bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty in Future Summer Precipitation in the Laurentian Great Lakes Basin: Dynamical Downscaling and the Influence of Continental-Scale Processes on Regional Climate Change
Authors: Peltier W. Richard , d’Orgeville Marc , Erler Andre R. , Xie Fengyi
Published: December 2017

Physics-based miniensembles of Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model configurations have been employed to investigate future precipitation changes over the Great Lakes basin of eastern North America. All physics configurations have been employed to downscale multiple distinct Community Earth System Model, version 1 (CESM1), simulations driven by the representative concentration pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) radiative forcing scenario, spanning a range from moderate (2045–60) to considerable (2085–2100) climate change. Independent of the physics configuration employed, all projected future precipitation changes are characterized by a general increase and a fattening of the tail of the daily rainfall distribution by the end of the century. The fattening of the tail can however be masked by natural variability in the case of the moderate warming expected by midcentury. The heavy-rainfall-derived precipitation increase is projected to be larger than or equal to the Clausius–Clapeyron thermodynamic reference of 7% increase per degree Celsius of surface warming, whereas the increase of average-rainfall-based precipitation becomes limited only for the largest global warming projections. This limitation is dramatically illustrated in one physics configuration at the end of the century. By downscaling the results obtained from the initial-condition ensemble, it is demonstrated that the extreme drying of the Great Lakes basin region characteristic of the most extreme end member of the CESM1 ensemble is significantly modified by downscaling with the version of WRF coupled to the Freshwater Lake model (FLake) of lake processes. This result does, however, depend upon the physics configuration employed in WRF for the parameterization of processes that cannot be explicitly resolved.
The Potential for Plurality and Prevalence of the Religious Institutional Logic
Authors: Gümüsay Ali A.
Published: December 2017

Religion is a significant social force on organizational practice yet has been relatively underexamined in organization theory. In this article, I assert that the institutional logics perspective is especially conducive to examine the macrolevel role of religion for organizations. The notion of the religious logic offers conceptual means to explain the significance of religion, its interrelationship with other institutional orders, and embeddedness into and impact across interinstitutional systems. I argue for intrainstitutional logic plurality and show that specifically the intrareligious logic plurality has been rather disregarded with a relative focus on Christianity and a geographical focus on “the West.” Next, I propose the concept of interinstitutional logic prevalence and show that the religious logic in particular may act as a metalogic due to its potential for uniqueness, ultimacy, and ubiquity. Through illustrations from Islamic Finance and Entrepreneurship, I exemplify implications of logic plurality and prevalence for organizations and societies.
Satisfaction With Individualized Education Programs Among Parents of Young Children With ASD
Authors: Slade Nicole , Eisenhower Abbey , Carter Alice S. , Blacher Jan
Published: December 2017

We examined parents’ satisfaction with multiple aspects of their children’s individualized education programs (IEPs). Parents ( n = 142) raising children ages 4 to 8 years old with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) reported their satisfaction with four aspects of their children’s IEPs: (a) content of the IEP document, (b) services provided, (c) perceived level of agreement between the IEP document and the services actually provided, and (d) effectiveness of the IEP team. For each domain, just over half of families reported moderate to high satisfaction, whereas 61% of parents were dissatisfied with at least one of the four facets. Overall IEP satisfaction was positively associated with parent–school connectedness and family financial resources but was unrelated to child characteristics. Contrary to expectation, IEP satisfaction was negatively associated with teachers’ years of experience. Findings demonstrate the importance of parent–school relationships and highlight socioeconomic disparities in special education satisfaction.
The role of community pharmacists in the identification and ongoing management of women at risk for perinatal depression: A qualitative study
Authors: Elkhodr Sabrine , Saba Maya , O’Reilly Claire , Saini Bandana
Published: December 2017

Background:

While pharmacists are among the most accessible primary health professionals within a mother’s healthcare team to identify potential cases of perinatal depression (PND), very little in the literature suggests that this role has been explored.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to explore community pharmacists’ perspectives on their potential roles in perinatal mental health promotion (recognition and health education) and the factors affecting these roles.

Methods:

In total, 20 semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with community pharmacists.

Results:

Most pharmacists highlighted their significant roles in recognising PND symptoms and providing medication-related support to perinatal mothers. Barriers to service provision included inter-professional role boundaries, the lack of established referral systems and service remuneration and the lack of adequate training in mental health.

