bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The development of a clinical policy ethics assessment tool
Authors: Garcia-Capilla Diego José , Rubio-Navarro Alfonso , Torralba-Madrid Maria José , Rutty Jane
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

Clinical policies control several aspects of clinical practice, including individual treatment and care, resource management and healthcare professionals’ etiquette. This article presents Clinical Policy Ethics Assessment Tool, an ethical assessment tool for clinical policies that could be used not only by clinical ethics committees but also by policy committees or other relevant groups.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to find or create a tool to identify ethical issues and/or confirm ethical validity in nursing practice policies, protocols and guidelines.

Methodology:

The development of Clinical Policy Ethics Assessment Tool involved first a literature review, followed by modification of the Research Protocol Ethics Assessment Tool, which was created to identify research protocols’ ethical issues, and finally, a trial of Clinical Policy Ethics Assessment Tool to ensure its reliability and validity.

Ethical consideration:

The policies analysed trialling Clinical Policy Ethics Assessment Tool were in the public domain and did not contain any confidential information. Despite that, Clinical Policy Ethics Assessment Tool also had the approval of a research ethics committee.

Results:

Research Protocol Ethics Assessment Tool was chosen as the template for a Clinical Policy Ethics Assessment Tool, to which several modifications were added to adapt it to work within a nursing practice context. Clinical Policy Ethics Assessment Tool was tested twice, which resulted in a general test–retest reliability coefficient = 0.86, r = 0.84, α1 = 0.817, α2 = 0.824 and interclass correlation coefficient = 0.874.

Discussion:

Contemporary nursing practice in a developed country is often ruled by clinical policies. The use of Clinical Policy Ethics Assessment Tool could confirm the ethical validity of those clinical practice policies, impacting on nurses’ education, values and quality of care.

Conclusion:

Clinical Policy Ethics Assessment Tool has the potential to detect ethical issues and facilitate the correction and improvement of clinical policies and guidelines in a structured way. This is especially so as it has shown reliability in detecting issues in clinical policies involving human participants and in encouraging policymakers to consider common ethical dilemmas in nursing practice.
Assessment of the clinicopathological relevance of mesothelin level in plasma, peritoneal fluid, and tumor tissue of epithelial ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Okła Karolina , Surówka Justyna , Frąszczak Karolina , Czerwonka Arkadiusz , Kaławaj Katarzyna , Wawruszak Anna , Kotarski Jan , Wertel Iwona
Published: October 2018

Ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. This is due to lack of effective screening, diagnosis predominance in late stage of disease, a high recurrence rate after primary therapy, and poor treatment response in platinum-resistant tumor. Thus, unique biomarkers, predictive of individual disease course, and prognosis are urgently needed. The aim of our study was to assess the clinicopathological significance of plasma, peritoneal fluid, and tumor tissue levels of mesothelin in epithelial ovarian cancer patients. Plasma and peritoneal fluid levels of mesothelin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tissue expression of MSLN was evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Preoperative plasma mesothelin levels were significantly higher in epithelial ovarian cancer patients in comparison to the patients with benign tumor and controls. There have been noticed significant differences in the plasma mesothelin levels based on International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, grade, and histology type. No significant changes were observed between Kurman and Shih type I versus type II epithelial ovarian cancer. Interestingly, peritoneal fluid mesothelin levels revealed significant differences based on both grade and Kurman and Shih–type epithelial ovarian cancer. There were no relevant changes in the mesothelin level in peritoneal fluid between different stages and histology types compared to benign tumor. MSLN expression level in tumor tissue was significantly higher based on stage, grade, and Kurman and Shih–type epithelial ovarian cancer than in the benign masses. In addition, data showed significant higher MSLN expression in endometrioid tumors compared to benign masses and serous tumors. Plasma, peritoneal fluid, and tumor tissue levels of mesothelin positively correlated with level of CA125. Low mesothelin concentrations in plasma were also associated with prolonged patient survival. More importantly, we revealed that plasma mesothelin level was correlated with both peritoneal fluid mesothelin level and tumor MSLN expression. This study highlights that plasma mesothelin level may be a useful noninvasive biomarker surrogate for local tumor mesothelin status in monitoring of epithelial ovarian cancer patients.
An Integrative Review of the Influences on Decision-Making of Young People About Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
Authors: Sisson Helen , Wilkinson Yvonne
Published: October 2018

