bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvements of Rackwitz–Fiessler Method for Correlated Structural Reliability Analysis
Authors: Zhou Sheng-Tong , Xiao Qian , Zhou Jian-Min , Li Hong-Guang
Published: October 2019

Rackwitz–Fiessler (RF) method is well accepted as an efficient way to solve the uncorrelated non-Normal reliability problems by transforming original non-Normal variables into equivalent Normal variables based on the equivalent Normal conditions. However, this traditional RF method is often abandoned when correlated reliability problems are involved, because the point-by-point implementation property of equivalent Normal conditions makes the RF method hard to clearly describe the correlations of transformed variables. To this end, some improvements on the traditional RF method are presented from the isoprobabilistic transformation and copula theory viewpoints. First of all, the forward transformation process of RF method from the original space to the standard Normal space is interpreted as the isoprobabilistic transformation from the geometric point of view. This viewpoint makes us reasonably describe the stochastic dependence of transformed variables same as that in Nataf transformation (NATAF). Thus, a corresponding enhanced RF (EnRF) method is proposed to deal with the correlated reliability problems described by Pearson linear correlation. Further, we uncover the implicit Gaussian copula hypothesis of RF method according to the invariant theorem of copula and the strictly increasing isoprobabilistic transformation. Meanwhile, based on the copula-only rank correlations such as the Spearman and Kendall correlations, two improved RF (IRF) methods are introduced to overcome the potential pitfalls of Pearson correlation in EnRF. Later, taking NATAF as a reference, the computational cost and efficiency of above three proposed RF methods are also discussed in Hasofer–Lind reliability algorithm. Finally, four illustrative structure reliability examples are demonstrated to validate the availability and advantages of the new proposed RF methods.
A Simple and Rapid Phosphorescence Probe Based on Mn-Doped ZnS Quantum Dots for Chloramphenicol Detection
Authors: Liu Zhenping , Wang Xianfeng , Hou Jingzhou , Huo Danqun , Hou Changjun
Published: October 2019

An innovative phosphorescence probe based on Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots (Mn:ZnS QDs) was developed for selective detection of chloramphenicol (CAP) via inner-filter effect (IFE). Mn:ZnS QDs were synthesized by water method and modified with L-Cysteine for better stability, and the average diameter of the nanometer particle was 3.8[Formula: see text]nm. With the excitation wavelength at 289[Formula: see text]nm, the strong phosphorescence of Mn:ZnS QDs can be emitted at 583[Formula: see text]nm. The excitation spectrum of Mn:ZnS QDs was substantially overlapped with the absorption spectrum of the target CAP. The excited light of Mn:ZnS QDs can be absorbed partially by CAP when they coexist, the phosphorescence intensity decreased with the increasing concentration of CAP, and it has a good linear relationship. Under optimal conditions, the linear relational concentration range achieved four orders of magnitude from 25 to [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]), with a detection limit (LOD; [Formula: see text]) down to 0.81[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]. The simple, rapid and low cost IFE phosphorescent probe exhibited satisfactory recoveries ranging from 88.9% to 98.5% for CAP analysis in spiked honey, which shows a potential for routine screening of CAP in ensuring the food safety.
Micropalaeontology and stratigraphical setting of the Cambridge Greensand
Authors: Hart Malcolm B. , Fox Lyndsey R.
Published: October 2019

The stratigraphical position of the Cambridge Greensand is confirmed as lowermost Cenomanian and the hiatus at the Albian/Cenomanian boundary described from a number of localities in SE England and East Anglia. The various sedimentary packages in the uppermost Albian and lowermost Cenomanian record a series of sea-level changes, confirmed by the changes in the foraminiferal assemblages (and other microfossils). The historical disagreements between the stratigraphical interpretations of the microfossils and macrofossils are discussed and resolved.
Grouting Defect Detection of Lapped Bar Connections Based on Impact‐Echo Method
Authors: Liu Yun-Lin , Shi Jing-Jing , Huang Jun-Qi , Wei Guang-Shuo , Wu Zhi-Xin
Published: October 2019

Grouted lap‐splice connections are widely used for connecting precast concrete components. Grouting defects in the connections significantly influence the structural performance of the whole connection, which leads to the need for grouting defect detection. In this study, the impact‐echo (IE) method was used for detecting defects in grouted lap‐splice connections. Grouted connections with different levels of artificial grout defects were prepared in a shear wall, and the IE method was used to measure the frequency response. In addition, finite element (FE) analysis based on ABAQUS was conducted to simulate the tests. Based on the validated FE model, a parametric study was conducted to investigate the effect of the depth of the grout hole on the amplitude spectrum. The results indicated that (1) the IE method offered a good potential for grouting defect detection in grouted lap‐splice connections; (2) the proposed FE model could well predict the frequency response of the grouting hole; and (3) the measured frequency and amplitude of the grouting hole in an impact‐echo test would be considerably influenced by the hole depth.
Experimental Study on the Ignition Sensitivity and Explosion Severity of Different Ranks of Coal Dust
Authors: Wang Junfeng , Meng Xiangbao , Zhang Yansong , Chen Haiyan , Liu Bo
Published: October 2019

