Face Closure Research Articles

Wither and survive or die? An analysis of public enterprises in Namibia

The performance of Public Enterprises (PEs) in Namibia has been a long and contentious issue, clamored by continuous bailouts in the face of constant poor performance. The trend of financial bailouts to PEs in Namibia over the years has attracted increased attention into the dynamics of poor PE performance and their fiscal burden on the state. The Namibian government has taken active steps in cutting on PE bailouts and demanding improved performance or face closure. By looking at recent developments in the governance of PEs in Namibia, the purpose and objective of the current study is to analyze whether the current stance and trajectory of government decisions spells a post-honeymoon period in which poor performing PEs will ‘wither and survive or die’ if they do not improve their sustainability index by not relying on financial bailouts. This analysis is aided by the insights provided by the stakeholder, institutional and principal-agent theories. Through the qualitative research method, this study finds that the Namibian government has taken a new attitude and approach in which it will no longer blindly accept and tolerate the poor performance of PEs through continuous bailouts as seen in the past. PEs that are withering will now either survive (through reforms) or die (through liquidation or dissolution).

The Learnings from Archimedes on the leverage of medical research funding in the post-Corona era

The Corona pandemic has increased pre-existing financial pressure on universities further. Universities will face closure as a realistic scenario in the future, and need to compete for research success. Medical faculties are at a particular risk of being the subject of cost-cutting measures. In this challenging environment, using the concept of financial leverage is key for maximising financial possibilities.

An improved maximum tangential stress criterion for an inclined crack in uniaxial compression considering T‐stress and crack parameter

AbstractThe rockmass in the practical engineering is often prone to compression; therefore, how to establish a fracture criterion to reflect the rockmass compression failure is vital. Take the rockmass with one inclined crack for instance, the mechanical behavior of the inclined crack face closure and friction sliding in uniaxial compression is firstly analyzed, and then the Kolosov–Muskhelishvili stress function of the cracked rockmass in uniaxial compression is established based on the complex stress functions. Next, the calculation methods of the stress intensity factor (SIF) K and three T‐stress components at or near the crack tip considering three kinds of crack parameters (e.g., geometry parameter, friction strength parameter and deformation parameter) are obtained. Thirdly, the improved maximum tangential stress (MTS) criterion is obtained considering T‐stress and three kinds of crack parameters. Finally, the test results of the wing‐crack initiation angle in uniaxial compression obtained by other researchers are adopted to verify the improved MTS criterion. Meanwhile, the effect of γ, the crack normal stiffness kn and shear stiffness ks, and the crack friction coefficient f on the wing‐crack initiation angle are discussed with the parametric sensitivity analysis.

THE IMPACT OF ADS CLOSURES DURING COVID-19 ON PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CAREGIVER

Abstract Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Adult Day Services (ADS), community-based programs that provide supervision, social support, and/or assistance with daily activities for clients, either temporarily or permanently terminated in-person services. Such closures left vulnerable older adults with dementia without vital services. To date, there is limited information exploring the nuances and impact of ADS closures on individuals with dementia and their care providers. To address this knowledge gap, data were drawn from an interview-based NIH-funded protocol that evaluated the experiences of informal and formal dementia care providers during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were filtered by the subsample (n=25) who provided care to an individual with dementia who participated in an ADS program. Analysis focused on all data coded “ADS,” which encompassed discussion pertaining to adult day programming. Content analyses indicated a range of themes including 1.accelerated cognitive and psychological decline, 2.engaging is precarious conduct, 3.increased caregiver burden (financial, physical, emotional), and 4.premature transitions to institutional care settings. Despite well intentioned efforts to shield the older adult population from harmful exposures during the height of the pandemic, ADS closures (both permanent and temporary) negatively impacted the health and welfare of an already vulnerable population and their caregivers. Findings add to the ongoing literature suggesting ADS and analogous supports should be classified as essential services and not face closure mandates during similar public health emergencies.

Calibrating an adaptive cohesive zone model to simulate ductile crack propagation in structural steel under cyclic loading

AbstractA procedure is outlined for calibrating a finite element model to simulate ductile cracking that employs a continuum damage criterion for ductile fracture initiation, termed the Stress Weighted Ductile Fracture Model, with an Adaptive Cohesive Zone method to simulate crack propagation. The proposed procedure is implemented and validated with data from 44 coupon‐scale tests of an A913 structural steel. The fracture model calibration is performed in two stages to determine parameters to evaluate: (1) the continuum damage mechanics criterion and (2) ductile crack initiation and propagation. Sensitivity of the calibration to parameter uncertainty is evaluated using synthetic data, followed by calibration and validation against experimental test data. The results indicate that the computational model can accurately simulate the overall response of experimental specimens, as well as other key aspects of observed behavior, including crack tunneling and crack face closure. Guidelines are provided for practical calibration of the model components.

