bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Tunnel Surrounding Rock Failure and Energy Dissipation Based on Cyclic Impact and Shear Loading
Authors: Ding Yu , Tan Zhuoying , Li Shuguang , Huo Runke , Liu Ziliang , Ma Yong
Published: June 2021

Aiming at the cyclic impact deformation and failure of tunnel surrounding rock under shear stress, a self‐developed rotation‐impact simulation test platform was used to determine the number of failures, stress‐strain curves, and energy in the process of cyclic impact failure. The failure process of rock under different impact velocities and shear stresses has been systematically studied. Results show that, under the same impact speed, the shear stress will increase with the increase in the rotation speed, but an upper limit will exist. When the rotation speed reaches this upper limit, the shear stress will no longer increase. The presence of shear stress will reduce the number of impacts required for rock failure. When the impact speed is 7.2 m/s, the number of impacts at the maximum rotation speed is 60% of the static state. When the impact velocity is 16.8 m/s, this value is only 33.3%. At the same impact velocity, the stress‐strain curves under different rotation speeds do not change significantly, but with the increase in the rotation speed, the slope of the elastic stage of the stress‐strain curve gradually decreases, and the corresponding stress of the rock sample decreases when the maximum strain is reached. With the increase in shear stress, the crushing specific energy required for rock failure gradually decreases. The greater the impact velocity, the more obvious the impact of shear stress on energy dissipation. In the tunnel process, when the surrounding rock is subjected to impact loads from different directions, only the axial strain analysis will have certain safety hazards, and timely support and reinforcement work are required.
Experimental Application of Robust and Converse Dynamic Control for Rotary Flexible Joint Manipulator System
Authors: Iskanderani Ahmed IM. , Mehedi Ibrahim M.
Published: June 2021

Performance evaluation of trajectory tracking for a rotary flexible joint system is demonstrated in this paper. The robust and converse dynamic (RCD) technique is proposed and implemented for this evaluation. This control methodology is of the left inversion type, i.e., the control inputs are obtained by means of plant output error feedback. RCD control encompasses the baseline inverse (BI) control and sliding mode control-based discontinuous control element. The baseline inverse controller enforces the prescribed servo (virtual) constraints that represent the control objectives. The control objectives of the baseline inverse controller are enclosed in the form of servo (virtual) constraints which are inverted using Moore–Penrose Generalized Inverse (MPGI) to solve for the baseline control law. To boost the robust attributes against parametric uncertainties and disturbances, a discontinuous control function is augmented with baseline controller such that semiglobal practical stability is guaranteed in the sense of Lyapunov. To exhibit the effectiveness of RCD control in terms of tracking performance, computer simulations are conducted in Simulink/Matlab environment. Furthermore, the practical implementation is also investigated through a real-time experiment on Quanser’s rotary flexible joint manipulator system. The experimental results obtained by RCD are compared to the conventional sliding mode and fractional-order control techniques.
CR‐NOMA Networks over Nakagami‐m Fading: CSI Imperfection Perspective
Authors: Le Anh-Tu , Do Dinh-Thuan
Published: June 2021

There are high demands on both massive connections and high spectrum efficiency, and the cognitive radio‐based nonorthogonal multiple access (CR‐NOMA) system is developed to satisfy such demand. The unreal situation of CR‐NOMA is considering the perfect channel state information (CSI) in receivers. This paper indicates impacts of imperfect CSI on outage and throughput performance. In particular, we focus on performance of the secondary network related to the imperfect CSI, and we derive closed‐form expressions of outage probability and throughput for the downlink in such a CR‐NOMA system. Particularly, a general form of Nakagami‐m fading channel is adopted to examine the impact of fading on the performance of the CR‐NOMA system. As the main achievement, we conduct extensive simulations and provide analyses to demonstrate the outage performance of the CR‐NOMA system with CSI imperfections.
Diaphragm Thickening Fraction as a Prognostic Imaging Marker for Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy Requiring the Trendelenburg Position and Pneumoperitoneum
Authors: Yu Jihion , Lee Yongsoo , Park Jun-Young , Hwang Jai-Hyun , Kim Young-Kug
Published: June 2021

Background. Robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) frequently entails postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) due to the Trendelenburg position and pneumoperitoneum. Diaphragm thickening fraction (TF) as an imaging marker can offer the advantage of predicting respiratory outcomes. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of diaphragm TF on the occurrence of PPCs in RALP. Methods. We measured the preoperative thickness of the diaphragm at peak inspiration (

T

pi

) and end expiration (

T

ee

) using ultrasonography. Diaphragm TF was calculated as

TF
=

T

pi

–

T

ee

/

T

ee

. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of TF was performed. After dividing patients into two groups according to the optimal TF cut-off value, we compared the occurrence of PPCs between the groups. The predictivity of diaphragm TF for the occurrence of PPCs was evaluated. Results. Of 145 patients, 40 patients (27.6%) developed PPCs. Patients with PPCs had a significantly lower TF than those without PPCs (

0.31
±
0.09

vs.

