bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Passage Time Memory Lifetimes for Simple, Multistate Synapses
Authors: Elliott Terry
Published: September 2017

Memory models based on synapses with discrete and bounded strengths store new memories by forgetting old ones. Memory lifetimes in such memory systems may be defined in a variety of ways. A mean first passage time (MFPT) definition overcomes much of the arbitrariness and many of the problems associated with the more usual signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) definition. We have previously computed MFPT lifetimes for simple, binary-strength synapses that lack internal, plasticity-related states. In simulation we have also seen that for multistate synapses, optimality conditions based on SNR lifetimes are absent with MFPT lifetimes, suggesting that such conditions may be artifactual. Here we extend our earlier work by computing the entire first passage time (FPT) distribution for simple, multistate synapses, from which all statistics, including the MFPT lifetime, may be extracted. For this, we develop a Fokker-Planck equation using the jump moments for perceptron activation. Two models are considered that satisfy a particular eigenvector condition that this approach requires. In these models, MFPT lifetimes do not exhibit optimality conditions, while in one but not the other, SNR lifetimes do exhibit optimality. Thus, not only are such optimality conditions artifacts of the SNR approach, but they are also strongly model dependent. By examining the variance in the FPT distribution, we may identify regions in which memory storage is subject to high variability, although MFPT lifetimes are nevertheless robustly positive. In such regions, SNR lifetimes are typically (defined to be) zero. FPT-defined memory lifetimes therefore provide an analytically superior approach and also have the virtue of being directly related to a neuron's firing properties.
The Minsk Agreements and the osce Special Monitoring Mission
Authors: Haug Hilde
Published: September 2017

Seeking to place the smm within the broader matrix of actors and initiatives involved in Ukraine, the contribution discusses the role of the osce smm in supporting the implementation of the Minsk Agreements. The smm has a role in monitoring, reporting and facilitating the implementation of the ceasefire elements in the Minsk Agreements, and interacts with a range of stakeholders across different levels. The contribution discusses some significant challenges and impediments to the implementation of the Minsk Agreements, and looks at how the smm’s possibilities and limitations to monitor and report on the security related aspects of these Agreements are affected by such constraints.
The Ukraine-Russia Conflict: A Way Forward
Authors: Rojansky Matthew
Published: September 2017

The United States has a vital interest in the restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty and the resolution of its conflict with Russia, which are key to de-escalating growing tension across the wider European and Euro-Atlantic space. Yet the conflict in Ukraine’s East has settled into a largely recognisable pattern: a new and very large “frozen conflict,” increasingly reminiscent of that in Moldova, Georgia and Armenia/Azerbaijan, where intense fighting at the time of the Soviet Union’s collapse was reduced by de facto cease-fires, but no effective long-term conflict-settlement mechanism was found. Washington should seek agreement from all parties to engage more directly in an osce-mediated process to stem the ongoing damage to European security, the deepening human and economic costs, and the threat to Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The Evolving Dilemma of the Status Quo in Nagorno-Karabakh
Authors: Shirinyan Anahit
Published: September 2017

The 4-day war in Nagorno-Karabakh in April 2016 has shown that a shift in the political and military balance of power between the conflicting parties is not enough to reverse the status quo by military means. The use of force and the threat of war aggravate the conflict’s security dilemma, further consolidating the status quo. As the osce Minsk Group’s mediation efforts remain hostage to the geopolitics behind the conflict, it is the political will of the conflicting parties and their adherence to fair play and mutual compromise that can shift the logic of the conflict’s dynamics into a more constructive course.
The osce’s Mediation in the Transdniestrian Settlement Process
Authors: Cristescu Roxana
Published: September 2017

This article focuses on challenges to peace mediation in the post-Soviet context by looking at the the case study of the Transdniestrian (td) settlement process. It offers a brief overview of the osce led td process and aims to explain why the conflict has failed to “respond” to the osce (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) led mediation efforts. Highlighting key process design shortcomings, the article offers a series of recommendations to practitioners to improve mediation processes in the osce context.
A revision of the genus Anadenosternum Athias-Henriot (Acari: Mesostigmata: Parasitidae)
Authors: HRÚZOVÁ KAMILA , MAŠÁN PETER , FENĎA PETER
Published: September 2017

