bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revision of the Hylicellidae of the Late Triassic of Queensland (Hemiptera: Cicadomorpha: Hylicelloidea)
Authors: LAMBKIN KEVIN J.
Published: June 2020

This extinct cicadomorphan family Hylicellidae was a significant element of the Late Triassic (Norian) hemipteran fauna of south-eastern Queensland, represented by the tegmina of five monotypic genera from the fossil insect localities at Mount Crosby, Denmark Hill and Dinmore. Of the five, Mesothymbris Evans, 1956, from Mount Crosby, has previously been re-examined. The present work revises the remaining four genera: Hylicella Evans, 1956, with Hylicella colorata Evans, 1956, Mount Crosby; Crosbella Evans, 1956 (= Mesocicadella Evans, 1956, syn. nov.), with Crosbella elongata Evans, 1956 (= Crosbella alata Evans, 1956, syn. nov. = Mesocicadella venosa Evans, 1956, syn. nov. = Mesocicadella punctata Evans, 1961, syn. nov.), Mount Crosby; Triassoscelis Evans, 1956, with Triassoscelis anomala Evans, 1956, Mount Crosby; and Mesocixiodes Tillyard, 1922, with Mesocixiodes termioneura Tillyard, 1922 (= Mesocixiodes brachyclada Tillyard, 1922, syn. nov.), Denmark Hill, Dinmore. The Hylicellidae remains poorly defined as is its generic composition, however, the four Queensland Triassic genera are quite distinct. Hylicella is distinguished by the partial fusion of CuA1 with M3+4, and the very large intra-medial cell, and Crosbella and Triassoscelis by the peculiar parallelogram-like CuA1 cell and the widened peripheral membrane at CuA. Triassoscelis differs from Crosbella in its broader, more squat wing shape, CuA fork in line rather than proximal to the M fork, and much less proliferated apical venation. Mesocixiodes is distinguished by the alignment of the crossvein field at the claval apex to form a fairly even series of long, sub-equal apical cells. On the basis of the proliferated and variable apical venation, the presence of weakly developed costal veinlets, and the fusion of M and CuA at a single point to close the basal cell, Crosbella and Triassoscelis, are ascribed to the subfamily Vietocyclinae. The relationships of the three other Queensland genera, Hylicella, Mesocixiodes, and Mesothymbris remain obscure, and they are retained in the undefined catch-all subfamily Hylicellinae. With the exception of the hindwing, Mesojassula marginata Evans, 1956, the revision of the cicadomorphan fauna of the Mount Crosby Formation is now complete, resulting in an inventory of five species of Dysmorphoptilidae, four of Hylicellidae and two of Archijassidae, with the dysmorphoptilid Dysmorphoptiloides elongata Evans, 1956, as the dominant species.
Religious reconfiguration in Mexico: Beliefs and Practices National Survey, 2016
Authors: De la Torre Renée , Gutiérrez Cristina , Hernández Alberto
Published: June 2020

Although Mexico is one of the countries with the most number of Catholics, it is experiencing a rapid and intense religious diversification. The religious field in Mexico now comprises a myriad of denominations that are transforming the supposed socioreligious homogeneity of Mexicans. Among the Catholics, novel practices often associated with new spiritualities, including neopagan and indigenous rituals, are another feature of this diversity, along with a trend toward religious deinstitutionalization. Findings from the ENCREER, a national survey on religious practices and beliefs, allow for a comparative analysis of the main religious identifications (Catholics, Protestants and Evangelicals, Seventh Day Adventists/Jehovah’s Witnesses/Latter Day Saints, and unaffiliated). With an eye to facilitating international comparisons, this article describes the survey design and the principal findings of the analysis of the contemporary religious diversity in Mexico.
Les oxymores religieux latino-américains. Étude sur l’enchantement et les processus de sécularisation au Pérou
Authors: Lecaros Véronique
Published: June 2020

Le champ religieux péruvien (catholique et évangélique) se caractérise par la ferveur, la créativité et le dynamisme. Les spécialistes le considèrent comme spécifique d’une cosmovision enchantée. Cependant, certains d’entre eux, en particulier Casanova et aussi la hiérarchie catholique, notent des signes d’essoufflement et de transformation qu’ils considèrent comme un processus de sécularisation. Cet article se propose d’interpréter ces signes en contexte et de montrer comment ils révèlent un changement dans la relation fidèles-institutions religieuses. Celles-ci gardent leur présence et leur prestige et jouissent d’un pouvoir redéfini dans un environnement social et politique fragilisé, en mutation, mais elles ne structurent plus les rythmes vitaux individuels et les normes communautaires. Entre ferveur très souvent hors institution et brouillage de sphères, un processus de sécularisation est donc peu adéquat pour rendre compte des transformations religieuses en cours.
Improving Tourist Arrival Prediction: A Big Data and Artificial Neural Network Approach
Authors: Höpken Wolfram , Eberle Tobias , Fuchs Matthias , Lexhagen Maria
Published: June 2020

