bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing the Nonlinear Dynamic Acoustic Parameters of Healthy Adult and Pediatric Voices
Authors: Chou Adriana , Schrof Colin , Polce Evan , Braden Maia , McMurray James , Jiang Jack
Published: October 2018

Objectives:

The aims of this study were to compare nondysphonic adult and pediatric voices using linear and nonlinear acoustic parameters and to evaluate the ability of adult spectrum convergence ratio (SCR) and rate of divergence (ROD) reference values to correctly identify a pediatric voice type as periodic or aperiodic.

Methods:

Twenty adult and 36 pediatric nondysphonic voice samples were collected and analyzed using linear and nonlinear acoustic parameters. Absence of voice disorder was confirmed using perceptual acoustic and spectral analysis. Mean values for jitter, shimmer, SCR, and ROD were compared between adults and children, across specific age groups, and within genders. Using adult reference values for SCR and ROD, samples were classified as primarily periodic or aperiodic and typed using spectral analysis. Rates of accurate typing were also compared between subject groups.

Results:

Overall, jitter and shimmer were similar among the adult and pediatric age groups. ROD was significantly different among the 3 pediatric and 1 adult group; the pediatric age groups were similar to one another. Adult SCR was also significantly different from all of the pediatric age groups. In adult men, ROD and SCR were significantly different from all of the pediatric age groups; the pediatric age groups were similar to one another. In female subjects, ROD was significantly different among all age groups. The ROD and SCR reference values were significantly better at categorizing adult voice types compared with pediatric voice types.

Conclusions:

In healthy subjects, SCR and ROD have discriminatory power for identifying adult versus pediatric voices, while jitter and shimmer cannot differentiate between the 2 groups. However, age- and gender-specific pediatric reference values must be determined to accurately classify voice types using SCR and ROD.
Visitor Attention in Exhibitions: The Impact of Exhibit Objects’ Ordinal Position, Relative Size, and Proximity to Larger Objects
Authors: Turgay Zıraman Ayça , Imamoğlu Çağrı
Published: October 2018

The main aim of the present study was to explore the impact of three stimulus-related variables—that is, ordinal position of viewing, relative size of exhibit objects, and proximity to larger sized objects—on visitor attention and interest in exhibitions. A field experiment that utilized timing and tracking through unobtrusive observation, as well as a questionnaire, was conducted with 120 participants in one control and three experimental conditions. The results suggest that (a) visitor attention declines across ordinal position, being interrupted in the experimental conditions by the presence of a larger object; (b) larger exhibit objects attract and hold more attention than smaller ones, especially those adjacent to (and appear before rather than after) the larger object; and (c) while larger objects attract more attention on an individual comparison, they seem to have a suppressing effect on the overall level of attention to the exhibition compared with the control condition.
Testing Random Walk and Market Efficiency: A Cross-Stock Market Analysis
Authors: Roy Subrata
Published: October 2018

The study seeks to examine the Random Walk Hypothesis (RWH) and market efficiency of the selected stock market indices particularly London Stock Exchange, EuroStoxx 50, Nihon Keizai Shimbum (NIKKI), Shanghai Composite Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange. Daily closing index value is considered and transformed into logarithm return. Various tests like serial independence test, unit root test and multiple variance tests are applied. It is observed that the null hypotheses (presence of random walks) of the daily returns of the indices are rejected and in few cases are accepted based on various test statistics.

JEL Classification: G00, G01, G02
Sit-Stand Desk Software Can Now Monitor and Prompt Office Workers to Change Health Behaviors
Authors: Sharma Pankaj Parag , Mehta Ranjana K. , Pickens Adam , Han Gang , Benden Mark
Published: October 2018

Objective:

To determine the effectiveness of a computer-based intervention designed to increase sit-stand desk usage and help reverse workplace physical inactivity.

Background:

Sit-stand desks have been successful in reducing workplace sedentary behavior, but the challenge remains for an effective method to increase the usage in order to experience the health and productivity benefits.

Method:

Data collection (1-year field study with 194 workers) used a novel method of computer software that continuously recorded objective electric sit-stand desk usage, while taking into account the time a worker spends away from their desk (breaks, meetings). During the baseline period, all workers’ desk usage was recorded by the software, and the intervention period consisted of software reminders and real-time feedback to all workers to change desk positions. Pooled means were calculated to determine desk usage patterns, and effect sizes and pairwise mean differences were analyzed to test for intervention significance.

Results:

The intervention doubled desk usage by increasing ~1 change to ~2 changes per work day. There was a 76% reduction in workers who never used the sit-stand function of the desk. Medium to large effect sizes from the intervention were observed in all three primary outcome measures (desk in sitting/standing position and desk position changes per work day).

