bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Settlement Damage Model of Pile‐Anchor Supporting Structure in Deep Excavation
Authors: Li Yuanxun , Zhang Wuyu , Jiang Ningshan , Li Hui
Published: February 2020

In damage mechanics, the deep excavation of soil is a process of damage development, and soil failure can be considered a process of continuously transforming undisturbed soil to damaged soil. Therefore, this study considered the occurrence of soil damage during the pit excavation, established a soil damage model, damage evolution equation, and soil damage constitutive relationship, and then deduced a calculate model of the pile displacement under the consideration of soil damage. Based on the principle of the stratum loss method, the surface settlement around a deep excavated pit was assumed as a skewed distribution curve, and the surface settlement of the pile‐anchor supporting pit was solved. Based on this established method, finite element analysis software was used to calculate the surface subsidence for a field case, and the numerical results were compared with monitoring data in the field. The results revealed that, to a certain extent, soil damage affected the distribution of surface settlement in excavated pits. With the development of soil damage, the mechanical properties of soil gradually decreased, which led to increased surface settlement and changes in the direction of the excavation pit. Because soil damage is an important factor causing surface settlement, it is meaningful to consider soil damage when calculating the surface settlement in the deep excavation of pits.
Determinants of Microbial Contamination of Street-Vended Chicken Products Sold in Nairobi County, Kenya
Authors: Birgen Beatrice J. , Njue Lucy G. , Kaindi Dasel M. , Ogutu Fredrick O. , Owade Joshua O.
Published: February 2020

Food safety problems pose a great threat to the health of consumers with the greatest burden in developing countries. Street-vended foods play a key role in providing many urban dwellers with cheap, nutritious, and accessible food, but when prepared in an unhygienic and unregulated environment, they could contribute to increased food safety burden. The study investigated the microbiological recovery of work surfaces and chicken sold in Korogocho and Kariobangi North slums in Nairobi County as well as evaluating vendors’ hygiene and food safety practices. This is a cross-sectional study on an exhaustive sample size of 15 vendors, and swabs of the equipment and work surfaces and chicken were taken for microbial analysis. An exhaustive sample size of 15 vendors was selected for the study. The results showed that most vendors operate under unhygienic conditions. Microbial results revealed that raw portions of chicken had the highest contamination with all the four tested microorganisms (p<0.05). The level ofE. coliranged from6.42±1.64to2.22±1.88;Salmonellaspp.,6.42±1.64to2.22±1.88;Staphylococcus aureus,6.92±1.32to2.86±1.61; andCampylobacter jejuni,8.95±0.94to4.66±2.67log CFU/g in raw and cooked chicken samples, respectively. The predictors ofE. colicontamination were the presence of pests and flies, unclean vending place, vending environment littered with waste, washing of hands by the vendor, and lack of appropriate clothing among the vendors atR2of 0.33. The vendor practices and environmental hygiene of the vending place would not significantly (p>0.05) predict contamination withCampylobacterandStaphylococcus. Consequently, there is a need to regulate the informal food processing and marketing channels, besides trainings, infrastructural development, and code of practice and inspections which are recommended in order to enhance the quality and safety standards of street-vended chicken products.
Experimental Study on Axial Compression Behavior of Masonry Columns’ Strengthening with Bamboo Scrimber Bar Mesh Mortar Layer
Authors: Liu Hongyao , Lei Min , Chen Bowang
Published: February 2020

We propose a new method to strengthen structural masonry. To study on the axial compression behavior of masonry columns’ strengthening with a bamboo scrimber bar mesh mortar layer, axial compression tests of twelve masonry columns have been completed: nine strengthened columns and three unstrengthened columns. The failure process, bearing capacity, and failure mode are carried out. The strengthening method of bamboo scrimber bar mesh mortar layer permits the upgrade of the columns’ bearing capacity. The effects of bamboo bar ratio and mortar strengthening ratio on bearing capacity of the reinforced columns are compared. We propose the method for calculating the axial bearing capacity of such a reinforced column. The calculation results agree well with the experimental results, and the research results are available for engineering application.
Optimization of Ultrasound‐Assisted Extraction of Flavonoids from Celastrus hindsii Leaves Using Response Surface Methodology and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant and Antitumor Activities
Authors: Pham Dinh-Chuong , Nguyen Hoang-Chinh , Nguyen Thanh-Hang Le , Ho Hoang-Linh , Trinh Thien-Kim , Riyaphan Jirawat , Weng Ching-Feng
Published: February 2020

