bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Music education in junior high school: Perception of emotions conveyed by music and mental imagery in students who attend the standard or musical curriculum
Authors: Commodari Elena , Sole Jasmine
Published: March 2019

The ability to perceive emotions conveyed by music and recognize multiple and mixed emotions improves with age. Several studies have found that mental imagery is one of the mechanisms that underlie emotional reactivity to music, and music has a facilitating effect on mental imagery. In particular, researchers have hypothesized a relationship between the perception of emotions expressed by music, visual imagery, and musical training. However, the results of previous studies are not homogenous. This study investigated the ability to perceive emotions in music in 130 students in their final year of junior high school and analyzed the contribution of musical training in visual imagery performances. Each student listened to one of two musical tracks, which were arranged to convey positive and negative emotions, respectively. After listening, the students reported the emotions they perceived and completed a visual imagery test. The results showed that the students could recognize simple, multiple and mixed emotions conveyed by the music. Moreover, the musically-trained students showed higher visual imagery ability.
Geographies of conservation III: Nature’s spaces
Authors: Adams William M.
Published: March 2019

There is a rich literature by geographers on the spatial imagination and ambition of conservation, and particularly the long-established strategy of creating protected areas such as national parks. This report highlights five ways in which the spatial ambitions, imaginations and practices of conservation are changing. First, appetite for the expansion of protected areas continues to grow, with proposals for marine reserves and up to half of the earth under protection. Second, substantial intensification of agriculture is proposed to free up land for such expansion, a policy of land sparing. Third, areas being protected are increasingly privately owned, and conservation is serving as a powerful form of legitimization of large-scale private landholding. Fourth, in many countries conservation management is being extended beyond formal protected areas in mosaics of public, private and community land. Fifth, the political and material technologies used to secure conservation territories, like the extension of these territories themselves, raise urgent political ecological questions. Conservation governance physically marks spaces for nature, but also constructs and polices ideas about both nature and society in profound ways, which often go unremarked by conservationists themselves.
Insight from Scientific Study in Logistics using Text Mining
Authors: Hong Jungyeol , Tamakloe Reuben , Lee Gunwoo , Park Dongjoo
Published: March 2019

Big text data show trends from past logistics research and define freight flow and socio-economic relationships in the global logistics network. This relationship plays an important role in predicting future logistics trends and determining the direction of research. The purpose of this study was to collect logistics and freight related papers published in Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, since 1996 and to derive the main topics of the logistics studies that have been performed via topic modeling, using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) approach. From the results, 20 main topics with keywords and phrases were extracted from the logistics research papers, which suggests that topics such as trip generation model, urban freight, and logistics hub have been emerging for scholars in the fields of road, air, and shipping logistics and have been examined for some time. In addition, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and information and communications technology have recently been applied to the logistics field. Research on data collection technology and route optimization algorithms that incorporate the technologies have, therefore, attracted a great deal of interest from current researchers. Through the framework of this study, it is expected that future trends in the field of logistics will be predicted, and that appropriate planning and strategies can be established.
Role of Public Transportation in a Natural Disaster State of Emergency Declaration
Authors: Godfrey Jodi , Saliceto Gennaro , Yegidis Roberta
Published: March 2019

Destructive natural disasters such as hurricanes or other extreme weather events challenge many industries, especially the public transit industry. The 2017 hurricane season proved to be tumultuous, with three major hurricanes devastating the United States in less than 2 months. The challenges faced in Florida, in response to Hurricane Irma, precipitated best practices and lessons learned related to monitoring and reporting the status of transportation infrastructure, identifying temporary alternative solutions, and coordinating and communicating with emergency operations centers, state departments of transportation, and individual transit agencies. Sharing the lessons learned from recent firsthand experiences will undoubtedly improve the public transit industry’s emergency preparedness, response, and recovery activities.
Laboratory Testing of Self-Healing Fibers in Asphalt Mixtures Prepared with Recycled Materials
Authors: Aguirre Max A. , Hassan Marwa M. , Shirzad Sharareh , Cooper Samuel , Mohammad Louay N. , Negulescu Ioan I.
Published: March 2019

