bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of the Youth Emotion Picture Set
Authors: Novello Bruno , Renner Anelise , Maurer Guilherme , Musse Soraia , Arteche Adriane
Published: September 2018

Several facial expression image sets have been developed. Nevertheless, there is a lack of facial expression sets comprising adolescents’ images depicting all basic emotions. This study aimed to fill this gap through the development of an image database of youth facial expressions, containing pictures of six basic emotions plus neutral. Posed and spontaneous expressions were collected from 31 youths, 12 to 20 years old; 2,279 frames were obtained, and an initial screening was conducted through the exclusion of similar frames, low intensity images, and ambiguous or blended expressions; 256 frames met criteria and were rechecked by two expert judges. Images were retained if they depicted all the prototypical features of the designated expression. A final selection was conducted to assure an image set that covered all age ranges, both sexes and an even number of images by expression, resulting in 42 frames (21 male, six of each emotion). Expert judges, independent adults, independent teenagers, and a software validation were used to assure database validity. Agreement across raters was high, and no differences were observed for posed and spontaneous images. The data set developed in this study can be a valid tool in studies of facial expressions, in particular, with adolescents’ samples.
Measuring the Effectiveness of a Transit Agency’s Social Media Engagement with Travelers
Authors: Douglass Joanne , Dissanayake Dilum , Coifman Benjamin , Chen Weijia , Ali Fazilatulaili
Published: September 2018

This study investigated the uses of social media for travel planning on a transit system with particular attention to travel disruptions and delays. As a result of very limited research in the effectiveness of social media in a transit setting, the best practices have yet to be established. Rather than having a one-size-fits all traveler information system, these online services have the potential to provide personalized information tailored to the individual or route they are traveling. Key to this personalization is understanding the audience and their needs. This study sought to explore how, and at what level, transit riders utilize real-time travel information from the social media sites maintained by the transit agency. An online questionnaire was used to collect data about the transit agency’s social media users, these data were evaluated using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cross-tabulation analysis. Perhaps not surprisingly, there is a significant relationship between respondents’ age and their travel purpose. Across age groups and across travel purposes the vast majority of respondents said they most commonly check the transit agency’s social media pages, “before journey,” to gather daily updates before starting their journeys. Thus, the social media sites already have the potential to influence the users’ travel plans before their journey, such as changing their route, travel mode, and/or departure time. On the other hand, this outcome indicates that an active engagement with social media is still missing from the viewpoint of customers. As there are so many users that visit the social media pages for trip planning there is an opportunity to reach these individuals and provide a much more dynamic engagement. While the focus is on a single transit agency, most of the results transcend the specific location or agency.
Traffic Flow of Merging Pedestrian Crowds: How Architectural Design Affects Collective Movement Efficiency
Authors: Shahhoseini Zahra , Sarvi Majid
Published: September 2018

The need for developing reliable and rigorous models that can replicate and make predictions of pedestrian crowd evacuations has necessitated an understanding of the impact of architecture on individuals’ interactions with their surroundings and the behavioral rules that govern their movements. Due to the challenges of providing such behavioral data from natural evacuations and previous crowd incidents, simulation-based and laboratory-based evacuation experiments have recently been employed as innovative data-provision approaches to study crowd behavior notably under emergency conditions. This study explores pioneer experiments of emergency escape with a view to investigating the relationship between spatial constraints and collective behavior of human crowds. Here, we make use of two types of empirical and analytical data obtained from a large number of well-controlled laboratory and evacuation simulation experiments. This study presents findings corresponding to how and to what extent the presence of conflicting layouts in egress areas, particularly merging corridors, affect the collective motion of pedestrians. The focus of attention will be on measures of performance at macroscopic level derived from both observations. Our results suggested that the movement patterns observed in both types of experiments are sensitive to the angle between the two merging streams and the symmetry/asymmetry of the merging layouts, with symmetric layouts almost invariably outperforming the asymmetric counterparts. Also, within each symmetry/asymmetry structural type, the angle at which the flows combined with each other affected the efficiency of discharge. Our findings provide further evidence as to the significant role of the architectural structure of the movement area in facilitating the traffic flow of heavy crowds of pedestrians.
Performance Investigation and Design of Pile-to-Pile Cap Connections Subject to Uplift
Authors: Iekel Philip P. , Phares Brent , Nop Michael
Published: September 2018

