bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Political Liberalism, Western History, and the Conjectural Non-West
Authors: El Amine Loubna
Published: June 2020

Taking its distance from classical liberalism, political liberalism seeks to avoid controversial metaphysical assumptions by starting from institutional features of modern polities. Political liberalism also extends the limits of liberal toleration by envisioning societies that it considers nonliberal but decent. This article is concerned with the relationship between these two dimensions of political liberalism, specifically as they are instantiated in the work of John Rawls. I show that these two dimensions are in tension with each other. Put simply, if political liberalism is institutional, then decent societies are impossible. Decent societies are only conceivable within the ahistorical realm of values—a realm that Rawls sometimes slips into, even though its avoidance is central to political liberalism’s claim of distinctiveness. Rawls’s appeal to hypotheticals to defend his account of decent societies only serves to mask this tension and to foreclose important avenues of inquiry about the non-Western world. I also deploy throughout the article archival material that evinces Rawls’ concern with ethnocentrism but also the difficulties he faced in coming up with an adequate account of non-Western societies. On the argument I offer here, this intractability is to be expected, since Rawls did not recognize that the problems with his account were not purely philosophical, but in fact, sociological, political, and historical.
The Emotional Proletariat in Public Service
Authors: Choi Sung Wook , Guy Mary E.
Published: June 2020

There is an emotional proletariat in public service. This class of worker is employed in lower ranking, lower paid jobs that are disproportionately performed by women. While this study focuses on the Korean context, findings also raise awareness to the U.S. context. An investigation of two distinctly different missions—national tax officials and police officers—reveals how the combination of gender and rank produces differential outcomes in regard to emotive demands. Women in lower grades suffer more emotional exhaustion and feel less pride in their jobs than women and men in higher ranks. The pattern provides evidence that emotional exhaustion is less about individual failure and more about predictable job characteristics. After describing findings, the conclusion speculates about generalizing to the American context.
Resilience in Very Advanced Ages: A Study With Centenarians
Authors: Amaral Ana Saraiva , Afonso Rosa Marina , Brandão Daniela , Teixeira Laetitia , Ribeiro Oscar
Published: June 2020

This study intends to assess the relationship between resilience in extremely long-lived individuals and sociodemographic, cognitive and health status variables, and significant life events. A selected sample of 48 centenarians (mean age = 100.8 years, SD = 1.2; 83.3% female) from two centenarian studies was considered. A resilience score covering five items (aging and usefulness, hopefulness, worryness, loneliness, and control) was considered. Multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted in order to identify predictors of resilience. No significant differences in the resilience score regarding sociodemographic variables or typology of significant life events were found. Our findings underscore that health perception (better) and pain (less frequent) were associated with higher levels of resilience. In being present in extremely long-lived individuals, resilience should be object of interest in further research.
Sub-fixed-time control for a class of second order system
Authors: Jiang Boyan , Chen Hua , Li Bo , Zhang Xuewu
Published: June 2020

In this paper, a new concept “sub-fixed-time stability” (SFTS) is proposed and studied, which means the states can converge to a region of equilibrium points in a fixed time for any initial states’ values. Then, a sufficient condition for it is given and proven. Though SFTS is similar to “practical fixed-time stability” (PFTS), they are not the same, and the sufficient condition for SFTS is much clearer and simpler than PFTS. Next, a sub-fixed-time controller is proposed for a class of second order system. The stability analyses are given in the case without disturbance and with disturbance, respectively. Finally, to illustrate the robustness of the proposed sub-fixed-time controller to different initial conditions, 100 numerical simulations are conducted for 100 initial states’ values.
A Process Dissociation Model of Implicit Rapid Revision in Response to Diagnostic Revelations
Authors: Cone Jeremy , Calanchini Jimmy
Published: June 2020

Previous research has demonstrated that implicit evaluations can be reversed with exposure to a single impression-inconsistent behavior. But what exactly is changing when perceivers encounter diagnostic revelations about someone? One possibility is that rapid changes are occurring in the extent to which perceivers view the person positively or negatively. Another possibility is that they override the expression of initial evaluations through control-oriented processes. We conducted three studies (one preregistered) that used multinomial process trees to distinguish between these possibilities. We find consistent support across two different implicit measures that diagnostic behaviors result in rapid changes in evaluative processes. We obtained only inconsistent evidence for effects on more control-oriented processes. These findings thus help to reveal the cognitive processes underlying rapid implicit revision. Implications for theoretical perspectives on implicit attitudes are discussed.
The sensitivity of corporate social performance to corporate financial performance: A “time-based” agency theory perspective
Authors: Park Bum-Jin , Lee Ki-Hoon
Published: June 2020

This study focuses on micro-level phenomena and time issues that have been traditionally neglected in both corporate governance and corporate social responsibility research. Drawing on agency theory concerning time-based managerial incentives (i.e. short term and long term), we investigate which managerial incentives for compensation drive the sensitivity of corporate social performance ( CSP) to corporate financial performance ( CFP). Using data for publicly listed Korean firms, we found a significant and positive relationship between CSP and CFP, with this relationship strengthened in firms with high managerial ownership but insignificant in those with high earnings-based compensation. Furthermore, we found that the interaction effects of CSP and high earnings-based compensation on CFP become positive in firms with high managerial ownership, indicating that the sensitivity between CSP and CFP is driven by long-term managerial incentives.

