bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Next-Generation Coastal Ocean Operational System: Probabilistic Flood Forecasting at Street Scale
Authors: Jordi Antoni , Georgas Nickitas , Blumberg Alan , Yin Larry , Chen Ziyu , Wang Yifan , Schulte Justin , Ramaswamy Venkatsundar , Runnels Dave , Saleh Firas
Published: August 2018

Recent hurricanes have demonstrated the need for real-time flood forecasting at street scale in coastal urban areas. Here, we describe the high-impact high-resolution (HIHR) system that operationally forecasts flooding at very high resolution in the New York–New Jersey metropolitan region. HIHR is the latest upgrade of the Stevens Flood Advisory System (SFAS), a highly detailed operational coastal ocean modeling system. SFAS, based on the Hydrologic–Hydraulic–Hydrodynamic Ensemble (H3E) modeling framework, consists of four sets of nested coastal and inland flood models that provide ensemble flood forecasts with a horizon of at least 96 h from regional to street scales based on forcing from 100 different meteorological output fields. HIHR includes nine model domains with horizontal resolution ranging from 3 to 10 m around critical infrastructure sites in the region. HIHR models are based on an advanced hydrodynamic code [the Stevens Estuarine and Coastal Ocean Model (sECOM), a derivative of the Princeton Ocean Model] and nested into the H3E models. HIHR was retrospectively evaluated by forecasting the coastal flooding caused by Superstorm Sandy in 2012 using water-level sensors, high-water marks, and flood maps. The forecasts for the 95th percentile show a good agreement with these observations even three days before the peak flood, while the 50th percentile is negatively biased because of the lack of resolution on the meteorological forcing. Forecasts became more accurate and less uncertain as the forecasts were issued closer to the peak flooding.
Evolution and Stability of Two-Dimensional Anelastic Internal Gravity Wave Packets
Authors: Gervais Alain D. , Swaters Gordon E. , van den Bremer Ton S. , Sutherland Bruce R.
Published: August 2018

The weakly nonlinear evolution, stability, and overturning of horizontally and vertically localized internal gravity wave packets is examined for a nonrotating, anelastic atmosphere that is stationary in the absence of waves. The weakly nonlinear evolution is examined through the derivation of their wave-induced mean flow, which is used to formulate a nonlinear Schrödinger equation. The induced flow is manifest as a long, hydrostatic, bow wake-like disturbance, whose flow direction transitions from positive on the leading flank of the wave packet to negative on the trailing flank of the wave packet. As such, two-dimensional wave packets are always modulationally unstable. This instability results in enhanced amplitude growth confined to either the leading or trailing flank. Hence, when combined with anelastic growth predicted by linear theory, we anticipate two-dimensional waves will overturn either somewhat below or just above the heights predicted by linear theory. Numerical solutions of the Schrödinger equation are compared with the results of fully nonlinear simulations to establish the validity of the weakly nonlinear theory. Actual wave overturning heights are determined quantitatively from a range of fully nonlinear simulations.
Impact of the Atlantic Meridional Mode on Gulf Stream North Wall Position
Authors: Hameed Sultan , Wolfe Christopher L. P. , Chi Lequan
Published: August 2018

The path of the Gulf Stream as it leaves the continental shelf near Cape Hatteras is marked by a sharp gradient in ocean temperature known as the North Wall. Previous work in the literature has considered processes related to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in triggering latitudinal displacements of the North Wall position. This paper presents evidence that the Atlantic meridional mode (AMM) also impacts interannual variations of the North Wall position. The AMM signal from the tropics propagates to the Gulf Stream near the 200-m depth, and there are two time scales for this interaction. Anomalous Ekman suction induced by AMM cools the tropical Atlantic. The cold water in the Caribbean Sea is entrained into the currents feeding the Gulf Stream, and this cooling signal reaches the North Wall within a year. A second mechanism involves cold anomalies in the western tropical Atlantic, which initially propagate westward as baroclinic planetary waves, reaching the Gulf Stream and resulting in a southward shift in the North Wall position after a delay of about one year. In an analysis for the period 1961–2015, AMM’s signal dominates North Wall fluctuations in the upper 300 m, while NAO is the major influence below ~500 m; the influence of both the teleconnections is seen between 300 and 500 m. The relationship between the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) and the North Wall is investigated for the 2005–15 period and found to be statistically significant only at the sea surface in one of the three North Wall indices used.
Tidal Modulation of Surface Gravity Waves in the Gulf of Maine
Authors: Wang Pengcheng , Sheng Jinyu
Published: August 2018

