bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Isolation, Depression, and Psychological Distress Among Older Adults
Authors: Taylor Harry Owen , Taylor Robert Joseph , Nguyen Ann W. , Chatters Linda
Published: October 2016

Objective: To investigate the impact of objective and subjective social isolation from extended family members and friends on depressive symptoms and psychological distress among a national sample of older adults. Method: Data for older adults (55 years and above) from the National Survey of American Life ( N = 1,439) were used to assess level of objective social isolation and subjective social isolation and to test regression models examining their impact on depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression [CES-D] Scale) and psychological distress (Kessler 6 [K6] Scale). Results: The majority of respondents were not socially isolated from family or friends; 5% were objectively isolated from family and friends, and less than 1% were subjectively isolated from family and friends. Regression analyses using both social isolation measures indicated that objective social isolation was unrelated to depressive symptoms and psychological distress. However, subjective social isolation from both family and friends and from friends only was associated with more depressive symptoms, and subjective social isolation from friends only was associated with higher levels of psychological distress. Discussion: Assessments of social isolation among older populations should account for both subjective and objective dimensions, as well as both family and friend social networks. Social isolation from friends is an important, but understudied, issue that has significant consequences for older adult mental health.
A new design of vane-shaped hole pre-swirl nozzle
Authors: Liu Gaowen , Liu Yuxin , Kong Xiaozhi , Feng Qing
Published: October 2016

Theoretical analysis shows that the temperature drop of a pre-swirl system directly relates to the pre-swirl effectiveness of the pre-swirl nozzle. Besides, increasing the discharge coefficient and reducing the actual flow angle are the main ways to increase the pre-swirl effectiveness. A new design of pre-swirl nozzle called vane-shaped hole nozzle was introduced and analyzed in this paper. By keeping the throat area, the radial location and the pre-swirl angle (15°), numerical comparisons were carried out between the vane-shaped hole nozzle and other three typical nozzles, widely used in industry: simple drilled nozzle, aerodynamic nozzle and cascade vane nozzle. In order to involve the mixing and rotating effects in the pre-swirl cavity downstream of the nozzles, the rotating pre-swirl cavity and receiver hole were included in the computational models. Numerical results show that aerodynamic nozzle could alleviate the rapid acceleration and deflection at nozzle inlet, which results in 13.7% higher discharge coefficient than the simple drilled nozzle. The discharge coefficient of the cascade vane nozzle can be as high as 0.97 due to the aerodynamical design; however, the pre-swirl effectiveness is only 0.86 because of a large deviation angle (2.4°). For the vane-shaped hole nozzle, the vane height/pitch ratio could be flexibly adjusted to an appropriate value, which makes its performance better than that of the traditional ones. Higher vane height/pitch ratio and close to zero trailing edge radius lead to a small deviation angle (0.56°). Consequently, the pre-swirl effectiveness of the vane-shaped hole nozzle is about 8% higher than that of the cascade vane nozzle, though the discharge coefficient is about 5% lower. Additionally, the volume of the solid block in the vane-shaped hole nozzle is larger than that in the cascade vane nozzle, which could reduce the difficulty in manufacturing but increase the total weight.
Effect of a volute on the unsteady flow in the vane diffuser of a centrifugal compressor
Authors: Qi Gong W , Zhang X Hong
Published: October 2016

A volute is the only circumferential asymmetric component in a centrifugal compressor, and thus, it should account for the circumferential asymmetry of the flow in a vane diffuser. This study performs a transient numerical analysis to investigate the effect of a volute on the flow in the vane diffuser of a centrifugal compressor under three operating conditions (near-stall, middle, and high mass flow). We compare numerical and experimental performance of the compressor, including polytropic efficiency, total pressure ratio, and unsteady pressure on a diffuser vane. The numerical scheme is proven valid owing to the fact that the numerical and experimental results considerably agree well with each other. Under middle and high mass flow conditions, the time-averaged static pressure recovery and the total pressure loss coefficients for all the diffuser passages indicate that the performance of the passages near and upstream of the volute tongue is affected negatively by the volute, whereas that of the passages downstream of the volute tongue is less affected. Under near-stall condition, the performance of all the passages is disturbed, and the diffuser passage marked as DP 3 demonstrates the worst performance. Investigation on the time-averaged aerodynamic forces, loading, and pressure on the vanes yields results that are consistent with those of the investigation on the performance of the passages. The harmonics with 0.5 fb and fb, which are included in the unsteady loading and pressure on the pressure and suction sides of the vanes, are dominant, where fb is the impeller main and splitter blades passing frequency. Their amplitude values increase as mass flow deviates from the middle mass flow condition. Under middle and high mass flow conditions, the harmonic with 0.5 fb is affected more negatively because of the larger amplitude on the vanes near and upstream of the volute tongue than those downstream, whereas the harmonic with fb is less affected by the volute. Under the near-stall condition, the transient vorticity fields along with the harmonics of 0.5 fb and fb are investigated to evaluate the performance of the diffuser passages. DP 3, which is located at approximately 90° downstream of the volute tongue, suffers the strongest flow deterioration and is inferred to stall first. Further researches for designing more matching diffuser/volute combination will be performed by referring this study.
The One or the Many
Authors: Juritzen Truls I. , Soberg Helene L. , Røe Cecilie , Saebu Martin , Engen Grace , Bliksvaer Trond , Engebretsen Eivind
Published: October 2016

