bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nucleation and wake-chopping in low pressure steam turbines
Authors: Hughes Fiona R , Starzmann Jörg , White Alexander J
Published: October 2017

While wetness formation in steady flows such as nozzles and cascades is well understood, predicting the polydispersed droplet spectra observed in turbines remains challenging. The characteristics of wetness formation are affected by the expansion rate at the Wilson point. Because the expansion rate varies substantially both axially and circumferentially within steam turbines, the location of the Wilson point within a blade row is a primary factor determining the droplet spectrum and phase change losses. This effect is first investigated using a single streamline with a varying expansion rate, and it is shown that the phase change losses during spontaneous condensation are highest when a large region of high subcooling precedes the Wilson point. The conditions resulting in the highest wetness loss in the nucleation zone do not correspond to those that produce the largest downstream droplets. The effect of nucleation location is then assessed using a non-equilibrium RANS calculation of a realistic low pressure (LP) steam turbine geometry. A quasi-three dimensional (Q3D) flow domain is used to simplify the analysis, which is performed both steadily and unsteadily to isolate the effects of wake-chopping. The inlet temperature is varied to investigate the impact of the Wilson point location on the steady and unsteady wetness loss and droplet spectra. The trends observed in the 1D analysis are repeated in the steady RANS results. The unsteady results show that the Wilson zone is most sensitive to wake-chopping when located near a blade trailing edge and the following inter-row gap. The predicted wetness losses are compared to those predicted by the Baumann rule.
Antiphospholipid antibodies and non-thrombotic manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: İlgen U , Yayla M E , Ateş A , Okatan İE , Yurteri E U , Torgutalp M , Keleşoğlu A B D , Turgay T M , Kınıklı G
Published: October 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between antiphospholipid antibodies and non-thrombotic and non-gestational manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods

Systemic lupus erythematosus patients with persistently positive antiphospholipid antibodies or lupus anticoagulant were identified and grouped as systemic lupus erythematosus with antiphospholipid syndrome (SLE-APS), systemic lupus erythematosus with positive antiphospholipid antibodies/lupus anticoagulant without antiphospholipid syndrome (SLE-aPL), and systemic lupus erythematosus with negative aPLs (SLE-No aPL). Groups were compared in terms of non-thrombotic systemic lupus erythematosus manifestations and laboratory features retrospectively.

Results

A total of 150 systemic lupus erythematosus patients, 26 with SLE-APS, 25 with SLE-aPL, and 99 with SLE-No aPL, were identified. Livedo reticularis, neurologic involvement, and thrombocytopenia were more common in antiphospholipid antibody positive systemic lupus erythematosus cases. Malar rash, arthritis, and pleuritis were more common in the SLE-No aPL, SLE-APS, and SLE-aPL groups, respectively. Positivity rates and titers of specific antiphospholipid antibodies did not differ between the SLE-APS and SLE-aPL groups.

Conclusions

Presence of antiphospholipid syndrome or persistent antiphospholipid antibodies may be related to non-thrombotic and non-gestational systemic lupus erythematosus manifestations. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus plus antiphospholipid syndrome and persistent antiphospholipid antibodies without antiphospholipid syndrome also differ in terms of systemic lupus erythematosus manifestations.
Low copy numbers of complement C4 and homozygous deficiency of C4A may predispose to severe disease and earlier disease onset in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Jüptner M , Flachsbart F , Caliebe A , Lieb W , Schreiber S , Zeuner R , Franke A , Schröder J O
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Low copy numbers and deletion of complement C4 genes are potent risk factors for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, it is not known whether this genetic association affects the clinical outcome. We investigated C4 copy number variation and its relationship to clinical and serological features in a Northern European lupus cohort.

Methods

We genotyped the C4 gene locus using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based TaqMan assays in 169 patients with SLE classified according to the 1997 revised American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and in 520 matched controls. In the patient group the mean C4 serum protein concentrations nephelometrically measured during a 12-month period prior to genetic analysis were compared to C4 gene copy numbers. Severity of disease was classified according to the intensity of the immunosuppressive regimens applied and compared to C4 gene copy numbers, too. In addition, we performed a TaqMan based analysis of three lupus-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located inside the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) to investigate the independence of complement C4 in association with SLE.

Results

Homozygous deficiency of the C4A isotype was identified as the strongest risk factor for SLE (odds ratio (OR) = 5.329; p = 7.7 × 10−3) in the case-control comparison. Moreover, two copies of total C4 were associated with SLE (OR = 3.699; p = 6.8 × 10−3). C4 serum levels were strongly related to C4 gene copy numbers in patients, the mean concentration ranging from 0.110 g/l (two copies) to 0.256 g/l (five to six copies; p = 4.9 × 10−6). Two copies of total C4 and homozygous deletion of C4A were associated with a disease course requiring cyclophosphamide therapy (OR = 4.044; p = 0.040 and OR = 5.798; p = 0.034, respectively). Homozygous deletion of C4A was associated with earlier onset of SLE (median 24 vs. 34 years; p = 0.019) but not significant after correction for multiple testing. SNP analysis revealed a significant association of HLA-DRB1*0301 with SLE (OR = 2.231; p = 1.33 × 10−5).