Because of high fluctuations of tourism demand, accurate predictions of tourist arrivals are of high importance for tourism organizations. The study at hand presents an approach to enhance autoregressive prediction models by including travelers’ web search traffic as external input attribute for tourist arrival prediction. The study proposes a novel method to identify relevant search terms and to aggregate them into a compound web-search index, used as additional input of an autoregressive prediction approach. As methods to predict tourism arrivals, the study compares autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models with the machine learning–based technique artificial neural network (ANN). Study results show that (1) Google Trends data, mirroring traveler’s online search behavior (i.e., big data information source), significantly increase the performance of tourist arrival prediction compared to autoregressive approaches using past arrivals alone, and (2) the machine learning technique ANN has the capacity to outperform ARIMA models.
‘May you live with us forever Father!’ Rethinking state and kinship among Bangladeshi long-distance nationalists in London
Authors: Visser Jacco
Published: June 2020

Based on ethnographic fieldwork around commemorative events in London and analysis of textual materials used during commemorations, this article explores how long-distance nationalists are involved in Bangladeshi state building practices. I demonstrate how long-distance nationalists, people who identify with Bangladesh and its government as their ancestral homeland, and who seek to influence the state, draw on family histories to narrate national pasts and justify dynastic political hierarchies that characterise Bangladeshi politics. Further, by paying attention to the uses of the idioms of kinship in transnational state practices, the article deconstructs thinking about states as natural entities that can only be studied as part of larger abstract political frameworks removed from peoples’ experiences. Narrating shared pasts are central in creating shared sentiments and form a justification for undertaking Bangladeshi state practices from London. Taken together, the materials presented in this article illustrate the need to take the use of kinship idioms in state apparatuses seriously, because they provide key insights into the ways these apparatuses work within and beyond the borders of the nation-state.
Study of association of varicose veins and inflammation by inflammatory markers
Authors: Tiwary Satyendra K , Kumar Anoop , Mishra Shiv Prakash , Kumar Puneet , Khanna Ajay K
Published: June 2020

Objective

In varicose veins, increased levels of inflammatory markers are indicators of endothelial damage and increased procoagulant activity. These findings support the assumption that the constitution of blood in varicose veins differs from that of systemic blood. The purpose of the study was a correlative study of blood constituents in varicose veins and peripheral veins (normal vein) in same individual with varicose vein which was done by comparing the level of concentration of interleukin-6, fibrinogen, haemoglobin from blood of varicose veins and normal peripheral vein (antecubital vein).

Method

Using citrated plasma samples withdrawn from arms and legs of same patient and plasma obtained by centrifugation of citrated venous blood at 5000 r/min for 10 min was used for correlation. Serum concentration of interleukin-6 and fibrinogen were determined by human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay Kit for both interleukin-6 and fibrinogen, which is based on the standard sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technology. This assay employs a monoclonal antibody specific for human interleukin-6 coated on a 96-well plate.

Result

Expressed as median (interquartile range) in pg/mL, leg samples from patient having varicose vein has significantly increased interleukin-6 in cases as compared to controls ( p value of <0.001). Leg samples from patient having varicose vein has significantly increased fibrinogen concentration than their arm samples ( p value of <0.001). Concentration of haemoglobin significantly increased in leg samples as compared to blood withdrawn from arms ( p value of 0.012).

Conclusion

Blood withdrawn from the site of varicose vein appears to have significantly increased concentration of interleukin-6, fibrinogen and haemoglobin when compared to same patient’s antecubital blood sample supporting the hypothesis that inflammation is increased in tissues drained by varicose vein.
Slightly elevated international normalized ratio predicts bleeding episodes in patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants
Authors: Bhardwaj Priya , Petersen Louise Breum , Binko Tomas Sorm , Petersen Jan Roland , Fornitz Gitte Gleerup
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are at increased bleeding risk. It is therefore of increasing interest to identify predictors of bleeding episodes to increase safety during treatment with DOACs.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study systematically reviewed medical records of 235 patients treated with either apixaban, rivaroxaban or dabigatran for non-valvular atrial fibrillation or venous thromboembolism and collected data on the international normalized ratio (INR) and all bleeding episodes.

Results

INR ≥ 1.5 was significantly associated with increased risk of minor and major bleeding events in patients treated with direct factor Xa inhibitors. This association was not present in patients treated with dabigatran. However, a high negative predictive value was identified for INR < 1.5 for all drugs. The relative risks of bleeding episodes in patients with INR ≥ 1.5 and INR < 1.5 were 5.1 and 0.20, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate a strong correlation between INR and risk of bleeding episodes during DOAC treatment. INR < 1.5 was a strong negative predictor for low bleeding risk independent of indication or choice of drug, and INR ≥ 1.5 was associated with increased risk of bleeding episodes in patients treated with direct factor Xa-inhibitors.
Fecal microbiota transplantation in the treatment of intestinal steroid-resistant graft-versus-host disease: two case reports and a review of the literature
Authors: Biernat Monika Maria , Urbaniak-Kujda Donata , Dybko Jarosław , Kapelko-Słowik Katarzyna , Prajs Iwona , Wróbel Tomasz
Published: June 2020

