bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Objective Model for Dial-a-Ride Problems with Vehicle Speed Considerations
Authors: Hu Ta-Yin , Zheng Guan-Chun , Liao Tsai-Yun
Published: June 2019

Mobility on demand (MOD) provides improved mobility options to all travelers with the use of on-demand information and real-time data. Several alternatives, such as Demand Responsive Transit Systems (DRTS) services, have been introduced around the world. Early DRTS provide on-demand service for areas of low-density population. Nowadays, DRTS are mostly used to provide door-to-door services, and this specific type of DRTS is called Dial-a-Ride Problems (DARP). In this study, a multi-objective model with three objectives, including travel cost, service quality, and eco-efficiency, is formulated. Travel cost is estimated through vehicle travel time, service quality is measured as customer waiting time, and eco-efficiency is measured through consumed fuel. A speed-level variable is introduced in the DARP model to describe travel time, waiting, and consumed fuel simultaneously. For each objective, a single objective model is constructed and implemented. Then, the weighting method with normalization (WMN) is applied for the multi-objective model to solve three objectives. The proposed model is solved through the Gurobi optimizer. Numerical experiments are conducted based on real geometric data in Kaohsiung City. The results show that the proposed model not only provides compromise solutions, but also improves the total performance in meeting three objectives. Pareto front is analyzed with many different combinations of weights to provide more information about the trade-offs between the three objectives. The results can be applied in practice to design vehicle routes for operators and to design DARP evaluation criteria for official agencies.
On-clamp versus off-clamp robotic partial nephrectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Antonelli Alessandro , Veccia Alessandro , Francavilla Simone , Bertolo Riccardo , Bove Pierluigi , Hampton Lance J , Mari Andrea , Palumbo Carlotta , Simeone Claudio , Minervini Andrea , Autorino Riccardo
Published: June 2019

Background:

The debate on the pros and cons of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy performed with (on-clamp) or without (off-clamp) renal artery clamping is ongoing. The aim of this meta-analysis is to summarize the available evidence on the comparative studies assessing the outcomes of these two approaches.

Material and methods:

A systematic review of the literature on PubMed, ScienceDirect®, and Embase® was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Statement (PRISMA). Only comparative and case-control studies were submitted to full-text assessment and meta-analysis. RevMan 5.3 software was used.

Results:

From the initial retrieval of 1937 studies, 15 fulfilling inclusion criteria were selected and provided 2075 patients for analysis (702 off-clamp, 1373 on-clamp). Baseline tumor’s features showed a significant difference in size (weighted mean difference: –0.58 cm; 95% confidence interval: [–1.06, –0.10]; p = 0.02) and R.E.N.A.L. score (weighted mean difference: –0.53; 95% confidence interval: [–0.81, –0.25]; p = 0.0002), but not in the exophytic property, the location, and the PADUA score. Pooled analysis revealed shorter operative time (p = 0.02) and higher estimated blood loss (p = 0.0002) for the off-clamp group. Overall complication and transfusion rates were similar, while higher major complication rate was observed in the on-clamp approach (5.6% vs 1.9%, p = 0.03). No differences in oncological outcomes were found. Finally, functional outcomes (assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate at early postoperative, 3 month, 6 month, and last available follow-up) were not statistically different.

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis shows that off-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy is reserved to smaller renal masses. Under such conditions, no differences with the on-clamp approach emerged.
Dollars & Sense: The Sound of Popular Economics
Authors: Ackerman Frank
Published: June 2019

A description of the founding of Dollars & Sense, by one of the founders, including anecdotal detail on the experience of the early years and the challenges that had to be overcome to make the magazine a lasting institution.

JEL Classifications: B2, B5
Process and findings informing the development of a provincial emergency medicine network
Authors: Abu-Laban Riyad B. , Drebit Sharla , Svendson Brandy , Chan Natalie , Ho Kendall , Khazei Afshin , Lindstrom Ronald R. , Lund Adam , Marsden Julian , Christenson Jim
Published: June 2019

We describe the process undertaken to inform the development of the recently launched British Columbia (BC) Emergency Medicine Network (EM Network). Five methods were undertaken: (1) a scoping literature review, (2) a survey of BC emergency practitioners and EM residents, (3) key informant interviews, (4) focus groups in sites across BC, and (5) establishment of a brand identity. There were 208 survey respondents: 84% reported consulting Internet resources once or more per emergency department shift; however, 26% reported feeling neutral, somewhat unsatisfied, or very unsatisfied with searching for information on the Internet to support their practice. Enthusiasm was expressed for envisioned EM Network resources, and the key informant interviews and focus group results helped identify and refine key desired components of the EM Network. In describing this, we provide guidance and lessons learned for health leaders and others who aspire to establish similar clinical networks, whether in EM or other medical disciplines.
Serum Lactate as an Independent Predictor of In-Hospital Mortality in Intensive Care Patients
Authors: Chebl Ralphe Bou , Tamim Hani , Dagher Gilbert Abou , Sadat Musharaf , Enezi Farhan Al , Arabi Yaseen M.
Published: June 2019

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to check if serum lactate was independently associated with mortality among critically ill patients.

