bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement and Validation of the Common Land Model on Cropland Covered by Plastic Film in the Arid Region of China
Authors: Lu Sha , Zuo Hongchao
Published: July 2018

Plastic mulch is a technology used worldwide to inhibit soil evaporation and increase crop yield. The properties of plastic film are significantly different from those of the soil. Plastic mulch not only significantly alters the physical attributes of the underlying surface, but also blocks the energy and mass exchanges between the land surface and the atmosphere. This latter situation has not been depicted in current land-surface models. This study develops a detailed new model, known as CoLM-mulch, by incorporating a plastic mulch–layer submodel and a dynamic parameterization scheme of surface albedo into the Common Land Model (CoLM) land-surface process model. The updated model elements are based on data collected from an experiment that examined land–atmosphere interaction at a plastic-film-covered cropland site in an arid region of northwestern China. Results suggest that the improved CoLM-mulch could reasonably simulate the diurnal variations of soil temperature and moisture, together with radiation, water, heat, and carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes, on the cropland underlying a surface with a plastic film covering. The CoLM-mulch efficiency is higher, the deviations between the simulations and observations are minor, and the dynamic parameterization scheme for surface albedo is more reasonable and appropriate. Relative to CoLM simulations, the inclusion of plastic mulch with special optical properties in the model shows slight improvements in the simulations of the surface albedo and the radiation balance. By limiting the underlying soil evaporation and changing the aerodynamic resistances, plastic mulch in the model has influences on the turbulent exchanges between the atmosphere and the land surface. The soil temperature and moisture are improved by the inclusion of transparent plastic mulch in the model, which not only suppresses the CO2 generated by soil respiration, but also alters the CO2 exchange process between the canopy and the atmosphere as a result of the vegetation net assimilation controlled by the soil water and heat conditions.
Diminishing Arctic Sea Ice Promotes Stronger Surface Winds
Authors: Mioduszewski John , Vavrus Stephen , Wang Muyin
Published: July 2018

Projections of Arctic sea ice through the end of the twenty-first century indicate the likelihood of a strong reduction in ice area and thickness in all seasons, leading to a substantial thermodynamic influence on the overlying atmosphere. This is likely to have an effect on winds over the Arctic basin because of changes in atmospheric stability, surface roughness, and/or baroclinicity. Here we identify patterns of wind changes in all seasons across the Arctic and their likely causal mechanisms, particularly those associated with sea ice loss. Output from the Community Earth System Model Large Ensemble Project (CESM-LE) was analyzed for the recent past (primarily 1971–2000) and future (2071–2100). Mean near-surface wind speeds over the Arctic Ocean are projected to increase by late century in all seasons but especially during autumn and winter, when they strengthen by up to 50% locally. The most extreme wind speeds in the 95th percentile change even more, increasing in frequency by up to 100%. The strengthened winds are closely linked to decreasing surface roughness and lower-tropospheric stability resulting from the loss of sea ice cover and consequent surface warming (exceeding 20°C warmer in the central Arctic in autumn and winter), as well as local changes in the storm track. The implications of stronger future winds include increased coastal and navigational hazards. Our findings suggest that increasing winds, along with reduction of sea ice, rising sea level, and thawing permafrost, represent another important contributor to the growing problem of Arctic coastal erosion.
The importance of scene photography in routine coronial practice: Results of an audit with an illustrative case of suspected suicidal fatal air embolism
Authors: Johnson George A , Smith Philip , Robinson Jamie , Collis Sallyanne A , Johnson Christopher Paul
Published: July 2018

Pathologists providing a coronial autopsy service are very reliant on the information, including that concerning the body at the scene, provided prior to the post-mortem examination. This ensures the case is appropriate for a non-forensic autopsy and allows proper interpretation of the pathological and laboratory findings.

We present the results of an audit of the extent and accuracy of the information provided (in terms of a set of descriptors), in relation to the body at the scene; whether just the information on the coronial autopsy request form 97a is used, or if it is supplemented with details from the police form 97 and statements from attending officers and scene witnesses. The scene photographs were then reviewed to assess the accuracy of the other information sources and their value to the reporting pathologist. The audit showed that scene photographs are undertaken surprisingly frequently (29.6%) but this was only clear from the coronial request in 22% of referrals. More information was consistently available in the police information for most of the scene descriptors. This was usually accurate, but only partially so, with an average of 19% of relevant features. Viewing the scene photographs was deemed beneficial or essential in 51% and 41.1% of cases.

