bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coping with Household Water Scarcity in the Savannah Today: Implications for Health and Climate Change into the Future
Authors: Pearson Amber L. , Mayer Jonathan D. , Bradley David J.
Published: July 2015

Even as millions live without reliable access to water, very little is known about how households cope with scarcity. The aims of this research were to 1) understand aspects of water scarcity in three rural villages in southwestern Uganda, 2) examine differences by demographics and type of source, 3) assess relationships between different factors related to water access, and 4) explore coping strategies used. Health implications and lessons learned that relate to future climate change are discussed.

Demographic data, water accessibility, and coping strategies used were recorded using a survey. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and Spearman’s rank correlations were calculated between self-reported level of access, walking minutes to source, ranked ownership of source, and source accessibility during the last two weeks of April (16–30 April). Changes in water source type across seasons and demographic and access measures by coping strategies were examined.

Over half of the households relied on seasonal water sources. Of those accessing “permanent” sources, ~30% experienced inaccessibility within the last two weeks of April. Self-reported better access to water was correlated with minutes spent walking to source and to some degree with the source being more public or shared. Those without access to public sources tended to migrate as the primary coping strategy. Water sharing and reciprocity appears crucial between wealthy and poor households; however, those from outside ethnic groups appear to be partially excluded. Middle income households followed by the poorest had the largest reliance on purchasing water to cope. These findings underscore how access to water resources, particularly in times of insecurity, involves social networks.
Compensation between Resolved and Unresolved Wave Drag in the Stratospheric Final Warmings of the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Scheffler Guillermo , Pulido Manuel
Published: July 2015

The role of planetary wave drag and gravity wave drag in the breakdown of the stratospheric polar vortex and its associated final warming in the Southern Hemisphere is examined using reanalyses from MERRA and a middle-atmosphere dynamical model. The focus of this work is on identifying the causes of the delay in the final breakdown of the stratospheric polar vortex found in current general circulation models. Sensitivity experiments were conducted by changing the launched momentum flux in the gravity wave drag parameterization. Increasing the launched momentum flux produces a delay of the final warming date with respect to the control integration of more than 2 weeks. The sensitivity experiments show significant interactions between planetary waves and unresolved gravity waves. The increase of gravity wave drag in the model is compensated by a strong decrease of Eliassen–Palm flux divergence (i.e., planetary wave drag). This concomitant decrease of planetary wave drag is at least partially responsible for the delay of the final warming in the model. Experiments that change the resolved planetary wave activity entering the stratosphere through artificially changing the bottom boundary flux of the model also show an interaction mechanism. Gravity wave drag responds via critical-level filtering to planetary wave drag perturbations by partially compensating them. Therefore, there is a feedback cycle that leads to a partial compensation between gravity wave and planetary wave drag.
Civil servants’ perspectives on the role of citizens in public service delivery in Uganda
Authors: Wenene Mary Theopista , Steen Trui , Rutgers Mark R.
Published: July 2015

In this article we study civil servants’ perceptions about the role of citizens in the provision of public services in Uganda. In other words, we examine the views of those who deliver civil services regarding the actual and desired influence of service recipients. An empirical study was conducted focusing on the health and education sectors in Uganda. It is concluded that due to a number of tensions regarding the role of the citizen in Uganda, civil servants feel that service recipients are not yet adequately engaged in the demand for and delivery of quality public services. More effective public service delivery in Uganda cannot be achieved without the development of a culture that supports the building of capacity at all levels, including the community and individual service recipients.

Points for practitioners

There are a number of contradictions in terms of the role of the citizen in Uganda that result in the inadequate engagement of service recipients in the demand for and delivery of quality public services. Aside from empowering service users to apply pressure for better services from the bottom up, it is also crucial to present public service providers with incentives to take up their responsibilities toward the public.
God’s Relation to Evil: Maritain and Balthasar on Divine Impassibility
Authors: Brotherton Joshua R.
Published: July 2015

Comparing Jacques Maritain and Hans Urs von Balthasar on God’s relation to evil from the perspective of divine impassibility, I argue that Maritain’s usage of metaphorical analogy is more coherent than Balthasar’s theory of trinitarian ur-kenosis precisely because of his understanding of divine permission, according to which God merely ‘suffers’ the creature’s free initiative of moral evil. It is therefore unclear why one must affirm an original analogue of creaturely suffering that is constitutive of God’s immanent identity rather than, simply, the free kenotic tendency of the divine Son to incarnate the affectivity common to the three divine persons.
Situational Interest of Fourth-Grade Children in Music at School
Authors: Roberts J. Christopher
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of common elementary music class activities that elicit situational interest, the short-term interest that emerges spontaneously in learners when faced with environmental factors in an educational experience. An instrumental case study approach was employed, with 24 fourth-grade children serving as participants, at a school in which the researcher was the music teacher. Over a 4-month period of engagement, data were gathered through small-group interviews, writing experiences, one-item surveys, videotaped observations of class periods, and examination of material culture. Analysis based on open and focused coding processes revealed that lessons containing elements of novelty, kinesthetic activity, self-efficacy, challenge, and creativity led to increased situational interest. Incorporating these themes into music classroom activities may be a way to enhance children’s interest in the experiences, leading to more increased engagement and improved performance outcomes.
A Theoretical Structure of High School Concert Band Performance
Authors: Bergee Martin J.
Published: July 2015