This study is conducted to examine the ignition sensitivity and explosion severity differences among different ranks of coal dust and reveal the causes underlying these differences. A G–G furnace, a Hartmann tube, and a 20 L explosion tank are used to test MIT, MIE, Pmax, (dp/dt)max, and other parameters of three different ranks of coal dust. SEM analysis is carried out on the coal dust before and after explosion to compare and trace their microstructure changes. The results indicate that the lower the rank of the coal, the more likely the dust cloud to be ignited, the faster the explosion flame propagated, and the greater the explosion severity. The main drivers behind the ignition sensitivity and explosion severity differences among different ranks of coal dust are the volatile content and pyrolytic property of the coal.
The Impact of Dispatchability of Parabolic Trough CSP Plants over PV Power Plants in Palestinian Territories
Authors: Yasin Aysar M.
Published: October 2019

This paper investigates the impacts of dispatchability of Parabolic Trough Concentrated Solar Power (PT-CSP) systems over PV power plants in Palestinian territories. Jericho governorate was taken as a case study. All conditions required for implementing PV and PT-CSP systems are verified. The capacity of each investigated system is 1 MW, and both systems are investigated in terms of technical, economic, and environmental aspects. The parametric analysis is used to identify the most feasible option of each renewable energy system by varying the cost of each option candidate and introducing thermal energy storage (TES) to the technology of PT-CSP systems with different capacities. A software based on the MATLAB environment is programmed to estimate the energy produced from each system with the important technical, financial, and environmental indicators. It is found that the alternative of installing a 1 MW PV system is the installation of 1 MWe PT-CSP systems with 14.5 h or 18.5 h TES. Introducing TES improves the dispatchability of the system and the capacity factor which consequently justifies the PT-CSP system investment. Increasing the degree of dispatchability improves the capacity factor of the PT-CSP system from 21% at 0 h TES to 57% at 18.5 h TES (24 h operation). The capacity factor of the PV system is 18.7% which is mostly similar to PT-CSP with zero dispatchability (0 h TES). The study considers the environmental benefits by estimating the amount of avoided CO2 emissions, and it was found that increasing the capacity factor augments the environmental benefits.
Utility of Inflammatory Markers in Predicting Hepatocellular Carcinoma Survival after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Ismael Media N. , Forde Justin , Milla Eduardo , Khan Walid , Cabrera Roniel
Published: October 2019

Inflammatory markers have been studied in cancers and chronic states of inflammation. They are thought to correlate with tumor pathology through disruption of normal homeostasis. Markers such as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) among others have shown promise as prognostic tools in various cancers. In this study, we evaluate complete blood count based inflammatory markers in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to predict overall and recurrence-free survival of patients after liver transplant. Between 2001 and 2017, all HCC indicated liver transplants were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria included presence of complete blood cell counts with differential within three months prior to transplantation. Exclusion criteria included retransplantation and inadequate posttransplant followup. A total of 160 patients with HCC were included in the study. Of those, 74.4% had hepatitis C virus as the underlying cause of HCC. Calculated Model for End stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores were statistically worse in patients with elevated NLR (≥5), derived NLR (≥3), and low lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) (<3.45), whereas elevated platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (≥150) did not correlate with MELD. Of the tumor characteristics, low LMR was associated with tumor presence and microvascular invasion on explant. Though overall survival trended towards better outcomes with low NLR and dNLR and high LMR, these did not reach statistical significance. High LMR also trended towards better recurrence-free survival without statistical significance. Low PLR was associated with statistically significant overall and recurrence-free survival. In conclusion, while prior studies in HCC have identified NLR as surrogate for tumor burden and survival, in this study we highlight that PLR is a good surrogate of mortality and recurrence-free survival in HCC transplant patients. Further, future study of PLR, NLR, and LMR in larger HCC populations before and after interventions may help clarify their clinical utility as a simple and noninvasive clinical tool as prognostic markers.
Innate Immune Evasion by Human Respiratory RNA Viruses
Authors: Kikkert Marjolein
Published: October 2019

