bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributions of stress and deformation in a braided wire rope subjected to torsional loading
Authors: Song Bao , Wang Hui , Cui Weihua , Liu Hui , Yang Tingshuai
Published: September 2018

Braided wire rope is vital for stringing conductors with tension in overhead transmission lines. Its structure and characteristics determine the safety and reliability of the stringing construction. Torque generated in this process can cause an uneven stress distribution, ultimately causing the wire rope to fail. This study analyzes distributions of stress and deformation in braided wire rope subjected to torsional loading. A geometric model for YS9-8 × 19 braided wire rope was established, and finite element analysis was performed on the model in different twisting directions. The simulation results show that the wires in the strands have the tendency to be screwed tightly and are in a stretched state when the lay direction of the strand coincides with its torsion direction. However, when the lay and torsion directions are opposite, the wires in the strands tend to unwind and are in a compressed state. At the same torsional angle, different torques can be generated at a particular cross-section along different twisting directions. This shows that braided wire rope has better anti-twist characteristics when twisted clockwise compared to when twisted anticlockwise. Finally, a torsion test was conducted on the braided wire rope. The results show that the change in the torque curve with respect to the torsional angle is in good agreement with the simulation results.
Can microblogging information disclosure reduce stock price synchronicity? Evidence from China
Authors: Zhou Donghua , Zhao Yujie , Lin Philip T , Li Bin , Cheung Adrian (Waikong)
Published: September 2018

We study the relationship between stock price synchronicity and information disclosure of firms listed in the Chinese stock market, using hand-collected data on firms’ official microblogging content in Sina Weibo, a popular microblogging service in China. We find that after controlling for the impact of traditional media, the number of Weibo tweets is related negatively to stock price synchronicity, indicating that stock prices incorporate firm-specific information disclosed in the firm’s official Weibo. Number of microblogging fans can strengthen this negative relationship. Our result is robust to alternative measures of stock price synchronicity, microblogging information disclosure, and to endogeneity issues.

JEL Classification: G14, G15
Identifying Temporal and Spatial Characteristics of Residents’ Trips from Cellular Signaling Data: Case Study of Beijing
Authors: Li Zufen , Yu Lei , Gao Yong , Wu Yizheng , Song Guohua , Gong Dapeng
Published: September 2018

This study developed a method to extract valid temporal and spatial characteristics of residents’ trips based on cellular signaling data to support urban transportation planning activity. The study first identified data triggered by active modes as redundant data by analyzing the characteristics of the trigger modes of cellular signaling data, which were then labeled and excluded from further analysis. Thus, only the data triggered by the passive mode were used in the study. Then, the temporal and spatial characteristics of residents’ trips were extracted by mapping the cellular signaling data onto study regions, dividing them into traffic analysis zones (TAZs), and extracting the origin–destination (OD) matrix. Finally, real data from Beijing, China were used in a case study to verify the feasibility of the proposed method. The extracted temporal and spatial characteristics of residents’ trips were compared with those from the 4th Comprehensive Transport Survey. It was observed that the results from the two data sources had a high correlation with correlation coefficients higher than 0.9.
Bus Load Inference and Crowding Performance Evaluation through Disaggregate Analysis of Fare Transaction, Vehicle Location, and Passenger Count Data
Authors: Sánchez-Martínez Gabriel E. , Paget-Seekins Laurel , Southwick Christopher W. , Attanucci John P.
Published: September 2018

Comfort is an important aspect of the transit passenger experience. Crowding can significantly decrease passenger comfort and disrupt service delivery, causing passenger travel times to increase and even resulting in passengers being unable to board an arriving vehicle. This research explores the use of automatically collected vehicle location data, fare transaction data, and passenger origin–destination inference to measure crowding on buses. Three model components are involved: scaling vehicle trip-level origin–destination transfer data, measuring crowding as perceived by passengers through performance measures defined for this purpose, and determining the sources of crowding. The latter is important to identify the most effective means of addressing crowding in each case. The models are tested on data from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, and examples of graphical applications already being used by planners are presented.
Sensors and the City: Urban Challenges for Parking Occupancy Detection and Pricing
Authors: Dey Soumya S. , Dock Stephanie , Pochowski Alek , Sanders Meredyth , Pérez Benito O. , Darst Matt , Sanchez Eduardo Cardenas
Published: September 2018

Implementing performance parking using demand-driven hourly parking meter rates and real-time occupancy information improves the customer experience and provides more available on-street parking in selected cities across the United States. The implementation of performance parking is not necessarily simple, however, and planners must overcome a host of challenges posed by the urban environment. This paper discusses an approach with the potential to become the state-of-the-practice for developing real-time availability for on-street parking in an urban environment, including how the District Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C., dealt with challenges related to: sensor communication, on-street activity, special events, limited space, broader mobility issues, parking users, coordinating installation, and interagency coordination. Using lessons learned from this project, jurisdictions will be better prepared to deal with their own unique urban challenges, positioning themselves to capture real-time availability and implement performance-based pricing.
The Effect of Bottom Ash on Soil Suction and Resilient Modulus of Medium-Plasticity Clay
Authors: Asefzadeh Arian , Hashemian Leila , Bayat Alireza
Published: September 2018