Materials and Methods:

This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study. All adult patients (>18 years of age) who had at least 1 measurement of lactate within 24 hours of admission to intensive care unit (ICU) between January 2002 and December 2017 were included in the analysis. Patients were stratified into 3 groups: those with a serum lactate of <2 mmol/L (normal level), 2 to 4 mmol/L (intermediate level), and >4 mmol/L (high level). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included ICU and hospital lengths of stay and mechanical ventilation duration. To determine the association between lactate level and hospital mortality, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results:

Of the 16,447 patients admitted to the ICU, 8167 (49.65%) had normal levels, 4648 (28.26%) had an intermediate, and 3632 (22.09%) had high lactate levels. Hospital mortality was the highest in high lactate level, followed by the intermediate and the normal level group (47.4% vs 26.5% vs 19.6%; P < .0001). Intermediate and high lactate levels were independent predictors of hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20-1.46, and 1.94; 95% CI, 1.75-2.16, respectively) as well as ICU mortality (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.30-1.66 and 2.56; 95% CI, 2.27-2.88, respectively).

Conclusions:

Intensive care unit serum lactate is associated with increased ICU and hospital mortality, independent of comorbidities, organ dysfunction, or hemodynamic status.
Static and dynamic symmetric snap-through of non-uniform shallow arch under a pair of end moments considering critical slowing-down effect
Authors: Yan Sun-ting , Shen Xiaoli , Jin Zhijiang
Published: June 2019

This paper presents analytical analysis of static and dynamic symmetric snap-through of non-uniform shallow circular shallow arch under a pair of end moments with the same magnitude. The non-uniformity is characterized by dividing the arch into three piecewise constant-stiffness segments. Hamilton's principle is used to derive the governing differential equations by assuming negligible axial inertia. The snap-through load and snap-through criterion are analyzed in detail and by an index plot, the stiffer center case is shown to behave distinctly when stiffer end case is compared. The dynamic snap-through when the moment is slightly higher than the snap-through moment is analyzed analytically by a perturbation method, and a critical slowing effect is observed when the moment is approaching to the snap-through moment. Comparison with dynamic FEA shows a good agreement with the analytical result and analysis on theoretical finite time blow-up phenomenon reveals that when geometric parameters are corresponding to the critical snap-through condition, the initial quadratic phase's motion is slow and relatively blow-up phase's motion is fast. The analytical formulations have been extended to include two limiting cases including rigid end case and rigid center case by using the constrained Hamilton's principle by Lagrangian multipliers. Snap-through criteria analysis reveals closed-form criterion for rigid center case and an asymptotic result for rigid end case. This paper serves to enhance the knowledge on snap-through and critical slowing down for shallow arches with non-uniformity under end moments.
A Case of Evolutionary Mismatch? Why Facial Width-to-Height Ratio May Not Predict Behavioral Tendencies
Authors: Wang Dawei , Nair Krishnan , Kouchaki Maryam , Zajac Edward J. , Zhao Xiuxi
Published: June 2019

This study contributes to the growing literature linking physical characteristics and behavioral tendencies by advancing the current debate on whether a person’s facial width-to-height ratio (fWHR) predicts a variety of antisocial tendencies. Specifically, our large-scale study avoided the social-desirability bias found in self-reports of behavioral tendencies by capturing survey data not only from more than 1,000 business executives but also from evaluators who reported knowing the focal individuals well. With this improved research design, and after conducting a variety of analyses, we found very little evidence of fWHR predicting antisocial tendencies. In light of prior research linking fWHR to social perceptions of evaluators, our results are suggestive of an evolutionary mismatch, whereby a physical characteristic once tied to antisocial tendencies in ancestral environments is—in modern environments—not predictive of such behaviors but instead predictive of biased perceptions.
Discursive legitimation strategies: The evolving legitimation of war in Israeli public diplomacy
Authors: Simonsen Sandra
Published: June 2019

This article analyzes discursive legitimation strategies in the public diplomacy of the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the course of three wars between Israel and Hamas by combining critical discourse analysis (CDA) with a quantitative analysis of legitimation strategies. CDA fulfills a critical role in scrutinizing the power that a foreign ministry may have by influencing the attitudes of foreign governments, populations and media outlets. This power is theoretically assessed by tracking legitimation strategies and lexical choices (e.g. war on terror, human shields) diachronically and discussing legitimation strategies in light of their ability to yield resonance. The study’s empirical contribution is an analysis of how legitimation strategies develop in order to reinforce and obtain resonance with a target audience. It contributes theoretically by arguing that construing a local, particular war as global and universal enables the legitimation strategies of political leaders to obtain resonance with audiences.
Reduced order indirect self-tuning regulator for a novel pneumatic tele-operation system
Authors: Baayoun Mohamad , Daher Naseem , Liermann Matthias
Published: June 2019