JEL Classification: M12, M14, G35
Two-Stage Double Bootstrap Data Envelopment Analysis for Efficiency Evaluation of Shared-Bicycle Stations in Urban Cities
Authors: Hong Jungyeol , Tamakloe Reuben , Tak Jihoon , Park Dongjoo
Published: June 2020

To optimize the performance and operation of shared-bicycle systems, this study aims to evaluate the efficiency of shared-bicycle stations and to find factors affecting their efficiency scores. We analyzed the efficiency of 1,260 shared-bicycle stations in the City of Seoul using shared-bicycle rental and trajectory data as of June 2018. In this study, the two-stage bootstrap data envelopment analysis, which is a non-parametric frontier technique, was applied to estimate each shared-bicycle station’s efficiency. In the first stage, we evaluated efficiency scores by employing the number of bicycle racks and bicycle path ratio as input variables, and bicycle turnover rate and balancing rate as output variables. The efficiency scores were regressed on potential covariates using a bootstrapped truncated regression in the second stage. From our results, the efficiencies of shared-bicycle stations were found to be diverse depending on the nature of land use around the station location. The results present evidence to show that shared-bicycle stations located in residential and school-dominated areas are likely to be efficient, whereas those in semi-industrial areas, commercial, and business districts are generally inefficient. Furthermore, the effect of variables like the commuting population, the number of registered vehicles, and the number of bicycle-related accidents per year were statistically significant, thus affecting shared-bicycle station performance. This study offers essential insights into the efficiency of shared-bicycle stations, which could be incorporated into shared-transportation strategies to improve mobility in urban cities.
Insights from Integrated Geo-Location Data for Pedestrian Crashes, Demographics, and Land Uses
Authors: Guo Rui , Wu Zhiqiang , Zhang Yu , Lin Pei-Sung , Wang Zhenyu
Published: June 2020

This study investigates the effects of demographics and land uses on pedestrian crash frequency by integrating the contextual geo-location data. To address the issue of heterogeneity, three negative binomial models (with fixed parameters, with observed heterogeneity, and with both observed and unobserved heterogeneities) were examined. The best fit with the data was obtained by explicitly incorporating the observed and unobserved heterogeneity into the model. This highlights the need to accommodate both observed heterogeneity across neighborhood characteristics and unobserved heterogeneity in pedestrian crash frequency modeling. The marginal effect results imply that some land-use types (e.g., discount department stores and fast-food restaurants) could be candidate locations for the education campaigns to improve pedestrian safety. The observed heterogeneity of the area indicator suggests that priority should be given to more populated low-income areas for pedestrian safety, but attention is also needed for the higher-income areas with larger densities of bus stops and hotels. Moreover, three normally distributed random parameters (proportion of older adults, proportion of lower-speed roads, and density of convenience stores in the area) were identified as having random effects on the probability of pedestrian crash occurrences. Finally, the identification of pedestrian crash hot zone provides practitioners with prioritized neighborhoods (e.g., a list of areas) for developing effective pedestrian safety countermeasures.
Before–After Evaluation of Left-Turn Lane Extension Considering Injury Severity and Collision Type
Authors: Guo Yanyong , Sayed Tarek
Published: June 2020

Left-turn lanes are commonly used to provide space to accommodate vehicle deceleration and provide adequate storage of turning vehicles. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety effectiveness of extending the length of left-turn lanes at signalized intersection approaches. Five years of collision data including injury severity and collision type from three treatment sites and 31 comparison sites in the City of Surrey, Canada were used in the study. The analysis focused on target crashes including left-turn-related rear-end and left-turn-related sideswipe collisions. A full Bayesian (FB) before–after analysis was conducted for all collisions, severity levels, and collision types. Multivariate Poisson–lognormal linear intervention models were used for the analysis. The treatment effectiveness index was calculated to quantitatively measure the effectiveness of the safety treatment. The FB before–after results showed that the treatment-related collisions were reduced by 57.4% following the implementation of extended left-turn lane. The reduction in injuries and fatalities collisions (63.8%) was greater than that in property damage only collisions (55.7%). The decrease in rear-end collisions (62.8%) was greater than that in sideswipe collisions (58.1%). The findings indicate a remarkable improvement in safety after the length extension of the left-turn lane.
A Pregnancy Decision-Making Model: Psychological, Relational, and Cultural Factors Affecting Unintended Pregnancy
Authors: Klann Elyssa M. , Wong Y. Joel
Published: June 2020