The impact of respiratory virus infections on the health of children and adults can be very significant. Yet, in contrast to most other childhood infections as well as other viral and bacterial diseases, prophylactic vaccines or effective antiviral treatments against viral respiratory infections are either still not available, or provide only limited protection. Given the widespread prevalence, a general lack of natural sterilizing immunity, and/or high morbidity and lethality rates of diseases caused by influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, coronaviruses, and rhinoviruses, this difficult situation is a genuine societal challenge. A thorough understanding of the virus-host interactions during these respiratory infections will most probably be pivotal to ultimately meet these challenges. This review attempts to provide a comparative overview of the knowledge about an important part of the interaction between respiratory viruses and their host: the arms race between host innate immunity and viral innate immune evasion. Many, if not all, viruses, including the respiratory viruses listed above, suppress innate immune responses to gain a window of opportunity for efficient virus replication and setting-up of the infection. The consequences for the host’s immune response are that it is often incomplete, delayed or diminished, or displays overly strong induction (after the delay) that may cause tissue damage. The affected innate immune response also impacts subsequent adaptive responses, and therefore viral innate immune evasion often undermines fully protective immunity. In this review, innate immune responses relevant for respiratory viruses with an RNA genome will briefly be summarized, and viral innate immune evasion based on shielding viral RNA species away from cellular innate immune sensors will be discussed from different angles. Subsequently, viral enzymatic activities that suppress innate immune responses will be discussed, including activities causing host shut-off and manipulation of stress granule formation. Furthermore, viral protease-mediated immune evasion and viral manipulation of the ubiquitin system will be addressed. Finally, perspectives for use of the reviewed knowledge for the development of novel antiviral strategies will be sketched.
Terminology of Erosive Tooth Wear: Consensus Report of a Workshop Organized by the ORCA and the Cariology Research Group of the IADR
Authors: Schlueter Nadine , Amaechi Bennett T. , Bartlett David , Buzalaf Marília Afonso Rabelo , Carvalho Thiago Saads , Ganss Carolina , Hara Anderson T. , Huysmans Marie-Charlotte D.N.J.M. , Lussi Adrian , Moazzez Rebecca , Vieira Alexandre Rezende , West Nicola X. , Wiegand Annette , Young Alix , Lippert Frank
Published: October 2019

Our understanding of erosive tooth wear and its contributing factors has evolved considerably over the last decades. New terms have been continuously introduced, which frequently describe the same aspects of this condition, whereas other terms are being used inappropriately. This has led to unnecessary confusion and miscommunication between patients, professionals, and researchers. A group of 15 experts, selected by the European Organization for Caries Research (ORCA) and the Cariology Research Group of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR), participated in a 2-day workshop to define the most commonly used terms in erosive tooth wear. A modified Delphi method was utilized to reach consensus. At least 80% agreement was achieved for all terms discussed and their definitions related to clinical conditions and processes, basic concepts, diagnosis, risk, and prevention and management of erosive tooth wear. Use of the terms agreed on will provide a better understanding of erosive tooth wear and intends to enable improved communication on this topic.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation in a Community-Dwelling Elderly Population
Authors: Rooney Mary R. , Soliman Elsayed Z. , Lutsey Pamela L. , Norby Faye L. , Loehr Laura R. , Mosley Thomas H. , Zhang Michael , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Coresh Josef , Folsom Aaron R. , Alonso Alvaro , Chen Lin Y.
Published: October 2019

Background:

The prevalence of subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF) in the elderly general population is unclear. We sought to define the prevalence of subclinical AF in a community-based elderly population and to characterize subclinical AF and the incremental diagnostic yield of 4 versus 2 weeks of continuous ECG monitoring.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis within the community-based multicenter observational ARIC study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) using visit 6 (2016–2017) data. The 2616 ARIC study participants who wore a leadless, ambulatory ECG monitor (Zio XT Patch) for up to 2 weeks were aged 79±5 years, 42% men, and 26% black. In a subset, 386 participants without clinically recognized AF wore the monitor twice, each time for up to 2 weeks. We characterized the prevalence of subclinical AF (ie, AF detected on the Zio XT Patch without clinically recognized AF) over 2 weeks of monitoring and the diagnostic yield of 4 versus 2 weeks of monitoring.

Results:

The prevalence of subclinical AF was 2.5%; the prevalence of subclinical AF was 3.3% among white men, 2.5% among white women, 2.1% among black men, and 1.6% among black women. Subclinical AF was mostly intermittent (75%). Among those with intermittent subclinical AF, 91% had AF burden ≤10% during the monitoring period. In a subset of 386 participants without clinical AF, 78% more subclinical AF was detected by 4 weeks versus 2 weeks of ECG monitoring.

Conclusions:

In our study, the prevalence of subclinical AF was lower than previously reported and monitoring beyond 2 weeks provided substantial incremental diagnostic yield. Future studies should focus on individuals with higher risk to increase diagnostic yield and consider continuous monitoring duration longer than 2 weeks.
Cardiovascular Predictive Value and Genetic Basis of Ventricular Repolarization Dynamics
Authors: Ramírez Julia , van Duijvenboden Stefan , Aung Nay , Laguna Pablo , Pueyo Esther , Tinker Andrew , Lambiase Pier D. , Orini Michele , Munroe Patricia B.
Published: October 2019

Background:

Early prediction of cardiovascular risk in the general population remains an important issue. The T-wave morphology restitution (TMR), an ECG marker quantifying ventricular repolarization dynamics, is strongly associated with cardiovascular mortality in patients with heart failure. Our aim was to evaluate the cardiovascular prognostic value of TMR in a UK middle-aged population and identify any genetic contribution.

