bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Death Penalty and Narrative Strategies in Porte aperte by Leonardo Sciascia
Authors: Francese Joseph
Published: September 2017

This paper analyzes narrative strategies used by Leonardo Sciascia in Porte aperte to create, among readers, sympathy for and identification with his (nameless) protagonist, a judge and an opponent of capital punishment. The judge has been called on to preside over a murder trial in 1937, a decade after Fascism had re-instated the death penalty, considered by the Regime a deterrent that would allow Italians to sleep with “open doors.” To that end, I consider the historical context in which the novel was written—given that Italian Constitution, in force since 1 January 1948, had abolished the death penalty—and the impact Sciascia sought to have on his readers. That is, Sciascia’s long-time opposition to the death penalty is to some extent pretext for ‘re-litigating’ in 1987, a decade after the fact, two polemics of the late 1970s. The first public controversy had been sparked by his declaration (issued during the trial of colonna torinese of the Red Brigades) of personal neutrality in the struggle of the Italian State to suppress terrorist subversion, the other by Sciascia’s contention that the political parties who refused to negotiate with the terrorists for the release of Aldo Moro had indirectly re-introduced the death penalty in Italy.
Decentralised Governance and Tribal Development in Scheduled Areas of Northeast India: A Case Study of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council
Authors: Mohapatra Gadadhara
Published: September 2017

Decentralised governance has been conceived as an instrument in promoting development. In realising the rights of the tribals, the Constitution of India has provided special provisions by delineating special administrative structures for tribal development with enacting the Fifth and the Sixth Schedules. The Sixth Schedule is applicable to four states of northeast India, namely, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram, and the Fifth Schedule is in operation in other regions of the country where tribes form a majority in a district or districts. The Sixth Schedule provides for autonomous district councils, thus offering space for tribal self-governance. The autonomous district councils are both administrative as well as legislative entity. In Tripura, due to the movement launched by the tribal people for the protection of their rights, the State Legislative Assembly has passed an Act, Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council Act, 1979, under which the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) was established. Subsequently, in 1984, the special provisions of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution were extended to the tribal areas in the state of Tripura. Since then, a new political process has been started in the state of Tripura by establishing TTAADC for the realisation of the rights of the tribals (Das, 2001, p. 208). It is in this context, that this article provides an overview of the decentralised governance and tribal development in the Sixth Schedule areas of northeast India with special reference to Tripura. It discusses the organisational and functional aspects the TTAADC. In this connection, the article reviews the various Acts, rules, regulations and amendments relating to TTAADC. It also examines its role and impact in tribal development in the state of Tripura. Further, an attempt has been made in the article to relate the deficiencies in the functioning of the TTAADC, recommending suitable changes.
Does China’s public assistance scheme create welfare dependency? An assessment of the welfare of the Urban Minimum Living Standard Guarantee
Authors: Lei Jie , Chan Chak Kwan
Published: September 2017

This study examines the myth of whether China’s public assistance scheme is creating welfare dependency. It first analyses the benefit levels of the Urban Minimum Living Standard Guarantee (UMLSG) according to the international poverty measurements. Then it employs in-depth interviews to reveal the life experiences of 15 UMLSG beneficiaries and the views of 8 welfare officials in Guangzhou city. It concludes that the UMLSG assistance is actually too low to reduce the work motivation of beneficiaries. Instead, supplementary welfare associated with the UMLSG contributes to the staying of beneficiaries, to facilitate access to basic housing, health and educational services.
Highs and Lows: An Interrupted Time-Series Evaluation of the Impact of North America’s Only Supervised Injection Facility on Crime
Authors: Myer Andrew J. , Belisle Linsey
Published: September 2017

North America is currently experiencing an opioid crisis. One proposed solution to combat problems associated with injection drug use is the use of supervised injection facilities. These facilities provide drug users a space to inject pre-obtained drugs without any legal repercussions. Research on these facilities has focused on public health outcomes, and generally found positive results. Far fewer studies have investigated the impact supervised injection facilities have on crime. The current study provides an interrupted time-series analysis on the impact of North America’s only supervised injection facility on crime. Analyses of city wide crime data evidence no impact of the supervised injection facility on crime. Disaggregated analyses indicate a significant decrease in crimes in the district where the supervised injection facility is located. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Studies of mechanical properties of electrospun zein/poly(ɛ-caprolactone) composites and antibacterial properties against Listeria monocytogenes strains of zein/poly(ɛ-caprolactone)/ poly(ɛ-lysine) films
Authors: Hu Xiyu , Yang Liang liang , Wang Kaijun , Wei Yanli Zixuan , Deng Hongwu , Dong Jiang
Published: September 2017

