bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medication belief as correlate of medication adherence among patients with diabetes in Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Olorunfemi Olaolorunpo , Ojewole Foluso
Published: September 2018

Aim

The study aim was to determine the level of medication adherence, patient medication belief and to determine the correlation between medication belief and medication adherence among patients with diabetes. This is to find out whether medication belief of patient could enhance medication adherence which in turn would promote effective management of diabetic mellitus in Nigeria.

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO, 2015) estimated that over 366 million people are affected. The government and other non‐governmental organizations such as Diabetic Association of Nigeria (DAN) put several programmes in place to reduce the incidence of the disease, but minimal progress has been recorded, and the factors responsible for that is a big dilemma in the heart of researchers in the field. Empirical findings showed that, there is increased rate of re‐admission among DM patients and this is associated with poor medication adherence. There is a need to examine the factors responsible for poor medication adherence among patients with diabetes. In the review of the literature, medication belief is one of the major implicated factors, but there is no substantial evidence‐based research to validate this presumption in Nigeria. Therefore, this study is to find out the relationship between medication belief and medication adherence among patients with diabetes.

Design

A correlational research design was adopted, to enable the researcher in determining the association between the medication belief and medication adherence among patients with diabetes mellitus.

Methods

A total enumeration was adopted for the study, where all the registered adult patients were invited to join the study voluntarily and informed verbal consent was obtained, after explaining the importance of the study. A total of 180 patients with diabetes participated in the study. The Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaires (BMQ) and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale were used. This is a standardized scale and well validated with a reliability coefficient of 0.86, using split‐half model. A simple frequency distribution table and Spearman's rho correlational statistic were used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance.

Results

The data analysis shows that the clients had a negative perception about medication and believed that medication had the tendency of causing harm or poison to their system. The correlation between medication belief and medication adherence showed p = 0.005 which means that there is a statistical relationship between the two variables.
Gaining role clarity in working with sick leave questions—Registered Nurses’ experiences of an educational intervention
Authors: Lännerström Linda , Wallman Thorne , Kaminsky Elenor , Holmström Inger K
Published: September 2018

Aim

To describe how a short educational intervention in social insurance medicine was experienced by Registered Nurses and what changes it brought to their work with sick leave questions in telephone nursing.

Design

Qualitative explorative interview study.

Methods

Interviews with 12 purposively sampled Registered Nurses were conducted and analysed using manifest content analysis.

Results

The intervention increased Registered Nurses’ knowledge of the sick leave process and changed their work habits as they now have more of the skills needed to handle sick leave questions. In this way, they gained role clarity in their work with sick leave questions. The new knowledge included rules and regulations, actors’ roles and patients’ experiences. Learning from peers, reflecting and having the opportunity to ask questions were also described as increasing their knowledge. The skills following the participation were described as knowing what to say and do and knowing where to turn for support.
Outcomes in intermediate‐risk pediatric lymphocyte‐predominant Hodgkin lymphoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Marks Lianna J. , Pei Qinglin , Bush Rizvan , Buxton Allen , Appel Burton , Kelly Kara M. , Schwartz Cindy L. , Friedman Debra L.
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Optimal management of patients with intermediate‐risk lymphocyte‐predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (LPHL) is unclear due to their small numbers in most clinical trials. Children's Oncology Group AHOD0031, a randomized phase III trial of pediatric patients with intermediate‐risk Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), included patients with LPHL. We report the outcomes of these patients and present directions for future therapeutic strategies.

Procedure

Patients received two cycles of doxorubicin, bleomycin, vincristine, etoposide, prednisone, and cyclophosphamide (ABVE‐PC) followed by response evaluation. Slow early responders were randomized to two additional ABVE‐PC cycles ± two dexamethasone, etoposide, cisplatin, and cytarabine cycles and all received involved field radiotherapy (IFRT). Rapid early responders (RERs) received two additional ABVE‐PC cycles. RERs with complete response (CR) were randomized to IFRT or no further therapy. RERs without CR received IFRT.

Results

Ninety‐six (5.6%) of 1711 patients on AHOD0031 had LPHL. Patients with LPHL were more likely to achieve RER (93.6% vs. 81.0%; P = 0.002) and CR (74.2% vs. 49.3%; P = 0.000005) following chemotherapy compared with patients with classical HL. Five‐year event‐free survival (EFS) was superior in patients with LPHL (92.2%) versus classical HL (83.5%) (P = 0.04), without difference in overall survival (OS). Among RERs with CR following chemotherapy (n = 33), there was no difference in EFS or OS between those randomized to receive or not receive IFRT.

