bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A composite neurobehavioral test to evaluate acute functional deficits after cerebellar haemorrhage in rats
Authors: McBride Devin W , Nowrangi Derek , Kaur Harpreet , Wu Guangyong , Huang Lei , Lekic Tim , Tang Jiping , Zhang John H
Published: March 2017

Cerebellar haemorrhage accounts for 5–10% of all intracerebral haemorrhages and leads to severe, long-lasting functional deficits. Currently, there is limited research on this stroke subtype, which may be due to the lack of a suitable composite neuroscoring system specific for cerebellar injury in rodents. The purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive composite neuroscore test for cerebellar injury using a rat model of cerebellar haemorrhage. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to either sham surgery or cerebellar haemorrhage. Twenty-four hours post-injury, neurological behaviour was evaluated using 17 cost-effective and easy-to-perform tests, and a composite neuroscore was developed. The composite neuroscore was then used to assess functional recovery over seven days after cerebellar haemorrhage. Differences in the composite neuroscore deficits for the mild and moderate cerebellar haemorrhage models were observed for up to five days post-ictus. Until now, a composite neuroscore for cerebellar injury was not available for rodent studies. Herein, using mild and moderate cerebellar haemorrhage rat models a composite neuroscore for cerebellar injury was developed and used to assess functional deficits after cerebellar haemorrhage. This composite neuroscore may also be useful for other cerebellar injury models.
Music performance anxiety in ensemble rehearsals and concerts: A comparison of music and non-music major undergraduate musicians
Authors: Robson Kim E. , Kenny Dianna T.
Published: March 2017

This study assessed music performance anxiety (MPA) in ensemble rehearsals and concerts in 278 undergraduate non-music and music majors drawn from 10 Mid-Atlantic institutions in the US to examine the prevalence and experience of MPA in non-music major undergraduates and to determine whether MPA severity differed between non-music majors and music majors. Results for undergraduate non-music majors using the Kenny Music Performance Anxiety Inventory Revised (K-MPAI-r, Kenny, 2009) revealed cognitive, somatic, affective, and behavioral symptoms. Depression, being an instrumentalist, female, and having had a music performance breakdown made significant contributions to K-MPAI-r scores; depression made the strongest unique contribution to prediction of severity of MPA. Greater self-efficacy was correlated with lower MPA for both rehearsals and concert performances. Overall, MPA and depression indicator scores for the sample were higher than other groups that have been previously evaluated with the K-MPAI-r and the same depression screen. Although ensemble rehearsals were confirmed to be less anxiety provoking than performing solo and in ensemble concerts, students reported considerable MPA during both ensemble rehearsing and ensemble performing. The relatively high rates of MPA and indications of depression in the whole sample should merit concern for music educators.
Self-determination theory applied to flow in conservatoire music practice: The roles of perceived autonomy and competence, and autonomous and controlled motivation
Authors: Valenzuela Rafael , Codina Nuria , Pestana José Vicente
Published: March 2017

Self-determination theory (SDT) postulates that environments providing psychological needs satisfaction (PNS) promote quality motivation, thus enhancing engagement and performance in diverse performance domains. SDT and PNS were used to investigate student experience of conservatoire instrument practice. Participants ( N = 162) completed standardized self-report questionnaires. Associations between study variables were described and hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to assess the predictive effects of autonomy and competence needs satisfaction and autonomous and controlled motivation on inter-subject flow variations. A considerable part of flow variations was accounted for by study variables. Results showed that conservatoire students, especially those studying instrument performance ( n = 109), reported high levels of flow, perceived competence and autonomy, and intrinsic motivation. Autonomous motivation had a direct effect on flow variations, whereas controlled motivation had an inverse effect. Perceived competence was the strongest predictor of flow variations and it was also associated with external regulation (especially among students studying instrument performance), thus indicating that intrinsic and extrinsic motives both play important roles in conservatoire instrument practice. Conservatoire instrument teachers need to acknowledge that perceived competence is critical to flow in instrument practice, in order to provide their students with optimal challenges that avoid frustration and amotivation.
Autologous Cartilage Chip Transplantation Improves Repair Tissue Composition Compared With Marrow Stimulation
Authors: Christensen Bjørn Borsøe , Olesen Morten Lykke , Lind Martin , Foldager Casper Bindzus
Published: March 2017

Background:

Repair of chondral injuries by use of cartilage chips has recently demonstrated clinical feasibility.

Purpose:

To investigate in vivo cartilage repair outcome of autologous cartilage chips compared with marrow stimulation in full-thickness cartilage defects in a minipig model.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Six Göttingen minipigs received two 6-mm chondral defects in the medial and lateral trochlea of each knee. The two treatment groups were (1) autologous cartilage chips embedded in fibrin glue (ACC) (n = 12) and (2) marrow stimulation (MST) (n = 12). The animals were euthanized after 6 months, and the composition of repair tissue was quantitatively determined using histomorphometry. Semiquantitative evaluation was performed by means of the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) II score. Collagen type II staining was used to further evaluate the repair tissue composition.