Ultra-fine fibers of zein/poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) composites were prepared by oriented electrospun technology to enhance the toughness and ductility of zein. The mechanical, morphological and thermal properties of fibrous films of zein/PCL were studied by texture analysis and nanoindentation tests, scanning electron microscopy and dynamic mechanical analysis. Wettability of fibrous films was also measured and discussed. The mechanical properties of these fibrous films were significantly improved with the addition of PCL. Research on the antibacterial activities of poly(ɛ-lysine) (EPL) loaded films of zein/PCL/poly(ɛ-lysine) shows that the films could inhibit the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. Films of zein/PCL blend systems with a hydrophilic surface do not dissolve in water and have excellent toughness and ductility. This is very favorable for applications in biodegradable materials, food packing materials, facial masks and as antimicrobial films for wound dressing.
Power characteristics of variable frequency speed control-based water pumps in open cooling water systems
Authors: Song Yiping , Zhao Jianing
Published: September 2017

The operational power characteristics of variable frequency speed control-based water pumps in an open cooling water system were studied experimentally. It was found through this research that before and after frequency conversion, the ratio of the power of a particular frequency to the power of the rated frequency of the water pump system shows a third-power relationship. A data fitting method was used to obtain the equation for the power and frequency ratio of the system under the overall operating conditions. The experiment shows that the system height difference has no effect on the basic form of the characteristic equation. Finally, when unified consideration is given to the pump, motor and frequency converter, the calculated power of the water pump system is very close to the actual value.This power characteristic equation contributes to calculations relating to the water pump operational speed regulation in an open cooling water system.

Practical application: Variable frequency speed-regulating systems for pumps are applied in open loop water systems, such as those supplying cooling towers. However, the standard cube law which is used to determine the power of the water pump system is inappropriate and exaggerates the potential energy-saving. This study determined a new energy model for the water pump system that can more accurately calculate the total power of the variable frequency controlled water pump when used in open loop systems.
Neurochemical changes underpinning the development of adjunct therapies in recovery after stroke: A role for GABA?
Authors: Johnstone Ainslie , Levenstein Jacob M , Hinson Emily L , Stagg Charlotte J
Published: September 2017

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, with around three-quarters of stroke survivors experiencing motor problems. Intensive physiotherapy is currently the most effective treatment for post-stroke motor deficits, but much recent research has been targeted at increasing the effects of the intervention by pairing it with a wide variety of adjunct therapies, all of which aim to increase cortical plasticity, and thereby hope to maximize functional outcome. Here, we review the literature describing neurochemical changes underlying plasticity induction following stroke. We discuss methods of assessing neurochemicals in humans, and how these measurements change post-stroke. Motor learning in healthy individuals has been suggested as a model for stroke plasticity, and we discuss the support for this model, and what evidence it provides for neurochemical changes. One converging hypothesis from animal, healthy and stroke studies is the importance of the regulation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA for the induction of cortical plasticity. We discuss the evidence supporting this hypothesis, before finally summarizing the literature surrounding the use of adjunct therapies such as non-invasive brain stimulation and SSRIs in post-stroke motor recovery, both of which have been show to influence the GABAergic system.
Use of single-view digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and ultrasound vs. additional views and ultrasound for the assessment of screen-detected abnormalities: German multi-reader study
Authors: Heywang-Köbrunner Sylvia H , Hacker Astrid , Jänsch Alexander , Kates Ronald , Wulz-Horber Sabina ,   the German Reader Team
Published: September 2017

Background

Data on the value of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) for further assessment of screen-detected lesions are still limited.

Purpose

To compare screening mammography, single-view DBT and ultrasound-information (TS) vs. screening mammography, additional views and ultrasound-information (AV) for assessment of screen-detected abnormalities.

Material and Methods

The use of wide-angle DBT for screen-detected, soft-tissue abnormalities requiring additional views was investigated: 241 cases (206 benign and 35 malignant lesions), verified by histology or two-year follow-up, were read by ten readers as TS and as AV sets, yielding 2410 diagnoses for each set. Readings were randomly sequenced.

Results

The mean interval between readings was nine weeks (random sequence). Evaluation was breast-based. Overall, in terms of area under receiver operating characteristic (AUC; varying degree of suspicion cutoff), TS and AV readings showed similar performance: for TS, AUC was 0.889 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.871–0.907) and for AV, AUC was 0.903 (95% CI = 0.886–0.921). TS readings had slightly higher sensitivity than AV readings (96.9% vs. 95.4%) but lower specificity (50% vs. 58.1%) and more variations between reader performance; absolute false negatives (FN) were reduced in 8/16 readers, equal in 5/16, and increased in only 3/16.