The originally monotypic genus Anadenosternum Athias-Henriot, 1980 is revised and redefined. A new species Anadenosternum okalii sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on adult specimens collected in park litter in Bergamo, Italy. The type species of the genus, Anadenosternum azaleense (Daele, 1975), is redescribed and illustrated from adults and deutonymphs collected in soil detritus of greenhouses in the Botanic Garden in Bratislava, Slovakia. Anadenosternum pediculosum Karg & Glockemann, 1995 is considered to be a junior synonym of A. azaleense. The genus Anadenosternum is recorded from Italy and Slovakia for the first time. An identification key to known species of the genus is provided.
Generic redescription, seven new species and a key to the Taphura Stål, 1862 (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadetttinae: Taphurini)
Authors: SANBORN ALLEN F.
Published: September 2017

The Neotropical cicada genus Taphura Stål, 1862 is redescribed. Taphura attiguclava n. sp., Taphura cernuunca n. sp., Taphura crispula n. sp., Taphura demissa n. sp., Taphura dolabella n. sp., Taphura lanceola n. sp., and Taphura maccagnani n. sp. are described and illustrated. A summary of the 17 current species of Taphura along with the synonymic history and distribution of each species is provided. The first records of T. boulardi Sanborn, 2011 for Surinam, T. hastifera (Walker, 1858) for Bolivia and Ecuador, T. misella (Stål, 1854) for Bolivia and French Guiana, T. nitida (Degeer, 1773) for French Guiana, and T. sauliensis Boulard, 1971 for Ecuador and Trinidad & Tobago are provided. Finally, a key to the known species is provided.
New record of the genus Zethus Fabricius from Taiwan, with the description of Z. taiwanus sp. nov. and a key to the species of trimaculatus-group (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae)
Authors: YEH WEN-CHI , LU SHENG-SHAN
Published: September 2017

The authors report the genus Zethus Fabricius from Taiwan for the first time and describe a new species, Zethus taiwanus sp. nov. (holotype, Guishan, Xindian District, New Taipei City), which is most similar to Z. nigerrimus Gusenleitner, 2001 in female morphology. Zethus trimaculatus Cameron, 1904 is re-described based on the female holotype and the male of Z. nigerrimus also described for the first time. Following Giordani Soika's criteria for sub-groupings of the Oriental Zethus, Z. taiwanus, Z. nigerrimus and two recently described species, Z. tansoneus Nguyen & Carpenter, 2016 and Z. tumidus Nguyen & Carpenter, 2016, are subsequently added to the trimaculatus-group. A key to the Zethus trimaculatus-group is provided based mainly on male characters.
Polarimetric Radar and Surface-Based Precipitation-Type Observations of Ice Pellet to Freezing Rain Transitions
Authors: Tobin Dana M. , Kumjian Matthew R.
Published: September 2017

Recent studies document a polarimetric radar signature of refreezing. The signature is characterized by a low-level enhancement in differential reflectivity ZDR and a decrease in the copolar correlation coefficient ρhv within a region of decreasing radar reflectivity factor at horizontal polarization ZH toward the ground, called the refreezing layer (RFL). The evolution of the signature is examined during three winter storms in which the surface precipitation-type transitions from ice pellets to freezing rain. A modified quasi-vertical profile (QVP) technique is developed, which creates inverse-distance-weighted profiles using all available polarimetric data within a specified range from the radar location. Using this new technique reveals that the RFL descends in time prior to the transition from ice pellets to freezing rain and intersects the ground at the approximate transition time. Transition times are estimated using both crowdsourced and automated precipitation-type reports within a specified domain around the radar. These radar-estimated transition times are compared to a recently developed precipitation-classification algorithm based on Rapid Refresh (RAP) model wet-bulb temperature Tw profiles to explore potential benefits of analyzing QVPs during transition events. The descent of the RFL in the cases analyzed herein is related to low-level warm-air advection (WAA). A simple method for forecasting the transition time using QVPs is presented for cases of constant WAA. The repeatability of the refreezing signature’s descent in ice pellet to freezing rain transition events suggests the potential for its use in operational settings to create or modify short-term forecasts.
Item-Score Reliability in Empirical-Data Sets and Its Relationship With Other Item Indices
Authors: Zijlmans Eva A. O. , Tijmstra Jesper , van der Ark L. Andries , Sijtsma Klaas
Published: September 2017

