bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidimensional Computerized Adaptive Testing Using Non-Compensatory Item Response Theory Models
Authors: Hsu Chia-Ling , Wang Wen-Chung
Published: October 2018

Current use of multidimensional computerized adaptive testing (MCAT) has been developed in conjunction with compensatory multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) models rather than with non-compensatory ones. In recognition of the usefulness of MCAT and the complications associated with non-compensatory data, this study aimed to develop MCAT algorithms using non-compensatory MIRT models and to evaluate their performance. For the purpose of the study, three item selection methods were adapted and compared, namely, the Fisher information method, the mutual information method, and the Kullback–Leibler information method. The results of a series of simulations showed that the Fisher information and mutual information methods performed similarly, and both outperformed the Kullback–Leibler information method. In addition, it was found that the more stringent the termination criterion and the higher the correlation between the latent traits, the higher the resulting measurement precision and test reliability. Test reliability was very similar across the dimensions, regardless of the correlation between the latent traits and termination criterion. On average, the difficulties of the administered items were found to be at a lower level than the examinees’ abilities, which shed light on item bank construction for non-compensatory items.
Systemic ventricle morphology impact on ten-year survival after Fontan surgery
Authors: Fauziah Mira , Lilyasari Oktavia , Liastuti Lies Dina , Rahmat Budi
Published: October 2018

Background

The Fontan procedure has been applied in many patients with single-ventricle physiology, with quite low mortality rates all over the world, and a 8.6%–9.1% rate in Indonesia. Structural and characteristic differences in the morphologically left and right ventricles influence the role of the systemic ventricle in the functionally univentricular heart and impact on postoperative outcomes. Mid- and long-term survival based on systemic ventricle morphology remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the impact of systemic ventricle morphology on ten-year survival after the Fontan procedure.

Methods

The 162 patients who underwent a Fontan operation at our institution between 2008 and February 2018 and survived to discharge were reviewed and followed up until March 2018. Data were extracted from the registry and pediatric surgical conferences, medical records, surgery reports, echocardiography and catheterization reports, and follow-up to the end of the study period. Median follow-up was 26.5 months (range 10.75–54 months).

Results

The patients were divided into 2 groups based on systemic ventricle morphology. Seventy-four patients were included in the left morphology group and 88 in the right morphology group. There was no difference in 10-year survival rates between the two type of systemic ventricle morphology. Postoperative thromboembolic events influenced the 10-year survival rate after the Fontan procedure (hazard ratio 4.84, 95% confidence interval: 1.26–18.55, p = 0.021).

Conclusion

Systemic ventricle morphology was not associated with the 10-year survival rate after the Fontan procedure. Postoperative thromboembolic events accounted for a 4.84-times higher mortality risk after the Fontan procedure.
Beyond the Neomaterialist Divide: Negotiating Between Eliminative and Vital Materialism with Integrated Information Theory
Authors: Wilson Alexander
Published: October 2018

Though most neomaterialists share a commitment to the Copernican decentring of humans from the world stage, there is disagreement on the purposes of such an endeavour. The polemic stems from a fundamental discrepancy about what the return to materiality entails: is matter the principle of the non-thinking as such, or is it always already imbued with some sort of subjectivity? Is the new materialism’s goal to come to terms with the non-living origin of life? Or is it rather to recognize that seemingly dead materials are always in some sense incipiently alive? For convenience, we can think of two neomaterialist perspectives: the rationalist or eliminative neomaterialism, and the vitalist or panpsychist neomaterialism. I explore some of the conceptual problems faced by both camps and, drawing from the recently developed theory of consciousness as integrated information (Tononi), as well as its quantum physical construal by Max Tegmark, I suggest some provisional ways to address those issues.
Single-cell, high-throughput analysis of cell docking to vessel wall
Authors: Andrzejewska Anna , Nowakowski Adam , Grygorowicz Tomasz , Dabrowska Sylwia , Orzel Jarosław , Walczak Piotr , Lukomska Barbara , Janowski Miroslaw
Published: October 2018

Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been reported consistently in animal models of stroke, with mechanism mainly through immunomodulation and paracrine activity. Intravenous injection has been a prevailing route for MSCs administration, but cell quantities needed when scaling-up from mouse to human are extremely high putting into question feasibility of that approach. Intra-arterial delivery directly routes the cells to the brain thus lowering the required dose. Cell engineering may additionally improve cell homing, further potentiating the value of intra-arterial route. Therefore, our goal was to create microfluidic platform for screening and fast selection of molecules that enhance the docking of stem cells to vessel wall. We hypothesized that our software will be capable of detecting distinct docking properties of naïve and ITGA4-engineered MSCs. Indeed, the cell flow tracker analysis revealed positive effect of cell engineering on docking frequency of MSCs (42% vs. 9%, engineered vs. control cells, p < 0.001). These observations were then confirmed in an animal model of focal brain injury where cell engineering resulted in improved homing to the brain. To conclude, we developed a platform to study the docking of cells to the vessel wall which is highly relevant for intraarterial cell targeting or studies on neuroinflammation.
Clinical application and importance of one-step human CYP2C19 genotype detection
Authors: Zheng Ling-Jie , Liu Ning , Yang Kun , Wang Ai-Feng , Tan Zhi-Rong , Li Xiang
Published: October 2018

Background

To directly achieve cytochrome P450 2C19 gene ( CYP2C19) classification using one-step real-time fluorescent PCR detection and to verify the capabilities of this method with nucleic acid extracted from whole blood samples.