This study examines the tidal modulation of surface gravity waves in the Gulf of Maine (GoM) by using in situ observations and numerical model results. Analysis of observational data demonstrates significant semidiurnal tidal modulations in the mean wave variables for swell-dominated waves in the region. The observed tidal modulation features significant spatial–temporal variabilities, with large magnitudes near the mouth of the GoM. Observations also demonstrate unusual timing of the maximum modulation of significant wave height Hs in the following tidal currents. The coupled wave–circulation model successfully reproduces the observed tidal modulation and the associated spatial–temporal variabilities. Model results demonstrate that the maximum Hs modulations are first generated during the maximum flood tide or ebb tide near the mouth of the GoM and then propagate onto the inner gulf. Around the mouth of the GoM, tidal currents have strong spatial gradients, resulting in great effects of current-induced convergence, refraction, and wavenumber shift. The tidal modulation in Hs generated by convergence (10%–14%) is less affected by the wave propagation direction than the modulation generated by the wavenumber shift (6%–10%) and refraction (4%–20%). The latter modulation varies significantly with changes in the wave propagation direction. In addition, current-enhanced dissipation becomes important during high winds, which reduces at least one-half of the Hs modulation during the study period. The observed unusual timing of the maximum Hs modulation in the following tidal currents can be mostly explained by the convergence and wavenumber shift associated with wave-energy convergence and energy transfer from currents to waves in spatially decelerating currents.
CFSv2 Monthly Forecasts of Tornado and Hail Activity
Authors: Lepore Chiara , Tippett Michael K. , Allen John T.
Published: August 2018

Climate Forecast System, version 2, predictions of monthly U.S. severe thunderstorm activity are analyzed for the period 1982–2016. Forecasts are based on a tornado environmental index and a hail environmental index, which are functions of monthly averaged storm relative helicity (SRH), convective precipitation (cPrcp), and convective available potential energy (CAPE). Overall, forecast indices reproduce well the annual cycle of tornado and hail events. Forecast index biases are mostly negative and caused by environment values that are low east of the Rockies, although forecast CAPE is higher than the reanalysis values over the High Plains. Skill is diagnosed spatially for the indices and their constituents separately. SRH is more skillfully forecast than cPrcp and CAPE, especially during December–June. The spatial patterns of forecast skill for CAPE and cPrcp are similar, with higher skill for CAPE and less spatial coherence for cPrcp. The indices are forecast with substantially less skill than the environmental parameters. Numbers of tornado and hail events are forecast with modest but statistically significant skill in some NOAA regions and months of the year. Skill tends to be relatively higher for hail events and in climatologically active seasons and regions. Much of the monthly skill appears to be derived from the first 2 weeks of the forecast. El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) modulates forecasts and, to a lesser extent, forecast skill, during March–May, with more activity and higher skill during cool ENSO conditions.
Does an Eczema Action Plan Improve Atopic Dermatitis? A Single-Site Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Brown Julia , Weitz Nicole W. , Liang Amy , Stockwell Melissa S. , Friedman Suzanne
Published: August 2018

The multitude of treatment options for atopic dermatitis (AD) makes management frustrating for providers and patients. Eczema action plans (EAPs) have been proposed to improve parental and provider management. We developed a single-site randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of an EAP on quality of life (QOL), provider knowledge, and comfort with AD management. Providers were randomized into an EAP-use group and a traditional care group. All patients completed validated AD QOL surveys, and those with AD were verbally administered the survey 1 month later. Providers’ perceptions on managing AD were compared in the EAP and usual use groups. Parents in the EAP group demonstrated a significantly increased understanding of AD treatment, and providers in the EAP group had a significantly increased understanding and management of AD. The EAP is a feasible tool that can be integrated into a busy clinic practice with a positive impact on physicians and patients.
Sebastian Moore’s Spiritual Vision and Christological Project
Authors: Roy OP Louis
Published: August 2018

This essay wants to examine the structural components and the viability of Sebastian Moore’s christological construction. The first section presents the origin of his insight into the redemptive role of Jesus. The second section reports his views on desire. In connection with desire, the third section details the experience that the followers of Jesus had of him, from the beginnings in Galilee, through his passion and death, ending with his appearances after his resurrection. The fourth justifies the validity of his Christology.
Health-promoting schools in Taiwan: School principals’ and teachers’ perspectives on implementation and sustainability
Authors: Liu Chieh-Hsing , Chang Fong-Ching , Liao Li-Ling , Niu Yu-Zhen , Cheng Chi-Chia , Shih Shu-Fang
Published: August 2018

Objective:

This study assessed school principals’ understanding, attitudes and willingness to influence the implementation of the health-promoting schools (HPS) programme in Taiwan and teachers’ willingness to sustain it.

Method:

In 2014, a total of 1,140 school principals and 1,110 teachers (HPS coordinators) completed questionnaires concerning their perspectives on implementation and sustainability.

Results:

Compared with teachers, school principals reported higher levels of willingness to sustain HPS implementation. School principals’ levels of understanding of HPS and willingness to sustain it were significantly associated with higher levels of HPS implementation and an increase in teachers’ willingness to sustain HPS implementation.