Reliability is usually estimated for a total score, but it can also be estimated for item scores. Item-score reliability can be useful to assess the repeatability of an individual item score in a group. Three methods to estimate item-score reliability are discussed, known as method MS, method [Formula: see text], and method CA. The item-score reliability methods are compared with four well-known and widely accepted item indices, which are the item-rest correlation, the item-factor loading, the item scalability, and the item discrimination. Realistic values for item-score reliability in empirical-data sets are monitored to obtain an impression of the values to be expected in other empirical-data sets. The relation between the three item-score reliability methods and the four well-known item indices are investigated. Tentatively, a minimum value for the item-score reliability methods to be used in item analysis is recommended.
Psychological capital and work behaviour–related outcomes among South African church ministers
Authors: Kanengoni Herbert , Ngarambe Christophe Nzitonda , Buitendach Johanna Hendrina
Published: September 2017

This cross-sectional study purposively sampled ( n = 191) church ministers from all nine South African Provinces to investigate the relationship between psychological capital, work outcomes, and well-being among the church ministers in South Africa. A psychological capital questionnaire, the Minnesota satisfaction questionnaire, organisational commitment scale, orientation to happiness scale, satisfaction with life scale, and general health questionnaire were used to collect data. The results revealed that overall psychological capital not only had a positive relationship with job satisfaction, organisational commitment, and well-being but was also predictive of the mentioned constructs. Findings from this study encourage organisations in general, and church ministry in particular, to enhance individuals’ level of psychological capacities for institutional and individual growth and thriving.
Developmental Patterns of Substance Use by Gender and Their Relation to Individual, Parental, and Peer Factors
Authors: Lee Yeungjeom , Kim Jihoon
Published: September 2017

The current study aims to explore developmental pathways of substance use by gender. The influences of various predictors of gendered trajectories of substance use are also assessed. We draw on data from five waves (age 14-18 years old) of Korean Youth Panel Survey (KYPS). Semiparametric group-based models are estimated to identify heterogeneity in substance use for males and females. Multinomial logistic regression analyses are conducted to examine the association between substance use and predictors. Four alcohol use and tobacco use trajectory groups were identified for males and females. A notable difference between genders is that, unlike females, male substance use trajectories do not show a decreasing pattern. Regarding predictors of trajectory group membership, results indicate mixed findings between males and females.
The Financial Cost of a Criminal Conviction: Context and Consequences
Authors: Pleggenkuhle Breanne
Published: September 2017

Growing fiscal concerns for criminal justice agencies and punitive ideological shifts have increased the financial consequences of a conviction. The growth in legal financial obligations (LFOs), such as fees, fines, and restitution resultant from conviction has important implications for offender reentry, particularly offender reintegration and opportunities for social advancement. Utilizing data culled from in-depth qualitative interviews with a sample of persons under correctional supervision, the current research documents the nature and prevalence of LFOs for an offending population and explores how they affect post-conviction experiences. The results indicate a majority of ex-offenders experience some form of LFO including fines, supervision costs, and child-support-related fees. Overall, LFOs diminished positive opportunities for offenders by compounding precarious financial states, limiting opportunities for upward social movement, and weakening positive cognitive change. As research consistently identifies primarily adverse consequences from LFOs, policy implications are explored to mitigate negative individual and social outcomes for offenders.
A simple approach of partial discharge source location in high voltage cables
Authors: Ramírez-Niño Jose , Azcarraga Carlos G , Pascacio Alberth , Mijarez Rito , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Joaquin
Published: September 2017

