bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hard Currency, Solidarity, and Soft Power: The Motives, Implications, and Lessons of Cuban Health Internationalism
Authors: Baggott Rob , Lambie George
Published: October 2018

This article explores Cuba’s health assistance and support for other countries. It explores the rationale and motivations for Cuba’s internationalism in health. It then details the various aspects of its health interventions, including emergency relief, strengthening of health systems, treatment programs, training of health professionals, engagement in multilateral cooperation, and biotechnology. The article analyzes the benefits of Cuba’s health internationalism for Cuba and for others. It also explores potential adverse consequences and criticisms of Cuba’s approach. The article concludes by noting that Cuba has been ahead of the game in integrating foreign policy and health policy and that its experience may hold lessons for other countries seeking to develop global health strategies.
African American Health and Posttraumatic Slave Syndrome: A Terror Management Theory Account
Authors: Halloran Michael J.
Published: October 2018

The aim of this article is to explicate a terror management theory (TMT) analysis of the poor social and psychological well-being of African Americans by drawing upon a model of cultural trauma to explain the antecedents and effects of posttraumatic slave syndrome. Cultural trauma is defined as a state that occurs when a people’s cultural worldview has been destabilized to the point where it does not effectively meet its TMT function of providing a buffer against basic anxiety and uncertainty. The article outlines how the impact of slavery was a significant trauma to African American people, which was carried forward through successive generations; providing an explanation of their current anxiety-related conditions, poor health, and maladaptive behaviors. Findings from health and justice research and qualitative data from narratives of African Americans are presented to substantiate the adaptation of a model of cultural trauma for understanding the contemporary situation of African Americans.
When Does Partitioned Pricing Lead to More Favorable Consumer Preferences?: Meta-Analytic Evidence
Authors: Abraham Ajay T. , Hamilton Rebecca W.
Published: October 2018

Evidence of the impact of partitioned pricing is contradictory. Research indicates that partitioning a price into multiple components can result in more favorable preferences, due to a lower recalled price, or less favorable preferences, due to unfavorable surcharge evaluations. To explain these divergent effects, the authors examine the role of price presentation moderators, which reflect how managers convey prices to consumers (e.g., Is the total price present or absent?), magnitude moderators, which reflect the actual prices charged (e.g., What is the surcharge magnitude?), and contextual moderators, which reflect nonprice transaction characteristics (e.g., Is the product category hedonic or utilitarian?). A meta-analysis of 17 years of partitioned pricing research examining 149 observations in 27 papers (N = 12,878) suggests that consumers respond more favorably to partitioned pricing than to all-inclusive pricing when the total price is absent, as the price level increases, when the surcharges are typical for the product category, when the surcharges are perceived as offering high benefit, and when the product category is utilitarian.
A Case Study of Novice Bilingual Education Teachers Conducting Action Research and Diffusing Teaching Innovations
Authors: Acosta Sandra T. , Chen Xuewei , Goltz Heather , Goodson Patricia , Padrón Yolanda
Published: October 2018

This case study examined action research conducted by bilingual education teachers in urban schools as a tool for progressing from novice-to-expert teachers. We described a longitudinal study across four cohorts of first-year bilingual education teachers as action researchers ( n = 9). The study investigated the following: (a) how school leaders and colleagues responded to knowledge (innovations) generated through practitioner inquiry and (b) teacher–researchers’ perceptions about the process and outcomes of sharing their research findings with school leaders and colleagues. Findings clustered around two patterns: feelings of teacher self-efficacy and workplace isolation. Principals perceived innovations as human capital, not social capital.
Between Justice and Accumulation: Aristotle on Currency and Reciprocity
Authors: Eich Stefan
Published: October 2018

For Aristotle, a just political community has to find similarity in difference and foster habits of reciprocity. Conventionally, speech and law have been seen to fulfill this role. This article reconstructs Aristotle’s conception of currency ( nomisma) as a political institution of reciprocal justice. By placing Aristotle’s treatment of reciprocity in the context of the ancient politics of money, currency emerges not merely as a medium of economic exchange but also potentially as a bond of civic reciprocity, a measure of justice, and an institution of ethical deliberation. Reconstructing this account of currency ( nomisma) in analogy to law ( nomos) recovers the hopes Aristotle placed in currency as a necessary institution particular to the polis as a self-governing political community striving for justice. If currency was a foundational institution, it was also always insufficient, likely imperfect, and possibly tragic. Turned into a tool for the accumulation of wealth for its own sake, currency becomes unjust and a serious threat to any political community. Aristotelian currency can fail precisely because it contains an important moment of ethical deliberation. This political significance of currency challenges accounts of the ancient world as bifurcated between oikos and polis and encourages contemporary political theorists to think of money as a constitutional project that can play an important role in improving reciprocity across society.
The Development of the VP-SAFvR: An Actuarial Instrument for Police Triage of Australian Family Violence Reports
Authors: McEwan Troy E. , Shea Daniel E. , Ogloff James R. P.
Published: October 2018

