bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Gradient Boosting of Regression Trees Method on Estimating Car-Following Behavior
Authors: Dabiri Sina , Abbas Montasir
Published: May 2018

Car-following models, as the essential part of traffic microscopic simulations, have been utilized to analyze and estimate longitudinal drivers’ behavior for sixty years. The conventional car-following models use mathematical formulas to replicate human behavior in car-following phenomenon. The incapability of these approaches to capture the complex interactions between vehicles calls for deploying advanced learning frameworks to consider more detailed behavior of drivers. In this study, we apply the gradient boosting of regression tree (GBRT) algorithm to vehicle trajectory data sets, which have been collected through the Next Generation Simulation (NGSIM) program, to develop a new car-following model. First, the regularization parameters of the proposed method are tuned using cross-validation technique and sensitivity analysis. Second, prediction performance of the GBRT is compared to the world-famous Gazis-Herman-Rothery (GHR) model, when both models have been trained on the same data sets. The estimation results of the models on unseen records indicate the superiority of the GBRT algorithm in capturing the motion characteristics of two successive vehicles.
Introducing a Cost-Effective Approach for Improving the Arterial Traffic Performance Operating Under the Semi-Actuated Coordinated Signal Control
Authors: Dabiri Sina , Kompany Kianoush , Abbas Montasir
Published: May 2018

The semi-actuated coordinated operation mode is a type of signal control where minor approaches are placed with detectors to develop actuated phasing while major movements are coordinated without using detection systems. The objective of this study is to propose a cost-effective approach for reducing delay in the semi-actuated coordinated signal operation without incurring any extra costs in terms of installing new detectors or developing adaptive controller systems. We propose a simple approach for further enhancing a pre-optimized timing plan. In this method, the green splits of non-coordinated phases are multiplied by a factor greater than one. In the meantime, the amount of green time added to the non-coordinated phases is subtracted from the coordinated phases to keep the cycle length constant. Thus, if the traffic demand on the side streets exceeds the expected traffic flow, the added time in the non-coordinated phase enables the non-coordinated phases to accommodate the additional traffic demand. A regression analysis is implemented so as to identify the optimal value of the mentioned factor, called actuated factor (ActF). The response variable is the average delay reduction (seconds/vehicle) of the simulation runs under the proposed signal timing plan compared with the simulation runs under the pre-optimized timing plan, obtained through the macroscopic signal optimization tools. External traffic movements, left-turn percentage, and ActF are the explanatory variables in the model. Results reveal that the ActF is the only significant variable with the optimal value of 1.15 that is applicable for a wide range of traffic volumes.
Reconstructing Vehicle Trajectories to Support Travel Time Estimation
Authors: Li Zheng , Kluger Robert , Hu Xianbiao , Wu Yao-Jan , Zhu Xiaoyu
Published: May 2018

The primary objective of this study was to increase the sample size of public probe vehicle-based arterial travel time estimation. The complete methodology of increasing sample size using incomplete trajectory was built based on a k-Nearest Neighbors ( k-NN) regression algorithm. The virtual travel time of an incomplete trajectory was represented by similar complete trajectories. As incomplete trajectories were not used to calculate travel time in previous studies, the sample size of travel time estimation can be increased without collecting extra data. A case study was conducted on a major arterial in the city of Tucson, Arizona, including 13 links. In the case study, probe vehicle data were collected from a smartphone application used for navigation and guidance. The case study showed that the method could significantly increase link travel time samples, but there were still limitations. In addition, sensitivity analysis was conducted using leave-one-out cross-validation to verify the performance of the k-NN model under different parameters and input data. The data analysis showed that the algorithm performed differently under different parameters and input data. Our study suggested optimal parameters should be selected using a historical dataset before real-world application.
Data-Based Real-Time Moisture Modeling in Unsaturated Expansive Subgrade in Texas
Authors: Ahmed Asif , Hossain Sahadat , Khan Mohammad Sadik , Shishani Aya
Published: May 2018

Moisture variations significantly influence the strength and stiffness of expansive subgrade soils, shortening the service lives of pavements and increasing the associated maintenance costs. Accurate measurements of soil moisture can be obtained through soil sampling and testing, but the process can be extensive and costly. Empirical models can accurately predict the moisture variations in an expansive subgrade in a shorter period of time, with lower accompanying costs. The objective of the current study was to develop moisture models, using real-time field monitoring data from two hot mix asphalt roads in North Texas. The collected data were analyzed in a statistical environment to solve two first degree Fourier series. The solution produced a moisture variation model that captured variations associated with seasonal effects and temporary variations associated with rainfall. The outputs of this model were within 90% of the values measured on site. Application of the developed models will facilitate noninvasive estimations of the response of soil strength and stiffness properties to variations in moisture.
Examining Curing Efficiency using Neutron Radiography
Authors: Moradllo Mehdi Khanzadeh , Montanari Luca , Suraneni Prannoy , Reese Steven R. , Weiss Jason
Published: May 2018

