bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Confucianism and Feminism in Korean Context
Authors: Kim Heisook
Published: September 2017

This paper considers a recent claim that Confucianism and feminism are compatible since both are care ethics. I examine some aspects of contemporary care ethics and compare them with Confucian ethics from a feminist viewpoint. I argue that for Confucianism to be made compatible with feminism, the former must be transformed to the extent that it loses its main features.

Care ethics can be feminist ethics only when women have been made moral subjects because of their perceived ability to care for others. Caring in a Confucian culture is not as much a feminine value as a male value. I do not find Confucian ethics as care ethics to be particularly liberating for women. For Confucianism to be viable in a contemporary democratic world, it must be supplemented by feminist ethics that take justice and equality as the primary values.
A Guideline-Based Policy to Decrease Intensive Care Unit Admission Rates for Accidental Hypothermia
Authors: Sequeira Herman R. , Mohamed Hesham E. , Hakimi Neal , Wakefield Dorothy B. , Fine Jonathan
Published: September 2017

Rationale:

Despite guidelines advising passive rewarming for mild accidental hypothermia (AH), patients are frequently admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) for active rewarming using a forced-air warming device. We implemented a new policy at our institution aimed at safely reducing ICU admissions for AH. We analyzed our practice pre- and post-policy intervention and compared our experiences with acute care hospitals in Connecticut.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed on 203 participants with AH identified by primary and secondary discharge codes. Our new policy recommended passive rewarming on the medical floors for mild hypothermia (>32°C) and ICU admission for moderate hypothermia (<32°C). Practices of other Connecticut hospitals were obtained by surveying ICU nurse managers and medical directors.

Results:

Over a 3-year period, prior to rewarming policy change, 64% (n = 92) of patients with AH were admitted to ICU, with a mean ICU length of stay (LOS [SD]) of 2.75 (2.2) days. After the policy change, over a 3-year period, 15% (n = 9) were admitted to ICU ( P < .001), with an ICU LOS of 2.11 (0.9) days ( P = 0.005). In both groups with AH, altered mental status, infection, and acute alcohol intoxication were the most common diagnoses at presentation. Alcohol intoxication was more prevalent in the post-policy intervention group, pre 17% versus post 46% ( P < .001). No complications such as dermal burns or cardiac arrhythmias were noted with forced-air warming device use during either time period. Among the 29 hospitals surveyed, 20 used active rewarming in ICU or intermediate care units and 9 cared for patients on telemetry units. Most hospitals used active external rewarming for core body temperature of <35°C; however, 37% of hospitals performed active rewarming at temperatures >35°Cor lacked a policy.

Conclusions:

Reserving forced-air warming devices for the treatment of moderate-to-severe hypothermia (<32°C) significantly reduced ICU admissions for AH.
Predictive Value of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors for Mortality in Septic Patients: A Cohort Study
Authors: Serrano-Gomez Sergio , Burgos-Angulo Gabriel , Niño-Vargas Daniela Camila , Niño María Eugenia , Cárdenas María Eugenia , Chacón-Valenzuela Estephania , McCosham Diana Margarita , Peinado-Acevedo Juan Sebastián , Lopez M. Marcos , Cunha Fernando , Pazin-Filho Antonio , Ilarraza Ramses , Schulz Richard , Torres-Dueñas Diego
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

Over 170 biomarkers are being investigated regarding their prognostic and diagnostic accuracy in sepsis in order to find new tools to reduce morbidity and mortality. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors have been recently studied as promising new prognostic biomarkers in patients with sepsis. This study is aimed at determining the utility of several cutoff points of these biomarkers to predict mortality in patients with sepsis.

Materials and Methods:

A multicenter, prospective, analytic cohort study was performed in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga, Colombia. A total of 289 patients with sepsis and septic shock were included. MMP-9, MMP-2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), TIMP-2, TIMP-1/MMP-9 ratio, and TIMP-2/MMP-2 ratio were determined in blood samples. Value ranges were correlated with mortality to estimate sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the receiving operating characteristic curve.

Results:

Sensitivity ranged from 33.3% (MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio) to 60.6% (TIMP-1) and specificity varied from 38.8% (MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio) to 58.5% (TIMP-1). As for predictive values, positive predictive value range was from 17.5% (MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio) to 70.4% (MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio), whereas negative predictive values were between 23.2% (MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio) and 80.9% (TIMP-1). Finally, area under the curve scores ranged from 0.31 (MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio) to 0.623 (TIMP-1).