Conclusion

This study broadly confirms previous data showing equivalence of DBT to AV. However, bias against TS may have occurred since the region of interest was not indicated in the TS set as compared to its obvious identification on the AV set by the selected spot views. A key finding is that reader experience with DBT may be more important than so far reported.
Angular Versus Curved Shapes: Correspondences and Emotional Processing
Authors: Blazhenkova Olesya , Kumar Melisa Maya
Published: September 2017

The present work aimed to systematically examine sensory and higher level correspondences to angular and curved shapes. Participants matched angular and curved abstract shapes to sensory experiences in five different modalities as well as to emotion, gender, and name attributes presented as written labels (Study 1) and real experiences (Study 2). The results demonstrated nonarbitrary mapping of angular and curved shapes to attributes from all basic sensory modalities (vision, audition, gustation, olfaction, and tactation) and higher level attributes (emotion, gender, and name). Participants associated curved shapes with sweet taste, quiet or calm sound, vanilla smell, green color, smooth texture, relieved emotion, female gender, and wide-vowel names. In contrast, they associated angular shapes with sour taste, loud or dynamic sound, spicy or citrus smell, red color, rough texture, excited or surprise emotion, male gender, and narrow-vowel names. These prevalent correspondences were robust across different shape pairs as well as all sensory and higher level attributes, presented as both verbal labels and real sensory experiences. The second goal of this research was to examine the relationship between the shape correspondences and individual differences in emotional processing, assessed by self-report and performance measures. The results suggest that heightened emotional ability is associated with making shape attributions that go along with the found prevalent trends.
Asian American Women’s Body Image Experiences
Authors: Brady Jennifer L. , Kaya Aylin , Iwamoto Derek , Park Athena , Fox Lauren , Moorhead Marcus
Published: September 2017

The purpose of our study was to explore Asian American women’s body image experiences from an intersectional framework. Utilizing grounded theory methodology, we sought to understand how gender and race intersect with unique experiences of oppression to contribute to body dissatisfaction among Asian American women. Twenty Asian American undergraduate women born in the United States participated in semi-structured interviews. The core category “body image” was composed of attitudes and perceptions about body weight, shape, and size; facial features (e.g., eye size); and skin complexion or tone. Five categories emerged that informed the body image experiences of Asian American women: (1) navigating cultural beauty norms, (2) experiences of sexism and racism, (3) parental influences, (4) peer influences, and (5) identity management processes. Each of these categories appeared to have both positive and negative consequences for appearance evaluation, ranging from self-consciousness to confidence. Participants also described coping strategies for managing these experiences. We encourage psychologists and clinicians to consider culture-specific beauty standards for Asian American women as well as salient racial and cultural factors (e.g., perceived discrimination and biculturative stress) that may influence body image beliefs. Our results offer a new model for understanding Asian American women’s body dissatisfaction as rooted in experiences of racism and sexism. Online slides for instructors who want to use this article for teaching are available on PWQ' s website at http://journals.sagepub.com/page/pwq/suppl/index
Endangered Literacies? Affordances of Paper-Based Literacy in Medical Practice and Its Persistence in the Transition to Digital Technology
Authors: Sterponi Laura , Zucchermaglio Cristina , Alby Francesca , Fatigante Marilena
Published: September 2017

Under the rapid advances of digital technology, traditional paper-based forms of reading and writing are steadily giving way to digital-based literacies, in theory as well as in application. Drawing on a study of literacy in a medical workplace context, this article examines critically the shift toward computer-mediated textual practices. While a considerable body of research has investigated benefits and issues associated with digital literacy tools in medicine, we consider the affordances of paper-based practices. Our analysis of verbal interaction and textual artifacts drawn from a qualitative study of oncology visits indicates that the uses of pen and paper are advantageous for both doctor and patient. Specifically, they allow doctors to process and package information in ways that are favorable to their personal modus operandi, and they enable patients to participate in the medical visit and take an active role in managing their medical treatment. Understanding the affordances of paper-based literacy provides insights for refining digital tools as well as for motivating the design of possible hybrid forms and digital-analog intersections that can best support medical practices.
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance detects silent heart disease missed by echocardiography in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mavrogeni S , Koutsogeorgopoulou L , Markousis-Mavrogenis G , Bounas A , Tektonidou M , Lliossis S-N C , Daoussis D , Plastiras S , Karabela G , Stavropoulos E , Katsifis G , Vartela V , Kolovou G
Published: September 2017

Background

Accurate diagnosis of cardiovascular involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains challenging, due to limitations of echocardiography. We hypothesized that cardiovascular magnetic resonance can detect cardiac lesions missed by echocardiography in SLE patients with atypical symptoms.

Aim

To use cardiovascular magnetic resonance in SLE patients with atypical symptoms and investigate the possibility of silent heart disease, missed by echocardiography.

