bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Literary stylistics, authorial intention and the scientific study of literature: A critical overview
Authors: Guy Josephine M , Conklin Kathy , Sanchez-Davies Jennifer
Published: August 2018

A tendency by literary stylisticians to overlook the role of the author in the generation of literary meaning has been a significant source of tension between linguistic approaches to literariness and other practices in the discipline, such as text-editing and literary biography. Recently, however, efforts have been made to close this gap, with a branch of stylistics, cognitive poetics, claiming to have developed a new and empirical method of integrating an appreciation of authorial imagination and creativity into the study of readers’ responses to the language of literary texts. We examine these claims critically, testing the grounds of assertions about scientific rigour in relation to demands about model testing and falsifiability associated with the scientific study of literature more generally. We then explore how some other methodologies, technologies and insights associated with this last branch of the discipline might be brought to bear on the topic of authorial intention, with the aim of determining whether, and in what ways, our understanding of authorial intention, and its role in literary processing, might be furthered through empirical enquiry.
Book Review: Kaushik Basu, An Economist in the Real World: The Art of Policy Making in India
Authors: Kaushal Leena Ajit
Published: August 2018

Kaushik Basu, An Economist in the Real World: The Art of Policy Making in India, 2015, MIT Press, USA, 1–240 pp., ₹2,586.62 (Hardbound). ISBN: 9780262029629.
It’s cold and there’s something to do: The changing geography of Canadian National Hockey League players’ hometowns
Authors: Kaida Lisa , Kitchen Peter
Published: August 2018

Set within the framework of the birthplace effect literature and the seminal work of Curtis and Birch, this paper draws information from the publicly available database www.hockeydb.com and from the Census to examine the hometowns of Canadian National Hockey League (NHL) players from 1970 to 2015. It found that from a regional perspective, the distribution of players’ hometowns remained fairly stable over the 46-year period with Ontario and the three Prairie provinces being prominent. Players from small centres have been well represented in the NHL. While larger urban areas have historically produced the most players, there has been a marked increase in ‘big city’ players while the odds of making it are low. However, when the analysis is adjusted according to the population aged 10-19, boys growing up in small and mid-sized centres were at advantage in reaching the NHL until 2009. Finally, we discuss whether the growing presence of big city players in the NHL will affect the image of hockey as a national sport, as for many, small-town hockey remains at the heart of Canadian sporting culture.
Leadership as the construction of one’s own story
Authors: Smorczewska Barbara
Published: August 2018

The constructivist framework of career development provides the theoretical foundation for narrative approaches to career counselling practices. Within the constructivist paradigm, a crucial role is played by the thematic stories created by individuals to learn, make meaning of their experiences, life, and career, as well as to construct their own identity. This article describes a ‘thought experiment’, which explores the perception of leadership as the creation of one’s own story. This idea implies the consideration of issues such as concept, storyline, purpose, receivers, credibility, fidelity, preparation for performance, and leadership ending. Deliberations on these issues take the form of questions for reflection, which are posed for leaders generally for their individual reflection as well as for those involved in career counselling or coaching practice. The proposed narrative conceptualization offers insight and strategies for developing one’s own leadership identity.
Dual-career couple counselling: An elaboration of life-design paradigm
Authors: Hall Michael E
Published: August 2018

Life-design counselling discourse originator, Mark Savickas, calls for its expansion from an individual intervention to encompass interpersonal and intimate relationships. In this article, a fictitious foreign-service couple – configured from the author’s recent case files for authenticity – illustrates use of a modified Career Construction Interview in life-design counselling for resolution of life–career conundrums commonly experienced by dual-career couples. Practical models and seminal resources are identified for those unfamiliar with the dual-career couple construct or inexperienced with couple counselling. A strategy and topics for future field research collaboration between academics and career practitioners are suggested.
Advancing a cross-cultural narrative approach to career counselling: The case of Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Lan Thi , McDonald Matthew , Mate Susan , Taylor Greig
Published: August 2018

The purpose of this paper is to advance the concept of narrative approaches to career counselling from a cross-cultural perspective by investigating the case of Vietnam. It offers an account of the sociocultural context of Vietnam as it shifts from its traditional Confucian and communist values to a modern globally integrated market economy. Current approaches to career counselling in Vietnam for students in secondary and tertiary education are outdated and so fail to respond to the challenges that this shift is creating. It is argued that narrative career counselling has the potential to reconcile the tension between the need for flexibility and self-direction in work and career in a society that continues to be heavily influenced by Confucian ethics and collective notions of the self. The paper concludes with a call for future research on the practice of narrative career counselling cross-culturally to test its suitability.
Interventions for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction in Korean Americans: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shin Cha-Nam , Keller Colleen , Sim Jeongha , Im Eun-Ok , Belyea Michael , Ainsworth Barbara
Published: August 2018