Conclusion:

Although TIMP-1 showed higher sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value, with a representative population sample, we conclude that none of the evaluated biomarkers had significant predictive value for mortality.
The Peace and Power Conceptual Model: An Assessment Guide for School Nurses Regarding Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children
Authors: Fraley Hannah E. , Aronowitz Teri
Published: September 2017

Human trafficking is a global problem; more than half of all victims are children. In the United States (US), at-risk youth continue to attend school. School nurses are on the frontlines, presenting a window of opportunity to identify and prevent exploitation. Available papers targeting school nurses report that school nurses may lack awareness of commercial sexual exploitation and may have attitudes and misperceptions about behaviors of school children at risk. This is a theoretical paper applying the Peace and Power Conceptual Model to understand the role of school nurses in commercial sexual exploitation of children.
Transfiguring Light and Symphonic Blooming: A Wabi Sabi Story of Humanbecoming and Human Caring
Authors: Kelley Lois S.
Published: September 2017

Transfiguring Light and Symphonic Blooming is word-art to describe the flowering of the humanbecoming and human caring schools of thought over time. A Wabi Sabi story journey was created to turn the tide in a world where the building of a unique body of knowledge for nursing has fallen into disfavor with nursing itself. Using nature-aligned paintings and a Japanese story-art aesthetic with poetry, the beauty of falling away to unitary essentials and holding the value of “both-and” in unitary consciousness was illuminated. Co-creating art-knowledge may transfigure nursing theory development and its acceptance with cosmic tree-rooted arches.
Surviving the Loss of a Child: A Mexican-American’s Story
Authors: Baumann Steven L. , Velasco-Whetsell Martha
Published: September 2017

This paper tells the story of a mother’s loss of her 10-year-old daughter from cancer. It is in part a pain and suffering narrative and a story of remarkable post-loss growth and transformation. It is a story told for busy parents and multitasking nurses, to all of us who need to relearn how to be attentive to others, particularly our children. The woman who tells the story is one of the authors (M.V.-W.); she is a Mexican-American. The paper is based on two interviews of M.V.-W., using questions similar to those used by one of the authors (S.L.B.) with his study of fathers and sibling. Following the interviews is a brief discussion on the loss of a child from a humanbecoming perspective, with a few comments on the immigration of nurses.
Social Media and Teaching-Learning: Connecting or Distancing?
Authors: Yancey Nan Russell
Published: September 2017

As new ideas and new ways of connecting seemingly surface ever more quickly, faculty face the daunting task of using emerging technology in the teaching-learning endeavor while honoring the presence of teacher with learner. The focus of this column is on using social media as a teaching-learning tool in the shared journey of coming to know, which is so essential for the aspiring nurse. While opportunities for using teaching-learning technologies abound and are ever-changing, faculty are challenged to cocreate a learner-focused journey of coming to know, without allowing the technology to become the focus.
The Ethics of Big Data and Nursing Science
Authors: Milton Constance L.
Published: September 2017

Big data is a scientific, social, and technological trend referring to the process and size of datasets available for analysis. Ethical implications arise as healthcare disciplines, including nursing, struggle over questions of informed consent, privacy, ownership of data, and its possible use in epistemology. The author offers straight-thinking possibilities for the use of big data in nursing science.
Problems in designing fuel installation for small turboprop aircraft
Authors: Wujciów Łukasz , Żurawski Rafał , Górniak Tomasz
Published: September 2017

This paper discusses the problems of designing a fuel installation for the I-31T, four seat, fully composite aircraft designed in accordance with FAR 23/CS 23. The project was carried out under the European Union project entitled ESPOSA (7th Frame Programme)—“Efficient Systems and Propulsion for Small Aircraft”. I-31 Turbo has been created on the base frame of the I-23 “Manager” aircraft, through replacement of its original piston engine, the Lycoming O-360 A1A, with a TP-100 turbo shaft engine. Moreover, the front of the plane, from the bulkhead 1, was altered, while the old navigation and piloting equipment was substituted with a modern “glass cockpit”. These modifications required designing of a new fuel system within the engine chamber. The existing fuel system in the fuselage and wings was adapted for the new JET-A fuel. In order to confirm whether the installation in the wings and the fuselage would provide the consumption rate required by the TP-100 engine (a tripling of the fuel flow and a ten-fold increase in kinematic viscosity of fuel), calculations and simulations were carried out. The calculations were verified using the second I-23 aircraft, designated for static campaign tests. The ground tests studied the flow of the fuel from the auxiliary tank and were carried out under two different fuel temperatures (−20 ℃ and 20 ℃) and two different fuselage angles (0 and −10.7°). The project was documented in 3D in CATIA V5 program and in project documentation. To sum up, the main innovative element of the fuel system in the engine chamber is the module containing the pumps, filters, one-way valves, flow meter, among others. This concentration of parts allows a significant reduction in plane servicing time in between flights.
Neural network–based adaptive composite dynamic surface control for electro-hydraulic system with very low velocity
Authors: Guo Qinyang , Shi Guanglin , Wang Dongmei , He Changyu
Published: September 2017

