bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mid-Infrared Standoff Spectroscopy Using a Supercontinuum Laser with Compact Fabry–Pérot Filter Spectrometers
Authors: Kilgus Jakob , Duswald Kristina , Langer Gregor , Brandstetter Markus
Published: November 2017

Mid-infrared (MIR) supercontinuum (SC) lasers are an attractive new option in the field of IR spectroscopy, especially for standoff detection. Supercontinuum radiation unites high brightness, high spatial coherence, and broadband spectral coverage, thereby surpassing thermal IR sources and challenging quantum cascade lasers. The employed SC source operates in the spectral region of 1.2–4.6 µm, filling the spectral gap where quantum cascade lasers lack broader availability. In this work, the SC radiation was recorded by compact Fabry–Pérot filter spectrometers ideally suited for sensitive standoff detection with real-time capability. The noise performance of the setup and measurements of different substances at standoff distances are presented, e.g., of different paints on a metal surface and an explosive precursor. Furthermore, the real-time capability of the setup is demonstrated by monitoring the evaporation of liquid 2-propanol.
Ethnic Diversity and Ethnic Discrimination: Explaining Local Public Goods Provision
Authors: Lee Alexander
Published: November 2017

Numerous studies have found that ethnic diversity is negatively associated with the provision of local public goods. However, these accounts neglect both the strong role of central institutions in the provision of many “local” public goods and the frequently positive correlation between diversity and the presence of less politically powerful ethnic groups. These factors suggest that existing diversity findings may be explained in some cases by central governments discriminating against areas inhabited by less powerful groups. This hypothesis is tested using data in village-level public goods provision in Northern India, supplemented by data on service provision in Kenyan villages and American cities. While there is evidence that the presence of socially powerful groups is positively associated with service provision, evidence for the diversity hypothesis is weak. The results suggest that failures of public services in diverse areas may reflect larger inequalities within the political system rather than local problems in cooperation.
The frayed margins of empire: Early nineteenth century Panjab and the hill states
Authors: Sharma Mahesh
Published: November 2017

The historiography of the nineteenth century Panjab privileges the core constituency of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s ‘empire’, whereby the margins are represented only as conquered territories. This article shifts the perspective by highlighting the context of ‘Zomian’ margins in the making of an ‘empire’. Based on coeval travellers’ accounts, news from Lahore Durbar and British Indian governmental sources, the focus is on the impact of economic and political contingencies on the policies of Sikh Sardars, the Maharaja of Lahore and, ultimately, the British Indian government in the Western Himalayan region. We shall, however, limit ourselves to economic interaction between the hegemonic empire and Kangra hill states to bring out the dynamics of dominance and subversion. The underlying assumption of dominance and eventual integration into the ‘empire’ was rather economic: in services, materials and money. It was, however, not a relationship of political dominance only. While the subjugation of hill states alienated revenue to the ‘empire’, it also opened new markets to the hill products and services that had cultural and economic implications. The new markets were welcomed; the alienation of revenue was not. The alliance, therefore, had an uneasy aspect, nuanced by a subtle protest, that of the weak against the strong: an indirect, meek and symbolic resistance. Consequently, when the strength of ‘empire’ dwindled, such protests acquired accentuated dimensions. The process of such protests is vital in understanding the decline of Lahore ‘empire’, barely a decade after the death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
USA and Indian Federalisms: Similarities and Differences
Authors: Radin Beryl A.
Published: November 2017

Federal systems across the globe are full of contradictions. They are both individually unique and yet respond to similar objectives and expectations in a constantly changing environment. This dynamic is illustrated by developments in two large federal systems—India and the USA—that have tried to deal with dramatic differences within their population as they search for ways to make democratic principles come alive. While differences between the two systems are clear, examining both sets of players and pressures can prove to be useful to students of both settings.
Did the Affordable Care Act Young Adult Provision Affect Labor Market Outcomes? Analysis Using Tax Data
Authors: Heim Bradley , Lurie Ithai , Simon Kosali
Published: November 2017

Using a data set of US tax records spanning 2008 to 2013, the authors study the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) young adult dependent coverage requirement on labor market–related outcomes, including measures of employment status, job characteristics, and postsecondary education. They find that the ACA provision did not result in substantial changes in labor market outcomes. Results show that employment and self-employment are not statistically significantly affected. Although some evidence supports the increased likelihood of young adults earning lower wages, not receiving fringe benefits, enrolling as full-time or graduate students, and young men being self-employed, the magnitudes imply extremely small impacts on these outcomes in absolute terms and when compared to other estimates in the literature. The authors find these results to be consistent with health insurance being less salient to young adults, compared to other populations, when making labor market decisions.
Learning Letters With the Whole Body: Visuomotor Versus Visual Teaching in Kindergarten
Authors: Bara Florence , Bonneton-Botté Nathalie
Published: November 2017