Conclusions

Our findings confirm the important role of complement C4 genes in the development of SLE. Beyond the impact on the susceptibility for lupus, C4 copy numbers may be related to earlier onset and a more severe course of the disease. The association of homozygous deletion of C4A and SLE is accompanied by the presence of HLA-DRB1*0301 without a proven pathophysiological mechanism.
Prevalence of Dementia in a Geriatric Palliative Care Unit
Authors: Lo Amanda T. , Karuza Jurgis , Berall Anna , Perri Giulia-Anna
Published: October 2017

Objectives:

To determine the prevalence of dementia in a palliative care unit (PCU) and to determine whether there is a difference between length of stay (LOS) and Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) score in individuals admitted with a primary diagnosis of dementia compared to individuals admitted with other noncancer and cancer diagnoses.

Design:

Descriptive retrospective chart review.

Setting:

Geriatric PCU in an academic community geriatric hospital.

Participants:

All individuals admitted to the Baycrest Health Sciences PCU from January 1, 2014, to September 1, 2016.

Measurements:

Individuals with an admission diagnosis of cancer, noncancer, and dementia and their corresponding PPS scores were identified. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results:

A total of 780 patients were admitted to the PCU during the study period: 32 (4.1%) individuals had advanced dementia, 121 (15.5%) had a noncancer diagnosis, and 627 (80.4%) had cancer as the primary reason for admission. In the cancer and noncancer groups, 113 patients had a comorbid dementia diagnosis. The mean admission PPS score in patients with cancer was 36%, noncancer was 32.6%, and dementia was 23.8% ( P < .001). Mean LOS in patients with cancer was 32 days, noncancer patients was 34.3 days, and patients with advanced dementia was 33.3 days ( P = .90).

Conclusions:

Individuals with an admission diagnosis of advanced dementia had a lower mean PPS score than individuals admitted with other noncancer and cancer diagnoses. There was no difference in the mean LOS between the 3 groups. Individuals with an admission diagnosis of advanced dementia should not be refused admission because of fear of outliving their prognosis.
Platelet Activation Assessed by Glycoprotein VI/Platelet Ratio Is Associated With Portal Vein Thrombosis After Hepatectomy and Splenectomy in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Matsui Toshiki , Usui Masanobu , Wada Hideo , Iizawa Yusuke , Kato Hiroyuki , Tanemura Akihiro , Murata Yasuhiro , Kuriyama Naohisa , Kishiwada Masashi , Mizuno Shugo , Sakurai Hiroyuki , Isaji Shuji
Published: October 2017

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a serious complication after hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery. Portal vein thrombosis often develops in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) postoperatively, although they have low platelet counts. Platelet activation is one of the causes of thrombosis formation, and soluble form of glycoprotein VI (sGPVI) has received attention as a platelet activation marker. We had prospectively enrolled the 81 consecutive patients who underwent splenectomy (Sx) and/or hepatectomy: these patients were divided as Sx (n = 38) and hepatectomy (Hx, n = 46) groups. The 3 patients who underwent both procedures were added to both groups. Each group was subdivided into patients with non-LC and LC: non-LC-Sx (n = 22) and LC-Sx (n = 16), non-LC-Hx (n = 40) and LC-Hx (n = 6). The presence of PVT was diagnosed by using enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan. Platelet counts were significantly lower in LC-Sx than in non-LC-Sx, and incidence of PVT was significantly higher in LC-Sx than in non-LC-Sx (68.8% vs 31.8%, P = .024). Soluble form of glycoprotein VI /platelet ratios on preoperative day and postoperative day 1 were significantly higher in LC-Sx than in non-LC-Sx. Incidence of PVT was significantly higher in LC-Hx than in non-LC-Hx (50.0% vs 7.5%, P < .01). Soluble form of glycoprotein VI /platelet ratios were significantly higher in LC-Hx before and after Hx, compared to non-LC-Hx. Patients with LC stay in hypercoagulable state together with platelet activation before and after surgery. Under this circumstance, alteration of portal venous blood flow after Sx or Hx is likely to cause PVT in patients with LC.
Congenital Factor Deficiencies in Children: A Report of a Single-Center Experience
Authors: Şalcıoğlu Zafer , Bayram Cengiz , Şen Hülya , Ersoy Gizem , Aydoğan Gönül , Akçay Arzu , Tuğcu Deniz , Akıcı Ferhan , Gökçe Müge , Demirkaya Metin , Ayçiçek Ali , Başlar Zafer
Published: October 2017

