bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Closed-Loop Model of Operator Visual Attention, Situation Awareness, and Performance Across Automation Mode Transitions
Authors: Johnson Aaron W. , Duda Kevin R. , Sheridan Thomas B. , Oman Charles M.
Published: September 2016

Objective:

This article describes a closed-loop, integrated human–vehicle model designed to help understand the underlying cognitive processes that influenced changes in subject visual attention, mental workload, and situation awareness across control mode transitions in a simulated human-in-the-loop lunar landing experiment.

Background:

Control mode transitions from autopilot to manual flight may cause total attentional demands to exceed operator capacity. Attentional resources must be reallocated and reprioritized, which can increase the average uncertainty in the operator’s estimates of low-priority system states. We define this increase in uncertainty as a reduction in situation awareness.

Method:

We present a model built upon the optimal control model for state estimation, the crossover model for manual control, and the SEEV (salience, effort, expectancy, value) model for visual attention. We modify the SEEV attention executive to direct visual attention based, in part, on the uncertainty in the operator’s estimates of system states.

Results:

The model was validated using the simulated lunar landing experimental data, demonstrating an average difference in the percentage of attention ≤3.6% for all simulator instruments. The model’s predictions of mental workload and situation awareness, measured by task performance and system state uncertainty, also mimicked the experimental data.

Conclusion:

Our model supports the hypothesis that visual attention is influenced by the uncertainty in system state estimates.

Application:

Conceptualizing situation awareness around the metric of system state uncertainty is a valuable way for system designers to understand and predict how reallocations in the operator’s visual attention during control mode transitions can produce reallocations in situation awareness of certain states.
Dielectric behaviour of carbon nanotubes particles-filled polyester polymer composites
Authors: Samir Z , El Merabet Y , Graça MPF , Soreto Teixeira S , Achour ME , Costa LC
Published: September 2016

This paper reports the dielectric relaxation studies of carbon nanotubes loaded in polyester polymer matrix. The study was carried out in the frequency range between 100 Hz and 1 MHz at constant temperature, T = 300 K. The frequency dependence of the electrical data was treated in the frameworks of the impedance Havriliak-Negami formalism and by using the universal Jonscher power law. The imaginary and real parts of the dielectric permittivity change with concentration of the carbon nanotubes. This work consists in studying the influence of these nanoparticles on the dielectric properties, describing the electrical relaxation and the conduction mechanisms.
Informed and Uninformed Naïve Assessment Constructors’ Strategies for Item Selection
Authors: Fives Helenrose , Barnes Nicole
Published: September 2016

We present a descriptive analysis of 53 naïve assessment constructors’ explanations for selecting test items to include on a summative assessment. We randomly assigned participants to an informed and uninformed condition (i.e., informed participants read an article describing a Table of Specifications). Through recursive thematic analyses of participants’ explanations, we identified 14 distinct strategies that coalesced into three families of strategies: Alignment, Item Evaluation, and Affective Evaluation. We describe the nature of the strategies and the degree to which participants used strategies with frequency and effect size analysis. Results can inform teacher education on assessment construction through explicit instruction in the three families of strategies identified.
Comparison between the Movement ABC-2 and the Zurich Neuromotor Assessment in Preschool Children
Authors: Kakebeeke Tanja H. , Knaier Elisa , Köchli Sabrina , Chaouch Aziz , Rousson Valentin , Kriemler Susi , Jenni Oskar G.
Published: September 2016

An established test instrument for the assessment of motor performance in children between 3 and 16 years is the Movement Assessment Battery for Children – Second Edition (M-ABC-2). The Zurich Neuromotor Assessment (ZNA) is also widely used for the evaluation of children’s motor performance but has not been compared with the M-ABC-2 for children below five years for the purpose of convergent validity. Forty-seven children (26 boys, 21 girls) between three and five years of age were assessed using the M-ABC-2 and the ZNA3-5. Rank correlations between scores of different test components were calculated. Only low-to-moderate correlations were observed when separate components of these tests were compared (.31 to .68, p < .05), especially when involving the associated movements from the ZNA3-5 (−.05 to −.13, p > .05). However, the correlation between summary scores of the two tests was .77 ( p < .001), and it increased to .84 when associated movements were excluded, which was comparable in magnitude to the test–retest reliability of the M-ABC-2, supporting convergent validity between the two tests. Although the ZNA3-5 and M-ABC-2 measure different aspects of motor behavior, the two instruments may thus measure essentially the same construct.
Factorial Structure of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children Test—Second Edition in Preschool Children
Authors: Psotta Rudolf , Brom Ondřej
Published: September 2016

