bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are There Sufficient Number of Exercise Therapists in South Africa In Order To Equitably Manage the Noncommunicable Disease Epidemic?
Authors: Ellapen Terry J. , Paul Yvonne , Barnard Marco , Swanepoel Mariette , Hammill Henriette V , Strydom Gert L
Published: November 2018

The mortality of South African noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is rising. One of its primary contributors is physical inactivity. Therefore, South African National Health Plan included exercise therapy as part of their strategy to inhibit the NCDs upsurge. This study aimed to determine whether the number of South African exercise therapists is sufficient to equitably manage this NCD epidemic. The 2013 and 2017 Health Professions Council of South Africa reports identified the number of physiotherapists, biokineticists, and their respective students-in-training. In 2012, 10,623,820 people were identified with NCDs; however, South African Department of Health only treated 6,058,186 patients (57.0%) ( p < .05). South African Health Review has estimated a 28.7% increase in the number of NCDs patients treated from 2012 (6,058,186) to 2025 (7,799,770) ( p < .05). The average yearly growth of practicing physiotherapists (3.4%) and the physiotherapy student-in-training (2.2%) is inequitable to manage this NCD epidemic. In 2012, the extrapolated physiotherapist-to-NCD patient ratio was 1:5667. The South African Department of Health should consider including biokineticists to aid in the management of the NCD epidemic.
Chemoradiation in female patients with anal cancer: Patient-reported outcome of acute and chronic side effects
Authors: Koerber Stefan A. , Seither Ben , Slynko Alla , Haefner Matthias F. , Krug David , Liermann Jakob , Adeberg Sebastian , Herfarth Klaus , Debus Juergen , Sterzing Florian
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

We evaluated acute and chronic side effects of 3D conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in female patients with anal carcinoma and accessed correlations between dosimetric parameters and the considered toxicities.

Methods:

For 70 women with anal cancer treated at our department, acute and chronic side effects and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated with questionnaires using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v. 4.0.) and Late Effects in Normal Tissue, Subjective, Objective Management and Analytic Scales (LentSoma) before, during, and after the treatment.

Results:

Forty-seven out of 70 (67%) patients completed the questionnaire and were enrolled in the study. Only poor urinary stream, loss of pubic hair during chemoradiation, and chronic vaginal dryness were observed more frequently in the 3D-CRT group compared to the IMRT group (univariable logistic regression p = .032, p = .04, p = .049, respectively). After the treatment, 43% in the 3D-CRT group and 29% in the IMRT group reported a severe loss of QoL. A higher proportion among the patients receiving a genital V20 ⩾35% showed grade 1–3 side effects such as chronic dyspareunia ( p = .035; Fisher exact test).

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that the use of IMRT decreases acute and chronic adverse effects although reduced QoL also occurred in the IMRT group. These effects are likely to be underreported in retrospective studies using physician-reported outcome measures.
Unexpected postpneumonectomy exertion-induced acute right heart failure
Authors: Colombo Jacopo , Arendar Iryna , Pastorino Ugo , Codazzi Daniela
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

Thoracic surgery can have serious side effects. Accurate preoperative evaluation to assess which patients with anatomically resectable disease are suitable candidates for surgery is mandatory.

Case description:

A 58-year-old man, scheduled for left pneumonectomy for lung cancer, passed all the preoperative examinations suggested by guidelines and underwent the surgery. Three days after pneumonectomy, he experienced hemorrhagic shock and subsequent acute respiratory distress syndrome. Fifteen days after left pneumonectomy, he experienced exertional acute right heart failure (ARHF). We administered sildenafil and he improved, clinically and echocardiographically. During the following 2 years of follow-up, he was asymptomatic at rest but under exercise test, he developed pulmonary hypertension with echocardiographic signs of right ventricular impairment.

Conclusions:

In patients scheduled for major lung resections, preoperative stress echocardiography may give an adjunctive value to cardiopulmonary exercise test, quantifying the exercise-induced reduction in right ventricle ejection fraction and identifying asymptomatic patients at risk for postoperative ARHF.
Debt covenant violation, competition and cost of new debt
Authors: Butt Umar
Published: November 2018

This article empirically shows that the cost of new debt is higher for firms that commit covenant violations. Using a proxy for product market competition to capture exogenous changes to a firm’s competitive environment, I find that the cost is systematically higher for firms that operate in competitive markets. Moreover, I identify channels through which violations can increase the cost of new debt, namely, the incidence, timing and frequency effects, and I document these effects to be more acute for competitive markets. Overall, the study finds that the market prices financial contracts by taking into account the information content of the violation and the risk arising from market competition.

JEL Classification: G12, G30
An unusual case of short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks
Authors: Sardoeira Ana , Cação Gonçalo , Pina Sofia , Sousa Ana Paula , Damásio Joana
Published: November 2018

Background

Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headaches include those with conjunctival injection and tearing and with cranial autonomic symptoms. Most frequently reported as idiopathic, there is a growing number of symptomatic cases described.

