bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strengths, resources or controls? The assessment of protective factors in probation practice
Authors: Whyman Rob
Published: March 2019

This article is based on research that explored how well protective factors are understood, assessed and used in risk assessment within probation practice. The research was facilitated by the Sir Graham Smith Award, administered by the Probation Institute. Semi-structured interviews explored the knowledge, ability, confidence and attitudes of a sample of probation officers working in the National Probation Service. The findings suggest that understanding of the term is varied, and there are some limitations around knowledge, but that attitudes towards protective factors are positive and there is some good practice in terms of assessment.
Relational strain in close social relations among older adults with dual sensory loss
Authors: Hovaldt Hanna Birkbak , Lund Rikke , Lehane Christine Marie , Dammeyer Jesper
Published: March 2019

Objectives:

The loss of both hearing and vision (dual sensory loss) affects communication and potentially challenges the ability to maintain healthy social relations. The aim of this study was to examine the association between severity of sensory loss and relational strain among older adults with acquired dual sensory loss.

Method:

Data were collected through a national cross-sectional questionnaire survey and an administrative database. A total of 302 individuals with functional dual sensory loss ⩾50 years of age participated (66% response). Relational strain was measured as the perceived experience of excessive demands, worries, and conflicts with children, other relatives, or the personal support worker. Data were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression.

Results:

No associations between severity of dual sensory loss and excessive demands from or worries for children, other relatives, or personal support workers were found. Participants with total blindness and profound deafness had significantly higher odds for experiencing conflicts with children (odds ratio [OR] = 3.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.02, 9.38]) and the personal support worker (OR = 4.18, 95% CI = [1.23, 4.28]) compared to participants with residuals of both senses.

Discussion:

Individuals with total blindness and profound deafness might require special attention in rehabilitation to support them in maintaining healthy social relations.
A methodological synthesis and meta-analysis of judgment tasks in second language research
Authors: Plonsky Luke , Marsden Emma , Crowther Dustin , Gass Susan M , Spinner Patti
Published: March 2019

Judgment tasks (JTs, often called acceptability or grammaticality judgment tasks) are found extensively throughout the history of second language (L2) research. Data from such instruments have been used to investigate a range of hypotheses and phenomena, from generativist theories to instructional effectiveness. Though popular and convenient, JTs have engendered considerable controversy, with concerns often centered on their construct validity in terms of the type of representations they elicit, such as implicit or explicit knowledge. A number of studies have also examined the impact of JT conditions such as timed vs. untimed, oral vs. written. This article presents a synthesis of the use of JTs and a meta-analysis of the effects of task conditions on learner performance. Following a comprehensive search, 385 JTs were found in 302 individual studies. Each report was coded for features related to study design as well as methodological, procedural, and psychometric properties of the JTs. These data were synthesized in order to understand how this type of instrument has been implemented and reported. In addition to observing a steady increase in the use of JTs over the last four decades, we also found many of the features of JTs, when reported, varied substantially across studies. In terms of the impact of JT design, whereas modality was not found to have a strong or stable effect on learner performance (median d = .14; interquartile range = 1.04), scores on untimed JTs tended to be substantially higher than when timed ( d = 1.35; interquartile range = 1.74). In examining these features and their links to findings, this article builds on a growing body of methodological syntheses of L2 research instrumentation and makes a number of empirically grounded recommendations for future studies involving JTs.
Network analysis identifies consensus physiological measures of neurovascular coupling in humans
Authors: Squair Jordan W , Lee Amanda HX , Sarafis Zoe K , Chan Franco , Barak Otto F , Dujic Zeljko , Day Trevor , Phillips Aaron A
Published: March 2019

Intimate communication between neural and vascular structures is required to match neuronal metabolism to blood flow, a process termed neurovascular coupling. The number of laboratories assessing neurovascular coupling in humans is increasing due to clinical interest in disease states, and basic science interest in a non-anesthetized, non-craniotomized, unrestrained, in vivo model. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding how best to characterize the neurovascular response. To address this knowledge gap, we have amassed a highly powered human neurovascular coupling dataset, and deployed a network-based approach to reveal the most powerful and consistent metrics for quantifying neurovascular coupling. Using dimensionality reduction, community-based clustering, and majority-voting of traditional metrics (e.g. peak response, time to peak) and non-traditional metrics (e.g. varying time windows, pulsatility), we have identified which of the existing metrics predominantly characterize the neurovascular coupling response, are stable within and across participants, and explain the vast majority of the variance within our dataset of over 300 trials. We then harnessed our empirical approach to generate powerful novel metrics of neurovascular coupling, termed iAmplitude, iRate, and iPulsatility, which increase sensitivity when capturing population differences. These metrics may be useful to optimally understand neurovascular coupling in health and disease.
Association of body mass and systemic immune-inflammation indices with endocrine therapy resistance in luminal breast cancers
Authors: Li Qing-xia , Shi Dong-jian , Zhang Li-xia , Wang Dong-miao , Zhao Jing , Wang Tao , Deng Xin-na , Fan Xiao-yan
Published: March 2019