Conclusion:

School principals’ understanding and willingness to support are central to the effective implementation and sustainability of initiatives such as HPS.
Using EMG Amplitude and Frequency to Calculate a Multimuscle Fatigue Score and Evaluate Global Shoulder Fatigue
Authors: McDonald Alison C. , Mulla Daanish M. , Keir Peter J.
Published: August 2018

Objective:

The authors developed a function to quantify fatigue in multiple shoulder muscles by generating a single score using relative changes in EMG amplitude and frequency over time.

Background:

Evaluating both frequency and amplitude components of the electromyographic signal provides a more complete evaluation of muscle fatigue than either variable alone; however, little effort has been made to combine time and frequency domains for the evaluation of myoelectric fatigue.

Method:

Surface EMG was measured from 14 shoulder muscles while participants performed simulated, repetitive work tasks until exhaustion. Each 60-s work cycle consisted of four tasks (dynamic push, dynamic pull, static drill, static force target matching task) scaled to participants’ anthropometrics and strength. The function was generated to calculate a multimuscle fatigue score (MMFS) based on changes in EMG frequency, amplitude, and the number of muscles showing signs of myoelectric fatigue (increase in EMG amplitude; decrease in EMG frequency).

Results:

The function was evaluated through changes in MMFS over time: first (31.8 ± 14.6), middle (47.6 ± 25.3), last (58.6 ± 35.5) reference exertions ( p < .05). The evaluation of the relationships between MMFS and changes in strength ( r = −0.510) and MMFS and perceived fatigue (RPF) ( r = 0.298) showed significant relationships over time ( p < .05). MMFS scores increased over time ( p < .05) with significant relationships between MMFS and strength changes and RPF ( p < .05).

Conclusion and application:

The MMFS allows for comparisons between workplace tasks, which can aid in workplace design to mitigate the development of fatigue.
Development of the Thai Cannabis Risky Use Screening Test
Authors: Kanchanabat Sukanya , Arunpongpaisal Suwanna , Hurst Cameron Paul
Published: August 2018

Cannabis use may affect drug users’ health and vitality, but few cannabis users seek health care assistance. This study’s objective is to develop an instrument to identify cannabis use disorder among Thai people and investigate its psychometric properties. A two-stage mixed-method research design was implemented. The first phase was conducted by literature review, in-depth interviews, a focus group, cognitive testing, and exploratory factor analysis. The second phase was conducted using a two-stage screening procedure in a field survey conducted among 1,120 subjects. The gold standard for diagnosis was based on one psychiatrist according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; DSM-IV-TR) criteria. The optimal cut-off point was ⩾9.56 (sensitivity, 92%; specificity, 92%). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed two factors, namely loss of control and impacts of cannabis, with good model fit (comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.926, Tucker–Lewis index [TLI] = 0.909, root mean square error approximation [RMSEA] = 0.049). The final instrument, consisting of 13 items, was named “Thai Cannabis Risky Use Screening Test” or TCRUST.
An Evaluation of the Behavioral Activation Model of Psychotherapy in a Community Sample in Japan
Authors: Yamamoto Tatsuya , Hikida Ikki , Shudo Yusuke , Sakai Makoto
Published: August 2018

Behavioral activation is a brief, structured psychotherapy. It focuses on avoidance behaviors as well as activation of healthy behaviors, which together lead to the improvement in depression through increase in positive reinforcement. This study examined this mediation model in a community sample in Japan. The participants were 661 people (323 men and 338 women). Their average age was 36.98 years ( SD = 12.91). Mediation analysis supported a partial mediation model and showed that activation and avoidance have direct effects on depression as well as indirect effects through positive reinforcement. The difference between the results of this study and those of the previous studies, which supported a complete mediation model, may occur because of characteristics of the community sample as distinct from previous studies’ undergraduate samples.
The Role of Assisted Living Capacity on Nursing Home Financial Performance
Authors: Lord Justin , Davlyatov Ganisher , Thomas Kali S. , Hyer Kathryn , Weech-Maldonado Robert
Published: August 2018

The rapid growth of the assisted living industry has coincided with decreased levels of nursing home occupancy and financial performance. The purpose of this article is to examine the relationships among assisted living capacity, nursing home occupancy, and nursing home financial performance. In addition, we explore whether the relationship between assisted living capacity and nursing home financial performance is mediated by nursing home occupancy. This research utilized publicly available secondary data, for the state of Florida from 2003 through 2015. General descriptive statistics were used to assess the relationships among financial performance, assisted living capacity, and occupancy. To explore the relationships among financial performance, assisted living capacity and occupancy, and test potential mediation of occupancy, we followed Baron and Kenny’s approach and estimated 3 models examining the relationships between (1) assisted living capacity and nursing home financial performance, (2) assisted living capacity and nursing home occupancy, and (3) nursing home occupancy and financial performance after assisted living capacity is included in the model. We used generalized estimating equations, to adjust for repeated measures and to model the above relationships. Year fixed effects control for time trend. The independent variable, assisted living beds, was lagged for 1 year to account for the potential influence on financial performance. The final analytic sample consisted of 7688 nursing home-year observations from 657 unique nursing homes. Our findings suggest that assisted living capacity does have a negative impact on nursing homes’ financial performance. Even though, assisted living capacity seems not to significantly decrease nursing home occupancy. The relationship between assisted living capacity and financial performance was not mediated through occupancy. These findings suggest that assisted living communities may not be able to significantly reduce nursing home occupancy; however, the presence of assisted living communities may create additional financial/competitive pressures that result in decreased nursing home financial performance.
Clinicopathological study on rickettsial spotted fever from south India
Authors: Dincy Peter CV , Susanne Pulimood A , Leni George , T Sohanlal , Meera Thomas , AJ Prakash John
Published: August 2018

