bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recipe for Successful Meteorology Majors: Are Incoming Test Scores Indicative?
Authors: Clark Craig A.
Published: November 2019

Many high school students with a passion for meteorology visit college campuses each year, inquiring about program details and learning of the rigorous math requirements and somewhat daunting attrition risk. The natural question for many is, “Can I do it?” To address this question, the study herein has investigated the sensitivity of meteorology major outcomes at Valparaiso University to incoming test scores (based on 2008–14 first-year cohorts). These former students are classified as meteorology alumni (MET Degree), graduates of other programs (Other VU Degree), and those who left the University (Left VU). There is an additional performance classification, which indicates students who completed the program in good standing (On Track), students that completed the program with greater difficulty (Below Track), those who left the program in good academic standing (Left On Track), and those who left the program after not doing well (Left Below Track). Results indicate that incoming test scores are indeed indicative of student outcomes, with a substantially greater likelihood of being On Track and graduating with the MET Degree among students with higher incoming ACT scores. Among students who Left Below Track, signs of academic challenges typically appear within first semester calculus and/or the introductory meteorology course. Higher admission standards would increase retention and graduation rates, but at a cost of barring admission for some students who have been successful in the program.
Doklam Plateau and Three Warfares Strategy
Authors: Bisht Nagender S. P. , Jain Rajeev , Gambhir Victor
Published: November 2019

India-China border has not been formally demarcated and there are areas where both sides have differing perception of Line of Actual Control (LAC), and its perception on ground have led to a number of skirmishes and standoffs, Doklam being the most recent. The differentiating factor in this standoff was that it took place in a third country, Bhutan. This crisis will remain an important indicator of Indian and Chinese strategic behaviour in any future crisis between the two emerging powers. This will also reflect on India’s relations with other countries in South Asia and vice versa. A major aspect of Indian strategic behaviour that emerged from this crisis was that India can play the game of military brinkmanship and win it.

During this crisis, the Chinese strategy of Three Warfares was in full flow and all three components—public opinion/media, legal and psychological warfare—were unleashed on India. This article is based on Indian and Chinese government briefings and press releases, media both print and electronic of the two countries, social media, journals, government reports, and books of the two countries.
The Effects of Oil Price Shock on the Indian Economy—A Study
Authors: Sreenu Nenavath
Published: November 2019

The article examines the effects of crude oil price shocks on the Indian economy development and GDP growth for the period of 2010–2018. Currently, the Indian economy has been facing the identical issues of escalating trade disparity and continuing inflation. In this connection, the study focussed on the determination of the relationship between the speculation and crude oil price impact on the Indian economic development activity and GDP growth, and the paper investigated how oil price variations affect the Indian economy development through different networks like WPI, CP, IIP, GDP, monetary policy, trade and investment. The research paper adopted methods such as GARCH model and description to tool the volatility on both the oil and stock markets, and then an extension of the vector auto-regression (VAR) models is also applied to determine the oil price shocks’ effect on macroeconomic indicators. The outcomes of cointegration model propose that crude oil is pro-cyclical to output, and the article used VAR investigation to check the discrepancy in decomposition to capture the linear inter-dependencies among the variables.

JEL Classification: G4, G11, G15
Prediction of resin pocket geometry around rigid fiber inclusion in composite laminate by hot-pressing of prepregs
Authors: Ma Yihao , Xiaoquan Cheng , Zhang Jikui , Zhao Dafang , Huang Wenjun
Published: November 2019

In this paper, two analytic methods are presented to predict the geometry of resin pockets formed around rigid fiber inclusions at the interlayer of unidirectional prepregs. The bending strain energy is calculated on fiber scale in one method, while it is calculated on layer scale in the other method. For the fiber scale method, several fibers in thickness direction are tied together to account for the bending stiffness increase caused by the interaction between fibers. And for the layer scale method, a single ply is divided into several sublayers to account for the bending stiffness decrease caused by the sliding between adjacent fibers. Both analytic methods can provide the closed-form solution for the resin pocket width, and the analytic results agree well with experimental results. The physical consistency of two methods is proved. It is found that the resin pocket size depends mainly on ply angles of the plies close to the inclusion, and the stacking sequence has some effect.
Child Caries Management: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Dental Practice
Authors: Innes N.P. , Clarkson J.E. , Douglas G.V.A. , Ryan V. , Wilson N. , Homer T. , Marshman Z. , McColl E. , Vale L. , Robertson M. , Abouhajar A. , Holmes R.D. , Freeman R. , Chadwick B. , Deery C. , Wong F. , Maguire A.
Published: November 2019

