bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Excursions as corporate agents: A critical realist account of children’s agency
Authors: Larkins Cath
Published: May 2019

Recent theorising of children’s agency has focused on relational approaches. Critical realism can provide additional theoretical reinforcement as it demands a focus on relatively enduring patterns of disadvantage and potential powers. Participatory research with children and young people confirms the relevance of Archer’s conception of influence achieved by Selves, Social Actors, and Primary and Corporate Agents. In moments, children within organised collectivities set agendas and shape some circumstances that affect others. When modified by generation-sensitive insights, Archer’s framework may provide understandings of children’s individual and collective agency. These insights might also strengthen critical realist understandings of children and childhood.
Theoretical and experimental analysis of compressive residual stress field on 6061 aluminum alloy after ultrasonic surface rolling process
Authors: Meng Zhang , Yuanxi Zhang , Yang Zhou
Published: May 2019

Ultrasonic surface rolling process is a mechanical surface treatment used for improving fatigue life by introducing a compressive residual stress field into the surface of metallic components. This paper develops a simplified theoretical analysis model of compressive residual stress field induced by ultrasonic surface rolling process. Explicit dynamic solution in ABAQUS is used for calculating the plastic contact radius ap and velocity V0 of the tool tip. Afterward, compressive residual stress field is predicted by using MATLAB on the basis of this theoretical model. Additionally, ultrasonic surface rolling process experiments are conducted to verify the calculated results of compressive residual stress field. The influence of ultrasonic surface rolling process parameters on compressive residual stress field, such as static force F0, spindle speed n, vibration amplitude B, and ultrasonic frequency f, are examined by using theoretical analysis and experiments. The calculated results of compressive residual stress field are in relatively good agreement with the experimental results. Furthermore, ap essentially determines the distribution of compressive residual stress field. Other parameters indirectly affect the distribution of compressive residual stress field through changing ap. Finally, static force and vibration energy simultaneously applied to the tool tip can significantly affect the distribution of compressive residual stress field compared with only static force.
Mechanical strength of adhesively bonded joints using polymeric additive manufacturing
Authors: Spaggiari A , Denti F
Published: May 2019

This paper investigates the combined use of one of the most widespread additive manufacturing techniques, fused deposition molding, with polymeric materials and structural adhesive. The aim is twofold: first, to enhance the adhesive performance exploiting the capability of the additive manufacturing to tailor the bonding surface of the adherend, and second to overcome one of the main limitations of 3D printing, i.e. the quite small printing volume, by means of adhesive bonding. Bonding multiple parts together without loss of performance could open new possibilities for this technology. The present research analyzes, by using a Design of Experiment technique, a wide set of single lap joints with two adhesives and seven different surface morphologies. The results highlight that the adhesive bonding does not undermine the load carrying capacity of the joints as well as their stiffness, and, in some cases, it causes a slight improvement of the peak force. The morphology of the surface plays only a small role in the performance of the system, since it cannot provide a strong mechanical interlocking of the parts due to peel stresses and because of the predominant effect of stress concentrations at the corners, which cause substrate failure.
The Protective Effects of Supportive Parenting on the Relationship Between Adolescent Poverty and Resting-State Functional Brain Connectivity During Adulthood
Authors: Brody Gene H. , Yu Tianyi , Nusslock Robin , Barton Allen W. , Miller Gregory E. , Chen Edith , Holmes Christopher , McCormick Michael , Sweet Lawrence H.
Published: May 2019

Children growing up in poverty are vulnerable to negative changes in the developing brain; however, these outcomes vary widely. We tested the hypothesis that receipt of supportive parenting would offset the association between living in poverty during adolescence and the connectivity of neural networks that support cognition and emotion regulation during young adulthood. In a sample of African American youths ( N = 119) living in the rural South, poverty status and receipt of supportive parenting were assessed when youths were 11 to 13 and 16 to 18 years old. At age 25, resting-state functional connectivity of the central-executive and emotion-regulation neural networks was assessed using functional MRI. The results revealed that more years spent living in poverty presaged less connectivity in both neural networks among young adults who received low levels of supportive parenting but not among those who received high levels of such parenting.
Theory and application of two-dimension viscous hydraulic design of the ultra-low specific-speed centrifugal pump
Authors: Wang Cong , Zhang Yongxue , Hou Hucan , Yuan Zhiyi
Published: May 2019

Low efficiency and bad cavitation performance restrict the development of the ultra-low specific-speed centrifugal pump (ULSSCP). In this research, combined turbulent boundary layer theory with two-dimension design and two-dimension viscous hydraulic design method has been proposed to redesign a ULSSCP. Through the solution of the displacement thickness in the boundary layer, a less curved blade profile with a larger outlet angle was obtained. Then the hydraulic and cavitation performance of the reference pump and the designed pump were numerically studied. The comparison of performance of the reference pump calculated by the numerical and experimental results revealed a better agreement. Research shows that the average hydraulic efficiency and head of the designed pump improve by 2.9% and 3.3%, respectively. Besides, the designed pump has a better cavitation performance. Finally, through the internal flow analysis with entropy production diagnostic model, a 24.8% drop in head loss occurred in the designed pump.
Brain networks construction using Bayes FDR and average power function
Authors: Quatto Piero , Margaritella Nicolò , Costantini Isa , Baglio Francesca , Garegnani Massimo , Nemni Raffaello , Pugnetti Luigi
Published: May 2019