Conclusion

Children and adolescents with intermediate‐risk LPHL represent ideal candidates for response‐adapted therapy based on their favorable outcomes. The majority of patients treated with the ABVE‐PC backbone achieve RER with CR status and can be treated successfully without IFRT.
Pharmacokinetics of metformin in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 4 and metformin‐naïve type 2 diabetes
Authors: Dissanayake Ajith M. , Wheldon Mark C. , Hood Christopher J.
Published: September 2018

The pharmacokinetics of metformin therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease stage 4 (CKD‐4) were studied using data from the largest Phase I consecutive cohort trial yet performed in this population. Eighteen metformin‐naïve men and women with Type 2 Diabetes and creatinine clearance (CrCl) in the range 18‐49 mL/min (eGFR 15‐29 mL/min/1.73 m2) were allocated to daily immediate‐release metformin of 250 mg, 500 mg, or 1000 mg. A first‐dose profile and trough concentrations for 4 weeks were taken on all patients. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were estimated by fitting a first‐order compartment model with absorption in a peripheral compartment to concentrations measured 24 hours post–first dose. Single‐dose PK parameters time to maximum concentration (tmax) and maximum concentration (Cmax) were consistent with previous observations in patients with normal renal function (healthy and diabetic), as was the association between CrCl and apparent total oral clearance (Cl/F). However, patients with a CrCl below 32 mL/min had trough concentrations that were consistently above the steady‐state minimum implied by the population PK model. This suggests the model may not apply to patients with CrCl below 32 mL/min. Metformin in doses of 500‐1000 mg/day could be taken by CKD‐4 patients. However, the single‐compartment model breaks down as CrCl declines below 32 mL/min suggesting that metformin levels should be monitored regularly in progressive stage 4 CKD.
A practical guide to pre‐trial simulations for Bayesian adaptive trials using SAS and BUGS
Authors: Hansen Christian Holm , Warner Pamela , Walker Allan , Parker Richard A. , Whitaker Lucy , Critchley Hilary O.D. , Weir Christopher J.
Published: September 2018

It is often unclear what specific adaptive trial design features lead to an efficient design which is also feasible to implement. Before deciding on a particular design, it is generally advisable to carry out a simulation study to characterise the properties of candidate designs under a range of plausible assumptions. The implementation of such pre‐trial simulation studies presents many challenges and requires considerable statistical programming effort and time. Despite the scale and complexity, there is little existing literature to guide the implementation of such projects using commonly available software. This Teacher's Corner article provides a practical step‐by‐step guide to implementing such simulation studies including how to specify and fit a Bayesian model in WinBUGS or OpenBUGS using SAS, and how results from the Bayesian analysis may be pulled back into SAS and used for adaptation of allocation probabilities before simulating subsequent stages of the trial. The interface between the two software platforms is described in detail along with useful tips and tricks. A key strength of our approach is that the entire exercise can be defined and controlled from within a single SAS program.
A new twist on heterotic string compactifications
Authors: Fraiman Bernardo , Graña Mariana , Nuñez Carmen A.
Published: September 2018

Abstract

A rich pattern of gauge symmetries is found in the moduli space of heterotic string toroidal compactifications, at fixed points of the T-duality transformations. We analyze this pattern for generic tori, and scrutinize in full detail compactifications on a circle, where we find all the maximal gauge symmetry groups and the points where they arise. We present figures of two-dimensional slices of the 17-dimensional moduli space of Wilson lines and circle radii, showing the rich pattern of points and curves of symmetry enhancement. We then study the target space realization of the duality symmetry. Although the global continuous duality symmetries of dimensionally reduced heterotic supergravity are completely broken by the structure constants of the maximally enhanced gauge groups, the low energy effective action can be written in a manifestly duality covariant form using heterotic double field theory. As a byproduct, we show that a unique deformation of the generalized diffeomorphisms accounts for both SO(32) and E
8 × E
8 heterotic effective field theories, which can thus be considered two different backgrounds of the same double field theory even before compactification. Finally we discuss the spontaneous gauge symmetry breaking and Higgs mechanism that occurs when slightly perturbing the background fields, both from the string and the field theory perspectives.
Passion projects and disorienting dilemmas
Authors: Feilchenfeld Zac , Kuper Ayelet
Published: September 2018

None
Maternal diet of polyunsaturated fatty acid influence the physical and neurobehaviour of rat offspring
Authors: Yang Rui , Liu Shao , Zheng Yi , Zhang Mengqi , Dang Ruili , Tang Mimi
Published: September 2018

Background

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are normal components of growth and development and its derivatives especially n‐3 PUFAs have an influence on the development and maturation of nervous system. The purpose of our present study was to investigate the effect of maternal n‐3 PUFAs dietary on physical maturation and the neurobiological development of the rat offspring.

Methods

According to the content of n‐3 PUFAs in their diets, female dams were randomly divided into three treatment groups (n = 6–7): deficiency, control and supplementation. The physical parameters and neurobehavioral tests were measured in the rats’ offspring.

