bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family Matters: Moving Beyond “If” Family Support Matters to “Why” Family Support Matters during Reentry from Prison
Authors: Mowen Thomas J. , Stansfield Richard , Boman John H.
Published: December 2018

Objectives:

Informed by social control and differential coercion and social support theories, we examine how multiple theoretically and methodologically distinct factors of family support relate to reincarceration, substance use, and criminal offending during prison reentry.

Method:

Using four waves of data from the Serious and Violent Offender Reentry Initiative, we identified three separate factors of family support—interactional (e.g., providing guidance and support), instrumental (e.g., providing housing and transportation), and emotional (e.g., providing love and belongingness). A series of mixed-effects models examined how each form of family support related to reincarceration, substance use, and criminal offending.

Results:

Findings demonstrated that instrumental, but not interactional or emotional, support related to significantly lower odds of reincarceration and lower levels of substance use and criminal offending. Interaction terms revealed that the effect of instrumental family support is almost entirely independent, and not interactive, on each outcome.

Conclusions:

Family support appears to relate to prosocial reentry outcomes not because of emotional or interactional bonds, but because families provide for the basic needs of returning individuals. Instrumental familial support mechanisms such as providing housing and financial support appear more salient in promoting prosocial reentry outcomes than mechanisms of emotional or interactional support.
Infants' Age and Walking Experience Shapes Perception-Action Coupling When Crossing Obstacles
Authors: Vieira Ana P. B. , Carvalho Raquel P. , Barela Ana M. F. , Barela José A.
Published: December 2018

This study examined the effects of age and walking experience on infants' ability to step over an obstacle. We videotaped 30 infants with one (mean [ M] age = 12.6 months), three ( M age = 14.7 months), and six months ( M age = 17.7 months) of walking experience walking on a pathway with and without an obstacle. We found a shorter stride and slower velocity for infants with one month of walking experience and for the walking condition with an obstacle than for other experience groups or for walking without an obstacle. Across all groups, the horizontal distance between an infant's foot and the obstacle was larger for the trailing leg than for the leading leg. The vertical distance for both legs was similar among 1-month walkers, increased for 3-month walkers, and was similar for the trailing leg of the 6-month walker group. The percentage of the interlimb coordination relative phase for the leading limb was smaller for 3- and 6-month walker groups. In conclusion, age and walking experience contribute to improving coupling between sensory information and motor action and to organization for stepping over an obstacle in infants.
Conceptualizing Addiction as Disability in Discrimination Law: A Situated Comparison
Authors: Bunn Rebecca
Published: December 2018

People labeled as having an addiction and people with disabilities face significant discrimination in their daily lives. In countries where targeted disability discrimination law is applied, it is often assumed that including addiction in the definition of disability will protect those labeled as having an addiction from discrimination. Several scholars have considered the effects of excluding addiction from the remit of discrimination law, but there has been less work examining the consequences—both positive and negative—of including addiction. Using the method of “situated comparisons” developed by intersectionality scholars, this article interrogates how addiction and disability are co-constituted in two contrasting legal and geographical contexts, where people labeled as having an addiction have sought to assert their right to equality before the law. By comparing the application of targeted discrimination law in Australia with a human rights charter in Canada, it demonstrates how systems of power such as ableism and neoliberalism work through the law to co-constitute addiction and disability in ways that are stigmatizing, even within legal approaches that aim to eliminate discrimination. Furthermore, the law, in both contexts, fails to recognize the intersectional nature of discrimination often experienced by these groups. The article contends that conceptualizing addiction as a disability will not necessarily reduce the discrimination faced by people labeled as having an addiction and concludes with recommendations for both policy and legal practice.
Examining the Effects of Narrative Commentary on Evaluators’ Summative Assessments of Resident Performance
Authors: Lefebvre Cedric , Hiestand Brian , Glass Casey , Masneri David , Hosmer Kathleen , Hunt Meagan , Hartman Nicholas
Published: December 2018

Anchor-based, end-of-shift ratings are commonly used to conduct performance assessments of resident physicians. These performance evaluations often include narrative assessments, such as solicited or “free-text” commentary. Although narrative commentary can help to create a more detailed and specific assessment of performance, there are limited data describing the effects of narrative commentary on the global assessment process. This single-group, observational study examined the effect of narrative comments on global performance assessments. A subgroup of the clinical competency committee, blinded to resident identity, assigned a single, consensus-based performance score (1–6) to each resident based solely on end-of-shift milestone scores. De-identified narrative comments from end-of-shift evaluations were then included and the process was repeated. We compared milestone-only scores to milestone plus narrative commentary scores using a nonparametric sign test. During the study period, 953 end-of-shift evaluations were submitted on 41 residents. Of these, 535 evaluations included free-text narrative comments. In 17 of the 41 observations, performance scores changed after the addition of narrative comments. In two cases, scores decreased with the addition of free-text commentary. In 15 cases, scores increased. The frequency of net positive change was significant ( p = .0023). The addition of narrative commentary to anchor-based ratings significantly influenced the global performance assessment of Emergency Medicine residents by a committee of educators. Descriptive commentary collected at the end of shift may inform more meaningful appraisal of a resident’s progress in a milestone-based paradigm. The authors recommend clinical training programs collect unstructured narrative impressions of residents’ performance from supervising faculty.
CCT Perspectives on Macromarketing: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Sandıkcı Özlem , Kravets Olga
Published: December 2018