This study used exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to verify a theoretical structure for high school concert band performance and to test that structure for viability, generality, and invariance. A total of 101 university students enrolled in two different bands rated two high school band performances (a “first” band’s Performance 1, and “second” band’s Performance 2) using items from Sagen’s Band Performance Rating Scale. EFA methods verified a structure consisting of three interrelated primary-order factors. Items did not have the same factor loadings in both performances. For Performance 1, the factor accounting for the most variance was Expression/Tone Quality, followed by Intonation and then Rhythm. For Performance 2, the factor accounting for the most variance was Tone Quality/Intonation, followed by Expression and then Rhythm. Both performances’ structures exhibited a strong second-order general factor ( g). CFA demonstrated that models consisting of three interrelated primary-order factors and one second-order g fit both sets of data. Regarding generality, the Performance 1 model did not fit Performance 2 data, whereas the Performance 2 model did fit Performance 1 data. The Performance 1 model demonstrated a high degree of invariance between the two sets of evaluators; the Performance 2 model did not.
Why the Smith theory over-predicts instant rupture velocities during fiber transverse impact
Authors: Hudspeth Matthew , Chen Weinong , Zheng James
Published: July 2015

The effect of multi-axial loading on single Kevlar® KM2 fibers is explored with an emphasis on correlating the results to fiber/yarn transverse impact. A 0.30 caliber fragment simulation projectile (FSP) is slightly modified to act as a transverse loading indenter. Fiber failure angles are forced between ∼0° and 50° in efforts to deduce the deleterious effect caused by such angles. Said angles are also enforced in order to create the geometry that would be produced at an impact velocity causing immediate fiber/yarn rupture in transverse impact experiments. The effect of fiber angle around the FSP indenter is experimentally studied along with an analysis of the specific angle causing immediate fiber failure. It is shown that there exists a demonstrative reduction in fiber longitudinal failure strain of KM2 filaments due to this multi-axial stress state, thereby questioning the recurrent assumption that fiber performance within a body armor system is dominated by failure in pure tension.
The Human–Computer Interaction of Cross-Cultural Gaming Strategy
Authors: Chakraborty Joyram , Norcio Anthony F. , Van Der Veer Jacob J. , Andre Charles F. , Miller Zachary , Regelsberger Alexander
Published: July 2015

This article explores the cultural dimensions of the human–computer interaction that underlies gaming strategies. The article is a desktop study of existing literature and is organized into five sections. The first examines the cultural aspects of knowledge processing. The social constructs technology interaction is discussed. Following this, the effects of a gamer's experience level and game preferences are examined. Game conditions, scripting, and design principles are discussed. Finally, ideas and concepts for the future of these areas are presented.
The Effect of Glossectomy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Murphey Alexander W. , Kandl Jessica A. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Weber Aimee C. , Gillespie M. Boyd
Published: July 2015

Objective

Determine the effect of glossectomy as part of multilevel sleep surgery on sleep‐related outcomes in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Data Sources

PubMED, Scopus.

Review Methods

Two independent researchers conducted the review using PubMed‐NCBI and Scopus literature databases. Studies on glossectomy for obstructive sleep apnea that reported pre‐ and postoperative apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) score with 10 or more patients were included.

Results

A total of 18 articles with 522 patients treated with 3 glossectomy techniques (midline glossectomy, lingualplasty, and submucosal minimally invasive lingual excision) met inclusion criteria. Pooled analyses (baseline vs post surgery) showed a significant improvement in AHI (48.1 ± 22.01 to 19.05 ± 15.46, P <. 0001), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS; 11.41 ± 4.38 to 5.66 ± 3.29, P <. 0001), snoring visual analog scale (VAS; 9.08 ± 1.21 to 3.14 ± 2.41, P <. 0001), and Lowest O2 saturation (76.67 ± 10.58 to 84.09 ± 7.90, P <. 0001). Surgical success rate was 59.6% (95% CI, 53.0%‐65.9%) and surgical cure was achieved in 22.5% (95% CI, 11.26%‐36.26%) of cases. Acute complications occurred in 16.4% (79/481) of reported patients. Glossectomy was used as a standalone therapy in 24 patients. In this limited cohort, significant reductions in AHI (41.84 ± 32.05 to 25.02 ± 20.43, P =. 0354) and ESS (12.35 ± 5.05 to 6.99 ± 3.84, P <. 0001) were likewise observed.