Objective

To explore correlations between body mass index (BMI), preoperative systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and endocrine therapy resistance, and evaluate BMI and SII as predictors of resistance, in patients with luminal breast cancer.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with luminal breast cancer who underwent endocrine therapy at Hebei General Hospital. Relationships between BMI and SII subgroups, and clinicopathological parameters were analysed using χ2-tests. Disease-free survival was assessed using Log-rank statistics. Multivariate analysis of factors related to disease progression were analysed using Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Out of 161 patients, those with normal BMI and low SII had significantly lower endocrine resistance rates versus those with high BMI and SII, and BMI was significantly positively correlated with SII. High BMI or SII was associated with significantly lower disease-free survival rates. Hazard ratios for disease progression risk were 6.036, 3.508 and 1.733, for SII, BMI and TNM stage, respectively.

Conclusion

In patients with luminal breast cancer, high BMI (>23 kg/m2) and SII (>518 × 109/L) levels may predict high endocrine resistance rates. BMI, SII and TNM stage were independent prognostic factors for endocrine therapy resistance.
Social Geography II: Islamophobia, transphobia, and sizism
Authors: Hopkins Peter
Published: March 2019

Different forms of discrimination, marginalisation and exclusion have been central concerns for social geography for over 50 years now. Some forms of prejudice are historically resistant, long-lasting and have featured in social geography for many decades (such as racism and sexism); others have emerged more recently within social geography debates as well as in the wider society and are less well understood. In this second progress report on social geography, I explore recent research about Islamophobia, transphobia and sizism that demonstrates that each of these forms of prejudice is worthy of further study and analysis in their own right by social geographers and scholars in related fields. I argue that it would be productive to investigate areas of connection and solidarity across and within these different prejudices and others in order to be able to resist multiple forms of discrimination, intolerance and hate.
Response to White Light Emitting Diode Aviation Signal Lights Varying in Correlated Color Temperature
Authors: Bullough John D. , Liu Yi-wei
Published: March 2019

Airfield lighting for runways and taxiways is currently undergoing a transition from filament-based incandescent sources to light emitting diodes (LEDs). Although models to assess the relative brightness, discomfort glare, and peripheral detectability of signal lights such as those used for aviation exist, their applicability to white LED airfield lighting has not been verified independently. A series of three experiments was conducted to compare white LED sources, having correlated color temperatures of 2,700 K and 5,900 K, in terms of their relative brightness, discomfort glare, and peripheral detectability. The perceived brightness and discomfort glare from the light sources closely matched predictions from the published models, demonstrating the usefulness of these models at characterizing these responses in airfield lighting. In the case of peripheral detectability, there was little to no difference in how quickly the two LEDs were perceived at low light levels, suggesting that there is no need to consider spectral differences between light source spectra for this response when the intensities are similar to those used in the present study.
Risk and Reliability Analysis of Geometric Design Criteria: A Critical Synthesis
Authors: Musunuru Anusha , Porter Richard J. , Sayed Tarek , Fyfe Martin
Published: March 2019

Highway and street designers deal with the challenge of designing for a broad range of driver, vehicle, and roadway characteristics and conditions. There is significant variability in design inputs and design controls that influence design criteria and design decisions. This variability has traditionally been considered implicitly through selected values for geometric design parameters and criteria. Average values are used when the variability in the input design parameters is small. Conservative values are used if the variability is larger, often the case within the highway geometric design context. Previous research has demonstrated that addressing this variability and uncertainty more explicitly as part of design decisions can lead to better-informed and more cost-effective design decisions. Probabilistic design approaches that quantify both risk and reliability have been successfully incorporated into other design disciplines for those reasons. These approaches have also been explored in the highway geometric design literature and have shown promise. They are likely to be central to future performance-based design initiatives, as outlined in a recently published framework on conducting performance-based geometric design analysis. Given the emerging importance of performance-based design and the need to address challenges regarding the current method of handling variability and uncertainty in the input design parameters, this paper presents a collective review and assessment of methodological alternatives for quantifying risk and reliability associated with geometric design criteria and decisions.
Initial Development and Validation of the Perceptions of the Blended Learning Environment Questionnaire
Authors: Han Feifei , Ellis Robert A.
Published: March 2019