Brain functional connectivity is a widely investigated topic in neuroscience. In recent years, the study of brain connectivity has been largely aided by graph theory. The link between time series recorded at multiple locations in the brain and the construction of a graph is usually an adjacency matrix. The latter converts a measure of the connectivity between two time series, typically a correlation coefficient, into a binary choice on whether the two brain locations are functionally connected or not. As a result, the choice of a threshold τ over the correlation coefficient is key. In the present work, we propose a multiple testing approach to the choice of τ that uses the Bayes false discovery rate and a new estimator of the statistical power called average power function to balance the two types of statistical error. We show that the proposed average power function estimator behaves well both in case of independence and weak dependence of the tests and it is reliable under several simulated dependence conditions. Moreover, we propose a robust method for the choice of τ using the 5% and 95% percentiles of the average power function and False Discovery Rate bootstrap distributions, respectively, to improve stability. We applied our approach to functional magnetic resonance imaging and high density electroencephalogram data.
Thermal stability of CaCO3/polyethylene (PE) nanocomposites
Authors: Sahebian S , Mosavian MT Hamed
Published: May 2019

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles in polymer matrix cause to improvement in polymer performance, including thermal stability and mechanical properties. The main goal of this article is to investigate the effect of different weight percentage of nanoparticles of CaCO3 on thermal stability and mechanical properties of polyethylene (PE) nanocomposites. The morphological structure of CaCO3 nanoparticles and nanocomposites was investigated by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The thermal stability of PE and its nanocomposites was also determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and thermomechanical analysis. Nonisothermal crystallization experiments by DSC test showed that the incorporation of nanoparticles increased the crystallinity, glass transition temperature, and the effective energy barrier for crystallization process. Besides, degradation behavior was evaluated by TGA. The onset mass loss temperature shifted to higher value in the presence of nanoparticles.
Assessment of Physiochemical Characteristics of Drinking Water Quality in Allahabad Metropolitan City, India
Authors: Rawat Roohi , Siddiqui A. R.
Published: May 2019

Clean and safe drinking water is important for the overall health and wellbeing; therefore, access to safe potable drinking water is one of the basic amenities of humankind, especially in urban areas with high consumption pattern of the large population inhabiting these spaces. Among the various sources of water, groundwater is considered to be the safest source of drinking water. However, due to rapid industrialization and population growth, the groundwater resources are getting polluted with harmful contaminants. These contaminants can be chemical or microbiological and cause various health problems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 80 percent of all diseases in the world are directly or indirectly related to the contamination of water. Water in its natural state is colorless, odorless, and free from pathogens with pH in the range of 6.5–8.5. This water is termed as “potable water.” In the present study, the researchers have made an attempt to assess the physiochemical characteristics of drinking water quality in Allahabad and the effect of these contaminants on the health of the consumers. A comparison of the parameter standards as per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) (ISI, Indian standard specification for drinking water (IS10500). New Delhi: ISI, 1983 ) and the WHO (Guidelines for drinking water quality (Vol. 1). Geneva: WHO, 1984 ) have also been made to understand the national and global benchmarks. With the help of the standards of various parameters given by these organizations, the assessment of water quality of samples from various locations in Allahabad has been done.
Blood Glucose Levels at Two Different Phases of Menstrual Cycle: A Study on a Group of Bengali-speaking Hindu Ethnic Populations of West Bengal, India
Authors: Dey Saheli , Dasgupta Doyel , Roy Subho
Published: May 2019

Aim: We aimed to find out the blood sugar levels at two different phases of menstrual cycle and the factors associated with the change in blood sugar level at these different phases.

Material and methods: A total of 60 Bengali-speaking Hindu participants, who were married, aged between 30 and 45 years, have regular menstruation, and not diagnosed as diabetic, were selected for this study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic, menstrual, reproductive, and lifestyle variables. Height (cm), weight (kg), and blood glucose level (mg/dl) were measured at two intervals of time: (a) during menstrual phase (between the 1st and 4th day) and (b) during luteal phase (between 19th and 22nd day of the cycle) following standard protocol. Bivariate analyses showed that majority of participants have increased blood glucose level at luteal phase as compared to their menstrual phase.

Results: Results reveal that although BMI did not differ significantly between menstrual and luteal phases, there was a positive correlation between changed BMI value and changed blood glucose level measured during menstrual and luteal phases. Multivariate analysis revealed that blood glucose level increased with the increase in BMI level between two phases of menstrual cycle.
Effectiveness of a brief intervention aimed at increasing distress tolerance for individuals in crisis or at risk of self-harm
Authors: Yardley Priscilla , McCall Allira , Savage Alexandra , Newton Richard
Published: May 2019

Objective:

This study evaluated a brief psychological intervention aimed at improving distress tolerance and decreasing future admissions for individuals presenting to a mental health service in the context of crisis or self-harm.

