bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Language-specific Use of Fundamental Frequency Rise in Segmentation of an Artificial Language: Evidence from Listeners of Taiwanese Southern Min
Authors: Ou Shu-chen , Guo Zhe-chen
Published: November 2019

Experience with native-language prosody encourages language-specific strategies for speech segmentation. Conflicting findings from previous research suggest that these strategies may not be abstracted away from the acoustic manifestation of prosodic features in the native speech. Using the artificial language learning paradigm, the current study explores this possibility in connection with listeners of a lexical tone language called Taiwanese Southern Min (TSM). In TSM, the only rising lexical tone occurs almost only on the final syllable of the language’s tone sandhi domain and is phonetically associated with final lengthening. Based on these observations, Experiment I examined what constituted a sufficient finality cue for use by TSM listeners to support segmentation: (a) final fundamental frequency (F0) rise only; or (b) final F0 rise conjoined with final lengthening. The results showed that segmentation was inhibited by the former cue but facilitated by the latter. Experiment II showed that the facilitation cannot be attributed entirely to final lengthening, as a null effect was found when final lengthening was the sole prosodic cue to segmentation. It is thus assumed that acoustic details as fine-grained as the lengthening of the rising tone are involved in the modulation of the segmentation strategy whereby TSM listeners perceive F0 rise as signaling finality. The inhibitory effect of final F0 rise alone found in Experiment I motivated Experiment III, which revealed that initial F0 rise in the absence of lengthening cues improved TSM listeners’ segmentation. It is speculated that such use of initial F0 rise might reflect a cross-linguistic segmentation solution.
Comparison of Death Anxiety, Self-Esteem, and Personality Traits of the People Who Live in Turkey and Denmark
Authors: Özdemir Seher , Kahraman Süleyman , Ertufan Hakan
Published: November 2019

The aim of this research is to investigate death anxiety of the people who live in Turkey and Denmark and have the same cultural background. Cross-cultural studies about death anxiety have been conducted within two different cultures. The goal is to fill the gap in the literature. In this context, participants’ self-esteem and personality traits were also investigated. Death Anxiety Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and The Big Five Inventory were used in this study. Seventy-four people from Turkey and 67 from Denmark participated in this research. According to the results, people who live in Turkey have more death anxiety. There is negative correlation between self-esteem and death anxiety. Neuroticism of the personality traits has positive correlation with death anxiety.
A Qualitative Exploration of South Korean Emerging Adults’ Perspectives on Death and Suicide Through Short Stories
Authors: Prinsloo Christiaan , Prinsloo Adri
Published: November 2019

Despite the alarming suicide rate among South Korean emerging adults, relatively little is known about their unfettered perspectives on death and suicide. Therefore, an innovative data collection technique was developed to apprehend the meanings that emerging adults attribute to death and suicide in their explorations of the phenomena through a selection of short stories. A convenience sample ( N = 114) responded to a survey in which participants transferred their feelings toward death and suicide to characters or events in the short stories. A qualitative content analysis revealed relatively permissive perspectives toward death and suicide. Negative perspectives on death are associated with societal victimization and positive perspectives with naturalistic fatalism. Positive perspectives on suicide are overwhelmingly rooted in existential, individual choices while negative perspectives focus on societal pressures. These perspectives contribute to illuminating tensions between traditionalist collectivism and contemporary individualism in Korean society that could inform suicide prevention initiatives for emerging adults.
Relational architectures and wearable space: Smart schools and the politics of ubiquitous sensation
Authors: de Freitas Elizabeth , Rousell David , Jäger Nils
Published: November 2019

This paper undertakes an analysis of the “smart school” as a building that both senses and manages bodies through sensory data. The authors argue that smart schools produce a situation of ubiquitous sensation in which learning environments are continuously sensed, regulated, and controlled through complex sensory ecosystems and data infrastructures. This includes the consideration of ethical and political issues associated with the collection of biometric and environmental data in schools and the implications for the design and operation of learning environments which are increasingly regulated through decentralized sensor networks. Working through a relational and adaptive theory of architecture, the authors explore ways of intervening in smart schools through the reconceptualization of sensor technologies as “atmospheric media” that operate within a distributed ecology of sensation that exceeds the limited bandwidth of the human senses. Drawing on recent projects in contemporary art, architecture, and interaction design, the authors discuss specific architectural interventions that foreground the atmospheric qualities and ethical problematics of sensor technologies in school buildings.
Impact of Bank Closings on Credit Extension to Businesses in Low-Income and Minority Neighborhoods
Authors: Toussaint-Comeau Maude , Wang Yi David , Newberger Robin
Published: November 2019