Learning in blended environments has become a ubiquitous part of student experience in tertiary education worldwide. Although students’ perceptions of learning environments are a key element in the learning process, there is a dearth of valid instruments to assess students’ perceptions in blended contexts. This study described the initial development and validation of a Perceptions of the Blended Learning Environment Questionnaire (PBLEQ). The analyses, involving two cohorts of students enrolled in courses either from humanities/social sciences disciplines or from sciences/engineering disciplines, consistently supported the bifactor model over a correlated first-order model and a second-order model. The bifactor model had a single perceptions factor that underlined each of the items. Separately, there were three specific factors: the perceptions of integration between face-to-face and online learning, the perceptions of online contributions, and the perceptions of the online workload, each having its own separate set of items. The invariance tests among the two cohorts validated that the PBLEQ had invariant factor structure, factor loadings, and intercepts. The PBLEQ has potential to help unravel students’ perceptions of the blended learning environment in diverse academic disciplines.
A Latent Class Analysis of Lifetime Victimization Among Homeless Youth
Authors: Tyler Kimberly A. , Ray Colleen M.
Published: March 2019

Homeless youth experience high rates of child physical and sexual abuse, and many are revictimized on the streets. Despite their high rates of victimization, few studies have examined whether specific victimization types (e.g., sexual vs. physical) cluster together and for whom (e.g., sexual minority youth). As such, the purpose of this study was to identify clusters of homeless youth based on their exposure to different forms of child abuse and street victimization, to examine what factors distinguish each cluster, and how unique clusters are related to youths’ mental health using data collected at two time points. The sample included 150 youth experiencing homelessness in the Midwest. Latent class analysis was used to identify clusters of youth. Three latent classes emerge: The low exposure class had significantly lower rates of child physical and emotional abuse and threats compared with the medium- and high-exposure groups. The high exposure group had significantly higher rates of child sexual abuse compared with the other groups. Females, sexual minority youth, and those who have lived in more foster care homes were more likely to be in the high exposure group compared with the low and/or medium exposure groups. Multivariate results revealed that those in the medium and high exposure cluster groups had higher rates of Wave 1 depressive symptoms and Wave 1 anxiety compared with youth in the low exposure cluster. Overall, although these young people experience high rates of abuse and victimization both at home and while on the street, there are gradations in these experiences such that certain victimization experiences subgroups are at heightened risk for poor mental health.
Prediction of a representative point for rail temperature measurement by considering longitudinal deformation
Authors: Hong SungUk , Jung Hyunsuk , Park Chan , Lee Hyunwoo , Kim HyongUk , Lim NamHyoung , Bae HyunUng , Kim KyungHo , Kim HongJip , Cho Seong J
Published: March 2019

Monitoring rail temperature is very important for determining the safe running speed of trains and to prevent buckling. In general, the maximum variation of the internal rail temperature can be >7 ℃ depending on the point of measurement. However, there is as yet no sufficient information about how to predict the measurement point to represent the thermal deformation due to temperature distribution. In this study, the authors report a new point, called the representative measurement point, at which the rail temperature can be measured. This point considers the average deformation of the rail through structural analysis by adopting experimental and actual rail temperature data. The authors designed and installed a measurement system similar to an actual rail environment. Using the system, various data were acquired (internal/surface rail temperature and weather data) for 10 months. On the basis of these data, an analysis was done to calculate the average deformation point through thermal analysis. Finally, the representative measurement point was proposed as the position at which the average deformation point converges regardless of weather or seasons. The authors believe that the method described herein is advantageous in that it could be used in a high-accuracy temperature-monitoring system and for predicting thermal deformation and buckling.
Torsional vibration analysis of the gear transmission system of high-speed trains with wheel defects
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , Cheng Yao , Mei Guiming , Zhang Weihua , Huang Guanhua , Yin Zhonghui
Published: March 2019

The gear transmission system of a high-speed train is the key component, which delivers the traction torque from the motor to the wheelset. It couples with the vehicle system via the suspension system, gear meshing and the wheel–rail interface. The dynamic performance of the transmission system directly affects the operational reliability or even the running safety of high-speed trains. In this study, the effects of wheel polygonalisation and wheel flat on the dynamic responses of the transmission system are investigated through simulations of a novel vehicle dynamics model. This model integrates the flexible gearbox housing, the time-varying mesh stiffness and the nonlinear gear tooth backlash, and the track irregularities to obtain more realistic responses of the traction transmission systems in a vehicle vibration environment, from motors to wheelsets, under the effects of the wheel flat and polygonal wear. The field experimental tests are implemented for a vehicle running along a main high-speed railway line in China. Subsequently, the developed dynamics model is validated with good agreement between the experimental and the theoretical results. The calculated results revealed that wheel flat and wheel polygonal wear caused a high-frequency fluctuation of both the longitudinal creep force and the gear mesh force, causing a violent and complex torsional vibration of the gear transmission system. Moreover, the flexible deformation of the gearbox housing, especially its resonance due to the wheel polygonal wear, contributed to the torsional vibration of the gear transmission system.
Devices for image-guided lung interventions: State-of-the-art review
Authors: Zhao Zhuo , Jordan Sophie , Tse Zion Tsz Ho
Published: March 2019