Conclusion:

These findings demonstrate an effective intervention that increased postural transitioning and interrupted prolonged inactivity while remaining at the workstation.

Application:

The methods and results in this research study show that we can quantify an increase in desk usage and collect aggregate data continuously.
Use of ant colony optimization and the Kalman filter to deduce thigh dip angle via acceleration and angular velocity sensing
Authors: Fang Zheng , Yu Tao , Wang Qian , Wang Chao , Chen Siyuan
Published: October 2018

Background:

Acceleration and angular velocity sensors are commonly used in the measurement of gait parameters. A representative application calculates the limb segment dip angle. The rotation angle is typically deduced by a conventional Kalman filter, which includes the use of two empirically derived parameters. We improved this conventional method by introducing colony algorithm to find the optimal parameter combination instead of empirically assignment.

Method:

To achieve optimal results, a servo motor with an inertial measurement unit was used to simulate human limb segment motion according to programmed rotation angles that was employed as the ground truth. To minimize the bias between the ground truth and the calculated result, the ant colony algorithm was employed to obtain the optimal Kalman filter parameter combination in two-dimensional space.

Results:

By the motor experiment, the sum of the angle squared error was only 1.9305 rad2, much better than the 6.7723 rad2 error by the conventional method. The optimal parameter combination obtained was then used in a human experiment involving a basketball player. The frames from video of a whole gait cycle period were all showed with a corresponding deduced thigh dip angle curve diagram.

Conclusion:

The colony algorithm for parameters optimization results in less angle errors deduced by Kalman filter using the data from inertial measurement unit. The subject experiment verified the feasibility and performance of this method.
Cuba’s Strategy Toward Universal Health
Authors: De Vos Pol
Published: October 2018

After 40 years of the Alma Ata Declaration on primary health care, the Pan American Journal of Public Health published an actualized overview of Cuban policies on health and well-being. It describes the longstanding and successful experience of this socialist country, developed in adverse and complex circumstances. The Cuban case remains one of the leading examples of a comprehensive governmental approach toward population health and well-being. The analysis underscores the essential role of continued political will toward population health.
Reppin’ and Risin’ Above: Exploring Communities of Possibility That Affirm the College-Going Aspirations of Black Youth
Authors: Gibbs Grey ThedaMarie
Published: October 2018

This case study examines how relationships with staff in a GEAR-UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) pre-college program positively influenced the college-going aspirations of Black ninth-grade students. Critical Race Theory and Possible Selves provide an intersecting analytical framework for understanding the formation of students’ college-going aspirations. Findings speak to how the role of student leaders in the program assisted high school students in forming college-going counternarratives and provided possible buffers to stereotype threats about what is academically possible for Black youth. In addition, findings demonstrate how the GEAR-UP program served as what I have conceptualized as an educational “Community of Possibility.”
Spanish chivalric romances in English translation
Authors: Álvarez-Recio Leticia
Published: October 2018

Anthony Munday translated most of the Spanish chivalric romances that were printed in England between 1588 and 1619, thus becoming an essential figure in this branch of the English book trade. His approach to the target texts and his translation method offer invaluable information about contemporary ideas on translation. This article shows Munday’s views on translating practices through a close study of his English version of Palmendos (1589), the second book in the Palmerin cycle. Ideological, aesthetic and commercial reasons for his own decisions as a translator are here considered as well.
Occult testimonies in John Aubrey’s Miscellanies
Authors: Botelho Keith
Published: October 2018

This essay examines the reporting practices of occult beliefs in John Aubrey’s Miscellanies (1696), the only published work during his lifetime: this includes general reports, Aubrey’s first-hand observations, knowledge received from first-hand reports, knowledge that has been received after it has been passed down two or more times and Aubrey’s reliance on and invocation of Royal Society members in the course of the work to establish matters of fact. Furthermore, the essay argues that members of the Royal Society in the late seventeenth century recognized multiple forms of intellectual authority and accepted varying degrees of testimony.
Dysfunctional cerebral autoregulation is associated with delirium in critically ill adults
Authors: Lee Kevin FH , Wood Michael D , Maslove David M , Muscedere John G , Boyd J Gordon
Published: October 2018

