bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ocean Diplomacy: The Pacific Island Countries’ Campaign to the UN for an Ocean Sustainable Development Goal
Authors: Quirk Genevieve , Hanich Quentin
Published: June 2016

In this article we examine how Pacific Island Countries (pics) successfully championed a stand-alone Ocean Sustainable Development Goal (sdg) goal at the United Nations (un). We analyse how the un Post-2015 development process provided pics with a unique opportunity to use their experience with collective diplomacy and regional oceans governance to propose this international goal. In this article we establish how pics’ national and regional quest to strengthen their sovereign rights over marine resources motivated their diplomatic efforts for an Ocean sdg. The campaign was a significant political achievement, positioning these Large Ocean Island States (lois) as global ocean guardians. We critically evaluate the effectiveness of the pics’ diplomatic campaign to secure an international commitment for an Ocean sdg. The pics’ advocacy for Goal 14 under Agenda 2030 has enhanced their political effectiveness in the un by improving their recognition by other States as leaders in oceans governance. We suggest their Ocean sdg campaign forms part of a distinct and continuing brand of oceans diplomacy from Oceania.
Instructor perceptions of student information literacy:
Authors: Sandercock Patricia
Published: June 2016

This study assesses the information literacy (IL) perceptions of instructors at a technical college in the Middle East, the College of the North Atlantic - Qatar. Students at this college are instructed in four areas of study – engineering technology, information technology, business studies and health sciences – which takes place exclusively in English and uses a Canadian curriculum. A web-based survey sent to instructors asked questions in two general areas on their perceptions of student information literacy based on the Society of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL) definition. Initially, over half of the respondents believed that their students were information literate. However when asked a series of questions about each of the seven IL skills identified by SCONUL, there was a large discrepancy between what skills instructors wished their students achieved, versus what was actually achieved by the end of their programme. Students’ inability to critically evaluate sources of information was seen as the weakest skill by instructors and was considerably lower than the skill level reported by university professors in similar studies. Instructors also conveyed their belief that students lacked strategies when searching for information. When compared to faculty perceptions of students in universities, overall perceptions of IL competency of college students in this study are lower. The study reinforced the need to provide students with tools/strategies to cope with large volumes of information and, when searching, to select appropriate and credible sources of information for both academic and personal uses.
A new species of Paracleistostoma De Man, 1895 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Camptandriidae) from Haikou, Hainan Province, China
Authors: LIU HAN LUN , HUANG JIAN RONG
Published: June 2016

A new species of Paracleistostoma De Man, 1895, P. meilanense n. sp. is reported from mangroves forests in Haikou, Hainan Province, China. The new species inhabits mud burrows in the upper intertidal zone and is sympatric with P. tomentosa Yang & Sun, 1993, and P. depressum De Man, 1895. The slender chelipeds as well as the characteristic morphology of the male first pleopod easily distinguishes the species from congeners.
Parameterization Sensitivity and Instability Characteristics of the Maximum Sustainable Heat Flux Framework for Predicting Turbulent Collapse
Authors: Holdsworth Amber M. , Rees Tim , Monahan Adam H.
Published: June 2016

A maximum sustainable heat flux (MSHF) framework for the collapse of turbulence in the stable boundary layer has been previously studied using a one-dimensional model of Couette flow with parameterized turbulent fluxes. This study further investigates the stability properties of this model and assesses the robustness of the MSHF framework for predicting turbulent collapse to the choice of turbulence parameterization. The dynamic stability properties of the system are studied through numerical analysis of linearized equations of motion, and these results are compared with numerical solutions of the fully nonlinear system. While the MSHF mechanism and the qualitative features of the equilibrium structure are robust to changes in turbulence parameterizations, important quantitative differences between the models are found. While the equilibrium structures for Businger–Dyer-type stability functions are independent of the roughness length , all of the other relations show a strong dependence on with regard to their shapes and the value of the MSHF. Equilibrium curves for some of the parameterizations exhibit multiple extrema, and transitions between stable and unstable regimes occur at extrema of the equilibrium curves in parameter space. Along the unstable branch(es), the Couette flow model has only a single unstable mode for all turbulence parameterizations considered. The MSHF framework is qualitatively robust to the choice of parameterization, but its use to predict the collapse of turbulence in the SBL is quantitatively sensitive to the turbulence scheme, especially for small values of .
Cross-Seasonal Relationship between the Boreal Autumn SAM and Winter Precipitation in the Northern Hemisphere in CMIP5
Authors: Liu Ting , Li Jianping , Feng Juan , Wang Xiaofan , Li Yang
Published: June 2016