0.39
±
0.11

,

P
<
0.001

). In the ROC curve analysis, the optimal TF cut-off value was 0.28. The patients were divided into

TF
≥
0.28

group (

n
=
114

) and

TF
<
0.28

group (

n
=
31

). The incidence of PPCs was significantly higher in the

TF
<
0.28

group than in the

TF
≥
0.28

group (51.6% vs. 21.1%,

P
=
0.001

). Diaphragm

TF
<
0.28

was associated with a higher incidence of PPCs than diaphragm

TF
≥
0.28

(

odds
 
ratio
=
4.534

, 95% confidence interval [1.763–11.658],

P
=
0.002

). Conclusion. Preoperative diaphragm

TF
<
0.28

was associated with an increased incidence of PPCs, suggesting that diaphragm TF as a prognostic imaging marker provides useful information on PPCs in RALP requiring the Trendelenburg position and pneumoperitoneum. Trial Registry Number. This trial is registered with KCT0005028.
Experimental Study and Effective Width Method for Cold‐Formed Steel Lipped Channel Stud Columns with Holes
Authors: Guo Yanli , Yao Xingyou
Published: June 2021

The objective of this paper is to investigate the buckling behavior and to present the design method of the ultimate strength in the basic effective width method (EWM) for cold‐formed steel (CFS) lipped channel stud columns with holes in the web. 28 column tests were conducted under axial compression on the CFS lipped channel stud columns with circular and rectangular holes in different dimensions of cross sections and holes. The tested stud columns included 4 members without holes, 12 members with circular holes, and 12 members with rectangular holes. The test results showed that the stud columns with holes were governed by local buckling or the interaction of local buckling and distortional buckling. Compared with the stud columns without holes, the small hole had a slight influence on the ultimate strength of the tested specimens, and the large hole had a great effect on the ultimate strength of the tested specimens. The load capacities of the specimens decreased with the increase of the dimension of holes. Then, the finite element analysis was carried out to simulate the tested stud columns. The finite element analysis results showed good agreement with the experimental results about buckling modes and ultimate strengths, which indicated that it is feasible to analyze this kind of stud columns with holes by using the finite element method (FEM). Finally, the proposed effective width method was used to predict the ultimate strengths of stud columns with holes based on the proposed buckling coefficient formulas of the plate with holes. The comparison between calculated results and test and finite element results indicated that the proposed EWM is feasible and accurate to predict the ultimate strength of the CFS lipped channel stud columns with holes in the web.
Melatonin Ameliorates Corticosterone‐Mediated Oxidative Stress‐Induced Colitis in Sleep‐Deprived Mice Involving Gut Microbiota
Authors: Gao Ting , Wang Zixu , Cao Jing , Dong Yulan , Chen Yaoxing
Published: June 2021

Background. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a result of a complex interplay, making development of a specific treatment a challenging task. Corticosterone was considered a risk factor of stress relative enteritis. Our previous studies found that melatonin exerts an improvement effect in sleep deprivation (SD)‐ induced corticosterone overproduction and colitis. A present study further explored the mechanism whereby melatonin prevented corticosterone‐mediated SD‐induced colitis. Methods. A 72‐hour SD mouse model with or without melatonin supplementation and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to investigate the core role of corticosterone in melatonin‐mediated gut microbiota improving SD‐induced colitis. Further, corticosterone‐treated mice were assessed to the effect of melatonin on corticosterone‐mediated gut microbiota dysbiosis‐induced colitis. Meanwhile, an in vitro test studied modulatory mechanism of metabolite melatonin. Results. SD caused an excessive corticosterone, gut microbiota disorder and colitis phenotype. Similarly, corticosterone‐supplemented mice also exhibited gut microbiota dysbiosis and colitis, and the FMT from SD‐mice to normal mice could restore the SD‐like colitis, but no change in the corticosterone level, which suggested that corticosterone‐mediated intestinal microbiota imbalance plays a central role in SD‐induced colitis. Further, we demonstrated melatonin‐mediated MT2 weakened GR feedback, suppressed oxidative stress, restored the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites homeostasis, and inactivated the STAT3/AP‐1/NF‐κB pathway‐induced inflammatory response in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions. We revealed that excessive corticosterone is a core risk factor for SD‐induced colitis and provided a better understanding of the effects of melatonin, expected to be a personalized targeted therapy drug, on corticosterone‐mediated gut microbiota inducing colitis.
Membrane-Based Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Intensive Care
Authors: Redant Sebastien , De Bels David , Ismaili Khalid , Honoré Patrick M.
Published: June 2021

The principles and use of plasmapheresis are often little understood by intensivists. We propose to review the principles, the main indications, and the methods of using this technique.
Buying-Shopping Disorder among Women: The Role of Vulnerability to Marketing, Buying Motives, Impulsivity, and Self-Esteem
Authors: Chauchard Emeline , Mariez Julie , Grall-Bronnec Marie , Challet-Bouju Gaëlle
Published: June 2021