Conclusion:

Pharmacists could potentially reinforce their involvement in mental health promotion activities.
Social and Political Participation of Indian Diaspora in the UK
Authors: Sharma Sheetal
Published: December 2017

The diaspora communities are quite unique and play a significant role in establishing connections between cultures in the contemporary world. Diaspora, on one hand, is an asset, and on the other, it can be a potential source of conflict in the host society. Diaspora is an asset, in terms of their economic, social and cultural contribution it makes to both the country of origin and destination. On the other hand, because of their different cultural, religious, linguistic and regional affiliation, they can also, at times, be a source of friction with the natives and mainstream culture of the host country. There have been instance of their perfect integration with the host society at one end of the continuum, and their ethnic distinctiveness/differences and un-assimilability becomes a factor for divisions between ‘us’ and ‘them’. Interestingly, diaspora communities also exhibit a unique blend of culture and way of life of their home and host country. Drawing from this framework, this article focuses upon the social and political participation of Indian diaspora in the UK. The article begins by understanding the patterns or phases of international migration to the UK from South Asia, in general, and India, in particular. The ‘Indian Diaspora: Historical Overview’ section discusses the social aspects and political participation of Indian diaspora in the UK. The article provides an overview of the history, trajectory, social and political participation of Indian migrants in the UK and underlines the issues and challenges faced by Indian diaspora using secondary data, statistics and sources based on primary academic research. The nature and extent of social and political participation of any community is an indicator of their degree of influence in and integration with the host society. This article establishes that Indian diaspora has assimilated itself well with the British society along with retaining its cultural distinctiveness.
Diplomatic Theory of Kautilya and Sun Tzu
Authors: Dutta Anusmita , Dabhade Manish S.
Published: December 2017

In the changing sphere of world politics, or more specifically in a multi-polar world, there has been a process of re-territorialization of the theory and practice of diplomacy. The discipline attempts to move away from the dominant Western influences and revive the non-Western understanding. The reading of Kautilya’s Arthashastra and Sun Tzu’s The Art of War in this context seems relevant, as these two ancient texts reinforce this understanding in an extensive manner.

This article in its first part deals with the aspect of the diplomatic theory of international relations (IR) and traces its shift. The second part deals with the non-Western understanding of the diplomatic theory. Since this viewpoint is read with respect to the two ancient texts, the third part attempts to give justification of how the historical texts can be approached at without committing the fallacy attached to the study of old historical texts. The fourth and fifth parts of the article deal extensively with the diplomacy enunciated in the texts of Kautilya and Sun Tzu, respectively. The relevance of these two texts in the contemporary period is also evaluated. Thus, the study of the texts further reinforces the view of the presence of alternative understanding to the dominant Eurocentric perspective.
Immigrant Minorities under Canadian Multiculturalism
Authors: Mann Inderjeet
Published: December 2017

Canada has a growing and diverse immigrant population due to various immigration acts since the 1970s, and it has ever since remained in an ascending order. Canadian immigration policy has been shaped by two principal imperatives: demography and economics; felt-need to populate the vast empty geographical expanse and/or need for young and preferably educated and skilled immigrants to work the economy. In the period after the Second World War, economic needs have largely determined official policy towards immigration. As Canada is becoming an aging society, in the last several decades, both demography and economics led to be liberalized the immigration policies. After 1970s, the huge migration from non-European countries had heightened the ethno-cultural diversity; it created numerous issues among immigrant groups and Canadian mainstream society and its institutions, and prevailing state laws. First segment of the article briefly highlights immigration history of Sikh and Muslim communities in Canada. Second explores the issues of Sikh and Muslim communities in Canada under the state-sanctioned policy of multiculturalism. Third traces the challenges to both specified groups in the aftermath of 9/11 events. Last concludes all parts of study.
Fatigue accumulated damage in notched quasi-isotropic composites under high-temperature conditions: A discussion on the influence of matrix nature on the stress energy release rate
Authors: Vieille B
Published: December 2017

In order to investigate the contribution of matrix nature to the fatigue behaviour, the purpose of the present work is to establish the correlation between material toughness and macroscopic damage accumulation during tensile cyclic loading in the brittle (C/epoxy) and ductile (C/Polyphenylene sulfide) matrix systems. More specifically, this article presents a fracture mechanics-based approach to compute the strain energy release rate during fracture along with the macroscopic transverse crack growth in fatigue. The knowledge of energy-absorbing processes is important as they are responsible for the toughness of the composite. Woven-ply laminates are characterised by matrix-rich regions which may stop or slow down the growth of fatigue cracks by absorbing the mechanical energy through local plastic deformations at the cracks tip depending on matrix nature. With respect to C/epoxy laminates, the local plastic deformations at the cracks tip are prominent in highly ductile composite systems (e.g. C/Polyphenylene sulfide), and ultimately results in fatigue behaviour virtually independent of the applied stress level under high temperatures T > Tg. To evaluate the influence of matrix ductility and toughness on fatigue damage, a damage variable d based on the measurement of longitudinal stiffness at each cycle was used. A model derived from a Paris law and a fracture mechanics criterion were combined to: (i) evaluate the fatigue crack growth – (ii) compare the changes in the strain energy release rate G and the macroscopic damage d during cyclic loading. Macroscopic damage appears to be well correlated with the strain energy released during fracture.
Effects of graphene nano-platelets size and content on tensile properties of polypropylene composites at higher tension rate
Authors: Liang Ji-Zhao
Published: December 2017