Celastrus hindsii is a potential source of flavonoids with biological activities. This study aimed to develop an ultrasound‐assisted technique for extracting flavonoids from leaves of C. hindsii. Response surface methodology was employed to optimize the extraction conditions for maximizing the total flavonoid content (TFC). A maximum TFC of 23.6 mg QE/g was obtained under the extraction conditions of ultrasonic power of 130 W, extraction temperature of 40°C, extraction time of 29 min, and ethanol concentration of 65%. The flavonoid‐rich extracts were then studied for their antioxidant and anticancer activities. The results showed that the C. hindsii leaf extract exhibited potent radical scavenging activities against DPPH (IC50 of 164.85 μg/mL) and ABTS (IC50 of 89.05 μg/mL). The extract also significantly inhibited the growth of 3 cancer cell lines MCF7, A549, and HeLa with the IC50 values of 88.1 μg/mL, 120.4 μg/mL, and 118.4 μg/mL, respectively. Notably, the extract had no cytotoxicity effect on HK2 normal kidney cell line. This study suggests that flavonoid‐rich extract is a promising antioxidant and anticancer agent and that ultrasound‐assisted extraction is an efficient method for extracting flavonoids from C. hindsii leaves.
Dispersion and Intersection of Hydrothermal Plumes in the Manus Back-Arc Basin, Western Pacific
Authors: Zeng Zhigang , Wang Xiaoyuan , Murton Bramley J. , Qi Haiyan , Lehrmann Berit , Li Xiaohui , Chen Zuxing , Shu Yunchao
Published: February 2020

The composition of hydrothermal plumes reflects the physical and chemical characteristics of seafloor hydrothermal fluids, which in turn reflects the host rock and subseafloor reaction conditions as well as the water column processes that act to alter the plumes as they disperse and age. Here, we show that the turbidity, current, pH value, dissolved Fe (dFe), and dissolved Mn (dMn) compositions of hydrothermal plumes can be used to understand the spatial distribution and source of hydrothermal systems in the submarine geological environment. Data were obtained from 18 hydrocast stations, among which the water column samples were collected at 8 stations during the MANUS cruise of R/V KEXUE in 2015. The results showed that the Satanic Mills plume and Fenway plume rose approximately 140 m and 220 m above the seafloor, respectively. In the Satanic Mills plume, dFe remained longer than dMn during lateral plume dispersal. There was a clear intersection of the Satanic Mills plume and Fenway plume between 1625 m and 1550 m in the PACMANUS hydrothermal field, and the varied dispersion trends of the mixed plumes were affected by current velocities at different depths. The physical and chemical properties of the seawater columns in the Manus Basin were affected by the input of high-Mn, high-Fe, and low-Mg vent fluids. The turbidity and dFe, dMn, and dissolved Mg concentrations in the sections of the plumes proximal to the Satanic Mills, Fenway, and Desmos vent sites were generally higher (turbidity, Mn, and Fe) and lower (Mg) than those in the sections of the plumes that were more distal from the vent sites. This implied that the plumes proximal to their vent fluid sources, which were interpreted to have relatively young ages, dispersed chemically over time, and their concentrations became more similar to those of the plumes that were more distal from their vent fluid sources.
Parametric Studies of Cement Production Processes
Authors: John John P.
Published: February 2020

The cement industry is one of the most intensive energy consumers in the industrial sectors. The energy consumption represents 40% to 60% of production cost. Additionally, the cement industry contributes around 5% to 8% of all man-made CO2 emissions. Physiochemical and thermochemical reactions involved in cement kilns are still not well understood because of their complexity. The reactions have a decisive influence on energy consumption, environmental degradation, and the cost of cement production. There are technical difficulties in achieving direct measurements of critical process variables in kiln systems. Furthermore, process simulation is used for design, development, analysis, and optimization of processes, when experimental tests are difficult to conduct. Moreover, there are several models for the purpose of studying the use of alternative fuels, cement clinker burning process, phase chemistry, and physical parameters. Nonetheless, most of them do not address real inefficiency taking place in the processes, equipment, and the overall system. This paper presents parametric study results of the four-stage preheater dry Rotary Kiln System (RKS) with a planetary cooler. The RKS at the Mbeya Cement Company (MCC) in Tanzania is used as a case study. The study investigated the effects of varying the RKS parameters against system behaviour, process operation, environment, and energy consumptions. Necessary data for the modelling of the RKS at the MCC plant were obtained either by daily operational measurements or laboratory analyses. The steady-state simulation model of the RKS was carried out through the Aspen Plus software. The simulation results were successfully validated using real operating data. Predictions from parametric studies suggest that monitoring and regulating exhaust gases could improve combustion efficiency, which, in turn, leads to conserving fuels and lowering production costs. Composition of exhaust gases also depends both on the type of fuel used and the amount of combustion air. The volume of exit flue gases depends on the amount of combustion air and infiltrating air in the RKS. The results obtained from the study suggest a potential of coal saving at a minimum of about ṁcoal=1263 kg·h−1, which approximates to 76,126 tons per year at the current kiln feed of 58,000 kg·h-1. Thus, this translates to a specific energy saving of about 1849.12 kJ·kgcl-1, with relatively higher clinker throughput. In this vein, process modelling provides effective, safe, and economical ways for assessing the performance of the RKS.
Enhanced Cell Proliferation and Osteogenesis Differentiation through a Combined Treatment of Poly-L-Lysine-Coated PLGA/Graphene Oxide Hybrid Fiber Matrices and Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Zhu Jiaqi , Qi Zhiping , Zheng Changjun , Xue Pan , Fu Chuan , Pan Su , Yang Xiaoyu
Published: February 2020