The value of scene photography is then illustrated in a case of suspected suicidal venous air embolism, where subsequent review of the images pointed strongly to the rapidity of death, with minimal blood loss but obvious targeting of a very large varicose saphenous vein in the upper thigh.
Complex Yearlong Associations Between Mental Toughness and Sport-Specific Practice Among Adolescent Estonian Volleyball Players
Authors: Raudsepp Lennart , Vink Kristi
Published: July 2018

This study tested the reciprocal associations between mental toughness (MT) and sport-specific practice (SSP) among 163 adolescent Estonian volleyball players who completed self-reported measures of MT and SSP within a 2-year, three-wave longitudinal research design. Higher MT was associated with higher SSP hours at baseline, and changes in MT and SSP were also significantly interrelated across data from both males and females. These findings have implications for the importance of SSP to increase MT, though future research should replicate this study with other participant samples.
Recycling dyed cotton textile byproduct fibers as polypropylene reinforcement
Authors: Serra Albert , Tarrés Quim , Llop Miquel , Reixach Rafel , Mutjé Pere , Espinach Francesc X.
Published: July 2018

The textile industry generates a large amount of byproducts that must be treated before being recycled or disposed of. The treatments to extract the dyeing agents are mandatory, and involve costs and interaction with toxic reagents. A relevant amount of such byproducts are short cotton dyed fibers. Cotton fibers are high-quality cellulosic fibers and can be used as composite reinforcement. In this paper, dyed cotton fibers were used to formulate, obtain and tensile test composite materials. The impact of the presence of dyes was studied and such dyes enhanced the interphase between the matrix and the reinforcement. On the other hand, when a coupling agent was incorporated to the formulation of the composites, the dyes hindered the chemical interactions between the maleic acid and the OH groups of the cellulosic fibers. Nonetheless, the composite materials showed competitive mechanical properties that were better than other natural fiber-reinforced composites and comparable to some glass fiber-based ones. Dyed cotton fibers can be used as reinforcement without further treatment, increasing the value chain of the textile industry and decreasing the chemical treatments necessary to recycle or dispose of dyed textile fibers.
Provocation in the Workplace: A Qualitative Analysis of Published Arbitration Decisions
Authors: Lucero Margaret A. , Allen Robert E.
Published: July 2018

Workplace violence has become a serious concern for managers and unions. This study examined provocation, a precursor to aggression and retaliation, using a grounded theory approach to evaluate a set of published arbitration decisions. The qualitative analysis identified different forms of behavior that provoked targets, as well as the targets’ emotional and behavioral responses to the provocation. In addition, analysis of the arbitrators’ decision provides a rich source of information on the key factors that can improve management decision making and union responses to these difficult disciplinary issues. Implications of the findings for future research are also discussed.
Letting the Fascists Speak for Themselves: The Enabling of Authoritarians and the Need for a Partisan Press
Authors: Fitzgerald Andrew A.
Published: July 2018

This article analyzes the historical media practices and conditions during the rise of the worst authoritarian movements—namely, fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. It then compares these to contemporary media practice during and since the 2016 U.S. presidential election, considering the impact of sociotechnical systems that increasingly penetrate and govern media discourse. It argues the press should not double down on journalistic objectivity but rather embrace a “little-p partisan” press—interested and invested in political outcomes. The press must engage in vociferous criticism and earnest argumentation, and such journalistic practice must not be perceived as a deviation from the false ideals of “normal times.” The perception of such deviation, and strategies to avoid these conventions like irony or satire, only leave the press more vulnerable to accusations of bias and weakened against liberal society’s greatest threats.
Consumption of licit and illicit substances in Portuguese young people: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Silva Carlos Franclim , Rocha Paula , Santos Paulo
Published: July 2018

Background

The consumption of addictive substances is common in adolescence and raises concerns about future addiction. We investigated addictive substance consumption among young people to inform the design of drug intervention programmes.

Methods

Participants were a population-based sample of 14- to 24-year-olds from Paredes, northern Portugal. A self-report questionnaire measured social and health variables, including tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug consumption.

Results

Data were analysed for 731 valid responses. Participants who had drunk alcohol did so first at 14.7 years (mean); 15.3% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 12.9–18.1) drank alcohol regularly (more than 1/week, adjusted for age and sex) (95% CI: 12.9–18.1). Participants who had smoked tobacco did so first at 14.8 years (mean); 16.6% (95% CI: 14.0–19.5) were regular smokers. Illicit drug consumption was reported by 16.7% of participants (95% CI: 14.2–19.6) and 10.4% consumed drugs regularly.

