bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization Strategy of Multiarea Interconnected Integrated Energy System Based on Consistency Theory
Authors: Yu Yuan , Zhang Tieyan , Zhao Yan
Published: November 2020

A collaborative optimization strategy of an integrated energy system aiming at improving energy efficiency is studied in this paper for the cluster optimization of an integrated energy system (IES). In this paper, an improved discrete consistency method based on the coordination optimization method for IES is proposed. An IES model considering the mixed energy supply of electricity, heat, and gas is constructed in a single region. And then an objective function with the maximum return is established, on the premise of assuming that the prices of electricity, heat, and gas can be used as an economical means to adjust the energy utilization. Finally, the consistency theory is applied to the IES, and the improved discrete consistency algorithm is utilized to optimize the objective function. In the case study, a certain region IES is taken as an example in Northeast China. The case study demonstrates the effectiveness and accuracy of the coordination optimization method for IES.
Driver Distraction Detection Method Based on Continuous Head Pose Estimation
Authors: Zhao Zuopeng , Xia Sili , Xu Xinzheng , Zhang Lan , Yan Hualin , Xu Yi , Zhang Zhongxin
Published: November 2020

In view of the fact that the detection of driver’s distraction is a burning issue, this study chooses the driver’s head pose as the evaluation parameter for driving distraction and proposes a driver distraction method based on the head pose. The effects of single regression and classification combined with regression are compared in terms of accuracy, and four kinds of classical networks are improved and trained using 300W-LP and AFLW datasets. The HPE_Resnet50 with the best accuracy is selected as the head pose estimator and applied to the ten-category distracted driving dataset SF3D to obtain 20,000 sets of head pose data. The differences between classes are discussed qualitatively and quantitatively. The analysis of variance shows that there is a statistically significant difference in head posture between safe driving and all kinds of distracted driving at 95% and 90% confidence levels, and the postures of all kinds of driving movements are distributed in a specific Euler angle range, which provides a characteristic basis for the design of subsequent recognition methods. In addition, according to the continuity of human movement, this paper also selects 90 drivers’ videos to analyze the difference in head pose between safe driving and distracted driving frame by frame. By calculating the spatial distance and sample statistics, the results provide the reference point, spatial range, and threshold of safe driving under this driving condition. Experimental results show that the average error of HPE_Resnet50 in AFLW2000 is 6.17° and that there is an average difference of 12.4° to 54.9° in the Euler angle between safe driving and nine kinds of distracted driving on SF3D.
Animal Welfare Promotion as a Mechanism of Moral Certification: Microhistorical Evidence From 19th Century Switzerland
Authors: Legentilhomme Geoffroy
Published: November 2020

How do nonhuman animal welfare campaigns influence the institutional use of nonhuman animals? This article narrates an episode of nineteenth century history of Geneva, pertaining to the use of nonhuman animals in science, to argue that welfare advocacy is a risky, and indeed sometimes counterproductive, endeavor. In the late nineteenth century, the mainstream Genevan animal welfare group (SGPA) refused to condemn vivisection, and decided to side with Moritz Schiff, a controversial physiologist, provided that he later accepted respecting certain welfare standards in his experiments. The SGPA defended Schiff against the charges of the Genevan abolitionists, and thus provided a metaphorical certificate of “humane treatment” to the vivisector. Behind this moral shield, the laboratory could expand its practices, undisturbed by the need to legitimize them. This episode illustrates the phenomenon of “capture” of the welfarist group by the institutions from which animals are supposed to be protected in the first place.
Schizophrenia in the World: Arguments for a Contextual Phenomenology of Psychopathology
Authors: Pienkos Elizabeth
Published: November 2020

Traditionally, phenomenological theories of schizophrenia have emphasized disturbances in self-experience, with relatively little acknowledgement of the surrounding world. However, epidemiological research consistently demonstrates a strong relationship between traumatic and stressful life events and the development of schizophrenia, suggesting that encounters in the world are highly relevant for many people diagnosed with this disorder. This paper reviews foundational texts in phenomenology and phenomenological psychopathology on the nature of subjectivity and its disturbances, finding support for broadening contemporary phenomenological models of schizophrenia to incorporate world events and their subjective meaning as essential aspects of this disorder. This contextual approach to phenomenology emphasizes the relationship between self and world, one that is especially unstable, unclear, and untrustworthy in schizophrenia. Both epidemiological and phenomenological research can benefit from this approach: in epidemiology, researchers might consider the ways that various risk factors are experienced by persons vulnerable to schizophrenia, while phenomenologists are encouraged to inquire about the environmental and social context in which altered experiences occur and incorporate these considerations into their explanatory models.
The Library of Jacob de Wilde
Authors: Janssen Frans A.
Published: November 2020

Like many wealthy citizens in the Dutch Golden Age, the Amsterdam civil servant Jacob de Wilde collected coins, gems, and small sculptures from Antiquity. Much has already been written about these collections, but De Wilde’s book collection has been largely neglected. This article focuses on his library.
At the Borders of Identity: Reflections on Egyptian Protestant Public Theology in the Wake of the Arab Spring
Authors: Hernandez Rebecca Skreslet
Published: November 2020