Methods:

Eighty-five participants completed The Crisis Intervention Package at the point of contact with the mental health service. The outcome of the intervention was evaluated through pre- and post-scores on the Distress Tolerance Scale and future hospital admissions.

Results:

Participants showed a significant improvement in Distress Tolerance Scale scores ( P < 0.001) indicating an increase in ability to tolerate distressing emotions. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in hospital admissions 6 months pre-test to 6 months post-test.

Conclusions:

The results demonstrate the potential effectiveness of structured, brief interventions aimed at increasing distress tolerance and self-management skills for individuals presenting to a mental health service in crisis.
The Potential of College Completion: How Disability Shapes Labor Market Activity Differentially by Educational Attainment and Disability Type
Authors: McCauley Erin J.
Published: May 2019

I conducted a descriptive analysis of how disability shapes labor market activity differentially by educational attainment and disability type using the American Community Survey, 2015 ( N = 1,504,947) and linear probability models. Having a disability is associated with a decrease in the probability of labor force participation (proportion of those employed or seeking employment; [Formula: see text]) and employment (proportion of those in the labor market who are employed; [Formula: see text]. When differentiated by disability type, education moderates the relationship between disability and labor force participation for all disability types. However, education only moderates the relationship between disability and employment for those with cognitive-, physical-, and mobility-related disabilities (not sensory or self-care). Having a bachelor’s degree is associated with a 30.68% higher probability of labor force participation and a 26.84% higher probability of employment among those in the labor force than having some college, indicating higher education may be a pivotal intervention point. The relationships between disability and labor force participation and disability and employment vary by disability type, as does the role of education.
Implementing a Provider Partnership to Improve Substance Abuse and Child Welfare Outcomes in Urban High-Needs Parents
Authors: Jose Anita , Wetzler Scott
Published: May 2019

This Practice Note describes the implementation of a partnership between child welfare and substance use providers in New York City, with the aim of supporting cross-systems collaboration and improving outcomes for dually involved families. Specifically, this report focuses on improving both coordination and communication between a preventive child welfare service provider (Montefiore Family Treatment & Rehabilitation Program), an outpatient substance abuse treatment provider (Montefiore Division of Substance Abuse), and the local department of social services (New York City Administration for Children’s Services). This article identifies general challenges with collaboration, describes how this collaboration was created and implemented in New York City, and provides guidance for other entities that are attempting to create similar collaborations.
Proportion of US Hospitalized Medically Ill Patients Who May Qualify for Extended Thromboprophylaxis
Authors: Miao Benjamin , Chalupadi Bhavana , Clark Brendan , Descoteaux Alexis , Huang Daniel , Ilham Sabrina , Ly Brian , Spyropoulos Alex C. , Coleman Craig I.
Published: May 2019

Extended thromboprophylaxis with oral anticoagulation can reduce the risk of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) in high-risk patients. We sought to estimate the proportion of medically ill patients in the United States who might qualify for extended thromboprophylaxis according to the criteria used in the Medically-Ill Patient Assessment of Rivaroxaban versus Placebo in Reducing Post-Discharge Venous ThromboEmbolism Risk (MARINER) trial. We analyzed 2014 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) data that provide a 20% weighted annual sample of all discharges from US acute-care hospitals. Hospitalizations for acute medically ill patients were identified as those with a primary discharge diagnosis code for heart or respiratory failure, ischemic stroke, infection, or inflammatory diseases. Patients were excluded if they were <40 years old, admitted for surgery or trauma, had a length of stay <3- or >35-days, or were contraindicated to nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants. The modified International Medical Prevention Registry on Venous Thromboembolism (IMPROVE)-VTE score was used to stratify patients’ risk for postdischarge VTE, with a score of 2 to 3 suggesting patients were at moderate- and ≥4 as high-risk. Of the 35 358 810 hospitalizations in the 2014 NIS, 1 849 535 were medically ill patients admitted for heart failure (10.1%), respiratory failure (12.2%), ischemic stroke (8.8%), infection (58.5%), or inflammatory diseases (10.4%). The modified IMPROVE-VTE score classified 1 186 475 (64.1%) of these hospitalizations as occurring in moderate-risk and 407 095 (22.0%) in high-risk patients. This real-world study suggests a substantial proportion of acute medically ill patients might benefit from extended thromboprophylaxis using the modified IMPROVE-VTE score and clinical elements of the MARINER trial.
Effects of dexmedetomidine on glucose homeostasis in healthy cats
Authors: Bouillon Juliette , Duke Tanya , Focken Alexandra P , Snead Elisabeth C , Cosford Kevin L
Published: May 2019

Objectives

Alpha(α)2-agonist administration has been documented to increase blood glucose concentrations in many species. The aim of this study was to further describe the effect of dexmedetomidine on glucose and its regulatory hormones in healthy cats.