The influence of graphene nano-platelets size and content on tensile properties of polypropylene composites was investigated by means of a universal testing machine under room temperature and tension rate 300 mm/min. The results showed that the Young’s modulus increased with increasing graphene nano-platelets weight fraction, the tensile yield strength and the tensile fracture strength increased when graphene nano-platelets weight fraction was lower than 0.4 wt.%, and then varied slightly with increasing graphene nano-platelets weight fraction; while the tensile elongation at break decreased with increasing graphene nano-platelets weight fraction. In addition, the difference in tensile yield strength, tensile fracture strength, and tensile elongation at break between the composites reinforced separately with different size graphene nano-platelets was not significant under these experimental conditions; this could be attributed to the interfacial layer between the filler and the matrix could transfer some stress under tensile load.
The Importance of Timing in Reciprocity: An Investigation of Reciprocity Norms Among Indians and Americans
Authors: Goyal Namrata , Miller Joan G.
Published: December 2017

After receiving help, individuals tend to experience an immediate increase in obligation to be responsive to the helper. Cross-cultural research has shown that whereas this sense of obligation dissipates for Americans after reciprocation, it remains unchanged after reciprocation for Indians. Is this decrease in obligation felt by Americans temporary, or can it endure over years such that it provides immunity from responding to the helper? And is there a statute of limitations on the experience of obligation for Indians? If individuals do not reciprocate, can obligation expire? We addressed these questions in a vignette-based experimental investigation involving American and Indian adults. Study 1 ( N = 153) demonstrated that Americans but not Indians felt less obligation to aid the helper after reciprocation than in situations in which they had not reciprocated years after receiving a benefit. Reciprocation thus provided Americans, but not Indians, with immunity from being responsive to the helper. Study 2 ( N = 141) demonstrated that Americans but not Indians felt less obligation years after as compared with months after receiving a benefit. The passage of time thus expired obligation to be responsive to the helper for Americans but not for Indians. Study 3 ( N = 129) provided ecological validity to our hypotheses by assessing real-life friendships, showing how both reciprocations and time passage affect obligation independently and in combination. The findings imply that prosocial behavior is affected by both time passage and reciprocation among Americans but not Indians.
Revisiting the earned income gap for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian workers: Evidence from a selection bias corrected model
Authors: Birch Elisa , Marshall David
Published: December 2017

Indigenous Australians perform worse in the labour market than non-Indigenous Australians, particularly in terms of earned income. Improving Indigenous Australians’ earnings is paramount to improving their health and living standards and for the Closing the Gap targets. Most literature on this issue is now outdated or controls for limited variables. This article revisits the earned income gap for Indigenous Australians using the standard Oaxaca decomposition. It also estimates the gap using decompositions that correct for selection-bias in the fact that a population of workers is a non-random sample. It finds that two-thirds and three-quarters of the earnings penalty experienced by Indigenous men and women working full time is explained by differences in their endowments, especially education levels, compared to non-Indigenous Australians. The remainder of the earnings gap, being 9.3% for males and 4.3% for females, is potentially linked to discrimination and selection bias as Indigenous people have low full-time employment rates. Increasing Indigenous Australians participation in higher education is imperative for reducing the earnings penalty they face. Selection-bias is also important for examining earnings, and whilst it has interpretive problems, it may contribute to explaining the underlying earnings gap faced by Indigenous workers.
Diversity in Coherence: Strengths and Opportunities of Three Programs
Authors: Canrinus Esther T. , Klette Kirsti , Hammerness Karen
Published: December 2017

Although teacher educators may perceive their program and courses to be coherent, the question remains to what extent student teachers also are able to perceive the linkages within their programs. Coherence within teacher education programs is important for teacher candidates to build understanding of teaching. Our study draws upon survey data from 269 teacher candidates, in three different teacher education programs, located in three different countries (Norway, Finland, United States [California]) and compares these candidates’ perceptions of the coherence of their teacher education programs. Candidates from a program that has explicitly been working on constructing a coherent program over a period of 15 years do report significantly more coherence, yet, across the programs, there remains room for improvement regarding the coherence between field placement and campus courses. We conclude with the suggestion that potential improvement of program coherence lies within greater communication and collaboration between the various stakeholders within teacher education.
Is the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale a Fair Screening Tool? A Differential Item Functioning Analysis Across Gender and Age
Authors: Chiesi Francesca , Primi Caterina , Pigliautile Martina , Baroni Marta , Ercolani Sara , Boccardi Virginia , Ruggiero Carmelinda , Mecocci Patrizia
Published: December 2017