Results:

Significantly more hyaline cartilage was found in the ACC (17.1%) compared with MST (2.9%) group ( P < .01). Furthermore, the ACC group had significantly less fibrous tissue (23.8%) compared with the MST group (41.1%) ( P < .01). No significant difference in fibrocartilage content was found (54.7% for ACC vs 50.8% for MST). The ACC group had significantly higher ICRS II scores for tissue morphological characteristics, matrix staining, cell morphological characteristics, surface assessment, mid/deep assessment, and overall assessment ( P < .05). The ACC-treated defects had significantly more collagen type II staining (54.5%) compared with the MST-treated defects (28.1%) ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

ACC transplant resulted in improved quality of cartilage repair tissue compared with MST at 6 months postoperatively.

Clinical Relevance:

Further studies are needed to investigate ACC as a possible alternative first-line treatment for focal cartilage injuries in the knee.
Effects of Chronotypes on Students’ Choice, Participation, and Performance in Online Learning
Authors: Luo Yi , Pan Rui , Choi Jea H. , Strobel Johannes
Published: March 2017

Introducing a new theoretical framework of chronotypes (inner biological clock), this article presents a study examining students’ choices, participation, and performance in two discussion-heavy online history courses. The study comprised two major parts: a repetition study and an exploratory study. The survey adopted in the repetition study mainly contained questions asking about participants’ preferred time of conducting online learning (a multiple-choice question), why participants choose online learning (7-point Likert scale questions), and questions to identify their chronotypes from the Munich ChronoType Questionnaire. The repetition study confirms the statistically significant relationship among the three factors for choosing online learning: students’ perceived level of control, independence, and satisfaction. A significant correlation is also identified between students’ chronotypes and their preferred online learning time. The second part of the research explored the level of participation and performance of students having different chronotypes. The students’ participation data collected were the timestamps recording each participant’s hits on the Blackboard Learn courses. The performance data were students’ final course grades, discussion board grades, and group wiki grades. The results indicate there is a statistically significant relationship between students’ chronotypes and the time of their activity in online courses. The overall level of participation affects students’ performance in online learning—students who are more active in the learning management system are likely to have higher final course grades. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed.
Bonding to Er-YAG-laser-treated Dentin
Authors: Ceballos L. , Toledano M. , Osorio R. , Tay F.R. , Marshall G.W.
Published: March 2017

Er-YAG laser irradiation has been claimed to improve the adhesive properties of dentin. We tested the hypothesis that dentin adhesion is affected by Er-YAG laser conditioning. Superficial or deep dentin from human molars was: (a) acid-etched with 35% H3PO4; (b) irradiated with an Er-YAG laser (KaVo) at 2 Hz and 180 mJ, with water-cooling; and (c) laser- and acid-etched. Single Bond (3M ESPE) and Z100 composite (3M ESPE) were bonded to the prepared surfaces. After storage, specimens were tested in shear to failure. Bonded interfaces were demineralized in EDTA and processed for transmission electron microscopy. Two-way ANOVA revealed that conditioning treatment and interaction between treatment and dentin depth significantly influenced shear bond strength results. Acid-etching alone yielded shear bond strength values that were significantly higher than those achieved with laser ablation alone, or in combination with acid-etching. The Er-YAG laser created a laser-modified layer that adversely affects adhesion to dentin, so it does not constitute an alternative bonding strategy to conventional acid etching.
The Influence of Various Attachment Types in Mandibular Implant-retained Overdentures on Maximum Bite Force and EMG
Authors: van Kampen F.M.C. , van der Bilt A. , Cune M.S. , Bosman F.
Published: March 2017

The type of attachment that is used in oral rehabilitation by means of implant-retained mandibular overdentures may influence the retention and the stability of the denture. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that a better retention and stability of the denture improve the oral function. Eighteen edentulous subjects received 2 permucosal implants, a new denture, and, successively, 3 suprastructure modalities. Maximum bite force and electrical activity of the masseter and temporalis muscles were measured. The maximum bite force nearly doubled after treatment for each of the 3 attachments. However, the average bite force after treatment was still only two-thirds of the value obtained for dentate subjects. No large differences in maximum bite force and muscle activity were found among the 3 attachment types. Temporalis activity was significantly lower than masseter activity when subjects clenched without implant support. There was no difference in activity when subjects clenched with implant support.
Processing and Properties of Strong and Non-rigid Calcium Phosphate Cement
Authors: Xu H.H.K. , Quinn J.B. , Takagi S. , Chow L.C.
Published: March 2017