Case report

A 57-year old man presented a 16-year history of right hemifacial short-lasting pain attacks accompanied by ipsilateral autonomic symptoms and simultaneous malar contractions. Brain MRI disclosed a right acoustic neuroma compressing the right facial nerve and a venous developmental anomaly perpendicular to the right facial nerve root entry zone, without lesions affecting the trigeminal nerve. He was started on lamotrigine, resulting in complete remission of pain attacks, autonomic signs and facial contractions.

Conclusions

This patient presents a typical short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with response to lamotrigine. The uniqueness of the case is the co-occurring malar contractions, evocative of facial nerve involvement. We speculate whether facial nerve compression renders this nerve more susceptible to triggering during a short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attack.
Midterm Results of the Bony Bankart Bridge Technique for the Treatment of Bony Bankart Lesions
Authors: Godin Jonathan A. , Altintas Burak , Horan Marilee P. , Hussain Zaamin B. , Pogorzelski Jonas , Fritz Erik M. , Millett Peter J.
Published: November 2018

Background:

The arthroscopic “bony Bankart bridge” (BBB) repair technique was recently shown to successfully restore shoulder stability at short-term follow-up, but longer-term outcomes have not yet been described.

Purpose:

To report the outcomes at minimum 5-year follow-up after BBB repair for anterior shoulder instability with a bony Bankart lesion.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Patients were included if they sustained a bony Bankart lesion, were treated with a BBB technique, and were at least 5 years postoperative. Patients were excluded if they underwent concomitant rotator cuff repair or an open bone fragment reduction. All patients were assessed with the following measures preoperatively and at final evaluation: QuickDASH (Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) Physical Component Summary.

Results:

From 2008 to 2012, 13 patients who underwent BBB met the inclusion criteria with a mean age of 39.6 years (range, 19.1-68.8 years) and a mean follow-up of 6.7 years (range, 5.1-9.0 years). Mean time from most recent injury to surgery was 6.3 months (range, 1 day–36 months). The mean glenoid bone loss was 22.5% (range, 9.1%-38.6%). Mean SF-12 scores demonstrated significant improvement from 45.8 (SD, 9.7) preoperatively to 55.1 (SD, 5.9) at a mean follow-up of 6.7 years. At final follow-up, the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 93.1 (range, 68.3-100); the mean QuickDASH score, 6.2 (range, 0-25); and the mean Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score, 92.8 (range, 69-99). None of the patients progressed to further shoulder surgery. Three of 13 patients (23%) reported subjective recurrent instability. At final follow-up, 9 of 12 (75%) patients indicated that their sports participation levels were equal to their preinjury levels. Median patient satisfaction at final follow-up was 10 of 10 points (range, 3-10).

Conclusion:

The arthroscopic BBB technique for patients with anterior bony Bankart lesions can restore shoulder stability, yield durable improvements in clinical outcomes, and provide a high return-to-sport rate at a minimum 5-year follow-up. Three of 13 patients experienced postoperative symptoms of instability but did not undergo further stabilization surgery.
Communication Challenges at the Crossroads of Oncology and Palliative Care: Finding a Way Forward When Clinicians Differ on Prognosis
Authors: Collins Molly E. , Abrahm Janet L.
Published: November 2018

In this article, we present a dialogue between a junior and a seasoned palliative care attending on approaching situations in which clinicians have differing opinions about patients’ prognoses. In such situations, we may find a way forward by identifying common ground and exploring patients’ and clinicians’ values. Specifically, we can ask what constitutes a reasonable quality of life for our patients, and we can explore our colleagues’ hopes, worries, and values using familiar communication techniques. Ultimately, we can support and align with both our patients and colleagues and work toward reframing a difficult situation.
Where Patients With Cancer Die: A Population-Based Study, 1990 to 2012
Authors: Hunt Roger W. , D’Onise Katina , Nguyen Anh-Minh Thi , Venugopal Kamalesh
Published: November 2018

Aims:

To describe changes in the place of death of patients with cancer from 1990 to 2012, and to identify issues for their end-of-life care.

Materials and Methods:

Population-based descriptive study, with analyses of place of death patterns, using the South Australian Cancer Registry records of 86 257 patients with cancer who died from 1990 to 2012.

Results:

From 1990 to 2012, the proportion of cancer deaths in hospital decreased from 63.4% to 50.9%, and in nursing homes increased from 8.2% to 22.5%. After the year 2000, the proportions in hospices and at home were both below 15%. Multivariate analyses showed that young patients with cancer were more likely to die in a hospice or at home, compared to elderly patients with cancer who were more likely to die in a nursing home; the likelihood of dying in a hospice increased with socioeconomic status; patients with a short survival time or a hematological malignancy were more likely to die in a metropolitan hospital.

