bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of Nestin in the Progression of Canine Mammary Carcinoma
Authors: Yoshimura Hisashi , Moriya Maiko , Yoshida Ayaka , Yamamoto Masami , Machida Yukino , Ochiai Kazuhiko , Michishita Masaki , Nakagawa Takayuki , Matsuda Yoko , Takahashi Kimimasa , Kamiya Shinji , Ishiwata Toshiyuki
Published: May 2021

Nestin, a class VI intermediate filament protein, is known to be expressed in various types of human neoplasms, including breast cancer, and is associated with their progression. However, its expression and role in canine mammary tumors remain unknown. We analyzed nestin expression in canine mammary tumors using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. We also investigated its role in a canine mammary carcinoma cell line using RNA interference. Nestin expression was not observed in luminal epithelial cells of any of the 62 cases of benign mammary lesions examined, although myoepithelial cells showed its expression in most cases. In 16/50 (32%) primary mammary carcinomas and 6/15 (40%) metastases of mammary carcinomas, cytoplasmic nestin expression was detected in luminal epithelial cells. In luminal cells of primary mammary carcinomas, its expression was positively related to several pathological parameters that indicate high-grade malignancy, including histological grading ( P < .01), vascular/lymphatic invasion ( P < .01), Ki-67 index ( P < .01), and metastasis ( P < .05). Immunohistochemistry revealed that nestin expression was related to vimentin expression in mammary carcinomas ( P < .01). This relationship was confirmed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction using 9 cell lines derived from canine mammary carcinoma ( P < .01). Finally, nestin knockdown in canine mammary carcinoma cells using small interfering RNA inhibited cell proliferation and migration based on WST-8, Boyden chamber, and cell-tracking assays. These findings suggest that nestin may at least partially mediate these behaviors of canine mammary carcinoma cells.
Evaluation of the Filum Terminale in Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia
Authors: McElroy Abigail , Klinge Petra M. , Sledge Dodd , Donahue John E. , Glabman Raisa A. , Rashmir Ann
Published: May 2021

The objectives of this study were to describe the anatomy, histology, and ultrastructure of the equine filum terminale (FT) and to describe the FT in hereditary equine regional dermal asthenia (HERDA), a model of human Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS). Those humans suffer from tethered cord syndrome (TCS) caused by an abnormally structured FT wherein its attachment at the base of the vertebral column leads to long-term stretch-induced injury to the spinal cord. The pathophysiology of TCS in EDS is poorly understood, and there is a need for an animal model of the condition. Histopathologic and ultrastructural examinations were performed on FT from HERDA ( n = 4) and control horses ( n = 5) and were compared to FT from human TCS patients with and without EDS. Adipose, fibrous tissue, and neuronal elements were assessed. CD3 and CD20 immunohistochemistry was performed to clarify cell types (HERDA n = 2; control n = 5). Collagen fibrils were assessed in cross-section for fibril diameter and shape, and in longitudinal section for fibril disorganization, swelling, and fragmentation. The equine and human FT were similar, with both containing fibrous tissue, ependyma, neuropil, and nerve twigs. Hypervascularity was observed in both HERDA horses and human EDS-TCS patients and was not observed in equine or human controls. Moderate to severe abnormalities in collagen fibril orientation and architecture were observed in all HERDA horses and were similar to those observed in human EDS-TCS patients.
Exploratory Evaluation of a Concept Combining Incentivized On-Demand Ridesharing with Congestion Pricing
Authors: DeCorla-Souza Patrick
Published: May 2021

This paper presents an innovative transportation demand management concept involving congestion pricing synergistically combined with incentivized on-demand ridesharing. An exploratory evaluation of the concept was undertaken using sketch-planning tools developed by the Federal Highway Administration. The analysis suggests that the concept could be financially viable, achieve significant economic benefits, and potentially generate surplus revenues that could be sufficient to address transportation funding gaps.
Unsaturated Hydraulic Conductivity Variation of Expansive Yazoo Clay with Wet-Dry Cycles
Authors: Ivoke John , Khan Mohammad Sadik , Nobahar Masoud
Published: May 2021

