples, including a nonlinear single-degree-of-freedom system and a three-storey nonlinear shear frame, are adopted to validate the proposed method. Finally, the seismic reliability of a typical high-pier and long-span continuous rigid frame bridge located in southwest of China is evaluated by the proposed method and some critical conclusions are drawn. The results obtained from this study not only indicate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method but also can provide some direct guidelines for the seismic design of the high-pier and long-span bridges in fault zones.
Outside the norm: Mental health, school adjustment and community engagement in non-binary youth
Authors: Durbeej Natalie , Abrahamsson Ninnie , Papadopoulos Fotios C. , Beijer Karin , Salari Raziye , Sarkadi Anna
Published: December 2019

Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the role of self-reported non-binary gender identity in mental health problems, school adjustment, and wish to exert influence on municipal issues in a community sample of adolescents. Methods: In a cross-sectional design, data were collected through an anonymous survey in Uppsala County, Sweden, among 8385 students (response rate 58.2%) in grades 7, 9, and 11, aged 13–17 years. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) self-report was used to assess mental health problems. Gender identity was measured with one item and youth were categorized into those who identified as male or female (i.e. binary youth), and those who did or could not identify with either gender (i.e. non-binary youth). Logistic regressions and qualitative content analysis were used to analyse data. Results: Youth with non-binary gender identity ( n = 137; 1.6%) had higher odds of having mental problems according to the SDQ total score (OR=3.05; 1.77–5.25). The association between non-binary gender identity and mental health problems remained significant after adjusting for confounders. Additionally, compared to their binary peers, the non-binary youth reported more truancy (36.5% vs 49.6%), more often failed a subject (21.5% vs 36.5%), and were more interested in exerting influence on municipal issues such as sociopolitical development, education, municipal services, and drug and alcohol policies (25.3% vs 38.0%). Conclusions: Youth with non-binary gender identity constitute a vulnerable population regarding mental health problems and school adjustment. The willingness to exert influence on municipal issues suggests a possible pathway to engagement.
‘WP2Cochrane’, a tool linking Wikipedia to the Cochrane Library: Results of a bibliometric analysis evaluating article quality and importance
Authors: Joorabchi Arash , Doherty Cailbhe , Dawson Jennifer
Published: December 2019

Medical information on English Wikipedia was accessed over 2 billion times in 2018. Our goal was to develop an automated system to assist Wikipedia volunteers to improve articles with high-quality sources from journals such as The Cochrane Library. We created an automated indexing system by linking available reviews from the Cochrane library with disease-related Wikipedia articles and evaluating the relationship between the quality and importance of these articles with the number of relevant and cited Cochrane reviews. We first conducted a bibliometric analysis, identifying disease-related Wikipedia articles and relevant/cited Cochrane reviews. Citations were thematically coded, and descriptive statistics were calculated. Finally, separate multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted for article quality and importance. The indexing system identified 4381 disease-related Wikipedia articles, 1193 (27%) of which cited a Cochrane review. Higher quality Wikipedia articles were more likely to cite a Cochrane review (p = 0.002), while lower quality articles were less likely to cite a Cochrane review (p < 0.0005). A greater number of Cochrane reviews are available for more ‘important’ Wikipedia articles (p < 0.005), and these articles were more likely to cite a Cochrane review (p < 0.005). This approach to an indexing system can be leveraged by Wikipedia contributors and editors seeking to update disease-related Wikipedia articles with relevant Cochrane reviews (thus improving their quality), and online information seekers in need of additional information to supplement their Wikipedia search.
Hysteresis compensation control of a dielectric elastomer vibration isolator
Authors: Meng Lili , Bao Wenjie , Li Fucai , Li Hongguang
Published: December 2019