Bone tissue engineering scaffold provides an effective treatment for bone defect repair. Biodegradable bone scaffold made of various synthetic and natural materials can be used as bone substitutes and grafts for defect site, which has great potential to support bone regeneration. Regulation of cell-scaffold material interactions is an important factor for modulating the cellular activity in bone tissue engineering scaffold applications. Thus, the hydrophilic, mechanical, and chemical properties of scaffold materials directly affect the results of bone regeneration and functional recovery. In this study, a poly-L-lysine (PLL) surface-modified poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/graphene oxide (GO) (PLL-PLGA/GO) hybrid fiber matrix was fabricated for bone tissue regeneration. Characterization of the resultant hybrid fiber matrices was done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle, and a material testing machine. According to the results obtained from the test above, the PLL-PLGA/GO hybrid fiber matrices exhibited high wettability and mechanical strength. The special surface characteristics of PLL-PLGA/GO hybrid fiber matrices were more beneficial for protein adsorption and inhibit the proliferation of pathogens. Moreover, the enhanced regulation of MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and differentiation was observed, when the resultant hybrid fiber matrices were combined with electrical stimulation (ES). The cellular response of MC3T3-E1 cells including cell adhesion, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium deposition, and osteogenesis-related gene expression was significantly enhanced with the synergistic effect of resultant hybrid fiber matrices and ES. These data indicate that the PLL-PLGA/GO hybrid fiber matrices supported the cellular response in terms of cell proliferation and osteogenesis differentiation in the presence of electrical stimulation, which could be a potential treatment for bone defect.
Factors Affecting the Compression and Energy Absorption Properties of Small-Sized Thin-Walled Metal Tubes
Authors: Hao Xiaoqin , Yu Jia , He Weidong , Jiang Yi
Published: February 2020

To solve the problem of the effective cushioning of fast-moving mechanical components in small ring-shaped spaces, the factors affecting the compression and energy absorption properties of small-sized hollow metal tubes were studied. Simulation models were constructed to analyse the influences of tube diameter, wall thickness, relative position, and number of stacked components on the compression and energy absorption properties. The correctness of the simulation method and its output were verified by experiments, which proved the effectiveness of compression and energy absorption properties of small-sized thin-walled metal tubes. The research provides support for the application of metal tube buffers in armament launch technology and engineering practice.
Autophagy Triggered by Oxidative Stress Appears to Be Mediated by the AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in the Liver of Sleep-Deprived Rats
Authors: Li Yongmei , Zhang Yuan , Ji Guang , Shen Yiwei , Zhao Nan , Liang Yuhan , Wang Zihan , Liu Mengqi , Lin Laixiang
Published: February 2020

Sleep deprivation adversely affects the digestive system. Multiple studies have suggested sleep deprivation and oxidative stress are closely related. Autophagy can be triggered by oxidative stress as a self-defense strategy to promote survival. In this study, we investigated the effects of sleep deprivation on liver functions, oxidative stress, and concomitant hepatocyte autophagy, as well as the associated pathways. Enzymatic and nonenzymatic biochemical markers in the serum were used to assess hepatic function and damage. To evaluate the occurrence of autophagy, expression of autophagy-related proteins was tested and autophagosomes were labeled. Additionally, methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzymes, and the protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway were analyzed using chemical methods and a Western blot. Serum alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase increased in sleep-deprived rats. Total protein and albumin abundance was also abnormal. Sleep deprivation induced histopathological changes in the liver. The superoxide dismutase level decreased significantly in the liver of sleep-deprived rats. In contrast, the MDA content increased in the sleep deprivation group. Moreover, the microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (LC3B) II/I ratio and Beclin I content increased considerably in the sleep-deprived rats, while p62 levels decreased. Sleep deprivation apparently inhibited the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. We conclude that sleep deprivation can induce oxidative stress and ultimately cause liver injury. Autophagy triggered by oxidative stress appears to be mediated by the AKT/mTOR pathway and plays a role in relieving oxidative stress caused by sleep deprivation.
Dapagliflozin-Induced Acute Pancreatitis: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Sujanani Sunam M. , Elfishawi Mohanad M. , Zarghamravanbaksh Paria , Castillo Francisco J. Cuevas , Reich David M.
Published: February 2020

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are increasingly used as add-on therapy in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although pancreatitis is not a known side effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors, there have been case reports of SGLT-2 inhibitor use being associated with pancreatitis. Case Presentation. A 51-year-old male with a history of type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and status-post cholecystectomy presented to the emergency room with a four-day history of periumbilical pain radiating to the back. He denied any history of recent alcohol intake or prior episodes of pancreatitis. On physical examination, his abdomen was diffusely tender to palpation without guarding or rebound. Initial labs were notable for a leukocyte count of 9.3 × 109/L, creatinine level of 0.72 mg/dL, calcium level of 9.5 mg/dL, lipase level of 262 U/L, and triglyceride level of 203 mg/dL. His last HbA1c was 8.5%. CT scan of his abdomen and pelvis showed findings consistent with acute pancreatitis with no biliary ductal dilatation. Careful review of his medications revealed the patient was recently started on dapagliflozin five days prior to admission in addition to his longstanding regimen of insulin detemir, sitagliptin, metformin, and rosuvastatin. His symptoms resolved after discontinuation of sitagliptin and dapagliflozin. A year later, due to increasing HbA1c levels, a decision was made to rechallenge the patient with dapagliflozin, after which he developed another episode of acute pancreatitis. His symptoms resolved upon cessation of dapagliflozin. Conclusion. This case highlights the possible association of SGLT-2 inhibitors and pancreatitis. Patients should be informed about the symptoms of acute pancreatitis and advised to discontinue SGLT-2 inhibitors in case such symptoms occur.
Ruptured Ovarian Artery Pseudoaneurysm in a Postmenopausal Patient Treated with Transcatheter Embolization
Authors: Herskowitz Michael M. , Wong Chi Mei , Leonardo Robert F.
Published: February 2020

