bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traumatic Brain Injury Incidence, Clinical Overview, and Policies in the US Military Health System Since 2000
Authors: Swanson Thomas M. , Isaacson Brad M. , Cyborski Cherina M. , French Louis M. , Tsao Jack W. , Pasquina Paul F.
Published: January 2017

Exposure to explosive armaments during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom contributed to approximately 14% of the 352 612 traumatic brain injury (TBI) diagnoses in the US military between 2000 and 2016. The US Department of Defense issued guidelines in 2009 to (1) standardize TBI diagnostic criteria; (2) classify TBI according to mechanism and severity; (3) categorize TBI symptoms as somatic, psychological, or cognitive; and (4) systematize types of care given during the acute and rehabilitation stages of TBI treatment. Polytrauma and associated psychological and neurologic conditions may create barriers to optimal rehabilitation from TBI. Given the completion of recent combat operations and the transition of TBI patients into long-term care within the US Department of Veterans Affairs system, a review of the literature concerning TBI is timely. Long-term follow-up care for patients who have sustained TBI will remain a critical issue for the US military.
Measuring the Prevalence of Diagnosed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the United States Using Data From the 2012-2014 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Ward Brian W. , Nugent Colleen N. , Blumberg Stephen J. , Vahratian Anjel
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

This study, measuring the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), examined (1) whether a single survey question asking explicitly about diagnosed COPD is sufficient to identify US adults with COPD and (2) how this measure compares with estimating COPD prevalence using survey questions on diagnosed emphysema and/or chronic bronchitis and all 3 survey questions together.

Methods:

We used data from the 2012-2014 National Health Interview Survey to examine different measures of prevalence among 7211 US adults who reported a diagnosed respiratory condition (ie, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and/or COPD).

Results:

We estimated a significantly higher prevalence of COPD by using a measure accounting for all 3 diagnoses (6.1%; 95% CI, 5.9%-6.3%) than by using a measure of COPD diagnosis only (3.0%; 95% CI, 2.8%-3.1%) or a measure of emphysema and/or chronic bronchitis diagnoses (4.7%; 95% CI, 4.6%-4.9%). This pattern was significant among all subgroups examined except for non-Hispanic Asian adults. The percentage difference between measures of COPD was larger among certain subgroups (adults aged 18-39, Hispanic adults, and never smokers); additional analyses showed that this difference resulted from a large proportion of adults in these subgroups reporting a diagnosis of chronic bronchitis only.

Conclusions:

With the use of self- or patient-reported health survey data such as the National Health Interview Survey, it is recommended that a measure asking respondents only about COPD diagnosis is not adequate for estimating the prevalence of COPD. Instead, a measure accounting for diagnoses of emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and/or COPD may be a better measure. Additional analyses should explore the reliability and validation of survey questions related to COPD, with special attention toward questions on chronic bronchitis.
Evaluation of a Quality Improvement Resource for Public Health Practitioners
Authors: Porterfield Deborah S. , Marcial Laura H. , Brown Stephen , Throop Cynthia , Pina Jamie
Published: January 2017

Objectives:

Quality improvement is a critical mechanism to manage public health agency performance and to strengthen accountability for public funds. The objective of this study was to evaluate a relatively new quality improvement resource, the Public Health Quality Improvement Exchange (PHQIX), a free online communication platform dedicated to making public health quality improvement information accessible to practitioners.

Methods:

We conducted an internet-based survey of registered PHQIX users (n = 536 respondents) in 2013 and key informant interviews with PHQIX frequent users (n = 21) in 2014, in the United States. We assessed use of the PHQIX website, user engagement and satisfaction, communication and knowledge exchange, use of information, and impact on quality improvement capacity and accreditation readiness.

Results:

Of 462 respondents, 369 (79.9%) browsed quality improvement initiatives, making it the most commonly used site feature, and respondents described PHQIX as a near-unique source for real-world quality improvement examples. Respondents were satisfied with the quality and breadth of topics and relevance to their settings (average satisfaction scores, 3.9-4.1 [where 5 was the most satisfied]). Of 407 respondents, 237 (58.2%) said that they had put into practice information learned on PHQIX, and 209 of 405 (51.6%) said that PHQIX had helped to improve quality improvement capacity. Fewer than half of respondents used the commenting function, the Community Forum, and the Ask an Expert feature.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest that PHQIX, particularly descriptions of the quality improvement initiatives, is a valued resource for public health practitioners. Users reported sharing information with colleagues and applying what they learned to their own work. These findings may relate to other efforts to disseminate quality improvement knowledge.
Numerical simulation of swirling airflow dynamics in vortex spinning
Authors: Shang Shanshan , Yu Chongwen , Li Meiling
Published: January 2017