The effect of adding bottom ash to medium-plasticity clay as a soil stabilizer was evaluated in this study by performing triaxial resilient modulus tests. Two log–log resilient modulus prediction equations found in the literature (MEPDG and NCHRP 1-28) were selected and calibrated for mixtures of bottom ash and clay at different moisture contents. It was found that, with 25% bottom ash in the mixture, the resilient modulus increased between 5% and 23% under different stress states. The soil total and matric suctions of the mixtures were indirectly measured using the filter paper method, and the total suction parameter was incorporated in the two log–log prediction models. The nonlinear regression analysis revealed that the average goodness-of-fit statistics for one of the modified models showed highly satisfactory performance in predicting the resilient modulus values.
Examining the Simple View of Reading With Elementary School Children: Still Simple After All These Years
Authors: Lonigan Christopher J. , Burgess Stephen R. , Schatschneider Christopher
Published: September 2018

The simple view of reading (SVR) proposes that performance in reading comprehension is the result of decoding and linguistic comprehension, and that each component is necessary but not sufficient for reading comprehension. In this study, the joint and unique predictive influences of decoding and linguistic comprehension for reading comprehension were examined with a group of 757 children in Grades 3 through 5. Children completed multiple measures of each construct, and latent variables were used in all analyses. Overall, the results of our study indicate that (a) the two constructs included in the SVR account for almost all of the variance in reading comprehension, (b) there are developmental trends in the relative importance of the two components, and (c) the two components share substantial predictive variance, which may complicate efforts to substantially improve children’s reading comprehension because the overlap may reflect stable individual differences in general cognitive or linguistic abilities.
Disarticulation and the Crisis of Neoliberalism in the United States
Authors: Jaffee David
Published: September 2018

Neoliberal policies instituted since the 1980s have transformed the United States economy in ways that have produced serious structural distortions in the basic operation of capitalism. Using Samir Amin’s concept of disarticulation, previously applied exclusively to the periphery of the world economy, this article argues that the twin and mutually reinforcing features of neoliberalism – global corporate restructuring and financialization – have now generated disarticulation in the core nations. This disarticulated structure is responsible for the economic stagnation and sharply unequal income/wealth distributional outcomes that characterize contemporary U.S. capitalism.
Positive Impact of Technician-Driven MTM Program on Performance Measures
Authors: Moore Leslie D. , Smith Megan G.
Published: September 2018

Objective:

To determine the effect of using a technician-driven medication therapy management (MTM) program on quality performance measures for a community pharmacy chain.

Methods:

A technician-driven MTM program was incorporated in 35 stores of a regional supermarket pharmacy chain. The overall chain percentage score for the 4 quality measures used in Medicare Part D Star Ratings—proportion of days covered (PDC) for cholesterol, diabetes, renin–angiotensin system antagonists (RASA), and high-risk medication use—was compared pre- and postimplementation of the technician-driven MTM program. Data were collected from Electronic Quality Improvement Platform for Plans and Pharmacies (EQuIPP) platform and t tests were used to analyze 1 year pre- and postimplementation.

Results:

The PDC for RASA, high cholesterol medications, and diabetes medications significantly increased pre- to postimplementation for each drug class ( P < .001, P = .011, P = .001, respectively). The combined overall mean PDC score for RASA, cholesterol medications, and diabetes medication classes significantly increased by 5.6% from 2015 to 2016 (74.2% vs 79.8%, P < .001); there was also a nonsignificant decrease in high-risk medication use for the entire chain.

Conclusions

This technician-driven MTM program can positively affect pharmacy quality performance and potentially improve patient outcomes.
Necking phenomenon based on the Aramis system
Authors: Dong Shier , Xian Anjiang , Lian Zhanghua , Mohamed Hazem Samih , Ren Hongyu
Published: September 2018

In this study, the necking three-dimensional strain on minimum cross-section at room temperature was performed experimentally and analytically. A modified strain assumption was applied to overcome significant errors in calculating necking strain by Bridgman assumption. Then, one relatively simple strain distribution function was deduced based on equilibrium equation of necking element. To obtain the parameters in this function, the monotonic tensile tests in two kinds of carbon structure steels Q235 and Q345 were carried out. Meanwhile, the Aramis system based on digital image correlation method was adopted to measure the surface axial strain and deformation parameters during the loading process. The experimental and numerical results were compared with the traditional Bridgman strain assumption. The maximum axial strain calculation error the strain distribution function and experiment value was less than 8%, which was obviously less than that calculated by Bridgman assumption. Additionally, the variation law of the three-dimensional strain calculated by this function was consistent with that obtained by the macroscopic analysis of fracture surface. The application of traditional Bridgman formula can be expanded by this study. Meanwhile, it can provide a new idea to study the stress distribution characteristics and better understanding of ductile materials’ deformation properties.
Reduction of ground-borne vibrations from rail lines on viaducts by means of elastic anti-vibration mats
Authors: Zhao Caiyou , Ping Wang , Xing Mengting , Yi Qiang , Wang Liuchong
Published: September 2018