The Movement Assessment Battery for Children—Second Edition is one of the most frequently used tests for assessment of the fundamental motor skills in children. However, there is the question which sensorimotor functions are really captured by the tasks involved in the test for the preschool (3–6 years) children (age band 1). The aim of the study was to examine the factorial structure of the age band 1 test. Results of the testing by the age band 1 in a sample of three- to- six-year-old children ( N = 399; 202 boys, 197 girls) were put to confirmatory factor analysis. The results of the study proved the three-specific factor structure of the age band 1. Thus, within the assessment of a child’s overall motor proficiency, the motor competence profile including manual dexterity, aiming and catching, and balance abilities can be identified in three- to six-year-old children.
Simulation and experimental study of double-element antennas based on a three-dimensional woven structure with various curvature radii
Authors: Xu Fujun , Wang Yibin , Zhu Hongfei , Xie Xing , Wang Liyong , Qiu Yiping
Published: September 2016

Three-dimensional woven fabrics have good structural embeddability, stability and integrity. In this study, three-dimensional double-element fabric antennas (3DFAs) are demonstrated by embedding the microstrip antenna structures into three-dimensional woven fabrics. In order to investigate their electromagnetic performance in practical applications, the 3DFAs are manufactured with different cylindrical radii, ranging from 45 to 75 mm. The professional antenna simulation software and experimental measurements are conducted systematically. Both results match well and support that the 3DFAs with different cylindrical curvature radii share similar rules in return losses and resonant frequencies with the planar 3DFAs. However, the gain values of the 3DFAs show different results when changing the alignment of curvature to the antenna feed direction. The gain value of the 3DFA with the curvature along the feed direction is 5 dB when the curvature radius is 75 mm, while for the 3DFA with the curvature perpendicular to the feed direction, the gain value is just 1.6 dB ( R = 75 mm), which then decreases to –2.1 dB ( R = 45 mm). Furthermore, when the curvature is along the feed direction, the 3DFAs show a better radiation pattern and directionality.
Numerical simulation of dynamic puncture behaviors of woven fabrics based on the Finite Element Method
Authors: Li Ting-Ting , Fang Jiunn , Huang Chen-Hung , Lou Ching-Wen , Lin Jan-Yi , Lin Mei-Chen , Chen Yueh-Sheng , Lin Jia-Horng
Published: September 2016

Research on the simulation and modeling of dynamic puncture penetration is more complex problem due to full consideration of the tightness of the fabric and the sharp profile of the puncture. This study presents numerical simulation of complicated dynamic puncture behaviors on the basis of the roles of extension and stress-wave transmission on the deformation. The unit cell model was used to simulate the yarn crimp and extension during the uniaxial dynamic puncture process. In addition, the puncture deformation and stress distribution of woven fabrics with different elastic modulus and friction distance were simulated followed with dynamic puncture penetration. The result shows that dynamic puncture damage critically depends on the elastic modulus of yarns and the distance between yarns; the inter-yarn distance affects dynamic puncture resistance more significantly. Dynamic puncture stress nonlinearly increases with the elastic modulus, and linearly decreases with yarn distance. The research result indicates that weaving density can be increased to improve dynamic puncture resistance more obviously.
Development of multifunctional different cross-sectional shaped coaxial composite filaments for SMART textile applications
Authors: Afzal Ali , Drean Jean-Yves , Harzallah Omar , Khenoussi Nabyl , Ahmad Sheraz , Akhtar Niaz-Ahmad
Published: September 2016

The aim of this study is to design a spinneret that can be used efficiently for the manufacturing of coaxial composite filaments. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) was used as resin matrix with 99.9% pure copper filament as the core. The characterization of the polymer was done to determine polymer thermal and rheological properties. Multi-shaped coaxial composite filaments were obtained after successful laboratory-scale melt extrusion machine modification and spinneret development. The cross-sectional surface and shape were analyzed with a scanning electron microscope. Coaxial filaments having the cross-section including elliptical, triangular, rectangular and circular shapes were developed. The characterization of spinneret design and coaxial composite filaments were also reported. The effect of spinneret design parameters on the cross-sectional shape of the filament were analyzed.
Comparison of methods for measurement of the pressure exerted by knitted fabrics
Authors: Cieślak Małgorzata , Karaszewska Agnieszka , Gromadzińska Ewa , Jasińska Izabela , Kamińska Irena
Published: September 2016

The article presents the results of measurements of pressure exerted by two model knitted products – bands with different structure (WI jersey weft-knitted fabric and WII openwork warp-knitted fabric). The tests were carried out with using the I-Scan system (in vivo and in vitro tests) and the STM 579 device (in vitro test). A comparative analysis of the in vivo and in vitro results for the I-Scan method and in vitro results for the I-Scan and STM 579 method was performed. It was found that the pressure values are lower for openwork warp-knitted fabric than for jersey weft-knitted fabric both in the case of the in vitro and in vivo tests, and the values of pressure for the same band are higher in the case of the in vitro tests.
Serological survey of leptospirosis among different groups in western Iran
Authors: Esmaeili Saber , Hashemi Shahraki Abdolrazagh , Bagheri Amiri Fahimeh , Karimi Mohammad , Mostafavi Ehsan
Published: September 2016