This article presents a new approach of partial discharges (PD) source location in power cables. The main advantage of this approach is the detection of the propagation direction of the PD. The method provides a pattern named by the authors PD+D, which, in contrast to the well–known phase-resolved partial discharge (PRPD) pattern, graphically shows the direction of PD propagation and uses the polarity of a sensor array on top of the magnitudes of the positive and negative parts of each PD pulse to detect the direction of propagation, is described in detail. The proposed technique is useful for the evaluation and diagnosis of power cables, since it can identify incipient faults. The attained results that demonstrate the value of this methodology and their scope and limitations are discussed.
Professors-in-Training or Precarious Workers? Identity, Coalition Building, and Social Movement Unionism in the 2015 University of Toronto Graduate Employee Strike
Authors: Birdsell Bauer Louise
Published: September 2017

In this article, I argue that graduate employees took on the political identity of precarious workers who face job insecurity and income insecurity, drawing attention to the casualization of work in the academic labor market in Canada, and the cost of undertaking graduate studies in Canadian universities. Their argument appealed to media, faculty, undergraduate students, and supportive media, which was key to building solidarity and public support for graduate employees’ struggle. Building on social movement unionism literature, I show how this identity moved the debate away from the bargaining table and into broader coalition building, suggesting a broader social movement unionism among academic workers.
“Something to live for”: Weekly singing classes at a Chinese university for retirees
Authors: Southcott Jane , Li Sicong
Published: September 2017

Active music participation offers a way for older people to sustain wellbeing and health. This article explores the understandings and experiences of a group of older Chinese people who actively participate in singing lessons at the Tangshan Older People University, China. This article uses a phenomenological qualitative research approach that allows an investigation of individual experiences of music engagement in later life. This research utilized a case study design and data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis which explores experience as understood by participants. Five broad themes were identified from the data: Emotional wellbeing, Physical wellbeing, Mental wellbeing and “learning new things”, Musical preferences, and Sharing music. The participants have purposefully sought music-learning experiences and recognize the benefits of their ongoing music education.
Cyanoacrylate adhesive embolization and sclerotherapy for primary varicose veins
Authors: Bellam Premnath Krishna Prasad , Joy Binu , Raghavendra Vijayakumar Akondi , Toms Ajith , Sleeba Teena
Published: September 2017

Various treatment methods are available for the treatment of varicose veins, and there has been a recent surge in the usage of cyanoacrylate glue for treating varicose veins.

Purpose

To investigate the technical possibility, efficiency and safety of cyanoacrylate adhesive embolization and sclerotherapy using commonly available n-butyl cyanoacrylate glue for the treatment of primary varicose veins due to great saphenous vein reflux with or without incompetent perforators.

Materials and Methods

One hundred forty-five limbs of 124 patients with varicose veins due to great saphenous vein reflux were subjected to cyanoacrylate adhesive embolization and sclerotherapy – adhesive embolization of great saphenous vein in the thigh and perforators using cyanoacrylate followed by sclerotherapy of any residual varicose veins in the leg. Procedural success, venous closure rates and clinical improvement were assessed. Follow-up for 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months was obtained.

Results

Technical success rate was 100%. Saphenous vein closure rate was 96.5% at one year. There was no femoral venous extension of cyanoacrylate in any of the patients. Posterior tibial vein extension of cyanoacrylate was seen in three patients (2.6%) without untoward clinical effect.Significant improvement was found in venous clinical severity score (VCSS) from a baseline mean of 7.98 ± 4.42 to 4.74 ± 3, 1.36 ± 1.65 and 0.79 ± 1.19 at 1, 6 and 12 months’ follow-up. Ulcer healing rate was 100%.

Conclusion

Cyanoacrylate adhesive embolization and sclerotherapy for the treatment of primary varicose veins is efficacious and can be performed as an outpatient procedure, but has a guarded safety profile due to its propensity to cause deep venous occlusion if not handled carefully.
A description of the ‘smile sign’ and multi-pass technique for endovenous laser ablation of large diameter great saphenous veins
Authors: Dabbs Emma B , Mainsiouw Laurensius E , Holdstock Judith M , Price Barrie A , Whiteley Mark S
Published: September 2017

Aims

To report on great saphenous vein diameter distribution of patients undergoing endovenous laser ablation for lower limb varicose veins and the ablation technique for large diameter veins.