Many state highway agencies use prescriptive specifications for the curing of concrete bridge decks, pavements, flatwork, or structural elements. For example, concrete pavements are frequently specified to have a curing compound applied shortly after placement and bridge decks typically require seven days of wet curing. These specifications are often based on historical practices that have developed over the last century as opposed to quantitative measurements of performance. New approaches to curing are being introduced which include advanced curing compound formulations or internal curing, for example. However, clear information is not always available as to how this may affect curing requirements. This paper demonstrates the potential to use neutron radiography to quantify the degree of hydration at various distances from the finished surface. It describes how different curing approaches affect cement hydration in terms of both time and distance from the surface. The results show that in a sample exposed to drying after one day the top 12.5 mm (1/2 in) of the mortar was dramatically affected by evaporation, and the degree of hydration in this region was 32% lower than in a 14-day moist-cured sample. Also, the use of superabsorbent polymers increased degree of hydration by about 3.7–7.8% for sealed samples and samples exposed to drying. While these results are preliminary, it is believed by the authors that neutron radiography provides a powerful approach that could be used to determine equivalent curing requirements for new materials.
Effects of Reheating Procedure and Oven Type on Performance Testing Results of Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Lemke Zachary , Sadek Husam , Swiertz Daniel , Reichelt Signe , Bahia Hussain U.
Published: May 2018

Reheating and oven-aging procedures of plant-produced asphalt mixtures in laboratories are important topics to consider as performance testing of mixtures becomes more popular among agencies. Differences between laboratory equipment and procedure could significantly affect performance properties. The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of sample size, oven type, and variation in reheating/aging temperatures on the results of two performance tests on plant-produced mixtures. A selected mixture was tested for volumetric properties and performance using Hamburg wheel-tracking (HWT) and semi-circular bending (SCB-IFIT) tests. Results show that reheating mixtures uncovered and in smaller containers could significantly reduce the time to achieve aging temperature, and could make the process more efficient and consistent. In addition, aging using three different oven types showed that temperature within ovens can vary significantly depending on the location of the sample inside the oven, which affects the time required to reach the target temperature, and thus may also influence the aging of the sample. The mixture volumetric properties show that the effect of various heating conditions is marginal. Using the developed reheating/aging procedure of this study, the results of the HWT and SCB-IFIT tests showed no substantial effect of oven type on rutting and cracking resistance. The overall results indicate that there is a need to standardize the conditions of reheating, sample geometry, and to verify uniformity of temperature in ovens. Such standardization can further reduce variability and thus should be part of the AASHTO/ASTM standard procedures for quality control, or of laboratory equipment calibration procedures.
Nondestructive Testing of Steel Corrosion in Prestressed Concrete Structures using the Magnetic Flux Leakage System
Authors: Shams Sadegh , Ghorbanpoor Al , Lin Shibin , Azari Hoda
Published: May 2018

The Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) method can be nondestructively used to disclose the location and extent of corrosion or fracture in prestressed strands in concrete structures. In this study, parameters with the greatest effect on the performance of the MFL system are investigated using numerical simulations. The MFL system under study is based on two permanent magnets to magnetize embedded strands and Hall-effect sensors to detect normal magnetic flux leakage. The system is assessed using magnetostatic and transient numerical analysis to effectively simulate the MFL system. Results have been verified by laboratory and field experiments. Both normal and axial Hall-effect sensors are modeled in simulations to better identify magnetic signals at the corrosion zone. The sensor lift-off and the magnetic field masking by lateral reinforcements on nearby pitting corrosion are addressed as two main drawbacks of using MFL systems to detect corrosion in prestressed concrete structures. To provide more details about the flux leakage interference between the pitting corrosion and lateral reinforcements in prestressed concrete structures, linear and oriented magnets/sensor arrays are proposed and analyzed numerically.
Comparison between three in vitro methods to measure magnesium degradation and their suitability for predicting in vivo degradation
Authors: Knigge Sara R , Glasmacher Birgit
Published: May 2018