Recent work suggests that the boreal autumn Southern Hemisphere annular mode (SAM) favors a tripole pattern of winter precipitation anomalies in the Northern Hemisphere. This study focuses on the abilities of climate models that participated in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) to reproduce the physical processes involved in this observed cross-seasonal connection. A systematic evaluation suggested that 16 out of 25 models were essentially capable of reproducing this cross-seasonal connection. Two categories of models were selected to explore the underlying reasons for these successful simulations. Models that successfully simulated the cross-seasonal relationship were placed in the type-I category, and these performed well in reproducing the related physical mechanism, known as the “coupled ocean–atmosphere bridge,” in terms of the SST variability associated with the SAM and response of the meridional circulation to these SST anomalies. In contrast, the type-II category of models showed poor performance in representing the related processes and associated feedbacks, and the model biases compromised the performance of the simulated cross-seasonal relationship. These results demonstrate that the capability of the CMIP5 models to reproduce SST variability associated with the boreal autumn SAM and related coupled ocean–atmosphere bridge process plays a decisive role in the successful simulation of the cross-seasonal relationship.
Modeling the Partitioning of Turbulent Fluxes at Urban Sites with Varying Vegetation Cover
Authors: Best M. J. , Grimmond C. S. B.
Published: June 2016

Inclusion of vegetation is critical for urban land surface models (ULSM) to represent reasonably the turbulent sensible and latent heat flux densities in an urban environment. Here the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator (JULES), a ULSM, is used to simulate the Bowen ratio at a number of urban and rural sites with vegetation cover varying between 1% and 98%. The results show that JULES is able to represent the observed Bowen ratios, but only when the additional anthropogenic water supplied into the urban ecosystem is considered. The impact of the external water use (e.g., through irrigation or street cleaning) on the surface energy flux partitioning can be as substantial as that of the anthropogenic heat flux on the sensible and latent heat fluxes. The Bowen ratio varies from 1 to 2 when the plan area vegetation fraction is between 30% and 70%. However, when the vegetation fraction is less than 20%, the Bowen ratios increase substantially (2–10) and have greater sensitivity to assumptions about external water use. As there are few long-term observational sites with vegetation cover less than 30%, there is a clear need for more measurement studies in such environments.
Error Characteristics of Ceilometer-Based Observations of Cloud Amount
Authors: Wagner Timothy J. , Kleiss Jessica M.
Published: June 2016

Ceilometer observations of cloud cover are an important component of the automated weather observation network. However, the accuracy of its measurements of cloud amount is impacted by the limited vertical range and areal extent of its observations. A multiyear collocated dataset of observations from a laser ceilometer, a total sky imager (TSI), and a micropulse lidar (MPL) at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Southern Great Plains (SGP) Central Facility is used to simulate the observations of operational ceilometers and to analyze the magnitude of the errors associated with ceilometer-based observations of cloud amount. The limited areal coverage of ceilometers results in error when skies are heterogeneous, but these errors are small compared to those caused by the limited vertical range: observations of clear sky or few clouds are often in error as the instrument cannot detect the presence of upper-level clouds. The varying quantities of upper-level clouds mean that errors are diurnally and seasonally dependent, with the greatest error at the SGP site happening in the morning and summer, respectively. Overall, the spatial homogeneity and low base of stratus clouds means that ceilometer-based observations of overcast skies are the most accurate, with a root-mean-square error of cloud fraction in overcast conditions an order of magnitude lower than for the dataset as a whole.
The Tornadic Supercell on the Kanto Plain on 6 May 2012: Polarimetric Radar and Surface Data Assimilation with EnKF and Ensemble-Based Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Yokota Sho , Seko Hiromu , Kunii Masaru , Yamauchi Hiroshi , Niino Hiroshi
Published: June 2016

A tornadic supercell and associated low-level mesocyclone (LMC) observed on the Kanto Plain, Japan, on 6 May 2012 were predicted with a nonhydrostatic mesoscale model with a horizontal resolution of 350 m through assimilation of surface meteorological data (horizontal wind, temperature, and relative humidity) of high spatial density and C-band Doppler radar data (radial velocity and rainwater estimated from reflectivity and specific differential phase) with a local ensemble transform Kalman filter. With assimilation of both surface and radar data, a strong LMC was successfully predicted near the path of the actual tornado. When either surface or radar data were not assimilated, however, the LMC was not predicted. Therefore, both surface and radar data were essential for successful LMC forecasts. The factors controlling the strength of the predicted LMC, defined as a low-level maximum vertical vorticity, were clarified by an ensemble-based sensitivity analysis (ESA), which is a new approach for analyzing LMC intensification. The ESA showed that the strength of the LMC was sensitive to low-level convergence forward of the storm and to low-level relative humidity in the rear of the storm. Therefore, the correction of these low-level variables by assimilation of dense observations was found to be particularly important for forecasting and monitoring the LMC in the present case.
A New Forecast Model Based on the Analog Method for Persistent Extreme Precipitation
Authors: Zhou Baiquan , Zhai Panmao
Published: June 2016