Conclusions:

Compared to most other countries, the proportion of cancer deaths at home was low, and many patients would not have died at their preferred place. The trend for more cancer deaths to occur in nursing homes is likely to continue, but nursing homes generally lack the resources and skilled staff to provide quality palliative care. Models of palliative care delivery should take account of patient preferences, the growth of terminal cancer care in nursing homes, and apparent inequities.
Structure and properties of nano-hydroxyapatite/poly(butylene succinate) porous scaffold for bone tissue engineering prepared by using ethanol as porogen
Authors: Li Gang , Qin Shuhao , Liu Xiaonan , Zhang Daohai , He Min
Published: November 2018

Biodegradable polymers, because their degradation products are small molecules that do not cause immune system rejection, have been increasingly used by researchers to explore the preparation of scaffold with excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this study, nano-hydroxyapatite and polybutylene succinate were mixed by solution-blending to prepare a porous scaffold that could be used in the biomedical industry. Based on the viewpoint of bionics, porous scaffold with well pore structure and uniform dispersion of nano-hydroxyapatite particles was prepared using ethanol as a porogen. When ethanol was used as a porogen to prepare the porous scaffold, the effects of different mass ratios of nano-hydroxyapatite and polybutylene succinate on the porosity and pore structure of the porous scaffold were investigated under the same amount of ethanol. The mercury intrusion tests showed that the porosity of the 30 nano-hydroxyapatite/polybutylene succinate porous scaffold was 38.987%. The experiment results of in vitro mineralization and cell culture showed that the porous scaffolds have good osteogenic capacity and cell compatibility, including attachment and proliferation. All experiment results indicated that ethanol can be used as a porogen to prepare nano-hydroxyapatite/polybutylene succinate porous scaffold, and it has great potential as a scaffold for bone tissue engineering.
Examining Commonly Reported Sex Trafficking Indicators From Practitioners’ Perspectives: Findings From a Pilot Study
Authors: Gerassi Lara B. , Nichols Andrea J. , Cox Ashley , Goldberg Kei K. , Tang Cliff
Published: November 2018

Commonly reported sex trafficking indicators have been disseminated widely by government and non-governmental organizations in trainings aimed to increase identification and referral to resources. However, very little research evaluates such indicators. Drawing from survey responses of 86 social service providers, health care practitioners, and justice system officials in a Midwestern City, this pilot study aimed to examine: (a) the pervasiveness of the commonly reported indicators, (b) the salience of domains of indicators, and (c) the extent to which indicators differ across service populations (U.S.-born minors, U.S.-born adults, foreign born minors, and foreign born adults). The most commonly identified indicators included mental health symptoms of depression ( M = 3.82); low self-esteem ( M = 3.59); anxiety ( M = 3.55); low levels of interpersonal trust ( M = 3.52); sense of fear ( M = 3.36); feelings of shame or guilt ( M =3.34); isolation from family, friends, and communities ( M = 3.3); and fear/distrust of law enforcement ( M = 3.80). The least commonly identified indicators included exhibiting low English proficiency ( M = 1.62), previous history of loitering charges ( M = 1.74), presenting false documents ( M = 1.85), presence of tattoos or branding ( M = 1.89), presenting delayed cognitive development ( M = 1.91), being unaware of one’s location ( M = 1.94), owing large debt ( M = 1.95), previous history of prostitution or drug charges ( M = 1.98, M = 2.01), and physical evidence of torture ( M = 2.07). The mental health domain was identified as especially common among U.S.-born adults ( M = 3.07). Criminal justice involvement was identified as less common among foreign-born minors ( M = 1.82) and foreign-born adults ( M = 1.96). The most commonly identified indicators, according to the service providers, health care workers, and justice system officials who work with them, are inconsistent with many of the indicators that are used frequently across governmental and community trainings. Trainings focusing on diverse case examples of trafficking may be important in strengthening identification of sex trafficked individuals, as well as accounting for regional contexts.
Building a New Intimate Relationship After Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence in Victim-Survivors of South Korea
Authors: Ko Yejung , Park Sihyun
Published: November 2018

Intimate partner violence (IPV) refers to harmful acts occurring among members of an intimate relationship. Many studies have explored individuals’ experiences of IPV as well as its consequences; however, so far, few studies have explored the lives of IPV victim-survivors after escaping from the violent relationship and the experiences of building new intimate relationships. Thus, the purpose of this study was to understand the young female adults’ experience of building a new intimate relationship after ending their abusive relationship. This study used a qualitative phenomenological design to understand the women’s lived experiences in their own voices, as suggested by Giorgi. In total, 13 young female adults in South Korea were recruited and interviewed. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Drawing on the interview data, we constructed the structure of their experiences through identifying five themes: (I) having difficulty in meeting new people, (II) starting to build a new relationship based on trauma, (III) struggling to escape the boundaries of the abuser, (IV) learning about healthy intimate relationships, and (V) something’s wrong again. The findings were meaningful in that they showed how victim-survivors clearly needed care and support even after they escaped from their abusive relationships and began new ones. In addition, we found that some of them entered into another abusive relationship with their new partners. Finally, this study informs researchers and health professionals across the world about the experiences of IPV victims within specific cultural background. We hope that the findings of this study will contribute to building various interventions and programs for victim-survivors of IPV.
Disproportionate School Disciplinary Responses: An Exploration of Prisonization and Minority Threat Hypothesis Among Black, Hispanic, and Native American Students
Authors: Mitchell Meghan M. , Armstrong Gaylene , Armstrong Todd
Published: November 2018