Methods:

We analyzed ECG recordings from 55 222 individuals from a UK middle-aged population undergoing an exercise stress test in UK Biobank (UKB). TMR was used to measure ventricular repolarization dynamics, exposed in this cohort by exercise (TMR during exercise, TMR
ex
) and recovery from exercise (TMR during recovery, TMR
rec
). The primary end point was cardiovascular events; secondary end points were all-cause mortality, ventricular arrhythmias, and atrial fibrillation with median follow-up of 7 years. Genome-wide association studies for TMR
ex
and TMR
rec
were performed, and genetic risk scores were derived and tested for association in independent samples from the full UKB cohort (N=360 631).

Results:

A total of 1743 (3.2%) individuals in UKB who underwent the exercise stress test had a cardiovascular event, and TMR
rec
was significantly associated with cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 1.11;
P
=5×10
-7
), independent of clinical variables and other ECG markers. TMR
rec
was also associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.10) and ventricular arrhythmias (hazard ratio, 1.16). We identified 12 genetic loci in total for TMR
ex
and TMR
rec
, of which 9 are associated with another ECG marker. Individuals in the top 20% of the TMR
rec
genetic risk score were significantly more likely to have a cardiovascular event in the full UKB cohort (18 997, 5.3%) than individuals in the bottom 20% (hazard ratio, 1.07;
P
=6×10
-3
).

Conclusions:

TMR and TMR genetic risk scores are significantly associated with cardiovascular risk in a UK middle-aged population, supporting the hypothesis that increased spatio-temporal heterogeneity of ventricular repolarization is a substrate for cardiovascular risk and the validity of TMR as a cardiovascular risk predictor.
Cilostazol Mono and Combination Treatments in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kim Seung Min , Jung Jin-Man , Kim Bum Joon , Lee Ji-Sung , Kwon Sun U.
Published: October 2019

Background and Purpose—

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the efficacy and safety of cilostazol as a mono or combination (plus aspirin or clopidogrel) treatments compared to conventional single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT, mainly aspirin) for secondary stroke prevention.

Methods—

Randomized controlled trial studies were searched across multiple comprehensive databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane) for review. The primary outcome was recurrent stroke comprising ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Secondary outcomes included ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, myocardial infarction, and composite outcomes. We performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the identified reports, including 2 recently published randomized controlled trials. In addition, network meta-analysis was performed to compare the relative effects of mono versus combination cilostazol treatments.

Results—

Ten studies were included in this review, 5 of which were assigned to the cilostazol mono group (n=5429) and the other 5 to the combination group (n=2456). The relative risks of recurrent stroke, ischemic stroke, and composite outcomes with cilostazol mono as well as combination treatments were significantly lower than with SAPT without any significant heterogeneity. An indirect comparison of these 3 outcomes revealed the cilostazol combination approach to be superior. The cilostazol mono treatment diminished hemorrhagic stroke more significantly than SAPT and the cilostazol combination did not increase hemorrhagic stroke compared to SAPT. The outcomes from the 2 cilostazol regimens were comparable to SAPT in the case of myocardial infarction.

Conclusions—

Cilostazol is a more effective and safer treatment option than SAPT approaches using mainly aspirin. Cilostazol regimens can also be modified to clinical situations as this drug reduces recurrent and ischemic stroke more efficiently as a combination therapy but is more beneficial for hemorrhagic stroke as a monotherapy.
Lippia mantiqueirae (Verbenaceae), a new species from Minas Gerais, Brazil

Authors: CARDOSO PEDRO HENRIQUE , MENINI NETO LUIZ , SALIMENA FÁTIMA REGINA GONÇALVES
Published: October 2019

Lippia mantiqueirae, a new Verbenaceae species endemic to the campos de altitude of Serra da Mantiqueira in Minas Gerais state, Brazil, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically most similar to Lippia triplinervis, but can be distinguished by presenting petiolate leaves, ovate, oval-elliptic or obovate blades with cuneate base, 3-6 pairs of suprabasal secondary veins and unequal bracts, the external oblong-elliptical and the internal lanceolate. Additionally, distribution map, habitat information, field photographs and conservation assessment are provided for the new species.
Oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) from the Patagonian steppe, Argentina
Authors: MANZO ROSA M. , RIZZUTO SUSANA , RUIZ ERICA V. , MARTÍNEZ PABLO A.
Published: October 2019

Knowledge of the oribatid mite community from Patagonian steppe is scarce compared with other environments, such as the Andean-Patagonian forest. In the present research we identified oribatid mites under different environmental conditions: two Patagonian steppe types (grass and shrub), two soil characteristics (bare and covered soil) and two different seasons (autumn and spring). A total of 42 species/morphospecies were found, 13 were new records for Chubut and one was a new record for Argentina. In view of its ecological role in soil formation, it is fundamental that knowledge about this fauna is enhanced in order to provide baselines for study and to aid further understanding about its ecology.
A new species of Neoperla (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from southeastern Tibet of China with additions to the knowledge of N. perspicillata Zwick, 1980
Authors: LI WEIHAI , LIU RUIJUN
Published: October 2019