This article presents a reduced order indirect self-tuning regulator for a passive pneumatic tele-operation system, which is intended for use in medical surgeries in magnetic resonance imaging environments with short transmission distances ([Formula: see text]), where force feedback is required. The novel tele-operation system uses less active components as compared to conventional systems and realizes a bilateral control without the use of a force or pressure sensor. The proposed adaptive control system is validated in simulation and experimentation on a test rig built for this purpose. Special attention is given to the notion of transparency of the system, which is the ratio between the resistance of the master device experienced by the operator and the actual resistance of the remote environment in contact with the slave device. The adaptive controller shows advantage over a previously designed non-adaptive control system design in terms of stiffness, damping, and transparency.
Male nursing students’ perception of dignity in neonatal intensive care units
Authors: Mohammadi Fateme , Oshvandi Khodayar , Med Hazel Kyle
Published: June 2019

Introduction:

Maintaining dignity is one of the most important human rights. However, maintaining and promoting the dignity of nursing students as an important caregiver group has scarcely been considered. Dignity can be viewed as an abstract concept particularly in relation to the perspective of male nursing student perspective. Therefore, more investigation is required to explore the male students’ understanding of the concept of dignity.

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to define and explain the concept of dignity among male nursing students in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Research design:

This is a qualitative content analysis study. The data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews. The data were analyzed by conventional content analysis method.

Participants and research context:

Twenty male nursing students in public health centers in Iran were selected by targeted sampling to achieve data saturation between February 2017 and November 2017.

Findings:

The findings of this study were presented in three main themes, including “extensive support,” “belief in ability,” and “participation in decision making,” and 7 sub-categories of data were extracted.

Ethical considerations:

The study’s protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and the ethical principles were followed throughout the study.

Discussion and conclusion:

According to the findings of the study, male nursing students required extensive support, and their academic and practical skills required to be respected; in addition, they should be involved in decision making, because in such an environment, the dignity of these students will be maintained and promoted. Therefore, it is suggested that a cultural, professional, and institutional background in which all components of the male nursing student’s dignity are protected and emphasized should be provided.
Mao, Nehru and the Sino-Indian Border Dispute: A Poliheuristic Analysis
Authors: Westcott Stephen P.
Published: June 2019

The Sino-Indian border dispute has been effectively stalemated since the end of the 1962 Border War and remains a source of serious tension between the two Asian giants. Yet there were several instances throughout the 1950s and the early 1960s when the two sides could have resolved their dispute amicably. Curiously, despite several detailed historical accounts on how the Sino-Indian border dispute developed, there has been few systematic theoretical accounts exploring why this occurred. To address this gap, I utilise poliheuristic choice theory to examine the choices of the both the key decision-makers of the time, Mao Zedong and Jawaharlal Nehru. The poliheuristic choice theory illuminates why both Mao and Nehru initially chose status quo policies before embracing either compromise or escalation policies, when faced with domestic pressure at home and ideological impulses.
The European citizens’ initiative: Lost in admissibility?
Authors: Athanasiadou Natassa
Published: June 2019

The present article aims to examine the admissibility requirements of the European Citizens’ Initiative in the light of primary law provisions and general principles, in particular the principles of conferral, participatory democracy, legal certainty, protection of legitimate expectations and good administration, as reflected in the recent case law of the General Court. More specifically, it is examined how these principles and the primary law features of the instrument provide a clear theoretical underpinning for determining its material scope and serve as guidance for the legislator when regulating the admissibility mechanism and for the European Commission when applying the relevant rules. The recent Commission proposal on a new Regulation on the European Citizens’ Initiative is also assessed against this backdrop.
The Youth Stream: evaluating the transition to a new model of care at a regional health service
Authors: Coleman Mathew , Ridley Kelly
Published: June 2019

Objective:

To determine what benefits and challenges are associated with a cost-neutral organisational change within a rural Community Mental Health Service from a Traditional Care model to a Youth Stream model.

Method:

Retrospective descriptive analysis of the last 18 months of the Traditional Care model and first 18 months of the Youth Stream model.

Results:

There was a 17% increase in the number of referrals once the service moved to a Youth Stream model. The increased referral numbers did not lead to a proportionate increase in the number of service contacts, but rather more single assessments were performed. The increased engagement was not reflected across all demographics, with vulnerable youth groups continuing to have below average engagement. Key aspects of data that would allow for further analysis by diagnosis and illness severity were missing from the dataset.

