bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on variation of grinding temperature of wind turbine blade robotic grinding
Authors: Dai Shijie , Wang Xiaojun , Zhang Huibo , Wen Birong
Published: November 2020

As a large composite curved surface component, the wind turbine blade is easy to suffer from grinding burn if the grinding parameters are improperly selected during the robot grinding process, which will seriously affect the surface grinding quality. In order to effectively predict the surface grinding temperature of robot grinding wind turbine blade, the curved surface grinding heat source model was established according to the material removal depth of any grinding point in the grinding contact area, and the temperature field under different grinding process parameters was numerically simulated using finite element method. The comparison between simulation and experiment indicates that the temperature on both sides of grinding contact area is higher than the middle temperature, and the maximum grinding temperature value appears on the cut-out side of the cup wheel. The maximum grinding temperature increases as increasing the wheel speed, feed rate and maximum grinding depth, feed rate is the biggest influence factor on the grinding temperature. The maximum grinding temperature of finite element simulation is in good agreement with the experimental results and the maximum relative error is <6%. The research results reveal the variation law between the curved surface grinding parameters and grinding temperature of curved surface grinding, which provides reference and basis for the prediction of grinding temperature of the wind turbine blade ground by robot.
Linear and nonlinear dynamics of hybrid systems
Authors: Hedrih Katica R (Stevanović)
Published: November 2020

Discrete continuum method for investigation of linear and nonlinear dynamics of hybrid systems containing coupled multi deformable bodies is presented. By use coupled rods, beams, strings, plates and membranes by discrete continuum mass less layers as well as layers with translator and rotator inertia properties into series of hybrid system dynamics are investigated and phenomenological mappings in dynamics of these different real systems are identified. Expressions of generalized forces of subsystem interactions in hybrid system are presented by component mechanical energies and functions of energy dissipations. A model of dynamical dislocations with inertia properties in plate is presented. Transfer energy between subsystems is investigated. Constitutive relation of standard elements of discrete continuum coupling layers with translator and rolling inertia properties, nonlinear elastic and fractional order properties are presented. Interaction between two coupled linear and nonlinear system, each with one degree of freedom as well as dynamics of discrete no homogeneous chain are considered in the light of mathematical analogy for obtaining eigen time functions of solutions of component deformable body displacements in hybrid system dynamics.

For pointing out the major contributions outlined in the manuscript it is necessary to add: The manuscript contains reviews on results obtained of a few scientific problems of nonlinear dynamics, namely, for stochastic stability of vibration modes of a parametrically excited sandwich beam, transversal vibrations of axially moving double belt system, multi deformable bodies coupled by standard light fractional type discrete continuum layers. New model of dynamical dislocation in continuum is proposed and analyzed

Series of the original results of author’s doctorates supervised is listed.
Experimental investigation into the longitudinal resistance of ballasted railway track
Authors: Zakeri Jabbar Ali , Yousefian Kaveh
Published: November 2020

In this paper, a new test method and a measurement technique were proposed to evaluate the track longitudinal resistance (TLR). The three-stage track longitudinal behavior was assessed. The track longitudinal stiffness (TLS) and track longitudinal resistance force (TLRF) were defined based on the analyses of force-displacement curves in each test. Next, the effect of ballast geometry on these two parameters was scrutinized. The resisting mechanism was described. Finally, the share of ballast geometry components in providing the TLS was determined, and contribution percentages were verified by comparing the results with those of previous studies. Nine test conditions were considered. The ballast depth (BD) was set at 30 cm, 40 cm, and 50 cm. In each ballast depth, the TLR was evaluated with and without the crib and shoulder ballasts. The average values of TLS and TLRF were obtained as 22.94 kN/mm and 35.52 kN, and the total share of the base, crib, and shoulder ballast was calculated as 21%, 67%, and 12%, respectively. It was found that the crib ballast had the most impact on the TLS and enhanced the TLS and TLRF up to 4.11 and 3.25 times.
Experimental research of absorption properties of rigid foam filled circular seamless tube energy absorber under quasi-static axial load
Authors: Tanasković J , Franklin F , Mitrović A , Dišić A
Published: November 2020

The aim of this research work is investigations of absorption characteristics of a circular seamless tube collision absorber filled by rigid polyurethane (PU) foam under axial load. Shrinking of circular tube passing through cone bushing starts after absorber is activated at the moment of collision. The energy absorption realises in three ways: elastic-plastic deformation of the tube wall, friction between absorption elements and compression the rigid PU foam inside the tube. Using rigid PU foam, as the seamless tube filler, in the process of collision energy absorption increases absorption power in comparing to with only empty tube, as well as gives gradual increases of deformation resistance during deformation process. Experimental research was prepared and realized in the laboratory using the scaled samples. The effect of rigid PU foam, configuration of absorber filled by PU foam on the absorption power and manufacturing technology of the samples, are considered and discussed in this paper. The results indicate that the shrinking foam filled tube absorber has for about 18% bigger absorption power than the empty one. Formation of numerical model and numerical analyses of shrinking foam filled tube absorber were realized using ANSYS software package. Force vs. stroke (F(s)) diagrams obtained by tests and numerical analyses are in a good correlation which confirms formed numerical model as a suitable for further quasi-static analyses and for dimensioning the similar types of absorber.
Prosocial Influence and Opportunistic Conformity in Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Chierchia Gabriele , Piera Pi-Sunyer Blanca , Blakemore Sarah-Jayne
Published: November 2020