Introduction to the Special Issue on CCT perspectives on Macromarketing
Progressive failure analysis of marine sandwich joints with a modified material degradation model
Authors: Li Mengzhen , Yan Renjun , Shen Wei , Liu Kang
Published: December 2018

The progressive failure analysis based on a modified stiffness degradation model was proposed to predict mechanical response of sandwich L-joints for ships. A representative volume element was established for the derivation of the modified material degradation model for two-dimensional orthogonal woven fabric structures based on micromechanical theory. The modified Shokrieh failure criterion and six field variables were applied in ABAQUS user subroutines. Three different coordinate systems were used to assign reasonable material orientation. The predictions of ultimate load, stress distribution, load-displacement curve and failure patterns were compared with experimental results. The good consistence indicates the effectiveness of the proposed stiffness degradation model. The FE results show the edge of the arc bracket is the stress concentration area due to the shear lag effect, and the declined slope of load–displacement curve is caused by delamination failure due to the stiffness difference of laminates and foam core.
Promoting Primary Palliative Care in Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Symptom Management and Preparedness Planning
Authors: Ansari Aziz A. , Pomerantz Daniel H. , Jayes Robert L. , Aguirre Eric A. , Havyer Rachel D.
Published: December 2018

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) poses challenges not only in symptom management but also in prognostication. Managing COPD requires clinicians to be proficient in the primary palliative care skills of symptom management and communication focused on eliciting goals and preferences. Dyspnea should initially be managed with the combination of long-acting muscarinic antagonists and long-acting β-agonist inhalers, adding inhaled corticosteroids if symptoms persist. Opioids for the relief of dyspnea are safe when used at appropriate doses. Oxygen is only effective for relieving dyspnea in patients with severe hypoxemia. The relapsing-remitting nature of COPD makes prognostication challenging; however, there are tools to guide clinicians and patients in making plans both with respect to prognosis and symptom burden. Preparedness planning techniques promote detailed culturally appropriate conversations which allow patients and clinicians to consider disease-specific complications and develop goal-concordant treatment plans.
The Effect of High-Flow Nasal Oxygen Therapy on Postoperative Pulmonary Complications and Hospital Length of Stay in Postoperative Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lu Zhonghua , Chang Wei , Meng Shanshan , Xue Ming , Xie Jianfeng , Xu Jingyuan , Qiu Haibo , Yang Yi , Guo Fengmei
Published: December 2018

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen (HFNO) therapy on hospital length of stay (LOS) and postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in adult postoperative patients.

Data Sources:

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science of Studies, China National Knowledge Index, and Wan Fang databases were searched until July 2018.

Study Selection:

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing HFNO with conventional oxygen therapy or noninvasive mechanical ventilation in adult postoperative patients were included. The primary outcomes were hospital LOS and PPCs; short-term mortality (defined as intensive care unit, hospital, or 28-day mortality) and intubation rate were the secondary outcomes.

Data Extraction:

Demographic variables, high-flow oxygen therapy application, effects, and side effects were retrieved. Data were analyzed by the methods recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. The strength of evidence was assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Random errors were evaluated with trial sequential analysis.

Data Synthesis:

Fourteen studies (2568 patients) met the inclusion criteria and were included. Compared to the control group, the pooled effect showed that HFNO was significantly associated with a shorter hospital stay (mean difference: −0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.34 to −0.29, P = .002), but not mortality (risk ratio [RR]: 1.0, 95% CI: 0.63 to 1.59, P = 1.0). Weak evidence of a reduction in reintubation rate (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.57-1.01, P = .06) and PPC rate (RR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.75-1.06, P = .18) with HFNO versus control group was recorded.

Conclusions:

The available RCTs suggest that, among the adult postoperative patients, HFNO therapy compared to the control group significantly reduces hospital LOS.
Wearable Technology and Physical Activity Behavior Change in Adults With Chronic Cardiometabolic Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kirk Megan A. , Amiri Mohammad , Pirbaglou Meysam , Ritvo Paul
Published: December 2018

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of wearable device interventions (eg, Fitbit) to improve physical activity (PA) outcomes (eg, steps/day, moderate to vigorous physical activity [MVPA]) in populations diagnosed with cardiometabolic chronic disease.