Congenital factor deficiencies (CFDs) refer to inherited deficiency of coagulation factors in the blood. A total of 481 patients with CFDs, who were diagnosed and followed at our Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic between 1990 and 2015, were retrospectively evaluated. Of the 481 cases, 134 (27.8%) were hemophilia A, 38 (7.9%) were hemophilia B, 57 (11.8%) were von Willebrand disease (vWD), and 252 (52.3%) were rare bleeding disorders (RBDs). The median age of the patients at the time of diagnosis and at the time of the study was 4.1 years (range: 2 months to 20.4 years) and 13.4 years (range: 7 months to 31.3 years), respectively. The median duration of the follow-up time was 6.8 years (range: 2.5 months to 24.8 years). One hundred nineteen (47.2%) of 252 patients with RBDs were asymptomatic, 49 (41.1%) of whom diagnosed by family histories, 65 (54.6%) through preoperative laboratory studies, and 5 (4.2%) after prolonged bleeding during surgeries. Consanguinity rate for the RBDs was 47.2%. Prophylactic treatment was initiated in 80 patients, 58 of whom were hemophilia A, 7 were hemophilia B, 13 were RBDs, and 2 were vWD. Significant advances have been achieved during the past 2 decades in the treatment of patients with CFDs, particularly in patients with hemophilias. The rarity and clinical heterogeneity of RBDs lead to significant diagnostic challenges and improper management. In this regard, multinational collaborative efforts are needed with the hope that can improve the management of patients with RBDs.
First Evidence: TRAP-Induced Platelet Aggregation Is Reduced in Patients Receiving Xabans
Authors: Nehaj Frantisek , Sokol Juraj , Ivankova Jela , Mokan Michal , Kovar Frantisek , Stasko Jan , Mokan Marian
Published: October 2017

The availability of direct oral anticoagulants has caused a paradigm shift in the management of thrombosis. Rivaroxaban and apixaban are 2 direct oral anticoagulants whose target specificity is activated factor X (FXa). However, it is still not fully understood if and how xabans impact platelet function. This observational study aimed to assess the in vitro platelet function in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving xabans. This was a single-center study quantifying platelet aggregation in 41 patients treated with apixaban or rivaroxaban by light transmission aggregometry. The thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP)-induced platelet aggregation was significantly lower 2 hours after taking rivaroxaban or apixaban compared to baseline value (56.15% [8.53%] vs 29.51% [12.9%]; P = .000). Moreover, concomitant use of angiotensin-converting enzyme blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and statins reduces the efficiency of xabans. The TRAP-induced platelet aggregation was reduced in patients with cardiovascular disease 2 hours after receiving xabans.
Dynamic stiffness formulation for the vibrations of stiffened plate structures with consideration of in-plane deformation
Authors: Yin Xuewen , Wu Wenwei , Zhong Kuikui , Li Hui
Published: October 2017

A dynamic stiffness method is presented for the vibrations of plate structures that are reinforced by eccentric stiffeners. The model incorporates both out-of-plane and in-plane deformations of the plates and the stiffeners. Based on the relationship between the forces and displacements along the common edges of the plate or beam elements, the dynamic stiffness formulae for the plate and the beam elements are derived, respectively. The globally assembled dynamic stiffness matrix is then obtained using the finite element method so that the dynamics of built-up stiffened plates can be readily addressed by using the present method. Compared to the conventional finite element model, the dynamic stiffness model can provide very accurate solutions using only one element over each uniform plate and beam member, regardless of its geometry.
Evaluation of the head and neck cancer patient population and the incidence of hospitalization at an academic medical center
Authors: Hazelden Lindsay A , Newman Matthew J , Shuey Stephanie , Waldfogel Julie M , Brown Victoria T
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Patients with head and neck cancer are at risk for disease- and treatment-related toxicities that may be severe enough to require hospitalization. The risk factors associated with hospitalization in these patients are not well defined.

Methods

We conducted a single-center, retrospective observational study of patients with head and neck cancer receiving chemotherapy at an academic medical center infusion clinic in a one-year period. The primary objective was to characterize the head and neck cancer population at an academic medical center. Secondary objectives included describing the clinical and social factors associated with hospitalization.

Results

There were 109 patients with head and neck cancer included in the analysis. Of these patients, 38 (35%) were hospitalized. The factors that were significantly associated with hospitalization on univariable logistic regression were former alcohol abuse, being on a nonstandard of care chemotherapy regimen, and having a chemotherapy agent discontinued. On multivariable logistic regression, the factor that was significantly associated with hospitalization was having a chemotherapy agent discontinued. The most common reasons for hospitalization included shortness of breath/respiratory failure, fever/neutropenic fever, and infection. The most common new supportive care medications prescribed at discharge were stool softeners or laxatives and opioids.