Introduction: The influence of marketing on addictive behaviours has been studied among tobacco and alcohol users. Although the fashion industry is highly influenced by marketing, research has poorly studied vulnerability to fashion marketing as a factor related to buying-shopping disorder (BSD) while considering psychological characteristics (buying motives, impulsivity, and self-esteem). Objective: The objective of the present work is to investigate the relationship between vulnerability to marketing and BSD. Methods: Women (n = 242) were exclusively recruited through social networking. They completed an online survey exploring the severity of BSD using the Compulsive Buying Scale (CBS) and the psychological factors associated with BSD (impulsivity, self-esteem, and buying motives) and an experimental task designed to investigate the intention to purchase in several situations, where marketing modalities such as price, brand, and packaging fluctuate. Results: Among the 242 participants in the study, 34 were identified as compulsive buyers (14%). Income level was considered, and compulsive buyers displayed a higher level of vulnerability to marketing, except for the packaging modality. High levels of positive urgency, lack of premeditation, and coping motivation were found to be significant predictors of the CBS score, but vulnerability to marketing was not. Discussion and Conclusions: Compulsive buyers seem to be more sensitive to marketing strategies, although vulnerability to marketing was not identified as a predictor of the severity of BSD. Given the enormous literature on the role of marketing in other addictive behaviours, further studies are needed to better understand the role of marketing in BSD to develop appropriate public health policies.
Downregulation of ITM2A Gene Expression in Macrophages of Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Lari Arezou , Gholami Pourbadie Hamid , Jafari Mohieddin , Sharifi-Zarchi Ali , Akhtari Maryam , Nejatbakhsh Samimi Leila , Jamshidi Ahmadreza , Mahmoudi Mahdi
Published: June 2021

Objectives: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rheumatic disorder that is mostly determined by genetic and environmental factors. Given the known importance of macrophage in AS pathogenesis, we investigated the transcriptional profile of macrophage cells in the disease. Methods and Results: Two approaches of differential expression and subsequently, weighted gene co-expression network analysis was utilized to analyze a publicly available microarray dataset of macrophages. Integral membrane protein 2A (ITM2A) was among the most significant genes with a decreased trend in the common results of both methods. In order to confirm the finding, the expression of ITM2A was evaluated in monocyte-derived (M2-like) and M1 macrophages obtained from 14 AS patients and 14 controls. Macrophages were differentiated from whole-blood separated monocytes by 7 days incubating with macrophage colony-stimulating factor and then macrophages specific markers were verified with the flow cytometer. M1 polarization was induced by IFN-γ and lipopolysaccharide. Finally, relative gene expression analysis by real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed a significant downregulation of the ITM2A gene in both M2 like and M1 macrophages of the AS group compared to the control. Conclusion: Since ITM2A plays a critical role in osteo- and chondrogenic cellular differentiation, our finding may provide new insights into AS pathogenesis.
“Fashions of the Future”: Fashion, Gender, and the
Professionalization of Industrial Design
Authors: Armstrong Leah
Published: June 2021

In 1939, U.S. Vogue magazine dedicated its February issue to the promotion of the New York World's Fair, which would open in April 1939, giving significant editorial space to the subject of industrial design for the first time. The issue's leading fashion editorial feature, “Fashions of the Future,” invited nine industrial designers to dress the “woman of tomorrow.” The feature served as a promotional vehicle for the World's Fair and for the industrial designers who worked on it. Through a close examination of the issue's visual and textual content, this article explores the relationship between industrial design, fashion, consumption, and gender at a formative moment in the professionalization of design in the United States at the outbreak of the Second World War. It argues that fashion media served a discursive function in the elevation of the industrial designer's professional status, presenting a case for further consideration of the relationship between fashion and industrial design in the history of the design profession.
Predictive performance of emergency department-specific variables on COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Tan Hann-Yee , Yeo Mathew , Tay Xin-Ying , Fung Michael , Kumar Ranjeev , Ooi Say-Tat , Amirah Lina , Ubeynarayana Chalani Udhyami , Mao Desmond
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

The majority of patients with COVID-19 infection do not progress to pneumonia. We report emergency department (ED)-specific variables and evaluate their predictive performance on diagnosis of pneumonia, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and death.

Methods:

This was a retrospective, single-centre cohort study of confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to a Singapore tertiary hospital. Primary outcome was diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. Secondary outcomes were ICU admission and/or death. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse the predictive performance of ED-specific variables. Accuracy of continuous variables was measured by area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results:

294 patients were included. Patients with pneumonia were older (52.0 years, P < 0.001) and had higher C-reactive protein (CRP; 33.8 mg/L, P < 0.001). Patients with indeterminate chest radiograph (CRX) findings were at risk of pneumonia vs. patients with normal CRX (37.5% vs. 4.3%, P < 0.001). Patients admitted to ICU were older (60.0 years, P < 0.001) and had higher CRP (40.0 mg/L, P < 0.001). Diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia was associated with ICU admission and death (30.0% vs 0.39%, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (aOR 1.07, P = 0.049), CRP (aOR 1.05, P = 0.006) and CRX findings (aOR 50.00, P < 0.001) had increased odds of pneumonia. ROC curve analysis showed that CRP of 23.3 mg/L was the optimal cut-off for predicting pneumonia.