This systematic review was to identify and synthesize literature that described the cultural appropriateness and effectiveness of interventions aimed at cardiovascular risk reduction in Korean Americans. We searched multiple electronic databases for studies published between January 2000 and August 2017 and identified 14 eligible research reports. All reviewed studies targeted first-generation Korean American adults. Most of the reviewed studies incorporated components of surface structure, and leveraged deep structure in those interventions. Significant changes in cardiovascular health outcomes were reported in most of the reviewed studies; however, the role of cultural factors in the outcomes was rarely evaluated, and few reported long-term effects. Future research needs to consider long-term effects. Deploying cultural factors and evaluating their contributions to the target outcomes will enhance the research on cardiovascular health disparities.
Adherence to and Persistence With Statin Therapy in a Veteran Population
Authors: Morotti Kendra , Lopez Julio , Vaupel Vanessa , Swislocki Arthur , Siegel David
Published: August 2018

Background: A relative cardiovascular risk reduction of 25% to 35% has been reported in patients starting a statin for elevated cholesterol; yet many patients fail to consistently take these medications as directed. Objective: To evaluate factors affecting adherence and persistence with statin therapy. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from a Veterans Affairs database of facilities west of the Rocky Mountains. Patient demographics, co-morbidities, and prescription information was collected for individuals newly prescribed a statin between July 1, 2007, and December 31, 2012. Adherence was determined using the medication possession ratio (MPR). Persistence was defined as the time from initiation of therapy until a refill gap of 135 days or greater occurred. Results: Of 164 687 unique patients, overall adherence to statins a mean MPR of 0.843. Approximately 63% of patients were persistent with statin therapy 675 days after statin initiation. Patients prescribed pravastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, and rosuvastatin and those who took more than 1 different statin during the follow-up period had statistically significantly higher rates of adherence than those prescribed simvastatin. Older patients and those with a greater number of active prescriptions were found to be more adherent to statin medications. Patients with hypertension were more adherent to a statin, and those with diabetes mellitus and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were less adherent. Conclusion and Relevance: In veterans, overall statin adherence was excellent. Certain populations may benefit from interventions targeted at improving statin adherence, including younger veterans, those prescribed fewer medications, those taking simvastatin, and veterans with PTSD or diabetes mellitus.
Connection and curvature in crystals with non-constant dislocation density
Authors: Elżanowski Marek Z , Parry Gareth P
Published: August 2018

Given a smooth defective solid crystalline structure defined by linearly independent ‘lattice’ vector fields, the Burgers vector construction characterizes some aspect of the ‘defectiveness’ of the crystal by virtue of its interpretation in terms of the closure failure of appropriately defined paths in the material and this construction partly determines the distribution of dislocations in the crystal. In the case that the topology of the body manifold M is trivial (e.g., a smooth crystal defined on an open set in [Formula: see text]), it would seem at first glance that there is no corresponding construction that leads to the notion of a distribution of disclinations, that is, defects with some kind of ‘rotational’ closure failure, even though the existence of such discrete defects seems to be accepted in the physical literature. For if one chooses to parallel transport a vector, given at some point P in the crystal, by requiring that the components of the transported vector on the lattice vector fields are constant, there is no change in the vector after parallel transport along any circuit based at P. So the corresponding curvature is zero. However, we show that one can define a certain (generally non-zero) curvature in this context, in a natural way. In fact, we show (subject to some technical assumptions) that given a smooth solid crystalline structure, there is a Lie group acting on the body manifold M that has dimension greater or equal to that of M. When the dislocation density is non-constant in M the group generally has a non-trivial topology, and so there may be an associated curvature. Using standard geometric methods in this context, we show that there is a linear connection invariant with respect to the said Lie group, and give examples of structures where the corresponding torsion and curvature may be non-zero even when the topology of M is trivial. So we show that there is a ‘rotational’ closure failure associated with the group structure – however, we do not claim, as yet, that this leads to the notion of a distribution of disclinations in the material, since we do not provide a physical interpretation of these ideas. We hope to provide a convincing interpretation in future work. The theory of fibre bundles, in particular the theory of homogeneous spaces, is central to the discussion.
Students Who Limit Their Drinking, as Recommended by National Guidelines, Are Stigmatized, Ostracized, or the Subject of Peer Pressure: Limiting Consumption Is All But Prohibited in a Culture of Intoxication
Authors: Robertson Kirsten , Tustin Karen
Published: August 2018

