bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship of Rod-And-Frame Test Performance to two Dimensions of the Personality Assessment System
Authors: Frank Harry , Tubbs Randy
Published: July 2018

It was hypothesized that performance on the rod-and-frame test taps primitive level Externalizer-lnternalizer and Regulated-Flexible functioning as conceptualized in Gittinger's Personality Assessment System. Four criterion groups (primitive Flexible Externalizers, Flexible Internalizers, Regulated Externalizers, and Regulated Internalizers), each of which included 8 Ss, were defined by configural nomethetic scores on the Block Design and Digit Span subtests of the WAIS. A two-way analysis of variance indicated that rod-and-frame test scores were significantly related to primitive Externalizer-lnternalizer (p < .005) and to primitive Regulated-Flexible (p < .05) tendencies. Discussion considers personality correlates of WAIS performance and the construct validity of field dependence-independence.
Effects of Direct and Self-Reinforcement as a Function of Internal-External Control
Authors: Hall Harold V.
Published: July 2018

The present study explored the effects of 2 factors (2 levels of generalized expectancy concerning how rewards and punishments are controlled, and 3 kinds of motivational procedures—self-reinforcement, direct reinforcement, no reinforcement) on response productivity for a simple motor task. Analyses showed generalized expectancy was not influential in affecting response productivity and both self-reinforcement and direct reinforcement were approximately equal in their effect upon task productivity.
Continuous Feedback in Recognition Memory
Authors: Titus Thomas G.
Published: July 2018

Signal-detection models of recognition memory assume that S's decision as to whether or not he recognizes a stimulus is a function of a criterion value. In selecting his criterion, S takes into consideration the a priori probability of an old item and the costs and rewards of a hit or false alarm. In the present experiment, Ss were given feedback during recognition testing in an effort to determine whether it would aid S in selecting his criterion. The results showed that the feedback improved recognition performance by significantly reducing the number of false alarm errors. Evidence was presented to support the claim that S's criterion was affected by this manipulation.
Conceptual Tempo, Inhibition of Movement, and Acceleration of Movement in 4-, 7-, and 9-YR.-Old Children
Authors: Costantini Arthur F. , Corsini David A. , Davis Jack E.
Published: July 2018

The relationships among conceptual tempo, the ability to inhibit movement, and the ability to accelerate movement were studied in 4-, 7-, and 9-yr.-old boys and girls. Conceptual tempo was measured by Kagan's Matching Familiar Figures and motor inhibition and motor acceleration were measured by the Walk-a-Board, Reel-up, and Finger Tap tests. The ability to inhibit movement was correlated with the ability to accelerate movement and both were related to conceptual tempo for boys. For girls, movement acceleration and conceptual tempo were not related. The relationships were strongest for 4-yr.-olds and decreased as age increased.
Investigating Information-Gathering Capabilities of Visual and Haptic Modalities
Authors: Butter Eliot J. , Bjorklund David F.
Published: July 2018

The aim of the present study was to approximate the initial amount of information obtained by the visual and haptic systems from exposure to a stimulus. College students were presented with 10-sided random forms at 4 exposures (2-, 5-, 10-, and 15-sec.) in two modalities (visual and haptic) and under two delay conditions (no delay and 10-sec. delay) and were required to draw each form. Drawings were scored on accuracy of match to the original form. Results indicated that (a) in general, scores increased with increasing exposure time; (b) visual exploration was superior to haptic exploration; and (c) the delay variable did not affect performance. In Exp. II college students were again presented with 10-sided random forms under 5 modality-by-exposure conditions. Thirty sec. of 1-handed haptic exploration resulted in comparable performance to 2 sec. visual exploration. The results arc discussed in terms of the disparity of the information-gathering capacities of the visual and haptic systems.
Control of the Ratio of Midline Parietal to Midline Frontal Eeg Alpha Rhythms through Auditory Feedback
Authors: Nowlis David P. , Wortz Edward C.
Published: July 2018

The study asks whether voluntary control over the relative appearance of EEG alpha in midline frontal and parietal sites can be achieved with auditory biofeedback training. 16 Ss participated in the training and testing regimen. Ss varied in the number of hour-long single-channel feedback training sessions received. In the test period, dual-channel feedback was given, and Ss were asked to increase the ratio of frontal to parietal alpha and then the reverse. Evidence for small but significant control is presented. Amount of control was correlated with number of practice sessions.
Inter-Manual Transfer of Tactual Learning as a Function of Stimulus Meaningfulness1
Authors: Kleinman Kenneth M. , Cloninger Lawrence H.
Published: July 2018