In this paper, a computational fluid dynamics model has been established and a three-dimensional numerical simulation of the flow characteristics of airflow in a vortex spinning nozzle has been carried out. A realizable k-ɛ model is used to simulate the turbulence of airflow in the nozzle. Unstructured tetrahedral grids which have good adaptability to complex boundaries are used in this paper to mesh the computational region. The computational model of the airflow field is solved and the characteristics of airflow in a vortex spinning nozzle are obtained. The results show that the flow principle of the airflow is determined by the pressure distribution of the airflow. The airflow field in the nozzle can be divided into external and internal areas, according to the flow characteristics and functions of airflow. The trajectory of swirling airflow from the jet orifices has a regular rotational motion within the twisting chamber, but the trajectory of swirling airflow from nozzle inlet is complex and backflow occurs; finally, these two strands of airflow are fused together as a regular rotational motion.
Real or Ideal? A Narrative Literature Review Addressing White Privilege in Teacher Education
Authors: Bennett Jacob S. , Driver Melissa K. , Trent Stanley C.
Published: January 2017

A narrative literature review was conducted to examine how researchers address the concept of White privilege in teacher education using critical race theory. A Boolean search revealed 26 articles met criteria for inclusion. Findings show most researchers ( n = 15, 55%) investigated perceptions of White privilege within individual multicultural education courses and not comprehensively at the teacher education program level. Many White preservice teachers had difficulty connecting race-based privilege with systemic inequities. Implications for future research and training preservice teachers are provided.
Fractional order linear time invariant system stabilization by brute-force search
Authors: Alagoz Baris Baykant
Published: January 2017

Fractional calculus increases their applications in system design and analysis problems because of providing more realistic modeling of real systems. Owing to computational complexity of fractional calculus, the computer-aided design and analysis methods are required for engineering applications of fractional order systems. This study presents a numerical method for parametric robust stabilization of fractional order systems by employing single-parameter perturbation. This method implements a fractional order perturbation strategy on the basis of brute-force search technique for system stabilization problems. In order to meet a predefined minimum argument root design specification, the proposed algorithm searches for a desired placement of the minimum argument characteristic root within the first Riemann sheet by performing iterative perturbations of the fractional order. This approach can provide a straightforward numerical solution for robust stabilization problems of fractional order systems by employing an order perturbation scheme. Moreover, a possible utilization of a fractional order derivative operator as a system stabilizer is theoretically discussed. Illustrative examples show the utilization of the proposed stabilization algorithms for computer-aided fractional order system design applications.
High order sliding mode control with estimation for vehicle active suspensions
Authors: Ozer Hasan Omur , Hacioglu Yuksel , Yagiz Nurkan
Published: January 2017

In this study, a new high order sliding mode controller (HOSMC), based on super twisting algorithm (STA), is proposed for vehicle active suspensions. It is well known that first order sliding mode controller (SMC) is insensitive to parameter variations and external disturbances. On the other hand, it suffers from chattering present in control signal that may harm the mechanical components of the system. Therefore, HOSMC is preferred in this study that attenuates chattering effectively while preserving its robustness. Proposed HOSMC uses an estimation for the equivalent part of the control signal and uses the STA for the discontinuous part of the control law. Additionally, the controller gains are obtained by offline multi-objective genetic algorithm search. Extensive simulations and experimental results are presented to reveal the performance of the proposed controller. First order SMC is also designed and used for comparison. The results indicate the superior performance of the proposed HOSMC.
Functional Systems as Metric Forms and Institutions as Non-metric Forms: A Neo-Luhmannian Approach
Authors: Guy Jean-Sébastien
Published: January 2017

The article develops a new pair of fundamental concepts – metric and nonmetric – by exploiting the contrast between systems theory and neo-institutionalism. Borrowed from Manuel DeLanda, the concepts aims at describing the properties of social forms arising in a crowd of individuals functioning as a medium of communication. It is argued that neo-institutionalism privileges nonmetric forms. The crowd is rearranged into distinct groups just like space can be divided into topological zones. Individuals in the crowd take their identity from the group they are in: actor or non-actor, rational or non-rational, etc. By opposition, systems theory emphasizes metric forms as in the case of the functional systems of modern society analyzed by Niklas Luhmann. Each metric form is based on a signal activated by the circulation of individuals inside the crowd and thus creating a modulating flow. Metric forms are not tied to specific individuals. For the flow to go on, it is not necessary for the same individuals who once triggered the signal in the past to return and trigger it again. Anyone will do! Metric forms are truly different from their nonmetric counterparts since they do not categorize individuals by grouping them (or group individuals by categorizing them).