There is an unquestionable need to address drinking patterns in subcultures where excessive drinking is normative. Regulatory bodies advocate moderating alcohol consumption but it is unclear whether individuals have agency to do so, particularly when excessive consumption is the norm. This study aimed to address this gap by examining student’s perceptions of limiting consumption, as recommended by government guidelines, in one university in New Zealand. Using a qualitative social science approach, university students surveyed and interviewed their heavy-drinking peers (n = 201) to investigate perceptions of 3 drinking behaviors (Heavy, Moderation, and Abstinence). Thematic analysis revealed that students who drink heavily are labeled positively and viewed as sociable (Dr Froth, Liver of Steel, Trooper, Champion, Hero, Good Alcoholic, popular, a friend). Students who limit drinking, on the other hand, were viewed similar to those who abstain, labeled using explicit, emotive, and derogative terminology (eg, Fag, Vagina, Grandma, Weirdo, Coward, Killjoy) and excluded, ostracized, or the subject of peer pressure. They were also expected to provide a justification for moderating their drinking (eg, being an athlete, broke). Although individuals who moderated their consumption were perceived to have strong willpower and maturity (eg, self-aware, brave, sophisticated), these positive attributes were mentioned less frequently and involved less emotive language than were labels linking moderation to a negative social identity. The method employed in this study provided a frank insight into a student culture of intoxication and the barriers facing students who try to drink in moderation. Our findings reveal that limiting consumption, even occasionally, threatens students’ social identity and inclusion in the student drinking culture. These results suggest that individualistic harm minimization strategies are unlikely to be effective. Instead, the findings underscore the need to develop alternative cultures emphasizing extracurricular activities which may facilitate students’ agency to go against the norm and moderate their drinking.
A healthy dietary pattern associates with a lower risk of a first clinical diagnosis of central nervous system demyelination
Authors: Black Lucinda J , Rowley Charlotte , Sherriff Jill , Pereira Gavin , Ponsonby Anne-Louise , Lucas Robyn M
Published: August 2018

Background:

The evidence associating diet and risk of multiple sclerosis is inconclusive.

Objective:

We investigated associations between dietary patterns and risk of a first clinical diagnosis of central nervous system demyelination, a common precursor to multiple sclerosis.

Methods:

We used data from the 2003–2006 Ausimmune Study, a case–control study examining environmental risk factors for a first clinical diagnosis of central nervous system demyelination, with participants matched on age, sex and study region. Using data from a food frequency questionnaire, dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis. Conditional logistic regression models ( n = 698, 252 cases, 446 controls) were adjusted for history of infectious mononucleosis, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations, smoking, race, education, body mass index and dietary misreporting.

Results:

We identified two major dietary patterns – healthy (high in poultry, fish, eggs, vegetables, legumes) and Western (high in meat, full-fat dairy; low in wholegrains, nuts, fresh fruit, low-fat dairy), explaining 9.3% and 7.5% of variability in diet, respectively. A one-standard deviation increase in the healthy pattern score was associated with a 25% reduced risk of a first clinical diagnosis of central nervous system demyelination (adjusted odds ratio 0.75; 95% confidence interval 0.60, 0.94; p = 0.011). There was no statistically significant association between the Western dietary pattern and risk of a first clinical diagnosis of central nervous system demyelination.

Conclusion:

Following healthy eating guidelines may be beneficial for those at high risk of multiple sclerosis.
The economic growth impact of tourism in Small Island Developing States—evidence from the Caribbean
Authors: Cannonier Colin , Burke Monica Galloway
Published: August 2018

Tourism’s contribution to economic output in the Caribbean exceeds that in other regions of the world. We use panel data over the period of three decades, focusing exclusively on Caribbean islands, to study the causal link between tourism and economic growth. The results show that tourism has a positive and statistically significant effect on real Gross Domestic Product growth. A 10% increase in tourism spending is found to increase economic growth from 0.3% to 1%, a finding that is consistent with similar studies. A simple back-of-the-envelope calculation suggests that the overall tourism multiplier is around 0.25 which is smaller than estimates from previous studies. These results have important implications for researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers.
The gender facilitative school: Advocating authenticity for gender expansive children in pre-adolescence
Authors: Luecke Julie C
Published: August 2018

This article presents a framework for Gender Facilitative Schools advocating safe schools for transgender, gender expansive, and questioning children. This framework was constructed on the bases of a qualitative study of a transgender student with experiences in both gender restrictive and gender facilitative elementary schools and supporting literature. It addresses climate, language and narratives, curricular and extracurricular inclusion, professional development and partnership, and policy that can be used for improving schools.
Statistical damage identification method based on dynamic response sensitivity
Authors: Mao Ling , Weng Shun , Li Shu-Jin , Zhu Hong-Ping , Sun Yan-Hua
Published: August 2018