Methods

A randomized crossover study using eight healthy cats with a 14 day washout period was used to assess the effect of dexmedetomidine (10 μg/kg IV) and saline on glucose, cortisol, insulin, glucagon and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations at 0, 20, 60, 120 and 180 mins post-administration. Glucose:insulin ratios were calculated for each time point.

Results

Within the dexmedetomidine group, significant differences ( P <0.05) were detected: increased median (range) blood glucose concentrations at 60 mins (11.55 mmol/l [5.9–16.6 mmol/l]) and 120 mins (12.0 mmol/l [6.1–13.8 mmol/l]) compared with baseline (6.05 mmol/l [4.8–13.3 mmol/l]); decreased glucagon concentrations at 120 mins (3.8 pmol/l [2.7–8.8 pmol/l]) and 180 mins (4.7 pmol/l [2.1–8.2 pmol/l]) compared with baseline (11.85 pmol/l [8.3–17.2 pmol/l]); decreased NEFA concentrations at 60 mins (0.281 mmol/l [0.041–1.357 mmol/l]) and 120 mins (0.415 mmol/l [0.035–1.356 mmol/l]) compared with baseline (0.937 mmol/l [0.677–1.482 mmol/l]); and significantly larger ( P <0.05) glucose:insulin ratios at 60 mins compared with baseline. Insulin and cortisol concentrations were not significantly changed after dexmedetomidine administration.

Conclusions and relevance

Feline practitioners should be aware of the endocrine effects associated with the use of α2-agonists, particularly when interpreting blood glucose concentrations. The transient effects of dexmedetomidine on glucose homeostasis are unlikely to significantly affect clinical practice.
Associations Among Attention Problems, Learning Strategies, and Hazardous Drinking Behavior in a College Student Sample: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bolden Jennifer
Published: May 2019

Despite research linking substance use/abuse to pejorative academic outcomes, the underlying behavior and cognitive mechanisms responsible for this association are largely unknown. This study addresses a specific call for understanding learning strategies and skills associated with substance alcohol use/abuse. Four hundred fifty undergraduates (59.6% female) completed measures of hazardous drinking behavior and student learning strategies. Approximately 35.3% of the sample reported hazardous drinking scores in the clinical range. Bivariate correlations and a regression framework were utilized to understand the associations among hazardous drinking behavior, academic skills/strategies, and student liabilities. In the present study, hazardous drinking behavior was associated with 4 learning strategies: note-taking/listening skills, test-taking strategies, organizational techniques, and time management. Moreover, hazardous drinking behavior was associated with 2 student liabilities: low academic motivation and concentration/attention difficulties. Results from follow-up analyses suggest that only organizational techniques and concentration/attention difficulties predicted hazardous drinking behavior. Promising areas for future research and potential intervention targets are discussed.
Pro-Apoptotic Effects of Estetrol on Long-Term Estrogen-Deprived Breast Cancer Cells and at Low Doses on Hormone-Sensitive Cells
Authors: Yue Wei , Verhoeven Carole , Bernnink Herjan Coelingh , Wang Ji-ping , Santen Richard J
Published: May 2019

Purpose:

Postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers often respond initially to tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitor therapy. Resistance to these treatments usually develops within 12 to 18 months. Clinical studies have demonstrated that high-dose estrogen can induce regression of these endocrine-resistant tumors. However, side-effects of high-dose estradiol (E2) or diethylstilbestrol (DES) limit their usage. Estetrol (E4) is the most abundant estrogen during pregnancy and has a long half-life and a low potential for side-effects. Estetrol might then provide benefits similar to DES on tumor regression but with lesser toxicity.

Methods:

In this study, we systematically evaluated the effects of E4 on cell proliferation and apoptosis in wild-type MCF-7 and long-term estrogen-deprived (LTED) MCF-7 cells and compared its effects with E2 and estriol (E3).

Results:

Estetrol induced apoptosis in LTED cells but stimulated growth of MCF-7 cells at concentrations from 10−11 to 10−8 M. These effects of E4 are similar to those of E2 but require much higher doses. Differing from E2, E4 at 10−12 M induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells and another pregnancy estrogen, E3, acted similarly. No antagonistic effect of E4 or E3 against E2 occurred when they were combined.

Conclusions:

The pro-apoptotic effects of E4 and E3 on LTED cells and at low doses on MCF-7 cells indicate that these steroids could be used as therapeutic agents for endocrine-resistant or sensitive breast cancer.
Findings from the first phase of developing a receptive vocabulary test for the Irish language
Authors: O’Toole Ciara , Ní Shíthigh Darina , Molamphy Aisling , Walsh Eibhlin
Published: May 2019

Aims and objectives:

The aim of this study was to develop and pilot a test of receptive vocabulary for bilingual Irish-English-speaking children, based on a model from Welsh.