Ovarian artery pseudoaneurysms are relatively rare entities, usually associated with pregnancy or the early postpregnancy period. Occurrence in older females is even less common. We present a case of ruptured ovarian artery pseudoaneurysm in an older postmenopausal patient, successfully treated with transcatheter embolization.
A Clinicopathological Report of Four Cases of Squamous Odontogenic Tumor-Like Proliferations in Odontogenic Cysts: Suggested Opinions regarding This Unusual Nature
Authors: Zargaran Massoumeh , Shojaei Setareh
Published: February 2020

Distinguishing squamous odontogenic tumor-like proliferations (SOTLPs) is important in odontogenic cysts to avoid misinterpretation such as a squamous odontogenic tumor, well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, and acanthomatous type of ameloblastoma. This study is aimed at reporting 4 cases of these clinicopathological proliferations in order to shed more light on the importance of distinguishing them from other similar types. 150 odontogenic cysts were studied in which four cases (2.66%) with SOTLPs were identified including 2 radicular cysts, 1 dentigerous cyst, and 1 odontogenic keratocyst. These proliferations were observed in the cysts’ wall particularly adjacent to the epithelial lining. All cysts had inflammation while 3 cases showed budding from the epithelial cyst lining. The findings suggested that lining of odontogenic cysts could be a source of SOTLPs, and inflammation probably played an effective role in their development. Its incidence was 2.66% in the present study. Although SOTLPs are not frequent in odontogenic cysts, their identification is important to prevent wrong histopathologic interpretation and treatment.
An Accurate Iron Core Loss Model in Equivalent Circuit of Induction Machines
Authors: Nasir Bilal Abdullah
Published: February 2020

Iron core loss is the major loss in electrical machines. It performs up to 25% of total machine losses. The machine efficiency calculation requires an accurate prediction of losses. The accuracy of losses calculation depends largely on the equivalent circuit parameter determination and measurements. In this paper, an accurate procedure of iron core loss determination considering the variation effect of supply voltage, iron core temperature, rotor parameters due to skin effect, and magnetizing saturation. The iron core resistance is performed as main component in the equivalent circuit. This resistance is a function of supply voltage and used to calculate part of stray loss as well as iron core loss. The theoretical model is compared with practical results with high accuracy, which proves the validity of the proposed procedure.
Water-Soluble Pristine C60 Fullerenes Inhibit Liver Fibrotic Alteration and Prevent Liver Cirrhosis in Rats
Authors: Kuznietsova Halyna , Dziubenko Natalia , Hurmach Vasyl , Chereschuk Iryna , Motuziuk Olexandr , Ogloblya Olexandr , Prylutskyy Yuriy
Published: February 2020

Liver cirrhosis is an outcome of a wide range of liver chronic diseases. It is attributed to oxidative stress; therefore, antioxidant usage could be a promising treatment of that. So, exploring the impact of effective free radical scavenger pristine C60 fullerenes on liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and their ability to interact with main growth factor receptors involved in liver fibrogenesis was aimed to be discovered. We used N-diethylnitrosamine/carbon tetrachloride-induced simulations of rat liver fibrosis (10 weeks) and cirrhosis (15 weeks). Pristine C60 fullerene aqueous colloid solution (C60FAS) was injected daily at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg throughout the experiment. Liver morphology and functional and redox states were assessed. C60 fullerenes’ ability to interact with epidermal, vasoendothelial, platelet-derived, and fibroblast growth factor receptors (EGFR, VEGFR, PDGFR, and FGFR, respectively) was estimated by computational modeling. We observed that C60FAS reduced the severity of fibrosis in fibrotic rats (0.75 vs. 3.0 points according to Ishak score), attenuated the hepatocyte injury, normalized elevated blood serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and mitigated oxidative stress manifestation in liver tissue restoring its redox balance. When applied to cirrhotic animals, C60FAS reduced connective tissue deposition as well (2.4 vs. 5.4 points according to Ishak score), diminished ALP and LDH (by 16% and 61%), and normalized conjugated and nonconjugated bilirubin, restoring the liver function. Altered liver lipid and protein peroxides and glutathione peroxidase activity were also leveled. Within a computer simulation, it was shown that C60 fullerenes can block hinge prohibiting ATP binding for EGFR and FGFR and thus blocking associated signal pathways. This ability in addition to their antioxidant properties may contribute to C60 fullerene’s antifibrotic action. Thus, C60FAS may have a substantial therapeutic potential as an inhibitor of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Mechanical Periodontal Therapy Recovered the Phagocytic Function of Monocytes in Periodontitis
Authors: Naiff Priscilla F. , Carneiro Valéria M. A. , Guimarães Maria do Carmo M. , Bezerra Ana Cristina B. , Oliveira Mariangela S. , Couto Shirley C. P. , Alves Érica Alessandra R. , Kückelhaus Selma A. S. , Muniz-Junqueira Maria Imaculada
Published: February 2020