This article aims to identify and critically assess qualitative intervention studies of rehabilitation processes that target young adults. By applying a meta-epistemological approach inspired by the works of Michel Foucault and Julia Kristeva, we examine how the included studies present qualitative knowledge and whether they adhere to their own stated principles of qualitative knowledge. Through their stated aims and theoretical framing, the articles draw attention to individual processes of meaning making. Nonetheless, we find that the articles to a great extent emphasize frequencies of the qualitative data they present. Individual processes and experiences are subject to subdivisions and categorization and transformed into manageable objects of knowledge. In conclusion, these studies, with one important exception, contribute to self-marginalization of the knowledge they themselves promote: They undermine the uniqueness of the qualitative knowledge they proclaim by focusing on frequency and the general patterns and categories encompassing the unique.
The First Cry of the Child
Authors: van Manen Michael A.
Published: October 2016

Vociferous, shrill, and piercing—the first cry of the newborn infant signals that a new and separate life has begun. Separated from the body of the mother, the newborn cry serves to call for care, support, and protection. Yet, what is it that is expressed in the first cry? Or is the cry not really a matter of expression at all? In what sense may the cry be meaningful? Although we may be able to explain the function of the cry, we are puzzled by the enigma of its meaning. In this study, the science of the first cry is complemented with its physiognomy and genesis. It asks how the primal inceptuality and elemental sensibility of the first cry may be qualitatively explored and understood on the basis of what we have learned from embryology, neonatology, and related medical research. The phenomenological physiology of the first cry of the newborn challenges us to cautiously speculate on its significance for the health sciences, the adult, and the child.
Health-Care Workers’ Judgments About Pain in Older Palliative Care Patients With and Without Delirium
Authors: Mah Kenneth , Rodin Rebecca A. , Chan Vincent W. S. , Stevens Bonnie J. , Zimmermann Camilla , Gagliese Lucia
Published: October 2016

Delirium complicates pain assessment and management in advanced cancer. This retrospective cohort study compared health-care workers’ (HCWs) cancer pain judgments between older patients with advanced cancer with and without a diagnosis of delirium. We reviewed HCWs’ daily chart notations about pain presence and good pain control in 149 inpatients with advanced cancer, ≥65 years of age, admitted to a palliative care inpatient unit. Any day with 1 or more notations of pain presence was counted as 1 day with pain; days with notation(s) indicating good pain control were similarly counted. Proportions of days that HCWs judged inpatients to have pain and good pain control were calculated. Patients with and without a delirium diagnosis were compared on both pain outcomes. The moderating effect of highest analgesic class administered was examined. Although most patients received opioid analgesics, mean proportions of days with judged pain were high (39%-60%) and mean proportions of days with judged good pain control were low (<25%) across groups. Among patients receiving either opioid or nonopioid medication, patients with delirium demonstrated lower proportions of days with judged good pain control than patients without delirium ( P ≤ .001), even though groups did not differ in proportions of days with judged pain ( P = .62). Cancer pain is difficult to manage in advanced cancer, especially when delirium is present; however, misinterpretation of delirium symptoms as pain cues may inflate pain judgments. Findings require replication but suggest the need for better pain assessment in older patients with advanced cancer and delirium.
Medication Regimen Complexity and A1C Goal Attainment in Underserved Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Yeh Alicia , Shah-Manek Bijal , Lor Kajua B.
Published: October 2016

Background: From 2009 to 2012, 51.8% of American adults with diabetes had a hemoglobin A1C (A1C) >7.0%. The complexity of antidiabetic medication regimens may have an impact on glycemic control. Objective: The primary objective was to test the hypothesis that higher diabetes-specific medication regimen complexity index (MRCI) was associated with lower attainment of A1C goal <7.0% in an underserved, predominantly Hispanic population of adults with type 2 diabetes. Secondary analyses included less stringent A1C goals of <8.0% and <9.0% and overall patient-level MRCI. Methods: This study was a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study of individuals with type 2 diabetes from January 2011 to January 2016. Data was obtained from the electronic medical record and MRCI was calculated using the 65-item validated Microsoft Access Version 1.0 medication regimen complexity electronic data capture tool. Logistic regression was used to compute unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios. Results: A total of 368 patients were included in the analysis. High diabetes-specific MRCI was associated with lower attainment of A1C goal <7.0% (adjusted OR = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.04-0.18) controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, insurance, body mass index, smoking status, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Similar results were obtained for the less stringent A1C goals. However, results for overall patient-level MRCI were mixed. Conclusions: Higher diabetes-specific medication regimen complexity was associated with poorer glycemic control. Simplifying antidiabetic medication regimens, especially where the treatment guidelines give no preference, could be a step toward achieving treatment goals.
Asian Candidates in America
Authors: Visalvanich Neil
Published: October 2016