Methods

A human CYP2C19 genotyping kit based on one-step real-time fluorescent PCR detection was used to analyze whole blood or genomic DNA samples. This method was compared with pyrosequencing and another quantitative (q)PCR kit for its accuracy, repeatability, detection range analysis, sensitivity, specificity, and anti-interference analysis.

Results

The one-step real-time PCR method achieved a 100% accuracy rate compared with pyrosequencing and the other qPCR kit. When detecting different concentrations of known genes, concentrations of each sample ranging from 0.2 to 125 ng/µL could be correctly detected. The genotypes of samples treated with anticoagulants, including EDTA and sodium citrate, and chyle blood samples could be correctly detected.

Conclusion

The one-step detection method demonstrated high accuracy and a wide detection range. It also had high levels of repeatability, sensitivity, and specificity for the assessment of genomic DNA test samples.
The Criminal Narrative Experience of Psychopathic and Personality Disordered Offenders
Authors: Goodlad Katie , Ioannou Maria , Hunter Melanie
Published: October 2018

Given the challenges associated with psychopathic and personality disordered offenders, further insight is needed. One way of doing this is by looking at offending from the first-person perspective. The study investigated the criminal narrative experience (CNE) of this population during the commissioning of crimes. Twenty-two high-risk male offenders were recruited and a questionnaire design was used. The data were analysed using Smallest Space Analysis which revealed four themes consistent with Ioannou, Canter, and Youngs’s CNE framework: depressed victim, distressed revenger, calm professional, and elated hero. Independent samples t tests explored whether personality disorders related to CNE themes, and Pearson’s product–moment correlation was used to explore the relationship between psychopathy and the CNE themes. Borderline personality disorder identified with the depressed victim. Paranoid and schizoid personality disorders did not identify with the calm professional. There was no significant relationship between psychopathy and the CNE themes. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Advanced modeling and control of 5 MW wind turbine using global optimization algorithms
Authors: Jafari Soheil , Majidi Pishkenari Mohsen , Sohrabi Shahin , Feizarefi Morteza
Published: October 2018

This article presents a methodological approach for controller gain tuning of wind turbines using global optimization algorithms. For this purpose, the wind turbine structural and aerodynamic modeling are first described and a complete model for a 5 MW wind turbine is developed as a case study based on a systematic modeling approach. The turbine control requirements are then described and classified using its power curve to generate an appropriate control structure for satisfying all turbine control modes simultaneously. Next, the controller gain tuning procedure is formulated as an engineering optimization problem where the command tracking error and minimum response time are defined as objective function indices and physical limitations (overspeed and oscillatory response) are considered as penalty functions. Taking the nonlinear nature of the turbine model and its controller into account, two meta-heuristic global optimization algorithms (Imperialist Competitive Algorithm and Differential Evolution) are used to deal with the defined objective functions where the mechanism of interaction between the defined problem and the used algorithms are presented in a flowchart feature. The results confirm that the proposed approach is satisfactory and both algorithms are able to achieve the optimized controller for the wind turbine.
Three Methods for Anticipating and Understanding Uncertainty of Outputs from Transportation and Land Use Models
Authors: Wang Guangmin , Kockelman Kara M.
Published: October 2018

This study demonstrates three methods for uncertainty propagation in transportation and land-use models (LUMs): Local Sensitivity Analysis with Interaction (LSAI), Monte Carlo (MC), and Bayesian Melding (BM). Two case-study settings are used to illustrate how these methods work, allowing for inter-method comparisons. LSAI can provide the sign of change implied by changes in model inputs, the relative importance of changes in different inputs, and a decomposition of changes in outputs due to the impact of inputs’ individual and interactive. LSAI is limited to relatively small-size problems because its computing time rises exponentially with the number of (groups of) inputs. Moreover, LSAI obtains only point estimates, while MC and BM methods can deliver entire distributions of each output through an understanding of the uncertainty in all model inputs and parameters. MC delivers each output’s distribution and requires hundreds of samples, especially for more accurate results. Fortunately, MC methods are especially useful for high-dimensional problems because convergence rates are not a function of model dimensionality and errors depend only on sample size and input uncertainties. BM delivers posterior distributions for model outputs, using prior probability distributions and likelihoods of inputs and parameters, along with validation of/comparison to intermediate model outputs. A BM approach can be extremely expensive, in terms of computing time, since it requires several hundred model runs.
Qualitatively Derived Definitions of Emotional Infidelity Among Professional Women in Cross-Gender Relationships
Authors: Morrissey Lindsey , Wettersten Kara B. , Brionez Julio
Published: October 2018

