bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Kyoto Protocol and Sustainable Cities
Authors: Donoso Pedro , Martínez Francisco , Zegras Christopher
Published: May 2018

This paper assesses the possibility for changing urban development patterns to reduce transportation greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The analysis was carried out as part of a larger project exploring the possibility of using the clean development mechanism (CDM) to reduce transportation GHG emissions in Santiago, Chile. The paper provides an overview of the analytical approach, which includes an integrated travel demand model with sensitivity to mesolevel land use variations, a method to generate optimal land use scenarios that relate to emission reductions, and a process to estimate the level of subsidies needed to produce those land use scenarios. Limitations to the approach and suggestions for future research are discussed. The paper concludes with an assessment of the results in the face of the fairly strict requirements for project development and implementation implied by the CDM.
Standard Protocol for Comparing Culvert Hydraulic Modeling Software
Authors: Kassem Ahmed , Sattar Ahmed A. , Chaudhry M. Hanif
Published: May 2018

A survey conducted for this study showed that state departments of transportation do not have a common methodology for selecting hydraulic and hydrologic software. Therefore, a standard protocol is developed here to compare hydraulic modeling software, which is the scope of NCHRP Project 20-07(146). The protocol consists of four evaluation components: functionality, detail, user-friendliness, and credibility. A measuring factor is assigned to each evaluation component based on certain criteria, and then the measuring factors of all four components are averaged to determine an overall evaluation factor. A quantitative comparison system for the overall evaluation factor is proposed for comparing and evaluating the modeling software packages on a scale between 0% and 100%. The protocol is universal in nature and can be applied to hydraulic and hydrologic computer models. In this paper the protocol is applied to compare HEC-RAS and HY-8 models as an example for the classification of computer models used for hydraulic analysis of culverts. The model functionality is assessed by comparing the model results with benchmark test data. For that purpose, four test cases are compiled to provide benchmarks for culvert hydraulics. The test cases comprise experimental data and examples from the FHWA Hydraulic Design Series No. 5. Information provided in the documentation of the software packages is used to assess other evaluation components, such as detail, user-friendliness, and credibility. Then, an overall evaluation factor for each model is determined as described above.
Fandangles and Other Measures of Incidental Trips
Authors: Richardson A. J.
Published: May 2018

The concept of trip incidentality is examined, with trip incidentality defined in terms of the effect on total daily travel distance of removing (or not recording) specific activities from the daily set of activities. Four measures of trip incidentality are proposed and applied to a travel survey data set collected in Brisbane, Australia, in 2004. Several findings concerning the measurement of daily travel are of importance. Although trip rates have traditionally been used to measure daily travel, it is shown that 50% of trip stages could be removed from the data set, and only 20% of travel time, 8% of trip-stage distance, and 3% of trip chain distance would be lost. These findings question the robustness of using trip rates as the primary means of measuring daily travel patterns, especially when the data are to be used in the development of transport network models. The extent of trip incidentality is further explored as a function of several trip and activity characteristics. It is found that activities are less likely to be incidental if they are for work, education, or recreation purposes and are more likely to be incidental if they are at the end of a public transport trip stage or during peak periods. They appear unaffected by the length of the trip stage preceding the activity but are highly influenced by the duration of the activity itself, with shorter-duration activities being much more likely to be incidental.
Incorporating Within-Household Interactions into Mode Choice Model with Genetic Algorithm for Parameter Estimation
Authors: Roorda Matthew , Miller Eric J. , Kruchten Nicolas
Published: May 2018

The procedure for estimating a household model of mode choice is described. The tour-based mode choice model incorporates interpersonal interactions within the household explicitly in an agent-based random utility modeling framework. Household interactions include vehicle allocation, ridesharing to joint activities, and drop-off and pickup. Because of the complex nature of the model decision structure, choice probabilities are simulated from direct generation of random utilities rather than through an analytical probability expression. The computational requirements for the simulation are large. Therefore a grid of computers is used in parallel to perform the necessary calculations and a genetic algorithm is used for parameter estimation. A brief description of the model, the full model results, and a discussion of the computational techniques used in parameter estimation are presented.
Does a Grande Latte Really Stir up Gridlock?
Authors: Kitamura Ryuichi , Susilo Yusak O.
Published: May 2018