This study describes the rationale, development, and validation of the Victoria Police Screening Assessment for Family Violence Risk (VP-SAFvR). The actuarial instrument was developed on a sample of 24,446 Australian police reports from 2013-2014. Information from each report and criminal histories of those involved were collected with 12-month follow-up, and binary logistic regression used to develop an improper predictive model. The selected VP-SAFvR cut-off score correctly identified almost three quarters of cases with further reports, while half of those without were accurately excluded. It was effective for frontline police triage decision-making, with few screened-out cases reporting further family violence, while those screened-in required additional risk assessment. Predictive validity was adequate and consistent across family relationships and demographic groups, although it was less effective in predicting future family violence reports involving same-sex couples or child perpetrators. Further evaluation in a field trial is necessary to determine the validity of the VP-SAFvR in practice.
Creating Positive Classroom Environments With Electronic Behavior Management Programs
Authors: Riden Benjamin S. , Markelz Andrew M. , Randolph Kathleen M.
Published: October 2018

Teachers in special education classrooms often struggle with classroom management. In response, many educators are looking for technological solutions to assist in promoting positive classroom environments. Electronic behavior management programs (eBMPs) use strategies based in research that are shown to reduce challenging behavior and encourage positive behavior, such as reinforcement strategies and the Premack principle. This article explains the theoretical efficacies of eBMPs, describes three commonly used eBMPs, and provides procedures on how educators can get started implementing eBMPs with additional tips to consider.
Hazy Transition to Fatherhood: The Experiences of Czech Fathers
Authors: Nešporová Olga
Published: October 2018

Using longitudinal qualitative research, the study focuses on the transition to fatherhood and the life changes which fatherhood effects in men’s everyday lives. Comparative thematic analysis was used in the study of data provided by two waves of research focusing on 16 dual-earner Czech parental couples. The first wave of interviews took place during pregnancy and the second on the child reaching 18 months. The expectant fathers evinced vague plans concerning approaching fatherhood; some stressed involvement in childcare while others emphasized the provider role. The concept of a “hazy” transition to fatherhood evolved based on the narratives of first-time fathers and is used to describe the indistinct character of the transition to fatherhood. Identity theory is used as the explanatory framework. I suggest that the hazy transition to fatherhood involves the low social appraisal of fatherhood, the breadwinner role, and the central worker identity.
The Politics of Nature: New Materialist Responses to the Anthropocene
Authors: Conty Arianne Françoise
Published: October 2018

In order to explore some of the divergences within new materialism and elucidate their relationship to actor-network theory, this article will develop Latour’s theory of agency and then compare it to those new materialists who uphold a ‘flat ontology’ that includes technological tools (Jane Bennett) and those who uphold an animate/inanimate distinction (Tim Ingold and Eduardo Kohn). In light of the ecological crisis called the Anthropocene, the dissolution of the animate/inanimate distinction will be defended in order to address both polar bears and glaciers, coral reefs and clown fish. Though Latour himself has defended such a dissolution, his political proposals to address the ecological crisis revert back to the modern and dualist position he has himself critiqued for so long. Using the gains of actor-network theory, while differentiating a new materialist ecological politics from that of Latour, will be shown to be necessary in order to find a solution to the crisis of the Anthropocene.
The terroir of bureaucratic practice: Everyday life and scholarly method in the study of policy
Authors: Kuus Merje
Published: October 2018

This article seeks to connect political geographic scholarship on institutions and policy more firmly to the experience of everyday life. Empirically, I foreground the ambiguous and indeterminate character of institutional decision-making and I underscore the need to closely consider the sensory texture of place and milieu in our analyses of it. My examples come from the study of diplomatic practice in Brussels, the capital of the European Union. Conceptually and methodologically, I use these examples to accentuate lived experience as an essential part of research, especially in the seemingly dry bureaucratic settings. I do so in particular through engaging with the work of Michel de Certeau, whose ideas enjoy considerable traction in cultural geography but are seldom used in political geography and policy studies. An accent on the texture and feel of policy practice necessarily highlights the role of place in that practice. This, in turn, may help us with communicating geographical research beyond our own discipline.
Design of a curved-line bending mechanism inspired by skin wrinkles for elastic–kinetic structures in architecture
Authors: Matini Mohammad Reza , Haghnazar Ramtin
Published: October 2018

