bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First record of the millipede genus Nesorthomorpha Jeekel, 1980 in Vietnam with description of a new species (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae)
Authors: NGUYEN ANH D. , TRAN BINH T.T. , LE MINH D.
Published: August 2018

The genus Nesorthomorpha Jeekel, 1980 is recorded in Vietnam for the first time based on the discovery of the new species Nesorthomorpha montana n. sp. from the Highlands of Vietnam. An identification key to the new and 8 previously known Nesorthomorpha species is also provided. The relationship between the new species and 9 other species of 5 genera of the tribe Orthomorphini was analyzed using a 500 base pair fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. The result indicates that the new species appears to be closely related to the genus Orthomorpha.
Is Precipitation a Good Metric for Model Performance?
Authors: Tapiador Francisco J. , Roca Rémy , Del Genio Anthony , Dewitte Boris , Petersen Walt , Zhang Fuqing
Published: August 2018

Precipitation has often been used to gauge the performances of numerical weather and climate models, sometimes together with other variables such as temperature, humidity, geopotential, and clouds. Precipitation, however, is singular in that it can present a high spatial variability and probably the sharpest gradients among all meteorological fields. Moreover, its quantitative measurement is plagued with difficulties, and there are even notable differences among different reference datasets. Several additional issues sometimes lead to questions about its usefulness in model validation. This essay discusses the use of precipitation for model verification and validation and the crucial role of highly precise and reliable satellite estimates, such as those from NASA’s Global Precipitation Mission Core Observatory.
Ethics, empathy, and fear in research on violent conflict
Authors: Shesterinina Anastasia
Published: August 2018

The discussion of ethics in the social sciences focuses on ‘doing no harm’ and ‘giving back’ to research participants, but does not explore the challenges of empathy and fear in research with participants in political violence and war. Drawing on 180 in-depth interviews on the Georgian–Abkhaz war of 1992–93 collected over eight months between 2010 and 2013 primarily in Abkhazia, but also Georgia and Russia, I argue that researchers can come to empathize with some but fear other participants in past and present violence. These emotional responses can influence researchers’ ability to probe and interpret interviews and respondents’ ability to surpass strong positions to explore dilemmas of participation in violence. By empathizing with not only ‘victims’ and ‘non-fighters’ as I had expected based on my pre-existing moral-conceptual categories, but also participants in the war, I found that individuals adopted multiple overlapping roles and shifted between these roles in the changing conditions of violence. In contrast, failing to empathize with and fearing those who continued to participate in violence after the war of 1992–93 limited my ability to fully appreciate the complexity of their participation, but shed light on the context of violence in contemporary Abkhazia. This analysis shows that reflection on the role of empathy and fear in shaping our interactions with research participants can help advance our understanding of participation in violence and this difficult research context.
Learning from what doesn’t work in teacher evaluation
Authors: Close Kevin , Amrein-Beardsley Audrey
Published: August 2018

Recent lawsuits reveal common mistakes plaguing current teacher evaluation systems. Drawing on arguments in court documents for prominent cases, the authors find that evaluation systems using value-added measures (VAM) suffer from a) inconsistent and unreliable teacher ratings, b) bias toward and against teachers of certain types of students, c) easy opportunities for administrators to game the system, and d) a lack of transparency. They urge others to engage with these (and other) arguments to design better, more valid, more useful, and ultimately more defensible teacher evaluation systems.
Enhancing teacher education…with Twitter?
Authors: Carpenter Jeffrey P. , Morrison Scott A.
Published: August 2018

The isolation that has historically plagued the teaching profession has particularly harmful effects on novice teachers who need the guidance, wisdom, and encouragement of other educators. In recent years, however, social media tools have helped many teachers connect with colleagues and build robust professional learning networks (PLNs) beyond their schools and districts. In this article, the authors describe their experiences using Twitter with preservice teachers to jump-start their PLN development. Through Twitter, preservice teachers interact with program alumni and in-service educators, and the teacher education program is able to build a stronger connection with their partners in the field.
Getting back on track at Twilight
Authors: Tobin Elise M. , Colley Sean
Published: August 2018

The Twilight School at Danbury High School in Connecticut helps students who are in danger of failing their freshman year to get back on track. In its first year, the program offered special credit-bearing after-school courses in biology and English to students who failed those classes in their first semester. The smaller class sizes and informal atmosphere engaged the students and enabled the DHS educators who taught these courses to experiment with new-to-them instructional techniques, such as blended learning, some of which were later rolled out schoolwide. Of the 75 students who completed the course, 64 earned credits that helped them advance to their sophomore year.
Rebuilding public trust after a school health crisis
Authors: Awwad Yousef , Burnham John W. , Wilton Courtney
Published: August 2018

Portland Public Schools serves nearly 50,000 students in 90 schools averaging 77 years of age. Building age combined with decades of deferred maintenance created serious health and safety issues, numerous unfavorable media reports, and an irate public. In response, PPS Board of Directors commissioned an independent evaluation of various building-based risks and related operational and personnel breakdowns. The authors explain how PPS regained public trust and, along with it, voter support for a $790 million health, safety, and modernization bond.
An alkaline pectate lyase D from Dickeya dadantii DCE-01: clone, expression, characterization, and potential application in ramie bio-degumming
Authors: Cheng Lifeng , Duan Shengwen , Zheng Ke , Feng Xiangyuan , Yang Qi , Liu Zhiyuan , Liu Zhengchu , Peng Yuande
Published: August 2018

Pectinase plays a crucial role in ramie bio-degumming. A pectate lyase gene ( pel4J4) from the high-efficiency degumming bacteria Dickeya dadantii DCE-01 of bast fibers was cloned and connected to pET28a, and then the recombinant plasmid was successfully transformed into Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The pectate lyase (Pel4J4) induced was purified by ultrafiltration and Sephadex G-100 gel chromatography. The enzymatic properties of Pel4J4 were studied in detail. pel4J4 (GenBank accession number: KC900167) had a sequence length of 1179 bp, encoding 392 amino acids. The extracellular pectate lyase activity of pET28a- pel-BL was up to 204.4 IU/mL. The optimal temperature and pH of the purified Pel4J4 were 55℃ and 8.5, respectively. The stable temperature and pH of Pel4J4 activity were 45℃ and 8.5–10.0, respectively. The catalytic activity is Ca2+ dependent and promoted by 1 mmol/L Zn2+, Fe3+, Ca2+, and NH4+, but seriously inhibited by Cu2+ and Pb2+. The optimal substrate is citrus pectin with more than 85% esterification. The heat-resistant alkaline Pel4J4 could strongly degrade natural ramie pectin, indicating a promising application prospect in ramie bio-degumming.
Human brucellosis: Experience from a tertiary care hospital in southern India
Authors: Patra Sudipta , KE Vandana , Tellapragada Chaitanya , Mukhopadhyay Chiranjay
Published: August 2018

The aim of our study was to examine and compare the clinical presentations, complications, laboratory findings, treatment and outcome of patients with acute, subacute and chronic forms of brucellosis in a tertiary care setting.

This hospital-based observational study was undertaken between April 2015 and March 2017. Patients diagnosed with brucellosis, either by blood culture and/or serology, were recruited. A total of 94 cases of brucellosis of acute, subacute and chronic forms were observed in 78.7%, 15.9% and 5.3%, respectively. Blood culture grew Brucella spp. in 70.2% cases. Serological tests showed positivity in 96.8% of the patients. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, fever and upper back pain were significant predictors for both acute and chronic forms of the disease, respectively. There is a need to increase awareness and understand the local sero-epidemiological pattern of brucellosis as it is still little known.
Acculturative stress as a mental health predictor of North Korean refugees in South Korea
Authors: Shin Hwajin , Yoon In-Jin
Published: August 2018

South Korea is an emerging immigration destination where over half of the country’s immigrant population are ethnic return migrants. Thus far, little attention has been given to the effect of acculturation on the mental health of coethnic migrants in non-traditional immigration states such as South Korea. Using 2010 survey data on 1,200 North Korean refugees, this study examines the effect of preserving cultural norms and practices from the home country on the mental health of North Koreans in the South. Based on an acculturation typology, we categorize respondents into four groups based on their attitudes toward home and host cultures. Given South Korea’s homogenous context, our cluster analyses extracted two acculturation types—the integrated and the assimilated groups. The finding that integrated or bicultural individuals had better mental health status than assimilated individuals underscores the crucial role of the culture of origin in attenuating acculturative distress for coethnic migrants in South Korea.
Comparing Matthew and Luke in the Light of Second Temple Jewish Literature
Authors: Brooke George J.
Published: August 2018

This article argues that Luke provides a framework for his gospel narrative about Jesus that is based on the institution of the Temple but that the narrative as a whole is filled with instability marked by features of inclusiveness, whereas Matthew provides a framework of hope in the fulfilment of prophetic texts but that the central gospel narrative as a whole is marked by a restricted and restricting structure based on the Torah. As such the two gospels variously play with features of Jewish societal self-understanding that are also, at least partially, represented in 1 and 2 Maccabees, or in the sectarian scrolls found in the Qumran caves. The insights of C. Lévi-Strauss, as recently adapted for reading narratives by J.W. Rogerson, are used as the basis of a reading strategy.
Rewriting and the Gospels
Authors: Allen Garrick V.
Published: August 2018

This article explores the ways in which the New Testament functions as a witness to Jewish literary production, focusing on the concept of rewritten scripture. I argue that Matthew’s relationship to Mark offers insight into critical discussions regarding rewritten scripture as a concept. These early Christian texts lend credibility to the idea that the generic aspects of the rewritten scripture are secondary to its identity as a flexible set of exegetical procedures practised on a scriptural base tradition. I explore this issue by analysing the controversial history of scholarship on rewritten texts and by analysing the ways in which Matthew’s use of Mark constitutes rewrittenness.
Oral Group Memory – Written Fragmented Memory: A Note on Paul and the Jews
Authors: Mendels Doron
Published: August 2018

The ‘narratorial vacuum’ of a written text in early Christianity, at the time that Paul wrote his letters, works in his favor when he speaks to Diaspora Jews. In order to attract them, Paul dissociates from historical memories concerning the history of Jesus and its aftermath in Palestine. Paul wants to isolate Diaspora Jews from the history of constant conflicts between Palestinian Jews and the Jesus group. Even the crucifixion, which is practically the only fragmented memory that Paul repeatedly mentions, is ‘purified’ of its Jewish context and role (with the exception of 1 Thessalonians, where he blames the Jews) and is in fact divorced from its historical context.
Universal and Particular Law in the Letter of James and Early Judaism
Authors: Wold Benjamin
Published: August 2018

In the letter of James, ‘law’ (νόμος) is mentioned in three passages: 1.21-25, 2.8-12 and 4.11-12. This article focuses on Jas 1.21-25 and the relationship of λόγος at the beginning of the passage (1.21-23) with νόμος at the end (1.25; cf. 2.12). The question asked is whether James reflects Stoic views or not by analyzing this passage alongside occurrences of the expression רז נהיה (‘mystery of existence’) in 4QInstruction, the Community Rule and 1QMysteries. The broader aim is to consider how this passage of James may be situated within both Jewish Hellenistic literature and sapiential traditions discovered at Qumran in order to challenge straightforward identifications of Jas 1.21-25 with Stoicism. In conclusion, it is not simply that James is seen to align with these Qumran discoveries over and against Stoic thought, but rather all of these traditions are operating with comparable bridging concepts.
Melchizedek in Jewish Apocalyptic Literature
Authors: Stuckenbruck Loren T.
Published: August 2018

The study of especially apocalyptic traditions from the Second Temple period that are concerned with the figure of Melchizedek throws light on a vitality of interest that presupposes but is no longer simply dependent on the pre-texts of Gen. 14 and Ps. 110 in the Hebrew Bible. Although the epistle to the Hebrews is clearly influenced by these pre-texts, the latitude its author takes in focusing on Jesus as both priest ‘after the order of Melchizedek’ and as Son may be said to have been shaped by the kind of creative and imaginative engagement with tradition reflected in other Second Temple texts.
Comparison of enhanced geothermal system with water and CO2 as working fluid: A case study in Zhacanggou, Northeastern Tibet, China
Authors: Liu Yanguang , Wang Guiling , Yue Gaofan , Zhang Wei , Zhu Xi , Zhang Qinglian
Published: August 2018

In the study, we analyzed the hot dry rock geothermal field of the Guide Basin in Qinghai Province, China. We used T2Well software—a coupled wellbore–reservoir simulator—to build a “wellbore–reservoir” coupled model with a “three-spot” well pattern (one injection and two production wells). We simulated several fixed flow rate cases in which water or CO2 is injected. The objectives of our present work are (1) to investigate the fluid flow and thermal processes of water circulating at well bottoms, wellbores, and wellheads; (2) to identify the changing parameters at all physical fields; (3) to understand the influence of injection rates on heat extraction; and (4) to measure the maximum heat extraction capacity of the Guide area. Water extracts more heat than CO2 at the same flow rate. However, water consumes more pressure in reservoir, and its pressure decreases more quickly as the flow rate increases. In contrast, CO2 is in a sense a better working fluid. CO2 consumes less pressure when it flows and can circulate automatically due to the siphon phenomenon. In this way, a lower injection pressure is required in a higher CO2 flow rate case. The density of CO2 is sensitive to both temperature and pressure and vice versa. Inside a wellbore, such interactions are extremely complicated. When the fluid rate is slow, a system could operate for 30 years and remain stable, and there is only a small decrease in temperature. However, with higher flow rate scenarios—namely 50, 75, and 100 kg/s—the reservoir will exhibit greater heat loss. The reservoir’s production temperature and extraction efficiency will drop dramatically. Therefore, for the Guide area, if a “three-spot” well pattern is used for geothermal extraction either with water or CO2 as the working fluid, the most appropriate flow rate is 50 kg/s.
Villains, Victims, and Heroes in Character Theory and Affect Control Theory
Authors: Bergstrand Kelly , Jasper James M.
Published: August 2018

We examine three basic tropes—villain, victim, and hero—that emerge in images, claims, and narratives. We compare recent research on characters with the predictions of an established tradition, affect control theory (ACT). Combined, the theories describe core traits of the villain-victim-hero triad and predict audiences’ reactions. Character theory (CT) can help us understand the cultural roots of evaluation, potency, and activity profiles and the robustness of profile ratings. It also provides nuanced information regarding multiplicity in, and subtypes of, characters and how characters work together to define roles. Character types can be strategically deployed in political realms, potentially guiding strategies, goals, and group dynamics. ACT predictions hold up well, but CT suggests several paths for extension and elaboration. In many cases, cultural research and social psychology work on parallel tracks, with little cross-talk. They have much to learn from each other.
Exchange, Identity Verification, and Social Bonds
Authors: Stets Jan E. , Burke Peter J. , Savage Scott V.
Published: August 2018

Although evidence reveals that the social exchange process and identity verification process each can produce social bonds, researchers have yet to examine their conjoined effects. In this paper, we consider how exchange processes and identity processes separately and jointly shape the social bonds that emerge between actors. We do this with data from an experiment that introduces the fairness person identity (how people define themselves in terms of fairness) in a negotiated exchange context. The findings reveal how both exchange and identity processes operate in an independent as well as contingent manner to influence the development of social cohesion at the micro level. The contingent nature of the results suggests both exchange and identity theories need to be modified to account for these contingencies.
Comprehensive Genetic Testing for Deafness from Fresh and Archived Dried Blood Spots
Authors: Shearer A. Eliot , Frees Kathy , Kolbe Diana L. , Smith Richard J. H.
Published: August 2018

Comprehensive genetic testing has become integral in the evaluation of children with deafness, but the amount of blood required to obtain DNA can be prohibitive in newborns. Dried blood spots (DBSs) are routinely collected and would provide an alternative source of DNA. Our objective was to evaluate the use of DBSs for comprehensive genetic testing for deafness. DNA derived from fresh and archived DBS samples was compared with DNA from whole blood. We performed next‐generation sequencing of all known deafness genes in 4 DBS samples: 2 positive controls, an unknown sample, and a negative control. The DBS‐derived DNA was of sufficient quantity and quality for clinical testing. In the 2 positive control samples, pathogenic variants were identified; in the negative control, no pathogenic variants were found; and in the unknown sample, homozygous deletion of the OTOA gene was identified as the cause of deafness. This pilot study shows that comprehensive genetic testing for deafness is feasible with fresh and/or archived DBSs.
Transient liver dysfunction increases surgical site infections after coronary surgery
Authors: Nazer Rakan I , Alburikan Khalid A , Ullah Anhar , Albarrati Ali M , Hassanain Mazen
Published: August 2018

Background

Surgical site infections can have a significant impact on cardiac surgical outcome. The liver plays an important role in infection prevention. This study aimed to retrospectively determine whether transient postoperative liver dysfunction after coronary bypass surgery increased surgical site infections.

Methods

A modified version of the Schindl scoring scale for liver dysfunction was adapted to objectively quantify transient liver dysfunction in the first 7 days after on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. A retrospective analysis of clinical outcomes at 30 months postoperatively was performed on data of 575 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass between 2014 and 2016. The patients were categorized into a liver dysfunction group (Schindl score ≥ 4) and a non-liver dysfunction group (Schindl score < 4).

Results

The liver dysfunction group (47.3%) had significantly more patients who were obese, current smokers, and had diabetes, renal impairment, and peripheral vascular disease. Surgical site infections occurred predominantly in the liver dysfunction group (12.1% vs. 0.3%, p < 0.001). The independent predictors of surgical site infection were liver dysfunction, body mass index > 30 kg m−2, and coronary bypass surgery combined with other cardiac procedures.

Conclusions

Surgical wound infections can be precipitated by multiple factors before, during, and after coronary bypass surgery. Transient liver dysfunction in the perioperative period is associated with an increased rate of surgical infections even after adjusting for known risk factors. Considering this factor as well as other known risks may help to identify and stratify patients with a potentially higher risk of surgical site infections.
Impact of copper compression stockings on venous insufficiency and lipodermatosclerosis: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Arendsen Linda P , Vig Stella , Thakar Ranee , Sultan Abdul H
Published: August 2018

Objective

Compression stockings are the primary treatment for lipodermatosclerosis secondary to chronic venous disease, but do not improve the skin condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of copper on lipodermatosclerosis.

Methods

A double-blind randomised controlled pilot study was performed including patients with bilateral lipodermatosclerosis. One compression stocking of a pair was impregnated with copper. Symptom score and surface area of lipodermatosclerosis were assessed at baseline, after 2, 4 and 8 weeks.

Results

Sixteen patients were included. There was no significant difference in mean symptom scores; however, there was a significant reduction of the surface area in the study group 42,637 to 35,739 mm2 versus 41,487 to 43,210 mm2 in the control group (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the beneficial effect of copper on lipodermatosclerosis secondary to chronic venous disease with reduction in surface area but no benefit on symptoms. Trials identification number: NCT03283800
Mine waste
Authors: Esterhuysen Amanda , Knight Jasper , Keartland Tarquin
Published: August 2018

Mined landscapes represent the exploitation of Earth’s resources, but they also provide evidence for the unequal power relations and changing attitudes to resource use (including both geology and human beings as resources) within mining communities and their surrounding political and economic contexts. This study explores the impacts that gold mining has had on the landscapes of Johannesburg, South Africa, with particular reference to how land used for Black mineworkers’ cemeteries was reclaimed and used to store mine waste. The study describes how the uncovering of an early 20th century cemetery site beneath a mine waste dump poses questions on the meaning and significance of the dead in the urban industrial landscape. The deliberate burial and then accidental rediscovery of these bodies some 100 years later is a significant metaphor for the reinterpretation of racialised urban landscapes in South Africa.
A Case of Mercury Toxicity Complicated by Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
Authors: Evans Stacey , Smith Jeffrey , Caron Elena
Published: August 2018

A 13-year-old African American male presented with 2 months of subacute altered mental status, ptosis, areflexia, disordered gait, constipation, weight loss, abdominal and testicular pain, and hyperhidrosis. Initial workup at our facility was unrevealing until elevated serum mercury level was detected. Diagnosis of mercury toxicity was confirmed, and chelation therapy with succimer was started. After beginning succimer, the patient developed acute-onset weakness and was diagnosed with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Supportive studies included elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein and acquired demyelinating polyneuropathy on nerve conduction study. He responded well to treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and returned to his baseline state of health. Although there is a known association between mercury toxicity and axonal neuropathy, there is only 1 other case report of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in the setting of mercury toxicity. The nature of the correlation between these 2 entities in our case remains unclear.
Factors Associated With Social Isolation Among the Older People in India
Authors: Kotian Devaki B. , Mathews Maria , Parsekar Shradha S. , Nair Suma , Binu V. S. , Subba Sonu Hangma
Published: August 2018

Objective:

To explore the factors associated with social isolation among older people using the data from Building Knowledge Base on Population Ageing in India (BKPAI) survey.

Methods:

Multiple logistic regression and classification and regression tree (CART) analysis were used to identify the factors associated with social isolation using data from BKPAI survey. An individual was regarded as socially isolated if the response was “never” to all 4 activities in the last 12 months: (1) attending public meeting, (2) attending any group/club/organizational meeting, (3) attending any religious program, and (4) visiting friends or relatives.

Results:

Among 9836 older people, 19.7% were observed to be socially isolated. From multiple logistic regression, age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.85 for age 80 to 89 years and OR = 2.67 for age ≥90), religion (OR = 0.54 for Christians compared to Hindus), duration of stay in current home (OR = 0.64 for 6-10 years compared to >10 years of stay), number of activities of daily living (ADLs) for which the assistance was needed (OR = 2.09 for 1 or 2, OR = 3.14 for 3 or 4, and OR = 12.05 for 5 or 6), and Alzheimer's disease (OR = 1.65) were identified as factors associated with social isolation. Number of ADL for which the assistance was needed and self-reported health status were the factors identified through CART analysis.

Discussion:

Requiring help in performing ADL, advancing age, and Alzheimer's disease were the likely factors for socially isolation among elderly patients in this surveyed population.
Mindfulness: Assessing the Feasibility of a Pilot Intervention to Reduce Stress and Burnout
Authors: Montanari Kate M. , Bowe Cassandra L. , Chesak Sherry S. , Cutshall Susanne M.
Published: August 2018

Purpose: To examine the feasibility of a brief mindfulness intervention and to reduce nurse stress and burnout in an inpatient medical unit. Design: Single-arm, pre/post test study design. Method: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and pre/post demographic questionnaires given at pre-intervention (baseline) and 6 weeks post-intervention. Intervention effectiveness was compared between the pre-survey ( N = 52) and post-survey ( N = 33). Five choices were offered to inpatient staff: a guided mindfulness CD, soothing sounds machine with a breathing technique instructional, mindfulness prompts, a journal, and water/snacks during six consecutive weekends. Findings: The mean PSS score did not improve and demonstrated a slight increase during the six-weekend intervention. However, mean MBI scores for the subscales of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization did demonstrate improvement as evident by decreased scores. Additionally, the mean MBI score for the subscale of personal accomplishment also improved with increased scores. Qualitative themes were positive and included relaxation, nourishment, and refocus. Majority of participants (75%) perceived the intervention as being effective or very effective in reducing stress at work. Respondents were “interested” or “very interested” in continuing a similar intervention in the future (84.9%). Conclusion: The improvement in scores for the MBI measures were a positive finding. The intervention was low cost, individualized, and accessible. The feasibility and perceptions of the intervention’s effectiveness has positive implications for the well-being of nurses.
Evidence that patient-centered medical homes are effective in reducing emergency department admissions for patients with depression
Authors: Hearld Kristine R , Hearld Larry R , Landry Amy Y , Budhwani Henna
Published: August 2018

The patient-centered medical home (PCMH) has increasingly been touted as one means of integrating behavioral health and primary care and more holistically caring for patients with chronic disease. With its whole person orientation, the PCMH presents an opportunity to reduce emergency department visits for patients with depression by focusing on the patient and his/her health care needs, facilitating communication among providers and patients, and improving patients’ access to care providers across settings. This study examines the relationship between PCMH capacity – defined as the ability to offer a service identified as a component part of the PCMH – and the number of emergency department visits for patients with depression. Health plan claims data, self-report data from physician practices on their PCMH characteristics, and the Area Resource File were analyzed. Results show that overall PCMH capacity is associated with fewer emergency department visits for patients with depression, and interpersonal aspects of the PCMH in particular, were associated with fewer emergency department visits while technical capabilities were not. Interpersonal activities that facilitate care coordination, patient engagement, and connect patients with community resources might be more effective in keeping patients out of the emergency department for unnecessary reasons as compared to technical activities focused on reporting and information management.
Vibration analysis of a thin functionally graded plate having an out of plane material inhomogeneity resting on Winkler–Pasternak foundation under different combinations of boundary conditions
Authors: Pratap Singh Piyush , Azam Mohammad Sikandar , Ranjan Vinayak
Published: August 2018

In the present research article, classical plate theory has been adopted to analyze functionally graded material plate, having out of plane material inhomogeneity, resting on Winkler–Pasternak foundation under different combinations of boundary conditions. The material properties of the functionally graded material plate vary according to power law in the thickness direction. Rayleigh–Ritz method in conjugation with polynomial displacement functions has been used to develop a computationally efficient mathematical model to study free vibration characteristics of the plate. Convergence of frequency parameters (nondimensional natural frequencies) has been attained by increasing the number of polynomials of displacement function. The frequency parameters of the functionally graded material plate obtained by proposed method are compared with the open literature to validate the present model. Firstly, the present model is used to calculate first six natural frequencies of the functionally graded plate under all possible combinations of boundary conditions for the constant value of stiffness of Winkler and Pasternak foundation moduli. Further, the effects of density, aspect ratio, power law exponent, Young’s modulus on frequency parameters of the functionally graded plate resting on Winkler–Pasternak foundation under specific boundary conditions viz. CCCC (all edges clamped), SSSS (all edges simply supported), CFFF (cantilever), SCSF (simply supported-clamped-free) are studied extensively. Furthermore, effect of stiffness of elastic foundation moduli (kp and kw) on frequency parameters are analyzed. It has been observed that effects of aspect ratios, boundary conditions, Young’s modulus and density on frequency parameters are significant at lower value of the power law exponent. It has also been noted from present investigation that Pasternak foundation modulus has greater effect on frequency parameters as compared to the Winkler foundation modulus. Most of the results presented in this paper are novel and may be used for the validation purpose by researchers. Three dimensional mode shapes for the functionally graded plate resting on elastic foundation have also been presented in this article.
Asymmetric Volatility Spillover between Stock Market and Foreign Exchange Market: Instances from Indian Market from Pre-, during and Post- Subprime Crisis Periods
Authors: Bal Gnyana Ranjan , Manglani Amit , Deo Malabika
Published: August 2018

Modern businesses are so inter-twined that a cause in one market affects other markets throughout the Globe. The 2008 subprime crisis is one of such evidences of inter-linkage of global markets. Such type of event motivates many studies to analyse the transmission of volatility from one market to another market. The study aims to analyse the volatility spillover effect between CNX Nifty and exchange rates covering for three different currencies, that is, USD, GBP and yen. GARCH (1,1) and EGARCH (1,1) have been used to identify the spillover effect and asymmetries or leverage effect in the volatility transmission through the estimation of different parameters. The overall findings show that there is spillover between the foreign exchange and the stock market. Among the three exchange rates, the USDR is strongly co-related with the Indian stock market as compared to other rates. Our study will significantly contribute to the existing literature in this context. The findings of the study have greater implications especially for hedgers, arbitrators and other participants in this market. As such type of information regarding transmission of volatility can help them to diversify their overseas risk through an optimal portfolio selection.
Application of fuzzy dynamic weights drivability evaluation model in tip-in condition
Authors: Huang Wei , Liu HaiJiang
Published: August 2018

Only the subjective or objective method is employed to calculate the index weight in the evaluation of drivability, which makes the evaluation result less accurate. In this paper, a drivability evaluation model was proposed on the basis of fuzzy dynamic weights, and the drivability was evaluated in tip-in conditions. The evaluation indexes affecting drivability in tip-in conditions were determined using multi-dimensional analysis. The dynamic weight was built using an improved analytic hierarchy process and improved entropy method in accordance with the principle of “function driving and difference driving.” The fuzzy matrix was built by drawing upon the improved membership function of the evaluation index. Finally, the drivability evaluation model of the tip-in condition was built with dynamic weight and fuzzy matrix. The evaluation model was employed to evaluate the drivability of the vehicle, which obtained the drivability score. As the experiment results suggest, the evaluation model is accurate and effective in comparison with the real score and the score obtained from the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process. The evaluation model is employed to formulate a control strategy for a vehicle that will allow better drivability. Besides, the method makes the performance development of the vehicle more knowledgeable and agile.
Adaptable pneumatic shock absorber
Authors: Faraj Rami , Graczykowski Cezary , Holnicki-Szulc Jan
Published: August 2018

Recent progress in the field of sensors, actuators, and smart materials allows the construction of more and more efficient controllable pneumatic dampers for shock absorption. Typically, such devices apply online semi-active control techniques, which utilize electromagnetic, piezoelectric, or magnetostrictive valves. As a result, they are characterized by a high efficiency of impact absorption, but simultaneously by a complicated construction and a specialized electronic system. The alternative solutions are semi-passive absorbers that ensure a similar performance by using a much simpler, low-cost construction and a less complicated adaptation mechanism. This paper introduces an adaptable semi-passive single-chamber pneumatic shock absorber, SOFT-DROP, which provides the optimal impact absorption and energy dissipation after a single reconfiguration performed at the beginning of the process. The high effectiveness of the proposed concept is proved in numerical and experimental investigations of the device. Moreover, the proposed semi-passive damper is also compared against already known pneumatic absorbers that utilize semi-active control methods. Ultimately, the device might be used in an airdrop system for delivery of light packages.
Stability and antimicrobial activity of eucalyptus essential oil emulsions
Authors: Clavijo-Romero Angélica , Quintanilla-Carvajal María X , Ruiz Yolanda
Published: August 2018

We evaluated various formulations of oil-in-water emulsions prepared from eucalyptus essential oil, for their stability and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These formulations were developed using a response surface experimental design and analyzed with Design-Expert® 10 software. The emulsions were prepared in a colloid mill, and emulsion characterization was performed using the zeta ( ζ)-potential, droplet size distribution, and phase separation. The antimicrobial effects were assessed by death kinetics. The droplet size and ζ-potential of the 16 emulsions ranged from 1.071 to 1.865 µm (based on Feret’s diameter) and −34.8 to −24 mV, respectively. Three formulations (14, 15, and 16) demonstrated the highest stability parameters (no phase separation) during the 28 days of evaluation. Eucalyptus essential oil emulsions exhibited antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa in less than 1 min.
Plastic packaging materials of laminated composites made of polymer cover sheets and a nonwoven interlayer
Authors: Lin Mei-Chen , Lin Jia-Horng , Lin Jan-Yi , Lin Ting An , Lou Ching-Wen
Published: August 2018

This study aims to improve the mechanical properties, stabilized structures, and light weight plastic packaging materials to realize diverse applications. A sheet extrusion machine is used to fabricate sandwich-structured composites, which are composed of two polymer cover sheets and a nonwoven interlayer. The samples are prepared in two batches with different cover sheets: thermoplastic polyurethane and polypropylene. Moreover, low-melting-point polyester (LMPET) fibers and Kevlar fibers are fabricated into a LMPET/Kevlar nonwoven interlayer. The laminated composites are evaluated in terms of morphologies, mechanical properties, combustion rates, and thermal behavior. Kevlar fibers are flame resistant and mechanically strong. LMPET fibers promote the interfacial bonding between layers. Thus, the laminated composites are good candidates as packaging materials, and they can be made with rigid or soft materials, depending on specified requirements. Rigid materials can provide higher strengths, and the distribution of fibers thus helps the PP-based laminated composites to obtain higher crystal stability. Moreover, using TPU with flexibility contributes to high extensibility, which grants the laminated composites with high toughness, light weight, and low restriction against the morphology. Such manufacturing is also efficient and economical, thereby satisfying the requirements of plastic packaging materials.
Party system erosion: Evidence from Peru
Authors: Carter Christopher L
Published: August 2018

Weakly institutionalized party systems are a defining feature of third-wave democracies. Yet, in some countries like Peru, party weakness is not a static equilibrium but rather part of a dynamic process of “party system erosion” in which weak parties become weaker over time as independents come to dominate subnational posts. As I argue, party system erosion is driven by a particular configuration of institutional factors—weak party brands, ease of ballot access, and limited partisan control over resource distribution. These institutional features increase the likelihood that experienced candidates will run as independents. When these candidates are elected, they obtain more intergovernmental discretionary transfers, which are used to improve performance and maintain clientelistic networks. This resource advantage of independent officials further weakens party brands and reduces experienced candidates’ incentives to run with parties in future elections. I test this theory using a data set of 80,000 subnational officials and a regression discontinuity design.
Toward developing consensus on family-centred care: An international descriptive study and discussion
Authors: Al-Motlaq Mohammad A , Carter Bernie , Neill Sarah , Hallstrom Inger Kristensson , Foster Mandie , Coyne Imelda , Arabiat Diana , Darbyshire Philip , Feeg Veronica D , Shields Linda
Published: August 2018

Nurses around the world have described family-centred care (FCC) in various ways. With limited evidence regarding its implementation and with dissent among professionals regarding outcomes that are amorphously defined across age groups, systems and global settings, a group of children’s nursing experts from around the world collaborated to seek clarification of the terms, deconstruct the elements in the model and describe empirically a consensus of values toward operationally defining FCC. A modified Delphi method was used drawing on expert opinions of participants from eight countries to develop a contemporary and internationally agreed list of 27 statements (descriptors of FCC) that could form the foundation for a measure for future empirical psychometric study of FCC across settings and countries. Results indicated that even among FCC experts, understandings of FCC differ and that this may account for some of the confusion and conceptual disagreement. Recommendations were identified to underpin the development of a clearer vision of FCC.
Development of stiffness-adjustable tuned mass dampers for frequency retuning
Authors: Wang Zhihao , Gao Hui , Wang Hao , Chen Zhengqing
Published: August 2018

Tuned mass damper is an attractive strategy to mitigate the vibration of civil engineering structures. However, the performance of a tuned mass damper may show a significant loss due to the frequency detuning effect. Hence, an inerter-induced negative stiffness (apparent mass effect) and magnetic-force-induced positive/negative stiffness are proposed to integrate a stiffness-adjustable vertical tuned mass damper and pendulum tuned mass damper for frequency retuning, respectively. Based on the established differential equations of motion for a vertical tuned mass damper coupled with an inerter and a pendulum tuned mass damper integrated with a magnetic-force-induced positive-/negative-stiffness device, the frequency retuning principles of a vertical tuned mass damper and a pendulum tuned mass damper are, respectively, demonstrated. The frequency retuning strategies for both the vertical tuned mass damper and the pendulum tuned mass damper are confirmed and clarified by model tests. Furthermore, the performance of a retuned vertical tuned mass damper for mitigating vibration of a linear undamped single-degree-of-freedom primary structure is discussed, and the effects of the amplitudes of the pendulum tuned mass damper on magnetic-force-induced stiffness as well as the frequency of the pendulum tuned mass damper are also investigated. Both theoretical analysis and experimental investigations show that the proposed frequency tuning methodologies of tuned mass dampers are efficient and cost-effective with relatively simple configurations.
Impact of time spent in the trauma bay on mortality outcomes among level 1 trauma patients
Authors: Adams Logan , Tucker Amber , Dennis Jeff A. , Dissanaike Sharmila
Published: August 2018

Introduction

The majority of trauma-related deaths occur within the first 24 h of injury, and time elapsed until intervention for an injury is one of the greatest causes of preventable death in mature trauma centers. This study seeks to determine if there is a correlation between time spent in the trauma bay and mortality outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of Level 1 trauma patients from 1 January 2010 to 1 January 2016 in a single center.

Results

Charts from 1678 Level 1 trauma patients with 1290 (76.9%) blunt and 388 (23.1%) penetrating injuries were analyzed. Of these, 345 patients died and 237 (68.7%) died within the first 24 h. Multivariate analysis yields an inverse correlation between increased times spent in the trauma bay and mortality, with controls for injury severity, age, and race/ethnicity and with deaths in the trauma bay excluded ( p < 0.001). Each additional minute spent in the trauma bay increases odds of surviving by 1%. However, increase in ISS and decrease in TRISS were directly correlated with reduced time in the trauma bay for both blunt and penetrating traumas. Results did not differ based on mechanism of injury or destination after the trauma bay.

Conclusion

Reduced time spent in trauma bay was not correlated with improved mortality outcomes in Level 1 trauma patients. Findings do not necessarily suggest that increased trauma bay time would reduce mortality, but rather current evaluation procedures may prioritize trauma patients appropriately. Instinctive adjustment by emergency care providers to move more severely injured patients out of the trauma bay quicker and other additional variables could account for the measured phenomena. This is the first study to examine trauma bay times and mortality outcomes.
Regional identity and support for integration: An EU-wide comparison of parochialists, inclusive regionalist, and pseudo-exclusivists
Authors: Brigevich Anna
Published: August 2018

The rise of “new regionalism” is one of the most salient features of the post-Cold War international order. Despite the resurgence of regionalism in Europe, little consensus exists on how regional identity impacts public opinion toward the European Union. To remedy this problem, this study examines the impact of three types of individual-level regional identity on support for integration: parochialism (exclusive regionalism), inclusive regionalism, and pseudo-exclusive regionalism. Contrary to scholarly expectations, the multilevel analysis reveals that inclusive regionalists are as equally Eurosceptic as parochial regionalists. In general, regional identity depresses support for integration unless it is expressly combined with a supranational identity. This finding holds true even in minority nations, where respondents are, on the whole, less Euro-friendly.
Four minutes might not be enough for light colour temperature to affect sleepiness, mental effort, and light ratings
Authors: Lasauskaite R , Hazelhoff EM , Cajochen C
Published: August 2018

Light exerts a number of non-image-forming effects that are mostly apparent during night-time but can also been seen during daytime. Recently, we have shown that exposure to light of higher colour temperature prior to performing a cognitive task leads to a weaker effort-related cardiovascular response compared to exposure to light of lower colour temperature. This present study tested if presenting light of different colour temperatures during rather than before the task performance would lead to equivalent changes in effort mobilization. Participants performed a modified Sternberg short-memory task for eight minutes as lighting conditions were adjusted to one of four experimental lighting conditions (2800 K, 4000 K, 5000 K, or 6500 K) after the first four minutes, for the remaining four minutes. We predicted that effort-related cardiovascular response would strengthen with decreasing colour temperature. The results, however, did not follow this predicted pattern. No significant effects of lighting conditions on subjective measures were observed. Therefore, we conclude that four minutes might not be enough for light colour temperature to induce changes in effort-related cardiovascular response or affect subjective ratings of sleepiness and lighting.