JEL: B5, Y8
Freedom of Speech and Silent Youth Protest in Bhutan
Authors: Christensen Line Kikkenborg
Published: January 2017

This article suggests that a political censorship regime exists in Bhutan and that appeals to ensure security and sovereignty of the country, rather than power, are used to uphold this regime. Fieldwork uncovers that fear of how authorities may punish anyone in open opposition is widespread among Bhutanese college students. A number of political issues are characterised as ‘sensitive’ by informants and skilful navigation around them is needed. The perception of free speech as limited inspires self-censorship in public and in private among Bhutanese college students. Free speech is practised in culturally specific ways and online, where anonymous opposition against the established correct ‘non-discourse’ is known as ‘silent protests’.
Making and remaking the political: Lessons from the US experience of civic and political engagement in the teaching of political science
Authors: Blair Alasdair
Published: January 2017

This article sets out the case for the need for a greater level of academic debate by UK political scientists with regard to the teaching of civic and political engagement. Drawing on lessons from the United States, the article notes the relative absence of debate by UK scholars on these matters. This is despite similar concerns about levels of civic and political activity within society. The article argues that a greater focus on civic and political engagement in the teaching of political science would improve the overall health of the discipline, enhance levels of student knowledge and understanding, as well as responding to wider societal concerns.
Good faith and (dis)honest mistakes? Learning from Britain’s Iraq War Inquiry
Authors: Thomas Owen D
Published: January 2017

The recent ‘Chilcot’ Inquiry judged that British participation in the 2003 Iraq War was neither right nor necessary. When reading the final report of over 2.6 million words, I warn against seeking accountability solely in terms of intent and individual culpability, such as questioning whether the government deceived the public. There also needs to be an examination of the rationalities and power relations that allowed figures such as Tony Blair to believe, and still believe, that the war was for the common good. Doing so reveals how the preemptive logics behind the war endure today.
Curcumin for neuropsychiatric disorders: a review of in vitro, animal and human studies
Authors: Lopresti Adrian L
Published: January 2017

Turmeric has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a range of ailments. Its primary active constituent curcumin, can influence an array of biological activities. Many of these, such as its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and monoaminergic effects are dysregulated in several neuropsychiatric disorders. In this systematic review, in vitro, animal, and human studies investigating the potential of curcumin as a treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, and autism are reviewed, and directions for future research are proposed. It is concluded that curcumin is a promising, natural agent for many of these conditions, however, further research utilising robust, clinical designs are essential. The problem associated with the poor oral bioavailability of standard curcumin also requires consideration. Currently the greatest support for the efficacy of curcumin is for the treatment of major depressive disorder.
Do Public Employees “Game” Performance Budgeting Systems? Evidence From the Program Assessment Rating Tool in Korea
Authors: Sohn Hosung , Bae Kwang Bin
Published: January 2017

We examine whether performance budgeting systems such as the Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART) induce public employees to engage in “gaming” behavior. We propose an algorithm for detecting gaming behavior that makes use of the discrete nature of the PART system in Korea (KPART) and the revealed patterns of the distribution of the KPART scores. By employing the test developed by McCrary, we find suspicious patterns in the density of the KPART scores and evidence points to the fact that manipulation is prevalent in the KPART system. Our analysis suggests that public employees are sensitive to negative incentives and that great care must be taken when designing performance budgeting systems.
The higher the pitch the larger its crossmodal influence on visuospatial processing
Authors: Fernández-Prieto Irune , Navarra Jordi
Published: January 2017

High-pitched sounds generate larger neural responses than low-pitched sounds. We investigated whether this neural difference has implications, at cognitive level, for the “vertical” representation of pitch. Participants performed a speeded detection of visual targets that could appear at one of four different spatial positions. Rising or falling frequency sweeps were randomly presented before the visual target. Faster reaction times to visual targets appearing above (but not below) a central fixation point were observed after the presentation of rising frequencies. No significant effects were found for falling frequency sweeps and visual targets presented below fixation point. These results suggest that the difference in the level of arousal between rising and falling frequencies influences their capacity for generating spatial representations. The fact that no difference was found, in terms of crossmodal effects, between the two upper positions may indicate that this “spatial representation of pitch” is not specific for any particular spatial location but rather has a widespread influence over stimuli appearing in the upper visual field. The present findings are relevant for the study of music performance, the design of musical instruments, and research in areas where visual and auditory stimuli with certain complexity are combined (music in advertisements, movies, etc.).
Efficacy and safety study on a new compound associating low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid in the treatment of hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Abate Michele , Salini Vincenzo
Published: January 2017

The combined use of low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA) has never been reported in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this paper was to evaluate the efficacy of a new hybrid association of both preparations in patients suffering from hip OA and to compare the results with those obtained retrospectively from a cohort of patients treated with high molecular weight HA.