Does a stop that a commuter makes on the way to or from work adversely affect peak period traffic? This question is addressed by examining the effects of stops made as part of commute journeys on daily, as well as peak period, travel time and distance, in a 6-week travel diary data set from Germany. Increments in travel time and distance due to stops made in commute journeys are evaluated, and a panel regression analysis is performed to determine contributions of stops of different types to travel time and distance. It was found that the travel time and distance of a commute journey increase with the number of stops and that incorporating stops as part of commute journeys tends to make daily travel more efficient, with more distances traversed in relatively less time than when the same number of stops are all made outside the commute journey. Nonetheless, stops in commute journeys do add to peak period travel time and distance. Stops made before work do not produce much incremental travel in the morning peak period. Stops made after work, however, substantially add to peak period travel time and distance as well as daily travel time and distance. In particular, a home-based journey made after returning home contributes to afternoon peak traffic more than does a stop in a work-to-home commute journey.
Framework for Travel Time Learning and Behavioral Adaptation in Route and Departure Time Choice
Authors: Jotisankasa Apivat , Polak John W.
Published: May 2018

Understanding the dynamics of individual travel choice behavior is both a considerable research challenge and of considerable practical importance. Of particular interest are the day-to-day dynamics of commuters’ route and departure time choice decisions, since these processes influence peak-period conditions. Two key mechanisms underlying these behavioral dynamics are the process by which commuters update their perceptions of network travel times (which will be referred to as learning) and the process by which they adjust their behavior as a result of this learning. A new theoretical framework for modeling the day-to-day dynamics of drivers’ route and departure time choice decisions in a commuting context is presented as well as estimation results based on data collected in a series of web-based experiments involving travelers’ repeated decisions in hypothetical transport networks over a period of 15 simulated days. The estimation results indicate that triggering, updating, and adaptation are indeed distinct processes and that the proposed framework constitutes a fruitful direction for future research.
Competition in Bus Public Transport in Israel
Authors: Shiftan Yoram , Sharaby Nir
Published: May 2018

Following the trend in many countries, competition in public transport in Israel was introduced in the late 1990s in various forms of competitive tendering. Competition by 2005 included more than 370 lines carrying more than 100 million passengers annually, representing some 15% of the market. Cost savings and significant fare reductions were the immediate results of most tenders. In most line clusters, competition resulted in an increase in level of service and ridership. An economic model is used to analyze and evaluate the benefits of the competitive process in public transport in Israel and examine its impact on the national economy. Results show that an increase in consumer surplus together with a long-term subsidy saving represent 7% of the total precompetition public transport cost. The subsidy saving alone is estimated to be 15% of the precompetition subsidy. The presented experience shows that all types of tenders advance the market to a more competitive environment. However, fare-based competitive tendering is closer to representing perfect competition conditions and maximizing welfare, whereas subsidy–royalty bidding results in subsidy savings. This finding shows the importance of setting the fare level in subsidy–royalty tenders so as to minimize deadweight loss.
Who is Attracted to Carsharing?
Authors: Burkhardt Jon E. , Millard-Ball Adam
Published: May 2018

Carsharing offers access to cars and other vehicles without ownership of those vehicles. This transportation option is growing rapidly in the United States and Canada. In appropriate community settings, carsharing can increase mobility, reduce vehicle travel, and complement other transportation modes. In a TCRP project that provided a wide-ranging analysis of carsharing in North America, direct contacts with carsharing members through focus groups and a web-based survey were used to determine demographic characteristics of users, their travel patterns, and their attitudes about carsharing. Special attention was paid to why members joined carsharing organizations, how they used the services, and what they liked and disliked about carsharing. With descriptive statistics from the Internet survey and qualitative analyses of focus group results (both checked against previous literature), it was determined that carsharing appeals to individuals who can be considered to be social activists, environmental protectors, innovators, economizers, or practical travelers. Carsharing companies and their partners could conceivably increase their membership by targeting such individuals and others with certain demographic characteristics.
Cost per User as Key Factor in Project Prioritization
Authors: Nuworsoo Cornelius , Parks Kamala , Deakin Elizabeth
Published: May 2018

Efforts to accommodate increasing and dispersed demand for travel in the face of mounting traffic congestion, escalating construction costs, limited rights of way, and diminished air quality have caused planning agencies to adopt plans that would enhance transit choices. Faced with fiscal limitations, the need to prioritize the ever-growing list of improvement projects is paramount. To meet this need in the development of the Bay Area System Plan for Regional Express Bus Service in California, a survey of existing literature on capital investment prioritization in transportation was conducted. This review led to development of a simple prioritization methodology with which to analyze the projects. Unit costs per ride were calculated to facilitate comparisons between the various proposals. The cost estimation procedure involved a systematic sequence of analyses that included the development and quantification of conceptual design elements, application of unit capital as well as operation and maintenance costs, and matching of annualized costs with annual ridership to derive unit costs per affected ride. Results revealed that the greater majority of proposed improvements could be implemented at a relatively low total cost. The estimates also suggest that most proposed improvements will not add very significant additional costs per ride to existing operations. The case study demonstrates the utility of a prioritization method that emphasizes the user benefits of projects and illustrates an approach that could be used by other agencies.
Development of Traffic Air Quality Simulation Model
Authors: Kim Brian Y. , Wayson Roger L. , Fleming Gregg G.
Published: May 2018