A calcium phosphate cement (CPC) sets to form hydroxyapatite and has been used in dental and craniofacial applications. However, when CPC was used in periodontal repair, tooth mobility resulted in the fracture and exfoliation of the brittle implants. The aim of this study was to develop CPC-chitosan lactate composites with higher strength and increased strain before failure. It was hypothesized that the incorporation of chitosan lactate would render CPC non-rigid with improved properties. Two-way ANOVA showed significant effects of chitosan lactate and powder:liquid ratio (p < 0.001) on flexural strength, strain-at-peak-load, work-of-fracture, and elastic modulus. At powder:liquid = 2, the strength (mean ± SD; n = 6) at 20% chitosan lactate was 15.7 ± 1.3 MPa, higher than 4.9 ± 1.4 MPa of CPC without chitosan lactate. At powder:liquid = 1, the strain-at-peak-load was 0.2% for CPC without chitosan lactate; it increased to 15.8% for CPC containing 15% chitosan lactate. The work-of-fracture was increased by more than ten times. The novel strong and non-rigid CPC may provide compliance for tooth mobility without fracturing the implant, and may also extend the use of CPC into the repair of larger defects in stress-bearing locations.
Childhood Trauma, Social Networks, and the Mental Health of Adult Survivors
Authors: Schneider F. David , Loveland Cook Cynthia A. , Salas Joanne , Scherrer Jeffrey , Cleveland Ivy N. , Burge Sandra K. ,   for the Residency Research Network of Texas Investigators
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of childhood trauma to the quality of social networks and health outcomes later in adulthood. Data were obtained from a convenience sample of 254 adults seen in one of 10 primary care clinics in the state of Texas. Standardized measures of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), stressful and supportive social relationships, medical conditions, anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life were administered. Using latent class analysis, subjects were assigned to one of four ACE classes: (a) minimal childhood abuse (56%), (b) physical/verbal abuse of both child and mother with household alcohol abuse (13%), (c) verbal and physical abuse of child with household mental illness (12%), and (d) verbal abuse only (19%). Statistically significant differences across the four ACE classes were found for mental health outcomes in adulthood. Although respondents who were physically and verbally abused as children reported compromised mental health, this was particularly true for those who witnessed physical abuse of their mother. A similar relationship between ACE class and physical health was not found. The quality of adult social networks partly accounted for the relationship between ACE classes and mental health outcomes. Respondents exposed to ACEs with more supportive social networks as adults had diminished odds of reporting poor mental health. Conversely, increasing numbers of stressful social relationships contributed to adverse mental health outcomes. Although efforts to prevent childhood trauma remain a critical priority, the treatment of adult survivors needs to expand its focus on both strengthening social networks and decreasing the negative effects of stressful ones.
Poly-Victimization in Polish Adolescents: Risk Factors and the Moderating Role of Coping
Authors: Riley Faye , Wright Mark , Bokszczanin Anna , Essau Cecilia A.
Published: March 2017

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of poly-victimization in Polish adolescents and assess factors associated with poly-victimization risk across different ecological levels. This study further examined whether coping styles could moderate the impact of poly-victimization on emotional well-being. Participants were 454 adolescents, aged between 13 and 19 years, from an urban region of Poland. Adolescents completed self-report measures assessing community, school, and family risks, along with a peer nomination task measuring social preference. Teachers also completed a measure assessing adolescent problem behaviors. Findings revealed that the majority of the sample (70%) experienced more than one type of victimization in the past year, and 35.7% were classified as poly-victims (≥ 6 victimizations). As hypothesized, community disorganization, low commitment to school, poor family management, family conflict, peer social preference, and teacher-rated withdrawn and disruptive behavioral problems were predictive of poly-victimization. In addition, the relationship between poly-victimization and emotional well-being was moderated by problem-solving coping, in that greater use of problem-solving strategies lessened the negative impact of poly-victimization on positive affect and life satisfaction. Other investigated coping strategies (social support-seeking, internalizing, externalizing, and distraction) failed to demonstrate any moderation effect. Findings highlight the high rate of victimization experienced by adolescents in Poland and have implications for the identification of those at risk of poly-victimization, suggesting that there is a need to consider factors related to the adolescent themselves, their relationships with family and peers, and school and community factors. Results also indicate that there may be value in training victims in the use of problem-solving coping styles as a source of resilience.
A novel approach to evaluate the delamination extent after edge trimming of carbon-fiber-reinforced composites
Authors: Wang Fuji , Yin Junwei , Jia Zhenyuan , Niu Bin , Liu Wei
Published: March 2017