Delirium is common during critical illness and is associated with morbidity and mortality, but its pathophysiology is unknown. We tested whether dysfunctional cerebral autoregulation (CA) contributes to the development of delirium. Adult patients ( n = 40) with respiratory failure and/or shock were prospectively enrolled. Continuous recordings of regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) were obtained by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during the first 72 h of intensive care unit (ICU) admission. CA function was estimated by the cerebral oximetry index (COx), which is the time-varying correlation between rSO2 and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Delirium was assessed daily. The median ICU stay was seven days (IQR 4–13). Twenty-four patients (60%) screened positive for delirium on at least one day during their stay. Taking positive COx values to reflect periods of CA dysfunction, we found that the cumulative duration of CA dysfunction during the first one to three days in the ICU was significantly associated with the subsequent development of delirium. Additionally, we assessed two alternative methods for estimating optimal MAP targets in individual patients. In summary, early disturbances in CA may contribute to delirium, and NIRS-derived rSO2 may be used to identify individual perfusion targets in critically ill patients.
Small vessel disease is associated with altered cerebrovascular pulsatility but not resting cerebral blood flow
Authors: Shi Yulu , Thrippleton Michael J , Blair Gordon W , Dickie David A , Marshall Ian , Hamilton Iona , Doubal Fergus N , Chappell Francesca , Wardlaw Joanna M
Published: October 2018

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) contributes to 25% of ischemic strokes and 45% of dementias. We aimed to investigate the role of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and intracranial pulsatility in SVD. We scanned 60 patients with minor ischemic stroke, representing a range of white matter hyperintensities (WMH). We rated WMH and perivascular spaces (PVS) using semi-quantitative scales and measured WMH volume. We measured flow and pulsatility in the main cerebral vessels and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using phase-contrast MRI. We investigated the association between flow, pulsatility and SVD features. In 56/60 patients (40 male, 67.8±8.3 years) with complete data, median WMH volume was 10.7 mL (range 1.4–75.0 mL), representing median 0.77% (0.11–5.17%) of intracranial volume. Greater pulsatility index (PI) in venous sinuses was associated with larger WMH volume (e.g. superior sagittal sinus, β = 1.29, P < 0.01) and more basal ganglia PVS (e.g. odds ratio = 1.38, 95% confidence interval 1.06, 1.79, per 0.1 increase in superior sagittal sinus PI) independently of age, sex and blood pressure. CSF pulsatility and CBF were not associated with SVD features. Our results support a close association of SVD features with increased intracranial pulsatility rather than with low global CBF, and provide potential targets for mechanistic research, treatment and prevention of SVD.
A Multivariate Copula-Based Macro-Level Crash Count Model
Authors: Yasmin Shamsunnahar , Momtaz Salah Uddin , Nashad Tammam , Eluru Naveen
Published: October 2018

The current study contributes to safety literature both methodologically and empirically by developing a macro-level multivariate copula-based crash frequency model for crash counts. The multivariate model accommodates for the impact of observed and unobserved effects on zonal level crash counts of different road user groups including car, light truck, van, other motorized vehicle (including truck, bus and other vehicles), and non-motorists (including pedestrians and cyclists). The proposed model is estimated using Statewide Traffic Analysis Zone (STAZ) level road traffic crash data for the state of Florida. A host of variable groups including land-use characteristics, roadway attributes, traffic characteristics, socio-economic characteristics and demographic characteristics are considered. The model estimation results illustrate the applicability of the proposed framework for multivariate crash counts. Model estimation results are further augmented by evaluation of predictive performance and policy analysis.
Using Profiles of Human and Social Capital to Understand Adult Immigrants’ Education Needs: A Latent Class Approach
Authors: Gray Calonie M. K.
Published: October 2018

With the U.S. adult education system providing education services to millions of immigrants annually, understanding the unique skills and assets among adult immigrant learners is important. Using data from the U.S. Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies, this study used data on immigrants ( n = 1,873) to identify latent classes along dimensions of human and social capital. Latent class analysis indicated five discrete profiles: High Opportunity, Upskill Ready, Satisfactorily Skilled, Motivated and Engaged, and Highly Skilled. The results provide support for using customized education approaches to capitalize on the collection of assets adult learners have while concurrently increasing education service providers’ capacity to serve.
A rolling resistance estimate using nonlinear finite element numerical analysis of a full three-dimensional tyre model
Authors: Mashadi Behrooz , Ebrahimi-Nejad Salman , Abbaspour Mohammad
Published: October 2018

In accordance with the worldwide trend for developing energy-efficient vehicles and meeting environmental regulations, there exists a large potential for decreasing energy losses due to tyre rolling resistance and significantly reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and also improve tyre tread durability. To achieve a quantitative estimate of tyre rolling resistance force, in the present paper, we carry out rolling resistance modelling in order to introduce a comprehensive relation for predicting rolling resistance force variations with speed taking into account the most influential parameters. To accomplish this goal, full three-dimensional finite element modelling of a visco-hyperelastic inflated rubber tyre under the deformation of vertical loading is performed and validated by making use of available test data. Free rolling simulations are performed and rolling resistance diagrams at various vehicle speeds and inflation pressures are extracted by analysing the results. According to the simulation results, a general formula is suggested to predict the tyre rolling resistance force in terms of the influential factors such as velocity, inflation pressure and tyre load. Results obtained using the proposed equation compared with recorded coast down test data clearly indicate excellent agreement between the results, confirming the validity of the relation. The presented solution can be built into models for comprehensive techno-economic evaluation of vehicle performance and fuel economy where changes in velocity, load and inflation pressure can be considered.
Parametric analysis of the potential of energy harvesting from commercial vehicle suspension system
Authors: Taghavifar Hamid , Rakheja Subhash
Published: October 2018