Conclusion

This study identified several factors which may be useful to identify patients as high risk for hospitalization and the next steps will be to determine and study the role of the pharmacist in preventing hospitalization of these patients. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of adding a pharmacist to the head and neck cancer multidisciplinary team.
Can Commercialization Reduce Tourists’ Experience Quality? Evidence From Xijiang Miao Village in Guizhou, China
Authors: Sun Xiaolong , Lin Bishu , Chen Yonghong , Tseng Shuyin , Gao Jie
Published: October 2017

The phenomenon of tourism commercialization in the context of China has transcended the research scope for Western commodification and has become a special topic for destination research, particularly in ethnic minority villages in China. Limited research has as yet drawn attention to the relationship between commercialization and experience quality. The main purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of tourism commercialization on tourists’ experience quality. Specifically, the study examines the interrelationships between five main constructs: tourism commercialization, perceived value, experience quality, satisfaction, and behavioral intentions. Using a sample drawn from the Xijiang Miao Village in China, a structural equation modeling approach is applied in the research model investigating 10 hypotheses. The results show that tourism commercialization has a positive influence on tourists’ experience quality and an indirect effect on others constructs, the implications are discussed with reference to the future development of tourism in the ethnic minority villages.
Flexural vibration analysis of functionally graded sandwich plates resting on elastic foundation with arbitrary boundary conditions: Chebyshev collocation technique
Authors: Tossapanon Prapot , Wattanasakulpong Nuttawit
Published: October 2017

This paper aims to present accurate solutions for flexural vibration of functionally graded sandwich plates resting on two-parameter elastic foundation with any combined boundary conditions. The governing equations of free vibration problem are derived from the first-order shear deformation theory that covers the important effects of shear deformation and rotary inertia. To solve the coupled differential equations governing vibration behavior of the plates with various boundary conditions, an effective tool, namely Chebyshev collocation method, is implemented to obtain the accurate solutions with several parametric studies. The influences of material volume fraction index, layer thickness ratio, side-to-height ratio, boundary conditions, etc., on natural frequencies of the plates are taken into investigation and discussed in details. Our numerical experiments reveal that the proposed method can offer the accurate frequency results of the plates as compared to those available in the literature. Additionally, the spring constants of elastic foundation have a significant impact on frequency changes of the plates. Increasing the values of spring constants leads to considerable increases of the frequencies.
Design of a freeform lens for structured light illumination by deconvolution algorithm and feedback modification
Authors: Ge P , Zhang K , Mao L , Zhang Y , Xu H
Published: October 2017

In this paper, we propose a method combining a deconvolution algorithm and a feedback modification to design a freeform lens for structured light illumination. The deconvolution algorithm can alleviate the blur effect caused by the extended light source and the feedback modification can further improve the quality of the structured light by iteration. A lens for a linear sinusoidal pattern is designed by the proposed method. Simulation results show the contrast is 89%, compared to 57% achieved by the conventional design method.
Drivers’ impressions under high-pressure sodium and LED street lighting
Authors: Djokic L , Cabarkapa A , Djuretic A
Published: October 2017

In order to compare drivers’ subjective impressions when exposed to high-pressure sodium versus LED street lighting, an experiment was conducted on a Belgrade street. All general requirements for an adequate comparison of subjective impressions, equal luminances being the most important, were fulfilled. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire, which the respondents filled out immediately after driving through both zones of the illuminated street. The respondents, who were young drivers (students), aged 20–25 years, were asked to select the more appropriate of the two installations regarding seven lighting parameters as well as giving their overall impression. The two regimes for which the survey was done gave opposite results. In the normal regime, where both installations had the same photopic luminance, the LED installation was evaluated as a better solution by a majority of the respondents for most of the analysed parameters. In the mesopic regime, where both installations had the same mesopic luminance, most of the respondents judged that the high-pressure sodium installation was the better choice.
Spectral optimisation and a novel lighting-design space based on circadian stimulus
Authors: Dai Q , Cai W , Hao L , Shi W , Wang Z
Published: October 2017

With the recent advances in photobiology research and light-emitting diode technology, lighting considering circadian effects and the potential health benefits attract much attention. In this study, we demonstrate that the common practice of spectral optimisation of light for high visual efficacy can potentially lead to very inefficient delivery of circadian stimulus, which contributes to the lack of circadian entrainment that is likely to happen in indoor environments with only electric lighting. To optimise spectra of white light-emitting diodes for circadian efficacy, a four-component colour-mixing method with explicit analytical solutions is introduced. Energy-saving up to 29% is achieved at a target circadian stimulus of 0.35, by switching from the traditional maximum-visual-efficacy strategy to a maximum-circadian-efficacy strategy. Moreover, we propose a framework of a novel lighting-design space which allows practitioners to explore the possible combinations of circadian stimulus, visual illuminance and colour temperature. Solutions are provided for scenarios where activation of the circadian system should be avoided while a reasonable visual brightness appearance is maintained.
Verification of the CAM15u colour appearance model and the QUGR glare model
Authors: Huang WJ , Yang Y , Luo MR
Published: October 2017