Delamination factor is one of the most important factors evaluating the surface integrity of carbon fiber–reinforced polymer laminates. The value of the delamination factor in edge trimming of carbon fiber–reinforced polymer laminates controlled the acceptance or rejection of the machined component. Therefore, using a reasonable and efficient approach to characterize the delamination region is very beneficial. However, the conventional delamination factor is a one-dimensional evaluation method, and hence, it cannot distinguish the delamination extent of carbon fiber–reinforced polymer laminates after edge trimming. The contribution of this work is to present a novel assessment approach to characterize the cutting-induced delamination using a milling cutter and compare it with the conventional delamination factor. The experimental results indicated that the delamination factor based on area assessment method is suitable to evaluate the delamination extent at the top layer after edge trimming.
Inserting rights and justice into urban resilience: a focus on everyday risk
Authors: Ziervogel Gina , Pelling Mark , Cartwright Anton , Chu Eric , Deshpande Tanvi , Harris Leila , Hyams Keith , Kaunda Jean , Klaus Benjamin , Michael Kavya , Pasquini Lorena , Pharoah Robyn , Rodina Lucy , Scott Dianne , Zweig Patricia
Published: March 2017

Resilience building has become a growing policy agenda, particularly for urban risk management. While much of the resilience agenda has been shaped by policies and discourses from the global North, its applicability for cities of the global South, particularly African cities, has not been sufficiently assessed. Focusing on rights of urban citizens as the object to be made resilient, rather than physical and ecological infrastructures, may help to address many of the root causes that characterize the unacceptable risks that urban residents face on a daily basis. Linked to this idea, we discuss four entry points for grounding a rights and justice orientation for urban resilience. First, notions of resilience must move away from narrow, financially oriented risk analyses. Second, opportunities must be created for “negotiated resilience”, to allow for attention to processes that support these goals, as well as for the integration of diverse interests. Third, achieving resilience in ways that do justice to the local realities of diverse urban contexts necessitates taking into account endogenous, locally situated processes, knowledges and norms. And finally, urban resilience needs to be placed within the context of global systems, providing an opportunity for African contributions to help reimagine the role that cities might play in these global financial, political and science processes.
Urban growth and decline: Europe’s shrinking cities in a comparative perspective 1990–2010
Authors: Wolff Manuel , Wiechmann Thorsten
Published: March 2017

At the beginning of the 21st century, the phenomenon of shrinking cities was widely discussed across Europe. Most European countries saw an increasingly ageing population and an internal migration from underdeveloped to more competitive locations. Since the turn of the century, and in contrast to the past, a great deal has been written about the causes and impacts of shrinkage, as well as about policies and planning strategies. However, the state of knowledge in a cross-national comparative perspective is rather poor because, to date, studies have basically analysed large cities and empirical evidence hardly shifts attention to the contextual influence on local dynamics. Against this background, this paper fills the gap between macrotheoretical conceptualisation and empirical observation by testing a heuristic model of urban shrinkage encompassing the whole range of cities in Europe. The paper questions to what extent urban shrinkage represents a broader trend in Europe in terms of both duration and distribution, and aims to investigate the influence of economic and demographic drivers on the non-linear evolution of shrinking cities in Europe. Thereby, the spatial distribution of different trajectories of shrinking cities in urban Europe in the period from 1990 to 2010 will be presented in a comprehensive survey which reveals that 20% of European cities experienced shrinkage between 1990 and 2010, whereas 883 cities face recent shrinkage.
Reading Buddies: A Strategy to Increase Peer Interaction in Students With Autism
Authors: Simpson Lisa A. , Bui Yvonne
Published: March 2017

Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often challenged by social interaction and may require substantial support to interact with peers even in inclusive settings. Having adults support students with ASD during peer interactions, however, may ostracize the student from peers without disabilities. Peer-mediated strategies are needed so that students with ASD and students without disabilities can interact in a variety of activities without undue reliance on adults. A peer-mediated approach to a shared reading activity is presented in which students without disabilities and students with ASD are taught a three-step strategy to increase social interactions around a story.
Differentiating Study Guides
Authors: Conderman Greg , Hedin Laura
Published: March 2017

Study guides are a popular and frequently student-requested instructional support developed primarily by upper elementary, middle, and high school teachers to help students navigate through a course of study. With the increase of the number of learners with diverse needs in general education classrooms, teachers need to be mindful of various ways to differentiate study guides, that is, make adjustments that maintain the integrity of student outcomes while offering choices and respecting each learner’s background knowledge, skill-level, interests, and learning preferences. Specifically, teachers can differentiate study guides by adjusting questions and content, providing different kinds of study guides, allowing students to demonstrate knowledge in different ways, reinforcing student efforts, and allowing students to use classroom materials and space in various ways. This article presents ways teachers can apply the components of differentiation to maximize the use of study guides in inclusive classrooms.
Factors Affecting the Perceived Effectiveness of Pictorial Health Warnings on Cigarette Packages in Gulf Countries: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mansour Ameerah Y , Bakhsh Zuhair
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

To explore the perceived effectiveness of pictorial health warning (PHW) labels required by the Gulf Cooperation Council, to compare them with the Food and Drug Administration–approved PHW labels, and to determine factors affecting their perceived effectiveness.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study using a convenience sample of adult smokers and nonsmokers was conducted. The data were collected through a self-administered online questionnaire. The perceived effectiveness scores of PHW labels were calculated and compared among different subgroups using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Dunn multiple comparison test at a .05 significance level.

Results:

Of the 90 people invited to participate in the survey, 77 (86%) completed it, with 39 (50%) nonsmokers, 22 (29%) smokers, and 16 (21%) former smokers. Overall, labels having graphic images of illness or pathology are perceived to be most effective. Smokers generally perceived labels significantly less effective compared with former smokers and nonsmokers. Also, 55 respondents (71%) suggested that the presence of a telephone quit-line would be effective.

Conclusions:

Smoking status and image type had the most effect on the perceived effectiveness of the PHW labels on cigarette packs. Pictorial health warning labels with graphic images of pathology and a telephone quit-line are perceived to be most effective.
The nursing assessment of infants with bronchiolitis
Authors: Davies Clare , Waters Donna , Marshall Andrea
Published: March 2017

Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of morbidity and hospitalization in infants under the age of one year. Supportive treatments and regular assessment remain the mainstay of care for infants admitted to hospital. Nurses play an important role in the assessment of infants with bronchiolitis; however, this is not well described in the literature and consequently little is known about what strategies nurses employ in assessing infants with bronchiolitis. The aim of this study was to explore bronchiolitis assessment in the context of nursing practice. A naturalistic inquiry study was undertaken using think aloud and retrospective probing data collection methods. The results revealed that the information gathered by nurses in their assessment of infants with bronchiolitis was varied and the process of acquiring and evaluating this information was multifaceted and holistic in nature. A close partnership between the nurse and mother was identified, and the mother’s expert knowledge and ability to identify subtle changes in the infant’s clinical condition over time was essential to the assessment process. The assessment partnership with families provides nurses with the most comprehensive and holistic view of the infant’s clinical condition and vital assessment information could be lost if this partnership does not occur.
Rethinking the measurement of energy poverty in Europe: A critical analysis of indicators and data
Authors: Thomson Harriet , Bouzarovski Stefan , Snell Carolyn
Published: March 2017

Energy poverty – which has also been recognised via terms such as ‘fuel poverty’ and ‘energy vulnerability’ – occurs when a household experiences inadequate levels of energy services in the home. Measuring energy poverty is challenging, as it is a culturally sensitive and private condition, which is temporally and spatially dynamic. This is compounded by the limited availability of appropriate data and indicators, and lack of consensus on how energy poverty should be conceptualised and measured. Statistical indicators of energy poverty are an important and necessary part of the research and policy landscape. They carry great political weight, and are often used to guide the targeting of energy poverty measures – due to their perceived objectivity – with important consequences for both the indoor and built environment of housing. Focussing on the European Union specifically, this paper critically assesses the available statistical options for monitoring energy poverty, whilst also presenting options for improving existing data. This is examined through the lens of vulnerability thinking, by considering the ways in which policies and institutions, the built fabric and everyday practices shape energy use, alongside the manner in which energy poor households experience and address the issue on a day-to-day basis.
A functional approach to the Facebook Like button: An exploration of meaning, interpersonal functionality, and potential alternative response buttons
Authors: Sumner Erin M , Ruge-Jones Luisa , Alcorn Davis
Published: March 2017

This study employed a functional approach to conceptualize the Facebook Like button as a social cue that allows users to convey various meanings while enacting multiple interpersonal functions. Participants reported on their general reasons for using the Facebook Like button, as well as their most recent actual uses. Results discussed the following: the general predictors of Liking frequency, the specific meanings that participants sought to express by clicking Like (i.e. relational-based and content-based), the larger interpersonal functions that participants hoped to accomplish (i.e. relational facilitation, self-presentation, and metacommunication), the associations between intended meaning and interpersonal functionality, and finally, the additional response buttons that participants wish Facebook offered (e.g. Dislike, Sympathy, Congratulations, Agree, Disagree, Interesting, Funny, Love, and Got It).
The Role of Ex Post Audits in Doping Enforcement
Authors: Goetsch Andreas , Salzmann Christian
Published: March 2017

We develop a theoretical model of ex post doping audits and analyze their effects on an athlete’s doping decision. In our model, the doping agency can store doping samples and retest them at a later point. We show that there is a doping minimizing storage and retesting mix for the doping agency and that storing doping samples will reduce the athletes’ doping intensity. Furthermore, there is a threshold for the agency’s antidoping budget. If the budget exceeds this threshold, inefficiencies in the antidoping battle will occur and, depending on the agency’s objective, the athletes’ doping incentives may even increase.
Innovative wool geotextiles designed for erosion protection
Authors: Broda Jan , Gawłowski Andrzej , Przybyło Stanisława , Biniaś Dorota , Rom Monika , Grzybowska-Pietras Joanna , Laszczak Ryszard
Published: March 2017

Innovative geotextiles built from meandrically arranged thick ropes were produced. For the production of the geotextiles, the strips of woollen nonwoven were used. The segments of the geotextiles were installed on the bank of a drainage ditch. The behaviour of the geotextiles during 1 year was observed. It was demonstrated that the geotextiles installed in the ditch provide immediate protection of the bank. In the soil-covered wool, the process of slow biodegradation was initiated. Because of a low biodegradation rate at the end of the growing season, when the protective vegetation was not well developed, the geotextiles maintained their protective potential. In the following months, the biodegradation led to further destruction of wool fibres. During the biodegradation, the organic compounds rich in nitrogen were released into the soil. In spring, at the beginning of new growing season, the compounds acted as effective fertilizers, promoting the growth of protective vegetation. The vegetation growing on the bank provided an effective protection and took over the protective function of the geotextiles.
Analytical formulas of PFD and PFH calculation for systems with nonconstant failure rates
Authors: Rogova Elena , Lodewijks Gabriel , Lundteigen Mary Ann
Published: March 2017

Most analytical formulas developed for the PFD and PFH calculation assume a constant failure rate. This assumption does not necessarily hold for system components that are affected by wear. This article presents methods of analytical calculations of PFD and PFH for an M-out-of-N redundancy architecture with nonconstant failure rates and demonstrates its application in a simple case study. The method for PFD calculation is based on the ratio between cumulative distribution functions and includes forecasting of PFD values with a possibility of update of failure rate function. The approach for the PFH calculation is based on simplified formulas and the definition of PFH. In both methods, a Weibull distribution is used for characteristics of the system behavior. The PFD and PFH values are obtained for low, moderate and high degradation effects and compared with the results of exact calculations. Presented analytical formulas are a useful contribution to the reliability assessment of M-out-of-N systems.
The efficacy of evolocumab in the management of hyperlipidemia: a systematic review
Authors: AlHajri Lamia , AlHadhrami Asma , AlMheiri Shama , AlMutawa Yalwah , AlHashimi Zainab
Published: March 2017

Background:

Hyperlipidemia or dyslipidemia has been a concern for a long time, with various guidelines emphasizing the importance of managing the lipid profile to prevent cardiac incidences. Although statins have been found to be highly effective, resistance and intolerability to side effects will continue to be a stumbling block for certain patients. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors tackle lipid profile via a novel mechanism and therefore provide an additional effective option for managing lipid profile. The overarching aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of evolocumab among various populations with hypercholesterolemia.

Methods:

A comprehensive search was conducted in ProQuest Health & Medical Complete, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and PubMed to identify potential records; then titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened using the inclusion criteria to filter out irrelevant studies. Data extraction and quality assessment were undertaken using standardized tools and the results were narratively synthesized and presented in tables.

Results:

Eight studies were included in this systematic review after screening 1191 records. All studies demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) values in the groups that received evolocumab compared with the comparator groups ( p < 0.05). The decline in LDL-C levels from baseline in the majority of studies ranged from 40% to 80%, whether used alone or in combination with other agents. Also, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein B were improved with the use of evolocumab.

Conclusions:

This study helped to collate evidence from studies that tested the effectiveness of evolocumab in the management of hyperlipidemia. Evolocumab seems to be highly effective in reducing LDL-C and other lipid parameters. Hence, it provides an excellent alternative for patients with refractory disease or patients who develop intolerable side effects, therefore helping to overcome the stumbling block to achieving optimal lipid management.
Imagining Women's 'Legal World': Towards a Feminist Theory of Legal Pluralism in Africa
Authors: Manji Ambreena S
Published: March 2017

This article argues that most feminist legal theory has been located within a dominant and phallocentric legal centralist paradigm and that this has hindered feminism's engagement with legal pluralism. I will argue that theoretical work which privileges state law can at best furnish us with only partial accounts of women's experiences of law. Articulating a feminine view of the (legal) world requires an engagement with legal pluralism.
Dress to Impress: Employer Regulation of Gay and Lesbian Appearance
Authors: Skidmore P L
Published: March 2017

This article looks at the role of dress and appearance as a key signifier of gender and sexuality as mediated through the workplace. It explores the sex and sexuality of jobs and organisations, before considering ideas of gay and lesbian performances, noting the role of appearance/clothing in these strategies. Legal discourses which have historically targeted clothing as regulatory target are also problematised, questioning why clothing should be such a central theme. Modern legal discourses are also interrogated, questioning how legal systems can and should control employers' use of dress codes. Case studies from English and German law are used to examine how legal discourses also contribute to the heterosexual construction of the workplace. In conclusion it is argued that in addressing the conjunctions of clothing/work/sex/sexuality, without overplaying the role of law, there is nevertheless a need to explore its discursive function, and its role in erasing gay and lesbian experience.
Elastic mineral facies: Selecting site-specific elastic moduli of clay
Authors: Wollner Uri , Dvorkin Jack P.
Published: March 2017

