bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transportation: An Electronic Survey of Persons who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
Authors: Crudden Adele , McDonnall Michele Capella , Hierholzer Anne
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Individuals who are blind or have low vision (hereafter, visually impaired) encounter transportation barriers that impede their full participation in life activities, including transportation. This survey is the first national survey to focus specifically on the transportation issues of persons with visual disabilities.

Methods

A transportation survey was developed and disseminated electronically to people who are visually impaired. The first administration, in the fall and winter of 2013, went to persons in a volunteer registry. For the second administration, in early 2014, participants were recruited through electronic postings and e-mails with assistance from consumer groups and professional organizations. The combined useable sample of 492 included individuals with legal blindness ( n = 265), total blindness ( n = 188), and low vision ( n = 39).

Results

Participants were likely to have received orientation and mobility (O&M) training, and were confident in their O&M skills. They were also likely to have access to public transportation, to use public transportation to get to work, and to be generally satisfied with how they got to work. Transportation issues were less likely to impact participation in employment than several other life activities. Although most participants had received services from vocational rehabilitation agencies, few said those agencies assisted them in finding transportation to work.

Discussion

Although transportation issues affect the lives of persons with visual disabilities, the extent of their impact on employment remains unclear. Survey respondents appear to be using their O&M skills, to be fairly comfortable traveling, and to be generally satisfied with how they travel to work, thus confirming the importance of receiving quality O&M instruction.

Implications for practitioners

Service providers should consider evaluating the effect that transportation issues are having on the lifestyles of consumers. Individuals with visual impairments should be encouraged to take advantage of quality O&M instruction so that they can confidently access public transportation systems. More active rehabilitation practitioner participation in assisting consumers locate employment-related transportation is suggested, and evaluating the effect of that assistance would prove helpful.
Improving Access to Accommodations: Reducing Political and Institutional Barriers for Canadian Postsecondary Students with Visual Impairments
Authors: Ostrowski Christopher P.
Published: December 2018

Challenges to obtaining quality academic accommodations for students with visual impairments in postsecondary education hinder accessibility and the success of such students. The limitations of current policies and practices intended to address the needs of students in Canada are examined and potential solutions are discussed. Further systemic changes are needed to improve the quality and timeliness of accommodations.
The Functional Performance of the BrainPort V100 Device in Persons who Are Profoundly Blind
Authors: Grant Patricia , Spencer Lindsey , Arnoldussen Aimee , Hogle Rich , Nau Amy , Szlyk Janet , Nussdorf Jonathan , Fletcher Donald C. , Gordon Keith , Seiple William
Published: December 2018

Introduction

This study was conducted to evaluate the functional performance of the BrainPort V100 device, an FDA-cleared sensory-substitution system, in persons who are profoundly blind (that is, have some or no light perception).

Methods

This was a prospective, single-arm, multicenter clinical investigation. Participants received 10 hours of device training and were required to use the device in their everyday environments for 1 year. Functional performance measures of object identification, orientation and mobility (O&M), and word identification were assessed at baseline, in post-device training, and at the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month time points.

Results

Fifty-seven participants completed the study and used the device for 1 year. No device-related serious adverse events were reported, demonstrating that the risks associated with the BrainPort are minimal. Participants performed object recognition (91.2% success rate) and O&M (57.9% success rate) tasks beyond chance level.

Discussion

This study demonstrates that the BrainPort can be used safely and independently by persons who are blind. Participants with profound blindness can accomplish a set of tasks more successfully by using the BrainPort than without the device. Following initial training, performance on these tasks was maintained or improved over the course of 1 year.

Implications for practitioners

The BrainPort is a noninvasive and nonsurgical device that heightens functional independence for persons who are blind. The device presents users with more information about their environment than conventional assistive devices, and can enhance independence in performing activities of daily living.
Health Outcomes Associated with Self-Reported Vision Impairment in Older Adults
Authors: Steinman Bernard A.
Published: December 2018

Introduction

To compare the health status of older adults with and without vision impairment, this study employed a disability framework consisting of four stages, progressing from risk factors; through pathology and impairments that result in declining functioning; and eventually to disability.

Methods

Data from five rounds (1999 to 2008) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study were analyzed. Binary and multinomial logistic regression were used to estimate odds ratios, with 95% confidence intervals reflecting the likelihood of negative health outcomes among persons with self-reported fair and poor vision relative to persons with good vision.

Results

Fair and poor vision status were associated with negative health outcomes across the four health dimensions.

Discussion

Disparities in health among vision status groups may originate as a result of limitations in daily activities that could lead to changes in diet, health maintenance, and activity levels. Alternatively, disparities may reflect primary pathologies and conditions that are secondarily related to poor vision status. Longitudinal research is suggested in order to assess the order of key events, and to make a more powerful assertion of causality.