Adolescence is associated with heightened social influence, especially from peers. This can lead to detrimental decision-making in domains such as risky behavior but may also raise opportunities for prosocial behavior. We used an incentivized charitable-donations task to investigate how people revise decisions after learning about the donations of others and how this is affected by age ( N = 220; age range = 11–35 years). Our results showed that the probability of social influence decreased with age within this age range. In addition, whereas previous research has suggested that adults are more likely to conform to the behavior of selfish others than to the behavior of prosocial others, here we observed no evidence of such an asymmetry in midadolescents. We discuss possible interpretations of these findings in relation to the social context of the task, the perceived value of money, and social decision-making across development.
Linking Detail to Temporal Structure in Naturalistic-Event Recall
Authors: Diamond Nicholas B. , Levine Brian
Published: November 2020

Decades of memory research demonstrate the importance of temporal organization in recall dynamics, using laboratory stimuli (i.e., word lists) at seconds- to minutes-long delays. Little is known, however, about such organization in recall of richer and more remote real-world experiences, in which the focus is usually on memory content without reference to event order. Here, 119 younger and older adults freely recalled extended real-world experiences, for which the encoding sequence was controlled, after 2 days or 1 week. We paired analytical tools from the list-learning and autobiographical memory literatures to measure spontaneous contextual dynamics and details in these recall narratives. Recall dynamics were organized by temporal context (contiguity and forward asymmetry), and organization was reduced in older age, despite similar serial position effects and recall initiation across age groups. Across participants, organization was positively associated with richness of episodic detail, providing evidence for a link between reexperiencing past events and reinstating their spatiotemporal context.
‘Let Me Tell You’: Transitional Justice, Victimhood and Dealing with a Contested Past
Authors: Lawther Cheryl
Published: November 2020

This article explores the intersection between the politics and construction of victimhood in transitional societies and the use of truth recovery as a platform for the creation of hierarchies of truth. It explores how, in a context of contested victimhood and an unresolved past, the ‘political currency’ of victimhood may lead to the domination and embellishment of certain voices and narratives and the concurrent silencing of others. As this article will then demonstrate, when applied to the debate on truth recovery, the capturing of victims’ voice and agency can manifest in a damaging ‘truth as trumps’ dynamic and recourse to ‘whataboutery’ in which one call for truth or the recovery of truth as significant to one side of the community is countered by that of a more ‘significant’ or more ‘important’ truth on the part of the other. The paper argues for the inculcation of a culture political generosity in transitional contexts as a way to begin to ameliorate these challenges.
How does employment respond to minimum wage adjustment in China?
Authors: Wye Chung-Khain , Bahri Elya Nabila Abdul
Published: November 2020

Under what circumstances can minimum wages increase without adverse effects on employment levels? In 31 Chinese provinces between 2004 and 2015, the employment effect of a minimum wage depended on the minimum wage level, foreign direct investment, per capita gross domestic product and labour productivity. A minimum wage increase reduced hiring as foreign direct investment inflow rose, regardless of the amount of investment. Any positive employment effect of a minimum wage increase was mitigated by per capita gross domestic product growth, except when per capita gross domestic product was above the average. Above-average labour productivity enhancement significantly mitigated the adverse employment effect of the minimum wage. Employers responded to a rising minimum wage by increasing hiring when the geometric growth rates of the minimum wage and foreign direct investment for a particular province within a period of time were above the overall average across provinces. However, they scrutinised both annual and overall economic growth within a time period when making hiring decisions in the face of minimum wage adjustments. An inverted U-shape relationship between minimum wages and employment suggest a maximum threshold value for the minimum wage. Thus, government policy measures should foster short-term and long-term economic growth, to facilitate employment creation when minimum wages increase.

JEL Codes:

J38, J21, F16, O40
Over-regulation of Indigenous law? The Burial and Cremation Bill 2019 (NT)
Authors: Gray Stephen
Published: November 2020

The Northern Territory’s Burial and Cremation Bill 2019 has been criticised as a gross form of disrespect to traditional Aboriginal law, with Indigenous people arguing that the Bill criminalises the operation of Aboriginal law on Aboriginal land, and may lead to an increase in already high incarceration rates. Should the law in this area seek to strike a ‘balance’ between Aboriginal law and the policy goals of non-Aboriginal law, including policing and record-keeping; or should Indigenous people be left free to carry out traditional law in an area of great cultural and historical sensitivity?
Sociocultural Practices Affecting the Care of Preterm Infants in the Ghanaian Community
Authors: Adama Esther Abena , Sundin Deborah , Bayes Sara
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Although culture is an integral part of health, there is scarcity of evidence on the influence of culture on caregiving experiences of parents of preterm infants. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of sociocultural practices on caring for preterm infants in the Ghanaian community.