Conclusions

Cost-neutral changes to services can create change, if that change is based on need identified within the service. As much care needs to be taken with data entry and evaluation if the service is aiming to perform a retrospective analysis.
Bovine abortion caused by Coxiella burnetii: report of a cluster of cases in Uruguay and review of the literature
Authors: Macías-Rioseco Melissa , Riet-Correa Franklin , Miller Myrna M. , Sondgeroth Kerry , Fraga Martin , Silveira Caroline , Uzal Francisco A. , Giannitti Federico
Published: June 2019

A cluster of 4 bovine abortions caused by Coxiella burnetii occurred in a dairy herd in Uruguay during a 2-mo period. Case 1 consisted of a placenta from an aborted cow; cases 2–4 were fetuses and their placentas. Grossly, the placenta from one aborted cow had moderate, diffuse reddening of the cotyledons and loss of translucency of the intercotyledonary areas. No gross lesions were observed in the other 3 placentas. Microscopically, 2 of 4 placentas had fibrinonecrotizing placentitis with abundant intratrophoblastic gram-negative coccobacilli. C. burnetii was identified intralesionally by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in all 4 placentas, and by PCR and DNA sequencing in 3 placentas analyzed by these techniques. One fetus had mild neutrophilic alveolitis with multinucleate syncytial cells; no gross or microscopic lesions were observed in the other 2 fetuses examined. The lungs of the 3 fetuses were negative for C. burnetii by IHC. Tests performed to investigate other possible causes of abortions in the 4 cases were negative. C. burnetii causes Q fever in humans and coxiellosis in animals. Clusters of abortions in cattle by C. burnetii have not been reported previously, to our knowledge; this bacterium has been considered an opportunistic pathogen associated only with sporadic abortion in cattle. We present herein a cluster of 4 bovine abortions caused by C. burnetii in a dairy farm during a period of 2 mo and a review of the literature on C. burnetii infection in cattle.
Voices Should Be Heard: What Personal Stories of Homelessness Teach Us About Practice
Authors: Schneider Dana A. , Cretella Jill , Ranaudo Sarah , Constantino Daniel , Cota Catherine F.
Published: June 2019

The Voices Should Be Heard community-based participatory research project provided a platform for individuals experiencing homelessness to share their life stories and experiences. Participants offered their reflections on the oppression of homelessness and how the service delivery system could be improved. This article synthesizes these reflections and offers recommendations for practice aimed at reducing the oppression of homelessness and promoting social change. Using a strengths-based perspective, we offer points of entry for working with individuals experiencing homelessness.
Living With Parkinson’s: The Process of Finding Optimism
Authors: Gardenhire Julie , Mullet Natira , Fife Stephen
Published: June 2019

Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) often experience poor mental and emotional well-being, which negatively affect their quality of life. Optimism is a protective factor which has been shown to promote resiliency, reduce distress in health crises, and protect against the effects of negative mental health outcomes. The current article utilized grounded theory methodology to examine personal accounts ( N = 85) detailing how individuals were able to cultivate optimism despite challenges presented by PD. The grounded theory indicated that a process occurs in which individuals with PD move through the following five phases on their journey toward optimism: (a) diagnosis, (b) initial reactions, (c) adjustment, (d) acceptance, and (e) living with optimism. These findings indicate that individuals with PD often struggle to experience optimism. Nevertheless, by reframing optimism as a choice rather than a feeling, participants were able to make decisions that allowed them to progress on their journey toward optimism.
Towards rich motion skills with the lightweight quadruped robot Serval
Authors: Eckert Peter , Schmerbauch Anja EM , Horvat Tomislav , Söhnel Katja , Fischer Martin S , Witte Hartmut , Ijspeert Auke J
Published: June 2019

Bio-inspired robotic designs introducing and benefiting from morphological aspects present in animals allowed the generation of fast, robust, and energy-efficient locomotion. We used engineering tools and interdisciplinary knowledge transferred from biology to build low-cost robots, able to achieve a certain level of versatility. Serval, a compliant quadruped robot with actuated spine and high range of motion in all joints, was developed to address the question of what mechatronic complexity is needed to achieve rich motion skills. In our experiments, the robot presented a high level of versatility (number of skills) at medium speed, with a minimal control effort and, in this article, no usage of its spine. Implementing a basic kinematics-duplication from dogs, we found strengths to emphasize, weaknesses to correct, and made Serval ready for future attempts to achieve more agile locomotion. In particular, we investigated the following skills: walk, trot, gallop, bound (crouched), sidestep, turn with a radius, ascend slopes including flat ground transition, perform single and double step-downs, fall, trot over bumpy terrain, lie/sit down, and stand up.
Child Maltreatment, Autonomic Nervous System Responsivity, and Psychopathology: Current State of the Literature and Future Directions
Authors: Young-Southward Genevieve , Svelnys Cassandra , Gajwani Ruchika , Bosquet Enlow Michelle , Minnis Helen
Published: June 2019