Patients/methods

From 2005 to 2015, 80 SLE patients with atypical cardiac symptoms/signs (fatigue, mild shortness of breath, early repolarization and sinus tachycardia) aged 37 ± 6 years (72 women/8 men), with normal echocardiography, were evaluated using a 1.5 T system. Left and right ventricular ejection fractions, T2 ratio (oedema imaging) and late gadolinium enhancement (fibrosis imaging) were assessed. Acute and chronic lesions were defined as late gadolinium enhancement-positive plus T2>2 and T2<2, respectively. Lesions were characterized according to late gadolinium enhancement patterns as: diffuse subendocardial, subepicardial and subendocardial/transmural, due to vasculitis, myocarditis and myocardial infarction, respectively.

Results

Abnormal cardiovascular magnetic resonance findings were identified in 22/80 (27.5%) of SLE patients with normal echocardiography, including 4/22 with recent silent myocarditis, 5/22 with past myocarditis (subepicardial scar in inferolateral wall), 9/22 with past myocardial infarction (six inferior and three anterior subendocardial infarction) and 4/22 with diffuse subendocardial fibrosis due to vasculitis. No correlation between cardiovascular magnetic resonance findings and inflammatory indices was identified.

Conclusions

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance in SLE patients with atypical cardiac symptoms/signs and normal echocardiography can assess occult cardiac lesions including myocarditis, myocardial infarction and vasculitis that may influence both rheumatic and cardiac treatment.
A Tale of Two Fronts: China’s War of the Central Plains, 1930
Authors: Worthing Peter
Published: September 2017

Western writing on China’s 1930 War of the Central Plains emphasizes shifting alliances and bribery, but a close analysis of the war indicates that military operations determined the outcome. Chiang Kai-shek defeated the coalition of regional commanders who rose in revolt against him not through political alliances, but rather because his military forces kept his enemies divided and eventually drove them back on all fronts. It also reveals the significance of Chiang’s victory on the war’s southern front, which prevented Chiang’s opponents in the south from uniting with those in the north and paved the way for final victory.
Physical Social Capital and Psychosocial Social Capital as Mediators Between Socio-economic Inequality and Expressions of Well-being and Health in Israeli Kibbutz Populations
Authors: Leviatan Uriel
Published: September 2017

A large number of studies show that degree of socio-economic inequality ‘within’ a social entity negatively determines levels of well-being and life expectancy, and is positively associated with morbidity and mortality. This relationship holds over and above the impact of average income level. This initially suggested model put forward a causal flow with mediating variables of ‘relative deprivation’ and followed it up with the expressions of ‘social capital’ in the social psychological sense. This article tests, besides these, the role of an additional (relatively little referred to) mediating set of variables between economic inequality and measures of well-being and health, namely levels of physical investments by society (physical social capital [PHSC]) for fulfilling its individual members’ needs. It is proposed that the higher the level of inequality, the lower would be a society’s investments in PHSC (such as in education, health services, job creation, ecology conservation, public transportation and the like) that contribute to health, well-being and survival. The proposition is tested out in two kinds of kibbutz communities: one, ‘traditional’ with strong adherence to social and economic equality among members; and another, ‘transformed’ kibbutzim, where salaries are differential and are based on position or occupation. The two groups of kibbutzim were roughly equated on size, years since settlement, political belonging, economic standing and geographical location. Findings show that the degree of inequality is associated with the level of both psychosocial social capital and PHSC, which in turn contribute independently and cumulatively to levels of peoples’ health and well-being. Transformed kibbutzim are seen as an expression of neoliberal ideology results in the negative effects on health and well-being of individuals and their communities.
Reaching Out to Mother and Child Through ICDS: Insights from a Field Study in Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Kumar Nomita P.
Published: September 2017

Under-nutrition among women and children remains a major development challenge across India. It is recognized that several integrated interventions are necessary to deal with the problem of undernutrition. The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme was aimed at improving maternal and child nutrition. A set of broadly agreed nutrition-specific interventions are delivered through network of anganwadi centres (AWCs) along with the continuum of care. Though well-conceived, ICDS has, in practice, given more attention to increasing coverage than to improving the quality of service delivery and to distributing food rather than changing family-based feeding and caring behaviour. This inertia is reflected in poor outcomes in the state of Uttar Pradesh (UP). This article seeks to evaluate the work delivered by ICDS in UP after assessing the allocation and expenditure. This study draws upon the findings of field survey in nine districts of UP conducted by the author recently. Overall, 90 anganwadi centres were covered to find out the kinds of constraints that arise in utilizing funds effectively under this programme. The study also analyses the secondary data to examine the implementation status of ICDS in the state.
And [They] Even Followed Her Into the Hospital: Primary Care Providers’ Attitudes Toward Referral for Traditional Healing Practices and Integrating Care for Indigenous Patients
Authors: Johnson-Jennings Michelle , Walters Karina , Little Meg
Published: September 2017