The 15-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) is widely employed to assess depression in old people, but it is unclear if there are biases in the total score depending on respondents’ gender and age. In the current study, we investigated the measurement equivalence of the GDS-15 to provide evidence that the test is a fair screening tool when administered to young-old, old-old, and oldest-old men and women. Item Response Theory-based Differential Item Functioning analyses were applied on a large sample of Italian old people. One item exhibited Differential Item Functioning when comparing men and women, and one item showed Differential Item Functioning across different age-groups. Nonetheless, the magnitude of Differential Item Functioning was small and did not produce any differential test functioning. The gender and age measurement equivalence of the GDS-15 confirms that the test can be used for clinical and research screening purposes.
“It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times”: A Qualitative Investigation of Perfectionism and Drinking Narratives in Undergraduate Students
Authors: Nealis Logan J. , Mackinnon Sean P.
Published: December 2017

Perfectionism is a transdiagnostic risk factor for mental health and interpersonal difficulties, but research on perfectionism and alcohol use in emerging adults remains equivocal. Qualitative research methods are underutilized in this area, and inductive analysis of drinking narratives in undergraduate perfectionists may help clarify conflicting results and support novel approaches to quantitative inquiry in this area. We interviewed 20 undergraduates high in perfectionism (6 adaptive perfectionists and 14 maladaptive perfectionists) using a narrative interview, with analyses focusing on a situation involving alcohol use. We coded interviews for emergent themes using thematic analysis. Five themes emerged as follows: (1) drinking as a social experience, (2) suffering consequences, (3) learning from alcohol, (4) alcohol use as escapism, and (5) reluctance and moderation. Our results add to existing literature by highlighting the interpersonal conflict in perfectionistic people’s experience in relation to alcohol use during emerging adulthood. Results also suggest perfectionistic people may use alcohol and intoxication as a way to facilitate a “release” from unpleasant situations or emotions. Perfectionists reported both positive and negative experiences, which lends support for using a narrative perspective to help overcome preexisting assumptions about adaptive and maladaptive qualities of perfectionism.
From peacekeepers to praetorians – how participating in peacekeeping operations may subvert democracy
Authors: Cunliffe Philip
Published: December 2017

This article provides a heuristic study of three cases where participation in peacekeeping operations prompted military rule in the peacekeeper-contributing state. These three atypical cases contradict the theory of diversionary peace, which claims that contributing to peacekeeping operations abroad should stimulate democracy at home. The experience of these three countries also calls into question the conventional wisdom that strongly associates peacekeeping with liberal democratic institutions, outcomes and practices. Via triangulation across literature, reports, elite interviews and WikiLeaks cables, these cases are examined in order to identify more generalisable observations regarding how participation in peacekeeping may enhance the role of the military at the expense of democratic order and civilian rule in the contributing state. The theory of diversionary peace is shown to suffer from serious conceptual flaws. Some preliminary efforts are made to generalise the findings, with Ghana and Uruguay identified as warranting further investigation. A number of variables are identified as offering scope for generalisation, namely, revenue, leadership and military size. Several promising areas for further research are also identified: how military dependence on peacekeeping may make political systems more permeable to outside influence, how far the United Nations (UN) can politically influence its contributor states and how peacebuilding may affect peacekeepers’ understanding of their role in their own countries. By examining the feedback effects of peacekeeping on peacekeeper-contributing states, the article reverses the conventional focus of peacekeeping scholarship and contributes to the growing literature examining the wider ramifications and unintended consequences of liberal conflict management.
Changes, Challenges, and Opportunities for Student Services at One Baccalaureate Degree–Granting Community College
Authors: Martinez Edna
Published: December 2017

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore organizational changes within the area of student services at one baccalaureate degree–granting community college. Method: Data were collected via in-depth semistructured interviews with faculty and administrators, observations, and organizational documents. Results: Analysis revealed extensive changes in policies and practices related to (a) academic advising, (b) academic support services, (c) financial aid, and (d) student activities. Changes were slow, difficult, and met resistance from both internal and external stakeholders. Contributions: In addition to an understanding of how the institutionalization of baccalaureate degrees at the community college impacts student services, this study highlights implications for institutional policy and planning to help other colleges plan for implementation of 4-year degree programs. Areas for future research are discussed.
Employing a Fixed-Lean Multiple Schedule in the Treatment of Challenging Behavior for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Haq Shaji S. , Machalicek Wendy , Garbacz S. Andrew , Drew Christine
Published: December 2017