A lot of research has been done in the field of magnesium-based implant material. This study is focused on finding an explanation for the large disparity in results from similar experiments in literature. The hypothesis is that many different measurement protocols are used to quantify magnesium degradation and this leads to inconsistent results. Cylindrical, pure magnesium samples were used for this study. The degradation took place in revised simulated body fluid at 37°C. Hydrogen evolution was measured to quantify the degradation. Two commonly used experimental protocols were examined: static conditions and a fluid changing method. For static testing, the samples stayed in fluid. For the fluid changing method, the fluid was changed after 2 and 5 days of immersion. In addition, a new method with continuous fluid flow was established. After an initial phase, the results confirm that for all three methods, the degradation behavior differs strongly. The static condition results in a very slow degradation rate. The fluid change method leads to a similar behavior like the static condition except that the degradation was speeded up after the fluid changes. The continuous degradation is linear for a long period after the initial phase. In comparison with in vivo degradation behavior, the degradation process in continuous flow shows the best fitting. The accumulation of degradation products, especially the increasing pH value, has a strong inhibiting effect. This cannot be observed in vivo so that a constant experimental environment realizable by continuous flow is more suitable for magnesium-based implant material testing.
Tracking Special Education Teacher Candidates’ Reflective Practices Over Time
Authors: deBettencourt Laurie U. , Nagro Sarah A.
Published: May 2018

Clinical teacher preparation programs often incorporate reflective practices to promote critical thinking and professional growth. The purpose of this study was to determine whether special education teacher candidates’ reflective abilities changed from repeated exposure to reflective practice as they completed two field experiences. We sought to analyze patterns in candidates’ reflective practices by investigating both types of and topics for reflection. Six initial certification candidates completed two clinical experiences and wrote 30 reflection journal entries. Entries were sampled and reviewed to determine both a reflective ability score and reflective practice patterns over time. Results from a one-way repeated measures analysis of variance indicated no change in special education candidates’ reflective ability over time. Candidates’ reflections were descriptive and focused mostly on themselves. Results suggest professional growth in reflective ability does not occur through maturation. Teacher educators need to consider supplementing reflective practices with learning supports to see substantive growth.
L’approche vidéographique dans la recherche en marketing : Quel protocole méthodologique ?
Authors: Cléret Baptiste , Dehling Aurélie , Leroy Julie , Rokka Joonas , Sohier Alice , Herbert Maud
Published: May 2018

Résumé

Cet article propose un protocole de la méthode vidéographique en recherche marketing. Sa finalité est de contribuer à enrichir la boîte à outils du chercheur en présentant comment la vidéographie académique peut être mise en œuvre et en identifiant les challenges et les opportunités d’une telle démarche. Offrir un guide concret aux chercheurs permet aussi de répondre aux appels pour une plus large diffusion de la méthode au sein de la communauté académique. L’article présente à la fois l’application et l’évaluation de la méthode vidéographique via quatre phases successives : pré-production, production, post-production et diffusion. Ce protocole se fonde sur l’analyse de la genèse des recherches vidéographiques, majoritairement nord-américaines, fertilisée par l’analyse du corpus de productions francophones présentées lors de conférences nationales et internationales. L’objectif est d’apporter une vision élargie et non ethnocentrique qui permet de rendre explicite le processus méthodologique et les divers choix inhérents pour aider au développement de travaux créatifs et innovants.
Social Integration and Domestic Violence Support in an Indigenous Community: Women’s Recommendations of Formal Versus Informal Sources of Support
Authors: Gauthier G. Robin , Francisco Sara C. , Khan Bilal , Dombrowski Kirk
Published: May 2018

Throughout North America, indigenous women experience higher rates of intimate partner violence and sexual violence than any other ethnic group, and so it is of particular importance to understand sources of support for Native American women. In this article, we use social network analysis to study the relationship between social integration and women’s access to domestic violence support by examining the recommendations they would give to another woman in need. We ask two main questions: First, are less integrated women more likely to make no recommendation at all when compared with more socially integrated women? Second, are less integrated women more likely than more integrated women to nominate a formal source of support rather than an informal one? We use network data collected from interviews with 158 Canadian women residing in an indigenous community to measure their access to support. We find that, in general, less integrated women are less likely to make a recommendation than more integrated women. However, when they do make a recommendation, less integrated women are more likely to recommend a formal source of support than women who are more integrated. These results add to our understanding of how access to two types of domestic violence support is embedded in the larger set of social relations of an indigenous community.
Help-Seeking Behaviors for Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration by Men Receiving Substance Use Treatment: A Mixed-Methods Secondary Analysis
Authors: Hashimoto Nozomu , Radcliffe Polly , Gilchrist Gail
Published: May 2018