This research tests two potential explanations of school disciplinary responses: minority threat hypothesis and prisonization of schools. Data from the Arizona Safe and Drug-Free Schools (SDFS) survey and Arizona Youth Survey (AYS) are analyzed using ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions. Findings demonstrate that the percentage of Black, Hispanic, and Native American students was not associated with exclusionary responses to school misconduct, but was linked to decreases in mild and restorative disciplinary practices. Findings support the hypothesis that minority threat reduces access to mild and restorative disciplinary responses. Although, further research is needed on the roles of mental health professionals and counselors in school disciplinary procedures to better guide policy and school administrator expectations.
Promoting Educational Success: Which GEAR UP Services Lead to Postsecondary Enrollment and Persistence?
Authors: Kim Sanga , Bowman Nicholas A. , Ingleby Laura , Ford David C. , Sibaouih Christina
Published: November 2018

Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is a federal program designed to promote postsecondary readiness and success among low-income students. Some evidence suggests that this program promotes college enrollment and persistence, but GEAR UP may include a wide variety of services, and it is unclear which ones actually contribute to these apparent overall effects. The present study investigates this issue using doubly robust propensity score analyses to provide stronger causal conclusions. Four general service types and seven specific services were examined; the results provide important implications for GEAR UP and other programs designed to promote postsecondary attainment.
Fundamental aspect of stretch-flangeability of sheet metals
Authors: Paul Surajit Kumar
Published: November 2018

Stretch-flangeability of sheet metal is normally represented by hole expansion ratio. Hole expansion ratio cannot be determined from uniaxial tensile test though uniaxial tensile deformation occurs at the hole’s edge, because of fundamental difference in deformation and damage processes present between hole expansion test and uniaxial tensile test. It is proposed that only localized necking is observed in hole expansion test; however, diffuse necking followed by localized necking is observed in uniaxial tensile test of sheet metal. It is noticed that the hole expansion ratio is marginally higher than maximum diffuse neck strain determined from uniaxial tensile test with local strain measurement by digital image correlation technique. The absence of diffuse neck in hole expansion test with defect-free central hole (i.e. electrical discharge machined hole) results far higher hole expansion ratio than uniform elongation of the material.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of ADC12/6063-T6 aluminum alloy butt joint achieved by metal inert gas groove welding
Authors: Wang Ye , Zhao Mi , Xu Hongyu , Hu Maoliang , Ji Zesheng
Published: November 2018

Metal inert gas arc welding process was implemented to join 6063T6 wrought alloy and ADC12 die-casting alloy using ER4047 filler metal. The microstructure of the weld seam and weld interface was investigated. The bonding strength of the butt joints was tested by Charpy U-notch impact test and tensile test. The results showed that a sound welding butt joint with finely silicon particles and excellent mechanical properties was formed, and the size of the silicon particles was nearly 2 μm. Compared with 6063T6 wrought alloy, the impact absorbing energies and the tensile strengths of the butt joint were higher and reached 1.173 kJ/cm2 and 205 MPa, respectively, and the fractures of all tensile specimens occur at the 6063T6 aluminum.
Analysis of the Effects of Joule Heating and Viscous Dissipation on Combined Pressure-Driven and Electrokinetic Flows in a Two-Parallel Plate Channel with Unequal Constant Temperatures
Authors: Gaikwad Harshad Sanjay , Mondal Pranab Kumar , Basu Dipankar Narayan , Chimres Nares , Wongwises Somchai
Published: November 2018

In this article, we perform an entropy generation analysis for the micro channel heat sink applications where the flow of fluid is actuated by combined influences of applied pressure gradient and electric field under electrical double layer phenomenon. The upper and lower walls of the channels are kept at different constant temperatures. The temperature-dependent viscosity of the fluid is considered and hence the momentum equation and energy equations are coupled in this study. Also, a hydrodynamic slip condition is employed on the viscous dissipation. For complete analysis of the entropy generation, we use a perturbation approach with lubrication approximation. In this study, we discuss the results depicting variations in the velocity and temperature distributions and their effect on local entropy generation rate and Bejan number in the system. It can be summarized from this analysis that the enhanced velocity gradients in the flow field due to combined effect of temperature-dependent viscosity and Joule heating and viscous dissipative effects, leads to an enhancement in the local entropy generation rate in the system.
Assessing the perceived benefits of a new condom wrapper/integrated applicator: an exploratory study
Authors: Graham Cynthia A , Towler Lauren B , Crosby Richard A
Published: November 2018