This study aims to establish an analog prediction model for forecasting daily persistent extreme precipitation (PEP) during a PEP event (PEPE) using the temporal sequences of predictors with different weights applied in the atmospheric spatial field. The predictors are atmospheric variables in areas where the key influential systems of a PEPE are active in the THORPEX Interactive Grand Global Ensemble (TIGGE) dataset. By means of the cosine similarity measure and the cuckoo search technique, a forecast model was established and named the Key Influential Systems Based Analog Model (KISAM). Validations through threat scores (TSs) and root-mean-square errors for PEP during 17–25 June 2010 indicate that KISAM is able to identify the approaching PEP earlier and yield a more accurate forecast for the location and intensity of PEP than direct model output (DMO) at 3-day and longer lead times in the Yangtze–Huai River valley. For the independent PEPE case on 17–19 June 2010, KISAM is able to predict the PEPE about 8 days in advance. That is much earlier than with DMO. In addition, KISAM produces better intensity forecasts and predicts the extent of the PEPE better than DMO at the same lead time of 5 days. In terms of the forecast experiments during June 2010 and 2015, KISAM shows relatively stronger capacity than DMO in predicting the occurrence and intensity of extreme precipitation (EP) and PEP events at lead times of 1 week or even longer. Through validation of more EP, better performance of KISAM compared to DMO on average is further confirmed at 3-day and longer lead times.
Rain Gauges to Range Conditions: Collaborative Development of a Drought Information System to Support Local Decision-Making
Authors: Ferguson Daniel B. , Masayesva Anna , Meadow Alison M. , Crimmins Michael A.
Published: June 2016

Drought monitoring and drought planning are complex endeavors. Measures of precipitation or streamflow provide little context for understanding how social and environmental systems impacted by drought are responding. Here the authors report on collaborative work with the Hopi Tribe—a Native American community in the U.S. Southwest—to develop a drought information system that is responsive to local needs. A strategy is presented for developing a system that is based on an assessment of how drought is experienced by Hopi citizens and resource managers, that can incorporate local observations of drought impacts as well as conventional indicators, and that brings together local expertise with conventional science-based observations. The system described here is meant to harness as much available information as possible to inform tribal resource managers, political leaders, and citizens about drought conditions and to also engage these local drought stakeholders in observing, thinking about, and helping to guide planning for drought.
Raman Gas Analyzer (RGA): Natural Gas Measurements
Authors: Petrov Dmitry V. , Matrosov Ivan I.
Published: June 2016

In the present work, an improved model of the Raman gas analyzer (RGA) of natural gas (NG) developed by us is described together with its operating principle. The sensitivity has been improved and the number of measurable gases has been expanded. Results of its approbation on a real NG sample are presented for different measurement times. A comparison of the data obtained with the results of chromatographic analysis demonstrates their good agreement. The time stability of the results obtained using this model is analyzed. It is experimentally established that the given RGA can reliably determine the content of all molecular NG components whose content exceeds 0.005% for 100 s; moreover, in this case the limiting sensitivity for some NG components is equal to 0.002%.
Micro-Raman Spectroscopy for the Determination of Local Temperature Increases in TiO2 Thin Films due to the Effect of Radiation
Authors: Gallardo Juan Jesús , Navas Javier , Zorrilla David , Alcántara Rodrigo , Valor Diego , Fernández-Lorenzo Concha , Martín-Calleja Joaquín
Published: June 2016

This study applied a classic method involving Raman spectroscopy and the use of Stokes and anti-Stokes peaks to measure the temperature of TiO2 thin films found in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In addition, three mathematical formulae were used and analyzed to estimate the increase in temperature generated solely by the effect of the radiation. The tests and calculations performed showed an increase in the temperature of the TiO2 film. That is, the films were heated by the radiation they were exposed to. A temperature increase of up to 30 K was detected for the sample with a single layer of TiO2, and over 40 K for the sample with three layers for the highest radiation powers used, and greater increases in temperature were observed in the thicker films.
High Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Amplification Factor Obtained with Silver Printed Circuit Boards and the Influence of Phenolic Resins for the Characterization of the Pesticide Thiram
Authors: Silva de Almeida Francylaine , Bussler Larissa , Marcio Lima Sandro , Fiorucci Antonio Rogério , da Cunha Andrade Luis Humberto
Published: June 2016

In this work, low-cost substrates with rough silver surfaces were prepared from commercial copper foil-covered phenolic board (CPB) and an aqueous solution of AgNO3, and were used for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) measurements. A maximum SERS amplification factor of 1.2 × 107 was obtained for Rhodamine 6G (R6G), and use of the CPB resulted in a detection limit for Thiram pesticide of 0.5 µmol L−1. The minimum detection level was limited by residual traces of phenolic groups that originated from the substrate resin, which became solubilized in the aqueous Ag+ solution. It was found that the bands corresponding to the impurities had less influence in the Thiram analysis, which could be explained by the high affinity of sulfur for Ag surfaces. The influence of impurities in the SERS analyses therefore depended on the linkage between the rough silver surface and the analyte. The findings demonstrated the ease and effectiveness of using CPB to prepare a nanostructured surface for SERS.
Effects of Adjacent Vehicles on Judgments of a Lead Car During Car Following
Authors: Levulis Samuel J. , DeLucia Patricia R. , Oberfeld Daniel
Published: June 2016

Objective:

Two experiments were conducted to determine whether detection of the onset of a lead car’s deceleration and judgments of its time to contact (TTC) were affected by the presence of vehicles in lanes adjacent to the lead car.