Expansive soils are subjected to shrink-swell behavior with moisture variation in Mississippi, United States. With successive moisture and temperature variations over the seasons, the hydraulic conductivity of expansive soil is subjected to change because of the development of shrinkage cracks, which can be as large as as 1.2 cm wide and 1.5 m deep in the field, affecting the vertical hydraulic conductivity (Kv), whereas the horizontal hydraulic conductivity (Kh) remains fairly constant. The current study intends to investigate the hydraulic conductivity of highly expansive Yazoo clay at different wet-dry cycles. To observe the changes in the hydraulic conductivity with different wet-dry cycles in the laboratory, an instantaneous profile method to measure the permeability was utilized. Compacted Yazoo clay samples at different initial moisture content instrumented with moisture sensors at different depths to monitor changes in the moisture content were investigated. The samples were subjected to one, two, and three numbers (1N, 2N, and 3N) of wetting and drying cycles. For the drying process, testing chambers are kept in a controlled high-temperature booth of about 37°C simulating high summer temperatures in Mississippi. After the end of the wet-dry cycles, the test is performed to investigate the changes in the hydraulic conductivity of soil with the presence of shrinkage cracks. The hydraulic conductivity of highly plastic clay is very low at a fully compacted state and was observed to be (1.0×10-8 cm/s) at the 1N wetting phase. However, with an increment in the wet-dry cycles, the Kv of Yazoo clay increases (3.70×10-4 cm/s) after the sample is exposed to three wet-dry cycles. Even though the changes in the Kv of highly plastic clay define the infiltration behavior, which mostly controls the slope failure and pavement distress, consideration of the climatic loads is ignored in the design phase of the highway embankment and levees. By inclusion of the climatic variation, and evaluating the performance, the design life and resilience of the structures can be significantly increased
Analysis of the Integration Usage Patterns of Multiple Shared Mobility Modes and Metro System
Authors: Bi Hui , Ye Zhirui , Zhang Yi
Published: May 2021

Although metro systems are established in many Asian cities including Chengdu, they have yet to cover every corner of a city. Understanding the transfer behavior of passengers can provide insight into achieving efficient and sustainable urban transport systems. Combining shared mobility programs with metro to improve the weaknesses of traditional feeder modes is viewed as the most promising line of business in sustainable transportation for the near future. Therefore, this study aims to comprehend the factors affecting the usage regularity of shared mobility by deepening the knowledge on endogenous and exogenous effects, and integrating two modes, namely bike-sharing and ridesourcing. Two systems are cross-compared, first in respect of their travel characteristics. Then, a binary logistic model is employed to capture the influences of trip characteristics and travel environment characteristics on their usage frequency. Researchers found that trip distance is significantly associated with users’ mode options, indicating that bike-sharing and ridesourcing mainly serve short-distance and long-distance transfer users, respectively, although some users may be confused which feeder mode to choose for the journeys of 2 km to 4 km. There were also meteorological and temporal influences, with the competition and complementation of multiple shared mobility feeder modes being likely to change under extreme weather conditions, during peak hours, or on weekends. Besides, metro-shared mobility users value the accessibility of two kinds of transport service, which is affected by the metro station and its surrounding built environment. This study and the proposed policy implications are helpful for embracing a sustainable mobility design from general optimum.
Open Versus Endoscopic Surgical Treatment of Posterior Ankle Impingement: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Zwiers Ruben , Miedema Thymen , Wiegerinck Johannes I. , Blankevoort Leendert , van Dijk C. Niek
Published: May 2021

Background:

Surgical treatment of symptomatic posterior ankle impingement consists of resection of the bony impediment and/or debridement of soft tissue. Historically, open techniques were used to perform surgery with good results. However, since the introduction of endoscopic techniques, advantages attributed to these techniques are shorter recovery time, fewer complications, and less pain.

Purpose:

The primary purpose was to determine whether endoscopic surgery for posterior ankle impingement was superior to open surgery in terms of functional outcome (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society [AOFAS] score). The secondary aim was to determine differences in return to full activity, patient satisfaction, and complications.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

MEDLINE, EMBASE (Classic), and CINAHL databases were searched. Publication characteristics, patient characteristics, surgical techniques, AOFAS scores, time to return to full activity, patient satisfaction, and complication rates were extracted. The AOFAS score was the primary outcome measure. Data were synthesized, and continuous outcome measures (postoperative AOFAS score and time to return to full activity) were pooled using a random-effects inverse variance method. Random-effects meta-analysis of proportions using continuity correction methods was performed to determine the proportion of patients who were satisfied and who experienced complications.

Results:

A total of 32 studies were included in this review. No statistically significant difference was found in postoperative AOFAS scores between open surgery (88.0; 95% CI, 82.1-94.4) and endoscopic surgery (94.4; 95% CI, 93.1-95.7). There was no difference in the proportion of patients who rated their satisfaction as good or excellent, 0.91 (95% CI, 0.86-0.96) versus 0.86 (95% CI, 0.79-0.94), respectively. No significant difference in time to return to activity was found, 10.8 weeks (95% CI, 7.4-15.9 weeks) versus 8.9 weeks (95% CI, 7.6-10.4 weeks), respectively. Pooled proportions of patients with postoperative complications were 0.15 (95% CI, 0.11-0.19) for open surgery versus 0.08 (95% CI, 0.05-0.14) for endoscopic surgery. Without the poor-quality studies, this difference was statistically significant for both total and minor complications, 0.24 (95% CI, 0.14-0.35) versus 0.02 (95% CI, 0.00-0.06) and 0.14 (95% CI, 0.09-0.20) versus 0.03 (95% CI, 0.01-0.05), respectively.