We aimed to define emotional infidelity among professional women who are in monogamous, cross-gender romantic relationships. We used constructivist grounded theory to capture participants’ lived experiences, perspectives, and worldviews. Eight currently partnered, self-identified women, established in their careers, and between the ages of 32 and 49, engaged in semi-structured initial, and brief follow-up, telephone interviews. Our data analysis and integration of participants’ perspectives and experiences revealed three main categories: (1) defining emotional infidelity, (2) how emotional infidelity occurs, and (3) relationship safeguarding. We developed a substantive, though preliminary, definition of emotional infidelity grounded in the literature and based on eight women’s discussion of emotional infidelity. Our hope is that researchers and practitioners would use this definition both as a model for investigating other population-specific definitions of emotional infidelity, and for better understanding and intervening upon relational processes related to emotional infidelity.
Is the Child Really What’s Being Rated? Sources of Variance in Teacher Ratings of Socioemotional Skills
Authors: An Xiaozhu , Curby Timothy W. , Brock Laura L.
Published: October 2018

This study examined three potential sources of variance in teacher ratings of the socioemotional skills of children: occasion, child, and teacher. The ratings were prepared using the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment. In total, 344 children were assessed in both the fall and spring of kindergarten and first grade, providing a total of 1,067 ratings across 106 teachers. We employed cross-classified random effects models to account for multiple occasions of measurement that were nested within both children and teachers, which allowed us to determine the amounts of variance attributable to occasion, children, and teachers. Overall, occasion accounted for the greatest proportion of variance (43%-50%) across a variety of socioemotional subscales, followed by child (36%-46%), and teacher (11%-16%). Findings suggest that caution is warranted when using these scales for high-stake decisions.
Developing Educational 3D Games With StarLogo: The Role of Backwards Fading in the Transfer of Programming Experience
Authors: Boldbaatar Nomin , Şendurur Emine
Published: October 2018

The emergence of block-based environments aims to facilitate the problems caused by the abstractness of text-based languages. Recent studies generally focus on the effect of having block-based experience on programming education. This study is an attempt to observe the transfer of previous programming experiences (block-based vs. text-based) into a three-dimensional game-making environment through the use of backwards fading. In addition to observation of transfer, students' perceptions about the difficulty of practices were also investigated. Twenty-one senior university students participated in the study. They practiced through worked example, completion example, and full practice. Moreover, the comparison of the contribution of three examples, their perceived difficulty, and cognitive load has also been observed. There are four main findings that add value to the current literature. First, students having text-based programming experience had higher scores, which may be a sign of far transfer; second, completion example format was more efficient for students having block-based programming experience; third, full practice format was perceived as more difficult than either worked example or completion example; and fourth, based on the efficiency of example formats, completion example represented high efficiency for all students. However, average efficiency of all example formats has represented high efficiency for students, who had text-based programming experience.
Dose and time-dependent effects of sodium fluoride on sperm motility: An in vitro study
Authors: Chaithra Basavalingappa , Sarjan Halugudde Nagaraja , Shivabasavaiah
Published: October 2018

The present study was undertaken to investigate the toxic effects of sodium fluoride (NaF) on sperm motility and abnormality. Treatment of epididymal sperm suspensions with different doses of NaF (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 mg/ml) significantly reduced sperm motility at 15- and 30-min time intervals. Further, incubation at the same concentrations of NaF for 5-, 10-, and 15-min time intervals decreased sperm motility in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The present investigation revealed for the first time the adverse effect of lower doses of NaF (0.1 mg/ml) on sperm motility. Further, higher doses of NaF (10 and 100 mg/ml) caused a complete loss of sperm motility with a concomitant increase in sperm abnormality, which reflected the toxic effect of NaF on spermatozoa and its capability in fertilization.
An investigation of professional development among educational policy-makers, institutional leaders and teachers
Authors: Nguyen Huu Cuong
Published: October 2018

This study investigates professional development among educational policy-makers, institutional leaders and teachers. Through a synthesis of associated literature, this study identified a large number of articles focusing on professional development among teachers and lecturers. However, only a few studies on professional development among leaders and managers of educational institutions were ascertained, and research on professional development for educational policy-makers is also limited. This article first presents key aspects of professional development. It then reviews professional development theories and practices for policy-makers, institutional leaders and teachers. Finally, a discussion and recommendations are provided. This article contributes to the limited literature on professional development at the meso-level for institutional leaders, and at the macro-level for policy-makers.
The influence of process parameters on the distribution of residual stresses in magnetically impelled arc welded joints
Authors: Sedighi M , MosayebNezhad J
Published: October 2018