In this paper, the effectiveness of elastic anti-vibration mats in reducing ground-borne vibrations from rail viaducts is investigated by means of theoretical analysis and is validated by the results of field tests. A two-step procedure is adopted for analyzing the vehicle-track-bridge-soil coupling system. In the first step, the train-track-bridge-pier subsystem is considered, and the bridge-bearing reaction force is solved. In the second step, the pier-pile-soil subsystem is considered, and the ground vibration solution is obtained by applying the negative bridge-bearing reaction force to the pier top on a pier-pile-soil model. The accuracy of the presented model is then verified in comparison with in-situ measurement results. On the basis of this comparison, a parametric study on the impact of anti-vibration mats on ground-borne vibrations was investigated theoretically, and the effectiveness of elastic anti-vibration mats with the suggested optimal parameters was further validated by field tests. The results show that when the stiffness of the elastic anti-vibration mats is 1.5 MPa/m, ground vibration decreases significantly and the vertical rail displacement agrees with high-speed railway regulations.
Can co-production be state-led? Policy pilots in four Chinese cities
Authors: Li Bingqin , Hu Bo , Liu Tao , Fang Lijie
Published: September 2018

Local Chinese governments have been experimenting with a form of top-down “co-production” under different names and for various purposes. This paper examines practices in four Chinese cities to understand the process by which this co-production is introduced, its implementation and its outcomes. We found that in these cities, co-production is imposed on urban communities by the higher authorities, with the state playing very active roles in initiating, financing and facilitating the process. Despite the much-improved community environment, communities are not participating to the extent that the state would like. Nonetheless, we argue that this top-down approach has its merits. It may be an efficient way to ignite the co-production process and to some extent sustain it. When these practices are embedded in an authoritarian hierarchy, however, local officials involved are unavoidably evaluated by two separate performance assessment systems, the hierarchical and the horizontal, which so far have not been compatible.
Impact of the Ebola epidemic on clinical outcomes of HIV-infected soldiers and their dependents in Sierra Leone
Authors: Nagel Elizabeth , Blackowicz Michael J , Sahr Foday , Jarrett Olamide D
Published: September 2018

The impact of the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment in Sierra Leone is unknown, especially for groups with higher HIV prevalence such as the military. Using a retrospective study design, clinical outcomes were evaluated prior to and during the epidemic for 264 HIV-infected soldiers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and their dependents receiving HIV treatment at the primary RSLAF HIV clinic. Medical records were abstracted for baseline clinical data and clinic attendance. Estimated risk of lost to follow-up (LTFU), default, and number of days without antiretroviral therapy (DWA) were calculated using repeated measures general estimating equations adjusted for age and gender. Due to missing data, 262 patients were included in the final analyses. There was higher risk of LTFU throughout the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone compared to the pre-Ebola baseline, with the largest increase in LTFU risk occurring at the peak of the epidemic (relative risk: 3.22, 95% CI: 2.22–4.67). There was an increased risk of default and DWA during the Ebola epidemic for soldiers but not for their dependents. The risk of LTFU, default, and DWA stabilized once the epidemic was largely resolved but remained elevated compared to the pre-Ebola baseline. Our findings demonstrate the negative and potentially lasting impact of the Ebola epidemic on HIV care in Sierra Leone and highlight the need to develop strategies to minimize disruptions in HIV care with future disease outbreaks.
Measures Adopted for Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Growth
Authors: Agrawal Reena
Published: September 2018

The present study was taken up to review the initiatives taken by the present government to further consolidate the efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth in India and to sustain the existing growth. The intent of the study was to explore the measures taken by the government to enhance: (a) infrastructure development, (b) financial inclusion, (c) growth in agriculture and rural sector, (d) social inclusion, (e) good governance and policy reforms and (f) expertise development and job creation in the country. The aim was also to evaluate the impact of these initiatives on the economy, find the gaps, if any, and suggest measures to complement the on-going efforts.
Rethinking End-of-Life Care and Palliative Care: Learning From the Illness Trajectories and Lived Experiences of Terminally Ill Patients and Their Family Carers
Authors: Sercu Maria , Beyens Ilse , Cosyns Marc , Mertens Fien , Deveugele Myriam , Pype Peter
Published: September 2018