What constitutes effective teaching of letter learning in early school years is still uncertain. We assessed the impact of a teacher-implemented visuomotor intervention program to teach 5-year-olds’ cursive letter knowledge. We compared a program in which letters were explored with the arm and whole body, with a typical visual training program. Children were tested before and after the intervention with different measures of letter knowledge. We showed a greater improvement in letter recognition following the visuomotor intervention, compared with the visual intervention. Results were mixed for letter handwriting for which we found higher scores on stroke direction and overall quality, but lower scores on fluency following whole body visuomotor teaching. We discuss our results in terms of the link between action and perception, the interaction between the different components of letter knowledge, and the link between fine and gross motor development and handwriting.
How Would You Like to Die? Glossip v. Gross Deals Blow to Abolitionists
Authors: Rowe Brenda I.
Published: November 2017

After capital punishment opponents’ pressure on drug suppliers reduced the lethal injection drug supply, Oklahoma began using midazolam, resulting in botched executions. Condemned inmates sought to stop use of this lethal injection protocol. In Glossip v. Gross, the U.S. Supreme Court found inmates failed to establish that such protocols entail a substantial risk of severe pain compared with available alternatives, undermining the supply side attack strategy and leaving inmates facing the possibility of an unnecessarily painful execution. This article places the Glossip decision within the context of method of execution jurisprudence and discusses implications for the ongoing battle over capital punishment.
Encounter with the British: The Legacy of Autonomy in the Mizo Hills
Authors: Lalfakzuala Joseph K.
Published: November 2017

The colonial policy of exclusion used to govern the Hill tribes of India’s Northeast, or colonial Assam, was, it was claimed, a form of indirect rule. But, as we argue, it was primarily designed to instill more direct control over the tribes who lived there. The policy not only divided the Mizo Hills between its tribal and the non-tribal population, but it also showed that the region was never going to be part of any constitutional reform process during the colonial period. The article tries to analyse how the policy of exclusion became a matter of intense debate; contested by groups who challenged the arbitrary rule of the British who were exploiting it to prop up Mizo chieftains for their own ends. This policy was also contested by groups eager to be part of the constitutional reform. To counter it, the Mizo Union (MU) party was formed. Catering to the aspirations of the common people, MU worked for the establishment of district autonomy after India gained Independence.
Call Boys
Authors: Lasco Gideon
Published: November 2017

Marginalized young men are a familiar presence in the areas surrounding Philippine ports, selling food and refreshments to the thousands of passengers who come through daily. A closer look, however, reveals that they engage in many other activities as they participate in an informal economy where income opportunities skirt the boundaries between licit and illicit. One job many of them engage in is sex work: as “call boys,” they offer their sexual services to male clients. Many of them also use drugs, particularly shabu (methamphetamine). This article examines the relationship between sex work and drug use and situates it in the everyday lives of young men. The researcher conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussions among 20 males aged 18–25 years old, and over a period of 12 months, “hung out” with them, observing their activities, and listening to their conversations. This ethnographic study, conducted 3 years before a violent “war on drugs” began to waged in the country, argues that the young men view drug use and sex work as pragmatic choices in their everyday economic lives. Drug use and sex work are also linked to their notions of masculinity and are fraught with risks and unintended consequences that they often overlook—even as they have their own notions of safety and risk. Understanding the intersections between sex work and drug use in relation to young people’s “local moral worlds” and gender ideologies can help craft more effective drug policies in the Philippines.
Mental Simulation of Visceral States Affects Preferences and Behavior
Authors: Steinmetz Janina , Tausen Brittany M. , Risen Jane L.
Published: November 2017

Preferences and behavior are heavily influenced by one’s current visceral experience, yet people often fail to anticipate such effects. Although research suggests that this gap is difficult to overcome—to act as if in another visceral state—research on mental simulation has demonstrated that simulations can substitute for experiences, albeit to a weaker extent. We examine whether mentally simulating visceral states can impact preferences and behavior. We show that simulating a specific visceral state (e.g., being cold or hungry) shifts people’s preferences for relevant activities (Studies 1a-2) and choices of food portion sizes (Study 3). Like actual visceral experiences, mental simulation only affects people’s current preferences but not their general preferences (Study 4). Finally, people project simulated states onto similar others, as is the case for actual visceral experiences (Study 5). Thus, mental simulation may help people anticipate their own and others’ future preferences, thereby improving their decision making.
Skeletal Muscle Injury Biomarkers: Assay Qualification Efforts and Translation to the Clinic
Authors: Goldstein Richard A.
Published: November 2017