An accurate estimation of the harvestable energy from a vehicle suspension under typical operating conditions is vital for design and implementation of efficient energy harvesters in vehicles. In this study, a generic three-dimensional model of a commercial vehicle is formulated by integrating nonlinear models of suspension components and tires to determine the harvestable power considering the effects of suspension parameters and road characteristics. The component characteristics of the suspension system and tires are obtained through the reported laboratory-measured data acquired under an extensive range of loading conditions. The vehicle model is subsequently employed to investigate the harvestable energy potential considering variations in the driving speed, chassis load, road waviness and roughness, suspension and tire stiffness, compression mode damping ratio, and asymmetric suspension damping over the most possible ranges of running conditions. The results suggested significant influences of these parameters, while the driving speed, damping asymmetry factor, compression mode damping ratio, and road condition revealed the most pronounced effect on the harvestable power. The results obtained in terms of root mean square and power spectral density of harvestable power are also indicative that rough terrains yield incomparably larger magnitudes of energy dissipation than relatively smooth road classes defined in ISO 8608:1995, and thereby suggestive of the greater potential of energy recovery from commercial vehicles on off-road surfaces.
A cross-linguistic analysis of the ‘homework’ metaphor in German and English political discourse
Authors: Bisiada Mario
Published: October 2018

A frequently encountered expression in political discourse across languages is the assertion that someone has not ‘done their homework’. As the expression is a combination of structural metaphor and understatement, it is a figurative frame that simplifies public debates by presenting complex issues such as economic reforms as simple tasks and stifles critical and consensual political debates by replacing questions of fairness and adequacy with unquestionable moral obligation. In spite of this manipulative force, metaphor research has paid little attention to this metaphor. I investigate its emergence and pragmatic effects in American and German newspaper discourse through the Corpus of Historical American English/Corpus of Contemporary American English and Die ZEIT corpora. Findings for both English and German show that, while the metaphor was originally used for positive self- and negative other-representation, it is now used increasingly often without specifying whether or not someone has done their homework, which is evidence to suggest that it has become accepted in public discourse as a normal way of framing political issues.
Therapeutic potential of allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells transplantation for lupus nephritis
Authors: Barbado J , Tabera S , Sánchez A , García-Sancho J
Published: October 2018

Animal and human studies have suggested the potential of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here, we present the results of compassionate MSC treatments for three SLE patients to provide the proof of concept for a randomized and controlled clinical trial. Three patients of different ethnicities who suffer from chronic SLE, and who presented with class IV active proliferative nephritis confirmed by biopsy, were treated with allogeneic MSCs from healthy donors. Ninety million cells were infused intravenously into each patient during high and very high activity disease flare-ups and follow-up was continued for 9 months. Multi-organic affectation was quantified by the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), and indicators of lupus nephritis activity, such as proteinuria, as well as lymphocyte and monocyte antigens and anti-HLA antibodies were measured at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months after treatment. Proteinuria levels improved dramatically during the 1st month after treatment and the ameliorations were sustained throughout the follow-up period. SLEDAI scores revealed early, durable, and substantial remissions that were complete for two patients and partial for the third patient and that permitted medication doses to be reduced 50–90%. These favourable outcomes support completion of the randomized and controlled MSC trial for SLE.
Benefits of combining prevalent and incident cohorts: An application to myotonic dystrophy
Authors: Wolfson David B , Best Ana F , Addona Vittorio , Wolfson Julian , Gadalla Shahinaz M
Published: October 2018

It is frequently of interest to estimate the time that individuals survive with a disease, that is, to estimate the time between disease onset and occurrence of a clinical endpoint such as death. Epidemiologic survival data are commonly collected from either an incident cohort, whose members' disease onset occurs after the study baseline date, or from a cohort with prevalent disease that is followed forward in time. Incident cohort survival data are limited by study termination, while prevalent cohort data provide biased (left-truncated) survival data. In this article, we investigate the advantages of a study design featuring simultaneous follow-up of prevalent and incident cohorts to the estimation of the survivor function. Our analyses are supported by simulations and illustrated using data on survival after myotonic dystrophy diagnosis from the United Kingdom Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). We demonstrate that the NPMLE using combined incident and prevalent cohort data estimates the true survivor function very well, even for moderate sample sizes, and ameliorates the disadvantages of using a purely incident or prevalent cohort.
Effective or Self-Selective: Random Assignment Demonstrates Short-Term Study Abroad Effectively Encourages Further Study Abroad
Authors: Kato Maki , Suzuki Ken
Published: October 2018