Despite its utility, there is limited applied research on employing fixed-lean (FL) schedules of reinforcement in treatment packages to address challenging behavior. One potential reason is that abrupt shifts to terminal schedules of reinforcement have been associated with immediate increases in challenging behavior before subsiding to clinically acceptable levels. The purpose of the present study was to (a) provide evidence demonstrating the utility of a FL multiple schedule (MS) in the treatment of challenging behavior in applied settings, (b) examine the potential effects of alternative stimuli on challenging behavior during a FL MS, and (c) assess the social validity of this treatment package with participants and caregivers. The results of this study showed low levels of challenging behavior and discriminated mands during the FL MS, but no evidence to support the inclusion of alternative stimuli. In addition, caregivers of both participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the treatment package. Implications for research and clinical practice are discussed.
Low-income mothers in an Israeli welfare-to-work program: Symbolic violence and its limitations
Authors: Herbst-Debby Anat , Benjamin Orly
Published: December 2017

Welfare-to-work (WTW) programs use role modeling rhetoric to re-educate mothers to prioritize paid employment over presence-based childcare. Research has shown that mothers may resist this rhetoric if, historically, policies in their countries shaped their sense of entitlement to be supported as mothers. But under what conditions does such resistance build a critical voice? What other voices emerge in the encounter with the WTW rhetoric? This article uses three ‘voices’ that emerge in the ideological environment of WTW to criticize the common usage of ‘voice’ in discussions of working with those who live in poverty. Based on semi-structured interviews of 62 single mothers participating in a WTW program in Israel, the study shows how participants’ voices convey disentitlement to childcare services. By considering how low-income single mothers experience themselves as respectable individuals when suitable childcare is scarce, the article discusses the conditions under which an emerging ‘voice’ can be considered critical.
Rethinking Conditional Release as an Assumption-Based Test of Offender Readiness
Authors: Campbell Christopher M.
Published: December 2017

While many great strides have been made in supervision generally toward more evidence-based practices, the primary tenets of conditional release have remained unchanged, untested, and assumption based. This essay examines the fundamental tenets of conditional release and how they have been widely overlooked in spite of the evidence-based movement. By laying out the problems in practice, recording, and definition, as well as gaps in the literature, I display several areas where future research can progress both knowledge and policy. I argue that the crux of issues surrounding conditional release is the notion that it is a test of readiness and should be regarded as such. By viewing the practice from this perspective, the inadequacies of state systems to address criminogenic needs become glaringly apparent. Following this explication, it is consequently clear as to why the released person may not be ready and how successful reentry may have less to do with individual accountability and more to do with a rehabilitative ideal.
Individual, Behavioral, and Situational Correlates of the Drugging Victimization Experiences of College Women
Authors: Warner Tara D. , Allen Christopher T. , Fisher Bonnie S. , Krebs Christopher P. , Martin Sandra , Lindquist Christine H.
Published: December 2017

Interest in “drugging” has increased, with much focus on drugging victimization within the context of sexual assault and particularly among college students. This study uses data from the Campus Sexual Assault (CSA) Study and the Historically Black College and University Campus Sexual Assault (HBCU-CSA) Study to explore college women’s drugging victimization experiences beyond those limited to drug-facilitated sexual assault. We draw on a lifestyle-exposure/routine activity theory approach to personal victimization integrated with scholarship on gendered opportunities and the campus party culture to examine the individual, behavioral, and situational characteristics embedded in the campus environment that place college women at increased risks of being drugged. We pay particular attention to cultural and institutional differences shaping experiences and risks at predominantly White institutions (PWIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Findings show that 5% and 4% of women at PWIs and HBCUs, respectively, report drugging victimization and that exposure to risky situations (e.g., fraternity party attendance) is a risk factor primarily for women at PWIs.
Measuring Relative Coupling Strength in Circadian Systems
Authors: Schmal Christoph , Herzog Erik D , Herzel Hanspeter
Published: December 2017

Modern imaging techniques allow the monitoring of circadian rhythms of single cells. Coupling between these single cellular circadian oscillators can generate coherent periodic signals on the tissue level that subsequently orchestrate physiological outputs. The strength of coupling in such systems of oscillators is often unclear. In particular, effects on coupling strength by varying cell densities, by knockouts, and by inhibitor applications are debated.

In this study, we suggest to quantify the relative coupling strength via analyzing period, phase, and amplitude distributions in ensembles of individual circadian oscillators. Simulations of different oscillator networks show that period and phase distributions become narrower with increasing coupling strength. Moreover, amplitudes can increase due to resonance effects. Variances of periods and phases decay monotonically with coupling strength, and can serve therefore as measures of relative coupling strength.