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) reduces the efficiency and safety of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). In recent years, attempts have been made to transplant fecal microbiota from healthy donors to treat intestinal GvHD. This study presented two cases of patients undergoing allo-HSCT who were later selected for fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). In the first patient, FMT resulted in the complete resolution of symptoms, whereas therapeutic efficacy was not achieved in the second patient. FMT eliminated drug-resistant pathogens, namely very drug-resistant Enterococcus spp., but not multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii or Candida spp. Further research is needed, particularly on the safety of FMT in patients with intestinal steroid-resistant GvHD and on the distant impact of transplanted microflora on the outcomes of allo-HSCT. FMT appears promising for the treatment of patients with steroid-resistant GvHD.
Comparison of cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-negative patients with and without lung infections
Authors: Yang Ming , Cheng Lin , Sun Fengjun , Liu Fu , Feng Wei , Yao Pu , Weng Bangbi , Xia Peiyuan
Published: June 2020

Objective

To investigate the clinical features and outcomes of cryptococcal meningitis (CM) in HIV-negative patients with and without lung infections.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of HIV-negative patients with CM admitted to two university hospitals in Southwest China over the past 5 years.

Results

Seventy-one patients were included, of whom 35 (49.3%) had lung disease. Compared with patients without lung infection, CM patients with lung infection tended to be male and younger (≤30 years), experienced more fever, less vomiting and fewer central nervous system symptoms; more often had low white blood cell (WBC) counts (<20 × 106/L), and fewer often had ethmoid sinusitis, maxillary sinusitis, paranasal sinusitis, and otitis media. Cryptococcus neoformans isolates from these patients were sensitive to itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole, and amphotericin B but resistant to flucytosine. CM patients with lung infection had higher mortality at discharge compared with patients without lung infection (8.6% vs. 0%). Multivariable analyses showed that a WBC count <20 × 106/L was significantly associated with poor treatment outcome (odds ratio 0.01, 95% confidence interval 0–0.83).

Conclusion

HIV-negative CM patients with lung infections tended to be male and younger. Fever, fewer central nervous system symptoms, and WBC counts <20 × 106/L were characteristic of this patient group.
A novel human-based nature-conservation paradigm in Guatemala paves the way for overcoming the metabolic rift
Authors: Córdova José Pablo Prado
Published: June 2020

Nature-conservation practices in the Global South are fraught with uncertainty due to fragile environmental governance and conflict stemming from their subaltern position in global capitalism, given the tension between human needs and habitat integrity. This article hinges on a recent effort spear-headed by the Centre of Conservation Studies at University of San Carlos in Guatemala, to discuss how a counterhegemonic narrative offers fertile grounds for a decolonized reading of the metabolic rift. I use my notes from eight workshops held in 2018 as the empirical body for a discourse analysis where the emerging categories have been singled out and problematized in the light of ethnoecological theory and David Harvey’s moments for the transition towards a post-Capitalist society vis-à-vis a prevailing environmental regime characterized by its verticality, lack of scientific substantiation, and proclivity to privilege exchange value at the expense of widening the metabolic rift. This regime arguably spawns several ecological rifts, namely the following: (1) between conventional scientific parlance and traditional ecological knowledge; (2) between utility-inspired natural resource management and local land husbandry practices; and (3) between nature as a reservoir of resources and nature as the sustenance for life. In addition, I present a case study where local advocacy in a peripheral community managed to bring about a relevant shift in the correlation of political powers by seizing the national legislation to achieve a transfer of property rights that enabled the inception of a brand-new nature reserve. The new conservation paradigm in question, this case seems to suggest, dovetails adequately with civil society’s efforts to foster nature-conservation practices, in line with human well-being and sound environmental governance. The latter provides some evidence for a principle of hope – à la Ernst Bloch – whereby, dissident groups are paving the way for a grassroots-oriented conservation science that eventually could bridge the metabolic rift.
J-A Barré’s historic article “On posterior cervical sympathetic syndrome”: A translation from French
Authors: Gorelov Vladimir
Published: June 2020

Barré’s 1926 report “Sur un syndrome sympathique cervicale postérieure et sa cause fréquente: l’arthrite cervicale” is arguably the first description of what we now call cervicogenic headache. Barré’s contribution to the subject and significant insights, which have stood the test of time, are insufficiently recognised. This article is an English translation of Barré’s French original.
Development of a Computer Program for Calculation of the Alpha Parameter in the Linear Amplitude Sweep Test and Comparison with Rheological Parameters
Authors: Abdollahi Seyed Farhad , Farrokhi Mehdi , Tabatabaee Nader
Published: June 2020