Conclusion

Glossectomy significantly improves sleep outcomes as part of multilevel surgery in adult patients with OSA. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to analyze the role of glossectomy as a standalone procedure for the treatment of sleep apnea, although the evidence suggests positive outcomes in select patients.
Recurrence patterns after endovenous laser treatment of saphenous vein reflux
Authors: Winokur Ronald S , Khilnani Neil M , Min Robert J
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The patterns of recurrent varicose veins after endovascular ablation of the saphenous veins are not well described.

Methods

The current study describes the ultrasound defined recurrence patterns seen in 58 patients (79 limbs) who returned for evaluation of recurrent varicose veins from a cohort of 802 patients treated with endovenous laser ablation and subsequent sclerotherapy from March 2000 to March 2007 with clinical follow-up until May 2014.

Findings

The most common ultrasound defined recurrence patterns leading to the varicose veins were new reflux in the anterior accessory saphenous and small saphenous veins as well as recanalization of the treated saphenous segment. Neovascularization at the saphenofemoral junction and incompetent perforating veins as the source of the recurrent veins were not seen.

Conclusions

The patterns of recurrence following thermal ablation of saphenous veins are different to those seen after surgery. Specifically, new reflux in other saphenous veins is responsible for most recurrent varicose veins and neovascularity seems to be unusual following endovenous laser ablation.
My Lived Experiences Are More Important Than Your Probabilities
Authors: Holmberg Christine , Waters Erika A. , Whitehouse Katie , Daly Mary , McCaskill-Stevens Worta
Published: July 2015

Background: Decision-making experts emphasize that understanding and using probabilistic information are important for making informed decisions about medical treatments involving complex risk–benefit tradeoffs. Yet empirical research demonstrates that individuals may not use probabilities when making decisions. Objectives: To explore decision making and the use of probabilities for decision making from the perspective of women who were risk-eligible to enroll in the Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (STAR). Methods: We conducted narrative interviews with 20 women who agreed to participate in STAR and 20 women who declined. The project was based on a narrative approach. Analysis included the development of summaries of each narrative, and thematic analysis with developing a coding scheme inductively to code all transcripts to identify emerging themes. Results: Interviewees explained and embedded their STAR decisions within experiences encountered throughout their lives. Such lived experiences included but were not limited to breast cancer family history, a personal history of breast biopsies, and experiences or assumptions about taking tamoxifen or medicines more generally. Conclusions: Women’s explanations of their decisions about participating in a breast cancer chemoprevention trial were more complex than decision strategies that rely solely on a quantitative risk–benefit analysis of probabilities derived from populations In addition to precise risk information, clinicians and risk communicators should recognize the importance and legitimacy of lived experience in individual decision making.
Effects of viscosity on power and hand injection of iso-osmolar iodinated contrast media through thin catheters
Authors: Zhang James J , Hogstrom Barry , Malinak Jiri , Ikei Nobuhiro
Published: July 2015

Background

It can be challenging to achieve adequate vessel opacification during percutaneous coronary interventions when using thin catheters, hand injection, and iso-osmolar contrast media (CM) such as iodixanol (Visipaque™).

Purpose

To explore these limitations and the possibility to overcome them with iosimenol, a novel CM.

Material and Methods

Three X-ray contrast media with different concentrations were used in this study. A series of in vitro experiments established the relationship between injection pressure and flow rate in angiography catheters under various conditions. The experiments were conducted with power and hand injections and included a double-blind evaluation of user perception.

Results

By using hand injection, it was generally not possible to reach a maximum injection pressure exceeding 50 psi. The time within which volunteers were able to complete the injections, the area under the pressure-time curve (AUC), and assessment of ease of injection all were in favor of iosimenol compared with iodixanol, especially when using the 4F thin catheter. Within the pressure ranges tested, the power injections demonstrated that the amount of iodine delivered at a fixed pressure was strongly related to viscosity but unrelated to iodine concentration.

Conclusion

There are substantial limitations to the amount of iodine that can be delivered through thin catheters by hand injection when iso-osmolar CM with high viscosity is used. The only viable solution, besides increasing the injection pressure, is to use a CM with lower viscosity, since the cost of increasing the concentration, in terms of increased viscosity and consequent reduction in flow, is too high. Iosimenol, an iso-osmolar CM with lower viscosity than iodixanol might therefore be a better alternative when thinner catheters are preferred, especially when the radial artery is used as the access site.
Assessment of implant position after total knee arthroplasty by dual-energy computed tomography
Authors: Ferrara Ferdinando , Cipriani Antonio , Rapisarda Santi , Iacobucci Marta , Magarelli Nicola , Leone Antonello , Bonomo Lorenzo
Published: July 2015

Background

Correct alignment of prosthetic components is the most important factor for the success of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) may be a reliable method in determining implant position after TKA.