Conclusion

We found a high prevalence of addictive substance consumption, particularly alcohol. As cultural attitudes likely influence alcohol consumption, a multigenerational approach is needed to address adolescent consumption. Participants’ main sources of drug information were family members. Strategies are needed to promote drug literacy in parents and other relatives to change adolescents’ culturally acquired habits of addictive substance consumption.
Overcoming Stigma and Discrimination: Challenges for Reinsertion of Gang Members in Developing Countries
Authors: Rosen Jonathan D. , Cruz José Miguel
Published: July 2018

This article is an effort to better understand the discrimination mechanisms that ex-gang members perceive upon leaving the gang and seeking to reinsert themselves into a society marked by high levels of violence and inequality, as in Central America. Based on 24 in-depth interviews with former members of MS-13, the 18th Street gang, and other street gangs in El Salvador, this article analyzes the different mechanisms of discrimination perceived by respondents as a result of the stigma of past gang membership. This article also documents how these perceptions of discrimination can affect individuals who are searching for employment opportunities and seeking to reinsert themselves into society.
Information and communication technology use within occupational therapy home assessments: A scoping review
Authors: Ninnis Kayla , Van Den Berg Maayken , Lannin Natasha A , George Stacey , Laver Kate
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Home assessments conducted by occupational therapists can identify hazards and prevent falls. However, they may not be conducted because of limited time or long distances between the therapist’s workplace and the person’s home. Developments in technologies may overcome such barriers and could improve the quality of the home assessment process.

Method

This scoping review synthesises the findings of studies evaluating information and communication technology use within occupational therapy home assessments.

Results

Fourteen studies were included and revealed the two main approaches to technology use: the development of new applications and the use of existing and readily available technologies. Facilitators and barriers to use were also identified. Facilitators included usefulness, ease of use and the potential for cost-effectiveness. Barriers to use included poor usability, unsuitability for some populations and perceived threat to the role of occupational therapy. The synthesis revealed that traditional in-home assessments conducted by therapists are more sensitive in identifying hazards.

Conclusion

The availability of new technologies offers potential to improve service delivery; however these technologies are underutilised in clinical practice. Technologies may offer advantages in the conduct of home assessments, especially regarding efficiency, but have not yet been shown to be superior in terms of patient outcome.
Effect of sulphate attack on the flexural fatigue behaviour of fly ash–based geopolymer concrete
Authors: Long Tao , Zhang Hongen , Chen Yu , Li Zhi , Xu Jiageng , Shi Xiaoshuang , Wang Qingyuan
Published: July 2018

In this work, the erosion effect of sulphate solution on the flexural fatigue behaviour of fly ash–based geopolymer concrete was investigated. Under cyclic bending loading, the effect of sulphate attack on the fatigue life of geopolymer concrete was analysed using the static flexural strength as the damage index. Results revealed that the fatigue life of geopolymer concrete after sulphate erosion was significantly reduced compared with uncorroded samples under the same fatigue loading condition. And the fatigue life of corroded/uncorroded geopolymer concrete can be approximately described by the two-parameter Weibull distribution model. Since the sulphate attack would increase the actual stress level of corroded geopolymer concrete, a fatigue equation considering the damage index was deduced to predict the fatigue life of geopolymer concrete after sulphate attack.
Wind energy technology (WINERCOST)
Authors: Rebelo Carlos , Correia José , Baniotopoulos Charalampos , De Jesus Abílio
Published: July 2018

The special issue of the Wind Engineering journal gathers a set of invited papers presented in the International Conference on Wind Energy Harvesting that took place on 20–21 April 2017 in the University of Coimbra in Portugal and organized in the scope of the TUD COST Action TU1304 Wind energy technology reconsideration to enhance the concept of smart cities (WINERCOST). This conference and the COST action provided a forum for the presentation and discussion of different aspects of wind energy and wind energy technologies. Its principal objective was to collect the existing expertise on the Built environment Wind energy Technology (BWT) recently developed as a follow-up of the Onshore/Offshore Wind Energy Technology (ON/OFF-WET) and to investigate effective adoption methods for enabling the concept of Smart Future Cities. In addition, the utmost important issue of the social acceptance strategy will be scrutinized in close collaboration with municipality authorities, industry, manufacturers as well as the international wind energy organizations and platforms. The initiative addressed a wide variety of topics included in five themes: (1) Wind Characteristics and Loads; (2) Structures, Materials and Dynamics; (3) Grid Integration, Operations and Control; (4) Markets, Strategies, Policies; and (5) Socio-economics Smart Cities and Environmental Aspects. Also, the participation of young researchers in this action has been encouraged and pursued by giving the opportunity to the early stage researchers of the Marie-Curie Innovative Training Network AEOLUS4FUTURE to present their projects and results. The selection of papers for this special issue of the journal addressed exclusively those presented in the topic on Structures, Materials and Dynamics as well as Wind and Wave Characteristics and Loads (Baniotopoulos et al., 2017).
Aerodynamic damping in cables of overhead transmission lines subjected to wind loads
Authors: Carvalho Hermes , Correia José , Jesus Abílio de , Calçada Rui
Published: July 2018