Skeletal muscle (SKM) injury or myopathy results in structural or functional defects in SKMs that can be caused by variety of factors such as (1) genetic, (2) drug-induced, (3) disease progression (cachexia), or (4) aging (sarcopenia). Creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activity assays have been routinely used as SKM injury biomarkers, but they lack sensitivity and tissue specificity. In collaboration with the Predictive Safety Testing Consortium, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of a muscle injury biomarker panel (MIP) compared to CK and AST and their correlation with the histology scores across 34 different rat studies. The MIP panel included the analytes skeletal troponin I, myosin light chain 3, fatty acid binding protein 3, and a CK mass (versus activity) assay. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve for MIP panel ranged from 0.82 to 0.91 as compared to 0.71 and 0.82 for CK and AST activity assays, respectively. Because the MIP biomarkers outperformed the routine biomarkers, the European Medicines Agency and U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted Letters of Support encouraging further study of these analytes and acknowledged the utility of the MIP panel. Ongoing efforts are directed toward the application of the MIP panel biomarkers in clinical studies and regulatory qualification.
Male Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence: A Comparison Between Incarcerated and Community Offenders
Authors: Cunha Olga , Gonçalves Rui Abrunhosa
Published: November 2017

The literature considers intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators to be a heterogeneous group. In Portugal, IPV perpetrators may be sentenced to either of two types of sentences: deprivation of freedom or alternatives to prison (in the community). In the present study, we performed a comparative analysis between 76 male individuals sentenced to prison and 76 male individuals sentenced to community measures for crimes against their current or former partners, using a set of psychological measures. The results indicate that although incarcerated and nonincarcerated IPV perpetrators demonstrate considerable differences, some similarities may also be observed. Incarcerated IPV perpetrators present the lowest socioeconomic status and education, perpetrate more severe IPV, and have more criminal convictions. A hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the use of weapons and objects increased the probability of IPV perpetrators belonging to the prison group above and beyond sociodemographic variables. Based on these results, implications for IPV perpetrators’ treatment are discussed.
Occupational Career Change and Gender Wage Inequality
Authors: Moore Thomas S.
Published: November 2017

This article examines the relationship between the changing occupational careers of female wage earners and gender wage inequality. Using Current Population Survey-Merged Outgoing Rotation Group data, it assesses the effect on the gender wage gap of changes in the composition and price both of care-providing occupations that are culturally associated with female labor and of managerial and professional occupations that are not part of the care economy, over the period 1979 to 2015. It finds that the rapid entry of female workers into high-wage managerial occupations, and their exit from low-wage private household work, contributed to gender wage convergence. However, the wage-equalizing effects of occupational shifts and related behavioral changes diminish over time, and wage convergence ceases after 2007. It also finds that female workers continue to be disadvantaged by wage dispersion and that most of the remaining gender wage gap arises within occupations. The concluding sections discuss the findings and their implications for closing the wage gap.
Extended Versus Short-Course Corticosteroid Taper Regimens in the Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Poon Teresa , Paris Daryl Glick , Aitken Samuel L. , Patrawalla Paru , Bondarsky Eric , Altshuler Jerry
Published: November 2017

Background:

Previous literature has suggested that a short course of corticosteroids is similarly effective as an extended course for managing an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). However, there are limited data regarding the optimal corticosteroid regimen in critically ill patients and the dosing strategies remain highly variable in this population.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study evaluated patients with AECOPD admitted to the intensive care unit within a 2-year period. Patients were divided into short-course (≤5 days) or extended-course (>5 days) corticosteroid taper groups. The primary end point was treatment failure, defined as the need for intubation, reintubation, or noninvasive mechanical ventilation. Secondary end points included the duration of mechanical ventilation, hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, and adverse events.

Results:

Of the 151 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 94 received an extended taper and 57 received a short taper. Treatment failure occurred in 3 patients, who were all in the extended taper group ( P = .17). In a propensity score-matched cohort, the hospital length of stay was 7 days in the short taper group compared to 11 days in the extended taper group ( P < .0001). No differences in adverse events were observed.

Conclusion:

A short-course corticosteroid taper in critically ill patients with AECOPD is associated with reduced hospital length of stay and decreased corticosteroid exposure without increased risk of treatment failure. A prospective randomized trial is warranted.
Breastfeeding Among Women With Physical Disabilities in the United States
Authors: Powell Robyn M. , Mitra Monika , Smeltzer Suzanne C. , Long-Bellil Linda M. , Smith Lauren D. , Rosenthal Eliana , Iezzoni Lisa I.
Published: November 2017

Background:

The benefits of breastfeeding are well established, and breastfeeding is now widely practiced in the United States. Although increasing numbers of women with physical disabilities are having children, little information is available about breastfeeding practices among these women. Nonetheless, the children of women with physical disabilities should benefit from breastfeeding just as children of nondisabled mothers do.