Purpose

To evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of DECT in determining implant position after TKA.

Material and Methods

Institutional review board approval was obtained. Forty-five patients (age 75.2 ± 6.4 years) prospectively underwent TKA at our institution between May and December 2012. DECT was performed 1 year after surgery, using an alignment similar to a standing position and generating images at an extrapolated energy of 120 kVp, in order to reduce metal artifacts. Implant position was evaluated by two independent readers. Intra- and inter-observer agreements were calculated. DECT measurements on implant position were compared with the preoperative planning based on radiographs. Additional clinical and DECT findings were taken into account.

Results

Metal artifact reduction was judged satisfactory in all cases. Regarding implant position assessed with DECT, good to excellent intra-observer (k: 0.74–0.87 and k: 0.75–0.88, respectively), and inter-observer agreement (k: 0.72–0.82) were found. In the comparison with preoperative planning, the widest limits of agreement were within 3.9° for the sagittal orientation of tibial component. A single patient with postoperative knee pain and stiffness had periprosthetic osteopenia, quadriceps femoris tendon calcifications, articular effusion, and excessive intrarotation of the femoral component.

Conclusion

DECT is an accurate and reproducible tool for determining implant position after TKA.
Comparison of CT and MR angiography in evaluation of peripheral arterial disease before endovascular intervention
Authors: Cina Alessandro , Di Stasi Carmine , Semeraro Vittorio , Marano Riccardo , Savino Giancarlo , Iezzi Roberto , Bonomo Lorenzo
Published: July 2015

Background

Multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) are accurate techniques for selecting patients with peripheral arterial disease for surgical and endovascular treatment. No studies in the literature have directly compared MDCTA and MRA to establish which one should be employed, in patients suitable for both techniques, before endovascular treatment.

Purpose

To compare diagnostic performance of MDCTA vs MRA before endovascular intervention.

Material and Methods

We prospectively compared MDCTA (64 slices scanner) and MRA (1.5 T scanner; 3D gadolinium-enhanced bolus-chase acquisition plus time resolved acquisition on calves) to stratify 35 patients according to the TASC II score and a runoff severity score. We also evaluated the accuracy of both techniques in each arterial segment. Selective angiography performed during the treatment was the standard of reference.

Results

MDCTA and MRA accurately classify disease in the aorto-iliac (accuracy 0.92 for MDCTA and MRA) and femoro-popliteal (MDCTA 0.94, MRA 0.90) segments. MDCTA was more accurate in stratifying disease in the infrapopliteal segments (0.96 vs. 0.9) and in assessing the impairment of runoff arteries (0.92 vs. 0.85) at per-segment analysis. MDCTA showed a higher confidence and a shorter examination time.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that MDCTA can be considered as a first-line investigation in patients being candidates for endovascular procedures when clinical history or duplex sonographic evaluation are indicative of severe impairment of the infrapopliteal segment.
“So sad and slow, so why can’t I turn off the radio”: The effects of gender, depression, and absorption on liking music that induces sadness and music that induces happiness
Authors: Hogue John D. , Crimmins Andrea M. , Kahn Jeffrey H.
Published: July 2015

Huron (2011) theorized that listening to music that induces sadness could lead to higher levels of prolactin, which would lead to increased liking of music that induces sadness, but this relationship would depend on individual factors of age, gender, depression, and personality. This study explored the link between these individual factors on liking music that induces sadness and music that induces happiness to determine if further testing would be viable. This study surveyed 488 college students (338 women, 146 men) and included measures of age, depression, absorption in music, and gender as predictors of liking music that induces sadness and music that induces happiness. Gender and depression predicted liking music that induces sadness, where both men’s and women’s liking increased as depression increased but did so much more for men than it did for women. Gender and absorption in music interacted to predict liking music that induces happiness. For women, there was no relation between absorption in music and liking. For men, there was a positive relation between absorption in music and liking. Age did not affect liking either types of music. These results imply that Huron’s (2011) model could depend on gender, general depression, and absorption in music.
Bringing Publics into Critical Security Studies: Notes for a Research Strategy
Authors: Walters William , D’Aoust Anne-Marie
Published: July 2015