Traditionally, the analysis of cables under the influence of wind is performed using an equivalent static analysis. However, the occurrence of countless accidents in structural systems where cables are involved, even in cases where the project speed limit has not been reached, indicates that the collapse may have been caused by dynamic actions or by underestimated values of wind speed. The aim of this article is to introduce a dynamic analysis methodology for cables under the influence of wind and its forces. The validation procedure proposed is performed through a comparison among the results obtained, results from other researches, and wind tunnel experimental results. In parallel, comparison of the results is obtained in both static and dynamic analysis.
Stability analysis of newly developed polygonal cross-sections for lattice wind towers
Authors: Sabau Gabriel , Koltsakis Efthymios , Lagerqvist Ove
Published: July 2018

The pursuit for cheaper energy is leading the current wind tower design to increased heights. Common wind turbine tower designs would generate unjustified costs for transportation and erection leading to inefficient use of materials. In order to reduce these costs, several simplified erection methods have been proposed. One of such is the hybrid lattice-tubular steel tower. For economic feasibility, built-up cold-formed polygonal cross-sections have been proposed for the lattice part. This article presents a numerical investigation of the failure modes of closed polygonal cross-sections. The first part contains a presentation of structural systems which incorporate elements composed of plates and cold-formed members. The evaluation of the polygonal sections is done by means of finite element analysis considering local and global geometrical imperfections and residual stresses generated in the fabrication procedure. A comparative study is performed between several finite element models to propose a corresponding European buckling curve for calculating the flexural buckling resistance. The results show that the design of polygonal sections can be done according to European buckling curves methodology.
Methodology to Identify On-Ramps for Metering with Consideration of System-Wide Recurrent and Non-Recurrent Congestion
Authors: Fartash Homa , Hadi Mohammed , Ponnaluri Raj
Published: July 2018

State agencies have developed warrants and guidelines for the metering of freeway on-ramps. However, these warrants only consider the traffic conditions in the vicinity of each on-ramp without considering the need to meter multiple ramps to mitigate the impacts of bottlenecks downstream. The warrants do not employ detailed analyses of traffic conditions or take advantage of the increasing availability of data from multiple sources. In addition, the existing local warrants only consider recurrent conditions with no consideration of the benefit of metering during non-recurrent events such as incidents and adverse weather. This study aims to develop a methodology for the identification of the ramps to meter that considers system-wide recurrent and non-recurrent traffic conditions based on detailed analysis of traffic data. This methodology incorporates the stochastic nature of the demand and capacity and the impacts of incidents and weather using Monte Carlo simulation and a ramp selection procedure based on a linear programming formulation. The method allows the calculation of the minimum number of ramps that need to be metered to keep flows below capacity on the freeway mainline, while keeping the on-ramp queues from spilling back to the upstream arterial street segments. The methodology can be used in conjunction with the existing local warrants to identify the ramps that need to be metered. In addition, it can be used in benefit–cost analyses of ramp metering deployments and associated decisions such as which ramps to meter and when to activate metering.
Modeling and Evaluating Traffic Flow at Sag Curves When Imposing Variable Speed Limits on Connected Vehicles
Authors: Nezafat Reza Vatani , Beheshtitabar Ehsan , Cetin Mecit , Williams Elizabeth , List George F.
Published: July 2018

Sag curves, road segments where the gradient changes from downwards to upwards, generally reduce the roadway capacity and cause congestion. This results from a change in longitudinal driving behavior when entering a sag curve as drivers tend to reduce speeds or increase headways as vehicles reach the uphill section. In this research, a control strategy is investigated through manipulating the speed of connected vehicles (CVs) in the upstream of the sag curve to avoid the formation of bottlenecks caused by the change in driver behavior. Traffic flow along a sag curve is simulated using the intelligent driver model (IDM), a time-continuous car-following model. A feedback control algorithm is developed for adjusting the approach speeds of CVs so that the throughput of the sag curve is maximized. Depending on the traffic density at the sag curve, adjustments are made for the speeds of the CVs. A simulation-based optimization method using a meta-heuristic algorithm is employed to determine the critical control parameters. Various market penetration rates for CVs are also considered in the simulations. Even at relatively low market penetration rates (e.g., 5–10%), significant improvements in travel times and throughput are observed.
Comparison of Self-Declared Mobile Use While Driving in Canada, the United States, and Europe: Results from the European Survey of Road Users’ Safety Attitudes
Authors: Woods-Fry Heather , Vanlaar Ward G. M. , Robertson Robyn D. , Torfs Katrien , Kim Woon , Van den Berghe Wouter , Meesmann Uta
Published: July 2018