Conclusion:

Older age, higher CRP and CRX findings are associated with COVID-19 pneumonia, ICU admission and death. Prospective studies should be undertaken to validate these findings.
Temporal Patterns in Latin American Truth Commission Recommendation Formulation and Implementation
Authors: Wiebelhaus-Brahm Eric , Wright Dylan
Published: June 2021

Remarkably little attention has focused on the formulation and implementation of truth commission (tc) recommendations. We use Skaar et al.’s original data on approximately 1000 recommendations produced by 13 truth commissions established in 11 Latin American countries between 1983 and 2014 to examine how recommendations and government responses to them have evolved over nearly 40 years. Truth commissions appear to be regularly influenced by major global transitional justice and human rights developments as they formulate recommendations. They target specific marginalised identity groups in their recommendations, particularly after major global initiatives to recognise the rights of such groups. Yet, governments often forego implementing such recommendations. Recommendations also appear to be shaped by whether the commission was established right after a political transition. Post-transitional commissions, which come five or more years after transition, issue more recommendations dealing with reparations of all sorts. However, whether overwhelmed by the number of proposals or more immune to pressure to enact such measures, governments implement these recommendations less regularly. These commissions also do not invoke the importance of reconciliation as transitional commissions do.
Another new exotic bark beetle in Florida: Ernoporus parvulus (Eggers, 1943) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), with additional taxonomic changes
Authors: JOHNSON ANDREW J.
Published: June 2021

The bark beetle, Ernoporus parvulus (Eggers, 1943) was collected from Pinellas County, Florida, USA representing the first North American record of the genus. Two species previously described from the Caribbean were examined and are synonymous: Ernoporus minutus (Bright & Torres, 2006) syn. nov. and E. exquisitus (Bright, 2019) syn. nov. This beetle is likely an overlooked exotic from Africa, known only from sea hibiscus, Talipariti tiliaceum (L.) Fryxell (Malvaceae). There is no evidence that this is a threat to commercial or ornamental Hibiscus and related species.
Towards resolving the problematic status of the digenean genus Astiotrema Looss, 1900: An updated concept and revision of species composition for Astiotrema (sensu stricto)
Authors: KARAR YASSER F. M. , BLEND CHARLES K. , DRONEN NORMAN O. , ADEL ASMAA
Published: June 2021

Species of Astiotrema Looss, 1900 (sensu lato) infect a wide range of fishes, amphibians and reptilians. They also possess a considerably wide spectrum of morphological features. Several species were recognized for variable, confusing, overlapping and unspecialized morphological characters rather than for unique distinguishing features, causing continuing dispute around the validity of several species. Following comprehensive review, a revised restricted concept of Astiotrema is proposed including a morphologically strict definition. Both Tremiorchis Mehra & Negi, 1926 and Astioglossimetra Bilqees, Khatoon & Khan, 2002 are synonymized with Astiotrema (sensu stricto). Several nominal species are synonymized, others are excluded and characters for each recognized species are presented and explained. Only eight species are recognized: Astiotrema cyclemysi Siddiqi, 1965, Astiotrema emydis Ejsmont, 1930, Astiotrema fotedari Dhar, 1977, Astiotrema impletum (Looss, 1899) Looss, 1900, Astiotrema karachiensis (Bilqees, Khatoon & Khan, 2002) n. comb., Astiotrema odhneri Bhalerao, 1936, Astiotrema ranarum (Mehra & Negi, 1926) Fotedar, 1971 and Astiotrema reniferum (Looss, 1898) Looss, 1900. A key to the species of Astiotrema (sensu stricto) is presented, a comprehensive list of all host-locality records is included and host-parasite specificity is elucidated.
A new species of the solifuge genus Galeodes Olivier, 1791 from southeastern Turkey (Solifugae, Galeodidae)
Authors: ERDEK MELEK
Published: June 2021

The family Galeodidae Sundevall, 1833 is the most speciose family of order Solifugae. A new galeodid, Galeodes hakkariensis sp. n., is described and illustrated on the basis of both sexes from Hakkari Province in Turkey. The flagellum, flagellar complex setae, setal arrangements on the tarsi and metatarsi of pedipalps and walking legs, shape and number of the stridulatory setae, dentition, and the other characteristics are described and illustrated in details. With this description, the number of known species of Galeodes Olivier, 1791 is raised to 174.
A new species of Heminicsara (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Agraeciini) from West Papua (New Guinea)
Authors: TAN MING KAI , INGRISCH SIGFRID , RAHMADI CAHYO , ROBILLARD TONY
Published: June 2021

Heminicsara Karny, 1912 is a katydid genus of Agraeciini from the Axylus genus group. It currently comprises 62 species from mainly New Guinea and surrounding archipelagos. Based on recent fieldwork in Lobo in West Papua, Indonesia, a new species of Heminicsara is described here: Heminicsara incrassata sp. nov. It is most readily characterised from congeners and other species of the Axylus genus group by the male tenth abdominal tergite forming a large shield-shaped plate. This represents the first species of Heminicsara described and known from the south-west of New Guinea.
One Functionalized Polyoxovanadates Hybrid Material Based on Arsonic Acid with Highly Effective Catalytic Property of Sulfides
Authors: Dou Mingyu , Zhao Wenli , Lin Jie , Huang Xianqiang , Li Dacheng
Published: June 2021