A psychophysical experiment was carried out to evaluate the glare, brightness, whiteness and hue composition of a glare source made by a multiple-channel LED lighting system. About 80 stimuli were produced to cover a large colour gamut at two luminance levels, 280 and 2400 cd/m2, respectively. The results were used to verify the earlier CAM15u colour appearance model and the QUGR glare model. A revised model, CAM15uz, is refined from CAM15u by adding an effect of hue to the prediction of brightness caused by the Helmholtz–Kohlrausch effect. In addition, a new hue composition scale is established.
Poststructuralism and Representation
Authors: Thomassen Lasse
Published: October 2017

This article maps debates within poststructuralism, particularly poststructuralist political theory. I argue that the category, or question, of representation can make sense of theoretical and political debates within poststructuralism in general and poststructuralist political theory in particular. Poststructuralists criticise all forms of presence, whether the presence of the subject, identities or structures. Following poststructuralism, representation can no longer be seen as the reflection of a presence. However, while poststructuralists agree on the turn away from presence, they disagree where to turn and, specifically, on the role and nature of representation. They disagree whether representation is constitutive, and they disagree about how to relate to the hierarchy and violence which, they all agree, is a part of representation. The question of representation may not explain all divisions among poststructuralists, but the question of representation divides poststructuralism in so many ways that it makes sense to analyse the differences among them through the lens of representation. I first look at two issues central to poststructuralism: critique and how to relate to ‘the other’. In the second half of the article, I turn to look at three debates within poststructuralism: immanence versus transcendence, abundance versus lack, and autonomy versus hegemony.
High overall cardiovascular risk and mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation and diabetes: A nationwide report
Authors: Karayiannides Stelios , Lundman Pia , Friberg Leif , Norhammar Anna
Published: October 2017

Aim:

To describe nationwide complication patterns in patients with atrial fibrillation and diabetes mellitus.

Methods:

All ( n = 326,832) patients in Sweden with non-valvular atrial fibrillation during 2006–2012 were identified, and information on events, comorbidities and pharmacological therapy was extracted using nationwide mandatory registers. Patients were followed until 31 December 2013 and the mean follow-up time was 3.7 years (0.9–8 years).

Results:

Diabetes was present in 17.7%. The most frequent events in those with and without diabetes were mortality (48.8% vs 36.4%; p < 0.001), heart failure (21.4% vs 13.1%; p < 0.001), ischaemic stroke (8.2% vs 6.8%; p < 0.001), myocardial infarction (7.3% vs 4.3%; p < 0.001) and any bleeding (6.3% vs 5.2%; p < 0.001), respectively. Diabetes predicted mortality (hazard ratio = 1.28; 95% confidence interval = 1.25–1.31), combined event (first of mortality, heart failure, ischaemic stroke or myocardial infarction; hazard ratio = 1.22; 95% confidence interval = 1.20–1.25), single events and bleeding (hazard ratio = 1.12; 95% confidence interval = 1.06–1.19). The standardised mortality ratio for patients with atrial fibrillation and diabetes compared to the general population was 2.06 (95% confidence interval = 2.00–2.12) and for patients with atrial fibrillation without diabetes was 1.33 (95% confidence interval = 1.31–1.35).

Conclusion:

In this real-world setting, patients with atrial fibrillation and diabetes have a high cardiovascular risk, with mortality and heart failure rates exceeding those for stroke.
Measuring the Implementation of Youth Empowerment Solutions
Authors: Morrel-Samuels Susan , Rupp Laney A. , Eisman Andria B. , Miller Alison L. , Stoddard Sarah A. , Franzen Susan P. , Hutchison Peter , Zimmerman Marc A.
Published: October 2017

Scholars have increasingly emphasized the importance of using evidence-based programs to promote health and prevent disease. While theoretically and empirically based programs may be effective in carefully controlled conditions, many fail to achieve desired outcomes when implemented in real-world settings. Ensuring high-quality implementation of health promotion programs is critically important as variation in implementation is closely associated with program effectiveness. The purpose of this article is to present methods used to document and assess the implementation of the Youth Empowerment Solutions (YES) program. We collected process evaluation data on 25 YES groups from 12 schools over a period of 4 years. The evaluation assessed four key aspects of delivery: fidelity, dose delivered, dose received, and program quality. We found wide variations in delivery for some measures, while others were more consistent across groups. These indicators of program delivery provided a strong basis for evaluating program implementation, taking actions to improve it, and ultimately, deepening understanding of program effectiveness. The study suggests a model for using multiple methods to collect and analyze data about aspects of program delivery to guide future implementations.
Measuring the Usability of Home Healthcare Devices Using Retrospective Measures
Authors: Gao Meiyuzi , Kortum Philip
Published: October 2017