In this study, the influence of welding parameters on the distribution of residual stress in magnetically impelled arc butt welded joints was investigated. As major contributing factors to the quality of weldments and residual stress, welding time and welding upsetting pressure were focal points of this work. Experimentally verified thermal-metallurgical and mechanical finite element model was used for conducting this purpose. The effects of phase change including volumetric phase change and transformation plasticity were considered in the numerical model. Based on the numerical simulation it was observed that for instance by increasing upset pressure from 0 to 130 MPa, axial residual stresses have reduced from −210 MPa to −119 MPa, while by increasing welding time from 4 to 6 s, these stresses have increased from −119 MPa to −138 MPa on the outer surface of the weld line.
The method of restraining hydraulic impact with active adjusting variable damping
Authors: Wang Chengbin , Quan Long , Ou Hengan
Published: October 2018

Hydraulic impact is a common phenomenon in the hydraulic transmission system, which has great influence on the smooth operation of hydraulic transmission system and the service life of hydraulic components, especially to the hydraulic system with large inertia load. In order to restrain the hydraulic impact, the causes for hydraulic impact are analyzed, and a new method of active adjusting variable damping was developed. The principle of this method is to make use of the reserving signal to predict the timing of the hydraulic shock wave actively and adjust the opening size of the damped hole accordingly to restrain the hydraulic impact. This method was applied to the hydraulic system of a cinder scraper's rail trolley as a case study through simulation and experimental testing. The results show that the method has the advantages of quick response speed, effective restraint of hydraulic impact in the system and low energy consumption. By using this method, the hydraulic impact in the hydraulic system of the cinder scraper's rail trolley can be effectively controlled without affecting the response speed of the system.
Opportunities for variable rotor lead in screw compressors depending on dimensionless numbers
Authors: Utri Matthias , Brümmer Andreas
Published: October 2018

The paper deals with the optimisation of the geometry of screw machines, focussing on the wrap angle of the rotors. The Pi-theorem is used to identify independent thermodynamic and geometric factors for the optimisation of dry running twin screw compressors with uniform and dual lead rotors. Dual lead rotors possess two segments with different rotor leads, which can be selected to optimise the progression of chamber volume, clearance size and outlet area. Energy efficiency of the compressors is determined using a multi-chamber model simulation in which fluids are treated as ideal gases. The wrap angles of the rotors are optimised for a given set of characteristic numbers using the Nelder–Mead algorithm. Optimisation results reveal that the optimal geometry mainly depends on the circumferential Mach number and isentropic exponent of the fluid since these influence discharge throttling and the pressure progression due to volumetric compression. The results point out that dual lead compressors are most beneficial for fluids with low speed of sound and low isentropic exponent.
Practical generalized optimal guidance law with impact angle constraint
Authors: Lee Chang-Hun , Ryu Moo-Yong
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we provide a practical solution to the generalized optimal guidance problem with an impact angle constraint. The optimal guidance problem with arbitrary weighting functions is extended to explicitly consider a missile dynamic lag effect as well as a missile velocity variation. Therefore, compared to existing results, the proposed result can prevent performance degradation due to the dynamic lag effect and the velocity variation, which is an essential issue in practice. Besides, since the proposed guidance law is formulated from the generalized optimal control framework, it can directly inherit a vital feature of the framework: providing an additional degree of freedom in shaping a guidance command for achieving a specific guidance operational goal. An illustrative example is provided in order to validate this property. In this study, the proposed solution is also compared with the existing solutions. The comparison results indicate that the proposed result is a more general and practical solution. Finally, numerical simulations are also conducted to demonstrate the practical significance of the proposed method.
‘Une passion française’: The mourning of Johnny Hallyday
Authors: Looseley David
Published: October 2018

The article examines the responses to the death of singer Johnny Hallyday in December 2017, developing the analysis undertaken in my earlier article (Looseley, 2005). Hallyday’s passing and the astonishing expressions of grief and loss it generated brought to the fore the monumental importance he had assumed in French public life and public discourse at the close of his 60-year career. Despite his having initially been condemned or lampooned as a Trojan horse of Americanisation, by the end he was applauded for having enriched French cultural identity with American popular-cultural influences and yet maintained an essential, canny Frenchness. In this context, his public status and meanings are underpinned throughout by the problematic issue of authenticity, both musical and national. They also shed new light on the perennial cultural debate in France between particularism and universalism.
Revisiting Plozévet
Authors: Forsdick Charles
Published: October 2018