Design/Methodology/Approach:

310 typically developing children aged five, six and seven years took part. The children were all attending Irish-medium education in Irish-dominant Gaeltacht regions and in immersion education schools outside of these regions.

Data and Analysis:

Participants were identified as being from either bilingual Irish- and English-speaking homes or English-dominant homes. A mixed-factorial analysis of variance found a significant main effect of age and language background, but no interaction. Post hoc comparisons revealed that those from Bilingual-speaking homes had significantly higher Irish receptive vocabulary scores than those from English-dominant homes. Linear regression models showed that the receptive vocabulary scores of children in immersion schools grew by an average of 21 words per year between the ages of five and seven, compared to almost 12 words per year in Gaeltacht schools.

Findings/Conclusions:

The findings demonstrate the advantages of immersion education and the need for vocabulary enrichment of children in the Gaeltacht. However, the complexities of developing assessments for first language speakers of a minority language that is in conflict with a second language variety of that language and the majority English language are also highlighted.

Significance/Implications:

The implications of this study are that immersion schooling is advantageous to the Irish vocabulary of children, but that children from Gaeltacht schools may require vocabulary enrichment that is sufficiently complex to address their needs.

Limitations:

Limitations to this study include the uneven number of children from each language background/school location and incomplete background details from the children, such as socio-economic status and language use amongst peers.
Behavior of steel–concrete composite bolted connector in precast reinforced concrete shear wall
Authors: Jiang Hongbo , Qiu Hongxing , Sun Jian , Yang Yuan
Published: May 2019

An assembling method of precast shear walls was previously proposed using steel–concrete composite bolted connectors. To further investigate the effectiveness and mechanical behavior of the proposed composite connector, 11 specimens were fabricated and tested under monotonic tensile loading. The test results provided comprehensive data (e.g. load, deformation, failure mode) on the effects of variation in the thickness of steel cap plate, concrete strength, bolt tension, and bolt diameter. Two typical failure modes were observed in the test: bearing failure and bolt shear failure. Finally, the equations for calculating the ultimate strength and yield strength of steel–concrete composite bolted connector are proposed in this article by reference to those of conventional bolted connection. The proposed calculations are demonstrated to be accurate enough through verification with the experimental data.
Optimum parameters of a five-story building supported by lead-rubber bearings under near-fault ground motions
Authors: Rong Qiang
Published: May 2019

Seismic response of five-story frame structure supported by lead-rubber bearings isolation system is investigated subjected to near-fault ground motions. The main structure is modeled as a simple linear multi-degrees-of-freedom vibration system with lumped masses, excited by near-fault ground motions in the horizontal direction. The variation curves of peak top floor acceleration and peak bearing displacement of isolated building are plotted under different yield shear coefficient. The objective function selected for optimality is to maximize the seismic energy dissipated by the lead-rubber bearings. The main constraint conditions selected for optimality are the minimization of both peak bearing displacement and peak top floor acceleration. Optimum parameters of lead-rubber bearing isolation system are investigated and found that optimum yield shear coefficient of lead-rubber bearings is found to be in the range of 0.10–0.14 under near-fault ground motions. Optimum yield shear coefficient decreases with the increase of second isolation period. Optimum yield shear coefficient of lead-rubber bearings with higher yield displacement is larger than that of lead-rubber bearings with low yield displacement. Optimum ratio of pre-yield stiffness to post-yield stiffness of lead-rubber bearings is found to be in the range of 16–35. Optimum stiffness ratio increases proportionally with the decrease of yield displacement. Optimum stiffness ratio increases slightly with the increase of yield shear coefficient. Excluding the effect of pre-yield stiffness, the optimum second isolation period is recommended to be in the range of 4–6 s.
News agency output and the framing of television news crisis output: 9/11 as a case study
Authors: Horrie Chris
Published: May 2019

This essay is based on the analysis of an extensive and previously unpublished compilation of news wire updates from agencies such as Extel, Press Association and Associated Press received in the BBC newsroom in the run up to the attack and through the first 2 hours of output. The work is comprehensive and is intended as a research resource to enrich the historical record and support further analytical study of news values, especially in connection with major emergencies and unscheduled news events such as terrorist incidents. The significance is that the updates are drawn from all the major news agencies which enable a comparative analysis of their performances. The essay includes a review of frame theory and tests the validity of existing work on frame theory in discussing the stages of news ‘processing’ of crisis and disaster.
Modify the Redefined: Strategic Human Resource Development Maturity at a Crossroads
Authors: Mitsakis Fotios
Published: May 2019