As the trend of home-delivered healthcare grows, the number of healthcare devices being utilized in the home setting also increases greatly, but the usability of all these devices has not been systematically examined. While traditional in-lab usability testing is too time-consuming to make broad assessments of a large number of home healthcare devices, retrospective evaluation techniques using subjective usability surveys may be more promising because of their time and resource efficiency. However, the equivalence of data collected with these two techniques is not well understood for medical devices. This study collected usability data for multiple healthcare devices from 74 subjects in laboratory usability testing and 395 subjects using a retrospective assessment survey. Measures of overall subjective usability (measured using the System Usability Scale) and the ISO usability metrics of effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction were captured in both methods. Results show a consistency in satisfaction and overall subjective usability scores between the retrospective survey and laboratory testing, while measures of effectiveness and efficiency differed. These results suggest that retrospective surveys are capable of capturing the overall usability of a product by using the System Usability Scale metric. Such a finding should increase the confidence of researchers and practitioners who wish to use retrospective measures as a quick and economical technique in the large-scale assessment of medical devices. However, researchers should be cautious about measuring individual ISO usability metrics with retrospective surveys, as there are pronounced differences between lab-based usability testing and retrospective assessments.
Preoperative Care Challenges in Ambulatory Clinics: A Proposed Research Agenda
Authors: DeFilippis Nicholas , Blickensderfer Beth , Keebler Joseph
Published: October 2017

Ambulatory care is one of the fastest growing sections of the healthcare industry and yet little research has been done on challenges that can exist within preoperative care for ambulatory surgery. The research that does exist is typically only pilot studies. This paper will explore three overarching challenges that have appeared in preoperative care: Team performance, patient absences, and record errors. This paper will provide a description of these challenges and provide recommendations for further research.
Wearable Heart Rate Monitor Technology Accuracy in Research: A Comparative Study Between PPG and ECG Technology
Authors: Weiler Dustin T. , Villajuan Stefanie O. , Edkins Laura , Cleary Sean , Saleem Jason J.
Published: October 2017

Wearable heart rate (HR) monitors typically implement photoplethysmography (PPG) technology and are used in research as an alternative to electrocardiogram (ECG). However, questions surrounding the accuracy of PPG technology exist. To provide an answer regarding the question of accuracy, we conducted a study to compare average HR readings of two different HR technologies (PPG vs. ECG) after an interval style cardio-based workout. A total of 30 trials were conducted and average HR readings from the two HR technologies were compared using an ANOVA. Results revealed no significant difference between the two technologies. However, when HR reached around 155-160 beats per minute, a difference of +/− 5 beats per minute was observed between the two technologies with PPG HR readings being less than ECG. As a result, future research could consider the wearable PPG HR technology as accurate, but with certain experimental design implications.
Individual Differences in Achievement Motivation are related to Vigilance Performance
Authors: Neigel Alexis R. , Miao Yu , Montagna Nicole , Chirino Cristina A. , Szalma James L.
Published: October 2017

Vigilance, or sustained attention, tasks require observers to attend to information over a prolonged period of time. One individual difference that may be associated with sustained attention performance is achievement motivation, given recent findings in the literature that indicate a relationship between human motivation and attention. Fifty-nine participants were randomly assigned to either a cognitive or sensory vigilance task. The present study indicated that individuals high in achievement motivation detected more critical signals and made fewer false alarms in the cognitive vigilance task. Participants high in achievement motivation in the cognitive condition also demonstrated some of the highest distress and worry scores post-task. Implications for sustained attention tasks are discussed.
A Case Study Documenting the Development of Job Assist: A Speech Based Job Search System for Individuals with Visual Impairments
Authors: Brinkley Julian , Biswas Sayak , Gupta Vaibhav , Gilbert Juan E.
Published: October 2017

Web accessibility is an improving issue but still an issue nonetheless. The Job Assist system documented within this report addresses the accessibility issue by enabling users with visual impairments to access job and salary information using spoken dialogue interaction through a standalone desktop application. This case study provides information on our practical experience developing the system as well as our experience with Microsoft’s Windows Speech API, Bing Speech API and Language Understanding Intelligent Service (LUIS). In our project we were most severely challenged in our attempt to make our system usable by two groups of users, native English speakers and non-native English speakers of Indian origin. We argue that the solutions that we employed to address these challenges may be of value to other practitioners in similar contexts.
Risks that are “Worthy” to take: Temporary Workers’ Risk-Benefit Perceptions
Authors: Lee Jin , Stoffregen Stacy A. , Giordano Frank B.
Published: October 2017

In order to deepen and broaden understanding on the occupational safety and health disparities between temporary and non-temporary workers, psychological and perceptual gaps between the two groups need to be carefully investigated, particularly in relation to risk taking behaviors. To this end, the present study showed the precarious nature of temporary employment in terms of perceived job security and perceived job control. Although the present study showed that risk perception is not significantly different across the temporary and non-temporary worker groups, temporary workers tended to perceive higher monetary benefits from potentially hazardous working opportunities and reported greater willingness to undertake the working opportunities than non-temporary workers. Temporary workers may be more likely to view the working opportunities in hazardous occupational settings as risks that are worthy to take. These findings need to be incorporated in the safety management of temporary workers to promote self-regulatory engagement in safer and healthier behaviors.
Impact of Age and Body Mass Index on Anthropometry in Working Adults
Authors: Merrill Zachary , Chambers April , Cham Rakié
Published: October 2017