Self-healing products such as hollow fibers filled with a recycling agent present an emerging technology that would enhance an asphalt mixture’s resistance to cracking damage in the long term. The objective of this study was to evaluate the healing efficiency of sodium-alginate fibers containing a recycling agent using asphalt concrete beam specimens. A self-healing experiment was designed and conducted to monitor strength recovery in the damaged specimens using a 3-point bending test during a 6-day healing period under two different environmental curing conditions. In addition, the effects of adding the hollow fibers on the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures were evaluated by conducting a series of laboratory tests to evaluate the performance against common distress such as permanent deformation, intermediate cracking, and low-temperature cracking. Results of the self-healing experiment test results showed that the addition of sodium-alginate fibers improved the strength recovery of mixtures prepared with unmodified binder. The increase in temperature from 25°C to 50°C during the healing period also resulted in higher strength recovery percentages in all the evaluated mixtures. Furthermore, semi-circular bending test results showed that the addition of fibers enhanced the mechanical properties against fracture at intermediate temperature of mixtures containing recycled asphalt materials.
Platoon Priority Visualization Modeling and Optimization for Signal Coordination in the Connected Vehicle Environment
Authors: Li Jiangchen , Qiu Chen , Seraj Mudasser , Peng Liqun , Qiu Tony Z.
Published: March 2019

Although connected vehicle (CV)-based signal coordination has some proposed prototypes and has been investigated by several different strategies, the existing works have issues that require attention, including additional CV-based system uncertainties and platoon priority request considerations. Thus, a generalized framework consisting of a platoon-based bicyclic coordination diagram (Bi-PCD), a new probabilistic surrogate quantification, and a platoon priority-based offset optimization in the CV environment is proposed to improve the coordination performance. The proposed Bi-PCD extends the scope of the current Purdue coordination diagram (PCD) and its variants by covering extra practical and emerged variables. A prototype and field tests in a CV test pilot for general scenarios were implemented in a typical arterial road to verify performances of the proposed Bi-PCD and the offset optimization method. Field results demonstrated that using Bi-PCD could obtain explicit platoon features in both limited and full CV penetration conditions. The comprehensive analysis showed that the proposed Bi-PCD and the platoon priority-based offset optimization could further improve performances of the signal coordination.
Gendered Racial Microaggressions and Depressive Symptoms Among Black Women: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Williams Marlene G. , Lewis Jioni A.
Published: March 2019

In the current study, we explored the relations between gendered racial microaggressions, gendered racial identity (intersection of one’s racial and gender identities), coping, and depressive symptoms among Black women. We tested coping strategies as mediators of the relations between gendered racial microaggressions and depressive symptoms. We also tested a moderated mediation model with gendered racial identity public and private regard as moderators of the indirect association of gendered racial microaggressions and depressive symptoms through disengagement coping. Participants were 231 Black women in the United States who completed an online survey. Disengagement coping was a significant mediator; increases in gendered racial microaggressions were associated with greater use of disengagement coping which, in turn, was associated with greater depressive symptoms. Gendered racial identity private regard was a significant moderator of the indirect association of gendered racial microaggressions and depressive symptoms through disengagement coping. These findings highlight the role of gendered racial identity private regard in buffering the negative effects of gendered racial microaggressions on depressive symptoms. Practitioners can use this information to apply an intersectional approach to therapeutic interventions that consider Black women’s intersecting identities and experiences of gendered racism.
Comparison of Standard and Right/Left International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form Scores
Authors: Magnuson Justin A. , Strnad Greg , Smith Clair , Jones Morgan H. , Saluan Paul , Irrgang James J. , Spindler Kurt P.
Published: March 2019

Background:

The International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC-SKF) is a validated patient-reported outcome used in clinical research. No studies exist directly comparing the standard unilateral adult version (IKDC-SKF) with the bilateral adult version (R/L IKDC-SKF).

Hypotheses:

The first hypothesis is that no clinically relevant difference would be observed between standard IKDC-SKF scores and involved R/L scores. The second hypothesis is that a relevant difference would be observed between involved and uninvolved scores on the R/L IKDC-SKF.

Study Design:

Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

One hundred patients were enrolled via a crossover study design. Participants were split into 2 groups per simple randomization. One group completed the standard IKDC-SKF first and the R/L IKDC-SKF second. The other group completed forms in the reverse order. A 10-minute washout period was administered between questionnaires. Participants reported their preferred form in a postquestionnaire survey. A 5-point threshold for clinical relevance was set a priori, which is less than multiple published minimal detectable change and minimal clinically important difference metrics of the standard IKDC-SKF, ranging from 6.3 to 20.5. Data were analyzed with Bland-Altman plots, paired t tests, correlations, and chi-square tests.

Results:

Paired t tests between the standard IKDC-SKF and the involved R/L IKDC-SKF scores demonstrated a statistically significant mean difference of 1.4 ( P = .008; 95% CI, 0.4-2.4). However, the 95% CI falls under the clinically relevant threshold of 5. Standard and involved knee scores from the R/L IKDC-SKF were highly correlated, with a rho of 0.95. Patients consistently distinguished the injured knee from the uninjured knee across a range of scores via the R/L IKDC-SKF ( P < .001). The postquestionnaire survey showed that 55 patients preferred the R/L IKDC-SKF, 30 preferred the standard IKDC-SKF, and 15 had no preference. Post hoc analysis showed a significant preference for “R/L vs standard IKDC-SKF” ( P = .014) and “R/L IKDC-SKF vs no preference” ( P < .003).