Existing literature on hand-held mobile use while driving includes little research about the differences in prevalence worldwide. The current research aims to increase the available knowledge by comparing rates of self-reported hand-held mobile use behaviors while driving from three different regions (Canada, the United States, and Europe). Self-declared mobile use (talking on a hand-held mobile, sending a text message or email), personal acceptability, and attitudes toward mobile use while driving were measured as part of the E-Survey of Road Users’ Attitudes (ESRA 1) conducted in 25 countries during 2015–2016. Survey data was collected uniformly, allowing for full comparability among regions. The descriptive analysis compared rates of drivers’ mobile use behaviors, opinions, and attitudes by region. Two multivariate models predicting self-declared talking on a hand-held phone while driving, and self-declared sending of a text message or email while driving were also estimated. Regional comparisons of the descriptive results demonstrate that both self-declared behaviors were the lowest in Canada. Multivariate models show that U.S. drivers’ personal acceptability, attitudes, and support for zero-tolerance measures had a significant effect on their self-declared rates of hand-held mobile use while driving. Furthermore, when examining self-declared talking on a hand-held mobile device while driving across all regions, a common social phenomenon known as the bandwagon effect was found, as those who agreed that almost all car drivers occasionally talk on a hand-held mobile while driving were 2.41 times more likely to report doing so themselves. Implications and suggestions for further research are discussed.
Renewed Activism for the Labor Movement: The Urgency of Young Worker Engagement
Authors: Tapia Maite , Turner Lowell
Published: July 2018

In this article, the authors consider the findings of a multi-year, case study-based research project on young workers and the labor movement in four countries: France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The authors examine the conditions under which young workers actively engage in contemporary labor movements. Although the industrial relations context matters, the authors find the most persuasive explanations to be agency-based. Especially important are the relative openness and active encouragement of unions to the leadership development of young workers, and the persistence and creativity of groups of young workers in promoting their own engagement. Embodying labor’s potential for movement building and resistance to authoritarianism and right-wing populism, young workers offer hope for the future if unions can bring them aboard.
Immigrant Women's Mental Health in Canada in the Antenatal and Postpartum Period
Authors: Urindwanayo Desire
Published: July 2018

Immigrant women constitute a relatively large sector of Canadian society. In 2011, immigrant women made up a fifth of Canada's female population, the highest proportion in 100 years; based on the current trends of immigration, this proportion is expected to grow over the next 20 years. As women immigrate and find themselves simultaneously experiencing an unfamiliar environment, being unacquainted with societal norms, and lacking vital social networks, they become vulnerable to mental health problems. This article aims to undertake a narrative review of the literature on immigrant women's mental health in Canada during antenatal and postpartum care by employing the transnational theory as a theoretical framework. The article starts with an overview of the theoretical framework, followed by a discussion on a literature review that particularly talks about culture, isolation and social support network, social determinants of health, and access to health care as elements to consider in avoiding mental health problem among immigrant women in antenatal and postpartum care. The literature shows a high number of depression among immigrant women, and mental health problems are higher among visible minorities than Caucasians. The highest antenatal and postpartum depression recorded are 42% and 13%, respectively. As Canada has long been and continues to be the land of immigrants, addressing the multiple factors affecting immigrant women's mental health is paramount to Canada truly achieving “health for all.”
The EMALT Score: An Improved Model for Prediction of Early Mortality in Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Lindenmeyer Christina C. , Kim Ahyoung , Sanghi Vedha , Lopez Rocio , Niyazi Fadi , Mehta Neal A. , Flocco Gianina , Kapoor Aanchal , Carey William D. , Romero-Marrero Carlos
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

Needs, risks, and outcomes of patients admitted to a post liver transplant intensive care unit (POLTICU) differ in important ways from those admitted to pretransplant intensive care units (ICUs). The aim of this study was to create the optimal model to risk stratify POLTICU patients.

Methods:

Consecutive patients who underwent first deceased donor liver transplantation (LT) at a large United States center between 2008 and 2014 were followed from admission to LT and to discharge or death. Receiver–operating characteristic analysis was performed to assess the value of various scores in predicting in-hospital mortality. A predictive model was developed using logistic regression analysis.

Results:

A total of 697 patients underwent LT, and 3.2% died without leaving the hospital. A model for in-hospital mortality was derived from variables available within 24 hours of admission to the POLTICU. Key variables best predicting survival were white blood cell count, 24-hour urine output, and serum glucose. A model using these variables performed with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.88, compared to the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease, which performed with AUCs of 0.74 and 0.60, respectively.

Conclusion:

An improved model, the early mortality after LT (EMALT) score, performs better than conventional models in predicting in-hospital mortality after LT.
A Comparative Study of Totalitarian Style Partner Control in Seoul and Beijing: Confucian Sex Role Norms, Secrecy, and Missing Data
Authors: Emery Clifton R. , Wu Shali , Chan Ko-Ling
Published: July 2018

