bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training Residents to Perform Tracheotomy Using a Live Swine Model
Authors: Cheng Ping-Chia , Cho Tsung-Yi , Hsu Wan-Lun , Lo Wu-Chia , Wang Chi-Te , Cheng Po-Wen , Liao Li-Jen
Published: April 2019

A tracheotomy is a basic operation for the otorhinolaryngologist. According to reports from the United States and from our experience, there has been a steady decline in the number of tracheostomies performed by young resident doctors. Due to concerns for inadequate training of young residents, we developed a tracheotomy course consisting of a lecture, a live animal model, and questionnaires. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this training model. Twelve volunteer resident doctors joined the training course and, following a lecture by a senior surgeon, practiced tracheostomies with a 4-month-old female swine weighing 32 kg. We recorded the procedure time, blood loss, and complications. The doctors’ procedural competence was recorded using questionnaires before and after the training. All operations were completed within 30 minutes, and the blood loss was less than 5 ml. There were no serious acute complications. After the training, young residents had improved scores on surgical landmark recognition, overall procedural competence, confidence in performing the procedure, and understanding of the surgical procedures and equipment ( P < .05). Our findings reveal that an animal model-based tracheotomy course is an effective training model for young resident doctors.
Duhm, Mowinckel, and a Disempowered King: Protestant Liberal Theological Analysis in Jeremiah's Construction of Jehoiachin
Authors: Sensenig Melvin L.
Published: April 2019

Late 19th–early 20th-century German biblical scholarship, because of its connections with Protestant liberal theology and the search for myth in modern Germany, lost the category of disempowered king in its treatment of one of the final kings of Judah, Jehoiachin, in the book of Jeremiah. While current scholarship has already moved beyond Protestant liberalism, it has not yet recovered the hermeneutical category of disempowered king as a way to understand Jehoiachin and later expectations of kingship. I suggest ways for contemporary critical scholars to build on the work of more recent scholarship and engage the canonical shape of Jeremiah.
Rhubarb, Rhubarb, Alleluia, Amen: Xenolalia, Glossolalia, and Neurophysiology
Authors: King Fergus J. , Selvendran Selwyn
Published: April 2019

This article puts forward the proposition that the twin phenomena of ecstatic language identified in Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 14 should not be conflated into a single behavior: speaking in tongues. It is argued the two NT accounts describe two distinct practices: xenolalia (Acts 2) and glossolalia (1 Corinthians 14). Furthermore, when their differences are recognized, this distinction is supported by evidence from neuroscience that different cognitive and neural functions are involved in the two phenomena as depicted: neurophysiological research confirms the difference between the Pentecost experience described in Acts, and the spiritual gifts of the Pauline texts.
Healthier and Happier? A 3-Year Longitudinal Investigation of the Prospective Associations and Concurrent Changes in Health and Experiential Well-Being
Authors: Hudson Nathan W. , Lucas Richard E. , Donnellan M. Brent
Published: April 2019

Global well-being is positively correlated with health. Moreover, studies suggest that health and global well-being predict changes in one another across time. Fewer studies, however, have examined the extent to which health is associated with daily emotional experiences—especially longitudinally. The present study examined the longitudinal associations between health and both global and experiential well-being, assessed 4 times across 3 years. Moreover, we used advanced analyses—random-intercept cross-lag models—which address limitations of traditional cross-lag models. Results revealed health and well-being generally did not prospectively predict changes in one another across 1 year. In contrast, year-to-year changes in health were correlated with simultaneous changes in well-being—with effect sizes being largest for global well-being. These findings suggest that health and well-being change together in processes that unfold relatively quickly. Finally, using traditional cross-lag models, numerous potentially illusory prospective associations between health and well-being emerged, underscoring the importance of using appropriate longitudinal statistical models.
MIMIC Models for Uniform and Nonuniform DIF as Moderated Mediation Models
Authors: Montoya Amanda K. , Jeon Minjeong
Published: April 2019

In this article, the authors describe how multiple indicators multiple cause (MIMIC) models for studying uniform and nonuniform differential item functioning (DIF) can be conceptualized as mediation and moderated mediation models. Conceptualizing DIF within the context of a moderated mediation model helps to understand DIF as the effect of some variable on measurements that is not accounted for by the latent variable of interest. In addition, useful concepts and ideas from the mediation and moderation literature can be applied to DIF analysis: (a) improving the understanding of uniform and nonuniform DIF as direct effects and interactions, (b) understanding the implication of indirect effects in DIF analysis, (c) clarifying the interpretation of the “uniform DIF parameter” in the presence of nonuniform DIF, and (d) probing interactions and using the concept of “conditional effects” to better understand the patterns of DIF across the range of the latent variable.
Psychiatry and the Sociology of Novelty: Negotiating the US National Institute of Mental Health “Research Domain Criteria” (RDoC)
Authors: Pickersgill Martyn
Published: April 2019