Background. Several studies have focused on the association between periodontitis and systemic implications; however, the biological mechanisms of the immune responses before and after periodontal therapy involved in this relationship, such as phagocytic functions, remain unclear. Objectives. This study aimed to investigate whether periodontal treatment improves the phagocytic function of blood monocytes in patients with severe periodontitis. Materials and Methods. A nonrandomized sample of 55 participants was enrolled in the study. Two groups were studied: control (n = 27, healthy subjects without periodontal disease) and patients (n = 28, individuals with periodontitis). Treatment of periodontitis (scaling and root planing) was performed until the clinical resolution of periodontal pockets and inflammation. The following clinical periodontal parameters were assessed: probing depth, clinical attachment level, visible plaque index (PI), and gingival bleeding on probing index before and after mechanical periodontal treatment. The phagocytic index (PhI) and nitro blue tetrazolium test (NBT) were assessed before and immediately after the end of treatment. Results. Periodontitis induced impaired phagocytosis by monocytes. Phagocytosis at baseline was significantly lower in periodontitis patients [median, 13.2 (range of 7.1 to 20.8) and 60.7 (40.6 to 88.6)] than in controls [27.4 (15.5 to 40.5)] and 98 (68.2 to 122.9)] for nonsensitized or sensitized samples, respectively. After supportive therapy, patients showed a significant enhancement of phagocytic functions [33.7 (14.6 to 53.2) and 108.5 (99.6 to 159.5)] for nonsensitized and sensitized samples, respectively. Periodontal treatment increased the phagocytic capacity to a level similar to that observed in the control group and improved the capacity of phagocytes to produce superoxide anion. Conclusions. The results suggest that periodontal therapy in patients with severe periodontitis provides a state of homeostasis due to the reestablishment of phagocytic function and increased production of NBT (Regional Registry No. RBR-24T799; Universal Registry No. U1111-1133-5512).
When Do Newborns Die? Timing and Cause-Specific Neonatal Death in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Referral Hospital in Gedeo Zone: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Eshete Akine , Abiy Sileshi
Published: February 2020

Background. Maternal, newborn, and child health have a high stake in the global health agenda, however, neonates’ risk of dying is unacceptable in the world. Ethiopia is one of the countries with high burden of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Yet, timing and cause-specific neonatal death are under-investigated. The present study aimed to determine the timing and cause-specific neonatal death. Methods. We conducted a prospective cohort study at Dilla University Referral Hospital Neonatal Care Unit from November 2016 to January 2018. All admitted neonates to the neonatal care unit were followed from cohort entry up to the occurrence of an event (death) or end of follow-up. We generated descriptive statistics to determine the timing of neonatal death and the cause of deaths. Results. Overall, 11.6% of neonates died during the follow-up. We found that 34.0% and 64.3% of deaths occurred during the first and second weeks of neonatal life, respectively. Neonatal sepsis and low birth weight were the main causes of death and hospital admission. Jaundices and low birth weight were the most common causes of death during the early neonatal period, whereas birth asphyxia, low birth weight, and sepsis were during late neonatal life. However, for other causes of death, the slight difference was seen between the death patterns in early and late neonatal periods. Conclusions. The timing and cause-specific neonatal deaths were varying among different time of the neonatal periods that needs to design context-based policy and interventions.
Management of an Unusual Orbitocranial Penetrating Injury
Authors: Yin Han Y. , Dhanireddy Swetha , Braley Alexander E.
Published: February 2020

Background. An intraorbital injury with a blunt penetrating intraorbital foreign body (IOFB) is an unusual cause of penetrating trauma. This type of trauma is considered a surgical emergency given the risk to vision in addition to potential intracranial injuries such as vascular injury, dural laceration, and neurologic injury. A thorough history and physical exam, along with careful radiographic and multidiscipline intervention, is crucial in providing the patient the most appropriate care. Case Presentation. A 66-year-old male presented to the emergency room (ER) after falling down the stairs and suffering an orbitocranial penetrating injury. He underwent urgent fluoroscopy-guided foreign body removal with a multidisciplinary team after a workup revealed no significant ocular or intracranial injuries. The foreign body was removed with an anterior approach without any complications. Conclusion. In this study, we demonstrated that IOFB in proximity to orbitocranial structures requires a careful multidisciplinary team approach. An interventional radiology- (IR-) guided approach in extracting the foreign body is essential to prevent further injury. A high dose of intravenous steroid was not used due to initial suspicion of intracranial involvement. Prompt removal decreased risk of further vision loss.
Numerical Simulation of Mesodamage Behavior of Concrete Based on Material Point Method
Authors: Liu Aihua , Zou Jiaqiang , Hu Wei , Liu Ming , Cong Peitong , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2020