This integrative literature review reports on strategic human resource development (SHRD) models that examine the strategic embeddedness of HRD (SHRD maturity) in organizations. A review and critique of all existing SHRD models is provided, exemplifying their limitations and building upon their strengths to inform a modified SHRD framework. The latter suggests an enhanced set of strategic components to assess SHRD maturity. This article further outlines how SHRD aspirations can be practiced within complex, dynamic, and continually changing business and economic environments. The SHRD literature is advanced by new insights on how HRD scholars and practitioners could assess and enhance the maturity of their HRD interventions in the context of constantly changing (dynamic) environments. The modified SHRD framework further contributes to the academic literature with its enhanced set of strategic characteristics, as well as with its SHRD pointers, all of which can offer a better evaluation of SHRD maturity during periods of business and economic complexity and uncertainty.
Near infrared oximetry-guided artery–vein classification in optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Son Taeyoon , Alam Minhaj , Kim Tae-Hoon , Liu Changgeng , Toslak Devrim , Yao Xincheng
Published: May 2019

Differential artery–vein analysis is valuable for early detection of diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases. As a new optical coherence tomography imaging modality, optical coherence tomography angiography provides capillary level resolution for accurate examination of retinal vasculatures. However, differential artery–vein analysis in optical coherence tomography angiography particularly for macular region in which blood vessels are small is challenging. In coordination with an automatic vessel tracking algorithm, we report here the feasibility of using near infrared optical coherence tomography oximetry to guide artery–vein classification in optical coherence tomography angiography of macular region.

Impact statement

It is known that arteries and veins can be affected by retinal diseases differently. Therefore, quantitative artery–vein analysis holds the promise for better disease detection and treatment evaluation. However, clinical optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) instruments lack the function of differential artery–vein analysis. Here, we report the feasibility of near infrared OCT oximetry-guided artery–vein classification in OCTA. Because the OCT and OCTA are naturally captured from the same instrument simultaneously, the presented method is feasible for practical deployment of differential artery–vein analysis in OCTA.
Leading as “the Other”
Authors: Thomas Kecia M.
Published: May 2019

People of color and women remain woefully underrepresented in top leadership positions across industries. Yet the doors to power and authority in organizations are slowly opening in large part due to the more aggressive promotion of the “value-added” nature of diversity to organizational effectiveness. Inclusive organizations benefit from the diversity of perspectives and backgrounds that women and people of color offer to organizational decision making, innovation, and growth. However, not much is understood about their unique experiences. This commentary focuses on the Outsider Within experiences of underrepresented leaders, workers who find themselves as both the “Other” and as a leader in their workplace.
Top Management Team Diversity, Equality, and Innovation: A Multilevel Investigation of the Health Care Industry
Authors: Bass A. Erin
Published: May 2019

The role of women on top management teams (TMTs) is an increasingly important topic for both academics and practitioners. Despite increased attention to gender diversity on TMTs, there remains limited understanding of how gender diversity influences important outcomes of the firm, such as innovation. To this end, I investigate the relationships between two dimensions of TMT diversity—TMT gender diversity and TMT compensation equality—and firm innovation, and consider how TMT size influences these relationships. Using a unique, multilevel, longitudinal sample of publicly traded firms in the U.S. health care industry, I find TMT size to be a key driver in the TMT diversity and firm innovation relationship.
Using the entropy weighting scheme in military decision making
Authors: Fox William P , Spence Gregory , Kitchen Reed , Powell Steven
Published: May 2019

This article compares the entropy weight scheme to other subjective weighting schemes using various multi-attribute decision making criteria. We apply the entropy weighting scheme to improve the CARVER center of gravity analysis and targeting analysis that are currently used by Special Operations Forces. We also compare the entropy weighing schemes to other weighting schemes using the ranking of terrorist for targeting. Next, we apply several multi-attribute decision making (MADM) methods using our suggested various weighting schemes to obtain the rankings of the alternatives. We compare the results and provide sensitivity analysis to examine the robustness of each MADM analysis. We conclude that any decision methodology for CARVER and terrorist ranking that used the actual data collected to compute the weights might be a better method than subjective weights.
Branched polyethylene glycol/polypropylene micro-nanofiber nonwovens for fast liquid planar transmission
Authors: Zhang Heng , Zhen Qi , Liu Yong , Liu Rangtong , Zhang Yifeng
Published: May 2019

The speed of liquid planar transmission plays a key role in engineering applications, including baby wipes, wound dressings, and liquid filtration. This article reported a novel branched nonwoven consisting of melt-blown polyethylene glycol/polypropylene micro- and nanofibers. The formation mechanism of branched structures as well as the liquid planar transmission properties of the prepared polyethylene glycol/polypropylene micro-nanofibrous nonwovens was discussed in detail. The results showed that the diameter of melt-blown fibers could be controlled by changing the percentage of polyethylene glycol (0–15 wt%) and die temperature (230°C–250°C). Furthermore, micro- and nanofibers, which had three types of size: >2 μm, 800 nm–2 μm, and <800 nm, formed a three-level branched network, which greatly improved the liquid planar transmission capacity. This work suggested that the branched micro/nanofiber nonwovens could be employed in a wide range of potential engineering applications.
Thrombectomy for M2 occlusions and the role of the dominant branch
Authors: de Castro Afonso Luís Henrique , Borghini Pazuello Guilherme , Seizem Nakiri Guilherme , Monsignore Lucas Moretti , Antunes Dias Francisco , Pontes-Neto Octávio Marques , Giansante Abud Daniel
Published: May 2019

Introduction

The benefits of thrombectomy for occlusion of M2 segments remain controversial. The aim of this study is to assess thrombectomy’s efficacy and safety in patients with M2 segment occlusion and associations between occlusion sites and anatomic variations of M1 division.

Materials and methods

A prospective series of 30 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) resulting from M2 segment occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) who underwent thrombectomy was analyzed. The primary endpoint was assessed by the Extended Treatment in Cerebral Infarction scale (eTICI). The secondary endpoints were the incidence of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (sICH), mortality and good functional outcome at three months.

Results

The mean patient age was 69.2 years. The mean National Institutes Health Stroke Scale score (NIHSS) upon hospital admission was 16. The recanalization rates were eTICI 2b/3 in 90% and 2c/3 in 60% of the patients. Total recanalization of the M2 branch was achieved in 53% of patients. sICH incidence was 6.6%, the mortality rate was 30%, and a good functional outcome (mRS ≤2) was observed in 50% of the patients. Twenty-seven patients (90%) had a dominant M2 branch and all were occluded. Regarding the site of M2 occlusions, 74% of patients had proximal M2 occlusions.

Conclusions

Thrombectomy appears to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of acute M2 segment occlusions of the MCA. Most of the cases had a dominant M2 branch, and all of them were occluded. Larger studies are needed to verify the benefits of thrombectomy for different settings of M2 occlusions.
Cortical thickness, white matter hyperintensities, and cognition after stroke
Authors: Dickie David Alexander , Gardner Kirstyn , Wagener Annika , Wyss Annick , Arba Francesco , Wardlaw Joanna M , Dawson Jesse ,   on behalf of the VISTA-Prevention Collaborators**
Published: May 2019

Background

A thinner cerebral cortex is associated with higher white matter hyperintensity burden and cognitive impairment in community-dwelling and dementia cohorts. It is important to assess these associations in people with ischemic stroke because their cerebrovascular disease profiles are different to these cohorts.

Aims

We aimed to determine whether cortical thickness was related to white matter hyperintensity burden and cognition after ischemic stroke.

Methods

We measured cortical thickness using advanced normalization tools' “KellyKapowski” function in 244 patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack from the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive. We measured white matter hyperintensity burden via quantitative volumes and Fazekas score. We extracted data on vascular risk factors at baseline and Mini Mental State Examination scores at one year. We assessed associations between imaging and clinical data using correlation and multiple linear regression.

Results

Pairwise correlation showed that higher white matter hyperintensity Fazekas score was associated with a thinner cortex (rho = −0.284, P < 0.0001). White matter hyperintensities were generally distributed adjacent to and above the lateral ventricles. Voxel-wise analyses showed statistically significant negative associations between cortical thickness and white matter hyperintensities across fronto-temporal and inferior parietal cortical regions. Mean cortical thickness was positively related to Mini Mental State Examination in pair-wise correlation (r = 0.167, P = 0.0088) but there was no independent association after adjustment for age and white matter hyperintensities (beta = 0.016, P = 0.7874).

Conclusions

Cortical thickness was not an independent predictor of cognition after ischemic stroke. Further work is required to understand how white matter hyperintensities are associated with a thinner cortex in temporal regions but less so in more superior regions where white matter hyperintensities are generally found in people with stroke.
Reflections on delirium – A patient’s perspective
Authors: Garrett Roger M
Published: May 2019

Delirium, and its importance, is briefly discussed to contextualise the intricate story of one patient’s experience of the condition. This recounting of the main episodes of delirium shows how its nature and severity changed with time and location, from ICU to the surgical ward. Reflection on these experiences provides insights and conclusions for consideration by the medical profession. Discussion of the nature of delirium, and the sort of interventions that helped, or might be provided, for recovery from, or reduction of, the condition are considered. Thought is given to what might be done to aid recovery and reduce severity. Some suggestions are made as to what education might be provided and the research required to better detect the condition and understand its nature and prevention.
How Do Ideal Friend Preferences and Interaction Context Affect Friendship Formation? Evidence for a Domain- General Relationship Initiation Process
Authors: Huang Sabrina A. , Ledgerwood Alison , Eastwick Paul W.
Published: May 2019

This research examined how people’s ideal friend preferences influence the friendship formation process. In an extension of prior research on romantic relationship initiation, we tested whether the match between participants’ ideals and a partner’s traits affected participants’ interest in forming a new friendship in three contexts: evaluating a potential friend’s profile, meeting in-person, and chatting online. Results revealed that participants were more interested in becoming friends with a partner whose traits matched (vs. mismatched) their ideal friend preferences when evaluating his or her profile. After a live interaction, however, the effect of the ideal-perceived trait match manipulation on participants’ friendship interest was substantially reduced in both in-person and online chatting contexts. People’s ideal friend preferences may influence their friendship interest more strongly in descriptive (i.e., indirect) than interactive (i.e., direct) contexts, a finding that mirrors prior results from the romantic domain and documents a role for domain-general relationship initiation processes.
Probabilistic assessment of airblast variability and fatality risk estimation for explosive blasts in confined building spaces
Authors: Alterman Dariusz , Stewart Mark G , Netherton Michael D
Published: May 2019