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis and a major public health problem. Blood sampling was done in the province of Kurdistan from 250 members of different groups, including hunters and their families, butchers and slaughterhouse workers, healthcare workers (HCWs) and those referred to medical diagnostic laboratories for routine testing. Sera were tested using an ELISA method to detect specific Leptsopira IgG antibodies. We found 20.80% (95% confidence interval, 16.23–26.25%) to be positive. The highest and lowest seroprevalence were in hunters (26%) and HCWs (18%). There was significant positive correlation between age and seropositivity ( P = 0.01). Hunting and eating the meat of the hare and exposure to dead or dying wild animals were found to be the main risk factors ( P < 0.05).
“Gender Utopias?”: U.S. Student Reflections on Studying Abroad in Norway and Sweden
Authors: Nordmeyer Kristjane , Teig Trisha , Bedera Nicole
Published: September 2016

This article describes a study abroad experience in Norway and Sweden that was designed to explore gender equality in two of the world’s most gender-progressive countries. Course readings explored the work of feminist sociologists and asked students to think critically about gender equality from a cross-cultural perspective. Students met with leaders in Norway and Sweden who are involved in creating gender-progressive policy and culture, including members of parliament, representatives in the film industry, and social policy experts. Student pre-trip and post-trip responses to writing prompts and trip reflection journals demonstrated the development of an intersectional approach to thinking about gender equality. While some aspects of gender equality were anticipated before the trip, other issues of equality only became evident through our discussion with gender leaders in Scandinavia. This article shares major themes from student reflections and discusses teaching ideas for future study abroad trips.
Rape, Race, and Respectability in a South African Port City
Authors: Thornberry Elizabeth
Published: September 2016

In late 19th century and early 20th century South Africa, public panics about black men who raped white women (the “black peril”) provided a potent framework for mobilizing racial nationalism. The experiences of women who attempted to prosecute sexual assaults, however, were more complicated than the black peril panics might suggest. In the port city of East London, the English-speaking elite who dominated the judicial system judged women according to norms of respectability derived from middle-class British culture. Both black women and poorer white women, particularly German and Afrikaans speakers, found it difficult to measure up to these standards and, as a result, were rarely believed when they brought forward complaints of rape. This skepticism of rape complaints persisted even when white women accused black men of rape, since the typical victim in such cases was a white woman whose social life already transgressed the racial boundaries required by respectability.
Explore the research front of a specific research theme based on a novel technique of enhanced co-word analysis
Authors: Li Munan , Chu Yanqun
Published: September 2016

Discovering the research front of a specific topic remains a significant challenge for researchers in all scientific areas. Over the last decade, burst term detection (BTD) in text streams has become a useful technique for bibliometrics and science mapping. It has been argued that analytical methods based on BTD can indicate certain facets of a research front. To integrate BTD into the framework of traditional co-word analysis, association rule mining between keywords and burst terms (ARM-KB) is introduced to enhance traditional co-word analysis and present a new facet of the research front for a field of science. Based on ARM-KB, possible connections between keywords and burst terms are built, which can facilitate the exploration of a research front from a three-dimensional perspective, through co-word analysis, burst term clues, and association rules. In the case study, the research fronts of anticancer based on nanomedicine (ABN) are explored. Based on theoretical and empirical analyses, ARM-KB can be used as a valuable new technique or a supplement to traditional bibliometrics in the exploration of scientific frontiers.
A Trusted Source of Information
Authors: Paulsell Diane , Thomas Jaime , Monahan Shannon , Seftor Neil S.
Published: September 2016

Background:

Systematic reviews sponsored by federal departments or agencies play an increasingly important role in disseminating information about evidence-based programs and have become a trusted source of information for administrators and practitioners seeking evidence-based programs to implement. These users vary in their knowledge of evaluation methods and their ability to interpret systematic review findings. They must consider factors beyond program effectiveness when selecting an intervention, such as the relevance of the intervention to their target population, community context, and service delivery system; readiness for replication and scale-up; and the ability of their service delivery system or agency to implement the intervention.

Objective:

To support user decisions about adopting evidence-based practices, this article discusses current systematic review practices and alternative approaches to synthesizing and presenting findings and providing information.

Method:

We reviewed the publicly available information on review methodology and findings for eight federally funded systematic reviews in the labor, education, early childhood, mental health/substance abuse, family support, and criminal justice topic areas.

Conclusion:

The eight federally sponsored evidence reviews we examined all provide information that can help users to interpret findings on evidence of effectiveness and to make adoption decisions. However, they are uneven in the amount, accessibility, and consistency of information they report. For all eight reviews, there is room for improvement in supporting users’ adoption decisions through more detailed, accessible, and consistent information in these areas.
‘The planet that rules our destiny’: Alternative development and environmental power in occupied Afghanistan
Authors: Attewell Wesley
Published: September 2016

In this article, I explore the role that the United States Agency for International Development and its implementing partners played in the ‘alternative development’ effort to provide Afghan farmers with sustainable and economically viable alternatives to growing poppy. I argue that alternative development programs in occupied Afghanistan sought to wean farmers off of poppies by creating a rural ‘environment’ conducive to the cultivation of legal alternative crops. My argument proceeds in four steps. First, I theorize alternative development as a form of ‘environmental power’. Second, I put this theoretical framework to work in eastern Afghanistan through a close reading of one of the United States Agency for International Development’s flagship alternative development projects: Development Alternative Inc.’s ‘Incentives Driving Economic Alternatives – North, East and West’. As Incentives Driving Economic Alternatives: North, East and West (IDEA-NEW) ran its course, its end-state goal shifted from improving production to promoting market exchange. Third, I suggest that IDEA-NEW’s marketization efforts produced differentiated subjects of rule, exacerbating already existing patterns of uneven development in the process. Finally, although IDEA-NEW is represented as productive, humanitarian and therapeutic, I conclude by reflecting on how it is undergirded by – and also provides a legitimating armature for – techniques of population management that are destructive of life.
The next big match: Convergence, competition and sports media rights
Authors: Smith Paul , Evens Tom , Iosifidis Petros
Published: September 2016

Using examples from a number of different European countries, this article analyses the increasingly prominent position of traditional telecommunications companies, such as British Telecom (UK), Deutsche Telekom (Germany), France Telecom/Orange (France) and Telefonica (Spain), in the contemporary sports media rights market. The first part of the article examines the commercial strategies of telecommunications operators and highlights how their acquisition of sports rights has been driven by the need to ensure a competitive position within an increasingly converged communications market. The second part of the article then moves on to consider the regulation of the sports media rights market. Most significantly, this section emphasises the need for further regulatory intervention to ensure that increased competition for sports rights leads to improved services and lower prices for consumers, rather than merely endlessly spiralling fees for the exclusive ownership of premium rights that are then passed on to sports channel and/or broadband subscribers.
Mental Health Professionals’ Attitudes Toward Offenders With Mental Illness (Insanity Acquittees) in Ghana
Authors: Adjorlolo Samuel , Abdul-Nasiru Inusah , Chan Heng Choon (Oliver) , Bambi Laryea Efua
Published: September 2016

Mental health professionals’ attitudes toward offenders with mental illness have significant implications for the quality of care and treatment rendered, making it imperative for these professionals to be aware of their attitudes. Yet, this topical issue has received little research attention. Consequently, the present study investigates attitudes toward offenders with mental illness (insanity acquittees) in a sample of 113 registered mental health nurses in Ghana. Using a cross-sectional survey and self-report methodology, the participants respond to measures of attitudes toward offenders with mental illness, attitudes toward mental illness, conviction proneness, and criminal blameworthiness. The results show that mental health nurses who reportedly practiced for a longer duration (6 years and above) were more likely to be unsympathetic, while the male nurses who were aged 30 years and above were more likely to hold offenders with mental illness strictly liable for their offenses. Importantly, the nurses’ scores in conviction proneness and criminal blameworthiness significantly predict negative attitudes toward the offenders even after controlling for their attitudes toward mental illness. Yet, when the nurses’ conviction proneness and criminal blameworthiness were held constant, their attitudes toward mental illness failed to predict attitudes toward the offenders. This initial finding implies that the nurses’ views regarding criminal blameworthiness and conviction may be more influential in understanding their attitudes toward offenders with mental illness relative to their attitudes toward mental illness.
Voting out of the European Union: Exploring the geography of Leave
Authors: Harris Richard , Charlton Martin
Published: September 2016

On Thursday 23 June 2016, a majority of the UK electorate voted in favour of leaving the European Union by a margin of 51.9% to 48.1%. Throughout the night, as the results were reported, the media spoke about London, Scotland and Northern Ireland versus the rest of the UK in regard to their support for the European Union. In this commentary, we look at the geographical distribution of the share of the Leave votes and model it against the share of the electorate, by local authority and by region, using a multilevel framework. The model identifies differences between countries and differences between regions but also more localised variations that depart from those trends. Areas with an older population were more likely to attract a higher share of the Leave vote, as were those with higher proportions of residents in lower supervisory and technical occupations, and with residents born outside of the UK but in the European Union. The referendum has revealed a less than United Kingdom, with notable differences between Scotland, Northern Ireland and much of London, and parts of the East Midlands, West Midlands and the East. However, London is not as pro-European Union as might be anticipated given its social, ethnic and demographic composition, which may help explain why the Leave campaign won with a small margin.
Hamstring Strength Asymmetry at 3 Years After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Alters Knee Mechanics During Gait and Jogging
Authors: Abourezk Matthew N. , Ithurburn Matthew P. , McNally Michael P. , Thoma Louise M. , Briggs Matthew S. , Hewett Timothy E. , Spindler Kurt P. , Kaeding Christopher C. , Schmitt Laura C.
Published: September 2016

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using a hamstring tendon autograft often results in hamstring muscle strength asymmetry. However, the effect of hamstring muscle strength asymmetry on knee mechanics has not been reported.

Hypothesis:

Participants with hamstring strength asymmetry would demonstrate altered involved limb knee mechanics during walking and jogging compared with those with more symmetric hamstring strength at least 2 years after ACLR with a hamstring tendon autograft.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

There were a total of 45 participants at least 2 years after ACLR (22 male, 23 female; mean time after ACLR, 34.6 months). A limb symmetry index (LSI) was calculated for isometric hamstring strength to subdivide the sample into symmetric hamstring (SH) (LSI ≥90%; n = 18) and asymmetric hamstring (AH) (LSI <85%; n = 18) groups. Involved knee kinematic and kinetic data were collected using 3-dimensional motion analysis during gait and jogging. Peak sagittal-, frontal-, and transverse-plane knee angles and sagittal-plane knee moments and knee powers were calculated. Independent-samples t tests and analyses of covariance were used to compare involved knee kinematic and kinetic variables between the groups.

Results:

There were no differences in sagittal- and frontal-plane knee angles between the groups ( P > .05 for all). The AH group demonstrated decreased tibial internal rotation during weight acceptance during gait ( P = .01) and increased tibial external rotation during jogging at initial contact ( P = .03) and during weight acceptance ( P = .02) compared with the SH group. In addition, the AH group demonstrated decreased peak negative knee power during midstance ( P = .01) during gait compared with the SH group, after controlling for gait speed, which differed between groups.

Conclusion:

Participants with hamstring strength asymmetry showed altered involved knee mechanics in the sagittal plane during gait and in the transverse plane during gait and jogging compared with those with more symmetric hamstring strength.

Clinical Relevance:

Hamstring strength asymmetry is common at 3 years after ACLR with a hamstring tendon autograft and affects involved knee mechanics during gait and jogging. Additional research is warranted to further investigate the longitudinal effect of these alterations on knee function and joint health after ACLR.
Baseball Players With an Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tear Display Increased Nondominant Arm Humeral Torsion Compared With Healthy Baseball Players
Authors: Meyer Casey J. , Garrison J. Craig , Conway John E.
Published: September 2016

Background:

Previous work has suggested that an increase in the amount of developmentally acquired, dominant arm humeral retrotorsion (D HRT) in the thrower’s shoulder may be a potentially protective mechanism. Although the relationship between HRT and shoulder injuries has been reported, the relationship between HRT and ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears in baseball players is not known.

Purpose:

To determine whether D HRT and nondominant arm HRT (ND HRT) measurements in baseball players with a UCL tear differ statistically from a matched healthy cohort.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

D HRT and ND HRT were measured in 112 male competitive high school and collegiate baseball players seen over an 18-month period from 2013 to 2015. A total of 56 participants with a clinical and magnetic resonance imaging–confirmed diagnosis of a throwing-arm UCL tear (UCLInj group) were compared with 56 healthy baseball players with no history of an elbow injury who were matched for age, experience, and position (NUCLInj group). The mean ages in the UCLInj and NUCLInj groups were 17.9 ± 2.2 and 17.6 ± 2.8 years, respectively. Using a previously validated ultrasound method, D HRT and ND HRT were measured in the supine position, and the HRT side-to-side difference (D HRT – ND HRT) was calculated. A 1-way multivariate analysis of variance was used to determine the mean statistical differences between groups ( P < .05).

Results:

Baseball players with a UCL tear displayed significantly more humeral torsion (ie, less retrotorsion) in their nondominant arm compared with healthy baseball players (UCLInj = 33.27° ± 10.27°, NUCLInj = 27.82° ± 10.88°; P = .007). Baseball players with a UCL tear did not display any differences in D HRT compared with healthy baseball players (UCLInj = 18.67° ± 9.41°, NUCLInj = 17.09° ± 9.92°; P = .391). Significant side-to-side differences in HRT existed between groups (UCLInj = −14.60° ± 6.72°, NUCLInj = −10.72° ± 6.88°; P = .003).

Conclusion:

There was a significant increase in mean nondominant arm humeral torsion (ie, less retrotorsion) in the UCL tear group, but there was no significant difference in the mean D HRT between the injured and uninjured groups. A greater HRT side-to-side difference was displayed in the UCL tear group. The extent to which a thrower has developmentally acquired both D HRT and ND HRT may affect elbow UCL tear risk. Furthermore, it is possible that the extent of genetically predisposed ND HRT may influence the throwing-related increase in D HRT.
The Cost-Effectiveness of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Competitive Athletes
Authors: Stewart Bruce A. , Momaya Amit M. , Silverstein Marc D. , Lintner David
Published: September 2016

Background:

Competitive athletes value the ability to return to competitive play after the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. ACL reconstruction has high success rates for return to play, but some studies indicate that patients may do well with nonoperative physical therapy treatment.

Purpose:

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the treatment of acute ACL tears with either initial surgical reconstruction or physical therapy in competitive athletes.

Study Design:

Economic and decision analysis; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

The incremental cost, incremental effectiveness, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of ACL reconstruction compared with physical therapy were calculated from a cost-effectiveness analysis of ACL reconstruction compared with physical therapy for the initial management of acute ACL injuries in competitive athletes. The ACL reconstruction strategy and the physical therapy strategy were represented as Markov models. Costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were evaluated over a 6-year time horizon and were analyzed from a societal perspective. Quality of life and probabilities of clinical outcomes were obtained from the peer-reviewed literature, and costs were compiled from a large academic hospital in the United States. One-way, 2-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were used to assess the effect of uncertainty in variables on the ICER of ACL reconstruction.

Results:

The ICER of ACL reconstruction compared with physical therapy was $22,702 per QALY gained. The ICER was most sensitive to the quality of life of returning to play or not returning to play, costs, and duration of follow-up but relatively insensitive to the rates and costs of complications, probabilities of return to play for both operative and nonoperative treatments, and discount rate.

Conclusion:

ACL reconstruction is a cost-effective strategy for competitive athletes with an ACL injury.
Bilirubin-Induced Neurological Dysfunction
Authors: van Toorn Ronald , Brink Philip , Smith Johan , Ackermann Christelle , Solomons Regan
Published: September 2016

The clinical expression of bilirubin-induced neurological dysfunction varies according to severity and location of the disease. Definitions have been proposed to describe different bilirubin-induced neurological dysfunction subtypes. Our objective was to describe the severity and clinico-radiological-neurophysiological correlation in 30 consecutive children with bilirubin-induced neurological dysfunction seen over a period of 5 years. Thirty children exposed to acute neonatal bilirubin encephalopathy were included in the study. The mean peak total serum bilirubin level was 625 μmol/L (range 480-900 μmol/L). Acoustic brainstem responses were abnormal in 73% (n = 22). Pallidal hyperintensity was observed on magnetic resonance imaging in 20 children. Peak total serum bilirubin levels correlated with motor severity ( P = .03). Children with severe motor impairment were likely to manifest severe auditory neuropathy ( P < .01). We found that in a resource-constrained setting, classical kernicterus was the most common bilirubin-induced neurological dysfunction subtype, and the majority of children had abnormal acoustic brainstem responses and magnetic resonance imaging.
Description and Contribution of Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Nontraumatic Critically Ill Children
Authors: Mortamet Guillaume , Kossorotoff Manoelle , Baptiste Amandine , Boddaert Nathalie , Castelle Martin , Hubert Philippe , Lesage Fabrice , Renolleau Sylvain , Oualha Mehdi
Published: September 2016

Background:

The authors aimed to collect all brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed in critically ill children in the authors’ medical pediatric intensive care unit over a 2-year period (2012-2013) to (1) describe the findings and (2) assess its contribution on practical patient care.

Methods:

This is a single-center and retrospective study. All children without traumatic brain injury who underwent a brain MRI during pediatric intensive care unit stays were included. To assess the exam’s contribution, the patient’s medical condition at the time of the MRI exam was blindly and separately exposed to a pediatric neurologist and a pediatric intensivist.

Results:

During the study period, 87 patients (7.5%) underwent a brain MRI. Median age was 4 months and 13 children (14.9%) died in pediatric intensive care unit. The most common final diagnosis was postanoxic encephalopathy. Brain MRI was abnormal in 68 patients (78.2%). No serious adverse event occurred during the transport. The neurologist and the intensivist considered brain MRI as indicated during pediatric intensive care unit stay in 65 (74.7%) and 68 patients (78.2%). They deemed that brain MRI had a diagnostic contribution in 76 (87.4%) and 60 (69.0%) patients, respectively. A therapeutic change consecutive to MRI findings occurred in 19 patients (21.8%) and MRI results were associated with a decision to withdraw life-sustaining treatment in 21 patients (24.1%).

Conclusion:

Brain MRI is one component of neuromonitoring, and this study suggests a substantial diagnostic contribution, although its therapeutic impact appears limited to specific diagnoses.
Association of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis–Derived Phase Angle and Sarcopenia in Older Adults
Authors: Kilic Mustafa Kemal , Kizilarslanoglu Muhammet Cemal , Arik Gunes , Bolayir Basak , Kara Ozgur , Dogan Varan Hacer , Sumer Fatih , Kuyumcu Mehmet Emin , Halil Meltem , Ulger Zekeriya
Published: September 2016

Background: Sarcopenia is an important problem for older adults, leading to morbidity and mortality; therefore, early detection with a precise method is essential. We aimed to investigate the role of bioelectrical impedance analysis–derived phase angle as a determinant of sarcopenia. Materials and Methods: A cross section of 263 community‐dwelling and hospitalized older adults (>65 years) were assessed in terms of sarcopenia with bioelectrical indices and anthropometric measurements. Sarcopenic and nonsarcopenic groups were compared, and significant determinants of sarcopenia were further analyzed with multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Forty patients were diagnosed with sarcopenia. The following were significant correlates of sarcopenia: female sex, low weight/height, low body mass index, decreased muscle strength, low calf circumference, low skeletal muscle mass/index, high impedance at 50 kHz, a history of hypertension, worse nutrition status, and low phase angle. Diagnostic parameters with well‐known association were omitted, and sex, height, weight, body mass index, creatinine, nutrition status, phase angle, impedance at 50 kHz, and hypertension category were included in regression analysis. The following were independent associated factors with sarcopenia: phase angle (odds ratio [OR]: 0.59, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.40–0.87, P = .008), body mass index (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.77–0.93, P = .001) impedance at 50 kHz (OR: 1.010, 95% CI: 1.006–1.015, P < .001), and height (OR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88–0.97, P = .001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the optimal phase angle cutoff value to detect sarcopenia was ≤4.55º. Conclusions: Bioelectrical phase angle can be useful for diagnosis of sarcopenia.
Methionine Metabolites in Patients With Sepsis
Authors: Wexler Orren , Gough Michael S. , Morgan Mary Anne M. , Mack Cynthia M. , Apostolakos Michael J. , Doolin Kathleen P. , Mooney Robert A. , Arning Erland , Bottiglieri Teodoro , Pietropaoli Anthony P.
Published: September 2016

Objective:

Sepsis is characterized by microvascular dysfunction and thrombophilia. Several methionine metabolites may be relevant to this sepsis pathophysiology. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) serves as the methyl donor for trans-methylation reactions. S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) is the by-product of these reactions and serves as the precursor to homocysteine. Relationships between plasma total homocysteine concentrations (tHcy) and vascular disease and thrombosis are firmly established. We hypothesized that SAM, SAH, and tHcy levels are elevated in patients with sepsis and associated with mortality.

Methods:

This was a combined case–control and prospective cohort study consisting of 109 patients with sepsis and 50 control participants without acute illness. The study was conducted in the medical and surgical intensive care units of the University of Rochester Medical Center. Methionine, SAM, SAH, and tHcy concentrations were compared in patients with sepsis versus control participants and in sepsis survivors versus nonsurvivors.

Results:

Patients with sepsis had significantly higher plasma SAM and SAH concentrations than control participants (SAM: 164 [107-227] vs73 [59-87 nM], P < .001; SAH: 99 [60-165] vs 35 [28-45] nM, P < .001). In contrast, plasma tHcy concentrations were lower in sepsis patients compared to healthy control participants (4 [2-6]) vs 7 [5-9] μM; P = .04). In multivariable analysis, quartiles of SAM, SAH, and tHcy were independently associated with sepsis ( P = .006, P = .05, and P < .001, respectively). Sepsis nonsurvivors had significantly higher plasma SAM and SAH concentrations than survivors (SAM: 223 [125-260] vs 136 [96-187] nM; P = .01; SAH: 139 [81-197] vs 86 [55-130] nM, P = .006). Plasma tHcy levels were similar in survivors vs nonsurvivors. The associations between SAM or SAH and hospital mortality were no longer significant after adjusting for renal dysfunction.

Conclusions:

Methionine metabolite concentrations are abnormal in sepsis and linked with clinical outcomes. Further study is required to determine whether these abnormalities have pathophysiologic significance.
Confronting Online Extremism
Authors: Costello Matthew , Hawdon James , Ratliff Thomas N.
Published: September 2016

Who is likely to be a target of online hate and extremism? To answer this question, we use an online survey ( N = 963) of youth and young adults recruited from a demographically balanced sample of Americans. Adapting routine activity theory, we distinguish between actor-initiated social control (i.e., self-help), other-initiated social control (i.e., collective efficacy), and guardianship and show how self-help is positively related to the likelihood of being targeted by hate. Our findings highlight how online exposure to hate materials, target suitability, and enacting social control online all influence being the target of hate. Using social networking sites and encountering hate material online have a particularly strong relationship with being targeted with victim suitability (e.g., discussing private matters online, participating in hate online) and confronting hate also influencing the likelihood of being the target of hate speech.
An experimental study on rotary ultrasonic machining of Macor ceramic
Authors: Singh Ravi Pratap , Singhal Sandeep
Published: September 2016

Macor ceramic has been well recognized as an eminent engineering material which possesses enlarged industrial usage owing to its excellent and versatile properties. However, its fruitful and economic processing is still unanswered. This article has targeted to experimentally investigate the influence of numerous process variables on machining characteristics in rotary ultrasonic machining of Macor ceramic. The impact of different input factors, namely, spindle speed, feed rate, coolant pressure, and ultrasonic power has been appraised on process responses of interest, that is, material removal rate and chipping size. The experimental plan was designed by employing response surface methodology through central composite rotatable design. The variance analysis test has also been performed with a view to observe the significance of considered parameters. Microstructure of machined samples has also been evaluated and analyzed using scanning electron microscope. This analysis has revealed and confirmed the presence of dominated brittle fracture that caused removal of material along with the thin plastic deformation in rotary ultrasonic machining of Macor ceramic. The reliability and competence of the developed mathematical model have been established with test results. The multi-response optimization of machining responses has also been done by utilizing desirability approach, and at optimized parametric setting, the obtained experimental values for material removal rate and chipping size are 0.4762 mm3/s and 0.3718 mm, respectively, with the combined desirability index value of 0.937.
Off-line error compensation in corner milling process
Authors: Yue Caixu , Liu Xianli , Ding Yunpeng , Liang Steven Y
Published: September 2016

Tool deflection induced by cutting force could result in dimensional inaccuracies or profile error in corner milling process. Error compensation has been proved to be an effective method to get accuracy component in milling process. This article presents a methodology to compensate profile errors by modifying tool path. The compensation effect strongly depends on accuracy of the cutting force model used. The mathematical expression of chip thickness is proposed based on the true track of cutting edge for corner milling process, which considers the effect of tool deflection. The deflection of tool is calculated by finite element method. Then, an off-line compensation algorithm for corner profile error is developed. Following the theoretical analysis, the effect of the error compensation algorithm is verified by experimental study. The outcome provides useful comprehension about selection of process conditions for corner milling process.
Social manufacturing as a sustainable paradigm for mass individualization
Authors: Jiang Pingyu , Leng Jiewu , Ding Kai , Gu Peihua , Koren Yoram
Published: September 2016

With increasing product personalization and open innovation, the manufacturing paradigm has been transforming to a more decentralized and socialized one. Social manufacturing was proposed as a new paradigm for industry. It extends the crowdsourcing idea to the manufacturing area. By establishing cyber–physical–social connection via decentralized social media, various communities can be formed as complex, dynamic autonomous systems to co-create customized and personalized products and services. This article presents the concept and characteristics of social manufacturing including distributed, adaptive, and self-organization. It also addresses social intelligence in proactive decision-making for organization of socialized resources and producers in the life-cycle of product.
A study on the key techniques of application of REVO five-axis system in non-orthogonal coordinate measuring machine
Authors: Zhang Haitao , Liu Shugui , Li Xinghua
Published: September 2016

REVO five-axis system, designed for the orthogonal coordinate measuring machines, must be reconfigured for the application in the non-orthogonal coordinate measuring machines. First, in this article, error sources of the system and components of measurement data are analyzed; then, scale values of coordinate measuring machine axes, which are essential to derive the coordinates of measured points in non-orthogonal coordinate measuring machine, are separated out. Besides, the mathematical model of REVO is established based on the quasi-rigid body theory, from which the measurement results can be evaluated by data derived instead of that returned by the system. The effectiveness of both separation of scale values and mathematical model of REVO is proved by experiments and practice. The research of this article is of great significance to the application of REVO five-axis system in the non-orthogonal coordinate measuring machine.
Prediction of the heat-affected zone of tool steel EN X37CrMoV5-1 after die-sinking electrical discharge machining
Authors: Straka L’uboslav , Hašová Slavomíra
Published: September 2016

This article describes the results of the experimental research on the heat-affected zone of the subsurface layers of eroded surface on medium-alloyed samples of steel EN X37CrMoV5-1 (W.-Nr. 1.2343) which occurs in die-sinking electrical discharge machining with Cu electrode. It assesses the direct effect and consequences of the heat-affected zone on the final quality of the machined surface. The aim of the experiments was to contribute to the knowledge database defining the influence of the main technological parameters of electrical discharge machining on the microhardness changes and the total depth of the heat-affected zone of the subsurface layers of experimental samples. The results of the experimental measurement were transformed into the mathematical models allowing simulation and prediction of the final quality of the machined surface after die-sinking electrical discharge machining tool steels with Cu electrode. The purpose of the mathematical models is to determine the optimal combination of process parameters and thereby achieve the desired quality of the products produced by this advanced technology.
Determination of longitudinal profile of railway track using vehicle-based inertial readings
Authors: OBrien Eugene J , Bowe Cathal , Quirke Paraic , Cantero Daniel
Published: September 2016

The longitudinal profile of a railway track excites a dynamic response in a train which can potentially be used to determine that profile. A method is proposed in this paper for the determination of the longitudinal profile through an analysis of bogie vertical accelerations and angular velocities resulting from the train/track dynamic interaction. The cross-entropy optimisation technique is applied to determine the railway track profile elevations that generate a vehicle response which best fits the measured dynamic response of a railway carriage bogie. Numerical validation of the concept is achieved by using a two-dimensional quarter-car dynamic model, representing a railway carriage and bogie, traversing an infinitely stiff profile. The concept is further tested by the introduction of a two-dimensional car dynamic vehicle model and a three-layer track model to infer the track profile in the longitudinal direction. Both interaction models are implemented in Matlab. Various grades of track irregularity are generated which excite the vehicle inducing a dynamic response. Ten vertical elevations are found at a time which give a least squares fit of theoretical to measured accelerations and angular velocity. In each time step, half of these elevations are retained and a new optimisation is used to determine the next 10 elevations along the length of the track. The optimised elevations are collated to determine the overall longitudinal profile over a finite length of railway track.