Safety-net Hospitals in Brooklyn, New York: A Review

Abstract: Safety-net hospitals (SNHs) provide health care services to individuals regardless of their ability to pay. These hospitals serve Medicaid recipients, the uninsured, and people with limited access to health care due to their socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity. In addition to providing health care to the most vulnerable, SNHs are crucial in training the next generation of clinicians. Hospitals serving Medicaid patients and the uninsured have low operating margins because of a dated State Medicaid financial model, and as a result, many now face closure. This review provides historical context for the financial challenges facing SNHs in Brooklyn, New York. In addition, it examines how New York State's Medicaid reimbursement methodology threatens the viability of hospitals that serve low-income communities. Finally, the article suggests a solution to the health care crisis in Brooklyn, capitalizing on structural payment reform successes in other states.

Crack face closure effect and opening behaviors of fatigue pre-crack treated by laser peening

The present work investigates the generation process of crack face closure under laser shock and its effect on the crack opening behavior to reveal the underlying reason for the high-level crack closure induced by laser peening (LP) on the initial fatigue crack. It is found that crack face closure generates a firm compression to the crack face, causing the significant elongation in the crack wake during the crack opening process to prevent crack faces from separating even under the high-level external load. The contribution of crack face closure to crack retardation is comparable to LP-induced residual stress.

Cyclic adaptive cohesive zone model to simulate ductile crack propagation in steel structures due to ultra‐low cycle fatigue

AbstractMicromechanics‐based continuum damage criteria have previously been developed to simulate the initiation of ductile fracture in structural steels under conditions with large‐scale plasticity where conventional fracture mechanics indices are invalid. Such models have been combined with methods to simulate ductile crack growth for monotonic loading. In this study, a micromechanics‐based adaptive cohesive zone model for simulating ductile crack propagation under monotonic loading is extended to handle cyclic loading. The proposed model adaptively modifies the cohesive traction–separation relationship for crack opening and closure, as the loading reverses between tension and compression. The approach is implemented into the finite element analysis platform WARP3D, and results of simulations that use the model are compared with data from coupon‐scale tests. The results demonstrate that the proposed model can accurately simulate the effect of crack propagation on specimen response, as well as other key aspects of observed behavior, including crack face closure and crack tunneling.

Investigating Nineteenth-Century change at Kirkliston Parish Church

This article presents the results of an in-depth investigation of post-medieval Kirkliston parish church (Edinburgh), using an interdisciplinary buildings archaeology approach. Despite a wealth of existing scholarship on Scotland’s churches, the archaeological investigation of parish churches has been somewhat limited, and narratives tend to be predisposed towards the medieval. The 19th century in particular has rarely been engaged with in church archaeology, even though the period saw significant social and religious change, and transformational developments in church buildings. Visual and stratigraphic analysis, combined with comprehensive documentary research, uncovered new evidence and layers of meaning for three separate phases of change during the 19th century that fundamentally shaped the present church. The results demonstrate the strengths of an archaeological approach and highlight the value of studying all phases of a church’s development. At a time when many of Scotland’s churches face redundancy, closure, or dereliction, this research emphasizes their high archaeological value and research potential.

Novel En Face OCT-Based Closure Patterns in Idiopathic Macular Holes

To determine the postoperative en face OCT pattern of closure in idiopathic macular holes (MHs). Retrospective, multicentric, observational study. Patients aged > 18 years with a diagnosis of idiopathic MH, with well documented en face OCT images. Baseline characteristics and preoperative OCT and en face OCT parameters like horizontal and vertical minimum linear diameter (MLD), horizontal and vertical basal hole diameter (BHD), hole height, acircularity index, and hole orientation were measured. The type of hole closure on en face OCT, and a comparison of baseline parameters and final visual acuity among the en face closure types. A total of 64 eyes of 62 patients (24 men and 40 women) with a mean age of 63.8 ± 12.4 years. The median duration of symptoms was 3 months (interquartile range, 1.75-10.5). The eyes had a mean baseline visual acuity of 0.97 ± 0.46 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR). The baseline horizontal MLD was 591.7 ± 219.4 μm and the vertical MLD was 552.9 ± 198.2 μm. Baseline horizontal and vertical BHD were 1240.3 ± 521.1 μm and 1142.1 ± 478.1 μm, respectively. The mean hole height was 394.8 ± 123.2 μm. Two different patterns were noted on en face OCT: round, or linear. A total of 38 eyes had a round/centripetal closure and 26 eyes had a linear closure (17 eyes had a horizontal closure, 7 eyes had an oblique closure, while 2 eyes had a vertical closure). The mean final visual acuity was 0.80 ± 0.43 logMAR (Snellen equivalent of 20/125). Eyes with linear closure (0.76 ± 0.23 logMAR) had a significantly (P= 0.03) better visual acuity than the round closure group (1.07 ± 0.28 logMAR), only in eyes with horizontal MLD of > 650 μm, but not when other MLD cut-offs were used. We describe 2 different patterns of hole closure (linear and round) on en face OCT. Further studies will be required to determine its functional significance. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Risk Assessment and Prevention of Surface Subsidence under Buildings by Cemented Paste Filling and Strip Mining Methods: A Case Study