Lynn conceptualized end-of-life (EoL) care for patients with advanced chronic-progressive illnesses as a combination of life-preserving/palliative care, the palliative aspect gradually becoming the main focus as death approaches. We checked this concept by exploring the advanced-terminal illness trajectories of 50 patients. Strategies heralding active therapy exhaustion were the catalyst for a participant’s awareness of terminality, but were not a decisive factor in the divergent EoL care pathways we detected. The terms life-preserving and palliative do not adequately capture EoL care pathways due to their conceptual ambiguity. Conversely, the concept of EoL care encompassing three palliative care modalities ( life-prolonging palliative therapy, restorative palliative care, and symptom-oriented [only] palliative care), each harboring a different blend of life-preserving and symptom-comforting aspects, proved adequate. These modalities could run serially, oscillatorily, or parallelly, explaining the divergent EoL care pathways. We suggest an adjustment of the model of Lynn and reconsider the traditional palliative care concept.
Reality Television and the Doing of Hyperauthentic Masculinities
Authors: Alexander Susan M. , Woods Katie
Published: September 2018

This study examines American masculinity as constructed in 136 reality television programs airing between 1948 and 2016 with an all-male or predominately male cast. We argue that televised reality programs reveal a new form of hegemonic American masculinity, namely, hyperauthentic masculinity. Hyperauthentic masculinity appears to be grounded in essential male traits, but is rather a reflexive process allowing White male viewers to imagine (re)creating a White male utopia in which they have economic and cultural dominance. Unlike previous studies that claim that reality television allows men to escape into a frontier masculinity of the past, we argue these programs encourage White men today to actively do masculinity and, more important, to believe doing hegemonic masculinity is desirable and worth fighting for.
Researching Intimacies and New Media: Methodological Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Harrison Katherine , Christensen-Strynø Maria Bee
Published: September 2018

Researching intimacies and new media encompasses a wide variety of intersecting practices and relationships. This special issue presents contributions from researchers who are investigating practices of intimacy mediated either wholly or in part through new media in which a variety of different methodological opportunities and challenges are highlighted and discussed. Existing research has addressed different combinations of new media, intimacy, and methodology, but there remains space for a dedicated focus on the ways in which these areas are interrelated and entangled. The articles in this special issue build up a conversation around this particular intersection from a range of directions, from reflections on specific technological devices/apps and their promotion of particular forms of intimacies that may lead to (dis)comfort and (dis)connection, to the intimate—and sometimes risky—investments in research processes and fieldwork, as well as the ethical frameworks and decision-making processes guiding the research.
A massively parallel and memory-efficient FEM toolbox with a hybrid total FETI solver with accelerator support
Authors: Riha Lubomir , Merta Michal , Vavrik Radim , Brzobohaty Tomas , Markopoulos Alexandros , Meca Ondrej , Vysocky Ondrej , Kozubek Tomas , Vondrak Vit
Published: September 2018

In this article, we present the ExaScale PaRallel finite element tearing and interconnecting SOlver (ESPRESO) finite element method (FEM) library, which includes an FEM toolbox with interfaces to professional and open-source simulation tools, and a massively parallel hybrid total finite element tearing and interconnecting (HTFETI) solver which can fully utilize the Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility Titan supercomputer and achieve superlinear scaling. This article presents several new techniques for finite element tearing and interconnecting (FETI) solvers designed for efficient utilization of supercomputers with a focus on (i) performance—we present a fivefold reduction of solver runtime for the Laplace equation by redesigning the FETI solver and offloading the key workload to the accelerator. We compare Intel Xeon Phi 7120p and Tesla K80 and P100 accelerators to Intel Xeon E5-2680v3 and Xeon Phi 7210 central processing units; and (ii) memory efficiency—we present two techniques which increase the efficiency of the HTFETI solver 1.8 times and push the limits of the largest possible problem ESPRESO that can solve from 124 to 223 billion unknowns for problems with unstructured meshes. Finally, we show that by dynamically tuning hardware parameters, we can reduce energy consumption by up to 33%.
Determinants of international tourism demand: Evidence from Australian states and territories
Authors: Shafiullah Muhammad , Okafor Luke Emeka , Khalid Usman
Published: September 2018

This article explores whether the determinants of international tourism demand differ by states and territories in Australia. This is the first attempt at econometric modelling of international tourism demand in the states and territories of Australia. A demand model is specified where international visits to states and territories is a function of world income, state-level transportation costs, stock of foreign-born residents, the Australian real exchange rate and the price levels of international and domestic substitutes. Panel and time series econometric techniques are employed to test the model variables for stationarity, cointegration and direction of causality. Panel and time series cointegration tests show that the model is cointegrated. The causality analysis indicates that all explanatory variables Granger cause international visits to the Australian states and territories. Further, we show that the impacts of the determinants of international tourism vary by states and territories. The results underscore the importance of targeted policymaking that takes into account the economic and social structure of each state and territory instead of designing tourism policies on the basis of one-size-fits-all approach.
Seismic retrofit of precast soft-storey building using diagonal steel-shape memory alloy bracing device: Numerical investigation
Authors: Liu Xiaoxian , Tsang Hing-Ho , Wilson John L
Published: September 2018