Results

There were no significant differences in litter size and sex ratio between three groups. However, the ratio of brain/body weight was higher in the deficiency pups than the control. As to the body weight, the deficiency pups were heavier than the control pups on postnatal day (PND) 1, PND7, PND14, and PND21, while supplementation pups were lower than the control pups on PND1. There are no significant differences in the physical parameters of incisor eruption and fur appearance between three groups. However, deficiency pups had earlier eye opening than the control pups. Unfortunately, there were no significant differences in surface righting reflex, cliff avoidance, forelimb grip and air righting reflex. Whereas, supplementation pups required less time to complete negative geotaxis than the control pups on PND17.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the consumption of adequate n‐3 PUFAs is benefit for the optimal growth and development of rat offspring. The n‐3 PUFAs supplementation is beneficial to population that did not have sufficient provision of n‐3 PUFAs in the diet during gestation and lactation.
High prevalence of parkinsonism in patients with MCI or mild Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sasaki Shoichi
Published: September 2018

Introduction

The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of the coexistence of parkinsonism in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Outpatients were evaluated with Mini–Mental State Examination, Clinical Dementia Rating Scale, NIA‐AA criteria, MRI, and 123I‐IMP SPECT (3D‐SSP). Parkinsonism in patients diagnosed with MCI (Mini–Mental State Examination ≥24, n = 63) or mild AD (Mini–Mental State Examination 20–23, n = 43) was examined using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale–III and 123I‐FP‐CIT dopamine transporter SPECT.

Results

One hundred six patients (60–97 years) were enrolled. Fifty‐six patients (52.8%) were diagnosed as having concomitant parkinsonism with rigidity and resting tremor and dopamine transporter reduction in the basal ganglia. The mean (SD) age (n = 56) was 80.6 (6.1) years, significantly older than patients without parkinsonism [77.6 (7.0) years, n = 50] (P < .05). The mean (SD) UPDRS–III score was 5.8 (2.4).

Conclusion

The prevalence rate of the coexistence of mild parkinsonism in MCI or mild AD may be higher than previously recognized.
Radial neck fracture fixation by Metaizeau technique in adults: A case series and review of literature
Authors: Harna Bushu , Saini Ramandeep Singh , Lodhi Jeetendra Singh , Sharma Siddharth
Published: September 2018

Purpose:

To evaluate the use of Metaizeau technique in the treatment of radial neck fracture in adults.

Method:

A total of eight patients were treated with intramedullary pinning (Metaizeau technique) using titanium elastic nails. All the patients suffered isolated radial neck fracture. Fracture morphology in all the patients had angulation more than 30° and were displaced, tilted with the impacted articular fragment. All the patients had Mason’s type III or Judet’s type II or III fracture. The mean age of patients was 31.3 years, and all were operated within 7 days of suffering the injury. The mean follow-up was 9 months. For subjective evaluation, patients rated their satisfaction for elbow use on a scale of 1–6. Objective assessment includes Mayo elbow performance score, active range of motion of flexion and extension and forearm rotation.

Results:

The active ranges of motion and hand grip strength were comparable in both upper limbs. Similarly, the range of flexion–extension and pronation–supination were identical. In all cases, the titanium elastic nails had already been removed after 8 weeks with osseous healing of the radial neck. Patients rated their satisfaction for elbow function as very good in six cases and good in two cases.

Conclusions:

In the present case series, the results of the use Metaizeau technique in adults were promising. The proper selection of the patient and timing of surgery should be considered judiciously. Further large case series is required to ascertain the results.

Level of evidence:

Level IV.
Permo-Triassic stage of alkaline magmatism in the Vitim plateau (western Transbaikalia)
Authors: Doroshkevich A.G. , Izbrodin I.A. , Rampilov M.O. , Ripp G.S. , Lastochkin E.I. , Khubanov V.B.
Published: September 2018

We present results of geochronological (40Ar–39Ar, U–Pb SHRIMP-II, and LA–ICP-MS) and geochemical studies of alkaline rocks of the Amalat, Sirikta, Tsipa, Pravyi Uligli, and Verkhnii Uligli massifs in the Vitim plateau (western Transbaikalia). The formation of the alkaline rocks and the accompanying albitization are dated at 261–242 Ma. The isotope inhomogeneity (ɛNd(T) = + 8.4 to –1.7) of the alkaline rocks indicates the heterogeneous composition of the source of their material, having a depleted component, an enriched juvenile metasomatic fluid, and a crustal substrate.
Middle Paleozoic impact event in the southwest of the East European Platform
Authors: Sungatullin R.Kh. , Bakhtin A.I. , Tsel’movich V.A. , Bakhmutov V.G. , Sungatullina G.M.
Published: September 2018

A zone with high remanent magnetization and magnetic susceptibility has been identified at the boundary between Lower Devonian gray- and red-colored deposits in the basin of the Dniester River in the southwest of Ukraine (in the southwest of the East European Platform). The microparticles of native iron and nickel and iron–nickel intermetallic compounds found here might be markers of an impact event in the Lochkovian (~415 Ma). Electron microscope examination and probe microanalysis of the chemical composition, morphology, structures, and textures of specific microobjects showed that they are the product of melting of meteoritic substance and target rocks caused by an impact explosion. Explosive dispersion and deposition of microparticles on the Earth’s surface result in a rapid differentiation of their substance. The obtained data can be used as evidence of a reference impact event during the fall of an iron-stone meteorite, and a characteristic set of minerals and geochemical parameters can help to identify catastrophic events in the geologic history.
FACTORS AFFECTING EFFICIENCY MEASURES OF WESTERN GREAT PLAINS WHEAT DOMINANT FARMS
Authors: VITALE PILJA PARK , VITALE JEFFREY , EPPLIN FRANCIS
Published: September 2018