Publics are an undertheorised and somewhat marginal presence in critical security studies. This article argues that a better understanding of publics can advance our understanding of the governance as well as the contestation of security regimes and practices. We develop this argument in three parts. First, we discuss the marginality of publics in critical security studies while highlighting those limited instances where publics have been engaged. Second, we direct attention to emerging research on publics in cognate disciplines, focusing in particular on the literature about material publics. We distil from this work some useful lessons for security studies. In a final section we suggest two research moves for promoting a stronger focus on publics within critical security studies. We conclude that a focus on material publics can furnish security studies with a better understanding of the phenomenon of politics.
The Influence of Quadriceps Strength Asymmetry on Patient-Reported Function at Time of Return to Sport After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Zwolski Christin , Schmitt Laura C. , Quatman-Yates Catherine , Thomas Staci , Hewett Timothy E. , Paterno Mark V.
Published: July 2015

Background:

An objective assessment of quadriceps strength after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is an important clinical measure to determine readiness to return to sport (RTS). Not all clinicians are equipped with the means to objectively quantify quadriceps strength limb symmetry indices (Q-LSIs) via lower extremity isokinetic dynamometers, as recommended by previous studies.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the International Knee Documentation Committee 2000 Subjective Knee Form (IKDC) score at time of RTS was a predictor of quadriceps strength in a young, athletic population after ACLR. Two hypotheses were tested: (1) Individuals with higher self-reports of function would demonstrate better quadriceps strength of the involved limb than individuals with lower self-reports of function at the time of RTS, and (2) individuals with higher self-reports of function would have normal quadriceps strength limb symmetry.

Study Design:

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

Methods:

At time of RTS, 139 subjects who had undergone ACLR completed the IKDC. In addition, an isometric quadriceps strength test (Biodex dynamometer) was performed on both lower extremities. Peak torques were calculated, as was the Q-LSI, determined by the formula ( involved limb peak torque/ uninvolved limb peak torque) × 100%. Participants were dichotomized based on IKDC scores: high IKDC (IKDC ≥90) and low IKDC (IKDC <90). Two-way analysis of variance was used to determine the effect of limb (involved vs uninvolved) and group (high vs low IKDC) on isometric quadriceps strength. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were then performed to determine whether IKDC scores could predict Q-LSI.

Results:

At time of RTS, a significant correlation between IKDC scores and (1) peak isometric torque ( r = 0.282, P < .001) and (2) Q-LSI ( r = 0.357, P < .001) was observed. Individuals with IKDC scores ≥90 were 3 times (OR = 3.4; 95% CI, 1.71-6.93) more likely to demonstrate higher Q-LSI (≥90%). An IKDC score ≥94.8 predicted Q-LSI ≥90% with high sensitivity (0.813) and moderate specificity (0.493).

Conclusion:

Participants with higher IKDC scores demonstrated an increased likelihood of presenting with greater involved limb quadriceps strength and better Q-LSI. Based on the results of this study, a patient-reported outcome measure, such as the IKDC, may be able to serve as a valuable screening tool for the identification of quadriceps strength deficits in this population; however, it should not be considered an accurate surrogate for isokinetic dynamometry. Furthermore, a score of ≥94.8 on the IKDC is likely to indicate that a patient’s quadriceps strength is at an acceptable RTS level.
Reuse of Abandoned Property in Detroit and Flint
Authors: Dewar Margaret
Published: July 2015

When owners stop paying property taxes, a government forecloses on the property. This research compares outcomes after auctions, the common way governments sell tax-reverted property, with outcomes after sales from a city department and a land bank authority. Data on a random sample of sold properties came from field research and administrative sources. Auctions failed in returning property to reuse compared to other ways of selling tax-reverted property. Managed sales led to more owner-occupied homes, additions of side lots to homes and businesses, and redevelopment and reuse as well as fewer returns to foreclosure and less property flipping.
Fatal Neonatal Herpes Simplex Infection Likely from Unrecognized Breast Lesions
Authors: Field Scott S.
Published: July 2015

Type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) is very prevalent yet in rare circumstances can lead to fatal neonatal disease. Genital acquisition of type 2 HSV is the usual mode for neonatal herpes, but HSV-1 transmission by genital or extragenital means may result in greater mortality rates. A very rare scenario is presented in which the mode of transmission was likely through breast lesions. The lesions were seen by nurses as well as the lactation consultant and obstetrician in the hospital after delivery of the affected baby but not recognized as possibly being caused by herpes. The baby died 9 days after birth with hepatic failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Peripartum health care workers need to be aware of potential nongenital (including from the breast[s]) neonatal herpes acquisition, which can be lethal.
Structural-optimization-based design process for the body of a railway vehicle made from extruded aluminum panels
Authors: Lee Hyun-Ah , Jung Seong-Beom , Jang Hwan-Hak , Shin Dae-Hwan , Lee Jang Uk , Kim Kwang Woo , Park Gyung-Jin
Published: July 2015