Characterizing and modeling the fatigue performance of an asphalt binder is important when designing asphalt mixtures which can resist premature fatigue failure. Performance grading (PG) standards include the fatigue factor ( G*.sinδ) to evaluate the fatigue resistance of asphalt binders. This criterion seems to be inaccurate, especially when applied to modified asphalt binders. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) TP 101 has been designed to evaluate the fatigue resistance of asphalt binders using Schapery’s work potential theory. The damage evolution rate ( α parameter) is the key element of this method and is calculated from the rheological properties of the undamaged asphalt binder using the slope of the relaxation modulus versus the time on the log-log scale. Owing to the difficulties of conducting the relaxation test, the relaxation modulus is usually obtained using conversion methods. However, AASHTO TP 101 uses a simplified indirect method to calculate α. The present study developed a computer program called RheoSUT with which to construct relaxation master curves using different methods. The relaxation master curves of 27 asphalt binders were evaluated for estimation of the value of α. The results indicated that AASHTO TP 101 yields higher values of α. The results of the sensitivity analysis show that overestimation of α will result in up to about 200% error in the estimation of the fatigue life ( Nf). It is also shown that binder aging and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modification directly affected the rheological parameters and relaxation master curves. Finally, it is recommended to use the relaxation-master curved based methods of calculation of α instead of the storage-modulus based ones.
Shifting from Private to Public Transport using Duration-Based Modeling of a School-Based Intervention
Authors: Queiroz Mariza Motta , Roque Carlos , Moura Filipe
Published: June 2020

School commuting with public transportation (PT) and shifting away from private cars remains a challenge, especially for transport planners. From behavioral and cultural viewpoints, car dependence has not yet been reversed in many cities. Actions to promote the shift to PT should be multidisciplinary and multi-instrumental to increase PT adoption and achieve more sustainable mobility. There is a lack of strategic alignment between the different stakeholders involved in school commuting of children (parents, school, PT operators) and empirical studies sustaining the effectiveness of actions to shift away from the car. Moreover, PT behavioral aspects are still poorly researched from a marketing perspective. This research aims to help fill the gap by implementing actions related to the 4Ps of the marketing mix (product, place, price, promotion). Ten schools in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area were involved in those actions and then surveyed (1,760 survey participants) to evaluate the impact on their behavioral change, that is, to start going to school with PT. The study explores the impact of a set of marketing events on the time duration before children shift to PT when commuting to school, with a hazard-based duration model. Results suggest that to promote school commuting with PT, it is necessary to characterize the school community before commencing any mobility-oriented intervention, particularly concerning sociodemographic attributes and mobility patterns. These are critical information to design marketing actions better and to adapt and improve the quality of PT vehicles and services that operate to and from schools.
Artificial Neural Network Models for Performance Design of Asphalt Pavements Reinforced with Geosynthetics
Authors: Qadir Adnan , Gazder Uneb , Choudhary Karam Un Nisa
Published: June 2020

Flexible pavements, made up of asphalt concrete, are commonly used for highways all around the world. These pavements suffer from distresses like reflective cracking, rutting and fatigue cracking. Performance-based design methods have been adopted to enhance the service life of flexible pavements. Other measures to enhance the life cycle of these pavements include reinforcement with materials such as geosynthetics. However, there is a gap in the literature on development of performance-based design models for reinforced pavements. In this study, artificial neural network (ANN) models are developed for predicting flexural stiffness and rutting depth of reinforced asphalt pavements using design parameters from the simple laboratory procedures for Marshall and rut depth tests. A multilayer feedforward neural network (MLFNN) was found suitable in this study when a larger dataset was available with a flexural stiffness model. On the other hand, radial basis neural network (RBNN) was found to give higher accuracy with the smaller dataset of rut depth available in this study. In both cases, ANNs were found to predict the parameters with sufficient accuracy. These models show that reinforced asphalt designs with central gradation have the best design. The models developed in this study will be helpful to design long-lasting pavements with geosynthetic reinforcement without the requirement for high-tech testing facilities.
Predicting Trip Cancellations and No-Shows in Paratransit Operations
Authors: Pérez Fernando A. Acosta , Ortiz Gabriel E. Rodríguez , Muñiz Everson Rodríguez , Sacarello Fernando J. Ortiz , Kang Jee Eun , Rodriguez-Roman Daniel
Published: June 2020