Method

Narrative inquiry was utilized to explore the influence of sociocultural practices on the care of preterm infants from 21 mothers, 9 fathers, and 12 household members. Data were collected through face-to-face semistructured interviews and observations at participants’ homes.

Results

Analysis of data resulted in three threads/themes—respect for the elderly, use of herbal medicines, and communal living.

Discussion

Community and extended family members have great influence on the care of preterm infants. Traditional herbal medicines are considered effective in treating traditional illnesses among preterm infants. Understanding the influence of culture on the care of vulnerable preterm infants in the community is essential in developing interventions for infant survival.
Performance-Based Practice: Clinical Dashboards for Addiction Treatment Retention
Authors: Patterson Silver Wolf David A. , BlackDeer Autumn Asher , Beeler-Stinn Sara , Zheng Ken , Stazrad Kristin
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are on the rise, particularly concerning opioids, and existing services are still not adequately meeting treatment needs. Most treatment dropouts occur within the first few weeks of treatment, indicating health improvement is likely not occurring. In this study, a clinical dashboard tool has shown promising utility with increasing retention in SUD treatment.

Method:

This pilot study was designed to measure the effects of implementing a performance-based practice clinical dashboard tool and having a process for monitoring patients’ recovery in a Midwestern SUD treatment center.

Results:

The results demonstrated the efficacy of a clinical dashboard tool that complements therapists’ monitoring and measuring of their patients’ performance.

Discussion:

Results support a building knowledge base about the impact of real-time, evidence-based tools on the retention and support of clients seeking SUD treatment.
Band-Aids and Kisses Can’t Fix It: Mothers’ and Daughters’ Perceptions of Non-Death Loss and Boundary Ambiguity
Authors: Bojczyk Kathryn E. , Haverback Heather R.
Published: November 2020

The goal of this study was to explore middle aged mothers’ and young adult daughters’ perceptions of the impact of non-death loss. This qualitative study explored perceptions of loss and boundary ambiguity of 24 mother-daughter dyads through individual interviews. All mothers and daughters described losses such as illness, the daughters’ launching, and dissolution of relationships that impacted the mother-daughter relationship. Comparison of mothers’ and daughters’ descriptions of the impacts of loss revealed convergence and divergence in their descriptions of associated levels of boundary ambiguity. Although experiences of loss do seem to be a universal human experience, perceptions regarding the impact of loss on both the individual and the mother-daughter dyad vary greatly.
The Effect of Motivational Interviewing on Adherence to Treatment and Quality of Life in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ok Elif , Kutlu Yasemin
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of motivational interviewing (MI) on adherence to treatment and quality of life in chronic hemodialysis patients. This study was conducted with a randomized controlled pretest, posttest, and follow-up design from March to July 2016 in the hemodialysis center. After the intervention ( n = 30) and control groups ( n = 30) completed a pretest, patients in the intervention group received four individual face-to face MI sessions per month. Then both groups participated in a posttest, 3 months after which a follow-up was conducted. A significant increase in adherence to treatment (according to both subjective and objective data) was observed in the experimental group compared to the control group. No significant difference was found between the two groups in their quality of life scores; however, within the experimental group, there was a significant increase in these scores between the posttest and the 3-month follow-up.
H∞ Control law for line of sight stabilization in two-axis gimbal system
Authors: Ashok Kumar M , Kanthalakshmi S
Published: November 2020

A two-axis gimbaled stabilization system in air vehicles must stabilize the line of sight of the payload toward a target against the external motion induced by air vehicle maneuvering and aerodynamic forces. The target tracking and pointing performances of the air vehicles are largely affected by air vehicle motion decoupling capability. In this work, the [Formula: see text] controller design is carried out for a two-axis gimbal system. The plant model is generated using experimental frequency response data and mathematical formulation of the system. The mixed sensitivity problem is posed and weighting functions are selected so that they not only fulfill all the design goals but also accommodate the modeling uncertainties. The stabilization loop is designed and implemented in digital signal processor-based hardware for only one axis (in azimuth).
A Pregnant Patient With a Large Anterior Mediastinal Mass for Thymectomy Requiring One-Lung Anesthesia
Authors: Ho Anthony M.-H. , Pang Etonia , Wan Innes P. W. , Yeung Eugene , Wan Song , Mizubuti Glenio B.
Published: November 2020