Background:

In a previous study, TTC judgments of an approaching object by a stationary observer were influenced by an adjacent task-irrelevant approaching object. The implication is that vehicles in lanes adjacent to a lead car could influence a driver’s ability to detect the lead car’s deceleration and to make judgments of its TTC.

Method:

Displays simulated car-following scenes in which two vehicles in adjacent lanes were either present or absent. Participants were instructed to respond as soon as the lead car decelerated (Experiment 1) or when they thought their car would hit the decelerating lead car (Experiment 2).

Results:

The presence of adjacent vehicles did not affect response time to detect deceleration of a lead car but did affect the signal detection theory measure of sensitivity d′ and the number of missed deceleration events. Judgments of the lead car’s TTC were shorter when adjacent vehicles were present and decelerated early than when adjacent vehicles were absent.

Conclusion:

The presence of vehicles in nearby lanes can affect a driver’s ability to detect a lead car’s deceleration and to make subsequent judgments of its TTC.

Application:

Results suggest that nearby traffic can affect a driver’s ability to accurately judge a lead car’s motion in situations that pose risk for rear-end collisions.
The DSM and Professional Practice
Authors: Halpin Michael
Published: June 2016

How mental illnesses are defined has significant ramifications, given the substantial social and individual repercussions of these conditions. Using actor–network theory, I analyze how mental health professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM) in their work. Drawing on observations of a neuropsychological laboratory and interviews with 27 professionals (i.e., psychiatrists, psychologists), I investigate how the DSM is used in research, clinical, and institutional work. In research, the DSM influences study design and exclusion/inclusion criteria. In the clinic, the DSM influences how disorders are conceptualized and diagnosed. Institutionally, the DSM aligns the patient–professional encounter to insurance and pharmaceutical interests. I conclude that the DSM operates as multiple, context-specific taxonomies that pervasively influence professional practices, such that all possible actions must orient to DSM criteria, with professionals both a source and an object of institutionalized gaze.
Pathways from Early Childhood Adversity to Later Adult Drug Use and Psychological Distress
Authors: Fothergill Kate , Ensminger Margaret E. , Doherty Elaine E. , Juon Hee-Soon , Green Kerry M.
Published: June 2016

Drawing on the life course perspective, this research addresses the direct and indirect pathways between childhood adversity and midlife psychological distress and drug use across a majority of the life span in an African American cohort ( N = 1,242) followed from age 6 to 42 (1966 to 2002). Results from structural equation models highlight the impact of low childhood socioeconomic status (SES), poor maternal mental health, and the role of first-grade maladaptation in launching a trajectory of social maladaptation from age 6 to 42. Specifically, for men, we found a direct pathway from early low SES to drug use in mid adulthood and an indirect pathway to psychological distress through first-grade maladaptation and adolescent poor mental health. For females, early SES affected first-grade maladaptation and low school bonds, which then predicted later drug use.
Development of multiaxial warp knitting technology for production of three-dimensional near net shape shell preforms
Authors: Sankaran Vignaesh , Rittner Steffen , Hahn Lars , Cherif Chokri
Published: June 2016

The possibility of direct preforming in the near net shape of final component structure with load- and shape-conforming fiber orientations is highly essential in composite production, not only to reduce costs but also to attain better mechanical properties and form stability. Based on the concept of varying the reinforcement yarn lengths during the feed-in (warp yarn delivery) and segmented doffing, synchronous working numerically controlled warp yarn delivery and doffing machine modules have been newly developed for multiaxial warp knitting machines to create a resource efficient textile process chain by a single-step, large-scale oriented production of load- and form-conforming warp knitted three-dimensional shell preforms with free-form geometrical surfaces. Such customized preforms in the near component net shape offer higher material utilization and increased lightweight potential.
Insight and Error in Wittgenstein
Authors: Searle John R.
Published: June 2016

For me, personally, Wittgenstein’s philosophy poses the greatest challenge: if he is right, the sort of philosophy I am attempting to do is impossible. Wittgenstein argued powerfully that there can be no such thing as a general philosophical theory of language, mind, consciousness, society, and so on. I wanted and still do want to do precisely that: to present a general philosophical theory of language, mind, consciousness, society, and so on.
Comparing consultation-liaison psychiatrist’s and neurologist’s approaches to delirium – A retrospective analysis
Authors: Mews Marie Rosa , Tauch Deborah , Erdur Hebun , Quante Arnim
Published: June 2016

Objective

To compare the diagnostic, management, and treatment recommendations made by consultation-liaison psychiatrists (CLP) and neurologists (CLN) for suspected delirium and to investigate factors that may have influenced the choice for a particular consultation service.