Concrete consists of coarse aggregates, mortar matrix, and interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between them at the mesoscale. Considering these three phases, many numerical tests have been conducted to study the mesodamage behavior of concrete, in which a variety of numerical methods have also been adopted. These methods are mainly based on the finite element method (FEM); however, some other methods have been proven to be helpful as well. For example, the material point method (MPM) has the advantage of building a numerical model based on pixel or voxel of the image and is capable of solving large deformation problems. In view of this, MPM is introduced in this paper. Firstly, a method for establishing the numerical specimen is put forward, considering the original sample of its mesoscopic geometric character. Then, a stochastic damage constitutive model considering the heterogeneity of the concrete is proposed. Next, the numerical model and the constitutive model are incorporated into an MPM code to conduct numerical tests. The uniaxial tension and compression tests of a random‐aggregate model and a double‐aggregate specimen under uniaxial tension are then simulated numerically to validate the proposed method. Results show that the proposed method can well capture the main macroscopic mechanical behavior of concrete and the mesoscopic damage initiation and propagation. It is also found that MPM can save the time of model establishing and improve calculation efficiency. The influences of different parameters of the proposed constitutive model are also clarified through a parametric study. The proposed method can provide a useful tool for concrete numerical testing and for studying the mechanical behavior of concrete at mesoscale.
Chemical blindness in Liolaemus lizards is counterbalanced by visual signals, the case of two species with different communication modalities
Authors: Ruiz-Monachesi Mario R. , Valdecantos Soledad , Cruz Félix B.
Published: February 2020

Animals employ a wide variety of communication tactics that rely on distinct sensory modalities. Lizards are characterized by their heightened dependence on chemical and visual communication. Some authors have proposed that a reduced number of chemical secretory pores may be associated with an increased visual dependence in some species. Here, we study two species of Liolaemus lizards with different chemical features to compare their visual and chemical communication. The first species, L. coeruleus, does not have precloacal pores in either sex, while L. albiceps has precloacal pores in both sexes. We expect that L. coeruleus will principally adhere to the visual modality, while L. albiceps will show greater chemical responses. We filmed the lizard’s response to different chemical and visual stimuli. In the trials, both species demonstrated chemical self-recognition, L. albiceps exhibited less total time in motion but more behavioural displays in the presence of conspecific scents, suggesting conspecific chemical recognition too. On the other hand, visuals results showed that L. coeruleus reacted more to the presence of conspecifics than L. albiceps. These observations suggest that L. coeruleus relies more on visual signalization, while L. albiceps has a greater dependence on chemical communication. Our results may indicate a correspondence between precloacal secretions and the response to these by conspecifics in both species studied.
Vague language challenged
Authors: Zhang Grace Q.
Published: February 2020

Existing studies focus on the effectiveness of vague language (VL). This study offers a balanced account by highlighting the ineffectiveness of VL. Drawn from institutional data involving the interactions between Australian custom officers and passengers, this study finds that while VL was effective in most cases, it was challenged in 8 % of cases. The data reveals a correlation: the more severe a situation is, the more VL is challenged. Officers performed the most VL challenging when carrying out their institutional duties, and passengers challenged VL to clarify information. Half of the responses to the VL challenge produced the required precise information. Non-compliance occurred because of either no information being available (mostly by officers, non-purposive vagueness) or withholding information (mostly by passengers, purposive vagueness). VL serves both cooperative and competitive purposes depending on the needs of the speaker. It is a double-edged sword and can both facilitate and hinder the proper use of language. The implication is that the acceptance of VL is not universal, and it requires contextual suitability to avoid communication breakdowns.
Manner implicatures and how to spot them
Authors: Rett Jessica
Published: February 2020

The goal of this paper is to help develop a general picture of conversational implicature (Grice, 1975) by looking beyond scalar implicature to see how the phenomenon behaves in a general sense. I focus on non-scalar Quantity implicatures and Manner implicatures. I review canonical examples of Manner implicature, as well as a more recent, productive one involving gradable adjective antonym pairs (Rett, 2015). Based on these data, I argue that Manner implicatures—and conversational implicatures generally—are distinguishable primarily by their calculability; their reinforceability; their discourse sensitivity (to the Question Under Discussion; Roberts, 1990; van Kuppevelt, 1995; Simons et al., 2011); and their embeddability (under negation, propositional attitude verbs, quantifiers, etc.). I use these data to draw conclusions about the usefulness of implicature-specific operators and about ways to compositionally represent conversational implicatures.
International Investment Law and Domestic Investment Rules: Tracing the Upstream and Downstream Flows
Authors: Ratner Steven R
Published: February 2020