Twenty patients with moderate-severe hip OA (grade II–IV according to Kellgren-Lawrence score) were enrolled in the study group. After clinical and functional evaluation (Visual Analogue Scale [VAS] for pain, Lequesne Index, Harris Hip Score), each participant received an intra-articular ultrasound-guided injection of the new HA compound at baseline and after 40 days. The measures were repeated at three and six months. The data collected were retrospectively compared with those obtained in a cohort of 20 patients, matched for sex, age, and severity of hip OA, treated with high molecular weight hyaluronic acid.

The intra-group comparison showed a significant improvement in clinical and functional outcomes at three and six months in both cohorts, while the infra-group comparison showed better results in the patients treated with the study compound at six months (VAS at rest, P <0.04; VAS during activities, P <0.02; Harris Hip Score, P <0.001).

The present study is the first which demonstrates that a combination of low and high molecular weight HA is effective and safe in the management of patients suffering from hip OA and provides better therapeutic results in comparison to high molecular weight HA. We may infer that both HA preparations work synergically, enhancing their positive activities.
Neurologic Complications in Children With Scorpionism: A Retrospective Study in Upper Egypt
Authors: Saad Khaled , El-Hamed Mohamed A. Abd , Abo-Elela Mohamed Gamil M. , Ahmed Ahmed E. , Abdel-Baseer Khaled A. , Aboul-Khair Mohamed Diab , Metwalley Kotb Abbass , El-Houfey Amira A. , Hasan Gamal M. , El-Shareef Ahmad M.
Published: January 2017

Scorpion envenomation is a life-threatening health problem in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly among children. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiologic characteristics, clinical profile, and prognosis of neurologic complications among children with scorpionism in Upper Egypt. In this retrospective study, the neurologic complications of scorpionism in 2 university hospitals were analyzed from the points of epidemiologic and clinical picture and outcomes. The neurologic manifestations were found at a high percentage (85%). Irritability was the main manifestation (83.4%), followed by sweating (81.5%), hyperthermia (33.6%), and priapism (48.2% of males). Moreover, convulsion and coma were found in 14.7% and 11% of children, respectively. Neurologic manifestations were common in children with scorpionism and they correlated with poor outcome. Identification of epidemiologic and clinical features of central nervous system complications of scorpionism in children provide important data, helping in development of management policies aiming at preventive control of scorpionism and decrease its mortality.
Retrospective Dual‐Center Study of Parenteral Nutrition–Associated Cholestasis in Premature Neonates: 15 Years' Experience
Authors: Yan Weihui , Hong Li , Wang Ying , Feng Yi , Lu Lina , Tao Yijing , Wu Jiang , Ruan Huijuan , Tang Qingya , Cai Wei
Published: January 2017

Background: The pathogenesis of parenteral nutrition–associated cholestasis (PNAC) has not been clarified. The objective of this study was to explore the incidence of PNAC in premature infants without surgery and to identify associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: Premature neonates who received parenteral nutrition (PN) at least 14 days were included in a retrospective, dual‐center study. Cholestasis was diagnosed as conjugated bilirubin ≥2 mg/dL. Infants with metabolic liver disease, cyanotic congenital heart disease, congenital syphilis, hepadnaviridae infection, and those who underwent surgery were excluded. Infants were divided into 3 groups chronologically: group A (2000–2004, n = 50), group B (2005–2009, n = 283), and group C (2010–2014, n = 741). A case‐controlled study was conducted by comparing infants with PNAC to those without PNAC. Results: Of 1074 premature neonates, PNAC was confirmed in 53 infants (4.93%). There were 6.8% very low birth weight (BW) infants and 20.0% extremely low BW infants who developed PNAC. The incidence of PNAC decreased slightly during 2000–2014 (8.0%, 6.4%, and 4.2% in groups A, B, and C, respectively). Compared with those without PNAC, infants with PNAC (n = 53) had significantly younger gestational age, lower BW, longer PN duration, and higher rate of sepsis. Logistic regression showed male sex, PN duration ≥43 days, and sepsis were statistically correlated with PNAC. Conclusions: Prolonged duration (≥43 days), male sex, and sepsis are probably independent risk factors for developing PNAC in premature neonates.
Moving Beyond Cis-terhood
Authors: Nanney Megan , Brunsma David L.
Published: January 2017

In 2013, controversy sparked student protests, campus debates, and national attention when Smith College denied admittance to Calliope Wong—a trans woman. Since then, eight women’s colleges have revised their admissions policies to include different gender identities such as trans women and genderqueer people. Given the recency of such policies, we interrogate the ways the category “woman” is determined through certain alignments of biology-, legal-, and identity-based criteria. Through an inductive analysis of administrative scripts appearing both in student newspapers and in trans admittance policies, we highlight two areas U.S. women’s colleges straddle while creating these policies: inclusion/exclusion scripts of self-identification and legal documentation, and tradition-/activism-speak. Through these tensions, women’s college admittance policies not only construct “womanhood” but also serve as regulatory norms that redo gender as a structuring agent within the gendered organization.
How to Green: Institutional Influence in Three US Cities
Authors: Lamphere Jenna A. , Shefner Jon
Published: January 2017