32 Ss were initially exposed to wooden shapes of both high and low meaningfulness. Two shapes were presented to the left hand and 2 were presented to the right hand, each for 5 sec. Each shape was presented twice. Vision was blocked and verbal mediation was minimized. Following initial exposure, Ss were tested for recognition of the shapes previously presented. Eight shapes were presented to one hand, each for 5 sec. Two shapes had previously been presented to the opposite hand, 2 had previously been presented to the same hand, and 4 had never before been presented. Half the Ss were exposed to and tested with low followed by high meaningful shapes; half were tested in the reverse sequence. Though there was generally inferior recognition of the low meaningful shapes, both high and low meaningful shapes initially exposed to the opposite hand were recognized as frequently as those initially exposed to the same hand. The results indicated that transmission of tactual information via the corpus callosum was independent of task difficulty.
Oral Two-Point Discrimination: Consistency of Two-Point Limens on Selected Oral Sites1
Authors: Lass Norman J. , Park William E.
Published: July 2018

20 Ss participated in 3 experimental sessions; 10 thresholds, 5 ascending and 5 descending, were obtained on each of 2 oral sites (tongue tip and tongue dorsum) in each session. Results indicate that Ss' two-point limens are very consistent across sessions when obtained on the tongue tip. However, they exhibited poor reliability on the tongue dorsum. A relationship between degree of sensitivity of an oral site and the consistency of two-point thresholds at that site is offered to explain the differences in the present study, and suggestions for testing this proposed relationship are offered.
Spatial Effects in Tactile Metacontrast Masking1
Authors: Carmon Amiram , Abramsky Oded
Published: July 2018

Masking of and by mechanical tactile stimuli was investigated as a function of spatial relations between the stimuli. Masking was stronger when the stimuli were applied to the same side of the body than when they were placed contralaterally to each other. Increasing the distance between the two stimuli decreased masking, but this effect was significant only in the case of ipsilateral masking. The results confirm those of former studies and are explained in terms of peripheral interactions as well as by the connections between the left and right somatosensory systems.
Pseudo-Primacy Effects in Free Recall
Authors: Titus Thomas G. , Robinson John A.
Published: July 2018

Shiffrin (1970) has suggested that the primacy effect in the serial position curve is the result of the temporal distinctiveness of the initial items in the list. Given this assumption a pseudo-primacy effect should be observed in other parts of the list if distinctive cues are provided. The present experiments tested this prediction. The distinctive cues presented were a change from a male to a female reader (or vice versa) and a short pause in list presentation. Pseudo-primacy effects were produced and the shape of the serial position curve was changed to a significant degree.
Ratio Scaling of Tat Need for Achievement through Application of a Paired-Comparisons Method, with a Test of Internal Consistency
Authors: Goff David P. , Uleman James S.
Published: July 2018

A method for ratio scaling of projective personality variables was devised and tested in two studies, using the TAT and achievement motivation (n Ach). In Exp. I, 4 judges made direct ratio estimates of relative n Ach in all possible pairs of 8 Ss' TAT protocols (28 pairs). In Exp. II, 3 judges used the same procedure to estimate relative n Ach for all pairs of TAT stories told to the same card, rather than for four-story protocols (112 pairs). Ratio scale values correlated with traditional n Ach scoring between .86 and .91 in Exp. I, and .90 and .95 in II. The protocols represented two criterion groups with different n Ach. Ratio scores from Exp. II, but not from I, differentiated these groups as well as traditional scoring. A model was developed for testing the internal consistency of judges' ratio estimates, based on Comrey's work. It showed over 90% of the ratio estimates' variance accounted for by the linearity assumptions of the ratio scaling model. Advantages and problems in using the ratio scaling method were discussed.
Length of Standard Presentation and Constant Error in Kinesthetically Monitored Reproduction of Force
Authors: Norrie Mary Lou
Published: July 2018

This study investigated the effect of the length of time (2, 6, or 10 sec.) the reference standard was held on the amount of constant error for kinesthetically monitored force-reproduction. 30 Ss performed 4 trials under each condition. Results indicated that a significant effect for trials occurred for the 4 trials, resulting in decreasing constant error. Since most of the decrease occurred over the first 2 trials, a separate analysis was made for the last 2 trials. Variance analysis indicated for the last 2 trials a significant conditions effect of increasing constant error with increasing time the standard was held.
Effect of Size of Standard on Amount of Constant Error for Kinesthetically Monitored Force Reproduction
Authors: Norrie Mary Lou
Published: July 2018

22 male, college-age Ss performed a force-reproduction task in which extent of movement was not a factor. For each trial S pushed the handle of the apparatus until the standard force was reached, held the standard 3 sec., released the handle, and then immediately regrasped the handle and attempted to reproduce the standard force. Each S had 4 trials at each of 4 standards, 1 kg., 2 kg., 3 kg., and 4 kg. The constant error was recorded for each trial. Analysis of variance indicated no significant effects of block or trial, and no interaction. It was concluded that with the range of standards used, the size of the standard did not affect the size of the constant error.
An Examination of Factor Structure of Rod-and-Frame Test and Embedded-Figures Test1
Authors: Bergman Hans , Engelbrektson Karin
Published: July 2018