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is a key intervention in the prevention of HPV infection and associated cancers. This review emphasizes the importance of understanding what influences decision-making about this vaccine. Guided by the work of Whittemore and Knafl, and Pluye and Hong, we identified 25 studies, from which four prominent themes emerged: fear and risk, pain, parental involvement, and involvement of others. Fear of cervical cancer was a strong motivation to receive the vaccine, and the extent of parental involvement also had an impact on decision-making. Recommendations to receive the vaccine by health-care providers were also an important influence. School nurses are fundamental to the promotion and delivery of the HPV vaccine and should stress the significant role that it plays in the prevention of cancer. Additionally, school nurses should ensure that discussions about HPV infection and vaccine include parents where appropriate and should distinctly recommend vaccination to those eligible.
Incidence of cutaneous reactions with pemetrexed: Comparison of patients who received three days of oral dexamethasone twice daily to patients who did not
Authors: Clark Stefanie K , Anselmo Lisa M
Published: October 2018

Pemetrexed is a multitargeted antifolate indicated for locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma. Cutaneous reactions are associated with pemetrexed use. Pemetrexed prescribing information recommends oral dexamethasone 4 mg twice daily for three days starting the day before pemetrexed infusion to prevent cutaneous reactions. Patients receive intravenous dexamethasone before pemetrexed infusion at the University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, but the oral dexamethasone recommendation is not always followed. The objective of this study was to determine if there is a difference between patients who received three days of oral dexamethasone starting the day before pemetrexed infusion and patients who did not by determining incidence of cutaneous reactions, delay in therapy, and therapy change due to adverse reactions. Eighty-five patients received at least one dose of pemetrexed between August 1, 2012 and August 31, 2017. Twenty-nine patients did not receive three days of oral dexamethasone 4 mg twice daily and 56 patients did (34.1% vs. 65.9%). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of cutaneous reactions between the intervention group and the control group (13.8% vs. 25.0%; p = 0.384), delay in pemetrexed therapy between groups (44.8% vs. 32.1%; p = 0.2), or therapy change due to adverse events (34.5% vs. 23.2%; p = 0.654). Results suggest three days of oral dexamethasone 4 mg twice daily did not significantly affect incidence rates of cutaneous reactions, delay in therapy, or therapy change in patients who received intravenous dexamethasone before pemetrexed infusion at University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Posaconazole versus voriconazole as antifungal prophylaxis during induction therapy for acute myelogenous leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Phillips Kynlon , Cirrone Frank , Ahuja Tania , Siegfried Justin , Papadopoulos John
Published: October 2018

Objective

Patients with acute myelogenous leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome undergoing induction chemotherapy are at increased risk of invasive fungal infection due to prolonged, severe neutropenia. Due to this risk, national guidelines recommend invasive fungal infection prophylaxis in this population until the resolution of neutropenia. Although posaconazole has demonstrated superiority over fluconazole and itraconazole, there is limited evidence for voriconazole for invasive fungal infection prophylaxis in this population. Even less data are available comparing posaconazole and voriconazole directly. The study objective was to investigate the efficacy and safety of delayed-release posaconazole tablets versus voriconazole for primary invasive fungal infection prophylaxis. The primary outcome was rate of discontinuation of either agent. Secondary outcomes included specific rates of discontinuation due to adverse events and drug–drug interactions, rates of breakthrough invasive fungal infection, and 30-day and 100-day mortality rates.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of adult patients admitted to NYU Langone Health between 1 January 2014 and 31 August 2017 and initiated on invasive fungal infection prophylaxis during induction or reinduction chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome.

Results

In total, 77 patients were included in the study: 43 using posaconazole delayed-release tablets and 34 using oral voriconazole. In the posaconazole group, 30% of patients (n = 13) discontinued therapy for any reason compared with 35% (n = 12) of patients in the voriconazole group (p = 0.64). A higher percentage of patients in the voriconazole group discontinued due to adverse events (6 patients, 18% vs. 1 patient, 2%, p = 0.04). Mortality rates at 30 and 100 days were similar between both groups. No breakthrough invasive fungal infections was noted in either group.

Conclusion

Overall, discontinuations for any reason were similar in patients taking both posaconazole delayed-release and oral voriconazole. Both posaconazole delayed-release tablets and oral voriconazole appear to be effective at preventing invasive fungal infection in acute myelogenous leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome patients undergoing induction chemotherapy, although posaconazole may be more tolerable.
New BSP/CGM algorithms for spanning trees
Authors: Vasconcellos Jucele França de Alencar , Cáceres Edson Norberto , Mongelli Henrique , Song Siang Wun , Dehne Frank , Szwarcfiter Jayme Luiz
Published: October 2018

Computing a spanning tree (ST) and a minimum ST (MST) of a graph are fundamental problems in graph theory and arise as a subproblem in many applications. In this article, we propose parallel algorithms to these problems. One of the steps of previous parallel MST algorithms relies on the heavy use of parallel list ranking which, though efficient in theory, is very time-consuming in practice. Using a different approach with a graph decomposition, we devised new parallel algorithms that do not make use of the list ranking procedure. We proved that our algorithms are correct, and for a graph [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], the algorithms can be executed on a Bulk Synchronous Parallel/Coarse Grained Multicomputer (BSP/CGM) model using [Formula: see text] communications rounds with [Formula: see text] computation time for each round. To show that our algorithms have good performance on real parallel machines, we have implemented them on graphics processing unit. The obtained speedups are competitive and showed that the BSP/CGM model is suitable for designing general purpose parallel algorithms.
Hand motion analysis for assessment of nursing competence in ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous catheter placement
Authors: Good Ryan J , Rothman Kelly K , Ackil Daniel J , Kim John S , Orsborn Jonathan , Kendall John L
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

Objective measures such as hand motion analysis are needed to assess competency in technical skills, including ultrasound-guided procedures. Ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous catheter placement has many potential benefits and is a viable skill for nurses to learn. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility and validity of hand motion analysis for assessment of nursing competence in ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous placement.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective cohort study at a tertiary children’s hospital. Participants included a convenience sample of nurses with no ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous experience and experts in ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous placement. Nurses completed hand motion analysis before and after participating in a simulation-based ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous placement training program. Experts also completed hand motion analysis to provide benchmark measurements. After training, nurses performed ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous placement in clinical practice and self-reported details of attempts.

Results:

A total of 21 nurses and 6 experts participated. Prior to the hands-on training session, experts performed significantly better in all hand motion analysis metrics and procedure time. After completion of the hands-on training session, the nurses showed significant improvement in all hand motion analysis metrics and procedure time. Few nurses achieved hand motion analysis metrics within the expert benchmark after completing the hands-on training session with the exception of angiocatheter motion smoothness. In total, 12 nurses self-reported 38 ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous placement attempts in clinical practice with a success rate of 60.5%.

Discussion:

We demonstrated the feasibility and construct validity of hand motion analysis as an objective assessment of nurse competence in ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous placement. Nurses demonstrated rapid skill acquisition but did not achieve expert-level proficiency.
A Correlational Study between Microstructural White Matter Properties and Macrostructural Gray Matter Volume Across Normal Ageing: Conjoint DTI and VBM Analysis
Authors: Pareek Vikas , Rallabandi VP Subramanyam , Roy Prasun K
Published: October 2018

We investigate the relationship between Gray matter’s volume vis-a-vis White matter’s integrity indices, such Axial diffusivity, Radial diffusivity, Mean diffusivity, and Fractional anisotropy, in individuals undergoing healthy aging. We investigated MRI scans of 177 adults across 20 to 85 years. We used Voxel-based morphometry, and FDT-FSL analysis for estimation of Gray matter volume and White matter’s diffusion indices respectively. Across the life span, we observed an inter-relationship between the Gray matter and White matter, namely that both Axial diffusivity and Mean Diffusivity show strong correlation with Gray matter volume, along the aging process. Furthermore, across all ages the Fractional anisotropy and Mean diffusivity are found to be significantly reduced in females when compared to males, but there are no significant gender differences in Axial Diffusivity and Radial diffusivity. We conclude that for both genders across all ages, the Gray matter’s Volume is strongly correlated with White matter’s Axial Diffusivity and Mean Diffusivity, while being weakly correlated with Fractional Anisotropy. Our study clarifies the multi-scale relationship in brain tissue, by elucidating how the White matter’s micro-structural parameters influences the Gray matter’s macro-structural characteristics, during healthy aging across the life-span.
Emplacing Time: Photography, Location, and the Cinematic Pilgrimage
Authors: Zambenedetti Alberto
Published: October 2018

Cinema, arguably the time-based medium most synonymous with modernity, is also an art form of place: cinema records place in time and, in the best circumstances, stores it through time. If, as Michel de Certeau remarked, “space is a practiced place,” then cinema is the memory of that practice; it is the archive of that transformation. Cinema, in other words, “emplaces time.” Moreover, because of its physical properties, film is also an archival object whose very existence is challenged by the passing of time. In recent years, the ways in which cinema emplaces time have become the subject of a dual contemplation on the part of a generation of photographers whose projects re-photograph cinema’s loci, from movie palaces to film locations. This article investigates the relationship between film the work of three “cinematic pilgrims”: British artist Michael Lightborne, whose 2012 installation Interval (After Intervals) included photographs of the locations for Peter Greenaway’s 1969 short film Intervals alongside the original film; Christopher Moloney’s ongoing project FILMography, in which the Canadian photographer travels the world bringing printed reproductions of film stills to the sites where they were originally shot and then re-photographs them in situ; and the travel blog Fangirl Quest by the Finnish Tiia Öhman and Satu Walden, a photographer and a travel expert, respectively, who re-photograph a location while displaying the related movie scene on a tablet practice (a practice they call “sceneframing”). These projects underscore cinema’s innate relationship with place, while they also highlight the changes that occurred in the time that intervened since production, revealing the instability of the filmic object as one of time as well as in time.
Singing our own song: Navigating identity politics through activism in music
Authors: Hess Juliet
Published: October 2018