Racial stereotyping has been found to handicap African American and Latino candidates in negative ways. It is less clear how racial stereotypes may change the fortunes of Asian candidates. This paper explores the candidacies of Asian Americans with an experiment run through Amazon Mechanical Turk as well as real-world evaluations of Asian American candidates using the Cooperative Congressional Elections Study. In my experiments, I find that Asian candidates do significantly better than white candidates across different biographical scenarios (conservative, liberal, and foreign). I find that, contrary to expectations, Asian candidates are not significantly disadvantaged from being immigrant and foreign born. My experimental results mirror my observational results, which show that Asian Democrats are significantly advantaged even when compared with whites. These results indicate that Asian candidates in America face a set of racial-political stereotypes that are unique to their racial subgroup.
The Politics of Land Use for Distributed Renewable Energy Generation
Authors: Cruz Rizalino B.
Published: October 2016

Many studies on energy generation have focused on large-scale systems. But as the search for alternative sources of clean energy becomes imperative, there is the need to examine how local governments leverage their authority on land use to permit small-scale energy facilities. This study examines various factors shaping policy adoption on distributed renewable energy generation through the lens of transaction-cost politics. It deviates from existing land-use perspectives, which usually highlight competition between traditional land-use forces to capture the gains from policy. Policy adoption here implies that actors in their exchanges have been able to identify and reduce the transaction costs that would otherwise have prevented citizens from harvesting renewable energy at their place of residence. These actors minimize transaction costs by making use of the transaction resources available to them in the political market. These resources could ease barriers to political contracting and enable actors to shape policy. They include green firms, network memberships, dedicated staff for the sustainability effort, forms of government, and educated populace, which the study found significant in shaping the adoption of zoning codes that permit distributed renewable energy generation.
Temperature Management for Aortic Arch Surgery
Authors: Chen Edward P. , Leshnower Bradley Graham
Published: October 2016

Surgical treatment of aortic arch disease is a technically challenging procedure that requires complex circulation management strategies involving the use of hypothermic circulatory arrest. The definition of hypothermia has evolved with comfort and surgical adjuncts. This review describes the various circulation and temperature management strategies used during hemiarch and total arch replacement.
Anesthetic Considerations for Surgery on the Aortic Arch
Authors: Wilkey Barbara J. , Weitzel Nathaen S.
Published: October 2016

Aortic arch surgery requires meticulous teamwork in the true perioperative sense. Planning and communication at all phases from preoperative evaluation, through intraoperative management, to postoperative care should be well coordinated between surgical, anesthesia, perfusion, and intensive care unit teams. This review discusses intraoperative management from the anesthesiologist’s perspective, with particular emphasis on transesophageal echo evaluation and coagulation management.
Time to Adoption of Local Option Sales Taxes
Authors: Afonso Whitney
Published: October 2016

This study examines the time to adoption of municipal local option sales taxes (LOSTs) in Texas from 1967 to 2012. General-purpose LOSTs were introduced in 1968 and were the only LOSTs available to local governments until 1988, when four earmarked LOSTs were permitted for municipalities. Counties and special districts were also allowed to adopt LOSTs beginning in 1988. Using a Cox proportional hazard model and a variation that allows for repeating events, this study finds that proximity to major highways and state and national borders and LOST rates within and around a municipality affect time to adoption.
Growth of Government Expenditure: The Case of Canada
Authors: Abizadeh Sohrab , Yousefi Mahmood
Published: October 2016

This article examines empirically the secular growth of federal government expenditure in Canada using both political and economic variables. The alternative hypotheses and related controversies surrounding the measurement of the size and growth of government are discussed and tested. The results indicate that, at least in the case of Canada, the use of real or nominal measures does not alter the conclusions. However, depending on whether exhaustive or nonexhaustive measures of the size of government are used, significantly different results are obtained. Our empirical results suggest that both political and economic factors have significantly affected the growth of government in Canada. Among economic variables, internationally induced economic changes, dependency ratio, rate of unemployment and the growth in real income stand out. Political variables support the hypothesis that the more “liberal” the leader of the party in power and the higher the percentage of liberals in the House, the larger will be the size of public spending, and vice versa.
The Effect of Local Administrative Stringency on the Provision of AFDC
Authors: Stine William F.
Published: October 2016