In the United States, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is seeking to encourage researchers to move away from diagnostic tools like the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the DSM). A key mechanism for this is the “Research Domain Criteria” (RDoC) initiative, closely associated with former NIMH Director Thomas Insel. This article examines how key figures in US (and UK) psychiatry construct the purpose, nature, and implications of the ambiguous RDoC project; that is, how its novelty is constituted through discourse. In this paper, I explore and analyze these actors’ accounts of what is new, important, or (un)desirable about RDoC, demonstrating how they are constituted through institutional context and personal affects. In my interviews with mental health opinion leaders, RDoC is presented as overly reliant on neurobiological epistemologies, distant from clinical imaginaries and imperatives, and introduced in a top-down manner inconsistent with the professional norms of scientific research. Ultimately, the article aims to add empirical depth to current understandings about the epistemological and ontological politics of contemporary (US) psychiatry and to contribute to science and technology studies (STS) debates about “the new” in technoscience. Accordingly, I use discussions about RDoC as a case study in the sociology of novelty.
Using Videos to Promote Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hirsch Shanna E. , MacSuga-Gage Ashley S. , Ennis Robin Parks , Mathews Hannah Morris , Rice Kathryn , Marcus Kendalee
Published: April 2019

Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is an empirically-based framework for proactively supporting student behavior across school settings. One technique schools utilize to teach and reinforce behavioral expectations is through the use of video. Since 2010, the Association for Positive Behavior Support has hosted the PBIS Film Festival at the annual meeting to showcase schools’ use of video with 56 videos entered in the PBIS Film Festival in 2017. Despite the current utilization of videos as a means to sustain and/or support PBIS initiatives, the supports for creating and procedures for disseminating videos remain unclear. The purpose of this qualitative collective case study was to gain an understanding of how schools are creating (e.g., resources, administration commitment) and utilizing (i.e., screening) PBIS videos. Interviews were conducted with 14 PBIS film creators who submitted videos to the 2017 annual PBIS Film Festival. Analysis revealed themes surrounding the development and use of PBIS videos. Implications for PBIS video creation and use are provided.
Minimally invasive versus conventional extracorporeal circulation circuits in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery: a propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Saha Shekhar , Varghese Sam , Herr Mike , Leistner Marcus , Ulrich Christian , Niehaus Heidi , Ahmad Ammar Al , Baraki Hassina , Kutschka Ingo
Published: April 2019

Objectives:

Minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation circuits provide several advantages compared to conventional extracorporeal circulation circuits. We compared the results of a minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation system with those of conventional extracorporeal circulation system, in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting.

Methods:

We identified 753 consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting at our centre between October 2014 and September 2016. These patients were divided into two groups: a minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation group (M, n = 229) and a conventional extracorporeal circulation group (C, n = 524). Baseline parameters, details of cardiac surgery as well as postoperative complications and outcomes were compared by means of a propensity-matched analysis of 180 matched pairs.

Results:

The median EuroSCORE II was 1.3%. Transfusion requirement of packed red blood cells (p = 0.002) was lower in Group M compared to conventional extracorporeal circulation systems. There were no differences in hospital mortality or in rates of adverse events between the matched groups. Total in-hospital mortality of the cohort was 1.7%.

Conclusion:

The use of minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation is associated with a significantly lower use of blood products after isolated coronary revascularisation. There were no differences concerning duration of surgery, complication rates and mortality between the groups. Therefore, the application of minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation systems should be considered as preferred technique in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting procedures.
Standard early rehabilitation and lower limb transcutaneous nerve or neuromuscular electrical stimulation in acute stroke patients: a randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Yen Hsiao-Ching , Chen Wen-Shiang , Jeng Jiann-Shing , Luh Jer-Junn , Lee Ya-Yun , Pan Guan-Shuo
Published: April 2019

Objective:

We investigated adding lower limb transcutaneous nerve stimulation or neuromuscular electrical stimulation to standard early rehabilitation in acute stroke patients.

Design:

An assessor-blinded, randomized controlled pilot study.

Setting:

A medical stroke center.

Subjects:

First-stroke patients aged 20–80 years admitted to the stroke center within 24 hours post stroke.

Interventions:

A total of 42 participants were randomly assigned to groups: transcutaneous nerve stimulation + standard early rehabilitation, neuromuscular electrical stimulation + standard early rehabilitation, or standard early rehabilitation-only. Transcutaneous nerve or neuromuscular electrical stimulation was delivered to the affected tibialis anterior and quadriceps muscles for 30 minutes a day, five days per week for two weeks.