Implications for practitioners

Comparisons of health outcomes by vision status are important because of the potential to identify points in the disability framework where effective interventions could prevent progression to later stages in the disability process.
The Mediator Role of Perceived Stress in the Relationship between Academic Stress and Depressive Symptoms among E-learning Students with Visual Impairments
Authors: Lee Soon Min , Oh Yunjin
Published: December 2018

Introduction

This study examined a mediator role of perceived stress on the prediction of the effects of academic stress on depressive symptoms among e-learning students with visual impairments.

Methods

A convenience sample for this study was collected for three weeks from November to December in 2012 among students with visual impairments attending a Korean cyberuniversity in Seoul. A total of 103 students with visual impairments completed the survey via e-mail or telephone, with an overall response rate of 72.54%.

Results

The present study demonstrated that perceived stress fully mediated the effect of academic stress on depressive symptoms. Academic stress was significantly associated with perceived stress and depressive symptoms, and perceived stress was significantly associated with depressive symptoms. However, the association between academic stress and depressive symptoms was no longer significant when perceived stress was included as a mediator.

Discussion

This finding supports the full mediation model by demonstrating that academic stress indirectly influences depressive symptoms through perceived stress, and by highlighting the important contribution of perceptions of stressors.

Implications for practitioners

Cyberuniversities, professors, and disability services offices need to identify and assess what academic resources are available. To improve the accessibility of e-learning materials and settings, reasonable accommodations in e-learning settings and special online assistance services should be provided. A precollege orientation program and a training program for better adaptation and usage of the e-learning materials and technologies are needed. Senior students’ successful experiences and know-how should be shared among students with visual impairments. Psychological counseling services for students who have a high level of depressive symptoms should be provided.
Improving the Audio Game–Playing Performances of People with Visual Impairments through Multimodal Training
Authors: Bălan Oana , Moldoveanu Alin , Moldoveanu Florica , Nagy Hunor , Wersényi György , Unnórsson Rúnar
Published: December 2018

Introduction

As the number of people with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision) is continuously increasing, rehabilitation and engineering researchers have identified the need to design sensory-substitution devices that would offer assistance and guidance to these people for performing navigational tasks. Auditory and haptic cues have been shown to be an effective approach towards creating a rich spatial representation of the environment, so they are considered for inclusion in the development of assistive tools that would enable people with visual impairments to acquire knowledge of the surrounding space in a way close to the visually based perception of sighted individuals. However, achieving efficiency through a sensory substitution device requires extensive training for visually impaired users to learn how to process the artificial auditory cues and convert them into spatial information.

Methods

Considering all the potential advantages game-based learning can provide, we propose a new method for training sound localization and virtual navigational skills of visually impaired people in a 3D audio game with hierarchical levels of difficulty. The training procedure is focused on a multimodal (auditory and haptic) learning approach in which the subjects have been asked to listen to 3D sounds while simultaneously perceiving a series of vibrations on a haptic headband that corresponds to the direction of the sound source in space.

Results

The results we obtained in a sound-localization experiment with 10 visually impaired people showed that the proposed training strategy resulted in significant improvements in auditory performance and navigation skills of the subjects, thus ensuring behavioral gains in the spatial perception of the environment.
Losing Employment: At-Risk Employed Vocational Rehabilitation Applicants with Vision Loss
Authors: Crudden Adele , McDonnall Michele C. , Sui Zhen
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Recent U.S. legislation supports vocational rehabilitation efforts to maximize employment and community integration of persons with disabilities by providing job retention and career advancement services. The study presented here investigated employed persons with visual disabilities who applied for vocational rehabilitation services.

Methods

The sample included 4,499 competitively employed vocational rehabilitation applicants from the FY2015 RSA-911 report. Logistic regression was used to identify consumer characteristics and vocational rehabilitation services associated with losing competitive employment.

Results

Employed applicants tended to receive assessment, counseling and guidance, diagnosis and treatment, and rehabilitation technology. Characteristics that put employed applicants at increased risk of losing their jobs included being female, having a secondary disability, working fewer hours, having less education, or having a previous unsuccessful vocational rehabilitation employment outcome. There was a significant interaction between vocational rehabilitation case length and age: those served for longer periods were more likely to lose employment, particularly older consumers. Consumers who received short-term on-the-job support, diagnosis and treatment of impairments, or rehabilitation technology services were more likely to retain competitive employment.

Discussion

When developing rehabilitation plans for employed applicants, counselors may identify and attempt to provide services to address factors that put consumers at an increased risk of losing employment. Part-time employment at application is one risk factor that requires increased attention.