Totalitarian style partner control is seldom studied apart from intimate partner violence (IPV) independently as an outcome. This article uses a comparative study of Beijing and Seoul to begin to address this gap in the research. We collected three-stage probability proportional to size cluster samples of married/partnered women from Beijing ( n = 301) and Seoul ( n = 459), using refusal conversion to keep response rates high. We hypothesized (1) totalitarian style partner control will be positively associated with Confucian sex role norms at the (a) individual and (b) neighborhood levels, (2) totalitarian style partner control will be positively associated with IPV secrecy at the (a) individual and (b) neighborhood levels, and (3) totalitarian style partner control will be positively associated with the need for refusal conversion. Mixed effects (multilevel) regression models supported all three hypotheses at the individual level. Surprisingly, neighborhood socioeconomic status was positively associated with totalitarian style partner control. The combined data conceal important differences between Beijing and Seoul. The rate of totalitarian style partner control is more than 5 times higher in Seoul, and Confucian sex role norms, at both the individual and neighborhood levels, predict totalitarian style control there. Based on our findings, we infer that cultural emphases on face may play very different roles in the etiology of totalitarian partner control in the two cities.
Preparation, characterization, and properties of polystyrene/Na-montmorillonite composites
Authors: Dağ Sibel Erol , Bozkurt Pınar Acar , Eroğlu Fatma , Çelik Meltem
Published: July 2018

A series of polystyrene (PS)/unmodified Na-montmorillonite (Na-MMT) composites were prepared via in situ radical polymerization. The prepared composites were characterized using various techniques. The presence of various functional groups in the unmodified Na-MMT and PS/unmodified Na-MMT composite was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Morphology and particle size of prepared composites was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). According to the XRD and TEM results, the interlayer spacing of MMT layers was expanded. SEM images showed a spongy and porous-shaped morphology of composites. TEM revealed the Na-MMT intercalated in PS matrix. The thermal stability of PS/unmodified Na-MMT composites was significantly improved as compared to PS, which is confirmed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The TGA curves indicated that the decomposition temperature of composites is higher at 24–51°C depending on the composition of the mixture than that of pure PS. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that the glass transition temperature of composites was higher as compared to PS. The moisture retention, water uptake, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area, and specific pore volume of composites were also investigated. Water resistance of the composites can be greatly improved.
Do Hybrid Firms Out-Provide Traditional Business Structures? An Examination of Prosocial Behavior in North Carolina Firms
Authors: Graddy-Reed Alexandra
Published: July 2018

With the rise of social enterprises has come a push for formal hybrid legal forms. Hybrid structures formalize a for-profit model with a social mission but carry no tax benefits. Using the case of North Carolina, this article examines a sample of formal hybrid firms and variation in their prosocial practices compared with informal social enterprises and traditional for-profit and nonprofit entities. Using firm-level survey data, Poisson estimations reveal that formal hybrid firms are associated with additional production-related prosocial practices as compared with traditional for-profits, informal social enterprises with both for-profit and nonprofit structures, and traditional nonprofits. This study contributes to the literatures on organizational identity and prosocial behavior as well as to the field of social enterprise by offering a comparison of formal and informal hybrid identification with a relatively large sample quantitative analysis.
Correction and retraction practices in library and information science journals
Authors: Ajiferuke Isola , Adekannbi Janet O.
Published: July 2018

Retraction of scholarly publications ensures that unqualified knowledge is purged from the scientific community. However, there appears to be little understanding about how this is practiced among library and information science (LIS) journals. Hence, this study investigated the correction and retraction practices of LIS journals. Journals included in the Web of Science’s information science and library science subject category were selected for the study and the characteristics of the articles corrected or retracted in those journals between 1996 and 2016 were examined. Findings show that there were 517 corrections and five retractions in LIS journals during the period. Most of the corrections made to articles in LIS journals were minor while the reasons for article retraction included plagiarism, duplication, irreproducible results and methodological errors. Our findings also reveal that on average it took about 587 days for an article to be retracted while some of the retracted articles continued to be cited after retraction. The study concluded that the average number of errors per correction was lower than what had been observed in medical journals while some of the retracted articles continued to receive positive post-retraction citations. It also recommended the inclusion of a check on the validity of literature cited by authors at the review stage as part of the quality control mechanism by publishers of LIS journals.
Gerald Klatskin (1910–1986): A pioneer in hepato-biliary disorders and biopsy techniques
Authors: Ramai Daryl , Zakhia Karl , Etienne Denzil , Asarian Armand , Reddy Madhavi
Published: July 2018

The widespread use of liver biopsies underscores its utility and significance within the field of medicine. Dr. Gerald Klatskin’s pioneering work on liver biopsy techniques, as well as his study of liver histopathology, paved the way for its diagnostic and therapeutic applications around the world. His attention to detail as well as meticulous account of hilar cholangiocarcinoma has had a lasting impact on the medical community. Eponymously, the tumor was named after him—Klatskin’s tumor. Klatskin was also well known and respected for his commitment and devotion to his fellows who themselves went on to hold prestigious academic positions and make significant contributions of their own. The life and work of Klatskin documents a pioneering hepatologist and devoted teacher.
Assessment of India’s Fiscal and External Sector Vulnerability: A Balance Sheet Approach
Authors: Pradhan Krishanu
Published: July 2018