The railway vehicle manufacturing industry faces increasing pressure to enhance performance and safety while minimizing weight, manufacturing cost and fuel consumption. Structural optimization is a very effective way to design the structure of the body of a railway vehicle so that it meets design requirements. There is a trend to manufacture the body of a vehicle using extruded aluminum. The design of a vehicle body to be built from extruded aluminum panels is considered in this paper. Each aluminum panel is made of sandwich panels that are welded together. The weight and stiffness of the structure are determined by changing the shape and thickness of the webs and ribs. A design process based on structural optimization is proposed to design the shape of the rib and the thickness distribution of the aluminum-based body. The design process is divided into three steps. First, topology optimization is performed to obtain the conceptual design of the ribs under given loading conditions while maximizing the stiffness of the structure. The results of the topology optimization are incorporated into the decision about the shape of the ribs that is performed in the next step. Second, the optimization technique for the shape of the ribs is developed using a design-of-experiments approach. An orthogonal array is used to obtain the optimum combination of the rib shapes. The shapes of the ribs are defined into four types. The characteristic function to find the optimum combination is defined by the maximum stress and the maximum displacement. Finally, size optimization is performed to reduce the weight of the structure while still meeting the design requirements. The thickness values of the webs and ribs are used as design variables. Design constraints are defined so that the maximum stress of the entire structure and the maximum displacement of the side sill are less than the allowable values. A systematic design process of an aluminum body for a railway vehicle is established that reduces its weight while maintaining sufficient strength, and new rib shapes are obtained.
The increase in cobalt release in metal-on-polyethylene hip bearings in tests with third body abrasives
Authors: de Villiers Danielle , Traynor Alison , Collins Simon N , Shelton Julia C
Published: July 2015

Hypersensitivity reactions in patients receiving metal-on-metal hip replacements have been attributed to corrosion products as observed by elevated cobalt and chromium ions in the blood. Although the majority of cases are reported in metal-on-metal, incidences of these reactions have been reported in the metal-on-polyethylene patient population. To date, no in vitro study has considered cobalt release for this bearing combination. This study considered four 28 mm and seven 52 mm diameter metal-on-polyethylene bearings tested following ISO standard hip simulator conditions as well as under established abrasive conditions. These tests showed measurable cobalt in all bearings under standard conditions. Cobalt release, as well as polyethylene wear, increased with diameter, increasing from 52 to 255 ppb. The introduction of bone cement particles into the articulation doubled polyethylene wear and cobalt release while alumina particles produced significant damage on the heads demonstrated by cobalt levels of 70,700 ppb and an increased polyethylene wear from a mean value of 9–160 mm3/mc. Cobalt release was indicative of head damage and correlated with polyethylene wear at the next gravimetric interval. The removal of third body particles resulted in continued elevated cobalt levels in the 52 mm diameter bearings tested with alumina compared to standard conditions but the bearings tested with bone cement particles returned to standard levels. The polyethylene wear in the bone cement tested bearings also recovered to standard levels, although the alumina tested bearings continued to wear at a higher rate of 475 mm3/mc. Cobalt release was shown to occur in metal-on-polyethylene bearings indicating damage to the metal head resulting in increased polyethylene wear. While large diameter metal-on-polyethylene bearings may provide an increased range of motion and a reduced dislocation risk, increased levels of cobalt are likely to be released and this needs to be fully considered before being widely adopted.
Non-medical use of prescription drugs and HIV risk behaviour in transgender women in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States
Authors: Benotsch Eric G , Zimmerman Rick S , Cathers Laurie , Pierce Juan , McNulty Shawn , Heck Ted , Perrin Paul B , Snipes Daniel J
Published: July 2015

Male-to-female transgender women (TGW) experience high rates of substance use and HIV. A recent substance use trend is the use of prescription medication without a doctor’s consent. No research to date has examined the associations between this non-medical use of prescription drugs and HIV risk behaviour in TGW. In the present study, TGW recruited from community venues (N = 104) in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States completed surveys assessing demographic information, non-medical use of prescription drugs, other substance use, injection practices and sexual risk behaviour. Twenty-four per cent of the sample reported lifetime non-medical use of prescription drugs across the following categories: analgesics (21.2%), anxiolytics (14.4%), stimulants (12.5%) and sedatives (8.7%). Participants reporting non-medical use of prescription drugs were more likely to report other substance use, needle use to inject drugs, injecting silicone and sharing needles. In multivariable analyses, non-medical use of prescription drugs was associated with unprotected sex, sex after engaging in substance use, and commercial sex work, after controlling for demographic factors. Self-esteem and social support from family served as protective factors for non-medical use of prescription drugs. HIV-prevention programmes focused on TGW in the United States may wish to expand their assessment of substance use to include the use of prescription medications without a physician’s consent.
Intimate partner violence, consenting to HIV testing and HIV status among Zambian women
Authors: Nelson Kara A , Ferrance Jacquelyn L , Masho Saba W
Published: July 2015