Conclusion:

We found no statistically significant difference in postoperative AOFAS scores, patient satisfaction, and return to preinjury level of activity between open and endoscopic techniques. The proportion of patients who experienced a minor complication was significantly lower with endoscopic treatment when studies of poor methodological quality were excluded.
Dilemma Work: Problem-Solving Multiple Work Roles Into One Work Life
Authors: Chong Phillipa K.
Published: May 2021

Scholars have observed workers combining multiple work roles to earn a living to cope with the vicissitudes of the labor market. In studies of creative labor markets, this trend of workers broadening of their skills is termed “occupational generalism”. Previous scholarship has focused on the structural factors that push and pull workers into generalizing and combining multiple work roles. But we lack an understanding of the subjective experience of work as a generalist. I introduce the concept of dilemma work: a form of problem-solving wherein workers who have generalized their work portfolios, attempt to rationalize their professional practices to overcome conflicts that arise from occupying multiple work roles. Drawing on in-depth interviews with professional writers who also freelance as book reviewers, I find that these generalists use three dilemma work strategies: anchoring another role to guide action in the current one; incorporating multiple roles under a higher role or purpose; and compartmentalizing roles in order to act exclusively within a single identity. I propose the general value of a typology of dilemma work for understanding workers’ experience both within artistic labor markets, and beyond.
Planners as Researchers: Can a Community Science Approach Benefit Planning Research and Practice?
Authors: Loh Carolyn G. , Kim Rose
Published: May 2021

Community science involves volunteers in research to democratize it and increase its relevance, scope, and impact. In this study, we use a community science research project that evaluated equity in local comprehensive plans to test whether a community science approach provided the purported benefits for researchers and practitioners. We found that although initial quality from volunteered data was lower, we could validate it to a high standard. We found that the community science approach increased the researchers’ capacity, ensured relevance, and helped disseminate practical knowledge about planning equity.
The Role of Smart Growth in Residential Location Choice: Heterogeneity of Location Preferences in the Chicago Region
Authors: Wang Yiyuan , Lee Bumsoo , Greenlee Andrew
Published: May 2021

We investigate the role of smart growth in household location choice in the Chicago region, using a discrete choice analysis. In the midst of continued region-wide suburbanization, households tend to move to neighborhoods with rich consumption amenities and high transit access. However, this study does not find evidence that the neighborhood’s physical compactness is a significant location factor. Location preference for compact, mixed-use, and transit-oriented neighborhoods is significantly affected by the life cycle stage and income level, but less influenced by generation and age. Millennial households show strong preference for amenities and transit access only before they marry and have children.
Design visuel et expérience d’achat en ligne : quand l’expertise permet aux consommateurs de se (re)centrer sur l’attractivité du site d’e-commerce
Authors: Jeannot Florence , Jongmans Eline , Damperat Maud
Published: May 2021

Afin d’améliorer l’expérience d’achat en ligne des consommateurs, les entreprises investissent de plus en plus dans le design visuel de leurs sites Internet. Bien que certaines études montrent que le design visuel exerce une influence positive sur les réactions des consommateurs, d’autres études ne confirment pas cette influence. Cette recherche vise à apporter un nouvel éclairage sur cette littérature contrastée en analysant deux variables modératrices (utilisation du site et expertise de l’utilisateur) délimitant le périmètre d’influence du design visuel sur les intentions d’utilisation et de recommandation de sites de commerce électronique. Deux études préliminaires (étude A et étude B) analysent le niveau selon lequel le design visuel est représenté mentalement, et deux études principales (étude 1 et étude 2) testent les hypothèses de recherche. Les résultats de l’étude 1 révèlent que le design visuel exerce différents effets sur les intentions des individus selon le moment où le site est évalué (avant vs après utilisation). L’étude 2 approfondit la compréhension du rôle du design visuel après l’usage réel du site, et ce, en considérant le rôle modérateur de l’expertise des utilisateurs. Ces résultats conduisent à formuler des recommandations concrètes sur la manière dont les sites d’e-commerce peuvent créer des expériences en ligne plus engageantes.
Preparation of gelatin-based hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties and modulation on cell–matrix interactions
Authors: Jiang Yongchao , Wang Haonan , Wang Xiaofeng , Yu Xueke , Li Haojie , Tang Keyong , Li Qian
Published: May 2021

Natural polymer material-based hydrogels normally show inferior mechanical stability and strength to bear large deformation and cyclic loading, therefore their applications in food, biomedical and tissue engineering fields are greatly limited. In this study, gelatin-based hydrogels with remarkable stability, as well as tunable mechanical properties, were prepared via a facile method known as the Hofmeister effect. The higher concentration of potassium sulfatesolution resulted in more dehydration and molecular chain folding, thus the treated hydrogels showed significantly improved tensile and compressive modulus, and decreased equilibrium swelling ratio, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infraredspectroscopy (FTIR), and mechanical tests, etc. Additionally, the reinforced hydrogels were recoverable and biocompatible to modulate the proliferation behavior of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In conclusion, this paper provides a facile reference for tuning mechanical properties of gelatin-based hydrogels and cell-hydrogel interactions, which show potential capacity in tissue engineering and biomedical fields.
Former Teachers: Exits and Re-Entries
Authors: Elsayed Mahmoud A. A. , Roch Christine H.
Published: May 2021