New research is surfacing since the last financial crisis, not only to help predict risks associated with bank failures but also to assess the impact of bank failures on the economy and local geographies. However, although bank failures occurred mostly among small (community) banks, much less is understood regarding how the closing of mission-oriented community banks, or minority-owned banks, affect traditionally underserved markets, areas such failed banks were designed to serve. We conduct an empirical investigation testing the effects of bank closings on local areas. We find that, as a result of bank closings, there are significant frictions with small businesses obtaining credit, which appear to be potent enough to cause cumulative declines in aggregate small business lending in neighborhoods, lasting up to 3 years. We also find evidence that such lending shocks have repercussions on small business growth. We find that the closing of large banks also has an impact on small business lending, consistent with previous research, which has shown that as small businesses lose credit from large banks, they are not able to switch easily to other banks, leading to a decline in aggregate lending in local areas. We find this to be true for low- or moderate-income (LMI) and minority businesses/neighborhoods. We also find that the failure of community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and minority depository institutions (MDIs) leaves a credit void that may not automatically be filled in LMI and minority neighborhoods.
A novel feature extraction model for traffic injury severity and its application to Fatality Analysis Reporting System data analysis
Authors: Yan Lixin , He Yi , Qin Lingqiao , Wu Chaozhong , Zhu Dunyao , Ran Bin
Published: November 2019

The prevention of severe injuries during crashes has become one of the leading issues in traffic management and transportation safety. Identifying the impact factors that affect traffic injury severity is critical for reducing the occurrence of severe injuries. In this study, the Fatality Analysis Reporting System data are selected as the dataset for the analysis. An algorithm named improved Markov Blanket was proposed to extract the significant and common factors that affect crash injury severity from 29 variables related to driver characteristics, vehicle characteristics, accidents types, road condition, and environment characteristics. The Pearson correlation coefficient test is applied to verify the significant correlation between the selected factors and traffic injury severity. Two widely used classification algorithms (Bayesian networks and C4.5 decision tree) were employed to evaluate the performance of the proposed feature selection algorithm. The calculation result of the correlation coefficient, accuracy of classification, and classification error rate indicated that the improved Markov Blanket not only could extract the significant impact factors but could also improve the accuracy of classification. Meanwhile, the relationship between five selected factors (atmospheric condition, time of crash, alcohol test result, crash type, and driver’s distraction) and traffic injury severity was also analyzed in this study. The results indicated that crashes occurred in bad weather condition (e.g. fog or worse), in night time, in drunk driving, in crash type of single driver, and in distracted driving, which are associated with more severe injuries.
How to Deal With Reverse Causality Using Panel Data? Recommendations for Researchers Based on a Simulation Study
Authors: Leszczensky Lars , Wolbring Tobias
Published: November 2019

Does X affect Y? Answering this question is particularly difficult if reverse causality is looming. Many social scientists turn to panel data to address such questions of causal ordering. Yet even in longitudinal analyses, reverse causality threatens causal inference based on conventional panel models. Whereas the methodological literature has suggested various alternative solutions, these approaches face many criticisms, chief among them to be sensitive to the correct specification of temporal lags. Applied researchers are thus left with little guidance. Seeking to provide such guidance, we compare how different panel models perform under a range of different conditions. Our Monte Carlo simulations reveal that unlike conventional panel models, a cross-lagged panel model with fixed effects not only offers protection against bias arising from reverse causality under a wide range of conditions but also helps to circumvent the problem of misspecified temporal lags.
What Constitutes Poor Teaching? Perspectives From Chinese College Students
Authors: Liu Shujie , Keeley Jared W. , Buskist William
Published: November 2019

The Chinese Ministry of Education recently called for improvements in undergraduate teaching. One way to meet this mandate is to codify what Chinese undergraduate students consider to be poor teaching behaviors. Across three phases, this study investigated poor teacher behaviors and compared them to existing data from American students. The categories of poor teaching generated by both sets of students overlapped considerably. However, some characteristics of poor teaching—such as teachers being unfair to students—may be unique to China. The specific behaviors that are representative of poor teaching qualities differed across the two cultures, suggesting the need for a nuanced approach to examining what students perceive to be poor teaching.
Public Administration Academies in Central Asia: ‘Government puppets’ or independent seats of learning?
Authors: Janenova Saltanat
Published: November 2019

This article provides a critical analysis of the development of public administration education in the context of five post-Soviet, transitional, and authoritarian Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan from early independence to the present time (1991–2019). The study is based on a review of Master of Public Administration (MPA) programmes offered by Public Administration Academies in each of these five Central Asian countries, a focus group with local academics, extensive secondary data analysis, and critical reflections of a local scholar with six years of MPA teaching experience in a Kazakhstani university. This article highlights context-specific challenges in design and implementation of the MPA programmes in Central Asia. These challenges include the: ambiguous role of Public Administration Academies; programme design; pedagogical issues; and weak research capacity. It is argued that the MPA programmes in Central Asia often provide an example of ‘mimicry’ of European/North American programmes with peculiar features of their local context. Public Administration Academies in Central Asia are highly politicised and strongly controlled by authoritarian governments. This study will be of particular interest not only to public administration scholars from all post-Soviet countries which share the Soviet legacy and socio-economic challenges, but also for scholars teaching in other authoritarian contexts.
Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: An Exploratory Study of Their Experience of Family Relationships and Coping With the Illness
Authors: Peleg Ora , Hadar Efrat , Cohen Ami
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore familial patterns that may be related to type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and to patients’ ways of coping with the illness.