Despite the high prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration by men receiving substance use treatment, little is known about their help-seeking behaviors for IPV. A secondary analysis of a mixed-methods study of men receiving substance use treatment who perpetrated IPV examined the prevalence, characteristics, and barriers associated with IPV perpetration disclosure and help-seeking. In total, 170 men were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and a subsample of 20 were interviewed in-depth about their experiences. Logistic regression determined variables associated with disclosure and help-seeking. Thematic analysis of the in-depth interviews explored barriers to disclosure and help-seeking. Only half the participants had told anyone about their IPV perpetration and about one quarter reported having sought any sort of support. Whereas participants were more likely to disclose their IPV perpetration to informal resources (such as friends or family), they tended to seek help from formal resources (such as health professionals or the police). A greater proportion of physical IPV perpetrators, who had disclosed, had been arrested or had police involvement for IPV, suggesting that their disclosure may not have been voluntary. The following themes emerged from the qualitative data about the barriers to disclosure and help-seeking for IPV perpetration: fear that their children would be taken into care by social services, shame and embarrassment, and a minimization or normalization of their behavior. In addition, many participants highlighted that they had never been previously asked about IPV during treatment for substance use and stressed the need for greater expertise in or knowledge of this topic from specialist services. Substance use treatment services should enquire about men’s relationships and IPV perpetration to facilitate disclosure and provide support. Further research is necessary to determine the context of disclosure and help-seeking for IPV perpetration to increase the likelihood of identification.
Sexual Coercion Perpetration and Victimization: Gender Similarities and Differences in Adolescence
Authors: Fernández-Fuertes Andrés A. , Carcedo Rodrigo J. , Orgaz Begoña , Fuertes Antonio
Published: May 2018

Sexual coercion is a worldwide health problem that endangers the well-being of those involved. In the same line of the most recent and comprehensive studies, this study sought to investigate the extent of sexual coercion, both perpetration and victimization, among male and female adolescents. Moreover, it jointly analyzed the predictive power of different variables that have been considered as useful to design preventive programs. For this purpose, a cross-sectional study, using proportional stratified cluster sampling, was performed and 1,242 Spanish adolescents (15-19 years old) were surveyed. Results show that both genders had reported committing and suffering sexual coercion. However, perpetration was reported more often by males: no significant gender difference was found in victimization. It was also concluded that need for control and power, normative beliefs about sexual coercion, hostile sexism, negative alcohol expectancies, and sociosexual orientation were significant predictors of perpetration for both genders. Concerning victimization, need for control and power and normative beliefs were found to be significant predictors for males and females, as were negative alcohol expectancies and sexual esteem, though only for males. According to these results, both genders can be both perpetrators and victims of sexual coercion in adolescence, but not to the same extent. Moreover, preventive programs should include activities related to perpetration and victimization, taking into account the effectiveness of their components to intervene with male and female adolescents.
Comparison of Human Milk Fatty Acid Composition of Women From Cambodia and Australia
Authors: Gao Chang , Liu Ge , Whitfield Kyly C. , Kroeun Hou , Green Timothy J. , Gibson Robert A. , Makrides Maria , Zhou Shao J.
Published: May 2018

Background:

Human milk is a rich source of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are postulated to be important for brain development. There is a lack of data on the human milk fatty acid composition of Cambodian women compared with data from Western women.

Research Aim:

The aim of this study was to determine the human milk fatty acid composition of women living in Cambodia and compare it with that of women living in Australia.

Method:

Human milk samples from Cambodian ( n = 67) and Australian ( n = 200) mothers were collected at 3 to 4 months postpartum. Fatty acid composition was analyzed using capillary gas chromatography followed by Folch extraction with chloroform/methanol (2:1 v/v), and fat content was measured gravimetrically.

Result:

Compared with Australian participants, human milk from Cambodian participants contained a significantly lower level of total fat (2.90 vs. 3.45 g/dL, p = .028), lower percentages of linoleic acid (9.30% vs. 10.66%, p < .0001) and α-linolenic acid (0.42% vs. 0.95%, p < .0001), but higher percentages of arachidonic acid (0.68% vs. 0.38%, p < .0001) and docosahexaenoic acid (0.40% vs. 0.23%, p < .0001).

Conclusion:

Differences in human milk fatty acid composition between Cambodian and Australian participants may be explained by differences in the dietary patterns between the two populations.
Investigating Leader Self-Efficacy Through Policy Engagement and Social Network Position
Authors: Liou Yi-Hwa , Daly Alan J.
Published: May 2018

Leaders’ self-efficacy has recently been identified as a critical component in the success of educational reform. In educational policy and leadership, little attention has been paid to leaders’ self-efficacy beliefs as they go about the implementation of Common Core State Standards (CCSS). This study seeks to understand leaders’ CCSS self-efficacy by examining the level of CCSS-focused engagement and the degree of leaders’ network connectedness from a social learning perspective. Findings suggest leaders who report higher levels of CCSS-focused engagement tend to be more efficacious about implementing CCSS. Such a relationship is mediated by leaders’ social network position in providing CCSS advice and work effort recognition to their fellow administrators.
Reformatory schools and Whiteness in danger: An Australian case
Authors: Carden Clarissa
Published: May 2018