Introduction/Importance: Given the promise of integrating traditional healing practices into primary care, we sought to examine the influence of primary care providers’ racial concordance and Indigenous patients’ ethnic salience on traditional healing treatment decisions. Method: Using a descriptive comparative design with an online clinical case vignette, we measured provider decision making via a 5-point Provider Acceptance of Traditional Healing–Referral and Consult questionnaire. Aggregated results of the main effects and interactional effects were analyzed using a 2 × 2 analysis of variance between-subjects design. Results: The main effect for patient racial concordance on the dependent variable was significant, F(1, 89) = 5.71, p = .02. Conclusions: Provider–patient racial concordance does increase the providers’ likelihood of consulting with and referring patients to traditional healing practices, regardless of the patient’s ethnic salience. Implications for Practice: All health care providers require training in traditional healing practices for Indigenous persons as guided by the cultural safety framework.
Relationship of Hemodialysis Shift With Sleep Quality and Depression in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Norozi Firoz Masomeh , Shafipour Vida , Jafari Hedayat , Hosseini Seyed Hamzeh , Yazdani - Charati Jamshid
Published: September 2017

This descriptive correlational study was aimed at determining the relationship of hemodialysis shift with sleep quality and depression in 310 hemodialysis patients. Demographic and Clinical Questionnaires, the Pittsburgh sleep quality index, and Beck’s Depression Inventory were used to ascertain the aforementioned relationship. Among the patients, 59.6% reported poor sleep quality and 44.8% reported experiencing depression. Results show that these conditions were significantly related to many factors. Although dialysis shift was not significantly related to sleep quality and depression, sleep quality was found significantly associated with age, female gender, illiteracy, unemployment, residence in rural areas, diabetes, addiction to sedatives, and phosphorus levels. A significant relationship was also found between depression and phosphorus levels. Logistic regression predicted age, gender, illiteracy, unemployment, residence in rural areas, and addiction to sedatives as factors for poor sleep quality. A body mass index (BMI) above 30, decreased urea, and increased phosphorus were predicted as factors for increased depression.
Excitation device for high frequency vibration analysis: Design and test results
Authors: Neri Paolo
Published: September 2017

In the present paper, the design and optimization of a high frequency excitation source is presented. The device was developed for a harmonic response analysis test bench, aimed at dynamic characterization and resonance prediction of mechanical structures. A wide frequency range must be covered, depending on the analyzed structure: the range 1–10 kHz was considered in the present work. The device was designed for a test bench aimed at investigating the vibrational response of centrifugal compressor bladed wheels. A really compact solution was needed since the final test bench provides one exciter for each blade (up to 20 devices on the circumference hoop). Both contact and contactless solutions were considered, but only the contact solution was found to fulfill all the specifications. Finally, different stinger solutions were proposed and compared in the paper. The investigated solutions were: a beam stinger (diameter 1 mm); a wire stinger (diameter 0.2 mm); and a ball stinger (diameter 3 mm) with two different support solutions. Experimental tests performed on a device prototype allowed to verify the specifications fulfillment and to choose the best stinger solution for the application.
Association Between Subjective Obesity Status and Smoking Behavior Among Normal-Weight Women
Authors: Kim Dae-Hwan
Published: September 2017

Smoking and obesity are chief causes of mortality, morbidity, and medical expenditure. However, few studies have investigated the linkage between subjective obesity status and smoking behavior. This study examines whether females in a normal body mass index range who perceive themselves as obese are more likely to smoke than those who do not perceive themselves as obese. Stratifying by age-group, I employed the propensity score matching analysis to control for selection bias. Although body mass index is lower for younger females aged 20 to 39, they are more likely than elder females to consider themselves as obese. Based on a logistic regression, my findings show that younger females who perceive themselves as obese are 21.2% more likely to smoke than females who do not perceive themselves as obese. The positive relationship between perceived obesity status and smoking behavior is also found in the propensity score matching analysis. However, the disparity in smoking prevalence is not detected between elder females who perceive themselves as obese and those who do not. Public education that fosters accurate perception of body shape is imperative in inducing healthy lifestyles and improving social welfare.
Initial Outcomes of a Participatory-Based, Competency-Building Approach to Increasing Physical Education Teachers’ Physical Activity Promotion and Students’ Physical Activity: A Pilot Study
Authors: Weaver R. Glenn , Webster Collin A. , Beets Michael W. , Brazendale Keith , Chandler Jessica , Schisler Lauren , Aziz Mazen
Published: September 2017