Methods

We collected retrospective data of 1929 (943 left leg and 986 right leg) clinically incompetent great saphenous vein diameters treated with endovenous laser ablation over five years and six months. The technical success of procedure, complications and occlusion rate at short-term follow-up are reported. Upon compression, larger diameter veins may constrict asymmetrically rather than concentrically around the laser fibre (the ‘smile sign’), requiring multiple passes of the laser into each dilated segment to achieve complete ablation.

Results

Of 1929 great saphenous veins, 334 (17.31%) had a diameter equal to or over 15 mm, which has been recommended as the upper limit for endovenous laser ablation by some clinicians. All were successfully treated and occluded upon short-term follow-up.

Conclusion

We suggest that incompetent great saphenous veins that need treatment can always be treated with endovenous laser ablation, and open surgery should never be recommended on vein diameter alone.
Fractionation of Pb and Cu in the fine fraction (<10 mm) of waste excavated from a municipal landfill
Authors: Kaczala Fabio , Orupõld Kaja , Augustsson Anna , Burlakovs Juris , Hogland Marika , Bhatnagar Amit , Hogland William
Published: September 2017

The fractionation of metals in the fine fraction (<10 mm) of excavated waste from an Estonian landfill was carried out to evaluate the metal (Pb and Cu) contents and their potential towards not only mobility but also possibilities of recovery/extraction. The fractionation followed the BCR (Community Bureau of Reference) sequential extraction, and the exchangeable (F1), reducible (F2), oxidizable (F3) and residual fractions were determined. The results showed that Pb was highly associated with the reducible (F2) and oxidizable (F3) fractions, suggesting the potential mobility of this metal mainly when in contact with oxygen, despite the low association with the exchangeable fraction (F1). Cu has also shown the potential for mobility when in contact with oxygen, since high associations with the oxidizable fraction (F3) were observed. On the other hand, the mobility of metals in excavated waste can be seen as beneficial considering the circular economy and recovery of such valuables back into the economy. To conclude, not only the total concentration of metals but also a better understanding of fractionation and in which form metals are bound is very important to bring information on how to manage the fine fraction from excavated waste both in terms of environmental impacts and also recovery of such valuables in the economy.
Hierarchical Structure of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Fourth Edition with an Egyptian Sample
Authors: Abdelhamid Gomaa Said Mohamed , Gómez-Benito Juana , Abdeltawwab Ahmed Taha Mohamed , Abu Bakr Mostafa Hafida Soliman , Kazem Amina Mohamed
Published: September 2017

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) is one of the most well-known tests in the field of adult intelligence assessment. This study explores the validity of the Egyptian adaptation for the subscales of the WAIS-IV. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated that the first-order, second-order, and bifactor models of both the five-factor Cattel–Horn–Carroll (CHC) and the four-factor structures fitted with the WAIS-IV. When the Arithmetic subscale was pathed to Perceptual Reasoning and Working Memory, the modified four first-order factor showed a better fit than any other model. Estimates of internal consistency revealed that Cronbach’s alpha was very high (.91) for the WAIS-IV scale and for four-factor structures (ranging from .81 to .95), while [Formula: see text] was low (0.61) for the WAIS-IV scale and for four-factor structures, ranging from 0.20 to 0.68. Overall, these findings provided adding evidence about the dimensionality of WAIS-IV with a new sample.
Scheduling method of robotic cells with machine–robot process and time window constraints
Authors: Zhou Bing-hai , Li Ming
Published: September 2017

Robotic cells are widely used in the fields of incorporate automation and repetitive processing. Throughput analysis and scheduling of robotic cells with machine process have been well studied, while research work on robotic cells with machine–robot process in which robots concurrently perform collaborated tasks in addition to part transportation is still at an early stage. After defining the concepts of internal and external time window constraints, we propose a robotic cell scheduling problem with machine process and machine–robot process simultaneously, when processing time window is an essential constraint. According to the constraints in real engineering practice, a mathematic model of single-gripper robotic cells is established to minimize the average manufacturing cycle time. A shifting bottleneck searching algorithm is proposed based on the basis of analyses. In addition, a lower bound for the average manufacturing cycle time is established. Finally, through extensive simulation experiments, the numerical and experimental results demonstrate that the shifting bottleneck searching provides optimal or near optimal solutions.
An Exploration Into the Factors Driving Working Professionals Buying Small Cars
Authors: Swar Biranchi Narayan
Published: September 2017