The Queensland Reformatory and Industrial Schools Act (1865) provided for the creation of a system of reformatory and industrial schools. This article explores the early years of the reformatory for boys. The Act defined Aboriginal children as ‘neglected’ and eligible to be sent to this institution. However, of the first 1000 children admitted, all but 33 were White. This article explores this contradiction through an analysis of the reformatory in light of fears about the fragility of Whiteness in Queensland’s climate.
Postgraduate student experiences of workplace learning for a professional psychology qualification in the South African context
Authors: Long Errolyn , Fynn Angelo
Published: May 2018

Expanding access to higher education has taken priority in South Africa. There is a focus on improving entry into learning contexts and subsequent economic and social mobility opportunities by developing attributes in graduates that are in line with employment sector expectations. Work-integrated learning (WIL) processes serve to expose students to the real expectations of the workplace with the intention of bridging the gap between study completion and work readiness. The implementation and coordination of WIL placements are therefore an important component of professional degrees such as psychology masters. This article adopts the theory of connectivism as the central lens and emphasizes that knowledge is gathered through a network of connections between entities (nodes) that may consist of individuals, groups, fields, ideas or communities. The article describes the learning experience from the student’s perspective and provides an example of how the connectivist approach can be used to bridge the complex learning process in professional qualifications.
Manufacturing and mechanical characterization of Mg-4Y-2Nd-0.4Zr-0.25La magnesium microtubes by combined severe plastic deformation process for biodegradable vascular stents
Authors: Amani S , Faraji Ghader , Mehrabadi H Kazemi , Baghani Mostafa
Published: May 2018

Using biodegradable magnesium microtubes for producing vascular stent have received a great deal of attention during the last decade. However, poor workability and low mechanical properties of Mg and its alloys pose an obstacle to manufacturing microtubes for stent application. In this article, a combined method including equal channel angular pressing), direct extrusion, and microtube extrusion processes are employed to produce WE43 magnesium microtubes. Thus, microtubes with an outside diameter of 3.3 mm and a wall thickness of 0.22 mm are successfully manufactured. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in mechanical properties and microstructure of the processed samples. The ultimate strength and elongation are increased from 240 MPa and 6% to 340 MPa and 20% in the final microtube, respectively. In addition, the microhardness of the final microtube is enhanced from an initial value of 85 Hv to 102 Hv and the grain size is reduced to 3.5 µm from the initial value of 135 µm. Therefore, the proposed method overcomes the poor formability of Mg alloy and can be used to fabricate high-strength microtubes with ultrafine-grained structure.
Energy absorption of single and multi-cell profiles under bending load considering damage evolution
Authors: Estrada Quirino , Szwedowicz Dariusz , Gutierrez-Wing Enrique , Silva-Aceves Jesús , Rodriguez-Mendez Alejandro , Elias-Espinosa Milton , Vergara-Vazquez Julio , Bedolla-Hernandez Jorge
Published: May 2018

In this paper, the energy absorption response of single and multi-cell profiles with different cross sections under bending load is presented. Emphasis was given to the modeling of damage initiation criteria and damage evolution. For this purpose, several discrete models of thin-walled structures were developed using Abaqus/Explicit. To obtain reliable results, a numerical study of a double-chambered profile under quasi-static three-point bending was conducted and validated experimentally. The studied structures included profiles with triangular, square, hexagonal, and circular cross-sectional shapes. The beams were fabricated with aluminum alloy EN AW-7108 T6 and modeled with ductile, shear, and Müschenborn-Sonne forming limit diagram damage initiation criteria. From the numerical results, both single and multi-cell profiles show an improvement in crashworthiness performance as their cross sections tend to approach a circle. In this way, an improvement of up to 80.95% in the crush force efficiency ( CFE) parameter was obtained. Similarly, the introduction of ribs allowed for an increase in the energy absorption performance of the profiles relative to the single structure (non-ribbed). In this sense, an increase in specific energy absorption ( SEA) and CFE values of up to 40% and 69% was calculated. Relative to single profiles, a maximum resistance to bending and an increase in energy absorption are observed when the circular cross section is reinforced in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Finally, with the improvements found, the design of an impact door beam used in the automobile industry is presented and discussed.
Historicizing transcultural psychiatry: people, epistemic objects, networks, and practices
Authors: Delille Emmanuel , Crozier Ivan
Published: May 2018