Errors and problems associated with male condom use are very prevalent and increase the likelihood of inconsistent and incomplete use, thereby compromising condom effectiveness. The aim of this study was to assess the perceived benefits of a new condom wrapper/integrated applicator designed to reduce barriers to condom use and lessen the likelihood of user errors and problems. After viewing videos depicting features of the wrapper/applicator, participants (N = 547; 62.9% male, M age = 29.2) completed online questionnaires. Most participants reported that the product would make condom application easier and quicker, make them more confident that condoms had been applied correctly and make sex more pleasurable and playful. The majority of participants who had recent experience of condom use errors/problems reported that the use of the product would likely prevent these issues from occurring. Reduced chance of condom damage, the design features of the wrapper and not having to touch the condom itself during application were perceived as particular benefits of the product. The findings suggest that the product might reduce the likelihood of a range of condom user errors and problems and enhance pleasure during condom-protected sex. Future larger-scale studies that involve participants physically testing the condom wrapper/applicator are warranted.
Wind utilization and carbon emissions equilibrium: Scheduling strategy for wind-thermal generation system
Authors: Liu Hongxia , Wang Huiling , Xie Zongtang
Published: November 2018

As a developing country and one of the world’s largest carbon emitter, China has been facing significant pressure to reduce fossil fuel use while maintaining sustainable socio-economic growth. This paper proposes a multi-objective optimization method for a joint wind thermal generation system to reduce carbon emissions and increase wind power utilization while guaranteeing power supply demand risk and profitability. Wind and coal thermal power plant generation sources are scheduled into the joint system and connected to the same grid. The thermal power bears the basic load and the wind power seeks more chances to connect to the main grid. A model transformation method is applied and Lingo 13.0 software is used to solve the model. A case study from Ningxia, China is presented to demonstrate the practicality and efficiency of the optimization mode, the results from which showed that the proposed model was able to improve the emissions performance and increase the wind energy utilization, while guaranteeing power supply reliability and achieve maximum profitability, which could assist authorities when developing power generation plans. The results under different scenarios showed that a minimum and maximum wind power utilization rate existed in the joint wind-thermal power generation system, and that units with higher conversion efficiencies and lower emissions parameters were more reasonable when seeking to increase wind power utilization and reduce carbon emissions. The system generation profitability was found to increase for joint systems connected to the main grid when wind power utilization was increased. Lastly, several management proposals are given in this paper to ensure better joint system application.
A sign-preserving filter for signal decomposition
Authors: Cárdenas Bruno , Davenne Tristan R , Garvey Seamus
Published: November 2018

There are optimization problems in which an improvement in performance or a reduction in cost can be attained if the input signal of the system is split into multiple components. Splitting the signal allows customizing the design of the system’s hardware for a narrower range of frequencies, which in turn allows making a better use of its physical properties. There exist applications that have very specific signal-splitting requirements, such as ‘counter-flow avoidance’, that conventional signal processing tools cannot meet. Accordingly, a novel ‘Sign-Preserving’ filter has been developed and is presented in this article. The underlying algorithm of the filter is comprehensively explained with the aim of facilitating its reproduction, and the aspects of its operation are thoroughly discussed. The filter has two key features: (1) it separates a discrete signal a into two components – a mostly low-frequency signal b and a predominantly high-frequency signal c such that the sum of b and c replicates exactly the original signal a and, more importantly, (2) the signs of the two output signals are equal to the sign of a at all times. The article presents two case studies which demonstrate the use of the Sign-Preserving filter for the optimization of real-life applications, in which counter-flow must be avoided: the hybridization of the battery pack of an electric vehicle and the parallelization of a packed bed thermal energy store.
Non-linear dynamics of the Villari effect in the presence of a non-homogeneous magnetic field
Authors: Rysak Andrzej , Gregorczyk Magdalena
Published: November 2018

Investigations of systems with an active magnetostrictive element generally assume the presence of an external homogeneous bias magnetic field. This article, however, presents the results of a study investigating a bimorph magnetostrictive-aluminium beam vibrating in a non-homogeneous bias field. By comparing results obtained under different operating conditions of the system, the combined effect of the non-linear beam stress and the non-homogeneous external magnetic field on the dynamics of the Villari phenomenon is determined. The preliminary results prove that the application of non-linear magnetic fields to the magnetostrictive devices ensures the extension of energy harvesting bandwidth of these devices and can be used to improve their control possibilities. A study of time series and hysteresis loops provides more detailed information about the non-linear magnetization and dynamics of the system.
Position control and performance analysis of hydraulic system using two pump-controlling strategies
Authors: Wrat Gyan , Ranjan Prabhat , Bhola Mohit , Mishra Santosh Kumar , Das J
Published: November 2018