Empirical data from the past 50 years have illuminated some of the factors that influence pregnancy decision-making. Yet, formal models of pregnancy decision-making are uncommon and rarely incorporate cultural perspectives. In order to address this gap in the literature, we propose the Pregnancy Decision-Making Model (PDMM), a comprehensive model of the factors that are likely to affect pregnancy decisions in the context of unintended pregnancy, with special attention to relational and intersectional components of pregnancy decisions. The PDMM begins with three primary Evaluation factors: Evaluation of Capital, Evaluation of Values, and Evaluation of Narratives. Barriers to Access are proposed to be a key factor in limiting agency and autonomy and determining pregnancy outcomes. Social Influences are also hypothesized to influence Evaluation factors and their relationship with outcome variables, which include the Pregnancy Outcome, Decisional Certainty, and Decisional Satisfaction. As the PDMM is designed to be flexible in its prediction of a variety of outcomes, we consider a number of possible permutations of the model. Finally, we discuss the utility of the PDMM for inspiring future research, as well as the practical implications of the model.
The Indebted and Silent Worker: Paternalistic Labor Management in Foreign Labor Policy in Japan
Authors: Yoshida Mai
Published: June 2020

This paper analyzes the characteristic of labor management in the Japanese labor market through the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP)—one of Japan’s foreign labor policies to supply labor force from Asian neighbors into domestic sectors. Previous studies on TITP were mainly focused on institutional and industrial analyses. These studies often focus on how trainees are inserted into restructured labor market to augment labor shortage amid global economic competition. On the other hand, this paper focuses on the 1) ideological analysis of the framework of government policy and 2) its function on actual labor management in TITP. This perspective seeks to contribute to an understanding of the mechanism of migrant control by the state and labor management by the employer. As a result, this paper shows, how the state and employer manage the “silent workers” by using paternalistic labor management and the On (恩) ideology of indebtedness.
Linkages between Financial Development and Economic Growth in the Middle-Income Countries of South Asia: A Panel Data Investigation
Authors: Sharma Rajesh , Kautish Pradeep
Published: June 2020

The present study intends to investigate the impact of financial sector development on GDP growth in the four middle-income countries of South Asia over the period of 1990–2016. Using pooled mean group (PMG) estimation, this study tries to examine whether in these developing countries, GDP growth has been influenced by size of market capitalization and size of market turnover in the long run which are used as proxy for stock market development. Similarly, domestic credit to private sector is used as proxy for banking sector development while assessing its long-run impact on GDP growth. Furthermore, by incorporating a dummy variable for the global financial crisis (2007–2008), this study investigates whether these economies are vulnerable to external shocks or not. The outcomes of this study find that relatively, the impact of banking sector on GDP growth has remained low in the region. Nevertheless, the development in both sectors has positively influenced economic growth in the long run. The outcomes of this study suggest that both, i.e. stock market and banking sector, are vital determinants of long-run economic growth in the South Asian countries. Therefore, to achieve the sustainable growth, policymakers need to adopt the global approach which can be ensured by improving the quality and scope of financial services in these countries.
Book review: O. P. Chawala, Evolution of Banking System in India since 1900
Authors: Dube Anjana
Published: June 2020

O. P. Chawala, Evolution of Banking System in India since 1900, 2019, New Delhi: SAGE Publications India Private Limited, 294 pp., ₹1,095. ISBN: 978-93-532-8467-1.
A Pipeline of Unscrupulous Practices: Qualitative Study of Attitudes Toward the Social Security Disability Program
Authors: Rabinovich Lila
Published: June 2020

In the United States more than 8 million adults currently are covered by the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, with enrollment projected to increase in the coming decades. This qualitative study explores views on work disability in the United States, and specifically on the SSDI program, among the general public. Six focus groups with a convenience sample of nonbeneficiary adults ( N = 41) were conducted in Los Angeles. We found that in spite of low levels of familiarity with the program, suspicion and prejudice against people claiming disability benefits and against the program itself were widespread among our participants. Specifically, participants argued that (a) there is a high prevalence of “scammer” disability applicants, and (b) the program fails to adequately safeguard against nondisabled claimants. Moreover, they viewed disability benefits as a symbolic admission of weakness, contrary to the U.S. ethos of hard work and against “government handouts,” and expressed a preference for claiming disability benefits as a last resort if they were ever to develop a disabling condition. Exploring public perceptions of disability and disability benefit programs helps us shed light on current cultural narratives around these topical issues. Future research could examine the impact of stigma of beneficiary status on beneficiaries’ wellbeing.
Designing and Implementing Parenting Interventions With Latino Immigrant Families: Challenges and Strategies
Authors: Benito-Gomez Marta , Flores Rojas Krycya
Published: June 2020