A special issue of French Cultural Studies in 1999 sought to explore the ways in which Modern Linguists have often tended to erase traces of their personal lives from their work. Contributors responded in an autobiographical mode by exploring the ‘hidden selves of scholars and teachers’. This article builds on these reflections by exploring the extent to which Edgar Morin’s Commune en France (1967), his contribution to the multidisciplinary project in Plozévet in Brittany, may be understood as ‘autobiographie involontaire’. The study reads Morin’s Journal de Plozévet (published in 2001, over three decades after the research was completed) in relation to the original monograph and suggests that the diary operates as the second panel of a diptych that reveals the texts’ interdependence. The journal fulfils a ‘genetic’ function, providing the sources for elements of Morin’s monograph and giving an indication of the extent to which Morin drew on the work of his wider team to complement his own observations. More importantly, however, reading the two texts in counterpoint – the one providing spontaneous reflections in the field; the other revealing their processing in the immediate aftermath of the enquête – is part of the revelation of the ‘hidden selves’ of a researcher embedded in a monograph that has been long considered a classic of post-war French sociology.
Biribi: Disciplining and punishing in the French empire
Authors: Cooper Nicola
Published: October 2018

This article discusses the infamous Bataillons d’Afrique to which French former criminals were sent to complete their duty of military service. The ‘Bat d’Af’ were created to prevent the young male bourgeoisie from having to mix with these ‘undesirables’ and ‘reprobates’, and they were stationed well away from the mainland in France’s North African colonies. This article discusses themes such as discipline, punishment, torture, homosexuality, interracial power relations, and delinquent ‘cultures’ in this imperial context.
Do newspapers preferentially cover biomedical studies involving national scientists?
Authors: Dumas-Mallet Estelle , Tajika Aran , Smith Andy , Boraud Thomas , Furukawa Toshiaki A. , Gonon François
Published: October 2018

News value theory rates geographical proximity as an important factor in the process of issue selection by journalists. But does this apply to science journalism? Previous observational studies investigating whether newspapers preferentially cover scientific studies involving national scientists have generated conflicting answers. Here we used a database of 123 biomedical studies, 113 of them involving at least one research team working in eight countries (Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States). We compiled all the newspaper articles covering these 123 studies and published in English, French, and Japanese languages. In all eight countries, we found that newspapers preferentially covered studies involving a national team. Moreover, these “national” studies on average gave rise to a larger number of newspaper articles than “foreign” studies. Finally, our study resolves the conflict with previous conclusions by providing an alternative interpretation of published observations.
Determinants of Adoption of New Technology in Telecom Sector: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Chatterjee Susmita , Chaudhuri Bibek Ray , Dutta Debabrata
Published: October 2018

In this article, we look at the determinants of the new technology adoption by consumers in the case of mobile telecommunications. The dynamic nature of the telecom industry is a result of the frequent technological change. Consumers witness different technology standards in mobile communications, starting from the first generation (1G) to second generation (2G) subsequently to third (3G) and now experiencing fourth (4G) in some countries such as Norway, Sweden, South Korea, and the USA including ours. The movement from one standard to the other has been predicted to be smooth as all of them are vertical substitutes for each other. Given the various dimensions such as price, requirements, utility and so on, these technology standards are not perfect substitutes. The article investigates the prospect of a new technology standard roll out in India. A survey of 400 mobile phone customers in metro telecom circles has been carried out for this purpose. The study applies structural equation modeling (SEM) and explores the adoption intention of this new technology among the respondents. Results show that the presence of low-cost alternatives that is the availability of a lower technology standard poses a significant hurdle to the adoption of new technology services.
Reforming the Indian Port Sector
Authors: Hussain Afaq
Published: October 2018

The port sector is a strong driver of economic and regional development and national integration to world markets. In the case of India, the port sector has played a vital role in sustaining growth in the country’s trade and commerce. However, the growth of trade and subsequent maritime traffic has fast outpaced the development of port infrastructure in India. Against the background of government initiatives in this sector, the objective of this article is to contextualize the importance of port sector development, specifically the impact that improvements in infrastructure quality can have on India’s global trade. This article also highlights the challenges that need to be addressed in order to achieve the vision of a reformed and effective Indian port sector, as well as the importance of involving private players in port development in India through public–private partnership (PPP) projects.
Cosmopolitanism, Responsibility to Protect and the Libya Intervention: A Reassessment
Authors: Erameh Nicholas Idris
Published: October 2018

Protection of civilians has remained problematic either when it occurs or when it does not. And this has generated heated debate among several theoretical schools, with grave consequences for international relations theorising. The Libya crisis in 2011 represents one of those cases that has led to arguments and counter-arguments, particularly on justification, agency, means and outcomes of the intervention. This study interrogates as to what extent cosmopolitanism shaped the need to protect civilians in the Libya crisis, the successes, challenges and the consequences of cosmopolitanism on the Libya intervention. The study argues that even though cosmopolitanism bears a large part in informing the need to protect civilians in Libya, the way and manner the intervention turns out to be poses a serious challenge to cosmopolitanism. Hence, there is the need for cosmopolitanism to think beyond justifying intervention to monitoring actors involved, institutions, intervention processes as well as the post-intervention era, especially in terms of rebuilding.
Are Founder-Led Firms Less Susceptible to Managerial Myopia?
Authors: Schuster Charlotte L. , Nicolai Alexander T. , Covin Jeffrey G.
Published: October 2018

Considerable evidence suggests that CEOs often behave myopically. It is open to debate, however, whether managerial myopia is equally prevalent among founder-led firms. Drawing on agency theory and stewardship theory, we analyze whether founder-led firms are less likely than nonfounder-led firms to cut R&D expenditures in order to meet the short-term earnings goals suggested by these firms’ past performance histories. Our analysis of Standard & Poor’s 1,500 companies from 1992 to 2013 indicates that myopia is an enduring phenomenon and prevalent among very large companies. However, founder-led firms are less likely than nonfounder-led firms to exhibit myopic behavior.
Adherence to Aerosol Therapy in Young People With Cystic Fibrosis: Patient and Parent Perspectives Following Electronic Data Capture
Authors: O’Toole Daniel P. H. , Latchford Gary J. , Duff Alistair J.A. , Ball Rosemary , McCormack Pamela , McNamara Paul S. , Brownlee Keith G. , Southern Kevin W.
Published: October 2018

The benefits of improved treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF) depend on optimal adherence, which remains problematic, particularly to aerosol therapy. In this study, we explored the process of adhering to aerosol therapy from the perspective of both adolescents with CF and their parents. Interviews were conducted individually with six adolescents and six parents, informed by accurate adherence data from an electronically chipped, aerosol device. Interview transcripts from audio-recordings were analyzed using grounded theory method (GTM). Major themes revealed differences in perspective between parent and adolescent, with this relationship mediating the cognitive and emotional processes that play a significant role in adherence behavior. These processes are further influenced by interactions with the aerosol therapy treatment regimen, device characteristics, and the context in which adherence is taking place. Parents and adolescents have different views of treatment and how to manage it. Both need to be addressed if optimal adherence is to be achieved.
A New Model for Risk Stratification of Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Jen Wei-Ying , Jeon Young Seok , Kojodjojo Pipin , Lee Eleen Hui Er , Lee Ya Hui , Ren Yi Ping , Tan Teng Jie Shawn , Song Yang , Zhang Tianjiao , Teo Lynette , Feng Mengling , Chee Yen-Lin
Published: October 2018

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with mortality. There are many clinical prediction tools to predict early mortality in acute PE but little consensus on which is best. Our study aims to validate existing prediction tools and derive a predictive model that can be applied to all patients with acute PE in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with acute PE. For each patient, the Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI), simplified PESI (sPESI), European Society of Cardiology (ESC), and Angriman scores were calculated. Scores were assessed by the area under the receive-operating curve (AUC) for 30-day, all-cause mortality. To develop a new prognostic model, elastic logistic regression was used on the derivation cohort to estimate β-coefficients of 8 different variables; these were normalized to weigh them. A total of 321 patients (mean age 60±17 years) were included. Overall 30-day mortality was 10.3%. None of the scores performed well; the AUCs for the PESI, sPESI, ESC, and Angriman scores were 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57-0.77), 0.58 (0.48-0.69), 0.65 (0.55-0.75), and 0.67 (0.57-0.76), respectively. Our new prediction model outperformed PESI, with an AUC of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.76-0.88). At a cutoff score of 100, 195 (60.1%) patients were classified as low risk. Thirty-day mortality was 2.1% (95% CI, 0.8%-5.2%) and 23.0% (16.5%-31.1%) for low- and high-risk groups, respectively ( P < .001). In conclusion, we have developed a new model that outperforms existing prediction tools in all comers with PE. However, further validation on external cohorts is required before application.
The Effect of the Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion on Disparities in Access to Care and Health Status
Authors: Lee Hyunjung , Porell Frank W.
Published: October 2018

Before the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion, nonelderly childless adults were not generally eligible for Medicaid regardless of their income, and Hispanics had much higher uninsured rates than other racial/ethnic subgroups. We estimated difference-in-differences models on Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance data (2011-2016) to estimate the impacts of Medicaid expansion on racial/ethnic disparities in insurance coverage, access to care, and health status in this vulnerable subpopulation. Uninsured rates among all poor childless adults declined by roughly 9 percentage points more in states that expanded Medicaid. While expansion also had favorable impacts on most access and health outcomes among Whites in expansion states, there were relatively few such impacts among Blacks and Hispanics. Through 2016, Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion was more effective in improving access and health outcomes among White low-income childless adults than mitigating racial/ethnic disparities.
It’s Bigger Than Hip-Hop: Sampling and the Emergence of the Market Enhancement Model in Fair Use Case Law
Authors: Fuller P. Brooks , Abdenour Jesse
Published: October 2018