The scores of 93 male students on Rod-and-frame Test (RFT), Embedded-figures Test (EFT) and on 3 reference tests for each of 4 intellectual factors were correlated and factor analyzed. The hypothesis that 2 of J. P. Guilford's factors, Convergent Production of Figural Transformations and Cognition of Figural Systems, would explain the performance in RFT, whereas figural transformations alone would explain performance in EFT was rejected (p < 0.000). Instead, RFT defined a separate factor and EFT also loaded figural systems. RFT and EFT had quite different factor patterns and shared only 4 to 16% common variance.
Vigilance and Reduction of Uncertainty
Authors: Harper Robert G.
Published: July 2018

Two groups of 20 Ss each received a series of shocks either predictably or unpredictably paired with certain stimuli. Although Ss receiving predictable shocks failed to evidence a group vigilance effect to the stimuli signalling shock, they did report experiencing less anxiety than Ss receiving unpredictable shocks, despite the fact that the stimuli were perceptually difficult to identify. Both groups of Ss rated unexpected shocks as more unpleasant than expected shocks.
Relation of Stuttering to Word Abstraction, Part of Speech, Word Length, and Word Frequency
Authors: Danzger Miriam , Halpern Harvey
Published: July 2018

Oral responses from 16 stutterers to word stimuli counterbalanced according to abstraction level, part of speech, word length, and frequency of occurrence, and presented through the visual modality indicated that long words produced significantly more non-fluencies than short ones; words of infrequent occurrence in language produced significantly more non-fluencies than frequent ones; no significant differences existed among words of high, medium, and low levels of abstraction; no significant difference existed among nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
An MMPI Scale to Measure Scholastic Personality in Women
Authors: Clopton James R. , Neuringer Charles
Published: July 2018

On the basis of response frequencies, 68 MMPI items significantly differentiated in each of two analyses between 60 National Merit Semi-finalists and 60 college freshman women. Inspection of the 68 items suggests two general types of items—those showing an emphasis on intellectual pursuit and those involving a denial of any worries or difficulties. Maturational differences and different conditions of test administration may have produced some of the differences in response frequencies between criterion and comparison Ss. Nevertheless, there is a definite indication that high scholastic potential of women can be predicted from a scale consisting of personality inventory items.
‘Sticky’ proximities: Sibling relationships and education
Authors: Davies Katherine
Published: July 2018

Drawing upon qualitative interviews and focus groups with young people, this article expounds the importance of sibling relationships in shaping their experiences of and orientations towards education. The article contributes to the literature about the socially embedded nature of young people’s educational journeys, arguing for the need to account for the significance of siblings. Following Smart’s notion of ‘sticky’ relationships, the article demonstrates how sibling relationships can be characterised by particular proximities: connections that make siblings important for young people’s educational experiences regardless of whether the relationships are perceived as positive. The article demonstrates three ways that sibling relationships are particularly proximate. First, normative scripts and obligations pertaining to gendered and birth-order specific sibling roles influence when and how siblings offer support to one another at school. Second, resemblances between siblings facilitate the ‘rubbing off’ of reputation between siblings at school. Finally, the ability to observe a sibling’s progression through the education system means siblings can become foils against which young people measure and assess their own educational experiences. In highlighting these ‘sticky’ proximities, the article builds and extends a sociology of siblingship, demonstrating how sibling relationships affect young people’s education.
Addressing the “Union Problem” during the Great Recession: State Approaches to Reforming Collective Bargaining
Authors: Wade Magic M.
Published: July 2018

Conventional narratives suggest that during the Great Recession, Republican-controlled state governments seized a political opportunity to de-unionize labor strongholds by enacting sweeping right-to-work laws. However, I contend that two distinct reform approaches were pursued during the recession. One type aimed to restrict the ability of unions to organize and maintain membership (the “right-to-work” approach), while the other sought to constrain collective bargaining without hampering union organizing. My analysis of 2,545 labor relations bills introduced across the U.S. States from 2007 to 2014 confirms the existence of two broad models of reform, each with differing implications for organized labor and partisan politics.
Taxonomic framework for factors influencing ERMS adoption in organisations of higher professional education
Authors: Mukred Muaadh , Yusof Zawiyah Mohamad , Mokhtar Umi Asma’ , Fauzi Fariza
Published: July 2018

An electronic records management system (ERMS) is tightly linked with most of the daily activities of educational organisations and leads to enhance their performance and decision-making. The aim of this article is to identify the significant factors that could influence the ERMS adoption in higher professional education (HPE). The methodology of this article started with identifying the factors through theory analysis and literature and also recommended by experts. Technology–organisation–environment (TOE) theory was used for factor classification. Qualitative approach was used through the interview with experts to validate and verify the proposed framework. This article presents the results of a study which identifies the issues involved in the utilisation and adoption of ERMS. More than 100 previous works and six well-known theories were critically reviewed to identify the main factors for successful ERMS adoption in different areas with the aim of proposing a taxonomic framework that can depict and identify the main factors that have an impact on the success of ERMS adoption. The proposed framework includes 11 factors categorised into three dimensions. The framework is validated and verified by experts. The adoption factors identified here provide a sound theoretical basis for research to understand, support and facilitate the adoption of ERMS to HPE benefit. The proposed framework could help to improve educational outcomes and the successful implementation of ERMS.
Integrating traditional medical knowledge into mainstream healthcare in Limpopo Province
Authors: Maluleka Jan Resenga , Ngoepe Mpho
Published: July 2018