This study examined the initial effects of a participatory-based, competency-/skill-building professional development workshop for physical education (PE) teachers on the use of physical activity (PA) promotion practices (e.g., eliminating lines, small-sided games) and students’ moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). A total of 823 students (52.8% boys) wore accelerometers at baseline (fall 2015) and outcome (spring 2016) on PE and non-PE days. The System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time+ measured changes in PA promotion practices. Teachers ( n = 9) attended a 90-minute workshop prior to outcome data collection. Mixed-model linear regressions estimated changes in teacher practices and students’ MVPA. Three of the nine targeted PA promotion practices changed in the desired direction (i.e., p < .05; increased motor content and lessons taught outdoors, reduced activities with lines), with three more teacher practices trending in the desired direction (i.e., reduced management time and activities with elimination, increased small-sided games). During PE, boys and girls increased MVPA by 2.0 (95% confidence interval [1.1, 3.0]), and 1.3 (95% confidence interval [0.5-2.0]) minutes, respectively. However, there were no statistically significant changes in boys’ or girls’ MVPA during the school day. Greater implementation of promotion practices by the PE teachers was associated with boys’, but not girls’, MVPA during PE. Girls in high- and low-implementing teachers’ lessons experienced increases in MVPA, suggesting that even small changes in PA promotion practices can increase girls’ MVPA during PE. Overall, the workshops were effective at increasing teachers’ PA promotion and students’ MVPA in PE. Other school-based strategies that complement and extend efforts targeting PE are recommended to increase children’s total daily PA.
Theoretical design, manufacturing, and numerical prediction of a novel multileaf foil journal gas bearing for PowerMEMs
Authors: Feng Kai , Zhang Min , Li Wen-Jun , Jin Peng , Wang Xing-Gang
Published: September 2017

Mesoscale gas bearing is widely used in micro-turbine machineries and auxiliary power units due to their certain advantages of low drag friction, good stability, and high tolerance to shaft misalignment. A novel mesoscale multileaf foil bearing, fabricated with UV lithography technology, is proposed and analyzed in this study. The multileaf foil bearing is designed with piecewise stiffness, which can achieve low stiffness during start or stop and high load capacity during operation. Moreover, the increasing contacting surface leads to large bearing damping. Equation governing the hydrodynamics of the fluid film is coupled with equations describing the elastic deformation of the cantilevered curved foil to determine the static and dynamic characteristics. The governing deformation equation is derived using Castigliano’s theorem and verified with commercial finite element software. A power microelectromechanical systems supported on mesoscale multileaf foil bearings is proposed, and rotordynamic performance is predicted using the calculated bearing coefficients. Predictions show that the load capacity of a multileaf bearing whose cantilevered foil has contact at the free end is larger than that of a bearing whose cantilevered foil has no contact at the free end. The novel multileaf bearing with a lager reserved clearance Cr has superior stability characteristic than the bearing with smaller reserved clearance.
“It feels like something difficult is coming back to haunt me”: An exploration of ‘meltdowns’ associated with autistic spectrum disorder from a parental perspective
Authors: Montaque Indiana , Dallos Rudi , McKenzie Becky
Published: September 2017

The research explored the experience and understandings expressed by parents of children with autism concerning ‘meltdowns’, which are commonly described as distressing, escalating episodes of conflicts. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six parents of children with a diagnosis of autism regarding their experience of ‘meltdowns’. Parents were asked to track the process of the meltdowns as well as to describe their experiences. Three over-arching themes emerged which encapsulated their experience: Living in Dread: Anxiety and fear of escalating patterns, Attempting to Correct for Negative Childhood Experiences and Condemnation from the Self and Others. The findings suggested that the meltdowns were perceived as having an escalating and predictable process, that parents anticipated meltdowns with anxiety, experienced feelings of helplessness and felt condemned by others. Importantly, it also appeared that parents’ responses were influenced by their own childhood experiences of parenting and that they attempted to ‘correct’ these to be better parents. A model of the meltdowns is suggested along with a discussion of clinical implications for early intervention with families.
Perspectives of future health in self and others: The moderating role of culture
Authors: Jeon Hee Jin , Wang Qi , Burrow Anthony L , Ratner Kaylin
Published: September 2017

People tend to perceive themselves more favourably than others, but the degree to which individuals exhibit this bias may be influenced by cultural upbringing. Korean ( n = 271) and American ( n = 503) participants were asked to evaluate current and future health expectations for themselves and others. Results showed that American participants rated their own future health more positively than others’ future health, whereas Korean participants rated their own and others’ future health similarly. Given its role in patient health behaviour, implications for creating context-sensitive interventions for future health expectations are discussed.
The association of spatial configuration with social network for elderly in social housing
Authors: Kim Joo Young , Kim Young Ook
Published: September 2017