Our theoretical predictions are confirmed by studying recently published experimental data from PERIOD2 expression in slices of the suprachiasmatic nucleus during and after the application of tetrodotoxin (TTX). On analyzing the corresponding period, phase, and amplitude distributions, we can show that treatment with TTX can be associated with a reduced coupling strength in the system of coupled oscillators. Analysis of an oscillator network derived directly from the data confirms our conclusions.

We suggest that our approach is also applicable to quantify coupling in fibroblast cultures and hepatocyte networks, and for social synchronization of circadian rhythmicity in rodents, flies, and bees.
Reduction in Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections Correlated With the Introduction of a Novel Silver-Plated Dressing for Central Venous Catheters and Maintained for 6 Years
Authors: Karlnoski Rachel , Abboud Elia Charbel , Thompson Peggy , Oxner Asa Z. , Sinnott John T. , Marcet Jorge E.
Published: December 2017

Objective:

To assess a novel silver-plated dressing (SD) for central venous catheters in comparison to chlorhexidine gluconate–impregnated sponge (CHGIS) dressings in preventing central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Tampa General Hospital, an academic medical tertiary care center.

Patients:

All adult ICU patients of an academic medical tertiary care center from January 2009 to December 2010.

Measurements and Main Results:

A total of 3189 patient records were studied from 7 different ICUs during the 2-year period. Patients received either CHGIS dressings (January 2009-December 2009) or SDs (January 2010-December 2010). Primary outcomes measured were CLABSI rates per 1000 catheter days and ICU length of stay. There were 30 696 catheter days with CHGIS dressings and 31 319 catheter days with SDs. There was a statistically significant decrease in the rate of CLABSI per 1000 catheter days in the SD group, from 2.38 to 1.28 ( P = .001), with an absolute risk reduction of 1.1. There was a significantly lower incidence in the rate of CLABSI per 1000 catheter days in the SD group (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.36-0.80). The relative risk of CLABSI in the SD group was 0.502 (95% CI: 0.340-0.730; P < .001). If SDs are used on all catheters, the decreased rate of CLABSIs observed would calculate to a cost savings of US$4070 to US$39 600 per 1000 catheter days. After successful implementation of the SD, we observed significant reductions in CLABSI rates and a sustained reduction in the subsequent 6 years.

Conclusion:

Use of SDs is associated with a significant decrease in CLABSI rates in adult ICU patients compared to CHGIS dressings, with an estimated cost savings of US$4070 to US$39 600 per 1000 catheter days.
Is There a Cumulative Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Intimate Partner Violence in Emerging Adulthood?
Authors: Nikulina Valentina , Gelin Melissa , Zwilling Amanda
Published: December 2017

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been shown to cumulatively predict a range of poor physical and mental health outcomes across adulthood. The cumulative effect of ACEs on intimate partner violence (IPV) in emerging adulthood has not been previously explored. The current study examined the individual and cumulative associations between nine ACEs (emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional neglect, physical neglect, witnessing domestic violence, living with a mentally ill, substance abusing, or incarcerated household member) and IPV in a diverse sample of college students ( N = 284; Mage = 20.05 years old [ SD = 2.5], 32% male, 37% Caucasian, 30% Asian, 33% other, and 27% Hispanic) from an urban, public college in the Northeast of the United States. Participants reported ACEs (measured by the Adverse Childhood Experiences Survey) and IPV perpetration and victimization (measured with the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale–2) of physical and psychological aggression in an online study that took place from 2015 to 2016. Bivariate and multivariate associations between ACEs, cumulative ACEs (assessed by the sum of adverse experiences), and IPV outcomes were assessed, while controlling for demographics and socioeconomic status. No cumulative associations were observed between ACEs and any of the IPV subscales in multivariate regressions, while witnessing domestic violence was significantly associated with perpetration and victimization of physical aggression and injury, and household member incarceration and physical abuse were associated with physical aggression perpetration. Adverse childhood events do not seem to associate cumulatively with IPV in emerging adulthood and the contributions of individual childhood experiences appear to be more relevant for IPV outcomes. Clinical and research implications are discussed.
Differential Experimental Effects of a Short Bout of Walking, Meditation, or Combination of Walking and Meditation on State Anxiety Among Young Adults
Authors: Edwards Meghan K. , Rosenbaum Simon , Loprinzi Paul D.
Published: December 2017

Introduction:

Single bouts of aerobic exercise and meditation have been shown to improve anxiety states. Yet to be evaluated in the literature, we sought to examine the effects of a single, short bout of aerobic exercise or meditation, as well as exercise and meditation combined on state anxiety among young adults.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

University.

Subjects:

Participants (N = 110, mean age = 21.4 years) were randomly assigned to walk, meditate, walk then meditate, meditate then walk, or to sit (inactive control).