In most African states, the majority of the population depend on indigenous healing knowledge for their healthcare. This knowledge is in danger of being obliterated due to a number of factors such as it being not documented, low life expectancy where people die before transferring it to the next generation and the governments failing to incorporate it into the mainstream health system that is often overloaded. This qualitative study adopted a hermeneutic phenomenology to investigate the development of a framework to integrate knowledge of traditional healing into the mainstream healthcare system in the Limpopo province. Data were collected through interviews with traditional healers chosen through snowball sampling technique augmented by observations and analysis of legislation, notes, records and other forms of documents held by healers. Data were analysed and interpreted thematically according to the objectives of the study. The study established that indigenous medical knowledge is marginalised, and healers are not getting support from the government despite the important role they play in the national health systems. Traditional healing is not properly regulated creating a loophole for anyone to practise as a healer. A framework that points the link factors that attempt to create an understanding of how knowledge of traditional healing can be managed and integrated into the mainstream healing is proposed. It is concluded that failure to recognise traditional healing and integrate it in the mainstream health system will continue to hamstring the health system with resources in South Africa.
A modified procedure in aortic arch replacement with no deep hypothermic circulatory arrest
Authors: Li Yong , Sun Xiaogang , Zhang Xiuhui , Zhang Yuchun , Pang Guanghui , Ma Hongliang
Published: July 2018

Deep hypothermia or circulation arrest is widely used during total aortic arch replacement. However, conventional procedures have high morbidity and mortality.1 We use the “branch-first” technique2,3 combined with clamping the distal aorta, incorporating a stented elephant trunk to avoid deep hypothermia and circulation arrest. This technique brings us closer to the goal of arch surgery without cerebral or visceral circulatory arrest and the morbidity of deep hypothermia. Early results are encouraging.
Comparing disability between traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury using the 12-item WHODAS 2.0 and the WHO minimal generic data set covering functioning and health
Authors: Tarvonen-Schröder Sinikka , Tenovuo Olli , Kaljonen Anne , Laimi Katri
Published: July 2018

Objective:

To compare disability between two patient groups using short validated tools based on International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

University hospital specialist outpatient clinic.

Subjects:

A total of 94 patients with traumatic brain injury and 59 with spinal cord injury.

Main measures:

Disability evaluated using self-reported and proxy 12-item WHODAS 2.0 (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule), and physician-rated WHO minimal generic data set covering functioning and health.

Results:

The two measures used showed severe but very different disabilities in these patient groups. Disability was assessed worse by physicians in the spinal cord injury population (sum 15.8 vs. 12.7, P = 0.0001), whereas disability assessed by the patients did not differ significantly between the two groups (sum 18.4 vs. 21.2). Further analysis revealed that in patients with “high disability” (the minimal generic data set score ⩾15), self-reported functioning was more severely impaired in the traumatic brain injury group compared to the spinal cord injury group (29.7 vs. 21.4, P < 0.0001), with no difference between these two diagnostic groups in patients with “low disability” (the minimal generic data set below 15). Patients with traumatic brain injury perceived more difficulties in cognition, getting along and participation, patients with spinal cord injury in mobility and self-care.

Conclusion:

Both generic measures were able to detect severe disability but also to detect differences between two patient populations with different underlying diagnoses.
Cerebral serotonin release correlates with [11C]AZ10419369 PET measures of 5-HT1B receptor binding in the pig brain
Authors: Jørgensen Louise M , Weikop Pia , Svarer Claus , Feng Ling , Keller Sune H , Knudsen Gitte M
Published: July 2018

Positron emission tomography (PET) can, when used with appropriate radioligands, non-invasively capture temporal and spatial information about acute changes in brain neurotransmitter systems. We here evaluate the 5-HT1B receptor partial agonist PET radioligand, [11C]AZ10419369, for its sensitivity to detect changes in endogenous cerebral serotonin levels, as induced by different pharmacological challenges. To enable a direct translation of PET imaging data to changes in brain serotonin levels, we compared the [11C]AZ10419369 PET signal in the pig brain to simultaneous measurements of extracellular serotonin levels with microdialysis after various acute interventions (saline, escitalopram, fenfluramine). The interventions increased the cerebral extracellular serotonin levels to two to six times baseline, with fenfluramine being the most potent pharmacological enhancer of serotonin release. The interventions induced a varying degree of decline in [11C]AZ10419369 binding in the brain, consistent with the occupancy competition model. The observed correlation between changes in the extracellular serotonin level in the pig brain and the 5-HT1B receptor occupancy indicates that [11C]AZ10419369 binding is sensitive to changes in endogenous serotonin levels to a degree equivalent to that reported of [11C]raclopride to dopamine, a much used approach to detect in vivo change in cerebral dopamine.
Reducing “I Don’t Know” Responses and Missing Survey Data: Implications for Measurement
Authors: Denman Deanna C. , Baldwin Austin S. , Betts Andrea C. , McQueen Amy , Tiro Jasmin A.
Published: July 2018