A diagonal steel-shape memory alloy bracing device is proposed for seismic retrofitting of vulnerable building frame structure. Superelastic shape memory alloy bar is put in series with steel bars in the bracing. The device makes use of the loading plateau of superelastic shape memory alloy to limit the tensile force of diagonal bracing. A precast soft-storey building frame in Australia was selected for a case study. A numerical model of the frame was developed and validated with the results from full-scale pull-down field tests. Nonlinear time history analysis was then conducted to evaluate the seismic performance of the frame with different retrofitting strategies. The result shows that the diagonal steel-shape memory alloy bracing can reduce the displacement demand on the soft-storey frame. Meanwhile, the level of tensile force of steel-shape memory alloy bracing can be controlled by the force plateau of the shape memory alloy bar, which is recommended to be 20% of the yielding force of the steel bar. The lower tensile force demand could alleviate the force demand at the associated support connections.
Knowledge patterns for online health portal development
Authors: Andrenucci Andrea , Dalianis Hercules , Velupillai Sumithra
Published: September 2018

This article describes the development and evaluation of a set of knowledge patterns that provide guidelines and implications of design for developers of mental health portals. The knowledge patterns were based on three foundations: (1) knowledge integration of language technology approaches; (2) experiments with language technology applications and (3) user studies of portal interaction. A mixed-methods approach was employed for the evaluation of the knowledge patterns: formative workshops with knowledge pattern experts and summative surveys with experts in specific domains. The formative evaluation improved the cohesion of the patterns. The results of the summative evaluation showed that the problems discussed in the patterns were relevant for the domain, and that the knowledge embedded was useful to solve them. Ten patterns out of thirteen achieved an average score above 4.0, which is a positive result that leads us to conclude that they can be used as guidelines for developing health portals.
‘Personal data literacies’: A critical literacies approach to enhancing understandings of personal digital data
Authors: Pangrazio Luci , Selwyn Neil
Published: September 2018

The capacity to understand and control one’s personal data is now a crucial part of living in contemporary society. In this sense, traditional concerns over supporting the development of ‘digital literacy’ are now being usurped by concerns over citizens’ ‘data literacies’. In contrast to recent data safety and data science approaches, this article argues for a more critical form of ‘personal data literacies’ where digital data are understood as socially situated and context dependent. Drawing on the critical literacies tradition, the article outlines a range of salient socio-technical understandings of personal data generation and processing. Specifically, the article proposes a framework of ‘Personal Data Literacies’ that distinguishes five significant domains: (1) Data Identification, (2) Data Understandings, (3) Data Reflexivity, (4) Data Uses, and (5) Data Tactics. The article concludes by outlining the implications of this framework for future education and research around the area of individuals’ understandings of personal data.
A cross-cultural comparison of East and Western academic literature on adventure tourism
Authors: Cheng Mingming
Published: September 2018

In the past two decades, adventure tourism enjoyed great popularity in China with rapid growth of participants. Parallel to this is an increasing number of research publications on Chinese adventure tourism, which cover similar topics to that of Western adventure tourism literature but are largely based on a Chinese perspective. In order to bridge the Western and Chinese academic literature on adventure tourism, a text-driven review approach is utilized to analyze both sources of literature to identify their similarities and differences. The results reveal that while Chinese adventure tourism scholars seek knowledge from the Western world, Chinese adventure tourism has its own dynamics, which include their organization models and Chinese tourists’ aesthetic way of approaching adventure tourism experiences. By developing deeper knowledge on how adventure tourism operates in China, alternative interpretations that Chinese tourists offer, and the divergence of views in adventure tourism, the study reflects the need for a grounded approach, which will help penetrate the invisible academic wall.
Chance meetings, the destination paradox, and the social origins of travel: Predicting traveler’s whereabouts?
Authors: Beritelli Pietro , Reinhold Stephan
Published: September 2018

Have you ever unexpectedly met someone you already knew in a remote travel destination? Many people have or will at least a couple times in their travel biography. In this article, we theorize how such chance meetings help better understand the socially embedded nature of travel behavior and choice. We validate the underlying assumptions with an exploratory empirical study. By conceptualizing chance meetings and connecting them with social network theory, we get closer to predicting where people precisely travel and what activities they engage in at particular points in time. This socially embedded perspective transcends the importance of attractions and activities as object of reference between traveler and place. Broadly, these findings contribute to the discussion on the social origins of travel and on how choices are taken in travel.
Celebrity Opinion Influences Public Acceptance of Human Evolution
Authors: Arnocky Steven , Bozek Emma , Dufort Caroline , Rybka Samantha , Hebert Robyn
Published: September 2018