International investment law and domestic law governing foreign investment strongly influence one another and indeed operate in a relationship of co-dependency or interoperability. Yet the flows between the two bodies of law, and their respective modalities of influence, remain generally unexplored in international legal theory. To shed light on this important phenomenon, this article traces the ways in which international investment law can affect the content of domestic investment law, using theories of international law compliance as a lens for such an understanding. It then proposes a set of pathways by which domestic law can influence the content of international investment rules. International law thus depends upon national law not only for its implementation but for its very content. Indeed, the regime of investment law will not tolerate significant discrepancies between the two. An appreciation of this dynamic is critical to evaluating the prospects of improvements to international investment law and can inform the ongoing discussions among stakeholders to this end.
Theorizing Backlash: Supranational Governance and International Investment Law and Arbitration in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Lindseth Peter L
Published: February 2020

Theoretical understandings of backlash against international investment law and arbitration can benefit from examining analogous dynamics in supranational governance more generally. Two features characterize both systems: the delegation of regulatory power to functional pre-commitment agents beyond the State; and the persistence of constitutional legitimacy in State-level principals. In these circumstances, the agency-cost problem – the danger that agents exaggerate their autonomous power at the expense of their principals – is aggravated in two ways that find surprising support in the literature. Global Administrative Law, for example, appears to rationalize a system of ‘agents without principals’ by bracketing whether any legitimating relationship between the two is possible. Pluralist-constitutional theorists go further, casting pre-commitment agents as representatives of a global constitutional order, thus rationalizing an outright ‘principal-agent inversion’. Either way, a break occurs in the ‘power-legitimacy nexus’ – the necessary congruence between the agent’s power and the legitimacy it autonomously possesses – thus leading to backlash.
National Sovereignty and International Investment Law: Sovereignty Reassertion and Prospects of Reform
Authors: Dimitropoulos Georgios
Published: February 2020

The growing tendency among States to terminate their international investment agreements and/or replace them with domestic laws may be understood as a reclamation of national sovereignty vis-à-vis international institutions. The article develops a typology of moves to reassert sovereignty in international investment law, distinguishing: (a) an isolationist reassertion from (b) an international reassertion and in turn from (c) domesticating reassertion. The article further claims that international investment law and its reform needs to be informed by research into domestic systems of governance in order to better conceptualize the ways in which international law principles are implemented alongside and through the use of domestic legal instruments, but also in order to help inform the reform process of international investment law. It finally identifies the ways in which domestic and international law co-exist and mutually influence each other with a view to the substantive and procedural law reform of the investment regime.
Reform and Adaptation: The Experience of the Americas with International Investment Law
Authors: Hodgson Mélida N
Published: February 2020

Over the last two decades Latin American States have been deluged with investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS) with double-digit cases, and billion-dollar damages awards. These States have sought to regain control of the narrative by embarking on various reform initiatives. This article first sets the scene with a brief review of the experience of Latin American States with investment arbitration over the last two decades, then examines the efforts undertaken in the last few years by Latin American States to gain control over their investment arbitration experience. This has been done on a bilateral, regional and supra-regional level. Reforms including the revisions of substantive provisions, as well as the development of regional arbitration fora are examined. Finally, it offers some thoughts on the prospects for the region’s reform movement.
Introduction
Authors: Rabin Sheila J. , Udías, S.J. Agustín
Published: February 2020

Jesuit scholars have pursued studies in mathematics and science since the founding of the order. Authors in this issue discuss the work on magnetic declination by the Jesuit polymath Athanasius Kircher, the reform of Spanish naval education using the treatise on naval warfare by the Jesuit Paul Hoste, the Jesuit contributions to the Japanese clock-making industry, the dissemination of scientific knowledge through the Jesuit journal Brotéria, the Jesuit Erich Wasmann’s attempts to grapple with Darwinian evolution, Jesuit contributions to understanding the natural environment of India, and the many accomplishments of the Jesuit-run Vatican Observatory.
Brotéria and the Popularization of Science, Technology, and Medicine in Portugal, 1907–24
Authors: Romeiras Francisco Malta
Published: February 2020

Brotéria was founded in 1902 as a taxonomy journal of a small Jesuit college in the interior of Portugal. Because the revenue from individual subscriptions was insufficient to cover the costs of publication, Joaquim da Silva Tavares decided to create a magazine in 1907 called Vulgarização científica, which became very popular. Especially designed to make a profit, the journal published more than 450 articles on agriculture, commerce, industry, chemistry, physics, medicine, and hygiene until 1924, and played a very significant role in disseminating knowledge of these subjects to a non-specialist Portuguese readership.
Erich Wasmann, S.J.: Natural Species and Catholic Polyphyletic Evolution during the Modernist Crisis
Authors: Hofmann James R.
Published: February 2020

During the first half of the twentieth century, “natural species” played a prominent role in Catholic efforts to accommodate evolutionary biology within the neo-Scholastic theology of the age. Particularly during the modernist crisis early in the century, the most influential figure in this development was the Jesuit entomologist and evolutionary theorist Erich Wasmann (1859–1931). The anti-modernist context in which Wasmann worked included two cases involving evolution that were decided by the Congregation of the Index while Franz Xaver Wernz (1842–1914), Wasmann’s future Jesuit superior general (1906–14), served as a consultor. I describe Wasmann’s introduction of the natural species concept against this background and analyze his decision to abide by Wernz’s warning with respect to human evolution. I then provide examples of how Wasmann’s reliance upon natural species and polyphyletic evolution was adopted in subsequent Catholic efforts to reach a synthesis of theology and evolutionary biology.
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Jesuit Contributions to Biological Sciences in India
Authors: D’Souza Leo
Published: February 2020