Main measures:

The Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients, the Functional Independence Measure, and three mobility milestones, namely, sitting for >five minutes, standing for >one minute, and walking ⩾50 m, were evaluated, respectively, at baseline, at the two-week post-intervention, and at two-week follow-up.

Results:

Significant differences existed in the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients scores between the transcutaneous nerve stimulation and standard early rehabilitation-only groups measured at two-weeks post-intervention (mean (SD) = 31.38 (5.39) and 18.00 (8.65), respectively) and at the two-week follow-up (34.08 (2.69) and 26.14 (7.77), respectively). A higher proportion of participants could walk ⩾50 m independently in the transcutaneous nerve stimulation group than in the standard early rehabilitation-only group at the two-week post-intervention ( P = 0.013) and two-week follow-up ( P = 0.01) marks.

Conclusion:

Two weeks of transcutaneous nerve stimulation added to standard early rehabilitation improved postural stability and walking in acute stroke patients.
The Italian Spine Youth Quality of Life questionnaire measures health-related quality of life of adolescents with spinal deformities better than the reference standard, the Scoliosis Research Society 22 questionnaire
Authors: Caronni Antonio , Donzelli Sabrina , Zaina Fabio , Negrini Stefano
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To compare the validity of the Italian Spine Youth Quality of Life (ISYQOL) questionnaire with that of the Scoliosis Research Society 22 (SRS22) questionnaire, the criterion standard for health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measurement in adolescents with spinal deformities.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Outpatient clinic.

Subjects:

Consecutive adolescents (10–18 years; 541 wearing brace) affected by idiopathic scoliosis (642 females, 100 males) or hyperkyphosis (87 females, 109 males).

Interventions:

NA.

Main measures:

The Spearman’s correlation coefficient (rho) between ISYQOL and SRS22 was used to assess ISYQOL concurrent validity. Sex, age, severity, bracing, trunk appearance and deformity type were assessed for known-groups validity. Cohen’s d quantified between-groups differences. Multiple linear regression exploring the effect of sex, age, body mass index (BMI), severity, bone age, trunk appearance, physiotherapy, bracing and sport on HRQOL of scoliosis patients was used to assess concurrent validity further.

Results:

Satisfactory correlations were found between ISYQOL and SRS22 (scoliosis, rho = 0.71; kyphosis, rho = 0.56). Known-groups validity analysis showed that ISYQOL detects all the between-groups differences detected by SRS22 and a males-females difference undetected by SRS22. ISYQOL Cohen’s d was larger than SRS22 Cohen’s d in three between-groups comparisons and similar in the others. Brace, sport and scoliosis severity were independently related to ISYQOL (linear regression: R2 = 0.23; p < 0.001). Brace, sport and physiotherapy were related to SRS22 ( R2 = 0.17).

Conclusions:

ISYQOL showed high validity when used to measure HRQOL in adolescents with spinal deformities. Moreover, ISYQOL performs better than SRS22, having better known-groups validity and (contrary to SRS22) detecting the impact of disease severity on HRQOL.
Reality versus rhetoric: Assessing the efficacy of third-party hate crime reporting centres
Authors: Wong Kevin , Christmann Kris , Rogerson Michelle , Monk Neil
Published: April 2019

The underreporting of hate crime is recognised as problematic for jurisdictions across Europe and beyond. Within the UK, the landmark inquiry report into the murder of Stephen Lawrence 25 years ago has seen governments faithfully adhering to a policy of promoting the increased reporting of hate crime. An enduring legacy of the inquiry, third-party reporting centres (TPRCs) have been equally faithfully promoted as the primary vehicle for achieving such increases. While the nations of the United Kingdom have pioneered the development of TPRCs, their function and form have been adopted in other jurisdictions, including Victoria, Australia. Nevertheless, despite their reliance on TPRCs, policymakers have given limited attention to their efficacy. The evidence from a plethora of small scale studies has consistently found that TPRCs have been limited by public awareness, capability, capacity and poor oversight difficulties. Responding to these long-standing problems, the authors have developed the first ‘TPRC assessment tool’ which offers a diagnostic facility to improve effectiveness. This paper describes the development and piloting of this tool and highlights its potential to inform policy and practice both in the UK and internationally, providing an original contribution to the limited evidence base around third-party reporting.
Communicating and controlling robot arm motion intent through mixed-reality head-mounted displays
Authors: Rosen Eric , Whitney David , Phillips Elizabeth , Chien Gary , Tompkin James , Konidaris George , Tellex Stefanie
Published: April 2019