Method

In this retrospective case analysis, we screened the files of 1882 (CLP: 1112, CLN: 770) inpatients seen by CLP and CLN at the Charité – University Medicine, Berlin, Germany, in 2013. This revealed a total of 148 (CLP: 99, CLN: 49) delirium patients. Information found on the consultation form and in the patients’ files was used for data collection and subsequently analyzed.

Results

Intensive care and surgical units preferably called CLP, while internists consulted more CLN and patients suffering from neurological or psychiatric preconditions were more often seen by the respective specialist. Despite no significant difference between psychomotor activity levels among the groups, CLP recommended significantly more pharmacological interventions ( p = 0.000) and CLN ordered significantly more diagnostic procedures ( p = 0.000).

Conclusion

Our results show considerable differences between CLP and CLN treatment recommendations, which may indicate a conflicting approach to delirium work-up, not accountable to unequal patient characteristics. These preliminary results are not conclusive and should be followed up by high evidence level research.
Developing Nonarbitrary Metrics for Risk Communication
Authors: Lehmann Robert J. B. , Thornton David , Helmus L. Maaike , Hanson R. Karl
Published: June 2016

Nominal risk categories for actuarial risk assessment information should be grounded in nonarbitrary, evidence-based criteria. The current study presents numeric indicators for interpreting one such tool, the Risk Matrix 2000, which is widely used to assess the recidivism risk of sexual offenders. Percentiles, risk ratios, and 5-year recidivism rates are presented based on an aggregated sample ( N = 3,144) from four settings: England and Wales, Scotland, Germany, and Canada. The Risk Matrix 2000 Sex, Violence, and Combined scales showed moderate accuracy in assessing the risk of sexual, non-sexual violent, and violent recidivism, respectively. Although there were some differences across samples in the distributions of risk categories, relative increases in recidivism for ascending risk categories were remarkably consistent. Options for presenting percentiles, risk ratios, and absolute recidivism estimates in applied evaluations are offered, with discussion of the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of these risk communication metrics.
The Interplay Between Neuropsychological Deficits and Adverse Parenting in the Prediction of Adolescent Misconduct
Authors: Jackson Dylan B. , Beaver Kevin M.
Published: June 2016

A long line of research has revealed that neuropsychological and familial factors are associated with crime and delinquency. Although some studies have also examined the relevance of neuropsychological–familial interplay in the prediction of adolescent misconduct, scholars have yet to explore whether this interplay is generalizable across groups stratified by race and socioeconomic status (SES). The current study employs data drawn from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998-1999 (ECLS-K) to examine whether race and SES condition the interactive effects of neuropsychological deficits and adverse parenting on adolescent misconduct ( N = 7,155). The results reveal that interactions between neuropsychological deficits and adverse parenting during childhood are especially predictive of adolescent misconduct among relatively privileged subsets of the sample (i.e., White, high SES). Limitations are noted, and future avenues for research are discussed.
Reducing Stereotype Threat With Embodied Triggers
Authors: Chalabaev Aïna , Radel Rémi , Masicampo E. J. , Dru Vincent
Published: June 2016

In four experiments, we tested whether embodied triggers may reduce stereotype threat. We predicted that left-side sensorimotor inductions would increase cognitive performance under stereotype threat, because such inductions are linked to avoidance motivation among right-handers. This sensorimotor–mental congruence hypothesis rests on regulatory fit research showing that stereotype threat may be reduced by avoidance-oriented interventions, and motor congruence research showing positive effects when two parameters of a motor action activate the same motivational system (avoidance or approach). Results indicated that under stereotype threat, cognitive performance was higher when participants contracted their left hand (Study 1) or when the stimuli were presented on the left side of the visual field (Studies 2-4), as compared with right-hand contraction or right-side visual stimulation. These results were observed on math (Studies 1, 2, and 4) and Stroop (Study 3) performance. An indirect effect of congruence on math performance through subjective fluency was also observed.
How are the powers of the president decided? Vote trading in the making of Taiwan’s semi-presidential constitution
Authors: Lin Jih-wen
Published: June 2016

To establish an unambiguous source of accountability, a semi-presidential constitution can either allow the president to dominate government formation and dissolve the parliament without a prior vote of no confidence being passed or it can reverse the arrangement of these powers. Accordingly, Taiwan is an unusual case of semi-presidentialism because the president can unilaterally appoint the premier but cannot actively dissolve the parliament, so the electorate is seldom called upon to evaluate the responsibility of the constitutional agents in a snap election. Vote-trading theory offers a reasonable explanation for this puzzling situation by showing how seemingly unconnected issues can be voted on as a package. In Taiwan, the choice of presidential powers was complicated by the sovereignty issue, leading the reformers of the constitution to deny the legislature the power to confirm the president’s appointment of the premier in exchange for downsizing the Taiwan Provincial Government. This is exactly what vote-trading theory foresees: votes on different issues may be traded if no “pivot” finds the status quo to be his/her favorite option. By demonstrating how the linking of unconnected issues can obstruct institutional design, vote-trading theory expands our understanding of constitutional choice.
People, they are a changin’
Authors: Cloutier Anika , Peetz Johanna
Published: June 2016

People’s attitudes, social circumstances, and personalities can change over time. What might anticipating change in oneself and in one’s partner mean for romantic relationships? Two studies showed that expecting congruency in change for the self and the partner was linked to better relationship quality. While anticipating change in either partner by itself was associated with perceiving personal growth, individual-level change was only positively linked to relationship appraisals if both partners were expected to change in similar ways. Expecting a future in which both partners change—or both partners stay the same—facilitated higher current (Studies 1 and 2) and future (Study 2) relationship quality and stability compared to expecting a future in which only one of the partners changes.
Behavioural problems in the first year after Severe traumatic brain injury: a prospective multicentre study
Authors: Nygren DeBoussard Catharina , Lannsjö Marianne , Stenberg Maud , Stålnacke Britt-Marie , Godbolt Alison K
Published: June 2016

Objective:

To investigate the occurrence of behavioural problems in patients with severe traumatic brain injury during the first year after injury and potential associations with outcome. An additional post hoc objective was to analyse the frequency of behaviours with need for intervention from staff.

Design and setting:

In a prospective population based cohort study 114 patients with severe traumatic brain injury were assessed at three weeks, three months and one year after injury.

Main measures:

Assessments included clinical examination and standardised instruments. Agitation was assessed with the Agitated Behaviour Scale, the course of recovery by the Rancho Los Amigo Scale and outcome by Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended.

Results:

Agitation were most common at 3 weeks post injury and 28% ( n=68) of the patients showed at least one agitated behaviour requiring intervention from staff. Presence of significant agitation at 3 weeks after injury was not associated with poor outcome. At 3 months agitation was present in 11% ( n=90) and apathy in 26 out of 81 assessed patients. At 3 months agitation and apathy were associated with poor outcome at one year.

Conclusions:

Most agitated behaviours in the early phase are transient and are not associated with poor outcome. Agitation and apathy are uncommon at three months but when present are associated with poor outcome at one year after injury. In the early phase after a severe traumatic brain injury agitated behaviour in need of interventions from staff occur in a substantial proportion of patients.
Historical geography II
Authors: McGeachan Cheryl
Published: June 2016

The second report in this series turns to focus on the trace in relation to life-writing and biography in historical geography and beyond. Through attention to tracing journeys, located moments and listening to the presence of ghosts (Ogborn, 2005), this report seeks to highlight the range of different ways in which historical geographers have explored lives, deaths, and their transient traces through varied biographical terrains. Continuing to draw attention in historical geography to the darkest of histories, this piece will pivot on moments of discovering the dead to showcase the nuanced ways in which historical geography is opening doors into uncharted lives and unspoken histories.
On the optimal tuning of individual pitch control for horizontal-axis wind turbines
Authors: Riboldi Carlo ED
Published: June 2016

Individual pitch control has proved capable of reducing loads on the blades and shaft of a horizontal-axis wind turbine, at the price of a potentially substantial increase in actuator activity. With accurate tuning of the control parameters, the overall performance can be satisfactorily balanced, but a manual tuning procedure often proves unbearably costly and the solution found may be far from optimal. This study tries to explore the feasibility of an optimal approach to the problem of tuning of individual pitch control, by mapping reasonable cost functions with respect to some parameters of interest in control design. The analysis is carried out by considering a possible individual pitch control implementation, tested in a virtual environment on a realistic testbed. The merit functions are also analyzed visually, in order to easily understand the effects of the various design parameters on the positions and quality of the respective optima. In a later stage, results of complete optimization runs are presented, and the approach is critically discussed.
Solid waste containing persistent organic pollutants in Serbia: From precautionary measures to the final treatment (case study)
Authors: Stevanovic-Carapina Hristina , Milic Jelena , Curcic Marijana , Randjelovic Jasminka , Krinulovic Katarina , Jovovic Aleksandar , Brnjas Zvonko
Published: June 2016

Sustainable solid waste management needs more dedicated attention in respect of environmental and human health protection. Solid waste containing persistent organic pollutants is of special concern, since persistent organic pollutants are persistent, toxic and of high risk to human health and the environment. The objective of this investigation was to identify critical points in the Serbian system of solid waste and persistent organic pollutants management, to assure the life cycle management of persistent organic pollutants and products containing these chemicals, including prevention and final destruction. Data were collected from the Serbian competent authorities, and led us to identify preventive actions for solid waste management that should reduce or minimise release of persistent organic pollutants into the environment, and to propose actions necessary for persistent organic pollutants solid waste. The adverse impact of persistent organic pollutants is multidimensional. Owing to the lack of treatment or disposal plants for hazardous waste in Serbia, the only option at the moment to manage persistent organic pollutants waste is to keep it in temporary storage and when conditions are created (primarily financial), such waste should be exported for destruction in hazardous waste incinerators. Meanwhile, it needs to be assured that any persistent organic pollutants management activity does not negatively impact recycling flows or disturb progress towards a more circular economy in Serbia.
Raising State Gas Tax Rates for Transportation Revenues: Navigating a Bumpy Road
Authors: Nguyen-Hoang Phuong , Bogin Alexander
Published: June 2016

State funds for surface transportation are not only key for roadway investments but generally instrumental for transportation planning at all levels. State fuel taxes still represent a major revenue source of transportation funds. This paper makes two contributions. First, we seek to identify a revenue-optimizing gas tax rate. We find that there is considerable room for the majority of states to increase tax rates before reaching the fiscally optimal gas tax rate. Second, the road to maximizing transportation funds through gas tax hikes is bumpy with multiple countervailing forces that may undermine the revenue-enhancing capacity of the tax increases.
Subalternization of the global south: Critique of mainstream ‘Western’ security discourses
Authors: Ratuva Steven
Published: June 2016

Mainstream ‘Western’ discourses on security often located the Western world at the centre of analysis, and the global south societies were seen as full of rogue states and potential sources of threat to liberal democracy, global capitalist interests and Western values. A critical factor was the way in which some of the underlying assumptions were used to justify division of the world into the ‘west versus the rest’ and intervention in various forms. The article does a critique of some of the dominant security discourses in the context of their significance to the global south. The political, cultural and economic transformations in the global south societies and their subaltern position within global power configuration were shaped by their colonial experiences, and these in turn reflected their security situations and these factors are often ignored in mainstream security thinking. This poses serious questions about the relevance of Western notions of security and implications on world peace.
Numerical ill-conditioning in evaluation of the dynamic response of structures with mode superposition method
Authors: Skoblar Ante , Žigulić Roberto , Braut Sanjin
Published: June 2016

Dynamic response of structures can be determined by mode superposition method which uses mode shape functions and modal coordinate functions. If the structure can be modelled with a uniform Euler–Bernoulli beam and a combination of clamped, free, pinned or sliding boundary conditions, analytical expressions for mode shape functions and modal coordinate functions are used. If analytical expressions for higher-order mode shapes or analytical expressions for the modal coordinate functions at high value of time are numerically evaluated, errors occur since the programming language cannot recognise the resulting value as a number, due to ill-conditioned analytical expressions. An analytical expression is ill-conditioned if small errors in the data may produce large errors in the solution. In this paper, we present a procedure for the exact numerical evaluation of analytical expressions for modal coordinates at high value of time while existing modified analytical expressions are used for exact calculation of higher-order mode shapes of the Euler–Bernoulli beam. The proposed procedure can be applied in the design of structure elements whose response is calculated with mode superposition method, e.g. for designing of metal frames for sawing machines in woodworking industry.
Impact of targeted counseling on reported vaginal hygiene practices and bacterial vaginosis: the HIV Prevention Trials Network 035 study
Authors: Kasaro Margaret P , Husnik Marla J , Chi Benjamin H , Reid Cheri , Magure Tsitsi , Makanani Bonus , Tembo Tchangani , Ramjee Gita , Maslankowski Lisa , Rabe Lorna , Brad Guffey M
Published: June 2016

The objective of this study was to describe the impact of intense counseling to reduce vaginal hygiene practices and its effect on bacterial vaginosis. A secondary data analysis of the HIV Prevention Trials Network 035 study was undertaken, focusing on HIV-negative, nonpregnant women who were at least 18 years old, in seven African sites and one US site. At enrollment and during follow-up quarterly visits, vaginal hygiene practices were determined by face-to-face administration of a behavioral assessment questionnaire. Vaginal hygiene practices were categorized as insertion into the vagina of (1) nothing, (2) water only, and (3) other substances with or without water. Each practice was quantified by frequency and type/combination of inserted substances. At quarterly visits, diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis was made using the Nugent score. Trends for vaginal hygiene practices and bacterial vaginosis were evaluated using generalized estimating equation models. A total of 3087 participants from the HIV Prevention Trials Network 035 study were eligible for this analysis. At enrollment, 1859 (60%) reported recent vaginal hygiene practices. By one year, this figure had decreased to 1019 (33%) with counseling. However, bacterial vaginosis prevalence remained consistent across the study observation period, with 36%–38% of women testing positive for the condition ( p for trend = 0.27). Overall, those who reported douching with water only (AOR = 1.03, 95%CI: 0.94–1.13) and those who reported inserting other substances (AOR= 0.98, 95%CI: 0.88–1.09) in the past quarter were not more likely to have bacterial vaginosis compared to those who reported no insertions. However, in South Africa, an increase in bacterial vaginosis was seen among those who reported inserting other substances (AOR: 1.48, 95%CI: 1.17, 1.88). In conclusion, targeted counseling against vaginal hygiene practices resulted in change in self-reported behavior but did not have an impact on bacterial vaginosis diagnosis in all but one site.
Reconstruction of mid- to late-Holocene winter temperatures in the Skagerrak region using benthic foraminiferal Mg/Ca and δ18O
Authors: Butruille Camille , Krossa Veronica Rohde , Schwab Christian , Weinelt Mara
Published: June 2016