Explosive blasts in confined building spaces, such as lobbies or foyers, can amplify blast loads. This article uses the computational fluid dynamics model ProsAir to estimate blast loads in a typical ground floor lobby of a commercial or government building. Monte-Carlo simulation is used to probabilistically model the effect that variability and uncertainty of charge mass and location, net equivalent quantity factor, temperature, atmospheric pressure and model errors have on airblast variability. The analysis then calculates the probability of casualties due to the effects of pressure and impulse, where human vulnerability due to the effects of pressure and impulse is a function of lung rupture, whole-body displacement or skull fracture (or the combination of the three). The terrorist threats considered are improvised explosive devices ranging in mass from 5 kg (backpack bomb) to 23 kg (suitcase bomb) detonated in various locations inside the building. As expected, blast pressure and fatality risks are dependent on the type of facade glazing (e.g. vulnerable glazing allows venting of the blast), improvised explosive device size and location. It was found that the mean fatality risk for a 23 kg terrorist improvised explosive device is 8.6%, but there is a 5% chance that fatality risks can exceed 20%. It was also found that a probabilistic analysis yielded lower mean fatality risks than a deterministic analysis. The effect of venting was also significant. Mean fatality risks increased by up to 10-fold if there was no venting (i.e. a bunker-like structure without windows), but reduced by about 30% for a fully vented structure (i.e. no windows). This probabilistic analysis allows decision-makers to be more aware of terrorism risks to building occupants, and how improved building design and security measures may ameliorate these risks.
The impact of experience and perceptions of social mobility on the life satisfaction of young people in Taiwan and Hong Kong
Authors: Hsiao Hsin-Huang Michael , Wong Kevin , Wan Po-san , Zheng Victor
Published: May 2019

This article, which is based on a comparative telephone survey conducted in 2016, examines the relationship between social mobility experience and the life satisfaction of people aged 18 to 35 in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Using both objective and subjective measures of social mobility, we found that young people’s perceptions of their own social mobility and that of the entire youth population correlated positively with life satisfaction. However, the objective upward experiences of intragenerational and intergenerational mobility did not have a significant effect on life satisfaction. In addition, the objective upward experiences of individuals were found to be uncorrelated with the perceptions of their own social mobility and that of the entire youth population. These findings suggest that young people will not become more satisfied even if they themselves have actually experienced upward mobility, because their positive perception of social mobility depends on whether they can move upward to their desired status. It is the expected social mobility and the competence to achieve rather than the actual past mobility experience that could affect the life satisfaction of the young generation in Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Geographic and Race/Ethnicity Differences in Patient Perceptions of Diabetes
Authors: Ledford Christy J. W. , Seehusen Dean A. , Crawford Paul F.
Published: May 2019

Objectives: The present study takes a culture-centered approach to better understand how the experiences of culture affect patient’s perception of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study explores personal models of T2DM and compares personal models across regional and race/ethnicity differences. Methods: In a practice-based research network, a cross-sectional survey was distributed to patients diagnosed with T2DM at medical centers in Nevada and Georgia. In analyses of covariance, controlling for age, health literacy, and patient activation, geographic location, and race/ethnicity were tested onto 5 dimensions of illness representation. Results: Among 685 patients, race/ethnicity was significantly associated with lower reported understanding diabetes ( P < .01) and less perceived longevity of diabetes ( P < .001). Geographic location was significantly associated with seriousness of the disease ( P < .005) and impact of diabetes ( P < .001). Conclusion: Non-Hispanic White Americans report greater understanding and perceive a longer disease course than non-Hispanic Black Americans and Asian Americans. Regionally, patients in Nevada perceive T2DM as more serious and having more impact on their lives than patients living in Georgia. Primary care physicians should elicit patient perceptions of diabetes within the context of the patient’s ethnic and geographic culture group to improve discussions about diabetes self-management. Specifically, primary care physicians should address the seriousness of a diabetes diagnosis and the chronic nature of the disease with patients who belong to communities with a higher prevalence of the disease.
A Severe Form of Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome Presenting With Significant Airway Obstruction in an Infant
Authors: Dodge-Khatami Jannika , Simpson Scott A. , Dodge-Khatami Ali
Published: May 2019

We describe a severe form of arterial tortuosity syndrome in a newborn, in which the tortuous course of the aorta masqueraded as a pulmonary artery sling on fetal echocardiogram. The newborn presented with respiratory distress after birth. The clinical course was complicated by extrinsic airway obstruction requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Timely diagnostic work-up in patients with arterial tortuosity syndrome is necessary to plan eventual intervention, and hopefully to prevent complications related to the abnormal vasculature.