Body segment parameters (BSPs) such as segment mass and center of mass are used as inputs in ergonomic design and biomechanical models to predict the risk of musculoskeletal injuries. These models have been shown to be sensitive to the BSP values used as inputs, demonstrating the necessity of using accurate and representative parameters. This study aims to provide accurate BSPs by quantifying the impact of age and body mass index on torso and thigh mass and center of mass in working adults using whole body dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan data. The results showed significant effects of gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) on torso and thigh mass and center of mass, as well as significant effects of age and BMI within genders, indicating that age, gender, and BMI need to be taken into account when predicting BSPs in order to calculate representative ergonomic and biomechanical model outputs.
Comparison of Low-Noise Air Nozzles: A Pilot Study
Authors: Salar Menekse , Capanoglu M. Fehmi , Bandekar Anjaneya , Sesek Richard F.
Published: October 2017

Excessive noise is a global occupational health hazard with considerable social and physiological impact, including noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) (Nelson et al., 2005). Noise is one of the most common occupational hazards in American workplaces. This study was performed in the Occupational Safety and Ergonomics Program’s Biomechanics Laboratory at Auburn University. The main purpose of this study was to compare the noise levels made by different air nozzles actually used by a bakery facility to nozzles whose manufacturers purported that they produce significantly less noise. Noise levels were determined using a sound level meter, which was positioned at ear level at distances of 5 and 10 feet. At the factory, air pressure (~100 psi) was used to push product downstream and to speed product cooling. The nozzles used were simple pipes or traditional air nozzles with side venting, but not of a “low noise” design. Two nozzles used by the factory were compared to three quieter nozzles. Nozzles were tested for both noise level and for air pressure (pushing force).
The Effect of Chart Type on Pilots’ Response Time
Authors: Milner Mattie N. , Bush Dylan , Marte Daniel , Rice Stephen , Winter Scott , Adkins Evan , Roccasecca Angela , Tamilselvan Gajapriya
Published: October 2017

Electronic flight bags have become common place in commercial and general aviation flight decks. These tools provide for a compact and concise methods of carrying charts, procedure manuals, policies, and flight-related communications. On devices with connectivity, these tools can even be used to download real-time weather and file flight plans or even serve as a moving map by connecting a portable GPS receiver. However, with the proliferation of these devices, few studies have searched for any performance differences in pilots between these electronic charts and traditional paper charts. The purpose of this study was to compare pilots response time when answering a series of 30 questions related to instrument approach procedures using an electronic chart display, followed by paper charts. Twenty-seven instrument flight rated participants completed the repeated measures design using a desktop computer. The study simulated an event where the pilot’s electronic flight bag failed, and they had to use paper charts as a backup. The results of the study suggest a significant increase in participant response time when using paper charts compared to electronic ones. Participants response time using paper chart also did not significantly increase from their first trial using paper to their last trial using paper. Additional research should be completed to explore this relationship further and determine if the use of electronic charts are resulting in an unintended degradation of other pilot skills.
How Handheld Mobile Device Size and Hand Location May Affect Divided Attention
Authors: Castro Spencer
Published: October 2017

Previous research demonstrates that people increasingly utilize multiple displays along with mobile devices simultaneously, and that this split in attention has detrimental effects on goal-directed behavior. However, few studies have assessed the impact of the physical attributes of mobile devices–including dimensions, weight and screen size–on attention. Understanding how device dimensions and screen size affect attention is an important first step in creating safety guidelines for high risk industries that utilize displays, such as automotive and aeronautics engineering. The aim of this work is to determine to what extent the display dimensions and screen size of mobile devices influence attention. To explore this question, participants interacted with mobile devices of varying sizes while performing a change detection task on a stationary device located behind and above the mobile device. Results of this study suggest that those using a smaller mobile device achieved higher performance on the background change detection task than those using a larger device, while having similar performance in the mobile device task. This work demonstrates that when attention is divided, larger displays may be more attentionally demanding. We recommend that when users or designers are required to consider multitasking between a foreground and background task, in order to optimize background performance they should utilize smaller foreground displays.
Individual Measures of Time Perception Predict Performance in a Timed Reaching Task
Authors: Nauert Elliot , Gillan Douglas J.
Published: October 2017

In temporally-constrained reaching tasks, participants make rapid movements to a target while making their movements last a designated length of time. It has been well-established that effective target width, a measure of spatial accuracy, increases linearly with movement speed. This study sought to understand how individual differences in temporal sensitivity affect this speed-accuracy tradeoff. It was found that time sensitivity did not affect spatial components of the timed reaching task, but it was related to temporal components of the task. Ideas regarding the role of time perception in movement planning as well as differences in movement strategies for short and long target intervals are discussed.
Visualization of Uncertainty Aids Spatial Judgments but Fails to Improve Metacognitive Efficiency
Authors: Burton Olivia , Pomeroy Diane , Radenovic Vanja , McCarley Jason S.
Published: October 2017