This multicenter 3-arm, parallel-group, patient-randomized controlled trial compared clinical effectiveness of 3 treatment strategies over 3 y for managing dental caries in primary teeth in UK primary dental care. Participants aged 3 to 7 y with at least 1 primary molar with dentinal carious lesion were randomized across 3 arms (1:1:1 via centrally administered system with variable-length random permuted blocks): C+P, conventional carious lesion management (complete carious tooth tissue removal and restoration placement) with prevention; B+P, biological management (sealing in carious tooth tissue restoratively) with prevention; and PA, prevention alone (diet, plaque removal, fluorides, and fissure sealants). Parents, children, and dentists were not blind to allocated arm. Co–primary outcomes were 1) the proportion of participants with at least 1 episode of dental pain and/or infection and 2) the number of episodes of dental pain and/or infection during follow-up (minimum, 23 mo). In sum, 1,144 participants were randomized (C+P, n = 386; B+P, n = 381; PA, n = 377) by 72 general dental practitioners, of whom 1,058 (C+P, n = 352; B+P, n = 352; PA, n = 354) attended at least 1 study visit and were included in the primary analysis. The median follow-up was 33.8 mo (interquartile range, 23.8 to 36.7). Proportions of participants with at least 1 episode of dental pain and/or infection were as follows: C+P, 42%; B+P, 40%; PA, 45%. There was no evidence of a difference in incidence of dental pain and/or infection when B+P (adjusted risk difference [97.5% CI]: −2% [−10% to 6%]) or PA (4% [−4% to 12%]) was compared with C+P. The mean (SD) number of episodes of dental pain and/or infection were as follows: C+P, 0.62 (0.95); B+P, 0.58 (0.87); and PA, 0.72 (0.98). Superiority could not be concluded for number of episodes between B+P (adjusted incident rate ratio (97.5% CI): 0.95 [0.75 to 1.21]) or PA (1.18 [0.94 to 1.48]) and C+P. In conclusion, there was no evidence of a difference among the 3 treatment approaches for incidence or number of episodes of dental pain and/or infection experienced by these participants with high caries risk and established disease (trial registration: ISRCTN77044005).
Maturation of the Oral Microbiome in Caries-Free Toddlers: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Kahharova D. , Brandt B.W. , Buijs M.J. , Peters M. , Jackson R. , Eckert G. , Katz B. , Keels M.A. , Levy S.M. , Fontana M. , Zaura E.
Published: November 2019

Understanding the development of the oral microbiota in healthy children is of great importance to oral and general health. However, limited data exist on a healthy maturation of the oral microbial ecosystem in children. Moreover, the data are biased by mislabeling “caries-free” populations. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the healthy salivary and dental plaque microbiome in young children. Caries-free (ICDAS [International Caries Detection and Assessment System] score 0) children ( n = 119) and their primary caregivers were followed from 1 until 4 y of child age. Salivary and dental plaque samples were collected from the children at 3 time points (T1, ~1 y old; T2, ~2.5 y old; and T3, ~4 y old). Only saliva samples were collected from the caregivers. Bacterial V4 16S ribosomal DNA amplicons were sequenced using Illumina MiSeq. The reads were denoised and mapped to the zero-radius operational taxonomic units (zOTUs). Taxonomy was assigned using HOMD. The microbial profiles of children showed significant differences ( P = 0.0001) over time. Various taxa increased, including Fusobacterium, Actinomyces, and Corynebacterium, while others showed significant decreases (e.g., Alloprevotella and Capnocytophaga) in their relative abundances over time. Microbial diversity and child-caregiver similarity increased most between 1 and 2.5 y of age while still not reaching the complexity of the caregivers at 4 y of age. The microbiome at 1 y of age differed the most from those at later time points. A single zOTU ( Streptococcus) was present in all samples ( n = 925) of the study. A large variation in the proportion of shared zOTUs was observed within an individual child over time (2% to 42% of zOTUs in saliva; 2.5% to 38% in dental plaque). These findings indicate that the oral ecosystem of caries-free toddlers is highly heterogeneous and dynamic with substantial changes in microbial composition over time and only few taxa persisting across the 3 y of the study. The salivary microbiome of 4-y-old children is still distinct from that of their caregivers.
Does Socio-structural Context Matter? A Multilevel Test of Sexual Minority Stigma and Depressive Symptoms in Four Asia-Pacific Countries
Authors: Miedema Stephanie Spaid , Haardörfer Regine , Keyes Corey L. M. , Yount Kathryn M.
Published: November 2019

In the Asia-Pacific region, individual sexual stigma contributes to elevated rates of depression among sexual minority men. Less well understood is the role of socio-structural sexual stigma despite evidence that social context influences the experience of stigma. We use data from the United Nations Multi-country Study on Men and Violence to conduct a multilevel test of associations between individual- and cluster unit–level indicators of sexual stigma and depressive symptoms among sexual minority men ( n = 562). In the full model, individual-level sexual stigma is not associated with depressive symptoms, although there is significant variation in the association between individual stigma and depressive symptoms across clusters. Contrary to expectation, at the community level, homophobic injunctive norms are negatively associated with depressive symptoms. We discuss the implications for policies, programs, and future research to improve mental health among sexual minority men in the region.
Lay Pharmacovigilance and the Dramatization of Risk: Fluoroquinolone Harm on YouTube
Authors: Barker Kristin Kay
Published: November 2019

