bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Military Dogs’ Welfare: Is there a Place for Handlers’ Beliefs and Perceptions?
Authors: Chaniotakis Ioannis , Evangelos Diamantakos , Georgios Mantziaras , Andreas Manousoudakis , Kostomitsopoulos Nikolaos
Published: August 2018

The present study examined whether the perceptions/beliefs of the staff working with Military Dogs (MDs) may reveal possible factors affecting the welfare of MDs of the Hellenic Air Force Support Command (HAFSC). Visits were made to all Units (n= 5) that had MDs (n= 58) and military staff (n= 63) assigned to work with them. Each participant completed a questionnaire which included questions about demographic data and their perceptions and beliefs towards MDs. The research revealed evidence for possible factors that may affect the welfare of MDs. These factors were identified in the procedures of veterinary support, training, relaxation, and the general living conditions of MDs. According to the results, the recording of perceptions—beliefs of staff working with MDs—is a tool which can reveal possible factors affecting the dogs’ welfare. This study may stand as a guide for drafting welfare standards for MDs.
History, Heritage, and Myth
Authors: Simmons Caleb
Published: August 2018

This essay examines popular and public discourse surrounding the broad, amorphous, and largely grassroots campaign to “Save Chamundi Hill” in Mysore City. The focus of this study is in the development of the language of “heritage” relating to the Hill starting in the mid-2000s that implicitly connected its heritage to the mythic events of the slaying of the buffalo-demon. This essay argues that the connection between the Hill and “heritage” grows from an assumption that the landscape is historically important because of its role in the myth of the goddess and the buffalo-demon, which is interwoven into the city’s history. It demonstrates that this assumption is rooted within a local historical consciousness that places mythic events within the chronology of human history that arose as a negotiation of Indian and colonial understandings of historiography.
Reflections on My Studies of the Roman Cults of Mithras for the Historical and Comparative Study of Religions
Authors: Martin Luther H.
Published: August 2018

I have spent a number of years focusing my research on the Roman Cults of Mithras. In this autobiographical reflection on that study, I consider the relationship between research on a specific, if perhaps obscure, religious tradition and methodological and theoretical issues in historical and comparative studies of religion generally.
Insolation and the Prediction of Maximum Temperatures
Authors: Neiburger M.
Published: August 2018

The amount of energy required to change the lapse rate of an atmospheric layer from one value to another is given by Q = (γ2 − γ1) QI whereis the energy required to change the layer of thickness zo and mean density ρm from isothermal to dry adiabatic conditions. The height to which a given amount of effective insolation will establish an adiabatic lapse rate may be found by means of this formula, given the temperature- height curve in the early morning, and from this the expected maximum temperature may be evaluated.

Of the total solar radiation received at the ground, some is reflected, some goes to heat the earth's surface, some is sent back as long-wave radiation, some is used in evaporation, and the remainder is effective in heating the lower layers of the atmosphere. Estimates are made of the amounts used in the first four ways. These amounts subtracted from the average insolation received on clear days leave the effective insolation for changing the lapse rate near the ground.

The effective insolation at Chicago is arrived at in this way. Using these values, the maximum temperature was computed for several days when advective change was expected to be slight. The agreement with observation was found to be excellent.
100-Year Lower Mississippi Floods in a Global Climate Model: Characteristics and Future Changes
Authors: van der Wiel Karin , Kapnick Sarah B. , Vecchi Gabriel A. , Smith James A. , Milly P. C. D. , Jia Liwei
Published: August 2018

Floods in the Mississippi basin can have large negative societal, natural, and economic impacts. Understanding the drivers of floods, now and in the future, is relevant for risk management and infrastructure-planning purposes. We investigate the drivers of 100-yr-return lower Mississippi River floods using a global coupled climate model with an integrated surface water module. The model provides 3400 years of physically consistent data from a static climate, in contrast to available observational data (relatively short records, incomplete land surface data, transient climate). In the months preceding the model’s 100-yr floods, as indicated by extreme monthly discharge, above-average rain and snowfall lead to moist subsurface conditions and the buildup of snowpack, making the river system prone to these major flooding events. The meltwater from snowpack in the northern Missouri and upper Mississippi catchments primes the river system, sensitizing it to subsequent above-average precipitation in the Ohio and Tennessee catchments. An ensemble of transient forcing experiments is used to investigate the impacts of past and projected anthropogenic climate change on extreme floods. There is no statistically significant projected trend in the occurrence of 100-yr floods in the model ensemble, despite significant increases in extreme precipitation, significant decreases in extreme snowmelt, and significant decreases in less extreme floods. The results emphasize the importance of considering the fully coupled land–atmosphere system for extreme floods. This initial analysis provides avenues for further investigation, including comparison to characteristics of less extreme floods, the sensitivity to model configuration, the role of human water management, and implications for future flood-risk management.
The Jews
Authors: Kumaraswamy P. R.
Published: August 2018

‘ Palestine belongs to the Arabs in the same sense that England belongs to the English or France to the French.’ This remark made in November 1938 has been the most widely statement of Mahatma Gandhi on foreign policy, especially on Israel, Palestine and wider Middle East/West Asia. This was seen as the epitome of Gandhi’s ‘consistent’ opposition to the formation of a Jewish national home in Palestine. However, a closer reading of the article published in the 26 November issue of Harijan presents a more complex picture and depicts Gandhi’s unfamiliarity with Judaism and his limited understanding of Zionism. Furthermore, while demanding Jewish non-violence even against Hitler, he was accommodative of Arab violence in Palestine.
Why Obama’s Rebalance towards Asia-Pacific Was Unsuccessful?
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyu
Published: August 2018

The Asia-Pacific rebalancing strategy has been the core of America’s global policy adjustment since the Obama Administration came into office. While this strategy has been the subject of great controversy since its implementation, it has made some progress and clearly generated benefits. Most importantly, it has strengthened the US strategic influence and strategic presence in the Asia-Pacific region, which has brought some pressure on China’s rise. This article holds that as the rebalancing strategy continues to progress, the USA has faced more increasing costs, including the huge financial pressures, the entrapment of regional alliances, the rising of the Sino– US strategic distrust, the abortion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the failure of strategic retrenchment in a global scale. These costs finally outweighed the benefits of the strategy. Therefore, from the perspective of cost–benefit, the grand strategy of rebalancing towards the Asia-Pacific was unsuccessful. Given this, the USA Asia-Pacific strategy may shift to limited retrenchment to maintain its strategic interests and hegemonic position while minimizing the strategic costs in the near future.
Fighting the Hydra
Authors: Radtke Mitchell , Jo Hyeran
Published: August 2018

In the past 25 years, the United Nations has sanctioned 28 rebel groups in 13 civil wars. Have the UN sanctions been effective in meeting the goal of conflict reduction? In this article, we argue that UN sanctions are effective to the extent that they can constrain and weaken some rebel groups. But this constraining effect can only occur when UN sanctions curtail rebel groups’ ability to adapt. For less adaptable groups, UN sanctions can trigger a causal chain of depressed rebel income, territorial losses, and battlefield defeats that leads to conflict reduction. This adaptability is the key to the understanding of UN sanctions’ effectiveness in conflict reduction, as rebel groups often engage in illegal and criminal economic activities and many of them are ‘Hydra-like’, being able to shift their income sources in response to sanction measures. As evidence of how UN sanctions can trigger these conflict dynamics, we first perform negative binomial regression on all civil war cases. We then proceed to provide more detailed evidence for our causal chain by conducting time-series intervention analysis on two sanctioned rebel groups: UNITA in Angola and al-Shabaab in Somalia. Our work is the first systematic quantitative analysis of UN sanctions’ effects on rebel groups, and the results have implications for the viability of economic coercion as a means to intervene into civil conflicts.
Thinking About a Past Group Inclusion Experience or a Past Group Exclusion Experience Affects Memory Task Performance
Authors: Wagner Michael F. , Skowronski John J.
Published: August 2018

An experiment examined the impact of thinking about autobiographical group-related events (i.e., a past group inclusion experience or a past group exclusion experience) on recognition memory. After encountering the experimental manipulation, participants studied a list of words. Participants later engaged in two subsequent recognition tests: a group recognition test with a bogus confederate and a surprise individual recognition test. The memory measures were derived from signal detection theory and included hit rates, false alarm rates, and a memory discrimination index. Results showed that exposure to false information produced decreased hit rates, increased false alarms, and lowered discrimination values. Group-related thinking generally impaired recognition memory. These results are discussed in the context of prior research and in the context of theories of false memory.
What is a good pattern of life model? Guidance for simulations
Authors: Silverman Barry G , Bharathy Gnana , Weyer Nathan
Published: August 2018

We have been modeling an ever-increasing scale of applications with agents that simulate the pattern of life (PoL) and real-world human behaviors in diverse regions of the world. The goal is to support sociocultural training and analysis. To measure progress, we propose the definition of a measure of goodness for such simulated agents, and review the issues and challenges associated with first-generation (1G) agents. Then we present a second generation (2G) agent hybrid approach that seeks to improve realism in terms of emergent daily activities, social awareness, and micro-decision making in simulations. We offer a PoL case study with a mix of 1G and 2G approaches that was able to replace the pucksters and avatar operators needed in large-scale immersion exercises. We conclude by observing that a 1G PoL simulation might still be best where large-scale, pre-scripted training scenarios will suffice, while the 2G approach will be important for analysis or if it is vital to learn about adaptive opponents or unexpected or emergent effects of actions. Lessons are shared about ways to blend 1G and 2G approaches to get the best of each.
Linking Structural Capabilities and Workplace Climate in Community Health Centers
Authors: Martsolf Grant R. , Ashwood Scott , Friedberg Mark W. , Rodriguez Hector P.
Published: August 2018

Many strategies to improve health care quality focus on improving the structural capabilities of primary care practices, including quality infrastructure and registry use, which are critical to managing chronic diseases. However, improving structural capabilities requires practices to expend significant resources and can be especially disruptive to community health centers (CHCs) serving high proportions of socioeconomically vulnerable patients. We explore the relationship between the structural capabilities and workplace climate in CHCs. The final sample for this analysis includes 25 CHC sites that could be matched across CHC site director surveys of structural capabilities and CHC adult primary care clinicians and staff (n = 446). To estimate the association between structural capabilities and dimensions of workplace climate, we estimated multivariate linear regression models that included the climate scales as dependent variables and the 5 structural capability scales as the main independent variables, with the 3 clinic-level and 2 staff-level covariates. More manageable clinic workload was associated with lower electronic record functionality (β = −0.47, P = .007), but positively associated with quality infrastructure (β = 0.92, P = .007). Staff relationships and quality improvement orientation were positively associated with quality infrastructure (β = 1.09, P = .006 and β = 0.87, P = .005). Manager readiness was associated with more robust quality infrastructure (β = 1.35, P = .016), but lower electronic record functionality (β = −0.48, P = .015) and less proactive patient outreach (β = −1.32, P = .025). Complex relationships between structural capabilities and workplace climate were found in CHCs. Further clarification of these complex connections may enable policy makers and practitioners to design and implement nuanced strategies to improve quality of care in CHCs.
Technology Problems and Student Achievement Gaps: A Validation and Extension of the Technology Maintenance Construct
Authors: Gonzales Amy L. , McCrory Calarco Jessica , Lynch Teresa
Published: August 2018

How do physical digital inequalities persist as technology becomes commonplace? We consider this question using surveys and focus groups with U.S. college students, a group that has better than average connectivity. Findings from a 748-person nonrepresentative survey revealed that ownership and use of cellphones and laptops were nearly universal. However, roughly 20% of respondents had difficulty maintaining access to technology (e.g., broken hardware, data limits, connectivity problems, etc.). Students of lower socioeconomic status and students of color disproportionately experienced hardships, and reliance on poorly functioning laptops was associated with lower grade point averages. Focus group and open-ended data elaborate these findings. Findings quantitatively validate the technology maintenance construct, which proposes that as access to information and communication technology peaks, the digital divide is increasingly characterized by the (in)ability to maintain access. Data highlight overlooked nuances in digital access that may inform social disparities and the policies that may mitigate them.
Frame-Induced Group Polarization in Small Discussion Networks
Authors: Gabbay Michael , Kelly Zane , Reedy Justin , Gastil John
Published: August 2018

We present a novel explanation for the group polarization effect whereby discussion among like-minded individuals induces shifts toward the extreme. Our theory distinguishes between a quantitative policy under debate and the discussion’s rhetorical frame, such as the likelihood of an outcome. If policy and frame position are mathematically related so that frame position increases more slowly as the policy becomes more extreme, majority formation at the extreme is favored, thereby shifting consensus formation toward the extreme. Additionally, use of a heuristic frame can shift the frame reference point away from the policy reference, yielding differential polarization on opposing policy sides. We present a mathematical model that predicts consensus policy given group member initial preferences and network structure. Our online group discussion experiment manipulated policy side, disagreement level, and network structure. The results, which challenge existing polarization theory, are in qualitative and quantitative accord with our theory and model.
Shahbag Stolen? Third Force Dynamics and Electoral Politics in Bangladesh
Authors: Roy Anupam Debashis
Published: August 2018

The Shahbag Movement, demanding capital punishment for war criminals of the 1971 liberation war in Bangladesh, emerged in February 2013 in Dhaka. This youth-led grassroots movement erupted in response to infuriating establishment party politics as a populist third force, wanting closure to the painful memories of Bangladesh’s freedom struggle by seeking justice for the atrocities of 1971. However, perceived as siding with secular forces, Shahbag became instantly embroiled in adversarial party politics and appears to have been hijacked, as is argued here, by both major political parties of Bangladesh.

 Evaluating Shahbag as a case study for the framing tasks theory of social movements, the article supports its analysis through detailed empirical findings. Viewed historically, Shahbag may be treated as an initially powerful grassroots youth movement, akin to ‘Arab Spring’ phenomena, later stolen from the people of Bangladesh. However, a deeper analysis of Shahbag’s dynamics, accounting for the impact of the controversial national elections of January 2014, yields crucial insights about the continuing scope for a ‘third force’ in the forthcoming elections scheduled for December 2018.
Are the effects of internal focus instructions different from external focus instructions given during balance training in stroke patients? A double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kal Elmar , Houdijk Han , van der Kamp John , Verhoef Manon , Prosée Rens , Groet Erny , Winters Marinus , van Bennekom Coen , Scherder Erik
Published: August 2018

Objective:

This study aimed to assess if external focus instructions result in greater improvements in motor skill and automaticity compared to internal focus instructions in stroke patients.

Design:

Double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit.

Subjects:

A total of 63 stroke patients (Meanage = 59.6 ± 10.7 years; Meandays since stroke = 28.5 ± 16.6; MedianFunctional Ambulation Categories = 4).

Interventions:

Patients were randomly assigned to an internal ( N = 31) or external ( N = 32) focus instruction group. Both groups practiced a balance board stabilization task, three times per week, for three weeks. Balance performance was assessed at baseline, and after one and three weeks of practice.

Main measures:

Primary outcome was the threshold stiffness (Nm/rad) at which patients could stay balanced. Secondary outcomes were patients’ sway (root-mean-square error in degrees) at the baseline threshold stiffness under single- and dual-task conditions, and their performance on the Timed Up and Go Test and Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation.

Results:

Both groups achieved similar improvements in threshold stiffness (∆= 27.1 ± 21.1 Nm/rad), and single- (∆= 1.8 ± 2.3° root-mean-square error) and dual-task sway (∆= 1.7 ± 2.1° root-mean-square error) after three weeks of practice. No differences were found in improvements in clinical tests of balance and mobility. Patients with comparatively good balance and sensory function, and low attention capacity showed greatest improvements with external focus instructions.

Conclusion:

External focus instructions did not result in greater improvement in balance skill in stroke patients compared to internal focus instructions. Results suggest that tailoring instructions to the individual stroke patient may result in optimal improvements in motor skill.
Effect of Visual Attention on Binocular Fusion Limits
Authors: Kihara Ken , Ono Hiroshi
Published: August 2018

We examined the effect of visual attention on binocular fusion limits by using Posner’s spatial cueing paradigm that entails cued shifts of attentional focus. Results showed that attention decreases the fusion limit. Observers perceived diplopia of a binocular line within +/−26.5 arcmin disparity (+/− correspond to uncrossed and crossed, respectively) more frequently when it was oriented to the line than when cued attention was directed elsewhere. We discuss the results in terms of attention increasing spatial resolution and contrast sensitivity.
Intergovernmental panel on climate change’s landfill methane protocol: Reviewing 20 years of application
Authors: Krause Max J
Published: August 2018

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) protocol for predicting national methane emission inventories from landfills was published 22 years ago in the 1996 Revised Guidelines. There currently exists a broad dataset to review landfill parameters and reported values and their appropriateness in use and application in a range of site-specific, regional, and national estimates. Degradable organic carbon (DOC) content was found to range from 0.0105 to 0.65 g C/g waste, with an average of 0.166 g C/g waste. The fraction of DOC that would anaerobically degrade (DOC f) was reported to range from 50–83%, whereas higher and lower values have been experimentally determined for a variety of waste components, such as wood (0–50%) and food waste (50–75%). Where field validation occurred for the methane correction factor, values were substantially lower than defaults. The fraction of methane in anaerobic landfill gas ( F) default of 50% is almost universally applied and is appropriate for cellulosic wastes. The methane generation rate constant ( k) varied widely from 0.01 to 0.51 y−1, representing half-lives from 1 to 69 years. Methane oxidation (OX) default values of 0 and 10% may be valid, but values greater than 30% have been reported for porous covers at managed sites. The IPCC protocol is a practical tool with uncertainties and limitations that must be addressed when used for purposes other than developing inventories.
Developing the Comfort Care Case: An End-of-Life Resource for Pediatric Patients, Their Families, and Health Professionals
Authors: Goymour Kirsty-Leah , Heaton Maria , Coombs Sandra , Kelk Norm , Estreich Kylie , Sarraf Sara , Trethewie Susan , Jaaniste Tiina
Published: August 2018

Caring for a child in hospital who is approaching death, in the terminal phase, requires a focus on caring for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the child and family. Health professionals caring for these children and families may need to shift their focus from a treatment-focused approach aimed at cure or maintaining life to a comfort-focused approach. The Comfort Care Case (CCC) is a collection of resources designed for use in hospital to ease suffering and facilitate comfort within a pediatric end-of-life (EOL) context. The resources are intended to support the child, the family, and the health professionals involved in EOL care. This article describes the development, implementation, and education associated with the CCC in a tertiary pediatric hospital.
Emerging From the Haze: A Pilot Study Evaluating Feasibility of a Psychoeducational Intervention to Improve Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment in Gynecologic Cancer Survivors
Authors: Liang Margaret I. , Erich Bryce , Bailey Charlotte , Jo Mi-Yeoung , Walsh Christine S. , Asher Arash
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

The objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the (1) applicability of a 15-hour attending-taught psychoeducational intervention in a retrospective cohort and (2) feasibility of a trainee-taught intervention in a prospective cohort of patients with gynecologic cancer to help manage cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI).

Methods:

Adults with any stage gynecologic cancer who completed chemotherapy and reported cognitive complaints were eligible. Additionally, the screening criteria of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Cognition (FACT-Cog) perceived cognitive impairment (PCI) subscale score <59 was used in the prospective cohort. Validated patient-reported outcomes including FACT-Cog and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Applied Cognition Abilities and General Concerns were measured before and after the intervention.

Results:

Twelve patients underwent an attending-taught intervention between 2011 and 2014. Significant improvements in mean FACT-Cog PCI (+6.1, P < .048), quality of life (+2.4, P = .04), and total score (+9.8, P = .03) were demonstrated, while there was no significant change in mean FACT-Cog perceived cognitive abilities. Ten patients underwent a trainee-taught intervention in 2017. No significant changes in mean FACT-Cog subscale or total scores were seen. Significant improvements in PROMIS Applied Cognition Abilities (+8.2, P = .01) and PROMIS Applied Cognition General Concerns were demonstrated (−8.0, P < .01).

Conclusions:

Our psychoeducational intervention demonstrates applicability to patients with gynecologic cancer reporting CRCI and supports the feasibility of more widespread training based on improvements in validated patient-reported outcomes related to cognition.
Dental Pathology of the Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus), Part I: Congenital, Developmental, and Traumatic Abnormalities
Authors: Collados Javier , Garcia Carlos , Rice Carlos A.
Published: August 2018

The Iberian lynx is an endangered felid that has been subject to an intensive ongoing conservation program in an attempt to save it from extinction. Identification of dental pathologies could play an important role in the survival of this endangered species. The objective of this study is to evaluate the dental pathologies (congenital, developmental, and traumatic abnormalities) of this species of felid. Skulls of 88 adult specimens of the Iberian lynx ( Lynx pardinus) from the Doñana Biological Station [Estación Biológica de Doñana-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas] (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain, were examined macroscopically, and full-mouth dental radiographs of all specimens were performed. Presence, absence, form of teeth, number of roots, supernumerary teeth, and persistent deciduous teeth were evaluated. The presence of attrition/abrasion, tooth fractures, enamel hypoplasia/hypomineralization, endodontic disease, intrinsically stained teeth, and other traumatic findings were also evaluated. Abnormal grooves and dilacerations were the most common abnormalities seen in the roots of teeth. Two hundred and fifteen fractured teeth (11.3% of evaluated teeth) were detected, and mainly complicated fractures were noted in maxillary canine teeth (24.2% of fractured teeth) and mandibular canine teeth (16.7% of fractured teeth). Endodontic disease was present in 3.9% of the teeth examined. Intrinsic tooth staining was assessed in 8.5% of evaluated teeth. Of all teeth examined, 831 teeth (43.7% of evaluated teeth) exhibited some type of attrition/abrasion. Our study concluded that there is a high prevalence of dental fractures and attrition/abrasion with associated endodontic disease that could lead to impaired hunting ability as well as a threat to overall health and subsequent survival of this endangered species.
Integrating synthetic minority oversampling and gradient boosting decision tree for bogie fault diagnosis in rail vehicles
Authors: Kou Linlin , Qin Yong , Zhao Xunjun , Fu Yong
Published: August 2018

Bogies are critical components of a rail vehicle, which are important for the safe operation of rail transit. In this study, the authors analyzed the real vibration data of the bogies of a railway vehicle obtained from a Chinese subway company under four different operating conditions. The authors selected 15 feature indexes – that ranged from time-domain, energy, and entropy – as well as their correlations. The adaptive synthetic sampling approach–gradient boosting decision tree (ADASYN–GBDT) method is proposed for the bogie fault diagnosis. A comparison between ADASYN–GBDT and the three commonly used classifiers (K-nearest neighbor, support vector machine, and Gaussian naïve Bayes), combined with random forest as the feature selection, was done under different test data sizes. A confusion matrix was used to evaluate those classifiers. In K-nearest neighbor, support vector machine, and Gaussian naïve Bayes, the optimal features should be selected first, while the proposed method of this study does not need to select the optimal features. K-nearest neighbor, support vector machine, and Gaussian naïve Bayes produced inaccurate results in multi-class identification. It can be seen that the lowest false detection rates of the proposed ADASYN–GBDT model are 92.95% and 87.81% when proportion of the test dataset is 0.4 and 0.9, respectively. In addition, the ADASYN–GBDT model has the ability to correctly identify a fault, which makes it more practical and suitable for use in railway operations. The entire process (training and testing) was finished in 2.4231 s and the detection procedure took 0.0027 s on average. The results show that the proposed ADASYN–GBDT method satisfied the requirements of real-time performance and accuracy for online fault detection. It might therefore aid in the fault detection of bogies.
Thermal and load rate-dependent interaction between embedded rail system and bridge
Authors: Stančík Vojtěch , Ryjáček Pavel , Vokáč Miroslav
Published: August 2018

Recent developments in the technology of a modern embedded rail system grant many new possibilities for improving the railway infrastructure. An embedded rail system significantly reduces noise and the dynamical impact affecting both the infrastructure and the rolling stock itself. An embedded rail system may be used for constructing any type of railway infrastructure including high-speed railways. Its attributes are also suitable for modernization of the current steel railway bridges or constructing new structures, where slender bridge decks are required. However, in a railway track equipped with an embedded rail system, stress increments rise due to its restricted expansion movement. This effect is naturally higher when the embedded rail system is placed on a bridge, because of their different deformation possibilities. For a wider use of embedded rail system, examining the interaction behavior between the embedded rail system and the substructure is a matter of essential importance. Furthermore, the nonlinear character of embedded rail system polymer-based components needs to be considered when examining their interaction behavior. Therefore, this paper aims at investigating the nonlinear coupling functions of an embedded rail system under the effects of temperature and load rate. For this purpose, a comprehensive analysis consisting of laboratory experiments, material tests of the embedded rail system components and subsequent numerical validation was performed. Results are concluded in the paper.
Traction modelling in train dynamics
Authors: Wu Qing , Spiryagin Maksym , Wolfs Peter , Cole Colin
Published: August 2018

This paper presents five locomotive traction models for the purpose of train dynamics simulations, such as longitudinal train dynamics simulations. Model 1 is a look-up table model with a constant force limit to represent the adhesion limit without modelling the wheel–rail contact. Model 2 is improved from Model 1 by empirically simulating locomotive sanding systems, variable track conditions and traction force reduction due to curving. Model 3 and Model 4 have included modelling of the wheel–rail contact and traction control. Model 3 uses a two-dimensional locomotive model while Model 4 uses a three-dimensional locomotive. Model 5 is based on Model 2 and developed to simulate hybrid locomotives. Demonstrative simulations are presented for the case of longitudinal train dynamics. The results show that the consideration of locomotive sanding systems, variable track conditions and traction force reduction have evident implications on the simulated traction forces. There can be up to 30% difference in the simulated traction forces. Simulated traction forces by models that consider the wheel–rail contact are about 10–15% lower than those simulated by models without consideration of the wheel–rail contact. This is mainly due to the variable friction in the wheel–rail contact and conservative traction control schemes.
Design and testing of fibre Bragg grating force transducers for the measurement of pantograph–catenary contact force
Authors: Bocciolone Marco , Bucca Giuseppe , Collina Andrea , Comolli Lorenzo
Published: August 2018

This paper deals with the design, development and testing of a novel force transducer based on fibre-optic technology, for the measurement of contact force between a pantograph and an overhead line. Due to the particular application, in which part of the measurement chain is at high voltage and part is at ground potential, fibre-optic technology has the advantage of making the set-up easier to install and to manage with respect to the adoption of classical electrical-based transducers. Fibre Bragg grating is used as detectors in strain-based force transducers developed for this purpose. Considering that the force transducers become part of the connection between each collector of the pan head and the suspension, a proper design matching many conflicting requirements, such as encumbrance, mass, static and fatigue strength and sensitivity, is necessary. Laboratory tests and in-line tests proved the suitability of the optical force transducers. In particular, tests demonstrated that optical transducers represent an alternative to the classical electrical-based transducers for pantograph–catenary force measurement, reducing the complexity of the complete measurement set-up.
Philip Drinker versus John Haven Emerson: Battle of the iron lung machines, 1928–1940
Authors: Dhawan Naveen
Published: August 2018

The “iron lung,” originally known as the Drinker respirator, was developed in 1928 by Dr Philip Drinker and Dr Louis Agassiz Shaw to improve the respiration of polio patients. In 1931, John Haven Emerson, an inventor from Cambridge, MA, enhanced the design of the Drinker respirator and introduced a new and highly improved model of the iron lung that was cheaper and significantly lighter. Dr Drinker eventually filed a lawsuit against Emerson for alleged patent infringement. In his defense, Emerson argued that devices that help save human lives should be widely accessible to all patients. He also questioned the novelty of Drinker’s design, claiming that Drinker’s device comprised of patented technology that existed since the late 1800s, and that he therefore did not have full ownership of the machine’s intellectual property. Ultimately, the case backfired on Drinker, as he not only lost the court case but also lost the entire panel of patents that were in his possession.
The footprints of neuroscience in Alexandria during the 3rd-century BC: Herophilus and Erasistratus
Authors: Stefanou Maria Ioanna
Published: August 2018

In the first half of the 3rd-century BC in Alexandria, the Greek physicians Herophilus of Chalcedon (ca. 330 to ca. 260 BC) and Erasistratus of Chios (ca. 315 to ca. 240 BC) became the first scientists in antiquity to comprehensively study the anatomical underpinnings and the physiological properties of mind processes. Their scientific theories were based on experimental evidence arising from anatomical human dissection studies. Among their neuroscientific achievements were the discovery of the cranial nerves, the meninges, the dural sinuses and the ventricles; the delineation of the motor and sensory nerves; the appraisal of the brain as the seat of consciousness and human intellect; and the attribution of neurological disease to dysfunction of the nervous system. This paper will discuss the short-lived historical circumstances that enabled the ground-breaking progress in the domain of brain sciences during the Hellenistic period. In addition, this paper will examine the intriguing social, political and cultural interplays that determined the resonance of Herophilus and Erasistratus’s work and influenced the course of history of neuroscience.
Rising Income Inequalities in the Wake of Globalization: Emerging Challenges
Authors: Rao C. H. Hanumantha
Published: August 2018

Globalization, manifested by the fast growth in global trade, financial globalization and technological change, particularly ICT, is the main driving force behind rising inequalities, especially in the developing economies. Such technical changes typically raise the demand for skilled labour which is in short supply in these economies and is highly unequally distributed between different regions and social groups. Deficiency of public investment in infrastructure in India is responsible for the inability to fully benefit from the opportunities opened up by globalization, leading to growing regional and rural–urban disparities. Raising public investment in physical infrastructure, education and health care, and adequate priority to growth in agriculture, rural non-farm sector and manufacturing are essential to reduce inequalities by generating adequate employment opportunities. Inequalities have been rising even in mature democracies which had undergone radical social transformation. There is a need to redesign the existing framework of democracy so as to enable it to more adequately reflect the long-term societal aspirations for justice and fair-play.
Social Media Use Among Parents and Caregivers of Children With Cancer
Authors: Nagelhout Elizabeth S. , Linder Lauri A. , Austin Tara , Parsons Bridget Grahmann , Scott Brantley , Gardner Emmie , Spraker-Perlman Holly , Verma Anupam , Fluchel Mark N. , Wu Yelena P.
Published: August 2018

Social media as an effective source of information and support among parents and other caregivers of children with cancer has not been explored. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to describe caregivers’ reasons for using social media, social media sites used, and predictors of social media usage. This study sample included 215 caregivers (96% parents) of children with cancer receiving cancer-related care at a tertiary children’s hospital in the Intermountain West. Most of caregivers (74%) reported using social media in relation to their child’s cancer and reported using social media to provide and receive support and information about their child’s diagnosis or treatment. Our findings suggest that social media could be a delivery platform for future interventions seeking to meet the informational and emotional needs of caregivers of children with cancer. An awareness of how parents and caregivers of children receiving cancer-related treatment use social media can help nurses understand their ongoing informational and emotional needs. Nurses can also support parents and caregivers in selecting reputable sources of support that are accessible via social media.
Environmentally Overburdened Gulf State Residents Lack Access to Environmental Specialty Care
Authors: Meirs Kaitlyn W. , Howarth Marilyn V.
Published: August 2018

Residents in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama have experienced repeated natural and man-made environmental exposures. As frequency and intensity of exposures increase, the need for environmental specialty care rises in environmentally overburdened communities. We evaluated access to environmental health expertise in these states. We determined if providers accepted private health insurance and/or self-pay mapping their location using ArcGIS. Of sixty-four physicians meeting inclusion criteria, only eleven (17%) accepted private health insurance and thirty-four (53%) accepted self-pay. The ratio of physicians with environmental expertise who accept private health insurance and/or self-pay, to the population is < 1:1,000,000. Occupational clinics employ specialty physicians to provide care to industry employees but generally not patients with non-work-related exposure. We discuss the implications of limited access to environmental specialty care. To improve the availability of specialty expertise in this region, we recommend increased funding for training physicians in environmental exposure assessment in underserved communities, especially environmental justice communities.
Do Electronic Medical Records Improve Advance Directive Documentation? A Systematic Review
Authors: Lemon Christopher , De Ridder Michael , Khadra Mohamed
Published: August 2018

Background:

Documentation rates of advance directives (ADs) remain low. Using electronic medical records (EMRs) could help, but a synthesis of evidence is currently lacking.

Objectives:

To evaluate the evidence for using EMRs in documenting ADs and its implications for overcoming challenges associated with their use.

Design:

Systematic review of articles in English, published from inception of databases to December 2017.

Data Sources:

PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and CINAHL.

Methods/Measurements:

Four databases were searched from inception to December 2017. Randomized and nonrandomized quantitative studies examining the effects of EMRs on creation, storage, or use of ADs were included. All featured an advance care planning process. Evidence was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk assessment tool.

Results:

Fifteen studies were included: 1 randomized controlled trial, 1 randomized pilot, 4 pre–post studies, 4 cross-sectional studies, 1 retrospective cohort study, 1 historical control study, 1 retrospective observational study, 1 retrospective review, and 1 evaluation of an EMR feature. Seven studies showed that EMR-based reminders, AD templates, and decision aids can improve AD documentation rates. Three demonstrated that EMR search functions, decision aids, and automatic identification software can help identify patients who have or need ADs according to certain criteria. Five showed EMRs can create documentation challenges, including locating ADs, and making some patients more likely than others to have an AD. Most studies had an unclear or high risk of bias.

Conclusions:

Limited evidence suggests EMRs could be used to help address AD documentation challenges but may also create additional problems. Stronger evidence is needed to more conclusively determine how EMR may assist in population approaches to improving AD documentation.
Ceramic bearings for total hip arthroplasty are associated with a reduced risk of revision for infection
Authors: Madanat Rami , Laaksonen Inari , Graves Stephen E , Lorimer Michelle , Muratoglu Orhun , Malchau Henrik
Published: August 2018

Introduction:

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a serious complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and bearing material’s associations to PJI prevalence is largely unknown. The main purposes of this study were to determine if revision for infection varied depending on the type of bearing surface used in primary THA and to study whether patient or implant related factors had an effect on this variation.

Methods:

A total of 177,237 primary THA procedures from the Australian Registry (AOANJRR) were analysed. 3 bearing surfaces were compared. Metal-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene (MoXP) bearing had been used in 95,129 hips, ceramic-on-highly cross-linked polyethylene (CoXP) in 24,269 hips, and ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) in 57,839 hips. Revision rates for infection were compared between the 3 groups.

Results:

Both MoXP and CoXP had a higher revision rate for infection compared to CoC hips (hazard ratio [HR] 1.46 (1.25, 1.72), p < 0.001) and HR 1.42 (1.15, 1.75), p = 0.001 respectively). Patients aged 70 years or less had a lower revision rate for infection when a CoC bearing was used. This difference was independent of sex, and prostheses selection. No difference was evident if the femoral component was cemented or a head size of 28 mm was used.

Discussion:

In this registry-based material, use of a CoC bearing was associated with a lower risk of revision for infection in patients younger than 70 years when cementless femoral components were used. Further studies are needed to verify this finding.
Tasks of activities of daily living (ADL) are more valuable than the classical neurological examination to assess upper extremity function and mobility in multiple sclerosis
Authors: van Munster Caspar EP , D’Souza Marcus , Steinheimer Saskia , Kamm Christian P , Burggraaff Jessica , Diederich Manuela , Kravalis Kristina , Dorn Jonas , Walsh Lorcan , Dahlke Frank , Kappos Ludwig , Uitdehaag Bernard MJ
Published: August 2018

Background:

Accurate clinical assessment in multiple sclerosis (MS) is challenging. The Assess MS system is being developed to automatically quantify motor dysfunction in MS, including upper extremity function (UEF) and mobility.

Objective:

To determine to what extent combinations of standardized movements included in the Assess MS system explain accepted measures of UEF and mobility.

Methods:

MS patients were recruited at four European MS centres. Eight movements were selected, including tasks of activities of daily living (ADL) and classical neurological tests. Movements were recorded on video and rated by experienced neurologists ( n = 5). Subsequently, multivariate linear regression models were performed to explain the variance of the Nine-Hole Peg Test (9HPT), Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (AMSQ) and Timed-25 Foot Walk test (T25WT).

Results:

In total, 257 patients were included. The movements explained 62.9% to 80.1% of the variance of the 9HPT models, 43.3% and 44.3% of the AMSQ models and 70.8% of the T25WT. In all models, tasks of ADL contributed most to the variance.

Conclusion:

Combinations of movements are valuable to assess UEF and mobility. Incorporating ADL tasks into daily clinical practice and clinical trials may be more valuable than the classical neurological examination of UEF and mobility.
Resistance to temptation in toddlers at genetic risk for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Campbell Susan B , Northrup Jessie B , Tavares Amy B
Published: August 2018

Children with autism spectrum disorder often demonstrate difficulties with self-regulation, although studies of this construct in young children with autism spectrum disorder are limited. In this study, developmental changes were examined using a measure of self-regulation appropriate for young children, resistance to temptation. At 22, 28, and 34 months, toddlers with an older sibling with autism spectrum disorder (high risk) and toddlers with typically developing older siblings (low risk) were presented with an appealing toy and instructed not to touch it. Observers coded whether or not children touched the toy and the strategies they used to resist touching it. At 36 months, children were assessed for autism spectrum disorder, yielding three groups: high risk children with autism spectrum disorder, high risk children without autism spectrum disorder, and low risk children. At 22 months, most children, regardless of group, touched the forbidden toy; at 28 and 34 months, many high risk children without autism spectrum disorder and low risk children resisted the temptation to touch the toy, whereas most of the children with autism spectrum disorder did not. Differences in delay strategies were also evident. Some, but not all group differences, were accounted for by differences in language ability. Results highlight one early index of impulse control that differentiates children with emerging autism spectrum disorder from age-mates prior to the third birthday.