The elastic moduli of the mineral constituents of the rock matrix are among the principal inputs in all rock-physics velocity-porosity-mineralogy models. Published experimental data indicate that the elastic moduli for essentially any mineral vary. The ranges of these variations are especially wide for clay. The question addressed here is how to select, based on well data, concrete values for clay’s elastic constants where those for other minerals are fixed. The approach is to find a rock-physics model for zero-clay intervals and then adjust the clay’s constants to describe the intervals dominated by clay using the same model. We examine three data sets from clastic environments, each represented by three wells, where the selected constants for clay were different between the fields but stable within each field. These constants can then be used for seismic forward modeling and interpretation in a specific field away from well control and within a depth range represented in the wells. In essence, we introduce the concept of elastic mineral facies where we identify clay as a mineral with certain elastic moduli rather than by its chemical formula.
Heat remains unaccounted for in thermal physiology and climate change research
Authors: Flouris Andreas D. , Kenny Glen P.
Published: March 2017

In the aftermath of the Paris Agreement, there is a crucial need for scientists in both thermal physiology and climate change research to develop the integrated approaches necessary to evaluate the health, economic, technological, social, and cultural impacts of 1.5°C warming. Our aim was to explore the fidelity of remote temperature measurements for quantitatively identifying the continuous redistribution of heat within both the Earth and the human body. Not accounting for the regional distribution of warming and heat storage patterns can undermine the results of thermal physiology and climate change research. These concepts are discussed herein using two parallel examples: the so-called slowdown of the Earth’s surface temperature warming in the period 1998-2013; and the controversial results in thermal physiology, arising from relying heavily on core temperature measurements. In total, the concept of heat is of major importance for the integrity of systems, such as the Earth and human body. At present, our understanding about the interplay of key factors modulating the heat distribution on the surface of the Earth and in the human body remains incomplete. Identifying and accounting for the interconnections among these factors will be instrumental in improving the accuracy of both climate models and health guidelines.
Replication of the principal component analyses of the human genome diversity panel
Authors: Charlon Thomas , Di Cara Alessandro , Voloshynovskiy Sviatoslav , Wojcik Jérôme
Published: March 2017

Background. In 2008, several principal component analyses (PCAs) applied on 660,918 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 938 individuals from 51 worldwide populations of the Human Genome Diversity Panel were published by Li et al. PCAs were applied on subsets of individuals sharing a common geographic origin and showed that in several geographic regions, genome-wide variations of SNPs grouped individuals by populations in the two first principal components. In this study, we replicated the PCAs applied on two geographic subsets, first on individuals from Europe and second on individuals from the Middle East & North Africa. Methods. Quality control, feature selection, and PCA were applied on each geographic subset. The results were displayed on the two first principal components and compared to the original figures. Results. The replicated figures were found to match closely to the original figures. Conclusions. Therefore, the main results were replicated and can be independently reproduced by using publicly available data, source code, and computing environment.
Deceptive Advertising with Rational Buyers
Authors: Piccolo Salvatore , Tedeschi Piero , Ursino Giovanni
Published: March 2017

We study a simple game in which two sellers supply goods whose quality cannot be assessed by consumers even after consumption but can be verified with some probability by a public authority. Sellers may induce a prospective buyer into a bad purchase through comparative deceptive advertising. The central contribution of this paper is the characterization of a class of pooling equilibria in which low-quality sellers deceive a buyer who is Bayes-rational and makes a purchase decision on the basis of the available information. The analysis of these equilibria suggests that high-quality firms should pursue more intensive advertising campaigns than their low-quality competitors. Surprisingly, we find conditions under which sellers’ expected profit is higher in pooling equilibria than in the separating equilibrium in which quality is reflected by prices and there is no need to waste resources in advertising. Hence, we show that there are plausible cases in which firms should be ex ante willing to tolerate some degree of deceptive advertising by low-quality competitors. In addition, although in these equilibria the buyer purchases low-quality goods with positive probability, the expected utility can be higher than in a separating equilibrium in which the buyer purchases the high-quality good for sure. In this sense, the model also offers an argument in favor of a lenient regulatory approach to deceptive advertising.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2016.2665 .