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death. According to the American Cancer Society, there were an estimated 222,500 new cases of lung cancer and 155,870 deaths from lung cancer in the United States in 2017. Accurate localization in lung interventions is one of the keys to reducing the death rate from lung cancer. In this study, a total of 217 publications from 2006 to 2017 about designs of medical devices for localization in lung interventions were screened, shortlisted, and categorized by localization principle and reviewed for functionality. Each study was analyzed for engineering characteristics and clinical significance. Research regarding interventional imaging equipment, navigation systems, and surgical devices was reviewed, and both research prototypes and commercial products were discussed. Finally, the future directions and existing challenges were summarized, including real-time intra-procedure guidance, accuracy of localization, clinical application, clinical adoptability, and clinical regulatory issues.
Conjoint measurement underdone: Comment on Günter Trendler (2019)
Authors: Michell Joel
Published: March 2019

Trendler’s (2019) critique of conjoint measurement fails because he neglects to distinguish standard sequences (human constructions) from series of equal magnitudes (features of quantitative structures). The latter, not the former, is presumed in conjoint measurement. Furthermore, in so far as some mental tests use humans as measuring instruments, the only questionable assumption involved is that the relevant psychological attributes are quantitative, and that assumption is potentially testable using conjoint measurement. Finally, contrary to Trendler, psychological phenomena can be captured and the structure of psychological attributes investigated using conjoint measurement.
Comment on Trendler’s (2019) “Conjoint measurement undone”
Authors: Krantz David H. , Wallsten Thomas S.
Published: March 2019

Most of Trendler’s (2019) article, “Conjoint measurement undone,” seems wrong to us. We explain why we disagree completely with two of his assertions: (a) that cardinal measurement scales are absent in psychology and (b) that psychology has stagnated. We share three of his other concerns, but not his perspectives on them or the supposed links among them. These three points are: (a) fewer applications of additive conjoint measurement than initially expected, (b) flaws in the practice of statistics, and (c) need to improve the culture of replication in psychology. We provide our views on these points and also note two distinct strands in the foundational analysis of measurement—one derived from geometry, the other from probability. Trendler completely overlooked the latter.
Trajectory optimization and control of stratospheric airship in cruising
Authors: Zhu Bing-Jie , Yang Xi-Xiang , Deng Xiao-Long , Ma Zhen-Yu , Hou Zhong-Xi , Jia Gao-Wei
Published: March 2019

Stratospheric airships are important platforms for near-space enduring cruising capability for several applications. Since energy shortage is one of major limiting factors in stratospheric airship, it is crucial to develop novel methods to reduce the requirement on energy systems. In this article, optimal trajectory of stratospheric airship in gradient wind fields is investigated in order to reduce energy consumption. First, polynomial expressions for wind gradients are assumed, and three-dimensional point mass airship equations of motion are used. Then the variety characters of energy for stratospheric airship are studied, the minimum power output of power system is taken as the optimizing target, and collocation approach is used to convert the trajectory optimization problem into parameters optimization. The characters of stratospheric airship’s cruising in three typical wind field are analyzed, including control and state parameters time histories, power changes for airship system, and so on. This research work shows that the greater the wind gradient, the more favorable to reduce energy consumptions, but the speed of the gradient wind cannot be too high.
The Autonomic Innervation and Uterine Telocyte Interplay in Leiomyoma Formation
Authors: Aleksandrovych Veronika , Kurnik-Łucka Magdalena , Bereza Tomasz , Białas Magdalena , Pasternak Artur , Cretoiu Dragos , Walocha Jerzy A. , Gil Krzysztof
Published: March 2019

The autonomic innervation of the uterus is involved in multiple pathophysiological processes in both humans and animals. Pathological conditions such as adenomyosis or inflammatory pelvic disease are usually accompanied by significant alterations in uterine innervation. In the current study, we focused on autonomic innervation of uterine fibroids, the identification of recently described interstitial cells, telocytes, and the possible interplay between these structures. In this work, uterine telocytes were identified by immunopositivity for c-kit, CD34, and PDGFRα. Nerves were revealed by immunolabeling for neuronal markers: protein gene product PGP 9.5, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). The gross organization of myometrial tissue has been analyzed by routine histology. The results demonstrated that the density of iNOS and ChAT-immunopositive neurons in the uterine fibroids was higher than that in the control samples. The density of telocytes in the fibrosis foci was lower than that in the normal myometrium. Our results suggest that autonomic innervation and telocytes are involved in the microenvironment imbalance characteristic of uterine leiomyoma. Since NOS-positive nerves play an important role in oxidative stress modulation, they might lead to a decrease in the number of telocytes, which are crucial components in the pathogenesis of leiomyoma formation.
Comparison of Thai older patients’ wishes and nurses’ perceptions regarding end-of-life care
Authors: Manjavong Manchumad , Srinonprasert Varalak , Limpawattana Panita , Chindaprasirt Jarin , Pairojkul Srivieng , Kuichanuan Thunchanok , Kaiyakit Sawadee , Juntararuangtong Thitikorn , Yongrattanakit Kongpob , Pimporm Jiraporn , Thongkoo Jinda
Published: March 2019

Background:

Achieving a “good death” is a major goal of palliative care. Nurses play a key role in the end-of-life care of older patients. Understanding the perceptions of both older patients and nurses in this area could help improve care during this period.

Objectives:

To examine and compare the preferences and perceptions of older patients and nurses with regard to what they feel constitutes a “good death.”

Research design:

A cross-sectional study.

Participants and research context:

This study employed a self-report questionnaire that asked about various options for end-of-life care. It was distributed to older patients who attended the outpatient clinic of internal medicine and nurses who worked at two medical schools in Thailand from September 2017 to February 2018. Patients were asked to respond to the questions as if they were terminally ill, and nurses were asked to imagine how older patients would answer the questions.

Ethical consideration:

Approval from Institutional Review Board was obtained.

Findings:

A total of 608 patients and 665 nurses responded to the survey. Nurses agreed with concepts of palliative care, but they rated themselves as having poor knowledge. The patient respondents felt that it was most important that they receive the full truth about their illnesses (29.2%). The nurses thought the most important issue was relief of uncomfortable symptoms (25.2%). On seven out of the 13 questions, nurses overestimated the importance of the relevant issue to patients and underestimated the importance on one question (p < 0.05).

Discussion:

Both nurses and older patients signified concepts of palliative care, but nurses felt that they lacked adequate knowledge. Nurses estimated that patients would have positive attitudes toward autonomy and the closure of life affairs to a significantly greater degree than the patient respondents.

Conclusions:

We recommend that palliative care education be improved and that steps be taken to allow for more effective nurse–patient communication with regard to the patients’ end-of-life wishes.
Determinants and Prospects of Intra-regional Trade in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea (BoBAS) Rim Countries of South Asia: A Gravity Model Simulation Approach
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Imran
Published: March 2019

Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka are three important South Asian economies that lie in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea (BoBAS) rim region. Considering intra-regional trade, these countries are loosely economically integrated, although they have a large potential for sub-regional trade grains. This study examines the determinants and potential of intra-regional trade among these countries. In the beginning, the study estimated the gravity model of trade with a panel random effects estimation for a set of data from 1991 to 2012. Later it investigated trade potential among the countries by a simulation approach that is based on the prior findings of the gravity estimation. The results show that major determinants of intra-regional trade in these countries are size of the domestic market, infrastructure, economic openness, real exchange rate and distance. Countries in the sub-region have high trade prospects and they have not explored the maximum potential of intra-regional trade yet.
Leadership Style Paradigm Shift in Hospital Industry: Need of the Day, in Comparison with Hospitality Industry
Authors: Joshi Bhagyashree Sudhakar
Published: March 2019

Importance: Current hospital leaders struggle to find leadership style which is beneficial and suitable to face the challenges present in the organization. Limited literature and lack of evidence on leadership styles related to the hospital and healthcare industry leave them directionless. Scarcity of training from the leadership point of view and lack of leadership models and lack of evidence on ‘which leadership style is most suitable and beneficial’ in the hospital industry, especially in the Indian context, increase the need for the current study.

Objective: To understand and compare the leadership styles adopted by the top and middle level leaders from the hospital and hotel industry.

Methodology: Quantitative study design, that is, survey, was used in this study. Survey tool consisted of structure items on 10 leadership styles with five-point Likert scale. A total of 41 top and middle level leaders from hospital and hotel industry participated in this study.

Results: The study addressed issues pertaining to leadership, suggesting a paradigm change in hospital industry in relation to leadership style. Results showed that male leaders dominated the top and middle level leadership positions in both industries. Hospital leaders were older and more qualified and experienced as compared to those in hotel industry. Leaders reported using all 10 leadership styles from low to high levels. As each leadership style has its own strengths and weaknesses, adopting a combination of multiple leadership styles as per the need strengthens the overall output.

