bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of different concentration of rapeseed oil and recycled poly (ethylene terephthalate) in polyols for rigid polyurethane foams
Authors: Ivdre Aiga , Fridrihsone-Girone Anda , Abolins Arnis , Cabulis Ugis
Published: September 2016

In this research, polyols from rapeseed oil and recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) were synthesized by two-step continuous synthesis with a different rapeseed oil and poly(ethylene terephthalate) concentration. All rapeseed oil/poly(ethylene terephthalate) polyols showed complete compatibility with blowing agent Solkane 365/227. The resulting polyols were used to prepare rigid polyurethane foams which were characterized with various techniques for determination of their physical, mechanical and thermal insulation properties. The effect of rapeseed oil and poly(ethylene terephthalate) concentrations in polyols on the characteristics of rigid polyurethane foams was investigated. The results showed that obtained rigid polyurethane foams were suitable for thermal insulation appliance. Also, the potential use of rapeseed oil as raw material combined with poly(ethylene terephthalate) to synthesize polyols with good compatibility with blowing agent was confirmed.
Reevaluating Gender and IR Scholarship
Authors: Sjoberg Laura , Kadera Kelly , Thies Cameron G.
Published: September 2016

We seek a more accurate review of, and reflection on the gender and international relations (IR) literature than that offered by Reiter. Our evaluation corrects misunderstandings related to key dichotomies (mis)used in analyzing scholarship: sex/gender, positivism/nonpositivism, and epistemology/ontology. It also underscores the comparative strengths and weaknesses of different types of research in order to identify more fruitful possibilities for synthesis. We make the pluralist case that gender and IR research is at its best when it is multimethod, epistemologically pluralist, multisited, and carefully navigates the differences between feminist analyses and large-n statistical studies. The potential payoff of careful, synergistic engagement is worth any risks.
The perceived role of Islamic religiosity in minorities’ educational success in Belgium. A cure or curse?
Authors: Van Praag Lore , Agirdag Orhan , Stevens Peter AJ , Van Houtte Mieke
Published: September 2016

In Western Europe, Islam is largely perceived as a barrier to the integration of immigrant minorities into the mainstream and as a hindrance to educational success. However, little is known about the perceived role of Islamic religiosity (beliefs, commitments, behaviors and networks) with respect to educational success. In-depth interviews were carried out with Flemish high-school students (N = 129) (northern part of Belgium) in three secondary schools. Our data indicate that most respondents do not spontaneously mention religiosity as an important factor with respect to educational achievement. However, when asked directly, a significant group of Muslim students mention the memorizing of prayers as a transferable skill, the protective aspects of drug and alcohol prohibition, and the religious friends networks as a resource for fostering the feelings of school belonging. Nevertheless, some students also mention possible negative consequences due to discrimination, for example for wearing a headscarf.
Developing a mapping from affective words to design parameters for affective design of apparel products
Authors: Zhao Yu , Sun Jian , Gupta Madan M , Moody Wendy , Laverty William H , Zhang Wenjun
Published: September 2016

The development of an emotion-based (or affect-based) apparel design system has become an important issue nowadays due to the customer’s increased demand for apparel products not only in the aspect of function but also of aesthetics or affect/emotion. This paper presents a study on developing a mapping from affective words to design parameters. The technique employed to develop this mapping is neural networks (NNs). Both linear NNs and higher-order NNs were applied. An example was taken to illustrate and validate the developed mapping. There are two main contributions from the study. The first is that this mapping is the first in the domain of apparel design, and with it, the computer-aided affect-based design for apparel becomes possible. The second one is the provision of some empirical knowledge for the evaluation of so-called higher-order NNs.
Two-dimensional (2D) fabrics and three-dimensional (3D) preforms for ballistic and stabbing protection: A review
Authors: Bilisik Kadir
Published: September 2016

In this study, the impact resistance of two-dimensional (2D) fabrics and three-dimensional (3D) preforms is explained. These fabrics and preforms include 2D and 3D woven and knitted flat and circular fabrics. Various types of soft/layered structures as well as rigid composite are outlined with some design examples for ballistic and stab threats. The recent developments in nanotubes/nanofibers and shear-thickening fluids (STF) for ballistic fabrics are reviewed. The ballistic properties of single- and multi-layered fabrics are discussed. Their impact mechanism is explained for both soft vest and rigid armor applications. Analytical modeling and computational techniques for the estimation of ballistic properties are outlined. It is concluded that the ballistic/stab properties of fiber-reinforced soft and rigid composites can be enhanced by using high-strength fibers and tough matrices as well as specialized nanomaterials. Ballistic/stab resistance properties were also improved by the development of special fabric architectures. All these design factors are of primary importance for achieving flexible and lightweight ballistic structures with a high ballistic limit.
“Contagious Accountability”
Authors: Ariel Barak , Sutherland Alex , Henstock Darren , Young Josh , Drover Paul , Sykes Jayne , Megicks Simon , Henderson Ryan
Published: September 2016