Parenting interventions have shown to be effective in improving parenting behaviors quality, reducing child behavior problems, and increasing overall family well-being. However, the majority of research on the effectiveness of parenting interventions has been conducted with a focus on White and Western populations. As a result, intervention designs and guidelines often fail to address the unique characteristics and experiences of Latino immigrant families, which in turn are likely to impact the implementation and effectiveness of parenting interventions. The current article identifies challenges and discusses strategies that we have found to be effective with respect to our experience implementing a parenting intervention with low-income Latino immigrant mothers in the United States. These include (a) language barriers, (b) recruitment of families, (c) retention of families, (d) building trust and community, and (e) integrating culture into parenting interventions.
Experiences of Tourette Syndrome Caregivers With Supportive Communication
Authors: Travis Eryn , Juarez-Paz Anna Victoria Ortiz
Published: June 2020

The experiences of Tourette syndrome (TS) caregivers with supportive communication are examined in this qualitative investigation. TS is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder marked by a combination of involuntary verbal and motor tics lasting for more than 1 year. Although individuals are impacted the most by TS, the stress for caring for a child with TS takes an emotional and physical toll on the caregiver. Eleven participants shared their experiences with receiving supportive communication by taking part in semi-structured interviews. Data analysis yielded three themes: (a) TS caregivers describe their experiences as a struggle; (b) they seek out specific social support from friends and families; and (c) they frequently receive social support that increases instead of reducing stress.
Implementing Experiential Learning in High School Agriculture and Forestry Curriculum: A Case Study in Guatemala
Authors: Quesada Henry , Mazzola Julieta , Sherrard Daniel
Published: June 2020

Background: Design and training methods for instructors on integrating experiential learning continues to be a challenge in high school education. Purpose: This work reports on research concerning the current status, available resources, limitations, and capabilities of high school teachers implementing experiential learning in a technical and vocational high school curriculum in Guatemala. Methodology/Approach: Case study methodology was used to examine professional development training involving the implementation of experiential learning into an agriculture and forestry curriculum. The design of the training included a series of hands-on activities to enable teachers to identify barriers and drivers influencing experiential learning and the redesign of a course program. Findings/Conclusions: Teachers were able to identify resources and limitations affecting the implementation of experiential learning in their teaching program. The guidance and examples provided by the instructors were fundamental for the teachers to modify a standard course program that included significant experiential learning methodologies. Implications: Many high school teachers lack the training and knowledge necessary for integrating experiential learning. Furthermore, in many cases, they are required to follow a structured curriculum that at allows for minimal modifications. Teachers also recognize that courses that only include classroom activities are the most challenging for including experiential learning activities.
“In Eight Minutes We Talked More About Our Goals, Relationship, Than We Have in Years”: A Pilot of Patient–Caregiver Discussions in a Neuro-Oncology Clinic
Authors: Ketcher Dana , Ellington Lee , Baucom Brian R. W. , Clayton Margaret F. , Reblin Maija
Published: June 2020

Primary brain cancer is a diagnosis that can have drastic health impacts on patient and caregiver alike. In high-stress situations, dyadic coping can improve psychosocial and health outcomes and communication about personal life goals maybe one way to facilitate this coping. In this study, we describe the feasibility and accessibility of a one-time, self-directed goal discussion pilot intervention for neuro-oncology patients and their primary caregivers. Ten dyads were taken to a private room to complete a pre-discussion questionnaire, a worksheet to elicit personal goals, complete an 8-min discussion of goals, a post-discussion questionnaire, and provided open-ended feedback about the process. Post-discussion, dyads reported that the intervention was not stressful. In open-ended feedback, dyads overwhelmingly reported that the intervention was a positive experience, providing a safe, calm environment to have difficult conversations. This intervention provides a positive framework for improving communication and discussion of goals between patient–caregiver dyads.
Activated Clotting Time as a Marker of Inflammation in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Papageorgiou Christos , Synetos Andreas , Tampakis Konstantinos , Anninos Hector , Kontogiannis Christos , Kapelouzou Alkistis , Kanakakis Ioannis , Tousoulis Dimitrios , Paraskevaidis Ioannis , Toutouzas Konstantinos
Published: June 2020