Substructure bridge components are designed to resist gravitational forces such as dead load and vehicular live load, as well as lateral forces including wind, vehicular braking, and centrifugal force effects. Significant lateral forces can create “uplift” conditions on some portions of the foundation. A review of current design techniques regarding uplift in the pile-to-pile cap connection indicates a lack of uniformity in the design process across state agencies stemming from minimal research performed in this area. In addition, approved uplift anchors for use in the field have not been tested. In order to close this gap, twenty-one full-scale steel H-pile specimens were fabricated and tested in Iowa State University’s Structural Engineering Laboratory to test the capacity of the pile-to-pile cap connection under static tensile loading. Specimens were cast both with and without anchorage and with 12” and 24” embedment depths in order to understand the behavior of the connection and to determine a suitable anchorage detail and design approach for uplift cases. Findings revealed that: (i) capacity of bare piles is generally underestimated and could be more frequently considered for uplift design; (ii) concrete cracking leads to a loss of bond in these types of connections; and (iii) positive anchorage or embedment that extends above the lower rebar mat of the footing is necessary to develop a high capacity connection.
Dynamic Household Vehicle Decision Modeling Considering Plug-In Electric Vehicles
Authors: Nazari Fatemeh , Mohammadian Abolfazl (Kouros) , Stephens Thomas
Published: September 2018

Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) offer alternatives to traditional vehicles that rely on petroleum-based fuels. While PEV customers can enjoy significant reductions in fuel costs, they incur a larger capital cost than users of traditional vehicles because PEV technology is still maturing. Therefore, consumers adopting PEVs face a trade-off between fuel cost savings with environmental benefits and extra capital cost. It is thus crucial for policy makers and PEV manufacturers to understand people’s vehicle decision-making process while considering their socio-economic and travel pattern characteristics as well as the built-environment factors. This paper presents a connected, two-stage, dynamic model of PEV adoption and vehicle-transaction decision-making. Two connected nested logit (NL) models are estimated. The upper level is a two-level NL model to predict choice of vehicle type between four fuel types: gasoline, diesel, hybrid gasoline–electric, and PEV. The lower level is an NL model of vehicle-transaction choice which accommodates four transaction decisions of buy, trade, dispose, and do nothing, while accounting for the log-sum from the vehicle-type choice model, and is estimated using two waves of a panel data set. We find that households with higher levels of income and education are more likely to adopt a PEV. We also found that primarily decision makers take into account the accessibility to charging stations as a critical factor in choosing PEVs.
The Role of Secularization on Marriage and Conception Seasonality Patterns
Authors: Matsuo Hideko , Matthijs Koen
Published: September 2018

The period comprising the second half of the nineteenth and the early twentieth century in Belgium has been described as one of rapid societal transformation including industrialization, urbanization, and, also in some extent, secularization. This is the historical period in which first mortality and later fertility also declined, facilitated by socio-economic (structural) and cultural changes, and resulting in the first demographic transition. One of the characteristics of the secularization marking this period is considered to be the reduced compliance with religious rules concerning the timing of marriages and sexual intercourse (i.e., conceptions). Against this background, the purpose of this article is twofold. It first assesses the initial extent and evolution of church control in the rapidly developing port city of Antwerp, Flanders (Belgium), in the mid-nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This will be studied through a so-called daily Lent and Advent marriage and conception index. By daily, we mean that we exactly measure the timing of Advent and Lent. We secondly try to explain the determinants of the occurrence of these marriages and conceptions through individual socio-economic, cultural, and life-course factors. We use data from the unique multisource COR* historical sample, containing individual information from population registers and civil registration records (1845–1913). We find clear signs of decreasing compliance with religious rules and therefore secularization but different patterns for marriages and conceptions. Even though compliance overall decreases for both events, rules are better complied with for marriages, and in particular, first marriages. Marriages are more influenced by social control than for sexual intercourse (i.e., conceptions). The influence of stronger compliance with marriage seasonality is observed through better adherence with first conceptions, although this is in much less extent for higher-order conceptions. The occurrence of these events, in particular marriages, is determined by a number of structural, cultural, and life-course factors. Noncompliances are found more in an urban setting, older women, and later historical periods, whereas compliance is found in high social class of men. For conceptions, relatively few (significant) effects are observed, although noncompliance for maternal literacy status and compliance for paternal social class is also found indicating gender differential effects.
When Do Patients Improve After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement? A Prospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Flores Sergio E. , Sheridan Joseph R. , Borak Kristina R. , Zhang Alan L.
Published: September 2018

Background:

Hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has been shown to improve patient outcomes, especially for returning to sport. Although previous studies often evaluated outcomes 2 years after hip arthroscopy, there has been no analysis of the progression of patient improvement over time or with respect to achieving the minimal clinically important difference (MCID).

Hypothesis/Purpose:

The purpose was to prospectively evaluate changes in patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores during the first 2 years after hip arthroscopy for FAI and to analyze when the MCID is achieved. It was hypothesized that clinically significant changes will be reached by 1 year after surgery.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI were prospectively enrolled, and they completed the 12-Item Short Form Health survey (SF-12), modified Harris Hip Score, and Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) at preoperative baseline and 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. Mean scores and the percentage of patients reaching the MCID at each time point were analyzed via analysis of variance and Cochrane-Armitage trend tests.