Sociologists have documented how the pharmaceutical industry has corrupted pharmacovigilance (PV), defined as the practices devoted to detecting and preventing adverse drug reactions (ADRs). In this article, I juxtapose the official postmarketing system of PV with firsthand accounts of ADRs as found in 60 YouTube vlogs created by 29 individuals who recount debilitating reactions to fluoroquinolones, a common class of antibiotics. Whereas official PV is said to contribute the banalization of risk, these vlogs exemplify the dramatization of risk. I consider the vlogs as instances of lay PV. They represent lay knowledge claims created in response to perceived failures in the official system of regulation. As such, lay PV shares commonalties with other articulations of lay expertise as a counter to medical authority. At the same time, this case also underscores how the YouTube platform offers new tools for the creation and distribution of lay expertise.
Perceptions and Experiences of Medical Assistance in Dying Among Illicit Substance Users and People Living in Poverty
Authors: Shaw Jessica , Harper Laura , Preston Emma , Wright Alysia , Kelly Michaela , Wiebe Ellen
Published: November 2019

Since medical assistance in dying (MAiD) became legal in Canada in 2016, there have been concerns about vulnerable people feeling pressured to end their lives. It is important to understand what people in marginalized communities know and feel about MAiD in order to help prevent any pressure to hasten death and to prevent any barriers to accessing assisted death. This qualitative study explored the perceptions and experiences of MAiD and other end-of-life care options with 46 people who were illicit substance users, living in poverty, or who worked with marginalized people in these communities. Six broad themes were identified: the importance of family, friends, and community; the effects of the opioid crisis; barriers to accessing end-of-life care services; support for MAiD; the difference between suicide and MAiD; and what constitutes a good death. Findings from this research may be used to help inform future legislation, professional guidelines, and standards of best practice.
No Evidence of Improved Emotion Perception Through Unilateral Hand Contraction
Authors: Stanković Miloš , Nešić Milkica
Published: November 2019

Previous studies have identified improved cognitive performance from unilateral hand contraction to effect contralateral hemisphere activation. As little is known of whether this activation can improve emotion perception, this study examined any differences in perception accuracy and reaction times of matching photographs of human facial expressions presented to the left or right visual fields after left versus right hemisphere activation triggered by unilateral hand contractions. We used photographs of happy, sad, and neutral facial expressions presented briefly and simultaneously (two photographs in each presentation) either unilaterally (intrahemisphere condition) or bilaterally (interhemisphere condition). We recruited 68 university student participants (aged 19–23 years) and randomly assigned half of them to squeeze a dynamometer with the right hand, while the other half squeezed with the left hand, prior to performing the Dimond face-matching task. Matching of happy faces was faster than matching of sad faces. In females (but not males), perception accuracy was higher when stimuli were presented in the right (vs. left) visual field. We found no difference in emotion perception of photographs in either unilateral (intrahemispheric) or bilateral (interhemispheric) stimuli presentations as a function of hand contractions.
Nonparametric histogram segmentation-based automatic detection of yarns
Authors: Han Yu , Luo Ling , Xie Bin , Xu Chen
Published: November 2019

Detection of yarns in fabric images is a basic task in real-time monitoring in fabric production processes since it relates to yarn density and fabric structure estimation. In this paper, a new detection method is proposed that can automatically and efficiently estimate the locations as well as the numbers of both weft and warp yarn in fabric images. The method has three sequential phases. First, the modulus of discrete partial derivatives at each pixel is projected onto the weft and warp directions to generate the accumulated histograms. Second, for each histogram, a monotone hypothesis of a nonparametric statistical approach is applied to segment the histogram. Third, according to the segmentation result, the locations of each weft and warp yarn are adaptively determined, while the fabric structure is also obtained. Numerical results demonstrate that, compared with classical yarn detection methods, which are based on image smoothing, the proposed method can estimate yarn locations and fabric structures with more accuracy, but also reduce the influence of yarn hairiness.
Hotspots of H1N1 influenza in India: analysis of reported cases and deaths (2010–2017)
Authors: Chatterjee Pranab , Seth Bhavna , Biswas Tamoghna
Published: November 2019

Influenza A (H1N1) caused significant mortality and morbidity globally. We identified the hotspots for H1N1 influenza in India using cases and deaths reported in the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program between 2010 and 2017. A total of 114,667 cases and 8543 deaths were reported from across India, at an overall case fatality rate of 7.5%. While Maharashtra accounted for 21% of cases and 31% of deaths, Delhi and Gujarat were ranked the highest based on the population-adjusted ranks for morbidity and mortality, respectively. The current analysis identified states and union territories in western India (Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra) to be especially vulnerable.
Against Interpretation as an Alternative to Invalidation
Authors: Stephenson Scott
Published: November 2019