Methods

A purposive sample of 32 Israeli Jewish (n = 12) and Arab (n = 20) individuals with T2DM were recruited from a community population and interviewed about their familial experiences and their illness. Interview data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method.

Results

Many participants, particularly from the Arab society, reported familial patterns that suggest fused relationships and emotional cutoff. They described highly close and positive family relationships, on one hand, but demonstrated unwillingness to share their difficulties with their family members, on the other hand. Precipitating stressful or traumatic events and day-to-day stress appeared as leading perceived causes of the illness. Maintaining an appropriate lifestyle, stress reduction, and family support were the main coping strategies with the illness.

Conclusions

The findings suggest a possible avenue in which fusion with family members and inability to attenuate emotional distress by sharing difficulties with others may contribute to the development of T2DM. Assessment of such family dynamics and ways of coping with stress could lead to more appropriately nuanced treatment for individuals with T2DM and prediabetes.
Exit, voice, loyalty: The case of the BDS
Authors: Ophir Adi
Published: November 2019

The essay proposes an unexpected alliance between two of the figures assembled in the impressive intellectual constellation Benhabib presents in her new book: Albert O. Hirschman and Judith Butler. Hirschman’s model of ‘exit, voice, loyalty’ is used to interpret and justify the Palestinian call for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel.
Relationship between Parenting Style, Alexithymia and Aggression in Emerging Adults
Authors: Janik McErlean Agnieszka B. , Lim Li Xian Crystal
Published: November 2019

Alexithymia has been linked to reduced emotional awareness and increased aggression. One line of evidence suggests that authoritarian parenting contributes to the development of alexithymia. To elucidate the relationship between experienced parenting style, alexithymia and aggression the Parental Authority Questionnaire, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire were administered to a group of emerging adults. Current findings show a positive relationship between: (i) authoritarian parenting style and alexithymia, (ii) alexithymia and aggression, iii) authoritarian parenting style and aggression. This study also found that paternal authoritarian parenting predicted alexithymia and aggression when controlling for maternal authoritarian style, but not the other way round. In addition, alexithymia mediated the relationship between paternal authoritarian parenting and aggression when controlling for maternal authoritarian style suggesting that elevated alexithymia which is likely to be a consequence of authoritarian parenting, especially when it is practiced by a father, contributes to increased aggression in adulthood.
Influx, Persistence, and Recall of Eosinophils and GATA-3+ Innate Lymphoid Cells in the Nasal Mucosa of Mice Exposed and Reexposed to the Gaseous Air Pollutant Ozone
Authors: Harkema Jack R. , Eldridge Elyse A. , Lewandowski Ryan P. , Wagner James G.
Published: November 2019

Mice exposed to the air pollutant ozone develop eosinophilic rhinitis that is mediated by group 2, GATA-3+, innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s). In the present study, we determined the influx, persistence, and recall of nasal ILC2s and eosinophils in ozone-exposed mice. C57BL/6 (T/B cell sufficient, ILC sufficient), Rag2−/− (T/B cell deficient, ILC sufficient), and Rag2−/−Il2rg−/− (T/B cell deficient, ILC deficient) mice were exposed to 0 or 0.8 ppm ozone for 1 or 9 weekdays and killed 1 or 17 days postexposure. GATA-3+ lymphocytes were sparse in nasal tissue of air-exposed ILC-sufficient mice and absent in ILC-deficient mice. Nine-day, but not 1-day, ozone exposures induced nasal influxes of eosinophils and GATA-3+ lymphocytes in C57BL/6 and Rag2−/− mice but not in Rag2−/−Il2rg−/− mice. Eosinophils waned 17 days postexposure in ILC-sufficient strains of mice. GATA-3+ lymphocytes in C57BL/6 mice also attenuated after exposure but not in ILC-sufficient Rag2−/− mice. Eosinophils, but not GATA-3+ cells, increased rapidly with reexposure in ILC-sufficient mice. Type 2 immune-related messenger RNA expression correlated with cellular responses to ozone. These new findings in mice further elucidate the role of ILC2s in ozone-induced eosinophilic rhinitis and support epidemiologic associations between ozone exposure and eosinophilic inflammation in children.
A Cross-Comparison Study of Reentry Intervention and Support for Engagement: Findings on Youth With Disabilities
Authors: Mathur Sarup R. , Griller Clark Heather , Gau Jeff M.
Published: November 2019