In this work, a novel 4-aminophenylarsonic acid functionalized polyoxovanadates (POVs) hybrid material, namely, (Me2NH2)4 ·[(L)8(H12V16O32)] (H2L = 4-NH2C6H4AsO3H2)
POVs 1 was solvothermally synthesized and fully characterized. The results revealed POVs 1 consists of four similar tetranuclear vanadium clusters bridged by eight organic 4-aminophenylarsonic acid ligands. Remarkably, functionalized hybrid POVs 1 was further investigated as a heterogeneous
stable catalyst in oxidation of sulfide derivatives, and exhibited high catalytic activities (yields up to 96.7%). Additionally, the functionalized hybrid polyoxovanadates catalyst can be reused without losing activities after three runs cycle.
AlGaAs/InGaAs High-Electron Mobility Transistors Fabricated Using Silicon Nitride Passivation and Selective-Etching Process
Authors: Lin Yu-Shyan , Lin Chun-Cheng
Published: June 2021

AlGaAs/InGaAs high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) are grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The studied HEMTs use two AlAs layers as etch-stop layers in the selective-etch recessed-gate fabrication of the HEMTs. The influence of passivation using silicon nitride on HEMTs is
examined. Passivation improves the dc, high-frequency, and power characteristics of AlGaAs/InGaAs HEMTs. The passivated HEMT has a maximum extrinsic transconductance of 207 mS/mm, a unity-current-gain frequency (fT) of 13 GHz, and a maximum oscillation frequency (fmax)
of 26 GHz. Furthermore, the variation of dc characteristics of the passivated HEMT with temperature is reduced.
C36 Dimer Fatty Acid-Based Flexible Unsaturated Polyester Resin: Improvement of Properties by Adjusting the Intermolecular Crosslinking Structure
Authors: Huang Xue , Yan Xu-Ming , Chen Wen-Jie , Tan Chun-Yuan , Yin Guo-Qiang , Feng Guang-Zhu
Published: June 2021

The efficient use of vegetable oil and animal oil resources has enormous economic and ecological value and has attracted tremendous interest in the field of bio-based synthetic polymers in the past years. Given that conventional oil and their derivative polymers are subject to unsatisfactory
mechanical properties or short-term use, these materials are not suitable for practical applications. Herein, a series of novel C36 dimer fatty acid-based unsaturated polyester resins with covalent and noncovalent networks were prepared by C36 dimerized fatty acid-based
unsaturated polyester and crosslinking agents (styrene, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, etc.). Owing to crosslinking structure of the polymers, their stable covalent bonds and hydrogen bonds, the matrix exhibits outstanding mechanical properties, including increased stretch ability (52.6%
of unsaturated polyester resin (UPR)-St/acrylic acid (AA), 57.3% of UPR-St/methylacrylic acid (MAA)), tensile strength (15.2 MPa of UPR-St/AA, 17.1 MPa of UPR-St/MAA), elasticity modulus (327.1 MPa of UPR-St/AA, 316.8 MPa of UPR-St/MAA), and flexural strength (14.8 MPa of UPR-St/AA, 33.4 MPa
of UPR-St/MAA). Micromorphological investigations indicated that the fracture features of the resin changed from brittle to ductile. Additionally, the resin is shown to possess an impressive thermal stability, solvent resistance, and certain autonomous self-healing properties.
Microbial-Induced Mineralization of Zinc Ions Based on the Degradation of Toluene and Its Characterization
Authors: Lv Yiyan , Zhan Qiwei , Yu Xiaoniu
Published: June 2021

Microbial-induced degradation of aromatic organic compounds and mineralization of zinc ions have attracted much attention because of its low cost, simple operation and quick response. This research, toluene was decomposed and made the concentration of carbonate ions increased accordingly
by the enzymatic pressing of microorganisms, meanwhile carbonate ions mineralized zinc ions into carbonate precipitations. The composition and microstructure were analyzed systematically. The analysis results indicated that carbonate precipitations, basic zinc carbonate, could be successfully
prepared by microbial method. The particle size of basic zinc carbonate was nanometer, and its shape was near-spherical. Furthermore, the phase composition, functional groups and surface morphology of the precipitations prepared by different methods were basically the same. This work provided
a new method for remediation of zinc ion pollution based on the degradation of toluene.
Bond Integrity and Surface Topography of Orthodontic Metal Brackets to Ceramic and Polymer-Based Restorations. An In-Vitro Study Design
Authors: Alqerban Ali
Published: June 2021