This article evaluates the rise of interpretation as an alternative means of judicially enforcing legislative compliance with rights. Instead of the traditional method where courts are empowered to invalidate statutes that are found to be incompatible with rights, the alternative empowers courts to interpret statutes in a manner that renders them compatible with rights. It argues that interpretation emerged as an alternative to invalidation among both constitutional reformers and judges in Australia (and elsewhere) in the 1990s and 2000s because interpretation was seen as a way of addressing democratic concerns about rights-based judicial review and as a less confrontational method of resolving rights issues. The article puts forward an argument for invalidation over interpretation on the basis that interpretation’s comparative appeal is not particularly strong—there are alternative ways of addressing the democratic concerns, and the connection between invalidation and confrontation is weak—and that invalidation is a more transparent, and therefore accountable, exercise of public power than interpretation.
Employee participation and representation in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Prouska Rea , Avgoustaki Argyro , Psychogios Alexandros , Wilkinson Adrian
Published: November 2019

Using data from the 2013 European Company Survey, this article presents a study of employee involvement and participation (EIP) in decision-making in 12 Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, a context that is rather less studied but interesting because of its political past and its current emerging economic status. The study explores how these countries can be clustered according to positive employee attitude towards employee representation (ER) and EIP in decision-making. It examines the association between these two components and the effectiveness of the ER body, as well as whether there are differences between country clusters. Finally, the article examines how the degree of EIP in decision-making is related to ER body effectiveness. This research contributes to prior work by seeking to understand EIP in decision-making in an understudied sample of CEE countries and provides an insightful classification.
Judicial public relations: Determinants of press release publication by constitutional courts
Authors: Meyer Philipp
Published: November 2019

It remains unclear what institutional characteristics determine the publication of press releases by constitutional courts. Research has revealed that courts use press releases to disseminate information; however, little is known about when exactly courts choose to publish a press release on a ruling. By focusing on institutional elements, this study argues that press releases form a part of judicial public relations and are used to enhance openness and transparency surrounding specific court rulings. This argument is tested empirically via a novel dataset on the activities of the German Federal Constitutional Court. Based on 1131 senate rulings decided between 1996 and 2018, this study demonstrates that proceeding types and changes to the status quo are the main characteristics that determine the publication of court press releases, whereas intra-judicial and internal conflicts are revealed to be less influential.
More than songs and stories: The nexus between cultural records and national development
Authors: Ashie-Nikoi Edwina D
Published: November 2019

This article examines the little researched link between cultural records and national development, considering, in particular, the role African cultural information could play in spurring the continent’s development. It argues that cultural records play a significant, if oft-overlooked and little understood, role in national development. Furthermore, it suggests that if the information deposited and derived from records documenting culture is not included in policy making and analyses of development, the development process is actually shortchanged. The study pays attention to the African context in which this issue is particularly heightened due to a general disregard for the relevance of good records management to national development, and inadequate financial support for the archives, libraries, museums and indigenous knowledge centers responsible for documenting and preserving culture and heritage.
Urban nature as transformed practice – A case of multi-dimensional processing to increase public value in Copenhagen
Authors: Koefoed Oleg
Published: November 2019

Expanding participatory and network-centred engagement in urban nature, aiming at collective action and long-term benefits is a complex balance act. This article discusses a case in Copenhagen, Denmark, where the aim has been: (a) build active collaboration of actors engaging in improving urban nature (NaTur i Byen); (b) strengthen dialogue among land owners, public bodies, research, and entrepreneurship to pave the road for collaborative actions; and (c) develop new models for ecological and economic benefits in the long run. An analysis of the first phase of the project is carried out, using a multi-dimensional model. It shows that relations were developing, but a stronger set of aesthetic and knowledge sharing tools giving primacy to place could strengthen impact towards practical actions. The article discusses how such primacy of place and aesthetics could lead to an impact on urban nature, more focus on biodiversity, green spaces, and other climate change-related benefits for urban sustainability. A process model is suggested for improved public value and creation and governance of urban nature-based solutions.
A persistent outbreak of varicella in a primary school in Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Zhong Jian-ming , Zhang Meng , Huang Zhen-yu , Qiu Gui-ping , Rao Feng , Lu Zhi-hui , Chen Tianmu , Zhang Qiao-li
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To describe the epidemiological features of a school varicella outbreak in Dongguan City, China, to identify the reasons underlying persistent spread, and to assess the effectiveness of the varicella vaccine.

Methods

We identified all cases during the outbreak. We described the outbreak epidemic course and examined the influence of the following variables on the outbreak: sleeping in the dormitory, eating in school, taking school transportation, hand-washing habits, morning examinations, and effectiveness of case isolation. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) of contracting varicella.