The article is an attempt to assess India’s fiscal and external sector vulnerability in the context of the deterioration in major macroeconomic indicators in recent years. The balance sheet approach (BSA) developed mainly by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is applied to analyse episodes of major fiscal, financial and external payment crises in developing countries between the late 1990s to early 2000. The present work assesses the vulnerability in India’s fiscal and external sectors by descriptive and comparative analyses of relevant indicators and developing a composite vulnerability index (CVI) consisting of the indicators under study. Fiscal or external sector vulnerability can also be assessed by how easily or smoothly a government or a nation can finance its budgetary deficit or rollover of debt or the external sector funding needs. The method of financing and management of debt-related liabilities become important in this context. This may get reflected in currency composition, maturity pattern and ownership pattern of liabilities. The CVI score and favourable currency composition, maturity pattern and ownership pattern of liabilities largely helped India reduce both fiscal and external sector liabilities significantly in recent years.

JEL Classification: E60, F34, H63
The Regional Impact of Biofuel Economics
Authors: Walter Stefan
Published: July 2018

The European Commission has developed a series of regulatory measures to introduce alternative energy technologies, including a binding target for a specified share of biofuel in petrol and diesel, in European Union (EU) member states. The instruments to achieve this goal include taxation, subsidies and legal restraints. Biofuel suffers from the problem of being uncompetitive, and the intervention addresses the price gap between conventional fuel and biofuel.

The enthusiasm for biofuel is particularly high in peripheral regions such as the northern provinces of Sweden and Finland. Expectations include renewed economic growth and employment opportunities. However, when studying the economic impact of the biofuel regulatory framework with the help of the concept of property economics, it becomes clear that the framework generates investment in biofuel production due to distorted price signals and expected profits. From the perspective of property economics, the biofuel framework challenges property rights as it requires people’s appropriated means to be put into the effort of biofuel production. The artificial change of investment conditions may lead to the formation of an investment bubble. This distorts the interweaving structure of capital goods, which contributes to the manufacturing of biofuel, including machinery and wood products. As bubbles are bound to burst, people in the affected territories may be left with a lower living standard and greater exposure to the consequences. Therefore, the biofuel regulatory framework leads to unsustainable conditions.

JEL Classification: O10, O20
Perceptions of Caring Between Slovene and Russian Members of Nursing Teams
Authors: Pajnkihar Majda , Vrbnjak Dominika , Kasimovskaya Natalia , Watson Roger , Stiglic Gregor
Published: July 2018

Purpose: To measure the perceptions of caring between Slovene and Russian members of nursing teams and compare the results with earlier findings in other European Union countries. Method: A cross-sectional study that included nurses and nursing assistants in Slovenia ( n = 294) and Russia ( n = 531). Data were collected using the 25-item Caring Dimensions Inventory. Results: The most endorsed item for Slovene and Russian members of nursing teams was an item related to medication administration. All items that were endorsed by Russian participants were also endorsed by Slovenian participants; however, they ascribed a different level of importance to individual aspects of caring. Discussion: Compared with other European Union countries, such as the United Kingdom and Spain, Slovenian and Russian members of nursing teams endorsed more technical aspects of nursing duties as caring, suggesting cultural differences and previous influences of the biomedical model on nursing education and practice.
Understanding Scientists’ Willingness to Engage
Authors: Besley John C. , Dudo Anthony , Yuan Shupei , Lawrence Frank
Published: July 2018

A set of parallel surveys of scientists from multiple scientific societies finds that the most consistent predictors of willingness to take part in engagement activities with the public are a belief that she or he will enjoy the experience (attitude), make a difference through engagement (response efficacy), and has the time to engage. Age, sex, scientific field, what a scientist thinks about the public, perceived personal engagement skill (self-efficacy), and what a scientist thinks about her or his colleagues (normative beliefs) are inconsistent predictors. Research may be needed to find how to shape scientists’ engagement views in ways that are both effective and acceptable.
Relationship Between CHA2DS2-VASc Score and Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients With Acute Pulmonary Thromboembolism
Authors: Gök Murat , Kurtul Alparslan , Harman Murat , Kara Meryem , Süleymanoglu Muhammed , Ornek Ender
Published: July 2018