Data Source:

Based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, an electronic search of 5 databases (Medline, PsychINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed) was conducted.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria:

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 2000 and May 2018 that used a wearable device for the full intervention in adults (18+) diagnosed with a cardiometabolic chronic disease were included. Excluded trials included studies that used devices at pre–post only, devices that administered medication, and interventions with no prospective control group comparison.

Data Extraction:

Thirty-five studies examining 4528 participants met the inclusion criteria. Study quality and RCT risk of bias were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool.

Data Synthesis:

Meta-analyses to compute PA (eg, steps/day) and selected physical dispersion and summary effects were conducted using the raw unstandardized pooled mean difference (MD). Sensitivity analyses were examined.

Results:

Statistically significant increases in PA steps/day (MD = 2592 steps/day; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1689-3496) and MVPA min/wk (MD = 36.31 min/wk; 95% CI: 18.33-54.29) were found for the intervention condition.

Conclusion:

Wearable devices positively impact physical health in clinical populations with cardiometabolic diseases. Future research using the most current technologies (eg, Fitbit) will serve to amplify these findings.
Strategies to Promote Safe Water Drinking Identified by and for Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Kodjebacheva Gergana Damianova , Lapeyrouse Lisa M. , Rahrig Jamie , Walker Loretta , Campbell Kanday
Published: December 2018

Purpose:

The Flint, Michigan, water crisis (2014 to present) increased awareness of the dangers of lead-contaminated water. Consumption of lead-contaminated water is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The purpose of this research was to identify intervention strategies to decrease consumption of lead-contaminated water among women of reproductive age.

Approach:

Qualitative data were collected via an online survey consisting of open-ended questions among 63 women and 3 focus groups among 27 women.

Setting:

The University of Michigan–Flint.

Method:

Qualitative data were analyzed utilizing a grounded theory approach.

Results:

Participants recommended professional educational reading materials regarding lead be placed in public places. Women highlighted the need for interventions where women, partners, and relatives test water in homes, install water filters, cook lead-mitigating meals, and receive education on the pregnancy risks of consuming contaminated water.

Conclusion:

The study offers women perspectives on strategies to decrease consumption of lead-contaminated water. Future investigations may examine the influence of such strategies on knowledge and behaviors that promote safe water drinking.
Underemployment and Well-Being: Exploring the Dark Side of Meaningful Work
Authors: Allan Blake A. , Rolniak Julia R. , Bouchard Lauren
Published: December 2018

The goals of this study were to examine the relations between underemployment, meaningful work, and well-being and evaluate whether the relation between underemployment and well-being was moderated by meaningful work. In a diverse sample of working adults, meaningful work significantly moderated the relation between underemployment and positive affect, negative affect, depression, and stress. However, contrary to expectations, having meaningful work did not protect against the negative relation between underemployment and well-being. Rather, having meaningful work was associated with a positive relation between underemployment and negative affect, stress, and depression. Additionally, people low in meaningful work had a positive relation between underemployment and positive affect. This unexpected finding may point to a potential “dark side” of meaningful work. Specifically, people with meaningful work who are unable to fully employ their skills and abilities may be at particular risk for poorer well-being.
Numerical investigation of fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics in novel circular wavy microchannel
Authors: Ranjith Kumar Valaparla , Balasubramanian Karthik , Kiran Kumar K , Tiwari Nikhil , Bhatia Kanishk
Published: December 2018

In this study, the fluid flow and heat transfer behavior in a novel circular wavy microchannel design is numerically examined and compared with a sinusoidal wavy microchannel. The numerical studies were carried out in the Reynolds number range of 100–300 under a constant heat flux wall boundary condition. The sinusoidal profile has a continuously varying curvature, which peaks at the crests and troughs, and diminishes to naught at each section at the middle of adjacent crests and troughs. On the other hand, the circular profile has a curvature constant in magnitude (and alternating in direction). Heat transfer in wavy microchannels is enhanced by vortex flow induced by centrifugal instability, which in turn depends on the curvature of fluid channel profile. The sinusoidal wavy microchannel has a curvature continuously varying in a large range results in large fluctuations of Nusselt number, while the Nusselt number in the circular channel has smaller fluctuations. Hence, heat transfer performance of the circular wavy microchannel is higher than that of the sinusoidal wavy microchannel. Velocity vectors, velocity contours, and temperature contours are presented to aid the explanation of hydrodynamic and heat transfer characteristics of fluid flow in the novel circular wavy microchannels. The Nusselt number and pressure drop along the channel are also compared with the sinusoidal wavy microchannel using a performance factor.
Numerical investigation of the influence of the creep curve on the wheel–rail contact damage in high-speed railway turnouts
Authors: Qian Yao , Wang Ping , Chen Jiayin , Bethel Lulu G , Xu Jingmang , An Boyang
Published: December 2018