Anesthetic management for anterior mediastinal mass resection is often challenging. The main concern being that the tumor might, on reduction in muscle tone, cause circulatory and/or airway collapse. In the setting of pregnancy, the expected physiologic changes (eg, increased oxygen demand, decreased functional residual capacity, and aortocaval compression) may further increase the risks. The objective of this report is to present a challenging case of a pregnant woman undergoing an anterior mediastinal mass resection with the additional rare requirement for one-lung anesthesia, and to describe the perioperative considerations and the plan executed to ensure a successful outcome. A 30-year-old pregnant (23 weeks) patient with a large anterior mediastinal mass and evidence of significant cardiovascular and tracheobronchial compression presented for thymectomy requiring one-lung ventilation. Anesthesia consisted of preoperative preparation, thoughtful selection of vascular access sites, preservation of spontaneous ventilation until sternotomy was accomplished, use of bronchial blocker and readily reversible pharmacologic agents, availability of backup airway and oxygenation plans, standby high-frequency ventilation, and anticipation of postoperative respiratory difficulties. Surgical considerations included the possibility of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and the need for lifting the thymoma to relieve the compression of the mediastinum. A methodical and multidisciplinary plan is described to mitigate the risk of cardiorespiratory collapse in the setting of anterior mediastinal mass resection. Backup measures in case of catastrophe, as well as careful consideration of the physiologic changes of pregnancy, must be taken into account.
Efficacy and safety of single Ultrasound Cyclo-Plasty to treat refractory glaucoma: Results at 1 year
Authors: Longfang Zhou , Die Hu , Jie Lan , Yameng Liu , Mingyuan Lv , Xiaojing Pan
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of single Ultrasound Cyclo-Plasty (UCP) in the treatment of advanced refractory glaucoma.

Methods:

From January 2018 to August 2018, 25 patients (25 eyes) with refractory glaucoma and intraocular pressure (IOP) not controlled by drugs or conventional filtering surgery were included in the study. All subjects (neovascular glaucoma [ n = 12], secondary glaucoma [ n = 6], angle closure glaucoma [ n = 6], and primary open angle glaucoma [ n = 1]) underwent 8-sector Ultrasound Cyclo-Plasty. Patients were followed-up at Day 1, Week 1, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, during which the IOP, the number of IOP lowering drugs and the occurrence of ocular complications were recorded. Clinical outcomes were IOP reduction, success rate, and ocular complications. According to the glaucoma type, patients were divided into a neovascular group (NVG) and a non-NVG group for sub-analysis.

Results:

All patients underwent a single UCP procedure and mean IOP reduced significantly from 39.7 ± 6.1 mmHg before UCP to 27.1 ± 11.0 mmHg at 1 year ( p < 0.01) corresponding to a mean IOP reduction of 29.6%. The mean number of IOP-lowering drugs used was 2.4 ± 1.2 at baseline and 2.3 ± 1.0 at 12 months. Success rate after a single UCP procedure was achieved in 41.7% patients at 1 year, with a higher success rate in non-NVG than in the NVG group. No major postoperative complications were reported. The main complication was conjunctival congestion, anterior chamber inflammation, scleral ring congestion, and scleral inprint. Of these, scleral ring congestion and scleral imprint are relatively rare complications, which can still be observed 12 months after UCP treatment.

Conclusion:

UCP for refractory glaucoma is effective in reducing IOP and has a good safety profile. Success rate is lower after a single UCP in NVG than for other types of glaucoma.
Evaluation of the reasons for the microvascular changes in patients with Fabry disease using optic coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Dogan Cezmi , Gonen Busenur , Dincer Mevlut Tamer , Mergen Burak , Kiykim Ertugrul , Bakir Alev , Trabulus Sinan , Yetik Huseyin , Seyahi Nurhan
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To investigate the blood flow changes in the choriocapillaris and the superficial and deep capillary plexus of the retina using optic coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with Fabry disease (FD) and reveal any possible association of these changes with the systemic findings.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 38 patients with FD and age- and gender-matched 40 healthy controls. OCTA images were obtained from all patients. Superficial (sCVD) and deep capillary vascular density (dCVD) in the foveal, parafoveal, and perifoveal zones and the whole image were recorded for each patient. Flow area in the choriocapillaris and central macular thickness (CMT) were also recorded.

Results:

Patients with FD showed a lower whole image (54.45 ± 5.99% vs 57.32 ± 6.71%, p = 0.004), foveal (34.94 ± 7.60% vs 39.65 ± 7.03%, p = 0.003), parafoveal (57.41 ± 4.85% vs 59.19 ± 4.67%, p = 0.043), and perifoveal (55.87 ± 6.43% vs 58.87 ± 7.02%, p = 0.003) dCVD compared to the healthy controls without a significant difference in the sCVD and choriocapillaris blood flow ( p > 0.05). A significantly lower whole image and foveal dCVD in the FD patients with renal involvement was observed compared to the healthy controls ( p = 0.027 and p = 0.024, respectively) without any significant difference between the FD patients without renal involvement and healthy controls ( p = 0.17 and p = 0.13, respectively). CMT was significantly higher in FD patients with renal involvement compared to the ones without renal involvement (252.1 ± 18.5 µm vs 235.5 ± 17.6 µm, p = 0.016).