This article investigates the impact that variations in local administrative practices including stringency have on the provision of AFDC. It uses a median voter model to conceptualize the choice of optimal local redistributive output, defined as the percentage of a jurisdiction's poor families receiving AFDC. Stringency is hypothesized to be a determinant of administrative effort and related to a number of eligibility related variables. Empirical evidence is offered for 57 New York State county governments for the years of 1970 and 1980. The empirical results demonstrate that differences in administrative effort reduce the poor's participation in AFDC programs. The evidence also partially supports the hypothesis that administrative effort is determined by eligibility related considerations.
Long-Term Interest Rates: The Role of Expected Budget Deficits
Authors: Thomas Lloyd B. , Abderrezak Ali
Published: October 2016

A relatively simple loanable funds model is utilized to explain the 10-year government bond yield during 1970–86. In the reduced form equation, expected inflation, expected structural deficits as a percentage of GNP, output growth, and liquidity growth appear as exogenous variables. Using alternative measures of expected inflation and expected deficits, the regression results indicate a powerful effect of expected deficits on the 10-year government bond yield. The increase in expected deficits raised bond yields by some 180 basis points by early 1984, and the anticipation of deficit-reduction legislation accounts for about one-third of the decline in yields during 1985–86, according to the model. In alternative experiments, tests are conducted to see whether bond yields “Granger-cause” forthcoming deficits. Our findings are consistent with the view that agents are forward-looking and foresee the direction of major changes in structural deficits.
CSF β-amyloid as a putative biomarker of disease progression in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Pietroboni Anna M , Schiano di Cola Francesca , Scarioni Marta , Fenoglio Chiara , Spanò Barbara , Arighi Andrea , Cioffi Sara MG , Oldoni Emanuela , De Riz Milena A , Basilico Paola , Calvi Alberto , Fumagalli Giorgio G , Triulzi Fabio , Galimberti Daniela , Bozzali Marco , Scarpini Elio
Published: October 2016

Background:

Neurodegeneration plays a major role in determining disability in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Hence, there is increasing need to identify reliable biomarkers, which could serve as prognostic measure of disease progression.

Objectives:

To assess whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tau and β-amyloid (Aβ) levels were altered in newly diagnosed MS patients and correlated with disability. Moreover, we investigated whether these CSF biomarkers associate with macroscopic brain tissue damage measures.

Methods:

CSF Aβ and tau levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in CSF samples from 48 newly diagnosed MS patients, followed-up clinically for 3 years by recording their Expanded Disability Status Scale score at 6-month intervals, and 45 controls. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and at the end of follow-up to quantify their lesion load (LL).

Results:

CSF Aβ levels were significantly reduced in patients compared to controls ( p < 0.001). Lower CSF Aβ levels at baseline were a disability predictor at 3-year follow-up ( p = 0.009). CSF tau levels correlated with T2- and T1-LL ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

CSF Aβ reduction is a promising biomarker of neurodegeneration and may predict patients’ clinical outcome. Therefore, CSF Aβ should be considered as a potential biomarker of prognostic value.
Golf, supply and demand
Authors: Bárcena-Martín E , Rodríguez-Fernández M , Borrego-Domínguez S
Published: October 2016

Macroeconomic conditions can have a substantial effect on the economic circumstances of individuals and therefore on the golf demand in a country. Using panel data on golf demand (number of golf players) and supply (number of courses), and indicators of the economic situation for 15 European countries, encompassing years 2000 through 2014, we estimate a dynamic panel data model in order to evaluate the influence of the economic conditions and golf supply on the number of registered golfers. Economic situation is assessed through two variables: the gross domestic product (GDP) and the main stock market index of each country. We also test the hypothesis of uneven effects of the GDP before and after the beginning of the economic recession. The most crucial finding is that from the start of the financial crisis, the level of GDP imposes statistically significant effect on golf demand, making those countries with higher GDP per capita the ones whose golf demand is harmed the least by the financial crisis. The number of golf players responds to the state of the economy after the start of the economic downturns, while the high persistence of the golf demand makes it rather difficult to find significant differences in the changes in GDP before the recession. We also find that the number of golf courses is not seen to bear a close relationship with the number of players unless we control for economic factors and business cycle. Within the economic factors, the level of development of a country, as measured by GDP per capita, outweighs stock market role in determining the demand for golf.
Reconceptualizing regulation: Formative evaluation of an experiment with System-Based Regulation in Dutch healthcare
Authors: Stoopendaal Annemiek , de Bree Martin , Robben Paul
Published: October 2016