The present laboratory study aimed to assess shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic metal brackets bonded to different ceramic and polymer-based restorations after artificial aging. Eighty metal brackets were bonded using Transbond-X to eighty disks which were fabricated using five
different ceramic and polymer-based materials (n = 16): group LD: lithium disilicate ceramic, group LS: zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic, group PI: polymer-infiltrated ceramic, group FC: feldspathic ceramic, and group PM: Polymethyl methacrylate PMMA. Bonded specimens were
stored in distilled water (37 °C) for 24 h before they underwent 37,500 thermal cycles between 5 °C and 55 °C. After storage, the SBS was performed using a universal testing machine. Then, the data was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test (α
= 0.05). A 2-dimensional topographic analysis of the specimens was performed using atomic force microscopy. The Adhesive Remaining Index (ARI) was also evaluated at 50x magnification. A significant difference was observed between SBS means in the different groups’ materials (P
< 0.05). The outcomes of the LD and LS groups were similar (17.55± 0.63 MPa and 18.26±0.33 MPa) but different from those of the PM, PI, and FC groups (15.23±0.29 MPa, 14.22 ±0.56 MPa, and 12.68 ±0.86 MPa). For FC group, however, it provided statistically
significantly lower SBS than the other groups. There was predominance of score 3 for ARI in all groups. The type of dental substrate has a significant influence to the shear bond strength of the metal brackets.
Preparation and Characterization of Capric-Lauric Acid/Silicon Dioxide Nanocapsules as Phase Change Energy Storage Materials
Authors: Xing Lin , Yu Yong-Sheng , Ge Xiang-Hong , Yang Lin-Feng
Published: June 2021

Capric acid (CA)-lauric acid (LA)/silica (SiO2) nanocapsules were fabricated in this paper. The core material was acted by CA-LA eutectic mixture, and the shell material was supported by SiO2. The phase identification, chemical composition, micrograph, and thermal
property of as-prepared samples were analyzed based on X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscope, Scanning electron microscope and Differential scanning calorimety, respectively. These results displayed that CA-LA eutectic mixture was well encapsuled into SiO2
pore network. The CA-LA/SiO2 nanocapsules were spherical with uniform particle size of about 100 nm. When the mole proportion of CA:LA was 65:35, the phase transition temperature of nanocapsules was measured as 18.98 °C, and latent heat was confirmed as 83.06 J/g. The phase
change temperature of the nanocapsules was basically consistent with the calculation value of pure CA-LA eutectic, and latent heat was about 58% of the theoretical value, signifying a high encapsulation efficiency. Therefore, CA-LA/SiO2 nanocapsules as PCMs could provide thermal
energy storage for buildings.
Grain Refinement and Solidification Velocity of Supercooled Melts
Authors: Li Hongtao , An Hongen
Published: June 2021

Using a high speed thermal imaging camera, solidification velocity of undercooling is accurately determined for a highly undercooled Ni70Cu30 binary concentrated single phase alloy. It is observed that the velocity of solidification is first continuously and smoothly
increasing at the low and mediate undercoolings then increasing discontinuously to a maximum value at the high undercooling range. Thus, the solidifcation velocity-undercooling relation has an abrupt discontinuity, which is caused by nonequilibrium diffusion of solutes in the liquid side near
the advancing solid liquid interface. Grain refinement of high undercooling is directly induced by recrystallization, which was in clear contrast with the remelting induced dendrite fragmentation in conventional alloys.
Hearing and Listening: Bridging the Leadership Divide between School Connectedness and Students’ Lived Realities
Authors: Thomas Sarah , Parker Laurence
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this research was to examine the disconnect between urban school expectations and actual lived realities of marginalized students. Taking into consideration the conversation surrounding the definitions of urban education, and the importance of school connectedness with youth, we chose to focus on the lives of five former high students navigating their education. Our qualitative study found that the students’ lives presented challenges to linear pathways to school success. Drawing from the student’s stories, recommendations are proposed to disrupt the deficit definition of urban education and educational leaders initiate critical school connections to students lived realities.
Negotiation Impasses: Types, Causes, and Resolutions
Authors: Schweinsberg Martin , Thau Stefan , Pillutla Madan M.
Published: June 2021

Although impasses are frequently experienced by negotiators, are featured in newspaper articles, and are reflected in online searches and can be costly, negotiation scholarship does not appear to consider them seriously as phenomena worth explaining. A review of negotiation tasks to study impasses reveals that they bias negotiators toward agreement. We systematically organize past findings on impasses and integrate them in the impasse type, cause, and resolution model (ITCR model). Our fundamental assumption is that a positive bargaining zone does not imply symmetric preferences for an agreement. One or both negotiators may prefer an impasse over an agreement despite a positive bargaining zone. We argue that it is beneficial for management research to distinguish between three impasse types: If both negotiators perceive benefit from an impasse, they are wanted; if one negotiator perceives benefits from an impasse, they are forced; and if both do not perceive benefits from the impasse, they are unwanted. We review structural (e.g., bargaining zone, communication channels), interpersonal (e.g., tough tactics, emotions), and intrapersonal (e.g., biases, available information, and framing) factors as the likely antecedents of the three impasse types. We also examine evidence that suggests that wanted impasses can be resolved by changing the negotiation structure for both parties, forced impasses can be resolved through persuasion, and unwanted impasses can be overcome by debiasing both parties. Finally, we review current methodological guidance and provide updated recommendations on how scholars should deal with impasses in both study designs and data analyses.
Acceptance of clinical decision support systems in Saudi healthcare organisations
Authors: Aljarboa Soliman , Miah Shah J
Published: June 2021