This work builds upon considerations of musicking that suggest processes of performing, creating, listening, and producing of music are sites for identity formation and meaning-making activities. In this project, I interviewed 20 activist-musicians about the following dimensions of identity and meaning-making in their work: (a) how they view the role of (their) music; (b) how they situate themselves in their work; and (c) what they believe are the implications of their work for music education, based on (d) their own experiences of music. I draw on Said’s counterpoint as an analytical tool to hold conflicting identities and issues in tension without false resolution. Significantly, the majority of the activist-musicians who participated in the study saw music not only as a means of identity formation, but also as a site to engage in, express, and formulate identity politics. Together, these elements have substantive implications for music education. In imagining an activist school music education, music may enable students to navigate the politics of identity, opening up possibilities to embrace, trouble, and explore the intersections of identity. This article concludes with implications for pedagogy and curriculum in school music education and the consideration of composing as a dual act—an act of formulating identity and a musical act of assertion.
Animal models of multiple sclerosis: From rodents to zebrafish
Authors: Burrows David John , McGown Alexander , Jain Saurabh A , De Felice Milena , Ramesh Tennore M , Sharrack Basil , Majid Arshad
Published: October 2018

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Animal models of MS have been critical for elucidating MS pathological mechanisms and how they may be targeted for therapeutic intervention. Here we review the most commonly used animal models of MS. Although these animal models cannot fully replicate the MS disease course, a number of models have been developed to recapitulate certain stages. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) has been used to explore neuroinflammatory mechanisms and toxin-induced demyelinating models to further our understanding of oligodendrocyte biology, demyelination and remyelination. Zebrafish models of MS are emerging as a useful research tool to validate potential therapeutic candidates due to their rapid development and amenability to genetic manipulation.
International tourism demand, number of airline seats and trade triangle: Evidence from New Zealand partners
Authors: Ozer Balli Hatice , Balli Faruk , Tsui Wai Hong Kan
Published: October 2018

This article examines the three-way relationship between international tourism demand, airline economy seats and international trade for New Zealand together with its key trading/tourism partners. We have found that airline economy seats are the important factor for determining tourism demand among New Zealand's tourism partners except for richer economies, like the United States and Japan. Trade volume does not have strong causality relationship to tourism demand in particular for trading partners, like Japan, Korea, Singapore and the United States. However, especially after the global financial crisis, it is observed that trade volumes help to boost the number of airline economy seats available (airline seat capacity) between New Zealand and its trading partners.
Tourism-induced financial development in Malaysia: New evidence from the tourism development index
Authors: Shahbaz Muhammad , Benkraiem Ramzi , Miloudi Anthony , Tiwari Aviral Kumar
Published: October 2018

This article explores the relationship between tourism development and financial development by incorporating economic growth and the real effective exchange rate as additional determinants in the finance demand function of the Malaysian economy. Thus, the analysis relies on the bounds testing approach by accommodating structural breaks to examine the cointegration among the variables and investigates the causal direction between the variables by applying the Toda–Yamamoto Granger causality approach. The results show that all the variables are cointegrated over the period from 1975 to 2016; tourism development is positively related to financial development; economic growth is positively linked with financial development; and real exchange rate is negatively associated with financial development. The Granger causality analysis demonstrates the presence of bidirectional causality between tourism development and financial development as well as a unidirectional causal relationship running from financial development and tourism development to economic growth.
Preliminary study on heating energy consumption distribution of dwellings in hot summer and cold winter climate region of China
Authors: Li Yan , Li Xiaofeng
Published: October 2018

Investigating the total heating energy consumption over the entire heating season and its distribution data can help policymakers to adequately understand the current status and development trend of heating energy consumption, as well as to formulate effective policies to improve the indoor comfort and energy performance of residential buildings. This paper aims to explore a method for obtaining the space heating energy consumption demand of dwellings to guide energy conservation and energy supply with heating. A survey questionnaire was carried out to obtain detailed information on the occupant behaviour on space heating in a multi-unit high-rise residential community in Nantong. The statistical results of some factors were obtained from the questionnaire, such as occupants’ space heating behaviour, window-opening behaviour, and indoor temperature setting. Then, energy consumption by space heating was simulated and analysed based on the survey data, and the reliability of results was verified by comparing modelled results with measured energy consumption from 1625 households. The results reveal that the heating energy consumption simulation method based on occupant behaviour survey can be used to predict the distribution of the energy consumption over the entire heating season in this region and areas with similar climate.
Cold-Stored Venous Allografts In Different Preserving Solutions: A Study On Changes In Vein Wall Morphology
Authors: Aavik A. , Kibur R.-T. , Lieberg J. , Lepner U. , Aunapuu M. , Arend A.
Published: October 2018

Background:

The saphenous vein is the most frequently used bypass conduit for vascular reconstructions, which may need to be stored for a prolonged time. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different preservation solutions on the morphology of saphenous veins during the long-term cold storage.