Inflammation and coagulation pathways are implicated in circulatory disease, but their interaction has not been completely deciphered yet. In this study, we investigated the association of coagulation and inflammation indices (activated clotting time [ACT], C-reactive protein, neutrophils) in hospitalized patients. Blood samples were drawn from consecutive patients at admission and at 48 hours for the assessment of the aforementioned parameters (n = 63). Healthy controls matched for sex and age were also examined (n = 39). Activated clotting time positively correlated with CRP on admission ( r = 0.354, P = .005), while the correlation was more robust on the second day ( r = 0.775, P < .001). Activated clotting time was significantly more prolonged in patients with abnormal CRP or abnormal absolute neutrophil count compared to patients with normal inflammatory markers ( U = 55.0, P < .001 and U = 310.5, P = .035, respectively). At 48 hours, a positive relationship was observed between ACT and relative percentage of neutrophils ( r = 0.358, P = .004). These findings suggest a link between ACT and inflammation indices for the first time in humans. Further research is needed to determine whether these interrelations can be used to improve patient management.
The National Death Index as a Source of Homicide Data: A Methodological Exposition of Promises and Pitfalls for Criminologists
Authors: Tostlebe Jennifer J. , Pyrooz David C. , Rogers Richard G. , Masters Ryan K.
Published: June 2020

Criminologists largely rely on national deidentified data sources to study homicide in the United States. The National Death Index (NDI), a comprehensive and well-established database compiled by the National Center for Health Statistics, is an untapped source of homicide data that offers identifiable linkages to other data sources while retaining national coverage. This study’s five aims follow. First, we review the data sources in articles published in Homicide Studies over the past decade. Second, we describe the NDI, including its origins, procedures, and uses. Third, we outline the procedures for linking a police gang intelligence database to the NDI. Fourth, we introduce the St. Louis Gang Member-Linked Mortality Files database, which is composed of 3,120 police-identified male gang members in the St. Louis area linked to NDI records. Finally, we report on preliminary cause-of-death findings. We conclude by outlining the benefits and drawbacks of the NDI as a source of homicide data for criminologists.
Feline plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone: validation of a chemiluminescent assay and concentrations in cats with hypercortisolism, primary hypoadrenocorticism and other diseases
Authors: Tardo Antonio M , Reusch Claudia E , Galac Sara , Fornetti Sofia , Tirolo Alessandro , Golinelli Stefania , Shehdula Dardan , Fracassi Federico
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The aims of this study were to validate a commercially available chemiluminescent assay for measurement of feline plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration (ACTH), to determine the normal reference interval (RI) of plasma ACTH in healthy cats, to assess plasma ACTH in cats with naturally occurring hypercortisolism (HC), primary hypoadrenocorticism (PH) and other diseases (OD), and to evaluate the effect of aprotinin on plasma ACTH degradation.

Methods

Forty healthy cats, 10 with HC, 11 with PH and 30 with OD, were included. The chemiluminescent enzyme immunometric assay was evaluated by measurement of intra-assay precision, interassay precision and linearity. The RI for plasma ACTH in healthy cats was established using robust methods. Plasma ACTH of samples collected with and without aprotinin, stored at 4°C and assayed over a 6-day period, was measured.

Results

The intra-assay coefficients of variance (CVs) ranged from 2.7% to 4.3% and interassay CVs from 3.3% to 10.7%. Dilution studies showed excellent accuracy (R2 >0.99). The RI for plasma ACTH in healthy cats was 32–370 pg/ml. Plasma ACTH was not significantly different between healthy cats and the OD group. Cats with pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism (PDH) and PH had significantly higher plasma ACTH than the other groups. Plasma ACTH did not show significant differences when samples collected with and without aprotinin were compared.

Conclusions and relevance

The Immulite chemiluminescent assay is a valid technique for measuring plasma ACTH in cats and the RI of plasma ACTH is quite wide. Owing to the low overlap between healthy or OD cats and cats with HC or PH, the measurement of plasma ACTH appears to be useful and should be included in the diagnostic work-up when HC or PH are suspected. Furthermore, the measurement of plasma ACTH may be an accurate test for differentiating PDH from adrenal-dependent hypercortisolism.
Conical hydrostatic journal bearings for high speeds
Authors: Rowe W Brian
Published: June 2020

Conventional conical hydrostatic bearings are compared with less conventional three-recess and four-recess designs for operation in hybrid hydrostatic/hydrodynamic mode. Design implications are discussed with reference to operation at either low or high speeds. Conical spindle bearings are chosen for this study because they offer a compact arrangement that allows both radial load support and axial load support. While there is wide availability of design data for separate thrust and cylindrical journal bearings, there are very little data for conical bearings. This paper reviews the design of conical bearings and extends from previous knowledge into hybrid performance at high speeds. It is shown that long narrow recesses provide larger radial load support compared to long wide recesses for higher speeds. Sample data are provided for design of single cone bearings and also for opposed cone bearings. The data provide for radial and axial loads applied in combination for a selection of cone angles. Data are also provided as a guide for flowrate in the concentric bearing state and for effects on temperature rise.
Correlates and predictors of self-harm in a prospective sample of sexually assaulted adolescents
Authors: Valencia-Agudo Fatima , Kramer Tami , Clarke Venetia , Goddard Andrea , Khadr Sophie
Published: June 2020

Background:

Sexual assault of adolescents is associated with negative mental health outcomes, including self-harm. Little is known about correlates and predictors of self-harm after sexual assault. We hypothesized that pre-assault vulnerabilities and post-assault psychological distress would be associated with self-harm after experiencing a recent sexual assault.