This paper studies the wheel–rail creep curve characteristics and dynamic behaviour in high-speed railway turnouts by considering different wheel–rail surfaces and simulating them using a dynamic functional vehicle–track model with different friction and Kalker’s weight coefficients. The dynamic performance and damage coefficient of CRH2 locomotive passing through the 18# turnout at a speed of 80 km/h are discussed under different friction and Kalker’s weight coefficients. The results show that the Kalker’s weight and friction coefficients have less influence on the wheel–rail dynamics and wear performance at low values. Vehicle operating stability is the highest when the high-speed wheels pass through the switching area and the Kalker’s weight coefficient is 0.1. In this case, both fatigue damage and wear are low. When the Kalker’s weight coefficient at the crossing area is 1 and the friction coefficient is 0.5, the dynamic wheel–rail performance is good, with reduced wear and good wheel–rail contact. When the Kalker’s weight coefficient is 0.1, the maximum wear number of the closure panel is closer to the lower limit of the second region of the damage function, and both fatigue damage and wear are very low. The results are useful for accurately describing the wheel–rail contact relationship in high-speed turnouts and for finding the most appropriate creep curve to decrease wear and to prolong the turnout service life.
Adaptive augmentation of the attitude control system for a multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Bressan G , Russo A , Invernizzi D , Giurato M , Panza S , Lovera M
Published: December 2018

In this paper, the adaptive augmentation of the attitude control system for a multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle is considered. The proposed approach allows to combine a baseline controller with an adaptive one and to disable or enable the adaptive controller when needed, in order to take the advantages of both the controllers. To improve transient performance with respect to the standard model reference adaptive controller, an observed-based approach is exploited. The adaptation law is based on the error between the output of an observer of the nominal closed-loop dynamics and the actual output of the system with uncertainties. Experimental results obtained by testing the proposed approach on a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle are presented to compare the performance, in terms of disturbance rejection, with respect to the baseline controller and to a [Formula: see text] adaptive augmentation scheme.
Analysis of language use in public library storytimes
Authors: Cahill Maria , Joo Soohyung , Campana Kathleen
Published: December 2018

Public libraries are well positioned to support young children’s growth and development, yet few studies have examined programming to determine the extent to which they actually do. The current study investigated the nature of language use in public library storytimes as an initial step in determining their potential to contribute to the vocabulary and oral language development of young children. The study employed textual analysis methods with 22 storytime transcripts to identify token and type counts, the most frequent words spoken by participating librarians and children respectively, the major grammar elements present, and the top 20 nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Results suggest that librarians dominate storytime communication with language that is highly repetitive and complex, yet centered on children and cognitively accessible for them. Further, storytimes seem to promote cognitive and behavioral skills necessary for school success such as counting and exposure to foundational concepts like colors, size, and position.
No Longer in a Dry Spell: The Developing Understanding of How Sex Influences Romantic Relationships
Authors: Maxwell Jessica A. , McNulty James K.
Published: December 2018

Sex is a defining feature of romantic relationships, yet only recently has research into the implications of sexual processes for such relationships proliferated. We review this work to illustrate how considering the way in which sexual processes influence relationships can help bridge theoretical and empirical work outside and within relationship science. We begin by providing a novel organizational framework for considering how sexual processes influence relationships, illustrating how they can be (a) a direct predictor of relationship outcomes, (b) a mechanism that explains important associations, and (c) a moderator that alters relationship dynamics. We then situate these findings within a dual-process framework for understanding how sex influences relationships and conclude by highlighting several open questions and methodological challenges that remain for future research. Our goal is to demonstrate how considering sexual functioning in light of a variety of theoretical perspectives adds to, and sometimes alters, what we know about relationship dynamics.
Timely Referral to Hospice Care for Oncology Patients: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Mulville Andrew K. , Widick Nancy N. , Makani Neeharika Srivastava
Published: December 2018

Hospice care is medical care provided to terminally ill patients with a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Hospice services include symptom control, pain management, palliative care, and other supportive services such as providing for home equipment or oxygen; however, it does not provide for life-prolonging therapies such as chemotherapy. Although oncologic benchmarks suggest patients should be enrolled in hospice 3 months prior to death, studies show that most hospice referrals are being made too late. These shorter stays in hospice result in increased cost of care especially at the end of life with most patients dying on aggressive treatments in the hospital. Thus, identifying barriers to hospice placement is critical in improving the referral process and enhancing the quality of end-of-life care. This retrospective study collected data on 418 oncologic patients who passed in 2015 and categorized patients based on hospice status at the time of death. Our study found that the demographics between hospice and nonhospice patients were not significantly different. Hospice patients spent a median of 10 days in hospice and 71% (n = 161) of patients were in hospice 30 days or less. Additionally, 56% of patients were in hospice 10 days or less. Increased education for patients and health-care providers along with better utilization of palliative care services and incorporating a nurse navigator to help with transitioning patients to hospice would improve earlier referral to hospice care and enhance patients’ quality of life.
Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Gallbladder: A Case-Based Study of an Extremely Rare Tumor Highlighting the Role of Immunohistochemical Profiling
Authors: Nallacheruvu Yashaswini , Gaur Kavita , Sakhuja Puja , Agarwal Anil Kumar , Srivastava Siddharth
Published: December 2018

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is rarely reported in the hepatobiliary system. In this article, we detail the first case of MEC arising from the gallbladder, presenting in a 50-year-old male. Imaging and gross examination showed a large mass in the gallbladder fossa infiltrating the liver. This microscopically displayed the classical morphology of MEC, which was confirmed on dual immunostain for p63 and CK7 and histochemical staining for mucin. MUC and p53 immunoexpression patterns suggested a poor prognosis. The patient succumbed to the disease with liver metastasis within 6 months. The cytomorphology of the metastatic lesion is also presented. Differences in the stem cell niches in the gallbladder and the rest of the biliary tract may possibly indicate the reason for the rarity of this tumor in the gallbladder. A possibly aggressive biological behavior of the gallbladder MEC necessitates its distinction from entities like the adenosquamous carcinoma.
The Embeddedness of Urban Climate Politics in Multilevel Governance: A Case Study of South Africa’s Major Cities
Authors: Hickmann Thomas , Stehle Fee
Published: December 2018

Numerous scholars have lately highlighted the importance of cities in the global response to climate change. However, we still have little systematic knowledge on the evolution of urban climate politics in the Global South. In particular, we lack empirical studies that examine how local climate actions arise in political-administrative systems of developing and emerging economies. Therefore, this article adopts a multilevel governance perspective to explore the climate mitigation responses of three major cities in South Africa by looking at their vertical and horizontal integration in the wider governance framework. In the absence of a coherent national climate policy, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban have developed distinct climate actions within their jurisdictions. In their effort to address climate change, transnational city networks have provided considerable technical support to these cities. Yet, substantial domestic political-economic obstacles hinder the three cities to develop a more ambitious stance on climate change.
Successful Management of Massive Air Embolism During Cardiopulmonary Bypass Using Multimodal Neuroprotection Strategies
Authors: Quintero Olga L. , Giraldo Juan C. , Sandoval Néstor F.
Published: December 2018

Complications and critical events during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) are very challenging, difficult to manage, and in some instances have the potential to lead to fatal outcomes. Massive cerebral air embolism is undoubtedly a feared complication during CPB. If not diagnosed and managed early, its effects are devastating and even fatal. It is a catastrophic complication and its early diagnosis and intraoperative management are still controversial. This is why the decision-making process during a massive cerebral air embolism represents a challenge for the entire surgical, anesthetic, and perfusion team. All caregivers involved in this event must synchronize their responses quickly, harmoniously, and in such a way that all interventions lead to minimizing the impact of this complication. Its occurrence leaves important lessons to the surgical team that faces it. The best management strategy for a complication of this type is prevention. Nevertheless, a surgical team may ultimately be confronted with such an occurrence at some point despite all the prevention strategies, as was the case with our patient. That is why, in each institution, no effort should be spared to establish cost-effective strategies for early detection and a clear and concise management protocol to guide actions once this complication is detected. It is the duty of each surgical team to determine and clearly organize which strategies will be followed. The purpose of this case study was to demonstrate that a massive air embolism can be rapidly detected using near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring and can be successfully corrected with a multimodal neuroprotection strategy.
In-Home Rehabilitation Resources and Avoidable Admissions to Inpatient Rehabilitation after Stroke: An Ecological Study
Authors: Meyer Matthew J , Teasell Robert , Thind Amardeep , Koval John , Speechley Mark
Published: December 2018

Background and purpose:

In Ontario (Canada’s most populous province), it has been suggested that mildly impaired stroke patients are being admitted to inpatient rehabilitation unnecessarily due to a lack of alternative options in the community. This ecological study aimed to formally test this hypothesis.

Methods:

Patients admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation bed in Ontario’s most highly functioning patient classification group (Rehabilitation Patient Group 1160) were retrospectively identified as potentially avoidable admissions, and the proportion of such patients was calculated for each Local Health Integration Network every year between 2006/2007 and 2010/2011. Five indicators of community-based rehabilitation availability were used to test the relationships between avoidable admissions and resource indicators.