Results:

A total of 129 hips from 122 patients were evaluated, revealing significant improvements after hip arthroscopy for FAI (PRO scores increased 19 to 45 points) with 95.8%, 93.6%, and 84.8% of patients achieving the MCID for HOOS-Sports, HOOS–Quality of Life (QoL), and HOOS-Pain, respectively, at 2-year follow-up. Analysis of PRO change showed that for all scores, the greatest improvement occurred from presurgery to postoperative 3 months, with lesser improvements at subsequent 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year time points ( P < .001). The SF-12 physical component score, HOOS-Sports, and HOOS-QoL continued to show statistically significant improvements through 2 years, while other scores plateaued after 3 months. The percentage of patients achieving the MCID for HOOS-Sports, HOOS-QoL, and HOOS-Pain continued to increase over 2 years, but the percentage achieving the MCID did not increase after 3 months for all other scores.

Conclusion:

Hip arthroscopy for FAI yields significant improvements in patient outcomes within 2 years of surgery. The majority of improvement occurs within 3 months after surgery, but certain outcomes, such as returning to sport, QoL, and pain, can continue to improve through 2 years.
The Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Achievement Provides Too Many Scores for Clinical Interpretation
Authors: Dombrowski Stefan C. , Beaujean A. Alexander , McGill Ryan J. , Benson Nicholas F.
Published: September 2018

The Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement, Fourth Edition (WJ IV ACH) is purported to align with Cattell–Horn–Carroll (CHC) theory and offers upward of 20 scores within its interpretive and scoring system. The Technical Manual does not furnish validity evidence for the scores reported by the scoring system, suggesting that evidentiary support may be incomplete. Exploratory bifactor analysis (EBFA; maximum likelihood extraction with a bigeomin [orthogonal] rotation) was applied to the two school-aged correlation matrices at ages 9 to 19. Results indicated nonalignment with CHC theory and do not support the interpretation of most of the scores suggested by the scoring system. Instead, the results of this study suggest that the loading patterns diverge significantly from the interpretive system produced by the WJ IV ACH. Only the academic fluency and academic knowledge clusters emerged following the use of EBFA. Implications for clinical interpretation of the WJ IV ACH are offered.
Reconsidering economic leverage and vulnerability: Trade ties, sanction threats, and the success of economic coercion
Authors: Peterson Timothy M
Published: September 2018

I contend that a state’s position in the global trade network affects the initiation and outcome of sanction threats. A state is vulnerable, and thus more likely to acquiesce, when its trade has low value to trade partners that are well connected to the global trade network. Conversely, a state has leverage that could motivate the use of sanction threats when its trade has high value to trade partners that are otherwise not well connected. Capturing leverage/vulnerability with an interaction between two network centrality measures, results indicate that vulnerability is associated with acquiescence to sanctions, while leverage is associated with threat initiation.
Regional and source differences in midsize newspapers reporting New York Times v. Sullivan
Authors: Hedrick Jeffrey B.
Published: September 2018

This study focuses on midsize newspaper coverage of the New York Times v. Sullivan case that strengthened press freedom. A content analysis of articles from 29 Northern, 25 Southern and six multistate major metropolitan newspapers identified differences in article frequency and placement related to source and coverage type. The hierarchy of influences model explains perceived regional bias. Midsize newspapers relied on wire news articles more often, with Northern papers publishing more editorials, including multiple editorials and original coverage.
Connecting patient experience, leadership, and the importance of involvement, information, and empathy in the care process
Authors: Archer Jana , Stevenson Lynn , Coulter Angela , Breen Adrienne Mercer
Published: September 2018

To improve health outcomes, restore trust, and create a safe and healing environment for patients, the health system needs to shift from being disease, system, and provider focused to being patient centred. Drawing from a patient story, this article focuses on three aspects of the care process that have a significant impact on patient experience: involvement in care, information about treatment and care, and empathy and respect. It will also provide recommendations for leaders in how to become more patient centred and aligned to the LEADS competency framework.
Income inequality, structural racism, and Canada’s low performance in health equity
Authors: Nickel Nathan C. , Lee Janelle Boram , Chateau Joanne , Paillé Michael
Published: September 2018

In 2017, the Commonwealth Fund released a report evaluating 11 countries’ healthcare systems on a variety of domains; one of these domains was health equity. Canada’s score on health equity placed it among the bottom three countries. This article applies a conceptual framework for health equity developed by the World Health Organization’s Commission on the Social Determinants of Health to reflect upon and discuss mechanisms that may help to explain Canada’s low score. We discuss the role that two societal-level constructs—income inequality and structural racism—play in shaping population health and health equity. We use publically available data to examine whether income inequality correlates with the Commonwealth Fund report’s equity measures. We also comment on the role that Canada’s history of colonialism may play in its health equity ranking.
Development of a novel hybrid bioactive hydrogel for future clinical applications
Authors: Francis Lydia , Greco Karin V , Boccaccini Aldo R , Roether Judith J , English Nicholas R , Huang Honglei , Ploeg R , Ansari Tahera
Published: September 2018