This article presents the findings of a 2-year-long quasi-experimental study of post-release engagement and recidivism for youth with disabilities. The effects of specialized Reentry Intervention and Support for Engagement (RISE) for youth with disabilities were compared with two other groups: (a) youth with disabilities who received traditional special education services, and (b) youth without disabilities who received traditional general education services in a juvenile correctional facility. Regardless of group, participants who were engaged in the community 30 days post-release were more likely to be engaged at 120 days and less likely to recidivate than nonengaged participants. However, compared with the two other groups, participants who received RISE services were more likely to be engaged in the community at 120 days post-release and have significantly lower rates of recidivism. We conclude our study by examining limitations, suggestions, implications for practice and policy, and future research.
Effect of Graft Choice on Revision and Contralateral Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Results From the New Zealand ACL Registry
Authors: Rahardja Richard , Zhu Mark , Love Hamish , Clatworthy Mark G. , Monk Andrew Paul , Young Simon W.
Published: November 2019

Background:

The patellar tendon is often considered the “gold standard” graft for reducing the risk of graft rupture after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, its use may also be associated with an increased risk of injury to the contralateral ACL.

Purpose:

To clarify the association between graft choice and the risk of revision and contralateral ACL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Prospective data captured by the New Zealand ACL Registry between April 2014 and December 2018 were reviewed. All primary ACL reconstructions performed using either a hamstring tendon or patellar tendon autograft were included. Cox regression survival analysis adjusting for patient factors was performed to compare the risk of revision and contralateral ACL reconstruction between the hamstring tendon graft and the patellar tendon graft.

Results:

A total of 7155 primary ACL reconstructions were reviewed, of which 5563 (77.7%) were performed using a hamstring tendon graft and 1592 (22.3%) were performed using a patellar tendon graft. Patients with a hamstring tendon graft had a revision rate of 2.7% compared with 1.3% in patients with a patellar tendon graft (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.51; 95% CI, 1.55-4.06; P < .001). The patellar tendon graft was associated with an increased risk of contralateral ACL reconstruction compared with the hamstring tendon graft (adjusted HR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.15-3.16; P = .012). The number needed to treat (NNT) with a patellar tendon graft to prevent 1 revision was 73.6. However, the NNT with a hamstring tendon graft to prevent 1 contralateral reconstruction was 116.3.

Conclusion:

Use of a patellar tendon graft reduced the risk of graft rupture but was associated with an increased risk of injury to the contralateral ACL. Adequate rehabilitation and informed decision making on return to activity and injury prevention measures may be important in preventing subsequent injury to the healthy knee.
Measuring meaningful markers of change
Authors: Stocks Helen , Kyriakopoulos Alex , Ashton Tony
Published: November 2019

The current research aimed to identify areas of recovery specific to Group Analytic Psychotherapy (GAT) to facilitate the development of a suitable patient reported outcome measure (PROM) for this therapeutic modality.

Two focus groups comprising respectively of four group analytic therapists or four service users were asked about components of recovery that they felt were specific to receiving GAT. Thematic Analysis (as described by Braun and Clarke, 2006) was employed to explore their views. Three overarching themes emerged from these groups: improvement in intrapsychic and interpsychic relationships; improvement in quality of life; improvement in functionality and symptom reduction. A conceptual model emerged with regards to how those themes could inform the development on a GAT specific patient reported outcome measure.
Dimensions and antinomies of modernization in the globalized world
Authors: Savelyev Yuriy
Published: November 2019

Existing theoretical interpretations contend that modernization is a global but diverse and multidimensional process. Yet, a systematic analysis of multiple forms of modernity and modernization ‘is the major challenge to current social and political theory’ (Wagner). The paper aims at revealing limitations of current theoretical interpretations of modernization and demonstrating systematically essential features of modernity. I describe the crucial criteria of modernization and suggest an integrated approach within which the most influential theories are simultaneously applied as coherent explanations. Such a synergic application allows identifying concomitant dimensions of modernity and modernization. The proposed approach significantly differs from a prevailing theoretical discourse on modernity and modernization. It demonstrates universal features of modernization along with civilization variability and uniqueness of cultural programs, antinomic emancipation trends, permanence of change and innovations, increase of efficiency, competitiveness and the quality of life. All these dimensions relate to a set of consistent interpretations of a complex multi-effects phenomenon, which minimizes the existing conceptual contradictions. The elaborated model supports the notion of modernization as a continuous transition to novel forms of social order which respond to emerging challenges and global competition while an invariant criterion of modernization is the boost in the capabilities of people to make their choices.
Persistence in a Game-Based Learning Environment: The Case of Elementary School Students Learning Computational Thinking
Authors: Israel-Fishelson Rotem , Hershkovitz Arnon
Published: November 2019