Measures:

All walking and meditation bouts were 10 minutes in duration. Participants’ state anxiety was monitored before and after the intervention using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire.

Results:

Significant group × time interaction effects were observed ( P = .01). Post hoc paired t tests revealed that state anxiety significantly decreased from baseline to postintervention in the meditation ( P = .002), meditation then walk ( P = .002), and walk then meditation ( P = .03) groups but not the walk ( P = .75) or control ( P = .45) groups.

Conclusion:

Meditation (vs a brisk walk) may be a preferred method of attenuating anxiety symptomology. Individuals desiring the health benefits associated with aerobic exercise may achieve additional anxiolytic benefits if they employ a brief meditation session before or after exercising.
Design of experiments to investigate blade geometric effects on the hydrodynamic performance of torque converters
Authors: Liu Cheng , Wei Wei , Yan Qingdong , Morgan Neal R
Published: December 2017

Torque converters are key components in automatic and hydrodynamic transmissions. Power is transmitted through the reaction force of fluid on cascades; thus, the geometry of the blade is essential to torque converter performance. The traditional one-dimensional blade design approach becomes inefficient for modern torque converter design because torque converters are highly coupled turbomachines and the flow is three-dimensional. In the present research, a novel six-parameter blade camberline design was developed to describe the overall shape of the blade. A full two-level factorial design was conducted with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations on each component to determine the sensitivity of design variables and investigate the relationship between design parameters and hydrodynamic performance. The design variables were reduced from 18 to nine after the screening design. A quarter-fractional factorial design was performed on the selected primary design variables to explore the first-order interaction effects between different wheels. Then a response surface was generated for each component to provide a substitution model for further optimization. A series of torque converters with various design parameters were fabricated and tested to validate the important effects determined in the design of experiments (DOE) process. It is found that CFD in combination with DOE is able to precisely capture the correlation between design variables and hydrodynamic performance. A base torque converter was optimized based on the DOE studies and the result was tested. Pronounced improvement in powertrain performance and fuel economy were observed.
Discrete-time adaptive backstepping control: Application to pumping station
Authors: Chakchouk Wael , Chrouta Jaouher , Ben Regaya Chiheb , Zaafouri Abderrahmen , Sellami Anis
Published: December 2017

This article proposes an application of a discrete-time adaptive backstepping control strategy for a hydraulic process pumping station. The proposed solution leads to improved control system performances in terms of pressure and flow tracking in transient and standstill operation and improvement of pressure response time. The proposed design methodology is based on accurate model for pumping station, which is developed in previous works using fuzzy-C means algorithm. The control law design is based on discrete-time adaptive backstepping control, which is developed in the sense of Lyapunov stability theory using sign function, in order to satisfy various objectives of a stable pumping station like the asymptotic stability of the tracking error. To validate the proposed solution, simulation and experimental tests are made and analyzed. Compared to the conventional proportional–integral approach, the results show that the discrete-time adaptive backstepping control allows exhibiting excellent transient response over a wide range of operating conditions and especially is easier to be implemented in practice.
Reading the city via the public central library in the sociocultural context: A comparative study between the Hong Kong Central Library, Shanghai Library and Taipei Public Library
Authors: Lo Patrick , Ho Kevin K.W. , Allard Bradley , Horng Shih-Chang , Liu Yan
Published: December 2017

Public libraries across the world are well-known for the promotion of literacy and lifelong learning. However, at the same time, they are important social and community spaces in which community members can engage with each other. With this in mind, this study looks at the ways in which public libraries in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong fulfil these roles in their respective communities. The public libraries chosen for this study were namely: Shanghai Library, Taipei Public Library and Hong Kong Central Library. A total number of 788 responses were collected from all three libraries. Results from the surveys indicated that public libraries in these communities were seen as being important for providing cost-free materials, entertainment, and, especially, contributing to the overall culture of the community at large. Results indicated that the public libraries chosen for this study have social and cultural values alongside its function as an information centre. These findings will be important in understanding the sociocultural roles of public libraries in East Asia.
Knowledge of use and type of references in Library and Information Science and Legal Medicine as support for specialized librarians
Authors: Nieto-Pino Nerea , Faba-Pérez Cristina , Gómez-Crisóstomo Rocío
Published: December 2017