Three-dimensional hydrogels are ideal for tissue engineering applications due to their structural integrity and similarity to native soft tissues; however, they can lack mechanical stability. Our objective was to develop a bioactive and mechanically stable hydrogel for clinical application. Auricular cartilage was decellularised using a combination of hypertonic and hypotonic solutions with and without enzymes to produce acellular tissue. Methacryloyl groups were crosslinked with alginate and PVA main chains via 2-aminoethylmathacrylate and the entire macromonomer further crosslinked with the acellular tissue. The resultant hydrogels were characterised for its physicochemical properties (using NMR), in vitro degradation (via GPC analysis), mechanical stability (compression tests) and in vitro biocompatibility (co-culture with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells). Following decellularisation, the cartilage tissue showed to be acellular at a significant level (DNA content 25.33 ng/mg vs. 351.46 ng/mg control tissue), with good structural and molecular integrity of the retained extra cellular matrix (s-GAG= 0.19 μg/mg vs. 0.65 μg/mg ±0.001 control tissue). Proteomic analysis showed that collagen subtypes and proteoglycans were retained, and SEM and TEM showed preserved matrix ultra-structure. The hybrid hydrogel was successfully cross-linked with biological and polymer components, and it was stable for 30 days in simulated body fluid (poly dispersal index for alginate with tissue was stable at 1.08 and for PVA with tissue was stable at 1.16). It was also mechanically stable (Young’s modulus of 0.46 ± 0.31 KPa) and biocompatible, as it was able to support the development of a multi-cellular feature with active cellular proliferation in vitro. We have shown that it is possible to successfully combine biological tissue with both a synthetic and natural polymer and create a hybrid bioactive hydrogel for clinical application.
Chitosan enhances gene delivery of oligonucleotide complexes with magnetic nanoparticles–cell-penetrating peptide
Authors: Dowaidar Moataz , Nasser Abdelhamid Hani , Hällbrink Mattias , Langel Ülo , Zou Xiaodong
Published: September 2018

Gene-based therapies, including the delivery of oligonucleotides, offer promising methods for the treatment of cancer cells. However, they have various limitations including low efficiency. Herein, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs)-conjugated chitosan-modified iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (CPPs-CTS@MNPs) with high biocompatibility as well as high efficiency were tested for the delivery of oligonucleotides such as plasmid pGL3, splice correction oligonucleotides, and small-interfering RNA. A biocompatible nanocomposite, in which CTS@MNPs was incorporated in non-covalent complex with CPPs-oligonucleotide, is developed. Modifying the surface of magnetic nanoparticles with cationic chitosan-modified iron oxide improved the performance of magnetic nanoparticles-CPPs for oligonucleotide delivery. CPPs-CTS@MNPs complexes enhance oligonucleotide transfection compared to CPPs@MNPs or CPPs. The hydrophilic character of CTS@MNPs improves complexation with plasmid pGL3, splice correction oligonucleotides, and small-interfering RNA payload, which consequently resulted in not only strengthening the colloidal stability of the constructed complex but also improving their biocompatibility. Transfection using PF14-splice correction oligonucleotides-CTS@MNPs showed sixfold increase of the transfection compared to splice correction oligonucleotides-PF14 that showed higher transfection than the commercially available lipid-based vector Lipofectamine™ 2000. Nanoscaled CPPs-CTS@MNPs comprise a new family of biomaterials that can circumvent some of the limitations of CPPs or magnetic nanoparticles.
Preparation and characterization of porous hydroxyapatite/β-cyclodextrin-based polyurethane composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Du Jingjing , Gan Shuchun , Bian Qihao , Fu Duhan , Wei Yan , Wang Kaiqun , Lin Qiaoxia , Chen Weiyi , Huang Di
Published: September 2018

In this study, novel porous scaffolds containing hydroxyapatite and β-cyclodextrin-based polyurethane were first successfully fabricated by polymerizing β-cyclodextrin with hexamethylene diisocyanate and hydroxyapatite in situ for bone tissue engineering. The physicochemical and mechanical properties as well as cytocompatibility of porous scaffolds were investigated. The results showed that polyurethane reinforced with hydroxyapatite composites had cancellous bone-like porous structure. The mechanical strength of the scaffolds increased with increasing the hydroxyapatite content in scaffolds. Synthesized scaffolds (PU1, PUHA1, PU2, and PUHA2) presented compressive strength values of 0.87 ± 0.24 MPa, 1.81 ± 0.10 MPa, 6.16 ± 0.89 MPa, and 12.95 ± 2.05 MPa, respectively. The pore size and porosity of these scaffolds were suitable for bone regeneration. Cytocompatibility of composite scaffolds was proven via favorable interactions with MC3T3-E1 cells. The addition of hydroxyapatite into CD-based polyurethane scaffolds improved cell attachment, well-spread morphology, and higher proliferation. The hydroxyapatite-polyurethane scaffolds have the potential to be applied in bone repair and regeneration.
Using Technology to Conduct Focus Groups With a Hard-to-Reach Population: A Methodological Approach Concerning Male Victims of Partner Abuse in Four English-Speaking Countries
Authors: Douglas Emily M. , Hines Denise A. , Dixon Louise , Celi Elizabeth M. , Lysova Alexandra V.
Published: September 2018