The present research examined the influence of celebrity opinion upon individuals’ acceptance of the theory of evolution. Priming stimuli were developed purveying pro-evolution, anti-evolution, or neutral opinion (Study 1). When paired with a male celebrity or expert source (Study 2), the male celebrity, but not the male expert, influenced undergraduates’ acceptance of evolution. The influence of the male celebrity on acceptance of evolution was replicated in a community sample (Study 3). When paired with a female celebrity source, undergraduates’ acceptance of evolution was similarly influenced (Study 4). Together, these findings extend our understanding of the reach of credible celebrity endorsers beyond consumer behavior to core individual beliefs, such as those surrounding the acceptance of human evolution.
IWSHM 2017: Vibration-based damage localization and estimation via the stochastic functional model–based method: An overview
Authors: Sakellariou John S , Fassois Spilios D , Sakaris Christos S
Published: September 2018

The functional model–based method is a unique vibration-based approach to damage localization and magnitude estimation in structures under normal operation, capable of operating on naturally arising random vibration signals without human intervention. It employs an innovative data-based stochastic functional model representing the partial dynamics under various damage scenarios, estimation techniques, and statistical hypothesis testing. Unlike alternative vibration methods employing data-based models but treat the localization and magnitude estimation approximately, as classification problems, it handles them properly as estimation problems. Among its remarkable properties is its ability to operate with a low number of vibration response sensors and low- and limited-frequency bandwidth, characteristics important in many applications. In this article, an overview of the method and its principles are presented, along with three validation case studies.
United in States of Dissatisfaction: Confirmation Bias Across the Partisan Divide
Authors: Lerman Amy E. , Acland Daniel
Published: September 2018

Partisan polarization is a central feature of American political life, and a robust literature has shown that citizens engage in partisan motivated reasoning when processing political information. At the same time, however, recent events have highlighted a rising tide of antigovernment sentiment among Democrats and Republicans alike. Using an original set of survey experiments, we find that citizens engage in confirmation bias when they encounter new information, and this is driven not only by party and ideology but also by beliefs about the quality and efficiency of government. Taken together, our findings suggest important limitations to citizens’ capacity to learn about public administration, and expand our understanding of what drives confirmation bias with respect to public and private service provision.
MicroRNA-19b Promotes Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma More Sensitive to Cisplatin by Suppressing KRAS
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Zhao Yulin , Liu Lei , Su Hongxia , Dong Dong , Wang Jia , Zhang Yaqian , Chen Qi , Li Chang
Published: September 2018

MicroRNAs have been reported to play a vital role in diverse biological processes and tumorigenesis. MicroRNA-19b-5p has been observed to be downregulated in other cancers, but the function of microRNA-19b-5p in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma has not been well investigated. In our study, these results demonstrated that microRNA-19b-5p was significantly downregulated in 37 pairs of nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues when compared to normal tissues. Enforced expression of microRNA-19b-5p inhibited activity of cell proliferation and cell migration of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cancer cells, CNE1 and HNE1. Furthermore, microRNA-19b-5p targeted KRAS proto-oncogene, GTPase in cancer cells. In human clinical specimens, KRAS was higher expressed in cancer tissues when compared with normal tissues, which was inversely correlated with the expression of microRNA-19b-5p. More interestingly, microRNA-19b-5p sensitizes CNE1 cells to cisplatin by inhibiting its target KRAS. Finally, microRNA-19b-5p inhibits tumorigenesis in vivo. Thus, our results investigated that microRNA-19b-5p functioned as a tumor suppressor and indicated its potential application for the treatment of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma in future.
Psychometric Properties of the Brief Persian Version of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (The DERS-16)
Authors: Shahabi Mehrnesa , Hasani Jafar , Bjureberg Johan
Published: September 2018

The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) is an established self-reported measure of emotion regulation difficulties. Recently, a brief 16-item version of this scale—the DERS-16—was developed. The goal of the present study was to extend the research on the DERS-16 by evaluating the reliability and validity of the Persian version in a university sample ( N = 201). Results demonstrate that the Persian DERS-16 demonstrated excellent internal consistency, good test–retest reliability, and good concurrent validity. Furthermore, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the proposed factor structure. Thus, the Persian DERS-16 may offer a valid method for the assessment of overall emotion regulation difficulties as well as for the different facets of the construct.
One energy-efficient random-walk topology evolution method for underground wireless sensor networks
Authors: Huang Yourui , Chen Zhenping , Han Tao , Liu Xiaotao
Published: September 2018