Despite the large literature on teacher labor market in the United States, only few studies have examined the career choices of former teachers and the factors that affect their decisions to return to the profession. This is surprising given that former teachers represent over a third of teachers entering the teaching workforce, according to some estimates. This paper examines the exit and re-entry decisions of former teachers using a restricted-use data from the Beginning Teacher Longitudinal Study (BTLS). We use a discrete time hazard model that estimates the probability that a former teacher returns to teaching in a given year conditional on not having returned in the previous year. Results suggest that female teachers are more likely to return to the teaching profession by somewhere between 10 and 12 percentage points. We also find that teachers who are highly paid are more likely to re-enter teaching.
Continuous Etomidate for the Management of Cushing’s Syndrome Complicated by Pulmonary Nocardiosis
Authors: Hays William Blake , Czosnowski Quinn
Published: May 2021

Severe Cushing’s syndrome is associated with significant complications including opportunistic infections. In the setting of infection, urgent reduction of circulating cortisol is warranted and commonly used oral medications have a slow onset of effect. Here we describe a 29-years old female who presented to an outside hospital with symptoms of untreated Cushing’s syndrome on ketoconazole. Following identification of a pulmonary Nocardia spp infection, she was transferred for a higher level of care. Her initial serum ACTH and cortisol levels after transfer were 106pg/mL and 53.7mCg/dL respectively. Given the severity of her nocardiosis and lack of response to ketoconazole, the patient was placed in the ICU and started on a continuous etomidate infusion. Her serum cortisol rapidly decreased to 5.7mCg/dL. She was transitioned to metyarapone and the etomidate infusion was weaned to off. The etomidate infusion was well tolerated without adverse effects or need for an advanced airway. Following discontinuation of etomidate, she was found to have a pituitary microadenoma that was resected. The patient was discharged from the hospital on antibiotics for the management of her Nocardia spp infection. In patients with severe Cushing’s syndrome, continuous etomidate may be safe and effective for patients who are unresponsive to other therapies.
The Mindfulness and the Emotional Regulation Skills in Italian Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Survey-Correlational Study
Authors: Vitale Elsa
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To analyze the differences in mindfulness level and emotional regulation skills, as cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression subdimensions, according to sex and years of work experience in a sample of Italian nurses directly involved in the care of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Then, correlations were also performed in order to evidence relationships between the mindfulness tendency and the emotional regulation skills, both in cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression, too. Design of study: Descriptive correlational study. Methods: In June 2020, an online questionnaire was administered. Data relating to sex and years of work experience, the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) in the cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression subdimensions were collected. Findings: Two hundred nurses were enrolled. Males recorded higher MAAS values compared to females ( p = .001). No significant differences were registered in the MAAS scores according to years of work experience and regarding the ERQ subscales according to sex and work of experience, too. Also, any correlations were reported between MAAS and ERQ subscales. Conclusions: Future training on the basic principles of mindfulness and Emotion Regulation were considered a priority in nurses to better self-modulate their own beings, particularly during the pandemic period.
Surface integrity in machining of AZ91/SiC composites
Authors: Asgari A , Sedighi M
Published: May 2021

Use of metal matrix composites (MMC) is growing due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, resistance to wear, creep, etc. Machining of metal-matrix composites (MMC) faces many challenges, especially with regard to obtaining a finished surface with high quality. In this research, AZ91/SiC samples with different volume fractions are machined at different cutting conditions with respect to feed rate, cutting speed, and depth of cut. Surface integrity of the machined samples is analyzed by different methods such as tactile profilometer and 3D surface topography to investigate the SiC effects on the finished surface. Additionally, sample surfaces are evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDS) to assess the surface defects formed around reinforcement materials. Results indicate SiC particles decline the surface quality and uniformity due to the formation of some defects such as micro cracks, holes, and undesired deformations when the cutting process. Also, subsurface SiC particles close to the machined surface are cracked after machining.
Design, static analysis and development of a new three-legged shake table
Authors: Mangavu Ganesh , Dash Anjan Kumar
Published: May 2021