In a prospective study conducted between November 2006 and April 2008 of 35 patients (male:female ratio 2:1) with proven rickettsial spotted fever, a generalised rash with involvement of palms and soles were seen in 80% of patients. Vasculitis on histopathology of rash was seen in 54%.
The radical right, the labour movement and the competition for the workers’ vote
Authors: Mosimann Nadja , Rennwald Line , Zimmermann Adrian
Published: August 2018

This article analyses the capacity of radical right parties to attract support from union members in recent elections in Western Europe. It is argued that unionized voters resist the appeals of the radical right better than non-union members. Using data from the European Social Survey 2010–2016, the article shows that union members are overall less likely to vote for the radical right than non-union members. Even though it is found that unionized working-class and middle-class voters are less likely to vote radical right than their non-unionized peers in the pooled sample, it is also observed that these subgroups of unionized voters and especially unionized working-class voters are not immune to radical right voting in all the countries analysed. The article thus indicates a growing capacity of the radical right to attract unionized working-class segments of the electorate in some countries and to directly compete with left parties for these voters.
The fate of labor after regime change: Lessons from post-communist Poland and post-apartheid South Africa for Tunisia’s Nobel-Prize winning unions
Authors: Hartshorn Ian M , Sil Rudra
Published: August 2018

Wherever labor has played a significant role in bringing about regime change, there may be opportunities to join in the post-authoritarian ruling coalition in the hopes of consolidating its influence. This article examines the long-term risks and unanticipated consequences of giving in to this temptation by comparing post-communist Poland and post-apartheid South Africa, where the leading trade union federations became weaker and more divided as their political allies pushed forward with economic liberalization. Tunisia’s trade unions, awarded the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize for their contribution to a stable transition after the ‘Arab Spring,’ face the risk of going down the same path should they continue to view themselves as partners of the new governing elite, which has already signaled its intention of pursuing further liberalization.
Unions for whom? Union democracy and precarious workers in Poland and Italy
Authors: Marino Stefania , Bernaciak Magdalena , Mrozowicki Adam , Pulignano Valeria
Published: August 2018

Focusing on the cases of Italy and Poland, this article examines the link between union organizational democracy and the economic and political inclusion of precarious workers. It argues that union membership of vulnerable groups is not a necessary condition for the representation of their voice and economic interests by labour organizations; rather, these two forms of inclusion are shaped primarily by the institutional contexts in which unions operate as well as by their identities and structural characteristics. In both examined countries the economic inclusion of precarious workers has been more advanced, while the degree of their political inclusion has lagged behind and varied across major union confederations in line with two distinct models of unionism: a solidaristic and a diversity-oriented one.
Theoretical and empirical links between trade unions and democracy
Authors: Baccaro Lucio , Benassi Chiara , Meardi Guglielmo
Published: August 2018

This special issue wants to honour the memory of Giulio Regeni, a PhD student at the University of Cambridge who was assassinated while he was conducting field research on independent trade unions in Egypt. This introduction and the following articles focus on the theoretical, empirical and methodological questions at the core of Regeni’s research. Unions have traditionally been regarded as crucial for representing the interests of the working class as a whole and for building and sustaining industrial and political democracy; however, there is a debate about the conditions under which unions can be effective, and the role of unions’ internal democracy is particularly controversial. The article discusses the theoretical linkages between trade unions, democratization and union democracy and concludes with a reflection on the new concerns about the risk of conducting field research on these issues raised by Regeni’s death.
Analysis on the difference of material composition and reservoir space of Mesoproterozoic dark marine shale in the Yanshan area
Authors: Wang Boyang , Zhang Qiusheng , Wang Gang , Liu Miao
Published: August 2018

The dark marine shales which are thick in the Mesoproterozoic Hongshuizhuang formation and Xiamaling Formation in the Yanshan area are the subject of this study. The material compositions and pore characteristics were analyzed, and the reasons for the differences in the adsorption capacity of shale were emphatically discussed through geochemical analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, mercury injection experiment, isothermal adsorption, and other analysis methods. The results indicate that the samples are rich in high organic carbon content, and vitrinite reflectance suggests that the degree of thermal evolution is in the late-mature to high-mature stage; the mineral compositions mainly consist of quartz and clay minerals. The micropores are relatively developed, which mainly include intergranular pores, intragranular pores, microcracks, and many other pores. Results from the nitrogen adsorption analysis suggest that the pore structures can be divided into three types. Porosity has obvious fractal characteristics. The fractal dimensions of the adsorption pore are larger than those of the seepage hole. The difference of shale adsorption between the Hongshuizhuang Formation and Xiamaling Formation is mainly determined by the volume of micropores and transition pores and the different mineral compositions.
Belief in Social Mobility Mitigates Hostility Resulting From Disadvantaged Social Standing
Authors: Sagioglou Christina , Forstmann Matthias , Greitemeyer Tobias
Published: August 2018