Implications for practitioners

Prompt service delivery is an important factor in facilitating job retention. Increased efforts to maintain consumer contact and motivation may influence the likelihood of job retention among employed applicants.
Effects of Obesity Management Program Provided by Occupational Health Nurse in Worksite
Authors: Sok Sohyune R. , Kim Ok Sun , Park Mi Hee
Published: December 2018

This study was conducted on 60 male adult technicians in the worksite to examine the impact of the obesity management program on their eating habits, exercise self-efficacy, quality of life, and body components. This was a nonrandomized pretest and posttest intervention study. The obesity management program was applied for 16 weeks on diet education, exercise, and counseling provided by the occupational health nurse in the worksite. The questionnaire for measure included the general characteristics, eating habits, exercise self-efficacy, and quality of life. Body components were measured by using the InBody 720 device. The participants who received the obesity management program showed better eating habits, a higher level of exercise self-efficacy, a higher level of quality of life, lower levels of body weight and body mass index (BMI), a smaller waist and hip circumference, and a higher level of muscle mass as compared with the preapplication.
Maps, Mission, Memory and Mizo Identity
Authors: Dingluaia Lal
Published: December 2018

This article will examine the role of imperial maps, Christian mission, shared memories and collective consciousness in the formation of Mizo identity. Arguing that imperial maps, supposedly based upon objective European science, were meant to suit specific purposes and were laden with deeper agendas, this article will maintain that other aspiring maps also depicted conflicting claims to territory and overlooked specific details rather than giving factual descriptions. This article will look at how borders and boundaries thus constructed have actual impacts upon the people, places and spaces they divide and include. It will particularly deal with the aspirations of the Mizo Christians who embraced Christianity during the colonial period, and how they are ‘in India’ but often feel ‘not of India’, and will interrogate the Biblical and historical dimensions of their mental maps.
A randomized controlled trial of an oral inferential comprehension intervention for young children with developmental language disorder
Authors: Dawes Emily , Leitão Suze , Claessen Mary , Kane Robert
Published: December 2018

Although children with developmental language disorder demonstrate poor inferential comprehension, few studies have evaluated the effect of interventions to improve inferencing. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a small-group intervention designed to improve oral inferential comprehension of narrative discourse. Thirty-seven 5- to 6-year-old children with developmental language disorder participated. The participants were randomly allocated to the oral inferential comprehension (IC) intervention or a control phonological awareness (PA) intervention. Small-group sessions took place twice a week over 8 weeks. Participants were assessed on narrative comprehension and phonological awareness skills pre- and post-intervention, and after a maintenance period of 8 weeks. Compared to the control PA group, the participants in the IC group demonstrated a significant increase in inferential comprehension scores from pre- to post-intervention, which was maintained over time. In addition, the IC group scored significantly higher than the PA group for inferential comprehension on a post-intervention generalization measure. There was no significant difference between the two groups for literal comprehension scores at any assessment point. The results demonstrate that the small-group intervention was effective at improving inferential comprehension of narratives in 5- to 6-year-old children with developmental language disorder. Additionally, generalized improvement was shown across the narrative context, and improvements were maintained two months following the intervention.
Optimized imaging of the lower abdomen and pelvic region in hepatocyte-specific MRI: evaluation of a whole-abdomen first-pass shuttle protocol in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Fehrenbach Uli , Kahn Johannes , Fahlenkamp Ute , Baur Alexander , Pavel Marianne , Geisel Dominik , Denecke Timm
Published: December 2018

Background

Gadoxetic acid (Gd-EOB) has shown its advantages in hepatic tumor evaluation besides its disadvantages in extrahepatic staging due to its short hemodynamic interval. This results in the dilemma of which contrast agent to choose for whole abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Purpose

To evaluate the achievable contrast of a shuttle protocol for Gd-EOB MRI with accelerated 3D-T1-weighted sequences enabling complete dynamic liver imaging plus first-pass pelvic imaging.

Material and Methods

Seventy-four patients with abdominal neuroendocrine neoplasms were scanned with a protocol including a first-pass pelvic (pelvicFP) sequence in Gd-EOB MRI. Acquisition of this pelvicFP sequence was between portal venous and venous liver phase. Pelvic vessel and tissue enhancement was compared to a commonly acquired late/transitional phase sequence. In the same patients, liver enhancement was compared to a standard Gd-EOB protocol (n = 55) as well as to vessel contrast in previously acquired MRI with extracellular contrast medium (ECCM) (n = 14).

Results

Pelvic vessel and lymph node enhancement showed significantly higher signal intensities (SI) in pelvicFP than in late phase sequences with Gd-EOB ( P < 0.001). Liver enhancement showed no significant differences compared to the standard protocol. Vessel enhancement in Gd-EOB pelvicFP showed significantly higher SI than an equilibrium phase sequence with ECCM ( P = 0.003–0.04).