Results:

Of the 25 correlations tested, 21 agreed with the hypothesized direction of effect and 4 reached statistical significance. Logistic-linear regressions on combined data from each of the 5 years demonstrated statistically significant associations between all 5 resource indicators and the proportion of potentially avoidable admissions.

Conclusions:

This study confirms the suggestion of variation in the proportion of mildly impaired patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation across Ontario’s Local Health Integration Networks. It also adds evidence to support the concern that a lack of community-based rehabilitation is contributing to these potentially avoidable admissions.
Flexible cable strength with regard to tribological interaction of its elements
Authors: Ismailov GM
Published: December 2018

This paper considers certain issues of tribological interaction between flexible cable elements. It proposes a new approach for determining frictional forces of cable elements while taking into account cable parameters. This study is the first to derive formulas of mechanical stresses in the zone of contacting elements for assessing the cable strength. The paper demonstrates how the derived formulas for cables can be used in practice for design purposes. The influence of geometric parameters of cable design on its strength has been analyzed.
Interpreting Giambattista Vico for a new psychological science: Towards a semiotic imaginative approach
Authors: Pern Tuuli
Published: December 2018

Giambattista Vico is a visionary author whose work has ties to most human and social sciences. How to transform these ties from mere implications to explicit applicable principles for a new methodology in psychology and other human sciences? As an answer this article analyses from the point of view of semiotics the ideas set forth by different authors in the book ‘Giambattista Vico and the new psychological science’. From the analysis emerges a set of methodological principles rooted in the ideas of Vico. Cultural psychology and semiotics provide the human sciences with a methodology that enables the researcher to recognise and preserve the otherness of its subject – and still have access to it. The key principles of this methodology are: awareness of the nature of human Umwelt (rootedness in bodily being and practical needs); the heterogeneity of sign systems and the limits of their translatability; historic, social and processual nature of human phenomena and last but not least: putting human rational thought in a context – of the human body, feeling and imagination.
Pragmatism and the conduct of everyday life
Authors: Friesen Derek , Cresswell James , Moore Carlyn , Dueck Kaitlyn
Published: December 2018

Schraube and Højholt’s edited Psychology and the conduct of everyday life asserts that the conduct of everyday includes research from several authors who all explore the primacy of researching human actions in the contradictory and intersubjective contexts of everyday human life. In this review essay, we discuss the degree to which this work expresses another form of pragmatism as conceived by Rorty . This discussion involves three themes: hostility to disengaged theorizing, subjectivity, and critical antiestablishment ethos. We propose that the book potentially extends pragmatism by specifically undoing the private–public dichotomy that pragmatism runs the risk of enabling.
Experimental investigations on the cross-correlation function amplitude vector of the dynamic strain under varying environmental temperature for structural damage detection
Authors: Li Miao , Ren Wei-Xin , Huang Tian-Li , Wang Ning-Bo
Published: December 2018

This article focuses on the experimental investigations on the cross-correlation function amplitude vector of the dynamic strain (CorV_S) under varying environmental temperature for structural damage detection. It is verified that under white noise excitation, CorV_S is only related to the natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping ratios of structures. The normalized CorV_S of the undamaged structure maintains a uniform shape. A laboratory experimental investigation based on an end-fixed steel beam shows that CorV_S can be used for structural damage detection. However, CorV_S constructed by the dynamic strain of in-situ test varies with time, and the CorV_S curves do not have the same shape. When the environmental temperature fluctuates significantly, high correlation exists between the dynamic strain and environmental temperature. By analyzing the power spectral density of the signals measured from active and inactive strain gauges, it is found that the signals induced by temperature stress, which do not reflect the dynamic performance of the bridge, exist in the very low-frequency band. To avoid the interference to CorV_S, the temperature effect component is separated from the dynamic strain by analytical mode decomposition method. Then, each CorV_S curve maintains a uniform shape. The results demonstrate that it is prone to get a misjudgment for the condition of a structure if temperature effect on CorV_S is ignored. It is necessary to eliminate the environmental temperature effect on CorV_S for the damage detection of a structure in service.
The historiography of kardimarkara: Reading a desert tradition as cultural memory of the remote past
Authors: Smith M.A.
Published: December 2018

The idea that the kardimarkara tradition in the Lake Eyre region is a distant cultural memory of the remote past, of a time when the desert once teemed with life, was propelled into the public domain by JW Gregory in his 1906 book, The Dead Heart of Australia. This paper examines the historiography of the kardimarkara narratives, arguing that such use of Indigenous tradition needs to be subject to the same canons of scholarship and critical analysis as other historical records. The reading of kardimarkara as cultural memory is a misunderstanding of a typical ‘Dreaming’ narrative, in which kardimarkara represents the rainbow serpent, and where contemporary observations of fossil bones are used to validate this landesque ideology. This paper proposes a general framework for scrutinising and evaluating the historicity of oral tradition.
Acquired Resilience: An Evolved System of Tissue Protection in Mammals
Authors: Stone Jonathan , Mitrofanis John , Johnstone Daniel M. , Falsini Benedetto , Bisti Silvia , Adam Paul , Nuevo Arturo Bravo , George-Weinstein Mindy , Mason Rebecca , Eells Janis
Published: December 2018