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency currently promulgates the use of CAL3QHC to model the concentrations of carbon monoxide near roadway intersections. The steady-state and macroscopic methods used in this model represent rough approximations of the physical phenomena that occur at intersections and are unintuitive for the users. Therefore, the traffic air quality simulation model (TRAQSIM) was developed to create a theoretically more realistic (more natural), easier to understand, and more flexible modeling environment than CAL3QHC. Instead of the steady-state plume equations used in CAL3QHC, TRAQSIM models dispersion through the use of Gaussian puffs emitted from discrete moving sources in a traffic simulation environment. Although most components incorporated in TRAQSIM are not new, the combination of these components within a fully integrated environment is new and provides the potential for a more direct (more logical) expansion of modeling capabilities. As part of an initial validation assessment, a relative comparison of the results obtained with CAL3QHC and TRAQSIM showed that TRAQSIM produced a more intuitively correct spatial allocation of concentrations. The validation assessment also showed good agreement by both models when the data obtained with the models were compared with the measured data, with overall R2 values of .721 for CAL3QHC and .605 for TRAQSIM. Although these values appear to favor CAL3QHC, the analysis of individual cases showed mixed results (i.e., six cases favored CAL3QHC and five cases favored TRAQSIM). Therefore, additional assessments with larger data sets will need to be conducted before any definitive conclusions can be made. This paper describes the data and methodologies used to develop TRAQSIM and the initial validation work.
Variability of Mobile Source Air Toxic Emissions Factors with MOBILE6.2
Authors: Claggett Michael , Miller Terry L.
Published: May 2018

This paper documents the ranges of mobile source air toxic (MSAT) emissions factors produced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's MOBILE6.2 model because of changes in a variety of input parameters. These include calendar year, ambient temperature, fuel (gasoline) Reid vapor pressure (RVP), and vehicle speed. The variability of MSAT emissions factors is more than an order of magnitude. They are the most sensitive to changes in calendar year. For hydrocarbon-based MSATs (i.e., acetaldehyde, acrolein, benzene, butadiene, and formaldehyde), significant decreases in emissions factors can be realized by mitigating congested vehicle speeds. The variability is less for changes in temperature and changes in fuel RVP with moderate temperature. The emissions factors for diesel particulate matter change only as a function of calendar year and are not sensitive to changes in vehicle speed, temperature, or fuel RVP.
Influence of Area Population, Number of Lanes, and Speed Limit on Saturation Flow Rate
Authors: Bonneson James A. , Nevers Brandon , Pratt Michael P. , Bonyani Gina
Published: May 2018

Research has shown that area population, the number of lanes in the lane group, and speed limit are correlated with saturation flow rate. However, the procedures in Chapter 16 of the 2000 Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) do not recognize these influences. The objective of this paper is to report the findings and conclusions from a research project that examined the influence of these and other factors on the saturation flow rate of the through lane group at several signalized intersections. An examination of several thousand headway observations indicates that saturation flow rate increases in a predictable way with an increase in population, number of lanes, or speed limit. Several saturation flow rate adjustment factors are calibrated on the basis of field data and are recommended for inclusion in the next edition of the HCM.
Stochastic Processes of Moving Bottlenecks
Authors: Laval Jorge A.
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a general framework for developing formulas to estimate the capacity of freeway bottlenecks caused by the presence of slow vehicles. These underperforming vehicles may represent trucks on an uphill grade, cautious lane changers at a weaving section, or any other stream of vehicles moving consistently—at least for a short period of time—more slowly than prevailing traffic. From modeling of the underperforming stream as simplified yet realistic stochastic processes, closed-form expressions for the segment's capacity can be obtained. Four such processes are presented and exemplified for the case of short uphill grades, a type of facility where existing capacity formulas fail. The proposed models—which do not need calibration—improve current estimates, and one in particular explains existing data with remarkable accuracy.
Electrification of Transport Refrigeration Units for Temperature-Sensitive Freight: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 Technical Assistance Case Study
Authors: Thornton John , MacArthur John , Barham Husam
Published: May 2018