Persistence has proven to be a great challenge in online learning environments. Gaming and interactivity have been suggested as essential features in reducing dropout and increasing persistence in online learning. Yet in interactive game-based learning environments, persistence in moving forward in the game may come at the expense of investing in each of the game’s levels. That is, the motivation to complete the game may have a deleterious effect on learning at specific levels and hence on learning from the game in general. Therefore, we have chosen to focus on microlevel persistence (i.e., persistence during each component of the learning process). We study microlevel persistence in the context of acquiring computational thinking—the thought process of solving problems through abstraction—which is a key component of the new literacies needed for tomorrow’s citizens. In this study, we analyze data collected from an online, game-based learning environment (CodeMonkey™). The data document the activity of first to sixth graders ( N = 2,040). Overall, we find that persistence is positively associated with difficulty and that the most determined learners were highly persistent across topics in achieving the best solution.
Toward Wayfinding: A Metaphor for Understanding Writing Experiences
Authors: Alexander Jonathan , Lunsford Karen , Whithaus Carl
Published: November 2019

In this essay, we map out four major approaches to the study of writing experiences: (a) worlds apart, (b) literacy in the wild, (c) ecologies and networks, and (d) transfer. We examine how the primary metaphors used in each approach have contributed to our field’s understanding of writing. In focusing on specific dimensions of writing, each framework privileges a different aspect of the writing process, writing development, and/or writers’ context(s). Building on these approaches, we propose the concept of wayfinding to emphasize how writers navigate their own writing development, skills acquisition, and changing knowledge about writing over time. Wayfinding offers a metaphor that resonates with recent work on lifelong learning and meaningful writing. Among other characteristics, wayfinding emphasizes how writers encounter a continuous potentiality in writing and how they navigate unanticipated challenges and opportunities.
RNA Splicing Factor Mutations That Cause Retinitis Pigmentosa Result in Circadian Dysregulation
Authors: Shakhmantsir Iryna , Dooley Scott J. , Kishore Siddharth , Chen Dechun , Pierce Eric , Bennett Jean , Sehgal Amita
Published: November 2019

Circadian clocks regulate multiple physiological processes in the eye, but their requirement for retinal health remains unclear. We previously showed that Drosophila homologs of spliceosome proteins implicated in human retinitis pigmentosa (RP), the most common genetically inherited cause of blindness, have a role in the brain circadian clock. In this study, we report circadian phenotypes in murine models of RP. We found that mice carrying a homozygous H2309P mutation in Pre-mRNA splicing factor 8 ( Prpf8) display a lengthened period of the circadian wheel-running activity rhythm. We show also that the daily cycling of circadian gene expression is dampened in the retina of Prpf8-H2309P mice. Surprisingly, molecular rhythms are intact in the eye cup, which includes the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), even though the RPE is thought to be the primary tissue affected in this form of RP. Downregulation of Prp31, another RNA splicing factor implicated in RP, leads to period lengthening in a human cell culture model. The period of circadian bioluminescence in primary fibroblasts of human RP patients is not significantly altered. Together, these studies link a prominent retinal disorder to circadian deficits, which could contribute to disease pathology.
Association of Body Weight Change and Fluid Balance With Extubation Failure in Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Single-Center Observational Study
Authors: Maezawa Shota , Kudo Daisuke , Miyagawa Noriko , Yamanouchi Satoshi , Kushimoto Shigeki
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

To elucidate whether fluid balance and body weight change are associated with failed planned extubation.

Materials and Methods:

Patients who received invasive mechanical ventilation for over 24 hours were enrolled and divided into extubation success and extubation failure groups. Fluid balance and body weight fluctuation within 24 and 48 hours before extubation and from admission to planned extubation were calculated. The primary outcome was extubation failure (ie, all-cause reintubation within 72 hours). The association of extubation failure with fluid balance and body weight change was assessed via logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Extubation failure occurred in 12(7.4%)/161 patients. The extubation success group had a significantly lower fluid balance within 24 hours before extubation than did the extubation failure group (−276 mL [−1111 to 456] vs 1217 mL [503 to 1875], P = .002). However, fluid balance within 48 hours before extubation, cumulative fluid balance, and body weight change were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The sensitivity and specificity of water balance +1000 mL within 24 hours before extubation for the extubation failure group were 0.54 and 0.84, respectively, based on the receiver operating characteristic curve. Logistic regression analysis showed that fluid balance within 24 hours before extubation was associated with extubation failure (odds ratio: 22.9, 95% confidence interval: 4.1-128.4).

Conclusions:

A larger fluid balance within 24 hours before extubation is associated with extubation failure. Thus, fluid balance may be a good indicator of extubation outcome.
Milking the System: A Case Study of Donor Milk for a Child in Foster Care
Authors: Mannel Rebecca , Bennett Christina Juris
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

Use of pasteurized donor milk is recommended in many situations when own mother’s milk is not available. One existing knowledge gap is access to donor milk for infants in government custody (foster care).