Results

A total of 92 varicella cases were reported, accounting for 5.53% (92/1663) of all students. Among cases, 64.13% (59/92) were vaccinated. The outbreak lasted for 93 days and occurred in six generations. Vaccination coverage was between 78.05% and 85.67%. The varicella vaccine was effective in 56.63% of recipients (95% CI: 35.49–70.84%). Vaccine effectiveness significantly decreased after 4–6 years.

Conclusions

The varicella vaccine was unable to prevent virus spread even with high vaccination coverage. Delayed and inefficient isolation of cases was the primary cause of the persistent outbreak.
Feasibility of mean platelet volume as a biomarker for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Yiming , Zong Dandan , Zhan Zijie , Li Herui , Dai Zhongshang , Cui Yanan , Luo Lijuan , Zeng Zihang , He Chenjie , Chen Yan
Published: November 2019

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of mean platelet volume (MPV) as a biomarker for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

A systematic search for studies published up to March 2019 was performed in the PubMed and Web of Science databases. Three independent investigators screened the titles and abstracts of including studies according to eligibility criteria. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of eligible studies, and statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager version 5.3.

Results

A total of eight studies with 1230 COPD patients and 443 healthy controls were included in our meta-analysis. No significant differences in MPV level were identified in pairwise comparisons of the acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD), stable COPD, and control groups. Furthermore, no significant correlation was observed between MPV level and systemic inflammatory biomarkers.

Conclusions

MPV does not appear to represent a suitable biomarker of disease phase or inflammatory burden in COPD. However, future large-scale studies should be performed to further investigate the relationship between MPV and COPD.
Mini-hysteroscopy for a married virgin with a tubular ectocervical giant polyp combined with psychosexual dysfunction: a case report
Authors: Zhang Jing , Chen Qijun , Liu Yana , Qiao Lin
Published: November 2019

A 32-year-old virgin presented with psychosexual dysfunction and a mass in the vulva. The mass arose from the cervix with a thin pedicle and it was 6 × 1.5 cm. The mass protruded outside of the hymen, it had a canal inside and an opening at the distal end, and it had a genital-like appearance. A mucosal fold was found in the tubular lumen. Fibrous smooth muscle was observed in the tubal wall, which was covered by squamous and endometrial glandular epithelium on each side. A cervical giant polyp with a canal inside the polyp might be differentially diagnosed from prolapsed genitals and abnormal sexual development. Polypectomy by mini-hysteroscopy was effective for alleviating psychosexual dysfunction caused by the mass in this patient.
Seizure duration may increase thyroid-stimulating hormone levels in children experiencing a seizure
Authors: Han Ji Yoon , Lee In Goo , Shin Soyoung , Park Joonhong
Published: November 2019

Objective

Variations in hormone levels are a direct effect of epileptic discharges in both animals and humans, and seizure can affect the hypothalamus–pituitary–thyroid axis. The purpose of this study was to determine which parameters could affect the alternation of thyroid hormones in children experiencing seizure.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 181 pediatric patients with seizure and compared three thyroid hormones (serum thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH], free thyroxine [fT4], and triiodothyronine [T3]) between initial (admission to hospital) and follow-up (2 weeks later) testing.

Results

Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine which six parameters (gender, age, seizure accompanying with fever, seizure type, seizure duration, and anti-epileptic drug medication) could help to explain the higher initial TSH levels in pediatric seizure. Only seizure duration in patients with an increase in TSH levels was significantly longer compared with patients with normal TSH at the time of initial testing.

Conclusion

Neuronal excitability by seizure can cause thyroid hormonal changes, which likely reflects changes in hypothalamic function.
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 presenting with involuntary movement: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Li Shu-Ting , Zhou Yang
Published: November 2019

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is a rare disease characterized by slowly progressive ataxia, dysarthria, ophthalmoplegia, and slow saccade. SCA2 can present with a complex combination of hyperkinetic and hypokinetic movement disorders. Here, we describe a patient with SCA2 that partly mimicked the clinical manifestations of Huntington’s disease; similar symptoms had previously occurred in the patient’s family members. The findings in this report indicate that, when a patient exhibits choreiform movement (i.e., accompanying cerebellar ataxia), an SCA2-related mutation could be responsible for the onset of disease. In addition, this knowledge of the potential for extrapyramidal involvement in such patients is critical for clinicians.
Effects of long-term aerobic training and detraining on functional capacity and quality of life in hemodialysis patients: A pilot study
Authors: Gravina Emanuele Poliana Lawall , Pinheiro Bruno Valle , da Silva Jesus Luciana Angélica , da Silva Lilian Pinto , da Silva Rodolfo Nazareth , Silva Karina , de Paula Rogério Baumgratz , Reboredo Maycon Moura
Published: November 2019