Conclusion

Including a pelvicFP sequence between portal venous and venous liver phases is technically feasible and achieves improved contrast in the pelvis in Gd-EOB MRI. There was no quality loss in liver enhancement compared to a regular Gd-EOB liver examination. Gd-EOB pelvicFP vessel enhancement was not inferior to an equilibrium phase with ECCM.
Fully robotic Ivor–Lewis esophagectomy (RAMIE4) for esophageal cancer after emergency surgery and ligation of the gastroduodenal artery
Authors: Mann Carolina , Hadzijusufovic Edin , Lang Hauke , Grimminger Peter P.
Published: December 2018

We report a case of a 69-year-old patient with esophageal cancer and severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding during neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy who required mass transfusion followed by complex emergency procedures. Despite endoscopic stenting, the bleeding recurred, and thus emergency open surgery was required. Gastric wedge resection of the minor curvature necessitated by perforation caused by the endoscopic stent maneuver and duodenotomy with ligation of the gastroduodenal artery, as the cause of persistent intraluminal bleeding, were performed. The already prepared gastric conduit during the emergency operation did not become ischemic, even though the gastroduodenal artery, left gastric artery, and short gastric arteries were ligated during emergency surgery. After 2 months of recovery, a computed tomographic scan showed collateral perfusion of the conduit via the superior mesenteric artery. Therefore, a fully robotic (abdominal and thoracic) esophagectomy with pull-up of the gastric conduit was performed, with no post-surgical complications. The patient was discharged 10 days after the robotic esophagectomy. Six months after esophagectomy, the patient is in a good condition.
Animals’ mobilities
Authors: Hodgetts Timothy , Lorimer Jamie
Published: December 2018

This paper draws together animal and mobility studies to develop the concept of animals’ mobilities. It identifies the parallel intellectual interests in these fields that provide the intellectual foundations for this synthesis, in mobility (over movement), affect, relational space, and ordering practices. It explores what configures an animal’s mobility, knowledge practices for researching and evoking animals’ mobilities, and how animals’ mobilities are governed. The conclusion highlights what these fields gain from this synthesis, and identifies the empirical, political and conceptual contributions that this concept makes to geographical research. The argument is illustrated with examples of large, terrestrial mammals, especially bears.
From the ‘Long War’ to the ‘Long Peace’: An introduction to the special edition
Authors: Coulter Colin , Shirlow Peter
Published: December 2018

In this introduction, we set out to provide the appropriate historical context for the nine essays that follow. The article documents all of the tortuous course that the Northern Irish peace process has taken over the last two decades, but its principal focus falls on the period in which the previously unlikely pairing of Sinn Féin and the Democratic Unionist Party agreed to share power at Stormont. While the coalition partners were often at odds over ethno-national issues such flags and parades, they frequently found common cause when it came to the introduction of distinctly neoliberal social and economic strategies. The decade in which the two parties shared office seemed to offer the prospect, finally, of stable government in Northern Ireland. At the beginning of 2017, however, the tensions between Sinn Féin and the Democratic Unionists became insurmountable and led to the Stormont institutions being mothballed for a fifth time. Although often attributed to the introduction of a controversial green energy scheme in the six counties, the collapse of the power sharing executive owes its origins rather more to seismic political developments elsewhere in the United Kingdom. The outcome of the Brexit referendum has meant that Northern Ireland is now at the centre of a political storm that threatens/promises to usher in an era of radical constitutional change for the region.
Assessing the Six-Factor Model of Organizational Justice in the Context of Workplace Mediation
Authors: Coggburn Jerrell D. , Daley Dennis M. , Jameson Jessica Katz , Berry-James RaJade M.
Published: December 2018

Applying the six-factor model of organizational justice, this study examines the relationship between disputants’ (i.e., grievants and respondents) perceptions of organizational justice and satisfaction with workplace mediation. Using secondary data, collected postmediation from participants in the (former) North Carolina Department of Correction’s (DOC) mediation process, the findings show that perceptions of organizational justice and mediation satisfaction are high for both grievants and, especially, respondents. Logistic regression results find statistically significant relationships between mediation satisfaction and three factors of organizational justice—distributive justice, procedural justice–process, and disputant–disputant interpersonal justice—as well as unexpected results for procedural justice–mediator and disputant–mediator interpersonal justice.
The moderating effect of functional social support on the association between unfair treatment and self-rated health: A study of the resilience of a community-based sample of Irish migrants in London
Authors: Moore Jeff , Tilki Mary , Clarke Lisa , Waters Eugene
Published: December 2018

Despite research demonstrating the health promoting effects of social support, few studies have examined the moderating effect of functional social support on everyday unfair treatment for migrant communities. This study investigates whether functional social support moderates the association between unfair treatment and poor self-rated health for Irish migrants to the UK. Analysis of a purposive sample of Irish migrants in London was conducted ( n = 790). Interaction was analyzed via hierarchical logistic regression. Irish migrants who perceived unfair treatment were over three times more likely to report fair/poor health (odds ratio = 3.47, 95% confidence interval = 2.0–6.02). Higher levels of support in times of crisis were associated with reduced poor health. Higher levels of instrumental or practical support from neighbors moderated against the negative effect of unfair treatment on self-rated health (odds ratio = 0.29, 95% confidence interval = 0.08–0.96) and had a protective stabilizing effect. Instrumental support may have a protective-enhancing effect for female migrants. Results support other studies which indicate that instrumental support is most influential in the context of adversity. Interventions that promote neighborhood social capital may build resilience to unfair treatment for migrant communities in large cities.
Game Changer? The Impact of the Reentry Movement on Post-Prison Supervision
Authors: Lucken Karol
Published: December 2018

Prisoner reentry has been a dominant focus of correctional policy for roughly 2 decades. The strong current of reform that underlays this policy focus means that present correctional practices and conditions should be noticeably different than previous ones. An area where change should be readily observable is in pivotal reentry environments, such as post-prison supervision (PPS). Whereas the reentry literature has concentrated on documenting offender needs, promoting certain strategies, and evaluating the effects of interventions or variables on post-prison recidivism, the current study aims to document the sorts of changes, if any, that have occurred in PPS practice. The impact of the reentry movement on PPS is measured using statewide survey data from 286 PPS professionals with The Florida Department of Corrections. Perceptions of the movement’s impact on supervision emphasis, workplace roles and responsibilities, and resource allocation for services for returning offenders are examined.
Teaching ‘small and helpless’ women how to live: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy in Sweden, ca 1995–2005
Authors: Jansson Åsa
Published: December 2018

In 1995, a Swedish pilot study of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) was launched to investigate its therapeutic efficacy and cost-effectiveness as treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in suicidal women. In the same year, a sweeping reform of psychiatric care commenced, dramatically reducing the number of beds by the end of the decade. The psychiatry reform was presented as an important factor prompting the need for a community-based treatment for Borderline patients. This article suggests that the introduction of DBT in Sweden, and its relationship to the reform, can only be adequately explained with reference to the wider political shift occurring at the time, whereby the Swedish welfare state and its guiding ethos of egalitarianism were abandoned in favour of a neoliberal ‘choice revolution’. With the new liberalism, hard work and individual responsibility replaced the idea of a Swedish ‘people’s home’, a nationwide community and social support network. This language was reflected in DBT, which sought to teach patients the ‘skills’ necessary ‘to create a life worth living’. In this context, therapy was constituted as a form of ‘work’ that the patient had to undertake to improve. Moreover, DBT rejected the prevailing view of Borderline patients as ‘manipulative’ and ‘aggressive’, suggesting instead that they were ‘helpless’, ‘weak’ and unable to regulate their emotions. This new Borderline persona fit neatly into the new liberal discourse: she could be taught to become a rational and independent person able to cope in a society that valued individual responsibility over social support.
Hypnotherapies in 20th-century Hungary: The extraordinary career of Ferenc Völgyesi
Authors: Gyimesi Julia
Published: December 2018

This article traces the history of hypnotherapies in Hungary by exploring and interpreting the work of Ferenc (András) Völgyesi, a controversial physician, psychiatrist and forensic expert who gained remarkable fame in and beyond Hungary. It explores his work and its reception in the context of the complex, changing trends in European psychology between the 1920s and 1950s, drawing on published sources in a range of languages, and the archives of the Hungarian State Security. It uncovers experiments in human and animal hypnosis; Völgyesi’s engagement with the Hungarian psychoanalytic community; and the cultural, scientific, and esoteric, networks from which theories and practices of hypnosis emerged. This reminds us also that the development of psychotherapy in Europe cannot be disentangled from the history of parapsychology and western esotericism. The article also examines allegations of ethical abuses of hypnosis, and the shortcomings of Völgyesi’s theoretical and practical claims. It argues that this case illustrates how the history of European psychotherapy in the 20th century cannot be fully understood without taking into account the enduring fascination with hypnotherapies into the postwar period – re-inscribed, in this case, through Pavlovian theories.
Freud under the Acropolis: The challenging journey of psychoanalysis in 20th-century Greece (1915–1995)
Authors: Karydaki Danae
Published: December 2018

Psychoanalysis was introduced to Greece in 1915 by the progressive educator Manolis Triantafyllidis and was further elaborated by Marie Bonaparte, Freud’s friend and member of the Greek royal family, and her psychoanalytic group in the aftermath of the Second World War. However, the accumulated traumas of the Nazi occupation (1941–1944), the Greek Civil War (1946–1949), the post-Civil-War tension between the Left and the Right, the military junta (1967–1974) and the social and political conditions of post-war Greece led this project and all attempts to establish psychoanalysis in Greece, to failure and dissolution. The restoration of democracy in 1974 and the rapid social changes it brought was a turning point in the history of Greek psychoanalysis: numerous psychoanalysts, who had trained abroad and returned after the fall of the dictatorship, were hired in the newly established Greek National Health Service (NHS), and contributed to the reform of Greek psychiatry by offering the option of psychoanalytic psychotherapy to the non-privileged. This article draws on a range of unexplored primary sources and oral history interview material, in order to provide the first systematic historical account in the English language of the complex relationship between psychoanalysis and Greek society, and the contribution of psychoanalytic psychotherapy to the creation of the Greek welfare state. In so doing, it not only attempts to fill a lacuna in the history of contemporary Greece, but also contributes to the broader historiography of psychotherapy and of Europe.
Scale effect investigation of copper microwire's mechanical properties after in situ scanning electron microscope twisting
Authors: Xue Fengmei , Lu Haojian , Shen Yajing
Published: December 2018

In this study, the mechanical property of copper microwire, a widely used material in our daily life, is investigated by subjecting it to in situ scanning electron microscope twisting based on a self-developed nanorobotic manipulation system. First, copper microwire is assembled on the nanorobotic system inside the scanning electron microscope, and then twisted clockwise and anticlockwise continuously from 0° to 360° until fracture. After that, the mechanical properties of elastic modulus, microhardness, yield stress, and the strain hardening exponent of the twisted sample are investigated by nanoindentation. The change in elastic modulus and indention hardness showed strong indentation size effects, because a large number of geometrically necessary dislocations were generated around the indenter. In addition, the fracture analysis indicated that the smaller the scale of the material, the more sensitive it was to surface cracks or defects. Ductile fracture features of the twisted sample appear due to the nucleation, growth, and coalescence of the microvoids.
Palaeoenvironmental reconstructions during the Meso- to Neolithic transition (9.2–5.3 cal. ka BP) in Northwestern France: Palynological evidences
Authors: Lambert Clément , Vidal Muriel , Penaud Aurélie , Le Roy Pascal , Goubert Evelyne , Pailler Yvan , Stephan Pierre , Ehrhold Axel
Published: December 2018

Sedimentological, palynological, and micropalaeontological studies carried out throughout the first half of the Holocene, during the Mesolithic/Neolithic transition in the Bay of Brest (i.e. 9200–9000 and 6600–5300 cal. BP) and in the Bay of Douarnenez (i.e. 9200–8400 cal. BP), allowed characterizing coastal environmental changes under the increasing influence of the relative sea-level rise. The gradual flooding of the two studied sites implied a transition from river valleys to oceanic bays as revealed by the gradual retreat of salt marsh environments, as detected through palynological analysis. In addition, these high-resolution studies highlight the regional imprint of the North Atlantic millennial climate variability in north-western coastal environments. Two cold climate events are indeed suggested to have been locally marked by a moisture increase, mainly detected by increases in Lingulodinium machaerophorum, Corylus, and Alnus percentages at 8550 cal. BP in the Bay of Douarnenez and at 6250 cal. BP in the Bay of Brest. Moreover, regarding the Neolithic transition timing in the Bay of Douarnenez, large pollen grains of Poaceae (i.e. Cerealia-type pollen grains) have been detected at around 8600 cal. BP, that is, 1500 years before the general accepted cereal cropping appearance in Western France. These results, consistent with other palynological studies conducted in the French Atlantic coast, could underline a Mesolithic ‘proto-agriculture’ in Brittany.
The Enlightenment as determinant of accounting change: The case of royal estate bookkeeping during the reign of Catherine II
Authors: Sidorova Marina , Nazarov Dmitry , Vakhrushina Maria
Published: December 2018

Foucault studied the change in the governmental practices of European countries under the influence of Enlightenment. The transition from intuitive actions of power to the rational ways of governing developed the need for experts as a group of people with professional knowledge. Our article focuses on experts as the key element of this concept. The article argues that the symmetry between governmental needs and the experts’ qualifications is the crucial factor in the application of new accounting techniques. We investigate an attempt to introduce an accounting innovation in the royal estate during the reign of Russian Empress Catherine II. The failure of this innovation can be attributed to the lack of skilled experts in public sector accounting. The authors came to this conclusion through analysis of the archival sources, including the account books of the Moscow Palace Office, which has not been widely academically discussed from that point of view before.
Coccygeal chordoma in a degu: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Sautier Lucile , Guillier David , Coste Margaux , Servely Jean-Luc , Pignon Charly , Laloy Eve , Donnelly Thomas M.
Published: December 2018

An 8-y-old, intact female degu ( Octodon degus) was presented with a slow-growing mass on the tail tip. The mass was completely removed by partial caudectomy. Histologically, the last coccygeal vertebra was replaced by a lobulated neoplasm composed of large clear polygonal cells embedded in a myxoid alcian blue–positive matrix with highly vacuolated cytoplasm (physaliferous cells) and intracytoplasmic periodic acid-Schiff–positive granules. The neoplasm exhibited the morphologic features of a “classic” chordoma of humans, which is 1 of 3 distinct chordoma subtypes. Immunohistochemistry revealed dual expression of cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and vimentin, consistent with a diagnosis of chordoma. Chordomas are uncommon slow-growing neoplasms in humans and animals, arising from notochordal remnants. Depending on their subtype and location, they can have a high local recurrence rate and metastatic risk. Chordoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of a soft tissue mass on the tail of a degu, similar to the clinical situation in ferrets.
Pathologic, histochemical, and immunohistochemical findings in pulmonary and encephalitic cryptococcosis in a goat
Authors: Headley Selwyn A. , Pimentel Luciano A. , Michelazzo Mariana Z. , Toma Hugo S. , Pretto-Giordano Lucienne G. , Marcasso Rogério A. , Amude Alexandre M. , Oliveira Thalita E. , Santos Marcelo D. , Krockenberger Mark
Published: December 2018

We describe the pathologic, histochemical, and immunohistochemical findings associated with pulmonary and encephalitic cryptococcosis in a 3-y-old, mixed-breed, nanny goat from central-west Brazil. The goat had progressive neurologic signs over 30 d; cryptococcosis was diagnosed antemortem by cytologic evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment was initiated, but the animal died spontaneously shortly thereafter. Grossly, there was a large space-occupying gelatinous mass (cryptococcoma) in the left lung and smaller masses in the cerebral temporal and frontal cortex, thalamus, hippocampus, basal nuclei, and mesencephalon with consequent internal hydrocephalus. Histologic evaluation revealed marked granulomatous cryptococcal pneumonia and meningoencephalitis. Intralesional narrow-necked budding cryptococcal yeasts were identified on special stains (Mayer mucicarmine and Grocott methenamine silver) in sections of lung and brain. Immunohistochemistry utilizing a panel of monoclonal antibodies that selectively label capsules of Cryptococcus spp. was consistent with C. neoformans var. grubii.
Hospitals Strengthened Relationships With Close Partners After Joining Accountable Care Organizations
Authors: Everson Jordan , Adler-Milstein Julia , Ryan Andrew M. , Hollingsworth John M.
Published: December 2018

The strategies that hospitals participating in Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) use to achieve quality and cost containment goals are poorly understood. One possibility is that participating hospitals could try to influence where their patients receive care. To test this hypothesis, we examined whether a hospital’s participation in a Medicare ACO was associated with changes in its patterns of patient sharing with other hospitals. Between 2010 and 2014, patient sharing across hospitals increased 23.3%. After controlling for hospital and regional factors, patient sharing increased 4.4% more at ACO hospitals than non-ACO hospitals ( p = .001 for difference). This increase occurred disproportionately among hospitals with which ACO hospitals already shared a high proportion of their patients prior to participation, and among hospitals in ACOs characterized as physician–hospital collaborations. The increased sharing of patients among closely affiliated hospitals may serve to achieve ACO quality and cost containment goals through increased interorganizational coordination.
Changes in the Prevalence of Embryologic Remnants in Umbilical Cord With Gestational Age
Authors: Grottling Emma , Gisselsson David
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of embryologic remnants in umbilical cords of different gestational ages. Sections from 392 umbilical cords were examined using light microscopy. Of these, 52% contained at least 1 remnant, most commonly of the allantoic duct type. Although there was a significant decrease in vitelline duct remnants over increasing gestational age, from 11% at weeks 11–25 to 1.6% at weeks 36–42 ( P = .009; χ2 test), the allantoic duct remnants remained constant in prevalence irrespective of gestational age.
Outcomes of a 320-degree intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation for keratoconus: Results of a 6-month follow-up
Authors: Rocha Guilherme Andrade do Nascimento , Ferrara de Almeida Cunha Paulo , Torquetti Costa Leonardo , Barbosa de Sousa Luciene
Published: December 2018

Importance:

This study shows that a newer long-arc length intrastromal corneal ring segment is efficient and safe for keratoconus treatment.

Background:

To evaluate visual, tomographic results and complications of a 320-degree intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation with the femtosecond laser for keratoconus treatment.

Design:

A prospective, nonrandomized, and interventional study.

Participants:

A total of 34 eyes of 31 patients diagnosed with keratoconus were enrolled.

Methods:

Patients were divided into two groups based on the strategy used for 320-degree intrastromal corneal ring segment thickness selection. In one group, this selection was based on spherical equivalent (SE group) and in the other on the mean asphericity (Q group). The uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities, spherical equivalent, K1, K2, Km, Kmax, and mean asphericity ( Q) on corneal tomography were evaluated preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. For astigmatism improvement, we analyzed the corneal tomographic vectorial astigmatism change preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 6.63 ± 0.96 months.