Comparing economically unfavorably with similar others has detrimental consequences for an individual, ultimately resulting in low physical health, delinquency, and hostility. In four studies ( N = 2,032), we examined whether believing in a mobile society—one offering fair chances and opportunity—mitigates hostile emotions resulting from disadvantaged social standing. We find that with increasing mobility belief, negative comparisons have gradually less impact on hostility. Specifically, measured (Studies 1 and 4) and manipulated (Studies 2 and 3) social mobility belief moderated the link between induced high versus low social status, experiencing relative deprivation, and hostile affect. A positive outcome on the surface, social mobility belief may indirectly contribute to the maintenance of social inequality by appeasing anger about perceived injustice.
Ideological Affiliations, Conflicts, and Competing Mobilization Frames: The Role of Pro-immigrant Allies in Shaping Immigrant Struggles for Greater Rights
Authors: Cappiali Teresa M.
Published: August 2018

This article critically assesses the role pro-immigrant allies play in shaping immigrant struggles for their greater rights. Drawing from original data collected in Italy between 2013 and 2014, it analyzes the conflict-laden organization of “A Day without Us,” a mass mobilization that took place in Italy on March 1, 2010. It explains how ideological divides, competing mobilization frames, and struggles for legitimacy among pro-immigrant groups play a key role in influencing mobilization strategies and outcomes, as do the mechanisms of marginalization of immigrant activists. This study improves understandings of immigrant political mobilization as it shows the ways in which pro-immigrant groups may reduce the scope and effectiveness of immigrants’ rights claims in receiving societies.
Sri Lanka’s Plantation Communities
Authors: Ramasamy Ramesh
Published: August 2018

Ethnic minorities, even if formally recognised as full citizens in their country of residence, may still encounter various forms of discriminatory treatment and exclusion, not only of a private nature, but also in governance, especially in public service delivery. This article combines a critical study of public service provision in Sri Lanka with a fieldwork-based assessment of the current position of the plantation communities in Sri Lanka. It highlights their continuing problems in accessing public services and encountering discriminatory practices by the Sri Lankan state. There is strong evidence that the previously stateless plantation communities remain subject to various forms of discrimination in public service delivery, though they are now citizens. In addition, evidence related to austerity measures in estate management creates further difficulties for the plantation communities.
Association between dietary fiber intake and risk of ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Huang Xiumin , Wang Xuelian , Shang Jing , Lin Yanzhen , Yang Ying , Song Youyi , Yu Shengnan
Published: August 2018

Objective

To evaluate the associations between dietary fiber intake and ovarian cancer risk.

Methods

A literature survey was conducted by searching the PubMed, Web of Science, and Wanfang Med Online databases up to March 1st, 2018. The effect of dietary fiber intake on ovarian cancer risk was evaluated by calculating relative risks with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) using Stata 12.0 software.

Results

A total of 17 articles with 149,177 participants including 7609 ovarian cancer patients were included in this analysis. The summarized relative risk for ovarian cancer in participants with the highest compared with the lowest fiber intake was 0.760 (95%CI=0.702–0.823), with no significant between-study heterogeneity ( I2=12.4%). Subgroup analysis according to study design demonstrated positive associations in both cohort studies and case-control studies. Moreover, the results were consistent among populations from America, Europe, and Asia. No publication bias was found by Egger’s test or funnel plots.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis concluded that a high intake of dietary fiber could significantly reduce the risk of ovarian cancer compared with a low fiber intake.
A Conflation Methodology for Two GIS Roadway Networks and Its Application in Performance Measurements
Authors: Daneshgar Farzad , Sadabadi Kaveh Farokhi , Haghani Ali
Published: August 2018

In the current environment, in which private sector organizations play an ever increasing role in providing traffic data and tend to report data based on proprietary maps, it is inevitable that public sector agencies will want to adapt the spatial data and to use it in their legacy systems. Thus, for the same transportation infrastructures, a variety of GIS roadway datasets based on different highway reference location systems and segmentations are developed. This paper presents a method and a workflow to conflate such networks. The matching process usually involves projecting one network onto another. The first step in this process is to match the typically proprietary private sector network with the public sector legacy network. Different public and private entities may use different location referencing systems for analysis and reporting of data. So, in most cases, it is necessary to transform the spatial data from one location referencing system to another. Geographic information systems (GIS) offer a powerful tool for this purpose. GIS uses standard referencing systems to locate the features in a transportation network. This study proposes a methodology that takes advantage of GIS capabilities in the projection of transportation networks. A workflow is introduced based on the proposed methodology. A tool is created to perform the projection in the ESRI ArcGIS environment. Sanity checks and some reporting options are presented. Results are reported on projecting a subset of the Highway Performance Measurement System (HPMS) used by Maryland State Highway Administration onto the Traffic Message Channel (TMC) network in Maryland.
Decreased Defect Size and Partial Restoration of Subchondral Bone on Computed Tomography After Arthroscopic Debridement and Microfracture for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum
Authors: Bexkens Rens , van Bergen Christiaan J.A. , van den Bekerom Michel P.J. , Kerkhoffs Gino M.M.J. , Eygendaal Denise
Published: August 2018

Background:

Arthroscopic debridement and microfracture are considered the primary surgical treatment for capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). Healing of the subchondral bone plays an essential role in cartilage repair, while lack of healing is related to the development of osteoarthritis. To date, it is unknown to what extent healing of the subchondral bone occurs after this technique in the elbow.

Purpose:

To analyze defect size changes and subchondral bone healing with computed tomography (CT) after arthroscopic debridement and microfracture for advanced capitellar OCD.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Between 2009 and 2016, 67 patients underwent arthroscopic debridement and microfracture for advanced capitellar OCD. Fifty-four patients (81% follow-up rate) with CT scans were included (mean ± SD: preoperative, 4.0 ± 1.7 months; postoperative, 29 ± 9.0 months). OCD defect size was assessed by measuring the largest diameter in 3 directions: medial-lateral direction (coronal plane) and anterior-posterior direction and depth (both in sagittal plane). Healing of the OCD was divided into 3 categories: good—complete osseous union or ossification; fair—incomplete osseous union or ossification but improved; poor—no changes between pre- and postoperative scans. Postoperative clinical outcome was assessed with the Oxford Elbow Score (OES) at the same time as the postoperative CT scan.

Results:

There were 30 female and 24 male patients (age, 15.7 ± 3.2 years). Defect size decreased ( P < .001) in all 3 directions (medial-lateral × anterior-posterior × depth) at 29 ± 9.0 months: preoperatively, 7.9 ± 2.8 × 8.0 ± 3.2 × 4.1 ± 1.5 mm; postoperatively, 3.5 ± 3.3 × 4.0 ± 3.5 × 1.6 ± 1.4 mm. Healing of the subchondral bone was graded as good in 19 defects (35%), fair in 27 (50%), and poor in 8 (15%). The mean postoperative OES score was 40 ± 8.4. Neither postoperative defect size nor healing grade correlated with the OES ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic debridement and microfracture for advanced capitellar OCD result in improved (ie, decreased) defect size at a mean follow-up of 29 months, both in width and in depth. Healing of the subchondral bone was either good or fair in 85%. Interestingly, CT findings did not correlate with clinical outcomes.
Surface modification of metallic materials designed for a new generation of artificial heart valves
Authors: Major Roman , Gonsior Malgorzata , Sanak Marek , Kot Marcin , Kustosz Roman , Lackner Juergen M
Published: August 2018

Purpose:

The main goal of this work was to develop haemocompatibile thin film materials dedicated to novel flexible mechanical heart valves intended for pulsatile ventricle assist devices.

Methods:

The studies performed have led to the selection of a material for the surface modification of the metallic scaffold. Haemocompatible, biofunctional, ultra-elastic, thin carbon-based coatings were proposed. The surface was designed to eliminate thrombogenic and microbial construction by a reduction in turbulence and sufficient washing of the biofunctional-adapted surfaces, thus allowing for extended use for temporary heart support. The article presents the influence of the mechanical properties of coatings and their influence on the haemocompatibility. In this study, we investigated a simplified model of the whole blood shear stress based on a cone and plate rotational viscometer. Several indices of platelet activation were analysed, including platelet and granulocyte-platelet aggregates, platelet activation markers and platelet-derived microparticles.

Results:

The shear stress induced a platelet aggregate count in the range from 2% to 30% of the CD61 positive cells. For polyurethane (PU), the average value of platelet aggregates was on the level of 7%. The analyses have demonstrated that the cytometric methods of the direct determination of platelet-derived microparticles in plasma are reproducible and reliable. Considering the generation of microparticles on the tested coatings under hydrodynamic conditions, the best properties were observed for the coating a-C:H,N.