A new species of the perlid genus Neoperla from Tibet of China is described, N. tibetensis sp. nov. The new species is compared with related taxa. The fully everted aedeagal sac of N. perspicillata Zwick, 1980 is illustrated from a male from Nepal.
Love as a Verb (1 Cor 13:4–8a)
Authors: O’Collins Gerald
Published: October 2019

1 Corinthians 13:4–8a uses sixteen verbs (active in meaning and in the present tense) to express positive and negative characteristics of agapē (love). This choice of verbs sets Paul’s hymn to love apart from other passages where he presents characteristics of love but not through an exclusive use of verbs (e.g., Rom 12:9–21). Some commentators (e.g., Joseph Fitzmyer and Anthony Thiselton) note the apostle’s use of verbs in 1 Corinthians 13:4–8a, without discussing reasons for the choice. Other commentators, including Wolfgang Schrage, do not even observe the presence of sixteen verbs. With help from Daniel Wallace’s work on Greek grammar, this article argues that for Paul love consists not so much in a set of habitual characteristics but in doing (or refraining from doing) certain things. One might even say that love exists in action or it does not exist at all.
Political controversy about international economic agreements: Lessons for Canada–UK trade negotiations after Brexit
Authors: Hurrelmann Achim , Atikcan Ece Özlem , Chalmers Adam William , Viju-Miljusevic Crina
Published: October 2019

The withdrawal of the UK from the EU, if and when it occurs, will likely imply that Canada must conclude a new bilateral trade agreement with the UK. In light of recent trends toward an increasing politicization of trade negotiations, this policy brief assesses the respects in which a Canada–UK agreement could become politically controversial. Drawing on explanations for the politicization of recent trade deals, it identifies potential flashpoints for political conflict in the Canada–UK trade relationship. It then discusses how policy-makers can channel trade-related controversies into the policy process in an inclusive and evidence-based manner.
Human Development and Food Sovereignty: A Step Closer to Achieving Food Security in South Africa’s Rural Households
Authors: Mbajiorgu Grace
Published: October 2019

Food security strategies are determined by the prevailing realities within households and communities. Therefore, it is not surprising that in South Africa agricultural transformation is an important food security strategy. This article examines the role of human development and food sovereignty in fostering conditions that enable rural households to enhance their food security capabilities. Using an in-depth analysis of literature, national, regional and international instruments, this article takes its departure from the fact that subsistence agriculture is an effective strategy for improving household food needs when implemented within the broader human rights framework of human development. The results reveal that agriculture has the potential to increase household food security if appropriate agricultural technologies and productive resources such as land are made accessible to households. Further, for agriculture to attain optimal efficiency as a food security strategy, policies on agrarian transformation should be implemented within broader social development programmes.
Desire, sanity and the middlebrow aesthetic: The case of Triveni’s Sharapanjara
Authors: Prabhu Gayathri
Published: October 2019

Two landmark novels appeared in the same year (1965) in Kannada literature — U. R. Ananthamurthy’s Samskara and Triveni’s last novel, Sharapanjara. While the former got enshrined into the Indian modernist canon (the Navya movement), Triveni’s work has stayed mostly in the realms of popular literature for women. This article seeks to make a case to read Sharapanjara in light of recent scholarship on popular modernism and on the middlebrow novel, especially the feminine middlebrow. Depicting the chilling unspooling of a woman’s mental health, recovery and relapse, within the constraints and duplicities of domestic space, this novel makes several bold thematic and stylistic forays. The article analyses Sharapanjara as a text whose double vision about desire and insanity, both in its treatment of the subject as well as its nuanced narrative structure, elicits new articulations of extreme alienation and discrimination at the very cusp where the domestic and the public collapse into each other.
To condone, condemn, or ‘no comment’? Explaining a patron’s reaction to a client’s unilateral provocations
Authors: Kim Jeehye , Ko Jiyoung
Published: October 2019

What explains a patron’s decision to publicly condone, condemn, or forgo commenting on its client’s unilateral provocations? We present a new theoretical framework that identifies a patron’s two strategic considerations – maximizing its sphere of influence and avoiding entanglement – and factors that affect them. We claim that whenever a patron faces a great power rivalry or a vulnerable client, it is more likely to condone its client’s provocations in order to safeguard its sphere of influence. On the other hand, when the risk of escalation looms large, the patron is more likely to condemn its client’s provocations in order to avoid entanglement. Focusing on the Sino-North Korean patron–client relationship, we test our theory on an original dataset that tracks China’s official reactions to provocations initiated by North Korea. We find that China tends to condone North Korea’s provocations when the USA criticizes them, and refrains from condemning when North Korea is domestically fragile. We also find that China is more likely to condemn its client’s provocations in the period after North Korea became a nuclear state. In addition, we draw on examples from the USA–Pakistan and the USA–Israel patron–client relationships to illustrate our causal logic. This article offers new insights on how a patron manages its client’s unruly behavior, and provides the first large-N evidence on China’s responses to North Korean provocations from 1981 to 2016.
Joining Forces against ‘Strike Terrorism’: The Public-Private Interplay in Policing Strikes in Imperial Germany, 1890–1914
Authors: Caruso Amerigo
Published: October 2019

This article examines the blurred boundaries between public and private repressive practices in Wilhelmine Germany with a special focus on the legal and administrative framework drawn up to redistribute security tasks and delegate the use of violence to non-state actors. While the rapid escalation of political violence in Central and Eastern Europe after 1917 has been widely discussed in the recent historiography, the structure of violence in the pre-war period remains less explored, especially with regard to the public-private interplay in the policing of popular protests. After the first massive strike by Ruhr miners in 1889, the Prussian authorities began to support the formation of semi-private armed protection groups in an effort to tackle ‘strike terrorism’. The idea of privatizing repressive practices arose as a result of widespread fears of social and political disintegration. Yet, although it may seem paradoxical, the precondition for delegating the use of violence to non-state actors was Prussian administrators’ confidence in the state’s solidity and efficiency. The ambivalence in contemporary discourses concerning the vulnerability of the existing social and political order is crucial to explaining why the Prussian authorities implemented strategies for legally distributing arms to those groups that were considered part of the ‘loyal classes’. The mobilization against ‘strike terrorism’ involved not only officially organized armed groups, such as the Zechenwehren, but also more informal or extra-legal strategies such as private use of the municipal police, the distribution of arms to strike-breakers and the militarization of white-collar workers and supervisors.
Early and long-term outcomes comparing neonates, infants, and preadolescents requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for heart failure
Authors: Sabashnikov Anton , Merkle Julia , Azizov Farid , Djordjevic Ilija , Eghbalzadeh Kaveh , Tunggal Irawati , Weber Carolyn , Weixler Viktoria , Rustenbach Christian , Zeriouh Mohamed , Kröner Axel , Wahlers Thorsten , Bennink Gerardus
Published: October 2019

Background:

Application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in pediatric patients with severe heart failure steadily increases. Differentiation of outcomes and survival of diverse pediatric groups is of interest for adequate therapy.

Methods:

Between January 2008 and December 2016, a total of 39 pediatric patients needed veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in our department. Patients were retrospectively divided into three groups: neonates (<30 days), infants (>30 days/<1 year), and toddlers/preadolescents (>1 year). Early outcomes as well as mid- and long-term survival up to 7-year follow-up were analyzed.

Results:

Basic demographics significantly differed in terms of age, height, and weight among the groups in accordance with the intended group categorization (p < 0.05). Survival after 30 days of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation application was equally distributed among the groups, and 44% of all patients survived. In terms of survival to discharge, no significant differences were found among groups. In total, 28% of patients survived up to 7 years. Infants were significantly more likely to undergo elective surgery (p < 0.001) and were predominantly weaned off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, whereas need for urgent surgery (p < 0.001) was significantly higher in neonate group in comparison to other groups. Multinominal logistic regression analysis revealed significantly higher odds for need for re-exposure in infant group in comparison to toddler/preadolescent group as well as for incidence of neurological impairment of toddler/preadolescent group in comparison to neonate group (odds ratio = 14.67, p = 0.009 and odds ratio = 34.67, p = 0.004, respectively). Kaplan–Meier survival estimation analysis revealed no significant differences in terms of mid- and long-term survival among the groups (Breslow p = 0.198 and log-rank p = 0.213, respectively).

Conclusion:

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is a lifesaving therapeutic chance for pediatric patients in the setting of either failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass or failed resuscitation from cardiac arrest. A fair part of patients could be saved by using this technology. Survival rate among the groups was similar.
Geriatric Depressive Symptoms in Myanmar: Incidence and Associated Factors
Authors: Yamada Hiroyuki , Yoshikawa Kanako , Matsushima Midori
Published: October 2019

Myanmar is one of many countries currently facing a growing older adult population; yet, the mental health status of the country’s older adults is understudied. This is the first article to investigate the prevalence of geriatric depressive symptoms and its associated factors in Myanmar. We use data from the most recent large-scale older adult survey conducted in 2016, which employed the four-item short version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-4). Descriptive statistics reveal that, depending on the threshold applied, about 16% to 56% of the surveyed older adults have indications of depressive symptoms. We find that both economic and health status have a statistically significant association with depressive symptoms, but no basic individual characteristics are associated with it. Our findings suggest the importance of a social security system for older adults. Expanding the scope of the pension scheme and improving the provision of health care may be among the important policy options.
Measuring School Climate Among Spanish-Speaking Students: A Systematic Review of Primary Methodological Studies
Authors: Rocha Lauren , Lenz A. Stephen , Aras Yahyahan
Published: October 2019

The present study is a systematic review of school climate measures developed for a Spanish-speaking K-12 population. Four instruments were included in the analyses representing data of 9,236 students with a mean of sample size of 2,309 students. Evidences for test content and internal structure were the most frequent representation of psychometric validity. Internal consistency, represented by Cronbach’s alpha, ranged between 0.62 and 0.94. In addition, three instruments were translated from scales developed in the United States as evidence for test content validity. The findings of validity evidence, internal consistency, and context will guide school counselors in deciding the appropriate school climate measure to use among United States Latina/o students in Spanish. Consequently, the school climate assessment will compel school stakeholders to use results to advocate for the growth and inclusivity of Latina/o students.
Correlates of Men’s Bystander Intervention to Prevent Sexual and Relationship Violence: The Role of Masculine Discrepancy Stress
Authors: Berke Danielle S. , Leone Ruschelle M. , Hyatt Courtland S. , Zeichner Amos , Parrott Dominic J.
Published: October 2019

Extant literature suggests that men may be less likely than women to engage in prosocial bystander behavior to interrupt sexual and relationship violence. However, there has been little consideration of the influence of masculine gender role discrepancy and masculine discrepancy stress (i.e., stress that occurs when men perceive themselves as falling short of traditional gender norms) on men’s bystander beliefs and behaviors. The current study fills an important gap in the literature by assessing the influence of masculine gender role discrepancy and masculine discrepancy stress on a range of prosocial bystander behaviors through their influence on the bystander decision-making process. Participants were 356 undergraduate men recruited from two different Southeastern U.S. universities who completed online surveys assessing self-perceptions of gender role discrepancy, consequent discrepancy stress, bystander decision-making, and bystander behavior in sexual and relationship violence contexts. Path models indicated significant conditional indirect effects of masculine gender role discrepancy on proactive bystander behaviors (i.e., behaviors related to making a plan in advance of being in a risky situation) and bystander behavior in drinking situations across levels of masculine discrepancy stress. Specifically, men who believed that they are less masculine than the typical man reported more pros to intervention in sexual and relationship violence than cons, and thus reported intervening more, but only if they were high in masculine discrepancy stress. Findings suggest that bystander intervention programs should explicitly address and challenge rigid expectations of what it means to be “manly” to transform gender expectations perpetuating sexual and relationship violence.
Pathways to Late-Life Volunteering: A Focus on Social Connectedness
Authors: Dury Sarah , Brosens Dorien , Smetcoren An-Sofie , Van Regenmortel Sofie , De Witte Nico , De Donder Liesbeth , Verté Dominique
Published: October 2019

Utilizing a mixed-methods research design consisting of two consecutive phases, this study investigates older adults’ perceptions and understanding of social connectedness factors influencing late-life volunteering. In the first phase, quantitative data from the Belgian Ageing Studies project ( N = 24,508, from 89 municipalities) was analyzed through regression modeling. In the second, qualitative phase, focus groups with older people were conducted in each of the six research locations, to elucidate and build on the quantitative results. The research findings indicate that formal connectedness is highly influential for both the potential to volunteer and actually doing so. Membership of an association and being a new resident are key determinants for volunteering in later life. Moreover, local policy also functions as an important bridge between long-term residents and new residents in terms of the social structure of the society and the extent to which people are integrated into the community.
Computational modelling of a solid and deformed automotive rotating wheel in contact with the ground
Authors: Vilar Cánovas Jesús , Antoniadis Antonios F
Published: October 2019

An advanced computational framework is proposed for the load and force estimations of isolated rotating wheel-tyre systems. The framework is constituted by a computational structured dynamics solver and a computational fluid dynamics solver that effectively simulated the flow around the wheel including tyre deformation. Two finite element analysis models of the tyre are built, where the multilayer hyperelastic approach provides a more representative response compared with the linear elasticity model. The flow around the wheel is captured through the overset grid method where the zero-gap approach enables desirable computational performance near the contact patch area. Computational solutions are compared with experimental data and other computational works demonstrating good agreement on the non-deformed tyre model in terms of aerodynamic forces. A grid sensitivity analysis is performed to quantify the level of discretisation uncertainty as well as a comparison with unsteady and steady state solutions. The work demonstrates that current computer-aided engineering software are able to tackle more realistic and accurate simulations of wheel rim tyre systems, opening the field to future research and development in rotating mechanical systems.
Is Crop Insurance Creating Welfare Gain in North-east China? How to Improve Policy Implementation?
Authors: Le Shengyue , Sanglestsawai Santi , Bunyasiri ISriya Nitithanprapas , Suchato Ravissa
Published: October 2019

The article evaluates the expected welfare gain from voluntary partial government-subsidized maize insurance in north-east China. A total of 356 maize-growing households’ risk preferences from Linkou County of Heilongjiang province are examined and their expected welfare gains were analysed by the expected utility theory with each farmer’s unique risk preference.