This review brings together observations on the stress-induced regulation of resilience mechanisms in body tissues. It is argued that the stresses that induce tissue resilience in mammals arise from everyday sources: sunlight, food, lack of food, hypoxia and physical stresses. At low levels, these stresses induce an organised protective response in probably all tissues; and, at some higher level, cause tissue destruction. This pattern of response to stress is well known to toxicologists, who have termed it hormesis. The phenotypes of resilience are diverse and reports of stress-induced resilience are to be found in journals of neuroscience, sports medicine, cancer, healthy ageing, dementia, parkinsonism, ophthalmology and more. This diversity makes the proposing of a general concept of induced resilience a significant task, which this review attempts. We suggest that a system of stress-induced tissue resilience has evolved to enhance the survival of animals. By analogy with acquired immunity, we term this system ‘acquired resilience’. Evidence is reviewed that acquired resilience, like acquired immunity, fades with age. This fading is, we suggest, a major component of ageing. Understanding of acquired resilience may, we argue, open pathways for the maintenance of good health in the later decades of human life.
Toward Developing a Framework for Conducting Case Study Research
Authors: Ebneyamini Shiva , Sadeghi Moghadam Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2018

This article reviews the use of case study research for both practical and theoretical issues especially in management field with the emphasis on management of technology and innovation. Many researchers commented on the methodological issues of the case study research from their point of view thus, presenting a comprehensive framework was missing. We try representing a general framework with methodological and analytical perspective to design, develop, and conduct case study research. To test the coverage of our framework, we have analyzed articles in three major journals related to the management of technology and innovation to approve our framework. This study represents a general structure to guide, design, and fulfill a case study research with levels and steps necessary for researchers to use in their research.
The systematic design and prototype verification of cam-linkage polishing devices with double-circle polishing traces
Authors: Chen Tzu-Hsia
Published: December 2018

The optimum polishing traces are the double-circle polishing traces with zero-velocity deviation percentage ( Vdp = 0%). In 1997, Buzzetti used the relatively high-cost programmable logic controller to control the polishing device having double-circle polishing traces with zero-velocity deviation percentage. In order to reduce the manufacturing cost, link-type and planetary-type polishers are proposed for polishing the optical fiber ferrules. However, they cannot be designed to have the double-circle polishing traces with zero-velocity deviation percentage. This article focuses on the systematic design of polishing device having double-circle polishing traces with zero-velocity deviation percentage ( Vdp = 0%). In this article, two design concepts of cam-linkage polishing devices are proposed. Based on the kinematic requirements of double-circle polishing traces, the profiles of X-cam and Y-cam are synthesized. According to the simulation by “Cosmos,” the cam-linkage polishing devices have double-circle polishing traces with zero-velocity deviation percentage. Finally, the corresponding prototype of the second cam-linkage polishing device is manufactured and verifies having double-circle polishing traces with zero-velocity deviation percentage.
The design and analysis of a high-speed circular arc gear pump journal bearing
Authors: Zhou Yang , Che Bowen , Yuan Ci
Published: December 2018

A series of problems arise when a gear pump operates at high speed, including instability of the rotor, deformation of the chamber, and wear of the journal bearing. Among all failure modes, journal bearing wear is the most serious. The wear of journal bearings of a circular arc gear pump that operates at high speed is thus presented in this article. A journal bearing that offsets the unbalanced radial force is designed by analysis of the fluid and determination of eccentricity of the gear shaft. Experiments show that the wear of the new journal bearing is effectively reduced.
Stabilization computation for a kind of uncertain switched systems using non-fragile sliding mode observer method
Authors: Li Chuan , Wu Zhengtian , Xu Xinyin , Zheng Jinjin , Dang Chuangyin
Published: December 2018

A non-fragile sliding mode control problem will be investigated in this article. The problem focuses on a kind of uncertain switched singular time-delay systems in which the state is not available. First, according to the designed non-fragile observer, we will construct an integral-type sliding surface, in which the estimated unmeasured state is used. Second, we synthesize a sliding mode controller. The reachability of the specified sliding surface could be proved by this sliding mode controller in a finite time. Moreover, linear matrix inequality conditions will be developed to check the exponential admissibility of the sliding mode dynamics. After that, the gain matrices designed will be given along with it. Finally, some numerical result will be provided, and the result can be used to prove the effectiveness of the method.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of SiCp/ZL105 composite prepared by electromagnetic stirring
Authors: Xu Xi-Hao , Yan Hong , Wang Zhi-Wei , Zou Xiu-Liang
Published: December 2018