India is the one of the top 15 largest passenger car markets globally and is expected to be among the top 10 markets by 2016. Post-liberalization, many foreign manufacturers have set up their operations in India. It is expected that the small car segment is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 15–16 per cent in the next five years. During its early stages, the auto industry was overlooked by the then government and the policies were also not favourable. The liberalization policy and various tax reliefs by the Government of India in recent years have made remarkable impacts on Indian automobile industry, especially the small car segments. Moreover, it is the small car that is going to dominate the Indian roads, generate volumes and strengthen manufacturers’ bottom lines in future. This article is an attempt to explore factors driving working professionals buying small cars. The data was collected from 250 respondents and analysed with exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using varimax rotations. The analysis extracted four factors such as artistic, economical, safety and security, and comfortability. The managerial implications include the following—small car dealers need to adopt strategies to understand working professionals’ safety, security and comfortability concerns and formulate strategy accordingly.
Work Engagement in India and Thailand: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Chaudhary Richa , Rangnekar Santosh , Tanlamai Uthai , Rajkulchai Surasvadee , Asawasakulsor Anirut
Published: September 2017

The study investigated the role of human resource development climate (HRDC) and self-efficacy as predictors of work engagement amongst IT-sector employees of India and Thailand. In addition, it also made an attempt to unfurl the mechanism underlying the proposed relationship by proposing and testing a model with self-efficacy as an intervening variable. Work engagement levels among IT-sector employees in Thailand were found be slightly higher than those among the employees in India. Both HRDC and self-efficacy were found to be significant predictors of work engagement. The results for self-efficacy as a mediator and a moderator of the proposed relationship between HRDC and work engagement are reported and discussed. Article building on the theoretical framework of the job-demands resources model, the social cognitive theory and the conservation of resources (COR) theory produces cross-national knowledge about work engagement and predictors.
Reflections of a psychiatric mercenary: on being a locum
Authors: Perkins Chris
Published: September 2017

Objective:

In this article I reflect on life as a locum psychiatrist in Australia and New Zealand, considering the context, qualities required in a locum and the benefits and challenges of the role.

Conclusions:

Australasian psychiatric locums work mostly in rural areas or small towns where it is difficult to recruit and retain consultants or to cover for leave. The qualities appreciated in locums are their presence, the ability to start work quickly, flexibility, therapeutic caution and advocacy. The personal benefits are income, adventure and learning. While there are difficulties and frustrations, being a locum is interesting and exciting for those inclined to step out of their comfort zone.
Divided we fall: clinicians and academic psychiatrists need to stand together
Authors: Allison Stephen , Bastiampillai Tarun , Battersby Malcolm
Published: September 2017

Objective:

Psychiatry faces urgent problems requiring united action. These problems affect academic psychiatrists in the universities, and clinicians in publicly funded mental health services. Academic units are isolated and endangered, finding it difficult to recruit. They could benefit from closer relationships with public mental health services, in terms of recruitment, shared teaching and clinical research. However, mental health services are preoccupied with their own problems, particularly in relation to acute clinical demand. How can we stand together to improve academic units and clinical psychiatry?

Conclusions:

Clinicians and academic psychiatrists can stand together on important matters, but it takes initiatives from local leaders to overcome the structural barriers between health services and the universities. An example is given of united action by clinicians and academic psychiatrists to address a crisis within a state mental health system. First, psychiatrists undertook independent health services research that compared the state system with those in other Australian and international jurisdictions. The comparative data was used to generate solutions, which were presented at every level from ministerial offices through to service managers. Finally, psychiatrists took up joint academic and clinical leadership roles in the university and the mental health system. This united research-led approach turned around the crisis in the state mental health system.
Investigating Sex Bias in the AQ-10: A Replication Study
Authors: Murray Aja Louise , Booth Tom , Auyeung Bonnie , McKenzie Karen , Kuenssberg Renate
Published: September 2017