Transport refrigeration units (TRUs) powered by integral diesel engines provide necessary temperature control for temperature-sensitive freight. TRU engines on trucks or trailers run while parked for temperature control (known as idling)—commonly for 40 to 60% of engine run time while at a home base distribution center. TRU engine idling is a sizable source of fuel consumption, causing air pollution, negative health effects, noise, and unnecessary cost. Electrification is a viable alternative to engine idling in TRUs parked at distribution centers, cold storage warehouses, truck stops, public rest areas, packing houses, terminals and other goods-movement facilities by adopting plug-in electric transport refrigeration units (eTRUs) with grid-supplied electricity. While electrification promises environmental and economic advantages over engine idling, adoption of eTRUs with grid-supplied electricity in the United States is slow. This paper presents results from a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency technical assistance pilot project to address market and behavior barriers of electrification of transport refrigeration to reduce TRU idling. The project findings revealed fleets often underestimate idling time and cost, while being skeptical about the long-term savings and benefits of electrification. The paper introduces a technical assistance approach to work with businesses to reduce operating costs while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and toxic air pollution of temperature-controlled freight.
Method for Imputing Missing Data using Online Calibration for Urban Freeway Control
Authors: Wang Xu , Ge Yuechun , Niu Lei , He Yi , Qiu Tony Z.
Published: May 2018

Real-time traffic control systems are widely implemented on roadways around the world as a measure to improve freeway mobility. However, the systems, which rely on data from road-side and on-road sensors and other electronic equipment, continue to suffer from issues related to missing and erroneous data. While many data imputation methods are documented in the related literature, traffic control systems still lack an imputation method that is applicable in practice, accurate in imputation, and simple in computation. In response, this paper puts forth a linear imputation model that considers both temporal traffic trend and spatial detector correlations. To adapt the model to dynamic traffic variations, the imputation method was equipped with an online calibration module. The proposed imputation method was evaluated with field data from two stations on the Whitemud Drive, a busy urban freeway in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The proposed model benefited from its time-of-day temporal trend and outperforms the previous model that considers only spatial correlations. Moreover, the online calibration module was effective in improving imputation accuracy. Finally, the sensitivity of imputation performance was analyzed. The results show that the imputation with online calibration is more sensitive to missing data ratios than that with offline calibration. The sensitivity analysis revealed that imputation with online calibration is more suitable for online imputation in traffic control implementations.
Development of Transition between Free-Standing and Reduced-Deflection Portable Concrete Barriers
Authors: Pajouh Mojdeh Asadollahi , Bielenberg Robert W. , Reid John D. , Schmidt Jennifer D. , Faller Ronald K. , Emerson Erik
Published: May 2018

Portable concrete barriers (PCBs) are often used in applications in which limited deflection is desired during vehicle impacts, such as bridge decks and work zones. In an earlier study, a reduced-deflection, stiffening system was configured for use with non-anchored, F-shape PCBs and was successfully crash tested under Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) safety performance criteria. However, details and guidance for implementing this barrier system outside the length-of-need, including within transitions to other barrier systems, were not provided. The focus of this study was to develop a crashworthy transition design between the reduced-deflection, F-shape PCB system to free-standing, F-shape PCB segments using engineering analysis and LS-DYNA computer simulation. First, the continuous steel tubes in the reduced-deflection system were tapered down to the surface of the free-standing PCB segments to reduce the potential for vehicle snag. In addition, steel tube spacers were added at the base of the two joints upstream from the reduced-deflection system to increase the stiffness of adjacent free-standing PCBs. Simulations were performed to determine the critical impact points for use in a full-scale crash testing program. It was recommended that three full-scale crash tests be conducted, two tests with a 2270P pickup truck vehicle and one test with an 1100C passenger car, to evaluate the proposed design system with impacts at the recommended critical impact points.
Application of Granular Material Pressure Cells to Measure Railroad Track Tie/Ballast Interfacial Pressures
Authors: Rose Jerry G. , Clarke David B. , Liu Qinglie , Watts Travis J.
Published: May 2018

This paper describes the development of a method to measure railroad track tie/ballast interfacial pressures using pressure cells specially designed for granular materials. Repeat measurements were taken during a several-month period on a Norfolk Southern Corporation high-tonnage mainline. The research employed new wood crossties routed so pressure cells could be recessed within the ties. Thus, the active surfaces of the pressure cells were flush with the tie bottoms. Cabling was run through a recess to the tie end. This greatly reduced the likelihood of damage to the instrumentation during track surfacing and lining activity. The ties were installed such that multiple cells were directly under consecutive rail seats of one rail. Several ties also had cells either at the center or the rail seat of the opposite rail. The researchers expended considerable effort to provide consistent ballast conditions for the instrumented ties and adjacent, undisturbed (transition) ties. Norfolk Southern crews surfaced and tamped through and on either side of the test section. This, plus consolidation through normal accruing train traffic, resulted in consistent measurements through the section. The paper presents ballast pressure magnitudes and distributions and discusses results, including the effects of variable ballast support, wheel loadings, and impact loadings. Typical vertical ballast pressure measurements directly under the rail seat, with compacted ballast and minimal impact forces ranged from 20 to 30 psi (140 to 210 kPa) under the heaviest common revenue wheel loadings.
Open wounds: visible physical disability and its meaning for the group and society
Authors: Mitchell Sue
Published: May 2018