The Great Plains is the most important wheat producing region in the United States. Dwindling returns and changes in government farm programs have reduced wheat acreage, raising concerns over its future viability. Small farms and marginal areas are particularly vulnerable, including the western Great Plains (WGP). To assess the technical and economic viability of wheat farms, the efficiency of 141 wheat farms in the WGP was estimated. Results found substantial inefficiency among all producer types. The largest source of inefficiency was input use among smaller farms. The smaller farms were the most scale efficient, reducing concerns over their future viability.
Aerofoil broadband noise reductions through double-wavelength leading-edge serrations: a new control concept
Authors: Chaitanya P. , Joseph P. , Narayanan S. , Kim J. W.
Published: September 2018

Aerofoils operating in a turbulent flow generate broadband noise by scattering vorticity into sound at the leading edge. Previous work has demonstrated the effectiveness by which serrations, or undulations, introduced onto the leading edge, can substantially reduce broadband leading-edge noise. All of this work has focused on sinusoidal (single-wavelength) leading-edge serration profiles. In this paper, a new leading-edge serration geometry is proposed which provides significantly greater noise reductions compared to the maximum noise reductions achievable by single-wavelength serrations of the same amplitude. This is achieved through destructive interference between different parts of the aerofoil leading edge, and therefore involves a fundamentally different noise reduction mechanism from conventional single-wavelength serrations. The new leading-edge serration profiles simply comprise the superposition of two single-wavelength components of different wavelength, amplitude and phase with the objective of forming two roots that are sufficiently close together and separated in the streamwise direction. Compact sources located at these root locations then interfere, leading to less efficient radiation than single-wavelength geometries. A detailed parametric study is performed experimentally to investigate the sensitivity of the noise reductions to the profile geometry. A simple model is proposed to explain the noise reduction mechanism for these double-wavelength serration profiles and shown to be in close agreement with the measured noise reduction spectra. The study is primarily performed on flat plates in an idealized turbulent flow. The paper concludes by introducing the double-wavelength serration on a 10 % thick aerofoil, where near-identical noise reductions are obtained compared to the flat plate.
Newly identified principle for aerodynamic heating in hypersonic flows
Authors: Zhu Yiding , Lee Cunbiao , Chen Xi , Wu Jiezhi , Chen Shiyi , Gad-el-Hak Mohamed
Published: September 2018

Instability evolution in a transitional hypersonic boundary layer and its effects on aerodynamic heating are investigated over a 260 mm long flared cone. Experiments are conducted in a Mach 6 wind tunnel using Rayleigh-scattering flow visualization, fast-response pressure sensors, fluorescent temperature-sensitive paint (TSP) and particle image velocimetry (PIV). Calculations are also performed based on both the parabolized stability equations (PSE) and direct numerical simulations (DNS). Four unit Reynolds numbers are studied, 5.4, 7.6, 9.7 and$11.7\times 10^{6}~\text{m}^{-1}$. It is found that there exist two peaks of surface-temperature rise along the streamwise direction of the model. The first one (denoted as HS) is at the region where the second-mode instability reaches its maximum value. The second one (denoted as HT) is at the region where the transition is completed. Increasing the unit Reynolds number promotes the second-mode dissipation but increases the strength of local aerodynamic heating at HS. Furthermore, the heat generation rates induced by the dilatation and shear processes (respectively denoted as$w_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}}$and$w_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}}$) were investigated. The former item includes both the pressure work$w_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}1}$and dilatational viscous dissipation$w_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}2}$. The aerodynamic heating in HS mainly arose from the high-frequency compression and expansion of fluid accompanying the second mode. The dilatation heating, especially$w_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}1}$, was more than five times its shear counterpart. In a limited region, the underestimated$w_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}2}$was also larger than$w_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}}$. As the second-mode waves decay downstream, the low-frequency waves continue to grow, with the consequent shear-induced heating increasing. The latter brings about a second, weaker growth of surface-temperature HT. A theoretical analysis is provided to interpret the temperature distribution resulting from the aerodynamic heating.
‘No Shame at AIME’: Listening to Aboriginal Philosophy and Methodologies to Theorise Shame in Educational Contexts
Authors: McKnight Anthony , Harwood Valerie , McMahon Samantha , Priestly Amy , Trindorfer Jake
Published: September 2018