Child maltreatment may affect autonomic nervous system (ANS) responsivity, and ANS responsivity may influence the impact of child maltreatment on later outcomes including long-term mental/physical health. This review systematically evaluated the evidence regarding effects of maltreatment on ANS responsivity in children and examined how ANS responsivity may influence the association between maltreatment and psychopathology, with attention to relevant developmental issues. We searched the literature for relevant studies using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched five electronic databases, performed key word searches in relevant journals, hand searched reference sections of relevant articles, and contacted experts in the field. Articles were extracted according to inclusion criteria and their quality assessed. The search produced 1,388 articles; 22 met inclusion criteria. Most of the studies suggested blunted cardiovascular responsivity generally and sympathetic activation specifically in response to stress in maltreated children compared to nonmaltreated children. Findings around vagal responsivity and skin conductance were mixed. Limited evidence was found for ANS responsivity as a moderator or mediator of psychopathology risk among maltreated children. Maltreatment may be associated with blunted sympathetic activation in stressful situations. Differences in ANS responsivity may influence psychopathology risk among maltreated children. Further research is needed to confirm the nature and magnitude of such effects.
The Stability and Change of Loneliness Across the Life Span: A Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies
Authors: Mund Marcus , Freuding Maren M. , Möbius Kathrin , Horn Nicole , Neyer Franz J.
Published: June 2019

Individuals experience loneliness when they perceive a deficiency in the quality or quantity of their social relationships. In the present meta-analysis, we compiled data from 75 longitudinal studies conducted in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America ( N = 83, 679) to examine the rank-order and mean-level development of loneliness across the life span. Data were analyzed using two- and three-level meta-analyses and generalized additive mixed models. The results indicate that the rank order of loneliness is as stable as the rank order of personality traits and follows an inverted U-shaped trajectory across the life span. Regarding mean-level development, loneliness was found to decrease throughout childhood and to remain essentially stable from adolescence to oldest old age. Thus, in contrast to other personality characteristics, changes in loneliness are not generally related to age. Implications for theory are discussed.
Repeat-Dose Toxicity Study of a Lyophilized Recombinant Protective Antigen-Based Anthrax Vaccine Adjuvanted With CpG 7909
Authors: Savransky Vladimir , Lacy Michael , Ionin Boris , Skiadopoulos Mario H. , Shearer Jeffry
Published: June 2019

A recombinant protective antigen (rPA) anthrax vaccine candidate (rPA7909) was developed as a next-generation vaccine indicated for postexposure prophylaxis of disease resulting from suspected or confirmed Bacillus anthracis exposure. The lyophilized form of rPA7909-vaccinated candidate contains 75 µg purified rPA, 750 µg aluminum (as Alhydrogel adjuvant), and 250 µg of an immunostimulatory Toll-like receptor 9 agonist oligodeoxynucleotide CpG 7909 in a 0.5 mL phosphate-buffered suspension. General toxicity and local reactogenicity were evaluated in Sprague Dawley rats vaccinated with the full human dose of rPA7909 by intramuscular injection. Animals were immunized on study days 1, 15, and 29. Control groups were administered diluent only or adjuvant control (excipients, CpG 7909, and Alhydrogel adjuvant in diluent) intramuscularly at the same dose volume and according to the same schedule used for rPA7909. Toxicity was assessed based on the results of clinical observations, physical examinations, body weights, injection site reactogenicity, ophthalmology, clinical pathology (hematology, coagulation, and serum chemistry), organ weights, and macroscopic and microscopic pathology evaluation. The immune response to rPA7909 vaccination was confirmed by measuring serum anti-PA immunoglobulin G levels. The rPA7909 vaccine produced no apparent systemic toxicity and only transient reactogenicity at the injection site. The injection site reaction from animals receiving the adjuvant control was very similar to those receiving rPA7909 with respect to the inflammation. The inflammatory response observed in the injection site and the draining lymph nodes was consistent with expected immune stimulation. The overall results indicated a favorable safety profile for rPA7909.
Therapy of the word and other psychotherapeutic approaches in Ancient Greek medicine
Authors: Thumiger Chiara
Published: June 2019

One of the most distinctive aspects of contemporary psychiatry is its firm grounding in a neurological and biochemical framework for the interpretation of mental life and its disturbances. In the absence of any strong neurological understanding or systematic knowledge of active pharmaceutical substances, one might expect that early ancient medicine readily resorted to non-somatic approaches to healing mental suffering. Instead, what is usually labelled “therapy of the word” and other forms of what one may call psychotherapy emerge relatively late in Greek medicine, only in the first centuries of our era. This paper provides an overview and analysis of this development in ancient history of psychology, philosophy and medicine, covering a broad period of time from the fifth century BCE to the end of the late-antique period, the fifth century CE. The focus is on the very idea (or lack thereof) of the curability of mental disturbance, and on the particular branch of therapeutics which addresses the psychological and existential condition of the patient, rather than his or her physiological state.
Digital disruption? Journalism startups in India
Authors: Prasad Revati
Published: June 2019

India’s large and thriving news media is going digital. Spurred by an exponential increase in Internet use and digital advertising, a number of digital journalism startups have been established in recent years. These startups have received popular and academic attention, often narrated as disruptors and revolutionaries. This study considers these claims of disruption from the perspective of those doing the supposed disrupting. Based on 31 semi-structured interviews with founders and journalists working at 18 such English-language startups, this study examines how they work with and against the grain of established media in India. Participants critiqued existing media practices with regard to the business model, the content of news coverage, and the values underlying their journalism and then offered their own site or work as possible redress. While the critiques were aimed at legacy media writ large, they also aligned themselves with and sought legitimacy from print journalism. Their coverage, audience, and values were all oriented toward English-language newspapers, which have historically formed the elite public sphere in India. Participants saw themselves operating in concert with print media, ultimately offering not a disruption to the established order of journalism but rather a distillation of how the English-speaking elite in India access news.
Toward a transnational feminist methodology of encounter
Authors: MacDonald Katie
Published: June 2019

In this article I discuss my experiences conducting fieldwork in Nicaragua over two summers as a starting point for thinking about a feminist methodology of encounters. A feminist methodology of encounters directs our attention to the ways in which research work consists of multiple, fragmented and complex encounters between experiencing subjects. In this article I suggest that a feminist methodology of encounters provides pedagogical insight into how researchers can be situated ‘between’ participants and sites of research. In particular, in my research it is not only an examination of ‘betweenness’ in that I am looking to the everyday uncertainties of encounters, but also that my work often became situated as ‘between’ hosts and volunteers. The problematic is to attend to the ways in which encounters are never fully accomplished or predetermined, but also that they happen between actors, as did both my research and the process of researching. This methodology attends to the important political dimensions of this ‘betweenness’.
Determinants of Chinese consumers’ purchase intentions for luxury goods
Authors: Zhang Lini , Cude Brenda J , Zhao Haidong
Published: June 2019

This study examines the determinants of Chinese consumers’ purchase intentions for luxury goods by applying and extending the Theory of Planned Behavior. Structural equation modeling was conducted based on a random sample of 308 Chinese luxury consumers. The findings revealed that both the subjective norm construct desire to gain face and the perceived behavioral control construct luxury good knowledge had significant and direct influences on consumers’ purchase intentions. Similarly, perceived behavioral control constructs—luxury good knowledge and household income—had significant direct effects on consumers’ luxury goods purchasing behavior. In addition, previous luxury goods purchasing experience also had a direct impact on consumers’ purchase intentions for luxury goods. The results of this study are beneficial not only to researchers by providing a better understanding of Chinese luxury consumers but also to luxury brand retailers by providing implications to help them develop effective marketing strategies in Chinese luxury goods market.
Design of a post-disaster shelter through soft computing
Authors: Karaoğlan Füsun Cemre , Alaçam Sema
Published: June 2019

Temporary shelters become a more critical subject of architectural design as the increasing number of natural disasters taking place each year result in a larger number of people in need of urgent sheltering. Therefore, this project focuses on designing a temporary living space that can respond to the needs of different post-disaster scenarios and form a modular system through differentiation of units. When designing temporary shelters, it is a necessity to deal with the provision of materials, low-cost production and the time limit in the emergency as well as the needs of the users and the experiential quality of the space. Although computational approaches might lead to much more efficient and resilient design solutions, they have been utilized in very few examples. For that reason and due to their suitability to work with architectural design problems, soft computing methods shape the core of the methodology of the study. Initially, a digital model is generated through a set of rules that define a growth algorithm. Then, Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithms alter this growth algorithm while evaluating different configurations through the objective functions constructed within a Fuzzy Neural Tree. The struggle to represent design goals in the form of Fuzzy Neural Tree holds potential for the further use of it for architectural design problems centred on resilience. Resilience in this context is defined as a measure of how agile a design is when dealing with a major sheltering need in a post-disaster environment. Different from the previous studies, this article aims to focus on the design of a temporary shelter that can respond to different user types and disaster scenarios through mass customization, using Fuzzy Neural Tree as a novel approach. While serving as a temporary space, the design outcomes are expected to create a more neighbourhood-like pattern with a stronger sense of community for the users compared to the previous examples.
Group Commitment Among U.S. Party Factions: A Perspective From Democratic and Republican National Convention Delegates
Authors: Conger Kimberly H. , Cooperman Rosalyn , Shufeldt Gregory , Layman Geoffrey C. , Kalkan Kerem Ozan , Green John C. , Herrera Richard
Published: June 2019

Parties need to win elections, but they also heed the policy preferences of activists to provide the incentive to mobilize. Moving beyond the debate as to whether parties as a whole are policy or office driven, we examine groups within parties and identify different factions that place differential emphasis on office-seeking versus policy-demanding. Using data from the 2012 Convention Delegate Study of Democratic and Republican Party national delegates, we identify distinct factional groups within each party. We map these factions within each party, finding policy-driven and office-driven factions of delegates in both Republican and Democratic parties. We evaluate each group’s response to political and party involvement, support for the larger party organization, and response to both intra- and interparty conflict. Finally, we make clear the picture of factional relationships within each party by accounting for how factional goals are integrated into the party organization over time.
Effect of Metacarpal Fixation Configuration on Strength and Fracture Gap Displacements in a Cadaveric Model of Externally Fixed Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Taylor Kenneth F. , Sharma Jyoti , Davisson Neena A. , Roush Evan P. , Jones Christine M. , Lewis Gregory S.
Published: June 2019

Background: The purpose of the study was to determine the biomechanical effect of distal pin configuration in unilateral external fixation of distal radius fracture in a cadaveric model. Methods: A standardized 2-part extra-articular distal radius fracture model with dorsal comminution was created in 6 matched pairs of cadaveric upper extremities. Specimens within each matched pair were randomly assigned to either 4 or 6 cortices of distal pin metacarpal fixation. Cyclic, compressive loads were applied to the palmar hand. Results: No significant differences were detected in maximum forces. Six-cortex metacarpal fixation showed significantly lower magnitude of actuator displacement at 100 N cyclic loading. The difference in construct stiffness did not translate to disparities in angular and translational interfragmentary displacement at the fracture gap. Conclusions: Utilizing only 4 cortices and sparing the middle finger metacarpal avoids the need for a more transverse orientation required with 6-cortex fixation, which may otherwise impede thumb motion.
Intimate partner violence against HIV-positive Cameroonian women: Prevalence, associated factors and relationship with antiretroviral therapy discontinuity—results from the ANRS-12288 EVOLCam survey
Authors: Fiorentino Marion , Sagaon-Teyssier Luis , Ndiaye Khadim , Suzan-Monti Marie , Mengue Marie-Thérèse , Vidal Laurent , Kuaban Christopher , March Laura , Laurent Christian , Spire Bruno , Boyer Sylvie ,   for the EVOLCam Study Group
Published: June 2019

Background:

Intimate partner violence in its various forms increases HIV exposure in female victims and potentially jeopardizes the HIV treatment cascade, for instance, by impeding engagement in and adherence to care. Elevated rates of HIV and intimate partner violence are reported in Central Africa. Evidence on the effect of intimate partner violence on antiviral therapy interruption is lacking in Cameroon, where only 330,000 women live with HIV and only 19% of HIV-positive people are virally suppressed. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors of intimate partner violence against HIV-positive women and its relationship with antiretroviral therapy interruption ⩾1 month.

Methods:

The EVOLCam cross-sectional survey was conducted in 19 hospitals in the Center and Littoral regions. The study sample comprised antiviral therapy–treated women declaring at least one sexual partner in the previous year. Scores of recent emotional, physical, extreme physical and sexual intimate partner violence were built using principal component analysis and categorized under no, occasional or frequent intimate partner violence. Multivariate logistic analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between intimate partner violence and recent antiretroviral therapy interruption ⩾1 month, and associated factors.

Results:

Among the 894 analyzed women, the prevalence of intimate partner violence was 29% (emotional), 22% (physical), 13% (extreme physical) and 18% (sexual). Frequent physical intimate partner violence was a significant risk factor of antiretroviral therapy interruption ⩾1 month (adjusted odds ratio = 2.42 (95% confidence interval = 1.00; 5.87)). It was also associated with HIV-related stigma (2.53 (1.58; 4.02)), living with a main partner (2.03 (1.20; 3.44) and non-defensive violence against this partner (5.75 (3.53; 9.36)).

Conclusion:

Intimate partner violence is a potential barrier to antiviral therapy continuity and aggravates vulnerability of Cameroonian HIV-positive women. The prevention and detection of intimate partner violence by HIV services might help to reach the last “90” of the 90-90-90 targets.
Six Lessons for a Cogent Science of Implicit Bias and Its Criticism
Authors: Gawronski Bertram
Published: June 2019

Skepticism about the explanatory value of implicit bias in understanding social discrimination has grown considerably. The current article argues that both the dominant narrative about implicit bias as well as extant criticism are based on a selective focus on particular findings that fails to consider the broader literature on attitudes and implicit measures. To provide a basis to move forward, the current article discusses six lessons for a cogent science of implicit bias: (a) There is no evidence that people are unaware of the mental contents underlying their implicit biases; (b) conceptual correspondence is essential for interpretations of dissociations between implicit and explicit bias; (c) there is no basis to expect strong unconditional relations between implicit bias and behavior; (d) implicit bias is less (not more) stable over time than explicit bias; (e) context matters fundamentally for the outcomes obtained with implicit-bias measures; and (f) implicit measurement scores do not provide process-pure reflections of bias. The six lessons provide guidance for research that aims to provide more compelling evidence for the properties of implicit bias. At the same time, they suggest that extant criticism does not justify the conclusion that implicit bias is irrelevant for the understanding of social discrimination.
Dynamic reliability analysis for structure with temporal and spatial multi-parameter
Authors: Shi Yan , Lu Zhenzhou
Published: June 2019