This article presents a neural network–based adaptive composite dynamic surface control strategy for high-accuracy tracking control of electro-hydraulic system with very low velocity. The input saturation of the servo-proportional valve is tackled by designing a smooth function. Since the unknown nonlinear friction mainly centralizes in the Stribeck effect area, and acts as the dominant factor affecting the control performance, the very low–velocity trajectory is always difficult to be tracked in the usual electro-hydraulic system. To efficiently estimate and compensate the unknown nonlinear friction of the electro-hydraulic system, a serial–parallel estimation model and radial basis function neural network are developed. Dynamic surface control technique is utilized to design the composite controller, and the “explosion of complexity” problem which is inherent in the traditional backstepping method is avoided. Compensating signals are designed to eliminate the effect of the known error caused by the first-order filter in traditional dynamic surface control method. And, the corresponding compensated tracking errors are integrated into the adaptive law to improve the estimation capability of the radial basis function neural network. Simulation and experimental results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control method, and this control method can be extended to other strict-feedback systems with unknown nonlinearity.
Identification and Distribution of the Interstitial Cells of Cajal in the Abomasum of Goats
Authors: Wang Lingling , Liang Yu , Chen Qiusheng , Ahmed Nisar , Wang Feng , Hu Bing , Yang Ping
Published: September 2017

The interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are regarded as pacemakers and are involved in neurotransmission in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of animals. However, limited information is available about the existence of ICCs within the GIT of ruminants. In this study, we investigated the ultrastructural characteristics and distribution of ICCs in goat abomasum using transmission electron microscopy and c-kit immunohistochemistry. Two different kinds of c-kit immunoreactive cells were observed in the abomasum. The first was identified as ICCs, which appeared to be multipolar or bipolar in shape, with some processes. These c-kit immunoreactive cells were deposited in the submucosal layer, myenteric plexus between the circular and longitudinal muscle layers, and within the longitudinal and circular muscle layers of the abomasum. The second type of cell was round in shape and was identified as mast cells, which were located in the submucosal layer as well as in the lamina propria. Ultrastructurally, ICCs were also observed as stellate or spindle-shaped cells, which were consistent in shape with our c-kit immunoreactive cells. In the cytoplasm of ICCs, numerous mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and caveolae were detected. ICCs were located in the myenteric plexus between the longitudinal and circular muscle layers (ICC-MY), with the longitudinal and circular muscle layer was replaced as “intramuscular layers” (ICC-IM), and in the submucosal layer (ICC-SM). In addition, we found ICCs surrounding nerve fibers and smooth muscle cells, where they formed heterocellular junctions in the form of close membrane associations or gap junctions and homocellular junctions among the processes of the ICCs. In the current study, we provide the first complete characterization of ICCs within the goat abomasum and propose that ICCs might have a key role in producing contractions in the ruminant stomach for proper absorption of nutrients.
The ‘Emperor of Persia’
Authors: Mauntel Christoph
Published: September 2017

From the late eleventh century onwards, the crusades brought Latin Christianity into direct contact with Muslim powers in the Near East. For the chroniclers of these events, the task of coping with the diversity of different Muslim actors the Christians faced was extremely challenging. Basically, they had two options to describe their respective political order: they could either use the rulers’ titles in the version supplied by the original language (i.e., sultan or caliph) or they could refer to them by using Latin terms (i.e., rex or imperator). An analysis of the way in which different crusade chroniclers described the political landscape of Islam in the Near East reveals interesting insights: ethnic denominations such as ‘Turks’ or ‘Saracens’ alternated with classical terms such as ‘Babylonians’ and ‘Persians’ thereby evoking ancient empires that were part of the medieval theory of translatio imperii. The Seljuk Sultan, for example, was frequently presented as the ‘emperor of Persia’. Thus, the Muslim states of the eleventh and twelfth centuries were at least to some extent presented as being part of the historical process of evolving and declining empires.

The present article asks first how different chroniclers coped with the difficulty of naming and defining foreign political orders and thus developed distinctive interpretations of the history of these empires. Second, the article traces the way in which these models could be adopted by ‘non-crusade’ historiography: the example of William of Malmesbury shows that the English chronicler used the account by Fulcher of Chartres, but developed a remarkably distinctive version. Underlying his accounts is an overall theory of a continuing presence of eastern empires against the changing nature of politics in Christian Europe.
Small Tea Plantation and Its Impact on the Rural Landscape of Contemporary Assam
Authors: Sharma Chandan Kumar , Barua Prarthana
Published: September 2017

The tea plantations in the Northeast Indian state of Assam, launched by the British colonial regime in the mid-nineteenth century, had considerably transformed the socio-economic profile of the state. Its impact on the state’s peasant economy, however, was enervating. Controlled by the British companies, the plantation sector saw few local planters, although a section of the Assamese peasants traditionally engaged in tea cultivation in their homestead on a small scale. After India’s independence, many Indian entrepreneurs entered the plantation sector largely because of the departure of the British planters. The Assamese entrepreneurs found it difficult to emulate this due to lack of capital. Since the 1970s, however, a significant section of the local small and middle peasants, as a part of a conscious drive, took to small tea plantation (STP). The last two decades have witnessed a dramatic growth in the number of such small planters, which has brought about a major change in the rural social landscape of Assam.
Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of Filial Piety and Depression in Older People
Authors: Wu Mei-Hui , Chang Shu-Ming , Chou Fan-Hao
Published: September 2017