Aluminum matrix composites reinforced with SiC particles (SiCp) were prepared by electromagnetic stirring. This article aims to study the effects of SiCp addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of SiCp/ZL105, finally leading to expended range for ZL105 alloy application. Microstructural studies were carried out by optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectrometer. Tensile and hardness tests were conducted in order to identify mechanical properties. It was found that addition of 1.5 wt% SiCp causes the refined microstructure (including primary α-Al and eutectic Si) and reduced secondary dendrite arm spacing of α-Al matrix (12.6 μm). Compared to the ZL105 alloy, the ultimate tensile strength, elongation, and hardness of the composite with 1.5 wt% SiCp were increased by 24.6%, 37.3%, and 27.0%, respectively. The improved mechanical properties can mainly be attributed to the refinement of primary α-Al and eutectic Si, and uniformed dispersion of SiCp. Furthermore, the effects of voltage and agitation frequency of magnetic field on microstructure of composites were discussed.
Inverse kinematic solution of 6R robot manipulators based on screw theory and the Paden–Kahan subproblem
Authors: Zhao Rongbo , Shi Zhiping , Guan Yong , Shao Zhenzhou , Zhang Qianying , Wang Guohui
Published: December 2018

The traditional Denavit–Hatenberg method is a relatively mature method for modeling the kinematics of robots. However, it has an obvious drawback, in that the parameters of the Denavit–Hatenberg model are discontinuous, resulting in singularity when the adjacent joint axes are parallel or close to parallel. As a result, this model is not suitable for kinematic calibration. In this article, to avoid the problem of singularity, the product of exponentials method based on screw theory is employed for kinematics modeling. In addition, the inverse kinematics of the 6R robot manipulator is solved by adopting analytical, geometric, and algebraic methods combined with the Paden–Kahan subproblem as well as matrix theory. Moreover, the kinematic parameters of the Denavit–Hatenberg and the product of exponentials-based models are analyzed, and the singularity of the two models is illustrated. Finally, eight solutions of inverse kinematics are obtained, and the correctness and high level of accuracy of the algorithm proposed in this article are verified. This algorithm provides a reference for the inverse kinematics of robots with three adjacent parallel joints.
Shadow verification–based waterline detection for unmanned surface vehicles deployed in complicated natural environment
Authors: Wei Yangjie , He Yuqing
Published: December 2018

Boundary separation of operational regions would be helpful for unmanned surface vehicles deployed in dynamic outdoor environments. However, the feasibility and accuracy of current obstacle avoidance methods based on conventional optical images are comparatively poor for unmanned surface vehicle applications, with complicated natural illumination as one of the main sources of error. In this article, a new optical waterline detection method is proposed by combining shadow verification and global optimization (energy minimization). The method is then validated using an actual unmanned surface vehicle operating in outdoor environments. First, the basic principles of intrinsic image are introduced and then employed to evaluate the threshold for background segmentation so that the influence of complicated intensity distribution on the original image is reduced. The properties of different types of shadows are compared, and the basic principles of shadow verification are used to classify the different object regions. Subsequently, the intensity contrast between the shadow and non-shadow regions is used to measure the waterline position based on the relationship between the illumination and the shadow formation. Furthermore, the waterline detection problem is transformed into a problem involving the optimization of energy (minimization) described using differential equations. Finally, experiments are conducted with a series of practical images captured by the unmanned surface vehicle. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and robustness of the proposed method.
In situ formation of graphene-encapsulated iron nanoparticles in carbon frames through catalytic graphitization of kraft lignin
Authors: Yan Qiangu , Li Jinghao , Zhang Xuefeng , Zhang Jilei , Cai Zhiyong
Published: December 2018

Multilayer graphene-encapsulated iron nanoparticles in carbon frames were prepared through catalytic graphitization of kraft lignin as carbon sources using irons as the catalyst at the temperature of 1000°C under argon atmosphere. The effects of different iron loadings on the formation of multilayer graphene-encapsulated iron nanoparticles were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis and temperature-programmed decomposition. The evolution of gaseous products (H2, CH4, CO, and CO2) was measured using an online mass spectroscopy during the catalytic thermal decomposition of kraft lignin. Solid products were measured and characterized by elemental analysis, nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis curves indicated that peak temperatures of lignin decomposition and carbonization shifted to lower temperatures with an increase of iron/lignin mass ratio. Experimental results showed that the lignin graphitization degree and conversion level to graphene materials increased significantly with the increase of iron/lignin mass ratio.