A common narrative characterizes Egyptian Christians as a people beset by persecution, struggling to survive in a hostile Muslim context. Other narratives seek to smooth over the differences between Christian and Muslim Egyptians to emphasize national unity and shared citizenship. The revolutionary upheavals starting in 2011 brought questions of subjectivity and agency in shaping Egypt’s future to the forefront of public debate. In spite of continued limitations to free speech and political participation, Egyptian Christians are engaging creatively in prophetic discourse and community-building praxis, contributing to the construction of a revitalized theology of public life. Protestant theologians Andrea Zaki, Safwat Marzouk, and Anne Zaki, for example, draw on the resources of the biblical tradition to think critically about their own subjectivity as Egyptian Christians and about the complex challenges and the hopeful promise facing these communities as they seek effective ways to participate in public life.
Christian Agency and Lutheran Personal Status Laws in Palestine
Authors: Raheb Tala
Published: November 2020

In describing Christianity in the Middle East, scholars often highlight religious oppression, especially in relation to the larger Islamic context. Such contentious descriptions often cast Christians in the role of dhimmis, who are tolerated but not regarded as equal members of Muslim societies. Only in recent years some scholars have begun to modify their depictions of Christians and Christian-Muslim relations in the Middle East. While Christians in the Middle East have experienced and in certain regions continue to experience persecution, solely portraying them as victims does not do justice to the reality on the ground. By means of a case study on Palestine, I argue that an examination of the interaction between sharia (Islamic law) and Christian personal status laws sheds a different light on Christian identity and Christian-Muslim relations in the Middle East, and demonstrates the agency of Palestinian Christian communities in this respect.
Analysis for Peace The Evolving Data Tools of UN and OSCE Field Operations
Authors: Dorn A. Walter , Giardullo Cono
Published: November 2020

Both the United Nations and the osce are working to improve their peace operations technologically. While the emphasis is more often placed on new collection tools (e.g., satellite imagery, uavs, night-vision tools, etc.), the challenge remains to exploit the imagery and the copious other data that has been collected. By examining the software and evolving methods used by UN operations and the osce Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, we evaluate two often neglected steps of the information/intelligence cycle: analysis and dissemination. Lessons are drawn from both UN and osce experience in war-torn locations. Both organizations still need to establish strong and effective data-analysis and -sharing systems within their missions, and to find better ways to share information with the conflicting parties, and with humanitarian partners.
Stabreimende Wortpaare im Minnesang (neben Hartmann, Walther und Wolfram)
Authors: Jeep John M.
Published: November 2020

Building on studies on alliterating word-pairs in Old and Early Middle High German (including early Minnesang poets, Gotfried von Straßburg, Hartmann von Aue, Walther von der Vogelweide und Wolfram von Eschenbach), this study collects and analyses the remaining Minnesang poets of the Classic Period (Des Minnesangs Frühling), tracing the use of extant and the emergence of new alliterating word-pairs while establishing their literary rhetorical context. Thus, the early history of the German alliterating word-pairs is extended within the Middle High German era.
Lang leve Guus
Authors: Pijnenburg W.J.J.
Published: November 2020

The etymology of the Dutch dialect word guus has been discussed for a long time, without coming to a reasonable solution. There is however a possibility that the Old Dutch word hiwiski, which is considered to be extinct for a long time, leads to a solid explanation.
Ahd. skruba
Authors: Schuhmann Roland
Published: November 2020

It is shown that the lemma Old High German skruba that is generally found in the dictionaries is a mistake for skuoba and that its meaning is not ‘scrubber’ but rather ‘leather (skin)’ or perhaps ‘scraper’.
The Ordering of the Futhark
Authors: Straubhaar Sandra , Simms Douglas , Brown Collin , Pierce Marc
Published: November 2020

This article focuses on the ordering of the runic alphabet. It is well-known that the runic alphabet goes f-u-th-a-r-k, and that this ordering differs sharply from that of all of the contemporary alphabets. This is particularly surprising, as it is difficult to understand why the inventor(s) of the runic alphabet would alter the ordering of the possible source alphabet(s) so dramatically. In this article, we evaluate some of the main theories proposed to account for this ordering, and then present our own solution, which holds that this ordering is primarily a pedagogical device. We argue that the furthark employs three types of pedagogical tricks: (1) futhark is easily pronounceable as a quasi-word, whereas the other sequences (a-b-c-d-e-f-g, alpha-beta-gamma-delta-epsilon, etc.) are not; (2) each rune in the futhark is associated with a noun in which it is found, which aids memorization; and (3) the order of the rune-associated nouns has been divided into three thematic groups (ættir), each headed by a god or a dreaded force of nature, and within each ætt, the meanings of the rune-names fall into thematic divisions, again making the futhark as a whole easier to memorize.
A Lost Lesson in Keith Lehrer’s Reply to the Consequence Argument
Authors: McKenna Michael
Published: November 2020

In this article, the author examines Keith Lehrer’s response to the Consequence Argument. He argues that his response has advantages over David Lewis’s. Contrary to what Lewis suggests in a footnote, Lehrer’s assessment of an ability to affect the laws of nature in deterministic settings is largely the same as Lewis’s. However, Lehrer’s position has an advantage that Lewis’s lacks. Lehrer integrates his proposal within a positive account of freedom, and this helps to explain how it could be that an agent is able to do otherwise in deterministic settings in such a way that if she did, some law of nature would be different.
Free Will and Responsibility
Authors: Angelo Corlett J.
Published: November 2020

Professor Keith Lehrer has recently argued for what this author shall refer to as his “preference compatibilism,” according to which, among other things, knowledge of S’s preferences is what a counterfactual intervener uses to decide when S will depart from the counterfactual intervener’s plan. Lehrer assumes, among other things, Harry G. Frankfurt’s notion of “effective wants,” which are what Lehrer calls “preferences that reveal themselves in choice given the opportunity to act” (Lehrer 2016, 36). While the author here generally concurs with Lehrer’s preference compatibilism, he shall make some suggestions with the intention of increasing its plausibility even further, especially with regard to its conception of free will when it is considered in light of certain matters of philosophy of law in particular and the ethics of responsibility (moral responsibility) more generally.
Ultimate Preference and Explanation
Authors: Lehrer Keith
Published: November 2020

The articles by Corlett, McKenna and Waller in the present issue call for some further enlightenment on Lehrer’s defense of classical compatibilism. Ultimate explanation in terms of a power preference, which is the primary explanation for choice, is now the central feature of his defense. This includes the premise that scientific determinism may fail to explain our choices. Sylvain Bromberger (1965) showed that nomological deduction is not sufficient for explanation. A power preference, which is by definition a preference over alternatives, is the primary explanation when the power preference explains the choice without the need to appeal to anything else, including even anything that explains it. The author notes that explanation is not generally transitive. The power preference must stand alone as an ultimate explanation independent of other explanations. It is thus the ultimate preference over alternatives of choice.
Ontological Categories and the Transversality Requirement
Authors: Imaguire Guido
Published: November 2020

Which categories of entities qualify as ontological categories? Which combinations of categories qualify as adequate systems of ontological categories? These are the two questions the author focuses on in this article. Contrary to the usual praxis in contemporary ontological literature, he addresses both questions conjointly. First, the author presents some problems of characterizing ontological categories in purely extensional terms, i.e. as widely inclusive natural classes. Second, he introduces the transversality requirement: ontological categories should be individually and naturally domain-transversal, i.e. ontological categories must be neutral concerning different scientific disciplines like physics, biology and mathematics. As a result, ontological categories must have instances in any domain of reality. Finally, the author checks the adequacy of some systems of ontological categories according to this criterion and meets some possible objections.
Carlgren’s hesitation allayed: redescription and systematics of Heteranthus verruculatus Klunzinger, 1877 (Cnidaria, Actiniaria), with a redefinition of Heteranthidae Carlgren, 1900
Authors: Yap Nicholas Wei Liang , Quek Zheng Bin Randolph , Tan Ria , Nugroho Dharma Arif , Lee Jen Nie , Lee Berumen Michael , Tan Koh Siang , Huang Danwei
Published: November 2020

Species boundaries delineating tropical sea anemones (Cnidaria, Actiniaria) of the zooxanthellate genus, Heteranthus Klunzinger, 1877, are unclear. There are currently two valid Heteranthus species: type species Heteranthus verruculatus Klunzinger, 1877, first reported from Koseir, Egypt, and H. insignis Carlgren, 1943, from Poulo Condore, Vietnam. In describing the latter from a single, poorly preserved specimen, zoologist Oskar Carlgren expressed apprehension with traits he had used to establish this species. Carlgren’s doubts persisted later in writing when he found a similar-looking sea anemone from the Great Barrier Reef. Crucial details to positively identify either species have since remained limited. Here, we re-diagnosed Heteranthus and re-described its type species based on observations of specimens we have obtained from Singapore and Pulau Ambon (Indonesia), and of museum material collected elsewhere across the Indo-West Pacific region (n > 180). Supported by molecular phylogenetic evidence, the family Heteranthidae Carlgren, 1900 was reinstated and re-diagnosed. Heteranthus verruculatus is encountered in the lower intertidal region amongst seagrass, in rocky crevices, or coral rubble. It occurs as solitary individuals or in clonal clusters, well-camouflaged against the substratum. Individuals were observed to frequently propagate by longitudinal fission, resulting in a varied appearance. Type material of H. verruculatus and H. insignis were re-examined and as we found no differences between them, the two were synonymised. We inferred that Carlgren probably misinterpreted cnidae and histological data in defining H. insignis as a distinct species. This revision clarifies the taxonomy and geographic range of H. verruculatus, an Indo-West Pacific species that is found from the Red Sea to subtropical Australia and Hawaii.
An Interaction Ritual Theory of Social Resource Exchange: Evidence from a Silicon Valley Accelerator
Authors: Krishnan Rekha , Cook Karen S. , Kozhikode Rajiv Krishnan , Schilke Oliver
Published: November 2020

Recent research on start-up accelerators has drawn attention to the central importance of social resource exchange among peers for entrepreneurial success. But such peer relationships contain both cooperative and competitive elements, making accelerators a prime example of a mixed-motive context in which successful generalized exchange—unilateral giving without expectations of direct reciprocity—is not a given. In our ethnographic study of a Silicon Valley accelerator, we sought to explore how generalized exchange emerges and evolves over time. Employing an abductive, sequential mixed-methods approach, we develop a process model that helps explain how a system of generalized exchange may or may not emerge. At the core of this model are the interaction rituals within social events that come to create distinct exchange expectations, which are either aligned or incompatible with generalized exchange, resulting in fulfilled or failed exchanges in subsequent encounters. Whereas fulfilled exchanges can kickstart virtuous exchange dynamics and a thriving generalized exchange system, failed exchanges trigger vicious exchange dynamics and an unstable social order. These findings bring clarity to the puzzle of how some generalized exchange systems overcome the social dilemma in mixed-motive contexts by highlighting the central role of alignment between structure and process.
Incarceration Trajectories of Women Who Are Mothers: A Nationally Representative Study of State and Federal Prisoners
Authors: Zhao Qianwei , Cepeda Alice , Chou Chih-Ping , Valdez Avelardo
Published: November 2020

Despite growing research on women’s offending trajectories, knowledge on the imprisonment experiences of women who are mothers is limited. This study used a nationally representative dataset of state and federal prisoners to identify and characterize subgroups of mothers based on incarceration histories. Group-based trajectory modeling identified four groups with distinct incarceration trajectories: stable escalating group, moderate declining group, adolescence-peak group, and young-adulthood-peak group. Bivariate analyses then suggested that different incarceration trajectories were associated with adverse life experiences (i.e., foster care placement, sexual abuse experience) and confinement experiences (i.e., number of episodes of prison confinement). Discussed are the future research directions and implications for criminal justice policies and interventions targeting imprisoned mothers.
The Effects of Victimization Prior to Prison on Victimization, Misconduct, and Sanction Severity During Incarceration
Authors: Meade Benjamin , Wasileski Gabriela , Hunter Alisha
Published: November 2020

Numerous studies have examined the correlation between physical and/or sexual victimization and offending and re-victimization later in life. However, fewer studies have explored how such victimization affects the adjustment of those incarcerated and the sanctioning decisions of correctional personnel. Using a nationally representative sample of inmates in state prisons, this study utilized hierarchical generalized linear modeling to examine whether victimization prior to incarceration was associated with the likelihood of victimization, misconduct, and sanctioning severity for misconduct during incarceration. Our results confirmed findings of previous research in regards to the victimization and offending/re-victimization relationship. In addition, we discovered that victimization prior to prison is associated with harsher disciplinary sanctioning in prison. Implications of our findings for research and policy are discussed.
Dynamic analysis and decoupled control of a heavy-duty walking robot with flexible feet based on super twisting algorithm
Authors: Ren Huanhuan , Zhang Lizhong , Su Chengzhi
Published: November 2020

In this paper, the dynamics and control strategies of a biped robot with 6-DOF parallel leg mechanism are studied. Firstly, the multi-body kinematic model and dynamic model of the robot are established. Secondly, the insufficient stiffness of robot’s feet and the coupling effect between the kinematic chains are considered in dynamics modeling, and the rigid-flexible coupling model is established by using ADAMS and finite element method. Finally, aiming at the position deviation and system vibration caused by the flexible foot, a strategy based on the combination of a computed torque controller (CTC) and a second-order sliding-mode super twisting algorithm (STA) is designed. At the same time, the control strategy based on CTC and PID and the control strategy based on CTC and sliding mode control (SMC) are designed to compare with CTC-STA. The results show that CTC-STA has faster regulation ability and stronger robustness than CTC-SMC and CTC-PID.
Can I Be Me With You at Work? Examining Relational Authenticity and Discretionary Behaviors in the Workplace
Authors: Ostermeier Kathryn , Medina-Craven Michele N. , Camp Kerri M. , Davis Sara E.
Published: November 2020

Management scholars have long been interested in the topic of authenticity in the workplace, evidenced by the history of scholarship on authentic leadership and the many new authenticity constructs that have emerged. In this article, we take a narrower view of authenticity and focus on relational authenticity in the workplace, which we define as being genuine in workplace relationships. Adapting a validated relational authenticity scale to the organizational context, we explore the ways in which feeling authentic in workplace relationships has ramifications for discretionary behaviors. Specifically, we build on belongingness theory to posit that relational authenticity will result in an increase in engagement in both altruistic and sportsmanship behaviors. We also explore the moderating effect of proactive personality on these relationships. Results from our two-sample study ( N = 352; 500) indicate that relational authenticity is positively associated with engagement in both altruistic and sportsmanship behaviors.
Accuracy and surface quality of abrasive waterjet machined CFRP composites
Authors: Youssef HA , El-Hofy HA , Abdelaziz AM , El-Hofy MH
Published: November 2020

The use of carbon fiber-reinforced composites is increasing today since they have an excellent weight-to-mechanical properties ratio. Traditional machining of this material is difficult. Abrasive water jet machining (AWJM) is an advanced non-traditional material removal process that can machine hard-to-cut materials. The process is widely used in aerospace, marine, and automotive industries. However, it encounters several challenges when cutting carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP). The present work aims to study the characteristics of AWJM of CFRP laminates. Detailed experimental investigations are conducted to explore the effect of traverse feed and standoff distance (SOD) on top kerf width, bottom kerf width, kerf angle, profile area, volumetric removal rate, and the average surface roughness, and jet deviation factor. Repeatability tests are also used to assess the kerf dimensional accuracy and surface roughness tolerance achieved by AWJM of CFRP laminates. Results showed that the surface roughness increases along with the cut thickness, especially at large traverse feed and SOD. Both the kerf taper angle and the volumetric removal rate increase with traverse feed and SOD.
Design of novel buoyant swimming vest using inlay knitting technology
Authors: Li Nga-wun , Ho Chu-po , Yick Kit-lun , Zhou Jin-yun
Published: November 2020

The use of children’s buoyant swimwear has become more common. However, its bulkiness and hardness restrict the wearer’s movement. For better fit, comfort and mobility, a knitted buoyant swimming vest is developed. It is compared with two market samples using subjective evaluation according to the Functional, Expressive and Aesthetic (FEA) Consumer Needs Model and laboratory tests of objective measurements. The results of a paired-sample t-test show that a tightly fitting buoyant swimming vest should be worn out of water, as the vest becomes a perfect fit in water. Tests on the knitted buoyant swimming vest demonstrate improved functionality and higher buoyancy than that of two market samples conforming to British Standard EN13138-1:2014. The results of repeated measures analysis of variance show an overall significant higher satisfaction level in the knitted buoyant swimming vest than two market samples in terms of fit, comfort and mobility. The results of this study are significant for both the textile industry and the fast-growing sportswear industry.
Tactile evaluation of down jacket fabric by the comprehensive handle evaluation system for fabrics and yarns
Authors: Tian Yuan , Sun Yi , Du Zhaoqun , Zheng Dongming , Zou Haochen , Liu Zhenrui , Liu Gui , Pan Xingxing
Published: November 2020

Down jacket fabric is greatly important in determining the quality of a down jacket. In order to enrich the research on fabric handle, subjective and objective evaluations were made for down jacket fabrics that were less studied. The comprehensive handle evaluation system for fabrics and yarns (CHES-FY) can be used to evaluate the tactile handle of the fabric by accurately and efficiently measuring the basic mechanical properties of the fabric. Therefore, the CHES-FY was used to link the objective evaluation with the subjective handle, so as to effectively estimate the total handle value of the down jacket fabric. Fifty-two kinds of down jacket fabrics were objectively tested through measuring 17 extracted parameters, and principal component analysis was adopted to establish the five main handle characteristics of fullness, softness, stiffness, smoothness, looseness and tightness to characterize basic style of the down jacket fabrics. The results showed that the subjective and objective results were in good agreement. These characteristics can be used as indicators to characterize fabric performance, and the principal component expression to characterize fabric handle can better predict the handle characteristics of down jacket fabrics. This also proves that the CHES-FY can quickly and accurately obtain the fabric handle value, and can also evaluate the fabric quality level.
Understanding the Relation Between Family Engagement in Education and Preschoolers’ Socioemotional and Behavioral Functioning in a Primarily Latinx Sample
Authors: Reaves Samantha , Martinez-Torteya Cecilia , Kosson David S.
Published: November 2020

Limited literature assessed the relation between family engagement in education and young children’s socioemotional and behavioral functioning. This study investigated these associations longitudinally among urban and low-income, predominantly Latinx preschoolers ( n = 69) and their mothers. Initial home-school conferencing predicted lower levels of child socioemotional and behavioral difficulties about 8 months later (β = −.20, p < .05). Additionally, initial child socioemotional and behavioral difficulties predicted higher levels of later home-based involvement (β = .23, p < .05). Results highlighted bidirectional associations between these constructs and suggested potential avenues to enhance family engagement in education and reduce child socioemotional and behavioral problems.
Assessing knowledge and skills of laypersons bringing victims of road traffic collisions to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Sheikh Shabnam , Mulwafu Wakisa , Gondwe Wyness Tengeneza Mulenga , Nyirenda Mulinda , Mbomuwa Foster , Chokhotho Linda
Published: November 2020

In Malawi, pre-hospital care assistance is mainly provided by laypersons who witnessed the event. The aim of our study was to determine the knowledge and skills of such persons who bring victims of road traffic crashes to hospital. The study was conducted at Adult Emergency and Trauma Centre at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. A total of 392 participants were interviewed. Most were merchants (22%) and unskilled labourers (14.5%). Three quarters (75.8%) provided assistance on the scene. The most common assistance provided was transporting victim to the hospital (68.7%), assisting with safe lifting (57.9%) and calling for help (39.7%). Airway protection was provided by only 1% of participants. Therefore, it is recommended to establish some formal pre-hospital assistance to reduce morbidity and mortality from road traffic crashes. Laypersons, especially merchants, students and drivers are potential strong first responders, and training them may help improve pre-hospital care outcome.
Gender difference in body mass index in West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea: A sub-analysis of a cross-sectional questionnaire study
Authors: Saito Takashi , Matsui Nobuko , Izawa Kazuhiro P
Published: November 2020



Globally, more women are likely to be obese than men, and the need for a gender-specific strategy concerning related health issues is important. Our study aimed to clarify gender difference related to obesity in Papua New Guinea by a sub-analysis of our previous questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. We used demographic and anthropometric data (body mass index) from a convenient sample of 558 community-dwelling healthy people (mean age 34.8 14.0 years, 48.2% women). To clarify gender differences, we conducted an unpaired t-test and Chi-square test between males and females. Obesity was twice as common in females than males (20.5% vs. 10.4%) and over half of the women had abnormal body mass index (51.3% vs. 39.1%) compared to their male counterparts.
Use of Critical Items in Determining Point-of-Care Ultrasound Competence
Authors: Desy Janeve , Noble Vicki E. , Woo Michael Y. , Walsh Michael , Kirkpatrick Andrew W. , Ma Irene W. Y.
Published: November 2020

We previously developed a workplace-based tool for assessing point of care ultrasound (POCUS) skills and used a modified Delphi technique to identify critical items (those that learners must successfully complete to be considered competent). We performed a standard setting procedure to determine cut scores for the full tool and a focused critical item tool. This study compared ratings by 24 experts on the two checklists versus a global entrustability rating. All experts assessed three videos showing an actor performing a POCUS exam on a patient. The performances were designed to show a range of competences and one included potentially critical errors. Interrater reliability for the critical item tool was higher than for the full tool (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.84 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42–0.99] vs. 0.78 [95% CI 0.25–0.99]). Agreement with global ratings of competence was higher for the critical item tool (κ = 0.71 [95% CI 0.55–0.88] vs 0.48 [95% CI 0.30–0.67]). Although sensitivity was higher for the full tool (85.4% [95% CI 72.2–93.9%] vs. 81.3% [95% CI 67.5–91.1%]), specificity was higher for the critical item tool (70.8% [95% CI 48.9–87.4%] vs. 29.2% [95% CI 12.6–51.1%]). We recommend the use of critical item checklists for the assessment of POCUS competence.
Carl Schmitt in the 21st century: A response to critics
Authors: Scheuerman William E.
Published: November 2020

The piece responds to critics of Scheuerman’s END OF LAW: CARL SCHMIT IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY. Despite our disagreements, the book’s critics and I share the view that Schmitt speaks to our times, albeit in deeply troubling ways. Precisely how and why Schmitt remains pertinent, however, remains a matter of dispute. Inspired by the un-Schmittian hope that deliberation might buttress our common quest to overcome democracy’s present crisis, my response endeavours to identify those disagreements. Though I am unable to address all of them satisfactorily, my aim is to advance our conversation. Most important, the critics and I disagree somewhat about how best to understand Schmitt’s relationship to contemporary authoritarian populism.
Intravitreal Administration of Acetyl Triethyl Citrate and Benzyl Benzoate Is Retinotoxic in Rabbits but Not in Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: Andaya Roxanne , Booler Helen , Nagata Denise de Almeida , Lawson Chris , Vogt Jennifer , Schuetz Chris , Chang Debby P. , Bantseev Vladimir
Published: November 2020

Sustained drug delivery formulations are developed to reduce dose frequency while maintaining efficacy of intravitreal (ITV) administered therapeutics. Available safety data for components novel to the eye’s posterior segment may be limited, requiring preclinical assessments to identify potential toxicities. We evaluated the in vivo and in vitro safety of two solvents, acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC) and benzyl benzoate (BB), as novel sustained delivery formulations for ITV administration. In vivo tolerability was assessed following ITV administration of ATEC and BB to rabbits and cynomolgus monkeys. In rabbits, ITV solvent administration resulted in moderate to severe retinal toxicity characterized by focal retinal necrosis and/or degeneration, sometimes accompanied by inflammation, with a clear association between the physical presence of the solvent and areas of retinal damage. In contrast, solvent administration in monkeys appeared well tolerated, producing no histologic abnormalities. Toxicity in primary human retinal pigment epithelial cells, characterized by cellular toxicity and mitochondrial injury, corroborated the retinal toxicity in rabbits. In conclusion, ITV solvent depots of ATEC or BB result in chemical and focal retinal toxicity in rabbits, but not monkeys. Additional investigation is needed to demonstrate a sufficient margin of safety prior to use of ATEC or BB in ITV drug products.
Diagnostic value of conventional ultrasound and shear wave elastography in detecting transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt dysfunction
Authors: Han Hao , Yang Jian , Jin Wei-kui , Li Xia , Zhang Feng , Zhuge Yu-zheng , Wu Min , Yang Bin
Published: November 2020

Background

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) dysfunction can cause recurrent portal hypertension (PH)-related complications such as ascites and gastroesophageal variceal bleeding. Portography is invasive and costly limits its use as a screening modality.

Purpose

To assess the clinical value of conventional ultrasound in combination with point shear wave elastography (pSWE) to predict TIPS dysfunction.

Material and Methods

A total of 184 patients with cirrhosis scheduled for TIPS implantation were enrolled in this study and evaluated retrospectively. The splenoportal venous blood flow parameter, liver stiffness (LS), and spleen stiffness (SPS) were measured. Outcome measures included differences in portal vein velocity (PVV), splenic vein velocity (SPVV), LS, and SPS. The accuracy of change in PVV (ΔPVV), SPVV (ΔSPVV), and SPS (ΔSPS) to diagnose TIPS dysfunction was investigated.

Results

TIPS dysfunction occurred in 28 of 184 patients (15.2%). Eighteen (64.3%) patients had shunt stenoses and 10 (35.7%) had shunt occlusion. Portal vein diameter (PVD), PVV, splenic vein diameter (SPVD), SPVV, LS, and SPS were not significantly different between the TIPS normal and TIPS dysfunction groups. Compared with the TIPS normal group, PVV and SPVV of the TIPS dysfunction group decreased significantly, whereas SPS increased significantly ( P < 0.001). The values of areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of ΔPVV, ΔSPVV, and ΔSPS for the diagnosis of TIPS dysfunction were 0.97, 0.96, and 0.87, respectively.

Conclusion

pSWE showed a diagnostic efficacy comparable to conventional ultrasound for diagnosing TIPS dysfunction and can be used routinely after TIPS procedures.
Who’s prone to drone? A global time-series analysis of armed uninhabited aerial vehicle proliferation
Authors: Horowitz Michael , Schwartz Joshua A , Fuhrmann Matthew
Published: November 2020

What determines whether countries pursue and obtain armed drones? Using an original time-series dataset, we conduct the first comprehensive analysis of armed drone proliferation from 1994 to 2019. We theorize and find evidence that security threats—like terrorism—are not the only factors driving proliferation. Regime type also has a significant effect, but it varies over time. From 1994 to 2010 regime type had no significant effect. However, non-democracies became significantly more likely to pursue and obtain armed drones from 2011 to 2019 owing to China’s entrance into the drone export market, which asymmetrically eased supply-side constraints for non-democracies. We also find that status-seeking states are more likely to pursue armed drones. Our results contribute to the broader academic literature on proliferation by demonstrating how supply shocks can lead to changes in proliferation trends over time and lending further credence to the importance of prestige in international politics.
Jesus’ Questions in the Gospel of Matthew: Promoting Critical Thinking Skills
Authors: Dami Zummy Anselmus , Alexander Ferdinant , Manafe Yanjumseby Yeverson
Published: November 2020

This research aimed to analyze the effectiveness of Jesus’ questions in promoting critical thinking skills in the Gospel of Matthew. The research method used is qualitative with a document analysis approach. There are 48 sample questions of Jesus used in this research. The results show that Jesus’ questions in the Gospel of Matthew consistently accomplish the criteria of high-level thinking questions because Jesus often uses questions at the level of analysis (79%) and comprehension (77%), and these questions effectively promote the audience’s critical thinking skills.
Types of Partner Violence in Couples Affected by Incarceration: Applying Johnson’s Typology to Understand the Couple-level Context for Violence
Authors: McKay Tasseli , Tueller Stephen , Landwehr Justin , Johnson Michael P.
Published: November 2020

In prior research, samples of incarcerated and reentering men and their partners report partner violence at roughly 10 times the frequency found in the general population. The relationship dynamics underlying these experiences remain poorly understood. Addressing this gap and expanding prior applications of Johnson’s typology in other populations—which typically rely on survey data alone and include reports from just one member of a couple—we applied latent class analysis with dyadic survey data from 1,112 couples to identify types of partner violence in couples affected by incarceration. We assessed congruence between quantitative types and couples’ qualitative accounts and compared the two major types using two-sample t-tests.

In some couples, one partner used various tactics to systematically dominate and control the other, as in Johnson’s coercive controlling violence. In others, physical violence arose in the context of jealousy but no other controlling behavior. This type resembled Johnson’s situational couple violence. Qualitative data suggested that jealousy represented a common, situational response to periods of prolonged separation, relationship instability, status insecurity, and partnership concurrence and not a tactic of control per se. Victims of coercive controlling violence experienced more PTSD symptoms and felt less safe in their relationships than victims of jealous-only violence. Perpetrators of coercive controlling violence were more likely to use severe physical violence against their partners than perpetrators of jealous-only violence. Findings indicate that broader context is critical for interpreting the presence of jealousy (and whether it constitutes a control tactic). They indicate that prevention and response strategies tailored to these types could help couples cope safely with the extreme relationship stressors of incarceration and reentry. Finally, they suggest a need to move from an exclusive focus on individual accountability and services toward a model that also incorporates institutional accountability and change.
Statutory Rape: Case Characteristics When Offenders are Younger Than 21 Years of Age Versus Older
Authors: Lippert Tonya , Clary Max , Bleoaja Cayla , Walsh Wendy A. , Jones Lisa M.
Published: November 2020

Statutory rape laws are intended to protect adolescents from harm as a result of sexual activity with older individuals. In this pursuit, many, but far from all, states’ statutory rape laws differentiate younger and older offenders. In effect, many of these states differentiate offenders who are 21 and older from those who are under 21. It is unknown, however, whether and how the dynamics of statutory rape vary depending on the age of the offender. To explore the contribution of offender age to the dynamics of statutory rape, data were collected from the records of 105 statutory rape cases referred to a child abuse assessment center over a 63-month period. Records included detailed reports on case history and victims’ family history, mental health and health-risking behaviors, medical examination results, and forensic interview summaries. Cases of offenders 1 1. Because these cases are under investigation, “offenders” here refers to “suspects.” For ease of reading, we use “offenders” to be consistent with prior research terminology. under 21 were compared to the cases of offenders 21 years and older. Compared to cases of younger offenders, cases of offenders 21 years and older more often involved slightly older adolescent victims. Independent of age, victims with offenders 21 and over compared with offenders under 21 were over six times as likely to have a prior history of a high, versus low, number of psychosocial problems and were seven times more likely to experience multiple forms of coercion versus no coercion by the offender. Findings suggest that statutory rape prevention, policy and response strategies should consider the critical ways that case characteristics and victims differ according to this key offender attribute.
Favorable effects of peritoneal dialysis in patients with refractory heart failure and overhydration
Authors: Papasotiriou Marios , Liakopoulos Vassilios , Kehagias Ioannis , Vareta Georgia , Ntrinias Theodoros , Papachristou Evangelos , Goumenos Dimitrios S
Published: November 2020

Background:

Patients with refractory to optimal pharmacological treatment heart failure (HF) require frequent hospitalization. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been part of the management of such patients mainly for promoting ultrafiltration and management of overhydration independently of kidney function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of PD, especially the use of icodextrin solutions and intermittent PD, in the hospitalization rate and cardiac functional status of patients with HF.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective study involving patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV HF and preserved renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 25 ml/min), who were refractory to conservative treatment. Clinical data on weight loss, hospitalization rate before and after PD initiation, cardiac functional status, and technique complications during a 6-month observational period were analyzed.

Results:

PD treatment was performed in 32 patients with a mean age of 63.8 ± 11.9 years and a follow-up of 20.78 ± 14.24 months. Hospitalizations were significantly reduced from 20.7 ± 13.7 to 7.7 ± 8.9 days/patients at 6 months. All patients showed improvement in NYHA class as well as in left ventricular ejection fraction. Overall, eGFR showed a significant decrease but only six patients reached end-stage renal disease. Complications included 18 cases of peritonitis. PD was well tolerated and no patient dropped out of the method. Survival rate reached 72% at 12 months but mortality rate was high with 23 patients dying at 16.65 ± 12.3 months after the initiation of treatment. Patients survival was not influenced by the type of PD modality or weight reduction achieved.

Conclusions:

PD showed to be a viable option for the treatment of patients with refractory HF leading to a better cardiac functional status and diminishing the number of hospital admissions.
Cumulative antibiogram and multidrug-resistant organisms in a regional equine referral hospital
Authors: Yuen Ka Y. , Gibson Justine S. , Hinrichsen Sophia , Medina-Torres Carlos E. , Bertin Francois-Rene , Stewart Allison J.
Published: November 2020

Prudent use of antimicrobials is paramount to slow the development of resistance and for successful treatment. The use of cumulative antibiograms will allow evidence-based antimicrobial selection with consideration of local resistance patterns. We generated a “first-isolate-per-patient” cumulative antibiogram for a regional equine referral hospital. Bacterial organisms cultured from horses between 2011 and 2018, sample origin, antimicrobial susceptibilities, and multidrug-resistant (MDR) status were tabulated. Of 1,176 samples, 50% were culture positive. Overall, 93 of 374 (25%) were MDR. Of the MDR isolates, 11 (12%) were susceptible to high-importance antimicrobials only (as defined by the Australian Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on antimicrobial resistance). β-hemolytic streptococci were uniformly susceptible to penicillin (76 of 76); 17 of 20 (85%) non–β-hemolytic Streptococcus spp. were susceptible to penicillin. Despite veterinary-specific challenges in constructing an antibiogram, our study provides an exemplar of the clinical utility of regional-, farm-, or hospital-specific cumulative antibiograms for evidence-based empirical antimicrobial selection by veterinarians prior to susceptibility result availability.