Sub-Saharan African countries are heavily burdened with HIV, which disproportionately affects women of reproductive age. Extant literature is inconsistent regarding the link between intimate partner violence and HIV. Data from the 2007 Zambian Demographic Health Survey of women aged 15–49 (n = 5014) were analysed. The influence of abuse by a current or former husband on consent to HIV testing and HIV positivity were evaluated. The unadjusted analysis showed a statistically significant association between intimate partner violence and consent to testing for HIV. Stratified analysis showed that there was a statistically significant association between intimate partner violence and HIV testing in rural areas but not in urban areas. However, the association lost its significance when adjusted for confounding factors. No statistically significant association was found between intimate partner violence and HIV-positive status. It is encouraging that women who experienced intimate partner were testing for HIV. Prevention efforts should continue addressing the needs of this population.
Association between sexual role and HIV status among Peruvian men who have sex with men seeking an HIV test: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: McLean Sarah A , Galea Jerome T , Prudden Holly J , Calvo Gino , Sánchez Hugo , Brown Brandon
Published: July 2015

In Latin America, sexual role, sexual identity and sexual practices are intricately related; the roles activo , pasivo and moderno often encompass sexual identity and sexual practices. We aimed to understand the association between sexual role and HIV status in Peruvian men who have sex with men. HIV-testing services at Epicentro Salud, a Peruvian gay men’s health centre, were paired with clinic data on demographics and sexual behaviour. Bidirectional stepwise logistic regression was conducted to determine associations between sexual role and HIV status. Of 366 clients who underwent HIV testing, 86 (23.5%) tested positive. There was a strong association between sexual role (‘activo’ or typically insertive, ‘pasivo’ or typically receptive, ‘moderno’ or typically versatile) and a positive HIV test ( p = 0.002). Compared to clients with an activo role, those who reported a pasivo (OR = 6.14) and moderno (OR = 6.26) role were more likely to test positive for HIV. Sexual role was associated with sexual identity (gay, straight and bisexual) and gender of partners in the past six months. Self-reported pasivo and moderno sexual roles were strongly associated with a positive HIV test result. Further research should examine differences in sexual practices between sexual role groups.
Assessment of curvature correction and reattachment modification into the shear stress transport model within the subsonic axial compressor simulations
Authors: Liu Baojie , An Guangfeng , Yu Xianjun
Published: July 2015

Complicated flows featuring with highly three-dimensionality and intense rotation/curvature in turbomachines have made the steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulation very difficult. In this paper, based on the widely used ω-based shear stress transport (SST) model, two modifications (one is denoted as shear stress transport model with curvature correction (SST-CC), the other is denoted as shear stress transport model with reattachment modification (SST-RM)) are assessed in predicting the tip leakage flow in the rotor passage and the three-dimensional separating flow in the stator passage of a low-speed axial compressor. Based on the comprehensive experimental data, including the compressor characteristics lines, inter-blade-row velocity profiles, and also detailed three-dimensional flows inside both rotor and stator passages, the abilities for capturing both compressor performance characteristics and specific flow details for simulations with different turbulence models were analyzed. The results indicate that the SST-CC model could simulate an approximate operating line with the one simulated by the SST model, which is very close to the experimental results, while the SST-RM model over-predicted the compressor pressure rise characteristics at all mass-flow-rate conditions. For the tip leakage flow inside the rotor passage and the three-dimensional separating flow inside the stator passage, the SST-RM model predicts a more accurate result, while for the outlet flow profile of the rotor and the stator passage the SST-CC model could simulate a more anastomotic result. In conclusion, the SST-RM model has advantage in predicting the flow fields within the blade rows, while the SST-CC model is adept in predicting the inter-row flow profiles. However, neither of them could simulate great comprehensive results in the investigated axial compressor.
Dynamic prediction models for clustered and interval-censored outcomes: Investigating the intra-couple correlation in the risk of dementia
Authors: Rondeau Virginie , Mauguen Audrey , Laurent Alexandre , Berr Claudine , Helmer Catherine
Published: July 2015

The use of settings such as cohorts or clinical trials with interval-censored data and clustered event times are increasingly popular designs. First, the observed outcomes cannot be considered as independent and random effects survival models were introduced. Second, the failure time is not known exactly but it is only known to have occurred within a certain interval.