This article presents an exploration of the unconscious social treatment of physical disability and its transformational potential. In particular, I focus on the apparent difficulty talking about underlying emotion stimulated by disability. The social models address discrimination but obscure underlying emotion. The problem of physical disability appears to be located within an individual. I argue that this is done by mechanisms of projection and splitting and refer to the social unconscious and I suggest the problem is located within the group. I explore the process of shame and use myth of the Handless Maiden. I highlight the conductor’s role in facilitating communication and discuss self-disclosure. Personal examples and a group vignette are presented to illustrate ideas.
Sex Differences in the Association Between Cyberbullying Victimization and Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation in Adolescents
Authors: Kim Soyeon , Kimber Melissa , Boyle Michael H. , Georgiades Katholiki
Published: May 2018

Objective:

To examine sex differences in the association between cyberbullying victimization and mental health (psychological distress and delinquency), substance use-related outcomes (drug and tobacco use, binge drinking), and suicide ideation among adolescents.

Method:

Data were obtained from the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey (OSDUHS; 2013, N=10,272, grade 7 to 12). The sample for analysis included 4,940 students with a mean age of 15.1 years (43.3% male). A series of multi-level, binary, logistic regression models were conducted separately for female and male adolescents to quantify the strength of associations between cyberbullying victimization and study outcomes, after accounting for traditional forms of bullying and demographic covariates.

Results:

Female adolescents reported significantly higher prevalence of cyberbullying victimization (once, 9.4%; twice or more, 13.3%) as compared with male adolescents (once, 8.3%, twice or more, 7.8%). Exposure to cyberbullying victimization was associated with an increased odds for psychological distress, suicide ideation, and delinquency among both female and male adolescents (adjusted odds ratios ranged from 1.76 to 4.63); although, the effects were more pronounced in females. Among females, but not males, the odds of reporting psychological distress, suicide ideation, and delinquency increased (in a step-wise fashion) with more frequent exposure to cyberbullying victimization. Cyberbullying victimization was associated with an increased odds of adolescent substance use only among females.

Conclusion:

Adolescents exposed to cyberbullying victimization demonstrate an increased odds of poorer mental health, substance use outcomes, and suicide ideation. The current study reveals increased risk among female adolescents as compared with male adolescents. These findings lend support for the need to develop and evaluate targeted preventative interventions specifically tailored for female and male adolescents.
Maternal Perception of Adequacy of Mother’s Milk Among Mothers Giving Birth at a Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka
Authors: Rodrigo Ranmali , Rodrigo Asiri , Liyanage Nisansala , Hatahagoda Wathsala , Hewavitharana Uthpala
Published: May 2018

Background:

Sri Lanka boasts high rates of early and exclusive breastfeeding. Perceived inadequacy of milk, a global problem, is the main cause for early cessation of breastfeeding.

Research Aims:

The aims of this study are to (a) determine the prevalence, (b) identify the risk factors, and (c) ascertain the association that maternal psychological distress has with perceived inadequacy of milk (PIM), among mothers during the early postpartum period. Identifying and addressing modifiable risk factors for PIM may improve mothers’ satisfaction with breastfeeding.

Methods:

A cross-sectional descriptive study of mothers ( n = 249) during the first week after birth was conducted at Colombo North Teaching Hospital (Ragama, Sri Lanka) from May 1, 2016, to June 10, 2016. Participants were recruited when the infant was more than 24 hours but less than 7 days old. A self-administered questionnaire, including the six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, was used.

Results:

The majority of mothers (78%) perceived their milk quantity to be adequate. A family member telling mothers that their milk supply was low had the most significant associations with perceived inadequacy. Other associations were antenatal maternal complications and birth by cesarean section. Kessler scores indicating psychological distress occurred in 26% of all participating mothers, with a higher mean score in those with PIM.

Conclusions:

Sri Lankan family members should be educated further about normal patterns of milk production during the postpartum period. The authors recommend that PIM be included in screening tools for postpartum depression in Sri Lanka.
Modeling and optimization of material removal influenced by sliding velocity in polishing
Authors: Fan Cheng , Zhang Lei , Zhao Qizhi , Zhao Jun , Zhao Ji , Sun Lining
Published: May 2018

The high-precision part surfaces are usually finished by the corrective polishing to improve the surface form accuracy. This article proposes a new method to model and optimize the material removal in the polishing process. This method assumes that the material removal rate in polishing follows the Preston’s equation, and the material removal profile is obtained by integrating the material removal index along the tool path at each unit area of the tool/workpiece contact. The focus is on the effect of the sliding velocity on the material removal profile. Results indicate that the shape of the removal profile is affected by the angular spindle velocity, angular feed velocity and tool path radius. A series of simulation and practical polishing experiments were conducted to verify the proposed model. The tending gene of the removal profile is defined and derived. By using the principle of maximum tending gene, the material removal profile is optimized, which is helpful to plan the process parameter properly in polishing.
Pitch bearing/raceway fretting: Influence of contact angle
Authors: He Peiyu , Hong Rongjing , Wang Hua , Lu Cheng
Published: May 2018