Efficient motion intent communication is necessary for safe and collaborative work environments with co-located humans and robots. Humans efficiently communicate their motion intent to other humans through gestures, gaze, and other non-verbal cues, and can replan their motions in response. However, robots often have difficulty using these methods. Many existing methods for robot motion intent communication rely on 2D displays, which require the human to continually pause their work to check a visualization. We propose a mixed-reality head-mounted display (HMD) visualization of the intended robot motion over the wearer’s real-world view of the robot and its environment. In addition, our interface allows users to adjust the intended goal pose of the end effector using hand gestures. We describe its implementation, which connects a ROS-enabled robot to the HoloLens using ROS Reality, using MoveIt for motion planning, and using Unity to render the visualization. To evaluate the effectiveness of this system against a 2D display visualization and against no visualization, we asked 32 participants to label various arm trajectories as either colliding or non-colliding with blocks arranged on a table. We found a 15% increase in accuracy with a 38% decrease in the time it took to complete the task compared with the next best system. These results demonstrate that a mixed-reality HMD allows a human to determine where the robot is going to move more quickly and accurately than existing baselines.
Singularity functions revisited: Clarifications and extensions for construction of shear–moment diagrams in beams
Authors: Boedo Stephen
Published: April 2019

This paper provides clarification and extension of singularity functions for the construction of shear–moment diagrams in beams and the subsequent determination of beam deflections. The mathematical formulation for impulse, polynomial, and general-form singularity functions and their integral properties is reviewed, clarified, and provided graphically in tabular form. Several examples of various complexity are presented to assist the student at evaluating the constants of integration and properly interpreting the values of shear force and bending moment in the limit of approach to points of discontinuity. The main emphasis of the paper is to demonstrate the applicability of the singularity function method for any specified distributed load function.
Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of Engineered Cementitious Composites with Low Fiber Content and with Crumb Rubber and High Fly Ash Content
Authors: Noorvand Hassan , Arce Gabriel , Hassan Marwa , Rupnow Tyson , Mohammad Louay N.
Published: April 2019

Engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) are a type of micromechanically-designed cementitious composite reinforced with a moderate volume fraction of short fiber, typically 2% by volume. ECCs form steady-state multiple cracking that considerably improves the tensile strength and ductility of traditional concrete. In this study, the properties of matrix and the interface of ECCs were tailored through the use of crumb rubber, different types of sand, and different replacement levels of cement with fly ash. The study examined the effect of sand replacement with crumb rubber (20% by volume), two types of river sands (coarse and fine), increasing the content of class F fly ash (up to 75% cement replacement), and low fiber content (1.75%) on the mechanical properties of ECCs. Compressive strength, uniaxial tensile, and third-point bending tests were performed to characterize the properties of ECC mixes. Experimental results demonstrated that increasing fly ash content and using crumb rubber favored ductility of the composites. However, higher fly ash contents and a low water-to-binder (W/B) ratio produced lower strengths as these limited the pozzolanic reaction of fly ash making it act partially as a filler. While incorporation of crumb rubber showed adverse effects on the tensile strength of ECC materials (up to 26% decrease), the tensile ductility of ECC materials improved significantly (up to 434% improvement). Moreover, the implementation of different types of sand produced minor effects on the mechanical properties of ECCs. Overall, a tradeoff between the strength and ductility of the composites was detected, which highlights the implications of matrix/interface tailoring in the overall performance of ECC.
Deriving Signal Performance Metrics from Large-Scale Connected Vehicle System Deployment
Authors: Wolf Joerg Christian , Ma Jingtao , Cisco Bill , Neill Justin , Moen Brian , Jarecki Curtis
Published: April 2019

This paper documents the development of signal performance metrics (SPMs) from connected vehicle data, including application to existing deployment locations in the United States. The metrics are aggregated from anonymized vehicle traces traversing signalized intersections that are part of a system deployment that is completely based on existing communication and signal control infrastructure. No retrofit to controllers is necessary. The system structure consists of (1) traffic signal data collection via real-time data polling, (2) signal state prediction and Signal Phase and Timing (SPaT) message generation, (3) data dissemination of SPaT and Map data (MAP) messages, and (4) in-vehicle applications including countdown timers, speed advice to avoid stops, and emerging applications such as powertrain management or automatic engine start/stop functions. Four vehicle metrics were constructed including a velocity profile, arrivals by phase state (green, red), delay, and split failures. A large-scale case study in the City of Frisco, TX showed potential in helping daily management of traffic signal control, and potentially improving traffic flows. The connected vehicle SPMs were imported and visualized in a business intelligence tool (Microsoft Power BI) to deliver a signal intelligence report comprised of a series of interactive data dashboards. This interactive report provides a web-based or stand-alone interface to individual signals, or corridor or citywide measures of average vehicle delay, split failures, and arrival states.
Factors Influencing Electric Bike Share Ridership: Analysis of Park City, Utah
Authors: He Yi , Song Ziqi , Liu Zhaocai , Sze N. N.
Published: April 2019