In this paper, an alternative design is proposed based on a family of three-legged manipulators. Such manipulators have two actuators (one vertical and one horizontal) in each leg, unlike the standard UP̅S Stewart platform, which has one actuator in each leg. The arrangement of the two actuators is such a way that, to have vertical motion of the shake table only the Vertical Motion Actuators (VMA) are actuated and for longitudinal or lateral motion, the Horizontal Motion Actuators (HMA) alone are moved. Due to its inherent features such as simplified kinematics, control and distributed loading, a study is carried out to determine the performance of such three-legged manipulators as a shake table. Sinusoidal motion and white noise motions are given to the actuators and shown that the VMA forces have linear relationship with the platform forces. The translational stiffness and the torsional stiffness are studied separately for the manipulators. In the dynamic analysis, it is highlighted that the gravity load of the legs is borne by the Vertical actuators, irrespective of the motion being spatial or planar. Hence, this topology provides scope for lighter electromechanical actuation. The performance analysis of the 3 legged configuration is accomplished using simulation results, in comparison to a 7-UP̅S configuration of shake table. A prototype of the shake table is fabricated and tested with earthquake data of El Centro.
Experimental and numerical investigation of the effect of microstructural changes on the vibrational characteristics of ck35 steel
Authors: Amirian Amirali , Torshizi Seyed Ebrahim Moussavi , Dibajian Seyed Hossein
Published: May 2021

This study aims to identify the microstructural changes of metal by measuring its natural frequency and damping loss factor. For this purpose, six CK35 steel specimens with ferritic-pearlitic structure were prepared and then, four specimens were spheroidized to significantly change microstructures. Subsequently, the modal testing was applied to determine the vibrational characteristics of specimens with ferrite-pearlite and spheroidized structures, which were identical in terms of size and weight. Experimental results indicated that the dispersion of spheroidized carbides in the ferritic matrix could increase natural frequencies and damping loss factors, such that changing the microstructure of specimens increased the natural frequency and damping loss factor of the first vibration mode by 0.4 (from 3732 to 3747 Hz) and 15%, respectively. Finally, a microstructure-based finite element model was developed to interpret experimental results. The representative volume element (RVE) was modeled using image processing and writing scripts in ABAQUS/CAE 2016. The statistical analysis of stresses calculated by finite element analysis confirmed the results obtained by experimental tests. The numerical results showed that changing microstructures led to considerable changes in stress statistical dispersion, although the mean stress value did not change. Ultimately, the approximate formula of stress-damping could explain significant changes in the damping loss factor.
Effects of lattice stiffeners and blast load on nonlinear dynamic response and vibration of auxetic honeycomb plates
Authors: Cong Pham Hong , Quyet Phi Kien , Duc Nguyen Dinh
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the effects of lattice stiffeners and blast load on nonlinear dynamic response and vibration of auxetic sandwich honeycomb plates on Pasternak elastic foundations are considered. The remarkable point of this study is that the outer surfaces of the system reinforced by lattice stiffeners (including orthogonal stiffeners and oblique stiffeners) are made of functionally graded materials. Based on the analytical solution, the Reddy’s FSDT, the Airy’s stress functions, the Galerkin and the fourth-order Runge-Kutta methods, fundamental frequency, dynamic response and frequency–amplitude curves of the plates reinforced by lattice stiffeners under blast and mechanical loads are determined. Then, the result analyses the effect of lattice stiffeners, blast and mechanical loads, elastic foundations on nonlinear dynamic response and vibration of auxetic honeycomb plates. The optimal angle of oblique stiffeners which maximizes natural frequency and contemporaneously minimizes amplitude when changing geometrical parameters of auxetic honeycomb is also determined.
Cooperative control of yaw and roll motion for in-wheel motor vehicle with semi-active suspension
Authors: Jia Fengjiao , Jing Houhua , Liu Zhiyuan , Gu Mingqin
Published: May 2021

A new vehicle motion control strategy is proposed, which synthesizes the rolling and yaw performance of vehicle by cooperating the damping force of semi-active suspension and yaw moment. To address the coupled dynamic behavior of roll and yaw motion, the modeling approach for nonlinear roll and yaw coupled dynamics is firstly employed. Furthermore, considering that the yaw and roll controllers are located in different electronic control units in practice, a distributed structure of cooperative control is presented. The key of cooperative control is that the damping force of semi-active suspension is controlled to adjust the roll dynamic, the front- and rear-axle load transfer cooperating the yaw motion; the yaw stability controller is designed to improve the yaw dynamic performance. To design the suspension damping force controller, the effect of the suspension damping force on roll and yaw dynamic behavior is discussed, and the piecewise-linear damping-force model with drive current as input is established. Moreover, the optimal suspension drive current is designed to alter roll performance and load transfer. To enhance the yaw dynamic performance, the yaw stability controller based on a sliding mode method is explored, and the optimal sliding-surface parameter is discussed to synthesize the settling time and overshoot of the yaw rate. Simulation and hardware-in-loop (HIL) test results show that the cooperative control combines the roll and yaw dynamics performance well; the overshoot and oscillation of yaw rate and lateral speed can be restrained.
Comparison study of crack propagation in rubberized and conventional prestressed concrete sleepers using digital image correlation
Authors: Jing Guoqing , yunchang Du , You Ruilin , Siahkouhi Mohammad
Published: May 2021