In this paper, a three-dimensional numerical simulation (using ABAQUS) of the radial and tangential wear between a ball bearing and a raceway is presented. The aim was to study the influence of the contact angle between ball and raceway on the fretting. A range of contact angles was studied with critical parameters such as contact stress, relative slip, plastic deformation, and contact state. The model was validated against experimental data. The results show that with an increase in the contact angle, the area of maximum stress increases, the bearing capacity of the raceway decreases, and the maximum radial stress moves from the sub-surface to the raceway surface. The raceway surface is shown to be prone to peeling and wear, which reduces the service life of the raceway.
Mitigating the Detrimental Impact of Maximum Negative Affect on Team Cohesion and Performance Through Face-to-Face Communication
Authors: Hill N. Sharon , Offermann Lynn R. , Thomas Kaitlin
Published: May 2018

Research on team affective composition has been limited by primarily focusing on the influence of the mean level of team affect despite suggestions that even one affectively negative member may have a disproportionate influence on team functioning and outcomes. Drawing on key tenets of social interdependence theory and integrating team affect and communication research, we investigate the influence of the team member with the highest score on trait negative affect (maximum negative affect). We also highlight an important factor, face-to-face communication, that may mitigate the detrimental effect of maximum negative affect. Results show that the negative impact of team maximum negative affect on team cohesion, and the indirect effect on team performance behaviors through cohesion, is attenuated in teams that meet face-to-face more frequently. In addition, team performance behaviors mediate the indirect effect of cohesion on the team’s task performance outcome. Our findings make significant contributions to team affect research and also have important practical implications for managing negative affectivity in teams.
Capecitabine-induced myopericarditis – A case report and review of literature
Authors: Saunders Sydney , Anwar Maria
Published: May 2018

Objective

To describe a possible case of capecitabine-induced myopericarditis in a patient at the Cardio-Oncology Clinic in Calgary, AB.

Design

A literature search and adverse drug reaction assessment with the Naranjo tool was conducted.

Results

A 39-year-old male with recurrent locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma presented two days after adjuvant treatment with capecitabine and oxaliplatin complaining of intermittent, severe interscapular pain. Based on symptoms, laboratory investigations, and imaging, the patient was diagnosed with acute myopericarditis. Management included aspirin, colchicine, and discontinuing adjuvant chemotherapy. A literature review revealed one case report of capecitabine-induced myopericarditis; however, more data were found regarding the cardiotoxicity of fluorouracil, for which capecitabine is a pro-drug. No case reports were found for oxaliplatin.

Conclusion

Due to the timeline of capecitabine administration, symptom onset, and improvement upon medication discontinuation, capecitabine is the probable cause of the myopericarditis. Although rare, it is important to consider the possibility of myopericarditis in patients receiving a fluoropyrimidine who present with cardiovascular symptoms.
Incorporating Team Processes into the Advertising Curriculum
Authors: Robbs Brett , Gronstedt Anders
Published: May 2018

Most advertising students will spend the rest of their lives working in teams. Yet most of them are not offered a single hour of teamwork training. This paper reviews the work on collaborative learning and also examines the practices of corporations known for their emphasis on teamwork. In-depth interviews with 41 managers at nine corporations help identify the processes which are essential for teamwork. The paper then discusses ways these processes can be incorporated into the advertising curriculum.
The Influence of Nicotinamide on Health and Disease in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Fricker Rosemary A , Green Emma L , Jenkins Stuart I , Griffin Síle M
Published: May 2018

Nicotinamide, the amide form of vitamin B3 (niacin), has long been associated with neuronal development, survival, and function in the central nervous system (CNS), being implicated in both neuronal death and neuroprotection. Here, we summarise a body of research investigating the role of nicotinamide in neuronal health within the CNS, with a focus on studies that have shown a neuroprotective effect. Nicotinamide appears to play a role in protecting neurons from traumatic injury, ischaemia, and stroke, as well as being implicated in 3 key neurodegenerative conditions: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. A key factor is the bioavailability of nicotinamide, with low concentrations leading to neurological deficits and dementia and high levels potentially causing neurotoxicity. Finally, nicotinamide’s potential mechanisms of action are discussed, including the general maintenance of cellular energy levels and the more specific inhibition of molecules such as the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent deacetylase, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1).
The impact of a multi-specialty team for high risk pulmonary embolism on resident and fellow education
Authors: Elbadawi Ayman , Wright Colin , Patel Dhwani , Chen Yu Lin , Mazzillo Justin , Cameron Pamela , Barnes Geoffrey D , Cameron Scott J
Published: May 2018