The application of flexible materials for convertible structures in architecture and the use of bending deformation in these structures have been new topics in recent years. The importance of bending deformation is highlighted by reducing or removing the hinges or other movable joints which result in reducing the complexity of the structures and the maintenance costs. The lack of proper bending materials, the homogeneous deformation of the existing bendable surfaces and the need for folding to create some deformation mechanisms are the limitations of the work. This research provides solutions for these limitations by extracting deformation principles from skin wrinkles. The deformation principles of wrinkles are used to create specific patterns for a lattice hinge, which can compose a heterogeneous deformation in a bending-active surface. The patterns are enhanced by testing a number of physical models and computer-based simulations in different steps. Consequently, a particular type of a curved-line bending compliant mechanism is developed with the ability to reduce some of the deformation constraints, specifically the need to fold in an elastic–kinetic structure.
A Preliminary Investigation of the Intersection of Race and Disabilities among Inmates in the U.S. State Prison System
Authors: Baloch Natasha A. , Jennings Wesley G.
Published: October 2018

The American prison system is overcrowded with minorities in general, and African Americans, in particular. The Department of Justice notes that more than 50% of the prison population have some type of mental disability. In this study, we examine the intersection between race and disabilities in the U.S. State prison system. Using the Rehabilitation Services Administration data set, the study highlights the prevalence and type of disabilities in the prison inmate population. Results demonstrate that African American inmates are overrepresented among inmates with disabilities, are more likely to have mental disabilities relative to physical disabilities, and these results hold for various types of mental disabilities including cognitive, psychosocial, and other mental disabilities. Study limitations and directions for future research are also discussed.
Variations in Driver Behavior: An Analysis of Car-Following Behavior Heterogeneity as a Function of Road Type and Traffic Condition
Authors: Berthaume Andrew L. , James Rachel M. , Hammit Britton E. , Foreman Christina , Melson Christopher L.
Published: October 2018

Microsimulation modeling is a tool used by practitioners and researchers to predict and evaluate the flow of traffic on real transportation networks. These models are used in practice to inform decisions and thus must reflect a high level of accuracy. Microsimulation models are comprised of sub-models, which control individual vehicle movements throughout the simulated network. These sub-models must be calibrated to accurately capture realistic driving behavior. This research utilizes data collected by the FHWA Living Laboratory instrumented research vehicle to produce evidence of global trends in car-following behavior. Unlike similar studies, this analysis focuses on the physical action taken by the driver—the acceleration—rather than the outcome of that action—speed selection or temporal/spatial gap. This approach enables better interpretation and comparison between car-following behavior in varying “driving environments,” that is, on different roadway functional classifications (freeway v. interstate), operational conditions (work zone v. non-work zone), and traffic conditions (congested v. uncongested). This analysis produced conclusive evidence that intra-driver car-following behavior is heterogeneous and is a function of the driving environment. Trends in acceleration behavior were examined on an aggregated psychophysical plane, which accounted for inter-driver heterogeneity, and a statistical analysis identified regions of significantly different acceleration behavior. Lastly, heterogeneity in car-following acceleration behavior in work zones and non-work zones was also verified.
Don’t Sugar Coat It: Glycemic Control in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Stoudt Kara , Chawla Sanjay
Published: October 2018

Stress hyperglycemia is the transient increase in blood glucose as a result of complex hormonal changes that occur during critical illness. It has been described in the critically ill for nearly 200 years; patient harm, including increases in morbidity, mortality, and lengths of stay, has been associated with hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and glucose variability. However, there remains a contentious debate regarding the optimal glucose ranges for this population, most notably within the past 15 years. Recent landmark clinical trials have dramatically changed the treatment of stress hyperglycemia in the intensive care unit (ICU). Earlier studies suggested that tight glucose control improved both morbidity and mortality for ICU patients, but later studies have suggested potential harm related to the development of hypoglycemia. Multiple trials have tried to elucidate potential glucose target ranges for special patient populations, including those with diabetes, trauma, sepsis, cardiac surgery, and brain injuries, but there remains conflicting evidence for most of these subpopulations. Currently, most international organizations recommend targeting moderate blood glucose concentration to levels <180 mg/dL for all patients in the intensive care unit. In this review, the history of stress hyperglycemia and its treatment will be discussed including optimal glucose target ranges, devices for monitoring blood glucose, and current professional organizations’ recommendations regarding glucose control in the ICU.
The ART of Antiretroviral Therapy in Critically Ill Patients With HIV
Authors: Finocchio Tyler , Coolidge William , Johnson Thomas
Published: October 2018

The management of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be a complicated specialty within itself, made even more complex when there are so many unanswered questions regarding the care of critically ill patients with HIV. The lack of consensus on the use of antiretroviral medications in the critically ill patient population has contributed to an ongoing clinical debate among intensivists. This review focuses on the pharmacological complications of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the intensive care setting, specifically the initiation of ART in patients newly diagnosed with HIV, immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), continuation of ART in those who were on a complete regimen prior to intensive care unit admission, barriers of drug delivery alternatives, and drug-drug interactions.
Pharmacologic Management of Delirium in the ICU: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Korenoski Amanda , Li Angela , Kane-Gill Sandra L. , Seybert Amy L. , Smithburger Pamela L.
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

Conflicting data exists on the pharmacologic management of intensive care unit (ICU) delirium. This review appraises the current evidence of pharmacologic management of ICU delirium.

Materials and Methods:

A systematic literature search of MEDLINE and Embase was conducted to answer the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) question of: “Does the use of a pharmacologic agent compared to standard of care or placebo improve ICU delirium in a critically ill patient population?”

Results:

After application of the PICO question and the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 articles were included. Of these articles, 7 were prospective randomized controlled trials, 1 was a prospective nonrandomized controlled trial, and 5 were retrospective investigations. The included articles differed in the agents evaluated, primary outcome, and method of identifying delirium.

Conclusion:

The variability of outcomes illustrates the need for a large-scale investigation to further evaluate the role of pharmacologic management of ICU delirium.
Bully-Victims: An Analysis of Subtypes and Risk Characteristics
Authors: Kennedy Reeve S.
Published: October 2018

Bully-victims are often found to be the most high-risk group involved in bullying, yet limited prior research has explored differences among bully-victims. This study aims to fill that gap by exploring within-group differences of youth involved in both bullying perpetration and victimization. In a nationally representative sample of 165 youth ages 5 to 17, four bully-victim types were created using cutoff points based on the amount of perpetration and victimization reported: high bully-victims ( n = 38), aggression predominant bully-victims ( n = 67), victimization predominant bully-victims ( n = 23), and moderate bully-victims ( n = 37). Analyses revealed distinct differences among the groups, particularly relating to traumatic symptoms, types of bullying involvement, and nonvictimization adversity. The findings confirm that there is heterogeneity among bully-victims. The most substantial difference was found between the high group and the moderate group, with the high group significantly more likely to report depression ( p < .05) and anxiety symptoms ( p < .05), and more than two times more likely to experience past-year adversity than the moderate group. The findings from this study indicate that youth involved in high amounts of both perpetration and victimization are considerably more at risk of traumatic symptoms and nonvictimization adversity than youth involved in fewer bullying behaviors. These findings can be used to inform both research and practice, particularly in regard to targeted evidence-based interventions that meet the unique needs of each type.
The Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence, Associated Risk Factors, and Other Moderating Effects: Findings From the Kenya National Health Demographic Survey
Authors: Memiah Peter , Ah Mu Tristi , Prevot Kourtney , Cook Courtney K. , Mwangi Michelle M. , Mwangi E. Wairimu , Owuor Kevin , Biadgilign Sibhatu
Published: October 2018

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is not only a fundamental violation of human rights but also a major public health problem. IPV is the most predominant form of violence committed by men against women. Therefore, our study sought to determine the prevalence of IPV and other moderating factors associated with IPV among these women. This study utilized data from the 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), a nationally representative household-based survey that utilizes a two-stage sampling design. Data was weighted and analyzed using Stata 12 for Windows. A total of 3,028 women were interviewed for the analysis. A majority of the women were aged between 20 and 29 years (1,305; 43.1%), with a greater proportion married (2,329; 76.9%) and identified as Protestant (2,181; 72.1%). On adjusted analysis, factors associated with experiencing IPV included women who: were aged between 40 and 49 years belonging to religions other than Catholic, Protestant, or practiced no religion, resided in urban areas, were currently working, had a poor Wealth Index, were not sexually assertive, had one sexual partner other than their husband/spouse, received money, gifts, or favors in return for sex, had no knowledge on HIV, had husbands/partners aged above 50 years, experienced an early sexual debut of less than 18 years and felt that their partners were justified in beating them. Gender-based violence is complex and multifaceted affecting individuals, families, and society at large and should be addressed from different spectrums of intervention. There is a need for interventions that reduce and prevent IPV through empowering women, creating jobs to accumulate wealth, creating a conducive environment within workplaces for those employed, educating women, and empowering school-aged children to avert IPV.
Gender, Escalatory Tendencies, and Verbal Aggression in Intimate Relationships
Authors: Winstok Zeev , Smadar-Dror Ronit
Published: October 2018

This study examined the relationship between gender, escalatory tendencies, and the use of verbal aggression among four types of heterosexual dyads: couples with no verbal aggression, man-only verbal aggression, woman-only verbal aggression, and both-partner verbal aggression. The study was based on a community sample of 65 couples (130 men and women). The findings show that while there is no gender difference in the prevalence and incidence of verbal aggression, there is a difference in the levels of motivation to put one’s partner “in his or her place” and avoid a confrontation with one’s partner. Thus, there is a gender difference in escalatory tendency. This difference is evident in the greater motivation to put one’s partner in his or her place observed among women, as compared with men, and in the lower motivation to avoid confrontation observed among women, as compared with men. Moreover, unlike among men, among women, the motivation to put one’s partner in his place is higher than the motivation to avoid confrontation. It follows that the escalatory tendency among women is greater than the escalatory tendency among men. The findings also demonstrate significant gender differences in motivations and escalatory tendencies within the different types of dyads examined. These findings establish the relationship between escalation and aggression and also provide a glimpse into the mechanisms that sustain that relationship.
Assessing residual stress redistribution during annealing in thick thermoplastic composites using optical fiber sensors
Authors: Tsukada Takuhei , Minakuchi Shu , Takeda Nobuo
Published: October 2018

In thick thermoplastic composite laminates, nonuniform temperature and cooling rate distribution arises in the through-thickness direction during cost-effective high-rate manufacturing processes. Annealing is often carried out after molding to homogenize degree of crystallinity (DOC) and to reduce residual stress. Even though the change in the residual stress/strain distribution occurring inside thick laminates by this heat treatment is practically important, the changing process and the detailed mechanism are not sufficiently clarified. This present study addresses development and redistribution behavior of residual stress through both molding and annealing using multiple optical fiber sensors deployed in the thickness direction. This article begins by explaining about process monitoring of thick laminates to discuss process-induced strain distribution depending on cooling conditions during molding. Next, strain monitoring is performed during annealing, and the strain change caused by cold crystallization is clarified. Finally, the residual stress distribution is evaluated by a transverse three-point bending test, and the validity of the redistribution mechanism deduced from the strain measurement is confirmed.
Evaluation of the photostabilizing efficiency of polyvinyl alcohol–zinc chloride composites
Authors: Awad Sameer A , Khalaf Eman M
Published: October 2018

Accelerated weathering of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and PVA reinforced with 20 wt% of zinc chloride (ZnCl2) was investigated. The developed PVA composites were subjected to 100, 200, and 300 h of accelerated weathering exposure times. The effects of exposure on the PVA composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermal properties as thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, the mechanical and morphology properties, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The results of FTIR displayed that lower carbonyl and hydroxyl indexes are due to PVA composite. The results of mechanical tests showed that the accelerated weathering reduced the tensile strength of PVA. However, PVA composites exhibited fewer reduction of the tensile strength values. PVA composites exhibited better thermal stability after extent to ultraviolet irradiation. The storage modulus from dynamic mechanical analysis results that displayed a higher value for the storage modulus is related to PVA composites, compared to PVA. Before exposure, PVA composite showed a high intensity, compared to PVA. After exposure to accelerated weathering, the intensity of all samples shifted and decreased. Scanning electron microscopic micrographs showed that the surface of the PVA composites had fewer defects compared to the PVA after exposure. The results of characterization revealed that 20% of ZnCl2 into the PVA made less vulnerable to environmental degradation, and these PVA composites are suitable as packaging films for use in outdoor applications.
The Effect of Perfectionism on Career Adaptability and Career Decision-Making Difficulties
Authors: Wang Danni , Hou Zhi-Jin , Ni Jing , Tian Lu , Zhang Xin , Chi Hao-Yang , Zhao Adam
Published: October 2018

This study investigated categorization of perfectionism subtypes for Chinese undergraduates and the effects of perfectionism subtypes on career outcomes based on two prominent, competing models of perfectionism, the tripartite model and 2 × 2 model. Indices of career outcome were defined with career adaptability (positive) and career decision-making difficulties (negative). The results of both cluster analysis and latent profile analysis coincided with the four-subtype structure of the 2 × 2 model. The result of Bolck–Croon–Hagenaars modeling indicated that the pure high standard subtypes were the most functional while pure discrepancy subtypes were most dysfunctional. Mixed perfectionism subtypes were identified as having high career adaptability but also high risk for career decision-making while nonperfectionism subtypes possess low career decision-making difficulties but also low career adaptability. Based on these findings for perfectionism subtypes, we extrapolate practical recommendations for how this information could be pertinent to career counseling.
Child Loss, Social Capital, and Depressive Symptoms Among Elderly Adults in Urban and Rural China
Authors: Liang Ying , Sarwar Mazen , Horn Struther Van
Published: October 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the moderating effects of individual and community social capital on the relationship between child loss and depressive symptoms among elderly adults in China. Method: A sample of 2,581 elderly adults in 272 rural communities and 826 elderly adults in 116 urban communities was drawn from Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Studies. Hierarchical linear modeling was applied in the analysis. Results: Social participation as an indicator of individual social capital has a buffering effect on depressive symptoms among rural bereaved parents while it is not beneficial for urban bereaved parents. In contrast, community social capital may be a protective factor for the mental health of urban bereaved parents, but no so for those in rural areas. Discussion: These findings highlight the complex interplay of social capital and broader socio-cultural contexts in rural and urban China and suggest policy implications.
A Politics of Tending and Transformation
Authors: Farneth Molly
Published: October 2018

In Awaiting the King: Reforming Public Theology, James K. A. Smith gives us a liturgical political theology. The question posed here is whether that political theology attends to how the work of tending to the goods held in common by diverse democratic publics can also surprise and transform Christians and the liturgies of the Church.
Equivalent consumption minimization strategy of hybrid electric vehicle considering the impact of driving style
Authors: Gong Changchao , Hu Minghui , Li Shuxian , Zhan Sen , Qin Datong
Published: October 2018

The impact of driving style on the fuel economy is normally unconsidered in the development process of the equivalent consumption minimization strategy for hybrid electric vehicles. This article established a real vehicle energy management strategy based on the combination of driving style recognition and optimized equivalent consumption minimization strategy. In detail, the driving style recognition algorithm is obtained by introducing the driving style identification coefficient containing driving condition type influence factor and combining the coefficient with the genetic optimization K-means driving condition recognition algorithm. The equivalent consumption minimization strategy is optimized by genetic algorithm to optimize the battery SOC penalty function and charge–discharge coefficient. Comparing the proposed energy management strategy with the traditional equivalent consumption minimization strategy in a stochastic driving condition, the simulated result shows that the fuel consumption rate is reduced by 8.49% by making the operating points of the engine closer to the engine best efficiency curve, and making battery SOC changes more smooth and maintaining it in a reasonable area. It means that the proposed energy management strategy achieves higher fuel computation efficiency and better power distribution between the integrated starter generator and the engine.
Transitioning from flexible to structured heavy haul operations to expand the capacity of single-track shared corridors in North America
Authors: Dick C Tyler , Mussanov Darkhan , Nishio Nao
Published: October 2018

North American freight railroads typically exhibit flexible operations with variable train schedules where freight trains are dispatched when filled to length or weight capacity, and train dispatchers resolve train conflicts in real time, making it an ideal approach for low-cost transportation of bulk commodities. Recently, North American railways have experienced a substantial decline in demand for bulk transportation of coal while premium intermodal traffic that must operate on more structured schedules has reached record levels. On the predominantly single-track railway network in North America, operating a mixture of trains with differing schedule flexibility creates fluctuating patterns of train meets that increase train delay, constrain capacity, and decrease utilization of capital-intensive track infrastructure. This study investigates the relationship between line capacity, amount of schedule flexibility, level of service, and the proportion of flexible and scheduled trains operating on a rail line. Using the Rail Traffic Controller software, different combinations of these factors are simulated to determine the capacity of representative North American rail corridors with heavy haul and priority intermodal traffic. The simulation results suggest that introducing more structured schedules for heavy haul traffic is an effective alternative to investment in additional second main track infrastructure to gain sufficient capacity for growing scheduled intermodal traffic on traditional bulk commodity freight corridors.
Consequence-Based Approach-Avoidance Training: A New and Improved Method for Changing Behavior
Authors: Van Dessel Pieter , Hughes Sean , De Houwer Jan
Published: October 2018

The repeated performance of approach or avoidance actions in response to specific stimuli (e.g., alcoholic drinks) is often considered a most promising type of cognitive-bias modification that can reduce unwanted behavior (e.g., alcohol consumption). Unfortunately, approach-avoidance training sometimes fails to produce desired outcomes (e.g., in the context of unhealthy eating). We introduce a novel training task in which approach-avoidance actions are followed by affective consequences. Four experiments (total N = 1,547) found stronger changes in voluntary approach-avoidance behavior, implicit and explicit evaluations, and consumer choices for consequence-based approach-avoidance training in the food domain. Moreover, this novel type of training reduced self-reported unhealthy eating behavior after a 24-hr delay and unhealthy snacking in a taste test. Our results contrast with dominant (association-formation) accounts of the effects of approach-avoidance training and support an inferential explanation. They further suggest that consequence-based approach-avoidance training, and inference training more generally, holds promise for the treatment of clinical behavior.
Income Inequality Affects the Psychological Health of Only the People Facing Scarcity
Authors: Sommet Nicolas , Morselli Davide , Spini Dario
Published: October 2018

Following the status-anxiety hypothesis, the psychological consequences of income inequality should be particularly severe for economically vulnerable individuals. Oddly, however, income inequality is often found to affect vulnerable low-income and advantaged high-income groups equally. We argue that economic vulnerability is better captured by a financial-scarcity measure and hypothesize that income inequality primarily impairs the psychological health of people facing scarcity. First, repeated cross-sectional international data (from the World Values Survey: 146,034 participants; 105 country waves) revealed that the within-country effect of national income inequality on feelings of unhappiness was limited to individuals facing scarcity (≈25% of the World Values Survey population). Second, longitudinal national data (Swiss Household Panel: 14,790 participants; 15,595 municipality years) revealed that the within-life-course effect of local income inequality on psychological health problems was also limited to these individuals (< 10% of the Swiss population). Income inequality by itself may not be a problem for psychological health but, rather, may be a catalyst for the consequences of financial scarcity.
Measuring regional social inclusion performances in the EU: Looking for unity in diversity
Authors: Rogge Nicky , Self Ryan
Published: October 2018

This study measures and benchmarks regional social inclusion performances in Europe using a composite index constructed on the basis of the commonly agreed sub-indicators of the Europe 2020 headline indicators. The multidimensional nature of these issues and the disparate social policy priorities of nations/regions in addressing them call for a reconciliatory performance evaluation framework, for which this article advocates the use of benefit-of-the-doubt (BoD) weighting. Based on the composite scores, leading and lagging regions in social inclusion are identified and the impact of regional contextual characteristics is examined. Overall results show that regions of Denmark and Sweden are consistently strong performers, while the Continental regions of Italy and Spain typically perform poorly. As to the poverty and social exclusion determinants, results show that low educational attainment and a high percentage of single-parent households relate negatively to regional social inclusion.
Integrated chassis control algorithm design for path tracking based on four-wheel steering and direct yaw-moment control
Authors: Hang Peng , Chen Xinbo
Published: October 2018

This article focuses on an integrated chassis control algorithm design for path tracking utilizing four-wheel steering and direct yaw-moment control. The designed integrated chassis control algorithm mainly consists of three parts: (1) taking the parametric uncertainties, external disturbances, measurement noise and unmodeled dynamics into consideration, a robust controller is designed for path tracking utilizing μ synthesis approach; (2) the control allocation algorithm is proposed to distribute the output torque requirements to each in-wheel motor based on the weighted least square; and (3) considering that vehicle lateral velocity is a critical state variable for path-tracking control, while it is not easy to measure with low-cost sensors, a state observer is designed for lateral velocity estimation using unscented Kalman filter. To verify the performance of the designed integrated chassis control algorithm, three simulation maneuvers including the single-lane change, curve and the double-lane change are carried out in MATLAB/Simulink with a high-fidelity, full-vehicle model built in CarSim. The proposed integrated chassis control algorithm is compared with other three control algorithms, that is, active front steering, four-wheel steering and active front steering + direct yaw-moment control, and simulation results indicate that the integrated chassis control algorithm has superior path-tracking performance and handling stability. The robust performance of the integrated chassis control algorithm is also verified under the variation of vehicle velocity and different road conditions.
Bayesian multivariate skew meta-regression models for individual patient data
Authors: Ibrahim Joseph G , Kim Sungduk , Chen Ming-Hui , Shah Arvind K , Lin Jianxin
Published: October 2018

We examine a class of multivariate meta-regression models in the presence of individual patient data. The methodology is well motivated from several studies of cholesterol-lowering drugs where the goal is to jointly analyze the multivariate outcomes, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. These three continuous outcome measures are correlated and shed much light on a subject's lipid status. One of the main goals in lipid research is the joint analysis of these three outcome measures in a meta-regression setting. Since these outcome measures are not typically multivariate normal, one must consider classes of distributions that allow for skewness in one or more of the outcomes. In this paper, we consider a new general class of multivariate skew distributions for multivariate meta-regression and examine their theoretical properties. Using these distributions, we construct a Bayesian model for the meta-data and develop an efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo computational scheme for carrying out the computations. In addition, we develop a multivariate L measure for model comparison, Bayesian residuals for model assessment, and a Bayesian procedure for detecting outlying trials. The proposed multivariate L measure, Bayesian residuals, and Bayesian outlying trial detection procedure are particularly suitable and computationally attractive in the multivariate meta-regression setting. A detailed case study demonstrating the usefulness of the proposed methodology is carried out in an individual patient data multivariate meta-regression setting using 26 pivotal Merck clinical trials that compare statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) in combination with ezetimibe and statins alone on treatment-naïve patients and those continuing on statins at baseline.
Closed-form solutions for vibrations of a magneto-electro-elastic beam with variable cross section by means of Green’s functions
Authors: Zhang Xuan Ling , Chen Xiao Chao , Yang Echuan , Li Hai Feng , Liu Jian Bo , Li Ying Hui
Published: October 2018