Research aim:

This study aimed to explore the facilitators and barriers to breastfeeding among women with physical disabilities.

Methods:

This study involved semistructured telephone interviews with a convenience sample of women ( N = 25) with diverse physical disabilities from across the United States. All participants had given birth within the past 10 years. Interviews were audio-recorded, professionally transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis.

Results:

Analyses found four broad themes indicating facilitators to breastfeeding: (a) adaptations and equipment, (b) use of breast pump, (c) physical assistance from others, and (d) peer support. We also found five broad themes suggesting barriers to breastfeeding: (a) lack of supports, (b) disability-related health considerations, (c) limited information, (d) difficulties with milk production, and (e) difficulties latching.

Conclusion:

The need for greater supports for women with physical disabilities who desire to breastfeed as well as information for women and their clinicians about facilitating breastfeeding.
Confronting the Challenge of Beta-Lactam Allergies: A Quasi-Experimental Study Assessing Impact of Pharmacy-Led Interventions
Authors: Krey Steven C. , Waise Jeff , Skrupky Lee P.
Published: November 2017

Objective:

To improve allergy history documentation and increase the use of beta-lactams when appropriate in patients with a reported beta-lactam allergy.

Methods:

This pre–post study was conducted at a 167-bed tertiary care community hospital and evaluated multidisciplinary interventions on allergy documentation and antibiotic selection. Interventions included education, creation of local practice guidelines, and modified practices for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Inpatients with a reported beta-lactam allergy receiving at least 1 antibiotic for >24 hours were included; first admissions were assessed. Primary outcomes were documentation of reaction type and percentage of patients receiving non-beta-lactam therapy. Secondary outcomes included documentation of previously tolerated beta-lactams, modification of non-beta-lactam therapy, discharge antibiotics, and adverse reactions.

Results:

A total of 179 patients were included, 91 preintervention and 88 postintervention. No significant differences were observed between the before versus after groups in the percentage of patients with documentation of reaction type (90.1% vs 89.8%, P = .940) or the overall percentage of patients receiving non-beta-lactams (86.8% vs 84.1%, P = .605). However, significantly more patients in the after phase had documentation of previously tolerated beta-lactams (8.8% vs 28.4%, P = .001), and among patients receiving a non-beta-lactam, a greater percentage was subsequently switched to a beta-lactam (11.4% vs 25.7%, P = .022). One allergic reaction was documented during the study, which occurred in the before phase.

Conclusion:

Multidisciplinary education and local guideline implementation led by pharmacists may improve allergy documentation and antibiotic selection in patients with reported beta-lactam allergies.
Analytical approach for compulsory broadsiding of continuous rough rolling process
Authors: Ding Jing-Guo , Li Qi-Yao , Ma Geng-Sheng , Peng Wen
Published: November 2017

In this paper, in order to obtain the solution for using a handful of casting billets to produce a variety of specifications of products, a compulsory broadsiding method of continuous rough rolling process is used with four horizontal mills and two vertical mills. Due to nonplane deformation in grooves, partition method is used for the rolled piece, which is divided into five zones along the width direction. Mathematical model with five zones are proposed and the final width of plate are obtained by superposition method. In order to obtain the width spread coefficients of each zone as well as parameters optimizing, a numerical simulation method is used to calculate the rolling parameters of compulsory broadsiding of continuous rough rolling process. Computation result from mathematical model indicates that the exit width reaches its maximum value when the angle of chamfer reaches nearly 50°, and the trend of width increasing becomes slow when friction coefficient is larger than 0.4. Practical application shows that the present analytical model can be used to calculate the parameters in compulsory broadsiding rough rolling process easily and quickly, the maximum of width spread can reach 87 mm, and the deviation of the measured width could be controlled to be less than ±3 mm.
Smart meters and household electricity consumption: A case study in Ireland
Authors: Rausser Gordon , Strielkowski Wadim , Štreimikienė Dalia
Published: November 2017

Our paper focuses on the electricity consumption in the EU countries and smart meters that are gaining growing popularity and widely used by households and businesses for measuring power consumption and helping to reduce the costs of energy. We use the data collected by the Commission for Energy Regulation in the Republic of Ireland in 2009–2011. The trial included two survey questionnaires (pre-trail and post-trial) administered over the telephone and containing both quantitative data (e.g. Likert scales, dummies, selections, etc.) and open-ended questions. In total, 4232 respondents (individual households) involved in pre-trial and 3423 households involved in post-trial. The second questionnaire was administered 12 months after the first one with the same households participating in the trial. Our methodology involves the implementation of various alternative statistical specifications that allow us to test our hypotheses first by using simple binary form of logistic regression and then by employing its extensions. Our results show that households keen on changing their electricity consumption with the help of smart meters (and perhaps the new, even smarter grids of the future) are also those who would change their consumption patterns in order to have the positive impact on environment. Moreover, it appeared that saving on energy might be more relevant for people who do not have their own place to live and are renting their accommodation. Our findings might be relevant for the stakeholders and policy-makers dealing with setting up the new energy policy framework aimed at tackling the increasing use of energy and energy efficiency and paving the way in the direction of the low-carbon future.
Design of a low-bandwidth position controller based on system identification for an electro-hydrostatic actuator
Authors: Ren Guangan , Song Jinchun , Sepehri Nariman
Published: November 2017

In order to design a controller, mathematical model is usually derived first, either from physical laws or by employing a system identification technique. Physical laws may not fully define the system because of the existing uncertainties and/or difficulty to accurately model certain phenomenon. Therefore, the resulting controller may be too conservative. In this article, we design a low-bandwidth controller for an electro-hydrostatic actuator positioning system based on a system identification technique. The designed controller is also linear, fixed-gain and robust to system uncertainties. A set of offline parametric linear identifications are performed under different conditions, including various environmental stiffnesses, levels of actuator internal leakage, viscous dampings and load masses. The obtained family of identified models is then used to design a quantitative feedback theory controller that satisfies given tracking and stability specifications. In addition, the performance of the controller is examined against another quantitative feedback theory controller that is designed for the same system using physical laws. The performances of two controllers are examined on a test rig. Experimental results show that both quantitative feedback theory controllers are capable of maintaining actuator position within acceptable response envelope. However, the controller designed based on physical laws has higher bandwidth and therefore is more conservative.
Book Review: Harsh Pant (Ed.), India’s Foreign Policy: Selected Writings Prof. Manohar Lal Sondhi
Authors: Behera Ajay Darshan
Published: November 2017

Harsh Pant (Ed.), India’s Foreign Policy: Selected Writings Prof. Manohar Lal Sondhi. New Delhi: Har-Anand Publications, 2017, pp. 224, ₹695. ISBN: 978-81-241-1979-2.
Plugging the Implementation Gap
Authors: Sharma Seema , Bose Arnab , Shekhar Himanshu , Pathania Rohit
Published: November 2017

This article while discussing global and national climate regimes brings out the need for designing and implementing climate projects locally. It brings to the forefront, the local realities in an Indian urban context. The article particularly highlights disconnects between high level thinking and local implementation realities. It goes on further to suggest a novel idea which is being tested to overcome these disconnects. Global climate regime will primarily constitute the UNFCCC processes, and national climate regime will primarily constitute the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) processes for the purposes of this article. The narrative of local realities brought out in the article is based on the work done at a locality in East Delhi through a prototype resilience centre. The centre conducted numerous community engagement activities, utilising an internally devised multi-stakeholder, participatory and inclusive framework. This prototype has managed to create an impact on the entire community through several interventions piloted with the involvement of strategic actors starting from January 2015 till date. The idea has been incubated within University of Delhi, and this article will present the concept of context integrity, which includes ‘nested’ relationships with larger institutions. That is, how an institution like University of Delhi can nest a small institution like the prototype resilience centre committed to larger goals of plugging the implementation gap which will bridge the disconnects between global climate regime and creation of local impact.

JEL: R-23
The future of collective bargaining in Italy between legislative reforms and social partners’ responses
Authors: Recchia Giuseppe Antonio
Published: November 2017

In recent years, Italian legislation seems to have accomplished a ‘corporatisation’ of collective bargaining in response to employers’ demands, without the filter of national collective bargaining. Article 8 of Law No. 148/2011 made it possible to deviate from legislative provisions and industry-wide collective bargaining on a wide range of topics. The Legislative Decrees implementing the Jobs Act in 2015 have gone even further, allowing the possibility of a different regulation both through different levels of collective bargaining and through individual agreements. Faced with these changes in the balance of power, collective bargaining has been weakened. Nevertheless, a number of national sectoral agreements have provided for ambitious efforts to establish a new relationship between the levels of collective bargaining or the mechanisms of collective agreements, as well as to re-regulate forms of workers’ representation. As these national agreements are based on the voluntary compliance of workers’ organisations and employers’ associations, their implementation and enforcement in order to be effective will need to be accompanied by a re-establishment of the role of collective bargaining.
Clinical Characteristics of Intravenous PEG-Asparaginase Hypersensitivity Reactions in Patients Undergoing Treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Browne Emily K. , Moore Christina , Sykes April , Lu Zhaohua , Jeha Sima , Mandrell Belinda N.
Published: November 2017

Background: Asparaginase poses a substantial risk for hypersensitivity reactions during and after administration; however, these reactions vary by asparaginase formulation and administration route. It is imperative that nurses be knowledgeable of clinical symptoms associated with intravenous (IV) monomethoxypolyethylene glycol (PEG)-asparaginase reactions, as well as potential reaction timing. Purpose: This single institution retrospective study describes the clinical factors among patients with IV PEG-asparaginase hypersensitivity reactions. Methods: Reaction frequency and severity, dose, phase of treatment, and time between infusion initiation and reaction were collected on patients identified as having an IV PEG-asparaginase hypersensitivity reaction while undergoing acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment. Results: Sixty-three patients (12.8%) developed a hypersensitivity reaction to IV PEG-asparaginase, with the reaction occurring during a median of 3 doses in both risk arms. Reactions were noted ≤60 minutes after infusion initiation in 98% of patients, and no reactions were fatal. Conclusion: Nurses should carefully observe patients throughout the infusion and anticipate adverse reactions, particularly during the first 3 doses and first 10 minutes of each infusion. Patient and family education should include the rare risk of delayed reactions.
Harmonic active vibration control using piezoelectric self-sensing actuation with complete digital compensation
Authors: Pelletier Anik , Micheau Philippe , Berry Alain
Published: November 2017

In this article, the implementation of a self-sensing piezoelectric actuator with complete digital compensation is presented. The proposed compensation not only minimizes the signal due to the electrical behavior of the self-sensing actuator but also takes into account the fact that piezoelectric actuator causes a local strain—not related to the global vibration of the plate—in a vibrating plate to which it is coupled. Therefore, the corrected measured current is related to the global vibration of the plate and may be used in an active control scheme. The electro-mechanical model on which is based this self-sensing actuator is first explained. Then, the electronic and digital processing implementation is presented, as well as the active time-harmonic control scheme used. Finally, results of experimental validation are presented, and the attenuation performance of the self-sensing actuator is compared to the performances of a co-localized accelerometer/lead zirconate titanate pair. It is shown that the corrected self-sensing actuator current gives results better than what is obtained with a co-localized sensor/actuator pair and that this technique may be used to control more than one frequency simultaneously.
Coherence resonance of a magnet-induced buckled piezoelectric energy harvester under stochastic parametric excitation
Authors: Li Haitao , Qin Weiyang , Deng Wangzheng
Published: November 2017

This study takes the magnet-induced buckled piezoelectric energy harvester as the object of research and employs the stochastic Melnikov method to explore the necessary conditions for occurrence of coherence resonance. The magnet-induced buckled piezoelectric energy harvester configuration is composed of a clamped–clamped beam, with one movable end subjected to an axial stochastic magnetic acting force. The model’s stochastic Melnikov function is derived and then the necessary conditions for coherence resonance are obtained. The analyses reveal that the magnet’s distance and the proof mass may influence the threshold of inter-well motion significantly. Numerical simulations are carried out, and Kramers rate is applied to prove the analytical predictions. A harvester prototype was fabricated, and the corresponding experiments were carried out for validation. The results proved the theoretical analyses and the simulation results. The influences of stochastic excitation level and magnet separation distance on the performance are thoroughly discussed. The results provide a guideline for design and optimization of the magnet-induced buckled piezoelectric energy harvester.
Make No Mistake? Exploring Cognitive and Perceptual Effects of Grammatical Errors in News Articles
Authors: Appelman Alyssa , Schmierbach Mike
Published: November 2017

Using four between-subjects experiments ( N1 = 106, N2 = 166, N3 = 159, and N4 = 164), this project tests the ways audiences process grammatical errors in news articles. In all, results suggest that readers perceive stories with grammatical errors to be lower in quality, credibility, and informativeness, but the number of errors needed is relatively large. Analysis shows amplified effects for people who report concern about grammar, and, to a lesser degree, people with knowledge of grammar rules. Given these results, the findings suggest a nonlinear, nonuniversal effect of grammatical errors on readers of news articles.
Combined effects of intake flow and spark-plug location on flame development, combustion stability and end-gas autoignition for lean spark-ignition engine operation using E30 fuel
Authors: Sjöberg Magnus , He Xu
Published: November 2017