Research shows that the experiences of male victims of partner abuse (PA) are often denied by the public and the professionals who are charged to support PA victims. Recruiting female victims for research on PA victimization is relatively easy because there are existing structures to serve this group of victims. Thus, male victims are considered a hard-to-reach (HTR) population, and studying them can be difficult. This article focuses on the use of technology to collect qualitative data from male PA victims in an international study focusing on male victims. The researchers used their own professional networks to recruit and screen a convenience sample of male victims of female-to-male PA, in four different English-speaking countries: Australia, Canada, England, and the United States. Four web-based, video-enabled, focus groups were held for each country—for a total of 12 groups and 41 male participants. This article addresses recruitment methods, the use of technology in data collection, protecting the confidentiality of male victims, methods for informed consent, and lessons learned to facilitate future research.
Risk and Resilience Factors for Psychobehavioral Symptom Trajectories Among Child Welfare–Involved Youth
Authors: Yoon Susan , Cage Jamie , Pei Fei , Barnhart Sheila
Published: September 2018

The primary aim of the study was to investigate the development of psychobehavioral symptoms (internalizing, externalizing, and posttraumatic stress [PTS]) of child welfare–involved adolescents over a 3-year period and to identify predictors of the trajectories. Using three waves of data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW-II), latent growth curve modeling was conducted on a sample of 350 adolescents who were between 11 and 13 years of age at baseline. Findings indicated that adolescents’ internalizing symptoms decreased over time, whereas externalizing symptoms remained stable over time. PTS symptoms decreased over time in girls, but not boys. Physical abuse predicted higher levels of externalizing behaviors and sexual abuse predicted a slower decrease in PTS symptoms. Greater child prosocial skills and higher quality of caregiver–child relationship were associated with lower initial levels of externalizing symptoms. In addition, a higher quality caregiver–child relationship and greater satisfaction with peer relationships were associated with lower initial levels of internalizing and PTS symptoms. Findings suggest that intervention strategies should consider gender, maltreatment type, and interpersonal and social skills to effectively prevent the development of psychobehavioral symptoms among child welfare–involved youth.
Compassion Satisfaction to Combat Work-Related Burnout, Vicarious Trauma, and Secondary Traumatic Stress
Authors: Cummings Caroline , Singer Jonathan , Hisaka Ryan , Benuto Lorraine T.
Published: September 2018

Helping professionals play an essential role in the recovery of victims of trauma. However, research has demonstrated that, as a result of their work, helping professionals’ indirect exposure to clients’ trauma increases the likelihood of experiencing negative psychological responses, including vicarious trauma (VT), secondary traumatic stress (STS), and burnout. The present study examined the concurrent validity between the STS subscale on the Professional Quality of Life (ProQoL) scale and the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS). Furthermore, the relationships between compassion satisfaction (CS) and burnout were investigated. Participants were recruited using a comprehensive web search of agencies across the United States that employed victim advocates, a subtype of helping professionals that are understudied. A list of possible agencies ( N = 75) was generated, and each agency was sent an email about the study. In total, 132 victim advocates provided data for these analyses. Findings revealed positive correlations between the STS subscale on the ProQoL and the STSS. In addition, a negative correlation was found between burnout and CS. Two-level hierarchical multiple regression analyses demonstrated that burnout accounted for 47.3% of the variance in STS, and CS contributed an additional 3.9%. Furthermore, burnout accounted 45.8% of the variance in VT, whereas CS contributed an additional 0.6%, indicating that burnout is a strong predictor of VT and STS, but CS may serve as a protective factor against experiencing both. Prevention and intervention efforts should target reducing burnout to combat these psychological sequelae and increasing CS.
Teaching-Learning Strategy for Promoting Student Success: Asynchronous Post-Exam Reflections
Authors: Gerdes Michele
Published: September 2018

Students who actively engage in reflection and receive guidance from faculty may assume accountability for learning and adjust study habits based on academic performance. The literature supports a need for nurse educators to develop theory-based strategies to integrate reflection and meaningful feedback in large didactic courses. The author in this paper describes the use of King’s goal attainment theory and debriefing best practice guidelines to develop an asynchronous post-exam reflection teaching-learning strategy to promote student success in an undergraduate nursing pathophysiology course. Incorporation of the reflections enabled the nurse educator to collaborate with each student, provide prompt and personalized feedback, and efficiently identify at-risk students.
Using Simulation to Enhance Global Nursing
Authors: Baumann Steven L. , Sharoff Leighsa , Penalo Laura
Published: September 2018