There are concerns that females with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) may be underidentified because of factors such as better camouflaging and poorer recognition of the signs of ASD in females. One stage at which females may be underidentified is during screening. In this study, we, therefore, evaluated whether the autism spectrum quotient (AQ-10), a brief recommended screening instrument for ASD in adults suspected of having ASD, showed any evidence of underestimating symptoms in females. Our results broadly replicate those of an earlier study in finding no strong evidence that the AQ-10 is biased against females. However, to achieve better performance in females, we suggest that one item be replaced with an item measuring more “female” manifestations of ASD.
Financing Integration of Urban Water Systems: From Service Provision to Resource Management
Authors: Grigg Neil S. , Connor Theresa , Maas Alex
Published: September 2017

Cities seeking to reform water management practices that degrade sustainability are challenged by limited resources, financial needs of legacy infrastructures, institutional barriers, and rigid regulatory environments. Stakeholders in urban water programs report that financial aspects of One Water top their list of concerns. As shown by local initiatives, integrated water management strategies based on the One Water concept can help to mitigate these problems and provide additional benefits and co-benefits. Experiences reported by cities identify practices that facilitate financial solutions to ongoing concerns. Drawing from three sets of One Water cases, 36 examples were shown to include significant financial innovation. Analysis of them pointed to strategies that involve organizational approaches, regional shared governance, partnerships, resource conservation, and corporate social responsibility. Financial innovation in each category requires further study to identify new opportunities and to validate feasibility, along with benefits and co-benefits.
Weight Loss Strategies Utilized in a Men’s Weight Loss Intervention
Authors: Crane Melissa M. , Lutes Lesley D. , Sherwood Nancy E. , Ward Dianne S. , Tate Deborah F.
Published: September 2017

Men are underrepresented in weight loss programs and little is currently known about the weight loss strategies men prefer. This study describes the weight loss strategies used by men during a men-only weight loss program. At baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, participants reported how frequently they used 45 weight loss strategies including strategies frequently recommended by the program (i.e., mentioned during every intervention contact; e.g., daily self-weighing), strategies occasionally recommended by the program (i.e., mentioned at least once during the program; e.g., reduce calories from beverages), and strategies not included in the program (e.g., increase daily steps). At baseline participants ( N = 107, 44.2 years, body mass index = 31.4 kg/m2, 76.6% White) reported regularly using 7.3 ± 6.6 ( M ± SD) strategies. The intervention group increased the number of strategies used to 19.1 ± 8.3 at 3 months and 17.1 ± 8.4 at 6 months with no changes in the waitlist group. The intervention group reported increased use of most of the strategies frequently recommended by the program (4 of 5), nearly half of the strategies occasionally recommended by the program (10 of 24), and one strategy not included in the program (of 16) at 6 months. The intervention effect at 6 months was significantly mediated by the number of strategies used at 3 months. This study adds to what is known about men’s use of weight loss strategies prior to and during a formal weight loss program and will help future program developers create programs that are tailored to men.
Satisfaction with police services among victims of physical assault in India
Authors: Kumar TK Vinod
Published: September 2017

Victim satisfaction is impacted by both the quality of the procedure and the outcome of the criminal justice process. Quality of procedure encompasses procedural and interactional justice. Using survey data of victims of physical assault in India, this study examines the impact of quality of procedure and outcome on victim satisfaction with police services. The study concludes that although both factors have an effect on victim satisfaction, quality of procedure has a greater impact than outcomes of the process for victims of physical assault in India.
Security at home: How private securitization practices increase state and capitalist control
Authors: Low Setha
Published: September 2017