Shame is a ‘slippery’ concept in educational contexts but by listening to Aboriginal philosophy and Country, we can rethink its slipperiness. This article contemplates how multiple understandings of shame are derived from and coexist within colonised educational contexts. We focus on one positive example of Indigenous education to consider how these understandings can be challenged and transformed for the benefit of Indigenous learners. We discuss a mentoring program run by and for Indigenous young people that is successfully impacting school retention and completion rates: The Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME). AIME has a rule, ‘No Shame at AIME’, with the view to minimising shame as a barrier to engaging with Western education. But is this as beneficial as might first appear? Might this erode important cultural understandings of shame necessary in Indigenous education? Instead, could shame be repositioned to better align with original cultural meanings and purposes? We philosophise about the AIME rule with Yuin Country and stories from Country along with our observational and interview data. We argue AIME does not so much ‘remove’ shame as reposition it to better align with Aboriginal cultural educational practice, which positively impacts mentees.
A FUNCTIONAL LOGARITHMIC FORMULA FOR THE HYPERGEOMETRIC FUNCTION
Authors: ASAKURA MASANORI , OTSUBO NORIYUKI
Published: September 2018

We give a sufficient condition for the hypergeometric function$_{3}F_{2}$to be a linear combination of the logarithm of algebraic functions.
Three Solutions for a Singular Quasilinear Elliptic Problem
Authors: Faraci Francesca , Smyrlis George
Published: September 2018

In the present paper we deal with a quasilinear problem involving a singular term. By combining truncation techniques with variational methods, we prove the existence of three weak solutions. As far as we know, this is the first contribution in this direction in the high-dimensional case.
π-TYPE FERMIONS AND π-TYPE KP HIERARCHY
Authors: WANG NA , LI CHUANZHONG
Published: September 2018

In this paper, we first construct π-type Fermions. According to these, we define π-type Boson–Fermion correspondence which is a generalization of the classical Boson–Fermion correspondence. We can obtain π-type symmetric functions Sλπ from the π-type Boson–Fermion correspondence, analogously to the way we get the Schur functions Sλ from the classical Boson–Fermion correspondence (which is the same thing as the Jacobi–Trudi formula). Then as a generalization of KP hierarchy, we construct the π-type KP hierarchy and obtain its tau functions.
A Single-Factor Consumption-Based Asset Pricing Model
Authors: Delikouras Stefanos , Kostakis Alexandros
Published: September 2018

We propose a single-factor asset pricing model based on an indicator function of consumption growth being less than its endogenous certainty equivalent. This certainty equivalent is derived from generalized disappointment-aversion preferences, and it is located approximately 1 standard deviation below the conditional mean of consumption growth. Our single-factor model can explain the cross section of expected returns for size, value, reversal, profitability, and investment portfolios at least as well as the Fama–French multifactor models. Our results show strong empirical support for asymmetric preferences and question the effectiveness of the smooth utility framework, which is traditionally used in consumption-based asset pricing.
Panel-Data Estimation in Finance: Testable Assumptions and Parameter (In)Consistency
Authors: Grieser William D. , Hadlock Charles J.
Published: September 2018

We investigate the strict-exogeneity assumption, a necessary condition for estimator consistency in many finance panel-data applications. We outline tests for strict exogeneity in both traditional (non–instrumental variable (IV)) and IV settings. When we apply these tests in common traditional finance panel regressions, we find that the strict-exogeneity assumption is often strongly rejected, suggesting large inference errors. We test for strict exogeneity in specific finance panel-data IV settings and illustrate the potential for these tests to help confirm, or rule out, the validity of common panel-data IV estimators. We offer recommendations to address the strict-exogeneity issue in finance research.
Optimal Consumption and Investment under Time-Varying Liquidity Constraints
Authors: Ahn Seryoong , Choi Kyoung Jin , Lim Byung Hwa
Published: September 2018

We study consumption and investment decisions given realistic time-varying constraints on borrowing. We first consider the case where borrowing is constrained by a maximum debt-to-income ratio. We then consider collateral borrowing with a maximum loan-to-value ratio. The resulting implications for optimal policies differ considerably from those obtained in the existing literature based on fixed borrowing limits but are consistent with those documented in the empirical literature.
Condemnation and universal salvation: Karl Barth's ‘reverent agnosticism’ revisited
Authors: Tseng Shao Kai
Published: September 2018

The question of Karl Barth's attitude towards universalism has been a topic of debate since his own day. By examining a twofold two-way determination of the actuality of world-history in Christo that Barth construes in the actualistic hamartiology of CD IV/3, §70, I will contend that he does not describe the prospect of the final condemnation of humankind as an empty threat, even though the whole of his theological witness to Christ clearly testifies to universal salvation. This dialectical aspect of Barth's actualistic hamartiology leads to an attitude towards the apokatastasis that George Hunsinger aptly describes as ‘reverent agnosticism’.
Design analysis and optimization of 6-DOF telemanipulator based on performance indices
Authors: Yu Seungnam , Hwang Soonwoong , Lee Jongkwang , Park Byungsuk , Lee Hyojik
Published: September 2018