Background. “I don’t know” (DK) responses are common in health behavior research. Yet analytic approaches to managing DK responses may undermine survey validity and researchers’ ability to interpret findings. Objective. Compare the usefulness of a methodological strategy for reducing DK responses to 3 analytic approaches: 1) excluding DKs as missing data, 2) recoding them to the neutral point of the response scale, and 3) recoding DKs with the mean. Methods. We used a 4-group design to compare a methodological strategy, which encourages use of the response scale after an initial DK response, to 3 methods of analytically treating DK responses. We examined 1) whether this methodological strategy reduced the frequency of DK responses, and 2) how the methodological strategy compared to common analytic treatments in terms of factor structure and strength of correlations between measures of constructs. Results. The prompt reduced DK response frequency (55.7% of 164 unprompted participants vs. 19.6% of 102 prompted participants). Factorial invariance analyses suggested equivalence in factor loadings for all constructs throughout the groups. Compared to excluding DKs, recoding strategies and use of the prompt improved the strength of correlations between constructs, with the prompt resulting in the strongest correlations (.589 for benefits and intentions, .446 for perceived susceptibility and intentions, and .329 for benefits and perceived susceptibility). Limitations. This study was not designed a priori to test methods for addressing DK responses. Our analysis was limited to an interviewer-administered survey, and interviewers did not probe about reasons for DK responses. Conclusion. Findings suggest that use of a prompt to reduce DK responses is preferable to analytic approaches to treating DK responses. Use of such prompts may improve the validity of health behavior survey research.
Central dislocation of femoral head without involvement of acetabular anterior and posterior columns
Authors: Xiao Xingling , Chen Jiahui , Wang Canbin , Liu Han , Li Tao , Wang Hua , Fan Shicai
Published: July 2018

Objective

This study was performed to explore the treatment of central dislocation of the femoral head without involvement of the acetabular columns.

Methods

Preoperatively, a three-dimensionally printed model of the patient’s pelvis was manufactured according to the patient’s computed tomography data. An all-locking anatomical plate was designed based on the mirror of the ipsilesional semi-pelvis. The fracture was reduced using reduction forceps and femoral traction via the lateral rectus approach. The customized plate was used as a template for reduction of the quadrilateral plate fracture.

Results

Reduction and fixation of this patient’s fracture was achieved with a customized all-locking anatomical plate with a propeller shape via the lateral rectus approach.

Conclusions

This report describes an isolated quadrilateral plate fracture with central dislocation of the femoral head without involvement of the columns, which is a rare injury that has not yet been classified. It was effectively treated using a customized all-locking anatomical plate with propeller shape via the lateral rectus approach.
Laboratory Observation and Evaluation of Asphalt Blends of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Binder with Virgin Binder using SEM/EDS
Authors: Jiang Yanxu , Gu Xingyu , Zhou Zhou , Ni Fujian , Dong Qiao
Published: July 2018

In this paper, microscopic technique tests were carried out to observe and evaluate the degree of blending between reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) binder and virgin binder in hot mixed asphalt mixture. To this end, titanium dioxide (TiO2) was selected as a tracer to tag virgin binder. Scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM/EDS) experiments were conducted on compacted recycled asphalt mixtures and virgin asphalt mixtures. The element mass ratio of titanium over sulfur (Ti:S) was proposed as an quantitative indicator of blending ratio to accurately evaluate the degree of partial blending between RAP and virgin binders. The SEM/EDS images visually displayed the partial blending in high RAP mixtures. Different partial blending patterns were observed under different handling processes. The results of EDS tests indicated that with the increase of the RAP content, the blending degree of virgin and aged binder decreased rapidly, and the homogeneity of blended binder became weakened. In addition, aging process and recycling agent could improve the efficiency of RAP binder as it is blended with virgin one, and it should be noted that the inter-diffusion of old and new binders need enough time. This methodology provides a systemic approach to determine the degree of binder blending in RAP mixture.
Exploratory Analysis of Driver Yielding at Low-Speed, Uncontrolled Crosswalks in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Authors: Schneider Robert J. , Sanatizadeh Aida , Shaon Mohammad Razaur Rahman , He Zhaoxiang , Qin Xiao
Published: July 2018