Aimed at the limited energy supply and imperfect topological tolerance for underground wireless sensor networks, one energy-efficient random-walk scale-free topology model is proposed in this article, and a power network topology structure with adjustable rate index gets generated. At first, the network is divided into several clusters, and the cluster heads are selected with the use of random-walk strategy. During the growth of the network, with the introduction of preferred connection for scale-free network, together with considering both the node’s residual energy and the distance among nodes, nodes with larger residual energy present higher connectivity probability, so that the energy balance of the network gets realized. Simulation results show that the communication among the cluster heads selected by the proposed random-walk scale-free topology model presents not only the power-law characteristics of scale-free networks but also has better stability, higher fault tolerance, and it can still balance the energy consumption for nodes and the network and therefore can prolong the lifetime of the network.
Endovascular intervention of acute ischemic stroke due to occlusion of fetal posterior cerebral artery
Authors: Amuluru Krishna , Ho James P , Al-Mufti Fawaz , Solander Sten , Romero Charles E
Published: September 2018

A fetal posterior cerebral artery (FPCA) is an anatomic variant in which the posterior cerebral artery is an embryological derivative of the internal carotid artery. Although most cases of ischemic strokes in patients with FPCAs involve embolic infarcts, emergent large vessel occlusion of a FPCA is extremely rare. We present two cases of successful endovascular intervention for emergent occlusion of a FPCA, one of which is only the second reported case of a mechanical thrombectomy of a FPCA. We review the embryology of FPCA, the controversy regarding its association with cerebral infarcts, and various approaches used in the treatment of such occlusive lesions.
Surgical incision induces learning impairment in mice partially through inhibition of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling pathway in the hippocampus and amygdala
Authors: Liu Zhen , Liu Fan , Liu Xiaowen , Ma Chao , Zhao Jing
Published: September 2018

Surgical incision-induced nociception contributes to the occurrence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction. However, the exact mechanisms involved remain unclear. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been demonstrated to improve fear learning ability. In addition, BDNF expression is influenced by the peripheral nociceptive stimulation. Therefore, we hypothesized that surgical incision-induced nociception may cause learning impairment by inhibiting the BDNF/tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) signaling pathway. The fear conditioning test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blot analyses were used to confirm our hypothesis and determine the effect of a plantar incision on the fear learning and the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway in the hippocampus and amygdala. The freezing times in the context test and the tone test were decreased after the plantar incision. A eutectic mixture of local anesthetics attenuated plantar incision-induced postoperative pain and fear learning impairment. ANA-12, a selective TrkB antagonist, abolished the improvement in fear learning and the activation of the BDNF signaling pathway induced by eutectic mixture of local anesthetics. Based on these results, surgical incision-induced postoperative pain, which was attenuated by postoperative analgesia, caused learning impairment in mice partially by inhibiting the BDNF signaling pathway. These findings provide insights into the mechanism underlying surgical incision-induced postoperative cognitive function impairment.
Non-interventional study of the safety and effectiveness of fluticasone propionate/formoterol fumarate in real-world asthma management
Authors: Backer Vibeke , Ellery Adam , Borzova Sylvia , Lane Stephen , Kleiberova Magda , Bengtsson Peter , Tomala Tadeusz , Basset-Stheme Dominique , Bennett Carla , Lindner Dirk , Meiners Arthur , Overend Tim
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

In recognition of the value of long-term real-world data, a postauthorization safety study of the inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) fluticasone propionate and long-acting β2-agonist (LABA) formoterol fumarate (fluticasone/formoterol; Flutiform®) was conducted.

Methods:

This was a 12-month observational study of outpatients with asthma aged ⩾ 12 years in eight European countries. Patients were prescribed fluticasone/formoterol according to the licensed indication, and independently of their subsequent enrolment in the study. They were then treated according to local standard practice. The study objectives were to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of fluticasone/formoterol under real-world conditions.

Results:

The safety population for this study comprised 2539 patients (mean age 47.7 years; 94.3% aged ⩾ 18 years; 63.4% female). Most patients (1538/2539, 60.6%) had switched to fluticasone/formoterol from another ICS/LABA, primarily due to lack of efficacy (1150/2539, 45.3%). Three quarters (77.4%) of patients were treated for 12 months, and 80.6% continued fluticasone/formoterol treatment after the study. Adverse events (AEs) occurred in 60.0% patients, and 10.2% had AEs considered possibly related to fluticasone/formoterol [most commonly asthma exacerbation (2.0% patients), dysphonia (1.8%) and cough (1.1%)]. Thirty-six severe AEs, but no serious AEs, were considered possibly related to fluticasone/formoterol. The proportion of patients with controlled asthma (based on Asthma Control Test score ⩾ 20) increased from 29.4% at baseline to 67.4% at study end (last observation carried forward). The proportion of patients experiencing at least one severe exacerbation decreased from 35.8% in the year prior to enrolment to 9.8% during the study. Improvements from baseline to study end were also observed in Asthma Quality of Life scores and physician/patient reports of satisfaction with treatment.