The traditional deterministic damage detection method is based on the assumption that the measured data and the finite element model are accurate. However, in real situation, there are many uncertainties in the damage identification procedure such as the errors of the finite element model and the measurement noise. Since the uncertainties inevitably exist in the finite element models and measured data, the statistic method which considers the uncertainty has wide practical application. This paper proposes a statistical damage identification method based on dynamic response sensitivity in state-space domain. Considering the noise of the finite element model and measured acceleration response, the statistical variations of the damaged finite element model are derived with perturbation method which is based on a Taylor series expansion of the response vector and verified by Monte Carlo technique. Afterward, the probability of damage existence for each structural element is estimated using the statistical characteristic of the identified structural parameters. A numerical simply supported beam under the moving load is applied to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed statistical method.
A clustering Bayesian approach for multivariate non-ordered circular data
Authors: Abraham Christophe , Servien Rémi , Molinari Nicolas
Published: August 2018

This article presents a Bayesian model for the clustering of non-ordered multivariate directional or circular data. The particular trait of our data is that each single observation is made up of [Formula: see text] non-ordered points on the circle. We introduce a hierarchical model that combines a symmetrization technique, projected normal distributions and a Dirichlet process. One parameter is introduced to model the non-ordered trait and another one to control the variability of the angles on the circle. An informative prior on the relative locations of the [Formula: see text] angles is also provided. The gain of the symmetrization is highlighted by a theoretical study. The parameters of the model are then inferred using a Metropolis–Hastings-within-Gibbs algorithm. Simulated datasets are analysed to study the sensitivity to hyperparameters. Then, the benefits of our approach are illustrated by clustering real data made up of the positions of five separate radiotherapy X-ray beams on a circle.
The level of attrition in domestic violence: A valid indicator of the efficiency of a criminal justice system?
Authors: Chopin Julien , Aebi Marcelo F.
Published: August 2018

This article studies the process of attrition through a follow-up of all cases of domestic violence registered by the police forces of one Swiss canton in the first half of 2012 ( N = 592) as they pass to the prosecution and the court stage of criminal justice proceedings. The results show that the attrition rate found in Switzerland (80 percent) is lower than the rate usually found in the United Kingdom. This rate is explained by the fact that domestic violence is usually treated by academics as a homogeneous construct, but it is in fact composed of a large variety of offences and, in practice, the vast majority of those that are reported to the police would not entail a custodial sentence.
After the Punctuation: Competition, Uncertainty, and Convergent State Policy Change
Authors: Holyoke Thomas T. , Brown Heath
Published: August 2018

What happens after longstanding policies are overthrown in fierce political battles, events scholars refer to as punctuated equilibrium? Do these new policies remain static and unchanging until the next big punctuation, or do they continue to change in explainable and predictable ways? In this article, we develop a model of postpunctuation policy change grounded in theories of boundedly rational decision-making by policymakers. Uncertain about how well the new policy will perform, policymakers learn to rely on competing interest groups for information or, under certain circumstances, look to other political jurisdictions for cues on how their policies ought to be further refined. We test our predictions by studying changes in state charter school laws from 1996 to 2014. We find evidence of policy change, and even convergence, across states suggesting that policies after punctuation do change in ways explained as reactions to political pressures in an environment fraught with uncertainty.
Reactivating the Dormant Motor Cortex After Spinal Cord Injury With EEG Neurofeedback: A Case Study With a Chronic, Complete C4 Patient
Authors: López-Larraz Eduardo , Escolano Carlos , Montesano Luis , Minguez Javier
Published: August 2018

Chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients present poor motor cortex activation during movement attempts. The reactivation of this brain region can be beneficial for them, for instance, allowing them to use brain-machine interfaces for motor rehabilitation or restoration. These brain-machine interfacess generally use electroencephalography (EEG) to measure the cortical activation during the attempts of movement, quantifying it as the event-related desynchronization (ERD) of the alpha/mu rhythm. Based on previous evidence showing that higher tonic EEG alpha power is associated with higher ERD, we hypothesized that artificially increasing the alpha power over the motor cortex of these patients could enhance their ERD (ie, motor cortical activation) during movement attempts. We used EEG neurofeedback (NF) to enhance the tonic EEG alpha power, providing real-time visual feedback of the alpha oscillations measured over the motor cortex. This approach was evaluated in a C4, ASIA A, SCI patient (9 months after the injury) who did not present ERD during the movement attempts of his paralyzed hands. The patient performed 4 NF sessions (in 4 consecutive days) and screenings of his EEG activity before and after each session. After the intervention, the patient presented a significant increase in the alpha power over the motor cortex, and a significant enhancement of the mu ERD in the contralateral motor cortex when he attempted to close the assessed right hand. As a proof of concept investigation, this article shows how a short NF intervention might be used to enhance the motor cortical activation in patients with chronic tetraplegia.
“Hope for the Best, Plan for the Worst”: Understanding Institutional Inertia in Developing Confidentiality Protection Policies
Authors: Palys Ted , Ivers Aaren
Published: August 2018