One of the most common circumstances contributing to pedestrian crashes is drivers failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. A better understanding of driver yielding behavior can help identify optimal safety treatments to improve driver yielding and prevent pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Recognizing this need, this study observed driver yielding behavior at 20 uncontrolled intersections along two-lane arterial and collector roadways with posted speed limits of 25 or 30 miles per hour in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during weekday afternoon peak travel periods in fall 2016. The naturalistic observations showed that drivers yielded 60 times out of 364 opportunities when the pedestrian wished to cross (16% driver yielding rate). Yielding rates differed between intersections, ranging from a high of 60% to a low of 0%. A binary logistic model showed that drivers were more likely to yield to pedestrians when the major roadway had a lower speed limit or less traffic; when the intersection had a shorter crossing distance or a bus stop; and when the pedestrian was White, standing in the street, or acting assertively. Finally, all else equal, intersections with no reported pedestrian crashes in the last 5 years had higher driver yielding rates than intersections with at least two reported pedestrian crashes. While this exploratory study is based on a small sample of observations, it supports several engineering, education, and enforcement strategies and provides suggestions for future studies of driver yielding behavior.
Effects of Mounting Height, Offset Distance, and Number of Light Towers on Drivers’ Visual Performance and Discomfort Glare in Work Zones
Authors: Bhagavathula Rajaram , Gibbons Ronald B.
Published: July 2018

Portable light towers are a significant source of glare to motorists entering a work zone. Although existing research has evaluated the effect of light tower orientation on visibility and glare, the effects of factors like mounting height, offset distance from the roadway, and number of light towers in the work zone, on visual performance and discomfort glare is not known. Understanding these relationships can help in developing illuminating guidelines for work zones that can reduce glare for drivers. The goal of this paper is to understand the effect of mounting height, offset distance to the roadway, and number of light towers in the work zone on drivers’ visual performance and discomfort glare. Participants drove through a realistic work zone and evaluated portable light towers in varying mounting heights, offset distances, and number of light towers in the work zone. Results showed that the mounting height and offset distances play a critical role in affecting the driver’s visual performance and discomfort glare rating. Portable light towers, irrespective of wattage and lumen output, at lower than a mounting height of 20 ft and closer to the roadway result in decreasing driver visual performance and increasing their discomfort glare. Portable light towers should be mounted at a height of at least 20 ft and balloon light towers with higher wattage (4,000 W and greater) and lumen output (400,000 lumens and greater) should be located at an offset distance of at least 10 ft from the roadway.
Analysis of Gap Acceptance Behavior for Unprotected Right and Left Turning Maneuvers at Signalized Intersections using Data Mining Methods: A Driving Simulation Approach
Authors: Mafi Somayeh , Abdelrazig Yassir , Doczy Ryan
Published: July 2018

Gap acceptance predictability has become a vital area of interest for traffic safety and operations due to its complexity and significance in understanding a population’s driving behavior. Recent studies have implemented statistical modeling techniques, such as binary logit model (BLM), to predict drivers’ gap acceptance behaviors. However, these models have inherent presumptions and pre-set correlations that, if contravened, can produce erroneous results. The use of non-parametric data mining techniques, such as decision trees, avoids these deficiencies, thus resulting in improvements to the predictive capability of the models. In this study, the feasibility of C4.5 decision trees, instance-based (IB), and random forest (RF) models for predicting drivers’ gap decisions was examined by comparing their results with BLM. To accomplish this objective, 66 study participants drove through ten driving simulation scenarios requiring the navigation of unprotected right and left-turning maneuvers at four-legged, signalized intersections. The data collected from these tests will provide means to directly compare and rank the data mining and statistical models, while also allowing for the identification of variables that are significantly influencing gap acceptance. Results produced from the models indicated that data mining models were superior to BLM at accurately predicting a participant’s gap decisions. RF models outperformed the C4.5 and IB models in predicting gap acceptance behaviors for both the left and right turning scenarios. Because of its superior performance, the authors recommend the implementation of the RF model for predicting gap decisions at unprotected signalized intersections.
Influence of Recycled Asphalt Pavement on Interfacial Energy and Bond Strength of Asphalt Binder for Different Types of Aggregates
Authors: Habal Ayyanna , Singh Dharamveer
Published: July 2018

The bond between aggregate and asphalt binder depends on many factors, such as chemistry of materials, nature of aggregates, and quality of asphalt binder. The present study evaluates the effects of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) on the bonding behavior of asphalt binder for acidic (granite and quartzite) and basic (basalt and limestone) aggregates. AC30 binder was blended with different proportions of RAP binder (15%, 25%, and 40%). The interfacial energy and bond strength of 16 combinations (four asphalt binders × four aggregates) of aggregate-asphalt binder system were evaluated based on a surface free energy (SFE) approach and binder bond strength (BBS) test, respectively. One of the strong motivations of the present study was to evaluate how interfacial energy parameters calculated based on the SFE of an aggregate-asphalt binder system may correlate with the outcome obtained from a BBS test. The results showed that AC30 binder modified with RAP binder had a good performance for basic aggregates compared with acidic aggregates. Basic aggregates (limestone and basalt) showed cohesive failure before and after conditioning, indicating minimal effects of water on interfacial bond strength. However, acidic aggregates (granite and quartzite) showed cohesive failure in dry conditions and adhesive failure after wet conditioning, implying detrimental effects of water on interfacial bond strength for these aggregates. The failure pattern of aggregates in cohesion was supported by a reduction in cohesion energy of asphalt binder after the addition of RAP binder. Correlation between interfacial energy parameters (obtained from SFE) and BBS strength depends on aggregate types and failure patterns.
Studying Driving Behavior on Horizontal Curves using Naturalistic Driving Study Data
Authors: Dhahir Bashar , Hassan Yasser
Published: July 2018