In recent years, bike share programs have become more popular as they contribute to the move toward sustainable mobility in cities. Electric bike sharing, however, remains in the early stages of development. In contrast to traditional bikes, electric bicycles (e-bikes) provide an extra boost via an electric pedal-assist motor, thereby making it much easier to travel around a city with a hilly terrain, such as Park City, Utah. The Summit Bike Share system in Park City is the nation’s first fully electric bike share system (e-BSS). Based on an analysis of historical trip data of Summit Bike Share, this paper presents the system’s performance experience and evaluates user characteristics and travel behavior. A Poisson regression analysis is performed to investigate the factors that influence the e-bike share usage of this e-BSS. The regression results reveal that weather factors, including temperature and wind speed, significantly affect e-bike share usage. It was also found that weekends, summer months, high population density, proximity to public transit centers, recreational centers, and bike trails positively affect the demand for e-bikes. The findings of this paper can help the operators of Summit Bike Share to better understand their users and their e-BSS, while also providing a guide for other e-bike projects currently in the planning stages.
Development and Testing of Connected Vehicle Wrong-Way Driving Applications
Authors: Finley Melisa D. , Mott Cameron R. , Balke Kevin N. , Charara Hassan , Sturgeon Purser K. , Florence David , Silvestri Dobrovolny Chiara
Published: April 2019

The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) and Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) recently developed connected vehicle (CV) applications that detect wrong-way vehicles, warn wrong-way drivers, notify traffic management agencies and law enforcement, and alert affected travelers. The research team reviewed the state of the practice regarding intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and CV technologies being applied as wrong-way driving (WWD) countermeasures. Next, the research team identified user needs associated with the implementation of CV WWD applications, and developed a concept of operations and functional requirements for CV WWD applications. The research team then built, tested, and successfully conducted a proof-of-concept demonstration of the CV WWD applications at the Texas A&M University RELLIS Campus.
Safety Performance Functions for Low-Volume Rural Stop-Controlled Intersections
Authors: Stapleton Steven Y. , Gates Timothy J. , Avelar Raul , Geedipally Srinivas R. , Saedi Ramin
Published: April 2019

This study involved the development of safety performance functions for rural, low-volume, minor road stop-controlled intersections in Michigan. Facility types included three-leg stop-controlled (3ST) and four-leg stop-controlled (4ST) intersections under state or county jurisdiction and were sampled from each of Michigan’s 83 counties. To isolate lower-volume rural intersections, major roadway traffic volumes were limited to the range of 400–2,000 vehicles per day (vpd). Data were compiled from several sources for 2,023 intersections statewide. These data included traffic crashes, volumes, roadway classification, geometry, cross-sectional features, and other site characteristics covering the period of 2011–2015. Random effects negative binomial regression models were specified for each stop-controlled intersection type considering factors such as driveway density, lighting presence, turn lane presence, and intersection skew, in addition to volume. To account for the unobserved heterogeneity between counties, mixed effects negative binomial models with a county-specific random effect were utilized. Furthermore, unobserved temporal effects were controlled through the use of a year-specific random effect. Separate models were developed for fatal/injury crashes, property damage crashes, and select target crash types. The analysis found that skew angles of greater than five degrees led to significantly greater crash occurrence for both 3ST and 4ST intersections, while greater than two driveways near the intersection led to significantly greater angle crashes at 4ST intersections. Other factors were found to have little impact on crash occurrence. Comparison with the Highway Safety Manual (HSM) base models showed that the HSM models over-predict crashes on 4ST intersections and 3ST intersections with volumes between 1,200 and 2,000 vpd.
Impact of Automated Vehicles on Travel Mode Preference for Different Trip Purposes and Distances
Authors: Ashkrof Peyman , Homem de Almeida Correia Gonçalo , Cats Oded , van Arem Bart
Published: April 2019

Because of technology penetration in the transportation system, the automated vehicle (AV) is set to be a future mode of transport. Given the major implications of AVs, investigation of the potential impact of these vehicles on travel behavior is vital for a wide range of purposes, especially for policy making. In this study, we report the results of a stated preference survey distributed in the Netherlands in which respondents had to choose between conventional cars, public transportation, and AVs for different travel distances and trip purposes. Having collected information from 663 respondents we conducted an integrated study incorporating classic trip attributes (such as travel time and travel costs), attitudinal factors, and socio-economic variables to understand people’s choices. We studied a particular form of AVs, automated driving transport service (ADTS), which we defined as an automatically controlled door-to-door transport service provided by a vehicle with similar dimensions to a conventional car, albeit driverless. Results suggest that travelers’ mode preferences vary significantly for different travel distances and purposes. We found that conventional cars and public transportation are perceived as being the least attractive alternatives in relation to in-vehicle travel time on short- and long-distance commuting trips, respectively. Preference for ADTS lay between the car and public transportation, neither the best nor the worst alternative in all scenarios. Our findings suggest that ADTS adopters are likely to prefer this mode for long-distance leisure trips rather than short-distance commuting trips.
Joint Optimization of Signal Phasing and Timing and Vehicle Speed Guidance in a Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Environment
Authors: Liang Xiao (Joyce) , Guler S. Ilgin , Gayah Vikash V.
Published: April 2019