Conclusion:

Patients with FD showed a lower dCVD without any change in sCVD and choriocapillaris compared to the healthy controls. This decrease was associated mostly with the renal involvement and duration of treatment.
Atypical bilateral acute retinal necrosis in a coronavirus disease 2019 positive immunosuppressed patient
Authors: Gupta Ankur , Dixit Bhavini , Stamoulas Konstantinos , Akshikar Rashmi
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To present the clinical features of a rare case of atypical acute retinal necrosis in a Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive immunosuppressed patient.

Methods:

Retrospective observational case report.

Results:

A 75-year-old lady presented with a left eye pan uveitis picture with vitritis and extensive peripheral and mid-peripheral necrotising retinitis. In the right eye, she had a very mild superior peripheral retinitis with minimal anterior or vitreous inflammation. Two months prior to her diagnosis she completed a course of rituximab and chlorambucil chemotherapy for a relapse of diffuse large cell B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The patient’s nasopharyngeal swabs tested positive for COVID-19 in a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. The vitreous sample PCR tested positive for Varicella Zoster Virus and was negative for SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusion and Significance:

To the best of our knowledge this is the first description of a case that has undergone vitreous PCR testing for COVID-19. It is interesting to note the high level of vitreous inflammation which would not be expected in an immunosuppressed state. We present a number of possible links between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the unusual ocular presentation of bilateral VZV viral retinitis in this patient. While extra ocular VZV outbreaks have been reported with rituximab treated patients, this report should also raise the awareness of VZV related viral retinitis in DLBCL patients on rituximab chemotherapy which is a very rare occurrence. This case may provide some evidence to healthcare policy makers who are making decisions regarding the re-introduction of routine Ophthalmic surgery.
Implementing the new normal in ophthalmology care beyond COVID-19
Authors: Chandra Aman , Romano Mario R , Ting Daniel SW , Chao Daniel L
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the clinical landscape immeasurably. The need to physical distance requires rethinking how we deliver ophthalmic care. Within healthcare, we will need to focus our resources on the five T’s: Utilising technology, multidisciplinary clinical teams with wide professional talents need to work efficiently to reduce patient contact time. With regular testing, this will allow us to reduce the risk further. We also must acknowledge the explosion of different modalities to train our future ophthalmologists and the global challenges and advantages that these bring. Finally, we must not forget the psychological impact that this pandemic will have on ophthalmologists and ancillary staff, and need to have robust mechanisms for support.
Arthroscopic iliopsoas tenotomies: a systematic review of surgical technique and outcomes
Authors: Coulomb Remy , Nougarede Bastien , Maury Etienne , Marchand Philippe , Mares Olivier , Kouyoumdjian Pascal
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate the technique, results and complications of arthroscopic iliopsoas tenotomies either on native hips or total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods:

A systematic review was performed using 3 databases: PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane library from January 2000 to December 2018 in accordance with the PRISMA procedure. The literature search, data extraction and quality assessment were conducted by 2 independent reviewers. Surgical technique, clinical outcomes, recurrences and complication rate were evaluated.

Results:

Out of 115 articles reviewed, 20 articles concerned native hips and 8 articles THA. 3 levels of release were described. For native hips, the recurrence rate was higher for central compartment than peripheral or lesser trochanter releases. Complication rates were similar for hip arthroscopy but remained low in all series. Loss of strength was evaluated mainly using the MRC muscle scale. Most studies noted strength recovery. MRI analysis of muscle atrophy was greater for lesser trochanter than for central compartment release but unrelated to loss of strength. The complication rate was low for tenotomy after THA, heterotopic ossification being the most common complication.

Conclusions:

Central compartment releases lead to the highest rate of recurrence due to incomplete release. Peripheral releases have a potential risk of vascular injury. The lesser trochanteric approach has the disadvantage of not having direct access to the joint. The main difficulty with THA lies in the diagnosis of cup/iliopsoas impingement. Diagnostic tests with infiltration should be made before iliopsoas release to prevent its failure. Cup protrusion of over 8mm is a potential indication for acetabular revision.
Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of Isradipine During Outpatient Buprenorphine Stabilization and Detoxification: A Pilot Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Kumar Nihit , Mancino Michael J , Thostenson Jeff D , McGaugh Janette , Oliveto Alison H
Published: November 2020

Background:

Given the immense burden of the widespread use of opioids around the world, exploring treatments that improve drug use outcomes, and craving and withdrawal measures in individuals with opioid use disorder is crucial. This pilot study examined the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of the L-type calcium-channel blocker isradipine (ISR) to improve drug use outcomes, and craving and withdrawal measures during buprenorphine (BUP)/ISR stabilization and subsequent taper in opioid-dependent individuals.