This study aimed to investigate the association of spatial configuration with social interaction for elderly. A social housing in Seoul was selected for the case study. Using space syntax and social network analysis, the association was examined statistically. This research employed an integration indicator which is most closely related to space use pattern. Questionnaire and interview surveys were conducted to illustrate the pattern of social network. Using the collected data, NetMiner was utilized to conduct a quantitative analysis. Degree, closeness and betweenness indicators were employed to measure relationships in these networks and between individuals. The characteristics of the association established by the statistical analysis between spatial network of housing estate and social network of elderly were discussed. Our results show that spatial network properties can explain characteristics of social network. The accessibility of residential spaces for elderly individuals in social housing apartment complex has an effect on the strength of the social network with neighbours. Also, analysis of the spatial configuration accessibility for the elderly population with integration values has illustrated that the result was opposite to the general theory that ‘the locations with high accessibility could foster more interactions’. Our findings have suggested that we can have a better knowledge to foster more social network among elderly by planning improved spatial network.
Survivability prediction of colon cancer patients using neural networks
Authors: Al-Bahrani Reda , Agrawal Ankit , Choudhary Alok
Published: September 2017

We utilize deep neural networks to develop prediction models for patient survival and conditional survival of colon cancer. Our models are trained and validated on data obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. We provide an online outcome calculator for 1, 2, and 5 years survival periods. We experimented with multiple neural network structures and found that a network with five hidden layers produces the best results for these data. Moreover, the online outcome calculator provides conditional survival of 1, 2, and 5 years after surviving the mentioned survival periods. In this article, we report an approximate 0.87 area under the receiver operating characteristic curve measurements, higher than the 0.85 reported by Stojadinovic et al.
Autoregressive modeling of cycle-to-cycle correlations in homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion
Authors: Andert Jakob , Wick Maximilian , Lehrheuer Bastian , Sohn Christian , Albin Thivaharan , Pischinger Stefan
Published: September 2017

Homogeneous charge compression ignition or gasoline controlled auto-ignition combustion is characterized by a strong coupling of consecutive cycles, which is caused by residuals from the predecessor cycle. Closed-loop combustion control is considered a promising technology to actively stabilize the process. Model-based control algorithms require precise prediction models that are calculated in real time. In this article, a new approach for the transient measurement of the auto-ignition process and the data-driven modeling of combustion phasing and load is presented. Gasoline controlled auto-ignition combustion is modeled as an autoregressive process to represent the cycle-to-cycle coupling effects. The process order was estimated by partial autocorrelation analysis of steady-state operation measurements. No significant correlations are found for lags that are greater than one. This observation is consistent with the assumption that cycle coupling is mainly caused by the amount of exhaust gas that is directly transferred to the consecutive combustion. Because steady-state operation results in a hard coupling of actuation and feedback variables, only minor variations of the test data can be achieved. The steady-state tests delivered insufficient data for the generalized modeling of the transient autoregressive effects. A new transient testing and measurement approach is required, which maximizes the variation of the predecessor cycle’s characteristics. Dynamic measurements were performed with the individual actuation of the injection strategy for each combustion cycle. A polynomial model is proposed to predict the combustion phasing and load. The regression analysis shows no overfitting for higher polynomial orders; nevertheless, a first-order polynomial was selected because of the good extrapolation capabilities of extreme outliers. The prediction algorithm was implemented in MATLAB/Simulink and transferred to a real-time-capable engine control unit. The verification of the approach was performed by test bench measurements in dynamic operation. The combustion phasing was precisely predicted using the autoregressive model. The combustion phasing prediction error could be reduced by 53% in comparison to a state-of-the-art mean value-based prediction. This work provides the basis for the development of a closed-loop autoregressive model-based control for gasoline controlled auto-ignition combustion.
Analysis of particulate number emissions during dynamic load changes for port fuel injection on an optically accessible, turbocharged four-cylinder spark ignition engine
Authors: Schück Claudius , Samenfink Wolfgang , Schünemann Erik , Tafel Stephan , Towae Oliver , Koch Thomas
Published: September 2017

For cost-sensitive markets, port fuel injection is still an important injection concept even though disadvantages compared to direct injection are well known. In the context of future emission legislations, it is necessary to further optimize port fuel injection engines with respect to particulate and gaseous emissions. When comparing direct injection and port fuel injection regarding particulate emissions, advantages for port fuel injection are reported in majority of published investigations; however, significantly high particulate number emissions were also observed for port fuel injection. The work presented here focuses on the particulate formation mechanisms during dynamic engine load changes. Experiments are performed at both warm and cold engine conditions. Parameters such as injection timing, engine load, and the intensity of charge motion are varied in order to evaluate possible optimization measures regarding particulate number. Furthermore, different injectors with varying spray targeting are tested. Particulate formation mechanisms during dynamic load changes are analysed using high-speed video endoscopy; therefore, optical access to both the intake channel and the combustion chamber is set up. The optical access within the intake manifold towards the intake valves allows for the observation of the interaction of air flow and fuel spray. The endoscopic access to the combustion chamber facilitates the localization of particulate number sources by means of soot luminosity. By combining a parameter study with high-speed imaging techniques, a profound understanding of the underlying mechanisms leading to particulate number emissions is acquired.
How moral disagreement may ground principled moral compromise
Authors: Kappel Klemens
Published: September 2017