A joint traffic signal optimization algorithm is proposed which utilizes connected vehicle (CV) information to identify optimum signal timing and phasing plans while also providing speed guidance to individual vehicles to minimize total number of stopping maneuvers. The contribution of this paper is provision of speed guidance to both autonomous (AVs) and human-driven speed guidance-enabled vehicles (SGVs), recognizing that the latter may not fully comply with the speed guidance and would require some delay (i.e., reaction time) to implement it. The control algorithm is triggered at regular discrete time intervals during which CV information is used to identify the presence of non-CVs and incorporate them into signal timing decision-making. Optimal speeds are determined for any AVs or SGVs so that they can travel through the intersection at the expected departure time without stopping, considering both acceleration/deceleration and human reaction times. Simulation tests are performed under different CV, AV, and SGV penetration rates, while explicitly modeling the potential human errors and varying acceptance levels. The results suggest that average delay and number of stops decrease with higher CV penetration rate. Furthermore, the number of stops decreases as the ratio of both AVs and SGVs increases. While AVs are about 10% more efficient than SGVs, human-driven vehicles still provide a benefit even when they do not fully comply with speed guidance information. Sensitivity tests suggest that operation is not significantly affected by the range of human driver errors in speed compliance or range of reaction times.
Traffic Control Devices for Deterring Wrong-Way Movements at Unsignalized Intersections on Divided Highways
Authors: Finley Melisa D. , Avelar Raul E. , Hawkins H. Gene
Published: April 2019

Motorists driving the wrong way on divided roadways has been an area of concern for over 50 years. However, little is known about the nature of wrong-way crashes on divided highways. Thus, the research team conducted exploratory and statistical analyses to assess the effects of median width and select traffic control devices upon wrong-way crashes on high-speed divided highways. The exploratory analysis revealed that most of the wrong-way crashes on high-speed divided highways resulted in serious injury and happened at night. More than two-thirds of the wrong-way crashes resulted from a wrong-way maneuver at an intersecting roadway where a median opening was present. The statistical analysis found numerous sites where the traffic control in the median opening did not fully comply with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) with respect to treating the location as one or two intersections. There was also evidence from the statistical analysis that the 30-ft median width threshold may not be appropriate for distinguishing between one or two intersections. In addition, researchers were able to identify several traffic control devices that may be effective in reducing wrong-way movements on high-speed divided highways. The final effort of the project was to develop recommended MUTCD language for implementing the research findings. The recommended language includes a new method for distinguishing between divided highway crossings that function as a single intersection or two separate intersections, thereby eliminating the 30-ft median width threshold used in the current MUTCD.
Modeling Maneuverability of Motorized Two-Wheelers during Filtering in Urban Roads
Authors: Das Sanhita , Maurya Akhilesh Kumar
Published: April 2019

Differences in driving style and static and dynamic attributes of motorized two-wheelers (MTWs) provide MTW riders more flexibility than other traffic in choosing higher speeds, erratic driving patterns, and erratic trajectories. In an attempt to model the unique dynamic movement patterns of MTW riders, the current study investigates the filtering behavior of MTWs, utilizing trajectory data from a six-lane divided urban road. The research work undertaken in this study provides an elaborate investigation of behavioral differences in filtering and following maneuvers, addressing different influential variables that may affect the rider’s decision to perform a filtering maneuver, and describing how this choice is affected by different driver–vehicle characteristics and local traffic conditions. Finally, the multivariate aspects of the riders during filtering are also examined using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. Results of the study show that speed of the MTW, average leading vehicles’ speed, available pore size and number of lateral movements made by the MTW rider in the past trajectory are the critical parameters affecting the rider’s choice of filtering. Further, the SEM analysis indicates that the comfort of MTW riders in filtering is dependent on the speed of MTWs and the presence of a surrounding right-hand vehicle.
Barriers and Facilitators to Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Rural Indian Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Kehoe Sarah H. , Dhurde Varsha , Bhaise Shilpa , Kale Rashmi , Kumaran Kalyanaraman , Gelli Aulo , Rengalakshmi R. , Lawrence Wendy , Bloom Ilse , Sahariah Sirazul A. , Potdar Ramesh D. , Fall Caroline H. D.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Micronutrient deficiencies have been a serious public health problem among women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries including India, adversely affecting maternal and child health and human capital outcomes. Fruit and vegetables are important sources of micronutrients, and consumption of these foods is less than recommendations.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to identify perceived barriers and facilitators to fruit and vegetable consumption among women of reproductive age living in rural communities in the State of Maharashtra, India.