The impact of the Pulmonary Embolism Response Team (PERT) model on trainee physician education and autonomy over the management of high risk pulmonary embolism (PE) is unknown. A resident and fellow questionnaire was administered 1 year after PERT implementation. A total of 122 physicians were surveyed, and 73 responded. Even after 12 months of interacting with the PERT consultative service, and having formal instruction in high risk PE management, 51% and 49% of respondents underestimated the true 3-month mortality for sub-massive and massive PE, respectively, and 44% were unaware of a common physical exam finding in patients with PE. Comparing before and after PERT implementation, physicians perceived enhanced confidence in identifying ( p<0.001), and managing ( p=0.003) sub-massive/massive PE, enhanced confidence in treating patients appropriately with systemic thrombolysis ( p=0.04), and increased knowledge of indications for systemic thrombolysis and surgical embolectomy ( p=0.043 and p<0.001, respectively). Respondents self-reported an increased fund of knowledge of high risk PE pathophysiology (77%), and the perception that a multi-disciplinary team improves the care of patients with high risk PE (89%). Seventy-one percent of respondents favored broad implementation of a PERT similar to an acute myocardial infarction team. Overall, trainee physicians at a large institution perceived an enhanced educational experience while managing PE following PERT implementation, believing the team concept is better for patient care.
Covering the hermit regime: A comparison of North Korea coverage at the Associated Press and NK News
Authors: Seo Soomin
Published: May 2018

How do traditional and new media outlets cover North Korea? This article analyzes content at NK News – a US-based niche news site – and the AP in 2014. I look at the ‘softness’ and ‘hardness’ of content as well as thematic diversity. Methodologically, I use quantitative content analysis as well as in-depth interviews. I find the AP coverage to be softer in theme than NK News and also find more diversity of perspectives at the latter. Although the AP is one of only five international media outlets with Pyongyang bureaus, it was short-staffed, with most of the articles written by a single person in the capital. In contrast, NK News had 26 people writing from three continents, including people with expertise in diplomacy, the military, and technology. Despite the advantages of having physical presence in Pyongyang, AP coverage did little more than to cover just the basics, with stories limited to a handful of themes like sports and the arrests of Americans in North Korea.
Dementia and sculpture-making: Exploring artistic responses of people with dementia
Authors: Chauhan Sumita
Published: May 2018

In its form, sculpture reveals not only the artist’s self-expression but also the transformative qualities through which it influences our senses. Frequent interactions with sculpture can provide creative awareness, which in turn leads to a better understanding and appreciation of artistic expressions. This paper examines possible ways in which the creative potential of people with dementia can be explored through meaningful artistic engagement with sculpture-making processes. A study was conducted involving seven participants diagnosed with the early stages of dementia who engaged and experimented with different types of sculpture-making processes, from clay and papier mâché to virtual and digital sculptures. In the collective and collaborative environment of the group sessions, the creative responses of the participants to each process were unique. Each sculpture created by the participants enfolded their self-initiated ideas and stories reflecting the conscious expressions of their presence in a particular time and space. This paper argues that while cognitive impairment may affect the behavioural, visual and perceptual abilities of people with dementia, there is ample evidence to suggest that the viewing and making sculpture may influence the sensory involvement and consequently the imagination and creativity of people with early stage dementia.
Atrial fibrillation symptom clusters and associated clinical characteristics and outcomes: A cross-sectional secondary data analysis
Authors: Streur Megan , Ratcliffe Sarah J , Callans David , Shoemaker M Benjamin , Riegel Barbara
Published: May 2018

Background:

Symptom clusters among adults with atrial fibrillation have previously been identified but no study has examined the relationship between symptom clusters and outcomes.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to identify atrial fibrillation-specific symptom clusters, characterize individuals with each cluster, and determine whether symptom cluster membership is associated with healthcare utilization.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional secondary data analysis of 1501 adults from the Vanderbilt Atrial Fibrillation Registry with verified atrial fibrillation. Self-reported symptoms were measured with the University of Toronto Atrial Fibrillation Severity Scale. We used hierarchical cluster analysis (Ward’s method) to identify clusters and dendrograms, pseudo F, and pseudo T-squared to determine the ideal number of clusters. Next, we used regression analysis to examine the association between cluster membership and healthcare utilization.

Results:

Males predominated (67%) and the average age was 58.4 years. Two symptom clusters were identified, a Weary cluster (3.7%, n=56, fatigue at rest, shortness of breath at rest, chest pain, and dizziness) and an Exertional cluster (32.7%, n=491, shortness of breath with activity and exercise intolerance). Several sociodemographic and clinical characteristics varied by symptom cluster group membership, including age, gender, atrial fibrillation type, body mass index, comorbidity status, and treatment strategy. Women were more likely to experience either cluster ( p<0.001). The Weary cluster was associated with nearly triple the rate of emergency department utilization (incident rate ratio [IRR] 2.8, p<0.001) and twice the rate of hospitalizations (IRR 1.9, p<0.001).

