bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spot Weather Forecasts: Improving Utilization, Communication, and Perceptions of Accuracy in Sophisticated User Groups
Authors: Wall Tamara U. , Brown Timothy J. , Nauslar Nicholas J.
Published: February 2017

Spot weather forecasts (SWFs) are issued by Weather Service offices throughout the United States and are primarily for use by wildfire and prescribed fire practitioners for monitoring local-scale weather conditions. This paper focuses on use of SWFs by prescribed fire practitioners. Based on qualitative, in-depth interviews with fire practitioners and National Weather Service forecasters, this paper examines factors that influence perceptions of accuracy and utilization of SWFs. Results indicate that, while several well-understood climatological, topographical, and data-driven factors influence forecast accuracy, social factors likely have the greater impact on perceptions of accuracy, quantitative accuracy, and utilization. These include challenges with building and maintaining relationships between forecasters and fire managers, communication issues around updating SWFs, and communicating forecast confidence and uncertainty. Operationally, improved quantitative skill in a forecast is always desirable, but key opportunities for improving accuracy and utilization of these forecasts lie in 1) enhancing the processes and mechanisms for communication between a Weather Forecast Office and fire practitioners—before, during, and after an SWFs is issued—and 2) working with the wildland fire community to experiment with forecast uncertainty and confidence information in SWFs and evaluate impacts of these approaches.
Rational Sources of Chaos in Democratic Transition
Authors: MARKS GARY
Published: February 2017

A crisis of legitimacy is a crisis of change. Therefore, its roots must be sought in the character of change in modern society. Crises of legitimacy occur during a transition to a new social structure, if (1) the status of major conservative institutions is threatened during the period of structural change; (2) all the major groups in the society do not have access to the political system in the transitional period, or at least as soon as they develop political demands.
Association between plasma proprotein convertase subtisilin/kexin type 9 concentration and coronary artery calcification
Authors: Zhao Xi , Zhang Hui-Wen , Li Sha , Zhang Yan , Xu Rui-Xia , Zhu Cheng-Gang , Wu Na-Qiong , Guo Yuan-Lin , Qing Ping , Li Xiao-Lin , Liu Geng , Dong Qian , Sun Jing , Li Jian-Jun
Published: February 2017

Background

Plasma proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has been reported to be related to several risk factors and diseases such as inflammatory markers and coronary artery disease. The aim of present study was to investigate whether plasma PCSK9 concentration was associated with coronary artery calcification.

Methods

A total of 403 consecutive untreated patients with angina-like chest pain, who received electron beam computed tomography, were enrolled and a coronary artery calcification score (CACS) was also measured. The baseline clinical characteristics were collected and blood sample was taken after 12-h fasting. The plasma PCSK9 concentrations were determined by ELISA in all patients, and the relationship between plasma PCSK9 concentrations and CACS was investigated.

Results

Patients with coronary artery calcification (CACS > 0) had significant higher plasma PCSK9 concentrations compared with those (CACS = 0) without coronary artery calcification (258.58 ± 69.53 ng/mL vs. 202.53 ± 52.17 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Patients with highest PCSK9 concentrations had the highest CACS. Multivariable linear regression analysis suggested that PCSK9 was independently associated with coronary artery calcification ( P = 0.002) after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, the area under the curve for the plasma PCSK9 concentration in predicting coronary artery calcification was 0.736 (95% CI: 0.687–0.785, P < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 70%.

Conclusion

A positive association between plasma PCSK9 concentration and coronary artery calcification in untreated patients with angina-like chest pain was observed in our study, suggesting that further investigation may be needed in order to confirm our primary findings and explore the clinical implications.
Additive manufacturing of thermoplastic matrix composites using fused deposition modeling: A comparison of two reinforcements
Authors: Ning Fuda , Cong Weilong , Hu Zhonglue , Huang Kevin
Published: February 2017

Fused deposition modeling is a fast growing additive manufacturing technology with advantages of low cost, low operation temperature, consistent prototype accuracy, and flexible material change. Fiber-reinforced plastic composite parts have been developed by the fused deposition modeling process to improve the mechanical properties of fused deposition modeling-fabricated pure thermoplastic parts which cannot be used as load-bearing parts in the actual applications. However, porosity found at the fracture interfaces of fused deposition modeling-fabricated fiber-reinforced plastic composite parts may limit their potential for direct replacement in the functional applications. The problem may result from the larger length–diameter ratio of the chopped thin fibers used in fiber-reinforced plastic composite parts fabricating. One of the possible methods to reduce the porosity is employing small length–diameter ratio particles/flakes (such as graphite) instead of chopped thin fibers as reinforcements. However, mechanical performances of the graphite-reinforced thermoplastic composites are still unknown. In this article, comparisons on porosity and tensile properties between the specimens of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic and graphite-reinforced thermoplastic fabricated by fused deposition modeling process were conducted in order to test the effects of reinforcements. Fracture interfaces of the specimens after tensile testing were observed.
NAMPT Is an Essential Regulator of RA-Mediated Periodontal Inflammation
Authors: Kim D. , Lee G. , Huh Y.H. , Lee S.Y. , Park K.H. , Kim S. , Kim J. , Koh J. , Ryu J.
Published: February 2017