Reconstruction of Skagerrak deep-water renewal is used to assess regional changes in winter thermal conditions over the past 6800 years. Changes in winter climate conditions from the Skagerrak region are in turn linked to shifts in Holocene large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns prevailing over northern Europe. We use Melonis barleeanus Mg/Ca from two sediment cores in the central Skagerrak to reconstruct temperature of Skagerrak intermediate water, representing the warm season temperature variability, and deep water, for monitoring Skagerrak deep-water renewal, reflecting the winter temperature variability. In addition, M. barleeanus δ18O is used from the deeper core to reconstruct salinity, also monitoring the deep-water renewal. Our results show that the Skagerrak deep-water experienced phases of particularly enhanced renewal during the mid-Holocene reflecting severe winter conditions, followed by a general shift to reduced renewal as a consequence of milder winter conditions over the North Sea around 3500 cal. yr BP. The late-Holocene shift was most likely related to the onset of a regime with intensified winter westerly winds directed toward northern Europe and an increased inflow of North Atlantic water into the Skagerrak–North Sea reflecting more maritime climate conditions. On millennial scale, cold phases in our deep-water records match with low winter precipitation phases in western Norway. They are associated with distinct increases in ice rafted debris (IRD) in North Atlantic sediments, suggesting that phases of iceberg discharge in the Atlantic were associated with cold and dry winter conditions over northern Europe. Interestingly, the cold event centered around 5900 cal. yr BP appears to be only associated with winter variability, while the following one at 4200 cal. yr BP is documented in our winter record, as well as in records related to warmer seasons.
The Emerging Integration of Close Relationships Research and Evolutionary Psychology
Authors: Eastwick Paul W.
Published: June 2016

Romantic relationships are a central focus of scientific inquiry within two psychological literatures—those on close relationships and evolutionary psychology—yet attempts to bridge these topics have been surprisingly rare. Recently, several lines of research have begun drawing from the methodological and theoretical traditions of each literature to inform the other. For example, evolutionary perspectives have recently made important contributions to the study of romantic relationships by highlighting the positive effects of negative emotions (e.g., jealousy) and the potentially negative implications of hormonal contraception use. In addition, the emphasis in the close relationships literature on relationship development over time has begun to refine scholars’ understanding of the ubiquitous evolutionary psychological distinction between short-term and long-term relationships as well as the classic concept of mate value. These lines of work exemplify how the edges of two intersecting literatures can generate intellectual sparks that ignite both fields.
Experimental Approaches to Studying Cumulative Cultural Evolution
Authors: Caldwell Christine A. , Atkinson Mark , Renner Elizabeth
Published: June 2016

In humans, cultural traditions often change in ways that increase efficiency and functionality. This process, widely referred to as cumulative cultural evolution, sees beneficial traits preferentially retained, and it is so pervasive that we may be inclined to take it for granted. However, directional change of this kind appears to distinguish human cultural traditions from behavioral traditions that have been documented in other animals. Cumulative culture is therefore attracting an increasing amount of attention within psychology, and researchers have begun to develop methods of studying this phenomenon under controlled conditions. These studies have now addressed a number of different questions, including which learning mechanisms may be implicated and how the resulting behaviors may be influenced by factors such as population structure. The current article provides a synopsis of some of these studies and highlights some of the unresolved issues in this field.
Guided Play
Authors: Weisberg Deena Skolnick , Hirsh-Pasek Kathy , Golinkoff Roberta Michnick , Kittredge Audrey K. , Klahr David
Published: June 2016

Competing trends in early childhood education emphasize the need for strong curricular approaches and for unfettered exploration. We propose an approach to early learning that avoids this false dichotomy: guided play. Guided play takes advantage of children’s natural abilities to learn through play by allowing them to express their autonomy within a prepared environment and with adult scaffolding. We provide examples of how guided-play situations have been implemented in past work, as well as evidence that guided play is successful for education across a range of content—perhaps even more successful than other pedagogical approaches.