The research found that 217 out of 356 households are rational decision-makers and most of them are risk averse. In term of expected welfare gain, the research pointed out that providing the existing crop insurance creates a welfare gain of about CNY 177 per hectare. However, this estimated welfare gain might be reduced to only CNY 124 per hectare if the local government decided to provide 100 per cent insurance premium subsidy with a lower level of protection at the same fiscal budget. Further, the results indicated that about 36 per cent of the rational households made wrong decisions in buying the crop insurance, and households with fewer family members and a lower portion of non-farming income are more likely to make wrong decisions. Additional education may help these farmers to make better decisions and increase future welfare gain to a potential level of about CNY 275 per hectare on average.
Analysing the Engagement and Attitude of Elderly Towards Digital Platforms in India
Authors: Ghosh Munmun
Published: October 2019

In present-day technology is governing the way we live and lead our life. It primarily governs our day-to-day work, quality of life, health, environment and surroundings. The use of technology has made our lives easier as almost everything around us is accessible with the use of some innovative technologies. But at the same point in time, it has made the experience little complex for the older people living in our society. As per the Ministry of Statistics, Government of India 2017, the numbers of Indians over the age of 60 years constitute almost 36 per cent of the country’s population. Considering this fact, it is imperative to be acquainted with the full picture of digital involvement of older people in the country. The research is focussed primarily on the people aged between 58 and 70 years residing in the urban locality of India. The study will use a mixed-method framework to conclude its findings. Data are collected first through a survey of 388 respondents and then interviewing some of the participants (20 participants who were also part of the survey) from different states of India. Sequential explanatory research design is used to conduct the study. Phase one is a quantitative analysis where statistical tools like Cronbach’s alpha, factor analysis and regression is used to validate the proposed model. In phase two, the validated constructs of the proposed model are used to frame the discussion guide and in-depth interviews were conducted. The depth interviews further clarified and explained in more details the results derived from the quantitative study in the first stage. The purpose of this research is to identify the level of digital exclusion and also to ascertain the reasons behind the marginalization. Further, the research is also focussing on understanding the noteworthy perceptions that will be effective in creating and implementing strategies for digital inclusion and engagement of the elderly in India. The results (both quantitative and qualitative study) established the influence of perceived usefulness, ease of use, risk and anxiety on the engagement and hence generating an attitude towards adoption.
Occupational Health and Safety and the Mobile Workforce: Insights From a Canadian Research Program
Authors: Neis Barbara , Lippel Katherine
Published: October 2019

Globally, employment-related geographical mobility (mobility to and within work) is a pervasive aspect of work that has potential health and safety implications. As an introduction to this special issue, this article defines the mobile workforce as those who engage in complex/extended mobility to and within work encompassing >two hours daily, less frequent but more extended mobility between regions and countries, and mobility within work such as between work sites or in mobile workplaces. Focusing on the Canadian context, we discuss the challenges associated with developing a statistical profile for this diversely mobile workforce and provide an overview of articles in the special issue identifying key health and safety challenges associated with extended/complex employment-related geographical mobility. We estimate that up to 16 percent of Canada’s employed labor force (including those commuting > one  hour one-way, temporary residents with work permits, and transportation workers) engage in extended/complex mobility related to work.
Blurring the Lines: Exploring the Work Spouse Phenomenon
Authors: Whitman Marilyn V. , Mandeville Ashley
Published: October 2019

Human social behavior is largely driven by our innate motivation to develop and maintain interpersonal relationships. In the workplace, employees form various types of relationships to fulfill the need to belong and affiliate. The dynamics of today’s work environment, however, are increasingly blurring the lines between work and personal domains. A different type of interpersonal workplace relationship that is drawing more attention is work spouse. A work spouse refers to an exclusive, intimate, nonsexual shared bond with a work colleague. Despite widespread media attention, this phenomenon has not garnered much attention among organizational scholars. Thus, we aim to conceptualize work spouse as a unique interpersonal workplace relationship worthy of scholarly attention. The literature on roles and boundaries helps to enhance our understanding of this unique relationship and offer a novel agenda from which to explore the work spouse relationship and its consequences in the work and personal domain.
A Psychometric Review and Conceptual Replication Study of the Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire Latent Structure
Authors: Lecuona Oscar , García-Garzón Eduardo , García-Rubio Carlos , Rodríguez-Carvajal Raquel
Published: October 2019

The Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) is a popular tool in mindfulness research. However, its psychometric qualities and its replicability have caused controversy. This study carried out a psychometric review and a conceptual replication of the FFMQ latent structure. The review showed that previous validation studies of the FFMQ used nonoptimal methods. In addition, this conceptual replication study tested the structure of the FFMQ using frequentist and Bayesian techniques. The original structure did not provide a good fit with both techniques, while the proposed alternative provided mixed results. We also found systematic fit improvements in both techniques when the Observe facet was excluded and method factors were included. With these findings, we conclude that the conceptual replication of the FFMQ’s structure failed. Alternatively, we propose a new provisional FFMQ model with a set of recommendations regarding its application. Future research proposals on improving techniques and models toward mindfulness assessment are also presented and discussed.