Recent studies have indicated a potential correlation between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontal inflammation. We undertook this study to verify whether RA mediates periodontitis-like phenotypes in experimental mouse models of RA and to explore the role of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) in periodontal inflammation during RA pathogenesis. Periodontal inflammation and alveolar bone loss have been reported in mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and in genetically modified tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF-α) transgenic (TG) mouse models. Among the adipokines examined in our study, NAMPT expression was markedly upregulated in the periodontal ligament (PDL) tissues in RA mouse models and in human PDL cells stimulated by the proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL) 1β and TNF-α. When NAMPT was overexpressed with the Nampt-synthesizing adenovirus vector (Ad- Nampt), the PDL cells exhibited an increased expression of cytokines (IL6), chemokines (IL8 and chemokine [C-C motif] ligand 5 [CCL5]), inflammatory mediators (cyclooxygenase 2 [COX-2]), and matrix-degrading enzymes (matrix metalloproteinase [MMP] 1 and MMP3). Inhibition of NAMPT by the intracellular NAMPT (iNAMPT) inhibitor, FK866, or by the sirtuin inhibitor, nicotinamide, in PDL cells led to inhibition of the IL1β or Ad- Nampt–induced upregulation of catabolic factors, whereas treatment with recombinant NAMPT protein or blockade of extracellular NAMPT (eNAMPT) with blocking antibody did not. Moreover, NAMPT inhibition by the intraperitoneal or intragingival injection of FK866 in CIA mice inhibited periodontal tissue damage, under conditions of RA. Thus, our results verified the co-occurrence of RA and periodontal inflammation using experimental mouse models of RA, suggesting that iNAMPT in PDL cells plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of RA-mediated periodontal inflammation by regulating the expression levels of catabolic genes, such as IL6, IL8, CCL5, COX-2, MMP1, and MMP3.
Revitalizing genetically-modified mouse strains using frozen–thawed sperm after up to 192 h of refrigerated epididymis transportation
Authors: Moreno-del Val Gonzalo , Muñoz-Robledano Patricia
Published: February 2017

In the scientific interchange of genetically-modified mouse strains the transportation of refrigerated epididymis has several advantages over the transportation of live animals, especially with regard to the 3R (replacement, reduction and refinement) principles. The major limiting factor is the duration of the transportation. Previous reports have shown that sperm collected from transported epididymis maintained their fertility for around 72 h, but there are no published data with longer transportation times, and this window of time may be too short, especially for international shipments and where locations are not well connected. In this study live pups were born using frozen–thawed sperm after up to 192 h (8 days) of transportation, using a special in vitro fertilization design which resulted in a fertilization rate of 10.5%.
Residential segregation and perceptions of social integration in Shanghai, China
Authors: Liu Lin , Huang Youqin , Zhang Wenhong
Published: February 2017

With ongoing urban revolution, Chinese cities are experiencing an influx of migrants, whose integration into urban society becomes an unprecedented challenge. Using a recent survey in Shanghai and adopting a multilevel multinomial logistic model, this paper studies perceptions of social integration, comparing local residents with migrants. While migrants and local residents have very different perceptions of social integration, both individual-level factors and community-level factors such as residential segregation shape perceptions of social integration, and they shape migrants and local residents differently. In particular, residential segregation, especially migrant population size, tends to reinforce perceptions of social exclusion, which imposes challenges on social integration.
Elite Military Cues and Public Opinion About the Use of Military Force
Authors: Golby James , Feaver Peter , Dropp Kyle
Published: February 2017

Do military endorsements influence Americans’ political and foreign policy views? We find that senior military officers have the ability to nudge public attitudes under certain conditions. Through a series of large, survey-based experiments, with nearly 12,000 completed interviews from national samples, we find that participants respond to survey questions in predictable ways depending on whether they have been prompted with information about the views of senior military leaders on the very same questions. When told that senior military leaders oppose particular interventions abroad, public opposition to that intervention increases; endorsements of support boost public support but by a smaller magnitude. Subsequent causal mediation analysis suggests that military opinion influences public opinion primarily through its impact on a mission’s perceived legitimacy and, to a lesser degree, it’s perceived likelihood of success.
Predicting Academic Success With Early, Middle, and Late Semester Assessment of Student–Instructor Rapport
Authors: Lammers William J. , Gillaspy J. Arthur , Hancock Felecia
Published: February 2017

We used a brief scale to measure student–instructor rapport and assessed the degree to which student’s perceived rapport at the beginning, middle, and end of the semester predicted final course grades in a traditional course. Results showed a positive correlation between rapport scores and final grades such that rapport at each of the time points during the semester predicted final course grade. Those students for whom rapport decreased across the semester showed significantly lower final grades than students for whom rapport remained stable or increased. Results support the psychometric properties of the Student–Instructor Rapport Scale-9 and that student–instructor rapport formed early in the semester predicts academic success.
Confronting Bias Through Teaching
Authors: Crittle Chelsea , Maddox Keith B.
Published: February 2017

Research in social psychology has the potential to address real-world issues involving racial stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. Literature on confrontation suggests that addressing racism can be seen as a persuasive act that will allow for more effective interpersonal interactions. In this article, we explore the persuasive communication literature in the context of classroom education on the pervasiveness of racial bias. We examine some of the challenges instructors might face from students. Finally, we suggest strategies that might allow for a more effective classroom experience.
Novel developments in foam sclerotherapy: Focus on Varithena® (polidocanol endovenous microfoam) in the management of varicose veins
Authors: Star Phoebe , Connor David E , Parsi Kurosh
Published: February 2017

Scope

Varithena® is a recently approved commercially available drug/delivery unit that produces foam using 1% polidocanol for the management of varicose veins. The purpose of this review is to examine the benefits of foam sclerotherapy, features of the ideal foam sclerosant and the strengths and limitations of Varithena® in the context of current foam sclerotherapy practices.

Method

Electronic databases including PubMed, Medline (Ovid) SP as well as trial registries and product information sheets were searched using the keywords, ‘Varithena’, ‘Varisolve’, ‘polidocanol endovenous microfoam’, ‘polidocanol’ and/or ‘foam sclerotherapy/sclerosant’. Articles published prior to 20 September 2016 were identified.

Results

Foam sclerosants have effectively replaced liquid agents due to their physiochemical properties resulting in better clinical outcomes. Medical practitioners commonly prepare sclerosant foam at the bedside by agitating liquid sclerosant with a gas such as room air, using techniques as described by Tessari or the double syringe method. Such physician-compounded foams are highly operator dependent producing inconsistent foams of different gas/liquid compositions, bubble size, foam behaviour and varied safety profiles. Varithena® overcomes the variability and inconsistencies of physician-compounded foam. However, Varithena® has limited applications due to its fixed sclerosant type and concentration, cost and lack of worldwide availability. Clinical trials of Varithena® have demonstrated efficacy and safety outcomes equivalent or better than physician-compounded foam but only in comparison to placebo alone.

Conclusion

Varithena® is a promising step towards the creation of an ideal sclerosant foam. Further assessment in independent randomised controlled clinical trials is required to establish the advantages of Varithena® over and above the current best practice physician-compounded foam.
The Value of Calculations: The Coproduction of Theorycraft and Player Practices
Authors: Ask Kristine
Published: February 2017

This article investigates the use and effect of optimizing strategies in the online game World of Warcraft. Specifically, it looks at the phenomenon known as “theorycrafting,” wherein expert players reverse engineer the game and use its underlying algorithms to calculate maximized play strategies. Play from a theorycrafting perspective is about the correct input and output of numbers, challenging the narrative of play as something free and frivolous. Seeking to understand how play and knowledge relate to each other, the article discusses how theorycrafting’s seemingly abstract, objective, and neutral information about the game is also embedded with values, ideas, and norms. Based on a 1-year ethnographic study, the article uses Jasanoff’s idiom of coproduction to discuss how abstract calculations are rendered meaningful and valuable by players, and the consequences of this in stabilizing particular ways of playing World of Warcraft.
Natural rubber/graphene oxide nanocomposites via melt and latex compounding: Comparison at very low graphene oxide content
Authors: Berki Péter , László Krisztina , Tung Ngo Trinh , Karger-Kocsis József
Published: February 2017

Graphene oxide was produced by the improved Hummers method and characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Graphene oxide was incorporated up to 0.5 part per hundred rubber (phr) in natural rubber through traditional melt mixing and latex precompounding, respectively. Cure behavior of the sulfur-curable natural rubber/graphene oxide nanocomposites was studied in a Monsanto-type vulcameter. Properties of the nanocomposites were determined in dynamic mechanical analysis, static tensile (tensile and tear), and fracture mechanical (J-integral) tests. Unlike for latex precompounding, incorporation of graphene oxide accelerated the vulcanization and reduced its extent for the melt compounded series. Natural rubber/graphene oxide nanocomposites, produced by the latex route, outperformed the melt compounded versions with respect to the hardness, tensile mechanical and fracture mechanical performances. The properties of the former natural rubber/graphene oxide nanocomposites scattered less than those produced using block natural rubber via traditional compounding. The property improvements were attributed to a better dispersion (higher exfoliation and larger aspect ratio) of the graphene oxide layers after latex precompounding compared to the nanocomposites produced via direct melt mixing of block natural rubber.
Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics: Evidence of Effectiveness and Use
Authors: Manchanda Rahul , Chue Pierre , Malla Ashok , Tibbo Phil , Roy Marc-André , Williams Richard , Iyer Srividya , Lutgens Danyael , Banks Nicola
Published: February 2017

Objective

To review the evidence for the role of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics (APs), especially the second-generation AP (SGA) LAIs, in the treatment of schizophrenia and to discuss the use rates of LAIs in Canada.

Method

A search of online medical databases was conducted of the published literature (1995–2012) of the effects of LAIs on the domains of remission, adherence, relapse, and hospitalization. Results obtained from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and large-scale observational studies were included. Expert consensus data were also solicited on LAI use within a Canadian context.

Results

While the efficacy of LAIs, compared with placebo, is well established, the evidence from RCTs is equivocal for any specific advantage for SGA LAIs, compared with oral medications, probably owing to challenges in conducting such RCTs. Evidence from methodologically less rigorous studies and from clinical practice suggests some advantages in achieving and maintaining remission, risk of relapse, and hospitalization. The rate of LAI (first-generation AP and SGA) use from published outpatient studies is low at 6.3% in Canada, compared with 15% to 80% worldwide. However, there is a relatively high rate of use in specific early psychosis programs and in conjunction with community treatment orders in Canada.

Conclusions

LAIs are at least as effective as oral APs in the treatment of psychotic disorders. The former may have specific advantages for patients who demonstrate covert nonadherence. The underuse of LAIs in Canada needs to be better understood and addressed.
Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics: Recommendations for Clinicians
Authors: Malla Ashok , Tibbo Phil , Chue Pierre , Levy Emmanuelle , Manchanda Rahul , Teehan Michael , Williams Richard , Iyer Srividya , Roy Marc-André
Published: February 2017

A major source of limitation to the real effectiveness of antipsychotics is the high rate of patient nonadherence or, more frequently, partial adherence. using long-acting injectable (LAI) formulations is likely to reduce the impact of such adherence problems. Conversely, the use of LAIs in Canada remains low relative to many other jurisdictions.

Based on effectiveness data from randomized control trials and other, less rigorous, studies, as well as our 2 qualitative studies exploring numerous issues around the use of LAIs, including their low use, we put forward 10 different recommendations for consideration by clinicians. These are also based on the experience of many clinicians and clinician scientists. These recommendations address mostly clinical challenges associated with the use of LAIs. Their application in clinical settings is illustrated in our report through several case examples highlighting the large variation across patients and different phases of illness. It is recommended that LAIs should be considered as a treatment option for psychotic disorders across all phases, including the first 2 to 5 critical years.
Hospital acquisitions, parenting styles and management accounting change: An institutional perspective
Authors: Dossi Andrea , Lecci Francesca , Longo Francesco , Morelli Marco
Published: February 2017

Many healthcare scholars have applied institutional theories to the study of management accounting systems (MAS) change. However, little attention has been devoted to MAS change within groups. Kostova et al. highlight the limitations of traditional institutional frameworks in studying groups since they are characterised not only by the existence of external institutional environments but also by intra-organisational (meso-level) ones. Given this background, the research question is: how does the meso-level institutional environment affect MAS change in healthcare groups? We use a longitudinal multiple-case study design to understand the role of headquarters in shaping local MAS change. We would expect companies to adopt similar MAS. However, we argue that the relationship between external institutions and MAS change cannot be wholly understood without taking into consideration the role of headquarters. Our analysis shows how hospitals facing the same external institutional environment implement different MAS as a consequence of different parenting styles. From a scientific perspective, our article contributes to broaden traditional institutional theoretical frameworks.
Medical managers’ managerial self-efficacy and role clarity: How do they bridge the budgetary participation–performance link?
Authors: Macinati Manuela S , Cantaluppi Gabriele , Rizzo Marco Giovanni
Published: February 2017

This study explains the process ‘'how'' organizational accounting practices, such as budgetary participation, influence medical doctors' perceptions and beliefs associated with their hybrid role and what the consequences are on their performance. Building on social cognitive theory, we hypothesize a structural model in which managerial self-efficacy and role clarity mediate the effects of budgetary participation on performance. The data were collected by a survey conducted in an Italian hospital. The research hypotheses were tested employing a path model. The results suggest that role clarity and managerial self-efficacy fully mediate the link between budgetary participation and performance. From a managerial viewpoint results suggest that organizations that invest in budgetary participation will also affect individual beliefs about the perceived benefits of participation itself, since an information-rich internal environment allows employees to experience a clearer sense of direction through organizational goals. According to our results, organizations that seek self-directed employees should pay attention to the experience the medical managers acquire through budgetary participation. In fact, this event influences the employees' mental states—and specifically provides them with information needed to perform in the role and enhance their judgment of their own capabilities to organize and execute the required course of actions—which take on internal psychological motivation to reach performance levels.
Surface reconstruction for thin aero engine blade from disorganized contact measured points
Authors: Lyu Xuegeng , Yu Hongying , Wu Jialu
Published: February 2017

Blade surface reconstruction is one of the necessary steps in blade adaptive machining system. The majority of the current reconstruction methods are based on point-cloud, which is obtained using noncontact measurements. Correspondingly, these methods are invalid when the points are obtained using contact measurements. In this paper, we studied the method of surface reconstruction for thin features based on measured contact points. Owing to the random order of the measured points, and the fact that when the distance between two measured points is larger than the wall thickness of the blade will lead to interpolation errors, a quad tree-based region division method, and a points sorting algorithm, are proposed for correctly ordering the points. On this basis, inverse interpolation of cross-sectional curves using a cubic NURBS curve is used to fit them and reconstruct surfaces. Surface reconstruction examples are presented herein, and a comparison between the reconstructed and designed surfaces is used to verify the validity of our method.
Safe path planning for free-floating space robot to approach noncooperative spacecraft
Authors: Zhang Fuhai , Fu Yili , Zhu Shan , Liu He , Guo Bin , Wang Shuguo
Published: February 2017

In order to eliminate plume impingement on the target satellite, a free-floating space robot (also known as a chaser), which has the advantage of executing on-orbit service, is always used. This paper develops a path planning method for a safe rendezvous of chaser with a noncooperative target satellite in orbital coordinates. Safety principles for rendezvous in terminal approaching phase are proposed. Grasp points on the target satellite are analyzed and classified into two categories, and a moving ellipse trajectory is adopted to approach a rotating and uncontrolled target satellite. This method guarantees that the chaser can successfully escape if unexpected error occurs or capture fails. The simulation results show that, with this novel autonomous rendezvous method, the chaser can approach the noncooperative target satellite along the designated trajectory in any quadrant of the orbital plane.
Multi-point optimization of transonic airfoils using an enhanced genetic algorithm
Authors: Timnak Narjes , Jahangirian Alireza
Published: February 2017

In this study, two new techniques are proposed for accelerating the multi-point optimization of an airfoil shape by genetic algorithms. In such multi-point evolutionary optimization, the objective function has to be evaluated several times more than a single-point optimization. Thus, excessive computational time is crucial in these problems particularly, when computational fluid dynamics is used for fitness function evaluation. Two new techniques of preadaptive range operator and adaptive mutation rate are proposed. An unstructured grid Navier–Stokes flow solver with a two-equation [Formula: see text] turbulence model is used to evaluate the objective function. The new methods are applied for optimum design of a transonic airfoil at two speed conditions. The results show that using the new methods can increase the aerodynamic efficiency of optimum airfoil at each operating condition with about 30% less computational time in comparison with the conventional genetic algorithm approach.
Risk factors for readmission to hospital in patients with tuberculosis in Tehran, Iran: three-year surveillance
Authors: Shamaei Masoud , Samiei-nejad Mozhgan , Nadernejad Masoumeh , Baghaei Parvaneh
Published: February 2017

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major health problem and TB hospital readmission could increase health system costs. In a retrospective study in a tertiary referral hospital for TB in Tehran, Iran, TB patients with readmission were evaluated. These TB patients in the index year who were then readmitted were compared with TB patients in the same year who were not readmitted during the follow-up period. One hundred and forty-six patients had hospital readmission within three-year follow-up with mean age of 51.6 years old of whom 78 patients (53.5%) were men. Univariate analysis revealed married status, smoking, opium smoking, and medical comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], hypertension, and human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection) as risk factors. Final logistic regression model revealed married status and smoking values of (0.478 odds ratio [OR], 0.310–0.737; 95% confidence interval [CI], P = 0.001) and (1.932 OR, 1.269–2.941; 95% CI, P = 0.002), respectively. Readmission predicted probability was 37% for married patients and 31% for active smokers. The most common medical comorbidities in the first readmission were COPD and HIV infection. Dyspnea and anti-TB drug-induced hepatitis were a common cause of early readmission, while failure and default of treatment were more frequent causes of late readmission. Admission and discharge guidelines, outpatient follow-up, and smoking cessation intervention were proposed as important factors in decreasing the readmission rate.
Philosophical histories can be contextual without being sociological: Comment on Araujo’s historiography
Authors: Burman Jeremy Trevelyan
Published: February 2017

The future of the History of Psychology is bright, and the recent historiographical debates in this journal play an important role in that. Yet Araujo’s recent contribution could be misunderstood: ignoring context is not the way to do a philosophical history. Instead, philosophical assumptions can be presented as part of the context that informed an historical subject. Hence the necessity, here, of a response: the History of Psychology is becoming disciplined, but slowly. There are still plenty of non-specialists who will misunderstand Araujo’s contribution as a step forward in its rhetoric (many of whom teach the history course in their department). And because even specialists also sometimes dismiss methods-talk as a false step toward methodolatry, there is a danger in leaving such misunderstandings unaddressed. Simply put, then, ideas are never only lights in the attic: as the historian looks in, we must always remember that—at the time—someone was looking out.
Editorial: Reflections on a past era and moving theory forward in psychology
Authors: O’Doherty Kieran
Published: February 2017

Theory & Psychology and the incoming editor owe much to its founding editor, Henderikus Stam. The journal now has an established international reputation as a forum for leading debates on theoretical issues in psychology. Moving forward, we recognize the changing landscape of academic publishing and the role of peer-reviewed journals in this new environment. There is an important role for contributors to Theory & Psychology to provide leadership and advance theoretical foundations of disciplinary psychology.
Has the recast made a difference? An examination of the content of European Works Council agreements
Authors: De Spiegelaere Stan , Waddington Jeremy
Published: February 2017

The 2009 recast of the European Works Council (EWC) directive introduced substantial revisions to provisions on training, reporting back to employees and trade union involvement, together with amendments to the definitions of information, consultation and transnational competence. We use data from almost 1100 EWC agreements to evaluate its effect. We find a combination of direct effects from the recast and a general learning effect in the negotiation and renegotiation of EWC agreements. Which is dominant, depends on the issue under examination. The impact of the law tends to accelerate the development of EWCs as an institution in process.
Intensifying embroilments: Technosciences, imaginaries and publics
Authors: Pellizzoni Luigi
Published: February 2017

A common thread in the contributions to this special issue can be found in the Foucauldian notion of intensification. Technoscientific imaginaries and publics have long been embroiled; yet, elements of novelty in their relationship can be detected in the ambivalence of the overcoming of traditional purification work; the expanding production of ‘prototypical’ truths; the uncertain threshold between publics of enquirers, witnesses and lookouts; and the growing indistinction of the everyday and the sublime, of trivial and non-trivial futures. The intensification of old patterns and recent trends determines a critical moment in a literal sense of the word: novel potentialities for a democratic governance of technosciences are opening up, but novel dominative opportunities are disclosing as well.
Design under uncertainty for reliable power generation of piezoelectric energy harvester
Authors: Seong Sumin , Hu Chao , Lee Soobum
Published: February 2017

In recent years, vibration energy harvesters have been widely studied to build self-powered wireless sensor networks for monitoring modern engineered systems. Although there has been significant research effort on different energy harvester configurations, the power output of a vibration energy harvester is known to be sensitive to various sources of uncertainties such as material properties, geometric tolerances, and operating conditions. This article proposes a reliability-based design optimization method to find an optimum design of energy harvester that satisfies the target reliability on power generation. This optimum design of vibration energy harvester demonstrates reliable power generation capability in the presence of the various sources of uncertainties.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor–Associated Risk of Bleeding: An Evaluation of Reported Adverse Events
Authors: Rahman Md Motiur , Scalese Michael J. , Hansen Richard A.
Published: February 2017

Background: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors improve glycemic control, and sitagliptin has been associated with a reduction in cardiovascular events. In vivo data suggest reduced platelet activation, and aggregation may play a role, and therefore, increased bleeding risk is possible. Objective: Comparatively assess bleeding risks associated with DPP-4 inhibitors against standard treatment. Methods: Exploratory analyses of adverse event reports (AERs) from the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database (2004-2012 periods) were conducted. DPP-4 inhibitor–related bleeding was assessed with metformin as negative control, and aspirin, clopidogrel, and prasugrel illustrated positive comparators. Reporting odds ratios (RORs) and 95% CIs were calculated as a measure of disproportionality of reporting, and RORs were compared across drugs with the Breslow-Day statistics. Results: From 2004 to 2012, 36 298, 4288, and 1202 AERs were found for sitagliptin, saxagliptin, and linagliptin, respectively, with 863, 102, and 14 bleeding complications. The relative reporting rate was not elevated with any DPP-4 inhibitor (sitagliptin: ROR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.67-0.76; saxagliptin: ROR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.59-0.87; linagliptin: ROR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.20-0.59) or with metformin (ROR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.75-0.78). Sitagliptin showed relatively higher reporting as compared with linagliptin ( P = 0.006) but not with saxagliptin ( P = 0.98). As positive references, antiplatelet drugs demonstrated relatively higher reporting compared with metformin (aspirin: ROR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.48-1.51; clopidogrel: ROR = 2.28, 95% CI = 2.23-2.33; prasugrel: ROR = 5.09, 95% CI = 4.57-5.67). Conclusion: DPP-4 inhibitors were not associated with an undue increase in bleeding AERs in the FAERS database.
A transient analysis of the textured journal bearing considering micro and macro cavitation during an engine cycle
Authors: Gu Chunxing , Meng Xianghui , Zhang Di , Xie Youbai
Published: February 2017

This paper presents a transient analysis of the textured journal bearing system. A mass-conserving model is developed to consider the combined effects of the inter-asperity cavitation and the macroscopic cavitation between two rough textured surfaces. In this model, the inter-asperity cavitation induced by the roughness is considered by the statistical approach (the classic flow factor methodology), while the deterministic approach is used to deal with the macroscopic cavitation induced by textures and macroscopic geometry. Moreover, the system of discretized equations for this model is unconstrained by reformulating the cavitation conditions, which is in favor of improving the computational efficiency. Furthermore, based on the fully dynamic analysis, the present study examines the effect of different textures (dimple and groove) under the engine operating conditions. It is found that the position of journal center is changed according to the engine speed and then influences the potential reduction effects produced by texturing.
Influence of passive versus active interaction with indoor plants on the restoration, behaviour and knowledge of students at a junior high school in Taiwan
Authors: Han Ke-Tsung
Published: February 2017

A field experiment was conducted at a junior high school with 35 students to compare the influence of passive versus active interaction of occupants with indoor plants and the effect of distance from plants on the participants. The participants’ data on subjective perception and objective performance were collected every four weeks over a semester. The active interaction mode group ( n = 18) was required to take care of the plants in the classroom and surrounding areas, while the passive interaction mode group ( n = 17) was not. The results indicated that (1) the active interaction mode had significantly greater self-reported stress restoration than the passive interaction mode with acceptable statistical power; (2) self-reported plant knowledge seemed to increase over the semester with no definite trend; (3) both active and passive interaction with plants could significantly increase self-reported attention restoration with acceptable statistical power; and (4) the plants at different distances from participants’ seats did not have different effects on participants, though the statistical power of this finding was less than ideal.
A thermodynamic entropy-based damage assessment with applications to prognostics and health management
Authors: Imanian Anahita , Modarres Mohammad
Published: February 2017

To advance the traditional structural integrity and life estimation approach, this article presents an explanation of damage and develops an alternative approach to damage assessment based on the fundamental laws of thermodynamics. This explanation provides a new way to perform prognostics and health management in terms of the irreversible thermodynamic framework. Specifically, it is proposed and demonstrated that entropy generated due to material degradation can be used as an index of damage. It is claimed that the use of an entropy-based damage index offers a unified and more comprehensive measure of damage. This is because energy dissipation associated with failure mechanisms that lead to material degradation involves irreversible processes, resulting in entropy generation, which is physically measurable as the materials degrade. We therefore conclude that entropy generation can be used to assess the degree of damage, the amount of the life of materials expended, and the extent of the life remaining. As an application of the proposed concept, this article discusses the entropic characterization of the corrosion-fatigue degradation mechanism, in which a standard entropy-based damage prognostics and health management approach is employed in integrity assessment and remaining useful life prediction of aluminum 7075-T651 specimens. Using entropy as a thermodynamic state function for damage characterization is shown to be effective in handling the endurance threshold uncertainties for prediction purposes.
Preparation of silver-plated polyimide fabric initiated by polyaniline with electromagnetic shielding properties
Authors: Yu Dan , Wang Yu , Hao Tianqi , Wang Wei , Liu Baojiang
Published: February 2017

A novel and efficient method for the electroless silver plating polyimide fabric was developed with electromagnetic shielding properties. Firstly, polyaniline (PANi) was in situ polymerized with ammonium persulfate used as oxidizing agent. Secondly, Ag+ was in situ reduced to Ag0 by PANi, and the electroless silver plating was initiated by Ag0 used as active center. Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, contact angle analysis and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to characterize the composite fabric. It could be observed that silver layer-coated polyimide fabric was compact and uniform with surface resistance about 0.02 Ω/sq. The thermal stability was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. The as-prepared fabric had excellent anti-corrosion, tensile strength and fastness. The shielding effectiveness of this fabric could reach 54–90 dB, which implied it was a good candidate as electromagnetic shielding materials in many fields.
Incidental Dose to Pelvic Nodes in Bladder-Only Radiotherapy: Is It Clinically Relevant?
Authors: Lewis Shirley , Murthy Vedang , Mahantshetty Umesh , Shrivastava Shyam Kishore
Published: February 2017

Background and Purpose:

Although there is a strong biological rationale to electively treat the pelvic nodes during bladder preservation, its clinical benefit is uncertain. This may be explained by the incidental dose received by the nodal regions when treating the bladder alone. This study was conducted to investigate the doses received by the different pelvic nodal regions when the bladder alone is treated by standard conformal radiotherapy.

Methods and Materials:

The computed tomography data sets of 20 patients with node-negative muscle-invasive bladder cancer treated in a bladder preservation protocol were studied. Patients were originally treated with conformal radiotherapy to the bladder alone. Replanning was done with additional delineation of the pelvic nodal regions namely common iliac (upper and lower), presacral, internal iliac, obturator, and external iliac. Dose volume parameters such as Dmean, Dmax, D100%, D66%, D33%, V40, and V50 to each of the nodal regions were estimated for all patients.

Results:

The obturator nodes received the highest dose among all nodal regions. The mean dose received by obturator, external iliac, and internal iliac regions was 59, 45, and 36 Gy, respectively. The dose received by these 3 regions in the full bladder state was 63, 52, and 47 Gy, respectively. The dose received by all other pelvic nodal regions was low and not clinically relevant.

Conclusion:

The incidental dose received by obturator and external iliac nodes is clinically significant in bladder-only radiation, possibly enough to influence micrometastatic disease. This may be a reason for the lack of clear benefit seen with nodal irradiation in bladder cancer.

Advances in Knowledge:

This study highlights that the incidental dose received by obturator and external iliac nodes is clinically significant in bladder-only radiation. The obturator nodes received the highest dose among all nodal regions with mean dose of 59 Gy.
A hybrid decoding of Reed–Muller codes
Authors: Li Shuang , Zhang Shicheng , Chen Zhenxing , Kang Seog Geun
Published: February 2017

In this article, a hybrid decoding algorithm for Reed–Muller codes is presented. Unlike the conventional algorithm, the presented algorithm ends recursive decomposition when [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] appeared. A simplified maximum-likelihood algorithm based on fast Hadamard transform is also exploited to decode the systematic code through its special structure. As a result, the presented hybrid decoding algorithm reduces the number of floating-point multiplications significantly as compared with the conventional algorithms. In addition, the new algorithm has better error performance than the conventional ones.
Microcatheter shaping using intravascular placement during intracranial aneurysm coiling
Authors: Yamaguchi Shinya , Ito Osamu , Koyanagi Yuya , Iwaki Katsuma , Matsukado Koichiro
Published: February 2017

Background

The selection of a pre-shaped microcatheter or a shaping method must be carefully considered for successful aneurysm coiling. The objective of this report is to verify the use of intravascular placement to establish an appropriate microcatheter shape.

Methods

Fifteen patients (15 aneurysms) were included in this study because of the predicted difficulty of microcatheter insertion and stabilisation. The SL-10 straight microcatheter was inserted into the parent artery until the tip of the catheter passed through the neck of the aneurysm. After 5 minutes, the microcatheter was pulled out and the shape acquired from intravascular placement was confirmed and compared with the three-dimensional rotational angiography. In addition, the microcatheter tip was steam-shaped for coiling and coil embolisation was performed. A silicone flow model was also used to confirm our findings. The first experiment compared the bend angle in four different microcatheters placed in the model for 5 minutes. In the second experiment, the SL-10 straight microcatheter was placed in the model, and the bend angle was measured at 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 minutes to observe the changes in bend angle over time.

Results

The SL-10 straight microcatheter, in place for 5 minutes, acquired a shape similar to the patient’s own vessel. Among the 15 patients included, 13 were treated using an intravascular shaped microcatheter. In the flow model experiments, the SL-10 most easily acquired the vessel shape, and the shape change stabilised after 5 minutes.

Conclusion

Shaping the SL-10 straight microcatheter using intravascular placement is an effective shaping method for aneurysm coil embolisation.
On effect of viscoelastic characteristics of polymers on performance of micropump
Authors: Gidde Ranjitsinha R , Pawar Prashant M
Published: February 2017

Micropumps are the most important components of lab-on-a-chip devices, which are becoming popular recently due to their enormous advantages. Among the different designs of micropumps, the nozzle–diffuser valveless design is the most preferred one due to simplicity in manufacturing. For the simulation of these pumps, the local fluid–structure interaction modeling is important to get the performance accuracy. To capture fluid–structure interaction accurately, an appropriate selection of the fluid as well as the structural modeling approaches are very essential. It is well known that the polydimethylsiloxane materials behave as a viscoelastic material. However, most of the earlier studies on polydimethylsiloxane micropump modeling have considered polydimethylsiloxane as a linear elastic material. In this article, a nozzle–diffuser-based valveless micropump is modeled using a fluid–structure interaction approach along with a linear viscoelastic model for polydimethylsiloxane. The mechanical properties of the polydimethylsiloxane material are experimentally obtained using dynamic mechanical analysis for the range of micropump operating frequencies. These viscoelastic properties of polydimethylsiloxane, with varying proportionate of curing agent, are introduced in the fluid–structure interaction model of micropump using the Kelvin–Voigt model. The results are presented in the form of micropump performance parameters such as diaphragm deflection, von-Mises stresses, swept volume, and fluid flow rate.