In this study, the association between the right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) and CHA2DS2-VASc (C: congestive heart failure or left ventricular systolic dysfunction, H: hypertension, A: age of ≥ 75 years, D: diabetes mellitus, S: previous stroke, V: vascular disease, A: age between 65 and 74 years, Sc: female gender) scores was investigated in patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE). The patients have been assigned to 3 subgroups as massive, submassive, and nonmassive PTE. The CHA2DS2-VASc scores were calculated for all of the patients, and the scores have been classified into 3 groups as the scores between 0 and 1, the scores of 2, and the scores of 3 and over. The independent predictors of the RVD were investigated by the univariate and multivariate regression analyses. The independent predictors of the RVD were determined to be the CHA2DS2-VASc scores ( P = .034), the systolic pulmonary artery pressure ( P < .001), the presence of acute deep vein thrombosis ( P = .007), high simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index ( P < .001), D-dimer ( P < .006), and the mean platelet volume ( P < .001). The CHA2DS2-VASc scores predicted the RVD with 70% sensitivity and 50% specificity as determined by the receiver operating characteristic analysis. The CHA2DS2-VASc score is an independent predictor of the RVD in patients with acute PTE.
Associations Between PFA-Measured Aspirin Resistance, Platelet Count, Renal Function, and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers
Authors: Chen Hung Yi , Chou Pesus
Published: July 2018

Aspirin resistance is used to describe patients who are undergoing aspirin therapy but fail for the inhibition of thromboxane biosynthesis in platelets. Although the true mechanism is unclear, drug–drug interaction remains a possible factor. The study aimed to determine whether there was association between aspirin resistance and the concomitant cardiovascular medication. Using the Platelet Function Analyzer-100 system, aspirin resistance was evaluated in aspirin-treated patients from the outpatient department. The associations between aspirin resistance and their concomitant common cardiovascular medication were analyzed. Aspirin resistance was prevalent in 147 (17.7%) of 831 patients. Concomitant angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) treatment and low platelet count were associated with aspirin response ( P = .04, .02, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed an association between aspirin response and ARB therapy (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.48; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.08-2.18). And the association was blunted when platelet count was considered (adjusted OR 1.43, 95% CI: 0.92-2.23). In ARB-treated patients, increased creatinine and decreased hematocrit laboratory data increased the risk of aspirin resistance ( P = .02, .04, respectively), and the effect of platelet count on aspirin resistance was diminished by ARB therapy. Concomitant ARB treatment in aspirin-treated patients decreased the risk of aspirin resistance, and the effect was dependent on low platelet count. In ARB-treated patients, increased creatinine and decreased hematocrit data increased the risk of aspirin resistance. In addition, the effect of platelet count on aspirin resistance was diminished by ARB treatment.
Design of a milling cutter with large length–diameter ratio based on embedded passive damper
Authors: Yang Yiqing , Wang Yunfei , Liu Qiang
Published: July 2018

A milling cutter with large length–diameter ratio has been essential in machining structural parts with deep cavity and deep hole features. However, chatter vibration is apt to occur with the increase of tool overhang. A damped milling cutter is developed by employing a single-degree-of-freedom passive damper located inside the arbor. The stiffness and damping design of the embedded damper are carried out by following the equal peaks criterion. A novel design is fulfilled to avoid the disequilibrium of the cutter during high-speed rotation, and an accurate experimental tuning of the design parameters is required to achieve the optimum vibration suppression due to a low mass ratio of 2.5%. Modal analysis demonstrates that the damped cutter with an approximate length–diameter ratio of 8 can reach 75% magnitude reduction at all orientations, which is benefical to resist milling force excitation varying with the rotation angle. Chatter stability simulation demonstrates that the damped cutter is able to increase the stability limits based on the evaluation of undamped and Sandvik cutters. Three configurations of machining tests are carried out and the design of the damped cutter is validated by the machining audio signals and machined surface roughness in the end.
Researchers as Poets: Anonymity and Fidelity in Crafting Participant “Portraits”
Authors: Earl Rinehart Kerry
Published: July 2018

Good research poetry evokes what may be learned from a study to audiences. Ethical review boards and approval committees, however, see the preservation of anonymity as a key concern. When poetic forms convey individual portraits of research participants, how might researchers craft a believable yet credible portrait instead of one where the person is recognizable to some audiences? The researcher, then, makes deliberate and intentional decisions regarding representation of research. No matter how “good” the poetry might be, the researcher’s presented work is the connection between audience (the public domain) and their research contribution (the public issue).
Ibrutinib in the management of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
Authors: Yosef Amir , Touloukian Emily Z , Nambudiri Vinod E
Published: July 2018

Bruton tyrosine kinase plays a critical role in hastening cell proliferation. Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors are a class of immunotheraputic agents that disrupt this signaling pathway. Ibrutinib, a novel Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia in patients who have failed treatment with other agents, has emerged as an important therapeutic agent in the management of Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia and other plasma cell dyscrasias. Ibrutinib has shown to increase progression free survival and improve overall mortality. We present a review of ibrutinib, beginning with an overview of the Bruton tyrosine kinase pathway and clinically relevant gene mutations impacting treatment and prognosis for patients with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, followed by evidence supporting therapeutic indications for ibrutinib, and detailing its safety and efficacy evidence, current clinical guidelines, adverse effects and their management, and finally challenges of drug resistance. We also present findings on newly developed Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the therapeutic pipeline to provide readers insight into this rapidly evolving corner of oncology pharmacy practice.