Applications of clinical decision support systems (CDSS) have become essential for physicians seeking to make appropriate decisions. The implementation of CDSS, however, is complicated if the factors affecting physician’s acceptance are not recognised. This study aims to explore the various factors that may influence the acceptance of CDSS in Saudi Arabia. A qualitative method was used to collect data from interviews with 54 GPs, with interviews conducted in three stages. The study then integrated the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Task-Technology Fit (TTF) models to communicate the findings. It is suggested that all factors of both UTAUT and TTF influence acceptance of CDSS by GPs, with the sole exception of the social influence factor. Some additional factors were also discovered by means of in-depth interviews, including accessibility, patient satisfaction, informativeness (increased knowledge), connectedness (informing patients), communication and shared knowledge, privacy and security, and perceived risk (functional performance risk and time risk). The study thus offers a new insight of the factors influencing GPs’ acceptance of CDSS.
Controversial link between proton pump inhibitors and anticancer agents: review of the literature
Authors: Meriggi Fausto
Published: June 2021

Drug–drug interactions represent a topic of great interest, not only due to the risk of unexpected adverse events but also due to the possibility of altering the effectiveness of a specific treatment. Inappropriate or concomitant use of drugs can often lead to changes in the bioavailability of various compounds, resulting in pharmacokinetic alterations. A recent example is the concomitant administration of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and anticancer agents. PPIs are overused beyond their classic indications, resulting in a high risk of interactions with other drugs, such as anticancer agents, both PO and intravenous. However, the real clinical impact of concomitant acid suppression therapy and anticancer therapies remains controversial and is not yet fully understood. Certainly, the gut microbiota plays a key role in regulating the response of the immune system, and PPIs can significantly alter the gut microbiome, resulting in gut dysbiosis. Indeed, while the link sometimes appears to lead to negative outcomes, as in the case of immunotherapy, oral capecitabine, or tyrosine kinase inhibitors, in other cases, it seems to enhance the effectiveness of intravenous chemotherapy. In this review, I analyse the possible drug interactions between PPIs and the main classes of anticancer drugs.
One-Year Clinical and Imaging Follow-up After Exercise-Based Treatment for Acute Complete Adductor Longus Tendon Avulsions in Athletes: A Prospective Case Series
Authors: Serner Andreas , Hölmich Per , Arnaiz Javier , Tol Johannes L. , Thorborg Kristian , Weir Adam
Published: June 2021

Background:

Complete avulsions of the adductor longus tendon are serious injuries, yet we have few data to inform clinical decisions on management. Previous studies are limited by a lack of detailed follow-up.

Purpose:

To describe detailed clinical and imaging measures 1 year after complete proximal adductor longus avulsion injuries in athletes who received exercise-based treatment.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A total of 16 adult male competitive athletes were included in this study <7 days after an acute adductor longus tendon avulsion injury. All athletes were advised to complete a supervised standardized criterion-based rehabilitation protocol. Standardized clinical examination, a modified Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS), the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Injury Questionnaire (OSTRC-O), and detailed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment were performed after inclusion, on the day of completion of the treatment protocol (return to sport), and at 1-year follow-up after injury.

Results:

One player was lost to follow-up. Median return-to-sport time was 69 days (interquartile range [IQR], 62-84). One player had an early reinjury and performed an additional rehabilitation period. One-year follow-up was completed a median from 405 days (IQR, 372-540) after injury. The median HAGOS score was 100 for all subscales (IQRs from 85-100 to 100-100), and the median OSTRC-O score was 0 (IQR, 0-0). The median range of motion symmetry was 100% (IQR, 97%-130%) for the bent-knee fall-out test and 102% (IQR, 99%-105%) for the side-lying abduction test. Side-lying eccentric adduction strength symmetry was 92% ± 13% (mean ± SD), and median supine eccentric adduction strength symmetry was 93% (IQR, 89%-105%). MRI results at 1-year follow-up showed that from the original complete discontinuity in all cases, 10 athletes (71%) had partial tendon continuity, and 4 (29%) had complete tendon continuity.

Conclusion:

Nonsurgically treated athletes with a complete acute adductor longus avulsion returned to sport in 2 to 3 months. At the 1-year follow-up after injury, athletes had high self-reported function, no performance limitations, normal adductor strength and range of motion, and signs of partial or full tendon continuity as shown on MRI. This indicates that the primary treatment for athletes with acute adductor longus tendon avulsions should be nonsurgical as the time to return to sport is short, there are good long-term results, and there is no risk of surgical complications.
Corporate Governance and Environmental Accounting Reporting in Selected Quoted African Companies
Authors: Osemene Olubunmi Florence , Adinnu Paulina , Fagbemi Temitope Olamide , Olowookere Johnson K.
Published: June 2021