The Dutch Healthcare Inspectorate has recently tried out a new form of inspection: System-Based Regulation (SBR). This article explores how SBR was situated in the healthcare context through a process of ‘experimentalist governance’. A qualitative formative evaluation was undertaken involving two years of participative observation, numerous iterations between data gathering and feedback in order to orient the next steps of the process. The evaluation found that SBR could fit into the existing supervisory regime, but notwithstanding positive outcomes SBR was controversial and further implementation was delayed. The process of ‘experimentalist governance’ was strengthened by qualitative formative evaluation that documented and reflected on the process as it progressed. The evaluation also helped to translate and communicate learning so as to better understand regulation and to reform and reconceptualize SBR in today’s healthcare context.
Understanding evaluation practice within the context of social investment
Authors: Vo Anne T. , Christie Christina A. , Rohanna Kristen
Published: October 2016

Social impact investing is the use of private investment to fund social programs in various public welfare sectors. It is currently unclear which evaluative practices are used to determine the impact of social investment. This study describes how impact investments are evaluated and the factors that help explain variations in practice through survey ( N = 161) and interview ( N = 13) data from investors, intermediaries, entrepreneurs, and analysts. Study findings indicate that analysts typically rely on descriptive quantitative and qualitative data and analyses. Analysts’ background, training, and role; perceptions of the goals of the work; and the complexity of a program’s theory influence their evaluation approach. More nuanced or indirect impacts of investments may not be captured because evaluation activities tend to be limited in scope and scale. Future research should explore the work of those directly responsible for impact activities to better understand the conditions under which more sophisticated evaluation approaches might be employed.
Resolution of alliance ruptures: The special case of animal-assisted psychotherapy
Authors: Zilcha-Mano Sigal
Published: October 2016

Many therapists regard alliance ruptures as one of the greatest challenges therapists face in the therapy room. Alliance ruptures has been previously defined as breakdowns in the process of negotiation of treatment tasks and goals and a deterioration in the affective bond between patient and therapist. Alliance ruptures have been found to predict premature termination of treatment and poor treatment outcomes. But ruptures can also present important opportunities for gaining insight and awareness and for facilitating therapeutic change. A process of rupture resolution may lead to beneficial outcomes and serve as a corrective emotional experience. The article describes unique processes of alliance rupture resolution inherent in animal-assisted psychotherapy (AAP). Building on Safran and Muran’s model and on clinical examples, the article describes strategies for identifying ruptures in AAP and techniques for repairing them to facilitate a corrective experience in treatment. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.
Communication strategy used by Spanish speakers of English in formal and informal speech
Authors: Kouwenhoven Huib , Ernestus Mirjam , van Mulken Margot
Published: October 2016

Research questions:

Are emergent bilinguals sensitive to register variation in their use of communication strategies? What strategies do LX speakers, in casu Spanish speakers of English, use as a function of situational context? What role do individual differences play?

Methodology:

This within-speaker study compares Spanish second-language English speakers’ communication strategy use in an informal, peer-to-peer conversation and a formal interview.

Data and analysis:

The 15 hours of informal and 9.5 hours of formal speech from the Nijmegen Corpus of Spanish English were coded for 19 different communication strategies.

Findings/conclusions:

Overall, speakers prefer self-reliant strategies, which allow them to continue communication without their interlocutor’s help. Of the self-reliant strategies, least effort strategies such as code-switching are used more often in informal speech, whereas relatively more effortful strategies (e.g. reformulations) are used more in informal speech, when the need to be unambiguously understood is felt as more important. Individual differences played a role: some speakers were more affected by a change in formality than others.

Originality:

Sensitivity to register variation has not yet been studied within communicative strategy use.

Implications:

General principles of communication govern speakers’ strategy selection, notably the protection of positive face and the least effort and cooperative principles.
Electronic cigarette explosion: Case report of an emerging cause of orofacial trauma
Authors: Chi Angela C , Neville Brad W , Ravenel Michele
Published: October 2016

Electronic cigarettes are a type of electronic nicotine delivery system. In the United States, electronic cigarettes have surged in popularity since their introduction to the market in 2007. Health and safety concerns primarily have focused on e-liquid/aerosol composition and whether these devices represent a gateway versus lower risk alternative to conventional cigarettes. Furthermore, recent incidents have demonstrated the potential for significant orofacial injury caused by device explosion while in use. Herein we report a case of a 20-year-old male who sustained oral burns, lacerations, and tooth loss when an electronic cigarette exploded in his mouth shortly after he charged the battery. Only seven other cases of trauma from intraoral electronic cigarette explosions have been reported in the scientific literature to date, although several similar incidents also have been reported by the news media. Treatment of such patients often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Design/manufacturing issues and improper handling may cause an increase in internal battery temperature. An investigation by the United States Fire Administration concluded that user education may aid in preventing some electronic cigarette explosions, and safety design improvements also could help. Although some studies and authorities support the use of electronic cigarettes for tobacco cessation and harm reduction, recent reports of electronic cigarette explosions raise important safety concerns and point to the need for further studies.
Nonlinear free vibration analysis of pre-stressed membranes
Authors: Ahmadi Morteza , Hashemi Gholamreza , Jamali Milad , Dehkordi Morteza R , Razavian Seyed A
Published: October 2016

This paper is dedicated to investigate the nonlinear free vibration analysis of prestressed orthotropic membranes. The fundamental frequency of the system is obtained asymptotically by employing a modern analytical approach. The effects of different parameters such as vibration amplitude, initial conditions and geometric parameters on the frequency ratio and nonlinear frequency of membrane are investigated. Comparison between the obtained results in the present study, the reported results in the literature, and Runge–Kutta fourth-order numerical method verify the strength of the analytical procedure.
Effects of a multicomponent exercise program in institutionalized elders with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Sampaio Arnaldina , Marques Elisa A , Mota Jorge , Carvalho Joana
Published: October 2016

This study examined the effect of a Multicomponent Training (MT) intervention on cognitive function, functional fitness and anthropometric variables in institutionalized patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Thirty-seven institutionalized elders (84.05 ± 5.58 years) clinically diagnosed with AD (mild and moderate stages) were divided into two groups: Experimental Group (EG, n = 19) and Control Group (CG, n = 18). The EG participated in a six-month supervised MT program (aerobic, muscular resistance, flexibility and postural exercises) of 45–55 minutes/session, twice/week. Cognitive function (MMSE), physical fitness (Senior Fitness Test) and anthropometric variables (Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference), were assessed before (M1), after three months (M2) and after six months (M3) of the experimental protocol. A two-way ANOVA, with repeated measures, revealed significant group and time interactions on cognitive function, chair stand, arm curl, 2-min step, 8-foot up-and-go (UG), chair sit-and-reach (CSR) and back scratch tests as well as waist circumference. Accordingly, for those variables a different response in each group was evident over the time, supported by a significantly better EG performance in chair stand, arm curl, 2-min step, UG, CSR and back scratch tests from M1 to M3, and a significant increase in MMSE from M1 to M2. The CG’s performance decreased over time (M1 to M3) in chair stand, arm curl, 2-min step, UG, CSR, back scratch and MMSE. Results suggest that MT programs may be an important non-pharmacological strategy to improve physical and cognitive functions in institutionalized AD patients.
Seeing the forest for the trees: The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme exhibition and Global Citizenship Education
Authors: Palmer Nicholas
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this research was to determine the depth and scope of Global Citizenship Education (GCE) through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) exhibition. The small-scale qualitative study describes how a fifth-grade cohort and teachers at The International School of Azerbaijan uncover GCE in situ. Drawing on GCE literature, including Irene Davy’s IB position paper and UNESCO’s Global Citizenship: Education Topics and Learning Objectives, the study seeks to align current theory on GCE and the components of the exhibition. The research is underpinned by communicative action and reflection, denoting a critical stance on epistemology. The resulting conceptual GCE framework positions authentication, co-creation and substantiation as key enabling features of the PYP exhibition. As the presented framework is based on practice, the key assertions are applicable to educators, schools and networks seeking to enliven contextual modes of global learning.
Milieu Training for Adults With Severe Intellectual Disability: A Clinical Illustration
Authors: Lacey Emily A. B. , Ogletree Billy T. , Rice Tracie , Rose Amy
Published: October 2016

This brief clinical exchange article supports the use of milieu training (MT) as a communication treatment option for adults with severe intellectual disabilities (SID). It examines aspects of MT that appear well matched to the communication and other abilities of adults with SID. It also provides an argument that MT is not unlike functional communication training (FCT), an intervention frequently and successfully used with adults with SID. In addition, Developing Communicative Interactions (DCI), one little-known framework that advocates for MT use with this population, is briefly introduced. Finally, a clinical example is provided that illustrates the application of MT with one adult with SID. The article concludes with comments for clinicians charged with communication treatment for this special population.
Bonfires of Belfast
Authors: Schalliol David
Published: October 2016

In Belfast, Northern Ireland, annual bonfires and parades operate as political and cultural capital claims over a contested city.
Hamilton’s Immigrant America
Authors: Kasinitz Philip
Published: October 2016

Philip Kasinitz on the brash young insurgents of “Hamilton” - and the American Revolution.
Why More Oscar Diversity Won’t Solve Hollywood’s Whiteness Problem
Authors: King Rachel P.
Published: October 2016

Rachel P. King on getting past awards gaps to fix an industry.
The Problem of Urban Sprawl
Authors: Laidley Thomas
Published: October 2016

Thomas Laidley on the causes and consequences of expanding cities.
The Effect of VASER Abdominal Liposuction on Metabolic Profile in Overweight Males
Authors: Gibas-Dorna Magdalena , Szulińska Monika , Turkowski Piotr , Kupsz Justyna , Sowińska Anna , Mikrut Kinga , Bernatek Małgorzata , Piatek Jacek
Published: October 2016

The aim of the current study was to examine the liposuction-induced metabolic changes with regard to release of major adipokines and insulin sensitivity in overweight male patients. Seventeen overweight male patients aged 37.15 ± 9.60 years (6 with diabetes type 2, 11 without comorbidities) and 10 age-matched healthy lean controls were enrolled in the study. Using Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance System, ultrasound assisted liposuction was applied onto the deep layers of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue. The mean volume supranatant fat was 2208 ± 562 ml. To eliminate the confounding effects of postsurgical inflammation and to evaluate delayed metabolic effects, fasting blood was collected on the day of liposuction, within 1 to 2 months and more than 6 months after surgery. Serum leptin, soluble receptor for leptin, adiponectin, insulin, and glucose concentrations were tested and insulin sensitivity was calculated using updated model Homeostasis Model Assessment 2. Both treatment groups (diabetic and nondiabetic patients) experienced similar postsurgical weight reduction with concomitant lowering of body mass index value at 1 to 2 months follow-up, which was sustained after 6 months from surgery. Improvement in insulin sensitivity at 1 to 2 months follow-up was observed ( p = .017 and p = .002, for diabetics and nondiabetics, respectively) and this change persisted over the next 4 months. At the same time, no significant changes in adipokines and soluble leptin receptor were found. These data demonstrate that in terms of metabolic consequences, Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance abdominal liposuction might have beneficial effects in overweight diabetic and nondiabetic males by improving their insulin sensitivity.
The design, simulation, and experiment of high-accuracy multi-axle electro-hydraulic control servo steering system
Authors: Du Heng , Wei JianHua , Fang JinHui
Published: October 2016

Many multi-axle applications use electro-hydraulic control systems with proportional valves. The proportional steering system can satisfy common engineering requirements, but it is likely to fail if the steering angle or load changes drastically because of poor dynamic characteristics, including dead zones, hysteresis, and frequency response. An electro-hydraulic servo steering system with servo solenoid valve is proposed to guarantee a precise dynamic response and good price–performance ratio of the closed-loop system. A co-simulation model based on ADAMS and AMESim was established to analyze the influence of the main parameters on steering performance. The mechanical model includes tire and ground parts, and the steering load can be simulated accurately. The simulation results show that dead zones, hysteresis, and frequency response of control valve have great influence on the steering performance, and the servo solenoid valve is proper for this system. The servo steering system was applied to the actual seven-axle all-terrain crane, and the system performance was extensively tested. The experiment results show that the system has good accuracy and tracking response performance in several real situations, including parking and high-speed transport.
Design of a microelectromechanical systems microgripper with integrated electrothermal actuator and force sensor
Authors: Yang Sijie , Xu Qingsong
Published: October 2016

This article presents the conceptual design of a novel compliant microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based gripper with integrated electrothermal actuator and electrothermal force sensor. By this design solution, the device possesses some unique characteristics including a small and compact footprint size, and a large driving force by the thermal actuator. Owing to the use of a compliant rotational bearing, a large gripping range is obtained. The sensing arm has a capability of detecting the force transmitted from the left arm so as to prevent the damage of the grasped object. Analytical models are developed to evaluate the statics and dynamics performance of the gripper. Simulation results show that the thermal actuator produces sufficient gripping force to execute the gripping operation with a range of 80 µm under a low input voltage of 6 V. Moreover, the results of the established theoretical models match well with the finite element analysis (FEA) simulation results, which verifies the feasibility of the proposed gripper design.
A geometric approach to modeling of four- and five-link planar snake-like robot
Authors: Lipták Tomáš , Virgala Ivan , Frankovský Peter , Šarga Patrik , Gmiterko Alexander , Baločková Lenka
Published: October 2016

The article deals with the issue of use of geometric mechanics tools in modelling nonholonomic systems. The introductory part of the article contains fiber bundle theory that we use at creating mathematical model of nonholonomic locomotion system with undulatory movement. Further the determination of general mathematical model for n-link snake-like robot is presented, where we used nonholonomic constraints. The relation between changes of shape and position variables was expressed using the local connection that was used to analyze and control system movement by vector fields. The effect of links number of snake-like robot on its mathematical model was investigated. The last part of this article consists of detailed description of modeling reconstruction equation for four- and five-link snake-like robot.
A rough concrete wall-climbing robot based on grasping claws
Authors: Xu Fengyu , Shen Jingjin , Hu JinLong , Jiang GuoPing
Published: October 2016

Climbing robots have been widely used to inspect smooth walls. However, a good adsorption method has not been found for the inspection of a cliff surface and a dusty high-altitude surface with small vibration, both of which are made of coarse concrete, square brick, or rock. In this article, first, we analyzed the bionic structure of the cockroach legs and observed their morphological characteristics of the spiny claws on these legs. We also studied the interaction theory of the bionic claw with the bulges on the rough wall surfaces and deduced the mechanical criteria of the claws grabbing steadily these bulges. Then, an initial mechanical structure of a wall-climbing robot was proposed based on a grasping claw and a climbing model. Furthermore, a mathematical model was established to reflect the relationship between sharp hooks and bulges on the rough wall. Finally, we performed several laboratory experiments to verify the grasping stability.
Large-scale stabilization control of input-constrained quadrotor
Authors: Jiang Jun , Yang Liying , Gu Feng , He Yuqing , Han Jianda
Published: October 2016

The quadrotor has been the most popular aircraft in the last decade due to its excellent dynamics and continues to attract ever-increasing research interest. Delivering a quadrotor from a large fixed-wing aircraft is a promising application of quadrotors. In such an application, the quadrotor needs to switch from a highly unstable status, featured as large initial states, to a safe and stable flight status. This is the so-called large-scale stability control problem. In such an extreme scenario, the quadrotor is at risk of actuator saturation. This can cause the controller to update incorrectly and lead the quadrotor to spiral and crash. In this article, to safely control the quadrotor in such scenarios, the control input constraint is analyzed. The key states of a quadrotor dynamic model are selected, and a two-dimensional dynamic model is extracted based on a symmetrical body configuration. A generalized point-wise min-norm nonlinear control method is proposed based on the Lyapunov function, and large-scale stability control is hence achieved. An enhanced point-wise, min-norm control is further provided to improve the attitude control performance, with altitude performance degenerating slightly. Simulation results showed that the proposed control methods can stabilize the input-constrained quadrotor and the enhanced method can improve the performance of the quadrotor in critical states.
Fasciocutaneous flap reinforcement of ventral onlay buccal mucosa grafts enables neophallus revision urethroplasty
Authors: Wilson Stelios C. , Stranix John T. , Khurana Kiranpreet , Morrison Shane D. , Levine Jamie P. , Zhao Lee C.
Published: October 2016

Background:

Urethral strictures or fistulas are common complications after phalloplasty. Neourethral defects pose a difficult reconstructive challenge using standard techniques as there is generally insufficient ventral tissue to support a graft urethroplasty. We report our experience with local fasciocutaneous flaps for support of ventrally-placed buccal mucosal grafts (BMGs) in phalloplasty.

Methods:

A retrospective review of patients who underwent phalloplasty and subsequently required revision urethroplasty using BMGs between 2011 and 2015 was completed. Techniques, complications, additional procedures, and outcomes were examined.

Results:

A total of three patients previously underwent phalloplasty with sensate radial forearm free flaps (RFFFs): two female-to-male (FTM) gender reassignment, and one oncologic penectomy. Mean age at revision urethroplasty was 41 years (range 31–47). Indications for surgery were: one meatal stenosis, four urethral strictures (mean length 3.6 ± 2.9 cm), and two urethrocutaneous fistulas. The urethral anastomosis at the base of the neophallus was the predominant location for complications: 3/4 strictures, and 2/2 fistulas. Medial thigh (2) or scrotal (1) fasciocutaneous flaps were used to support the BMG for urethroplasty. One stricture recurrence at 3 years required single-stage ventral BMG urethroplasty supported by a gracilis musculocutaneous flap. All patients were able to void from standing at mean follow up of 8.7 months (range 6–13). A total of two patients (66%) subsequently had successful placement of a penile prosthesis.

Conclusions:

Our early results indicate that local or regional fasciocutaneous flaps enable ventral placement of BMGs for revision urethroplasty after phalloplasty.
The “Truth” Behind Newsroom Humor
Authors: Henderson Keren
Published: October 2016

Modern humor research commonly takes its cue from Freud and his position that jokes are a way to express risky ideas without fear of consequences. The journalism industry has undergone noticeable changes over the past two decades, and these shifts have clearly affected news products. However, these changes have also had noticeable effects on newsroom culture, a subject that has received far less attention from scholars. Since newsroom culture directly affects newsroom production, this study proposes a new way to access newsrooms in order to open conversations between newsroom scholars and practitioners. By applying an ethnographic content analysis (ECA) to published newsroom humor on the blog “Overheard in the Newsroom,” this study reveals issues that contemporary newsroom workers use to relate with their colleagues across the industry.