The use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) by the police is rising. One proposed effect of BWCs is reducing complaints against police, which assumes that BWCs reduce officer noncompliance with procedures, improve suspects’ demeanor, or both, leading to fewer complaints. We report results from a global, multisite randomized controlled trial on whether BWC use reduces citizens’ complaints. Seven discrete tests ( N = 1,847 officers), with police shifts as the unit of analysis ( N = 4,264), were randomly assigned into treatment and control conditions. Using a prospective meta-analytic approach, we found a 93% before–after reduction in complaint incidence ( Z = −3.234; p < .001), but no significant differences between trial arms in the studies ( d = .053, SE = .11; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [−.163, .269]), and little between-site variation ( Q = 4.905; p = .428). We discuss these results in terms of an “observer effect” that influences both officers’ and citizens’ behavior and assess what we interpret as treatment diffusion between experimental and control conditions within the framework of “contagious accountability.”
Using Graphs to Improve Violence Risk Communication
Authors: Hilton N. Zoe , Ham Elke , Nunes Kevin L. , Rodrigues Nicole C. , Frank Cairina , Seto Michael C.
Published: September 2016

We examined the use of graphs as an aid to communicating statistical risk among forensic clinicians. We first tested four graphs previously used or recommended for forensic risk assessment among 442 undergraduate students who made security recommendations about two offenders whose risk differed by one actuarial category of risk for violent recidivism (Study 1). Effective decision making was defined as actuarially higher risk offenders being assigned to greater security than lower risk offenders. The graph resulting in the largest distinction among less numerate students was a probability bar graph. We then tested this graph among 54 forensic clinicians (Study 2). The graph had no overall effect. Among more experienced staff, however, decisions were insensitive to actuarial risk in the absence of the graph and in the desirable direction with the addition of the graph. Further research into the benefit of graphs in violence risk communication appears viable.
Big Stick Management
Authors: Viglione Jill , Lerch Jennifer , Rudes Danielle S. , Taxman Faye S.
Published: September 2016

Reentry correctional facilities play a critical role in preparing inmates to successfully transition back to the community. Part of this role includes providing a structured program, which allows for gradual transition from prison life to the community through work, education, and counseling programs. Little research reveals how correctional officers (COs) maintain control and promote rule compliance within a reentry environment. Using administrative, survey, and ethnographic data, we examine how COs in a reentry-focused prison manage the inmate population. Correctional officers do not report using misconducts in surveys and observations, but administrative data reveal staff often use formal misconducts even for minor infractions. The number of accumulated misconducts an inmate received, seriousness of the current violation, and officer tenure significantly relate to the severity of present misconduct outcomes. Considering the mission and goals of reentry facilities, this study has significant implications for the reentry process and inmate experience.
The Precarious Nature of Environmental Activism
Authors: Harvey Daina Cheyenne
Published: September 2016

In this introduction to the special issue on “The Precarious Nature of Environmental Activism”, I describe my own path to environmental activism and the articles contributed to the special issue. In this special issue we look at the changing role of environmental activism. In particular, the authors focus on how the role of the activist is mediated by one’s relationship to the community or those individuals tasked with making environmental decisions. Relatedly, these papers also look at how activism and the relationship between activist and scholar roles can often be challenging and how many activist-scholars work in changing environments.
Shi (勢), STS, and Theory
Authors: Lin Wen-Yuan
Published: September 2016

How might science and technology studies and science, technology and society studies (STS) learn from its studies of other knowledge traditions? This article explores this question by looking at Chinese medicine (CM). The latter has been under pressure from modernization and “scientization” for a century, and the dynamics of these pressures have been explored “symmetrically” within STS and related disciplines. But in this work, CM has been the “the case” and STS theory has held stable. This article uses a CM term, reasoning-as-propensity ( shi, 勢), to look at contemporary practices of cancer care in a hospital in Taiwan. It describes how shi ( 勢) informed the design of a new decoction, Kuan Sin Yin, while also relating to the production of scientific knowledge, biomedical interventions, Buddhist practices, and the patients living with cancer themselves. Does CM’s use of shi ( 勢) simply confirm the essential and incompatible otherness of CM? Looked at from outside the answer seems to be yes. However, this article explores how STS might change itself—and the theory–practice division in STS—by thinking through shi ( 勢) in dialogue with its othered object. This opens the possibility of an STS for CM.
Placing northern development: The case of North Sweden
Authors: Dubois Alexandre , Carson Dean
Published: September 2016