In an influential article, Simon C. May forcefully argued that, properly understood, there can never be principled reasons for moral compromise (May, 2005). While there may be pragmatic reasons for compromising that involve, for instance, concern for political expediency or for stability, there are properly speaking no principled reasons to compromise. My aim in the article is to show how principled moral compromise in the context of moral disagreements over policy options is possible. I argue that when we disagree, principled reasons favoring compromises or compromising can assume a more significant part of what makes a position all things considered best, and in this way disagreement can ground moral compromise.
Consensus Building in Social Marketing Campaigns Through the Delphi Method
Authors: Borden D. Scott , Shaw Gareth , Coles Tim
Published: September 2017

This article investigates the application of the Delphi method as a tool for building stakeholder consensus on the impact and prioritization of campaign initiatives as applied in a campaign to promote water efficiency behavior. To date, use of the Delphi method has been underutilized and not yet applied to evaluating and prioritizing social marketing initiatives. Ten potential initiatives were developed during previous research, aiming to promote water efficiency in tourism accommodation. A Delphi panel of experts ( n = 21) in tourism, water, and social marketing evaluated, prioritized, and rated the importance of factors used for prioritizing each initiative. Three initiatives received the greatest level of prioritization and were considered to have the highest effectiveness to reach project goals. In the context of this research, a Delphi consultation was a viable method toward this application. Best practices and limitations unique to the social marketing process are offered to aid future social marketing efforts in applying the Delphi method.
In vivo induction of neutrophil extracellular traps by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a guinea pig model
Authors: Filio-Rodríguez Georgina , Estrada-García Iris , Arce-Paredes Patricia , Moreno-Altamirano María M , Islas-Trujillo Sergio , Ponce-Regalado M Dolores , Rojas-Espinosa Oscar
Published: September 2017

In 2004, a novel mechanism of cellular death, called ‘NETosis’, was described in neutrophils. This mechanism, different from necrosis and apoptosis, is characterized by the release of chromatin webs admixed with microbicidal granular proteins and peptides (NETs). NETs trap and kill a variety of microorganisms. Diverse microorganisms, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, are NET inducers in vitro. The aim of this study was to examine whether M. tuberculosis can also induce NETs in vivo and if the NETs are bactericidal to the microorganism. Guinea pigs were intradermally inoculated with M. tuberculosis H37Rv, and the production of NETs was investigated at several time points thereafter. NETs were detected as early as 30 min post-inoculation and were clearly evident by 4 h post-inoculation. NETs produced in vivo contained DNA, myeloperoxidase, elastase, histones, ROS and acid-fast bacilli. Viable and heat-killed M. tuberculosis, as well as Mycobacterium bovis BCG were efficient NET inducers, as were unilamellar liposomes prepared with lipids from M. tuberculosis. In vitro, guinea pig neutrophils also produced NETs in response to M. tuberculosis. However, neither the in vivo nor the in vitro-produced NETs were able to kill M. tuberculosis. Nevertheless, in vivo, neutrophils might propitiate recruitment and activation of more efficient microbicidal cells.
Recovery of grip strength and hand dexterity after distal radius fracture: A two-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Bobos Pavlos , Nazari Goris , Lalone Emily A , Grewal Ruby , MacDermid Joy C
Published: September 2017

Introduction

Clinicians often evaluate deficits after an injury by comparing the injured and uninjured side. It is important to understand what deficits occur in hand function after distal radius fracture, how they change over time and their clinical relevance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in grip strength and hand dexterity between the injured and uninjured hands of patients two years following distal radius fracture.

Methods

Patients with distal radius fracture were recruited in a specialized hand clinic. Grip strength and hand dexterity were examined bilaterally with a Jamar hand-held dynamometer and with the NK dexterity device at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months’ post-injury respectively. Generalized linear modeling was performed, with age and sex as covariates to assess changes over time, and between sides.

Results

Patients (n = 154) exhibited mean differences of grip strength between injured and uninjured side at 3 months’ (12.09 kg) and 6 months’ (7.47 kg) follow-up. The associated deficit standardized response means (SRM) were 1.30 and 0.73, respectively. At 2-years follow-up the mean deficit on the injured side was 2.30 kg with SRM = 0.22. One hundred and eleven patients who completed dexterity testing demonstrated small to trivial side to side differences across all time points.

Conclusions

There were clinically important differences in grip strength between the injured and uninjured hands in patients with a distal radius fracture at 3 and 6 months’ follow-up. However, at 12 and 24 months, grip strength differences were small and of uncertain clinical importance. Trivial to small differences in hand dexterity can be expected between the injured and uninjured hand by 2 years after distal radius fracture.