Although previous studies have shown the benefits of exercise training in hemodialysis patients, little is known about the effects of long-term of exercise program on these patients. We investigated the effects and the safety of long-term aerobic training and the effects of detraining on functional capacity and quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Ten patients were allocated to two groups: training and detraining. The training group completed at least 30 months of aerobic training, and the detraining group completed at least 20 months and then discontinued the training for at least 10 months. The outcomes were analyzed at baseline, after 3 months of aerobic training and at the 30-month follow-up. The training and detraining groups performed 37 (5.5) and 24 (3.0) months of aerobic training, respectively. The detraining group discontinued the training for 11.0 (2.0) months. After 3 months of aerobic training, six-minute walking test distance increased significantly in both groups (training group = 569 (287.8) vs 635.5 (277.0) m, p = 0.04; detraining group = 454.5 (72.3) vs 515.0 (91.8) m, p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in the six-minute walking test distance in the training group (576.5 (182.5), p  >  0.05) and a significant decrease (436.2 (89.6) m, p = 0.04) in the detraining group at the follow-up compared to the third month of aerobic training. No significant difference was observed in quality of life during the study. No complications were found during the protocol of the exercise. These results suggest that long-term aerobic training is safe and can maintain functional capacity in hemodialysis patients. In contrast, detraining can result in loss of functional capacity in these patients.
Stealthing Perpetration and Victimization: Prevalence and Correlates Among Emerging Adults
Authors: Bonar Erin E. , Ngo Quyen M. , Philyaw-Kotov Meredith L. , Walton Maureen A. , Kusunoki Yasamin
Published: November 2019

“Stealthing” is a form of sexual violence wherein a sexual partner purposefully removes a condom during penetration without the receptive partner’s knowledge. Given the role of substance use in sexual violence broadly, we examined demographic and substance use correlates of stealthing perpetration (SP) and victimization (SV) among emerging adults. Participants comprised 2,550 18- to 25-year-olds ( M age = 20.8, SD = 2.3), recruited via social media (48% female; 53.9% non-Hispanic White; 46.0% had another racial/ethnic identity; 67.4% heterosexual; 85.3% had some college education). Unadjusted analyses ( t tests, χ2 analysis) and adjusted logistic regression analyses examined associations between demographics (age, education, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation) and substance use (binge drinking, marijuana use, other illegal drug use, and prescription drug misuse) with male SP and male and female SV. Five percent of males and 18.9% of females reported SV; 6.1% of males reported SP. In adjusted analyses, significant correlates of SP were: non-Hispanic White race/ethnicity (odds ratio [OR] = 0.39), binge drinking (OR = 1.39), cannabis use (OR = 1.37), and other drug use (OR = 1.43). Significant correlates of male SV were: non-Hispanic White race/ethnicity (OR = 0.28), non-heterosexual orientation (OR = 0.24), binge drinking (OR = 1.49), and other illegal drug use (OR = 1.79). Significant correlates of female SV were: older age (OR = 1.13), non-Hispanic White race/ethnicity (OR = 0.57), binge drinking (OR = 1.28), cannabis use (OR = 1.29), and other drug use (OR = 1.22). Consistent with literature linking alcohol to sexual violence, binge drinking correlated with both SV and SP, with other substance use also playing a role. Data are needed to explore these relationships using longitudinal, event-level assessments to investigate the influence of acute intoxication. Interventions to reduce sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancy, and sexual assault should include content on stealthing and substance use.
Intimate Partner Violence and Same-Sex Couples: Examining the Antecedents of the Helping Intentions of Bystanders
Authors: Pagliaro Stefano , Paolini Daniele , Pacilli Maria Giuseppina
Published: November 2019

Researchers interested in intimate partner violence (IPV) have focused primarily on male-against-female cases. We conducted two experimental investigations to examine the influence of moral evaluation, attribution of responsibility, and right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) on the willingness of bystanders to provide help to the victim in an IPV case involving a same-sex couple. Study 1 ( N = 195) surveyed a heterosexual participant sample, and Study 2 ( N = 120) surveyed a sample of gay and lesbian participants. In both studies, participants read a fictitious article describing an alleged IPV episode that occurred either in a male–male or a female–female couple. Each participant read an article describing one of two versions of a case of IPV: In one account, the victim admitted to infidelity and in the other, the victim did not confess to infidelity. The participants subsequently evaluated the victim and expressed their willingness (or lack thereof) to support and provide help to the injured party. In both studies, participants in the condition that included the admission of infidelity assessed the victim to be less moral and more responsible for the violent episode. Consequently, participants of both studies expressed lesser willingness to provide help to the victim. Moreover, in Study 1, the relationship between the admission of infidelity and the respondents’ willingness to support the victim was moderated by RWA. Particularly, the admission of infidelity by the victim reduced the respondents’ willingness to extend support only when they reported a medium to a high level of RWA ideology. By focusing specifically on same-sex IPV cases, this study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the reactions of witnesses with regard to IPV. Furthermore, it provides evidence about the underlying mechanisms mitigating the intervention of bystanders in such cases and identifies boundary conditions that exacerbate their (un)willingness to intervene.
Caregiver Vulnerabilities Associated With the Perpetration of Substantiated Child Maltreatment in Canada: Examining the Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect (CIS) 2008
Authors: Taillieu Tamara L. , Cheung Kristene , Sareen Jitender , Katz Laurence Y. , Tonmyr Lil , Afifi Tracie O.
Published: November 2019