The green economy holds the potential for addressing key dilemmas of sustainability by mitigating environmental degradation while reviving working and middle-class occupations. In effect, the green economy is a redevelopment practice that requires shifts in values and norms. We build on development scholars and others in our examination of institutions to determine the central roles played in fomenting vibrant green economies in three US cities: Chicago, IL, Little Rock, AR, and Knoxville, TN. Findings suggest that although a sustainable green economy requires inputs from a similar and core set of institutional actors, the role each plays is diverse, differing by case. Additionally, green economy development requires coordinated planning within and across institutions. Planning is often the most difficult strategy, as actors often have different values and goals, but without it, green economy development is unlikely.
Modelling of thrust force for worn drill bits characterised by cutting edge radius in drilling carbon fibre–reinforced plastic/Ti-6Al-4V alloy stacks
Authors: Luo Bin , Zhang Kaifu , Li Yuan , Cheng Hui , Liu Shunuan
Published: January 2017

Wear rates are rapid when drilling carbon fibre–reinforced plastics/Ti-6Al-4V alloy stacks because of their distinct mechanical properties. Tool wear leads to a high thrust force, thereby reducing the quality of the drilled holes. This article develops a novel mechanistic model for carbon fibre–reinforced plastics/Ti-6Al-4V stacks, which is characterised by the cutting edge radius, to predict the variation of the thrust force when drilling with worn drill bits. Drilling experiments with varying feed rates were performed using carbide twist drill bits. The thrust force and drill edge profile were measured to calibrate and validate the presented model. The edge radius increases with both the cutting distance and number of drilled holes at varying feed rates. It was found that the growth rate of the edge radius increased with the feed rate with identical cutting distances, whereas it decreased slightly with the feed rate when the number of drilled holes was identical. Tool wear reduces the equivalent rake angle of the drill edge, resulting in higher thrust force. The maximum thrust force increases almost linearly with the edge radius of worn drills for both materials. The predicted thrust force curves are in very good agreement with the measured curves during the entire process. Average absolute errors of the maximum thrust force for carbon fibre–reinforced plastics and Ti-6Al-4V alloy are 3.24% and 1.88%, respectively.
Climate change, equity and the Sustainable Development Goals: an urban perspective
Authors: Reckien Diana , Creutzig Felix , Fernandez Blanca , Lwasa Shuaib , Tovar-Restrepo Marcela , Mcevoy Darryn , Satterthwaite David
Published: January 2017

Climate change is acknowledged as the largest threat to our societies in the coming decades, potentially affecting large and diverse groups of urban residents in this century of urbanization. As urban areas house highly diverse people with differing vulnerabilities, intensifying climate change is likely to shift the focus of discussions from a general urban perspective to who in cities will be affected by climate change, and how. This brings the urban equity question to the forefront. Here we assess how climate change events may amplify urban inequity. We find that heatwaves, but also flooding, landslides, and even mitigation and adaptation measures, affect specific population groups more than others. As underlying sensitivity factors we consistently identify socioeconomic status and gender. We synthesize the findings with regard to equity types – meaning outcome-based, process-oriented and context-related equity – and suggest solutions for avoiding increased equity and justice concerns as a result of climate change impacts, adaptation and mitigation.
‘One can hardly call them homophobic’: Denials of antigay prejudice within the same-sex marriage debate
Authors: Jowett Adam
Published: January 2017

The United Kingdom’s Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act (2013) was framed by the Government as an equality measure and, as such, those who opposed the legislation were likely to be sensitive to possible accusations of prejudice. This article examines opposition to marriage equality within the British press and explores how denials of homophobia were made. Opponents to same-sex marriage attended to commonsense notions of ‘homophobes’, either by aligning their views with categories of persons not typically considered homophobic or by distancing their views from a homophobic other. Opponents also offered a counter-accusation that it was liberal supporters of same-sex marriage who were intolerant. Parallels are drawn with discursive literature on racist discourse and it appears that despite social scientists’ attempts to expand the concept of antigay prejudice, homophobia is commonly referred to in terms of irrational bigoted individuals.
Students’ Perceptions of the Value Addition of Management Education and its Enablers and Barriers
Authors: Singh Anup K. , Misra Richa
Published: January 2017