Conclusion:

No clinically relevant difference was observed between the standard IKDC-SKF and the involved knee score of the R/L IKDC-SKF. Therefore, for symptomatic unilateral knee diagnosis, either form can be used. The R/L IKDC-SKF showed a consistent and clinically relevant difference between involved and uninvolved knees. Patients in this study preferred the R/L IKDC-SKF.
Service Users’ Knowledge and Views on Outpatients’ Compulsory Community Treatment Orders: A Cross-Sectional Matched Comparison Study
Authors: Nakhost Arash , Simpson Alexander I. F. , Sirotich Frank
Published: March 2019

Objective:

Community treatment orders (CTOs) have been used in the treatment of some individuals with serious mental illness who fail to adhere to their psychiatric treatment, leading to frequent hospitalization. This article examines perceptions and knowledge of CTOs amongst outpatient service users in Toronto, Canada.

Method:

Service users under a CTO were matched to a comparison control group of voluntary outpatients ( n = 69 in each group). Participants were interviewed using a series of questionnaires aimed at assessing instead of evaluating their knowledge and perceptions of CTOs, as well as understanding their views about the utility and impact of CTOs in the treatment of individuals with mental health issues.

Results:

Participants in the CTO group knew significantly more about CTO processes, restrictions, and procedural protections than the control group. Both groups thought that a CTO could improve certain individuals’ mental health. The control group felt more strongly that a CTO could improve a service user’s physical health by providing better access to care and closer monitoring ( P = 0.019) while a significant proportion of the CTO group thought that being on a CTO was better than being in the hospital ( P = 0.001) and that service users should be able to contest their CTO ( P = 0.001). In addition, CTO group participants were significantly more optimistic about the potential positive impact of CTOs on other service users’ quality of life ( P = 0.008) and mental health ( P = 0.023) compared to themselves.

Conclusions:

In general, both groups viewed CTOs as potentially capable of positively affecting treatment and lives of some individuals with mental illness.
Mental Disorders and Suicide Attempts in the Pregnancy and Postpartum Periods Compared with Non-Pregnancy: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Mota Natalie P. , Chartier Mariette , Ekuma Okechukwu , Nie Yao , Hensel Jennifer M. , MacWilliam Leonard , McDougall Chelsey , Vigod Simone , Bolton James M.
Published: March 2019

Objective:

To compare the rate of mental disorders (i.e., mood and anxiety, substance use, psychotic disorders) and suicide attempts within the same group of women across the pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum periods, and between this perinatal cohort and a non-perinatal reference group.

Method:

Data were from an administrative repository of residents in Manitoba, Canada. The perinatal cohort consisted of women aged 18 to 45 years who experienced >1 live birth pregnancy between 2011 and 2014 ( n = 45,362). Pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum periods were defined over consecutive 40-week intervals. The non-perinatal cohort consisted of age-matched women with no pregnancies during the same period ( n = 139,705). A reference 40-week interval was defined from the individual’s birthdate in the year they entered the cohort. Rate ratios of diagnosed mental disorders were adjusted (aRR) for demographic factors, parity, and mental health history.

Results:

Within the perinatal cohort, pregnancy was associated with a lower rate of diagnosed mood or anxiety disorder, substance use disorder, and suicide attempt relative to pre-pregnancy (aRR range, 0.22-0.82). Pregnancy also had lower rates of all outcomes compared with the postpartum period (aRR, 0.44-0.87). Postpartum had a higher rate of psychotic disorder compared with pre-pregnancy (aRR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.17-2.21), but a lower rate of mood or anxiety disorder and suicide attempt. Compared with non-perinatal women, pregnancy was associated with lower rates of all outcomes (aRR range, 0.25-0.87).

Conclusions:

Compared with a non-perinatal period, the rate of a diagnosed mental disorder is lower during pregnancy but begins to rise in the postpartum period, highlighting an important period for early identification and rapid access to intervention.
Stabilisation of municipal solid waste after autoclaving in a passively aerated bioreactor
Authors: Wojnowska-Baryła Irena , Kulikowska Dorota , Bernat Katarzyna , Kasiński Sławomir , Zaborowska Magdalena , Kielak Teodor
Published: March 2019

Autoclaving of unsorted municipal solid waste is one of the solutions in waste management that maximises the amount of waste for recycling. After autoclaving, however, a large part of the waste is composed of unstabilised biodegradable fractions (organic remaining fraction, ORF), which may comprise up to 30% of autoclaved waste and cannot be landfilled without further stabilisation. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of aerobic stabilisation in a passively aerated reactor of organic remaining fraction after full-scale autoclaving of unsorted municipal solid waste. The organic remaining fraction had a volatile solids content of ca. 70%, a 4-day respiration activity test (AT4) of ca. 26 g O2 kg–1 total solids and a 21-day gas formation test (GP21) of ca. 235 dm3 kg–1 total solids. Stabilisation was conducted in a 550 L reactor with passive aeration (Stage I) and a periodically turned windrow (Stage II). The feedstocks consisted entirely of organic remaining fraction, or of organic remaining fraction with 10% inoculum (ORF + I). Inoculum constituted product of stabilisation of organic remaining fraction. During stabilisation of organic remaining fraction and ORF + I, thermophilic conditions were achieved, and the decreases of volatile solids, AT4 and GP21 could be described by 1 order kinetic models. The rate constants of volatile solids removal (kVS) were 0.033 and 0.068 d–1 for organic remaining fraction and ORF + I, respectively, and the thermophilic phase was shorter with ORF + I (25 days vs. 45 days). The decrease in GP21 corresponded to volatile solids decrease, but AT4 decreased sharply during the first 10 days of waste stabilisation in the reactor, indicating that the content of highly biodegradable organic matter decreased during this time.
Under the Cloud of Deportation Threat: Testimonios Reveal Impact on Mixed-Status Families
Authors: Green Jennifer
Published: March 2019

Stress associated with the threat of deportation is not a new facet of daily life for undocumented immigrants in the United States. An upsurge in antiimmigrant rhetoric and policy has contributed to ever-present anxiety and fear regarding apprehension, detention, and deportation. In this qualitative study of mixed-status immigrant families, the stories (testimonios) of parents and young adult recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are explored. Their testimonios reveal conflicted feelings about life in America and the relentless strain of living with fear and uncertainty. A portrait emerges of life in small-town America during these troublesome times of mass deportations and family separation. The testimonios, explored through a LatCrit lens, reveal the human side of immigration policy and compel us to contemplate the lived reality of immigrant families with American dreams.
“Other Fields Are More Lucrative and Sexy”: A Qualitative Examination of the Low Number of Men in Psychology
Authors: Beasley Samuel T. , Sánchez Berenice , Butler Maime , Chapman-Hilliard Collette
Published: March 2019

While the underrepresentation of women in traditionally masculine fields has received much scholarly attention, less work has examined men’s lower numbers in women majority fields. Additionally, much of the available research on men in these fields is limited to a few vocations (e.g., nursing and teaching). Expanding career-related research on men in other women majority fields allows for more targeted career interventions with young boys and men as they are making career decisions in a service-oriented economy. The current study focuses on men in psychology ( N = 210) to examine factors that contribute to the low number of men in this women majority field. Using consensual qualitative research–modified, four domains were identified that may help explain the paucity of men in psychology: professional psychology issues, socialization, financial factors, and broader changes in higher education. Implications of these findings for career practice and research with boys and men are discussed.
Examining Collaboration Among Nonprofit Organizations for Social Responsibility Programs
Authors: Zeimers Géraldine , Anagnostopoulos Christos , Zintz Thierry , Willem Annick
Published: March 2019

Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) increasingly implement socially responsible programs to address their responsibilities toward society. Although collaborations are a valuable means to tackle complex social issues, NPOs also similarly collaborate with other NPOs for delivering socially responsible programs. However, the motivations driving NPOs to collaborate with likeminded organizations for socially responsible programs remain unclear. Using a single embedded in-depth case study research design, our purpose is to examine the formation of collaborations among sport federations and sport clubs for socially responsible programs. Reflecting the interplay between resource-based view and institutional perspectives, our findings intrinsically indicate that partners demonstrate similarity in their motivations to collaborate due to their organizational fit, but with some key differences in the complementary resources they seek. Organizational legitimacy and resource exchange needs for socially responsible programs are driving the collaboration rather than organizational survival needs. The potential to create social value makes this nonprofit collaboration form unique.
Multi-rigid-body modeling and simulation of perimodiolar cochlear electrode arrays
Authors: Zhu Ruifeng , Li Jianjun , Wang Zuo , Wu Yongzhen , Wang Binrui , Zhao Kai
Published: March 2019

This study presented a method that decomposes perimodiolar electrodes into multi-rigid bodies for the study on the shape variation of cochlear perimodiolar electrode. The coordinates of electrode array were obtained by capturing the shape varying image of the perimodiolar electrodes with the stylet extracted. Subsequently, the increment of the angle variation and the length of each link were obtained. Fourier compensation fitting method was developed using the three fitting methods to compare and analyze the increment of the angle variation of the perimodiolar electrode multi-rigid model. This can not only ensure that the initial angle of the joint is consistent with the actual angle of the perimodiolar electrode, but also fully reflect the varying trend of the joint angle of the multi-rigid model of the perimodiolar electrode. The simulation of the shape variation of the perimodiolar electrode multi-rigid-body model was performed using this method in the ADAMS simulation platform. According to the simulation results, the precise and continuous shape variation of perimodiolar electrodes can be obtained using this method.
Can a Good Life Be Unsatisfying? Within-Person Dynamics of Life Satisfaction and Psychological Well-Being in Late Midlife
Authors: Cowan Henry R.
Published: March 2019

Psychological investigations into the structure of well-being have been largely cross-sectional. However, longitudinal models are needed as Western societies work to improve individual well-being. The current multilevel-modeling study examined within-person dynamics of well-being over 8 years. I asked two questions: (a) How do life satisfaction and psychological well-being (measures drawn from two well-being research traditions) relate over time? and (b) do these relationships vary on the basis of individuals’ extraversion or neuroticism? Measures of life satisfaction and psychological well-being were collected in 8 consecutive years from 159 American adults in late midlife. A dispositional-life-satisfaction set point and yearly variation in life satisfaction both related to higher yearly psychological well-being. Neuroticism, but not extraversion, predicted a stronger within-person relationship between life satisfaction and psychological well-being. For participants with very low neuroticism, life satisfaction and psychological well-being varied independently. In sum, experiences of life satisfaction and psychological well-being converged for more neurotic individuals and diverged for more emotionally stable participants.
Having a Happy Spouse Is Associated With Lowered Risk of Mortality
Authors: Stavrova Olga
Published: March 2019

Studies have shown that individuals’ choice of a life partner predicts their life outcomes, from their relationship satisfaction to their career success. The present study examined whether the reach of one’s spouse extends even further, to the ultimate life outcome: mortality. A dyadic survival analysis using a representative sample of elderly couples ( N = 4,374) followed for up to 8 years showed that a 1-standard-deviation-higher level of spousal life satisfaction was associated with a 13% lower mortality risk. This effect was robust to controlling for couples’ socioeconomic situation (e.g., household income), both partners’ sociodemographic characteristics, and baseline health. Exploratory mediation analyses pointed toward partner and actor physical activity as sequential mediators. These findings suggest that life satisfaction has not only intrapersonal but also interpersonal associations with longevity and contribute to the fields of epidemiology, positive psychology, and relationship research.
Participation in safety and health in European workplaces: Framing the capture of representation
Authors: Walters David , Wadsworth Emma
Published: March 2019

We discuss experience of worker representation in occupational health and safety in the European Union, using findings from a large qualitative study of practices in 143 establishments in seven Member States. This study was a follow-up to the second EU-OSHA European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks. We focus on the experience of the operation of the institutional forms of representation of workers in safety and health and draw attention to the extent to which statutory provisions largely conceived in pluralist industrial relations contexts are currently operationalized in more unitary ones. We discuss the consequences for the model of representation that previous studies have identified to be most effective.
Stakeholder relations in Australian science journalism
Authors: McKinnon Merryn , Black Bronte , Bobillier Sophie , Hood Kirsten , Parker Madeleine
Published: March 2019

This study explores the relationships between scientists, science communicators and science journalists in Australia. Building upon a smaller previous study, this article provides an overview of the science media landscape across a nation through the use of semi-structured interviews with members of stakeholder groups. Although relationships between each of the groups are generally positive, a lack of clear understanding of the professional practice and cultures of the different groups sometimes appear to hinder positive interactions. Many scientists continue to lament the need for journalists to understand more science, yet very few make similar comments about the need for scientists to know more about media. Refocusing on sharing the responsibility for science reporting may be a means of bridging the identified cultural divide.
The Spark of Life and the Unification of Intelligence, Health, and Aging
Authors: Geary David C.
Published: March 2019

General intelligence ( g) represents the factors that influence performance across all academic and cognitive domains. The search for these factors has been ongoing for more than a century and has focused on the brain and cognitive systems that support learning and problem solving. In recent decades, it has become clear that the factors that influence academic and cognitive performance extend to general health and to successful aging in adulthood. The implication is that there may be one or several fundamental processes that influence the functioning of all biological systems, not simply the brain. The functioning of mitochondria is well situated as one of the processes that might unify intelligence, health, and aging. These organelles are located within cells and are the primary producers of cellular energy, among other functions. Energy availability, in turn, is the lowest common denominator needed for the development, maintenance, and optimal functioning of all biological systems. Here, I review the relations among intelligence, health, and aging and outline how the efficiency of mitochondrial functioning can link them together.
Expressing melodic grouping discontinuities: Evidence from violinists’ rubato and motion
Authors: Huberth Madeline , Davis Stacey , Fujioka Takako
Published: March 2019

Within phrases, melodies can be perceived as continuous or discontinuous. Large pitch intervals tend to promote the perception of melodic discontinuity, though surrounding pitch contexts can promote or diminish this percept. The present study investigated if performers express discontinuities in rubato and motion. In Experiment 1, audio and motion capture recordings were made of six violinists performing a piece with pairs of segments containing strong and weak discontinuities. Violinists’ rubato computed from audio onsets differentiated between discontinuity types. A principal component analysis of the motion data revealed that nontechnical whole-body motions explained a significant amount of variance corresponding to the discontinuity types, although the strength of the effect varied across analyzed segments. In Experiment 2, the motion and audio data were used to create audiovisual stimuli to examine whether these components influenced judgments of discontinuity in third-party audiences. Participants saw, heard, or both saw and heard the performed segments with either natural motion or altered motion after nontechnical principal components were removed, then judged whether violinists expressed either one or two groups of notes. Similar to Experiment 1, variation between segments in differentiation between discontinuity types was observed only when participants saw the violinists’ natural motion. Together, these data suggest that violinists can express melodic continuity through timing and motion, though expression through motion is relatively subtle and variable across individuals. Our results extend previous findings of the relationship between performer interpretation and motion to local musical structures, demonstrating observations across multiple performers with a previously less-studied instrument, namely, the violin.
Returns to compensation in trucking: Does safety pay?
Authors: Faulkiner Michael R , Belzer Michael H
Published: March 2019

Large truck crashes remain a significant problem in the truckload sector of the US motor carrier industry. Employing a unique firm-level data set from a large US truckload motor carrier, we identified two different driver groups hired during two distinct pay regimes. Before-and-after data on wages and safety outcomes created a natural experiment. Higher wages paid to experienced drivers in the new pay regime led to higher driver retention rates. Experienced drivers had lower average crash costs and were more productive during each tenure month. Experienced drivers had a much larger expected discounted net present value when compared with inexperienced drivers. As the previously inexperienced drivers gained additional experience, their crash probabilities and their value began to mirror those of the experienced drivers, demonstrating the value of greater tenure. This research supports ‘safe rates’ public policy because safety pays – for trucking companies, for cargo owners and for society.

JEL Codes: J24, J28, J33
Education Federalism and Minority Disproportionate Representation Monitoring: Examining IDEA Provisions, Regulations, and Judicial Trends
Authors: Strassfeld Natasha M.
Published: March 2019

States have been granted increasingly greater agency both to determine standards for minority disproportionate representation (MDR) monitoring in special education placements and to set the relevant cutoffs and sanctions when significant disproportionality is found. State authority has been bolstered by an education federalism framework, case law, and updated legislative and regulatory guidance under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Using legislative and judicial analysis to both examine education federalism and its impact on state and federal authority and analyze the legislative history associated with MDR monitoring and recent judicial trends within federal case law regarding equal protection constitutional challenges brought by plaintiff parents and students with disabilities in MDR litigation, this article finds that states are increasingly granted greater authority from judicial opinions and policy to monitor states’ practices. Legal and policy implications for stakeholders (e.g., parents, students, school districts) are also discussed.
Utilizing Youth Media Practice to Influence Change: A Pretest–Posttest Study
Authors: Chan Chitat , Holosko Michael J.
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

Youth media practice (YMP) refers to various activities through which young people are empowered to express their views and develop critical reflectiveness via media productions. There is scant empirical research about YMP’s effectiveness. This study developed and field-tested an information and communication technology (ICT)–based YMP.

Method:

By using “My National/Ethnic Identity” as a heuristic production theme, a pilot study was conducted in Hong Kong in 2018. Participants shared and discussed photos online and conducted face-to-face presentations. The program was evaluated using a one-group pretest–posttest design. Participants included ( N = 20) Hong Kong Chinese students aged 18–24.

Results:

Participants’ need for cognitive closure decreased, self-esteem increased, and their essentialist views on ethnic identity decreased.

Discussion:

This study demonstrates that YMP has potential to be a change-making strategy for future social work practice, and proper use of ICT can create space and opportunities for such reflective conversations.
Habeas corpus: the ins and outs of autopoiesis
Authors: Harvey Inman
Published: March 2019

Though my motives may differ somewhat, I agree with the target article Villalobos and Razeto-Barry, (VR; 2019) in rejecting the tentative claims of Virgo, Egbert and Froese, (VEF; 2011) and others that the relevant boundaries for autopoietic systems may extend beyond their physical boundary. I appeal to a habeas corpus principle: the boundary that matters is that which allows an individuated self-maintaining entity to survive transfer from one environment to another.
Ongoing solution reproducibility of earth system models as they progress toward exascale computing
Authors: Mahajan Salil , Evans Katherine J , Kennedy Joseph H , Xu Min , Norman Mathew R , Branstetter Marcia L
Published: March 2019

We present a methodology for solution reproducibility for the Energy Exascale Earth System Model during its ongoing software infrastructure development to prepare for exascale computers. The nonlinear chaotic nature of climate system simulations precludes traditional model verification approaches since machine precision differences—resulting from code refactoring, changes in software environment, and so on—grow exponentially to a different weather state. Here, we leverage the nature of climate as a statistical description of the atmosphere in order to establish model reproducibility. We evaluate the degree to which two-sample equality of distribution tests can confidently detect the change in climate from minor tuning parameter changes on model output variables in order to establish the level of difference that indicates a new climate. To apply this (baselined test), we target a section of the model’s development cycle wherein no intentional science changes have been applied to its source code. We compare an ensemble of short simulations that were conducted using a verified model configuration against a new ensemble with the same configuration but with the latest software infrastructure (Common Infrastructure for Modeling the Earth, CIME5.0), compiler versions, and software libraries. We also compare these against ensemble simulations conducted using the original version of the software infrastructure (CIME4.0) of the earlier model configuration, but with the latest compilers and software libraries, to test the impact of new compilers and libraries in isolation from additional software infrastructure. The two-sample equality of distribution tests indicates that these ensembles indeed represent the same climate.
Prevalence and diagnostic value of the ultrasonographic honeycomb appearance of the spleen in cats
Authors: Harel Mathieu , Touzet Chloe , Barthélemy Anthony , Ségard-Weisse Emilie M
Published: March 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of a honeycomb appearance of the spleen in a population of referral cats presented for ultrasound examination, and to determine the diagnostic value of this finding vs the definitive diagnosis, the splenic cytological and haematological results.

Methods

Data were obtained from the medical records (2016–2018) of cats that had an ultrasonographic honeycomb appearance of the spleen, a splenic cytological diagnosis and a complete blood count.

Results

Twenty-five cats were included. Prevalence of the honeycomb pattern was 6.8%. None of the spleen was considered normal on cytology and four types of lesions were found: lymphoid hyperplasia (64%), neoplasia (16%), extramedullary haematopoiesis (12%) and splenitis (8%). A honeycomb pattern was successfully identified with a linear high-frequency probe in all cats, but only in 36% of cases with the micro-convex probe. Follow-up information was available for four cats, in which the honeycomb appearance persisted up to 105 days after the first examination; there was persistence of the honeycomb pattern in all cases. Cats with a splenic cytological diagnosis of extramedullary haematopoiesis had the lowest haemoglobin plasma concentration ( P = 0.011).

Conclusions and relevance

Honeycomb appearance of the spleen is uncommon in cats and, in our study, was systematically associated with cytological alterations; most of the time it was benign (84%). The use of a high-frequency linear probe improves its detection rate. No epidemiological, ultrasonographic or clinical criteria allow differentiation between the different types of infiltration and fine-needle aspiration is therefore recommended.
Cranial cruciate ligament disease in cats: an epidemiological retrospective study of 50 cats (2011–2016)
Authors: Boge Gudrun S , Engdahl Karolina , Moldal Elena R , Bergström Annika
Published: March 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and long-term outcome of surgically and conservatively treated cats with cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of cats with CCLD, diagnosed at two university animal hospitals between January 2011 and December 2016, was performed. Signalment, history, treatment and follow-up information were retrieved. Cat owners were contacted for additional long-term follow-up information. The cases were divided into two groups: one conservatively managed and one surgically treated with the lateral fabellotibial suture technique. A quality of life questionnaire, the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Index (FMPI), was distributed to the owners of cats alive at follow-up for assessment of chronic pain as a long-term outcome. Univariable statistical methods were used to evaluate the data.

Results

Fifty cats were identified and were followed for a median of 41 months after diagnosis of CCLD. Seven cats (14%) developed bilateral CCLD. Twenty-eight cats (56%) were treated conservatively and 22 (44%) surgically. All surgically treated cats in which arthrotomy was performed (19/22) had total cranial cruciate ligament rupture and 9/19 (47%) had meniscal injuries. Postoperative surgical complications were recorded in 6/22 cats (27%). Owners of 24/29 (83%) cats still alive at follow-up completed the FMPI questionnaire. The conservatively treated cats had a lower FMPI score, indicating less chronic pain, than those cats treated surgically ( P = 0.017).

Conclusions and relevance

Conservatively treated cats with CCLD experienced less chronic pain at long-term follow-up than surgically treated cats. Bilateral disease is not uncommon in cats with CCLD.
Evaluation of tribological properties of sesame oil as biolubricant with SiO2 nanoparticles and imidazolium-based ionic liquid as hybrid additives
Authors: Sabarinath S , Rajendrakumar PK , Prabhakaran Nair K
Published: March 2019

The renewability and ecofriendly nature of vegetable oils make them a competitive candidate to replace depleting petroleum-based mineral oils. However, the poor antiwear properties of vegetable oils restrict them from many industrial applications as lubricants. In the present work, the synergic effect of SiO2 nanoparticles with ionic liquids 1-butyl-3- methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate as hybrid antiwear additives in enhancing the tribological properties of sesame oil is studied for steel on steel contacts. Morphologies of the worn surfaces and possibilities of tribofilm formation are examined using a field-emission scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis. A density functional theory analysis is performed to study the existence of intermolecular forces of attraction between ionic liquid and triglyceride molecules. Rheological properties of the blends are evaluated using Anton Paar MCR10 rheometer. Corrosive properties of the oil blends are studied using copper strip corrosion test (ASTM D130).
Effect of wear on the performance of hole entry hybrid conical journal bearing employing constant flow valve compensation
Authors: Pawar Sanjay R , Phalle Vikas M
Published: March 2019

Hybrid bearings gets worn gradually during the start and stop operation. This wearing leads to change in the geometry of bearing and affects the radical clearance as well as fluid film thickness. Therefore, these discontinuities in the radial clearance can influence the performance characteristics. With the purpose of preventing irreparable failure state of bearing assembly, it is essential to concentrate on the actual changes in the performance parameters of hole entry hybrid conical journal bearing due to wear. In this context, the main aim of this analysis is to predict the performance of hole entry hybrid conical journal bearing employing constant flow valve compensation. Modified Reynolds equation in spherical coordinate form is used to govern the flow of lubricant in the narrow region between journal and conical bearing. The solution to this Reynolds equation is obtained by finite element analysis with appropriate boundary conditions. This paper summarizes that for a given bearing with constant flow valve as compensating element, the wear causes variation in lubricant film thickness, which strongly affects load capacity, pressure generated, and dynamic performance parameters.
Impairment of odor discrimination and identification is associated with disability progression and gray matter atrophy of the olfactory system in MS
Authors: Bsteh Gabriel , Steiger Ruth , Tuovinen Noora , Hegen Harald , Berek Klaus , Wurth Sebastian , Auer Michael , Di Pauli Franziska , Gizewski Elke R , Deisenhammer Florian , Berger Thomas , Scherfler Christoph
Published: March 2019

Background:

Impairment of odor discrimination (D), identification (I), and threshold (T) are characteristic features of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

To identify patterns of gray matter concentration (GMC) associated with different qualities of olfactory function.

Methods:

Olfactory function (T and combined DI score) was measured by Sniffin’ Sticks-Test over 2 years longitudinally, and T1-weighted 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 37 MS patients and 18 matched healthy controls (HCs). Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was applied to objectively identify changes of voxel-wise-GMC throughout the entire brain volume and to correlate image parameters with odor function.

Results:

SPM localized significant GMC decreases in the anterior cingulum as well as temporomesial and frontobasal brain areas of the MS group compared with HCs, and revealed significant correlations between lower DI scores and GMC decreases in the olfactory gyrus, anterior cingulum, temporal regions including the parahippocampus, and putamen. Contrarily, no correlations were found between T and GMC. Patients with disability progression had significantly lower mean temporomesial/putamen GMC (0.782 vs 0.804, p = 0.004) compared to patients without Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) progression.

Conclusion:

Impairment of DI, but not T is associated with GM atrophy in brain regions related to olfactory function. Further studies are warranted to investigate DI scores and temporomesial/putamen GMC as biomarkers for disability progression.
Re-theorising the funds of identity concept from the perspective of subjectivity
Authors: Poole Adam
Published: March 2019

This paper is a theoretical response to recent developments in the funds of identity literature which has seen the introduction of two interconnected concepts, ‘dark funds of identity’ and ‘existential funds of identity’. While these recent concepts may expand the canvas from which researchers draw in developing interventionist approaches for minoritised students, they nevertheless polarise positive and negative emotions and experiences which is problematic on a conceptual level. This paper addresses this issue by first presenting how funds of identity and existential funds of identity have been theorised, arguing that there remains a tension between the distributed theory of the original conceptualisation of funds of identity and the phenomenological and subjective dimension that underpins existential funds of identity. In order to resolve this tension, I situate the funds of identity concept within a cultural historical tradition, drawing upon González Rey’s work on subject sense and subjectivity in order to propose an alternative conceptualisation of funds of identity that allows researchers to transcend the dichotomy of positive and negative emotions.