This paper was accepted by J. Miguel Villas-Boas, marketing.
Individual Differences in Correspondence Bias: Measurement, Consequences, and Correction of Biased Interpersonal Attributions
Authors: Scopelliti Irene , Min H. Lauren , McCormick Erin , Kassam Karim S. , Morewedge Carey K.
Published: March 2017

Across consequential attributions of attitudes, ability, emotions, and morality, people make correspondent inferences. People infer stable personality characteristics from others’ behavior, even when that behavior is caused by situational factors. We examined the structure of correspondent inferences and report the development and validation of an instrument measuring individual differences in this correspondence bias (a Neglect of External Demands scale, or “NED”). The NED is internally consistent and distinct from scales and measures of intelligence, cognitive ability, cognitive reflection, general decision-making ability, preference for control, and attributional style. Individual differences in correspondence bias predict blaming people for harmful accidents, believing coerced confessions, correcting for job and task difficulty when making performance evaluations and incentive-compatible personnel selections, and separating market and fund performance when making incentive-compatible investments. Fortunately, the tendency to commit correspondence bias can be reduced. Making situational information easier to process debiases those most prone to correspondence bias.

Data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2016.2668 .

This paper was accepted by Yuval Rottenstreich, judgment and decision making.
A New Budget Allocation Framework for the Expected Opportunity Cost
Authors: Gao Siyang , Chen Weiwei , Shi Leyuan
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we present a new budget allocation framework for the problem of selecting the best simulated design from a finite set of alternatives. The new framework is developed on the basis of general underlying distributions and a finite simulation budget. It adopts the expected opportunity cost (EOC) quality measure, which, compared to the traditional probability of correct selection (PCS) measure, penalizes a particularly bad choice more than a slightly incorrect selection, and is thus preferred by risk-neutral practitioners and decision makers. To this end, we establish a closed-form approximation of EOC to formulate the budget allocation problem and derive the corresponding optimality conditions. A sequential budget allocation algorithm is then developed for implementation. The efficiency of the proposed method is illustrated via numerical experiments. We also link the EOC and PCS-based budget allocation problems by showing that the two are asymptotically equivalent. This result explains, to some extent, the similarity in performance between the EOC and PCS allocation procedures observed in the literature.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/opre.2016.1581 .
The three Cs – and Christmas
Authors: Stuchfield Hannah
Published: March 2017

Hannah Stuchfield considers the importance of communication, consideration and consent during the festive period
Going green – save cash and give back
Authors: Bissett Gaby
Published: March 2017

How an eco-friendly outlook could make a difference to your practice, with Gaby Bissett
Minimising risk
Authors: Cash Charlotte
Published: March 2017

Blood borne viruses and sharps injuries in a dental practice
Challenging patient interactions
Authors: Sharma Priya
Published: March 2017

Priya Sharma discusses the art of handling a challenging patient interaction
Communication theory in dental practice – Part two
Authors: Nash Maggie
Published: March 2017

In the second of this two-part article, Maggie Nash investigates dentally anxious patients and cognitive behavioural therapies
‘That sounds good, can you send me some pictures?’
Authors: Collier Andrew
Published: March 2017

Andrew Collier considers the perils of 21st-century communication
CQC and you
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: March 2017

Richard Griffith looks at the regulation of dental care under the Health and Social Care Act 2008
Are you owed money?
Authors: Malik-Davies David
Published: March 2017

David Malik-Davies reveals why you need to check your tax code
Oral health: filling the gap
Authors: Wake Charlotte
Published: March 2017

Charlotte Wake considers a dental nurse's role in periodontal care
7 ways to healthier patients
Authors: Bissett Gaby
Published: March 2017

Gaby Bissett looks at what dental nurses can do to motivate change in the coming year
Looking to the future
Authors: Hancocks Stephen
Published: March 2017

Stephen Hancocks looks at the ways in which antibiotics may, or may not, continue to play a part in our lives.
‘Steer away from blind alleys’
Authors: Brooks Janine
Published: March 2017

Mentoring is a time-honoured method of learning. Janine Brooks explains this symbiotic relationship that can benefit mutual career objectives
Changing trends – why the health of a nation needs you
Authors: Bissett Gaby
Published: March 2017

As the pre-school sugar intake of kids rings alarm bells and the middle-aged spread of Brits prompts health warnings, Gaby Bissett considers how the dental team is perfectly placed to turn the tide
How to nail your study skills
Authors: Bissett Gaby
Published: March 2017

Seven simple – and successful – steps to study success, by Gaby Bissett
A welcome reception
Authors: Bridges Glenys
Published: March 2017

Glenys Bridges publishes a new eBook defining dental reception skills and procedures
Are you sleepwalking through your career?
Authors: Bridges Glenys
Published: March 2017

A reflective review on the benefits of learning from experience, by Glenys Bridges
‘Aesthetic dentistry is more than just bright, white teeth’
Authors: Green Tina
Published: March 2017

We hear from Tina Green who enlightens us on the London experience
The lowdown on writing an article
Authors: Bissett Gaby
Published: March 2017

Former Mail Online reporter Gaby Bissett shares some key tips on getting readers hooked