Today, all stakeholders are concerned about the value of management education to its students and thus its ultimate value addition to the industry. Faculty, employers and students differ in their perceptions of the value addition of management education. The present study attempts to understand the value addition of management education from the perspective of students. The three most important value additions of management education to students were self-confidence, communication and management skills. Further, the study examines the enablers of learning in management education. Experiential pedagogy, faculty and personality development activities emerged as the most important enablers. The study also investigates the barriers of learning. The three key barriers were information overload, ineffective assessment and irrelevant courses. The findings are discussed in the light of curriculum redesign of management education programmes. We recommend the need for management education to be more student centric and employability oriented, using experiential and project-based pedagogy. Finally, the article highlights the limitations of the present work and provides the directions for the future research.
A novel pumping magnetorheological damper: Design, optimization, and evaluation
Authors: Zhang Xinjie , Li Zhihua , Guo Konghui , Zheng Fumiao , Wang Zhong
Published: January 2017

Magnetorheological damper has been widely used for improving vehicle ride comfort and handling because of its excellent performance. Numerous reinforced structures of magnetorheological dampers have been developed to enhance their dynamic performance and heat dissipation. This article presents a novel pumping magnetorheological damper with one-way pumping flow and dual-stage coil-in-cylinder magnetic system. Its dynamic model and inductive time constant are derived. Then, the structural parameters are optimized via a fast multi-objective genetic algorithm. Furthermore, a pumping magnetorheological damper prototype is tested and evaluated. The proposed pumping magnetorheological damper is able to perfectly balance the dynamic performance, heat dissipation efficiency, and structure flexibility via one-way pumping flow and coil-in-cylinder magnetic system, which has a promising application prospect in semi-active suspensions.
Primer in Genetics and Genomics, Article 2—Advancing Nursing Research With Genomic Approaches
Authors: Lee Hyunhwa , Gill Jessica , Barr Taura , Yun Sijung , Kim Hyungsuk
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

Nurses investigate reasons for variable patient symptoms and responses to treatments to inform how best to improve outcomes. Genomics has the potential to guide nursing research exploring contributions to individual variability. This article is meant to serve as an introduction to the novel methods available through genomics for addressing this critical issue and includes a review of methodological considerations for selected genomic approaches.

Approach:

This review presents essential concepts in genetics and genomics that will allow readers to identify upcoming trends in genomics nursing research and improve research practice. It introduces general principles of genomic research and provides an overview of the research process. It also highlights selected nursing studies that serve as clinical examples of the use of genomic technologies. Finally, the authors provide suggestions about how to apply genomic technology in nursing research along with directions for future research.

Conclusions:

Using genomic approaches in nursing research can advance the understanding of the complex pathophysiology of disease susceptibility and different patient responses to interventions. Nurses should be incorporating genomics into education, clinical practice, and research as the influence of genomics in health-care research and practice continues to grow. Nurses are also well placed to translate genomic discoveries into improved methods for patient assessment and intervention.
The role of international exhibition venues in marketing exhibitors’ destinations
Authors: Abou-Shouk Mohamed A , Zoair Nagoua I , Farrag Mohammed M , Hewedi Mahmoud M
Published: January 2017

Exhibition venues are an important tool in promoting exhibitors’ destination image. Venues act as a communicative environment for both visitors and exhibitors. This study, using structural equation modelling to analyse responses of 1000 visitors to the Egyptian venue at the Expo 2015 in Italy, examines the effect of the venue image’s dimensions on improving the image of the Egyptian destination and the intentional visiting behaviour of participants. This study fulfils the research gap of testing the effect of exhibition venue image on promoting the exhibitor’s home country’s image. It is revealed that venue design, facilities, staff, available information and comfort have positively affected exhibitors’ country image promotion and the intentional behaviour of visitors. There are some insights to destination marketers on how to use expositions’ exhibitors to market their tourist destinations.
‘How I Feel About My School’: The construction and validation of a measure of wellbeing at school for primary school children
Authors: Allen Kate , Marlow Ruth , Edwards Vanessa , Parker Claire , Rodgers Lauren , Ukoumunne Obioha C , Seem Edward Chan , Hayes Rachel , Price Anna , Ford Tamsin
Published: January 2017

There is a growing focus on child wellbeing and happiness in schools, but we lack self-report measures for very young children. Three samples ( N = 2345) were combined to assess the psychometric properties of the How I Feel About My School (HIFAMS) questionnaire, which was designed for children aged 4–8 years. Test–retest reliability was moderate (intraclass correlation coefficient = .62). HIFAMS assessed a single concept and had moderate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha values from .62 to .67). There were low correlations between scores on the child-reported HIFAMS and parent and teacher reports. Children at risk of exclusion had significantly lower HIFAMS scores than the community sample (mean difference = 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) = [1.6, 3.2]; p < .001). Schools contributed only 4.5% of the variability in HIFAMS score, the remaining 95.5% reflecting pupil differences within schools. Girls’ scores were 0.37 units (95% CI = [0.16, 0.57]; p < .001) higher than boys, while year group and deprivation did not predict HIFAMS score. HIFAMS is a promising measure that demonstrates moderate reliability and discriminates between groups even among very young children.
Presidentialism and legislative fragmentation: Beyond coattail effects
Authors: Golosov Grigorii V , Kalinin Kirill
Published: January 2017