Most of the research on caregiver vulnerabilities associated with the perpetration of child maltreatment (CM) focuses on perpetrators of child physical or sexual abuse. Less is known about the association of specific caregiver vulnerabilities and the risk of other CM types or how these vulnerabilities are related to child harm. The aim of the study was to examine the association of caregiver’s vulnerabilities with types of substantiated CM and child physical and mental/emotional harm as a result of maltreatment. Data were from the Canadian Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect collected in 2008 (CIS-2008). The CIS-2008 consisted of investigations of children aged 15 years and younger from 112 child welfare sites across Canada ( N = 15,980). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to examine relationships between caregiver vulnerabilities and outcomes of interest. Caregiver vulnerabilities were prevalent among cases of CM substantiated by child welfare agencies across Canada. Low social support, domestic violence, mental health issues, and substance abuse problems were noted among a substantial proportion of abusive caregivers. Caregiver cognitive impairments and domestic violence perpetration were associated with increased odds of child physical harm, but only among children aged 0 to 4 years. Most individual types of caregiver vulnerabilities were associated with increased odds of child mental or emotional harm across all child age groups. Insight into caregiver vulnerabilities associated with the perpetration of CM may help inform intervention targets prior to a family’s involvement in the child welfare system.
Review of natural fiber-reinforced engineering plastic composites, their applications in the transportation sector and processing techniques
Authors: Chauhan Vardaan , Kärki Timo , Varis Juha
Published: November 2019

Interest in natural fiber-reinforced polymer (NFRP) composites is growing rapidly in the transportation sector, especially as a replacement material for metals and synthetic fiber composites. The heightened interest is directly related to a need to produce lightweight and fuel efficient vehicles. Further, stringent legislation and greater environmental awareness is forcing transportation industries to select materials with a smaller carbon footprint. In such a context, NFRP composite materials are a good choice due to their low cost, low environmental impact, and relatively equivalent properties to metals and other composites. Most prior studies have examined commodity plastics such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and epoxy as the primary polymer matrix in NFRP composites and little work has addressed engineering plastics. Engineering plastics, which includes polycarbonate, polyamides, and polystyrene, are high performance thermoplastics with superior properties but relatively higher cost than commodity plastics. It has been claimed that even after recycling, engineering plastics properties are superior to those of commodity plastics, and thus, utilization of recycled engineering plastic in NFRP composites can help reduce waste and lower composite material costs. The aim of this review article is to explore the current status of engineering plastics reinforced with natural fibers such as flax, hemp, jute, and sisal and to examine their use in automotive, aerospace, and maritime applications. Properties and processing techniques of engineering plastics reinforced with natural fibers are also studied.
To Come Out or Not to Come Out: Minority Religious Identity Self-Disclosure in the United States Workplace
Authors: Charoensap-Kelly Piyawan , Mestayer Colleen L. , Knight G. Brandon
Published: November 2019

Situated in communication privacy management (CPM) theory, this study found that anticipated risk was the strongest predictor of minority religious identity disclosure at work. Older workers who regarded non-Christian belief or non-belief as central to who they were and who worked in smaller organizations disclosed their identity more than other participants. The follow-up analyses also revealed that the degree of disclosure varied by ethnicity, geographic region, religion, job rank, and membership in the organization’s dominant religion. Religious accommodation policy and religious centrality were associated with increased anticipation of benefits, which in turn was linked to increased disclosure. Finally, sense of belonging was associated with increased anticipation of benefits and decreased anticipation of risks, which also indirectly impacted disclosure. This study added more depth to CPM privacy rules and provided a broader understanding of minority religious identity disclosure at work. Recommendations for creating a religiously inclusive workplace and directions for future studies are provided.
Thermal infrared pedestrian tracking via fusion of features in driving assistance system of intelligent vehicles
Authors: Ding Meng , Zhang Xu , Chen Wen-Hua , Wei Li , Cao Yun-Feng
Published: November 2019

Driving in nighttime or poor illumination is much more dangerous than in daytime or rich illumination conditions so it is important to develop driver assistance systems to support safe driving in nighttime. This paper presents a pedestrian tracking algorithm using a thermal infrared camera. The proposed algorithm first computes response maps with normalized grayscale and Felzenszwalb's histogram of oriented gradient in the framework of correlation filtering. Subsequently, according to response maps, this paper proposes an approach to estimate weight ratios in fusion. The fused response map is ultimately used to complete target detection in the framework of correlation filtering. In order to test the performance of the proposed tracker, extensive comparison and tests have been performed using open-source data sets. By testing through 10 different challenges in image processing and tracking, it is evident that the performance of proposed algorithm is superior to seven representative tracking algorithms with a quite promising real-time performance.
An investigation into the design of a device to treat haemorrhagic stroke
Authors: Randhawa Hardeep Singh , Pearce Gillian , Hepton Rachel , Wong Julian , Zidane Iham F , Ma Xianghong
Published: November 2019