The role of hydraulic systems is quite evident especially in the case of heavy machineries employed in industries, where the utilisation of high forces amid large stiffness is the prerequisite. Nevertheless, there has been substantial effort put forward in the development of advanced control strategies which finally addressed the issue of the position control. Proportional–integral–derivative control strategy happens to be one among them, which is a versatile and widely renowned approach involved in the position control in this study. Although, it is quite frequently observed that the hydraulic actuation system possesses strong nonlinearities. In this article, two different actuator position control strategies, that is, swash plate control of main pump and speed control strategy of prime mover are compared. In swash plate control strategy, the proportional–integral–derivative controller adjusts the swash plate of main pump through servo mechanism, whereas in the speed control strategy, the proportional–integral–derivative controller adjusts the speed of the electric motor through variable-frequency drive. For this purpose, two MATLAB-Simulink models are developed and validated experimentally. It is found that swash plate control strategy has better dynamic and control performance than the speed control strategy catering same position demand of the linear actuator.
Constraining pollen-based estimates of forest cover in the Amazon: A simulation approach
Authors: Whitney Bronwen S , Smallman T Luke , Mitchard Edward TA , Carson John F , Mayle Francis E , Bunting M Jane
Published: November 2018

Pollen dispersal and deposition (PDD) modelling has been instrumental in reconstructing historical vegetation in temperate regions, but its application has been limited in the tropics where there is greatest uncertainty in past land cover change. Here, we apply PDD modelling to Amazonian savanna and forested ecosystems. Empirical pollen data from lakes situated in southwestern Amazonia were used to calibrate the PDD model for a two-component landscape of forest and non-forest. The PDD model was then used to simulate pollen assemblages for different combinations of landscape arrangements (the multiple scenario approach) that reflect possible anthropogenic and climate-driven forest cover change in the late-Holocene. We show that pollen records from large Amazonian lakes vary greatly in their sensitivity to forest loss depending on the baseline forest cover. Lakes in landscapes containing >80% forest will detect small reductions (5% of total cover), but this sensitivity degrades rapidly with forest cover loss. There are a wide range of uncertainties in pollen reconstructions from mosaic and ecotonal landscapes. In forest-savanna mosaics, large reductions of forest cover could be undetectable through the pollen record. In ecotonal landscapes, the relationship between forest cover and its representation in the pollen record rapidly weakens with increasing distance from the forest boundary. Further application of PDD modelling in combination with the multiple scenario approach can address the uncertainties in pollen-based reconstructions of past land cover in the tropics, but require further investment and development.
Human occupation strategies and related environmental-climate during the middle and late Holocene in central Pampas of Argentina
Authors: Messineo Pablo G , Tonello Marcela S , Stutz Silvina , Tripaldi Alfonsina , Scheifler Nahuel , Pal Nélida , Sánchez Vuichard Guillermina , Navarro Diego
Published: November 2018

The main objective of this work is to generate and integrate interpretations of human occupation strategies and inferences of the environmental-climatic conditions in the central Pampas during the middle and late Holocene. We present a novel archeological–geological–paleoecological analysis in the area of the Cabeza de Buey lake, placed in an aeolian landscape. During the middle Holocene, two events of human occupations were recognized at Laguna Cabeza de Buey 2 archeological site. Both events present a small amount of lithic materials, a low diversity of tools and activities developed with them (principally hard material), and the hunting and primary processing of artiodactyls. These evidences suggest a locus of specific activity associated with an ephemeral human settlement under climate conditions drier than present and the presence of small, brackish, and shallow water bodies. For the late late Holocene, the hunter-gatherer occupation has a higher depositional rate of lithic assemblage, stones with diverse origins, presence of pottery fragments, a great lithic tool diversity, knapping techniques, and activities developed with these tools (processing wood, bone, hide, non-woody plant, and soft material). These evidences reveal an occupation with a higher degree of recurrence represented by a locus of multiple activities associated with a more stable landscape, such as an environment of dunes fixed by grass vegetation, and the establishment of a permanent water body. The different environmental characteristics for the middle and late Holocene in this area promoted that human groups develop two different patterns of mobility, settlement and use of space.
Late-Holocene high-frequency East Asia Winter Monsoon variability inferred from the environmentally sensitive grain size component in the distal shelf mud area, East China Sea
Authors: Du Shuhuan , Xiang Rong , Yang Zuosheng , Guo Zhigang , Saito Yoshiki , Fan Dejiang
Published: November 2018