The productivity of paratransit systems could be improved if transit agencies had the tools to accurately predict which trip reservations are likely to result in trips. A potentially useful approach to this prediction task is the use of machine learning algorithms, which are routinely applied in, for example, the airline and hotel industries to make predictions on reservation outcomes. In this study, the application of machine learning (ML) algorithms is examined for two prediction problems that are of interest to paratransit operations. In the first problem the operator is only concerned with predicting which reservations will result in trips and which ones will not, while in the second prediction problem the operator is interested in more than two reservation outcomes. Logistic regression, random forest, gradient boosting, and extreme gradient boosting were the main machine learning algorithms applied in this study. In addition, a clustering-based approach was developed to assign outcome probabilities to trip reservations. Using trip reservation data provided by the Metropolitan Bus Authority of Puerto Rico, tests were conducted to examine the predictive accuracy of the selected algorithms. The gradient boosting and extreme gradient boosting algorithms were the best performing methods in the classification tests. In addition, to illustrate an application of the algorithms, demand forecasting models were generated and shown to be a promising approach for predicting daily trips in paratransit systems. The best performing method in this exercise was a regression model that optimally combined the demand predictions generated by the machine learning algorithms considered in this study.
Translating Pediatric Hospital Interpreters’ Feedback From Difficult Conversations into Improved Communication
Authors: Weaver Meaghann S. , Roeth Alicia , Navaneethan Hema , Shostrom Valerie K. , Contreras-Nourse Melissa
Published: June 2020

Background: Medical interpreters are critical mediators in communication with pediatric subjects and families to include participation in difficult conversations. Objective: The objective of this pilot study was to provide suggestions from medical interpreters to palliative care teams as to how to effectively incorporate medical interpreters into end-of-life conversations. Methods: Participants included pediatric hospital-based medical interpreters who had interpreted for at least 1 end-of-life conversation in the pediatric hospital setting. A total of 11 surveys were completed by medical interpreters. The study consisted of a written 12-item survey with a follow-up focus group to further explore survey themes. Results: The translation of cultural contexts, awareness of the mixed messages the family received from health care teams, and the emotional intensity of the interactions were depicted as the most challenging aspects of the medical interpreter’s role. Despite these challenges, 9 interpreters reported they would willingly be assigned for interpreting “bad news” conversations if given the opportunity (82%). Medical interpreters recognized their relationship with the family and their helping role for the family as meaningful aspects of interpreting even in difficult conversations. Medical interpreters shared 7 thematic suggestions for improved communication in language-discordant visits: content review, message clarity, advocacy role, cultural understanding, communication dynamics, professionalism, and emotional support. Conclusions: As experts in cultural dynamics and message transmission, the insights of medical interpreters can improve communication with families.
Management strategies to improve French language service coordination and continuity for official language Francophone seniors in Canada
Authors: de Moissac Danielle , Savard Jacinthe , Savard Sébastien , Giasson Florette , Kubina Lucy-Ann
Published: June 2020

Evidence suggests that language barriers present obstacles to healthcare access and quality for Francophone seniors in official language minority communities across Canada. Addressing language barriers and providing continuity is challenging, as French language services (FLSs) rely heavily on bilingual providers and the practice of active offer by all staff. This qualitative research used semi-structured group and individual interviews to explore mechanisms supporting FLS coordination and continuity in two Canadian provinces. Identification of the language variable in health records, virtual healthcare, and FLS directories are conducive to FLS continuity, but financial and resource limitations present major obstacles. Management strategies to facilitate continuity of FLS across health organizations are discussed.
Pleural Effusions Following Liver Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Lui Justin K. , Spaho Lidia , Hakimian Shahrad , Devine Michael , Bui Rosa , Touray Sunkaru , Holzwanger Erik , Patel Boskey , Ellis Daniel , Fridlyand Svetlana , Ogunsua Adedotun A. , Mahboub Paria , Daly Jennifer S. , Bozorgzadeh Adel , Kopec Scott E.
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

This was a single-center retrospective study to evaluate incidence, prognosis, and risk factors in patients with postoperative pleural effusions, a common pulmonary complication following liver transplantation.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed on 374 liver transplantation cases through a database within the timeframe of January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2015. Demographics, pulmonary and cardiac function testing, laboratory studies, intraoperative transfusion/infusion volumes, postoperative management, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results:

In the immediate postoperative period, 189 (50.5%) developed pleural effusions following liver transplantation of which 145 (76.7%) resolved within 3 months. Those who developed pleural effusions demonstrated a lower fibrinogen (149.6 ± 66.3 mg/dL vs 178.4 ± 87.3 mg/dL; P = .009), total protein (5.8 ± 1.0 mg/dL vs 6.1 ± 1.2 mg/dL; P = .04), and hemoglobin (9.8 ± 1.8 mg/dL vs 10.3 ± 1.9 mg/dL; P = .004). There was not a statistically significant difference in 1-year all-cause mortality and in-hospital mortality between liver transplant recipients with and without pleural effusions. Liver transplant recipients who developed pleural effusions had a longer hospital length of stay (16.4 ± 10.9 days vs 14.0 ± 16.5 days; P = .1), but the differences were not statistically significant. However, there was a significant difference in tracheostomy rates (11.6% vs 5.4%; P = .03) in recipients who developed pleural effusions compared to recipients who did not.