Background: Studies have indicated that one of the key factors in relieving depression in older people is social network support, especially from the family. In Chinese society, the traditional value of filial piety strongly influences daily interactions and behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine older people’s perceptions of filial piety and to explore the correlation between filial piety and depression in older people. Method: In this systematic literature review of seven databases (CEPS, Cochrane, PubMed/Medicine, OVID, CINAHL, ProQuest, and PsycINFO), eight studies on the correlation between filial piety and depression in older people were selected, six of which were included in the present meta-analysis. Results: The studies included in this review lacked consistency regarding the screening and measurement instruments used. Two groups of meta-analyses (four studies) illustrated that filial piety was negatively correlated with depression in older people ( r = −0.196, p < .001, 95% confidence interval [CI] [−0.283, −0.106] and r = −0.139, p = .006, 95% CI [−0.235, −0.041]), suggesting that an increase in older people’s perception of their children’s filial piety was correlated with a reduction in their depression. Conclusions: Filial piety was correlated with depression in older people. Future studies should focus on clarifying the concept of filial piety to aid in the application of appropriate measurement tools and the development of intervention measures that could enhance the care provided for depression in older people.
A novel model-based approach for resistance estimation using rise time and sensorless position control of sub-millimetre shape memory alloy helical spring actuator
Authors: Sreekanth M , Mathew Abraham T , Vijayakumar R
Published: September 2017

Shape memory alloy shows considerable strain during heating and cooling. This effect is due to its phase transformation with temperature. Due to this property, shape memory alloys can be deployed for physical actuation in place of conventional actuators in bio-medical and bio-mimicking robots. Sub-millimetre diameter shape memory alloy wires wound as helical springs are also used for this purpose. Due to their small size, it is difficult to use sensors for temperature or displacement measurements of shape memory alloy springs. This article attempts to demonstrate that the rise time of the current through a sub-millimetre diameter shape memory alloy helical spring is directly proportional to its displacement. To characterize the rise time–displacement hysteresis, a constant current drive with overcurrent protection is developed. The data generated are utilized to implement an open-loop sensorless control. A method to estimate the resistance from the rise time is proposed with which the temperature of the shape memory alloy during actuation can be obtained. The design avoids using an analogue-to-digital converter for the direct measurement of voltage and current for measuring the resistance variation in the shape memory alloy under actuation. This helps in the development of a new sensorless control using only the digital Input/Output pins of a microcontroller/microprocessor.
Stress relaxation behavior of magnetorheological elastomer: Experimental and modeling study
Authors: Qi Song , Yu Miao , Fu Jie , Zhu Mi
Published: September 2017

Magnetorheological elastomer is a smart magnetic-control polymer material. The aim of this work is to study the stress relaxation behavior of magnetorheological elastomer and expected to improve the anti-stress-relaxation property of magnetorheological elastomer. As a consequence, in this article, we developed an excellent magnetorheological elastomer based on the polyurethane/epoxy interpenetrating polymer networks matrix. The influences of constant strain level, matrix, magnetic field, and temperature on the stress relaxation behavior of magnetorheological elastomer were carefully measured. As expected, results suggested that the incorporation of interpenetrating polymer networks improved the anti-stress-relaxation property of magnetorheological elastomer. In addition, results revealed that the stress relaxation behavior of magnetorheological elastomer was highly dependent on magnetic field and temperature. In order to obtain a deeper insight into the influence mechanism of matrix and magnetic field, the power law model and stretched-exponential Kohlrausch equation were used to fit the experimental relaxation curves. Results showed that the experimental curves fitted well with these theoretical models. The influences of content of epoxy and magnetic field on fitting parameters were discussed, and relevant physical mechanism was proposed to explain it qualitatively.
On the modeling of levitation force for ultrasonic journal bearings actuated by piezoelectric transducers
Authors: Li He , Hua Yuxiang , Quan Qiquan , Bai Deen , Wang Yinchao , Deng Zongquan
Published: September 2017

Different from conventional hydrostatic or hydrodynamic journal bearings, an ultrasonic journal bearing provides carrying force by air squeeze film generated by high-frequency vibration of bearing bush surfaces. Detailed investigation indicates that studies on levitating force modeling based on fluid dynamics for ultrasonic journal bearings are rarely conducted, and the existing theoretical models generally neglect some significant contributors to levitating force such as gas inertia, surface topography, rarefaction effect, or boundary effect. A modified Reynolds-type equation considering these factors is put forward in this study to predict the ultrasonic journal bearing’s carrying capacity. The numerical solving results can interpret the experimental data well. The proposed model will provide theoretical reference for the design of ultrasonic journal bearings.
Discontinuous failure in micropolar elastic-degrading models
Authors: Gori Lapo , Penna Samuel S , da Silva Pitangueira Roque L
Published: September 2017