The B2 (B2G) and I4 sediment cores recovered from the centre of the distal mud area of the East China Sea (ECS) were analysed for grain size distribution. Proxies for environmentally sensitive grain size components (ESGSC) retrieved from the composite B2 core, namely, variations in the volumetric content and mean grain size of specific grain size fractions, reveal a detailed history of the East Asia Winter Monsoon (EAWM) including centennial to decadal-scale variations spanning the last 2300 calendar years before present (cal. yr BP). The results indicate that EAWM variations are consistent with temperature changes in eastern China (as inferred from historical documents). Additionally, the sea surface temperature (SST) in the Southern Okinawa Trough, the δ18O of stalagmite from the Sanbao cave and the drift ice indices from the North Atlantic, along with strong or weak EAWMs, corresponding to low or high temperatures, respectively. Four periods of EAWM variations were identified, namely, a weak EAWM stage from 2300 to 2050 cal. yr BP; a comparatively enhanced EAWM between 2050 and 1700 cal. yr BP; a return to a weak EAWM from 1700 to 700 cal. yr BP, including the Roman Warm Period (RWP), the Sui–Tang Dynasty Warm Period (STWP) and the ‘Medieval Warm Period’ (MWP) and a strongly developed EAWM between 700 and 100 cal. yr BP, corresponding to a ‘Little Ice Age’. An important abrupt warm to cold climate change event occurred around 678 cal. yr BP. During this period, the climate change was likely related to global scale changes in atmospheric circulation. Spectral analyses of the ESGSC proxies show high-frequency cycles and a close solar–monsoon connection to the EAWM, suggesting that one of the primary controls for centennial to decadal-scale change in EAWM intensity was the variation in solar radiation during that time.
Relationships among organ damage, social support, and depression in African American women with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Jordan J , Thompson N J , Dunlop-Thomas C , Lim S Sam , Drenkard C
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disproportionately strikes African American women. Social support can potentially reduce disease impact. The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between organ damage and depression in African American women and how social support influences this relationship.

Methods

We used a mixed methods design, analyzing self-reported data on lupus-related organ damage, depression, and social support in 437 African American women with SLE recruited in the Georgians Organized Against Lupus (GOAL) cohort. Moreover, we conducted interviews among 15 GOAL participants to gather patients' perspectives about the role of social support in people who live with lupus.

Results

We found a significant association between organ damage and depression ( r = 0.163, p = 0.001), as well as between depression and social support ( F = 17.574, p < 0.001). The quantitative analysis did not render social support as a significant moderator in the organ damage–depression relationship. Interviews, however, revealed that African American women with the most severe organ damage have the greatest need for support.

Conclusions

Social support is a key resource for lupus patients with high disease burden. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of monitoring depressive symptoms in this population and developing interventions aimed to increase social support available to lupus patients.
“We Were Totally Supportive, of Course”: How People Talk About Supporting a Significant Other to Stop or Reduce Their Drinking
Authors: Bartram Ashlea , Crabb Shona , Hanson-Easey Scott , Eliott Jaklin
Published: November 2018

Despite the strong influence our significant others have on health behaviors such as alcohol consumption, little is known about when they are willing to provide support for changing such behaviors. We conducted interviews with 13 Australian adults who had a partner, friend, or family member who stopped or significantly reduced their alcohol consumption within the past 2 years, to understand how these significant others accounted for providing support for this behavior change as reasonable. Through thematic discourse analysis, we identified three types of accounts: (a) deontological, referring to duty or obligation to support others; (b) consequentialist, where costs for providing support were minimized or balanced; and (c) relational, attending to the importance of maintaining relationships. By identifying the principles people draw on to justify supporting a significant other who changes their alcohol consumption, this study enhances our understanding about when significant others are likely to support health behavior changes.
Honoring Life After Death: Mapping the Spread of the Pause
Authors: Ducar Dallas Michelle , Cunningham Tim
Published: November 2018

Background:

Health care is a high-risk environment for clinicians and patients. The risk of burnout increases with increased patient acuity and workload demands. The Pause is a contemplative intervention that has been deployed to foster honor and self-care.

Objective:

We aimed to reveal how clinicians and educators use The Pause and how it changes systems of thinking or practice.

Methods:

Using a modified Delphi method, we interviewed 11 participants who had used The Pause or intend on using it.

Results:

The Pause is being used in 4 continents and many countries. It is most widely learned about by the bedside in practice settings. Participants believe it is malleable and has a powerful systemic effect in fostering a culture of support and honor.

Conclusion:

The Pause should continue to be taught in clinical scenarios to foster a broader humanistic ethos in health care.
Violence and Hypermasculinity in University Fraternity Initiations: Situating the Reproduction of Masculinity in the Philippines
Authors: Gutierrez Filomin C.
Published: November 2018

The article argues that understanding hegemonic masculinity can be amplified by looking into the situational contexts of men’s interactions in fraternity initiations based on the analysis of narratives of 15 fraternity men. Fraternity members from a Philippine university reached for hegemonic masculinity through the masculine exemplar of toughness to demonstrate preparedness for academic success, dominance in campus positions, and future national leadership. Through violentization (Athens, 2015), their initiations simulate the power clash between harsh patriarchs and supportive brothers that place young men’s bodies as objects and subjects of testing and indoctrination. Individual and collective efforts to critique and eschew the hypermasculinity of initiation violence achieved limited success although the pursuit of alternative socialization rituals remains a challenge.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma With Sialolithiasis of the Left Submandibular Gland: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Miyabe Satoru , Ishibashi Kenichiro , Saida Kosuke , Fujiyoshi Yukio , Fukano Hideo , Ueda Kaori , Ueda Sei , Watanabe Satoshi , Nagao Toru
Published: November 2018