In this article, closed-form solutions are obtained for vibrations of a magneto-electro-elastic beam with variable cross section. Based on Timoshenko beam assumptions, governing equation for the non-uniform beam with exponentially varying width is obtained. Laplace transform approach applied to the governing equation results in the corresponding Green’s functions for the beams with various boundary conditions. The equations, which are solved to obtain Green’s functions, are degenerated for the analyses of the characters of free vibration. For free vibrations of the beams under different mechanical boundary conditions, the effects of the non-uniformly cross-sectional parameters and magneto-electric boundary conditions on the dynamic characters are studied. In addition, the magneto-electric potential modal variables’ distributions through the thickness are presented. In the discussions of forced vibration, two points in the beam are selected to investigate frequency responses in terms of displacement and magneto-electric potential. Moreover, the influences of excitation frequency and cross-sectional parameter on through-the-thickness distributions of electric potentials are investigated.
Damage and retrofitting monitoring in reinforced concrete structures along with long-term strength and fatigue monitoring using embedded Lead Zirconate Titanate patches
Authors: Kaur Naveet , Bhalla Suresh , Maddu Subhash CG
Published: October 2018

This article aims at developing a generic system for the damage and retrofitting monitoring along with long-term strength and first-stage fatigue monitoring of reinforced concrete structures using embedded Lead Zirconate Titanate sensors in the form of concrete vibration sensors. The concrete vibration sensor is a ready-to-use sensor, and its unique packaging renders it very compatible for embedment in reinforced concrete structures. In addition to cost-effectiveness, the concrete vibration sensors are also characterized by excellent structure-compatibility and durability. In this article, both finite element method and experimental investigations have been employed to establish the feasibility of using curvature (second-order derivative) and other higher order derivatives of displacement mode shapes for damage detection and retrofitting assessment. The experiments are conducted on a real-life-sized reinforced concrete beam. The concrete vibration sensors embedded on the outer faces of the reinforced concrete beam are coupled to obtain the curvature and higher order mode shapes of the beam in pristine, damaged and retrofitted conditions. It is found that the curvature mode shape–based response of concrete vibration sensors can successfully identify the location of damage both numerically and experimentally. However, the third-order mode shape is unable to correctly identify the location of damage. Before introducing damage in the beam, the effect of long-term dynamic loading from Day 6 to Day 108 after casting of the reinforced concrete beam is also monitored. Both the global monitoring technique (in which flexural rigidity of the beam is monitored) and the local electro-mechanical impedance technique (where the equivalent stiffness identified by concrete vibration sensors is monitored) successfully detected the decreasing fatigue strength of the reinforced concrete beam. Degradation of the strength of reinforced concrete beam results due to the development of micro-cracks in the concrete because of the continuous vibrations (9.3 million load cycles) experienced by it via shaker. This is the first-of-its-kind proof-of-concept application of equivalent stiffness concept for monitoring curing of a large-sized reinforced concrete structure. It is also the first study on first-stage fatigue monitoring carried out before the ‘retrofitting-stage’ of the structure. Complete experimental investigations after the ‘retrofitting-stage’ covering all three stages of fatigue have been covered by the authors in their related publication.
Platelet Activation and Platelet–Leukocyte Aggregates in Type I Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zahran Asmaa M. , El-Badawy Omnia , Mohamad Ismail L. , Tamer Deiaaeldin M. , Abdel-Aziz Safwat M. , Elsayh Khalid I.
Published: October 2018

Hyperglycemia alone may not explain the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) compared with type 2. This study emphases on the evaluation of some platelet activity markers in patients with T1D, with relevance to some metabolic disorders as hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. This study was performed on 35 patients with T1D and 20 healthy controls. All participants were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination and assay of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and lipid profile. The expression of CD62P and CD36 on platelets and the frequency of platelet–monocyte, and platelet–neutrophil aggregates were assessed by flow cytometry. Patients showed significantly higher expression of CD62P and CD36 than the control group. Platelets aggregates with monocytes were also higher among patients than the control group. Levels of CD36+ platelets, CD62P+ platelets, and platelet–monocyte aggregates revealed significant correlations with the levels of HbA1c, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides. Hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia accompanying T1D have a stimulatory effect on platelet activation which probably makes those patients vulnerable to CVD than nondiabetics.