Methods:

The sample was recruited from adolescents aged 13 to 17 years accessing sexual assault centers and it included 98 females. Longitudinal data were collected at T0 (3.9 weeks on average post-assault) and T1 (21.8 weeks on average post-assault). Bivariate analysis and hierarchical binary logistic regressions were performed.

Results:

The rate of self-harm was 38.1% before the assault and 37.8% after the assault ( T1). History of family dysfunction ( OR 3.60 (1.30, 10.01)), depressive symptoms at T0 ( OR 5.83 (2.35, 14.43)) or T1 ( OR 2.79 (1.20, 6.50), and posttraumatic stress symptoms at T1 ( OR 3.21 (1.36, 7.58)) predicted self-harm at T1. These effects were attenuated when adjusting for confounders, except for depressive symptoms at T0 ( OR 4.21 (1.57, 11.28)).

Discussion:

Clinical implications for the prevention of onset or continuation of self-harm following adolescent sexual assault are discussed. Future studies should replicate these findings in a larger sample and consider different trajectories of self-harm.
Making sense of the perceptual capacities in autistic and non-autistic adults
Authors: Brinkert Jana , Remington Anna
Published: June 2020

Recent studies highlighted that autistic individuals show increased perceptual capacity – the ability to process more information at any one time. This study examined whether there is a link between this increased perceptual capacity and the sensory hypersensitivity that many autistic people experience on a daily basis. In total, 38 autistic and 66 non-autistic adults filled in sensory questionnaires and performed an auditory load task, which assessed perceptual capacity. Results showed that higher levels of auditory perceptual capacity were correlated with higher levels of sensory sensitivities. We identified two clusters in the sample: one group of individuals with hyposensitivity and a decreased perceptual capacity ( n = 42) and a cluster with an increased perceptual capacity and hypersensitivity ( n = 47). Understanding this relationship may offer the opportunity to develop more effective techniques to ameliorate the often debilitating consequences of sensory hypersensitivity and over-arousal. Interestingly, this association between perceptual capacity and sensory sensitivities was seen for both groups; no significant association was found between perceptual capacity and level of autistic traits. As such, the findings may extend to other conditions with sensory atypicalities, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or Williams syndrome. The practical implications of the results for many aspects of daily life, education and employment are discussed.

Lay abstract

Perceptual capacity refers to the amount of information that we can pay attention to at any one time. Research has shown that autistic people have a higher perceptual capacity, which means they can take in more information than non-autistic people can. This can be useful in certain situations, for instance, hearing approaching cars or noticing small details. However, in other situations, a higher perceptual capacity may result in more distraction. This study looked at whether having this increased perceptual capacity is linked to being very sensitive to sensory information (lights, sounds, touch, taste and smell) – something that many autistic people experience on a daily basis. Being very sensitive to these things can make it hard to interact with the world around us, so it is important to know more about what causes the sensitivity. To explore this, 38 autistic and 66 non-autistic adults completed a computer task that measured perceptual capacity and filled in a questionnaire about how sensitive they were to sensory information. We found that perceptual capacity was related to sensory symptoms for both autistic and non-autistic participants; people who had a larger perceptual capacity showed more sensitivity, while people who had a lower perceptual capacity showed reduced sensory sensitivity. This information can hopefully be used to improve the way in which we can support people who experience unpleasant sensory sensitivity.
Investigation on the dynamic behaviors of a rod fastening rotor based on an analytical solution of the oil film force of the supporting bearing
Authors: Hei Di , Zheng Meiru
Published: June 2020

The dynamic characteristics of rod fastening rotor supported by a finite journal bearing are investigated in this study. To model the dynamic behaviors of the bearing-rotor system, the oil film force of bearing is calculated by approximately solving the Reynolds equation with the variables separation method and Sturm–Liouville theory, and then a motion equation is developed with consideration of the contact and gyro effects of the disks of the rotor. To solve the motion equation with small error and excellent stability, an improved Newmark method is proposed. On this basis, the dynamics characteristics of the rod fastening rotor are analyzed for different rotor speeds, disk eccentricities, shaft bearing stiffness, and contact stiffness. And the orbits of the rod fastening rotor and integral rotor are compared. The numerical results indicate that the analytical solution of the oil film force has higher computational efficiency than the finite difference method. The rod fastening rotor shows higher stability than the integral rotor, and exhibits rich dynamic behaviors, such as periodic, qusi-periodic, period-2, period-4, and period-6.
‘Sleeping on the job’: where qualitative fieldwork meets the sociology of sleep
Authors: Gilliat-Ray Sophie
Published: June 2020