Librarians of specialized institutions need to have solid knowledge of the scientific environment (impact of publications, use of citations and scientific references, etc.) related to the group for which they work in order to properly manage the collection of their libraries. The present research analyses the evolution of the use and types of references cited by academics in Library and Information Science and in Legal Medicine as an aid for specialist librarians in this sense. The study has a dual aspect: one is to determine how the behaviour of references, especially Web references, in relation to accessibility and use has evolved over 15 years in alternating periods (1999, 2004, 2009, 2013) in these two areas, and the other is to determine from the type of references scientists of prestige use in their publications whether they consider the Internet to be a reliable source of information for their research. Two journals with high impact factors according to Journal Citation Reports were selected from each category: Journal of the American Society for Information Science & Technology (JASIST) and Information Processing & Management (IP&M) corresponding to Information Science, and Regulatory Toxicology & Pharmacology (RT&P) and Forensic Science International (FSI) corresponding to Legal Medicine. The results showed greater accessibility and use of Web references in the Information Science community, but also considerable progress in these aspects in recent years in Legal Medicine.
Rapid evaluation of fat content in curry soup containing coconut milk by using near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Cheevitsopon Ekkapong , Sirisomboon Panmanas
Published: December 2017

The feasibility of a near infrared spectroscopy to evaluate the fat content in instant curry soup containing coconut milk including green curry, red curry, massaman curry and panang curry was investigated. The soup samples were collected from a processing line and as the finished product. There were also fat content-adjusted samples where the curry was made from the same recipe as in the processing line but increasing by 30, 60 and 90% coconut milk and reducing by 30, 60 and 90% coconut milk from normal. A Fourier transform near infrared spectrometer was used to collect scans. A partial least squares regression model for fat content was established using near infrared spectral data in conjunction with reference data, which was validated using a leave-one-out cross-validation and test set validation. The test set validation, using a set of unknown samples, showed better prediction performance. The best model developed using vector normalization spectral pre-treatment on 9404–7498 and 6102–5446 cm−1 provided coefficient of determination, root mean square error of prediction, bias and ratio of performance to interquartile values of 0.90, 0.9%, −0.1% and 1.2, respectively, for the validation samples. However, the model developed using samples without fat content adjusted samples gave a slightly lower coefficient of determination (0.89), but provided a lower root mean square error of prediction (0.5%) and acceptable ratio of standard error of validation to the standard deviation (3.2). In addition, the vibration bands of CH2 which was in the long chain fatty acid moiety highly influenced the prediction of fat content in the curry soup. The near infrared spectroscopy protocol developed for the determination of fat could be applied in the instant curry soup production line.
Use of LOCAL algorithm with near infrared spectroscopy in forage resources for grazing systems in Colombia
Authors: Ariza-Nieto C , Mayorga OL , Mojica B , Parra D , Afanador-Tellez G
Published: December 2017

This study used a total of 2020 Colombian forage resources of three families (Grass forages, legume forages, and other forage plants) to develop near infrared spectroscopy calibrations for predicting the nutritional value. Spectra were collected at 2 nm increments using a scanning visible/near infrared spectrometer. The reference data used for each forage were crude protein, crude ash, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, measured according to the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Two chemometric tools for developing near infrared spectroscopy prediction models were compared: the GLOBAL modified partial least squares, and the calibration strategy known as LOCAL. The LOCAL procedure is designed to select, from a large database, samples with spectra resembling the sample being analyzed. Selected samples were used as calibration sets after one-tenth of the samples were selected for validation from each database. Predictions of nutrition indicators in validation samples using generic and specific calibrations were compared with both GLOBAL and LOCAL procedures. For all predicted forages, LOCAL resulted in a significant improvement in both standard error of prediction and bias values compared with GLOBAL. Determination coefficient values (r2) also improved using the LOCAL algorithm, exceeding 0.9 for most forage sets. LOCAL calibration was then used with only one database (n 2020) comprising all the forage samples and SEP and r2 were similar to those obtained in the three databases using LOCAL algorithm. Therefore, LOCAL can accurately predict the composition of different forages using only one database, and could offer a practical way to develop robust equations taking into account the biodiversity of Colombian forages.
The Chilean Government’s Attempt to Reform and Close Cárcel Ex-Penitenciaría (CDP Santiago Sur): ¿Mientras más cambian las cosas, más se mantienen igual?
Authors: Ross Jeffrey Ian , Barraza Uribe Bárbara
Published: December 2017

Over the past decade, many South and Latin American countries have experienced an increase in crime. As a response, these states have experimented with a number of crime control methods. One of the traditional responses has been an overreliance on incarceration. Despite changes in other aspects of the Chilean bureaucracy, the prison system has lagged behind. This study explores the reasons why Cárcel Ex-Penitenciaría (CDP Santiago Sur), located in Santiago, Chile, one of the oldest operating prisons in the country, that houses the highest number of inmates, under deplorable conditions, still remains open. The article reviews the history of attempts to reform and close the facility, in the context of attempts to change national prison policy and practices and why the Penitenciaría still remains operational. It concludes with an examination why attempts to reform the prison facility have largely failed and why it remains open.