The present paper investigates the phenomenon of discontinuous failure (or localization) in elastic-degrading micropolar media. A recently proposed unified formulation for elastic degradation in micropolar media, defined in terms of secant tensors, loading functions and degradation rules, is used as a starting point for the localization analysis. Well-known concepts on acceleration waves propagation, such as the Maxwell compatibility condition and the Fresnel–Hadamard propagation condition, are derived for the considered material model in order to obtain a proper failure indicator. Peculiar problems are investigated analytically in details, in order to evaluate the effects on the onset of localization of two of the additional material parameters of the micropolar continuum, the Cosserat’s shear modulus and the internal bending length. Numerical simulations with a finite element model are also presented, in order to show the regularization behaviour of the micropolar formulation on the pathological effects due to the localization phenomenon.
“No One Shakes Me”: Rejected Queer Identities and the Creation of Sacred Ugandan Spaces in Honor of the Orlando Massacre
Authors: Chéry Tshepo Masango
Published: September 2017

Queer Ugandans operate as identity fugitives, a term to describe the ways gay and lesbian Ugandans cannot share their whole selves in the public domain and sometimes even in policed private spheres. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) organizers have responded by creating refuges for endangered and alienated queer Ugandans. These spaces are sacred because they resist homophobic sites of hostility throughout Uganda. In June of 2016, the Ugandan LGBTQ community commemorated victims of the Orlando massacre in the United States as they meditated on the fragility of queer life globally. The violence at Pulse nightclub in Orlando reinforced the precariousness of these cultivated sacred spaces. The LGBTQ community in Uganda bravely commemorated the victims of the massacre by creating a transnational site of mourning, one that highlighted the dynamism of queer expression even under government sanctioned societal oppression.
Influence of Apolipoprotein E on the Lipid Profile and Postprandial Triglyceride Levels in Brazilian Postmenopausal Women With Artery Disease
Authors: Tácito Lúcia Helena Bonalume , Yamada Lilian Nakachima , de Souza Pinhel Marcela Augusta , Yugar-Toledo Juan Carlos , Souza Dorotéia Rossi Silva
Published: September 2017

This study confirms the association of risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) and the apoE polymorphisms, specifically related to the APOE*4 allele, with coronary disease in postmenopausal women. Significantly altered values of the lipid profile were found in patients when compared with controls, independent of the presence of the APOE*4 allele. However, the controls showed higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and reduced triglyceride (TG) levels, differing significantly from patients. In this case, the study of subgroups, considering the APOE*3/3 and APOE*3/4 genotypes, suggests that the APOE*4 allele is not implicated in the variations of the lipid profile of patients and determined an increase in the production levels of HDL-C and a reduction in TG highly benefiting the control group compared with APOE*3/3 genotype. The metabolic kinetics of TG, although with the same pattern between groups, and the presence of the APOE*4 allele are suggested to be associated with accelerated clearance compared with APOE*3 allele in non-CAD group.
Therapy of highly active pediatric multiple sclerosis
Authors: Huppke Peter , Huppke Brenda , Ellenberger David , Rostasy Kevin , Hummel Hannah , Stark Wiebke , Brück Wolfgang , Gärtner Jutta
Published: September 2017

Objective:

Study aims were to determine the frequency of highly active disease in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS), the response to natalizumab (NTZ) and fingolimod (FTY) treatment, and the impact of current treatment modalities on the clinical course.

Methods:

Retrospective single-center study in the German Center for MS in Childhood and Adolescence.

Results:

Of 144 patients with first MS manifestation between 2011 and 2015, 41.6% fulfilled the criteria for highly active MS. In total, 55 patients treated with NTZ and 23 with FTY demonstrated a significant reduction in relapse rate (NTZ: 95.2%, FTY: 75%), new T2 lesions (NTZ: 97%, FTY: 81%), and contrast-enhancing lesions (NTZ: 97%, FTY: 93%). However, seven patients switched from NTZ to FTY experienced an increase in disease activity. Comparing pediatric MS patients treated in 2005 with those treated in 2015 showed a 46% reduction in relapse rate and a 44% reduction in mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

Conclusion:

The rate of highly active disease among pediatric MS patients is high; more than 40% in our cohort. Response to NTZ and FTY treatment is similar if not better than observed in adults. Current treatment modalities including earlier treatment initiation and the introduction of NTZ and FTY have significantly improved the clinical course of pediatric MS.
The long-term development of volleyball game play performance using Sport Education and the Step-Game-Approach model
Authors: Araújo Rui , Hastie Peter , Lohse Keith R , Bessa Cristiana , Mesquita Isabel
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this study was to analyse 18 Portuguese high school students’ game play performance improvements across three hybrid Sport Education-Step-Game-Approach volleyball seasons. Students’ play performance at the entry and exit points of each season was evaluated using the Game Performance Assessment Instrument during 2 vs2 games. A series of hierarchical linear models was then constructed in order to quantify the impact of gender, skill and time on the students’ Game Performance Index scores over the three seasons. The best predictive model showed a nonlinear effect of time on student performance such that all participants’ levels improved from their first experience at the seventh-grade through to the end of the ninth-grade season. This study has shown the value of implementing multiple seasons of the same sport within Sport Education, as the implementation of three seasons seemed to produce a fading in the gaps between skill levels.
Sex differences in associations of cardio-ankle vascular index with left ventricular function and geometry
Authors: Ye Zi , Pellikka Patricia A , Kullo Iftikhar J
Published: September 2017

The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a measure of global arterial stiffness. We hypothesized that CAVI is associated with left ventricular (LV) function and geometry in individuals without structural heart disease. We measured CAVI in 600 participants (mean age 60.3±14.6 years, 54% men) without history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who were referred for transthoracic echocardiography. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the association of CAVI with LV function (peak mitral annular systolic s’ and early diastolic velocity e’) and structure (LV mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT)). Older age, male sex, lower body mass index, history of hypertension, diabetes and chronic kidney disease were each associated with a higher CAVI (adjusted R2 = 0.56, all p < 0.01). A higher CAVI was associated with lower s’ and e’, and greater RWT, independent of age, sex, systolic BP and other conventional cardiovascular risk factors (all p < 0.05); a borderline association of higher CAVI﻿ with greater LVMI ( p = 0.05) was present. Associations with e’, s’ and RWT were similar in women and men but the association with LVMI was stronger in women than in men ( p for interaction = 0.02, multivariable-adjusted β = 6.92, p < 0.001 in women; p > 0.1 in men). In conclusion, a higher CAVI, a measure of global arterial stiffness, is associated with worse LV systolic function, worse diastolic relaxation, and greater LV RWT in both men and women, and with LVMI in women.
The good, the bad, and the ugly: Lay attitudes and perceptions of polyamory
Authors: Séguin Léa J
Published: September 2017

Although consensual non-monogamies have grown in exposure and popularity among both the public and academics, they remain largely marginalized and stigmatized. While some research has examined individuals’ perceptions of non-monogamies as a whole, few have focused specifically on perceptions of polyamory. The aim of this study was to explore and render explicit such attitudes and perceptions using an inductive approach to research. Online unsolicited narratives were sought for the purpose of this study. A total of 482 comments posted in response to three articles on the topic of polyamory were collected and analyzed using thematic analysis. Five overarching themes were identified: polyamory as 1) valid and beneficial; 2) unsustainable; 3) perverse, amoral, and unappealing; 4) acceptable; and 5) deficient. The findings provide insight on individuals’ reactions to polyamorous relationships and beliefs surrounding monogamy, and are further discussed in light of previous research on stigma, and of contemporary discourses on relationships, love, and commitment.
Relationship between Pelvic Incidence Angle and Blood Concentration of Chromium and Cobalt Ions after Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacement: A Brief Report
Authors: Pernaa K. , Saltychev M. , Mäkelä K.
Published: September 2017

Background and Aims:

The wear of metal-on-metal hip implants may increase chromium or cobalt ion blood level. This phenomenon may depend among other things on the particularity of spinopelvic anatomy. The effect of pelvic incidence angle on the wear of metal-on-metal hip implants is not known. The objective of the study was to investigate whether such effect does exist.

Material and Methods:

The pelvic incidence and inclination of acetabular component angles of 89 patients after unilateral metal-on-metal hip replacement were compared with blood level of chromium and cobalt ions using Pearson correlation coefficient.

Results:

No significant correlations between pelvic incidence angle and the metal ion blood levels were observed. The correlation coefficients varied from −0.02 to 0.2 and all p values were >0.05.

Conclusion:

No evidence was found on the effect of pelvic incidence angle on metal wear after metal-on-metal hip replacement when measured by the blood levels of chromium and cobalt ions. It is reasonable to assume that other factors than pelvic tilt may affect the rate of implant wear.
Audiences’ acts of authentication in the age of fake news: A conceptual framework
Authors: Tandoc Edson C , Ling Richard , Westlund Oscar , Duffy Andrew , Goh Debbie , Zheng Wei Lim
Published: September 2017

Through an analysis of relevant literature and open-ended survey responses from 2501 Singaporeans, this article proposes a conceptual framework to understand how individuals authenticate the information they encounter on social media. In broad strokes, we find that individuals rely on both their own judgment of the source and the message, and when this does not adequately provide a definitive answer, they turn to external resources to authenticate news items.
Doing research in peoples’ homes: fieldwork, ethics and safety – on the practical challenges of researching and representing life on the margins
Authors: Bashir Nadia
Published: September 2017