In this study, we present the design considerations of a device to assist in the potential treatment of hemorrhagic stroke with the aim of stopping blood from flowing out into brain tissue. We present and model three designs for the clinical scenarios when saccular aneurysms rupture in the middle cerebral artery in the brain. We evaluate and model these three designs using computer aided design software, SolidWorks, which allows the devices to be tested using finite element analysis and also enables us to justify that the materials chosen were suitable for potential use. Computational fluid dynamics modelling were used to demonstrate and analyse the flow of blood through the artery under conditions of normal and ruptured states. We conclude that our device could potentially be useful in the treatment of hemorrhagic stroke, and the modelling process is useful in assisting in determining the performance of our devices.
The temporal politics of anthropogenic earthquakes: Acceleration, anticipation, and energy extraction in Iceland
Authors: Maguire James
Published: November 2019

This paper is an ethnographic exploration of the volcanic landscapes of Iceland, where the extraction of geothermal energy for the production of aluminum is triggering anthropogenic earthquakes. As the aluminum industry seeks to decarbonize their industrial infrastructure, they are increasingly looking to renewable energy havens, such as Iceland, to supply their expansive energy needs. While this paper is partly about understanding the forms of politics at stake in decarbonizing modernity’s infrastructures, it is more specifically concerned with the temporal politics of anthropogenic earthquakes in the Hengill volcanic zone in the south west of the country. The paper takes up the perspective of geologists tasked with analyzing the emergence of these new earthquake forms, as well as locals from a small town in the vicinity who are learning to live with them. While focusing on the conflict that has ensued in the wake of earthquake production, the article pays particular attention to the importance of acceleration––both economic and geologic––in their making. This leads to an analysis of how alternate temporal renderings of anthropogenic earthquakes invoke competing claims about the future. Anticipating the future, the paper argues, is a form of temporal politics through which the various actors either legitimize, or protest against, these volcanic interventions.
Alfred D. Chandler’s integrated learning base: Towards the classification and measurement of corporate innovation
Authors: McDonough Ryan P , Miranti Paul J , Schoderbek Michael P
Published: November 2019

Although scholarship in business history has long recognised the importance of managerial and technological knowledge capital as drivers of corporate growth, scholars have made little progress towards the classification and measurement of these factors. We demonstrate how Alfred D. Chandler’s ‘integrated learning base’ framework offers a novel approach for classifying and measuring the costs and benefits associated with intellectual capital and corporate innovation. Recasting the integrated learning base into an accounting-based framework provides information useful to corporate management teams for internal decision processes and for reporting to external stakeholders. Our insights are important given corporations’ ever-growing reliance on intellectual capital and innovation to develop and sustain a competitive advantage in today’s high-tech and global business environment.
Closed-loop dynamic computations for adaptive behavior (articles based on SAB2018 conference)
Authors: Manoonpong Poramate , Xiong Xiaofeng , Larsen Jørgen Christian
Published: November 2019

The Special Issue contains the selected articles presented at the 15th International Conference on the Simulation of Adaptive Behavior (SAB 2018). The conference took place during August 2018 in Frankfurt, Germany. The articles introduce different aspects of closed-loop dynamic computations for adaptive behavior in artificial agents. The aspects cover a range of adaptive behavior research from morphological computation to brain-body-environment interactions, nature-inspired special perception, and closed-loop online learning. SAB is a biennial conference; its next incarnation will be during September 2020, in Paris. If the papers in this issue inspire you, please consider submitting your work to the 2020 conference—who knows, next time it may be your paper in the Special Issue.
Do State and Trait Measures Measure States and Traits? The Case of Community-Dwelling Caregivers of Older Adults
Authors: Lance Charles E. , Christie Juliette , Williamson Gail M.
Published: November 2019

Spielberger’s state and trait anxiety and anger scales are widely used and documented, but there is little or no direct evidence that they actually measure their respective state and trait aspects as was intended. We conducted latent state-trait analyses on data collected from 310 community-dwelling caregivers of older adult care recipients and found that (a) both state and trait scales reflected a mixture of state and trait aspects of their latent constructs, (b) state scales reflected more state-like variance than did corresponding trait scales, but (c) both state and trait scales were dominated by stable trait-like variance. Follow-up bivariate latent state-trait analyses indicated that correlations between trait components of anger and anxiety correlated more strongly with trait components of caregiver–care recipient mutually communal behavior and care recipient problem behavior than did state–state component correlations. Implications for the measurement of state and trait components of psychological constructs are discussed.