In contrast to general industrial robots, which are operated in normal environments and are easily accessible by human workers, telemanipulators are typically designed to perform specific and extreme tasks in hazardous areas. Teleoperation systems are difficult-to-equip fully intuitive or automated control systems because these are the kinds of manipulator systems used as substitutes to perform tasks that humans have to guide directly because they may require tough, sensitive, or sophisticated handling motions. Basically, these kinds of tasks are difficult to remotely perform through a slave manipulator operated by a human unless modification and optimization of the system are conducted. In this regard, the target system dealt within this study has similar disadvantages even though it has a high degree of freedom (DOF) arm structure. The performance of the current system was quantitatively evaluated to optimize the structure according to the considered main tasks. This work presents the various performance indices utilized and analyzes the current design of the considered telemanipulator system. An optimal design approach using the parameters associated with the frequent motions of the considered 6-DOF telemanipulator is then proposed based on the conducted analyses.
Does Public Participation Shift German National Park Priorities Away from Nature Conservation?
Authors: Dupke Claudia , Dormann Carsten F. , Heurich Marco
Published: September 2018

National park management has the dual mission of protecting and conserving natural systems and providing services to visitors. These two goals are often contradictory, especially when levels of recreation and tourism increase. We studied whether and how the management of the 13 terrestrial national parks in Germany respond to increasing numbers of visitors. One to three managers from each national park completed an online questionnaire and were then interviewed by phone. We found no general strategy for managing high levels of recreational use. Adaptation to increasing visitor numbers seemed to be complex and arduous. Management options are particularly constrained by the mandatory public participation process, in which various stakeholders are involved in decision-making. Given the political pressure to make amends for restrictions imposed by designated protected areas, national park management is characterized by compromises, which results in a shift of priorities from conservation towards service provision. We argue that to maintain the balance between the dual objectives of conservation and recreation, park managers need the support of both social and biological research communities. Above all, the unique ecological merits of national parks could be more strongly highlighted to increase the general public’s acceptance of park restrictions.
Seafood consumption patterns, their nutritional benefits and associated sociodemographic and lifestyle factors among First Nations in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Marushka Lesya , Batal Malek , Sadik Tonio , Schwartz Harold , Ing Amy , Fediuk Karen , Tikhonov Constantine , Chan Hing Man
Published: September 2018

Objective

To describe seafood consumption patterns in First Nations (FN) in British Columbia (BC) and examine lifestyle characteristics associated with seafood consumption; to identify the top ten most consumed seafood species and their contributions to EPA and DHA intake; and to estimate dietary exposure to methylmercury, polychlorinated biphenyls and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene.

Design

Dietary and lifestyle data from the First Nations Food Nutrition and Environment Study, a cross-sectional study of 1103 FN living in twenty-one communities across eight ecozones in BC, Canada, were analysed. Seafood consumption was estimated using a traditional FFQ. Seafood samples were analysed for contaminant contents.

Results

Seafood consumption patterns varied significantly across BC ecozones reflecting geographical diversity of seafood species. The top ten most consumed species represented 64 % of total seafood consumption by weight and contributed 69 % to the total EPA+DHA intake. Mean EPA+DHA intake was 660·5 mg/d in males, 404·3 mg/d in females; and 28 % of FN met the Recommended Intake (RI) of 500 mg/d. Salmon was the most preferred species. Seafood consumption was associated with higher fruit and vegetable consumption, lower smoking rate and increased physical activity. Dietary exposure to selected contaminants from seafood was negligible.

Conclusions

In FN in BC, seafood continues to be an essential part of the contemporary diet. Seafood contributed significantly to reaching the RI for EPA+DHA and was associated with a healthier lifestyle. Given numerous health benefits, seafood should be promoted in FN. Efforts towards sustainability of fishing should be directed to maintain and improve access to fisheries for FN.
Adding a new perspective to US agricultural trade policy
Authors: Mercier Stephanie
Published: September 2018

US farmers and ranchers have actively pursued markets in foreign countries for their products since the 1970s. This priority was reflected by the US Congress in 1978 enacting the first set of laws establishing programs aimed at promoting US agricultural exports. In 1986, the US government initiated its first trade negotiations, with the government of Canada, with the express goal of liberalizing access in that market to all US food and agricultural exports. Since that time, the US government has completed free trade agreements with 20 countries, six in DR-CAFTA, 13 in bilateral agreements and adding Mexico to create NAFTA. The US government also devotes considerable resources to detecting and combatting unfair barriers to trade, through informal channels as well as through WTO dispute settlements. However, these tools primarily focus on capturing larger slices of existing markets. To generate better returns, we need to focus more energy on efforts to generate increased demand in developing countries, by helping their agricultural economies prosper. Once those economies are growing, the other tools can be utilized.
Pursuing the Dark Triad
Authors: Maneiro Lorena , López-Romero Laura , Gómez-Fraguela José Antonio , Cutrín Olalla , Romero Estrella
Published: September 2018

Abstract. The Dirty Dozen scale is a short measure developed to assess the Dark Triad traits, namely Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism, which has previously shown good psychometric properties. The aim of this study was to validate a Spanish version of the Dirty Dozen through the assessment of its psychometric properties in a sample constituted by 326 young adults aged 18–34 ( M = 20.55; SD = 1.89) from Spain. The Spanish version of the Dirty Dozen showed good internal consistency and acceptable test-retest stability. Likewise, the analysis of the factorial structure supported the three-factor solution and showed a best fit for the bifactorial model. The latent factor of the general Dark Triad was associated with low levels of Honesty/Humility, psychopathic traits, impulsivity, and sensation seeking; whereas a differential pattern of associations between the three specific Dark Triad latent factors and the nomological network was found. Furthermore, the Dark Triad traits showed differential relations with reactive and proactive aggression, verifying the external validity of the Spanish version of the Dirty Dozen. Results support the distinctiveness of the Dark Triad traits and justify the Dirty Dozen as an efficient measure for dark personalities in Spanish-speaking contexts.
A Demands–Resources View of Safety Climate in Military	Aviation
Authors: Fogarty Gerard J. , Cooper Ryan , McMahon Sarah
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Safety climate surveys have been criticized because they lack an explicit theoretical basis. We present validation data for a safety climate survey based on the job demands–resources (JD-R) theory and designed for use in a military aviation context. We tested measurement and structural models based on JD-R theory across three datasets collected in 2014 (N = 8,799), 2015 (N = 8,910), and 2016 (N = 10,236). The measurement model fitted the data across the three administrations, reliability estimates were satisfactory for all scales, and predictions based on JD-R theory were realized. The theory-based instrument can help to explain variance in safety outcomes through clearly articulated direct, indirect, and moderated pathways that have the potential to enrich reports on safety climate.
Effects of In-Flight Countermeasures to Mitigate Fatigue Risks in	Aviation
Authors: Sieberichs Sebastian , Kluge Annette
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Fatigue is a frequent phenomenon for pilots doing shift work and working in changing time zones. Napping or increased cockpit lighting, so-called in-flight countermeasures, may help pilots mitigate the symptoms of acute fatigue. This study investigated the impact of napping on sleep quality and the effect of in-flight countermeasures on how often pilots notice fatigue symptoms when feeling tired. In total, 106 German-speaking pilots participated in an online survey. The results showed a medium correlation between napping and improved sleep quality (r = .32) and a low-to-medium correlation between a frequent usage of in-flight countermeasures and less acute physical fatigue symptoms (r = −.22). Officers indicate using napping more often than captains do (d = .70). Further research should investigate how cabin crew members can benefit from mitigating measures.
Pilot Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Fatal Aviation	Accidents
Authors: Laukkala Tanja , Bor Robert , Budowle Bruce , Navathe Pooshan , Sajantila Antti , Sainio Markku , Vuorio Alpo
Published: September 2018

Abstract. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) database was searched to identify fatal accidents in aviation related to trauma and stressor-related disorders in the United States and the medical requirements of aviation authorities were assessed. Between 2000 and 2015, eight pilots with a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; of which two were aviation-related PTSDs) died in aviation accidents. These results indicate a minimum frequency of history of diagnosed PTSD in aviation fatalities to be 8 out of 4,862 fatal accidents (0.16%) in the United States. The guidance from aviation regulatory authorities is to medically assess pilots with a prior history of PTSD based on individual functional impairment and treatment response. The assessment of individual impairment would be significantly improved by the systematic data collection following aviation- and work-related traumatic events. It is also important for investigators to recognize the traumatization that occurs in aviation accident and incident investigations.
The PASQQ
Authors: Armenti Alessandra , Bobbio Andrea , Cottone Paolo
Published: September 2018

Abstract. Perceived airport service quality is an indicator of airport performance and the key to improving airport service. The present study aimed to identify the basic dimensions of airport service quality perceived by passengers and to develop an instrument that complements traditional quality-related metrics. The Perceived Airport Service Quality Questionnaire (PASQQ) was built, pretested and administered to 874 passengers recruited at the Venice International Airport. Results indicated that four main dimensions of perceived airport service quality should be considered: perceived disorder, negative interaction, positive interaction and knowledge, and perceived security. The PASQQ is a useful and a reliable tool, and it can be adopted within a multidimensional approach to evaluate perceived airport service quality.
Republican Congressman Urges Colleagues to Act on Climate Change
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: September 2018

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick says that Republican members of Congress need to “acknowledge reality” and do more to raise awareness about climate change.
Source‐To‐Sink Links Between East Asia and Taiwan From Detrital Zircon Geochronology of the Oligocene Huagang Formation in the East China Sea Shelf Basin
Authors: Wang Wei , Bidgoli Tandis , Yang Xianghua , Ye Jiaren
Published: September 2018