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is one of the most common salivary gland malignancies with poor long-term prognosis, but the coexistence of sialoliths is extraordinarily rare. In this article, we report a case of 30-year-old woman with a history of submandibular area swelling with intermittent pain increasing during mealtimes that had led her attending physician to diagnose a sialolith in the left submandibular gland on a radiograph 10 years before. However, the surgical specimen proved to be an adenoid cystic carcinoma accompanied with a sialolith. Histopathologically, the submandibular gland was displaced with a fibrous granulation tissue containing a small cribriform carcinoma invading the extracapsular region of the gland. We performed fluorescence in situ hybridization examination with an MYB-NFIB fusion probe of the lesion, with positive results. The patient underwent a supraomohyoid neck dissection as additional procedure because of the possibility of the extracapsular cancer nest remaining around the submandibular gland, but she remains well and disease free 11 years after the first operation.
The Marketing Challenges of the Newly Independent Republics
Authors: Wood Van R. , Darling John R.
Published: November 2018

This article focuses on the entry of Central and Eastern European republics into the mainstream of global markets, which are highly competitive. For the new republics of the former East Bloc to gain significant market shares in global markets, their products and the marketing of those products must achieve world class standards in every respect. Using empirical evidence gathered from Finnish consumers from 1975 to 1990, this research addresses several fundamental questions including: How are products and marketing practices from the former USSR (and by inference the new republics) perceived by Finnish consumers? How have such perceptions changed over time, and how do they compare to their perceptions of Western competitors? Which marketing dimensions contribute most to product preferences of Finnish consumers, with respect to international alternatives? And finally, where should the new republics concentrate their future marketing efforts in order to improve their competitiveness? Results indicate that Finnish preferences are influenced most by “central product attributes” and “marketing practices satisfiers.”
The Characteristics of Joint Ventures in the People's Republic of China
Authors: Beamish Paul W.
Published: November 2018

This paper compares the characteristics of international equity joint ventures in the People's Republic of China (PRC) with joint ventures in developing country market economies. The characteristics of Sino-foreign joint ventures were derived from twelve studies published since 1986, including the author's new sample. Twelve joint venture characteristics are reviewed along dimensions of design, management and performance.

Joint ventures in PRC are frequently used, created due to government pressure and with government partners, and often formed with partners from ethnically related countries. Further, many intended joint ventures are never implemented, and those that are implemented have often been set up for a predetermined duration. The foreign partner most commonly has a minority equity position, and those who have used split control have seen stronger performance. Overall joint venture stability has been high, but is expected to decline, and foreign partner satisfaction with performance is low.
Effects of Organizational Fairness on Japanese Sales Personnel
Authors: Dubinsky Alan J. , Kotabe Masaaki , Lim Chae Un
Published: November 2018

Research has found that perceptions of equity can affect such critical variables as job satisfaction, withdrawal tendencies, and performance of U.S. workers. Whether similar results would generalize to sales personnel in the equity-oriented Japanese environment is unknown. This article presents the results of a study that examined the influence of organizational fairness (a measure of perceived equity) on Japanese salespeople's job satisfaction, organizational commitment, motivation, and performance. Findings indicate that organizational fairness has an impact on Japanese sales personnel. Implications are also provided.
Product Standardization and Attribute Saliency: A Three-Country Empirical Comparison
Authors: Du Preez Johann P. , Diamantopoulos Adamantios , Schlegelmilch Bodo B.
Published: November 2018

Standardizing the marketing mix across different countries is limited by numerous factors. Focusing specifically on the scope for product standardization in the car industry, this paper empirically investigates the extent to which consumer preferences may act as barriers to standardization. Consumers from Korea, Spain and France—three countries at different stages of development and with distinct socio-cultural characteristics—are compared in terms of the importance they attach to various product attributes with particular emphasis on country-of-origin information and “green “ features. The results reveal a large number of significant differences between the three subsamples and illustrate the substantial barriers to standardization that can exist even for such relatively culture-free products as cars.
Factors Associated with Effective use of Export Assistance
Authors: Singer Thomas Owen , Czinkota Michael R.
Published: November 2018

The export sector has been the highlight of recent U.S. economic performance, underscoring the importance of exporting as a strategic choice in the internationalization of the firm. However, firms commonly face export barriers and seek, or accept, export assistance to overcome them. Public sector organizations are an important source of export assistance. This study examines factors associated with effective use of export assistance by utilizing the results of a mail survey of 89 Minnesota firms assisted by a state agency. The results suggest that the commitment/persistence of management is a more important factor in export promotion than either the export stage or the services used by the firm.