Drawing on the author’s experiences and reflections of researching vulnerable people for a housing research project, this article explores the ethical dilemmas, and the health and safety challenges, of conducting in-depth, qualitative interviews with ‘vulnerable’ research participants in their own homes. Vulnerability, in a housing research context, takes account of: living in poverty; insecure housing/employment situations; poor health and/or mental ill health; alcohol and /or drug dependency, etc. Diary notes are used to illustrate the challenging situations that can unfold when working alone in the field in disadvantaged areas, with vulnerable people, which can present physical and emotional risk. Concern with risk and the potential impact on individuals is two-fold: that on the participant; and that on the researcher. Through reflexivity and revisiting of experiences in the field, this paper explains the difficulties and negotiations, and it provides some suggestions for better research practice.
Higher education lectures: From passive to active learning via imagery?
Authors: Roberts David
Published: September 2017

An important contemporary challenge to the large-group lecture in higher education is that it encourages passive learning which is claimed to be out of sync with academic rhetoric and social needs. Attempts to change this practice have salvaged some aspects of the higher education experience for students, but they have not transformed the learning environment that is the most usual one, that is, one characterized by lectures, into an arena of active learning. This article tests recent multimedia learning propositions which claim that using certain images dislocates pedagogically harmful excesses of text, reducing cognitive overloading and exploiting underused visual processing capacities. The experiments yielded unpredicted results, which indicates that the use of certain images can also prompt students to become active co-producers of knowledge. This is not about visual aids, where images are a side-bar to a traditional lecture. This is about images as the medium through which active learning is energized. Marshall McLuhan famously remarked that ‘the medium is the message’. But for this article, the message is the medium.
A new measure of colour discrimination for LEDs and other light sources
Authors: Esposito T , Houser K
Published: September 2017

We show conclusively that, contrary to common belief, larger gamut area is not associated with better colour discrimination. We propose a new measure of colour discrimination, Rd, which quantifies the number of cap transpositions in the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test (FM-100) that are introduced by a source spectrum. Rd was developed from 480 FM-100 tests (24 light sources × 20 participants per source), where the light source spectra systematically varied in IES Rf (from 65 to 95), Rg (from 80 to 120), and gamut shape. Rd was back tested on more than 200 common light sources to verify accordance with experience and anecdote and is a strong predictor of colour discrimination. We offer a direct way to interpret the Rd score. Light sources with superior colour discrimination have an Rd score of zero, meaning they introduce no transpositions, thus preserving FM-100 cap order. Light sources with average colour discrimination have an Rd score between 4 and 12; sources with poor colour discrimination have an Rd score of 16 or greater.
Near-infrared spectroscopy can detect differences in vascular responsiveness to a hyperglycaemic challenge in individuals with obesity compared to normal-weight individuals
Authors: Soares Rogério Nogueira , Reimer Raylene A , Alenezi Zaid , Doyle-Baker Patricia K , Murias Juan Manuel
Published: September 2017

Objective:

To examine whether the near-infrared spectroscopy combined with vascular occlusion test technique could detect differences in vascular responsiveness during hyperglycaemia between normal-weight individuals and individuals with obesity.

Methods:

A total of 16 normal-weight individuals (body mass index, 21.3 ± 1.7 kg/m2) and 13 individuals with obesity (body mass index, 34.4 ± 2.0 kg/m2) were submitted to five vascular occlusion tests (Pre, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after glucose challenge). Vascular responsiveness was determined by the Slope 2 (Slope 2 StO2) and the area under the curve (StO2AUC) of oxygen saturation derived from near-infrared spectroscopy–vascular occlusion test.

Results:

The Slope 2 StO2 increased from 1.07 ± 0.16%/s (Pre) to 1.53 ± 0.21%/s at 90 min ( p < 0.05) in the control group, while in obese it increased from 0.71 ± 0.09%/s (Pre) to 0.92 ± 0.14%/s at 60 min ( p < 0.05), and to 0.97 ± 0.10%/s ( p < 0.01) at 120 min after glucose ingestion. The StO2AUC decreased from 1729 ± 214% . sec (Pre) to 1259 ± 232% . sec at 60 min ( p < 0.05) and to 1034 ± 172% . sec at 90 min ( p < 0.05) in the normal-weight group, whereas it decreased at 90 min (637 ± 98% . sec; p < 0.05) and at 120 min (590 ± 93% . sec; p < 0.01) compared to 30 min (1232 ± 197% . sec) after glucose ingestion in individuals with obesity.