This paper describes the design and fabrication of a dielectric elastomer actuator vibration isolator and accompanying hysteresis compensation controller. The results of experiments to elucidate the hysteresis properties and the quality of the vibration isolation are also presented. The model used to characterize the hysteresis properties of the dielectric elastomer actuator is based on the controlled auto-regressive model and employs the recursive least squares method. A closed-loop proportional–integral–derivative controller was developed to compensate the hysteresis and was tuned via the back propagation neural network algorithm. The results demonstrate that the controller can compensate the hysteresis of the dielectric elastomer actuator, and the dielectric elastomer actuator can be used to isolate incoming vibration from the base. When tested using a narrow band vibration in a 5 Hz band, the isolation of the dielectric elastomer actuator vibration isolator was 45.60% across the frequency band.
A bureaucracy of care in managing Hampi World Heritage Site
Authors: Rajangam Krupa
Published: December 2019

In this paper I examine the ‘heritage regime’ instituted at Hampi, Karnataka, India, consequent to its inscription as World Heritage, by analysing everyday material practices of conservation-management at the site through the lens of ‘care’. I argue that the regime is undoubtedly a bureaucracy as popularly imagined – but of care premised on knowledge and not of apathy. I suggest that various ongoing contestations amongst social actors are over the appropriateness of care, based on a particular visual aesthetic, which results in spatio-temporal material alienation of resident communities. Confusing consequence for cause, practice seeks to ‘engage’ with people whose alienation from ‘official’ heritage they are party to inevitably leads to everyday ‘heartbreak’ for experts, disillusionment among residents, and a conflicted position for local heritage agencies, albeit unintentionally.
The anatomy of model trees: a visual exploration
Authors: Luescher Andreas , Scontrino Antonio
Published: December 2019

This visual essay explores the anatomy of model trees and the beauty evident in their creation. The aim is to explore the interpretive aspect that both drives and allows for this inventive exploration of trees. The authors highlight the important interplay between landscape, botany, architecture, art, and design, all of which will aid readers in formulating their own vision of trees.
Correctional officers as participants: Action research in prisons
Authors: Baldwin Adele , Harvey Clare , Wood Elspeth , Bloice Donna , Willis Eileen
Published: December 2019

Action research methodology is well-suited to engaging with marginalised groups to inform policy and guide practice. Prisons are complex institutions with hierarchies of power; social systems that demand a research approach suited to social structure. The pilot project to be evaluated is designed to promote positive pregnancy and birth experiences for pregnant female prisoners and provide extraordinary learning opportunities for midwifery students. The project team includes staff from a regional university, the local health service and the state run prison service. Very early in the project it became evident that in addition to management patronage, the project needed the practical support of the Custodial Correctional Officers. Thus, officers as project ‘champions’ were recruited. Custodial Correctional Officers play an integral role in these social systems and although they are perceived to have power over prisoners, they too are subject to controls and in some instances have minimal power. The study will be conducted in two stages, the first of which will involve the Custodial Correctional Officers as participants, focus on the outcomes to date and how this may inform policy and practice. This article justifies the use of action research methodology for this purpose.
Natural rubber composites reinforced with Dregs residue from cellulose Kraft industry
Authors: Bittencourt Nathalia Leite , Bacarin Giovani Boaventura , Paiva Fabio Friol , Dognani Guilherme , Santos Renivaldo José , Job Aldo Eloizo , Cabrera Flávio Camargo
Published: December 2019

The management and disposal of residues have become an industrial, economic, and environmental issue. Kraft process is widely employed in the production of pulp and, one of its characteristic is the almost complete recovery of the reagents used to obtain cellulose. However, this recovery process can generate residues such as Dregs. In order to recycle this residue, here we demonstrate for the first time the utilization of Dregs waste as filler in natural rubber (NR) composites in order to reinforce mechanical properties. Dregs waste was added to the NR in proportions of 10, 20, and 30 phr. Composites with 10 phr of Dregs showed the best result for abrasion resistance around 212.9 mm3. Meanwhile, NR composite with 20 phr of waste presented greater stress and strain at rupture, 12.44 MPa and 863%, respectively.
Enhanced mechanical properties of plasticized polylactic acid filament for fused deposition modelling: Effect of in situ heat treatment
Authors: Rafie MAF , Marsilla KI Ku , Hamid ZAA , Rusli A , Abdullah MK
Published: December 2019