Methods:

Participants were stabilized on BUP sublingual tablets within the first 2 days of week 1, were then randomized and inducted on either ISR or placebo, gradually increasing the dose over the next 2 weeks, followed by a 10-day BUP taper during weeks 5-6, and ISR/placebo taper during weeks 7 to 8. Assessments included thrice-weekly measures of craving and withdrawal, as well as vital signs and urine drug screens. Medication compliance was assessed by monitoring number of missed clinic visit days.

Results:

Baseline characteristics of participants (n = 25; 60% male, 96% Caucasian, 48% employed, mean age 32.8 years) did not differ significantly between treatment groups (isradipine, n = 11; placebo, n = 14). During the stabilization phase (n = 19), ISR participants had significantly lower rates of illicit opioid-positive urines (treatment × visit: t = -2.16, P = 0.03), as well as reduction in craving intensity ( t = –2.50, P = 0.01), frequency ( t = –3.43, P < 0.01) and duration ( t = –2.51, P = 0.01). ISR was well tolerated with mild adverse effects.

Conclusions:

This study was likely underpowered due to being a pilot trial. Although preliminary results suggest ISR may improve BUP-assisted treatment outcomes, concerns about high number of exclusions (n = 11 during taper phase) based on cardiovascular measures as well as ISR-induced changes in vital signs with the immediate release formulation may limit the feasibility of this approach.

Trial Registration:

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01895270. Registered 10 July 2013, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01895270?id=NCT01895270&draw=2&rank=1
Effects of Sleep Deprivation on the Tryptophan Metabolism
Authors: Bhat Abid , Pires Ananda Staats , Tan Vanessa , Babu Chidambaram Saravana , Guillemin Gilles J
Published: November 2020

Sleep has a regulatory role in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and cellular functions. Inadequate sleep time and sleep disorders have become more prevalent in the modern lifestyle. Fragmentation of sleep pattern alters critical intracellular second messengers and neurotransmitters which have key functions in brain development and behavioral functions. Tryptophan metabolism has also been found to get altered in SD and it is linked to various neurodegenerative diseases. The kynurenine pathway is a major regulator of the immune response. Adequate sleep alleviates neuroinflammation and facilitates the cellular clearance of metabolic toxins produced within the brain, while sleep deprivation activates the enzymatic degradation of tryptophan via the kynurenine pathway, which results in an increased accumulation of neurotoxic metabolites. SD causes increased production and accumulation of kynurenic acid in various regions of the brain. Higher levels of kynurenic acid have been found to trigger apoptosis, leads to cognitive decline, and inhibit neurogenesis. This review aims to link the impact of sleep deprivation on tryptophan metabolism and associated complication in the brain.
Organizational inclusion and identity regulation: How inclusive organizations form ‘Good’, ‘Glorious’ and ‘Grateful’ refugees
Authors: Ortlieb Renate , Glauninger Elena , Weiss Silvana
Published: November 2020

Do inclusive organizations live up to the term ‘inclusion’? Diversity literature depicts the inclusive organization as an ideal entity that welcomes social minorities who, in turn, feel valued and unique and have a sense of belonging to the organization. Our study offers a critical account of inclusion concepts and practice. We argue that proponents of inclusion overlook that inclusive organizations also may regulate workers’ identities. To examine the relationship between organizational inclusion and identity regulation we conceptualise inclusion as a process involving various organizational actors and practices. Drawing on a multiple-case study of refugees working in Austria we show how organizational practices aimed at inclusion contribute to the forming of refugees as ‘good’, ‘glorious’ and ‘grateful’ subjects. This identity regulation is ambivalent: while it allows refugees to work in inclusive organizations, it also constrains their sense of self.
Effects of an integrated respiratory service on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease hospital admissions in England: An interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Elwenspoek Martha MC , Jones Tim , Dodd James W
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To investigate the effects of an admission avoidance pathway within a new integrated respiratory service on the number of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)-related hospital admissions in England.

Methods

We used interrupted time series analysis to estimate the effects of the admission avoidance pathway on COPD hospital admissions, length of stay, and 30-day readmissions. We included all unplanned admissions with COPD as primary diagnosis using Hospital Episode Statistics, comparing the intervention region with a demographically similar control region in the two years before and one year after the implementation of the new service.

Results

Unplanned hospital admissions for COPD exacerbations followed a clear seasonal pattern, peaking in early winter. We found no evidence that the admission avoidance pathway influenced the rate of hospital admissions or 30-day readmissions. We found weak evidence of a trend change in length of stay following the launch of the admission avoidance pathway.