Intensive and continuous mining of coal resources in China implies their gradual exhaustion, especially in the eastern regions. While some mines face closure, others have to extract residual coal resources under buildings, water bodies, and industrial sites. Thus, safe and efficient mining of the residual coal resources requires innovative techniques, which would account for the particular site’s geological conditions. In this study, two schemes of roadway mining with cemented paste backfilling (RMCPB) and strip mining are put forward. After analyzing the type, construction, and protection standard of the buildings, the probability integration method and the prediction model are used to assess the surface subsidence and deformation. The research results show that both schemes can control the surface deformation to a certain extent, but RMCPB combines the advantages of a high coal recovery rate and disposal of gangue waste. According to the surface subsidence predicted and measured data, the RMCPB method can effectively control the surface subsidence, deformation, and buildings’ safety. It also yields significant economic and environmental benefits.

방산업체 원가부정행위에 따른 페널티 부과 적정성에 관한 연구

When defence corruption occurs in the acquisition process of defence weapon system, the government imposes strong penalties on the companies. In particular, in the event of cost fraud, the industry and some media argue that it is an excessive measure, as it imposes excessive penalties such as sanctions against unfair profits and additional fees, sanctions against unfair skilled workers, profit reduction, prohibition of payment of start-ups and intermediate payments, and cancellation of certification. This is because defence companies that are the only customers in the government may face bankruptcy or closure due to excessive penalties if some minor errors occur. Naturally, if cost fraud occurs, it is necessary to take countermeasures, but it is time to analyze and review for excessive measures. The purpose o f this s tudy is to make policy proposals that can adequately present the excessive penalty of the triple, despite the responsibility for the cost misconduct of defence companies. For the development and export promotion of the defence industry, the direction related to the support and fostering polices of defence companies was presented.

REFERENCE POINTS METHOD FOR HUMAN HEAD MOVEMENTS TRACKING

Context. The direction of the human face vector is an indicator of human attention. It has many applications in our daily lives, such as human-computer interaction, teleconferencing, virtual reality and 3D sound rendering. Moreover, determining the position of the head can be used to compare the exercises performed by a person with a certain standard, which brings us to investigation of ways to efficiently track moves. Depth-camera based systems, frequently used for these purposes, have significant drawbacks such as accuracy decreasing on the direct sunlight and necessity of additional equipment. The recognition from the two-dimensional image becomes more widespread and eliminates difficulties related to depth cameras which allows them to be used indoors and outdoors. Objective. The purpose of this work is creation of the method that will allow us to track human head moves and record only significant vectors of head direction.Methods. This paper suggests reference points method that decreases set of recorded vectors to minimal amount significant to describe head moves. It also investigates and compares existing methods for determining the vector of the face in terms of use in suggested approach. Results. Suggested reference points method shows ability to highly decrease set of head direction vectors that describe the move. According to the results of the study, regression-based methods showed significantly better accuracy and independence from light and partial face closure so they were chosen to be used as methods to get head direction vector in reference points approach.Conclusions. Research confirmed applicability of reference points method for human movements tracking and shown that methods of determining human head vector by two-dimensional image can compete in accuracy with RGBD-based methods. Thus combined with suggested approach these methods expose less restrictions in use than RGBD-based ones.

Reconstructive surgery of thefacial nerve (step-by-step modeling of the technique using cadaveric materials)

The study objective is to develop and test on cadaveric materials a new technique for reinnervation of facial muscles at an early stage from the moment of paralysis occurrence for introduction into neurosurgical practice. Materials and methods . Eighteen (18) fresh non-embalmed cadavers (10 men and 8 women, ages between 18 and 67 years without pathology of the craniomaxillofacial area) were used. During the intervention, a cadaver was put on its back, access to the area of interest was performed in esthetically insignificant areas. For plastic surgery of the facial nerve, the masseteric branch of the trigeminal nerve and the subtotal hypoglossal nerve, calf sural nerve and great auricular nerve autotransplants were used as donor material. Results . The presented technique inflicts minimal damage to the patient during autotransplant collection as no functionally significant structures are affected. Conclusion . It is anticipated that in clinical practice the technique will result in movement of the mimic muscles of the upper and middle areas of the face (closure of the eyelids, raising of the eyebrows, etc.) concurrent with swallowing, because upper group of the facial nerve branches is reconstructed using the hypoglossal nerve. Mimic movements of the lower part of the face (smile, lip pursing, teeth baring, etc.) will be performed during teeth clenching as lower group of the facial nerve branches are repaired using the masseteric branch of the trigeminal nerve.