The history of transcultural psychiatry has recently attracted much historical attention, including a workshop in March 2016 in which an international panel of scholars met at the Maison de Sciences de l’Homme Paris-Nord (MSH-PN). Papers from this workshop are presented here. By conceiving of transcultural psychiatry as a dynamic social field that frames its knowledge claims around epistemic objects that are specific to the field, and by focusing on the ways that concepts within this field are used to organize intellectual work, several themes are explored that draw this field into the historiography of psychiatry. Attention is paid to the organization of networks and publications, and to important actors within the field who brought about significant developments in the colonial and post-colonial conceptions of mental illness.
Public libraries, museums and physical convergence: Context, issues, opportunities: A literature review Part 2
Authors: Warren Emily , Matthews Graham
Published: May 2018

There has recently been a growth in physical convergence in cultural heritage domains. The second of a two-part article that considers this trend with particular regard to public libraries and museums provides an overview of factors to be considered by those planning or developing physically converged services. This has been achieved through thematic analysis of a review of international literature from both domains. It begins with consideration of obstacles to convergence, ethical challenges, organisational and strategic complexity, organisational culture and resistance. It moves on to discuss factors, general and physical, that can lead to success in convergence: vision, strategy and planning, communication and trust, for example, and, how these can be led and managed. It also considers the role of professional education and training, the benefits of convergence, for example improved cultural offer and visibility, financial savings, with viewpoints from around the world. Part 2 ends with a critical note on the ‘convergence narrative’, and a conclusion that focuses on physical convergence which draws on both Parts.
Encountering the muse: An exploration of the relationship between inspiration and information in the museum context
Authors: Latham K.F. , Narayan Bhuva , Gorichanaz Tim
Published: May 2018

How are information and inspiration connected? Answering this question can help information professionals facilitate the pathways to inspiration. Inspiration has previously been conceptualized as a goal or mode of information seeking, but this says little about the nature of inspiration or how it is experienced. In this study, we explore the connection between information and inspiration through a qualitative approach, using the museum as our setting; specifically, the researchers’ own visits to three separate museums. We use collaborative auto-hermeneutics, a methodology specifically suited to such a reflexive exploration, to document and analyze three individual museum visits. The following research questions were the main driver for this exploratory study: What is inspiration, and How are inspiration and information related? In answer, we present an inductive definition of inspiration as a kind of information, and we discuss how this definition fits in with the information science literature as well as offer some practical applications.
Blurred reputations: Managing professional and private information online
Authors: Ryan Frances V.C. , Cruickshank Peter , Hall Hazel , Lawson Alistair
Published: May 2018

Results are reported from a study that investigated patterns of information behaviour and use as related to personal reputation building and management in online environments. An everyday life information seeking (ELIS) perspective was adopted. Data were collected by diary and interview from 45 social media users who hold professional and managerial work roles, and who are users of Twitter, Facebook and/or LinkedIn. These data were first transcribed, then coded with NVivo10 according to themes identified from a preliminary literature review, with further codes added as they emerged from the content of the participant diaries and interviews. The main findings reveal that the portrayal of different personas online contributes to the presentation (but not the creation) of identity, that information-sharing practices for reputation building and management vary according to social media platform, and that the management of online connections and censorship are important to the protection of reputation. The maintenance of professional reputation is more important than private reputation to these users. They are aware of the ‘blur’ between professional and private lives in online contexts, and the influence that it bears on efforts to manage an environment where LinkedIn is most the useful of the three sites considered, and Facebook the most risky. With its novel focus on the ‘whole self’, this work extends understandings of the impact of information on the building and management of reputation from an information science perspective.
Applications and applicability of Social Cognitive Theory in information science research
Authors: Middleton Lyndsey , Hall Hazel , Raeside Robert
Published: May 2018

Social Cognitive Theory is a theory that derives from Psychology yet has been adopted in other interdisciplinary subject areas, including information science. The origins and key concepts of Social Cognitive Theory are presented, and the value of its contributions to information science research analysed, with particular reference to research into information-seeking behaviour and use and knowledge sharing. Prior applications of Social Cognitive Theory in information science research are related to a study of employee-led workplace learning and innovative work behaviour that has been designed to create new insight on: (1) workplace information literacy; (2) knowledge management; and (3) the relationship between information behaviours and innovation processes. It is anticipated that this research will also extend understandings of Social Cognitive Theory as a valuable tool for theory development across a range of domains that focus on learning processes.
Impact of Automobile Regulations on Shareholders’ Wealth: Indian Empirical Evidence
Authors: Anand Manoj , Singh Jagandeep
Published: May 2018