Conclusions:

In summary, pleural effusions are common after liver transplantation and are associated with increased morbidity. Pre- and intraoperative risk factors can offer both predictive and prognostic value for post-transplantation pleural effusions. Further prospective studies will be needed to further evaluate the relevance of these findings to limit instances of postoperative pleural effusions.
Assessing Demographics-Based Differences in Attitude Toward Honor Killings
Authors: Huda Sadia , Kamal Anila
Published: June 2020

The current study has been conducted to explore demographics-based differences in assessing attitudes toward honor killing. The scale used to measure attitudes is a newly developed indigenous measure. The scale consists of two subscales as follows: (a) affirmation of honor killing and (b) deterrence of honor killing. The sample comprised 695 individuals (248 males and 447 females) with ages ranging from 18 to 55 years ( M = 25.89 , SD = 8.10). The sample was collected from the federal capital city of Pakistan and various cities of Punjab (Pakistan). The results of the study found nonsignificant gender differences in the attitudes toward honor killings. Furthermore, people living in rural setups showed more affirmation than people living in urban setups. Likewise, older adults showed more affirmation to honor killing than adults of younger age groups. Finally, participants belonging to a joint/extended family system were more affirmative and had acceptance toward honor killing than those who belonged to nuclear families. Hence, the findings of the current study suggest that demographic variables play a role in determining and shaping the attitudes and beliefs of individuals regarding the phenomenon of honor killing.
Numerical continuation applied to internal combustion engine models
Authors: Smith Shaun , Knowles James , Mason Byron
Published: June 2020

This paper proposes tools from bifurcation theory, specifically numerical continuation, as a complementary method for efficiently mapping the state-parameter space of an internal combustion engine model. Numerical continuation allows a steady-state engine response to be traced directly through the state-parameter space, under the simultaneous variation of one or more model parameters. By applying this approach to two nonlinear engine models (a physics-based model and a data-driven model), this work determines how input parameters ‘throttle position’ and ‘desired load torque’ affect the engine’s dynamics. Performing a bifurcation analysis allows the model’s parameter space to be divided into regions of different qualitative types of the dynamic behaviour, with the identified bifurcations shown to correspond to key physical properties of the system in the physics-based model: minimum throttle angles required for steady-state operation of the engine are indicated by fold bifurcations; regions containing self-sustaining oscillations are bounded by supercritical Hopf bifurcations. The bifurcation analysis of a data-driven engine model shows how numerical continuation could be used to evaluate the efficacy of data-driven models.
Material and adhesive effect in adhesively-bonded composite stepped-lap joints
Authors: Brito RFN , Campilho RDSG , Moreira RDF , Sánchez-Arce IJ
Published: June 2020

Adhesive bonding is a predominant bonding technique in the aeronautical and automotive industries. Cohesive zone models, used together with the finite element method, are a viable tool to predict the strength of adhesive joints. The main objective of this study is to evaluate experimentally and numerically (by cohesive zone model) the mechanical performance of carbon-fiber reinforced polymer stepped-lap bonded joints submitted to tensile loads, for different overlap lengths ( LO) and adhesives. The failure mode analysis showed a predominant failure type for all adhesives and good correspondence with the numerical predictions. Normalized peel ( σy) and shear ( τxy) stresses in the adhesive highly increased with LO, which then reflected on different maximum load ( Pm) evolution with LO, depending on the adhesive's ductility. The damage variable SDEG (stiffness degradation) was also evaluated and emphasized on the smaller damage zone at Pm for the brittle adhesive. A significant geometry and material effect were found on Pm of the stepped-lap joints, with benefit for large LO. In this regard, cohesive zone model revealed to be a suitable tool in determining the behavior of different joints. Comparison with joints with aluminum showed that, provided that no carbon-fiber reinforced polymer delamination occurs, stepped-lap joints between carbon-fiber reinforced polymer adherends give better results due to the higher composite stiffness.
Analysis of motorcycle vibration comfort based on rigid-flexible coupling model
Authors: Feng Yu , Jun Xie
Published: June 2020

Based on the rigid-flexible coupling model, this article utilized ADAMS to establish a dynamics model of a motorcycle, in which the engine excitation and road excitation were determined. According to the ISO5349 and ISO2631 standards, the vibration of the motorcycle at 60 km/h was analyzed. The results showed that the high-frequency vibration of the engine accounted for the most vibration at the handle when driving on the B-class road at 60 km/h, and the vibration level was uncomfortable. In contrast, the low-frequency vibration of the road roughness was the main excitation of the cushion vibration, and the vibration level was relatively uncomfortable. These results were in accordance with the subjective impression on human observers, indicating that the vibration comfort analysis method based on the rigid-flexible coupling model was correct and effective to provide theoretical basis for the subsequent improvement and modification early in the design stage.
Serum Lipoprotein (a) on Postoperative Day 3: A Strong Predictor of Portal and/or Splenic Vein Thrombosis in Cirrhotic Patients With Splenectomy
Authors: Shi Zhiyong , Zhang Mingxia , Dong Xiushan , Xu Jun
Published: June 2020