Conclusion:

The results indicate that a-C:H-based coatings with the thickness of 110 nm do not induce an immune response and do not influence the origin of platelet microparticle formation; thus, these type of coatings are the most promising for the parts which are planned to withstand blood contact under the high value of shear stress.
Understanding Communication Between Rehabilitation Practitioners and Nurses: Implications for Post-Acute Care Quality
Authors: Wong Carin , Martinez Jenny , Fagan Brenda , Leland Natalie E.
Published: August 2018

Objective: This study examined post-acute care (PAC) rehabilitation practitioner’s perspectives on communication. Method: This is a secondary data analysis of a larger qualitative study, which included PAC rehabilitation provider ( n = 99) focus groups that were held in a purposive sample of 13 skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Results: Participants emphasized the importance of bidirectional communication between rehabilitation and nursing. Three themes were identified: (a) communication between rehabilitation practitioners and registered nurses or licensed practical nurses, (b) communication between rehabilitation practitioners and certified nursing assistants, and (c) communication between rehabilitation practitioners and nursing leaders. Two subthemes within each of the three themes were further characterized to understand how information was exchanged: (a) static communication and (b) action-oriented communication. Conclusion: Our findings highlight opportunities for better communication in PAC between rehabilitation practitioners and nursing and thus lay a foundation for future efforts to improve care coordination through enhancing interdisciplinary communication.
Domestic Violence Against Women in Urban Slums of Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Chowdhury Mohiuddin Ahsanul Kabir , Rahman Ahmed Ehsanur , Morium Salma , Hasan Mohammad Mehedi , Bhuiyan Afsana , Arifeen Shams El
Published: August 2018

Violence against women has been treated as a global epidemic and not uncommon in Bangladesh like in many other low-income countries. The occurrence of domestic violence against women (DVAW) in the urban slums of Bangladesh is not well documented. There is also scarce evidence regarding the factors contributing to DVAW. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate DVAW in the urban slums and its associated factors in Chittagong, Bangladesh. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 87 women of reproductive age having at least one child below 5 years of age and staying with their husband for at least last 1 year in selected slums under Chittagong City Corporation area. Structured questionnaire was used to interview the study participants. The data underwent descriptive and regression analysis. Of 87 respondents, 50 (57.5%) reported to suffer from domestic violence by their husband during the last 1 year. Physical violence was found to be significantly associated with age at marriage ( p = .043), number of family members ( p = .027), and wealth index ( p = .000). DVAW is highly prevalent in Bangladesh. More extensive research should be performed to identify the factors contributing to the high prevalence of domestic violence in urban slums of Bangladesh. Household-based intervention incorporating effective community participation, education, and counseling is needed to limit this burning problem.
Physical and Sexual Violence Experienced by Male War-Affected Youth: Implications for Post-Conflict Functioning and Intimate Relationships
Authors: Alleyne-Green Binta , Kulick Alex , Grocher Kimberly , Betancourt Theresa S.
Published: August 2018

This study explored the association between war violence exposure during armed conflict and intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization, and the impact of positive community and family reintegration on IPV among a sample ( N = 92) of war-affected male youth, post-conflict Sierra Leone. Trained Sierra Leonean researchers conducted face-to-face interviews with youth and their caregivers. Results indicate that exposure to violence during armed conflict as well as community and family reintegration were negatively associated with psychological IPV perpetration. Community reintegration was negatively associated with physical IPV. Sexual victimization was negatively associated with sexual IPV perpetration, whereas physical victimization had positive association. More research needs to be done on male war-affected youth as victims of physical, psychological, and sexual violence during conflict and the impact this has on the quality of their intimate relationships, occurrence of IPV in those relationships (as victims in addition to being perpetrators), and their community reintegration.
The Bystander Behavior (For Friends) Scale: Factor Structure and Correlation With Prior Victimization
Authors: Cascardi Michele , Krauss Alison , O’Leary K. Daniel , Loatman Katie Lee , Sargent Kelli , Grych John , Jouriles Ernest N.
Published: August 2018

The Bystander Behavior (for Friends) Scale (BBS) offers a promising method of studying prosocial bystander behavior in the context of sexual assault and intimate partner violence. The underlying structure of the BBS has only been studied in the development sample, which was predominantly White and from one university in the Northeast region of the United States. This single sample raises questions about the replicability and generalizability of the factor structure. In addition, confirmatory factor analytic (CFA) methods, which are favored for binary data, were not used in the developmental sample. There also is limited research on individual characteristics that may relate to engagement in different types of bystander behavior. The primary aims of the current study were to (a) use CFA to evaluate the factor structure of the BBS in a sample of university undergraduates recruited from four universities and (b) test associations between prior victimization (general and family-specific) and BBS factors. University undergraduates ( n = 556) from four U.S. universities comprised the sample. Weighted least squares CFA confirmed the original four-factor model of the BBS, namely, Risky Situations, Accessing Resources, Proactive Behaviors, and Party Safety. The Proactive Behaviors factor was positively associated with both general and family-specific prior victimization. The Risky Situations and Party Safety factors were positively associated with general prior victimization but were not associated with family-specific prior victimization. The Accessing Resources factor was not associated with either general or family-specific prior victimization. The BBS is multidimensional, and the factor structure is robust. The different associations between certain types of bystander behavior and prior victimization highlight the potential value in considering the BBS factors separately.
Bullying at School and on the Street: Risk Factors and Outcomes Among Homeless Youth
Authors: Tyler Kimberly A. , Schmitz Rachel M.
Published: August 2018

Though rates of bullying among general population youth are high, there is elevated prevalence among certain subgroups, in particular sexual minority homeless youth. Enduring bullying can have devastating consequences, including poor mental health, revictimization, and substance abuse. The current study compares risk factors (i.e., sexual orientation, gender, and child abuse) for being bullied both at school and on the street among homeless youth. We also examine the associations of both contexts of bullying (i.e., at school and on the street) with physical and sexual victimization while on the street, with illicit drug use. From July 2014 to October 2015, we interviewed 150 homeless youth aged 16 to 22 years in shelters and on the streets from two Midwestern cities. Our sample was 51% female and 22% identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB). Results revealed that LGB youth experienced more frequent bullying at school and were more likely to have ever used one or more illicit drugs at least a few times compared with heterosexual youth. Moreover, youth who experienced more child abuse prior to leaving home were also victimized more often at school (school bullying) and on the street (street bullying). Young people who experienced more sexual and physical street victimization were more likely to report illicit drug use compared with those who had fewer street victimization experiences. Overall, youth who experience victimization in one context (i.e., home) are at heightened risk for being bullied in additional contexts (i.e., school). These findings have important policy and service intervention implications, such that service providers should attend to homeless youth’s multiple social contexts of victimization and the potential for youth’s illicit drug use as a coping mechanism.
Getting Connected: An Empirical Investigation of the Relationship Between Social Capital and Philanthropy Among Online Volunteers
Authors: Cox Joe , Oh Eun Young , Simmons Brooke , Graham Gary , Greenhill Anita , Lintott Chris , Masters Karen , Meriton Royston
Published: August 2018

The concept of social capital has attracted much attention from researchers and policy makers, largely due to links with positive social outcomes and philanthropic acts such as volunteering and donations. However, a rapid growth in Internet technologies and social media networks has fundamentally affected the formation of social capital, as well as the way in which it potentially associates with prosocial behaviors. This study uses unique data from a survey of online volunteers to explore the interrelationships between social capital and a mix of self-reported and observed philanthropic activities in both online and offline settings. Our results show that while social capital levels associate strongly with offline donations, there are key differences in the relationships between social capital and volunteering in online and offline settings. Using two-stage least squares (2SLS) regression analysis to control for endogeneity, we also infer a number of causal relationships between social capital and philanthropy.
Artificial neural network approach for air brake pushrod stroke prediction in heavy commercial road vehicles
Authors: Raveendran Radhika , Suresh Apoorva , Rajaram Vignesh , Subramanian Shankar C
Published: August 2018

In heavy commercial road vehicles, the air brake system is a critical vehicle safety system whose performance degradation increases the risk of accidents and hence requires periodic inspection and maintenance. The wear of brake pad lining and brake drum during operation leads to increase in the stroke of a component called pushrod whose ‘out-of-adjustment’ creates severe brake performance degradation. The fact that the driver does not receive a corresponding tactile feedback till it is too severe adds to the complexity of manual detection. Motivated by the increase in onboard sensing, electronics, and computation capabilities, this study proposes an artificial neural network–based approach to predict pushrod stroke based on measurement of brake chamber pressure. Here, a back propagation algorithm was used to train the multilayer feed-forward network. The effect of excessive pushrod stroke on vehicle braking response was first studied using a Hardware-in-Loop system that consists of brake system hardware and a commercial vehicle dynamics simulation software (IPG TruckMaker®). Experimental data collected from this system with manual slack adjuster and automatic slack adjuster have then been used to train and test the artificial neural network for pushrod stroke prediction. The performance of the prediction scheme has been tested over the entire range of brake operating conditions. The prediction error corresponding to manual slack adjuster was found to be within ±15% in 322 out of the entire test set of 328 instances (98.17%) and automatic slack adjuster within ±8% in all 57 test sets (100%). Statistical analysis based on confidence interval revealed a prediction error between −1.62% and −3.05% for manual slack adjuster and 0.43% and −1.62% for automatic slack adjuster for 99% confidence interval, which demonstrated the efficacy of the proposed prediction scheme.
Adaptive multivariable generalized super-twisting algorithm based robust coordinated control for a space robot subjected to coupled uncertainties
Authors: Wei Jinyuan , Yuan Jianping , Wang Zheng
Published: August 2018

There often exist strong coupled characteristics between the space robot platform and the manipulators. The neglect of the coupled factors may induce undesired control performance or even lead to system crash. In this paper, a novel robust adaptive coordinated control scheme is developed for a space robot with coupled uncertainties and external disturbances. By proposing a multivariable generalized super-twisting algorithm, the bounded disturbances together with uncertainties could be compensated. An adaptation tuning approach is developed to deal with the unknown bounds. Meanwhile, the sliding mode disturbance observer is introduced to alleviate the system conservatism and improve convergence rate and accuracy. As a result, the accurate state tracking is achieved in finite time. A proof of the finite-time convergence is derived using the Lyapunov theory. Simulations are carried out on a space robot with a three-degrees-of-freedom manipulator to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.