There has been increasing attention paid in the regional economic literature to how local rural actors are being actively engaged in globalisation processes. The bulk of this literature is concerned with rural areas which are proximate to large urban centres and feature somewhat mixed economies. ‘Resource peripheries’ in places like the Arctic and sub-Arctic north of Europe and North America, South America and Australasia have received less attention. Resource peripheries are seen as inherently dependent on external agents who control economic activity and markets for resource commodities. This paper argues that an apparent diminution of local agency in the shaping of relational space in resource peripheries may be a result of no attempt to find such agency. The paper discusses the reconfiguring of northern economies within ‘relational space’ that has occurred over the past 10 or 20 years, using the case of the two northern-most counties in Sweden (Västerbotten and Norrbotten) as an illustrative example. The case demonstrates the layers of activity that occur within these regions (intra-regional) and between northern and distant regions (inter-regional). It argues that these activities may be both institutional (based on regulations and formal arrangements) and functional. By using the example of North Sweden, the paper introduces a conceptual framework, labelled ARTE, which provides a useful support for making sense of the multi-dimensional processes that contemporary northern development is engaged in.
Pudendal nerve and branch neuropathy: magnetic resonance neurography evaluation
Authors: Wadhwa Vibhor , Hamid Aws S , Kumar Yogesh , Scott Kelly M , Chhabra Avneesh
Published: September 2016

Pudendal neuralgia is being increasingly recognized as a cause of chronic pelvic pain, which may be related to nerve injury or entrapment. Due to its complex anatomy and branching patterns, the pudendal nerve abnormalities are challenging to illustrate. High resolution 3 T magnetic resonance neurography is a promising technique for the evaluation of peripheral neuropathies. In this article, the authors discuss the normal pudendal nerve anatomy and its variations, technical considerations of pudendal nerve imaging, and highlight the normal and abnormal appearances of the pudendal nerve and its branches with illustrative case examples.
Role of diffusion-weighted MRI in the differential diagnosis of endometrioid and non-endometrioid cancer of the uterus
Authors: Bakir Vuslat Lale , Bakir Baris , Sanli Sükrü , Yildiz Sevda Ozel , Iyibozkurt Ahmet Cem , Kartal Merve Gülbiz , Yavuz Ekrem
Published: September 2016

Background

Many publications have examined the relationship between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and tumor grade in endometrial cancer. Nevertheless, none were designed to evaluate according to the histopathological type of endometrioid and non-endometrioid tumors.

Purpose

To evaluate the role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the differential diagnosis of endometrioid and non-endometrioid cancer of the uterus, by comparing them with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.

Material and Methods

Institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained. The MRI findings of 63 patients with endometrial cancer were retrospectively evaluated and divided into four groups: Grades I, II, and III endometrioid tumors, and non-endometrioid tumors. ADC values, DWI quotients ( b = 1000 s/mm2), and post-contrast signal intensities between lesions and the myometrium (b1000q-Cq values) were evaluated. The one-way-ANOVA, student’s t-test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were used for statistical evaluation.

Results

Mean ADC values were 0.86 ± 0.14 in Grade I, 0.80 ± 0.7 in Grade II, 0.71 ± 0.14 in Grade III for endometrioid tumors, and 0.70 ± 0.12 in non-endometrioid tumors. There was a significant difference in ADC values between Grade I and Grade III ( P = 0.006), and non-endometrioid tumors ( P = 0.003). The difference was also significant between Grades I + II and Grade III ( P = 0.009), and non-endometrioid tumors ( P = 0.004). Besides, there was a significant difference between endometrioid and non-endometrioid tumors ( P = 0.022). However, when considering b1000q (F = 0.640, P = 0.593) and Cq (χ2 = 6.233; P = 0.101), no significant difference was detected among the groups.

Conclusion

The difference in ADC values between the endometrioid and non-endometrioid tumors was statistically significant. However, the difference in DWI and contrast-enhancement findings were not statistically significant. Furthermore, the mean ADC values had an inverse relationship with tumor grade in the endometrioid cancer group.
Relationship between bone mineral density and dietary intake of β-carotene, vitamin C, zinc and vegetables in postmenopausal Korean women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Da Eun , Cho Soo Hyun , Park Hyoung Moo , Chang Yu Kyung
Published: September 2016

Objective

To examine the relationship between nutritional intake and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal Korean women.

Methods

Dietary intake was recorded in postmenopausal Korean women using a semiquantitative questionnaire. The frequency of consumption of various food groups and nutrient intake were calculated. BMD T-scores were measured at the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Associations between T-scores and dietary intake were analysed using partial correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

A total of 189 postmenopausal women were included in the study. β-Carotene intake was positively correlated with the lumbar spine T-score. Sodium and vitamin C intake were positively associated and folate intake negatively associated with the femoral neck T-score. Sodium, zinc and vitamin C intake were positively correlated and potassium intake was negatively correlated with the total hip T-score. Vegetable intake showed a positive association with the femoral neck and total hip T-scores.

