bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomarker signatures of the Middle Jurassic coals from the Zhangjialiang mine in Dongsheng coalfield, North China: Implications for palaeoenvironment and palaeovegetation
Authors: Zhang Ke , Xiao Lin , Shi Zhixiang , Zhao Wenwu , Tian Zeqi , Wang Zhiyong , Guo Xu , Yao Jianguo , Ma Jialiang , Blokhin Maksim G , Zhao Cunliang
Published: July 2022

The study on the Zhangjialiang No. 2 coal of Middle Jurassic Yan'an Formation in the northeastern Ordos Basin has been analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to determine geochemical characteristics and reconstruct palaeovegetation and palaeoclimate changes. The distribution of n-alkanes is mainly unimodal, with a medium and high molecular weight. Pr/Ph ratio (2.03–10.6) is high in most samples. The values of Tm/Ts ratio are between 1.42 and 4.92, and a predominance of C29 over C27 steranes has been found for the analyzed samples. These parameters indicate that all samples were deposited in an oxidizing freshwater environment, and the organic matter was mainly derived from terrestrial higher plants, with a small amount of aquatic organisms. Thermal maturity parameters such as C3122S/(22S  +  22R) homohopane, C30αβ/(αβ  +  βα) hopane, together with the total organic carbon (TOC) contents (43.1% - 58.6% (except floor 2-13)) and the detected of C2717β(H)-22, 29, 30-trisnorhopane (βTm), suggest that most of samples have a relatively low maturity in the early stage. Besides, gymnosperm-derived biomarkers, including labdane, norpimarane, isopimarane, phyllocladane, abietane, rimuane, ent-beyerane, ent-kaurane, suggest that the vegetation during the Middle Jurassic Yan’an Formation was characterized by conifers.
Advancing the assessment of mindful eating: Exploring the psychometric properties and validating the mindful eating behaviour scale in English
Authors: Mantzios Michail , Egan Helen , Wallis Deborah J , Wood Jeffrey
Published: July 2022

Background: Mindful eating has been described as significant in motivating research and clinical outcomes in weight regulation and healthy eating. The use of psychometric tools to measure mindful eating is problematic, with results often leading to interpretations that are not reflective of mindful eating theory and fundamentals of mindfulness. Aim: In this research, we explored the Mindful Eating Behaviour Scale (MEBS) within a British sample to validate the factorial structure, and widen the use of a scale that appears appropriate for measuring mindful eating. Methods: A community sample ( n = 742) was recruited via social media, and the findings supported the factorial structure proposed through the original Dutch sample. Predictive validity was also assessed, with the scale and subscales predicting fat and sugar consumption. Results: Cronbach's α values were acceptable and similar to the original findings, also supporting the internal consistency of the scale. Conclusion: While factorial structure, predictive validity and internal consistency propose a scale that can be adopted with English speaking populations, we propose the potential of furthering scientific inquiry on mindful eating research by highlighting the behavioural aspects of the scale.
Hepatocellular carcinomas in captive prosimians
Authors: Robveille Cynthia , Cullen John M.
Published: July 2022

We performed a retrospective examination of spontaneous hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) (primary and metastatic tumors) in 14 captive prosimians brought to the Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in North Carolina State University over a period of 11 years (2003 to 2014) to characterize the tumors. These animals are endangered primates; a better understanding of the main fatal neoplasms is crucial. In addition to the histologic evaluation, an immunohistochemical study was also performed, using a hepatocyte marker (hepatocyte paraffin 1 [HepPar-1]) and 2 cholangiocyte markers (keratin 7 [K7] and keratin 19 [K19]), in an attempt to identify a specific profile for HCCs with metastatic behavior. Six of the 14 HCCs had pulmonary metastases. The most frequent histopathological findings were a trabecular pattern (14/14, 100%), presence of multinucleated cells (12/14, 85.7%), and foci of extramedullary hematopoiesis (9/14, 64.3%). The mitotic count was significantly higher in the metastatic HCCs ( P < .05). HepPar-1 was detected in all primary and metastatic HCCs, with a strong intensity of staining. Labeling for K7 and K19 was positive in 12 HCCs (85.7%) and 1 HCC (7.1%), respectively. Contrary to the less aggressive HCCs, most of the metastatic HCCs (5/6) expressed K7 in more than 15% of cells. The percentage of K7-positive neoplastic hepatocytes was significantly higher in metastatic HCCs. This study suggests that K7 might be a prognostically relevant marker in HCCs of captive prosimians.
Reconstruction of an orbital defect in rabbits using a silk fibroin–bone microparticle complex
Authors: Jiang Yi , Lin Hailiang , Shao Zhengzhong , Chen Xin , Li Wen , Ni Yusu
Published: July 2022

Objective:

To construct a silk fibroin–bone microparticle composite based on a porous silk fibroin membrane and to study its feasibility as a material to reconstruct an orbital bone defect.

Methods:

A 3D porous silk fibroin membrane scaffold was constructed with a defined pore size and incorporated with bone microparticles from a New Zealand rabbit orbital bone defect. The silk fibroin–bone microparticle composite was then implanted into the orbital bone defect to promote osteogenesis along the surface of the porous silk fibroin membrane. The feasibility of constructing an ideal orbital defect repair material and the silk fibroin–bone micronucleus complex was evaluated by animal experiments, molecular biology, histomorphology, imaging, raw molecular mechanisms, and the biological behavior of the material in vivo.

Results:

The silk fibroin–bone microparticle composite promotes angiogenesis and osteogenesis to repair bone defects in vivo. Moreover, SF (silk fibroin)/BD (bone dust) complex promotes osteogenesis and angiogenesis by activating FGF2 (Fibroblast Growth Factor 2) and SF scaffolds can bind and restore FGF2.

Conclusion:

Silk fibroin is biocompatible and the silk fibroin–bone microparticle complex successfully repaired orbital bone defects. Additionally, fibroblast growth factor expression around or within the remaining incompletely degraded silk fibroin materials was observed in vivo.
Sustainability assessment of waste cooking oil-based biodiesel plant in developing economy based on F-DEMATEL and F-ISM approaches
Authors: Jangre Jogendra , Prasad Kanika , Kaliyan Mathiyazhagan , Kumar Dinesh , Patel Dharmendra
Published: July 2022

Developing clean and renewable energy resources for long-term usage is a crucial concern in developing countries. In this regard, biodiesel technology is drawing a lot of public interest throughout the world. The issues associated with the sustainability of a biodiesel plant are intimately connected with restricted natural resources, political influences, energy independence, economic prosperity and global stability. Therefore, this paper aspires to identify the most influential factors that affect the sustainability of a biodiesel plant and describe interactions among them. The study focuses on identifying 36 factors based on an extensive literature review, questionnaire, experts’ opinion and website in the context of developing economies. These factors include social, environmental and economic aspects. A framework based on fuzzy-interpretive structural modelling (F-ISM) and fuzzy-decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (F-DEMATEL) is applied to investigate the identified factors. The F-ISM approach allows a better understanding of the contextual interactions between the factors and classify them based on their driving and dependent powers. The fuzzy-DEMATEL technique facilitates in identifying the influential and influenced factors and categorizes them into cause-and-effect groups. The findings of the study suggest that ‘Legal and regulatory compliances’, ‘Political constraints’, ‘International relations’, ‘Health and education’ and ‘Public safety and security’ are the five most influential factors that are needed to be addressed for the sustainability of biodiesel plant. The paper also presents a few strategies, which can be applied as a guiding step by the decision-makers to formulate policies for the effective implementation of sustainable growth of the biodiesel plant.
“I Have to Fight to Get Out”: African American Women Intimate Partner Violence Survivors’ Construction of Agency
Authors: Waller Bernadine Y. , Bent-Goodley Tricia B.
Published: July 2022

African American women survivors of intimate partner violence are disproportionately murdered and help-seeking is a critical variable to examine as it relates to it. There is an urgent need to develop culturally salient interventions that center African American women’s ways of knowing. An initial step to doing so is identifying how they employ their sense of individual agency during help-seeking. This paper reflects findings from a study designed to do just that. We conducted 30 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with women who self-identified as African American. Constructivist grounded theory methodology was employed. Constructed agency emerged from the data. This nascent theory explicates four phases of African American women survivors’ help-seeking: resistance, persistence, rejection, and resignation. Constructed agency provides practitioners and researchers with a theoretical model to examine African American women’s nuanced help-seeking efforts when seeking informal supports and interventions from formal providers.
Public prosecutors and the right to personal liberty: An analysis of the jurisprudence of the UN Human Rights Committee and the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Enonchong Laura-Stella
Published: July 2022

This article discusses the approach of the United Nations Human Rights Committee (HRC) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) to interpreting and applying the right to personal liberty, in particular in relation to the judicial control of the deprivation of liberty. It appears that both institutions adopt an interpretative approach that aligns with the object and purpose of the right. However, in the application to individual cases, unlike the ECtHR, the HRC fails to clarify the scope of the relevant provision of the ICCPR, specifically, the independence and impartiality of the public prosecutor as ‘an other officer authorised by law to exercise judicial power’. That situation may ultimately undermine a more effective attainment of the object and purpose of the right to personal liberty. The article argues for the HRC to adopt a more systematic approach to interpreting and applying that right in particular and the provisions of the ICCPR in general.
Design and development of a rapid prototyping system combining traditional fused deposition modeling and reconfigurable pins platform
Authors: Charak Vikrant , Sinha Amit Kumar
Published: July 2022

Additive manufacturing, also commonly referred to as 3D printing, has enabled the rapid production of parts possessing complex geometry. Despite Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) being the most popular process, it still suffers from certain limitations, such as production time and material required to build the material support structure for overhang parts. This results in increased total build time and material requirement. This article aims to eliminate these limitations by using a proposed hybrid reconfigurable pin FDM system. A hybrid system is proposed to eliminate the problem of support build time and material requirements. The proposed hybrid FDM is the combination of traditional FDM with a reconfigurable pins platform. The proposed hybrid system has been implemented for printing an overhang test part. The result analysis also reveals that the proposed hybrid system is an effective way of producing overhang parts without material support structures. A real-life case example is considered for validation of the proposed reconfigurable pins platform.
Investigation of the effects of pipe diameter of internal multiphase flow on pipe elbow vibration and resonance
Authors: Asiegbu Nkemjika Mirian , Hossain Mamdud , Droubi Ghazi Mohamad , Islam Sheikh Zahidul
Published: July 2022

Computational fluid dynamics modelling of internal two-phase flow induced transient forces at 90° elbows have been carried out to evaluate the effect of pipe diameter on the characteristics of multiphase flow induced vibration. Simulations of two-phase flows of slug, cap bubbly and churn induced vibration at a pipe elbow were carried out using the volume of fluid model for the two-phase flows and the k – ε model for turbulence. Modal analysis has been carried out to evaluate the risk of resonance. Results were compared across three geometrically similar pipes of different diameters. Simulation results showed that the behaviours of the flow induced forces at the pipe elbow as a function of gas velocity for internal diameters of 0.0525 and 0.2032 m are similar. However, the multiphase flow induced force characteristics are different in the 0.1016 m diameter (intermediate) pipe. It can be attributed to the transition behaviour of gas–liquid two-phase flows caused by Taylor instability in an intermediate sized pipe. The predicted root-mean-square flow induced forces as a function of Weber number were correlated with an existing empirical correlation for a wider range of pipe sizes and gas volume fractions between 40% and 80%. Furthermore, the pipe natural frequencies increase with the increase of gas volume fraction in smaller pipes and the resonance risk increases with the increase of pipe diameter.
Influence of normalized enthalpy on inconel 718 morphology in direct metal deposition
Authors: Gullipalli Chaitanya , Thawari Nikhil , Burad Prayag , Gupta TVK
Published: July 2022

Morphology of each layer contributes to the final shape of a component fabricated by direct metal deposition process, because of the layer-on-layer fabrication technique. Hence, it's a requisite to understand the layer morphology evolution and factors affecting it. The present work deposited single tracks of Inconel 718 at systematically varied process conditions, and investigated their effect on the track/deposit geometry. The various parameters considered for the study are laser power ( P), scan speed ( v), and powder feed rate ( ṁ). The measurements carried on the deposits cross-section using optical microscope are width ( w), height ( h), and depth of penetration ( b). Additionally, dilution ( D %), deposit area, fusion zone shape and area are measured. The change in layer morphology with input parameters either individually or coupled, is also investigated. The coupled parameters are derived from the simultaneous variation of two are more individual parameters, such as linear heat input, line mass, and normalized enthalpy. The results have shown a proper relationship between input parameters and output morphology. Coupled parameters are observed to be a more valid measure in predicting the deposition geometry, than individual parameters. The relations obtained are linear between width and normalized enthalpy, height and line mass respectively. The fusion zone shape is evolving from semicircular to a wavy (double parabolic) nature with increasing energy input. The microstructure observations resulted a scenario of rapid cooling, and dendritic grain morphology.
Optimal sizing and energy management of a stand-alone photovoltaic/pumped storage hydropower/battery hybrid system using Genetic Algorithm for reducing cost and increasing reliability
Authors: Ghanjati Chaima , Tnani Slim
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a genetic algorithm is applied to optimize the sizing of an autonomous renewable energy multi-source system for reliable and economical supply of energy. The multi-source system is composed of a photovoltaic generator, a pumped storage hydropower system and a battery. The system will power public lighting and operate a garden fountain in the Botanical Garden, located in the Alexandre Aibéo Park in Covilhã (Portugal). Solar irradiance is initially simulated for a reference photovoltaic capacity (25 kWp) over one year by the PVsyst software for the city of Covilhã. Two objective functions are used for sizing optimization: the loss of power supply probability (LPSP) and the levelized cost of energy (LCE). The LCE takes into account the capital cost, the replacement cost and the cost of operation and maintenance. The genetic algorithm is used to determine the best configuration of the different subsystems (photovoltaic generator capacity, upper water reservoir capacity and battery capacity). The originality of this work lies in the combination of two storage elements with different dynamics, the introduction of an adapted energy management strategy (EMS) allowing to manage energy flows between the different subsystems and to control the process of charging/ discharging storage elements, and multi-objective optimization (considering technical and economic criteria) of the sizing of the autonomous photovoltaic/pumped storage hydropower/ battery hybrid system using genetic algorithm.
The perceived value of book borrowing services is stationary in the time of Covid-19: Empirical evidence from the Municipal Library in Prague
Authors: Stejskal Jan , Zapletal David , Prokop Viktor
Published: July 2022

Public libraries represent a specific sector of public service provision, where library management is limited in its ability to influence consumers’ perceptions of the value of borrowed books. This study expands previous research on consumers’ perceived value and its measurement and focuses on the nature of the data examined, which has not yet received much attention. We fill this research gap and examine whether the perceived value of book borrowing services remains stationary over time by considering a sample of readers from the Municipal Library in Prague, Czech Republic. Moreover, we analyse whether the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the perceived value of book borrowing services. Our results contribute to the discussion an important finding that consumers’ perceptions of book borrowing services are stable and do not change over time. Interestingly, we also find that the Covid-19 pandemic has not led to a change in consumers’ perceived value. This study thus creates both theoretical and practical contributions and leads to the definition of several practical implications for managers of (public) library organisations.

JEL L86, H39, H44
The Credit Risk of Sustainable Firms during the Pandemic
Authors: Cardillo Giovanni , Chiappini Helen
Published: July 2022

This study investigates how the credit risk of more sustainability-oriented firms changes when national governments intervene in their economies to counterbalance the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, we examine how the credit default swap spread changes on a database of all listed firms—for which a credit default swaps (CDS) contract is available—in Europe and the United Kingdom during the whole year of 2020. We find that when national governments intervene in the local economies, the CDS spreads for these firms decrease more than for other firms. Furthermore, the CDS spread changes are more sensitive to those policies aimed at supporting household and business income during the pandemic rather than those policies related to stay-at-home measures and investments in healthcare. Our results corroborate previous theories linking firm sustainability, equity and credit risk.
Rural Communication Services (RCS) and Appropriation of Flatbed Dryers among Farmers in Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
Authors: Vallejo C. A. N. , Torres C. S.
Published: July 2022

This study analyses the impact of rural communication services (RCS) on rice farmers’ appropriation of flatbed dryers in Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. The study faces the problem from the sociopsychological lens of viewing communication problems. A survey of 131 rice farmers from three barangays in Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija, namely Pulong Buli, Mambarao and Malaya has been conducted to collect data. For the key informant interview (KII), informants/interviewees were leaders of farmers’ organisations, municipal agricultural officer, agricultural technicians, and flatbed dryer developers. The findings reveal that there is a source-driven orientation of communication services in the study area as the majority of the rice farmers passively receive information from different sources. The most accessed RCS provider was the municipal agriculture office. Farmers viewed that information as relevant to their needs because they were able to utilise them in their farming practices and they were compatible with the existing methods and practices. Most of the respondents were engaged in person-to-person communication in accessing information about the flatbed dryer. Attending seminars and training, cooperative assemblies and membership in Farmers’ Field School (FFS) were among the opportunities where the respondents engaged in peer learning.
Matrix-embedded metamaterials: Applications for the architectural heritage
Authors: Spagnuolo Mario , Reccia Emanuele , Ciallella Alessandro , Cazzani Antonio
Published: July 2022

A rather unexplored question and a very challenging problem consist in the synthesis and modeling of composite metamaterials consisting of at least two phases. The study of this problem may have a huge impact in the field of Civil Engineering, where such kind of composite materials found several applications, for instance, in application to architectural and civil engineering heritage. More precisely, the aim of this work is to study the mechanical properties of a fibrous metamaterial embedded in a softer matrix. Numerical simulations, obtained by means of a commercial Finite Element code, are carried out on a soft matrix reinforced by stiffer fibers arranged according to a geometry defined by the fiber directions and compared with results achieved using an effective model in which the micro-structure is homogenized. The role of the fibers and the matrix is reinterpreted with regard to these models. Finally, the employed models are calibrated to reproduce the mechanical behavior of a simple experiment.
Regulating and governing China's internet and digital media in the Xi Jinping era
Authors: Xu Jian , Yu Haiqing
Published: July 2022

The article outlines key regulatory and governing issues and actions in China's internet and digital media in the first decade under the leadership of Xi Jinping. It argues that both the domestic and global dimensions are equally crucial to understanding China's internet regulation and governance in the Xi era. It further argues that the two interrelated dimensions that emphasise the state's centrality and supremacy in internet-related regulatory issues and frameworks help strengthen China's existing political structure at home and promote China's digital power globally in the digital age.
Performance of selective laser sintered polyamide spur gear under dry and lubricated conditions
Authors: Bharti Sarita , Selvaraj Senthilvelan
Published: July 2022

The durability of a selective laser sintered (SLS) polyamide gear was evaluated using an in-house gear test rig under dry and oil-lubricated conditions. The lubricated SLS gear exhibited inferior contact fatigue performance at lower torques than that under dry conditions. Cyclic contact stress coupled with sliding motion diffuses the lubricating oil into the porous subsurface and reduces the contact fatigue strength of the gear tooth. The failure of the SLS gear under dry conditions exhibited the polishing effect, thermal softening with surface cracks, and thermal bending at 1.8, 2.5, and 3.5 Nm, respectively, whereas failure of the SLS gear under the oil-lubricated condition was only pitting for all the considered conditions. The lubricated gear exhibited superior performance at a higher torque than the gears in the dry-running condition, owing to its improved thermal stability.
The MSIS-29 and SF-36 as outcomes in secondary progressive MS trials
Authors: Strijbis Eva MM , Repovic Pavle , Mostert Jop , Bowen James D , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ , Cutter Gary , Koch Marcus W
Published: July 2022

Background:

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are often used in clinical research, but little is known about their performance as longitudinal outcomes.

Methods:

We used data from ASCEND, a large SPMS trial ( n = 889), to investigate changes on the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36 v2) and the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) over 2 years of follow-up.

Results:

PROM scores changed little over the 2 years of follow-up. In contrast to physical disability measures, there was no consistent trend in PROM change: significant worsening occurred about as often as improvement. Using a 6-month confirmation reduced the number of both worsening and improvement events without altering their relative balance. There was no clear difference in worsening events in groups based on population characteristics, nor was there a noticeable effect using different thresholds for clinically significant change.

Conclusion:

We found little consistent change in MSIS-29 and SF-36 over 2 years of follow-up in people with SPMS. Our findings show a disconnect between disability worsening and PROM change in this population. Our findings raise caution about the use of these PROMs as primary outcome measures in SPMS trials and call for a critical reappraisal of the longitudinal use of these measures in SPMS trials.
An analysis of content development in physical education: Preschool teachers’ selection of instructional tasks
Authors: Tsangaridou Niki , Pieroua Mikaela , Charalambous Charalambos Y
Published: July 2022

In recent years, attention has been placed on dimensions of instructional quality. One critical element of this quality in preschool physical education (PE) is teachers’ ability to present content in a way that facilitates learning. This study aimed to describe the development of the content in PE in preschool. Participants in the study were 11 preschool teachers. Data were collected using systematic observations. Specifically, a modified version of the Task Structure System was used to observe three 40-minute lessons for each teacher. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that cognitive, informing, and extending tasks were observed much more frequently than applying tasks, whereas refining tasks were observed the least. Implications for teacher education programs are discussed.
Evidence, probability and relative plausibility
Authors: Aitken Colin , Taroni Franco , Bozza Silvia
Published: July 2022

A comparison is made between probability and relative plausibility as approaches for the interpretation of evidence. It is argued that a probabilistic approach is capable of answering the criticisms of the proponents of relative plausibility. It is also shown that a probabilistic approach can answer the problem of overlapping where there is evidence that each side claims supports its theory of what happened.
Epistemic responsibility predicts developing frame awareness in early childhood: A language socialization perspective
Authors: Bellavance Sarah Rose
Published: July 2022

This article examines the emergent relationship between epistemic responsibility and frame awareness in early childhood, wherein a mother uses language socialization practices to guide her child into a new frame. The pair co-constructs the parameters of the new frame through negotiation of epistemic responsibility and remedial interchanges. The analysis demonstrates that these remedial interchanges arise from conflicting understandings of the embeddedness of frames and the epistemic dynamics that these frames entail. The child maintains epistemic primacy in her concurrent play frame, which carries over to the recording activity given that the recording activity is embedded within her larger play frame. I argue that the data predict epistemic responsibility to be acquired earlier than the ability to shift epistemic dynamics outside of role-play. This study contributes to our understanding of frame and epistemic development in early childhood.
A novel nonlinear variable damping device and its application for the systems with uncertain parameters
Authors: Saber Hamed , Samani Farhad S. , Pellicano Francesco
Published: July 2022

This paper deals with the performance of a novel nonlinear viscous dashpot with variable damping. The new proposed dashpot can be utilized in devices for instance dynamic vibration absorbers (DVAs). When the vibration absorber is tuned to the bridge's fundamental frequency, it represents a robust effect in controlling the vibrations of the bridge; however, a DVA is very sensitive to frequency detuning. The proposed nonlinear dashpot can be applied in a passive vibration absorber and upgrades it to a nonlinear variable damping one. Since the parameter of such DVA can be adjusted, it is the so-called nonlinear adjustable DVA. The mentioned dashpot, provides a quadratic nonlinearity for the damping element. The proposed dashpot in this study possesses a simple mechanism, which can handle large range of flow rates of fluid, smoothly without turbulence, in the oil channel. To investigate the effectiveness of an adjustable vibration absorber, a semi-active DVA with variable damping, and stiffness elements is applied on a footbridge; where, the footbridge is experienced variations of the fundamental frequency over time, and is subjected to a walking pedestrian. For the case study in the present study, a vibration reduction of 31% in comparison with the attached traditional passive DVA with constant parameters was achieved. The results show that, by using the proposed nonlinear dashpot, presented in this study, into an attached DVA, the footbridge will experience about 10% more deflection reduction concerning a classical linear DVA.
Effect of CeO2 on the TiB2 + TiC evolution and water droplet erosion resistance of laser-clad Ni60A coatings
Authors: Chen Cui , Meiping Wu , Rui He , Yuling Gong , Dadong Jie , Xiaojin Miao
Published: July 2022

In this study, CeO2-doped Ni60A coating was fabricated on the surface of Ti6Al4V alloys. During the fabrication, heterogeneous nucleation occurred between TiB2 and TiC phases within Ni60A coatings, and the TiB2  +  TiC eutectic structure was thereby generated. Ce2O3 phases were formed in-situ by the decomposition of CeO2 powder in the molten pool. On the grain boundary of the CeO2-doped Ni60A coating, Ce2O3 particles were distributed, which inhibited the growth of hard phases TiC and TiB2. Compared with the coating without adding CeO2 powder, the CeO2-doped Ni60A coating had significantly lower crack sensitivity, and the TiB2 phase in the CeO2/Ni60A coating had a far smaller grain size due to the grain refinement effect. In addition, the TiC  +  TiB2 eutectic structure acted as the skeleton in the coating, enabling the coating to effectively resist the shear effect caused by high-speed water particles. After coating Ni60A and CeO2/Ni60A on the Ti6Al4V alloy, the water droplet erosion depth of the alloy was reduced by 38.7% and 53.2%, respectively. Therefore, adding CeO2 powder into Ni60A coatings has great application value in improving the water droplet erosion resistance of steam turbine blades.
Analyzing sandwich panel with new proposed core for bending and compression resistance
Authors: Mesto Tarek , Sleiman Maya , Khalil Khaled , Alfayad Samer , Jacquemin Frédéric
Published: July 2022

Sandwich panels are used in many industries for their lightweight compared to high strength. Most of the sandwich panels application are bending and compression, which relies on the core type of the panel. Widely used in additive manufacturing is pyramid cell cores. In this article, two new cores, the reinforced pyramid cell model and the C-half circle cell model, are proposed to replace the pyramidal core and to verify their advantages and disadvantages with respect to it compression and in bending. The comparison was done in the ABAQUS simulation. A semi-analytical method was used as well as experimental tests were carried out to verify the numerical simulation on ABAQUS. The results have been validated, the difference remains below 10%. According to the simulations, the deformation of the skin of the half circle cell panel decreases by 15% in compression while the deflection of the reinforced pyramid cell panel decreases by 26% in bending compared to the pyramid cell panel. However, the most effective results in absorbing compression are half circle cell which is allowed to make impact insulation.
Investigation and analysis of sound-absorbing properties of waste tea leaf fiber as fillers in pineapple leaf/glass fiber-reinforced composites
Authors: Gokulkumar S , Sathish S , Kumar S Dharani , Prabhu L
Published: July 2022

To control the noise pollution through sound absorption, the development of natural fiber-reinforced hybrid composites (NFRHCs) using waste tea leaf fibers (WTLFs) and pineapple leaf fibers as reinforcing materials with epoxy matrix will act as an initial step to address this issue. Also, a minimal additional reinforcement of glass fibers was added for achieving mechanical strength too. The fabricated samples underwent a sound absorption test for assessing their capability of absorbing unwanted noise. With the help of sound absorption coefficient (SAC) curves acquired from the impedance tube method, the effects of the weight fraction and mass densities of WTLF and the thicknesses of the fabricated composites on their sound absorption ability were investigated. From the investigation, it was found that the noise reduction coefficient of the developed NFRHCs was more than 0.7 at a broad frequency spectrum. The fractal dimensions were estimated using the MATLAB program by utilizing the box-counting dimension method to correlate the effects of porosity percentage with weight fractions and mass densities of WTLF and the thicknesses of the fabricated NFRHCs. Following that, a quantitative relationship between the fractal dimension and SACs of the developed NFRHCs was derived to offer a theoretical concept for the future design of similar sound-absorbing materials.
Are all cats grey in the dark? calling for a new taxonomy of internationalizing SMEs
Authors: Lemaire Jean-Paul , Magnier-Watanabe Remy , Freeman Susan
Published: July 2022

Although internationalizing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been extensively examined, the literature has mainly classified them based on size than on other factors disclosing different international dynamics, their diverse performance records, relevant strategies and support needs/expectations. This study examines internal and external barriers and key success factors of internationalizing companies, using data from 38 in-depth interviews of Australian SMEs conducted between 2016 and 2018. These cases were then categorized, using an inductive approach and text analysis software, along two dimensions of international experience and exposure, and product and/or service uniqueness and innovation. Moreover, internal and external liabilities and assets were diagnosed for each category. The resulting taxonomy, consisting of ‘prominent’, ‘performing’, ‘promising’, and ‘precluded’ sub-groups of SMEs, provides a useful categorization of exporting SMEs elucidating their differentiated needs and priorities. This research highlights that the current ‘catch-all’ category used in research and practice for internationalizing SMEs is not consistent and should instead be unpacked.
Reading racism-themed YAL through the lens of intersectionality: Complicating social justice thinking
Authors: Jang Soo Bin
Published: July 2022

I discuss White American students’ experiences of reading racism-themed young adult literature (YAL), addressing the issue of police brutality, and using the concept of intersectionality to promote social justice awareness. Based on analysis of their written reflections and classroom discussions, I argue reading racism-themed YAL with an intersectionality lens helped White American students complicate their understanding of the struggles and the resistance of youths of color at the present time. I share my instructional strategy for helping White students identify, analyze, and critique the work of power upon American youths.
Perspectives of Pediatric Community Health Workers: Roles, Successes, and Challenges
Authors: Rogers Hanna E. , Hershey Jennifer A. , Morone Jennifer , Lipman Terri H. , Wilson-Hall Leigh , Anderson Kristy , Hawkes Colin P.
Published: July 2022

This multicenter qualitative study described the roles of 10 pediatric community health workers (CHWs) in their own words through exploration of the role features, successes, and challenges in pediatric health care settings across three urban U.S. cities (Philadelphia, New York City, and Cincinnati). Individual, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted. Interviews described prominent features of the pediatric CHW role, which included taking a family-centered approach to goal setting and determining support needed, ensuring family goals stayed at the center of the work, and acting as a trusted figure for families to talk openly with. CHWs described their role as rewarding, believing in the work, and feeling a sense of fulfillment, and felt successful when families had positive outcomes, including when barriers were eliminated, resources were obtained, or independence was demonstrated by families. Challenges CHWs faced in their roles included establishing trust with families, managing the ever-changing family circumstances many families experience due to socioeconomic barriers, and managing limitations of protocol and restrictions within their roles. This study demonstrated numerous considerations for CHW practice in pediatric health care settings, in addition to considerations for pediatric-specific CHW program development and management. The primary policy implication of this study included a basis for increased funding for CHW programs in pediatric health care settings. This study also demonstrated a need for further research on the change CHWs effect within child and family systems outside of health care, such as schools and child welfare agencies
The Profile of Articles on AXIN2 Mutations, Oligodontia, and Ethical Statements in Dental Research
Authors: Constance Wiener R.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Editors often require ethical statements in research publications. This is particularly important with genetic data where discrimination may occur upon data disclosures. The purpose of this research is to determine if there was a positive trend of publishing ethical statements in dental genetic research. The study is limited to AXIN2 mutations which may be associated with oligodontia and cancer.

Methods

A MEDLINE search of 2011–2021 articles concerning AXIN2, oligodontia, and ethical statements was conducted. Reviews, nonhuman subject research, abstracts, and articles not written nor translated into English were excluded.

Results

Forty-four studies were found; 10 excluded. There were 25 (75.8%) with ethical statements, and 25 (75.8%) with participant consent statements. There was no significant difference by year in ethical statements over the ten years (p = 0.094).

Conclusion

There is a need to encourage more ethical statements in publications especially for genetically sensitive topics to reassure readers of ethical practices.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Validation, and Reliability of the Persian Version of the Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire
Authors: Shariatzadeh Hooman , Najd Mazhar Farid , Fathi Choghadeh Meysam , Kachooei Amir R.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire (Brief MHQ) is one of the most reliable and sensitive patient-reported outcome measures for hand and wrist disorders worldwide. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire based on standard guidelines.

Methods:

One hundred two patients with various hand and wrist disorders filled the Persian version of Brief MHQ along with the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire and the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Seventy-eight participants returned to complete the Persian Brief MHQ for the second time after 4 days.

Results:

The analysis showed excellent internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.89 to 0.91. The Persian Brief MHQ has an excellent test-retest reliability with a 0.94 intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The correlation coefficient of -0.74 between Brief MHQ and the QuickDASH showed a strong correlation and confirmed its validity.

Conclusion:

The Persian version of the Brief MHQ is a reliable and valid tool to apply to Persian individuals with hand and wrist disorders.
Does disallowing body checking impact offensive performance in non-elite under-15 and under-18 youth ice hockey leagues? A video-analysis study
Authors: Kolstad Ash T , Nadeau Luc , Eliason Paul H , Goulet Claude , Hagel Brent E , Emery Carolyn A
Published: July 2022

Policy that disallows body checking (BC) lowers the injury and concussion rate for youth ice hockey players. However, little is known about how disallowing BC influences in-game metrics of performance. This prospective cohort video-analysis study examined offensive performance in Under-15 (ages 13–14) and Under-18 (ages 15–17) youth ice hockey players in leagues allowing and disallowing BC. Fifty-two games were filmed (n = 13 BC, n = 13 non-BC) for Under-15 and Under-18 non-elite (lowest 60% and 45% divisions, respectively) divisions in Calgary, Canada. Footage was analyzed for offensive performance metrics on the puck-carrier using the validated ice hockey adapted team sport assessment procedure. Puck metrics included how the player acquired puck possession (e.g. conquered puck from an opponent, received pass from a teammate) and the outcome (e.g. shot on goal, lost puck to opponent). The puck metrics were used to compute a performance composite score for each player that accounted for the quantity (rate of puck possessions per shift time) and quality (a ratio of positive performance metrics to all metrics) of play. Mean difference's (MD) in performance composite scores were compared using multivariable linear regression (adjusted for player position and cluster by team-game) between leagues allowing and disallowing BC for both age groups. Analyses revealed no significant MD in the performance composite scores between players in BC and non-BC leagues for both age groups (Under-15: MD = 0.02, 95%CI: −0.08, 0.12; Under-18: MD = −0.06, 95%CI: −0.16, 0.03). These findings suggest no differences in offensive performance when BC is disallowed in Under-15 and Under-18 non-elite leagues.
Anthropometric and physical performance determinants of young tennis players progressing through a talent identification and development programme
Authors: Chapelle Laurent , Pion Johan , Clarys Peter , Rommers Nikki , D’Hondt Eva
Published: July 2022

This study examined the influence of both anthropometric and physical performance determinants on the likelihood to be selected to progress through a talent identification and development programme in young tennis. Data were collected in 538 young tennis players (323 males and 215 females) from 6 age categories (U8–U13). A principal component analysis was used to generate one anthropometric determinant (based on body height, body weight and maturity offset) and four physical performance determinants: speed and agility (based on 5 m sprint, 20 m sprint and 505 change of direction test); jumping power (based on standing broad jump and standing broad jump in series); motor coordination (based on balancing backwards and jumping sideways) and tennis ball control (based on a throw and catch test and hold tennis ball up test). For all determinants, tertiles were generated for every age category and both sexes separately. Univariate binary logistic regressions were performed to examine the influence of each determinant on the chances to be selected to progress in the talent identification and development programme. Significant odds ratios were found for all included anthropometric and physical performance determinants ( p < 0.05), ranging from 0.26 to 7.50 in the male young tennis players and from 0.18 to 6.87 in the female young tennis players. The included determinants influenced selection chances mostly in the early age categories (U8–U10) as opposed to the later age categories (U11–U13). Future research should examine the influence of additional determinants (such as tennis (match-play) performance) on the selection chances to progress through a talent identification and development programme.
Accuracy and Glycemic Efficacy of Continuous Glucose Monitors in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Boeder Schafer , Kobayashi Emily , Ramesh Gautam , Serences Brittany , Kulasa Kristen , Majithia Amit R.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is approved for insulin dosing decisions in the ambulatory setting, but not currently for inpatients. CGM has the capacity to reduce patient-provider contact in inpatients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), thus potentially reducing in hospital virus transmission. However, there are sparse data on the accuracy and efficacy of CGM to titrate insulin doses in inpatients.

Methods:

Under an emergency use protocol, CGM (Dexcom G6) was used alongside standard point-of-care (POC) glucose measurements in patients critically ill from complications of COVID-19 requiring intravenous (IV) insulin. Glycemic control during IV insulin therapy was retrospectively assessed comparing periods with and without adjunctive CGM use. Accuracy metrics were computed and Clarke Error Grid analysis performed comparing CGM glucose values with POC measurements.

Results:

Twenty-four critically ill patients who met criteria for emergency use of CGM resulted in 47 333 CGM and 5677 POC glucose values. During IV insulin therapy, individuals’ glycemic control improved when CGM was used (mean difference –30.7 mg/dL). Among 2194 matched CGM: POC glucose pairs, a high degree of concordance was observed with a mean absolute relative difference of 14.8% and 99.5% of CGM: POC pairs falling in Zones A and B of the Clarke Error Grid.

Conclusions:

Continuous glucose monitoring use in critically ill COVID-19 patients improved glycemic control during IV insulin therapy. Continuous glucose monitoring glucose data were highly concordant with POC glucose during IV insulin therapy in critically ill patients suggesting that CGM could substitute for POC measurements in inpatients thus reducing patient-provider contact and mitigating infection transmission.