Many studies have been conducted to develop models to predict speed and driver comfort thresholds on horizontal curves, and to evaluate design consistency. The approaches used to develop these models differ from one another in data collection, data processing, assumptions, and analysis. However, some issues might be associated with the data collection that can affect the reliability of collected data and developed models. In addition, analysis of speed behavior on the assumption that vehicles traverse horizontal curves at a constant speed is far from actual driving behavior. Using the Naturalistic Driving Study (NDS) database can help overcome problems associated with data collection. This paper aimed at using NDS data to investigate driving behavior on horizontal curves in terms of speed, longitudinal acceleration, and comfort threshold. The NDS data were valuable in providing clear insight on drivers’ behavior during daytime and favorable weather conditions. A methodology was developed to evaluate driver behavior and was coded in Matlab. Sensitivity analysis was performed to recommend values for the parameters that can affect the output. Analysis of the drivers’ speed behavior and comfort threshold highlighted several issues that describe how drivers traverse horizontal curves that need to be considered in horizontal curve design and consistency evaluation.
The Effect of Concealed Handgun Carry Deregulation in Arizona on Crime in Tucson
Authors: Smith Michael R. , Petrocelli Matthew
Published: July 2018

In 2010, the Arizona legislature effectively deregulated concealed handgun carry in the state by passing Senate Bill (SB) 1108, which eliminated licensing and training requirements for concealed carry. Although researchers have extensively examined the impact of state adoption of concealed carry laws, almost nothing is known about the effects of deregulating concealed carry altogether. This study contributes to the more guns, less crime debate by examining the impact of Arizona’s decision to deregulate concealed carry. Using a multiple time-series research design with an experimental (Tucson) and control city (El Paso), the present study examines the impact of deregulation on handgun-related violent crime and gun larcenies in Arizona’s second largest city—Tucson. We find that the passage of SB 1108 had no impact on handgun-related offenses that could be expected to change following deregulation. The implications of these findings for policy making and future research are discussed.
Modularization in an Era of Mobile Web
Authors: Toepoel Vera , Lugtig Peter
Published: July 2018

With the rise of mobile surveys comes the need for shorter questionnaires. We investigate the modularization of an existing questionnaire in the Longitudinal Internet Study for the Social Sciences (LISS) Panel in the Netherlands. We randomly divided respondents into a normal length survey condition, a condition where the same survey was split into 3 parts, and a condition where the survey was split into 10 parts. Respondents received the parts consecutively at regular intervals over a 1-month period. We discuss response rates, data quality measures, and respondents’ evaluation of the questionnaire. Our results indicate higher start rates when the survey is cut into smaller parts but also higher dropout rates. However, the fraction of missing information is lower in the 3- and 10-part conditions. More respondents use their mobile phone for survey completion when the survey is shorter. We find fewer item missings and satisficing in shorter surveys. We find no effect on neutral and extreme responding nor on estimates of the validity of answers. People with low and high education and young and old evaluate shorter surveys better than the normal length survey.
How Familial Is Family Social Capital? Analyzing Bonding Social Capital in Family and Nonfamily Firms
Authors: Herrero Inés
Published: July 2018

Family social capital (FSC) is acknowledged to be a unique asset that can provide firms with competitive advantages. Certain scholars, however, have questioned whether nonfamily firms can reproduce FSC and benefit from its advantages. If so, FSC may not be as unique as has been assumed. Our study analyzes three types of bonding social capital: capital held by nonfamily firms, and capital held by family and nonfamily members of family firms. We assess the effects that these types of bonding social capital exert on performance. Our empirical analysis of 400 firms suggests that FSC is unique and that nonfamily firms can only attempt to imitate it imperfectly.
Corporate transparency laws
Authors: Mares Radu
Published: July 2018

The article examines reporting laws to determine if and how these laws shape corporate conduct and protect human rights. Since 2010 a wave of laws with extraterritorial effects has appeared as home states of multinationals began to mandate social disclosures. However, opinions as to their importance differ and some wonder whether these transparency laws are ‘a hollow victory’. What is the evidence regarding the effectiveness of these laws? If they work, what are the exact pathways for change? The laws selected for analysis cover corporate sustainability, slavery, conflict minerals, revenue transparency, and corporate governance. To assess the impacts and potential of these laws, the article distinguishes between dynamics that are internal and external to the corporation, and between direct and more remote effects. Drawing on the evidence surrounding these transparency laws, their place in the regulatory regime for global value chains as well as the functions this regulatory method fulfils in relation to human rights are discussed.
Optimization of Taylor spatial frame half-pins diameter for bone deformity correction: Application to femur
Authors: Chavoshnejad Pooria , Ayati Moosa , Abbasspour Aziz , Karimpur Morad , George Daniel , Rémond Yves , Heidary Rouchi Alireza , Baniassadi Majid
Published: July 2018