Main issue:

The focus of this case study is an infant born at 41 weeks who was discharged from the hospital into foster care. The infant soon developed failure to thrive due to formula intolerance.

Management:

After trying multiple formulas, which included elemental formulas, and hospitalization, the infant began pasteurized donor milk. Within 24 hr, the infant began gaining weight. Medicaid denied two authorization requests for payment, and the state’s Department of Human Services ultimately agreed to cover the discounted donor milk fees until the infant reached 1 year of age.

Conclusion:

This foster child suffered through months of failure to thrive and hospitalization before receiving human milk feedings. This care violated ethical principles of beneficence, autonomy, and justice. State officials should review their policies and regulations for providing human milk to children in their care and facilitate access to that milk when needed.
Effect of carbon fibre on reinforcement of thermoplastics using FDM and RSM
Authors: Chaudhry Fausz Naeem , Butt Shahid Ikramullah , Mubashar Aamir , Naveed Ali Bin , Imran Syed Hussain , Faping Zhang
Published: November 2019

Continuous fibre-reinforced composites have significant industrial importance and usage. However, they are limited by design considerations and high-cost manufacturing operations. This article presents a way forward to utilize Fused Deposition Modelling – a 3D printing technique – to manufacture continuous carbon fibre-reinforced thermoplastics. Several parameters including number of reinforced layers, material impact and interlayer gap have been investigated and optimized using response surface method. Successful incorporation of modified novel nozzle design in a dual nozzle setup resulted in the realization of controlled manufacturing of continuously reinforced composites leading to reinforced yet smooth surface finished samples. Several samples were made, and mechanical testing, parameter optimization, strength calculations and fracture analysis were carried out. For polylactic acid (PLA), tensile strength of 112 MPa and flexural strength of 164 MPA were achieved – an almost 3 times increase from pure PLA printing. The approach presented in this article can forward continuous fibre-reinforced composites for industrial usage with its controlled fibre layup and programmable thread orientation features.
Clinical Pharmacist’s Role in an Alcohol Detox Unit in a Correctional Setting
Authors: Muradian Ibrahim K. , Aminzadeh Arastou , Lin Cindy H. , Tran Ngocdung T. , Do Nguyen N. , Lu Quyen D. , Henderson Sean O.
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

Newly incarcerated inmates with chronic alcohol use are at high risk for alcohol withdrawal. This descriptive study aims to describe the role of a clinical pharmacist within an alcohol detoxification unit (ADU) in the Los Angeles County jail that serves nearly 18 000 inmates facility-wide daily.

Methods:

This descriptive analysis was conducted from August 2, 2018 through October 31, 2018 within the jail ADU. The pharmacist attended daily assessments on all alcohol detox patients; identified and assessed patients at high risk of severe withdrawal; and initiated, modified, and discontinued withdrawal medication for selected patients. Patients were determined to be high risk of severe withdrawal if they had history of severe withdrawal, any Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol-revised (CIWA-Ar) score ≥15, or polysubstance withdrawal.

Results:

A total of 1263 patients were admitted to the ADU during the study (average 97 per week). A total of 282 patients were assessed by the pharmacist. Patient assessments included substance use and medication history, CIWA-Ar score, response to pharmacotherapy, and referral to a substance use counselor. Medications were initiated, modified, or discontinued in 148 patients after discussion with a physician. Transfer to an acute care facility occurred in 48 patients. Zero alcohol detox patient deaths occurred during the study.

Conclusion:

This is a novel role of a pharmacist in a correctional setting. A pharmacist can aid in an ADU by identifying and assessing patients at high risk of severe withdrawal and managing pharmacotherapy. Future studies can examine pharmacist withdrawal management of additional substances.
Roles and behaviours of diligent and dynamic healthcare boards
Authors: Chambers Naomi , Smith Judith , Proudlove Nathan , Thorlby Ruth , Kendrick Hannah , Mannion Russell
Published: November 2019

Variation persists in the quality of board-level leadership of hospitals. The consequences of poor leadership can be catastrophic for patients. The year 2019 marks 50 years of public inquiries into healthcare failures in the UK. The aim of this article is to enhance our understanding of context-specific effectiveness of healthcare board practices, drawing on an empirical study of changes in hospital board leadership in England. The study suggests leadership behaviours that lay the conditions for better organisation performance. We locate our findings within the wider theoretical debates about corporate governance, responding to calls for theoretical pluralism and insights into the effects of discretionary effort on the part of board members. We conclude by proposing a framework for the ‘restless’ board from a multi-theoretic standpoint, and suggest a repertoire specifically for healthcare boards. This comprises a suite of board roles as conscience of the organisation, sensor, shock absorber, diplomat and coach, with accompanying dyadic behaviours to match particular organisation aims and priorities. The repertoire indicates the importance of a cluster of leadership practices to fulfil the purposes of healthcare boards in differing, complex and challenging contexts.
A review of H-Darrieus wind turbine aerodynamic research
Authors: Du Longhuan , Ingram Grant , Dominy Robert G
Published: November 2019

The H-Darrieus vertical axis turbine is one of the most promising wind energy converters for locations where there are rapid variations of wind direction, such as in the built environment. The most challenging considerations when employing one of these usually small machines are to ensure that they self-start and to maintain and improve their efficiency. However, due to the turbine's rotation about a vertical axis, the aerodynamics of the turbine are more complex than a comparable horizontal axis wind turbine and our knowledge and understanding of these turbines falls remains far from complete. This paper provides a detailed review of past and current studies of the H-Darrieus turbine from the perspective of design parameters including turbine solidity, blade profile, pitch angle, etc. and particular focus is put on the crucial challenge to design a turbine that will self-start. Moreover, this paper summarizes the main research approaches for studying the turbine in order to identify successes and promising areas for future study.
Study on membrane roof schemes of annular crossed cable-truss structure
Authors: Lu Jian , Xue Suduo , Li Xiongyan , Liu Renjie
Published: November 2019

Based on annular crossed cable-truss structure model with diameter of 17.15 m, the type of membrane roof was first studied. Two membrane roof schemes, cable-supported membrane roof and skeleton-supported membrane roof, were proposed. The form-finding analysis of two types of membrane roof structures was carried out. By comparative study, the strengths and weaknesses of two schemes were given, and the feasibility of skeleton-supported membrane roof was demonstrated. Second, skeleton-supported membrane roof was studied by collaborative form-finding and non-collaborative form-finding. The form-finding method being suitable for the structure was given. Finally, load analysis, parametric analysis, and dynamic characteristics of membrane and non-membrane roof structures were carried out. The results show that skeleton-supported membrane roof has the strength to resist to external loads. Poisson’s ratio and self-weight have little influence on membrane roof, and arch height and pretension of membrane surface have great influence on membrane roof. The vibration modes of structure are mainly manifested as up and down vibrations accompanying with local torsion of planar cable-truss frame, which is not bad for overall structure. Meanwhile, film-covering effects of annular crossed cable-truss structure are obvious. The study contents have promoted the application of annular crossed cable-truss structure in practical engineering.
Volute profile design of the squirrel cage fan based on a B-spline curve under space limitation
Authors: Xiao Qianhao , Jang Boyan , Wang Jun
Published: November 2019

The cut volute profile is far and widely used in the squirrel cage fan to meet the space limitation of range hood systems. The cut volute profile often causes unreasonable impeller–volute interference and the aerodynamic performance of the fan to drop. A numerical model combined with the neural network and the genetic algorithm of a squirrel cage fan volute for a range hood is presented in this paper. The secondary non-uniform B-spline curve represents the volute profile variation law, and its control points are used as design variables to meet space constraints. The goal of global optimization is to maximize the efficiency and volume flow rate. As a result of the optimization, the internal flow loss of the fan is reduced compared with the prototype. The volume flow rate and efficiency are increased by over 4.4% in case of optimized volute than the original configuration of the volute.
Steady transformation of primeval forest into subalpine pasture during the Late Neolithic to Early Bronze Age (2300−1700 BC) in the Silvretta Alps, Switzerland
Authors: Dietre Benjamin , Reitmaier Thomas , Walser Christoph , Warnk Theresa , Unkel Ingmar , Hajdas Irka , Lambers Karsten , Reidl Daniel , Haas Jean Nicolas
Published: November 2019

The question of the origin of Alpine farming and pastoral activities associated with seasonal vertical transhumance and dairy production in the Silvretta Alps (Eastern Switzerland) has recently benefitted from renewed interest. There, pastoral practises began during the Late Neolithic (2300 BC), but alpine dairy farming was directly evidenced so far only since the Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age (1300–500 BC). The vegetation development, timberline shifts at 2280 m a.s.l. and environmental conditions of the subalpine Urschai Valley (Canton of Grisons, Switzerland) were reconstructed for the small (8 m2) Plan da Mattun fen based on palynological and geochemical analyses for the last six millennia. The X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses are among the first ones performed on a European peatland in such altitudes. A high Rb/Sr ratio in the fen peat sediments revealed an increase in catchment erosion during the time when the forests of the Upper Urschai Valley were steadily diminished probably by fire and livestock impact (2300–1700 BC). These landscape openings were paralleled by increasing micro-charcoal influx values, suggesting that prehistoric people actively set fire on purpose. Simultaneously, palynological evidence for pastoralism was revealed, such as pollen from typical herbs indicating livestock trampling, and abundant spores from coprophilous fungi. Since then, vertical transhumance and pastoral activities remained responsible for the open subalpine landscape above 2000 m a.s.l., most probably also in the context of milk and dairy production since 1300 BC, which is characteristic for the European Alps until today.
Lacustrine charcoal peaks provide an accurate record of surface wildfires in a North European boreal forest
Authors: Magne Gwenaël , Brossier Benoît , Gandouin Emmanuel , Paradis Laure , Drobyshev Igor , Kryshen Alexander , Hély Christelle , Alleaume Samuel , Ali Adam A
Published: November 2019

We evaluated the skills of different palaeofire reconstruction techniques to reconstruct the fire history of a boreal landscape (Russian Karelia) affected by surface fires. The analysis of dated lacustrine sediments from two nearby lakes was compared with independent dendrochronological dating of fire scars, methods which have rarely been used in context of surface fires. We used two sediment sub-sampling volumes (1 and 3.5 cm3, wet volumes) and three methods of calculating the Charcoal Accumulation Rate to reconstruct fire histories: CHAR number, charcoal surface area and estimated charcoal volume. The results show that palaeofire reconstructions obtained with fossil charcoal data from lake sediments and dendrochronology are similar and complementary. Dendrochronological reconstruction of fire scars established 12 fire dates over the past 500 years, and paleo-data from lake sediments identified between 7 and 13 fire events. Several ‘false fire events’ were also recorded in the charcoal chronologies, likely because of errors associated with the estimation of the sediment accumulation rate in the unconsolidated part of the sediment. The number of replicates, that is, number of sub-samples and lakes analyzed, had an effect on the number of identified fire events, whereas no effect was seen in the variation in the analyzed sediment volume or the choice of the charcoal-based metric. Whenever possible, we suggest the use of the dendrochronological data as an independent control for the calibration of charcoal peak series, which helps provide more realistic millennia-long reconstruction of past fire activity. We also argue for the use of 1 cm3 sample volume, a sampling protocol involving sampling of more than one lake, and sufficient number of intra-sample replicates to achieve skilful reconstructions of past fire activity.
Obestatin attenuated methamphetamine-induced PC12 cells neurotoxicity via inhibiting autophagy and apoptosis
Authors: Foroughi K , Jahanbani S , Khaksari M , Shayannia A
Published: November 2019

Methamphetamine (METH) is an illicit dopaminergic neurotoxin and is an extremely addictive psychostimulant drug that influences monoamine neurotransmitter system of the brain and is responsible for enhancing energy and satisfaction and feelings of alertness. Long-lasting exposure to METH causes psychosis and increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Studies have revealed that obestatin (OB) is a novel endogenous ligand, which may have neuroprotective effects. Hence, we hypothesized that OB might appropriately limit METH-induced neurotoxicity via the control of apoptotis and autophagy. In the current study, PC12 cells were exposed to both METH (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 mmol/L) and pretreatment OB (1, 10, 100, and 200 nmol/L) in vitro for 24 h to determine appropriate dose, and then downstream pathways were measured to investigate apoptosis and autophagy. The results have shown that OB reduced the apoptotic response post-METH exposure in PC12 cells by developing cell viability and diminishing apoptotic rates. Furthermore, the study has exhibited OB decreased gene expression of Beclin-1 by real-time polymerase chain reaction and LC3-II by Western blotting in METH-induced PC12 cells, which demonstrated that autophagy is reduced. The study is proposed that OB is useful in reducing oxidative stress, which may also play an essential role in the regulation of METH-triggered apoptotic response. So these data indicate that OB could potentially alleviate METH-induced neurotoxicity via the reduction of apoptotic and autophagy responses.
Green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles with Veronica multifida and their antibiofilm activity
Authors: Doğan S Şahin , Kocabaş A
Published: November 2019

In the present study, Veronica multifida leaf extract and zinc acetate dihydrate were utilized to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) eco-friendly and cost-effectively under different physical conditions. Soxhlet extractor was used for the preparation of aqueous plant extract. UV-Vis (ultraviolet–visible) spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to characterize the ZnO NPs. UV-Vis spectrophotometer in the range of 200–800 nm was used to get information about the formation of ZnO NPs at different pH and temperatures. FTIR spectrum revealed the presence of functional groups in ZnO NPs. XRD, scanning electron microscope, and TEM analyses confirmed the crystal structure and average size of ZnO NPs. The antimicrobial activities of ZnO NPs were tested on microorganisms, that is, Escherichia coli ATCC 43895 , Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 , Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhimurium. Moreover, antibiofilm activity of ZnO NPs was performed against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus ATCC 29213. ZnO NPs have shown effective antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against tested microorganisms. The results elucidated that eco-friendly and cost-effectively produced ZnO NPs could be used as coating materials and in a wide range of industrial applications, such as pharmaceutical industries and cosmetics.