Conclusions

Our study adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests that additional admission avoidance capacity alone does not lead to a measurable reduction in admissions or length of stay. Further investigation is required to understand the reasons why. A longer follow-up may be required to see some of the potential benefits.
Motivating students for physical activity: What can we learn from student perspectives?
Authors: Boonekamp Gwendolijn MM , Dierx John AJ , Jansen Erik
Published: November 2020

Regular physical activity (PA) contributes to lifelong health and well-being. Adolescents in the Netherlands do not engage in sufficient PA, leading to serious health risks. The purpose of this study is to inform PA-enhancing strategies. This paper offers a unique method for analysing students’ perspectives about opportunities for PA in their school environments. The research method combines two approaches: a Health Promoting Schools (HPS) approach, which supports children’s development by using the school setting to promote PA, and a salutogenic approach, which engages all students in dialogue and reflection to identify factors or ‘assets’ that enhance their PA. Ninety-three students aged 12–14 from four secondary pre-vocational education schools participated in two group sessions in which the structured interview matrix and photovoice methods were employed. In these sessions, the students interacted with each other about four asset categories: talents, passions, the social environment and the physical environment. Thematic analyses of their dialogues led to three main insights: (a) students must perceive the activities as meaningful, appealing, contextually possible and manageable; (b) they use a wide variety of reasoning processes when deciding whether to engage in PA; and (c) it is valuable to invite students to share their individual perspectives on assets related to PA. All these aspects connect to the goals of both HPS and salutogenesis. We conclude that shifting the focus towards developing school-based interventions that build on student perspectives and active participation provides students with realistic opportunities for shaping PA and motivates them to be more physically active.
Students of Academic Capitalism: Emotional Dimensions in the Commercialization of Higher Education
Authors: Gretzky Maria , Lerner Julia
Published: November 2020

This article spotlights the emotional aspect of the commercialization of university studies. Whereas the literature on current challenges of higher education highlights the students’ customer role, we reveal how neoliberal studenthood combines a consumerist worldview with the discourse of emotional experience. The narratives of Israeli students in the present article show consumerist–emotional therapeutic duality in the ways they make sense of their encounter with the university. Students evaluate how their professors meet their emotional, therapeutic, and consumer needs and perceive the knowledge they acquire as providing them with both pragmatic skills and emotional experience. We argue that this duality is significant to the emerging culture of ‘academic capitalism’ and show how the commercialized feelings and pragmatics of self-development operate as a manifestation of ‘emotional capitalism’.
Temperature gradient modeling of a steel box-girder suspension bridge using Copulas probabilistic method and field monitoring
Authors: Zhang Haiping , Liu Yang , Deng Yang
Published: November 2020

A novel copula-based probabilistic model is proposed to establish the temperature difference analysis model for a long-span suspension bridge’s steel box girder. The key idea is to express a two-dimensional function of the temperature difference in flat steel box girder by using copulas. The maximum and minimum values of daily temperature difference model was developed using long-terms structural health monitoring data. Then, the correlation between adjacent temperature differences is investigated using five types of copulas. Akaike information criterion (AIC) is used to select an optimal model from five types of copulas, and the optimal joint function (two-dimensional function) for steel box girder’s temperature difference is established. Finally, the structure’s temperature gradient model is extrapolated for the service life of the structure by using Monte Carlo method. Moreover, this paper discusses the temperature gradient models using five types of common copulas and four types of time-varying copulas. The result shows that the t-copula is the optimal function to build the two-dimensional functions for steel box girder’s temperature difference, and the temperature model along the transverse direction can offer useful information that is not available in the design codes.
Chronic limb threatening ischemia and diabetes mellitus: the severity of tibial atherosclerosis and outcome after infrapopliteal revascularization
Authors: Koivunen Veerakaisa , Juonala Markus , Mikkola Kimmo , Hakovirta Harri
Published: November 2020

Background and objective:

Diabetes mellitus associates with poor outcomes in chronic limb threatening ischemia but data on different hypoglycemic regimens and outcomes are lacking. We analyzed insulin-treated diabetes mellitus, non-insulin-treated diabetes mellitus, and patients without diabetes mellitus.

Methods:

All patients with peripheral artery disease and/or diabetes mellitus and infrapopliteal revascularization in the Department of Vascular Surgery, Turku University Hospital during 2007–2015 were included. Tibial atherosclerosis was categorized into crural index classes of I–IV.

Results:

Of the 497 patients, 180 were insulin-treated diabetes mellitus, 94 non-insulin-treated diabetes mellitus, and 223 patients without diabetes mellitus groups (diabetes mellitus 55.1%). Insulin-treated diabetes mellitus was the most ill, youngest (insulin-treated diabetes mellitus—median: 72.4, interquartile range: 64.0–79.5 versus non-insulin-treated diabetes mellitus—76.0, interquartile range: 67.9–83.6 versus patients without diabetes mellitus—77.3, interquartile range: 68.5–83.7, p < 0.001), had the highest body mass index (insulin-treated diabetes mellitus—median: 27.7, interquartile range: 24.0–31.8 versus non-insulin-treated diabetes mellitus—26.3, interquartile range: 23.2–30.3 versus patients without diabetes mellitus—23.9, interquartile range: 21.5–26.9, p < 0.001), and Charlson comorbidity index (insulin-treated diabetes mellitus—65.6% versus non-insulin-treated diabetes mellitus—46.8% versus patients without diabetes mellitus—10.8%, p < 0.001). After endovascular revascularization, limb salvage was poorer for insulin-treated diabetes mellitus ( p = 0.046) and non-insulin-treated diabetes mellitus groups ( p = 0.011) compared to surgery, but not for patients without diabetes mellitus ( p = 0.15). Patients with crural index IV in insulin-treated diabetes mellitus ( p = 0.001) and non-insulin-treated diabetes mellitus ( p = 0.013) had higher mortality after revascularization. Crural index IV was a risk factor for limb loss (hazard ratio: 1.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.08–1.74, p = 0.008).