The world faces the arduous task of reining in pollution. The pursuit of development agenda fuels more pollution. The economic reforms of 1991 put the Indian automobile on a higher growth trajectory. The resultant increase in vehicular pollution drew the attention of the court of law and regulators. The present study captures the impact of various policy reforms initiated to achieve sustainable development in the automobile sector during the period 1999–2017. Lack of industry readiness led to negative cumulative abnormal returns on introduction of emission standards I, II, and III in 1999, 2005, and 2010, respectively. The automobile industry registered a significant negative CAR of 1.49 per cent in the (0, 0) window at the time of introduction of emission standards IV in 2017 and erosion of ₹88,390 million of shareholders’ wealth.
Medication Regimen Complexity Measured by MRCI: A Systematic Review to Identify Health Outcomes
Authors: Alves-Conceição Vanessa , Rocha Kérilin Stancine Santos , Silva Fernanda Vilanova Nascimento , Silva Rafaella Oliveira Santos , Silva Daniel Tenório da , Lyra-Jr Divaldo Pereira de
Published: May 2018

Objective: To perform a systematic review to identify health outcomes related to medication regimen complexity as measured by the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) instrument. Data Sources: Cochrane Library, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Open Thesis, and Web of Science were searched from January 1, 2004, until April 02, 2018, using the following search terms: outcome assessment, drug therapy, and Medication Regimen Complexity Index and their synonyms in different combinations. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Studies that used the MRCI instrument to measure medication regimen complexity and related it to clinical, humanistic, and/or economic outcomes were evaluated. Two reviewers independently carried out the analysis of the titles, abstracts, and complete texts according to the eligibility criteria, performed data extraction, and evaluated study quality. Data Synthesis: A total of 23 studies met the inclusion criteria; 18 health outcomes related to medication regimen complexity were found. The health outcomes most influenced by medication regimen complexity were hospital readmission, medication adherence, hospitalization, adverse drug events, and emergency sector visit. Only one study related medication regimen complexity with humanistic outcomes, and no study related medication regimen complexity to economic outcomes. Most of the studies were of good methodological quality. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Health care professionals should pay attention to medication regimen complexity of the patients because this may influence health outcomes. Conclusion: This study identified some health outcomes that may be influenced by medication regimen complexity: hospitalization, hospital readmission, and medication adherence were more prevalent, showing a significant association between MRCI increase and these health outcomes.
Rebooting Ponies and Men: Discordant Masculinity and the Brony Fandom
Authors: Miller Samuel
Published: May 2018

In recent years, Brony fandom has grown from a small Internet-based fan community into a pop culture phenomenon complete with large-scale conventions. The appearance of Bronies in mainstream media confounds onlookers because the majority are young adult men celebrating the virtues of candy-colored ponies. This fandom is openly contesting traditional concepts of masculinity, particularly in the United States, by embracing the pony mantra of “love and tolerance.” This theme promotes sharing feelings, acceptance of others, and improving interpersonal relationships. This article seeks to describe some of the characteristics of the fandom and how Bronies are creating a new construction of masculinity called discordant masculinity that steers away from postfeminist trappings in other, “hybrid,” forms of masculinity.
Descriptive Analysis of Associated Factors for Urgent Versus Nonurgent Inpatient Spine Transfers to a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Schroeder Gregory D. , McKenzie James C. , Casper David S. , Stake Seth , Buchholz Joseph , Kepler Chris , Rihn Jeffery A. , Woods Barret I. , Radcliff Kris E. , Kaye I. David , Nicholson Kristen , Anderson D. Greg , Hilibrand Alan S. , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Khan Safdar , Kurd Mark F.
Published: May 2018

Patients with spine-associated symptoms are transferred regularly to higher levels of care for operative intervention. It is unclear what factors lead to the transfer of patients with spine pathology to level I care facilities, and which transfers are indicated. All patients with isolated spinal pathology who were transferred from 2011 to 2015 were reviewed. Patients were divided into urgent transfers, defined as anyone who required operative intervention, and nonurgent transfers. Two hundred twenty-seven patients were transferred for isolated spinal pathology over 51 months; 109 (48.0%) patients required urgent intervention and 118 (52.0%) patients required nonurgent care. No significant differences were found between groups in terms of private insurance, age, sex, race, or Charlson comorbidity index. The urgent group was less likely to have a traumatic chief complaint (57.8% vs 78.0%, P = .001). More than half of all spine patients who were transferred to a tertiary care center required minimal intervention.
Local Origins: Context, Group Identity, and Politics of Place
Authors: Wilcox-Archuleta Bryan
Published: May 2018