When legal challenges to research confidentiality arise, researchers are expected to resist while the institutions that approve their research provide legal support to enable that resistance. Although researchers have done their part, university administrators have been much less consistent doing theirs. Canada’s federal policy now affirms university administrations “must” provide independent legal representation and “encourages” them to develop policies that articulate how they will do so. A national survey of Research Ethics Board (REB) Chairs and administrators found only one such policy, which turned our attention to factors that impeded creation of others like it. Administrative inertia, a lack of clear lines of responsibility, and resource issues top the list of justifications respondents offered. Implications for researchers, REBs, and university administrators are discussed.
The Declining Use of Wrist-Spanning External Fixators
Authors: Vakhshori Venus , Rounds Alexis D. , Heckmann Nathanael , Azad Ali , Intravia Jessica M. , Rosario Santano , Stevanovic Milan , Ghiassi Alidad
Published: August 2018

Background: External fixation has been traditionally used to treat comminuted or open distal radius fractures that are not amenable to open reduction internal fixation. This procedure is associated with a relatively high complication rate and has been used with decreasing frequency in recent years. However, trends in external fixation utilization for the treatment of distal radius fractures have not been described. Methods: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, patients with a distal radius fracture treated with external fixation from 2003 to 2014 were identified. The annual incidence was reported, and hospital and demographic variables associated with external fixation use were determined. Results: During the study period, 593 929 patients with a distal radius fracture were identified, of which 51 766 (8.7%) were treated with a wrist-spanning external fixator. Wrist external fixation for the treatment of distal radius fractures declined steadily from 2003 to 2014. In 2003, external fixation use was highest, accounting for 17.4% of distal radius fractures. By 2014, only 4.9% of distal radius fracture were treated with external fixation. During this period, the incidence of distal radius fractures declined by 6.9% while external fixator utilization decreased by 73.7%. Patients receiving an external fixator were more likely to be male, low-income, and treated in a rural, nonteaching, privately owned hospital. Conclusions: External fixator use for the treatment of distal radius fractures steadily declined during the study period. Males and those with lower incomes treated in rural, nonteaching, and privately owned hospitals are more likely to receive external fixation.
Patients With Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Injuries and Distal Radioulnar Joint Instability Gain Improved Forearm Peak Pronation and Supination Torque After Reinsertion
Authors: Andersson Jonny K. , Hagert Elisabet M. , Fridén Jan
Published: August 2018

Background: Forearm peak pronation and supination torque measurements are reduced up to 30% in patients with triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) 1B injuries with concomitant distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether patients with TFCC 1B injuries, with concomitant DRUJ instability, improve in forearm peak pronation and supination torque following TFCC reinsertion surgery where postoperative DRUJ stability was achieved. Methods: We report a retrospective case series with short-term follow-up (20 months) of the postoperative forearm peak torque in pronation and supination in 11 patients (9 women/2 men, average age at surgery 32 years) operated on by TFCC reinsertion. Two of the initial 13 patients were later on reoperated due to recurring DRUJ instability and were therefore excluded in this follow-up study. Nine were treated by arthroscopic TFCC reinsertion and 2 by open technique. The forearm peak pronation and supination torque were measured pre- and postoperatively and compared with the uninjured side. Results: On average, a 16% improvement of the forearm peak torque was achieved in the injured wrist, as well as clinically assessed DRUJ stability. Functional postoperative improvement was noted in all patients, with reduced pain, good satisfaction, and acceptance of the surgery and the final result. Conclusion: We conclude that patients with TFCC injuries and DRUJ instability gain improved forearm peak pronation and supination torque after reinsertion. We also conclude that forearm peak pronation and supination torque is a valuable tool in the preoperative diagnostics of TFCC injuries with DRUJ instability as well as in the postoperative follow-up.
Flow diverter for endovascular treatment of intracranial mirror segment internal carotid artery aneurysms
Authors: Kühn Anna Luisa , Kan Peter , Srinivasan Visish , Rex David E , de Macedo Rodrigues Katyucia , Howk Mary C , Wakhloo Ajay K , Puri Ajit S
Published: August 2018

Background

To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the pipeline embolization device in the treatment of unruptured intracranial mirror segment aneurysms.

Methods

Out of a total of 338 subjects, 14 were identified harboring a total of 32 internal carotid artery mirror segment aneurysms that were treated with the pipeline embolization device and were consecutively enrolled into our study. We collected data on patient demographics, modified Rankin scale (mRS) at admission, aneurysm characteristics, clinical outcome at discharge, 3–9 and at 12–18 months as well as angiography results at follow-up.

Results

Patients’ mean age was 52.9 years; baseline mRS was 0 in all subjects. Pipeline embolization device placement was successful in all cases. Post-treatment mRS remained 0 in 13/14 patients. One patient experienced a small intraparenchymal hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage, associated with a frontoparietal infarction resulting in right upper extremity weakness and aphasia (post-treatment mRS 3). His mRS evaluation remained stable at the 3–9-month follow-up. Three to 9-month follow-up angiography (13/14 subjects) showed complete aneurysm occlusion in 24/30 aneurysms (80%), near complete and partial occlusion in three of 30 (10%) aneurysms each. At the 9-month follow-up, one patient experienced a complete occlusion of the anterior temporal artery branch but did not present with any clinical deficits. No mRS changes were encountered over a median 6-month follow-up period. Mid-term follow-up angiography (12–18 months) available in eight of 14 subjects showed complete aneurysm occlusion in all patients. Mild intimal hyperplasia was observed in one patient.

Conclusions

Flow diversion technology can be used for the treatment of unruptured mirror segment aneurysms in selected patients.
Estimation formula for residual stress from the blind-hole drilling method
Authors: Kung Chi-Liang , Lin Ah-Der , Huang Po-Wei , Hsu Chao-Ming
Published: August 2018

In this study, the accuracy of blind-hole method on weld residual stress estimation is investigated. A modified parameter group has also proposed to improve the accuracy. The thermal-elastic-plastic finite element model is employed to build up the residual stress distribution and the blind-hole process. The MSC Marc finite element software package is used to simulate the welding process and the welding residual stress and strain distributions around the weld of two inconel 690 alloy plates filled with I-52 GTAW filler. Then the process of the traditional blind hole is simulated by employing the inactive elements. The data of the residual strain variations of strain gages located around the blind hole is introduced into the blind-hole method to estimate the original residual stress components at the hole center. The effects of drilling depth, drilling size, gage radius, gage position, and the distance on the accuracy of estimated residual stress have also been studied and discussed. Based on the residual stress components simulated from the welding process, a modified stress parameter group has also been proposed to improve the accuracy of blind-hole method. Numerical results indicate that the accuracy of estimated residual stress can be improved significantly by employing the proposed blind-hole parameters.
Research on the driving strategy of heavy-haul train based on improved genetic algorithm
Authors: Huang Youneng , Bai Shuai , Meng Xianhong , Yu Huazhen , Wang Mingzhu
Published: August 2018

The driving safety of heavy-haul train is affected by the train’s traction weight, the length of train, the line profile, the line speed limit, and other factors. Generally, when the train is running on a continuously long and steep downgrade line, it needs using the circulating air braking to adjust speed. When it is braking, the brake wave is transmitted non-linearly along the direction of the train. When it is relieved, it must be ensured that there is sufficient time for the train to be inflated. Therefore, it is difficult to ensure the safe operation of the heavy-haul train. In this article, a new method of the train’s driving strategy based on improved genetic algorithm is proposed. First, a mathematical model for the operation of heavy-haul train is established with multiple parameters. Then, according to the improved genetic algorithm and the mathematical model of the heavy-haul train, the driving strategy of the chromosome of the train is studied. Finally, the driving curve which can ensure the safe running of the heavy-haul train can be obtained. By comparing the simulated driving curve with the actual one, the results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Evidence against a cognitive advantage in the older bilingual population
Authors: Papageorgiou Andriani , Bright Peter , Periche Tomas Eva , Filippi Roberto
Published: August 2018

Recent evidence has challenged long-standing claims that multi-language acquisition confers long-term advantages in executive function and may protect against age-related cognitive deterioration. We assessed evidence for a bilingual advantage in older monolingual and bilingual residents matched on age, gender, and socioeconomic status. A comprehensive battery of tests was administered to measure non-verbal reasoning, working memory capacity, visuo-spatial memory, response inhibition, problem solving, and language proficiency. Analyses, including Bayes factors, revealed comparable performance in both groups, with no significant differences on any task (and the only trend, found for the Tower of London task performance, indicated a monolingual advantage). Overall, therefore, our findings run counter to the bilingual advantage hypothesis. We consider the implications of our study and offer suggestions for future work in this area.
Direct oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: treatment outcomes and dosing in special populations
Authors: Stacy Zachary A. , Richter Sara K.
Published: August 2018

Background:

To review data from the pivotal phase III trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus warfarin for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), and to summarize the major findings with regards to patient subgroups that are at an increased risk for stroke or bleeding.

Methods:

A PubMed literature search (January 2009 to January 2017) was performed using the terms ‘dabigatran’, ‘rivaroxaban’, ‘apixaban’, ‘edoxaban’, ‘atrial fibrillation’, ‘RE-LY’, ‘ROCKET AF’, ‘ARISTOTLE’, and ‘ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48’. All primary publications and secondary analyses in special populations at increased risk of stroke or bleeding from the pivotal phase III clinical trials were evaluated.

Results:

Available secondary analyses indicate no treatment interactions with regards to stroke or systemic embolic event (SEE) prevention for any of the DOACs in the patient subgroups, including patients with advanced age, impaired renal function, diabetes, prior stroke, concomitant antiplatelet therapy, heart failure, prior stroke, history of hypertension, myocardial infarction (MI), coronary artery disease, and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Although higher bleeding incidence was reported with dabigatran and rivaroxaban in patients aged 75 years and over with apixaban in patients with diabetes, and with rivaroxaban in patients with previous MI or PAD, no changes in dosing are recommended.

Conclusions:

Overall, results of secondary analyses indicate that the recommended dosing strategy for each of the DOACs produces a consistent anticoagulant effect across a diverse patient population, including those at increased risk of stroke or bleeding.
New teams in general practice
Authors: Hawthorne Kamila , Jackson Ben , Fisher Danielle
Published: August 2018

The NHS is seriously under-doctored, with general practice being one of the worst-affected specialties. GPs are a highly trusted and valued profession by patients. In addition, the ‘gatekeeping’ function and continuity of care they provide is critical to the efficiency of the services as a whole, keeps hospital admissions down, and produces better healthcare outcomes for communities and populations. Major efforts are being made to recruit new GPs and retain existing GPs, but there are serious implications for the future of primary care, and general practice in particular, as GPs struggle to cope with increased workloads. Increasing the number of GPs in the workforce is critical, and this work continues as a priority. However, a parallel stream of work has developed to consider ways in which tasks ‘traditionally’ undertaken by a GP might be diverted to new healthcare professionals within primary care teams, freeing up GPs to concentrate on the care and management of their more complex patients.
Capillary and Venous Blood Glucose Accuracy in Blood Glucose Meters Versus Reference Standards: The Impact of Study Design on Accuracy Evaluations
Authors: Macleod Kirsty , Katz Laurence B. , Cameron Hilary
Published: August 2018

Background:

Anecdotal blood glucose assessments conducted by health care professionals (HCPs) in the field have highlighted differences in results when methodology used is not according to best practices for measuring blood glucose. This study assessed the impact on accuracy of blood glucose measurements when methodology deviates from the recommended study design and recommended reference instrument.

Methods:

Adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes provided capillary and venous blood samples for accuracy assessments using OneTouch® Verio® (Verio) and OneTouch® Ultra 2® (Ultra) blood glucose meters (BGM) and two different reference instruments.

Results:

Increases in mean bias were observed when comparing capillary to venous samples tested on the BGMs and the recommended reference instrument. Mean bias was even greater when a hospital blood glucose analyzer was used to measure venous plasma glucose. Increases in mean bias observed for Ultra BGM when testing venous blood on the meter compared to the recommended reference instrument was likely due to the interfering effects of low oxygen levels in the venous blood sample. Conversely, Verio meters, which are insensitive to low oxygen levels, showed little difference from baseline when testing venous blood on the meter compared to results from the same venous sample measured on a reference instrument.

Conclusions:

Deviations from the best practice study design of comparing capillary blood glucose results tested on the blood glucose meter with the manufacturer’s stated reference instrument will affect accuracy of blood glucose measurements.
Don’t cancel the surgery just yet! A case report of positive preoperative pregnancy test due to a soft tissue sarcoma production of ectopic beta human chorionic gonadotropin
Authors: Blank Alan Todd , Khalighi Mazdak , Randall R Lor , Jones Kevin B
Published: August 2018

Soft tissue sarcomas are a rare group of mesenchymal malignancies which can range from low to high grade. These tumors have different clinical, radiographic, and histopathological characteristics. Beta human chorionic gonadotropin is a naturally secreted hormone by placental syncytiotrophoblast cells during pregnancy. On very rare occasions, sarcomas can develop the ability to ectopically produce human chorionic gonadotropin. Very few cases exist in the literature of soft tissue sarcomas expressing this hormone. We report the case of a 55-year-old female who presented with a posterior thigh soft tissue sarcoma who on the day of surgical resection was found to have an unusually elevated serum human chorionic gonadotropin. Positive immunohistochemical staining of the resected mass confirmed the sarcoma as the source of the beta human chorionic gonadotropin.
Netiquette Between Students and Their Lecturers on Facebook: Injunctive and Descriptive Social Norms
Authors: Linek Stephanie B. , Ostermaier-Grabow Anika
Published: August 2018

There is an ongoing discussion if and how students and lecturers should interact with each other on social networks. In this article, we present an empirical study on the so-called netiquette for Facebook contacts between students and their lecturers (hereinafter called SL-contacts). In addition, we investigated the subjective perception of the majority’s behavior. This enabled a comparison between two different kinds of social norms: the injunctive norms (netiquette) and the descriptive norms (majority). Database was an online survey with 2,849 participants (2,550 students and 299 lecturers). SL-contacts were quite rare in our sample and usually initiated by students. Our results showed that the appropriateness of SL-contacts depends on the individual case. In addition, we found that injunctive and descriptive norms are in line with each other. Overall, our results indicate that there is a common ground of understanding, and SL-contacts are less critical than they might appear.
The Communicative Constitution of Hate Organizations Online: A Semantic Network Analysis of “Make America Great Again”
Authors: Eddington Sean M.
Published: August 2018

In the context of the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election, President Donald Trump’s use of Twitter to connect with followers and supporters created unprecedented access to Trump’s online political campaign. In using the campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again” (or its acronym “MAGA”), Trump communicatively organized and controlled media systems by offering his followers an opportunity to connect with his campaign through the discursive hashtag. In effect, the strategic use of these networks over time communicatively constituted an effective and winning political organization; however, Trump’s political organization was not without connections to far-right and hate groups that coalesced in and around the hashtag. Semantic network analyses uncovered how the textual nature of #MAGA organized connections between hashtags, and, in doing so, exposed connections to overtly White supremacist groups within the United States and the United Kingdom throughout late November 2016. Cluster analyses further uncovered semantic connections to White supremacist and White nationalist groups throughout the hashtag networks connected to the central slogan of Trump’s presidential campaign. Theoretically, these findings contribute to the ways in which hashtag networks show how Trump’s support developed and united around particular organizing processes and White nationalist language, and provide insights into how these networks discursively create and connect White supremacists’ organizations to Trump’s campaign.
Determinants of Successful Weight Loss in Low-Income African American Women: A Positive Deviance Analysis
Authors: Banerjee Elaine Seaton , Herring Sharon J. , Hurley Katelyn , Puskarz Katherine , Yebernetsky Kyle , LaNoue Marianna
Published: August 2018

Objective: We set out to investigate the behaviors of low-income African American women who successfully lost weight. Methods: From an urban, academic, family medicine practice, we used a mixed methods positive deviance approach to evaluate 35 low-income African American women who were obese and lost at least 10% of their maximum weight, and maintained this loss for 6 months, comparing them with 36 demographically similar control participants who had not lost weight. Survey outcomes included demographics and behaviors that were hypothesized to be related to successful weight loss. Interviews focused on motivations, barriers, and what made weight loss successful. Survey data were analyzed using t tests and linear regression for continuous outcomes and chi-square tests and logistic regression for categorical outcomes. Interviews were analyzed using a modified approach to grounded theory. Results: In adjusted analyses, women in the positive deviant group were more likely to be making diet changes compared with those women who did not lose at least 10% of their initial body weight. Major themes from qualitative analyses included ( a) motivations (of health, appearance, quality of life, family, and epiphanies), ( b) opportunity (including time and support), ( c) adaptability. Conclusions: The findings of this study may be useful in developing motivational interviewing strategies for primary care providers working with similar high-risk populations.
Will I Stay Married?: Exploring Predictors of Expectations to Divorce in Unmarried Young Adults
Authors: Arocho Rachel , Purtell Kelly
Published: August 2018

Expectations that one may eventually divorce may predict behavior in young adulthood and beyond, but studies that have looked at individuals’ assessments of their divorce likelihood have been limited. Guided by the expectancy-value theory of achievement motivation, we tested five categories of potential predictors of divorce expectations in a sample of 1,610 unmarried young adults from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics Transition to Adulthood Study. Predictors were tested separately by gender and partnership status. Results suggested that some predictors mattered more for some groups than others, such as employment for single men or certainty of marriage for partnered women. Consistent with prior research, caregiver divorce was significantly associated with expectations to divorce but was only one of many factors found to predict these expectations. Socioeconomic factors and experiences and expectations of other relationships consistently predicted expectations. Expectations to divorce are multifaceted and complex.