The objective of this study is to characterize the effect of in situ heat treatment on polylactic acid (PLA) and plasticized PLA during fused deposition modelling (FDM) with the motivation to improve their mechanical, thermal and physical properties. The in situ heat treatment was formed during the FDM by adjusting the bed temperature to 70°C, 90°C and 120°C. The performance of 3D, the printed samples, was compared with the compression moulded samples treated at the same temperature using a vacuum oven. PLA was plasticized with poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) at different compositions of 0, 5 and 10 wt% of PEG. The properties of PLA, plasticized PLA and FDM-printed sample were analysed using Instron, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was found that the addition of PEG into PLA decreased the tensile strength, elongation at break and tensile modulus of the materials. However, after heat treatment in the vacuum oven and FDM, the properties were generally higher at 90°C and this was believed to be primarily due to the effect of crystallization. This can be proved by formation of double melting peak, correspond to melt-crystallization mechanism, observed in DSC. The formation of different crystal was supported by XRD analysis where the amorphous peak had transformed into sharp peak at 16.9° and 19.3°, which indicates an improved crystallinity. Comparison between the compression moulded sample and FDM demonstrated that the in situ heat treatment in FDM had the most significant impact on tensile modulus.
Waste tires pyrolysis oil as a source of energy: Methods for refining
Authors: Toteva Vesislava , Stanulov Kiril
Published: December 2019

A huge amount of waste tires is generated every day in the world. This determines the search for ways to use them. The extended process of production and application of scrap tires leads to their significant mass accumulation, thus representing environmental risk. Tires are inert materials, extremely difficult to treat, and nonbiodegradable. In recent years, many plants have been built for processing, treatment, and utilization of this kind of waste. A problem has emerged to find a suitable, environmentally friendly application of the products (gaseous, liquid, and solid) from pyrolysis of the tires. Pyrolysis oil, which is a liquid product, is not suitable for direct use as fuel because of its high sulfur content. Therefore, the desulfurization of pyrolytic tire oil is an important part of the oil production process prior to its use. The objective of this article is to review the methods used for desulfurization of waste tire pyrolysis oils and the possibility of using scrap tires as a source of energy.
The Effect of Docosahexaenoic Acid and α-Lipoic Acid as Prevention of Bortezomib-Related Neurotoxicity in Patients With Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Maschio Marta , Zarabla Alessia , Maialetti Andrea , Marchesi Francesco , Giannarelli Diana , Gumenyuk Svitlana , Pisani Francesco , Renzi Daniela , Galiè Edvina , Mengarelli Andrea
Published: December 2019

Background and Aims: In cancer patients, a common complication during chemotherapy is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). For this reason, we decided to conduct a phase II prospective study on 33 patients with multiple myeloma at first diagnosis, to evaluate whether a nutraceutical compound given for 6 months during bortezomib (BTZ) treatment succeeded in preventing the onset of neurotoxicity. Methods: Neurological evaluation, electroneurography, and functional and quality of life (QoL) scales were performed at baseline and after 6 months. We administered a tablet containing docosahexaenoic acid 400 mg, α-lipoic acid 600 mg, vitamin C 60 mg, and vitamin E 10 mg bid for 6 months. Results: Concerning the 25 patients who completed the study, at 6-month follow-up, 10 patients had no neurotoxicity (NCI-CTCAE [National Cancer Institute-Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events] = 0), while 13 progressed to NCI-CTCAE grade 1, 1 had NCI-CTCAE grade 1 with pain, and 1 experienced a NCI-CTCAE grade 2. Painful symptoms were reported only in 2 patients, and we observed stability on functional and QoL scales in all patients. None of the 25 patients stopped chemotherapy due to neurotoxicity. Conclusions: Our data seem to indicate that the co-administration of a neuroprotective agent during BTZ treatment can prevent the appearance/worsening of symptoms related to CIPN, avoiding the interruption of BTZ and maintaining valuable functional autonomy to allow normal daily activities. We believe that prevention remains the mainstay to preserve QoL in this particular patient population, and that future studies with a larger patient population are needed.
Are Loot Boxes Addictive? Analyzing Participant’s Physiological Arousal While Opening a Loot Box
Authors: Brady Andrew , Prentice Garry
Published: December 2019

Loot boxes in video games have blurred the lines between gaming and gambling. Research suggests the thrill from gambling comes from associated increases in physiological arousal not possible monetary gains. Gamers performing microtransactions to purchase loot boxes can lead to similar increases in physiological arousal. However, problematic gamblers no longer receive increases in arousal and become hyposensitive to reward. This hyposensitivity may also be present in problematic gamers. Twenty-five adult male participants took part in the within-participant design experiment measuring heart rate (HR) and galvanic skin response (GSR) while they were gaming and performing a microtransaction. GSR increased from baseline. HR decreased while performing a microtransaction. There was a negative correlation between gaming addiction scores and participants’ physiological arousal. The increases in arousal suggest microtransactions in gaming could potentially lead to problematic levels of use, while hyposensitivity could explain the higher gaming addiction relating to lower arousal during gameplay.
A logarithmic-type constitutive model for carbon fiber papers considering Hertz contact effect
Authors: Shi Shanshan , Guo Xu , Chen Bingzhi , Sun Zhi
Published: December 2019

Porous carbon fiber papers, which are formed by randomly distributed carbon fibers, are commonly used as gas diffusion layers of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Several key properties of the gas diffusion layers, for example, air permeability, thermal conductivity, and electrical resistance, are inevitably controlled by the strain it experienced, which is always a nonlinear function of the applied compressive stress. In the present study, a logarithmic-type constitutive model is proposed to characterize the nonlinear stress–strain relation of carbon fiber papers under compressive loading. A hexahedral configuration of carbon fibers is adopted as a typical microstructure of carbon fiber papers. Contact and bending deformation of carbon fibers are accounted for with use of Hertz’s contact model and beam bending model, respectively. The logarithmic-type constitutive model is eventually obtained by solving a differential equation considering the variation of structural porosity. The stress–strain curves of the present model and experimental data are compared for a number of commercial gas diffusion layer samples. The comparisons indicate that the present model is capable of predicting the mechanical performance of carbon fiber papers, and may be useful for analytical and numerical analysis of gas diffusion layers and fuel cells.
Using Group Concept Mapping to Engage a Hard-to-Reach Population in Research: Young Adults With Life-Limiting Conditions
Authors: Cook Karen , Bergeron Kim
Published: December 2019

Patient engagement strategies are used in community-based participatory research. A successful strategy requires that patients, researchers, and health-care providers collaborate to create meaningful outcomes. Hard-to-reach patient populations such as those living with complex physical or psychosocial conditions, who are geographically dispersed, or who are disadvantaged financially or socially, experience judgment, stigmatization, and marginalization within society and in the research process. Therefore, strategies are needed to better engage hard-to-reach populations in research. One strategy to engage this population is group concept mapping (GCM). This article illustrates how GCM was utilized to engage a hard-to-reach population of young adults (YAs) with life-limiting conditions (LLC), parents of YAs with LLC, and health and health and community experts. Study participants were involved in generating, analyzing, and interpreting data. Five attributes of GCM are outlined, and suggestions are made for how other researchers could use GCM to engage their hard-to-reach patient populations.
Pulse width modulation modeling for efficient pneumatic artificial muscle control
Authors: Rimar Miroslav , Fedak Marcel , Corny Ivan , Kulikov Andrii , Kuna Stefan , Kulikova Olha , Vahovsky Jakub
Published: December 2019

The aim of the article is to analyze the properties of artificial muscle system and effectiveness evaluation of the application of pulse width modulation in terms of improving the dynamic properties. In terms of dynamic properties, pneumatic artificial muscles represent a very complicated nonlinear structure. For this reason, the design of a robust positioning control system for pneumatic artificial muscle devices is demanding because, apart from the above-mentioned nonlinearity (because of air compressibility, air flow variability through valves, etc.), this is a time-and-parameter invariant system. The aim of the article is to evaluate the influence of pulse width modulation in pneumatic artificial muscle systems with regard to the accuracy and stability of the position achieved in the repeat mode, as well as the elimination of the adverse effect of the oscillation. The efficiency of the proposed control algorithm is demonstrated by experiments with external workload and no load.