Jesuits in India have made significant contribution to studies in classical as well as modern biology. The earlier classical studies resulted in the compilation of well-known and highly appreciated floras. In recent times, Jesuits have kept pace with the current trends in biology and have made contributions in the areas of environmental awareness, biodiversity, conservation, biotechnology, molecular biology, bioremediation, and bioenergy as well as biopesticides.
Science of the Vatican Observatory since 2000
Authors: Consolmagno, S.J. Guy
Published: February 2020

Five research areas have been the focus of the scientific work of the Specola Vaticana (Vatican Observatory) over the past twenty years: planetary sciences, stellar astronomy, extragalactic astronomy, cosmology, and the development of the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (vatt). The choice of research program is left to the individual astronomers, all of whom work closely with lay collaborators around the world. Notable, especially in connection with the vatt, is the close coordination of the Specola with the Steward Observatory of the University of Arizona. One unique strength of the Specola is its independence from short-term funding requirements. As a result of its stable funding, Specola astronomers can engage in long-term research programs such as surveys of meteorite properties, exoplanets, stellar clusters, and galaxy clusters, which may take ten or more years to come to fruition. In this way the Specola complements the large research programs of contemporary astronomy.
The European Jesuit Libraries Provenance Project
Authors: Comerford Kathleen M.
Published: February 2020

The European Jesuit Libraries Provenance Project is a census of books once owned by a Jesuit college or house in Europe between the 1550s and 1773. The suppression of the Society of Jesus led to the dispersal of its books, and the ejlpp uses both manuscript inventories and searches in modern libraries to locate the volumes once associated with the Society of Jesus. It is multimedia, digital humanities endeavor, supervised by Kathleen M. Comerford and employing student interns at Georgia Southern University.
The Sign of the Joker
Authors: West Joel
Published: February 2020

The Joker both fascinates and repels us. From his origin in Detective Comics in 1940, the Joker has committed obscene crimes, some of the worst the Batman universe has ever known. Conversely fans have made him the topic of erotic and pornographic “fan fiction.” Speculation about the Joker abounds; some fans have even claimed that the Joker is “queer coded.” This work explores various popular claims about the Joker, and delves into the history of comic books and of other popular media from a semiotic viewpoint to understand “The Clown Prince of Crime” in the contexts in which he existed to understand his evolution. From his roots as a “typical hoodlum,” The Joker even starred in his own eponymous comic book series and he was recently featured in a non-canonical movie. This work examines what it is about the Joker which fascinates us.
A Meta-Analysis of Acculturation and Enculturation: Bilinear, Multidimensional, and Context-Dependent Processes
Authors: Yoon Eunju , Cabirou Latifat , Galvin Sarah , Hill Lincoln , Daskalova Plamena , Bhang Cecile , Ahmad Mustaffa Ezza , Dao Angela , Thomas Kathryn , Baltazar Blake
Published: February 2020

Acculturation and enculturation are currently conceptualized as bilinear, multidimensional, and context-dependent cultural socialization processes (Yoon et al., 2013). Yet, this conceptualization requires further specification and empirical evidence. Our work is timely given the downward shift in productivity of traditional acculturation research and the need for a new direction. We examined the constructs and processes of acculturation and enculturation by meta-analytically synthesizing the findings of 255 publications (343 independent samples). In support of a bilinear (vs. unilinear) conceptualization, we found that acculturation and enculturation were only slightly associated with each other, r = −.18. In support of multidimensionality and context-dependency, their relationship varied by dimension (e.g., nonsignificant association of mainstream and ethnic identities vs. significant associations in other dimensions), geographic region, and race. Additionally, acculturation and enculturation rates/patterns varied by dimension; extrinsic changes (e.g., behavior) proceeded faster than intrinsic changes (e.g., values, identity). We discuss a direction for future research and implications for practice, advocacy, and education/training.
“That day no one spoke”: Florida Puerto Ricans’ Reaction to Hurricane María
Authors: Capielo Rosario Cristalís , Abreu Roberto L. , Gonzalez Kirsten A. , Cardenas Bautista Elizabeth
Published: February 2020

We conducted two focus groups and four individual interviews to examine the experiences of Florida Puerto Rican adults ( N = 26) with secondary exposure to the devastation caused by Hurricane María. Results from our thematic analysis yielded four major themes and eight subthemes depicting responses to Hurricane María. Four major themes emerged across participant responses: 1) Participants’ Experience with Hurricane María, 2) Participants’ Negative Reactions to Hurricane María, 3) Participants Providing Support, and 4) Resilience and Growth. We also found that Florida Puerto Ricans’ secondary stress reactions were influenced by Puerto Rico’s political status and economic crisis. Results also indicated that participants experienced vicarious posttraumatic growth not only at the individual but also at the community level.