Conclusion:

Near-infrared spectroscopy–vascular occlusion test technique was capable of detecting differences in vascular responsiveness during hyperglycaemia between normal-weight individuals and individuals with obesity.
Laparoscopic Versus Open Resection of Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Larger Than 5 cm: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study
Authors: Qiu Guanglin , Wang Jing , Che Xiangming , He Shicai , Wei Chao , Li Xuqi , Pang Ke , Fan Lin
Published: September 2017

Background. The technical feasibility and oncological safety of laparoscopic surgery for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) larger than 5 cm has not been adequately studied. Therefore, we performed this retrospective study to investigate the clinical outcomes of gastric GIST patients treated with laparoscopic surgery compared with those who underwent open surgery. Methods. We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of 48 consecutive patients who underwent gastric resection for gastric GISTs larger than 5 cm. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on the surgery performed: the laparoscopic resection group (LAPG) and the open resection group (OG). We assessed all available patient data, including baseline information, tumor characteristics, surgical outcomes, pathological results, postoperative complications, and long-term patient survival. Results. The 2 groups had similar baseline data. No differences were found in tumor size, location, mitotic count, and risk grade according to Fletcher’s risk classification. The LAPG was superior to the OG in blood loss, time to first flatus, time to oral intake, and length of postoperative hospital stay. Perioperative complications, recurrence rate, and long-term survival, however, did not differ significantly between the groups. The mean operation time in the LAPG was 28 minutes longer than that in the OG. Conclusions. In patients with primary gastric GISTs larger than 5 cm, laparoscopic resection is a technically feasible and oncologically safe surgery when performed by experienced surgeons.
A bio-inspired method of autonomous positioning using spatial association based on place cells firing
Authors: Li Weilong , Wu Dewei , Zhou Yang , Du Jia
Published: September 2017

In order to realize intelligent and autonomous navigation, a bio-inspired method of autonomous positioning using spatial association based on place cells firing is proposed. First, a vision sensor is used to get the landmarks in the environment and the distances between the agent and the different landmarks so as to construct an internal map of place cells. Then, we build a relationship between the distances and the activities of place cells using a radial basis function neural network, and further achieve the memory and association of spatial locations by comparing the activities of all place cells. Finally, we also provide a detailed analysis on the feasibility of this method for autonomous positioning and how the involved parameters in the model have an influence on the performance of positioning. The result of simulation shows that the method presented is effective and feasible for autonomous positioning.
Adaptive proportional–integral controller using OLE for process control for industrial applications
Authors: Paz Marco A , Ramirez-delReal Tania A , Garibo Suselle C , Araiza-Illan Dejanira , DeLuna-Ortega Carlos A , Aguilar-Justo Marving O
Published: September 2017

This article presents an implementation of an adaptive control architecture, which provides the combined advantages of better dynamic performance compared to other conventional industrial controllers, and the use of widely available hardware in process industry. Adaptive control architecture uses proportional–integral action and dynamic computation of the controller’s gains (self-tuning regulator), to maintain performance specifications, even in the presence of parametric disturbances. This architecture offers advantages over other advanced embedded control systems implemented on industrial programmable logic controllers and other hardware platforms. Implementation of controllers on industrial hardware platforms is possible through the Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) for process control communication standard. The implementation for an adaptive controller here proposed was evaluated through experiments using first-order and overdamped second-order systems emulated by hardware-in-the-loop, with a programmable automation controller. Performance of the adaptive controllers was compared to that of conventional proportional–integral controllers, and effectiveness of the former over the latter was demonstrated through the experiments carried out.
Reliability and validity of a new accelerometer (Wimu®) system for measuring velocity during resistance exercises
Authors: Muyor José M , Granero-Gil Paulino , Pino-Ortega José
Published: September 2017

This study had two main goals. The first was to determine the reliability of the Wimu® system (accelerometer) for mean velocity measurements during resistance exercises at 40% and 80% 1 repetition maximum (1RM). The second was to compare the results for the Wimu system to a linear encoder (gold standard) for mean velocity measurements when clipped to the bar during back squat exercises using the Smith machine. In all, 23 trained men (aged 22.3 ± 3.2 years) participated in this study. At maximum velocity in the concentric phase, they performed 10 repetitions with 40% 1RM and eight repetitions with 80% 1RM while using the Wimu system and T-Force linear encoder simultaneously to record data. Reliability was analysed using intraclass correlation, standard error of measurement and coefficient of variation. The validity was assessed using R2, intraclass correlation and Bland-Altman plots. The differences in test–retest reliability of both systems and systematic biases were non-significant ( p = 0.08–0.85) and very close to 0. The random errors averaged ±0.010 m/s. All the calculated coefficient of variations were less than 5% and all measurements had high intraclass correlations (mean: 0.936). Least-square linear regression and intraclass correlations for validity were very close to 1. Significant systematic biases were observed between the linear encoder and the Wimu system ( p < 0.001), although the effect sizes were small (0.21–0.44) and standard error of the estimate in concentric and eccentric phases at both intensities was less than 0.030. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that the Wimu system is a reliable and valid tool for the assessment of mean velocity during the back squat exercise using the Smith machine. These findings could help coaches and sport researchers evaluate athletes performing resistance exercises similar to squats with a reliable, valid and portable tool.