Elevated lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is related to the incidence of lower limb deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Its role in portal and/or splenic vein thrombosis (PSVT) is not established. A total of 77 consecutive patients who underwent splenectomy for cirrhotic portal hypertension were prospectively studied between 2014 and 2017. The impact of Lp(a) on preoperative day 1 and postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 was analyzed. Color Doppler ultrasound examination was performed for the diagnosis of PSVT. The median interval between surgery and postoperative PSVT was 6 days (range: 2-13 days). The levels of Lp(a) were highly increased in patients with PSVT and significant intergroup differences (vs non-PSVT) were found until day 3 and day 5 after operation, respectively. On POD 3, at a threshold of 309.06 mg/L, Lp(a) was a better predictor of PSVT (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.872) compared to the levels on PODs 1, 5, and 7 (AUC = 0.775, 0.796, and 0.791, respectively). The median Lp(a) values peaked at 382.5 mg/L on POD 5 for patients without PSVT. After POD 5, the Lp(a) decreased with values at 347.4 mg/L on POD 7 and 150.7 mg/L on POD 14. For the first time, Lp(a) was shown to be abnormal in patients with PSVT following splenectomy. Monitoring of serum Lp(a) levels on POD 3 might represent a valuable tool to predict early PSVT after splenectomy in cirrhotic patients.
Application of homotopy perturbation method for dynamic analysis of nanotubes delivering nanoparticles
Authors: Rezapour Beytollah , Fariborzi Araghi Mohammad Ali , Vázquez-Leal Hector
Published: June 2020

Because of the importance of the analytical study of the vibration behavior of nanotubes delivering nanoparticles, in this study, the transverse vibration of these systems has been studied by analytical approach based on the homotopy perturbation method. The nonlocal Euler–Bernoulli beam theory is used for derivation of the equation of motion. The interaction between nanoparticle and the inner wall of nanotube has been modeled by using van der Waals forces and considering the effects of inertial forces caused by centrifugal and Coriolis acceleration components of nanoparticles. After evaluation of the implemented analytical method by numerical results, it is revealed that the obtained second-order approximation response gives high accurate vibration behavior of these systems for a wide range of parameters. As well, these results show that inertial forces caused by motion of nanoparticle increase vibration amplitude of nanotube and change nonlinear frequency of the system.
A Process for Identifying Indicators With Public Data: An Example From Sexual Violence Prevention
Authors: McKool Marissa , Freire Kimberley , Basile Kathleen C. , Jones Kathryn M. , Klevens Joanne , DeGue Sarah , Smith Sharon G.
Published: June 2020

Despite advances in the sexual violence (SV) prevention field, practitioners still face challenges with identifying indicators to measure the impact of their prevention strategies. Public data, such as existing administrative and surveillance system data, may be a good option for organizations to examine trends in indicators for the purpose of program evaluation. In this article, we describe a framework and a process for identifying indicators with public data. Specifically, we present the SV Indicator Framework and a five-step indicator review process, which we used to identify indicators for a national SV prevention program. We present the findings of the indicator review and explain how the process could be used by evaluators and program planners within other developing topic areas. Tracking indicators with public data, in conjunction with other evaluation methods, may be a viable option for state-level program evaluations. We discuss limitations and implications for practice and research.
The Role of Intuition in Evaluative Judgment and Decision
Authors: Hurteau Marthe , Rahmanian Jeiran , Houle Sylvain , Marchand Marie-Pier
Published: June 2020

Expert intuition is increasingly considered to be a valid form of knowledge, and research has proven its effectiveness in judgment and decision making in various fields. Theorists seem to recognize the contributions of intuition within evaluative practice, but it has never been well-documented. This article presents a study on expert intuition, addressing the manner in which intuition is developed, as well as how it contributes to producing judgments in the specific context of program evaluation. In-depth, in-person interviews were conducted with eight novice evaluators and eight experienced evaluators in order to assess the contributions of experience and expertise. Two key observations emerged from interview analyses. The first was that intuition is developed through a long, complex, and demanding process in which reflective analysis of experiments, successes, and failures play an essential role; the second was that the development of intuition is fostered by expertise and experience.
Women police leaders in Europe: A tale of prejudice and patronage
Authors: Silvestri Marisa , Tong Stephen
Published: June 2020

This article provides rich and unique insights into the experiences of women police leaders across seven European regions. Drawing on interview data, it presents accounts of women’s experiences in policing and identifies informal and formal barriers to their advancement in European police organizations. Women police leaders report high levels of gender discrimination, obstruction and prejudice over the course of their careers. We argue that there are a number of subjective and informal criteria of ‘acceptability’ that shape women’s experiences of promotion and that informal patronage is a strong basis from which strategic appointments are made within European police systems. The article makes sense of the ways in which informal aspects of career progression function alongside formal promotion criteria to preserve men as the ‘ideal’ candidates for police leadership positions, resulting in a preference for other men and the exclusion of women. The relevance of these findings is key to informing the future selection and development of police leaders in an increasingly complex police landscape.
Feeling unsafe in Italy’s biggest cities
Authors: Valente Riccardo , Valera Pertegas Sergi , Guàrdia Olmos Joan
Published: June 2020