For efficiently estimating the dynamic failure probability of the structure with random variables, stochastic processes and temporal and spatial multi-parameter, an estimation strategy is presented based on the random field transformation. The random field transformation focusing on the dynamic reliability with only one time parameter is further investigated, and it is extended to temporal and spatial multi-parameter issue, which simulates the output as multi-dimensional Gaussian random field. Also, the active learning Kriging method is used to construct the surrogate models for the mean function and auto-covariance function of performance function. After that, the temporal and spatial dynamic failure probability can be obtained by the simulation method. Although it doesn’t need to call the real performance function during the process of simulation method, it is time computationally expensive. To address this issue, the optimization algorithm procedure is established to estimate the dynamic failure probability. Several examples including an aero engine turbine disk and a cylindrical pressure vessel are introduced to illustrate the significance and effectiveness of the proposed methods for analyzing the temporal and spatial multi-parameter dynamic failure probability.
Leaves of Duroia longiflora: Isolation of a Biflavanoid and Histochemical Analysis
Authors: Cruz Fabiele Souza da , Nunez Cecilia Veronica , de Araújo Maria Gracimar Pacheco
Published: June 2019

Duroia longiflora (Rubiaceae) is an Amazonian plant species with no previous chemical study. The aim of this work was to study the chemical composition of D. longiflora leaves and study their histochemistry. In vivo tissues of the leaves were histolocalized. Extracts were made from dried leaves with hexane, methanol, and water and the methanolic extract was fractionated. Fractionation of the dichloromethane phase of the methanolic leaf extract allowed the isolation of a biflavanoid. Via nuclear magnetic resonance (mono and bidimensional), mass spectrometer analysis, and comparison with existing literature, its chemical structure was identified as 2α,3α-epoxy-5,7,3′,4′-tetrahydroxyflavan-(4β→8)-epicatechin. This is the first report describing the histochemical and phytochemical studies of D. longiflora leaves. As far as we know, this is the first report of this substance in any Rubiaceae species.
Anti-Septic Effects of Cudratricusxanthone A Against HMGB1-Mediated Septic Responses
Authors: Yang Sumin , Lee Bong-Seon , Lee Changhun , Ku Sae-Kwang , Bae Jong-Sup
Published: June 2019

Cudratricusxanthone A (CTXA), a natural bioactive compound extracted from the roots of Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau, is known to possess hepatoprotective, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory activities. Inhibition of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and restoration of endothelial integrity is emerging as an attractive therapeutic strategy in the management of severe sepsis or septic shock. Here, we examined the effects of CTXA on HMGB1-mediated barrier disruptive responses and survival rate in a mouse sepsis model. The anti-inflammatory activities of CTXA were monitored by the effects on lipopolysaccharide- or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-mediated release of HMGB1. In addition, treatment with CTXA reduced CLP-induced mouse mortality in vivo. Our results indicate that CTXA could be a candidate for a therapeutic agent for various severe vascular inflammatory diseases via the inhibition of the HMGB1 signaling pathway.
Effect of Shenfu Qiangxin on the expression of TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway-related molecules in myocardium of rats with heart failure
Authors: Xiong Li , Xie Guobo , Luo Binhua , Mei Zhiliang
Published: June 2019

This study aims to evaluate the effect of Shenfu Qiangxin on TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway-related molecules in myocardial tissue of rats with heart failure. Five rats were selected as sham-operated group, while another 15 rats with heart failure were divided into three groups, including model group, losartan group, and Shenfu Qiangxin group. Rats in losartan group were given losartan intragastric intervention, the rats in Shenfu Qiangxin group were given Shenfu Qiangxin mixture intervention, while rats in another two groups were given equal volume of sterile saline intervention. During the treatment, the levels of B-type brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), free fatty acids (FFA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway were measured in rats. Compared with model group, the expression of ejection fraction (EF), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVSP), TGF-β 1, Smad2, and Smad3 significantly decreased in sham-operated group, losartan group, and Shenfu Qiangxin group, while left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDd), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), BNP, LDH, FFA, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels increased ( P < 0.05). Compared with sham-operated group, the expression of EF, LVSP, TGF-beta 1, Smad2, and Smad3 dramatically decreased in losartan group, Shenfu Qiangxin group, but LVEDV, LVDd, LVEDP, BNP, LDH, FFA, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels increased ( P < 0.05). Compared with losartan group, the expression of EF, LVSP, TGF-beta 1, Smad2, and Smad3 upregulated in Shenfu Qiangxin group, while LVEDV, LVDd, LVEDP, BNP, LDH, FFA, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels downregulated ( P < 0.05). Consequently, Shenfu Qiangxin could effectively improve the heart function of rats with heart failure, and play an anti-heart failure role by regulating the expression of related molecules of TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway.