bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Use of Contract Nurses With Hospitalized Patient Pressure Injuries and Falls
Authors: Ferguson Alice , Bradywood Alison , Williams Barbara , Blackmore C. Craig
Published: July 2020

Background

Hospital‐acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) and falls are outcomes sensitive to quality of nursing care. Use of contract (traveler) nurses varies among organizations, but there is little research on the effect of contract nurses on nurse‐sensitive outcomes.

Objectives

To explore the relationship between use of contract nurses and two key nurse‐sensitive outcomes, HAPIs and falls.

Research Design

This was a cross‐sectional study of unit‐level nursing, patient, and hospital factors versus HAPIs and falls from a national nursing data consortium from 2015 to 2016. We used cluster analysis to identify similar units, and compared outcomes between clusters.

Subjects

605 nursing units in 166 hospitals, 3.2 patients per nurse, and 5.3% contract nurses.

Measures

Prevalence and incidence of HAPIs and number of falls, adjusted by patient days.

Results

For both prevalence and incidence of HAPIs, there was a statistically significant difference between the five independent cluster groups (p = .012 and p = .001, respectively). The cluster with the highest percentage of nurse travelers (>7%) had the highest HAPI prevalence (0.84%) and incidence (0.055 per 1,000 patient days) despite higher nurse staffing, compared to HAPI prevalence of 0.32% and incidence of 0.017 per 1,000 patient days in the cluster with the lowest percentage of nurse travelers (<2%). We did not identify a consistent relationship between use of contract nurses and falls.

Conclusions

Use of contract nurses was associated with higher HAPI prevalence and incidence, independent of staffing levels.

Clinical Relevance

Our results suggest that institutions should either minimize the use of contract nurses, or engage in extensive training to confirm that contract nurses have understanding of the institutional practices around HAPIs.
Dichotomous Thinking and Personality Traits: From the Viewpoints of the Big Five and HEXACO1,2
Authors: Mieda Takahiro , Oshio Atsushi
Published: July 2020

Dichotomous thinking is a feature of certain personality traits, such as the Dark Triad and Cluster B personality disorders, which commonly reflect a fast life history strategy. The Big Five and HEXACO personality models are useful for understanding the personality structure and individual differences in life history strategy. Our study aimed to shed light on the propensity for dichotomous thinking using the framework of the Big Five and HEXACO personality models. Participants (n = 229) completed the Dichotomous Thinking Inventory, the 60‐item HEXACO Personality Inventory – Revised, and the Ten‐Item Personality Inventory. We examined correlations between dichotomous thinking and each domain of the Big Five and HEXACO personality models, and then computed multiple correlations predicting total and dimensional scores on the propensity for dichotomous thinking with scores on the Big Five and HEXACO personality traits. Results indicated that dichotomous thinking tendency is characterized by the set of low Agreeableness and Honesty–Humility. This study suggests that dichotomous thinking has antagonistic characteristics and a linkage to the fast life history strategy.
Feasibility of the single‐incision subxiphoid approach for video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery in dogs
Authors: Gordo I. , Hubers M. , Bird F. G. , Camarasa J. J. , Richard M. , de Vicente F. , Vallefuoco R. , Brissot H. N.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To report early results of uniportal video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery in dogs using a single‐incision subxiphoid approach.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective study of 10 client‐owned dogs with: pyothorax (n=5), pericardial effusion (n=2), bilateral pneumothorax (n=1), retained surgical swab (n=1), cranial mediastinal mass (n=1). With the dog in dorsal recumbency a 3‐4 cm incision was made over the xiphoid process. After resection of the xiphoid process, a tunnel was created towards the pleura and open access maintained with an Alexis™ wound retractor. The pleural cavity was explored with a 10 mm 30° or 5 mm 0° telescope and straight laparoscopic instruments.

Results

Median surgical time was 75 minutes. The SISA technique was performed successfully in five of 10 cases and allowed easy and adequate inspection of the intra‐thoracic structures. One case was converted to lateral thoracotomy after laceration of the vena cava and one converted to median sternotomy because of adhesions. An additional port was placed in three cases to facilitate triangulation and surgical manipulation. No other intra‐operative complications were encountered.

Clinical Significance

In this initial report of uniportal thoracic approach in dogs, this technique allowed excellent access and treatment of mediastinal structures. Further cases are required to assess its suitability for pulmonary surgery.
Diagnostic cut‐off value for Aspergillus fumigatus‐ and flavus‐specific IgG with clinical relevance in chronic pulmonary Aspergillus infection: A pilot study in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Shiang‐Fen , Li Shi‐Yi , Chan Yu‐Jiun , Huang Yu‐Chi , Yang Ying‐Ying , Wang Fu‐Der
Published: July 2020

Background

The diagnostic cut‐off value for chronic pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) by Aspergillus fumigatus‐specific IgG has never been evaluated In Taiwan. The cut‐off value for Aspergillus flavus‐specific IgG has not been evaluated worldwide.

Objectives

Evaluate diagnostic cut‐off value of Aspergillus IgG and its application characteristics.

Patients/Methods

Blood from control groups and treatment‐naïve patients with CPA infections was collected for Aspergillus‐specific IgG measurements. Controls were patients who had chest radiographic abnormalities and signs of respiratory tract infection, but were negative for Aspergillus and resolved without anti‐mould therapy. Confirmation and probability of CPA were defined according to radiological features and positivity for an Aspergillus or galactomannan index. Chest computer tomography patterns were recorded for the presence of aspergilloma or nodules, subacute invasive aspergillosis, chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis and chronic fibrotic pulmonary aspergillosis.

Results

A total of 35 cases and 50 disease controls were included. The levels of A. fumigatus‐ and A. flavus‐specific IgG correlated with CPA progression (P < .05) but not with the presence of Aspergillus species from clinical specimens (P > .05). The best cut‐off value for A. fumigatus IgG was 21.7 mg/L with area under curve (AUC) for receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) 0.934 and had 85.7% sensitivity and 92.0% specificity. For A. flavus IgG, the best cut‐off value was 22.1 mgA/L and the AUC was 0.928 with 88.2% sensitivity and 94.1% specificity.

Conclusion

The level of Aspergillus‐specific IgG correlated with radiographic characteristics in patients with CPA and the best cut‐off values compared to controls were 21.7 mgA/L for A. fumigatus‐specific IgG and 22.1 mgA/L for A. flavus‐specific IgG.
A unique case of myasthenia gravis mimicking Garcin’s syndrome
Authors: Tadokoro Koh , Hishikawa Nozomi , Ikegami Ken , Nomura Emi , Kawahara Yuko , Omote Yoshio , Takemoto Mami , Yamashita Toru , Abe Koji
Published: July 2020

Here, we report a unique case of myasthenia gravis (MG) mimicking Garcin's syndrome. A 59‐year‐old man developed right‐dominant bilateral blepharoptosis and impaired ocular movement, decreased tactile sensation and mild weakness on the right side of his face, dysarthria, dysphagia, and impaired movement of the right soft palate. Malignant neoplasm was not detected, and he was diagnosed with MG, based on a positive anti‐acetylcholine receptor‐antibody, a waning phenomenon in right repetitive nerve stimulation, and a positive edrophonium test. The present case suggests that Garcin's‐like syndrome could be a possible case of MG, although it is a rare manifestation.
Inequality in Human Development across the Globe
Authors: Permanyer Iñaki , Smits Jeroen
Published: July 2020

The Human Development Index is the world's most famous indicator of the level of development of societies. A disadvantage of this index is however that only national values are available, whereas within many countries huge subnational variation in development exists. We therefore have developed the Subnational Human Development Index (SHDI), which shows within‐country variation in human development across the globe. Covering more than 1,600 regions within 161 countries, the SHDI and its underlying dimension indices provide a 10 times higher resolution picture of human development than previously available. The newly observed within‐country variation is particularly strong in low‐ and middle‐developed countries. Education disparities explain most SHDI inequality within low‐developed countries, and standard of living differences are most important within the more highly developed ones. Strong convergence forces operating both across and within countries have compensated the inequality enhancing force of population growth. These changes will shape the twenty‐first century agenda of scientists and policy‐makers concerned with global distributive justice.
COVID‐19 and kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Abolghasemi Sara , Mardani Masoud , Sali Shahnaz , Honarvar Negin , Baziboroun Mana
Published: July 2020

Background

The novel coronavirus has become a global threat and healthcare concern. The manifestations of COVID‐19 pneumonia in transplant patients are not well understood and may have more severe symptoms, longer duration, and a worse prognosis than in immunocompetent populations.

Aims

This study proposed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 pneumonia in kidney transplant recipients.

Patients/Methods

Clinical records, laboratory results, radiological characteristics, and clinical outcome of 24 kidney transplant patients with COVID‐19 pneumonia were evaluated from March 20, 2020, to May 20, 2020.

Results

The most common symptom was shortness of breath (70.8%), followed by fever (62.5%) and cough (45.8%). Five patients had leukopenia, and only one patient had leukocytosis, while 75% of the patients had a white blood cell (WBC) count in the normal range, and 79% of recipients developed lymphopenia. All of the patients had an elevated concentration of C‐reactive protein and an increase in blood urea levels. Chest CT images of 23 patients (95.8%) showed typical findings of patchy ground‐glass shadows in the lungs. Of the 24 patients, 12 were admitted to ICU (invasive care unit), and ten of 24 patients (41.6%) died, and 14 patients were discharged after complete recovery.

Conclusion

It seems that COVID‐19 is more severe in transplant patients and has poorer outcomes. Multiple underlying diseases, low O2 saturation, and multilobar view in chest CT scan may be of prognostic value. However, many SARS‐CoV‐2 demonstrations are similar to those of the general population.
T
H
17 cells require ongoing classic IL-6 receptor signaling to retain transcriptional and functional identity
Authors: Harbour Stacey N. , DiToro Daniel F. , Witte Steven J. , Zindl Carlene L. , Gao Min , Schoeb Trenton R. , Jones Gareth W. , Jones Simon A. , Hatton Robin D. , Weaver Casey T.
Published: July 2020

Ongoing classic IL-6 receptor signaling is required to maintain the T
H
17 program, acting upstream of IL-23 to sustain RORγt expression.
Biotin Synthesis in Ralstonia eutropha H16 Utilizes Pimeloyl Coenzyme A and Can Be Regulated by the Amount of Acceptor Protein
Authors: Eggers Jessica , Strittmatter Carl Simon , Küsters Kira , Biller Emre , Steinbüchel Alexander
Published: July 2020

Ralstonia eutropha
is applied in industry for the production of biopolymers and serves as a research platform for the production of diverse fine chemicals. Due to its ability to grow on hydrogen and carbon dioxide as the sole carbon and energy source,
R. eutropha
is often utilized for metabolic engineering to convert inexpensive resources into value-added products. The understanding of the metabolic pathways in this bacterium is mandatory for further bioengineering of the strain and for the development of new strategies for biotechnological production.
Structure of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Capsid and Interaction with Its Glycosaminoglycan Attachment Receptor
Authors: Bayer Niklas J. , Januliene Dovile , Zocher Georg , Stehle Thilo , Moeller Arne , Blaum Bärbel S.
Published: July 2020

The MCPyV genome was found to be clonally integrated in 80% of cases of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare but aggressive form of human skin cancer, strongly suggesting that this virus is tumorigenic. In the metastasizing state, the course of the disease is often fatal, especially in immunocompromised individuals, as reflected by the high mortality rate of 33 to 46% and the low 5-year survival rate (<45%). The high seroprevalence of about 60% makes MCPyV a serious health care burden and illustrates the need for targeted treatments. In this study, we present the first high-resolution structural data for this human tumor virus and demonstrate that the full capsid is required for the essential interaction with its GAG receptor(s). Together, these data can be used as a basis for future strategies in drug development.
A Swedish primary healthcare prevention programme focusing on promotion of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle reduced cardiovascular events and mortality: 22-year follow-up of 5761 study participants and a reference group
Authors: Journath Gunilla , Hammar Niklas , Vikström Max , Linnersjö Anette , Walldius Göran , Krakau Ingvar , Lindgren Peter , de Faire Ulf , Hellenius Mai-Lis
Published: July 2020

Objective

To evaluate long-term risk of first cardiovascular (CV) events, CV deaths and all-cause deaths in community-dwelling participants of a cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention programme delivered in a primary care setting.

Methods

Individuals who visited a primary healthcare service in Sollentuna (Sweden) and agreed to participate in the programme between 1988 and 1993 were followed. They had at least one CV risk factor but no prior myocardial infarction and received support to increase physical activity using the programme Physical Activity on Prescription and to adopt health-promoting behaviours including cooking classes, weight reduction, smoking cessation and stress management. Participants (n=5761) were compared with a randomly selected, propensity score-matched reference group from the general population in Stockholm County (n=34 556). All individuals were followed in Swedish registers until December 2011.

Results

In the intervention group and the reference group there were 698 (12.1%) and 4647 (13.4%) first CV events, 308 (5.3%) and 2261 (6.5%) CV deaths, and 919 (16.5%) and 6405 (18.5%) all-cause deaths, respectively, during a mean follow-up of 22 years. The HR (95% CI) in the intervention group compared with the reference group was 0.88 (0.81 to 0.95) for first CV events, 0.79 (0.70 to 0.89) for CV deaths and 0.83 (0.78 to 0.89) for all-cause deaths.

Conclusions

Participation in a CVD prevention programme in primary healthcare focusing on promotion of physical activity and healthy lifestyle was associated with lower risk of CV events (12%), CV deaths (21%) and all-cause deaths (17%) after two decades. Promoting physical activity and healthy living in the primary healthcare setting may prevent CVD.
Transcutaneous bilirubinometry during and after phototherapy in preterm infants: a prospective observational study
Authors: Raba Ali Ahmed , O'Sullivan Anne , Miletin Jan
Published: July 2020

Objective

To examine the accuracy of transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TCB) measurements during and after phototherapy (PT) in preterm infants.

Design

Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting

Level III neonatal centre.

Patients

Preterm infants (from 23+0 to 36+6 weeks of gestation) born between June 2017 and May 2018 requiring PT.

Interventions

TCB was measured from an exposed area of the skin (the sternum; TCBU) and the covered area of the skin under the nappy (the bony part of the upper outer quadrant of the buttock; TCBC) within an hour of obtaining total serum bilirubin (TSB).

Main outcome measures

Correlation and agreement between TCB (TCBU and TCBC) and TSB during and after PT.

Results

We have enrolled 196 preterm infants. There was a significant correlation between TSB and TCB during PT (r=0.72, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.77 in covered area; r=0.75, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.80 in uncovered area) and after PT (r=0.87, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.91). TCB underestimated TSB level during PT, with a mean TCBC–TSB difference of −25±43 (95% agreement limits of 62 to −112) and a mean TCBU–TSB difference of −48±46 (95% agreement limits of 45 to −140). The agreement between TCB and TSB after cessation of PT improved, with TCB underestimating TSB by a mean TCB–TSB difference of −10±31 (95% agreement limits of 52 to −72).

Conclusion

TCB measurements correlated strongly with TSB levels during and after PT. However, there was a wide and clinically relevant disagreement between TCB and TSB measurements during the PT phase, improving significantly after PT.
Superconvergent Isogeometric Transient Analysis of Wave Equations
Authors: Li Xiwei , Wang Dongdong , Xu Xiaolan , Sun Zhuangjing
Published: July 2020

A superconvergent isogeometric formulation is presented for the transient analysis of wave equations with particular reference to quadratic splines. This formulation is developed in the context of Newmark time integration schemes and superconvergent quadrature rules for isogeometric mass and stiffness matrices. A detailed analysis is carried out for the full-discrete isogeometric formulation of wave equations and an error measure for the full-discrete algorithm is established. It is shown that a desirable superconvergence regarding the isogeometric transient analysis of wave equations can be achieved by two ingredients, namely, the design of a superconvergent quadrature rule and the criteria to properly define the step size for temporal integration. It turns out that the semi-discrete and full-discrete isogeometric formulations of wave equations with quadratic splines share an identical quadrature rule for a sixth-order accurate superconvergent analysis. Meanwhile, the relationships between the time step size and the element size are presented for various typical Newmark time integration schemes, in order to ensure the sixth-order accuracy in transient analysis. Numerical results of the transient analysis of wave equations consistently reveal that the proposed superconvergent isogeometric formulation is sixth-order accurate with respect to spatial discretizations, in contrast to the fourth-order accuracy produced by the standard isogeometric approach with quadratic splines.
A Multilevel Image Thresholding Approach Based on Crow Search Algorithm and Otsu Method
Authors: Shahabi Forough , Poorahangaryan Fereshteh , Edalatpanah S. A. , Beheshti Homayoun
Published: July 2020

Image segmentation is one of the fundamental problems in the image processing, which identifies the objects and other structures in the image. One of the widely used methods for image segmentation is image thresholding that can separate pixels based on the specified thresholds. Otsu method calculates the thresholds to divide two or multiple classes based on between-class variance maximization and within-class variance minimization. However, increasing the number of thresholds, surging the computational time of the segmentation. To combat this drawback, the combination of Otsu and the evolutionary algorithm is usually beneficial. Crow Search Algorithm (CSA) is a novel, and efficient swarm-based metaheuristic algorithm that inspired from the way crows storing and retrieving food. In this paper, we proposed a hybrid method based on employing CSA and Otsu for multilevel thresholding. The obtained results compared with the combination of the Otsu method with three other evolutionary algorithms consisting of improved Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Firefly Algorithm (FA), and also the fuzzy version of FA. Our evaluation on the five benchmark images shows competitive/improved results both in time and uniformity.
Numerical study of magnetohydrodynamics Jeffery–Hamel flow with cu-water nanofluid between two rectangular smooth walls with transverse magnetic field
Authors: Meher Ramakanta , Patel N. D.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the MHD Jeffery–Hamel flow with cu-water nanofluid between two smooth rectangular walls with the transverse magnetic field is studied. Differential transform method (DTM) is used to obtain the velocity profile of Jeffery–Hamel flow in both convergent and divergent channels for different values of Reynolds number and Hartmann number. Finally, to examine the accuracy and the validity of the method, the obtained results have been compared with the available collation method results.
The Impact of Ancient Genome Studies in Archaeology
Authors: Gokcumen Omer , Frachetti Michael
Published: July 2020

The study of ancient genomes has burgeoned at an incredible rate in the last decade. The result is a shift in archaeological narratives, bringing with it a fierce debate on the place of genetics in anthropological research. Archaeogenomics has challenged and scrutinized fundamental themes of anthropological research, including human origins, movement of ancient and modern populations, the role of social organization in shaping material culture, and the relationship between culture, language, and ancestry. Moreover, the discussion has inevitably invoked new debates on indigenous rights, ownership of ancient materials, inclusion in the scientific process, and even the meaning of what it is to be a human. We argue that the broad and seemingly daunting ethical, methodological, and theoretical challenges posed by archaeogenomics, in fact, represent the very cutting edge of social science research. Here, we provide a general review of the field by introducing the contemporary discussion points and summarizing methodological and ethical concerns, while highlighting the exciting possibilities of ancient genome studies in archaeology from an anthropological perspective.
Communication—Electrocatalytic Coupling of Methane at Platinum Oxide Electrodes in Superacids
Authors: Li Guangfang , Fang Yuxin , Arges Christopher , Plaisance Craig , Flake John
Published: July 2020

Electrochemical oxidation of methane in the absence of chemical oxidants offers the potential to directly synthesize high value hydrocarbons at low temperatures. Experimental results demonstrate methane oxidization at oxidized Pt electrodes in liquid superacid electrolytes. Ethane and ethylene are observed as products under chronoamperometric experiments at room temperature. Faradaic efficiencies for C2 products range from 5% to 25% at anodic potentials between 0.8 to 1.4 V vs RHE. A generalized Lewis-acid Pt2+ mechanism including methylidene coupling is proposed.
Analyses and Encryption Implementation of a New Chaotic System Based on Semitensor Product
Authors: Wang Rui , Du Peifeng , Zhong Wenqi , Han Han , Sun Hui
Published: July 2020

Semitensor product theory can deal with matrices multiplication with different numbers of columns and rows. Therefore, a new chaotic system for different high dimensions can be created by employing a semitensor product of chaotic systems with different dimensions, so that more channels can be selected for encryption. This paper proposes a new chaotic system generated by semitensor product applied on Qi and Lorenz systems. The corresponding dynamic characteristics of the new system are discussed in this paper to verify the existences of different attractors. The detailed algorithms are illustrated in this paper. The FPGA hardware encryption implementations are also elaborated and conducted. Correspondingly, the randomness tests are realized as well, and compared to that of the individual Qi system and Lorenz system, the proposed system in this paper owns the better randomness characteristic. The statistical analyses and differential and correlation analyses are also discussed.
Fixed Point Theorems for a New Class of Mappings in Modular Spaces Endowed with a Graph
Authors: El Harmouchi Nour-eddine , Chaira Karim , Marhrani El Miloudi
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we discuss a class of mappings more general than ρ-nonexpansive mapping defined on a modular space endowed with a graph. In our investigation, we prove the existence of fixed point results of these mappings. Then, we also introduce an iterative scheme for which proves the convergence to a fixed point of such mapping in a modular space with a graph.
Biomechanical Comparison of a New Memory Compression Alloy Plate versus Traditional Titanium Plate for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Liu Jiantao , Wang Runqing , Wang Hongbo , Wang Yanbiao , Lv Dongbo , Diao Pan , Feng Shihan , Gao Yanzheng
Published: July 2020

Objective. To compare the biomechanical properties of a new memory compression alloy plate and traditional titanium plate after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Methods. A finite element model of the C3‐7 segments was developed and validated. The C5‐6 disc was removed, and an intervertebral cage made of peek material was implanted. Then, a new memory compression alloy plate composed of Ti‐Ni memory alloy and a traditional titanium plate were integrated at the C5‐6 segment. All models were subjected to a load of 73.6 N to simulate the head weight and 1 Nm of flexion‐extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation. The range of segmental motion (ROM) and stress on the prostheses, adjacent discs, and endplates were analyzed. Results. Compared with intact status, ACDF with the new prothesis and traditional titanium plate reduced the ROM of C5‐6 in six directions by 95.2%‐100% and increased that of adjacent discs (C4‐5 and C6‐7) by 4.8%‐112.5%. Adjacent disc stress peaks were higher for the traditional titanium plate (0.7‐4.2 MPa) than for the new prosthesis (0.6‐4.1 MPa). Endplate stress peaks were the highest in ACDF with the new prosthesis (15.6‐53.3 MPa), followed by ACDF with traditional titanium plate (5.0‐29.4 MPa). Stress peaks were significantly lower for the new prothesis (12.8‐52.3 MPa) than for the traditional titanium plate (397.0‐666.1 MPa). Conclusions. The new prosthesis improved the immediate stability of the surgical site and had an elastic modulus that was smaller than that of traditional titanium plate, making it conducive to reducing stress shielding and the impact on the adjacent intervertebral disc.
Exclusion of Muslims in Eastern Europe and Western Europe. A Comparative Analysis of Anti-Muslim Attitudes in France, Norway, Poland and Czech Republic
Authors: Bell David Andreas , Strabac Zan
Published: July 2020

There are worrying signs of rising intolerance towards Muslim immigrants in the majority of European societies. We use data from the 2014/2015 wave of European Social Survey to analyse negative attitudes toward Muslim immigrants in France, Norway, Poland and the Czech Republic. Results of the analyses reveal that both levels and determinants of the anti-Muslim attitudes vary greatly. The levels are highest in Czech Republic and Poland, the two countries that have a very low Muslim population. Nevertheless, contact with immigrants reduces hostility toward Muslims also in these two countries. We find that theoretical approaches commonly used in studies of anti-immigrant attitudes are better suited to explain negative attitudes in Western European than in Eastern European countries. We argue that future research on hostility toward immigrants in Europe should focus more on Eastern European countries, as attitudes toward immigrants in several of these are worryingly negative.
Une Catastrophe de Rien du tout ou De “l’ anarchie de l’ imagination”
Authors: Taban Carla
Published: July 2020

Au début de 2006 les artistes Maya Schweizer et Clemens von Wedemeyer ont tourné le film Rien du tout avec la collaboration des élèves d’ un lycée local, dans une banlieue parisienne semblable à celles que des émeutes ont ébranlées en novembre 2005. Employant un riche réseau de références artistiques et culturelles, parmi lesquelles Catastrophe de Beckett et les films de Fassbinder sont les plus saillantes, Rien du tout raconte l’ histoire d’ une réalisatrice autoritaire et de son dispositif cinématographique dont la domination est finalement détournée par des figurants rétifs. L’ image éphémère d’ une société hybride et égalitaire est offerte au spectateur pour qu’ il l’ examine et la compare avec la sienne propre.
Cybernetic Syntax
Authors: Dukes Hunter
Published: July 2020

This article unfolds what J.M. Coetzee terms “the rhythm of doubt” in Watt—a procedure that parallels cybernetic ideas about feedback and control. A careful reading of Coetzee’s doctoral dissertation, a stylostatistic analysis of Beckett’s English fiction, reveals what the young scholar and novelist labels the syntax of “A against B,” which he puts to use in his early novels. The rhythm of doubt ultimately takes on a political slant in these works, as it becomes associated with (potentially) violent actions performed in the service of perceived rationality.
Reading the Transpacific Journey as Borderspace: the Critical Accounts of Zhang Deyi and Fu Yunlong (1868–1888)
Authors: Lau Jennifer Junwa
Published: July 2020

In this article, travel narratives by two late Qing diplomats, Zhang Deyi 張德彞 (1847–1918) and Fu Yunlong 傅雲龍 (1840–1901), are examined to explore global history from the perspective of Chinese travelers, revealing how discriminatory laws, imperial desires, mass migrations, power imbalances, and economic interests affected Chinese travelers who were distinct from other ethnic Chinese and non-ethnic Chinese itinerants traveling across the Pacific Ocean on the same ship and in the same era. Many of these Mandarin-speaking diplomats traveled on vessels with Cantonese-speaking ethnic counterparts, an indication of the multiplicity of “Chinese” migration experiences and distinct intraethnic encounters in the nineteenth century. This article shows how the embodied experience of Chinese travelers on ships affected not only the way they recorded the experience but also their understanding of the position of the Chinese empire with respect to the world at large.
Between the Law in Books and the Law in Action: the Case of Diu in Constitutional Liberalism
Authors: Cabral de Oliveira Luís , Caleira João
Published: July 2020

Why is it important to distinguish between the law in books and the law in action? And what are the practical effects of that distinction, especially when Westernized codes made for native populations are involved? After addressing these broader issues, this article examines the codes prepared for the non-Catholic inhabitants of Diu in 1854 and 1894 and tries to answer some questions: Who made the codes, who applied the codes, and what were their purposes?
Coastal Stratocumulus Dissipation Dependence on Initial Conditions and Boundary Forcings in a Mixed-Layer Model
Authors: Zapata Mónica Zamora , Norris Joel R. , Kleissl Jan
Published: July 2020

The impact of initial states and meteorological variables on stratocumulus cloud dissipation time over coastal land is investigated using a mixed-layer model. A large set of realistic initial conditions and forcing parameters are derived from radiosonde observations and numerical weather prediction model outputs, including total water mixing ratio and liquid water potential temperature profiles (within the boundary layer, across the capping inversion, and at 3 km), inversion-base height and cloud thickness, large-scale divergence, wind speed, Bowen ratio, sea surface fluxes, sky effective radiative temperature, shortwave irradiance above the cloud, and sea level pressure. We study the sensitivity of predicted dissipation time using two analyses. In the first, we simulate 195 cloudy days (all variables covary as observed in nature). We caution that simulated predictions correlate only weakly to observations of dissipation time, but the simulation approach is robust and facilitates covariability testing. In the second, a single variable is varied around an idealized reference case. While both analyses agree in that initial conditions influence dissipation time more than forcing parameters, some results with covariability differ greatly from the more traditional sensitivity analysis and with previous studies: opposing trends are observed for boundary layer total water mixing ratio and Bowen ratio, and covariability diminishes the sensitivity to cloud thickness and inversion height by a factor of 5. With covariability, the most important features extending predicted cloud lifetime are (i) initially thicker clouds, higher inversion height, and stronger temperature inversion jumps, and (ii) boundary forcings of lower sky effective radiative temperature.
Weather Hazard Risk Quantification for sUAS Safety Risk Management
Authors: Roseman Christopher A. , Argrow Brian M.
Published: July 2020

As the number of applications for small unmanned (i.e., remotely operated) aircraft systems (sUAS) continues to grow, comprehensive safety risk assessment studies are required to ensure their safe integration into the National Airspace System. One source of hazards for sUAS that has not been extensively addressed is adverse weather. A framework is presented for analyzing weather forecast data to provide sUAS operators with risk assessment information that they can use for making risk-aware decisions. The sUAS Weather Risk Model (sWRM) framework quantifies weather hazard risk for sUAS operations in rural to urban environments using weather forecast, population density, structure density, and sUAS data. sWRM is developed by following the safety risk management guidelines from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. Development of sWRM highlights a number of aerospace and meteorological research areas that must be addressed prior to weather risk models for sUAS becoming operational. Primary among these research areas is developing widely available finescale (<1 km) weather forecasts and conducting extensive sUAS flight-report studies to accurately estimate parameters of Bayesian belief network conditional probability tables used in the proposed framework. As a proof of concept, sWRM was applied over Boulder, Colorado, using the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh weather product. This initial demonstration of sWRM highlights the potential effectiveness of a detailed risk assessment model that takes into account high-resolution weather and environmental data.
High-Speed Fluctuations in Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Intensities from Various Nanostructures
Authors: Bido Ariadne T. , Nordberg Britta G. , Engevik Marit A. , Lindquist Nathan C. , Brolo Alexandre G.
Published: July 2020

The observation of single molecule events using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a well-established phenomenon. These events are characterized by strong fluctuations in SERS intensities. High-speed SERS intensity fluctuations (in the microsecond time scale) have been reported for experiments involving single metallic particles. In this work, the high-speed SERS behavior of six different types of nanostructured metal systems (Ag nanoshells, Ag nanostars, Ag aggregated spheres, Au aggregated spheres, particle-on-mirror, and Ag deposited on microspheres) was investigated. All systems demonstrated high-speed SERS intensity fluctuations. Statistical analysis of the duration of the SERS fluctuations yielded tailed distributions with average event durations around 100 μs. Although the characteristics of the fluctuations seem to be random, the results suggest interesting differences between the system that might be associated with the strength distribution and density of the localized SERS hotspots. For instance, systems with more localized fields, such as nanostars, present faster fluctuation bursts compared to metallic aggregates that support spread-out fields. The results presented here appear to confirm that high-speed SERS intensity fluctuations are a fundamental characteristic of the SERS effect.
Can Different Types of Non-Territorial Working Satisfy Employees’ Needs for Autonomy and Belongingness? Insights From Self-Determination Theory
Authors: Gatt Gabrielle , Jiang Lixin
Published: July 2020

Organizations are increasingly adopting non-territorial organizational models with unassigned desks. However, previous research has: (1) shown mixed results regarding the impact of non-territorial working on employees, (2) largely examined non-territorial working in its purest sense without considering the nuanced differences in non-territorial working, and (3) not understood the mechanisms underlying the relation between non-territorial working and employee outcomes. To address these research gaps, we apply self-determination theory, which argues that meeting basic psychological needs of autonomy and belonging allows optimal human development, to the physical environment of office spaces. Specifically, we investigated whether the relationship of two types of non-territorial working with employee work engagement, emotional exhaustion, job satisfaction, and affective commitment is mediated via autonomy over office spaces and belongingness. Data were collected from 127 working New Zealanders who have adopted two types of non-territorial working (i.e., work arrangement 1 and work arrangement 2) in an organization. We found that although workers with work arrangement 2 did not report higher belongingness than those with work arrangement 1, workers with work arrangement 1 reported higher autonomy over office spaces than those with work arrangement 2. Moreover, belongingness was related to higher work engagement, job satisfaction, and affective commitment but lower emotional exhaustion, while autonomy over office spaces was related to increased job satisfaction and affective commitment but decreased emotional exhaustion. We also found that autonomy over office spaces, but not belongingness, mediated the relationship of non-territorial working with emotional exhaustion and job satisfaction.
Effects of Distraction in On-Road Level 2 Automated Driving: Impacts on Glance Behavior and Takeover Performance
Authors: Yang Shiyan , Kuo Jonny , Lenné Michael G.
Published: July 2020

Objective

The paper aimed to investigate glance behaviors under different levels of distraction in automated driving (AD) and understand the impact of distraction levels on driver takeover performance.

Background

Driver distraction detrimentally affects takeover performance. Glance-based distraction measurement could be a promising method to remind drivers to maintain enough attentiveness before the takeover request in partially AD.

Method

Thirty-six participants were recruited to drive a Tesla Model S in manual and Autopilot modes on a test track while engaging in secondary tasks, including temperature-control, email-sorting, and music-selection, to impose low and high distractions. During the test drive, participants needed to quickly change the lane as if avoiding an immediate road hazard if they heard an unexpected takeover request (an auditory warning). Driver state and behavior over the test drive were recorded in real time by a driver monitoring system and several other sensors installed in the Tesla vehicle.

Results

The distribution of off-road glance duration was heavily skewed (with a long tail) by high distractions, with extreme glance duration more than 30 s. Moreover, being eyes-off-road before takeover could cause more delay in the urgent takeover reaction compared to being hands-off-wheel.

Conclusion

The study measured off-road glance duration under different levels of distraction and demonstrated the impacts of being eyes-off-road and hands-off-wheel on the following takeover performance.

Application

The findings provide new insights about engagement in Level 2 AD and are useful for the design of driver monitoring technologies for distraction management.
The Mediating Effect of Perceived Stress and Moderating Effect of Trust for the Relationship Between Employee Silence and Behavioral Outcomes
Authors: Dong Xue Tong , Chung Yang Woon
Published: July 2020

Employees withholding their opinions is pervasive in organizations. However, the individual outcomes of employee silence have not been frequently investigated. Previous studies have found that there are detrimental effects of employee silence and building on this research stream, the study viewed perceived stress as an underlying mechanism linking employee silence to task performance and deviant behavior. Moreover, this study explored the moderating effect of interpersonal trust in the relationship between employee silence and perceived stress. Using a sample of 231 white-collar employees from China, this study found perceived stress to mediate the relationships between employee silence and task performance and deviant behavior. Also, coworker trust was found to moderate the relationship between employee silence and perceived stress. As coworker trust moderated the relationship, supplementary analyses further found mediated moderation for the model.
Evaluation of Constructs Based on Self-Determination Theory and Self-Efficacy Theory as Predictors of Vocational Rehabilitation Engagement for People With Physical and Sensory Disabilities
Authors: Iwanaga Kanako , Chan Fong , Tansey Timothy N. , Hoyt William T. , Berven Norman L.
Published: July 2020

Although gainful employment is associated with health and well-being, people with chronic illness and disability may be ambivalent about the prospects of working. As a result, those who might benefit from vocational rehabilitation (VR) services do not always fully engage in those services. Limited motivation toward participating may be due to factors related to self-determination and autonomous choice. Rehabilitation counseling researchers are beginning to test Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory (SDT), along with Bandura’s self-efficacy theory (SET), as a work motivation model in VR. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate SDT and SET constructs as predictors of VR engagement in a sample of VR clients, using hierarchical regression analysis. After controlling for the effects of demographic variables and person–environment (P-E) contextual factors, SDT and SET predictors were found to account for an increase of 40% in the variance explained in VR engagement. Working alliance was the single strongest predictor of VR engagement, followed by job performance self-efficacy and autonomy supportive climate. Interventions to enhance counselor skills to promote working alliance, in addition to vocational training to increase job performance self-efficacy of rehabilitation clients, may strengthen motivation to engage in VR services, leading to better employment outcomes.
Isotherms and kinetics of dyeing poly-m-phenyleneisophthal-amide with Basic Red 46 based on the macro-cation dyeing mechanism
Authors: Sheng Dan , Deng Bo , Wang Yunli , Liu Ling , Chen Xin , Xia Honghui , Cao Genyang , Xu Weilin
Published: July 2020

The aggregation behaviors of Basic Red 46 in water, water/dimethylacetamide (water/DMAc), and water/DMAc/NaCl were investigated by both a Transmission Electron Microscope and a laser particle size analyzer. The corresponding electric conductivity of the dyeing solution and surface zeta potential of dye aggregates using different concentrations of DMAc and NaCl were compared. The kinetics and adsorption isotherms of dyeing poly- m-phenyleneisophthalamide (MPIA) based on the macro-cation dyeing mechanism were investigated. The Langmuir and Freundlich models were used to determine the adsorption type. Pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion models were applied to determine the kinetics of [DMAc-Dye]+ adsorption onto MPIA. The washing and rubbing fastness of dyed MPIA using different initial dye concentrations and dyeing time were measured and analyzed.
The Revival of African Spiritualities: A Religious Basis for a Sociopolitical Renaissance in Africa
Authors: Nweke Kizito Chinedu
Published: July 2020

Indigenous spiritualities are flourishing in Africa. Reasons range from Afrocentrism to anti-religious tendencies of the popular religions. Yet insufficient attention is being paid to this revival. Understanding and addressing African spiritualities is important for any progress in Africa. But can this revival in African spirituality bring forth or support a political and socio-economic renaissance in Africa? Can this indeed be the African century? This article argues and suggests a new model of interreligiousness and an engagement of the process of re-synchronization.
Do Specialty Programs for Justice-Involved People With Mental Illness Exacerbate Stigma?
Authors: Eno Louden Jennifer , Gochyyev Perman , Skeem Jennifer L.
Published: July 2020

Specialty mental health probation caseloads have shown promise in reducing recidivism for justice-involved people with mental illness. However, assignment to these caseloads may be stigmatizing due to labeling effects. We examined (1) whether assignment to specialty probation versus traditional probation is associated with greater internalized stigma among clients and (2) whether probation officers are the source of some of this stigmatization. As part of a multisite longitudinal study, 138 specialty probation clients and 148 similar clients from traditional probation rated their internalized stigma of mental illness, and officers rated their attitudes toward each of their supervisees. Specialty probation clients experienced more internalized stigma ( d = .61) than traditional clients. Although both specialty and traditional officers held stigmatizing attitudes toward clients, only traditional officers’ attitudes were associated with clients’ internalized stigma. Probation officers from both types of agency may benefit from antistigma interventions to effectively work with clients with mental illness.
Urban energy system management for enhanced energy potential for upcoming smart cities
Authors: Kumar Deepak
Published: July 2020

Scientific and industrial development has given rise to a rapidly increasing energy demand. Alternative and augmented energy resources are expected everywhere due to scarcity and depletion of other non-renewable resources. During recent years wind and solar had emerged as a promising cleaner energy source to offer a favourable solution with better efficiency. Hence, the attention has now diverted towards scaling up of hybrid system of energy generation. Numerous attempts have been taken to demonstrate the technological development concerning the requirement of the region. Whilst some research has already started to evaluate the working of the prototype, insignificant attention has been paid towards it. The current work also focuses on the simulation with hybrid urban renewable energy systems for techno-economic feasibility analysis. There were earlier attempts to report the advancement occurred in the technological, scientific and industrial sector due to hybrid renewable energy system. In some regard, it was an attempt to showcase the modelling of a typical urban requirement in an hourly load profile to identify in the energy potentials of the urban region. These will help to summarize the past, present and future trends of the hybrid energy system design, development and implementation for the urban region, which can be later on replicated to other parts of the world.