Conclusion: Mixed leadership style needs to be adopted by the hospital leaders.
Determinants of Choice of Care Providers During Childbirth in Rural West Bengal, India
Authors: Bose Mampi
Published: March 2019

The article analyses determinants of choice of care providers during childbirth. Public health facilities provide care for free to all women during childbirth in West Bengal. In addition, a cash incentive is also attached with the service package for poor women who give birth at public health facilities. However, a section of women still prefer to give birth at home and some avail services from private facilities. The article attempts to explore the reasons underlying such difference. This analysis is based on primary data collected from four villages of Jalpaiguri district following multistage sampling method. It involved a survey of 251 households having at least one child below 2 years. Multinomial logistic regression model was used to analyse the data. The results suggest that quality of public health services, rural infrastructure, utilization of antenatal care and conditional cash transfers influenced the choice of care providers. Women who were eligible for and were aware of Janani Suraksha Yojana were less likely to go to private health facilities for childbirth. However, the programme did not seem to be effective in terms of reducing delivery at home.
Improving Classroom Management Issues by Asking Questions: Part 1
Authors: Robison Tiger
Published: March 2019

Asking questions is a time-honored technique for learning in a variety of contexts dating back to antiquity, but it is also an often-overlooked technique for classroom management. This column, the third in a series about classroom management and the first of two on the particular topic of asking questions, contains two specific questions with which to prompt students before and/or after behavioral incidents. The first question necessitates students to reflect on their own actions, and the second question is about asking students to pay attention to their feelings. Additionally, there are connections provided between these questions and the larger constructs of metacognition and self-esteem.
Adaptive cycle jump and limits of degradation in micromechanical fatigue simulations of fibre-reinforced plastics
Authors: Lüders Caroline , Sinapius Michael , Krause Daniel
Published: March 2019

This research investigates the influence of numerical parameters of micromechanical fatigue damage models on the obtained progressive damage behaviour of fibre-reinforced plastics at transverse tensile fatigue loads. The simulated damage behaviour is evaluated using experimentally observed crack patters published in the literature. The investigated numerical model parameters are (1) whether or not the model considers static failure within a simulated load cycle, (2) the degree of material property degradation after sudden failure and (3) the size of the cycle jump. The results reveal a significant influence of the degree of material degradation and of the cycle jump on the simulated matrix crack formation at both higher and lower fatigue loads. Static failure within a simulated load cycle primarily affects the damage behaviour at higher fatigue loads. The paper gives recommendations of the parameter choice for plausible progressive fatigue damage simulation results. Regarding the cycle jump, an adaptive algorithm is proposed and implemented. This approach leads to plausible fatigue damage results paired with a significant reduction of computation time comparing to a cycle-by-cycle analysis.
Determination of Minimum Clinically Important Difference (MCID) in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Pain and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Scores After Hallux Valgus Surgery
Authors: Sutton Ryan M. , McDonald Elizabeth L. , Shakked Rachel J. , Fuchs Daniel , Raikin Steven M.
Published: March 2019

Background:

Minimum clinically important difference (MCID) defines a threshold when determining clinically significant treatment improvement. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure activities of daily living (FAAM-ADL) are commonly used for measuring hallux valgus correction. This study aimed to determine MCID in VAS pain and FAAM-ADL scores for hallux valgus correction and additionally, to identify variables influencing achievement of the VAS pain MCID.

Methods:

Patients undergoing hallux valgus surgery were retrospectively included. VAS pain, FAAM-ADL, and pain satisfaction surveys were collected preoperatively and minimum 1-year postoperatively. Using a 6-point Likert-type pain satisfaction scale, patients reporting low postoperative satisfaction scores 1 through 3 were categorized as “dissatisfied,” and high satisfaction scores 4 through six as “satisfied.” One distribution-based method and 2 anchor-based methods were used to calculate MCID. Further, a logistic regression was calculated to determine if one group (defined by sex, pain satisfaction, preoperative VAS pain, concomitant lesser toe deformity correction, and specific hallux valgus correction procedure) had a greater likelihood of achieving the VAS pain MCID threshold. This study included 170 patients with postoperative follow-up averaging 23.6 months.

Results:

Calculated MCID scores ranged from 1.8 to 5.2 points for VAS pain and 11.1 to 22.7 points for FAAM-ADL. Moderate deformity correction with proximal first metatarsal osteotomy (Ludloff) (OR=2.236, P = .036) or severe deformity correction with first tarsometatarsal arthrodesis (Lapidus) (OR=3.145, P = .046); and higher preoperative pain scores (OR=1.045, P < .010) had significantly higher odds of meeting VAS pain MCID.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated MCID values that may indicate significant pain and function improvement after hallux valgus correction. Higher preoperative pain, and utilization of proximal metatarsal osteotomy or first tarsometatarsal arthrodesis for moderate or severe deformity correction resulted in significantly greater likelihood of reaching the VAS pain MCID than utilizing distal metatarsal and/or proximal phalanx osteotomy for mild deformity treatment.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, validating outcome measures.
Assessment of Trauma Symptoms in Toddlers and Preschoolers Living in Poverty
Authors: Bollens Sara H. , Fox Robert A.
Published: March 2019