Lean or dilute spark-ignition engine operation can provide efficiency improvements relative to that of traditional well-mixed stoichiometric spark-ignition operation. However, to maintain a sufficiently short burn duration with the direct-injection spark-ignition engine hardware of the current study, mixed-mode combustion is required for operation with ϕ < 0.6. Such mixed-mode combustion uses a combination of deflagration and end-gas autoignition whereby the pressure rise of the deflagration-based combustion compresses the end-gas reactants to the point of autoignition. For better understanding of the transition from deflagration to autoignition, it is desirable to apply optical diagnostics. However, with the use of a single centrally located spark plug, the end-gas is found at the periphery of the combustion chamber, where it is difficult to examine optically. To overcome this, two additional spark plugs were mounted in the pent-roof gables (called East and West). Performance testing was performed for five different spark strategies: Central Only, East-West, ALL Three, East Only, and West Only. The five spark strategies are combined with swirl or no-swirl operation for a total of 10 ϕ-sweeps. A high-octane E30 fuel is used here, and intake heating is used to promote both lean combustion stability and end-gas autoignition. The best lean combustion stability is found for the ALL Three spark strategy, followed by the East-West and Central spark strategies, enabling stable mixed-mode spark-ignition combustion for ϕ down to 0.50 and 0.55, respectively. Here, operation without swirl provides the most stable combustion. High-speed imaging of ultra-lean operation without swirl at ϕ = 0.55 using the East-West spark strategy reveals that the transition from deflagration to end-gas autoignition frequently occurs within the view offered by the small piston-bowl window. These results encourage future optical investigations of fuel effects on this transition process, but a larger piston-bowl window is recommended.
Job Satisfaction and Work Engagement: A Study Using Private Sector Bank Managers
Authors: Garg Kanika , Dar Ishaq Ahmad , Mishra Mridula
Published: November 2017

The Problem

In today’s dynamic environment, organizations face difficulties in retaining their talented employees. Although there are several studies that link job satisfaction with work engagement, a closer examination is needed to understand whether it is intrinsic or extrinsic job satisfaction that enhances work engagement. This shows that the job satisfaction is the key driver of work engagement. So, the purpose of this article is to study the level of job satisfaction among the managers at various hierarchical levels of private sector banks in India and also to study the relationship between job satisfaction and work engagement among managers at various hierarchical levels.

The Solution

This study follows the descriptive research design, and data were collected by standardized questionnaire developed by Minnesota and by Schaufeli’s Satisfaction Questionnaire, and data were collected from the 148 managers at various hierarchical levels working in private sector banks in India. To attain the objectives, the descriptive statistics and regression analysis have been used. The results show that the managers who are working in private sector banks are more satisfied with intrinsic job satisfaction rather than extrinsic job satisfaction and also found that there is positive relationship between job satisfaction and work engagement among managers at various hierarchical levels of private sector banks in India. The limitation of this study is data were collected at a single point of time.

The Stakeholders

Stakeholders of this study include private sector bank managers at various hierarchical levels and human resource managers of organizations having hierarchical management system where management is focused toward employee satisfaction and retention in the organization. Consultation agencies dealing in human resource practices, research agencies, and research scholars are other stakeholders as it will be literature for further studies.
Is Hippocampal Avoidance During Whole-Brain Radiotherapy Risky for Patients With Small-Cell Lung Cancer? Hippocampal Metastasis Rate and Associated Risk Factors
Authors: Korkmaz Kirakli Esra , Oztekin Ozgur
Published: November 2017

Objectives:

Hippocampal avoidance during whole-brain radiotherapy is performed to prevent neural stem cell injury causing neurocognitive dysfunction. Nevertheless, the estimated risk of metastases in hippocampal avoidance area in small-cell lung cancer is unknown. The current study aimed to characterize the metastatic distribution within the brain relative to the hippocampus, estimate the incidence of hippocampal metastasis in patients with small-cell lung cancer, and identify clinical and radiographic variables that may be associated with the risk of hippocampal avoidance area metastasis.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with small-cell lung cancer treated with therapeutic whole-brain radiotherapy between January 2010 and December 2015 were reviewed. T1-weighted, postcontrast axial magnetic resonance images obtained just before therapeutic cranial irradiation were retrieved and reviewed for each patient. The hippocampal avoidance area was defined as hippocampus and 5-mm ring area adjacent to the hippocampus to account for necessary dose falloff between the hippocampus and the whole-brain planning target volume. Metastatic lesions within hippocampal avoidance area were defined as hippocampal metastasis. Hippocampal metastasis rate and characteristics of patients with hippocampal metastasis were analyzed and compared to patients without hippocampal metastasis.

Results:

Fifty-four patients evaluated with cranial magnetic resonance imaging were enrolled. Hippocampal metastasis rate was 32% (17 patients). A total of 4.4% of all metastases involved the hippocampal avoidance area. The most common location was frontal lobe. Being younger than 65 years of age was found to be an independent risk factor for HM (odds ratio: 4.8, 95% confidence interval: 1-23.2, P = .049). The number of brain metastases was significantly higher in patients with hippocampal metastasis ( P = .027), and hippocampal metastasis rate was also higher in patients having larger hippocampus ( P = .026) and larger brain volumes ( P = .02).