Much attention has been paid to the effects of study abroad, especially because of recent increases in participation in such programs. One problem, however, is the selection bias of participants inherent in study abroad programs. The present study examines whether participation in a short-term study abroad program leads to participation in further long-term study abroad programs. Data were obtained from 705 applicants in the 2013-2015 academic year at a Japanese university, 300 of whom were assigned randomly to participate in a short-term study abroad program. The study results showed a significantly higher participation rate among previous participants than among nonparticipants. The results of a questionnaire completed by the former participants of the short-term program showed that they were more likely to translate plans for participating in the long-term study abroad program into action based on their prior overseas experiences.
Feasibility of Motivational Interviewing and Physical Activity Counseling Sessions for Improving Physical Activity Self-Management for Latina Women Either at Risk for or Diagnosed With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Soderlund Patricia D. , Stuart Gail W. , Mueller Martina , York Janet , Lopez Cristina M.
Published: October 2018

Introduction: Latinas have a greater chance of dying from diabetes than non-Latina Whites. As a population group, the literature has shown that Latinas do not meet physical activity (PA) guidelines. Motivational interviewing (MI) is a patient-centered counseling method that promotes self-efficacy for behavior change. The purpose of the study was to examine the feasibility of using MI/PA counseling for self-management of type 2 diabetes mellitus with Latinas. Methods: Latinas ( n = 12) were recruited from an occupational program in Southern California. Two MI and PA sessions were conducted over 2 months. Feasibility measures included recruitment, retention, protocol adherence, and attrition. Impact outcomes included PA, PA stage of change, and waist circumference. Results: Participants attended all sessions and completed all questionnaires. Half progressed into a later stage of change for PA. Discussion: Results suggest MI and PA counseling is feasible for improving PA with Latinas at risk/diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Reducing Telemetry Use Is Safe: A Retrospective Analysis of Rapid Response Team and Code Events After a Successful Intervention to Reduce Telemetry Use
Authors: Xie Lijia , Garg Trit , Svec David , Hom Jason , Kaimal Rajani , Ahuja Neera , Barnes James , Shieh Lisa
Published: October 2018

Interventions guiding appropriate telemetry utilization have successfully reduced use at many hospitals, but few studies have examined their possible adverse outcomes. The authors conducted a successful intervention to reduce telemetry use in 2013 on a hospitalist service using educational modules, routine review, and financial incentives. The association of reduced telemetry use with the incidence of rapid response team (RRT) and code activations was assessed in a retrospective cohort study of 210 patients who experienced a total of 233 RRT and code events on the inpatient internal medicine services from January 2012 through March 2015 at a tertiary care center. The incidence of adverse events for the hospitalist service was not significantly different during the intervention and postintervention period as compared to the preintervention period. Reducing inappropriate telemetry use was not associated with an increase in the incidence rates of RRT and code events.
Living an Autoethnographic Activist Life
Authors: Holman Jones Stacy
Published: October 2018

This brief article provides an introduction to this special section on autoethnography as an activist activity and way of life.
Job Satisfaction Among Japanese Home-Visit Care Workers
Authors: Hirakawa Yoshihisa , Chiang Chifa , Uemura Mayu Yasuda , Aoyama Atsuko
Published: October 2018

The present qualitative study aims to shed light on the job satisfaction of home-visit care workers in Japan. A total of 19 participants were recruited from two rural, three suburban, and one urban area in and around Nagoya city. The qualitative data were collected through individual or group interviews from May to August of 2017. The interviews were conducted using an open-ended questionnaire concerning job satisfaction. Qualitative content analysis was used to systematically identify ideas and patterns emerging from the interview data. Three main themes emerged from the analysis: client–worker conflict, public opinion about the profession, and changing but rewarding work. Home-visit care workers enjoy working in an environment where communication is highly valued, and appreciate the diversity of their clients’ personalities.
Effects of Covert Audio Coaching on the Attending Behavior of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Crocco Christina , Bennett Kyle D.
Published: October 2018

The effects of covert audio coaching, a form of performance feedback delivered remotely through a two-way radio and earbud speaker, was examined on the classroom attending behavior of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Four elementary-aged students with ASD participated. This study was conducted in a private, separate day school for students with ASD. Baseline data showed that participants emitted low levels of attending behavior with a degree of variability. During intervention, all participants increased their level of attending behavior and these data were stable. Follow-up data revealed higher levels of attending compared with baseline; however, these data were more variable than what was observed during intervention. These results and implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Effect of peer ply and cooling rate on the tensile properties of Al/Gf/PP laminate prepared by hot pressing
Authors: Chen Yujie , Jin Kai , Li Huaguan , Lin Yanyan , Lu Yi , Hua Xiaoge , Yuan Qiwei , Wang Hao , Tao Jie
Published: October 2018

The glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene/AA2024 hybrid composite (short for Al/Gf/PP laminate) was prepared by hot pressing with anodized 2024-T3 aluminum alloy as the skin and thermoplastic glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene core as a substitute of thermosetting glass fiber-reinforced polymer (based on epoxy) in order to increase the productivity and reduce the production costs during manufacturing procedure. The effect of peel ply (release cloth) and cooling rate on the laminate was investigated elaborately in this work. The orientation of glass fiber is mainly influenced by the peel ply structure, resulting in the resin’s overflow during hot press. Moreover, different cooling rates due to various cooling methods significantly affected both the degree of crystallization of the matrix and deformation of the metal skin during the curing process. Finally, a new peel ply structure was adopted to prevent the fiber from spilling during hot press process, while bubbles were allowed to flow out normally along with partial resin. Finally, a novel cooling method to reduce the degree of polypropylene crystallization and control metal deformation was proposed.
Study of lamina cribrosa depth and optic nerve in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension
Authors: Soares Andreia , Lopes Nuno , Morgado Gabriel , Serino Josefina , Painhas Teresa , Almeida Cristina , Vaz Fernando
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

The aim of this study is to analyze the lamina cribrosa depth and to study the optic nerve in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension.

Methods:

A total of 10 eyes of the patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension with unknown etiology (study group) and 10 eyes of healthy patients without any ophthalmological or neurological pathologies (control group) were included. The subjects were submitted to ophthalmological examination with the evaluation of visual acuity, spherical equivalent, applanation tonometry, pachymetry, axial length, retinography, computerized static perimetry (Humphrey 30-2 SITA-Standard), and OCT Spectralis with enhanced depth image, to calculate the depth of the anterior surface of the lamina cribrosa and to measure the nerve fiber layer thickness of the optic nerve. All of these parameters were compared between the two groups.

Results:

Mean anterior surface of the lamina cribrosa depth was 447.96 ± 118.51 (313.30–632.0) μm for the spontaneous intracranial hypotension group and 292.56 ± 40.71 (247–387) μm for the control group, with a statistically significant difference between them (p = 0.001). The thickness of the nerve fiber layer did not differ significantly in the temporal (p = 0.94), nasal (p = 0.173), superior (p = 0.41), central (p = 0.36) or inferior (p = 0.5) sectors. Four eyes of patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension showed a marked reduction in the temporal nerve fiber layer. Pachymetry (p = 0.16), axial length (p = 0.71), and intraocular pressure (p = 0.6) did not differ significantly between groups, whereas spherical equivalent (p = 0.03) was significantly different. Visual fields were normal in both groups.

Conclusion:

The translaminar gradient is determinant in the structure of the lamina cribrosa. Low intracranial pressure associated with a high translaminar gradient leads to an increased lamina cribrosa depth similar to that observed in glaucoma patients.
Factors influencing middle managers’ commitment to the implementation of innovations in cancer care
Authors: Urquhart Robin , Kendell Cynthia , Folkes Amy , Reiman Tony , Grunfeld Eva , Porter Geoff
Published: October 2018

Objective

To identify and illuminate influences on middle managers’ commitment to innovation implementation.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted, employing the methods of grounded theory. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from middle managers (n = 15) in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Canada. Data were collected and analysed concurrently, using an inductive constant comparative approach. Data collection and analysis continued until theoretical saturation was reached.

Results

The data revealed middle managers contemplate two central issues in terms of their commitment to implementation, that is whether or not they fully engage in and support the implementation of a particular innovation. These issues are (1) ease of implementation and (2) potential benefit for patients. Middle managers’ views and expectations related to ease of implementation are influenced by available resources, fit with setting, and stakeholder buy-in. Their views on patient benefit are influenced by external evidence of benefit and local gaps in care.

Conclusions

These findings provide further insight into the factors that influence middle managers’ commitment to innovation implementation, and how middle managers consider these factors in the context of their work settings.
Building programme theory to develop more adaptable and scalable complex interventions: Realist formative process evaluation prior to full trial
Authors: Brand Sarah Louise , Quinn Cath , Pearson Mark , Lennox Charlotte , Owens Christabel , Kirkpatrick Tim , Callaghan Lynne , Stirzaker Alex , Michie Susan , Maguire Mike , Shaw Jennifer , Byng Richard
Published: October 2018

Medical Research Council guidelines recognise the need to optimise complex interventions prior to full trial through greater understanding of underlying theory and formative process evaluation, yet there are few examples. A realist approach to formative process evaluation makes a unique contribution through a focus on theory formalisation and abstraction. The success of an intervention is dependent on the extent to which it gels or jars with existing provision and can be successfully transferred to new contexts. Interventions with underlying programme theory about how they work, for whom, and under which circumstances will be better able to adapt to work with (rather than against) different services, individuals, and settings.