Being a destination for investors around the globe, there are increasing concerns about climate change, pollution and biodegradation as well as the disposition of companies towards reporting environmental concerns in Africa. This necessitated the interest in a comparative study of corporate governance mechanisms and environmental accounting reporting (EAR) in selected African quoted companies. Using ex-post facto research design, the study’s population comprised of quoted companies in six sectors located in four Africa countries (Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa). A content analysis was carried out to obtain environmental disclosure and reporting score, while static panel regression model was used to analyse the data. Findings revealed that board committee has a significant influence on EAR in the African countries, board diversity in Kenya and Nigeria, board size in South Africa and Nigeria, board independence in Egypt and Kenya, and institutional ownership in Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa were found to have significant influence on EAR. This result implies that extant laws and codes on corporate governance should be followed, and most importantly, other countries studied should emulate South Africa and adopt integrated reporting and application of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) index score in their corporate reporting.
A narrative literature review: the application of video games as therapeutic tools for psychological therapy
Authors: Mahon-Daly Sean , Jeyasingam Neil
Published: June 2021

Objectives:

Video games (games played by electronically manipulating images produced by a computer programme on a screen) are being developed with a specific focus on treating mental health. This narrative review briefly discusses the history of video games and mental health. It then provides a critical discussion on the application of video games as therapeutic tools, then discusses the notion of ‘serious games’ ( games designed for a primary purpose other than entertainment) and their applicability.

Conclusions:

Serious games have preliminary evidence to support their use practically in the clinical treatment of mental illness. Future randomised control trials are necessary to further explore their efficacy and potential areas of application.
Finite element analysis of ballastless track slabs reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer bars
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang Guan-Jun , Wu Gang , Cao Da-fu
Published: June 2021

Fiber-reinforced polymer–reinforced ballastless track slabs not only improve the insulation performance but also have advantages in their mechanical properties. The objective of the article is to propose a corresponding design method of the ballastless track slabs considering different parameters by a finite element analysis model. The deformation performance of the ballastless track slabs, as well as the prediction results of several models, was studied considering the different prestress levels, reinforcement ratios, and prestressed materials. The results show that ACI 440.4R-04 and Bischoff models are suggested for predicting the deflection of a ballastless track slab when the prestress level is between 30% and 60% and the Brown and Bartholomew model is suitable for those with a prestress level below 30%.
Establishment and comparison of a spatial dynamics model for virtual track train with different steering modes
Authors: Yin Zhonghui , Zhang Jiye , Lu Haiying
Published: June 2021

To solve the urbanization and the economic challenges, a virtual track train (VTT) transportation system has been proposed in China. To evaluate the dynamic behavior of the VTT, a spatial dynamics model has been developed that considers the suspension system and the steering system. Additionally, the model takes into account road irregularity to make simulations more realistic. Based on the newly proposed dynamic model and a designed proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller, simulation frames of the vehicle and of the VTT are established with the path-tracking performance. The results show that the vehicle and the VTT can run along a desired lane with allowable errors, verifying the proposed model. The vehicle and VTT with the four-wheel steering system show a better dynamic performance than the models with the front-wheel steering system in the curved section. Moreover, the simulation frame can be further applied to dynamics-related assessments, parameter optimization and active suspension control strategy.
Lockeans against labor mixing
Authors: Kogelmann Brian
Published: June 2021

The idea that labor mixing confers property in unowned resources is, for many, the very heart of the Lockean system of property. In this essay I shall argue that this common view is mistaken. Lockean theorists should reject labor mixing as the preferred method of first appropriation, and should adopt a different account of first appropriation instead. This is because labor mixing does not serve the central justification for the institution of property embraced by Lockeans. Thus, my argument is internal to the Lockean system; I rely only on premises that (many) Lockean theorists embrace. Though Lockeans should forsake labor mixing, that does not mean they should give up on property rights and the idea of first appropriation. In the paper’s final section, I sketch an account of first appropriation that Lockeans should embrace.
A Descriptive Study of Transplant Coordinator Job Satisfaction
Authors: Lerret Stacee M. , Stendahl Gail , Alexander Susan , Pendegraft Amanda , Hoy Haley
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Substantial growth in the field of transplantation in recent years has increased the need for transplant coordinators. The growing need for these highly skilled clinicians warrants a review of characteristics that increase job satisfaction, an important consideration for transplant centers.

Research question:

The study described transplant coordinators’ perceptions of job satisfaction in their current positions.

Design:

This study evaluated transplant coordinator job satisfaction conducted on 3 separate occasions at US geographically diverse sites. Two instruments, the Vermont Nurses: Job Analysis and Retention Survey and an investigator-designed role and demographic survey, were used to capture study participants’ attitudes regarding elements of job satisfaction, design, and involvement.

Results:

Demographic characteristics of study participants (N = 133) reveal a largely female population (n = 113, 85%) employed full time (n = 124, 93%) in a hospital setting (n = 106, 80%). Scores for items related to job satisfaction, design, and involvement were generally positive. Participants reported being less satisfied for characteristics including promotion opportunities, fringe benefits, and attention to career development provided by employers.

Conclusion:

As annual rates of transplants continue to increase across the United States, the need for growing and retaining talented staff in transplant care settings is even more critical. Results of the study suggest that while transplant coordinators remain largely satisfied with the challenges and personal fulfillment associated with their positions, opportunities for professional development may improve retention and recruitment. Specifically, supporting career development and providing formalized evaluation and supervision were identified as areas of improvement within this specialized group of clinicians.