Researchers have long suspected a source‐to‐sink link between the Yangtze Block (and/or North China Block) and Eocene‐Miocene passive margin strata in Taiwan, and various models have been proposed to explain similarities in provenance and the presence of Archean grains. The East China Sea Shelf Basin, whose evolution has been neglected in most models, resides between potential mainland China source regions and the sediment sink in Taiwan, and occupies the corridor through which sediment would have been transported. Here we present 378 new concordant detrital zircon U–Pb ages from the Oligocene Huagang formation in the Xihu Sag, eastern East China Sea Shelf Basin. We also present a compilation of published detrital zircon data from major rivers across mainland China to evaluate potential sediment source regions. Detrital zircons in the Huagang formation range in age from 33 ± 0.4 to 2842 ± 43 Ma, with major clusters at 100–300 and 1,600–2,200 Ma and small early‐middle Paleozoic, Neoproterozoic, and Paleoproterozoic to Archean peaks. Visual and statistical comparison of age distributions suggest close relationships between the Min River and Eocene–Oligocene samples from western Taiwan and between the Oligocene Huagang formation and Miocene strata in western Taiwan. Combined with the tectonic and depositional evolution of the region, these observations suggest that Eocene–Oligocene sediments in Taiwan were mainly sourced from the Min River or similar drainage in the Cathaysia Block. However, the similarities between the Huagang formation and Miocene strata are best explained by reworking of the Oligocene sediment in the Xihu Sag and transportation to western Taiwain during Miocene tectonic inversion of the East China Sea Shelf Basin.
Submesoscale Vertical Velocities Enhance Tracer Subduction in an Idealized Antarctic Circumpolar Current
Authors: Balwada Dhruv , Smith K. Shafer , Abernathey Ryan
Published: September 2018

Upper‐ocean submesoscale fronts, with their associated strong vertical velocities, are often claimed to play a significant role in subducting tracers into the interior. The role of these submesoscale processes in restratifying the mixed layer is now well recognized, but whether they simultaneously flux tracers through the base of the boundary layer remains an open question. We vary the resolution in a semirealistic channel model to control turbulent processes at various scales and study their influence on tracers. It is found that the submesoscale‐permitting simulations flux far more tracer downward than the lower‐resolution simulations: The 1‐km simulation takes up 50% more tracer compared to the 20‐km simulation, despite the increased restratifying influence of the resolved submesoscale processes. A full frequency‐wave number cross‐spectra of the vertical velocity and vertical tracer flux show that the high‐frequency inertia‐gravity waves that appear in the highest‐resolution simulation play no role in irreversible downward tracer transport.
Tectonic Switching of Southeast China in the Late Paleozoic
Authors: Shen Linwei , Yu Jin‐Hai , O’Reilly S. Y. , Griffin W. L.
Published: September 2018

The identification of Late Carboniferous (317 ± 3 Ma) Daixi‐Wufenglou S‐type granites and Early Triassic (247 ± 2 Ma) Houzhang complex (comprising monzodiorite and monzogranite) in southeast China provides new insights into the bewildering tectonics of south China, before its final welding to the Eurasian continent. The Daixi‐Wufenglou granites have high K2O (4.01–6.54 wt%), A/CNK (1.02–1.34), high bulk initial 87Sr/86Sr (0.7094–0.7160) and low εNd(t) (−8.87 to −6.31), and low zircon εHf(t) (−8.1 to −1.9) and high δ18O (12.7–14.0‰), indicating derivation by partial melting of a Neoproterozoic basement as a result of the input of mantle‐derived heat in a back‐arc extensional setting, triggered by rollback of the Paleo‐Pacific plate subduction beneath the outboard proto‐Japan arc. The monzodiorites are shoshonitic, characterized by high K, Ni, Cr, and Mg#, and the monzogranites are adakitic, defined by high Sr/Y, (La/Yb)n and low Y, Yb. They have similar 87Sr/86Sr (0.7085–0.7087), εNd(t) (−5.92 to −5.34), and εHf(t) (−7.5 to −2.5), indicating their petrogenetic linkage. The monzodiorites and monzogranites represent early crystallization phases (cumulates) and residual melts of a mantle‐derived magma, generated from a metasomatically enriched mantle. Integrating these data with other geological information from south China and neighboring countries, we propose a new model for the tectonic evolution of the Late Paleozoic south China, which was controlled by the subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific Ocean plate. A distal continental back‐arc setting was produced by slab rollback in the early stages, and an active continental margin environment was produced by the accretion of the proto‐Japan arc in the later stages.
The Far Ultraviolet Wavelength Dependence of the Lunar Phase Curve as Seen by LRO LAMP
Authors: Liu Y. , Retherford K. D. , Greathouse T. K. , Raut U. , Mandt K. E. , Hendrix A. R. , Cahill J. T. S. , Gladstone G. R. , Grava C. , Egan A. F. , Kaufmann D. E. , Pryor W. R.
Published: September 2018

We present detailed photometric properties of the Moon at far ultraviolet wavelengths. The far ultraviolet data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Lyman Alpha Mapping Project (LAMP) instrument were used to derive two Hapke photometric parameters, the single‐scattering albedo, w, and the asymmetry factor, b, in the single‐particle phase function, for selected mare and highland regions. The derived single‐scattering albedo spectra show blue slopes for both regions. Furthermore, the negative values of the asymmetry parameter, for both regions, indicate backscattering from the surface. The derived photometric parameters were used to normalize the observed reflectance and remove the photometric effects, resulting in significant improvement in the quality of the LAMP dayside maps.