Methods:

Women aged 18 to 40 years were recruited from 8 villages surrounding the city of Wardha, Maharashtra, India. We used qualitative methods and held 9 focus group discussions and 12 one-to-one interviews. The data collection was stopped when no new information emerged. We used inductive thematic coding to analyze the data.

Results:

Women knew that fruit and vegetables were beneficial to health and expressed that they wanted to increase the intake of these foods for themselves and their children. Seven main themes were identified as being barriers or facilitators to fruit and vegetable consumption: (1) personal factors, (2) household dynamics, (3) social and cultural norms, (4) workload, (5) time pressures, (6) environmental factors, and (7) cost.

Conclusions:

Rural Indian women consumed fruit and vegetables infrequently and said they would like to consume more. Several potentially modifiable factors affecting the intake of fruit and vegetables were identified. Value chain analyses of fruit and vegetables in these communities will be important to identify opportunities to intervene and increase consumption.
Six-Month Prevalence of Mental Disorders and Service Contacts among Children and Youth in Ontario: Evidence from the 2014 Ontario Child Health Study
Authors: Georgiades Katholiki , Duncan Laura , Wang Li , Comeau Jinette , Boyle Michael H. ,   2014 Ontario Child Health Study Team
Published: April 2019

Objectives:

To present the 6-month prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of mental disorders and mental health–related service contacts in a sample of children (4 to 11 years) and youth (12 to 17 years) in Ontario.

Methods:

The 2014 Ontario Child Health Study is a provincially representative survey of 6537 families with children aged 4 to 17 years in Ontario. DSM-IV-TR mental disorders were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI-KID) and included mood (major depressive episode), anxiety (generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, social phobia, specific phobia), and behaviour disorders (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional-defiant disorder, conduct disorder).The MINI-KID was administered independently to the primary caregiver and youth aged 12 to 17 years in the family’s home.

Results:

Past 6-month prevalence of any mental disorder ranged from 18.2% to 21.8% depending on age and informant. Behaviour disorders were the most common among children, and anxiety disorders were the most common among youth. Among children and youth with a parent-identified mental disorder, 25.6% of children and 33.7% of youth had contact with a mental health provider. However, 60% had contact with one or more of the providers or service settings assessed, most often through schools.

Conclusions:

Between 18% and 22% of children and youth in Ontario met criteria for a mental disorder but less than one-third had contact with a mental health provider. These findings provide support for strengthening prevention and early intervention efforts and enhancing service capacity to meet the mental health needs of children and youth in Ontario.
Parental Warmth and Interpersonal Empathy as Predictors of Sexual Assault Bystander Intervention Efficacy
Authors: Kotze Jan-Louw , Turner Lisa A.
Published: April 2019

Sexual victimization rates of women in the United States remain worryingly high. Much research has focused on the reduction of sexual violence with varying levels of success. One promising avenue of sexual violence reduction research provides evidence that bystanders who intervene appropriately can effectively contribute to a reduction in sexual assault. The Ecological Model for Bystander Intervention provides a conceptual framework for investigating what motivates and what inhibits bystanders. Empirical evidence on various levels of the model has been garnered; however, little is known about the association between particular developmental variables and bystander intervention efficacy situated in the microsystem. The goal of this study was to explore developmental predictors of bystander intervention efficacy. We predicted perceived parental warmth would be related to bystander intervention efficacy and that the relation would be mediated by empathy. University students (mean age = 19.2 years) completed anonymous online self-report measures of perceived maternal and paternal warmth, empathy, and bystander efficacy. The mediation model was supported by the data. As predicted, the path from parental warmth to empathy was significant ( p < .001) and the path from empathy to bystander intervention efficacy was significant ( p < .001). The indirect effect of parental warmth on bystander efficacy through empathy was significant ( p = .001). One implication of these findings is that characteristics that are related to bystander tendencies may develop early in the family environment. Efforts to increase bystander intervention may benefit from the recognition that empathy may be founded in earlier life experiences. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Output torque ripple for a cycloidal gear train
Authors: Wikło M , Król R , Olejarczyk K , Kołodziejczyk K
Published: April 2019

The article discusses the problem of a torque ripple on the output shaft of a cycloidal gearbox. To investigate the phenomenon, numerical simulations were performed and compared with the experimental results. Simulations were performed with multibody dynamic software—one with rigid and second with flexible elements. The dynamic model of the gearbox for the determination of the amplitude of the torque change was introduced, where the model utilizes periodical change of the stiffness of gear components as well as geometrical parameters, which are the results of machining and assembly tolerances. The test was made on a gearbox that was calculated, designed, and tested by the authors of the article. To perform the test, a test bench was built. The bench included electric motors, torque meters, and a control application.
Unsupervised PrEP in routine practice: a new challenge?
Authors: Laroche Hélène , Lions Caroline , Zaegel-Faucher Olivia , Tamalet Catherine , Poizot-Martin Isabelle
Published: April 2019