Using data from a nearly comprehensive set of the world’s electoral democracies, 1992–2014, this article empirically evaluates the impact of presidentialism upon legislative fragmentation. The analysis demonstrates that the impact is strong, consistent across a wide variety of political contexts, and conditioned by the type of presidential regime, the scope of presidential powers, electoral system effects, and essential party system properties. While much of the reasoning regarding the interplay between presidentialism and legislative fragmentation has been traditionally focused on short-term coattail effects of presidential elections, this study shows that these effects are real, but they are insufficient to make a significant impact upon the parameter of crucial importance for the functioning of presidential regimes: the number of parties in the legislature. The main impact of presidentialism is systemic, stemming from its tendency to restrict the number of parties to a limited set of viable competitors for the presidential prize.
A clustering-based strategy for automated structural modal identification
Authors: de Almeida Cardoso Rharã , Cury Alexandre , Barbosa Flávio
Published: January 2017

Structural health monitoring of civil infrastructures has great practical importance for engineers, owners and stakeholders. Numerous researches have been carried out using long-term monitoring, such as the Rio–Niterói Bridge in Brazil, the former Z24 Bridge in Switzerland and the Millau Bridge in France. In fact, some structures are continuously monitored to supply dynamic measurements that can be used for the identification of structural problems such as the presence of cracks, excessive vibration or even to perform a quite extensive structural evaluation concerning its reliability and life cycle. The outputs of such an analysis, commonly entitled modal identification, are the so-called modal parameters, that is, natural frequencies, damping rations and mode shapes. Therefore, the development and validation of tools for the automatic modal identification during normal operation is fundamental, as the success of subsequent damage detection algorithms depends on the accuracy of the modal parameters’ estimates. This work proposes a novel methodology to perform, automatically, the modal identification based on the modes’ estimates data generated by any parametric system identification method. To assess the proposed methodology, several tests are conducted using numerically generated signals, as well as experimental data obtained from a simply supported beam and from a motorway bridge.
Evaluation of the Effect of Radiofrequency Radiation Emitted From Wi-Fi Router and Mobile Phone Simulator on the Antibacterial Susceptibility of Pathogenic Bacteria Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli
Authors: Taheri M. , Mortazavi S. M. J. , Moradi M. , Mansouri S. , Hatam G. R. , Nouri F.
Published: January 2017

Mobile phones and Wi-Fi radiofrequency radiation are among the main sources of the exposure of the general population to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). Previous studies have shown that exposure of microorganisms to RF-EMFs can be associated with a wide spectrum of changes ranged from the modified bacterial growth to the alterations of the pattern of antibiotic resistance. Our laboratory at the nonionizing department of the Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation Protection Research Center has performed experiments on the health effects of exposure to animal models and humans to different sources of electromagnetic fields such as cellular phones, mobile base stations, mobile phone jammers, laptop computers, radars, dentistry cavitrons, magnetic resonance imaging, and Helmholtz coils. On the other hand, we have previously studied different aspects of the challenging issue of the ionizing or nonionizing radiation-induced alterations in the susceptibility of microorganisms to antibiotics. In this study, we assessed if the exposure to 900 MHz GSM mobile phone radiation and 2.4 GHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from common Wi-Fi routers alters the susceptibility of microorganisms to different antibiotics. The pure cultures of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli were exposed to RF-EMFs generated either by a GSM 900 MHz mobile phone simulator and a common 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi router. It is also shown that exposure to RF-EMFs within a narrow level of irradiation (an exposure window) makes microorganisms resistant to antibiotics. This adaptive phenomenon and its potential threats to human health should be further investigated in future experiments. Altogether, the findings of this study showed that exposure to Wi-Fi and RF simulator radiation can significantly alter the inhibition zone diameters and growth rate for L monocytogenes and E coli. These findings may have implications for the management of serious infectious diseases.
Emotion Blends and Mixed Emotions in the Hierarchical Structure of Affect
Authors: Watson David , Stanton Kasey
Published: January 2017