This article examines the question of sleeping (or not) during the course of ethnographic fieldwork. It is argued that the concept of what is termed here ‘sleepwork’ has yet to be fully addressed or adequately problematised in the fields of sociology and social anthropology, in particular. The first part of the article highlights the relative silence about sleeping and fieldwork in the literature on qualitative research methods, and reflects upon why this subject is largely absent from the ethnographic corpus. I then make a number of propositions about some potential methodological strategies for incorporating ‘sleepwork’ into fieldwork. The second part of the article suggests that data analysis should not be seen as an activity that only occurs in states of wakefulness, but rather as a 24/7 activity that is undertaken with varying intensity.
The use of technology in creating individualized, meaningful activities for people living with dementia: A systematic review
Authors: Goodall Gemma , Taraldsen Kristin , Serrano J Artur
Published: June 2020

There is a growing interest in using technology to provide meaningful activities for people living with dementia. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and explore the different types of digital technologies used in creating individualized, meaningful activities for people living with dementia. From 1414 articles identified from searches in four databases, 29 articles were included in the review. The inclusion criteria were the study used digital technology to deliver an individually tailored activity to participants with dementia, the process of individualization was described, and findings relating to the mental, physical, social, and/or emotional well-being of the participant were reported. Data extracted from the included studies included participant demographics, aims, methods, and outcomes. The following information on the technology was also extracted: purpose, type, training, facilitation, and the individualization process. A narrative synthesis of the results grouped the various technologies into four main purposes: reminiscence/memory support, behavior management, stimulating engagement, and conversation/communication support. A broad range of technologies were studied, with varying methods of evaluation implemented to assess their effect. Overall, the use of technology in creating individualized, meaningful activities seems to be promising in terms of improving behavior and promoting relationships with others. Furthermore, most studies in this review involved the person with dementia in the individualization process of the technology, indicating that research in this area is adopting a more co-creative and inclusive approach. However, sample sizes of the included studies were small, and there was a lack of standardized outcome measures. Future studies should aim to build a more concrete evidence base by improving the methodological quality of research in this area. Findings from the review indicate that there is also a need for more evidence concerning the feasibility of implementing these technologies into care environments.
Acoustic emission wave classification for rail crack monitoring based on synchrosqueezed wavelet transform and multi-branch convolutional neural network
Authors: Li Dan , Wang Yang , Yan Wang-Ji , Ren Wei-Xin
Published: June 2020

This study focuses on the acoustic emission wave classification for the sake of more accurate and comprehensive rail crack monitoring in the field typically with complex cracking conditions, high-operational noise, and mass data. There are mainly three types of acoustic emission waves induced by operational noise, impact, and crack propagation, respectively. Synchrosqueezed wavelet transform was introduced to represent intrinsic characteristics of acoustic emission waves more clearly in the time–frequency domain, where acoustic emission waves induced by different mechanisms were found to show various patterns of energy distribution. Then, a multi-branch convolutional neural network model with two branches was developed to automatically classify the three types of acoustic emission waves by taking into account their synchrosqueezed wavelet transform plots in various time–frequency scales. Training, validation, and test data sets were constructed using acoustic emission waves collected through a series of field and laboratory tests with various noise levels and loading conditions. The transfer learning was used to train the model faster, and the Bayesian optimization algorithm was applied to tune the hyperparameters. Finally, the multi-branch convolutional neural network model achieved higher accuracy and robustness than the traditional convolutional neural network model of single branch in identifying different acoustic emission mechanisms. The proposed acoustic emission wave classification method based on synchrosqueezed wavelet transform and multi-branch convolutional neural network is able to detect not only surface rail cracks, where both impact-induced and crack propagation-induced acoustic emission waves would be identified, but also internal rail cracks where only crack propagation-induced acoustic emission waves would be captured.
The ethical dilemma of granulocyte transfusions
Authors: Gustavsson Erik , Sjödahl Rune , Theodorsson Elvar
Published: June 2020

Granulocyte transfusions have been administered to patients with life-threatening infections for more than five decades. However, to what extent this should be the case is far from established. On the one hand, the clinical effects of these transfusions are difficult to prove in clinical studies, and the donors of granulocytes may be exposed to certain risks. On the other hand, clinical experience seems to support the idea that granulocyte transfusions do play an important role for severely ill patients, and the donors are primarily motivated by altruistic reasons. In this paper, we first discuss the ethical issues that arise from the fact that there is a conflict between clinical experience and the results from the attempts to perform randomized control trials, and second, the risk/benefit assessment that has to be made between two different parties, namely the recipient and the donor of granulocyte transfusions.
Validation of simple dichotomous self-report on prenatal alcohol and other drug use in women attending midwife obstetric units in the Cape Metropole, South Africa
Authors: Williams Petal Petersen , Mathews Catherine , Jordaan Esmé , Washio Yukiko , Terplan Mishka , Parry Charles DH
Published: June 2020

Background

This paper examines the degree of agreement among simple dichotomous self-report, validated screening results, and biochemical screening results of prenatal alcohol and other drug use among pregnant women.