Conclusion:

Hippocampal metastasis might be more common in small-cell lung cancer. Reducing the dose to the hippocampus by hippocampal avoiding whole-brain radiotherapy plan in small-cell lung cancer may be risky for the development of HM compared with other malignant solid tumors.
Spontaneous Rupture of Multiple Occipital Artery Aneurysms in a Patient With Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Bissacco Daniele , Domanin Maurizio , Romagnoli Silvia , Martelli Edoardo , Civelli Vittorio , Gabrielli Livio
Published: November 2017

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder, mainly characterized by skin and peripheral nervous system abnormalities. Uncommonly, NF-1 may be associated with peripheral or supra-aortic trunks artery aneurysms. We report a case of symptomatic multiple occipital artery aneurysms detected in a 53-year-old woman affected by sporadic NF-1. An endovascular approach was performed to exclude aneurysms and to stop laterocervical spontaneous hematoma.
Lifestyle Modification Group for Lymphedema and Obesity Results in Significant Health Outcomes
Authors: Keith Leslyn , Rowsemitt Carol , Richards Lorie G.
Published: November 2017

This study investigated whether a lifestyle modification program that encouraged a ketogenic diet (KD) for participants with lymphedema and obesity would reduce weight and limb volume and improve quality of life. A total of 12 participants with lymphedema and obesity (mean body mass index = 38.38; SD = 7.02) were enrolled in a lifestyle modification group. The timespan from baseline data collection to 30-day follow-up was 18 weeks. Retention rate was 83.3%. Data were analyzed with repeated-measures ANOVA and Pearson correlation. Participants demonstrated statistically significant improvement in most outcome measures. Mean weight loss was 5.18 kg—F(4, 36) = 11.17; P < .001—or 4.8% of mean baseline weight. The average limb volume reduction was 698.9 ml—F(4, 36) = 9.4; P < .001—and was positively correlated with weight loss (r = 0.8; P = .005). There appeared to be a tendency for participants who used a KD (n = 6) to demonstrate superior results in most outcome measures compared with those who did not use the diet (n = 4), although the sample size of the 2 groups was too small to report definitive results. This lifestyle modification program provided insight into the possible value of a KD for obesity and lymphedema management.
Lessons learned from volar plate fixation of scaphoid fracture nonunions
Authors: Dodds Seth D. , Williams John B. , Seiter Max , Chen Clark
Published: November 2017

Treating scaphoid nonunions presents difficulties particularly when there is bone loss, significant humpback deformity or avascular necrosis. We describe a new type of fixation with a volar scaphoid plate that adds to the methods of internal fixation that are available for the treatment of recalcitrant scaphoid nonunions. We will also discuss ‘lessons learned’ from a cases series. The case series includes 20 consecutive patients treated with volar buttress plating and a pedicled vascularized bone graft from the ipsilateral volar distal radius. There was clinical and radiographic evidence of union in 18 of 20 patients, 13 of which were verified by computed tomographic scan. The range of motion was improved in all patients post-operatively. Four patients with radiographic union experienced intermittent clicking with maximal wrist flexion, believed to be due to the impingement of the plate on the volar aspect of the radioscaphoid articulation and underwent removal at approximately 1 year after the index procedure. Volar scaphoid plating is a useful alternative to headless scaphoid screw fixation in the treatment of unstable scaphoid waist fractures and nonunions.

Level of evidence: IV
Impacts of Initial Transformation to a Patient-Centered Medical Home on Diabetes Outcomes in Federally Qualified Health Centers in Florida
Authors: Kinsell Heidi S. , Hall Allyson G. , Harman Jeffrey S. , Tewary Sweta , Brickman Andrew
Published: November 2017

Objective: Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in Florida see large numbers of vulnerable patients with diabetes. Patient-centered medical home (PCMH) models can lead to improvements in health for patients with chronic conditions and cost savings for providers. Therefore, FQHCs are increasingly moving to PCMH models of care. The study objective was to examine the effects of initial transformation to a level 3 National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) certified PCMH in 2011, on clinical diabetes outcomes among 27 clinic sites from a network of FQHCs in Florida. Methods: We used de-identified, longitudinal electronic health record (EHR) data from 2010-2012 and multivariate logistic regression to analyze the effects of initial transformation on the odds of having well-controlled HbA1c, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure (BP) among vulnerable patients with diabetes. Models controlled for clustering by year, patient, and organizational characteristics. Results: Overall, transformation to a PCMH was associated with 19% greater odds of having well-controlled HbA1c values with no statistically significant impact on BMI or BP. Subanalyses showed transformation had less of an effect on BP for African American patients and HbA1c control for Medicare enrollees but a greater effect on weight control for patients older than 35 years. Conclusion: Transformation to a PCMH in FQHCs appears to improve the health of vulnerable patients with diabetes, with less improvement for subsets of patients. Future research should seek to understand the heterogeneous effects of patient-centered transformation on various subgroups.