Conclusion:

We identified two symptom clusters. The Weary cluster was associated with a significantly increased rate of healthcare utilization.
Politics and place: Listening to the built learning environment
Authors: Heraud Richard , Gibbons Andrew , Breen Gregory , Deerness Stuart , Gilligan Mary-Jo , Denton Andrew
Published: May 2018

This article explores the ideological drivers behind learning environment discourses with a particular focus on the built environment and the ways in which the built environment narrates explicit and implicit ideology. The built environment reinforces ways of thinking in the day-to-day ordinary activities of the school space. However, it is important to recognise that both space and place are more than the built environment. In part, this paper’s task is to show how a theorisation of the relationship between policy and the built environment opens up a politics of space and place. The paper draws together the work of Penetito on place and Rancière on politics to provide a critique and theorisation of the experiences of school communities when subjected to the discourses of new learning environments. In order to engage in opening up to new ideas for policy making, the paper turns to space and place in design thinking. We look then to our knowledge of architecture, art and design to explore possibilities that remain somewhat under-imagined in contemporary theorisations of learning environments.
A wireless sensor data-based coal mine gas monitoring algorithm with least squares support vector machines optimized by swarm intelligence techniques
Authors: Chen Peng , Xie Yonghong , Jin Pei , Zhang Dezheng
Published: May 2018

As the integral part of the new generation of information technology, the Internet of things significantly accelerates the intelligent sensing and data fusion in different industrial processes including mining, assisting people to make appropriate decision. These days, an increasing number of coal mine disasters pose a serious threat to people’s lives and property especially in several developing countries. In order to assess the risks arisen from gas explosion or gas poisoning, wireless sensor data should be processed and classified efficiently. Due to the fact that the “negative samples” of coal mine safety data are scarce, least squares support vector machine is introduced to deal with this problem. In addition, several swarm intelligence techniques such as particle swarm optimization, artificial bee colony algorithm, and genetic algorithm are applied to optimize the hyper parameters of least squares support vector machine. Using the popular deep neural networks, convolutional neural network and long short-term memory model, as comparisons, a number of experiments are carried out on several UCI machine learning datasets with different features. Experimental results show that least squares support vector machine optimized by swarm intelligence techniques can effectively handle classification task on different datasets especially on those datasets with limited samples and mixed attributes. The application of least squares support vector machine optimized by swarm intelligence techniques on real coal mine data demonstrates that this algorithm can process the data accurately and timely, therefore can warn of the accidents early in mining workplace.
Smartphone Intrusion: Has Social Interaction Online Blurred the Work–Life Boundary of Employees?
Authors: Li Jiannan , Yuan Bocong
Published: May 2018

This article examined the phenomenon about social connectivity behavior after-hours in hotel industry, which emerged from smartphones enabling hotel employees to socialize with work-related people anywhere and anytime. Results from longitudinal data showed that social connectivity behavior after-hours on smartphones would lead hotel employees to suffer from work–life conflict. The increase in such behavior could trigger corresponding increase in work–life conflict over time. For hotel employees with weak segmentation preference, the dynamic effect of such behavior on work–life conflict was greater. Besides, impression management and subjective norm were the motivation and cognition cause behind such behavior respectively. Over time, both of them positively influenced the initial level and change rate of this behavior. Theoretical and practical implications of findings in this article were discussed.
How Changes in the House Advantages of Reel Slots Affect Game Performance
Authors: Lucas Anthony F. , Spilde Katherine
Published: May 2018

In two-game pairings of otherwise identical reel slot machines, the games with greater pars outperformed those with lesser pars. This finding held across five pairings, three casinos, three gaming markets, three game titles, three differences in pars, and five bank locations. These findings help clarify an important and polarizing issue within the literature and among casino operators. Many believe that increasing pars would be perceived as increasing prices, potentially driving customers to competitors. This concern takes on an exaggerated importance for operators catering to a frequently visiting, highly involved clientele. Over time, many believe such players would detect the increased pars, leading to an unwanted exodus of play. To the contrary, the findings did not support the ability of players to detect even egregious increases in the pars, suggesting a considerable insensitivity to changes in the obfuscated price. With pay tables featuring identical awards, there was no rational justification for playing the games with the greater pars. In spite of this clear disincentive, the games with the greater pars produced more theoretical win than their paired counterparts in each of five, two-game pairings. This suggested that an opportunity to increase operating profits may be available to those willing to buck conventional wisdom.