Conclusions:

Limb salvage after bypass is better for insulin and non-insulin diabetics, compared to the endovascular approach. Extensive tibial atherosclerosis is an independent risk factor for limb loss. It associates with increased mortality in both insulin and non-insulin diabetics.
Determination of localized stress–strain behavior of fused silica: Inverse numerical analysis from nanoindentation test
Authors: Bootchai Suparat , Noraphaiphipaksa Nitikorn , Taweejun Nipon , Manonukul Anchalee , Kanchanomai Chaosuan
Published: November 2020

Because the localized mechanical properties of fused silica are unlikely to be obtained via conventional tensile testing, an inverse numerical analysis has been applied to deduce these properties using the load–displacement curve from nanoindentation testing. The mechanical properties were initially assumed, and the load–displacement curve was numerically simulated using three-dimensional elastic–plastic finite element analysis. The mechanical properties were adjusted until the numerical curve corresponded to the experimental curve, and then the localized mechanical properties in the vicinity of an indentation could be estimated. Unfortunately, the inverse numerical analysis requires time-consuming numerical calculation, involving many repetitions, by experienced researchers. In the present work, the influence of mechanical properties on the nanoindentation parameters of fused silica was evaluated, and the systematical adjustment of mechanical properties to obtain a satisfactory load–displacement curve has been proposed. It is considered that this procedure can be applied for the evaluation of localized stress–strain behavior of fused silica.
Are self-description scales better than agree/disagree scales?
Authors: Timbrook Jerry , Smyth Jolene D , Olson Kristen
Published: November 2020

Questions using agree/disagree (A/D) scales are ubiquitous in survey research because they save time and space on questionnaires through display in grids, but they have also been criticized for being prone to acquiescent reports. Alternatively, questions using self-description (SD) scales (asking respondents how well a statement describes them from Completely to Not at All) can also be presented in grids or with a common question stem, and by omitting the word agree, SD scales may reduce acquiescence. However, no research has examined how response patterns may differ across A/D and SD scales. In this article, we compare survey estimates, item nonresponse and nondifferentiation across these two types of scales in a mail survey. We find that SD scales outperform A/D scales for non-socially desirable questions that ask about positive topics. For questions that ask about negative topics, we find that estimates for SD items are significantly more negative than A/D items. This may occur because the SD scale is unipolar and has only one negative response option ( Not at All), whereas the bipolar A/D scale has two negative response options ( Disagree and Strongly Disagree). We recommend that researchers use SD scales for non-socially desirable positive valence questions.
Healthcare professionals’ perspectives on rehabilitating persons with cognitive impairment
Authors: McGilton Katherine S , Vellani Shirin , Zheng Nancy , Wang Daniel , Yeung Lydia , Escrig-Pinol Astrid
Published: November 2020

Background and Objectives

Despite emerging evidence that persons with cognitive impairment (CI) (including dementia and/or delirium) can be rehabilitated post-hip fracture surgery, there still remains a paucity of research on best practice rehabilitation strategies that help healthcare providers effectively rehabilitate persons with CI. Therefore, this qualitative study explores healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) perspectives who have been successfully providing rehabilitation for people with CI.

Research Design and Methods

Sixteen HCPs with a specialty in rehabilitating persons with CI from one inpatient rehabilitation facility with various professional backgrounds were purposively sampled using a maximum diversity sampling strategy. Three focus group discussions were conducted to explore their experiences of providing rehabilitation to persons with CI. A hybrid inductive–deductive approach was used to analyze the data.

Findings

HCPs acknowledged that older adults with CI deserved the opportunity for inpatient rehabilitation and that good outcomes were achievable; however, their knowledge, skills, and attitudes required reframing. The analysis identified three essential components to rehabilitation: (1) staff education and support, (2) tailored rehabilitation approaches, and (3) care partner involvement and support.

Discussion and Implications

Rehabilitation of persons with CI post-hip fracture surgery is achievable, and HCPs can learn to modify their practices to achieve positive patient outcomes. The attitudes of the healthcare team members had to be shifted to embrace the belief that persons with CI can be rehabilitated. However, it takes a steep learning curve, creativity, ingenuity, and tailored approaches to rehabilitate persons with CI successfully. This involves knowing the individual, maintaining routines, and learning the best ways to engage and motivate the person. As well, care partners’ knowledge and understanding of the individual improved the chances of a successful rehabilitation stay and discharge. Essential to the success of rehabilitation of persons with CI includes a supportive management team to help create the processes to enable their staff to succeed.