Method

Secondary analysis was conducted on a cohort of pregnant women 16 years or older, presenting for prenatal care in the greater Cape Town, South Africa. Dichotomous verbal screening is a standard of care, and pregnant patients reporting alcohol and other drug use in dichotomous verbal screenings were asked to engage in screening using the Alcohol Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) and urinalysis.

Results

Significant agreements between dichotomous and ASSIST scores were observed (K = 0.73–0.76). A higher rate of self-reported (36.9%) alcohol use was detected, relative to urine screening (19.6%) with a predictive value of 34.9; while underreporting of illicit substance use was observed (3.6% self-report vs. 8.8% urine screening) with an overall predictive value of 50.0.

Conclusion

Dichotomous verbal screening was considered valid after comparison with the ASSIST; however, combined use with urine screenings can be recommended especially for identifying illicit substance use in order to accurately detect alcohol and other drug use in pregnancy, so that women can be identified and referred for appropriate interventions where needed.
Feasibility and Effects of a Supervised Exercise Program Suitable for Independent Training at Home on Physical Function and Quality of Life in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Felser Sabine , Behrens Martin , Liese Jan , Strueder Daniel Fabian , Rhode Kirsten , Junghanss Christian , Grosse-Thie Christina
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Head and neck cancer patients often suffer from physical and cognitive impairments after cancer treatment. During rehabilitation, exercise therapy can improve physical function and quality of life (QoL). Surveys demonstrated patients’ preference for home training with low- to moderate-intensity. This study was conducted in order to develope a suitable home-based training program. Therefore, the feasibility and effects of a low- to moderate-intensity exercise intervention on physical functions and QoL were evaluated. Methods: Training was conducted as supervised group training and consisted of mobilization, coordination, resistance, stretching, and relaxation exercises. The intervention lasted 12 weeks with 2 training sessions per week. Feasibility, attendance rate, physical function (eg, range of motion, 6-minute walk test [6MWT]), and QoL (eg, EORTC QLQ-30) were analyzed. Results: Ten out of 12 participants completed the intervention (83%) with an average attendance rate of 83%. Participants showed significant improvements in selected physical functions. For example, head rotation increased by 11.2° ( P = .042), walking distance in the 6MWT increased by an average of 43.3 m ( P = .010), and the global QoL scale improved by 8.2 points ( P = .059). Additionally, there were positive changes in the physical function scale ( P = .008), cognitive function scale ( P = .015), and social function scale ( P = .031) of the EORTC QLQ-30. Conclusion: Data indicate that the exercise program was feasible and had positive effects on physical function and QoL. Future research will analyze the effects of a home-based exercise program on physical function and QoL in a large-scale study.
Multiparametric Ultrasound to Assess Adult Carotid Arteries
Authors: Lee Juhyun , Phan Andrew , Gao Jing
Published: June 2020

The aim of the study was to assess the value of multiparametric ultrasound in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk screening of the carotid artery. We performed ultrasonography of carotid arteries in 96 adults in 3 age groups: senior (age ≥65 years, n = 44), middle age (age 45-64 years, n = 31), and young adults (age 20-44 years, n = 21). The senior group was then divided into subgroups: athletes (n = 21) and non-athletes (n = 23). Ultrasound parameters included carotid intima-media thickness, distensibility coefficient, and presence of plaque(s). Statistical analyses included one-way analysis of variance with post hoc to analyze the differences in ultrasound parameters among the age groups; unpaired t-test to examine differences between hypertensive and normotensive participants, between seniors with and without plaque(s), and between senior athletes and non-athletes; Pearson correlation coefficient to analyze correlations of ultrasound parameters to age and blood pressure; and intraclass correlation coefficient to test intra- and inter-observer reliability in performing multiparametric ultrasound. Carotid intima-media thickness and distensibility coefficient significantly differed among the 3 age groups and between athletes and non-athletes ( P < .001). Senior athletes had greater distensibility than non-athletes (all Ps < .05). Carotid intima-media thickness was increased and distensibility was reduced with age and hypertension. Age and blood pressure positively correlated with carotid intima-media thickness (Pearson correlation coefficient, r > .21) and negatively with distensibility coefficient (Pearson correlation coefficient, r < –.48). Inter- and intra-observer reliability in performing multiparametric ultrasound was good (intraclass correlation coefficient, r > .81). Multiparametric ultrasound is a useful tool to assess carotid artery function and morphology comprehensively.