In light of the technological, social, and political changes taking place in the world today, it is important that nurses are not just culturally competent but globally informed and engaged. The goal of this paper is to help nurses help their patients and themselves to benefit from globalization. The use of guided simulation, virtual reality, and augmented reality learning experiences is considered for each of five areas of global nursing; global aesthetics, global intelligence, global ethics, global politics, and global health. This approach invites nurses and student nurses to discern new patterns, take charge of their learning, and build multiple iterations to facilitate the processing of new and different information and “realities.”
Technology and Teaching-Learning: Opportunities and Restrictions
Authors: Yancey Nan Russell
Published: September 2018

The author introduces a discussion by a nurse faculty of a teaching-learning strategy based on King’s theory of goal attainment. Considering technology merely as a tool to be used in extending the traditional time-space boundaries of the classroom, the author challenges faculty to seek innovative ways of honoring the unique person of the student and illuminating pathways of discovery in the teaching-learning journey.
Re-Envisioning Evidence Gap Maps With Qualitative Research
Authors: Simonovich Shannon , Florczak Kristine L.
Published: September 2018

Evidence gap maps (EGMs) are the concern of this column. A brief history of evidence summaries including literature and systematic reviews is presented followed by a discussion of the process of creating an evidence map. Then, concerns about a lack of inclusion of qualitative nursing research in particular are addressed.
Mentoring: The Giving of Blessings
Authors: Bunkers Sandra Schmidt , Hegge Margaret
Published: September 2018

The authors of this article present three theoretical models of mentoring informing nursing as well as other disciplines. How these models intersect to expand understanding of the evolution of the role of mentoring in nursing is discussed.
Community Engagement: Transformation for Health Framework
Authors: Clarke Pamela N. , Esperat Christine
Published: September 2018

The dialogue with Dr. Christine Esperat is about her project working with people in the community to establish transformation. She shares her vision and the process of developing a community-based health program.
The Ethics of Scholarship With Social Media
Authors: Milton Constance L.
Published: September 2018

The use of social media by professional nurses is increasing at exponential rates. What are the possible nursing ethics involved as nurses utilize the various emerging digital electronic platforms? This article begins a discussion on the usage of social media and the responsibilities of nurse scholars who utilize social media platforms both personally and professionally. A humanbecoming paradigm perspective undergirds a discussion of ethical implications for future disciplinary scholar perspectives and position statements.
The Living Experience of Suffering: A Parse Method Study
Authors: Duarte-Quilao Teodora , Strüby Françoise V. Maillard
Published: September 2018

This study aimed to explore the phenomenon of suffering as viewed from the humanbecoming paradigm. The Parse research method was used for this study and answers the question: What is the structure of the living experience of suffering? The participants were 10 individuals who experienced one of the most dreadful typhoons in the archipelago of the Philippines. The central finding of the study was as follows: Suffering is penetrating disheartenment amid resoluteness, as pondering with diverse alliances surfaces with lingering glimmers of destruction. The findings are discussed in relation to the humanbecoming paradigm and related literature.
A novel coaxial multi-mode hybrid transmission system for mining trucks
Authors: Yang Weiwei , Yang Jue , Zhang Nong
Published: September 2018

Given that hybrid electric vehicles could significantly reduce fuel consumption, and mining trucks are much more sensitive to energy conversion efficiency, it is essential to develop a hybrid system, which could meet both the specific requirements of the structure of mining trucks and the needs for overall efficiency improvements. In this paper, a novel multi-mode transmission system, which is composed of an engine, two motors, one planetary gear set, and a parallel transmission structure, is proposed. The planetary gear set serves as a power-split device, and the parallel transmission structure can make the engine and motor work in the high-efficiency area both in low-speed and high-speed conditions. Due to the flexibility of the proposed system, five power-flow modes can be implemented, and they are illustrated with a specially designed rule-based energy management strategy. To validate the effectiveness of the multi-mode transmission system, dynamic programming is used to assess the fuel consumption during the given driving cycle without considering drivability. The simulation results reveal that the proposed multi-mode transmission system owns better fuel efficiency for mining trucks compared with highly regarded Toyota Hybrid System and conventional automated manual transmission system.
Prediction of in vivo lower cervical spinal loading using musculoskeletal multi-body dynamics model during the head flexion/extension, lateral bending and axial rotation
Authors: Diao Hao , Xin Hua , Jin Zhongmin
Published: September 2018

Cervical spine diseases lead to a heavy economic burden to the individuals and societies. Moreover, frequent post-operative complications mean a higher risk of neck pain and revision. At present, controversy still exists for the etiology of spinal diseases and their associated complications. Knowledge of in vivo cervical spinal loading pattern is proposed to be the key to answer these questions. However, direct acquisition of in vivo cervical spinal loading remains challenging. In this study, a previously developed cervical spine musculoskeletal multi-body dynamics model was utilized for spinal loading prediction. The in vivo dynamic segmental contributions to head motion and the out-of-plane coupled motion were both taken into account. First, model validation and sensitivity analysis of different segmental contributions to head motion were performed. For model validation, the predicted intervertebral disk compressive forces were converted into the intradiskal pressures and compared with the published experimental measurements. Significant correlations were found between the predicted values and the experimental results. Thus, the reliability and capability of the cervical spine model was ensured. Meanwhile, the sensitivity analysis indicated that cervical spinal loading is sensitive to different segmental contributions to head motion. Second, the compressive, shear and facet joint forces at C3–C6 disk levels were predicted, during the head flexion/extension, lateral bending and axial rotation. Under the head flexion/extension movement, asymmetric loading patterns of the intervertebral disk were obtained. In comparison, symmetrical typed loading patterns were found for the head lateral bending and axial rotation movements. However, the shear forces were dramatically increased during the head excessive extension and lateral bending. Besides, a nonlinear correlation was seen between the facet joint force and the angular displacement. In conclusion, dynamic cervical spinal loading was both intervertebral disk angle-dependent and level-dependent. Cervical spine musculoskeletal multi-body dynamics model provides an attempt to comprehend the in vivo biomechanical surrounding of the human head-neck system.
Brand Prestige and the Mediating Role of Word of Mouth in the Fast Food Industry
Authors: Hanaysha Jalal Rajeh , Pech Richard Jan
Published: September 2018

The highly competitive business environment forces firms to differentiate themselves among their competitors in order to ensure their long-term survival and success. Therefore, building a strong brand has become a key priority for many successful firms. This article examines the effect of physical environment, food quality, price fairness and customer service on brand prestige in the restaurant industry. It also aims to provide a significant contribution to existing literature by examining the mediating effect of word of mouth (WOM) between the stated factors and brand prestige. The data in this study were collected using a survey instrument from customers at several international fast-food restaurant brands on the east coast of Malaysia. The collected data were analysed with SPSS using structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings indicated that physical environment, food quality and customer service have significant positive effects on brand prestige, but the effect of price fairness on brand prestige is insignificant. The outcomes also revealed that price fairness, physical environment and customer service have significant positive effects on WOM, whereas customer service is not significantly related to WOM. Finally, the findings reveal that WOM mediates the relationships between all of the stated factors and brand prestige.
Sectarian Violence in Gilgit-Baltistan
Authors: Mishra Vivek Kumar
Published: September 2018

Gilgit-Baltistan region is a Shia-majority region, illegally controlled by Pakistan and enjoys semi-provincial status as a part of Pakistan Occupied Jammu Kashmir (PoJK). Sectarian violence has a long history in Pakistan as well as in Gilgit-Baltistan region. It has increased in the region since the 1980s, especially after the construction of the Karakoram Highway, which connects this region with China and mainland Pakistan. The Islamic revolution of Iran in 1979, General Zia’s policy of Islamization, and the Afghan jihad during the 1980s did not leave this region untouched. The poor economic conditions and the absence of government’s educational institutions have witnessed a mushrooming of madrasas that preach sectarian hatred and extremism. The fragile political system, along with an ineffective judicial system of the region has aggravated the sectarian violence further. All these had a cumulative effect on the promotion of sectarian violence in the region. In such a background, the article is an attempt to analyze the various aspects of sectarian violence in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.
An exploration of self-compassion and self-criticism in the context of personal recovery from borderline personality disorder
Authors: Donald Fiona , Lawrence Katherine A , Broadbear Jillian H , Rao Sathya
Published: September 2018

Objectives:

A lack of compassion for oneself, or harsh self-criticism, is associated with a range of psychiatric disorders including borderline personality disorder (BPD). Personal recovery in the context of a mental illness such as BPD involves building a life that is subjectively meaningful and satisfying. Limited self-compassion or harsh self-criticism may be an impediment to recovery from BPD. The association between self-compassion and recovery and self- criticism and recovery were examined.

Method:

Nineteen individuals diagnosed with BPD completed the Neff Self-Compassion Scale, the Forms of Self-Criticising/Attacking and Self-Reassuring Scale and the Recovery Assessment Scale at a single time point.

Results:

There was a strong positive correlation between self-compassion and recovery ( r = 0.75) and a strong negative correlation ( rho = −0.67) between self- criticism and recovery.

Conclusions:

Although preliminary in nature, these results suggest the importance of fostering self-compassion and working to address self-criticism within clinical interventions supporting recovery from BPD.
Do police–mental health co-responder programmes reduce emergency department presentations or simply delay the inevitable?
Authors: Meehan Tom , Brack Janet , Mansfield Yolanda , Stedman Terry
Published: September 2018

Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes for people following intervention by a police–mental health co-responder team.

Method:

Individuals seen by the co-responder team were followed for 2 weeks to monitor subsequent emergency department presentations and inpatient admissions.

Results:

Of the 122 people who had direct contact with the co-responder team, 82 (67.2%) remained at their residence, 35 (28.7%) were transported to the emergency department (ED) and 5 (4.1%) were taken into custody by police. The 82 people who remained at home following initial assessment were followed-up for 2 weeks. During this time 10 (12.2%) presented to ED and 3 of these (3.7%) were subsequently admitted to hospital.

Conclusions:

Interventions provided through the co-responder team were capable not only of resolving the immediate crisis for the majority of people, but were also likely to divert people away from ED and inpatient treatment in the immediate term.
Deciphering the paradoxical incidence of cancer in schizophrenia
Authors: Kuppili Pooja Patnaik , Nebhinani Naresh
Published: September 2018

Objectives:

The incidence of cancer in schizophrenia has been an area of controversy. The current article aims to provide a commentary outlining the contradictory findings of incidence of cancer in schizophrenia as well as discuss the available theories linking cancer with schizophrenia and address the methodological issues of the studies which could lead to the discrepant findings.

Method:

A literature search was carried out primarily using the electronic database of MEDLINE through PubMed using the search terms ‘cancer’ and ‘schizophrenia’. Google Scholar was used to supplement the search.

Results:

The findings were inconclusive, with studies documenting increased, decreased as well as no risk of cancer in patients with schizophrenia, compared with the general population. Several methodological limitations exist with regard to measures of assessment, sample size and selection bias.

Conclusions:

The association between cancer and schizophrenia remains controversial. Genetic as well as environmental theories exist explaining the paradoxical incidence of cancer in schizophrenia. The methodological factors could contribute to the discrepant findings.
A study on energy transfer among limbs in a legged robot locomotion
Authors: Ahmad Huthaifa , Nakata Yoshihiro , Nakamura Yutaka , Ishiguro Hiroshi
Published: September 2018

Realizing adaptability to environmental changes requires the robot’s body to change according to the environment. From this perspective, several studies have considered variable compliant actuation to change the physical characteristics of the robot as it interacts with the environment. Robots with this ability show a variety of efficient stable motions during contact with the environment. However, having locally variable compliant parts with independent dynamics under the same body may be insufficient for achieving adaptability in diverse environments. To extend the idea of variable compliant actuation, from being used locally to the level of the entire body’s dynamics, in this study, we use an actuator network system (ANS). As an approximation of bipedal robots, we developed an eight-legged rimless wheel robot with an ANS that allows energy transfer among limbs through passive interactions among mutually interconnected air cylinders mounted on the robot’s legs. We experimentally demonstrated that by using the ANS to realize energy transfer among limbs, the robot performance improved.
Patient Satisfaction Is Associated With Dialysis Facility Quality and Star Ratings
Authors: Kshirsagar Abhijit V. , Tabriz Amir Alishahi , Bang Heejung , Lee Shoou-Yih D.
Published: September 2018

The Dialysis Facility Compare Star Rating and the Quality Incentive Program (QIP) generate separate performance scores from clinical measures, and the In-Center Hemodialysis Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (ICH-CAHPS) survey evaluates patient satisfaction across 6 separate domains related to nephrologists, dialysis facility, and information transmission. This study examined the relationship of the 3 measures for US clinics, modeling the 6 ICH-CAHPS domains as independent variables and QIP and star ratings as dependent variables. Among 3176 dialysis clinics, domains assessing dialysis facility and information transmission had a consistently stronger relationship with QIP and star ratings than the domains assessing nephrologists: QIP, β (95% CI) = 1.62 (1.26-1.97) for dialysis facility staff rating, 0.70 (0.35-1.05) for nephrologists; star rating, odds ratio (95% CI) = 1.38 (1.29-1.49) for dialysis facility staff rating, 1.17 (1.09-1.25) for nephrologists. Patient satisfaction is associated with dialysis care quality, with surprising differences between nephrologists and dialysis facilities.
The Influence of Cause and Sectional Group Lobbying on Government Responsiveness
Authors: Hopkins Vincent , Klüver Heike , Pickup Mark
Published: September 2018

Voters are increasingly concerned that special interests control the policy process. Yet, the literature on representation is more optimistic: elected officials face strong incentives to listen to voters—not just lobby groups—and this makes for more responsive policies. Building on recent work, we argue a more nuanced point: different types of groups have different effects on responsiveness. We show empirically that lobbying from “cause” groups—representing diffuse interests like climate change—strengthens responsiveness, while lobbying from “sectional” groups—representing industry and professional associations—has no observable effect. Our project uses a novel data set of Canadian lobbying registrations spanning fifteen policy areas from 1990 to 2009. Using a dynamic panel model, we test how interest group lobbying moderates the effect of voter issue attention on government spending. Our findings contribute to contemporary debates over the influence of organized groups, suggesting some interest groups may improve representation.