Uncertainty is an element of many decision-making tasks and inherently compromises performance. Research has found only equivocal evidence that uncertainty representations—displays that explicitly denote data quality—offset the performance costs of uncertainty. As yet, though, no work has examined the potential benefits of uncertainty displays to metacognition, display readers’ ability to assess the quality of their own decision-making processes. The current study examined the benefits of uncertainty visualization to first-order (Type 1) and metacognitive (Type 2) sensitivity in a spatial judgment task. Data revealed only small improvements in Type 1 and Type 2 sensitivity with visualized uncertainty displays, and gave no evidence of disproportionate gains to metacognition.
Assessing the Usability of the Hart InterCivic eSlate During the 2016 Presidential Election
Authors: Acemyan Claudia Ziegler , Kortum Philip
Published: October 2017

For the first time, the system usability of the eSlate–one of the most ubiquitous electronic voting machines used in US elections–was assessed in the field on election day 2016 using ISO 9241-11 metrics. Effectiveness and satisfaction measures were collected immediately after voters used the eSlate to vote at their assigned polling location. The findings showed that the perceived usability of the system in the polling station was judged to be quite good, despite previous research that indicated usability difficulties with the voting system. It is hypothesized that voters were making retrospective assessments of not just the eSlate, but also the supporting systems and environment in which they used it on election day. In particular, voters were likely taking into account their entire experience—including the help of poll workers and circumstances like short lines—versus just their experience with the machine itself. Practitioners and researchers should be aware that a system might not be completely usable but still be subjectively rated as usable due in part to other supporting systems and environmental variables.
Anlysis Methods of the Variation of Facial Size and Shape Based on 3d Face Scan Images
Authors: Lee W. , Goto L , Molenbroek J.F.M. , Goossens R.H.M.
Published: October 2017

3D scan images have been successfully applied in ergonomic product design. Features of human body parts (e.g., landmarks, measurements, curvatures, surfaces, volumes) extracted from 3D body scan images can be used to analyze variations of the size and shape of human bodies. The information of size and shape variations can be applied in product design to support technical ideas regarding accommodation, tolerance, and adjustability. This study is aimed to briefly introduce a few analysis methods of body shape variation using 3D facial scan images of Dutch children in order to acquire useful features for the design of a children’s facial mask.
Do Aesthetic Design Principles Predict Visual Appeal of a Simple Control Panel?
Authors: Kent Travis M. , Carswell C. Melody , Lee Michael , Sublette M.A.
Published: October 2017

Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between a product’s degree of usability and its degree of beauty. Both directions of causality have been demonstrated leading to “what is beautiful is usable” and “what is usable is beautiful hypothesis. Additionally, aesthetic research has demonstrated several principles that elicit a consistent pattern of responses. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between aesthetics and usability by means of a functional prime. Forty participants rated sixteen stimuli manipulated on four aesthetic principles; prototypicality, symmetry, composition, and shape. Mixed results indicate that certain aesthetic principles interact with one another in a functional usage.
Effects of Shoe Wear on Slipping – Implications for Shoe Replacement Threshold
Authors: Hemler Sarah L. , Charbonneau Danielle N. , Beschorner Kurt E.
Published: October 2017

In the workplace, slips and falls account for a large portion of injuries. Although past research has identified relationships between shoe wear and shoe-floor-contaminant dynamics (coefficient of friction (COF) and fluid pressures), the relationship between wear and COF has not been well characterized. The purpose of this study is to track COF and under-shoe fluid pressure changes as shoes are worn over time. Wear was simulated for two different shoes via an abrasion protocol. COF and fluid pressure measurements were conducted using a robotic slip tester. For each shoe, the COF initially increased from the baseline value followed by a steady decrease. Fluid pressure data suggests that the risk of slipping increases drastically when the area of the completely worn region of a shoe reaches a threshold of 740 mm2. These results suggest that the size of the wear patch is a better indicator for replacing shoes than tread depth.
Validations of Integrated Driver Vehicle Interface (DVI) Configurations
Authors: Brown James , Morgan Justin F. , Campbell John , Hoover Connor , Jerome Christian
Published: October 2017

This project examines questions of discernibility and presentation methods for safety-critical driving messages. A driving simulator experiment tested two methods of providing safety messages: distinct (with all alerts having distinct auditory and visual components) and master (a common visual and auditory alert) presentations. Participants completed drives that contained a safety critical event, with and without an alert, and reported their perceptions of the alert’s meaning and hazard location. No significant differences were observed in participants’ ability to identify the location of the referent hazard. There were significant differences in participants’ ability to assess the meaning of the alert: the distinct group displayed higher overall performance as compared to the master group. Implications of the study for design guidance and potential future research topics are discussed.