Conclusion:

In this real-world postauthorization safety study, fluticasone/formoterol demonstrated a safety profile consistent with that seen in controlled clinical trials, with effectiveness in improving asthma control.
Business colleges and their community
Authors: Alnodel Ali Abdullah , Elobaid Dirar Elmahi , Elawady Sally Ibrahim , Alhdaif Sheroog A
Published: September 2018

This research aims to explore the practices of business colleges in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to reveal their engagement with the society and the factors affecting their engagement with the community. The study utilized a content analysis approach in collecting data from the websites of business colleges in 2016. The sample size comprised 142 business colleges from 20 countries in the MENA region. A regression model was established for the relationship between the independent variables (age, type and academic accreditation of business school and income level, population density and Internet user rate in the country of the college) and the dependent variable (behavior of business schools in disclosing their societal role on their websites). The results indicate that situation and economic stability are central factors influencing the level of disclosure about the business schools’ engagement with the community. This gives an impression that university practices of social responsibilities come as a result of economic and social development, not as a result of the needs of the society itself. Accordingly, the study recommends that business schools in less developed societies reemphasize their roles according to their community needs and facilitate technology in the process of fulfilling this responsibility.
The effect of disease modifying therapies on CD62L expression in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Voortman Margarete Maria , Greiner Paul , Moser Daniel , Stradner Martin Helmut , Graninger Winfried , Moser Adrian , Haditsch Bernd , Enzinger Christian , Fuchs Siegrid , Fazekas Franz , Fessler Johannes , Khalil Michael
Published: September 2018

Background

The increasing armamentarium of disease-modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis is accompanied by potentially severe adverse effects. The cell-adhesion molecule CD62L, which facilitates leukocyte extravasation, has been proposed as a predictive marker for treatment tolerability. However, pre-analytical procedures might impact test results, thereby limiting its clinical usability. Whether the immediate analysis of CD62L expression of peripheral blood mononuclear cells can aid treatment decision making is yet unclear.

Objective

To investigate the effect of various disease-modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis on CD62L expression of CD3+CD4+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells in freshly collected blood samples.

Methods

We collected peripheral blood samples from patients with clinically isolated syndrome and multiple sclerosis (baseline/follow up n = 234/ n = 98) and healthy controls ( n = 51). CD62L+CD3+CD4+ expression was analysed within 1 hour by fluorescence-activated cell sorting.

Results

CD62L+CD3+CD4+ expression was significantly decreased in patients treated with natalizumab ( n = 26) and fingolimod ( n = 20) and increased with dimethyl-fumarate ( n = 15) compared to patients receiving interferon/glatiramer acetate ( n = 90/30) or no disease-modifying therapies ( n = 53) and controls ( n = 51) ( p<0.001). CD62L expression showed temporal stability during unchanged disease-modifying therapy usage, but increased after natalizumab withdrawal and decreased upon fingolimod introduction.

Conclusion

CD62L+CD3+CD4+ expression is altered in patients treated with different disease-modifying therapies when measured in freshly collected samples. The clinical meaning of CD62L changes under disease-modifying therapies warrants further investigation.
Evidence-Based School Counseling
Authors: Zyromski Brett , Dimmitt Carey , Mariani Melissa , Griffith Catherine
Published: September 2018

Although school counselors and school counselor educators have an ethical responsibility to use and to teach evidence-based practices (EBPs), recent research has illustrated a lack of EBP in counselor education scholarship. In school counselor education programs, training related to EBP may be absent due to a lack of understanding or instructor training. This article provides a model using three pedagogical approaches for integrating EBP into school counselor education programs. We review the three approaches—stand-alone courses, full program integration, and program–school–community integration—in depth and use a case study to illustrate the application of the three approaches. Implications for school counseling practice and research conclude the article.
Ten Commandments for Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellows
Authors: Chabra Shilpi , Sawyer Taylor
Published: September 2018

The transformation of a general pediatrician into a neonatologist requires rigorous training in a diverse range of core skills during neonatal-perinatal medicine fellowship. This training includes the care of high-risk newborn infants, as well as interdisciplinary communication with care team members and families in the neonatal intensive care unit. In addition, neonatal-perinatal medicine fellows need to acquire competency in key procedurals skills, including neonatal resuscitation techniques, to be able to safely practice neonatology without direct supervision on graduation. Although there is much general advice available to help residents and fellows navigate training, there is little specific advice or guidance for neonatal fellows. In this Perspective, we present 10 commandments for neonatal fellows. The commandments include (1) cherish your patients and their families, (2) know your limits and seek help when needed, (3) understand competency-based medical education, (4) remember the 6 core competencies, (5) review your specialty milestones, (6) have an individualized learning plan, (7) seek out feedback, (8) honor your attendings and nurses, (9) appreciate the importance of teamwork, and (10) do not take thyself in vain. These commandments were developed based on the experience of the authors, working closely with neonatal fellows over several decades. The commandments are present not as unbreakable rules, but rather as words of advice from 2 neonatologists who, having completed their neonatal fellowship, want to help guide others do the same. We believe that this resource will be useful to fellowship programs and neonatal-perinatal fellows.