A first-line screening instrument, the Preschool Inventory of Trauma Symptoms (PITS), was developed to assess trauma symptoms with a diverse sample of 150 toddlers and preschoolers ( M = 2.49 years; SD = 1.12). Items reflected the current trauma literature, assessment measures, and diagnostic criteria for very young children. A principal component analysis produced a 34-item, four-factor model: Arousal and Hyper-Reactivity, Fearful Attachment, Intrusion and Re-Experiencing, and Avoidance and Negative Cognition and Mood. One validity scale, Response Style, was also developed. All scales significantly correlated ( r = .45 to .81; p < .01) with preestablished trauma measures and demonstrated adequate internal consistency (α = .68 − .87). A receiver operating characteristics curve analysis identified a cut-score with good discrimination ability (.88), sensitivity (.81), and specificity (.81). In a preliminary pilot study, PITS also was found to be sensitive to trauma symptom change following participation in an evidence-based trauma informed treatment program. A copy of the PITS is included in the Appendix for free use by qualified professionals.
Client-Perpetrated Violence Toward Female Sex Workers in Kathmandu
Authors: Beaujolais Brieanne , Kaloga Marissa , Karandikar Sharvari , Gezinski Lindsay B. , Kadambari Pradipta , Maskey Kipa
Published: March 2019

This qualitative study explores the experiences of client-perpetrated violence toward female sex workers in Kathmandu, Nepal. Individual interviews were conducted with 30 female sex workers. Data were analyzed using qualitative coding methods and thematic development. Two main themes emerged. Contexts in which client-perpetrated violence corresponded with (a) conditions associated with exchange of services, and (b) alcohol use. The first theme involved five factors: negotiating condom use, number of clients, requesting payment, length of service time, and negotiating sex acts. Alcohol use by clients and/or sex workers exacerbated violence. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
A Research Review of Literacy Tutoring and Mentoring in Initial Teacher Preparation: Toward Practices That Can Transform Teaching
Authors: Hoffman James V. , Svrcek Natalie , Lammert Catherine , Daly-Lesch Annie , Steinitz Erica , Greeter Erin , DeJulio Samuel
Published: March 2019

Our goal through this literature review is to report and synthesize the findings from research into literacy tutoring and literacy mentoring in initial teacher preparation. We identified a total of 62 published articles that met our selection criteria. We identified four conceptual areas of focus to organize and represent our findings: (a) the structural and design features of the one-to-one or small-group experiences, (b) preservice teacher learning and growth within the tutorial/mentoring experience, (c) preservice teacher learning and growth beyond the tutorial/mentoring experience, and (d) mediating factors associated with preservice teacher growth. We discuss the challenges and promises for this line of research for transforming teacher preparation through the attention to third and hybrid spaces for mentoring experiences.
Recurrence and Timing of Maternal Depression Predict Early Adolescent Functioning for Children With and Without ADHD
Authors: Wang Christine H. , Felton Julia W. , Baumann Barbara , Pelham William E. , Chronis-Tuscano Andrea
Published: March 2019

Objective: To examine recurrence and timing of maternal depression as predictors of depressive and conduct symptoms in children with and without ADHD. Method: Children aged 4 to 6 years (125 ADHD, 122 comparison) were followed over 8 years. Maternal depression was assessed annually. Youth depressive and conduct symptoms were assessed at ages 12 to 14. Results: Recurrence of maternal depression predicted youth depressive and conduct symptoms at ages 12 to 14; child ADHD moderated relations between recurrence of maternal depression and youth depressive (but not conduct) symptoms. Early adolescent exposure to maternal depression predicted age 12 to 14 depressive symptoms for all children. Exposure to maternal depression during early childhood, childhood, and early adolescence each independently predicted youth conduct symptoms. Conclusion: Recurrence and timing of maternal depression predict comorbid symptoms in early adolescents, particularly for youth with ADHD. Findings inform the prevention of comorbidities in children with ADHD where maternal depression is present. (J. of Att. Dis. XXXX; XX(X) XX-XX)
Response Surface Analysis of Genomic Prediction Accuracy Values Using Quality Control Covariates in Soybean
Authors: Jarquín Diego , Howard Reka , Graef George , Lorenz Aaron
Published: March 2019