We explore the implications of a hierarchical structure, consisting of (a) the higher order dimensions of nonspecific Positive Activation and Negative Activation and (b) multiple specific negative affects (e.g., fear, sadness, and anger) and positive affects (e.g., joviality, self-assurance, and attentiveness) at the lower level. Emotional blends of the same valence (e.g., simultaneously experiencing both fear and sadness) are an essential part of this structure and form the basis of the higher order Negative and Positive Activation dimensions. Mixed cross-valence emotions (e.g., feeling both nervous and alert) are not central to this hierarchical scheme but are compatible with it. We examine the frequency of pure emotional states, same-valence emotional blends, and cross-valence mixed emotions in a large momentary mood sample.
Hierarchical Brain Systems Support Multiple Representations of Valence and Mixed Affect
Authors: Man Vincent , Nohlen Hannah U. , Melo Hans , Cunningham William A.
Published: January 2017

We review the psychological literature on the organization of valence, discussing theoretical perspectives that favor a single dimension of valence, multiple valence dimensions, and positivity and negativity as dynamic and flexible properties of mental experience that are contingent upon context. Turning to the neuroscience literature that spans three levels of analysis, we discuss how positivity and negativity can be represented in the brain. We show that the evidence points toward both separable and overlapping brain systems that support affective processes depending on the level of resolution studied. We move from large-scale brain networks that underlie generalized processing, to functionally specific subcircuits, finally to intraregional neuronal distributions, where the organization and interaction across levels allow for multiple types of valence and mixed evaluations.
The Matter of Encumbrance: How Management Structure Affects Hotel Value
Authors: Hodari Demian , Balla Panna Judit , Aroul Ramya Rajajagadeesan
Published: January 2017

Hotel owners have two fundamental concerns: the financial operating performance of their asset and its selling price. While they often contract a hotel management company to operate the hotel through a lease or management agreement, common industry perception holds that such encumbrance decreases the sales price of hotel real estate assets. This implies that owners who outsource the hotel’s management may be sacrificing a greater selling price in exchange for improved operating results. While this is a critical issue for investors given that a their returns are largely dependent on an asset’s appreciation, the impact of different management structures on the sales price of hotels has not previously been studied. A hedonic valuation model was constructed based on 442 past hotel transactions in the United Kingdom between 2000 and 2015. Hotels sold encumbered by hotel management agreements and lease agreements were found to sell at a premium compared with unencumbered properties. The impact across different geographic areas and different economic periods was also examined. Hotels under management agreement achieved the highest premiums during times of economic expansion while lease contracts did so in regional markets. The findings suggest that owners need not necessarily refrain from signing management agreements or leases out of concern for their detrimental effect on their hotel’s sales price. It also provides a strong additional selling point for management companies and should reassure lenders who prefer to underwrite loans for encumbered assets.
Reflection and connection: UK psychologists' views and experiences of blogging
Authors: Davies Emma L. , Jolley Daniel , Coiffait Fleur-Michelle
Published: January 2017

The value of using social media is being increasingly recognised among the academic community. Blogging has been identified by some researchers as a means of reaching a non-academic audience and in order to increase research citations. However, there is little research exploring this method of communication within specific disciplines. This study, therefore, explored UK psychologists' views and experiences of blogging using an online survey, of both blog writers and non-blog writers. In addition, the study sought to determine whether those who identified as blog writers when they completed the survey, and who consented to a content analysis of their posts, were still posting regularly 12 months later. The majority of the blog writers said that they wrote blogs as a means of expressing themselves and their research. Content analysis reflected the survey findings, with research as the most common category for posts, but we identified that the intended audience for such posts appeared to be other academics. Interestingly, 37% of blog writers had stopped regularly posting at the point where posts were analysed, 12 months after the survey. Moreover, despite positive attitudes and subjective norms about blogging across the sample, we also identified that respondents who were non-blog writers were reluctant to blog because they worried that their contribution may not be valued, or that they did not have the time. These findings highlight that there is work to do in order to convince psychologists to engage – and to continue doing so – with this medium of communication.
Effects of NSAIDs and hydroxyapatite coating on osseointegration
Authors: Salduz Ahmet , Dikici Fatih , Kılıçoğlu Önder Ismet , Balcı Halil Ibrahim , Akgul Turgut , Kürkçü Mehmet , Kurtoğlu Cem , Tözün Remzi
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

The aim of our study is to investigate the bone ongrowth of two different alternative surfaces and the effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on osseointegration.

Methods:

Hips of 40 New Zealand white rabbits were operated bilaterally. Hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated titanium rods were implanted into the right femur, and grit-blasted titanium rods were implanted into the left femur. They were divided into three groups. At the end of 8 weeks, both femora of the rabbits were removed and investigated biomechanically and histologically.

Results:

HA-coated implants had a significantly better failure load and “percentage of bone–implant contact” than grit-blasted implants. There was no significant difference between the medication groups as a result of the biomechanical and histologic investigations.

Conclusions:

Our results indicate that NSAIDs did not have any negative effect on the osseointegration. HA-coated implants may provide more tensile strength and greater bone–implant contact rate in comparison with grit-blasted implants.