We propose here an extension of shared frailty models to handle simultaneously the interval censoring, the clustering and also left truncation due to delayed entry in the cohort. A simulation study to evaluate the proposed method was conducted. The estimated results are used to obtain dynamic predictions for clustered patients, with interval-censored failure times and with a given history. We apply our method to the Three-City study, a prospective cohort with periodic follow-up in order to study prognostic factors of dementia. In this application scheme, couples are natural clusters and an intra-couple correlation might be present with a possible increased risk for dementia for subjects whose partner already developed incident dementia. No significant intra-couple correlation for the risk of dementia was observed before and after adjustments for covariates. We also present individual predictions of dementia underlining the usefulness of dynamic prognostic tools that can take into account the clustering.

The consideration of frailty models for interval-censoring data and left-truncated data permits useful analysis of very complex clustered data. It could help to improve estimation of the impact of proposed prognostic features in a study with clustering. We proposed here a tractable model and a dynamic prediction tool that can easily be implemented using the R package Frailtypack.
Estimation of the treatment effect under an incomplete block crossover design in binary data – A conditional likelihood approach
Authors: Lui Kung-Jong
Published: July 2015

A random effects logistic regression model is proposed for an incomplete block crossover trial comparing three treatments when the underlying patient response is dichotomous. On the basis of the conditional distributions, the conditional maximum likelihood estimator for the relative effect between treatments and its estimated asymptotic standard error are derived. Asymptotic interval estimator and exact interval estimator are also developed. Monte Carlo simulation is used to evaluate the performance of these estimators. Both asymptotic and exact interval estimators are found to perform well in a variety of situations. When the number of patients is small, the exact interval estimator with assuring the coverage probability larger than or equal to the desired confidence level can be especially of use. The data taken from a crossover trial comparing the low and high doses of an analgesic with a placebo for the relief of pain in primary dysmenorrhea are used to illustrate the use of estimators and the potential usefulness of the incomplete block crossover design.
Sexual harassment in an east African agribusiness supply chain
Authors: Jacobs Susie , Brahic Bénédicte , Olaiya Marta Medusa
Published: July 2015

This article discusses sexual harassment in the east African cut-flower and horticultural industry, based on research on 62 farms in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. It argues that sexual harassment is fostered both by coercive labour conditions within global value chains and by existing hierarchical gender relations. The research finds that harassment is widespread, that many lack a vocabulary to describe or discuss this, and that female casual and temporary workers are most likely to be targeted. Action research coupled with organisation of workers, however, has been effective in giving ‘voice’ to those suffering harassment: this is a first step in a feminist labour mobilisation and policy formulation. Procedures against sexual harassment are beginning to be formulated: a key concern is implementation. Addressing sexual harassment is central in ensuring the security of working people, particularly the most marginalised.
Job-sharing among teachers: Positive, negative (and unintended) consequences
Authors: Williamson Sue , Cooper Rae , Baird Marian
Published: July 2015

The pros and cons of part-time work have attracted considerable attention in recent years, not least because of its presumed potential to enable employees to reconcile paid work and family needs. This article focuses on job-sharing, which is a unique yet underexplored form of part-time work and one which has rarely been analysed in terms of the consequences for all stakeholders. This case study of job-sharing details its positive outcomes for some employees, in assisting them to balance career and family. The study also highlights some previously unexplored and, we argue, unintended negative consequences of job-sharing. In this case, job-sharing contributed to the increased use of temporary employees who were locked out of many of the benefits of quality flexible work. Furthermore, the case study reveals competing interests between permanent and temporary employees, creating a range of challenges for human resource practitioners in managing and developing both groups.
Progressive accumulation of the abnormal conformer of the prion protein and spongiform encephalopathy in the obex of nonsymptomatic and symptomatic Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) with chronic wasting disease
Authors: Spraker Terry R. , Gidlewski Thomas , Powers Jenny G. , Nichols Tracy , Balachandran Aru , Cummings Bruce , Wild Margaret A. , VerCauteren Kurt , O’Rourke Katherine I.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of our study was to describe the progressive accumulation of the abnormal conformer of the prion protein (PrPCWD) and spongiform degeneration in a single section of brain stem in Rocky Mountain elk ( Cervus elaphus nelsoni) with chronic wasting disease (CWD). A section of obex from 85 CWD-positive elk was scored using the presence and abundance of PrPCWD immunoreactivity and spongiform degeneration in 10 nuclear regions and the presence and abundance of PrPCWD in 10 axonal tracts, the subependymal area of the fourth ventricle, and the thin subpial astrocytic layer (glial limitans). Data was placed in a formula to generate an overall obex score. Data suggests that PrPCWD immunoreactivity and spongiform degeneration has a unique and relatively consistent pattern of progression throughout a section of obex. This scoring technique utilizing a single section of obex may prove useful in future work for estimating the presence and abundance of PrPCWD in peripheral tissues and the nervous system in elk with CWD.