Using external fixtures for bone deformity correction takes advantages of less soft tissue injury, better bone alignment and enhances strain development for bone formation on cutting section, which cause shorter healing time. Among these fixtures, Taylor spatial frame is widely used and includes two rings and six adjustable struts developing 6 degrees of freedom, making them very flexible for this type of application. The current study describes a method to optimize Taylor spatial frame pin-sizes currently chosen from the surgeon’s experiences. A three-dimensional model of femur was created from computed tomography images; segmentation of the medical images was made based on the Hounsfield unit (gray scale) in order to allocate adequate mechanical properties into cortical and trabecular bone sections. Both the cortical and trabecular sections were assumed to be isotropic and homogeneous. The diameter optimization of Taylor spatial frame’s half-pins was carried out by coupling genetic algorithm and finite element analysis. The finite element analysis was based on a static mechanical load corresponding to a standing person’s body weight. Finite element analysis results were validated with experimentally measured strains obtained from bone compression tests. A cost function, based on the developed bone stresses, was defined close to the Taylor spatial frame’s half-pins. The calculated cost function showed a decrease of over 33% from the initial half-pin selection by the surgeon and the genetic algorithm optimization. Consequently, the maximum stresses experienced by the bone in the connected location of the half-pins decreased from 121.4 MPa in the surgeon’s selection to 73.07 MPa as a result of the optimization process.
Comparison of the volumetric composition of lamellar bone and the woven bone of calluses
Authors: Martínez-Reina Javier , García-Rodríguez Javier , Mora-Macías Juan , Domínguez Jaime , Reina-Romo Esther
Published: July 2018

Woven tissue is mainly present in the bone callus, formed very rapidly either after a fracture or in distraction processes. This high formation speed is probably responsible for its disorganized microstructure and this, in turn, for its low stiffness. Nonetheless, the singular volumetric composition of this tissue may also play a key role in its mechanical properties. The volumetric composition of woven tissue extracted from the bone transport callus of sheep was investigated and compared with that of the lamellar tissue extracted from the cortical shell of the same bone. Significant differences were found in the mineral and water contents, but they can be due to the different ages of both tissues, which affects the mineral/water ratio. However, the content in organic phase remains more or less constant throughout the mineralization process and has proven to be a good variable to measure the different composition of both tissues, being that content significantly higher in woven tissue. This may be linked to the abnormally high concentration of osteocytes in this tissue, which is likely a consequence of the more abundant presence of osteoblasts secreting osteoid and burying other osteoblasts, which then differentiate into osteocytes. This would explain the high formation rate of woven tissue, useful to recover the short-term stability of the bone. Nonetheless, the more abundant presence of organic phase prevents the woven tissue from reaching a stiffness similar to that of lamellar tissue in the long term, when it is fully mineralized.
Additively manufactured implant components for imaging validation studies
Authors: Van de Kleut Madeleine L , Yuan Xunhua , Athwal George S , Teeter Matthew G
Published: July 2018

Radiographic imaging is the current standard for evaluating postoperative joint replacements. Prior to application, such imaging methods need to be validated to determine the lower limits of performance under ideal conditions, using either a phantom or cadaver setup. Conventionally manufactured orthopedic implants for use in such studies are not always accessible and may be cost-prohibitive to purchase. We propose the use of additively manufactured implants as a cheaper, more accessible alternative for use in radiographic imaging validation studies. Bias and repeatability were compared between conventionally manufactured and additively manufactured reverse total shoulder implant sets under a standard model-based radiostereometric analysis phantom study environment. Measurements were compared using the humeral stem or glenosphere model relative to reference bone beads, and the humeral stem relative to the glenosphere model to measure implant relative displacement. Compared to the conventionally manufactured implants, the additively manufactured implants had less bias along the internal–external rotation axis (p < 0.001), but greater bias along the abduction–adduction and flexion–extension rotation axes (p = 0.005, 0.011). Additively manufactured implants had greater repeatability along the internal–external rotation axis (p < 0.001), but worse repeatability along the medial–lateral translation axis (p = 0.001) and the abduction–adduction rotation axis (p < 0.001). Differences were on the orders of 0.01 mm and 0.5°. For the purpose of validating two-dimensional–three-dimensional radiographic imaging techniques of orthopedic implants, additively manufactured implants can be used in place of conventionally manufactured implants, assuming they are fabricated to the manufacturer’s specifications. Observed differences were within the errors of the measurement technique and not clinically meaningful.