In this methodological article, we describe and illustrate how a realist approach to formative process evaluation develops contextualised intervention theory that can underpin more adaptable and scalable interventions. We discuss challenges and benefits of this approach.
Does self-efficacy in diabetes management differ by type of diabetes and gender? Results from network analysis
Authors: Rucci Paola , Messina Rossella , Ubiali Andrea , Rochira Andrea , van der Bijl Jaap , Mancini Tatiana , Fantini Maria Pia , Pagotto Uberto
Published: October 2018

This study aims to analyze the correlations and relevance of self-efficacy items in 411 patients with diabetes using network analysis. We found that the self-efficacy items structure is consistent between genders and types of diabetes. However, the strength of item correlations was significantly higher in type 2 diabetes. The items central to the network were following a regular diet in type 2 diabetes and adjusting diet when ill in type 1 diabetes. No significant gender differences were found. Knowledge of the most central aspects of self-efficacy and their interconnections can help clinicians to target psychoeducational interventions aimed at empowering patients.
A novel deep learning-based method for damage identification of smart building structures
Authors: Yu Yang , Wang Chaoyue , Gu Xiaoyu , Li Jianchun
Published: October 2018

In the past few years, intelligent structural damage identification algorithms based on machine learning techniques have been developed and obtained considerable attentions worldwide, due to the advantages of reliable analysis and high efficiency. However, the performances of existing machine learning–based damage identification methods are heavily dependent on the selected signatures from raw signals. This will cause the fact that the damage identification method, which is the optimal solution for a specific application, may fail to provide the similar performance on other cases. Besides, the feature extraction is a time-consuming task, which may affect the real-time performance in practical applications. To address these problems, this article proposes a novel method based on deep convolutional neural networks to identify and localise damages of building structures equipped with smart control devices. The proposed deep convolutional neural network is capable of automatically extracting high-level features from raw signals or low-level features and optimally selecting the combination of extracted features via a multi-layer fusion to satisfy any damage identification objective. To evaluate the performance of the proposed deep convolutional neural network method, a five-level benchmark building equipped with adaptive smart isolators subjected to the seismic loading is investigated. The result shows that the proposed method has outstanding generalisation capacity and higher identification accuracy than other commonly used machine learning methods. Accordingly, it is deemed as an ideal and effective method for damage identification of smart structures.
The influence of recycling on the viscosity of polyamide 6 and a general modeling approach
Authors: Grümer Benjamin , Hopmann Christian
Published: October 2018

The multiple processing and use of regrind material of plastics are widely used in the plastics processing industry. The subsequent changes in material characteristics, certainly in the viscosity of the polymer melt, have been analyzed and are well known. However, to quantify the changing viscosity, a general modeling approach is necessary using a low quantity of lab measurements. For the example of a polyamide 6, rheological measurements have been performed and a general modeling approach for the viscosity based on the Carreau model has been developed. The verification of the modeling was successfully proven by comparing additional viscosity measurements with model prediction results.
Endovascular retrograde approach may be a better option for acute tandem occlusions stroke
Authors: Yang Dong , Shi Zhonghua , Lin Min , Zhou Zhiming , Zi Wenjie , Wang Huaiming , Hao Yonggang , Guo Fuqiang , Liu Wenhua , Xu Gelin , Xiong Yunyun , Liu Xinfeng
Published: October 2018

Objective

The endovascular treatment strategy for acute tandem occlusion stroke is challenging, and controversy exists regarding which lesion should be treated first. This study addresses the uncertainty regarding the priority choice for thrombectomy in acute anterior circulation tandem occlusion stroke.

Methods

We analysed the clinical and angiographic data of tandem stroke patients who underwent interventional therapy from the endovAsCular Treatment of acUte Anterior circuLation ischaemic stroke (ACTUAL) registry. Recanalisation was assessed according to the modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score. Clinical outcome was evaluated at 90 days using the modified Rankin scale score.

Results

Sixty tandem occlusion stroke patients were enrolled. Thirty-one (51.7%) patients received anterograde therapy, while 29 (48.3%) patients underwent the retrograde approach. Successful recanalisation (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score 2b–3) occurred in 78.3% (47/60) of patients, and 50.0% (30/60) of patients achieved a modified Rankin scale score of 0–2 at 90 days. Patients undergoing the retrograde approach spent less time in distal occlusion recanalisation (125 (86–167) vs. 95 (74–122) minutes; P = 0.04) and achieved better functional outcomes at 90 days (69.0% (20/29) vs. 32.3% (10/31); P = 0.004) than patients who received anterograde therapy. The retrograde approach was associated with favourable clinical outcomes (odds ratio 0.21; 95% confidence interval 0.07–0.64; P = 0.006).

Conclusion

For acute tandem occlusion stroke, favourable outcomes were better in patients undergoing retrograde therapy than in patients who received the anterograde approach. Future randomised trials are warranted to determine the optimal treatment.
A sparse surrogate model for structural reliability analysis based on the generalized polynomial chaos expansion
Authors: Liu Qian , Zhang Xufang , Huang Xianzhen
Published: October 2018

The reliability analysis of a structural system is typically evaluated based on a multivariate model that describes the underlying mechanistic relationship between the system’s input and output random variables. This is the need to develop an effective surrogate model to mimic the input–output relationship as the Monte Carlo simulation–based on the mechanistic model might be computationally intensive. In this regard, the article presents a sparse regression method for structural reliability analysis based on the generalized polynomial chaos expansion. However, results from the global sensitivity analysis have justified that it is unnecessary to contain all polynomial terms in the surrogate model, instead of comprising a rather small number of principle components only. One direct benefit of the sparse approximation allows utilizing a small number of training samples to calibrate the surrogate model, bearing in mind that the required sample size is positively proportional to the number of unknowns in regression analysis. Therefore, by utilizing the standard polynomial chaos basis functions to constitute an explanatory dictionary, an adaptive sparse regression approach characterized by introducing the most significant explanatory variable in each iteration is presented. A statistical approach for detecting and excluding spuriously explanatory polynomials is also introduced to maintain the high sparsity of the meta-modeling result. Combined with a variety of low-discrepancy schemes in generating training samples, structural reliability and global sensitivity analysis of originally true but computationally demanding models are alternatively realized based on the sparse surrogate method in conjunction with the brutal Monte Carlo simulation method. Numerical examples are carried out to demonstrate the applicability of the sparse regression approach to structural reliability problems. Results have shown that the proposed method is an effective, non-intrusive approach to deal with uncertainty analysis of various structural systems.
Does the Chinese government engage in online public debates? A case study of political communications around the building of an oil refinery in Kunming, China
Authors: Wang Qingning
Published: October 2018

This article discusses how the Chinese government engages in online political debates and whether it adjusts its policies to respond to public concerns raised in such debates. This research explores government actions and discourses by using debates between Chinese net-users and the government around the building of an oil refinery in Kunming as a case study. It finds that the government used traditional party newspapers and social media as platforms to express its opinions and to interact with net-users regarding the oil refinery. The reports published in party media and government social media posts acknowledged the government’s awareness of the public’s concerns, demonstrated their reaction to the concerns and reinforced the government’s agenda. However, although the government engaged with the debate, it did not change its decisions about the oil refinery to respond to the public concerns raised online.
Measuring differences in the Chinese press: A study of People’s Daily and Southern Metropolitan Daily
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Sparks Colin , Huang Yu
Published: October 2018

The development of the market has produced a differentiation inside the Chinese press between an ‘official’ press with traditional propaganda functions on behalf of the Communist Party and a ‘commercial’ press whose objective is to maximise revenue. Scholarly opinion has differed over whether marketization undermines Party control and whether new forms of journalism have arisen that lead to conflicts. These discussions have rested on little evidence as to the practises of Chinese journalism. This article presents empirical data on the extent of the differentiation, reporting on a content analysis of the national news in People’s Daily and Southern Metropolitan Daily. These titles are popularly believed to represent the polar opposites of official, orthodox journalism and commercial, liberal journalism. The evidence presented here demonstrates that while there are indeed significant differences in the journalism of the two titles, there remains a substantial overlap in their choice of subjects, their use of sources and the degree to which news is presented ‘objectively’. Southern Metropolitan Daily does display some ‘popular’ features and does contain more ‘watchdog’ journalism, but it shares with its official cousin an emphasis upon the party as the source for news.
Perceived Behavioral Control as a Key to Integrative Medicine
Authors: Shamblen Stephen R. , Atwood Katharine , Scarbrough William , Collins David A. , Rindfleisch Adam , Kligler Benjamin , Gaudet Tracy
Published: October 2018

The purpose of the present study was to identify the factors that are the strongest predictors of intentions and use of integrative medicine approaches in clinical practice. Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior was used to guide our examination of these questions. Health care professionals exposed to a Veterans Health Administration program (N = 288) who completed survey instruments prior to and immediately after the program and 3 months later were the participants for this study. Findings suggest that the theory of planned behavior performs reasonably well in explaining our data showing the integration of integrative medicine approaches into clinical practice. We found that self-efficacy to use integrative health approaches and perceived preparedness to discuss nonpharmaceutical approaches with patients were the strongest predictors of intentions to use integrative health approaches and self-reported change in clinical practice. The implications of these findings are discussed.