Results:

The mean uncorrected distance visual acuity and corrected distance visual acuity improved with a significant spherical equivalent improvement ( p < 0.05), with no differences between the 320-degree intrastromal corneal ring segment groups. All corneal tomographic parameters improved significantly ( p < 0.05) between the preoperative and postoperative intervals, with a significant better performance when we used spherical equivalent for the 320-degree intrastromal corneal ring segment thickness selection. Finally, the mean vectorial corneal tomographic astigmatism significantly improved after 6 months, again with no differences between groups.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that implanting a 320-degree intrastromal corneal ring segment is a safe and effective procedure for treating patients with keratoconus. It also suggests that for thickness selection spherical equivalent is the better strategy.
Development of the improved Preston equation for abrasive flow machining of aerofoil structures and components
Authors: Cheng Kai , Shao Yizhi , Jadva Mitul , Bodenhorst Rodrigo
Published: December 2018

The paper presents an improved Preston equation, which aims to be part of the industrial application to abrasive flow machining. The equation will aid the engineers to optimise the process for desired surface roughness and edge tolerance characteristics on complex geometries in an intuitive and scientific manner. The methodology presented to derive the equation underpins the fundamental cutting mechanics of abrasive machining or polishing assuming all abrasive particles within the media are spherical as manufacturers defined. Further to derivation, full four factorial experimental trials and computational fluid dynamics simulation are implemented to generate the flow features of media on coupon to evaluate and validate the equation for its competency and accuracy on prediction of material removal. The modified Preston equation can significantly contribute to optimise the abrasive flow machining process, and will advantage the integrated machine design to predict better virtual surface roughness and material removal rates.
Observatoire Français de la Sclérose en Plaques (OFSEP): A unique multimodal nationwide MS registry in France
Authors: Vukusic Sandra , Casey Romain , Rollot Fabien , Brochet Bruno , Pelletier Jean , Laplaud David-Axel , De Sèze Jérôme , Cotton François , Moreau Thibault , Stankoff Bruno , Fontaine Bertrand , Guillemin Francis , Debouverie Marc , Clanet Michel
Published: December 2018

The care of multiple sclerosis (MS) in France is based on two complementary interlinked networks: MS expert centers in university hospitals and regional networks of neurologists. The routine use of European database for multiple sclerosis (EDMUS) in all those centers has paved the way for the constitution of a national registry, designated as Observatoire Français de la Sclérose En Plaques (OFSEP). It promotes a prospective, standardized, high-quality, and multimodal collection of data. On June 2018, there were 68.097 files, with 71.1% females, representing 761,185 person-years. This huge database is open to the scientific community and might contribute exploring unresolved issues and unmet needs in MS.
A bilingual emotional advantage? An investigation into the effects of psychological factors in emotion perception in Arabic and in English of Arabic-English bilinguals and Arabic/English monolinguals
Authors: Alqarni Nada , Dewaele Jean-Marc
Published: December 2018

Aims and objectives:

While the debate on the cognitive bilingual advantage is ongoing, much less attention has been paid to the potential emotional advantage of bilinguals. The present study compared the performance of bilinguals and monolinguals in emotion perception (EP) in Arabic and in English and the differences in trait emotional intelligence (Trait EI). It also considered the relationship between Trait EI and EP scores.

Methodology:

205 Arabic-English bilinguals, 71 Arabic monolinguals and 333 English monolinguals had to recognise anger, fear, sadness, disgust, surprise and happiness in 12 short audio-visual video clips (six in English and six in Arabic) embedded in an online questionnaire. The clips contained short conversations about day-to-day situations.

Data and analysis:

Nonparametric statistical analyses were used to explore the differences between bilinguals and monolinguals in EP in English and Arabic and to explore the relationship between Trait EI and EP.

Findings:

Bilinguals outperformed English monolinguals in the EP task in English but did not perform better than Arabic monolinguals in Arabic. Bilinguals scored higher on Trait EI than monolinguals, and Trait EI scores were significantly and positively correlated with EP scores.

Originality:

This study suggests that there is a small bilingual advantage for emotional and psychological domains.

Significance:

Bilingualism seems to have an effect on some personality dimensions and emotional skills.
Stimulating interethnic contact in Kosovo: The role of social identity complexity and distinctiveness threat
Authors: Maloku Edona , Derks Belle , van Laar Colette , Ellemers Naomi
Published: December 2018

The positive effects of intergroup contact on prejudice reduction have been widely validated by now. However, the potential of contact for intergroup relations is only available when there is readiness to have contact with outgroup members to begin with. In two correlational studies with the main ethnic groups in postconflict Kosovo, Albanian majority (Study 1, N = 221) and Serb minority (Study 2, N = 110), we examine how social identity complexity mechanism and distinctiveness threat contribute to predicting more readiness to have contact with outgroup members. As the establishment of a new national identity unfolds, we show that while there are different processes that work for each of the groups, distinctiveness threat is a central concern to both as it mediates the relationship between identity and intergroup outcomes. For the Albanian majority group, having more complex identities (or perceiving less identity overlap between national and ethnic identity) predicts more readiness to have contact and feeling more positively towards members of the outgroup via reduced distinctiveness threat. For the Serb minority, however, threat is predicted only by strength of ethnic identification, which in turn predicts negative feelings towards members of the ethnic outgroup and less readiness to contact them. We conclude by comparing results for the majority and the minority groups and discuss strategies needed to reduce threat and improve intergroup relations in this segregated context struggling for reconciliation.