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the prevention of HIV infection with 300 mg daily tenofovir co-formulated with 200 mg emtricitabine is recommended as one prevention option for people who are at substantial risk of acquiring an HIV infection. We report the case of a 28-year-old man who has sex with men and who was referred to our unit for a primary HIV infection with positive p18, p24 and gp160 bands on Western blot analysis but with a low HIV plasma viral load. Although HIV misdiagnosis should always be considered in cases of atypical seroconversion pattern with a low viral burden, unsupervised PrEP should be systematically investigated.
Gender differences in the union wage premium? A comparative case study
Authors: Bryson Alex , Dale-Olsen Harald , Nergaard Kristine
Published: April 2019

Trade unions have changed from being male dominated to majority-female organizations. We use linked employer–employee surveys for Norway and Britain to examine whether, in keeping with a median voter model, the gender shift in union membership has resulted in differential wage returns to unionization among men and women. In Britain, while only women receive a union wage premium, only men benefit from the increased bargaining power of their union as indicated by workplace union density. In Norway, however, both men and women receive a union wage premium in male-dominated workplaces; but where the union is female dominated, women benefit more than men. The findings suggest British unions continue to adopt a paternalistic attitude to representing their membership, in contrast to their more progressive counterparts in Norway.
Prevalence of Obstetric Fistula and Associated Factors in Rajasthan, India
Authors: Singh J. P. , Gupta S. D. , Khanna Anoop , Sharma Laxman Swaroop
Published: April 2019

Context: Obstetric fistula is a serious obstetric and social morbidity among women. Reliable data on incidence and prevalence of obstetric fistula are not available.

Aims: The present study attempted to measure the prevalence of obstetric fistula and evaluate factors associated with it.

Settings and design: Study was conducted in Rajasthan, India. The cross-sectional data were used for estimation of prevalence of obstetric fistula, while the case comparison design was used to identify the risk factors associated with obstetric fistula.

Methods and material: A cross-sectional population-based district level survey covered 41,448 ever married women of age group 15–49 years in 40,052 randomly selected households.

Statistical analysis used: To explore association between various identified demographic, social, economic, service delivery and utilization variables and obstetric fistula, simple and multivariate logistic regression was performed.

Results: The estimated prevalence of obstetric fistula was 4 per 1,000 women. About 85 per cent of the women with fistula were married below 18 years of age, and 48 per cent gave birth to the first child before 20 years of age. The risk of developing obstetric fistula was more than twice among women who experienced obstructed labour, the adjusted odds ratio being 2.21 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.12 −4.80).

Conclusions: Obstructed labour was most prominent obstetric risk factor for obstetric fistula. The other risk factors were early marriage and early child birth. Ironically, obstetric fistula is preventable by improving quality of maternal care and effective emergency obstetric care. Education and communication can play an important role in postponement of early marriages and early child birth.
The value of prednisolone acetate provocative test before intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injections
Authors: Saady Aya Mohammed , Fouad Heba M , Abdullatif Abdussalam M , Helmy Youssef A H , Macky Tamer A , Mansour Khaled
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of a topical prednisolone acetate 1% provocative test for steroid-induced ocular hypertension before intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection.

Methods:

This is a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled study at Kasr El Aini Hospital, Cairo University. Patients scheduled for intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide were enrolled and randomly allocated in a ratio 2:1 to either Group A: received prednisolone acetate provocative test and those who did not develop SIOH proceeded with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide or Group B: did not receive prednisolone acetate provocative test and proceeded directly to intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. Intraocular pressures were measured weekly for 4 weeks following intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. Steroid-induced ocular hypertension is defined as intraocular pressure increase of 5 mmHg or more from baseline after prednisolone acetate provocative test or intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide.

Results:

A total of 66 eyes (66 patients) were included. Of which, 10 eyes (23.8%) showed prednisolone acetate provocative test steroid-induced ocular hypertension during the 4-week period. Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide steroid-induced ocular hypertension was less likely to develop in Group A (prednisolone acetate provocative test non-steroid-induced ocular hypertension, n = 32, 31.25%) than in group B (n = 24, 54.2%) (p = 0.006, odds ratio: 0.178, 95% CI: 0.53–0.596). Our test achieved a negative predictive value of 68.75%.

Conclusion:

The topical prednisolone acetate provocative test may be a useful method to predict a steroid-induced ocular hypertension following intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide.