bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stratification and Buoyancy Effect of Heat Transportation in Magnetohydrodynamics Micropolar Fluid Flow Passing Over a Porous Shrinking Sheet Using the Finite Element Method
Authors: Khan Shahid Ali , Nie Yufeng , Ali Bagh
Published: January 2020

The current study investigates the numerical solution of steady heat transportation in magnetohydrodynamics flow of micropolar fluids over a porous shrinking/stretching sheet with stratified medium and buoyancy force. Based on similarity transformation, the partial differential governing
equations are assimilated into a set of nonlinear ODEs, which are numerically solved by the finite element method. All obtained unknown functions are discussed in detail after plotting the numerical results against different arising thermophysical parameters namely, suction, magnetic, stratification,
heat source, and buoyancy parameter. Under the limiting case, the numerical solution of the velocity and temperature is compared with present work. Better consistency between the two sets of solutions was determined. To verify the convergence of the numerical solution, the calculation is made
by reducing the mesh size. The present study finds applications in materials processing and demonstrates convergence characteristics for the finite element method code.
Influence of Dynamics Viscosity on the Water Base Graphene Oxide–Ethylene Glycol/Graphene Oxide–Water Nanofluid Flow Over a Stretching Cylinder
Authors: Rehman Ali , Salleh Zabidin , Gul Taza
Published: January 2020

This research paper presents the impact of dynamics viscosity of water base GO–EG (graphene oxide–ethylene glycol)/GO–W (graphene oxide–water) nanofluid over a stretching cylinder with non-porous medium. The impact of different parameter for both velocity and
temperature profile are displayed and discussed graphically. The similarity transformation are used to convert the partial differential equation to nonlinear ordinary differential equation. The solution of the problem is obtained using the optimal homotopy analysis method (OHAM). (Liao, S.
J., 2010. An optimal homotopy-analysis approach for strongly nonlinear differential equations. Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 15, pp.2003–2016) used this method for the solution of nonlinear problem and show that this method is quickly convergent
to the approximate solution. This method gives us series solution in the form of function, and all the physical parameters of the problem involved in this method. The stability of the problems is also obtained up to the 30th order approximation using the BVPh 2.0 package. The outputs are displayed
graphically and discussed. The effects of various parameters on the skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number coefficient of base GO–EG/GO–Ware displayed and discussed.
Interhemispheric Coupling Mechanisms in the Middle Atmosphere of WACCM6
Authors: Smith A. K. , Pedatella N. M. , Mullen Z. K.
Published: January 2020

Simulations with the Community Earth System Model, version 2, using the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model version 6 [CESM2(WACCM6)] configuration, show evidence of dynamical coupling from the high latitudes of the winter middle atmosphere to the tropics and the middle and high latitudes of the summer hemisphere. Analysis of monthly and daily output covering 195 simulation years indicates that the response in the summer middle and high latitudes has a weak overall magnitude of a few kelvins or less in temperature but has a repeatable pattern whose structure and phase agree with observational studies. Lag correlation indicates that perturbations in wave activity in the winter stratosphere, as quantified by Eliassen–Palm (EP) flux divergence, are accompanied by perturbations in the transformed Eulerian-mean meridional wind extending into the summer hemisphere. There is not an appreciable correlation with momentum forcing in the summer hemisphere by either resolved waves or parameterized gravity waves. The rapid circulation response and the lack of a wave response in the summer hemisphere suggest that the interhemispheric coupling that is simulated in WACCM6 in both the stratosphere and the mesosphere owes its existence to a circulation that develops to restore balance to the zonally averaged state of the atmosphere. This is an alternative explanation for the coupling from the winter stratosphere to the summer mesosphere; previous studies have assumed a necessary role for wave activity in the summer hemisphere.
An Investigation of the Ocean’s Role in Atlantic Multidecadal Variability
Authors: Li Laifang , Lozier M. Susan , Buckley Martha W.
Published: January 2020

A mechanistic understanding of the Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV) is highly desirable since it will considerably aid regional and global climate predictions. Although ocean dynamics have long been invoked to explain the AMV, recent studies have cast doubt on its influence. Here we evaluate the necessity of ocean dynamics for the AMV using an observationally based idealized model that isolates the contribution of atmospheric forcing to the AMV. By demonstrating that this model underestimates the magnitude of the observed sea surface temperature variability in the extratropical North Atlantic, we infer that ocean dynamics contribute significantly to the AMV in this region. This inference holds when we add anthropogenic aerosol forcing and the effects of mixed layer depth variability to the idealized model. Thus, our study suggests that ocean heat transport convergence is needed to explain sea surface temperature variability in the extratropical North Atlantic. Sustained ocean observing systems in the this region will help untangle the physical mechanisms involved.
Eastern Pacific Wind Effect on the Evolution of El Niño: Implications for ENSO Diversity
Authors: Peng Qihua , Xie Shang-Ping , Wang Dongxiao , Kamae Youichi , Zhang Hong , Hu Shineng , Zheng Xiao-Tong , Wang Weiqiang
Published: January 2020

The influence of eastern tropical Pacific (EPAC; 10°S–10°N, 140°–80°W) wind anomalies on El Niño is investigated using observations and model experiments. Extreme and moderate El Niños exhibit contrasting anomalous wind patterns in the EPAC during the peak and decay phases: westerly wind anomalies during extreme El Niño and southeasterly (southwesterly) wind anomalies south (north) of the equator during moderate El Niño. Experiments with an ocean general circulation model indicate that for extreme El Niño, the eastward intrusion of westerly wind anomalies contributes to the prolonged positive sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the eastern equatorial Pacific throughout boreal spring by weakened upwelling and horizontal advection. For moderate El Niño, by contrast, both the meridional and zonal anomalous winds over the EPAC are important in the rapid (slow) SST cooling south (north) of the equator through advection and wind–evaporation–SST feedback. Atmospheric model experiments confirm that these EPAC anomalous winds are primarily forced by tropical SST anomalies. The interplay between wind and SST anomalies suggests positive air–sea feedbacks over EPAC during the decay phase of El Niño. Ocean model results show that the frequency of extreme El Niño increases when EPAC wind anomalies are removed, suggesting the importance of EPAC winds for El Niño diversity.
Decadal-Scale Changes in the Seasonal Surface Water Balance of the Central United States from 1984 to 2007
Authors: Dong Bo , Lenters John D. , Hu Qi , Kucharik Christopher J. , Wang Tiejun , Soylu Mehmet E. , Mykleby Phillip M.
Published: January 2020

Variations in climate have important influences on the hydrologic cycle. Observations over the continental United States in recent decades show substantial changes in hydrologically significant variables, such as decreases in cloud cover and increases in solar radiation (i.e., solar brightening), as well as increases in air temperature, changes in wind speed, and seasonal shifts in precipitation rate and rain/snow ratio. Impacts of these changes on the regional water cycle from 1984 to 2007 are evaluated using a terrestrial ecosystem/land surface hydrologic model (Agro-IBIS). Results show an acceleration of various components of the surface water balance in the Upper Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Great Lakes basins over the 24-yr period, but with significant seasonal and spatial complexity. Evapotranspiration (ET) has increased across most of our study domain and seasons. The largest increase is found in fall, when solar brightening trends are also particularly significant. Changes in runoff are characterized by distinct spatial and seasonal variations, with the impact of precipitation often being muted by changes in ET and soil-water storage rate. In snow-dominated regions, such as the northern Great Lakes basin, spring runoff has declined significantly due to warmer air temperatures and an associated decreasing ratio of snow in total precipitation during the cold season. In the northern Missouri basin, runoff shows large increases in all seasons, primarily due to increases in precipitation. The responses to these changes in the regional hydrologic cycle depend on the underlying land cover type—maize, soybean, and natural vegetation. Comparisons are also made with other hydroclimatic time series to place the decadal-scale variability in a longer-term context.
Doing Occupational Justice: A Central Dimension of Everyday Occupational Therapy Practice
Authors: Bailliard Antoine L. , Dallman Aaron R. , Carroll Amanda , Lee Ben D. , Szendrey Susan
Published: January 2020

Background.

The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) state that occupational justice is part of the domain of occupational therapy and that occupational justice is “an aspect of contexts and environments and an outcome of intervention” (AOTA, 2014, p. S9).

Key Issues.

Despite the increasing focus on justice in the occupational therapy and the occupational science literature, many practitioners in traditional settings do not see its relevance to their everyday practice (Galvin, Wilding, & Whiteford, 2011) or have difficulty envisioning how to enact a justice-informed practice.

Purpose.

This paper demonstrates how occupational justice is germane to all settings of occupational therapy, and how it can be enacted at micro, meso, and macro levels of occupational therapy practice.

Implications.

We argue that occupational therapy is a justice-oriented profession at its core and will discuss how occupational justice can be enacted at all levels of practice.
“Flu-Floppers”: Factors Influencing Families’ Fickle Flu Vaccination Patterns
Authors: Fogel Benjamin N. , Hicks Steven D.
Published: January 2020

While influenza vaccination in the prior year is a strong predictor of subsequent vaccination, many families do not have static vaccination patterns. This study examined factors guiding influenza vaccination decisions among parents whose children sporadically received the influenza vaccination (flu-floppers). We administered surveys to 141 flu-flopper families. Surveys included 21 factors associated with vaccine decision making. A conceptual framework of “passive” and “active” decision making was used to assess parental motivators behind vaccine decisions. The most common reason for vaccinating was a desire to prevent influenza (45%). The most common reason for not vaccinating was a belief that influenza vaccination is not effective (29%). Most parents (88%) reported an active reason in years when their child was vaccinated, while only 43% reported an active reason when their child was not vaccinated ( P < .00001). These findings may guide efforts to increase influenza vaccination rates in children most amenable to vaccination.
Understanding the gender regime in the European External Action Service
Authors: Chappell Laura , Guerrina Roberta
Published: January 2020

The EU has been a key actor in shaping European gender regimes in post-war Europe. There is a substantial amount of work on the role of the EU as a gender actor, particularly in employment and social policy. The adoption of and consistent referral to equality as a fundamental value of the EU raises important questions about the way the EU promotes ‘soft’ values in an international setting, through its security and defence policy, particularly as the EU is trying to promote itself as a normative actor. Hence, this article sets out to analyse where gender equality, as a policy frame, is located within the European External Action Service (EEAS). Through an investigation into whether the core normative principles of gender equality and mainstreaming have permeated this policy domain, we then focus on how the EEAS reflects the EU’s gender regime, which is informed by Walby’s framework, and how this shapes mainstream security and defence policies. We find that the neo-liberal foundations of the EU permeate the way the EEAS incorporates the principle of equality, leading to a shallow understanding that focuses on adding women into existing structures.
Family, Parochial, and Public Levels of Social Control and Recidivism: An Extension of the Systemic Model of Social Disorganization
Authors: Liu Lin
Published: January 2020

Although offenders’ individual-level characteristics such as attenuated family bonds and financial difficulty undermine the reentry process, these factors represent only part of the story. A complete and comprehensive understanding of reentry requires us to examine the communities to which they return. This study applies the systemic model of social disorganization theory to the reentry context. Specifically, I access the roles of private, parochial, and public levels of social control in individuals’ reentry. Findings suggest that when analyzed in separate models, all three levels of social control exhibited significant effects on recidivism. However, when accessed simultaneously in one model, private and public levels of social control but not community social control exhibited significant effects on individuals’ recidivism.
Performance-Enhancing Drug Use Among Professional Athletes: A Longitudinal Test of Social Learning Theory
Authors: Kabiri Saeed , Shadmanfaat Seyyedeh Masoomeh (Shamila) , Howell C. Jordan , Donner Christopher , Cochran John K.
Published: January 2020

This article tests Akers’s social learning theory with self-reported panel data on performance-enhancing drug (PED) use among a sample of professional athletes ( n = 510). Using latent growth curve modeling we find that intraindividual differences exist in the developmental growth trajectories of PED use and the social learning process. Specifically, both PED use and the social learning process increase over time, while those who begin with high and low levels of PED consumption and social learning replicate these patterns throughout the sports life cycle. In addition, using structural equation modeling, we find modest to moderate contemporaneous and lagged, direct, indirect, and reciprocal effects between the social learning process and PED use in a manner consistent with the theory.
Decision-Making While Passing and Visual Search Strategy During Ball Receiving in Team Sport Play
Authors: Natsuhara Takayuki , Kato Takaaki , Nakayama Masao , Yoshida Takuya , Sasaki Ryota , Matsutake Takahiro , Asai Takeshi
Published: January 2020

In many team sports, in which environmental change is constant, athletes selectively allocate attention between the approaching ball and other players, and constantly consistently making decisions regarding whom to pass the ball to. Few previous studies on decision-making in team sports such as soccer have included the ball reception phase. This study examined players’ visual search strategies during pass decisions. Using five-on-four soccer-specific film simulations from previously recorded real scenes, high-level players (HLPs) and middle-level players (MLPs) reacted to life-sized soccer scenes. We measured their visual search strategies in decision-making tasks involving ball reception and pass execution and collected their verbal reports. We employed a novel system wherein the ball is ejected toward participants according to the video clips in order to maintain perception–action coupling during the task. We found skill-based differences in decision-making accuracy, eye movement data, and verbal reports. HLPs demonstrated better decision-making than MLPs, and, in eye movement data, HLPs allocated more attention to nonmarked attackers ([ M]  =  14.1, [ SD]  =  4.8%, p <  .001, η2 = 0.39), the teammate receiving the pass ( M =  18.4, SD = 4.3%, p <  .05, η2 = 0.15), and opponents ( M =  14.6, SD =  6.3%, p <  .05, η2 = 0.17) than did MLPs. Furthermore, according to verbal reports, HLPs tended to attend to information on opponent players. Thus, visual search strategies during ball reception suggest that the position and situation of teammates and opponents are the most important information sources for accurate and consistent pass decisions.
A Middle School Program to Prevent E-Cigarette Use: A Pilot Study of “CATCH My Breath”
Authors: Kelder Steven H. , Mantey Dale S. , Van Dusen Duncan , Case Kathleen , Haas Alexandra , Springer Andrew E.
Published: January 2020

Objectives:

From 2017 to 2018, electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use increased 78% among high school students and 48% among middle school students in the United States. However, few e-cigarette prevention interventions have been evaluated. We determined the feasibility and initial effectiveness of “CATCH My Breath,” an e-cigarette prevention program, among a sample of middle schools in central Texas.

Methods:

Twelve middle schools in Texas (6 intervention schools and 6 control schools) participated in the CATCH My Breath pilot program during 2016-2017. CATCH My Breath is rooted in social cognitive theory, consists of 4 interactive in-class modules, and is collaboratively administered via classroom and physical education teachers, student–peer leaders, and social messaging (eg, school posters). We collected 3 waves of data: baseline (January 2017), 4-month follow-up (May 2017), and 16-month follow-up (May 2018). Using school as the unit of analysis, we tested a repeated cross-sectional, condition-by-time interaction on e-cigarette ever use, psychosocial determinants of use, and other tobacco use behaviors. Analyses controlled for school-level sociodemographic characteristics (eg, sex, race/ethnicity, and percentage of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch).

Results:

From baseline to 16-month follow-up, increases in ever e-cigarette use prevalence were significantly lower among intervention schools (2.8%-4.9%) than among control schools (2.7%-8.9%), controlling for covariates ( P = .01). Intervention schools also had significantly greater improvements in e-cigarette knowledge (β = 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.21-1.21; P = .008) and perceived positive outcomes (β = –0.12; 95% CI, –0.23 to –0.02; P = .02) than control schools, controlling for covariates from baseline to 16-month follow-up.

Conclusion:

Ever e-cigarette use was lower among middle schools that implemented the CATCH My Breath program than among those that did not. Replication of findings among a larger sample of schools, using a group-randomized, longitudinal study design and a longer follow-up period, is needed.
Preparation of boron nitride nanosheets using a chemical exfoliation method as a thermal conductive filler for the development of silicone thermal pads: Part II: Optimization of process parameter design on the development of a silicone thermal pad
Authors: Kuo Chung-Feng Jeffrey , Chen Po-Yen , Chen Jiong-Bo
Published: January 2020

This study developed a silicone thermal pad with high thermal conductivity and high mechanical properties. Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) with different lamella thicknesses were prepared in Part I and Al2O3 was filled with silicone rubber to prepare silicone thermal pads. The silicone thermal pads were prepared using the Taguchi method and the elimination and choice translating reality method. BNNSs with different lamella thicknesses, BNNS loading level, and Al2O3 loading level were set as control factors for the experiment. The effect of the three sets of control factors on the thermal conductivity, tensile property, and hardness of the silicone thermal pads was discussed so as to determine the optimum product optimization process parameters. According to the experimental results, the optimum experimental combination was BNNSs with lamella thickness (B24), a BNNS loading level of 20 wt%, and an Al2O3 loading level of 60 wt%. The thermal conductivity of the silicone thermal pads prepared by thermosetting was 5.25 W/mK, the maximum tensile strength was 7.55 kg/cm2, and the Shore hardness was 65.2 (Shore A). Under identical conditions, the thermal conductivity and tensile strength were higher than that of commercially available silicone thermal pads by 34.48% and 20.26%, respectively. The control factor influencing the thermal conductivity and tensile strength of silicone thermal pads was the BNNS loading level, with contribution degrees of 34.66% and 50.13%, respectively. Accurate parameter settings could be obtained for silicone thermal pad processes.
An investigation into the fabrication parameters of screen-printed capacitive sensors on e-textiles
Authors: Ferri Josue , Llinares Llopis Raúl , Moreno Jorge , Vicente Lidón-Roger Jose , Garcia-Breijo Eduardo
Published: January 2020

The design and development of textile-based capacitive sensors requires the implementation of textile capacitors with a determined capacitance. One of the main techniques to obtain these sensors is the screen-printing of conductive and dielectric inks on textiles. This paper investigates the fabrication parameters that have the most influence when designing and implementing a screen-printed capacitive sensor. In this work, a textile has been used directly as the dielectric part, influencing sensitively the value of the permittivity and the thickness of the dielectric of the capacitor. These are two fundamental parameters for the estimation of its capacitance. The choice of the conductive ink, its viscosity and solid content, as well as printing parameters, such as printing direction, also impact on the manner for obtaining the electrodes of the capacitive sensor. Although the resulting electrodes do not represent an important parameter for the estimation of the capacitance, it determines the selection of fabrics that can be printed. As a result of the investigation, the paper provides a guideline to choose the materials, such as fabrics or inks, as well as the printing parameters, to implement e-textile applications based on projected capacitive technologies. The experiments carried out on different fabrics and inks have provided results with capacities of less than 60 pF, the limit where the sensors based on capacitive technologies are located.
Reducing Hospitalizations and Emergency Department Visits in Patients With Venous Thromboembolism Using a Multicomponent Care Transition Intervention
Authors: Kapoor Alok , Bloomstone Sarah , Javed Saud , Silva Matt , Lynch Ann , Yogaratnam Dinesh , Carlone Brian , Springer Katelyn , Maheswaran Abiramy , Chen Xiaoshuang , Nagy Ahmed , Elhag Rasha , Markaddy Edna , Aungst Timothy , Bartlett Donna , Houng Diana , Darling Chad , McManus David , Herzig Shoshana J. , Barton Bruce , Mazor Kathy
Published: January 2020

Preventing utilization of hospital and emergency department after diagnosis of venous thromboembolism is a complex problem. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of a care transition intervention on hospitalizations and emergency department visits after venous thromboembolism. We randomized adults diagnosed with a new episode of venous thromboembolism to usual care or a multicomponent intervention that included a home pharmacist visit in the week after randomization (typically occurring at time of discharge), illustrated medication instructions distributed during home visit, and a follow-up phone call with an anticoagulation expert scheduled for 8 to 30 days from time of randomization. Through physician chart review of the 90 days following randomization, we measured the incidence rate of hospital and emergency department visits for each group and their ratio. We also determined which visits were related to recurrent venous thromboembolism, bleeding, or anticoagulation and which where preventable. We enrolled 77 intervention and 85 control patients. The incidence rate was 4.50 versus 6.01 visits per 1000 patient days in the intervention versus control group (incidence rate ratio = 0.71; 95% confidence interval = 0.40-1.27). Most visits in the control group were not related to venous thromboembolism or bleeding (21%) and of those that were, most were not preventable (25%). The adjusted incidence rate ratio for the intervention was 1.05 (95% confidence interval = 0.57-1.91). Our patients had a significant number of hospital and emergency department visits after diagnosis. Most visits were not related to recurrent venous thromboembolism or bleeding and of those that were, most were not preventable. Our multicomponent intervention did not decrease hospitalizations and emergency department visits.
Analysis of the Worth of the Weights in a new Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index
Authors: Rodríguez-Díaz Beatriz , Pulido-Fernández Juan Ignacio
Published: January 2020

The aim of this article is to analyze the influence of the weights when building a tourism competitiveness (TC) synthetic indicator. The most frequently used index is the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI), which is composed of 14 pillars organized into four subindexes. However, this index has been criticized especially regarding the weights. This study measures the weights using statistical methods and analyzes if they affect countries according to their stage of development. Subsequently, we applied these weights to the TTCI and to four TC synthetic indexes calculated by applying multicriteria techniques and we obtained different scenarios. These synthetic indexes enable a more realistic measurement of TC, so we analyze whether the ranking differences caused by variations in the pillar’s weights were equally relevant in the TTCI as in the different indexes proposed. We demonstrate how the choice of these weights benefits some countries while harming others.
Reducing Tourist Stereotyping: Effectiveness of Communication Messages
Authors: Tung Vincent Wing Sun
Published: January 2020

This research investigates the effectiveness of messaging strategies to reduce negative tourist stereotyping by residents given the detrimental effects of stereotyping on host–tourist relations. Study 1 examines the effects of two strategies: “prevalence of stereotyping message” (PSM) and “prevalence of counter-stereotyping message” (PCSM), compared to a control group via a between-subjects experimental design. Study 2 investigates whether eliciting a common identity between residents and tourists could further improve these strategies via a 2 (stereotype reduction: PSM vs. PCSM) × 2 (identity: tourists as residents vs. residents as tourists) between-subjects experimental design. Study 3 examines the boundary conditions of these strategies with a group of nonlocal, subgroup residents. The findings show that tourist stereotypes are malleable, and stereotype reduction efforts through communication messages could reduce biases against tourists by residents. This research contributes by connecting concepts on stereotype reduction, social norms, and social identity with tourism stereotype research.
Iterative-learning-based sliding mode control design for hypersonic vehicles with wind effects
Authors: Guo Jianguo , Su Yalu , Wang Xinming , Zhou Jun
Published: January 2020

A new sliding mode control method based on iterative learning is proposed for the longitudinal dynamics of hypersonic flight vehicles in the presence of wind effects. First, the wind effects are taken into the system by introducing the accessional attack angle, and with output-feedback transformation, the effects of the accessional attack angle and aerodynamic uncertainties are all modelled as lumped disturbances. Then, a novel sliding mode control scheme combined with command filtered technique is designed for the velocity subsystem and the altitude subsystem independently, while iterative learning laws are constructed to estimate the unknown disturbances. Furthermore, the stability and learning convergence of the system are rigorously proven via Lyapunov stability theory. By comparison, simulation results demonstrate that the presented strategy can efficiently achieve high tracking accuracy in spite of wind effects.
Adaptive periodic event-triggered control for missile-target interception system with finite-horizon convergence
Authors: Duan Dandan , Liu Chunsheng , Sun Jingliang
Published: January 2020

In this paper, the optimal control problem for finite-time missile-target interception systems is posed in a finite-horizon two-player zero-sum (ZS) differential game framework using a periodic event-triggered (PET) scheme. To solve the optimal control problem, a time-varying Hamilton-Jacobi-Issac (HJI) equation and a time-dependent cost function are constructed to deal with finite-horizon constraints, and an event-based periodic adaptive dynamic programming (ADP) algorithm is employed to find the Nash equilibrium solution for the designed HJI equation. Comparing with the traditional continuous event-triggered (ET) scheme, the proposed PET scheme only verifies the event-triggered conditions at periodic sampling instants, which reduces resource consumption in monitoring and excludes the Zeno behavior. A single critic neural network (CNN) is used to implement the proposed event-based optimal control algorithm, which reduces approximate errors bust also simplifies structures. Further, an additional error term is added in the designed weight updating law to such that the terminal constraint is also minimized over time. By resorting to Lyapunov function approach, some sufficient conditions are derived to achieve the uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB) of the ET closed-loop system and the estimation weight error of CNN. Finally, a missile-target interception system is introduced to illustrate the efficiency of the presented methods.
Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Belgrade, Serbia Nursing Home Residents: A Comparison of Two Approaches
Authors: Stojanović Marko , Vuković Milica , Jovanović Milan , Dimitrijević Srđan , Radenković Miroslav
Published: January 2020

There is currently limited information on the comparative effectiveness of the European Union(7)-potentially inappropriate medication (EU(7)-PIM) list and the Beers criteria for screening PIMs, of which PIMs are a significant concern, in the geriatric population of nursing home residents. This study aims to determine and compare the rates of PIMs detected with the Beers criteria (five sections of which the first is a list of inappropriate medications in older adults) and the EU(7)-PIM list (based on the first section of the Beers criteria). The study, conducted in Gerontology Center Belgrade ( n = 427), is retrospective and observational. The EU(7)-PIM list detected 876 PIMs, while the first section of the Beers criteria detected 782 PIMs (1,803 with all five sections). The majority of PIMs belong to psychotropic drugs (benzodiazepines being the most common). The EU(7)-PIM list detected significantly more PIMs than the first section of the Beers criteria (2.03 ± 1.63 vs. 1.83 ± 1.27; p = .0005). The number of detected PIMs with both criteria correlates with age, the number of chronic illnesses, the number of medication prescribed, and the comorbidity status. Ultimately, the EU(7)-PIM list detected more PIMs compared to the first section of the Beers criterion.
Comparison of Balance Program Outcomes among Independently Living and Assisted Living Residents
Authors: Katrancha Elizabeth D. , Bonachea Luis
Published: January 2020

Falls are a serious health concern for older adults. The purpose of this single group repeated measures intervention was to compare effects of the fall prevention program, A Matter of Balance Volunteer Lay Leader Model (MOB-VLLM), between individuals residing independently in the community (n = 24) and those residing in assisted living (AL) (n = 15). Surveys were completed immediately post intervention and 6 weeks, and 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months after. Being younger and living in AL predicted program attendance. Perceived control of fall risk increased post intervention (PS t-test: t = 4.004, df = 38, p<0.001), and the degree fear of falling impacts social activity was lower post intervention (WSR: Z = -3.104, p = 0.002). Current level of exercise was higher post intervention (WSR: Z = -2.099, p = 0.036). Control of falls, impact on social activity, fear of falling, and depression scores remained the same post intervention through follow up for both groups.
Power, bureaucracy and cultural racism
Authors: Rasool Zanib , Ahmed Zlakha
Published: January 2020

This article critically engages with the voices of South Asian, Muslim women living in Rotherham to provide an emic gaze (Pike, 1967) of the intersectional lived experience of the ‘cultural others’. Everyday voices of South Asian, Muslim women activists living in the UK are marginalised based on prejudicial cultural assumptions. We demonstrate our challenge of negative discourses of the ‘passive and culturally oppressed female’. Our activism confronts racism predicated on cultural stereotypes embedded in state structures in contemporary Britain. This article explores the actions and tensions of confronting racism by South Asian, Muslim women living in Rotherham.
Birmingham Black Sisters: Struggles to end injustice
Authors: Guru Surinder , Housee Shirin , Joshi Kalpana
Published: January 2020

This article provides a critical reflection on Birmingham Black Sisters’ (BBS) experiences of fighting racism and sexism during the 1980s, having lain dormant for three decades and now attempting to regalvanise, the article explores some of the key tensions they faced and reflects on the possibilities for future activism. The article is based on both individual contributions from BBS members, who loosely maintain contact today, as well as BBS archives (minutes and reflection) and material from a publication of one of the male dominated organisations with which BBS was involved. The views expressed here, however, are the sole responsibility of the authors. We first outline the political context in which BBS was formed in the 1980s, why we came together and what we achieved. We then highlight some of the contradictions this presented, and how these unfolded then, and their impact on us today.
Fiddling around the edges: Mainstream policy responses to the housing crisis since 2016
Authors: Robbins Glyn
Published: January 2020

Despite widespread recognition that housing is a serious social concern, policy responses have tended to be inadequate. After a brief review of the magnitude of the problem, this paper focuses on recent experience in the UK where, during a period of political volatility, housing has been the subject of significant government interventions, which in turn have provoked noteworthy reactions. However, the paper argues that all current mainstream housing policy proposals are limited by their adherence to the failed market model. Instead, a more radical agenda is proposed which draws on the UK’s successful record of public housing.

The paper summarises some of the key Conservative government housing policies since 2016 - including the influence of the Grenfell fire - and discusses the Labour Party’s response. It particularly critiques the policies of London Mayor Sadiq Khan which relegate traditional council housing in favour of more income-targeted provision. A high-profile report by the housing charity Shelter is also considered because of its apparent reluctance to include explicit reference to council housing within its recommendations, at a time when, it is argued, there is renewed interest in non-market housing alternatives.
Self-censorship narrated: Journalism in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Schimpfössl Elisabeth , Yablokov Ilya , Zeveleva Olga , Fedirko Taras , Bajomi-Lazar Peter
Published: January 2020

Bringing together empirical studies of former communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe, this Special Issue explores the relationship between censorship and self-censorship. All the cases under consideration share a history of state-led censorship. Importantly, however, the authors argue that journalism in the former Eastern bloc has developed features similar to those observed in many countries which have never experienced state socialism. This introduction presents the theoretical framework and the historical backgound that provide the backdrop for this Special Issue’s contributions, all of which take a journalist-focused angle.
Case manager–assisted rehabilitation for lumbar spinal fusion patients: an economic evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial with two-year follow-up
Authors: Oestergaard Lisa Gregersen , Christensen Finn Bjarke , Nielsen Claus Vinther , Bünger Cody Eric , Holm Randi , Helmig Peter , Søgaard Rikke
Published: January 2020

Objective:

To examine the cost-effectiveness of case manager–assisted rehabilitation as an add-on to usual physical rehabilitation after lumbar spinal fusion, given the lack of any clinical benefits found on analysing the clinical data.

Design:

Economic evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial with two-year follow-up.

Setting:

Patients from the outpatient clinics of a university hospital and a general hospital.

Subjects:

A total of 82 lumbar spinal fusion patients.

Interventions:

Patients were randomized one-to-one to case manager–assisted rehabilitation programme as an add-on to usual physical rehabilitation or to usual physical rehabilitation.

Main measures:

Oswestry Disability Index and EuroQol 5-dimension. Danish preference weights were used to estimate quality-adjusted life years. Costs were estimated from micro costing and national registries. Multiple imputation was used to handle missing data. Costs and effects were presented with means (95% confidence interval (CI)). The incremental net benefit was estimated for a range of hypothetical values of willingness to pay per gain in effects.

Results:

No impact of case manager–assisted rehabilitation on the Oswestry Disability Index or estimate quality-adjusted life years was observed. Intervention cost was Euros 3984 (3468; 4499), which was outweighed by average reductions in inpatient resource use and sickness leave. A cost reduction of Euros 1716 (–16,651; 20,084) was found in the case manager group. Overall, the probability for the case manager–assisted rehabilitation programme being cost-effective did not exceed a probability of 56%, regardless of willingness to pay. Sensitivity analysis did not change the conclusion.

Conclusion:

This case manager–assisted rehabilitation programme was unlikely to be cost-effective.
Does adding case management to standard rehabilitation affect functional ability, pain, or the rate of return to work after lumbar spinal fusion? A randomized controlled trial with two-year follow-up
Authors: Oestergaard Lisa Gregersen , Christensen Finn Bjarke , Bünger Cody Eric , Søgaard Rikke , Holm Randi , Helmig Peter , Nielsen Claus Vinther
Published: January 2020

Objective:

To examine the effect of a case manager–assisted rehabilitation programme as an add-on to usual physical rehabilitation in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion.

Design:

A randomized controlled trial with a two-year follow-up.

Settings:

Outpatient clinics of a university hospital and a general hospital.

Subjects:

In total, 82 patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion.

Interventions:

The patients were randomized one-to-one to case manager–assisted rehabilitation (case manager group) or no case manager–assisted rehabilitation (control group). Both groups received usual physical rehabilitation. The case manager–assisted rehabilitation programme included a preoperative meeting with a case manager to determine a rehabilitation plan, postsurgical meetings, phone meetings, and voluntary workplace visits or roundtable meetings.

Main measures:

Primary outcome was the Oswestry Disability Index. Secondary outcomes were back pain, leg pain, and return to work.

Results:

Of the 41 patients in the case manager group, 49% were men, with the mean age of 46.1 (±8.7 years). In the control group, 51% were male, with the mean age of 47.4 (±8.9 years). No statistically significant between-group differences were found regarding any outcomes. An overall group effect of 4.1 points (95% confidence interval (CI): –1.8; 9.9) was found on the Oswestry Disability Index, favouring the control group. After two years, the relative risk of return to work was 1.18 (95% CI: 0.8; 1.7), favouring the case manager group.

Conclusion:

The case manager–assisted rehabilitation programme had no effect on the patients’ functional disability or back and leg pain compared to usual physical rehabilitation. The study lacked power to evaluate the impact on return to work.
Systematic Review of English Early Literacy Interventions for Children Who Are Dual Language Learners
Authors: Hur Jin Hee , Snyder Patricia , Reichow Brian
Published: January 2020

Children who are dual language learners (DLLs) often have more difficulty acquiring English early literacy skills than their English monolingual peers. Much remains to be learned about efficacious early literacy instructional interventions and their effects on English early literacy skills of DLLs. The purposes of this systematic review were to describe key features of English early literacy interventions provided to children who were DLLs and their effects on English early literacy skills. We conducted an electronic database search and used additional methods to identify 25 studies. Studies varied in defining and characterizing children who were DLLs, including whether they were simultaneous versus sequential DLLs and how information was gathered about primary and secondary language exposure. Use of bilingual and monolingual instruction showed promise for enhancing English early literacy skills, although mixed findings were common when both language and code-related outcomes were measured. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
The platform as factory: Crowdwork and the hidden labour behind artificial intelligence
Authors: Altenried Moritz
Published: January 2020

This article analyses crowdwork platforms where various forms of digital labour are outsourced to digital workers across the globe. The labour of these workers is, among other things, a crucial component in the production, development and support of artificial intelligence. Crowdwork platforms are an extreme example of new forms of automated measurement, management and control of labour allowing, in turn, for the creation of hyperflexible and highly scalable workforces. Particularly on so-called microtask platforms, work is characterised by decomposition, standardisation, automated management and surveillance, as well as algorithmically organised cooperation between a great number of workers. Analysing these platforms as a paradigmatic example of an emerging digital Taylorism, the article goes on to argue that this allows the platforms to assemble a deeply heterogeneous set of workers while bypassing the need to spatially and subjectively homogenise them. These platforms create a global on-demand workforce, working in their private homes or Internet cafes. As a result, crowdwork taps into labour pools hitherto almost inaccessible to wage labour. The second part of the article investigates this tendency by looking at two sets of workers: women shouldering care responsibilities, who now can work on crowdwork platforms while performing domestic labour, as well as digital workers in the Global South. While there are clear specifics of digital crowdwork, it is also an expression of broader transformations within the world of work, concerning, for example, new forms of algorithmic management just as the return of very old forms of exploitation such as the piece wage.
Morphological Changes of the Femoral Tunnel and Their Correlation With Hamstring Tendon Autograft Maturation up to 2 Years After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Femoral Cortical Suspension
Authors: Zhang Shurong , Liu Shaohua , Yang Liqin , Chen Shuang , Chen Shiyi , Chen Jiwu
Published: January 2020

Background:

Graft healing within the femoral tunnel after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using suspensory fixation could be reflected in graft maturation and tunnel morphological changes. However, the correlation between graft maturation and femoral tunnel changes remains unclear.

Purpose:

To quantitatively evaluate femoral tunnel morphological changes and graft maturation and to analyze their correlation after ACLR using femoral cortical suspension.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Patients who underwent single-bundle ACLR with a hamstring tendon autograft using femoral cortical suspension were included. Preoperative and postoperative (at 6, 12, and 24 months) knee function were evaluated using KT-1000 arthrometer testing, the Lysholm knee scoring scale, and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) questionnaire. At 1 day, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after ACLR, 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging was performed to observe the morphology of the femoral tunnel and to evaluate graft maturation using the graft signal/noise quotient (SNQ). The Pearson product moment correlation coefficients ( r) of femoral tunnel radii versus clinical outcomes and graft SNQs at last follow-up were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 22 patients completed full follow-up. KT-1000 arthrometer, Lysholm, and IKDC scores improved over time postoperatively, but no significant improvement was seen after 12 months ( P < .05). The radius of the tunnel containing the graft and the SNQs of the femoral intraosseous graft and intra-articular graft were the highest at 6 months, and they decreased by 24 months but remained higher than their 1-day postoperative values ( P < .05). Expansion mainly occurred at the anteroinferior wall of the femoral tunnel. The tunnel aperture radius was positively correlated with SNQs of the intraosseous graft ( r = 0.591; P < .05) and intra-articular graft ( r = 0.359; P < .05) but not with clinical outcomes.

Conclusion:

After ACLR using suspensory fixation, morphological changes of the femoral tunnel were mainly observed in the part of the tunnel containing the graft, which expanded at 6 months and reduced by 24 months. Expansion mainly occurred at the anteroinferior wall of the femoral tunnel. Femoral tunnel expansion was correlated with inferior graft maturation but not with clinical outcomes.