bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Austrian Logging: A Historical Account of the Time of Felling and Debarking, and Transportation Practices
Authors: Nemestothy Sebastian , Grabner Michael
Published: July 2021

Wood in Austria has been an indispensable source of energy, but also, a crucial building material. In the field of dendroarchaeology the timeline between raw material harvest and finalisation of a wooden construction is a crucial piece of puzzle in understanding building history. This paper aims to provide an overview on historical timber supply in Austria by examining the felling and debarking methods, as recorded in old literature and, from the visible evidence on beams in wooden constructions. Historically, depending on the size and location of a building, a small or extended supply chain of timber was required. These generally consisted of logs travelling via streams and rivers, and possibly beforehand passing through sluices and log slides, being skidded by horses and oxen, and being moved by manpower on sleighs, or simply on the forest floor. The seasonal working steps of the logging process included felling, debranching, debarking, cutting to length, and the start of the transportation process. Debarking was a specific focus in this investigation, as the appearance of bast (the inner bark of trees from which ropes were made) or even bark residues on the waney edge (outermost growth ring underneath the bark), may provide a clue to the felling time of year. These indications of the cutting season have been noticed during dendrochronological sampling of beams in historical buildings. Improved knowledge of them may contribute to future research of these buildings.
Traces of Transport at the Vienna Hofburg Roof Constructions
Authors: Wächter Elisabeth , Grabner Michael
Published: July 2021

The Vienna Hofburg is a large complex of buildings of unique historic importance with historical wooden constructions from the 13th to the 20th century. Within its wooden roof constructions, rafting wedges were found, which proves that the timber used did not originate in the surroundings of Vienna but had to be transported to the city. An ascertainment of these residual traces in eleven wings of the Hofburg building was made; five different types (within two main groups) of rafting wedges and withies (softened twigs that can be used like short ropes to tie trunks together) were defined: (1) simple flat wedges, driven into the fresh wood; (2) round or squared wedges, with or without withies driven into bored wholes. It was not possible to trace back the origin of the construction timber by means of that typology. However, the combination of dendroprovenancing and historic records found in archives led to first results.
Criminal Careers Prior to Recruitment into Italian Organized Crime
Authors: Meneghini Cecilia , Campedelli Gian Maria , Calderoni Francesco , Comunale Tommaso
Published: July 2021

Despite growing evidence about heterogeneous pathways leading individuals into organized crime, there is limited knowledge about the differences in the criminal career between individuals who entered criminal organizations in their youth and those who joined at an older age. This study assesses the differences between early and late recruits in the Italian mafias through logistic regressions considering several criminal career parameters computed on the period prior to recruitment. Results show that recruitment in the mafias is far from a homogenous process. Early recruits report an early criminal onset, lower educational attainment, more serious offenses within a shorter time-span, and more frequent violent co-offending; late recruits show a later onset, more prolific and versatile—but less serious—offending.
Common concern for the global ecological commons: solidarity with future generations?
Authors: Takle Marianne
Published: July 2021

This article elaborates on ideas concerning future generations and whether they are useful in understanding some aspects of the concern for the global ecological commons. The article’s main scholarly contribution is to develop analytical tools for examining what a concern for future generations would require of current generations. It combines the scholarly literature on future generations with that of solidarity. The ideas concerning future generations are interpreted in terms of an ideal typical concept of solidarity with future generations. This concept is divided into four dimensions: the foundation of solidarity, the objective of solidarity, the boundaries of solidarity and the collective orientation. By applying these four dimensions in the context of the political process leading to Agenda 2030, the potentials and limitations of the concept are evident. The article concludes that the absence of reciprocity between current and future generations and uncertainty about the future are both crucial issues, which cut across the four dimensions. We cannot expect anything from people who have not yet been born, and we do not know what preferences they will have. This shows the vulnerability of forward-looking appeals to solidarity with future generations. Nevertheless, such appeals to solidarity may give global political processes a normative content and direction and can thereby contribute to understanding common concerns for the global ecological commons.
Air Passengers’ Preferences for Aviation Voluntary Carbon Offsetting: A Co-benefits Perspective
Authors: Zhang Beile , Ritchie Brent W. , Mair Judith , Driml Sally
Published: July 2021

Co-benefits are positive outcomes from voluntary carbon offsetting (VCO) programs beyond simple reduction in carbon emissions, which include biodiversity, air quality, economic, health, and educational benefits. Given the rates of aviation VCOs remain at less than 10%, this study investigated air passengers’ preferences for co-benefits as well as certification, location, and cost of VCO programs. Using discrete choice modeling, this study shows that aviation VCO programs with higher levels of co-benefits, particularly biodiversity and health benefits, are preferred by air passengers and confirms a preference for domestically based and certified VCO programs. The latent class choice model identified three classes with different preferences for VCO program attributes and demographic characteristics. The results of this study contribute to the knowledge of VCO co-benefits and imply that airlines should take note of this preference for biodiversity and health co-benefits when designing VCO programs and differentiate between market segments to increase the uptake of VCOs.
The Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment: Predicting Violence Among Men With a Police Record of Intimate Partner Violence in the United States
Authors: Radatz Dana L. , Zoe Hilton N.
Published: July 2021

The Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA) is an actuarial risk assessment tool for intimate partner violence (IPV) recidivism. Despite its international use, there is no published validation of the ODARA’s predictive accuracy in a U.S. sample. We studied 356 men in New York police records of IPV against a female partner to examine the ODARA’s predictive accuracy for IPV recidivism (base rate 35%), non-IPV violent recidivism (against a nonpartner; 16%), any violent recidivism (49%), and nonviolent recidivism (50%), in a fixed 2-year follow-up. Using 11 scorable ODARA items, area under the curve values were significant and ranged from .590 to .630, indicating small to medium effects. Expected/Observed indices revealed poor calibration with 2-year IPV recidivism rates in ODARA construction and cross-validation samples. Findings support the generalization of the ODARA’s predictive accuracy in different populations and outcomes, but a need for new norm development for higher risk populations.
To X-Ray or Not to X-Ray? Discussing Unknown Nasal Foreign Bodies and Button Batteries
Authors: Bance Rujuta R. Roplekar , Acharya Vikas , Paula Coyle , Panesar J
Published: July 2021

The emergency of esophageal button batteries is recognized. Foreign bodies in the ear or nose are treated as comparatively nonemergent. We present the case of a child who presented with suspected pen-nib in the nostril to highlight the importance of investigation and intervention in unwitnessed nasal foreign body and review the literature regarding X-rays in these cases. Fifteen papers were identified as per search parameters; 3 papers recommend the use of plain radiographs for nasal foreign bodies. We propose that in unwitnessed pediatric nasal foreign body insertion, a facial X-ray should be considered, especially if suspecting a metallic foreign body.
Organ-Preserving Treatment Strategy for Extra-Axial Chordoma Metastatic to the Larynx Causing Airway Compromise
Authors: Wu Jeffanie , Smetak Miriam R. , Stevens Madelyn N. , Lewis James S. , Netterville James L.
Published: July 2021

Chordomas are rare, malignant bone tumors that arise from embryological remnants of the notochord, typically affecting the skull base, mobile spine, and sacrum with uncommon metastasis to the larynx. Patients with metastasis to the larynx may present with slowly progressive dysphonia and dyspnea. Here, we report an organ-preservation treatment strategy for a patient with widely metastatic extra-axial chordoma presenting with airway compromise who was found to have a new metastasis to the cricoid cartilage.
Bibliometric Analysis of Microtia-Related Publications From 2006 to 2020
Authors: Wang Wei , Dong Xinxin , Qu Jianwen , Lin Yangyang , Liu Lei
Published: July 2021

Objective:

Microtia is a congenital auricular malformation with a hypoplastic external ear that ranges in severity from a slightly smaller auricle to complete the absence of the auricle. The present study was conducted to identify and analyze the characteristics of microtia-related articles published from 2006 to 2020 by using bibliometric analyses.

Method:

Microtia-related studies published from 2006 to 2020 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Keywords, first author, citations, date of publication, and publication journal were extracted and quantitatively analyzed using Bibliographic Item Co-Occurrence Matrix Builder software and the Bibliometric ( https://bibliometric.com/app ). VOSviewer was used to visualize research and form a network map on keywords and citations.

Results:

A total of 1031 articles from 2006 to 2020 were included. The number of articles showed an overall trend of growth over time. The United States and China are the top 2 countries in terms of the number of microtia-related articles. From the analysis of keyword clustering, keywords could be mainly divided into 4 clusters in the field of microtia research: surgery, tissue engineering, epidemiology, and rehabilitation including hearing-related treatments, evaluation of effects, and quality of life after surgery. The top 10 most frequently cited papers from 2006 to 2020 were also extracted and analyzed.

Conclusion:

A bibliometric research of microtia-related articles from 2006 to 2020 was conducted. This study may be helpful to understand the current research status of microtia and find the research trends in this field, thus proposing future directions for microtia research.
Social Bonding in Initial Acquaintance: Effects of Modality and Modality Order
Authors: Sprecher Susan
Published: July 2021

In this experimental study, unacquainted dyads engaged in a get-acquainted task using two modes of communication across two segments of interaction. The dyads either first disclosed in text-based computer-mediated communication (CMC) and then disclosed face-to-face (FtF) or the reverse. The participants completed reaction measures after each segment of interaction. After the first segment, dyads who communicated FtF reported more positive outcomes (e.g., liking, closeness) than dyads who engaged in CMC. Furthermore, dyads who began in CMC and then transitioned to FtF increased in their positive reactions, whereas dyads who began in FtF and transitioned to CMC either experienced no change (in liking, closeness, and perceived similarity) or experienced a decrease (in fun/enjoyment and perceived responsiveness). Implications of the results are discussed both for the classic social psychology question of how people become acquainted and for current interest in how mixed-mode interactions generate social bonds that can help meet belonging needs.
Effects of benzodiazepine and orexin receptor antagonist on cognitive function revealed by auditory event-related potentials
Authors: Shiga Tetsuya , Hoshino Hiroshi , Ochiai Haruka , Osakabe Yusuke , Kanno Kazuko , Horikoshi Sho , Miura Itaru , Yabe Hirooki
Published: July 2021

Background:

Cognitive decline after oral administration of sedatives, such as benzodiazepines, is a serious side effect. Suvorexant, an orexin receptor antagonist, has a favorable tolerability and a limited side-effect profile.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to estimate the cognitive decline 1 day after oral medication with lormetazepam, a benzodiazepine, and suvorexant by comparing mismatch negativity (MMN) and P300 reflecting auditory discrimination function.

Methods:

Sixty healthy subjects (42 males) were randomly assigned to three groups receiving suvorexant 20 mg, lormetazepam 2 mg, or placebo in this double-blind, randomized control study. Event-related potential recordings during an auditory oddball task and a digit symbol substitution test (DSST) were performed 1 day after oral administration.

Results:

MMN, on the day after oral administration, was significantly attenuated in the lormetazepam group compared with the other two groups, but there was no difference between the suvorexant and placebo groups. No significant difference was found in P300 amplitudes and DSST scores among the three groups.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that suvorexant, unlike benzodiazepine, is not associated with cognitive deficits, as revealed by MMN but not P300. This study shows a neurophysiological difference in the effects of suvorexant and benzodiazepine on cognitive function.
Identification of key genes in allergic rhinitis by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Zhang Yunfei , Huang Yue , Chen Wen-xia , Xu Zheng-min
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study aimed to explore the potential molecular mechanism of allergic rhinitis (AR) and identify gene signatures by analyzing microarray data using bioinformatics methods.

Methods

The dataset GSE19187 was used to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between samples from patients with AR and healthy controls. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were applied for the DEGs. Subsequently, a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify hub genes. GSE44037 and GSE43523 datasets were screened to validate critical genes.

Results

A total of 156 DEGs were identified. GO analysis verified that the DEGs were enriched in antigen processing and presentation, the immune response, and antigen binding. KEGG analysis demonstrated that the DEGs were enriched in Staphylococcus aureus infection, rheumatoid arthritis, and allograft rejection. PPI network and module analysis predicted seven hub genes, of which six ( CD44, HLA-DPA1, HLA-DRB1, HLA-DRB5, MUC5B, and CD274) were identified in the validation dataset.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that hub genes play important roles in the development of AR.
Severe fetal anemia and hydrops fetalis associated with compound heterozygosity for Hb Zurich-Albisrieden (HBA2:c.178G>C) and Hb Quong Sze (HBA2:c.377T>C)
Authors: Du Li , Bao Xiuqin , He Wei , Qin Danqing , Wang Jicheng , Xiong Ying , Shi Xiaomei , Ding Hongke , Yao Cuize , Wu Jing
Published: July 2021

We report on a fetus with cardiomegaly and increased middle cerebral artery-peak systolic velocity at 25 weeks of gestation. Severe fetal anemia (hemoglobin (Hb) level 37 g/L) was confirmed by cordocentesis. Hb analysis showed that Hb Bart’s was 9% in cord blood. Molecular analysis of the proband’s family found that the mother was a carrier of Hb Quong Sze (Hb QS, HBA2:c.377T>C), the father was a carrier of Hb Zurich-Albisrieden (Hb ZA, HBA2:c.178G>C), and the fetus was a compound heterozygote for Hb ZA and Hb QA. Despite intrauterine blood transfusions, the fetus experienced problems including oligohydramnios, growth retardation, placental thickening, and heart enlargement in the third trimester. The couple chose to terminate the pregnancy, and fetal autopsy confirmed the above diagnosis. This is the first report of a case of Hb ZA compounded with Hb QS, and provides a reference for genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis in the Chinese population.
Perceiving Music Through the Lens of Synaesthesia and Absolute Pitch
Authors: Glasser Solange
Published: July 2021

Synaesthesia and absolute pitch (AP) are two rare conditions that occur more frequently within populations of artistic professionals. Current thinking surrounding synaesthesia and AP and their relationship to music perception form the focus of this article. Given that synaesthesia has rarely been discussed in the music literature, the article surveys and consolidates general neurobiological, psychological, and behavioural evidence to summarise what is currently known on this topic, in order to link this back to the conditions that most relate to music. In contrast, research on AP is now well established in the music literature, but the important gap of linking AP to other conditions such as synaesthesia has yet to be fully explored. This article investigates the potential relationship between synaesthesia and AP for musicians who possess both conditions by systematically comparing the definitions, classifications, prevalence, diagnoses, and impacts on music perception of synaesthesia and AP and provides insights into the varying states of the literature and knowledge of both conditions. In so doing, this article aims to facilitate a greater understanding of music and auditory forms of synaesthesia and their interaction with AP and encourage increased research effort on this important topic.
Participation patterns and predictors of participation in preschool children with developmental disability
Authors: Stelmokaite Agne , Prasauskiene Audrone , Bakaniene Indre
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The research was aimed to evaluate patterns and clinical and environmental predictors of participation in preschool children with developmental disability.

Method

Cross-sectional design was employed. Caregivers ( n = 98) of children aged 9–70 months (mean = 48, SD = 1.5) with developmental disability completed a health questionnaire and the Lithuanian Young Children’s Participation and Environment Measure (YC-PEM). Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regressions were performed to identify patterns and predictors of participation at home, daycare/preschool, and the community.

Results

Participation restrictions, based on frequency and variety of activities, were mostly observed in the community setting. Both clinical and environmental factors explained at least two dimensions of participation across all settings. Of the clinical factors, the predictors of participation were found to be the severity but not the number of impairments of body structures and functions and/or activity limitations.

Conclusions

This study emphasizes the role of the environment and activity limitations in explaining participation of preschool children with developmental disability. Findings can re-direct practitioners’ attention towards context-based assessments and interventions to promote health through participation.
Humic acid characterization and heavy metal behaviour during vermicomposting of pig manure amended with 13C-labelled rice straw
Authors: Wang Feng , Yao Wu , Zhang Weiwen , Miao Lijuan , Wang Yifan , Zhang Hangjun , Ding Ying , Zhu Weiqin
Published: July 2021

Aiming to reveal the humification process of organic waste and its contribution to the heavy metal behaviour affected by earthworm activity, it was studied about the variation of humic acid (HA) and heavy metal behaviour during vermicomposting of the mixed pig manure and 13C-labelled rice straw. The results showed that earthworms could well adapt to the culturing environment and feed organic matter for its growth and reproduction, the vermicomposting process increased the content of humic substances (HS), HA, and fulvic acid (FA) in substrate residues, but led to less transformation of HA into FA. The elemental, ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and fluorescence excitation–emission matrix (EEM) analysis indicated that vermicomposting led to more aromatic structures and much higher humification degree in HA, whereas less protein, FA-like substances and plastein in HA. Vermicomposting could enhance the total Cu content and decrease Cu/Zn bioavailability in the substrate residues, and vermicomposting especially can help stabilize Cu in the substrate residues by forming more complexed HA–Cu.
“It’s Better Saying I Look Fat Instead of Saying You Look Fat”: A Qualitative Study of U.K. Adolescents’ Understanding of Appearance-Related Interactions on Social Media
Authors: Paddock Danielle L. , Bell Beth T.
Published: July 2021

Appearance-related interactions with peers, both positive and negative, are commonplace on social media. Using qualitative methods, this study explores U.K. adolescents’ shared understandings and experiences of these interactions. Sixty-four adolescents ( Age M = 12.56; SD = 0.97; Girls = 33) from a secondary school in Northern England participated in semi-structured focus groups. Using thematic analysis, three themes were developed that encapsulate their shared understandings of appearance-related interactions: (a) positive appearance commentary is the norm, especially if you are popular and attractive; (b) comments to others should be positive, but comments about the self should be modest and self-deprecating; and (c) negative appearance comments are problematic but not always intentionally harmful. Overall, our findings suggest that, to adolescents, the boundaries between positive and negative interactions are blurred, as content, intention, gender, and social rules intersect with social media platform design. Further research is needed to better understand how social media site design alters adolescents’ appearance interactions, as well as the role of these interactions in the development and maintenance of peer relationships and body image concerns.
Power-Assisted High Definition Liposuction in Male Patients With or Without VASER: Comparison of Seroma Formation
Authors: Böni Roland , von Waechter-Gniadek Paul
Published: July 2021

In power-assisted high definition liposuction (PA-HDL), large areas of the body surface are treated, followed by superficial aspiration along definition lines between muscle groups. Both factors can contribute to seroma formation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if the use of vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance (VASER) prior to PA-HDL would increase the frequency of seroma formation. In this retrospective study, 164 male patients underwent PA-HDL with (n = 82) or without VASER (n = 82). No drains were used. Lymphatic drainage was performed in all patients. Seroma formation was determined by physical examination 1 and 2 weeks postoperatively. The incidence of seroma was 11% (n = 9) in the group with VASER treatment prior to PA-HDL, and 4.9% (n = 4) in the group without previous VASER use. The difference was statistically not significant ( P > .05). The most frequent area of seroma formation was at the lower part of the linea semilunaris. PA-HDL has an increased risk of seroma formation, which in our series was mainly located at the lower part of the linea semilunaris. VASER treatment prior to PA-HDL showed a tendency to further increase the risk of seroma formation in an open drainage—no-drains technique, albeit the difference was not statistically significant.
Parent-Child Relationship Quality, Childhood Maltreatment, and Psychological Symptoms in Chinese Adolescent
Authors: Jiang Zhicheng , Xu Huiqiong , Wang Shanshan , Gao Xin , Li Shuqin , Zhang Shichen , Tao Fangbiao , Wan Yuhui
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to examine the association between childhood maltreatment, parent-child relationship quality with psychological symptoms and to explore the moderating role of parent-child relationship quality in the association between childhood maltreatment and psychological symptoms among adolescents. It also probed to the role of gender differences in this effect. A representative sample of 14,500 middle school students in China were asked to complete a standard questionnaire on the details of childhood maltreatment, parent-child relationship quality, and psychological symptoms. All data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0. The PROCESS program was used to analyze whether parent-child relationship quality moderated the link between childhood maltreatment and psychological symptoms. The analyses revealed significant correlations between childhood maltreatment, parent-child relationship quality, and psychological symptoms ( p < .001). Specifically, paternal relationship quality moderated the association between childhood maltreatment and psychological symptoms in the total sample ( B = –0.01, p < .05) and the subgroup of girls ( B = –0.01, p < .05), while maternal relationship quality moderated only the association between childhood maltreatment and psychological symptoms in the subgroup of boys ( B = –0.01, p < .05). As the findings indicate, priority should be given to the quality of parent-child relationship and gender-specific methods employed to effectively reduce the psychological symptoms of adolescents with a history of childhood maltreatment.
Does Speed Matter? The Association Between Case Processing Time in Juvenile Court and Rearrest
Authors: Novak Abigail , Hartsell Elizabeth
Published: July 2021

The present study assessed the relationship between case processing time and rearrest among a sample of first-time juvenile offenders referred to the Florida juvenile justice system and examined the extent to which this association varied by youth and case characteristics. Propensity score analyses suggested youth with longer case processing times had higher odds of being rearrested within 1 year compared to youth with shorter case processing times. Subgroup analyses suggested differences in the effects of case processing time by youth and case-level characteristics. According to results, policymakers should prioritize implementing and enforcing case processing time restrictions in their jurisdictions, particularly for detained youth and remain aware of the potential ensnaring implications of longer case processing times to reduce rearrest rates for first-time juvenile offenders.
Digital Encounters of Surrogacy: Nodes of a Fictional Ethnography
Authors: Daskalaki Ivi , Apostolidou Anna
Published: July 2021

The article addresses the question of alternative ways to writing ethnography and more specifically, the ethnography of surrogacy. It focuses on the example of a digital ethnographic artifact that was created in order to host fictional representations of surrogacy practices. The article presents ethnographic material from a recent research project that focused on experiences of surrogate parenthood of Greek and Cypriot intended parents. The digital artifact demonstrates how multimodal anthropological narrations may represent, and simultaneously evoke, sensory experience through the temporal and spatial digital unfolding of interlocutors’ stories. Indeed, the article explains the structure of the artifact and discusses specific digital nodes which depict interlocutors’ testimonies of longing, waiting, uncertainty, vulnerability, pain, loss, joy, and safekeeping before, during, and after surrogacy procedures. In the context of the ethnographic artifact narratives and non-narratives of motherhood, fatherhood, and pregnancy refer to a variety of precarious contexts of placeness/emplacement, legality/illegality, and connectedness/disconnectedness without relying on conventional textual ethnographic writing. Drawing from selected ethnographic examples as they relate to the literature of assisted reproduction, the authors argue that digital nodal narration enables both the cultural contextualization of individual experience as well as its affective and intellectual correlation with similar and antithetical experiences of other field interlocutors.
Photocatalytic self-cleaning properties of m-phenylene isophthalamide membranes enhanced by immobilization of GO-ZnO-Ag for dye wastewater disposal
Authors: Xie Huan-Yin , Chen Zhen , Li Yi-Jing , Chen Gui-E , Mao Hai-Fang , Xu Zhen-Liang
Published: July 2021

Drawing self-cleaning technology into polymer membranes offers an extensive solution to overcome the membrane fouling obstacle. Herein, the GO-ZnO-Ag nano-hybrid particles with photocatalytic activity prepared via the microwave hydrothermal method were immobilized in poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) (PMIA) membranes. Not only was the thorny issue in catalyst recovery avoided, but also the satisfactory photocatalytic self-cleaning performance of the polymer membrane was awarded. GO and noble metal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) acted as a conductive electron transfer carrier and an electron host, respectively, which hindered the recombination rate of excited electrons and holes on ZnO under UV light. The UV-driven PMIA membrane photodegradation rates of MB and Cr(VI) were up to 97.2% and 94.3%, respectively, at 150 min on photodegradation kinetics. Also, MB was completely degraded at 180 min. For MB and Cr(VI) mix solutions, their degradation efficiencies were 78.1% and 71%, respectively. The BSA rejection rate of the modified polymer membrane was 93.8%, and the water flux was 408.8 (L·m−2·h−1). Permeability was maintained at a high level after repeated use. Therefore, the newly designed PMIA/GO-ZnO-Ag series membranes could expand the application of polymers in wastewater disposal industry.
Preparation and properties of bismaleimide resin blended with alkynyl-terminated modifiers
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wang Linxiang , Yuan Qiaolong , Zheng Qing , Wan Liqiang , Huang Farong
Published: July 2021

A kind of modified bismaleimide resin, with good processability, heat resistance, and impact strength was developed, using 4,4′-dipropargyloxydiphenyl ether (DPEDPE), N-(4-propargyloxyphenyl)maleimide (4-PPM), and 3-ethynylphenyl maleimide (3-EPM) as modifiers. The DPEDPE, 4-PPM, and 3-EPM were synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and used to modify the N,N′-(4,4′-diphenylmethane)bismaleimide (BDM)/2,2′-diallyl bisphenol A (DABPA) resin system (BD) to obtain the different blend resin systems of DPEDPE-modified BD (BDD), 4-PPM-modified BD (BDP), and 3-EPM-modified BD (BDE). The curing temperature of BD resin increases with increase of the alkynyl-terminated modifier content. The processability of BD resin was improved with addition of the propargyloxy-terminated compounds. The temperature of 5% weight loss, residual yield at 800°C and glass transition temperature of the cured BD resin increase with increase of the alkynyl-terminated modifier content and can reach 443°C, 46.7% and higher than 380°C. The tensile strength of the cured BD resin decreases with increase of alkynyl-terminated modifier content. The impact strength of the cured BD resin increases with increase of the propargyloxy-terminated compound content and can increase by 65%. The tensile strength, elastic modulus, and impact strength of the cured BD resin blended with DPEDPE can be 73.7 MPa, 4.1 GPa, and 19.6 kJ m−2, respectively. Moreover, the cured BD resin blended with DPEDPE has good water absorption resistance.
Performance analysis of hydrodynamic mechanical power-split transmissions
Authors: Liu Xiaojun , Sun Dongye , Liu Junlong
Published: July 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of 24 basic hydrodynamic mechanical power-split (HMPS) transmission designs effectively based on their torque multiplication capacities (TMCs) and efficiencies. Firstly, four schemes were preliminarily selected. Secondly, the matching between the four schemes and a reference wheel loader was considered, and an expression for the TMC was developed based on the traditional transmission and a second reference transmission. Thirdly, two performance metrics in terms of the TMC and efficiency – the average torque multiplication capacity (ATMC) and average efficiency – were defined to eliminate the couplings of four transmission parameters with the vehicle speed and speed ratio. Finally, the performances of the two best schemes and traditional hydrodynamic mechanical (HM) transmission were carefully compared. The results show that a transmission with power recirculation cannot present energy savings potential regardless of the ATMC, whereas a transmission with a power split can achieve an ATMC of 0.255, an average efficiency increment of 0.0143 in the short loading cycle, and a miniscule efficiency increment in the long loading cycle compared with the HM transmission.
Investigating the effect of the impeller blade gradient angle on the compressor reliability
Authors: Li Song , Yang Xinle , Li Weikang , Tang Meiling
Published: July 2021

Studies show that operating stress and natural frequency of the turbocharger impeller are two key parameters that affect the service life of the turbocharger. In this regard, NREC and ANSYS software are utilized in the present study to design impellers and calculate the impeller stress, natural frequency, and the inertia moment of the impeller for each baseline impeller and their modifications. Furthermore, modal tests are carried out to verify the simulation results. Finally, the compressor characteristic maps before and after the blade gradient angle optimization are compared. Obtained results show that compared with the cantilever length, the blade thickness has a remarkable influence on the blade gradient angle. Moreover, it is found that the correlation between the blade gradient angle and the first-order frequency multiplication ratio is linear. As the blade gradient angle increases, the maximum stress at the blade root of the compressor initially decreases and then increases. The value of the blade gradient angle varies within the range of 2.288°–3.955°. Moreover, the closer the gradient angle to 3.26°, the smaller the maximum equivalent stress of the impeller, and the higher the impeller strength. The greater the thickness of the blade, the longer the cantilever length of the impeller, and the greater the inertia moment. Optimizing the blade gradient angle can improve the efficiency of the compressor without changing the pressure ratio and flow rate. It should be indicated that error between the results from the simulation and the experiment is within the range 1.736%–1.254%. Therefore, the calculation results are reliable. It is concluded that the regular pattern of the blade gradient angle affects the compressor impeller stress and its natural frequency. The present article is expected to provide a helpful theoretical basis for designing an optimized compressor impeller.
Research and modeling of tire cornering characteristics considering tread wear based on UniTire model
Authors: Lu Lei , Lu Dang , Wu Haidong , Li Lun , Wang Wei , LYU Manyi
Published: July 2021

In view of the complexity of tire structure and working conditions, tire models are often based on complete and accurate test data. In combined with the theory of tire dynamics, the empirical and semi-empirical tire models are built. In order to accurately measure the tire mechanical properties, it is necessary to strictly control the wear state of the tire tread during the tire test. But there is still a certain amount of wear, which does not guarantee the consistency of the data. In order to study the influence of wear on the mechanical properties of the tire, based on the tire footprint pressure distribution model and brush model theory, combined with the brush model theory and the rubber block shear stiffness deformation theory, the tire cornering stiffness model under different wear conditions is established. The footprint pressure distribution model is built based on the results of footprint test under different wear conditions. And combined the test result with different tread wear conditions and the theory of brush model, the tire brush model considering tread wear conditions is built. Based on the above theoretical model, the UniTire tire cornering slip model considering the tread wear state is established. To verify the accuracy of the model, the UniTire cornering slip model is obtained by using the cornering slip data in three tread wear states, and the tire mechanical properties of the other tread wear conditions are predicted. The error between the simulation results of the model and the experimental results is small, which effectively prove the predictive ability of UniTire cornering slip model considering tread wear. This study will help to improve the UniTire tire model and provide theoretical and technical support for the UniTire indoor and outdoor expansion applications.
Design and development of MR damper for two wheeler application and Kwok model parameters tuning for designed damper
Authors: Devikiran Pinjala , Puneet NP , Hegale Abhinandan , Kumar Hemantha
Published: July 2021

Magnetorheological dampers have been the interest of many researchers for a few decades for the reason of being an effective and rapidly progressing technology in the field of semi-active controlled suspension. The dynamic behaviour of these devices with nonlinear hysteresis is quite a complicated phenomenon. Hence, this paper aims at the design, modelling and simulation of a custom-made MR damper for a two-wheeler vehicle. The Kwok model has been chosen to mathematically model the MR damper. The model parameters have been optimised by minimizing the error difference between experimental and model-generated force results. A PID control is designed to control the damper effectively depending on the deflection of the damper. The two-wheeler vehicle modelled with four degrees of freedom is coupled with a mathematical model of MR damper in front and rear suspension. Further, the dynamic analysis has been performed in MATLAB/Simulink considering random road input for different velocities and current input conditions. The improved performance of MR damper was observed in suppressing road irregularities using a PID controller. As an implementation part of the work, the developed damper has been implemented in a two wheeler vehicle for performance evaluation at on-road testing conditions. The results showed significant improvement in damper performance with increment of constant current controlling MR dampers.
Classic Text No. 128: Thomas Brown’s comments on Erasmus Darwin’s view on madness
Authors: Berrios German E
Published: July 2021

In his book Observations on the Zoonomia of Erasmus Darwin MD, Thomas Brown included a critical chapter on the analysis of madness proposed by Darwin in Zoonomia. Although neither Darwin nor Brown are ground-breaking in their views on madness, they illustrate the transitional accounts of madness that were being entertained at the end of the eighteenth century, particularly among writers who had studied at Edinburgh University.
Niosome-carvedilol protects DNA damage of supraphysiologic concentrations of insulin using comet assay: An in vitro study
Authors: Farahani-Zangaraki Marzieh , Taheri Azade , Etebari Mahmoud
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Hyperinsulinemia occurs in type 2 diabetic patients with insulin resistance. This increase in insulin levels in the blood increases reactive oxygen species production and oxidative stress, resulting in DNA damage. Carvedilol (CRV) is a non-selective beta-blocker, and research has shown that this compound and its metabolites have anti-oxidative properties. Carvedilol can, directly and indirectly, reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and has a protective effect on DNA damage from oxidative stress. Given the insolubility of CRV in water, finding new methods to increase its solubility can be an essential step in research. This study aimed to determine whether carvedilol could have a protective effect on insulin-induced genomic damage. Methods: We treated cells with insulin alone, amorphous-CRV alone, and amorphous-CRV and niosomal-CRV with insulin and DNA damage were investigated using the comet method to achieve this goal. Results: Our results showed that insulin in the studied concentration has a significant genotoxic effect and non-cytotoxic at higher concentrations. CRV, both in amorphous and niosome form, reduced insulin-induced DNA damage by reducing ROS production. The comet assay results demonstrate that treating HUVEC cells in pretreatment condition with amorphous-CRV and niosome-CRV significantly reduces DNA damage of insulin.
Behaviors and Attitudes Toward Smoking Among Health Care Workers at Health Facilities in 4 Provinces of Vietnam: A Representative Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Ngoc Yen Pham , Obeid Mary Jo , Quy Chau Ngo , Van Giap Vu , Viet Nhung Nguyen , Yen Nguyen Ha , Thi Ha Bui , Thu Anh Nguyen , Barrington Marks Guy , Freeman Becky , Negin Joel , James Fox Greg
Published: July 2021

Tobacco smoking is a leading cause of premature death. Smoking prevalence in Vietnam ranks among the highest in Southeast Asia. Given the important role of health care workers (HCWs) in promoting and supporting smoking cessation, this project aimed to characterize the prevalence of smoking among HCWs in Vietnam, and their attitudes toward smoking cessation interventions. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among care workers in four levels of the health system, within four provinces of Vietnam. Descriptive statistics evaluated participant attitudes, perception, behaviors, and knowledge about smoking. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated risk factors for smoking. Among 3343 HCWs, 7.5% identified as current smokers, comprising 22.2% males and 0.5% of females. Males had substantially greater odds (adjusted odds ratio = 55.3; 95% confidence interval [29.0, 105.6] of identifying as current smokers compared with females. HCWs in urban settings had higher odds of identifying as smokers compared with rural workers (adjusted odds ratio = 1.72; 95% confidence interval [1.23, 2.24]. Strong support for smoking cessation policies and interventions were identified, even among staff who smoked. HCWs play an integral role in identifying smokers and supporting smoking cessation interventions for their patients. Efforts to support affordable smoking cessation interventions within health facilities are likely to contribute to a reduction in smoking prevalence in Vietnam.
Polyclonal antibody–based immunohistochemical detection of intraleukocytic Theileria parasites in roan and sable antelopes
Authors: Clift Sarah J. , Martí-Garcia Bernat , Phaswane Rephima M. , Mitchell Emily P. , Josemans Antoinette I. , Vorster Ilse , Koeppel Katja N. , Fehrsen Jeanni
Published: July 2021

Theileria parasites commonly infect African wild artiodactyls. In rare roan ( Hippotragus equinus) and sable ( H. niger) antelopes, Theileria sp. (sable)-associated calf mortalities constrain breeding programs. The pathogenicity of most leukocyte-transforming Theileria spp. originates in their invasion of and multiplication in various mononuclear leukocytes, the transformation of both infected and uninfected leukocytes, and their infiltration of multiple organs. Understanding the pathogenesis of theileriosis can be improved by the use of immunohistochemistry (IHC) to identify the localization of the parasites in tissue sections. Our aim was to develop a reproducible IHC assay to detect leukocyte-associated Theileria parasites in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded roan and sable tissues. Polyclonal antibodies were purified from the sera of 5 roans from an area endemic for Theileria sp. (sable) and tested for IHC reactivity in 55 infected and 39 control roan and sable antelopes, and for antigen and species cross-reactivity in an additional 58 cases. The 3 strongest antibodies consistently detected intraleukocytic theilerial antigens in known positive cases in roan and sable antelopes, and also detected other Theileria spp. in non-hippotraginid wild artiodactyl tissues. The antibodies did not cross-react with other apicomplexan protozoa, with the exception of Cryptosporidium. Given that PCR on its own cannot determine the significance of theilerial infection in wild ruminants, IHC is a useful laboratory test with which to confirm the diagnosis in these species.
Targeting the Myeloid Lineages and the Immune Microenvironment in Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Novel and Evolving Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Chung Clement
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To discuss the recent and emerging data for novel targeted therapies in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

Data Sources:

A literature search from January 2015 to June 2021 was performed using the key terms targeted therapies, myelodysplastic syndromes, DNA repair, erythroid differentiation therapy, epigenetic inhibitors, signal transduction inhibitors, and apoptosis-inducing agents.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Relevant clinical trials and articles in the English language were identified and reviewed.

Data Synthesis:

MDS are a heterogeneous group of malignant blood disorders affecting the bone marrow (BM), ultimately leading to BM failure, acute leukemia, and death. Selection of treatment is influenced by the severity of symptoms, cytopenia, cytogenetics, prognostic category, medical fitness, and patient preferences. Although current therapies such as erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) and hypomethylating agents (HMAs) help improve anemia and reduce transfusion burden, limited treatment options exist when patients experience treatment failure to ESAs or HMA. Recent regulatory approval of luspatercept, which targets the erythroid differentiation pathway, represents a major therapeutic advance in the management of anemia in MDS patients who are refractory to ESAs. Many investigational targeted therapies that aim at the myeloid lineage signaling pathway and the immune microenvironment are in active development.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

This nonexhaustive review summarizes and describes the recent data for targeted therapies for MDS.

Conclusion:

The development of novel and investigational therapeutic agents continues to contribute to an improved understanding of tumor biology. The precise therapeutic role and timing of these agents remain to be elucidated.
Defending Uselessness: Rousseau’s Harmless and Happy Idleness
Authors: Snyder Jacob T.
Published: July 2021

While also valuing useful citizenship, Rousseau offers what is perhaps the most substantive modern account and defense of idleness. According to Rousseau, idleness’ attraction lies in its relation to human nature and its capacity for producing our highest happiness. However, Rousseau is also careful to show that most existing forms of idleness are false, and true idleness is a difficult achievement. The happiness available in idleness can only be attained when free from vanity, obligation, and foresight. This specific form of idleness is also the only form that is morally and politically defensible. Though Rousseau argues, in the First Discourse, that the useless are pernicious, this is only true of the falsely idle that seek to undermine common morality and political attachment. True idleness, while still useless, satisfies Rousseau’s core moral principle to not harm.