“Sampling” copyrighted works to create new expression has a rich history in creative culture, particularly in hip-hop music, a genre that values revision and recontextualization. However, courts are mixed on whether sampling should be considered fair use. Many courts have found that sampling harms the original artist’s ability to license copyrighted material, thereby diminishing the work’s marketability. But some courts recognize that sampling can enhance the market for the original work. The present study explores the tension between these opposing fair use models—what we call the “pure market substitute” and “market enhancement” models—currently percolating in lower courts. Through an analysis of cases involving hip-hop sampling and similar practices, we argue that the “market enhancement” model, which considers cultural and audience characteristics that impact marketability, better serves the goals of copyright law and should be more widely adopted. We further recommend that courts consider three factors when analyzing market impact in fair use sampling cases: provable effects of the sample on the market for the original work, the nature and duration of the original author’s market participation, and the similarity between markets for the original and secondary works.
Centralized preparation of chemotherapy for remote administration
Authors: Dobish Roxanne , Chambers Carole R , Gill Sukhraj
Published: October 2018

Increasingly stringent pharmacy standards for preparation of sterile products necessitated a review of the feasibility of continuing to maintain chemotherapy sterile production facilities across the provincial cancer programme. The concept of centrally produced chemotherapy that could be shipped to various locations as a remote service delivery model was explored. Key planning principles were established and detailed processes were developed to test this change in service delivery at one small cancer centre. Following the successful implementation and evaluation of the remote service delivery model at one centre, the programme was rolled out to an additional four centres.
A Long-Term Outcome Assessment of the Effects on Subsequent Reoffense Rates of a Prison-Based CBT/RNR Sex Offender Treatment Program With Strength-Based Elements
Authors: Olver M. E. , Marshall L. E. , Marshall W. L. , Nicholaichuk T. P.
Published: October 2018

This article describes an evaluation of the effects of an early version (1991-2001) of Rockwood’s prison-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Risk–Needs–Responsivity (CBT/RNR) sex offender program that had emerging elements of a strength-based approach. This program was implemented under contract to Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) and continued to evolve in response to emerging evidence until it closed in 2013. Thus, the program as evaluated here did not involve a fixed approach as did the comparison CSC program (hereafter referred to as SOTP). Long-term reoffense data, from Rockwood’s program ( n = 579), were compared with SOTP ( n = 625) and with a group of untreated men ( n = 107) sentenced for sex offenses. A modified brief actuarial risk scale (BARS-M) was used to control for baseline risk among the three groups, along with additional controls for age at release, victim type, and individual differences in the length of long-term follow-up period. Both treatment groups displayed lower rates of both sexual and violent reoffending when compared with the no-treatment offenders. Overall, the Rockwood program generated the lowest recidivism rates. The results demonstrate that prison-based sex offense–specific treatment can be effective. We discuss the strengths and limitations of the current design through the Collaborative Outcome Data Committee’s guidelines.
Methylphenidate and Reduced Overweight in Children With ADHD
Authors: Mellström Elisabeth , Forsman Cecilia , Engh Lisbet , Hallerbäck Maria Unenge , Wikström Sverre
Published: October 2018

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate odds ratios of overweight/obesity in children with ADHD and to compare the change in body mass index (BMI) after initiation of methylphenidate treatment in normal versus overweight/obese children. Method: This population-based study included 724 children (<18 years), of whom 197 were girls. Odds ratios for overweight and obesity were calculated, comparing the study group with a reference group from the same area. After initiation of methylphenidate treatment, changes in BMI were assessed for up to 3 years. Results: Children with ADHD had an odds ratio of 1.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.60, 2.19]) for overweight/obesity. A decrease in BMI standard deviation score was identified 1 to 3 years into treatment. The decrease was beneficially greater in overweight/obese as compared with normal weight children-mean ( SD) −0.64 (0.80) versus −0.39 (0.68); p = .001-and greater in girls. Conclusion: Medication with methylphenidate may facilitate favorable weight development in children with ADHD and overweight/obesity.
Predictors of Burden of Care Among Caregivers of Drug-Naive Children and Adolescents With ADHD: A Cross-Sectional Correlative Study From Muscat, Oman
Authors: Al-Balushi Naser , Al-Alawi Mohammed , Al Shekaili Muna , Al-Balushi Manal , Mirza Hassan , Al-Huseini Salim , Panchatcharam Sathiya Murthi , Al-Sibani Nasser , Cucchi Angie , Al-Adawi Samir
Published: October 2018

Objective: the study assessed the prevalence of burden of care among caregivers of children with ADHD in Oman. A related aim is to explore the predictors of the burden of care, subtypes of ADHD, and socio-demographic factors. Method: Arabic version of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) was administered to 117 caregivers of drug-naive children with ADHD. Sociodemographic background and clinical data were gathered from medical records and from the attending caregivers themselves. The ADHD symptoms were grouped under three categories : hyperactive, inattentive, or mixed. Results: the prevalence of the burden of care was estimated to be 34%. Income levels and the child’s ADHD diagnosis being of “mixed” type have significant impact on the burden of care. Conclusion: the results of this study indicate that the prevalence of the burden of care among the caregivers of ADHD children in Oman is comparable with that in the other regions of the world.
Effects of Electronic Cigarette Liquid Flavors and Modified Risk Messages on Perceptions and Subjective Effects of E-Cigarettes
Authors: Bono Rose S. , Barnes Andrew J. , Lester Rebecca C. , Cobb Caroline O.
Published: October 2018