In-group identity is particularly important in understanding political behavior among minority populations living in the United States. Despite its importance, we know relativity little about what explains variation in perceptions of group identity among U.S.-based minority groups. I develop a theoretical framework drawing extensively for social identity theory to explain development of in-group identities among Latinos in the United States. I suggest the availability of neighborhood-level ethnic stimuli increases the likelihood that Latinos will come to see themselves a part of pan-ethnic group rather than a unique individual. I use the 2008 Collaborative Multi-Racial Political Survey (CMPS), a nationally representative public opinion poll of registered voters with oversamples of Latino respondents. I find that the availability of ethnic stimuli positively associates with stronger perceptions of group identity among Latinos. Latinos who live in contexts rich with ethnic stimuli and cues are more likely to adopt in-group identities than those who live in environments lacking ethnically salient resources.
On the effective anisotropic elastic properties of porous hydroxyapatite, porous collagen, and cortical bone: A homogenization scheme with percolation threshold concept
Authors: Vu Mai-Ba , Nguyen-Sy Tuan
Published: May 2018

The objective of this study is to model the effective anisotropic elastic properties of porous hydroxyapatite, wet collagen, and cortical bone by an advanced homogenization scheme with a percolation threshold concept. The theoretical basis of the anisotropic homogenization theory is first presented. A homogenization scheme with a percolation threshold concept is then introduced and validated against experimental data for porous hydroxyapatite as well as bone after decollagenization. It is also validated on a porous collagen that is a result of the demineralization of bone. Even though aligned collagen fibers are considered, similar values of the elastic stiffnesses [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were found for demineralized bone due to its very high porosity. Finally the proposed method is used to model cortical bone as a mixture of hydroxyapatite mineral and soft organic content that is in turn a mixture of collagen fiber and pores filled by water. Good agreement between modeled and measured data is observed. The model presented herein is simpler than existing multi-scale homogenization schemes in the literature, but its results fit very well with the experimented trends.
Dislocation rate increases with bariatric surgery before total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Nickel Brian T , Klement Mitchell R , Penrose Colin , Green Cynthia L , Bolognesi Michael P , Seyler Thorsten M
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

Annually in the USA, 113,000 patients with refractory obesity undergo bariatric surgery (BS), and a subset does so in order to lower body mass index to become a more desirable total hip arthroplasty (THA) candidate. This study aims to evaluate THA risk with and without bariatric surgery.

Methods:

12,160 patients were identified in a claim-based review of the entire Medicare database with ICD-9 codes to identify patients in three groups. Patients who underwent BS prior to THA (Group I: 1,545 experimental group) and two control groups that did not undergo BS but had either a body mass index >40 (Group II: 6,918 bariatric control) or <25 (Group III: 3,697 normal weight control). Preoperative demographics/comorbidities and short-term medical (30 day) and long-term surgical (90-day and 2-year) complications were evaluated.

Results:

Group I had female predominance, youngest age, and highest incidence of: deficiency anaemia, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, diabetes, polysubstance abuse, psychiatric disorders and smoking. At 2 years, Group I had approximately twice the dislocation and revision risk compared to both Groups II and III; Groups I and II had over four times the risk of infection and wound complications compared to Group III.

Conclusion:

In the Medicare population, these patients continue to have complication rates similar to and sometimes greater than obese patients with no prior bariatric surgery. Greater dislocation risk is possibly due to ligamentous laxity related to decreased collagen/elastin and/or component malposition due to intraoperative visualisation challenges.
Unrecoverable bi-products of drilling titanium alloy and tantalum metal implants: a pilot study
Authors: Skowronek Paweł , Olszewski Paweł , Święszkowski Wojciech , Synder Marek , Sibiński Marcin , Mazek Jacek
Published: May 2018

Background:

Trabecular metal implants with a porous architecture that allows for the incorporation of bone into the implant during healing are gaining popularity in alloplastic revision procedures. The bi-products of drilling titanium alloy (Ti) and tantalum (Ta) implants have not been previously assessed.

Methods:

Four holes were drilled in each of 2 spatially porous trabecular implants, one Ta and the other Ti alloy (Ti-6Al-7Nb), for this pilot in vitro study. The particles were flushed out with a continuous flow of saline. The particles’ weight and the volume were then measured using a Radwag XA 110/2X (USA) laboratory balance. The total volume of the obtained metal fines was measured by titration using a 10 mm3 measurement system.

Results:

A cobalt carbide bit was used since the holes could not be made with a standard bone drill. Each Ti and Ta implant lost 1.26 g and 2.48 g of mass, respectively. The volume of free particles recovered after each stage was 280 mm3 and 149 mm3, respectively. Approximately 0.6% of the total implant mass was not recovered after drilling (roughly 2% of the mass of the particles created by drilling), despite the use of 5 µm filters.

Conclusions:

It is technically difficult to drill holes in Ti and Ta implants using standard surgical tools. The drilling process creates a considerable amount of metal particles, which cannot be recovered despite intensive flushing. This may have an adverse influence on the bio-functionality (survival) of the endoprosthesis and present deleterious systemic consequences.