Rubber concrete (RC) has been confirmed to be suitable for concrete sleeper production. This paper studies the cracking behaviour of conventional and rubber-reinforced concrete sleepers based on the results of an experimental program. The cracking behaviour in the pure bending zone was analysed up to a load of 140 kN. The crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) was accordingly measured using a digital image correlation (DIC) method. The DIC results show that the rubber prestressed concrete sleeper (RPCS) has a resistance against crack initiation that is 20% greater than that of the conventional prestressed concrete sleeper (CPCS) under the same loading condition; however, due to the higher crack growth rate of the RPCS, the first crack detected by the operator forms at 60 kN, which corresponds to a strength approximately 9% lower compared with the 65 kN load at which the first crack is detected in the CPCS. Before the first crack (60 kN), the RPCS has a deflection 35% lower than that of the CPCS, but after cracking, at loads of 80 kN, 100 kN and 140 kN, the RPCS has a deflection 15%, 4% and 24% higher than that of the CPCS, respectively.
“The art of imposing measurement upon the mind”: Sir Francis Galton and the genesis of the psychometric paradigm
Authors: Michell Joel
Published: May 2021

Sir Francis Galton singlehandedly instigated the navigational settings for the discipline of psychometrics by presupposing that mental attributes are measurable. In turn, this presupposition became the defining pillar of the psychometric paradigm. There were no scientifically sound reasons for adopting this presupposition and those Galton gave beg the question every time. So, what drove him to endorse this presupposition? Two considerations steered him in this direction: first, his Pythagorean philosophy of science according to which measurement is a necessary feature; and second, his desire to present eugenics as a science, which, given his Pythagorean vision, entailed that eugenics must involve measurement of relevant mental attributes. The quantitative presupposition guiding psychometrics throughout its history was, therefore, a spin-off from Galton’s marketing strategy for the pseudoscience of eugenics.
From gradual erosion to revitalization: National Social Dialogue Institutions and policy effectiveness
Authors: Guardiancich Igor , Molina Oscar
Published: May 2021

We explore the factors behind the long-term erosion of National Social Dialogue Institutions (NSDIs) to provide insights about the conditions for their revitalization. By applying policy analysis insights into the industrial relations field, we argue that limited policy effectiveness goes a long way towards explaining the erosion experienced by many NSDIs worldwide in recent years. Drawing on a global survey and on case studies of NSDIs in Brazil, Italy and South Korea, we show that these institutions’ policy effectiveness crucially depends on combinations of their problem-solving capacity, an encompassing mandate to deal with relevant socioeconomic issues and an enabling environment that grants the inclusion of social dialogue into decision making. With regard to rekindling their role, the article provides substantial evidence that two sub-dimensions of effectiveness are key: enjoying political support and having an ‘effective mandate’ as opposed to relying on just a formal remit to deal with socioeconomic issues of interest.
The high expression of miR-564 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus promotes differentiation and maturation of DC cells by negatively regulating TP53 expression in vitro
Authors: Teng Ziyue , Lin Xiaoying , Luan Chunyan , Sun Yixuan , Li Xiaolan
Published: May 2021

Background

miRNA is involved in the occurrence and progression of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but the regulatory effect of miRNA on dendritic cells in SLE patients is still unclear.

Material and methods

Bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the differentially expressed miRNA and its target genes in SLE patients. In vitro experiments were conducted to explore the effects and mechanisms of differentially expressed miRNAs in SLE patients on the differentiation and maturation of monocyte-derived dendritic cells.

Results

Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR-564 was up-regulated in SLE patients, and TP53 was the core target gene of miR-564. The expression level of miR-564 showed a rising trend during the differentiation and maturation of monocytes into Mo-DC cells. The differentiation, maturation and proliferation of Mo-DC cells were significantly inhibited by transfection with miR-564 antagomir. The expression of TP53 is negatively regulated by miR-564. In rescue experiments, the proliferation and migration of DC cells were significantly restored by co-transfection of miR-564 antagomir and TP53 si-RNA.

Conclusion

Highly expressed miR-564 promotes the maturation, proliferation of Mo-DC cells by negatively regulating the expression of TP53.
Acupuncture for experimental cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury: a systematic review of methodology and reporting quality
Authors: Luo Ya-nan , Tian Huan , Mei Zhi-gang , Feng Zhi-tao , Yang Song-bai , Fu Xian-yun , Huang Ya-guang
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

Preclinical research is essential to the advancement of science but susceptible to insufficient reporting and methodological shortcomings, which compromise internal validity. We aimed to systematically assess the methodological and reporting quality of studies conducted on acupuncture for experimental cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI).

Methods:

A comprehensive search in six databases was performed for animal research concerning acupuncture for CIRI. Two authors independently selected articles, extracted data, and assessed the methodological and reporting quality of identified articles using the Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) tool, and Animal Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) guideline, respectively.