Conclusion

In postmenopausal Korean women, β-carotene, vitamin C, zinc and sodium intakes were positively associated with bone mass. Furthermore, frequency of vegetable consumption was positively associated with femoral neck and total hip T-scores.
Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) for people with dementia in practice: An observational study
Authors: Streater Amy , Spector Aimee , Aguirre Elisa , Orrell Martin
Published: September 2016

Introduction

The delivery of cognitive stimulation as a cognitive based psychosocial intervention for people with mild to moderate dementia is supported in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines. There is a strong evidence base for its effectiveness in providing improvements in cognition and quality of life for people with dementia. However, less is known about its delivery and its impact using outcome measures when used in practice.

Methods

A 1-year observational study was conducted, which measured the cognition and quality of life of 89 people with dementia living in care homes and the community and were in receipt of cognitive stimulation therapy and a maintenance programme as part of their usual care in practice.

Results

A paired sample T-test demonstrated a significant improvement in cognition. Quality of life remained unchanged for people with mild to moderate dementia.

Conclusions

This study reports promising findings with demonstrated benefits for people with dementia and strengthens the evidence base supporting its use in routine care. However, attention should be given to the level of cognitive impairment of attendees. This research is relevant to the field of occupational therapy as the profession has knowledge of using psychosocial interventions and a commitment to evidence-based practice.
The influence of muscle pennation angle and cross-sectional area on contact forces in the ankle joint
Authors: Sopher Ran S , Amis Andrew A , Davies D Ceri , Jeffers Jonathan RT
Published: September 2016

Data about a muscle’s fibre pennation angle and physiological cross-sectional area are used in musculoskeletal modelling to estimate muscle forces, which are used to calculate joint contact forces. For the leg, muscle architecture data are derived from studies that measured pennation angle at the muscle surface, but not deep within it. Musculoskeletal models developed to estimate joint contact loads have usually been based on the mean values of pennation angle and physiological cross-sectional area.

Therefore, the first aim of this study was to investigate differences between superficial and deep pennation angles within each muscle acting over the ankle and predict how differences may influence muscle forces calculated in musculoskeletal modelling. The second aim was to investigate how inter-subject variability in physiological cross-sectional area and pennation angle affects calculated ankle contact forces.

Eight cadaveric legs were dissected to excise the muscles acting over the ankle. The mean surface and deep pennation angles, fibre length and physiological cross-sectional area were measured. Cluster analysis was applied to group the muscles according to their architectural characteristics. A previously validated OpenSim model was used to estimate ankle muscle forces and contact loads using architecture data from all eight limbs.

The mean surface pennation angle for soleus was significantly greater (54%) than the mean deep pennation angle. Cluster analysis revealed three groups of muscles with similar architecture and function: deep plantarflexors and peroneals, superficial plantarflexors and dorsiflexors. Peak ankle contact force was predicted to occur before toe-off, with magnitude greater than five times bodyweight. Inter-specimen variability in contact force was smallest at peak force.

These findings will help improve the development of experimental and computational musculoskeletal models by providing data to estimate force based on both surface and deep pennation angles. Inter-subject variability in muscle architecture affected ankle muscle and contact loads only slightly. The link between muscle architecture and function contributes to the understanding of the relationship between muscle structure and function.
Variation in Sexual Double Standards across Schools
Authors: Soller Brian , Haynie Dana L.
Published: September 2016

The sexual double standard—a condition in which sexual activity is perceived to entail more social benefits for boys and men than for girls and women—has implications for adolescent sexual behavior. We employ an innovative assessment of the sexual double standard, measuring the strength of it across 75 high schools with Add Health data ( N = 8,458). Drawing on theories of culture and gender, we test the association between school-based sexual double standards and the number of sexual partners reported by adolescents, paying particular attention to gender differences in the association. Results indicate substantial variation in the strength of the sexual double standard across schools. In addition, boys report greater numbers of sexual partners as the sexual double standard in their school becomes stronger. Conversely, the sexual double standard is not associated with the number of girls’ partners. This study illustrates the interactive roles of gender and culture in shaping adolescent sexual behavior.
Cognitive Function and Heat Shock Protein 70 in Children With Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Oraby Azza M. , Raouf Ehab R. Abdol , El-Saied Mostafa M. , Abou-Khadra Maha K. , Helal Suzette I. , Hashish Adel F.
Published: September 2016

We conducted the present study to examine cognitive function and serum heat shock protein 70 levels among children with temporal lobe epilepsy. The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test was carried out to examine cognitive function in 30 children with temporal lobe epilepsy and 30 controls. Serum heat shock protein 70 levels were determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The epilepsy group had significantly lower cognitive function testing scores and significantly higher serum heat shock protein 70 levels than the control group; there were significant negative correlations between serum heat shock protein 70 levels and short-term memory and composite scores. Children with uncontrolled seizures had significantly lower verbal reasoning scores and significantly higher serum heat shock protein 70 levels than children with controlled seizures. Children with temporal lobe epilepsy have cognitive dysfunction and elevated levels of serum heat shock protein 70, which may be considered a stress biomarker.
Tamoxifen citrate-loaded poly(d,l) lactic acid nanoparticles: Evaluation for their anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Ravikumara NR , Bharadwaj Mausumi , Madhusudhan Basavaraj
Published: September 2016

The optimization of tamoxifen citrate entrapment and its release from biodegradable poly(d,l) lactic acid nanoparticles are prepared by modified spontaneous emulsification solvent diffusion method. Since the addition of tamoxifen citrate induces the formation of drug crystals from nanoparticle suspension the influence of several parameters on tamoxifen citrate encapsulation was investigated. In vitro studies for cytotoxicity, DNA ladder, and the expression of Bcl-2–Bax expression were also investigated for MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells after the addition of tamoxifen citrate alone and tamoxifen citrate–poly(d,l) lactic acid–nanoparticles (encapsulated tamoxifen citrate). From results, it was noticed that the size and zeta potential of the drug loaded nanoparticles were not differed much in their physicochemical properties from drug free counterparts. The drug-loaded and drug-free nanoparticles exhibited size of in between 271.4 and 282.7 nm and zeta potential of −34 to −27.4 mV, respectively. There was significant increase in drug incorporation in the particles noticed in dichloromethane + methanol system in comparison to acetone + methanol and ethyl acetate + methanol systems. The drug was partly released from the nanoparticles after 48 h of incubation at 37℃. From Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry data demonstrated drug–polymer characteristics within the nanoparticles and unincorporated drug that appeared in the form of crystals from polarized microscopic study. MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were more sensitive to tamoxifen citrate–poly(d,l) lactic acid–nanoparticles than tamoxifen citrate alone. DNA ladder and the expression of Bax to Bcl-2 ratio were much higher in tamoxifen citrate encapsulated in nanoparticles than that in tamoxifen citrate alone. These results demonstrated the feasibility of encapsulation of tamoxifen citrate and its enhanced efficiency in vitro and in vivo studies.
Material microstructure effects in micro-endmilling of Cu99.9E
Authors: Elkaseer AM , Dimov SS , Pham DT , Popov KP , Olejnik L , Rosochowski A
Published: September 2016

This article presents an investigation of the machining response of metallurgically and mechanically modified materials at the micro-scale. Tests were conducted that involved micro-milling slots in coarse-grained Cu99.9E with an average grain size of 30 µm and ultrafine-grained Cu99.9E with an average grain size of 200 nm, produced by equal channel angular pressing. A new method based on atomic force microscope measurements is proposed for assessing the effects of material homogeneity changes on the minimum chip thickness required for a robust micro-cutting process with a minimum surface roughness. The investigation has shown that by refining the material microstructure the minimum chip thickness can be reduced and a high surface finish can be obtained. Also, it was concluded that material homogeneity improvements lead to a reduction in surface roughness and surface defects in micro-cutting.
Numerical modelling of twin-screw pumps based on computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Yan Di , Kovacevic Ahmed , Tang Qian , Rane Sham , Zhang Wenhua
Published: September 2016

Increasing demands for high-performance screw pumps in oil and gas as well as other applications require deep understanding of the fluid flow field inside the machine. Important effects on the performance such as dynamic losses, influence of the leakage gaps and presence and extent of cavitation are difficult to observe by experiments. However, it is possible to study such effects using well-validated computational fluid dynamics models. The novel-structured numerical mesh consisting of a single-computational domain for moving screw pump rotors was developed to allow three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulation of such machine possible. Based on finite volume method, the instantaneous mass flow rates, rotor torque, local pressure field, velocity field and other performance indicators including the indicated power were predicted. A calculation model for the bearing friction losses was introduced to account for mechanical losses. The geometry of the inlet and outlet passages and piping system are taken into consideration to evaluate their influences on the pressure distribution and shaft power. The paper also shows the influence of rotor clearances on the pump performance. The computational fluid dynamics model was validated by comparing the numerical results with the measured performance obtained in the experimental test rig through the comprehensive experiment performed for a set of discharge pressures and rotational speeds. Validation includes comparison of mass flow rates, shaft power and efficiency under variety of speeds and discharge pressure. It has been found that the predicted results match well with the measurements. The results also showed that the radial clearances have larger influence on the mass flow rate than the interlobe clearance. The correct design of the flow passages within the screw pump plays significant role in minimizing required power consumption. The analysis presented in this paper contributes to better understanding of the working process inside the screw pump and offers a good reference to improve design and optimize such machines in terms of clearance selection, shape of the ports, piping system, etc. In future, this model will be used for analysis of cavitating flows and determining performance of other multiphase screw pumps.
Political exchange, crisis of representation and trade union strategies in a time of austerity
Authors: de Guzmán Sofía Pérez , Roca Beltrán , Diaz-Parra Iban
Published: September 2016

This article analyses the strategy of major Spanish trade unions in the context of economic crisis through the theoretical framework of political exchange. It focuses on a frequently ignored dimension of political exchange, namely the relationship between union leaders and the rank-and-file, which, under certain circumstances, can lead to a crisis of representation. Based on document analysis and semi-structured interviews, this article explores the strategic behaviour of Spanish trade unions and their relationship with the so-called 15M movement. It concludes that the ambiguous strategy of the major unions can be explained, not only as a result of their effort to preserve their institutional power and their political influence in the public sphere, but also as a response to the emergence of the 15M movement, which has made these organizations confront the threat of a crisis of representation.
Revalidating the Religious/Spiritually Integrated Practice Assessment Scale With Five Helping Professions
Authors: Oxhandler Holly K.
Published: September 2016

Objective:

This article describes the validation of the Religious/Spiritually Integrated Process Assessment Scale (RSIPAS) across five helping professions. The RSIPAS was originally developed to measure clinical social workers’ self-efficacy, attitudes, perceived feasibility, behaviors, and overall orientation toward integrating clients’ religion and spirituality in practice.

Method:

The current study examines the internal consistency and criterion, discriminant, convergent, and factorial validity of this instrument with a sample of clinical social workers, psychologists, nurses, counselors, and marriage and family therapists in Texas ( N = 550).

Results:

Findings support the reliability (α = .95) and various forms of validity, with an improved fit in the factor structure among this more diverse sample.

Conclusions:

The RSIPAS may be used among these five helping professions to identify training needs or evaluate training efforts related to the integration of clients’ religious or spiritual beliefs in mental and behavioral health treatment.
Percutaneous Triple and Double Osteotomies for the Treatment of Hallux Valgus
Authors: Díaz Fernández Rodrigo
Published: September 2016

Background:

Percutaneous surgery to correct deformities of the forefoot presents the advantages of using a minimal incision, which involves less soft tissue damage and less risk of wound complications. For severe deformities, percutaneous techniques have not been proven as effective. We propose a technique for the treatment of severe hallux valgus.

Methods:

In a sample of 52 feet operated on 48 patients, we performed a double percutaneous osteotomy (closure proximal osteotomy and a distal Akin) or triple when a Reverdin-Isham osteotomy was added. We measured preoperatively the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score at the 1-year and 2-year follow-up, as well as the values of hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), distal metatarsal articular ankle (DMAA), and shortening and elevation of the first metatarsal. The presence of metatarsalgia was recorded before and after the surgery.

Results:

HVA, IMA, and DMAA improved from 39.3 ± 7.1, 17.0 ± 2.0, and 16 ± 8.7 to 11.2 ± 6.2, 8.4 ± 3.4, and 8.3 ± 6.2, respectively. In 5 cases (10%), there was an elevation of the distal metatarsal bone, but only in 2 cases did a transfer metatarsalgia develop. There were no significant correlations between the amount of shortening and the presence of postoperative metatarsalgia. Scores on the AOFAS scale improved from 47.6 ± 5.6 to 89.7 ± 10.1 points.

Conclusion:

The results are comparable to those reported with other more established techniques. Transfer metatarsalgia did not correlate with lifting or shortening of the metatarsal. We indicate the percutaneous technique for IMA above 15 degrees and increased DMAA or congruent joints.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Plasma levels of trastuzumab in gastric cancer: Case report
Authors: González-García J , Alonso-Alvarez B , Nazco-Casariego GJ , Batista-López N , Guttiérrez-Nicolás F
Published: September 2016

Introduction

The use of trastuzumab with a fluoropyrimidine and platinum compound is currently the standard first-line treatment of patients with metastatic HER2-positive gastric cancer, but it appears that serum levels of trastuzumab determine the clinical effectiveness of this treatment, affecting progression-free survival and overall survival.

Case report

We report the case of a patient with metastatic HER2-positivegastric cancer, receiving XELOX (fluoropyrimidine and oxaliplatin) plus trastuzumab at standard doses, who presented sub-therapeutic serum levels during the first two treatment cycles and rapid disease progression (progression-free survival = 5.6 months).

Discussion

This case reveals a possible cause of poor effectiveness of trastuzumab treatment for metastatic gastric cancer in some patients, namely low circulating levels of the drug. It highlights the importance of monitoring as a possible tool for individual dose adjustment to optimize this therapy.
Distinguishing welfare state reform and income redistribution. A two-dimensional approach to the Dutch voter space on economic issues
Authors: Otjes Simon
Published: September 2016

There is growing evidence that voter and party positions on economic items do not conform to a left–right dimension. This article proposes that in Northern Eurozone states voter policy positions on economic issues are characterized by two dimensions: A redistribution dimension that consists out of views on income equality and a reform dimension that divides those who favour reform of the welfare state to ensure its long-term sustainability and those who oppose such reforms because they would hurt those who need the welfare state now. It examines to what extent voters positions on economic issues conform this two-dimensional pattern, employing the 2012 Dutch Election Survey; to what extent positions on these dimensions reflects voters’ attitudes on other issues and demographic characteristics; and to what extent these two dimensions help to understand voting behaviour. It shows that indeed a multidimensional approach to economic issues is justified; that voters who oppose reforms are characterized by higher levels of Euroscepticism; and that this reform dimension helps to understand voting behaviour, in particular preferences for the socialist, social-democratic and social-liberal party.
‘I just think something like the “Bubs and Pubs” class is what men should be having’: Paternal subjectivities and preparing for first-time fatherhood in Australia and the United Kingdom
Authors: Miller Tina , Nash Meredith
Published: September 2016

Increasingly in international research and popular media a growing interest in men and fatherhood is discernible. These changes occur as other aspects of the socio-economic world shift, necessitating the need to re-address how caring and paid work responsibilities are configured and practised. However, interest in men’s experiences as fathers has emerged in ways which reflect cultural assumptions and practices associated with dominant understandings of masculinities. Consequently, research on and evidence of changing behaviours has been culturally and geographically uneven. In this paper, two qualitative studies are drawn upon to examine how men living in Australia and the UK engage in/narrate experiences of preparation for first-time fatherhood. These studies compare men’s in-depth accounts of preparing for first-time fatherhood in cultures where understandings of masculinities overlap, but where differences are also discernible. The findings illuminate the ways in which biology, gender, temporality and histories of masculinities frame men’s preparation activities and service provision.
Use of nonlinear asymmetrical shock absorbers in multi-objective optimization of the suspension system in a variety of road excitations
Authors: Seifi Abolfazl , Hassannejad Reza , Hamed Mohammad Ali
Published: September 2016

In this study, a new method to improve ride comfort, vehicle handling, and workspace was presented in multi-objective optimization using nonlinear asymmetrical dampers. The main aim of this research was to provide suitable passive suspension based on more efficiency and the low cost of the mentioned dampers. Using the model with five degrees of freedom, suspension system parameters were optimized under sinusoidal road excitation. The main functions of the suspension system were chosen as objective functions. In order to better illustrate the impact of each objective functions on the suspension parameters, at first two-objective and finally five-objective were considered in the optimization problem. The obtained results indicated that the optimized viscous coefficients for five-objective optimization lead to 3.58% increase in ride comfort, 0.74% in vehicle handling ability, and 2.20% in workspace changes for the average of forward and rear suspension.
Development of a driveshaft torque transducer for low-cost structural health monitoring of off-highway vehicles
Authors: Golinelli N , Spaggiari A , Castagnetti D , Fornari L , Dragoni E , Gualdi G , Brunazzi A
Published: September 2016

Mechatronic agricultural machines and equipment are continuously increasing their complexity and cost. In order to ensure their efficiency and reliability and preserve their value, it is important to actively monitor the working loads and register damaging and wear occurring on critical components. This approach needs the introduction of sensors on the machine, which allow continuous monitoring and evaluate the residual life of components. The work presents the development and testing of an innovative low-cost systems for monitoring and diagnostic of off-highway vehicles. The sensor measures the torque of a mechanical power transmissions, and it was designed especially for agricultural machinery. The torque transducer monitors the mechanical power flowing from the tractor into the gearbox and the agricultural implement and is fully integrated with the power take-off driveshaft, thus being generally applicable. The design and development of the transducer was performed following a quality function deployment approach. The system is less expensive considering the typical torque measuring system commercially available and, thanks to its wireless module and integrated power supply, it is reliable and generally applicable to many power take-off to implement combinations.
Orthotropic patterns of visco-Pasternak foundation in nonlocal vibration of orthotropic graphene sheet under thermo-magnetic fields based on new first-order shear deformation theory
Authors: Amir S
Published: September 2016

In the present research, vibration and instability of orthotropic graphene sheet subjected to thermo-magnetic fields are investigated. Orthotropic visco-Pasternak foundation is considered to analyze the influences of orthotropy angle, damping coefficient, normal and shear modulus. New first-order shear deformation theory is utilized due to accuracy of its polynomial functions compared to other theories of plate. Motion equations are obtained by means of Hamilton’s principle and then solved analytically. Influences of various parameters such as small scale, magnetic field, orthotropic viscoelastic surrounding medium, thickness and aspect ratio of single layer graphene sheet on the vibration characteristics of nanoplate are discussed in detail. The results indicate that the stability of single layer graphene sheet is strongly dependent on applied magnetic field. Therefore, the mechanical behavior of single layer graphene sheet can be improved by applying magnetic field. The results of this investigation can be used in design and manufacturing of micro/nano mechanical systems.
Open innovation from the inside
Authors: Laviolette Eric Michael , Redien-Collot Renaud , Teglborg Ann-Charlotte
Published: September 2016

This article analyzes how employee-driven innovation (EDI), an innovation policy mainly aimed at non-research and development (non-R&D) personnel, can be supportive of a firm’s absorptive capacity for inbound open innovation. Building on Vega-Jurado et al.’s integrative model of absorptive capacity in an R&D context, we adopt an abductive methodological approach to develop four proposals on the various functions of EDI in the light of an extreme single case study: (1) EDI fosters and sustains the structural antecedents of absorptive capacity; (2) EDI develops a broader range of gatekeepers among non-R&D personnel; (3) EDI diversifies knowledge sources (scientific, industrial, and user based) as well as different types of innovation (incremental, disruptive, product, and process) with internal and external knowledge combinations; and (4) EDI favors doing, using, and interacting in addition to science, technology, and innovation learning processes.
Attachment, Development, and Mental Health in Abused and Neglected Preschool Children in Foster Care: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Vasileva Mira , Petermann Franz
Published: September 2016

A proper preparation for foster parents to care for abused and neglected children includes effective training and initial diagnostics in order to plan individual treatment. Hence, a basic knowledge about the main psychosocial and developmental problems associated with abuse and neglect and their prevalence in foster children is needed. For this purpose, a systematical literature review and a series of meta-analyses were conducted. A total of 25 studies reporting data on development ( n = 4,033), mental health ( n = 726), and attachment ( n = 255) of foster children in preschool age met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analyses indicated prevalence rates of approximately 40% for developmental, mental health problems, and insecure attachment. Rates of disorganized attachment were estimated to 22%. These findings outline the necessity of an initial trauma-oriented diagnostics and trainings for foster parents that address foster children’s development, mental health, and disorganized attachment.
Robot grasp detection using multimodal deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Wang Zhichao , Li Zhiqi , Wang Bin , Liu Hong
Published: September 2016

Autonomous manipulation has enabled a wide range of exciting robot tasks. However, perceiving outside environment is still a challenging problem in the field of intelligent robotic research due to the lack of object models, unstructured environments, and time-consuming computation. In this article, we present a novel robot grasp detection system that maps a pair of RGB-D images of novel objects to best grasping pose of a robotic gripper. First, we segment the graspable objects from the unstructured scene using the geometrical features of both the object and the robotic gripper. Then, a deep convolutional neural network is applied on these graspable objects, which aims to find the best graspable area for each object. In order to improve the efficiency in the detection system, we introduce a structured penalty term to optimize the connections between multimodality, which significantly mitigates complexity of the network and outperforms fully connected multimodal processing. We also present a two-stage closed-loop grasping candidate estimator to accelerate the searching efficiency of grasping-candidate generation. Moreover, the combination of a two-stage estimator with the grasping detection network naturally improves detection accuracy. Experiments have been conducted to validate the proposed methods. The results show that our method outperforms the state of the art and runs at real-time speed.
The relationship between stiffness variation and performance of electromagnetic-air spring vibration isolator
Authors: Zhang Jinguang , Shu Shanyi , Song Chunsheng , Zhou Jia , Hu Yefa
Published: September 2016

In order to isolate the structural vibration in high-frequency range effectively and constrain the peak response value near the natural frequency, an experience method using electromagnetic-air spring vibration isolator was put forward based on the respective advantages of electromagnetic actuator and air spring. In this article, a stiffness expression and a natural frequency of the system was worked out. A dynamic model of the electromagnetic-air spring vibration isolator system and an expression of the force transmission were established. Moreover, the relationship between stiffness variation and performance of the electromagnetic-air spring vibration isolator system was analyzed. The calculation and simulation analysis of the example demonstrated that in the condition of satisfying loading capacity with the increase in magnetic suspension isolator’s displacement stiffness and the decrease in air spring’s stiffness, the performance of vibration isolation is improved.
Research on driving style recognition method based on driver’s dynamic demand
Authors: Lei Yulong , Liu Ke , Fu Yao , Li Xingzhong , Liu Zhenjie , Sun Shaohua
Published: September 2016

Drivers usually show different driving styles in a transportation system. In analyzing the explicit linkage between driving style and driver’s dynamic demand, driving style can be classified into sports, moderate, and economical types. The sum of current driving resistance and the absolute value of its change rate is chosen as a measurement of driver’s dynamic demand. The influence of subjective and objective factors on driver’s dynamic demand has been analyzed. Single-exponential smoothing is adopted to predict the overall and staged driving style based on historical driver’s dynamic demand data. The most prominent advantage of the proposed prediction method is that there is no need to store significant historical data while considering the importance of each period data. The vehicle test scheme of driving style recognition method is designed including the test vehicle and drivers’ selection, driving route and task design. Test results show that driving style can be identified accurately with no additional sensors using the proposed method, and it can be used to quantitatively analyze the influence of different factors on driving style through statistical analysis. According to recognition results, automatic transmission shift point can be corrected to improve the adaptability of gearshift strategy for different driving styles.