Design:

An in vitro study

Material and Methods:

Saphenous vein samples, collected from 29 patients undergoing varicose vein surgery, were stored at +4°C in (1) 10% formalin, (2) isotonic saline with heparin and antibiotic, (3) phosphate-buffered saline, (4) 2.5% glutaraldehyde + phosphate-buffered saline, and (5) Custodiol (histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate). Changes in the vein wall were histologically investigated up to day 35. Possible retention of the capacity of endothelial function was evaluated by immunohistochemical detection of endothelial nitric oxide synthase.

Results:

Formalin as the control medium well preserved the vein wall morphology, but endothelial nitric oxide synthase immunostaining was very weak. Phosphate-buffered saline and isotonic saline with heparin and antibiotic poorly preserved vein wall morphology. Phosphate-buffered saline endothelial nitric oxide synthase staining decreased dramatically throughout the study period. Compared to phosphate-buffered saline, stronger isotonic saline with heparin and antibiotic endothelial nitric oxide synthase staining was noted at day 35 (p < 0.001). Custodiol and glutaraldehyde better preserved vein morphology compared to ISHA and PBS at day 5 and later (p < 0.001), but compared to stronger isotonic saline with heparin and antibiotic their endothelial nitric oxide synthase staining was weaker.

Conclusion:

In terms of preserving the morphology of saphenous veins, phosphate-buffered saline and isotonic saline with heparin and antibiotic were the poorest, while Custodiol and glutaraldehyde were the best. Demonstrating good retention of endothelial nitric oxide synthase staining throughout the study period, isotonic saline with heparin and antibiotic seems to have the best potential to retain vein wall functionality, despite relatively poor morphological preservation.
If software is narrative: Joseph Weizenbaum, artificial intelligence and the biographies of ELIZA
Authors: Natale Simone
Published: October 2018

Software is usually studied in terms of the changes triggered by its operations in the material world. Yet to understand its social and cultural impact, one needs to examine also the different narratives that circulate about it. Software’s opacity, in fact, makes it prone to being translated into a plurality of narratives that help people make sense of its functioning and presence. Drawing from the case of Joseph Weizenbaum’s ELIZA, widely considered the first chatbot ever created, this article proposes a theoretical framework based on the concept of ‘biographies of media’ to illuminate the dynamics and implications of software’s discursive life. The case of ELIZA is particularly relevant in this regard because it became the centre of competing narratives, whose trajectories transcended the actual functioning of this programme and shaped key controversies about the implications of computing and artificial intelligence.
Fast three-dimensional heat transfer model for computing internal temperatures in the bearing housing of automotive turbochargers
Authors: Gil Antonio , Tiseira Andrés Omar , García-Cuevas Luis Miguel , Usaquén Tatiana Rodríguez , Mijotte Guillaume
Published: October 2018

Each of the elements that make up the turbocharger has been gradually improved. In order to ensure that the system does not experience any mechanical failures or loss of efficiency, it is important to study which engine-operating conditions could produce the highest failing rate. Common failing conditions in turbochargers are mostly achieved due to oil contamination and high temperatures in the bearing system. Thermal management becomes increasingly important for the required engine performance. Therefore, it has become necessary to have accurate temperature and heat transfer models. Most thermal design and analysis codes need data for validation; often the data available fall outside the range of conditions the engine experiences in reality leading to the need to interpolate and extrapolate disproportionately. This article presents a fast three-dimensional heat transfer model for computing internal temperatures in the central housing for non-water cooled turbochargers and its direct validation with experimental data at different engine-operating conditions of speed and load. The presented model allows a detailed study of the temperature rise of the central housing, lubrication channels, and maximum level of temperature at different points of the bearing system of an automotive turbocharger. It will let to evaluate thermal damage done to the system itself and influences on the working fluid temperatures, which leads to oil coke formation that can affect the performance of the engine. Thermal heat transfer properties obtained from this model can be used to feed and improve a radial lumped model of heat transfer that predicts only local internal temperatures. Model validation is illustrated, and finally, the main results are discussed.
On the claims of unjust institutions
Authors: Wollner Gabriel
Published: October 2018

Just institutions have claims on us. There are two reasons for thinking that such claims are warranted. First, one may believe that we are under a natural duty of justice to support and further just institutions. If one believes that it matters whether institutions are just, one also has a reason, almost as a matter of consistency, to support and further just institutions. Second, one may believe that by enjoying the benefits brought about by cooperation through just institutions, one incurs an obligation to support these institutions. Those who accept and enjoy the benefits brought about by cooperation through a just scheme are under an obligation of fairness to reciprocate. But what happens to these reasons to support and comply with an institution if the scheme of cooperation is less than fully just? There is hardly a real-world institution, policy, or scheme of social cooperation that would qualify as fully just. However, questions about obligations of fairness and duties of justice under conditions of injustice have hitherto suffered relative neglect. I shall outline an overall framework for thinking about these questions by asking what the victims of injustice owe to moderately unjust institutions.
Why continue sharing: Determinants of behavior in ridesharing services
Authors: Arteaga-Sánchez Rocío , Belda-Ruiz Maria , Ros-Galvez Alejandro , Rosa-Garcia Alfonso
Published: October 2018

The sharing economy is revolutionizing the way consumers use goods and services. The aim of this study is to understand consumer motivations to be satisfied and to continue using ridesharing services. With this aim, we modify and extend the expectation–confirmation model by including social value as an additional factor to those previously studied in the literature. Data were collected from 258 users of BlaBlaCar, one of the world leaders in ridesharing services. Social value positively affects satisfaction and has the second strongest total effect on continuance intention among the motivations in our model. Our results highlight that satisfaction of ridesharing users is driven by service quality, perceived usefulness, environmental impact, trust, and social value; and that all those factors joined for economic benefits affect continuance intention directly or indirectly through satisfaction. These results have important theoretical and managerial implications.
Graphical uncertainty representations for ensemble predictions
Authors: Toet Alexander , van Erp Jan BF , Boertjes Erik M , van Buuren Stef
Published: October 2018

We investigated how different graphical representations convey the underlying uncertainty distribution in ensemble predictions. In ensemble predictions, a set of forecasts is produced, indicating the range of possible future states. Adopting a use case from life sciences, we asked non-expert participants to compare ensemble predictions of the growth distribution of individual children to that of the normal population. For each individual child, the historical growth data of a set of 20 of its best matching peers was adopted as the ensemble prediction of the child’s growth curve. The ensemble growth predictions were plotted in seven different graphical formats (an ensemble plot, depicting all 20 forecasts and six summary representations, depicting the peer group mean and standard deviation). These graphs were plotted on a population chart with a given mean and variance. For comparison, we included a representation showing only the initial part of the growth curve without any future predictions. For 3 months old children that were measured at four occasions since birth, participants predicted their length at the age of 2 years. They compared their prediction to either (1) the population mean or to (2) a “normal” population range (the mean ± 2(standard deviation)). Our results show that the interpretation of a given uncertainty visualization depends on its visual characteristics, on the type of estimate required and on the user’s numeracy. Numeracy correlates negatively with bias (mean response error) magnitude (i.e. people with lower numeracy show larger response bias). Compared to the summary plots that yield a substantial overestimation of probabilities, and the No-prediction representation that results in quite variable predictions, the Ensemble representation consistently shows a lower probability estimation, resulting in the smallest overall response bias. The current results suggest that an Ensemble or “spaghetti plot” representation may be the best choice for communicating the uncertainty in ensemble predictions to non-expert users.
No proviso: Habermas on Rawls, religion and public reason
Authors: Gordon Finlayson James
Published: October 2018

In this article, I argue that a common view of Habermas’s theory of public reason, which takes it to be similar to Rawls’s ‘proviso’, is mistaken. I explain why that mistake arises, and show that those who have made it have thus overlooked the distinctiveness of Habermas’s theory and approach. Consequently, I argue, they tend to wrongly infer that objections directed at Rawls’s ‘proviso’ apply also to Habermas’s ‘institutional translation proviso’. Ironically, Habermas’s attempt to rebut those objections leads him to advance a peculiar, and ultimately indefensible, thesis about the cognitive requirements of democratic citizenship for secular citizens. I argue that the underlying problem that Habermas takes the peculiar thesis to solve is not that the public reason requirements of the secular state are unfair towards religious citizens, or biased towards secular views of the world, but that the nature of religious arguments, and of scientism, as Habermas understands these, prevents citizens who adhere to them from participating in discourse. I end by suggesting a simpler, less controversial solution to that problem.
Who Else Is Running? Reference Dependence in Candidate Evaluations
Authors: Loepp Eric
Published: October 2018

Research assessing how voters evaluate political candidates often focuses on the effects of particular attributes (e.g., race, gender, partisanship). I submit that voters’ perceptions of candidates may depend not only on candidates’ own traits and features, but those of other candidates running against them. Drawing on literature on reference dependence, I argue that the same candidate may be perceived in significantly different ways depending on whether or not voters evaluate the candidate as a single entity or as one option in a multicandidate field. An original survey experiment reveals that under certain circumstances, Republicans and Democrats both adjust their evaluations of party candidates as a function of the presence of other candidates. I conclude with a discussion of this project’s implications for a larger body of work looking at reference dependence in American elections.
Improving security and stability of ad hoc on-demand distance vector with fuzzy neural network in vehicular ad hoc network
Authors: Mo Jiawei , Huang Baohua , Cheng Xiaolu , Huang Caixia , Wei Feng
Published: October 2018