Results:

A total of 24 studies were identified. Only 1 article (4%) achieved a decent overall rating in using SYRCLE (percentage of items with “low risk” ⩾50%). Of the 22 items on the SYRCLE tool, only 8 items (37%) were rated as “low risk” of bias in more than 50% of the included studies. Of the 39 items of ARRIVE, 20 (51%) items were rated as “low risk” in more than 50% of the included studies.

Conclusions:

The methodological and reporting quality of included studies was generally low, which demands further improvement. These findings should inform the development of evidence-based guidelines for future preclinical research assessing the effect of acupuncture on CIRI.
Facilitators of and barriers to implementing a traditional Chinese medicine collaborative model of care for axial spondyloarthritis: a qualitative study
Authors: Kwan Yu Heng , Fong Warren , Ang Xiang Ling , Chew Xiu Yan , Yoon Sungwon , Tan Chuen Seng , Tai Bee Choo , Huang Youyi , Bilger Marcel , Phang Jie Kie , Tan Hui Chin , Quek Su-An , Eng Sing Yee Clara , Tan Choy Tip , Dong Bao Qiang , Koh Hwee Ling , Leung Ying Ying , Ng Swee Cheng , Fong Kok Yong , Thumboo Julian , Østbye Truls
Published: May 2021

Background:

Conventional therapy may be inadequate for many patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may be a viable alternative, but its effectiveness for axSpA is unknown. We are currently conducting a pragmatic randomised controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the effectiveness of a TCM collaborative model of care (TCMCMC), which combines usual rheumatologic care with acupuncture for patients with axSpA. This nested qualitative sub-study aims to identify facilitators of and barriers to the implementation of the TCMCMC.

Methods:

We conducted individual in-depth interviews with participants who had completed the acupuncture regimen to elicit opinions on the facilitators of and barriers to the implementation of the TCMCMC. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results:

Twelve participants were included, with data saturation occurring after 10 interviews. The analysis revealed both a number of important ‘facilitators’ and ‘barriers’. Facilitators to the implementation of the TCMCMC included effectiveness of TCM to relieve symptoms, inadequacy of conventional treatment and positive social perceptions of TCM. Barriers included scepticism towards TCM, inability of TCM to provide instant relief, needle-related discomfort, variable effectiveness of TCM influenced by physicians’ skills and experience and the high cost of TCM. Recommendations to overcome barriers included further patient education about TCM.

Conclusion:

Policymakers should take into account the various feasibility factors identified in this study when developing and implementing a TCMCMC.

Trial registration number:

NCT03420404 (ClinicalTrials.gov)
Extreme weight control behaviors among adolescent athletes: Links with weight-related maltreatment from parents and coaches and sport ethic norms
Authors: Boudreault Véronique , Gagnon-Girouard Marie-Pierre , Carbonneau Noémie , Labossière Sophie , Bégin Catherine , Parent Sylvie
Published: May 2021

The use of extreme weight-control behaviors is prevalent among adolescent athletes and may result from individual and sport-specific factors. Weight-related maltreatment from coaches and parents, and conformity to sport ethic norms have recently been linked to the use of extreme weight-control behaviors. This study aims to investigate the role of sport ethic norms and weight-related maltreatment from coaches and parents in the use of extreme weight-control behaviors among adolescent athletes. A sample of 999 French-Canadian athletes aged 14–17 years competing in a variety of sports completed an online survey assessing extreme weight-control behaviors, weight-related maltreatment from coaches and parents, and conformity to sport ethic norms. A total of 16.9% of the adolescent athletes reported having adopted extreme weight-control behaviors during their athletic careers. Extreme weight-control behaviors were significantly more prevalent among girls (19.75% vs 9.7% in boys) and weight-class-sport athletes (44%). In addition, 7.4% of the sample experienced at least one type of weight-related maltreatment by coaches or parents. Sex, weight-related neglect by coaches and parents, and weight-related psychological violence by coaches explained 24.4% of extreme weight-control behaviors variance. Indeed, participants who engaged in extreme weight-control behaviors experienced significantly more violence than the other participants did. In contrast, no differences were observed between people who engaged in extreme weight-control behaviors and those who did not due to conformity to sport ethic norms.
Livelihoods of Vulnerable People: An Ethnographic Study Among the Birhor of Chhattisgarh
Authors: Mathew Gladis S. , Kasi Eswarappa
Published: May 2021

Vulnerable people (VP) lack in access to resources, development benefits, such as education, health, infrastructure and basic means of livelihoods. They are considered disadvantaged in comparison to other groups in relation to access to resources and other entitlements. VP, such as women, person with disability, people living with HIV/AIDS, sexual minorities, poor migrants, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes often face numerous discrimination. One such vulnerable group known as Birhor, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group from the Chhattisgarh state of central India, is the focus of this article. The main purpose of the article is to look into their livelihood complexities in the contemporary period. This article is an outcome of an ethnographic fieldwork among Birhor, in Umaria Dadar Tribal settlement, Kota block of Bilaspur District, Chhattisgarh. The article draws its inferences based on both primary and secondary data. The primary data is collected from the study area by using different anthropological tools and techniques. The secondary data is gathered from the Birhor Vikas Abhikaran ( Birhor development agency), Bilaspur, and both published and unpublished reports of the government and civil society agencies, and other sources. The article looks into the inherent intricacies of livelihood approaches and vulnerability looking at the vicissitudes of livelihoods of Birhors. The major finding of the article is that Birhor people are slowly and steadily moving towards a settled life from their traditional life of hunting and gathering. They are accepting now the new sociocultural lifestyles in the study area.
Ships, sovereign immunity and the subtleties of the Brussels I regulation: Case C-641/18 LG and others v. Rina SpA, Ente Registro Italiano Navale: Ships, sovereign immunity and the subtleties of Brussels I: Rina
Authors: Power Vincent
Published: May 2021

More than 1000 passengers on a Panamanian-registered ferry drowned in the Red Sea. Some survivors and relatives of some of the victims sued the classification and certification ship society which had surveyed the ferry. Relying on the Brussels I Regulation, the plaintiffs sued the defendants in the latter’s seat (in Italy). The defendants claimed sovereign immunity as they were acting on behalf of Panama (that is, the flag state). The CJEU ruled that, generally, Article 1(1) of the Regulation means that an action for damages, brought against private-law corporations engaged in the classification and certification of ships on behalf of, and upon delegation from, a non-EU Member State, falls within the concept of ‘civil and commercial matters’ in the Regulation. The defendants were therefore not immune. The CJEU qualified its ruling by saying that this is conditional on the activity being not exercised under ‘public powers’ (within the meaning of EU law) because then it would then be a sovereign and not a commercial activity. The CJEU thereby ruled that the customary public international law principle that foreign states have immunity from jurisdiction does not preclude an EU Member State court seised of a dispute from exercising jurisdiction under the Regulation in these circumstances.
Salience of multiple actors involved in formal and informal governance systems encouraging corporate social responsibility in an emerging market
Authors: Abreu Mônica Cavalcanti Sá de , Soares Rômulo Alves , Rocha Robson Silva , Boaventura João Maurício Gama
Published: May 2021

This paper evaluates the influence of multiple actors in both formal and informal governance systems on corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. Drawing on institutional theory, a quantitative survey was developed and conducted of a sample of 140 firms in the electronics, food, textiles, toys and personal care sectors in Brazil. We examine how institutional pressures and firm-level agency influence the emergence of different patterns of CSR. We distinguish two clusters of companies: active companies identify business outcomes and actors that effectively exert an influence on their CSR practices, while passive companies consider institutional pressures to be of minor importance. Our contribution relates first, to institutional theory concerning the role of different actors in influencing the implementation of social and environmental practices; second, to the importance of collective coordination or its absence in shaping the specific characteristics of CSR; and third, to the agency of firms in responding to institutional pressures as being dependent on their perceptions of business outcomes. The theoretical insights drawn from this study should be applicable to similar countries, that is, to emerging but politically and economically unstable markets with marked social and economic inequalities.
Fraud and incompetence: Accounting in the Papal States (1831–1859)
Authors: Antonelli Valerio , Coronella Stefano , Cordery Carolyn , Verona Roberto
Published: May 2021

The Papal States was a longstanding nation ruled by the Pope, the Head of the Roman Catholic Church. Its accountants included priests and laymen who were employed as bureaucrats. Despite an expectation that the finances would be carefully managed, this research from the mid-nineteenth century shows that incompetence and fraud dogged the Papal States’ latter years, contributing to it losing most of its territory in the Second War of Italian Independence from 1859, and its final demise in 1870. This prosopography of three men who held high bureaucratic positions, analyses their approach to accounting in the Papal States. It shows that waste and deficient accounting arose from individuals undertaking fraud and from organisational (and individual) incompetence. In doing so, it elucidates how the Papal States could be a ‘vehicle for fraud’, and in particular, how it was used as a shield to enable both fraud and incompetence to go unpunished.
Accounting for hegemony. Fascist ideology and the shifting roles of accounting at the University of Ferrara and the Alla Scala Opera House (1922–1943)
Authors: Bigoni Michele
Published: May 2021

Accounting researchers have shown how accounting is implicated in the creation of power relations. Most studies assume a unidirectional relationship between the ideological beliefs of those in power and accounting practices. The study adopts Gramsci’s understanding of power relations to analyse how Italian Fascists enlisted accounting information to ensure that two important organisations, the University of Ferrara and the Alla Scala Opera House, would become a conduit for the diffusion of Fascist ideology. The article shows how there is not an uncomplicated, unidirectional relationship between ideology and accounting. The illusorily neutral appearance of accounting allows it to be adapted to play different roles and acquire different meanings even in the achievement of the same set of ideological beliefs. The study also shows how Gramsci’s thought offers an alternative reading of power relations to that of Foucault and Marx and considers a set of ideological beliefs which are scarcely analysed in accounting history studies.