An important and broadly used tool for selection purposes and to increase yield and genetic gain in plant breeding programs is genomic prediction (GP). Genomic prediction is a technique where molecular marker information and phenotypic data are used to predict the phenotype (eg, yield) of individuals for which only marker data are available. Higher prediction accuracy can be achieved not only by using efficient models but also by using quality molecular marker and phenotypic data. The steps of a typical quality control (QC) of marker data include the elimination of markers with certain level of minor allele frequency (MAF) and missing marker values and the imputation of missing marker values. In this article, we evaluated how the prediction accuracy is influenced by the combination of 12 MAF values, 27 different percentages of missing marker values, and 2 imputation techniques (IT; naïve and Random Forest (RF)). We constructed a response surface of prediction accuracy values for the two ITs as a function of MAF and percentage of missing marker values using soybean data from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Soybean Breeding Program. We found that both the genetic architecture of the trait and the IT affect the prediction accuracy implying that we have to be careful how we perform QC on the marker data. For the corresponding combinations MAF-percentage of missing values we observed that implementing the RF imputation increased the number of markers by 2 to 5 times than the simple naïve imputation method that is based on the mean allele dosage of the non-missing values at each loci. We conclude that there is not a unique strategy (combination of the QCs and imputation method) that outperforms the results of the others for all traits.
The Molecular Basis of pH-Modulated HIV gp120 Binding Revealed
Authors: Morton Scott P , Phillips Julie B , Phillips Joshua L
Published: March 2019

Decades of research has yet to provide a vaccine for HIV, the virus which causes AIDS. Recent theoretical research has turned attention to mucosa pH levels over systemic pH levels. Previous research in this field developed a computational approach for determining pH sensitivity that indicated higher potential for transmission at mucosa pH levels present during intercourse. The process was extended to incorporate a principal component analysis (PCA)-based machine learning technique for classification of gp120 proteins against a known transmitted variant called Biomolecular Electro-Static Indexing (BESI). The original process has since been extended to the residue level by a process we termed Electrostatic Variance Masking (EVM) and used in conjunction with BESI to determine structural differences present among various subspecies across Clades A1 and C. Results indicate that structures outside of the core selected by EVM may be responsible for binding affinity observed in many other studies and that pH modulation of select substructures indicated by EVM may influence specific regions of the viral envelope protein (Env) involved in protein-protein interactions.
Worlds, words, and spaces of resistance: Democracy and social media in consumer co-ops
Authors: Barros Marcos , Michaud Valérie
Published: March 2019

This article explores how members of one of the largest Canadian consumer co-ops, reacting to what they saw as an assault on its democratic principles, use social media to try resisting the attempt from the board of directors to change its governance rules. Building on the Economies of Worth and Critical discourse analysis joint framework that considers power relations in the justification context, we unveil two essential moments. Initially, our analysis points to hegemonic justification struggles marked by the board and resisting consumer-members drawing on and reordering multiple worlds to debate the risk of democratic degeneration in consumer co-ops. Second, the critical insights suggest that the hegemonic control over the official deliberative arena pushed dissenting actors toward social media, an alternative space where they could deconstruct the co-ops-controlled discursive arena and create new conditions of possibility. Our article contributes to the literature on democratic degeneration in alternative organizations. More specifically, in the case of large consumer co-ops in which consumer-members have limited embodied presence, our results highlight how social media can offer a new space for debates, dissensus, and critical deconstruction. Our research also extends the post-structural criticism of the domination tendency of rational debate frameworks by showing that strategic displacement to new alternative spaces is essential to create new possibilities beyond those in central discursive arenas.
Physicochemical properties and tribological performance of motorbike lubricant dispersed with surface-modified WS2 nanoparticles
Authors: Srinivas V , Thakur RN , Jain AK , Saratchandra Babu M
Published: March 2019

This paper investigates the effect of dispersion of surface-modified WS2 nanoparticles on the tribological performance and physicochemical properties of motorbike lubricant. Surface-assisted WS2 nanoparticles were dispersed in motorbike engine oil and an optimum amount of surfactant for best stability of the lubricant suspension was found by investigating the changes in the physicochemical properties of lubricant. The stability analysis using light scattering techniques confirmed the stability of nanoparticles dispersed in lubricant medium and surface-modified WS2 nanoparticles remained stable for 180 days. The physicochemical properties were evaluated as per ASTM standards over a period of two months to check the state of lubricant and observable changes in the properties during this period. The tribological performance of the lubricants was assessed by conducting endurance tests on a 100 cc motor bike. The performance was evaluated by checking the wear of the engine components and fuel consumption. It was found that there were no abnormal changes in the physicochemical properties of lubricant up to a certain surfactant to nanoparticle ratio indicating its utility in automotive engines. However, if the amount of surfactant was increased beyond optimum quantity abnormal changes are seen in the viscosity index, leading to the deterioration of key lubricant properties. Lubricant dispersed with WS2 nanoparticles gave good performance characterized by the reduction in both engine wear and fuel consumption. Worn surfaces of the oil rings after the endurance test were assessed for deposits and it was found that a layer of WS2 deposited on the oil ring surface that reduced friction and wear.