Stability and security are the key directions of VANET (vehicular ad hoc network) research. In order to solve the related problems in VANET, an improved AODV (ad hoc on-demand distance vector) routing protocol based on fuzzy neural network, namely, GSS-AODV (AODV with genetic simulated annealing, security and stability), is proposed. The improved scheme of the protocol analyzes the data in the movement process of the mobile node in VANET, extracts the parameters that affect the link stability, and uses the fuzzy neural network optimized by genetic simulated annealing to calculate the node stability. The improved scheme extracts the main parameters that affect the security of the nodes. After normalization, the fuzzy neural network based on genetic simulated annealing algorithm is used for fuzzy processing, and the node trust value of each node is evaluated. The improved scheme uses node stability and node trust value to control each routing process and dynamically adjusts parameters of the algorithm. The experimental results show that the improved scheme is stable and secure.
An intelligent prognostic model for electrolytic capacitors health monitoring: A design of experiments approach
Authors: Bhargava Cherry , Banga Vijay Kumar , Singh Yaduvir
Published: October 2018

In the world of fast-growing technology, the electronic gadgets become obsolete with the invention of advanced technology. Reuse of electronic components is a philosophy now being applied to all manufacturing industries to achieve the goal of reuse technology. The accurate assessment of residual life is of great significance for reuse as well as the successful operation of the application. The prediction of failure before it occurs will, in turn, reduce the repairing cost and strengthen the reputation of the manufacturer in real-time market. This article reports a novel technique to explore the residual life of electrolytic capacitor and validates it, using accelerated life testing. The optimization and evaluation of proposed technology are accomplished using design of experiments methodology, that is, Taguchi’s approach to designing the experiments. Prediction of residual life of capacitor is done using regression and artificial neural networks technique. A decision support system is prepared using fuzzy logic, which monitors the current health status of the capacitor and directs the user accordingly. Using six environmental stress and electrical parameters, the actual lifetime of the electrolytic capacitor is accessed, which has been proven as a valid and accurate technique, exhibiting error rate of 2.99%.
A steering model for articulated tracked vehicle considering soil deformation on track–soil interaction
Authors: Yao Yu , Cheng Kai , Zhang Bangcheng , Lin Jinhua , Jiang Dawei , Gao Zhi
Published: October 2018

With the advantage of steering performance, articulated tracked vehicles have excellent mobility in off-road application. However, in current models for steering performance, soil deformation on the interaction between track and soil cannot always be taken into account. Therefore, steering performance cannot always be calculated accurately. In order to solve the problem, it is essential to propose a steering model which can take the effect of soil deformation on track–soil interaction into consideration. In this article, a steering model of articulated tracked vehicle is proposed on track–soil interaction. Moreover, in order to improve steering performance, a track–soil sub-model is developed that can consider soil deformation on track–soil interaction. Using this steering model based on track–soil sub-model, steering performance can be calculated more accurately. Simulation studies and experimental results are in strong agreement with the theoretical results in this article. The results show that equipped with the track–soil sub-model, the proposed steering model can be used to accurately predict steering performance. The steering model of articulated tracked vehicle proposed in this article can provide a basis for other similar vehicles.
Thermal characteristic analysis of Z-axis guideway based on thermal contact resistance
Authors: Ji Jiandu , Hong Rongjing , Sun Fuzhong , Huang Xiaodiao
Published: October 2018

The Z-axis feeding system of large computer numerical control (CNC) gear grinding machine tools generates lots of heat during processing, which leads to tilt and pitch deformation of the Z-axis guideway and reduces the machining accuracy. In view of this situation, a three-dimensional finite element analysis method is proposed to conduct transient thermal-structural coupling analysis of the Z-axis guideway and feeding system. Considering the microscopic contact state on machine tool joint surfaces and using the root mean square measurement method, the fractal parameter is identified and the thermal contact resistance at the joints is calculated. The friction heat on the guideway is calculated and the thermal value of the motor is obtained. Then, the heat generation rate of the bearing and the screw nut is calculated according to the friction torque. The convective heat transfer coefficient is determined according to the Reynolds number and the Nusselt number. The finite element model is established to obtain the finite element simulation results of thermal error. Finally, the experimental platform for measuring the temperature and thermal deformation of the large computer numerical control gear grinding machine tool is set up, and the accuracy and reliability of the method is verified.
Simultaneous identification of the load and unknown parameters of the structure based on the perturbation method
Authors: Wang Chongwen , Du Chengbin , Jiang Shouyan
Published: October 2018

For when a structure is both subjected to unknown loads and characterized by unknown parameters and structural parameter identification and load identification algorithms cannot be applied under these circumstances, this article proposes a new algorithm based on the perturbation method for the simultaneous identification of the load and unknown structural parameters using a few response points. The impulse response matrix is expanded with respect to the unknown parameters, and then the load term is combined with the unknown parameter perturbation term to generate the parameter–load term; finally, the load and unknown parameters can be simultaneously identified by iteration. The proposed algorithm is verified by an example of a 10-storey shear frame, and the effect of noise level, the number of response points, and the truncation ratio, which is a parameter introduced to improve the accuracy of the proposed algorithm, are studied. Moreover, the effect of the distribution of response points is discussed for another example of a simply supported beam, and the results show that when the response points are distributed over the full beam, the error is obviously smaller than when the response points are distributed over only part of the beam.
An improved fuzzy model predictive control algorithm based on the force/position control structure of the five-degree of freedom redundant actuation parallel robot
Authors: Wen Shuhuan , Chen Jianhua , Qin Guiqian , Zhu Qiguang , Wang Hongbin
Published: October 2018

In this article, two new algorithms of the redundant force branch of 6-PUS/UPU parallel robot are proposed. They are model predictive control combining with proportional, integral, and differential algorithm and fuzzy combining with model predictive control algorithm. The shortcoming of the traditional model predictive control algorithm is complex adjustment, large amount of calculation, the dynamic performance effect of the system. The proposed PID model predictive control algorithm can make the controller parameters adjustment more convenient. However, PID model predictive control algorithm can’t obtain good control performance under sudden change in situation. Combining model predictive control algorithm with fuzzy theory, fuzzy model predictive control algorithm has better anti-interference ability than PID model predictive control algorithm and can reduce predictive horizon length as possible as it can. Simulation results show that fuzzy model predictive control algorithm can effectively improve real-time performance of control system, the dynamic tracking performance and robustness than the traditional model predictive control and PID model predictive control algorithm.
Comparative impact of fear appeals and induced hypocrisy advertising in encouraging intent to quit smoking: Applying self-construal theory to consumers’ attitudes
Authors: Yoo Jae-woong , Jin Young-ju
Published: October 2018

This study examined the effect of induced hypocrisy as a new anti-smoking advertisement approach on smokers’ attitudes toward advertisements and their attitudes and intentions toward smoking cessation. It also comparatively analysed the effects of this tactic against those of the fear appeals that have traditionally been used in anti-smoking campaigns. The findings showed highly positive effects from induced hypocrisy on smoker attitudes and intentions toward cessation. Comparison of fear appeals and induced hypocrisy advertising on cessation showed stronger effects from the former on cessation intentions, although not to a statistically significant degree. When smokers were categorised according to self-construal, stronger cessation attitudes and intentions were found among those belonging to the ‘interdependent self’ group than among those in the ‘independent self’ group. Theoretical and practical implications for anti-smoking advertising are also discussed.
Développement des Zones de Santé d’Apprentissage et de Recherche en République Démocratique du Congo : enseignements utiles d’une évaluation qualitative des expériences antérieures en Afrique Subsaharienne
Authors: Michaux Geneviève , Mwembo-Tambwe Albert , Belrhiti Zakaria , Monet Francis , Criel Bart
Published: October 2018

Trois Zones d’Apprentissage et de Recherche (ZAR) sont développées par le programme RIPSEC en République Démocratique duCongo (RDC). Cette stratégie consiste à utiliser un district sanitaire comme substrat pour former des managers des districts de santé et mener des recherches sur les systèmes de santé. L’objet de cet article est d’explorer les principes, les effets et les conditions de succès de cette stratégie à travers une évaluation qualitative des expériences ZAR antérieures en Afrique Subsaharienne. Elle concerne quatre expériences, deux menées au Niger, une en RDC et une au Congo-Brazzaville. Les données proviennent des témoignages de responsables du développement des expériences, présentés dans un séminaire en 2014 et approfondis par des entretiens en 2015, et des publications traitant des expériences. Les faits communs aux quatre expériences sont la diffusion nationale et souvent internationale des bonnes pratiques et des modèles organisationnels, leur développement inscrit dans le long-terme et l’implication des managers des ZAR dans tous les volets de leur transformation. Le centrage de la recherche sur les problèmes de la ZAR et la promotion de la réflexivité dans les décisions managériales sont importants pour cette transformation. L’utilisation des résultats par le programme RIPSEC, les logiques imbriquées dans le concept ZAR et l’apport potentiel de l’implication d’écoles de santé publiques nationales dans leur développement sont ensuite discutés. La validité de l’étude est limitée mais renforcer le leadership des managers des districts sanitaires est un défi fréquent pour les systèmes de santé aux ressources limitées. Cet article peut aider à développer une stratégie pour le renforcer.