Crime and fear of crime are key challenges for civic coexistence in contemporary cities, specifically because of the unequal relationship between the two phenomena. In the case of Italy, for instance, even though crime has been trending downward over the past few decades, people are increasingly concerned about their safety. Based on survey data ( N = 6002) collected in Milan, Naples, Rome, and Turin, this research provides a cross-city comparison of the factors that influence individuals’ feelings of unsafety. The results of a multi-group structural equation model endorse the prior literature by revealing that being the victim of a crime predicts higher levels of subjective unsafety. On the other hand, perceived disorder in the neighbourhood, community disaffection, and objective and subjective measures of social exclusion are also consistent predictors of residents’ fears in all four cities. All in all, the model outputs indicate that non-criminal factors have a higher explanatory power than victimization for perceived unsafety. The implications of these findings for urban safety management are discussed.
Parents’ Perceptions of Constraints Impacting the Development of Walking in Children with CHARGE Syndrome
Authors: Foster Elizabeth Ann , Silliman-French Lisa , Grenier Michelle
Published: June 2020

This study examined parents’ perceptions of constraints that impact the attainment of independent walking in children with CHARGE syndrome. This syndrome is a multifaceted syndrome including a degree of vision and hearing loss at birth. The Dynamic Systems Theory (DST) was used as an ecological lens to provide insight into the complexity of issues impacting independent walking from the parents’ perceptions. Semi-structured interviews were administrated to 23 parents of children with CHARGE syndrome to ascertain the degree to which individual, environmental, or task constraints impacted their child’s development of independent walking. Data analysis was conducted through direct content analysis based on the DST. Parents reported that the task of walking was impacted by individual constraints, both structural and functional, and environmental constraints, such as space, surface area, and the use of furniture. Recommended interventions for professionals who work with children who are deafblind include manipulation and adaptation of environmental and task constraints.
Applications of Two-Eyed Seeing in Primary Research Focused on Indigenous Health: A Scoping Review
Authors: Forbes Andrew , Ritchie Stephen , Walker Jennifer , Young Nancy
Published: June 2020

Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall coined “Two-Eyed Seeing” in 2004, an Indigenous concept that emphasizes integrating the strengths of multiple perspectives to address complex challenges in ways that benefit all. In 2011, Two-Eyed Seeing became a policy of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)–Institute of Aboriginal Peoples’ Health, as a part of its 5-year plan, and in 2012, CIHR funding was directed toward supporting efforts that apply the concept of Two-Eyed Seeing to research. However, little is known about how Two-Eyed Seeing has been operationalized in research. To address this ambiguity, a scoping review was conducted to map the key concepts involved when researchers intend to follow Two-Eyed Seeing guiding principles to study Indigenous health topics. Three research questions guided this scoping review: (1) What are the general characteristics (e.g., location of study, health topic studied) of primary research that has attempted to apply Two-Eyed Seeing when studying Indigenous health topics? (2) How did researchers operationalize the concept of Two-Eyed Seeing when they applied it to primary studies regarding Indigenous health topics? and (3) What process-related elements were present in Two-Eyed Seeing studies that accomplished their objectives? The results of this scoping review indicate there is an increasing trend in Two-Eyed Seeing–related peer-reviewed publications since its formal introduction by Mi’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall. The selected Two-Eyed Seeing–related projects were predominately conducted in Canada and published between 2011 and 2019. Projects predominately incorporated a community-based (participatory) research approach and qualitative/Indigenous methods, and six core process–related themes/elements were identified: (i) power was shared, (ii) culturally safe spaces were fostered, (iii) institutional and community ethics were followed, (iv) research projects were transformative, (v) rigor was maintained, and (vi) the structure of Western academia and traditional policy decision-making processes provided challenges for research teams and community partners, respectively.
New method for gear fault diagnosis using empirical wavelet transform, Hilbert transform, and cosine similarity metric
Authors: Bettahar Toufik , Rahmoune Chemseddine , Benazzouz Djamel , Merainani Boualem
Published: June 2020

In this article, a new feature extraction method is proposed for gear fault diagnosis by combining the empirical wavelet transform, Hilbert transform, and cosine similarity metric. In the first place, a number of empirical mode components acquisitions are done, using empirical wavelet transform. Since different empirical modes have different sensitivities to fault, not all of them are needed for further analysis. Therefore, the most sensitive empirical modes are selected using the cosine similarity metric method. Hilbert transform was then used to obtain the envelope for amplitude modulation. Finally, spectral analysis using fast Fourier transform is applied on the obtained envelope. Gear test rig with gears under different fault states has revealed an effective outcome and a solid stability of this new approach. The obtained results show that our approach is efficiently able to detect and expose the gear faults signatures, that is, it highlights their frequencies and the corresponding harmonics with respect to the rotary frequency. Furthermore, this proposed method demonstrates more satisfactory and advantageous performances compared to those of fast kurtogram, or the autogram.