Understanding how two characteristics—flavors and modified risk messages—affect perceptions and subjective effects of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) can inform tobacco control efforts. In two within-subjects studies ( N = 17 and N = 19), the effects of e-cigarette flavors (tobacco vs. menthol and unflavored vs. cherry) and hypothetical modified risk messages (“reduced harm relative to cigarettes” vs. no message and “reduced carcinogen exposure relative to cigarettes” vs. no message) on cigarette smokers’ perceptions of e-cigarettes were measured after participants self-administered condition-specific products (own-brand cigarettes; e-cigarettes). Perceptions/subjective effects were tested using linear mixed-effects regressions. Cigarettes were perceived as most harmful but rated more positively than e-cigarettes ( ps < .05). Cherry and menthol e-cigarettes increased perceived pleasantness, taste, and physical sensations compared with unflavored and tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes, respectively ( ps < .05). Modified risk messages were associated with reduced ratings of aversive effects ( ps < .05) but not harm perceptions. Overall, few perceptions/subjective effects differed by e-cigarette flavor or message. Flavors and messages may have some influence on how smokers experience e-cigarettes.
Music performance anxiety and its relationship with social phobia and dimensions of perfectionism
Authors: Dobos Bianka , Piko Bettina F. , Kenny Dianna T.
Published: October 2018

Although music performance anxiety (MPA) is a common problem, there are only a few studies on this subject in Hungary. In this article, we investigate the underlying socio-demographic and psychological factors related to music performance anxiety. The sample consisted of musicians ( N = 100; aged between 15–35 years) who were studying or had completed their musical education. Study participants completed the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory, Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, Social Phobia Inventory and other music-related questions. Females reported higher levels of MPA and social anxiety without a significant difference in perfectionism. Social phobia and perfectionism were significantly correlated with MPA. In multiple regression analysis four out of six subscales of perfectionism significantly predicted MPA, among which Parental Criticism and Doubts about Actions were positive, while Parental Expectations and Preference for Organization were negative predictors. We conclude that there is a strong interrelationship among MPA, social anxiety, and perfectionism. Findings suggest that in some cases of MPA there may also be co-morbid, non-performance related social phobia. These results indicate that MPA is complex and multi-factorial, with possible early onset, thus alerting parents, teachers, and mental health professionals to the value of early recognition, management, and intervention.
Accuracy analysis of narrow groove theory for spiral grooved gas seals: A comparative study with numerical solution of Reynolds equation
Authors: Xu Wanjun , Yang Jiangang
Published: October 2018

This study examined the accuracy of narrow groove theory for spiral grooved gas seals. Designed for compressible fluids, a finite difference method was proposed to solve the two-dimensional compressible Reynolds equation. The predictions of narrow groove theory were compared with those of the Reynolds equation. The typical performance parameters including gas film force, leakage, gas film stiffness, and torque were analyzed. The results show that the predictions of narrow groove theory generally agree with those of finite difference method when the number of grooves is more than eight. The gas film force, leakage, and gas film stiffness were slightly overestimated by narrow groove theory, with better accuracy for gas film force, leakage, and torque than for gas film stiffness. Although some cases showed deviation for gas film stiffness of as much as 52%, most deviations can be effectively ignored. Therefore, it is feasible to use narrow groove theory for qualitative analysis such as groove shape optimization. The present analysis provides the optimum groove parameters for the investigated seal.
Seismic performance of prefabricated corrugated web beam-column joint with replaceable cover plates
Authors: Jiang Zi-qin , Yang Xiao-feng , Dou Chao , Li Shi-huan , Zhang Ai-lin
Published: October 2018

Based on the idea of damage control, this article studied a new type of earthquake-resilient prefabricated sinusoidal corrugated web beam-column joints. First, the constitution and advantages of prefabricated sinusoidal corrugated web beam-column joints were introduced. Then, finite element models are developed based on the design theory, and the hysteretic behaviour of prefabricated sinusoidal corrugated web beam-column joints was investigated using the finite element method considering the effects of parameters such as the weakened form, thickness and unbolted length of the flange cover plate, the bolt hole form and the gap between the beams. Finally, cyclic loading test and repairing test were conducted on a basic specimen, and the rationality of the numerical analyses and the design theory were verified. It indicates that a properly designed prefabricated sinusoidal corrugated web beam-column joint has good bearing capacity and hysteretic behaviour with earthquake resilience. The thickness and unbolted length of the flange cover plate, the bolt hole form and the gap between the beams have significant effects on the seismic behaviour of the joint.