Popular preprint servers face closure because of money troubles

Repositories like INA-Rxiv and IndiaRxiv boost regional science, but finding cash to run them is proving difficult. Repositories like INA-Rxiv and IndiaRxiv boost regional science, but finding cash to run them is proving difficult.

Can nursery schools survive?

Council-maintained nursery schools have a history of supporting the children who need them most but with the grants which cover their additional costs set to run out next year, many of them could face closure.

Labour protest and industrial peace: Russian steelworkers’ encounters with economic reforms and unravelling social protections

The collapse of the Soviet Union brought a series of economic reforms: privatization, increased foreign direct investment and weakened benefits. Correspondingly, some scholars expected trade unions to serve as a major contribution to the development of a democratic civil society that would serve as a Polanyian double movement to these disruptive reforms. However, Russia’s steelworkers have stood out as particularly weak and unwilling to strike due to their dependence on their employer for almost all aspects of their livelihoods. But is this lack of large, legally sanctioned and disruptive strikes truly evidence of worker quiescence and weak trade unions? Using an analysis of local newspaper accounts and archival documents to process-trace the interactions of workers, trade unions and management, this paper offers a counter-argument to the generalizations of past studies. Specifically, protests tend to be more frequent and extreme when there is union competition within a company and when foreign owners violate labour laws. Unions tend to engage in non-protest bargaining strategies when companies face bankruptcy or closure under domestic ownership. Because Russia was an early case of the rapid liberalization reforms that have been broadly recommended to developing and post-communist countries, a closer reading of on-the-ground conditions and protest aids in a broader understanding of the variation in backlash to global capitalism.

Concern as cardiac units face closure.

Controversial plans to implement new standards of care for patients with congenital heart disease have been revealed.

A flexible nonlinear diffusion acceleration method for the SN transport equations discretized with discontinuous finite elements

This work presents a flexible nonlinear diffusion acceleration (NDA) method that discretizes both the SN transport equation and the diffusion equation using the discontinuous finite element method (DFEM). The method is flexible in that the diffusion equation can be discretized on a coarser mesh with the only restriction that it is nested within the transport mesh and the FEM shape function orders of the two equations can be different. The consistency of the transport and diffusion solutions at convergence is defined by using a projection operator mapping the transport into the diffusion FEM space. The diffusion weak form is based on the modified incomplete interior penalty (MIP) diffusion DFEM discretization that is extended by volumetric drift, interior face, and boundary closure terms. In contrast to commonly used coarse mesh finite difference (CMFD) methods, the presented NDA method uses a full FEM discretized diffusion equation for acceleration. Suitable projection and prolongation operators arise naturally from the FEM framework. Via Fourier analysis and numerical experiments for a one-group, fixed source problem the following properties of the NDA method are established for structured quadrilateral meshes: (1) the presented method is unconditionally stable and effective in the presence of mild material heterogeneities if the same mesh and identical shape functions either of the bilinear or biquadratic type are used, (2) the NDA method remains unconditionally stable in the presence of strong heterogeneities, (3) the NDA method with bilinear elements extends the range of effectiveness and stability by a factor of two when compared to CMFD if a coarser diffusion mesh is selected. In addition, the method is tested for solving the C5G7 multigroup, eigenvalue problem using coarse and fine mesh acceleration. While NDA does not offer an advantage over CMFD for fine mesh acceleration, it reduces the iteration count required for convergence by almost a factor of two in the case of coarse mesh acceleration.

Agrarian Ideology Remnants and Rural Healthcare Organizational Behavior: Observations and Research Opportunities

<p><em>Rural health facilities, especially hospitals and critical access hospitals, have a troubled history, a challenging today, and a problematic future—a reality that is well documented. Despite public policy support and affiliation tactics, these entities continue to face conversion or closure threats. An enduring question is why these organizations continually struggle. Leading to a hypothesized answer, information gathered during participant-observer turnaround interventions in five rural facilities is categorized, labeled, and interpreted. Five clusters of organizational behaviors were identified. Each cluster is defined in terms of its agrarian root and discussed as a present-day remnant—a rural outlook or mindset. Each behavior cluster is considered in terms of its adverse impact on facility performance. This inductive study points to follow-up studies to: 1) operationalize the rural outlook with a survey tool and a large sample of rural facilities; 2) assess the rural outlook’s association with facility fiscal performance; 3) develop and test an economic behavior theory of the rural healthcare firm</em><em>;</em><em> and 4) establish a typology of rural agriculture-based communities. The root cause explanatory value of the rural outlook mindset and the proposed research are discussed in terms of strengthening rural health facilities.</em><strong></strong></p>