The impact of the security state is not only seen in the political and spatial restrictions on public space and the public sphere or inscribed in militarized national borders and cities, but also in the increasing penetration of the domestic and private realm of home. These securitization practices and how they work can be exposed through an ethnographic analysis of formal institutional structures as well as the affective, discursive and bodily practices that make up and regulate everyday life. Examining securitization as a scalar set of spatial practices and social processes that interlock through a desire for ‘security’ reveals how securitization is able to keep a political stranglehold not only on poor, homeless and marginalized people who are traditionally perceived to be at risk and the target of these controls, but also on middle-class social preferences, political actions, shared feelings, and daily movements. This paper explores five of these sociospatial securitization practices including spatial enclosure, surveillance, private governance, rules and regulations, and financialization of everyday life that constrict and then redirect middle-class home life in private housing regimes in New York City.
Analytical techniques for the characterization of Antibody Drug Conjugates: Challenges and prospects
Authors: Neupane Rabin , Bergquist Jonas
Published: September 2017

Antibody drug conjugates are increasingly being researched for the treatment of cancer. Accurate and reliable characterization of ADCs is inevitable for their development as potential therapeutic agent. Different analytical techniques have been used in order to decipher heterogeneous nature of antibody drug conjugates, enabling successful characterization. This review will summarize specially three major analytical tools i.e. UV–Vis spectroscopy, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry used in characterization of antibody drug conjugates. In this review, major challenges during analysis due to the inherent features of analytical techniques and antibody drug conjugates are summarized along with the modifications intended to address each challenge.
Population-level alcohol consumption and national homicide rates
Authors: Hockin Sara , Rogers Meghan L. , Pridemore William Alex
Published: September 2017

We explored the cross-national association between population-level alcohol consumption and homicide victimization rates. The very few prior studies of this association had small homogeneous sample sizes and usually tested only for a linear effect, ignoring other commonly hypothesized explanations. We employed a cross-sectional design, with data from 83 nations, and controlled for several possible covariates. We used exploratory data analysis, weighted least squares regression, and piecewise regression to model total, male, and female homicide victimization rates. We tested for linear effects of total per capita consumption, threshold effects, effects due to risky drinking patterns, and beverage-specific effects of per capita beer, wine, and spirits consumption. We found cross-national homicide rates were not sensitive to threshold effects and nations with riskier drinking patterns did not have higher homicide rates than nations with less risky drinking patterns. Results showed total per capita alcohol consumption was associated with total, male, and female homicide rates, though this association concealed beverage-specific effects. Per capita beer and spirits consumption was positively and significantly associated with total, male, and female homicide victimization rates, whereas our findings suggested per capita wine consumption might be negatively associated with homicide rates. The impact of alcohol consumption on cross-national homicide rates is understudied relative to other population health outcomes, and the few prior analyses did not test the four most common explanations of a possible association. Our findings provide an important contribution to better understanding this complicated relationship.
Helping a Man With Cerebral Palsy Access Preferred Internet Content Using Assistive Technology and a Participant-Directed Support Model
Authors: Sigafoos Jeff , Carnett Amarie , McNamee Stephanie , Lancioni Giulio E. , O’Reilly Mark F.
Published: September 2017

A man with cerebral palsy was helped to access preferred Internet content through a treatment program involving assistive technology and support from research staff. The assistive technology included an individually configured Apple iPad® and a head pointer that enabled the man to directly select screen icons linked to preferred websites. Staff supported the man by setting up the technology and responding to his instructions and requests for assistance and by performing general troubleshooting operations (e.g., starting up, positioning, rebooting, and charging the iPad® as necessary). Twelve treatment sessions, one per week, provided opportunities for the man to practice using the iPad®. Progress was assessed by rating his (a) degree of independence, (b) level of participation, (c) performance, (d) satisfaction with performance, and (e) overall satisfaction with the head pointer, the iPad®, and the treatment program. The man actively participated in each treatment session and reported better performance over the course of treatment. He was also generally satisfied with the program. The present combination of assistive technology and staff support appeared acceptable and effective in increasing participation. The approach illustrates how aspects of self-determination can be incorporated into assistive technology interventions for adults with cerebral palsy.
Endovascular Management of a Giant High-Flow Lower Limb Arteriovenous Malformation
Authors: Ramírez-Senent Belén , Abadal José M. , Vázquez Esther , Lago Isabel , Gálvez Esther , Araujo Miguel A. , de la Quintana Manuel I.
Published: September 2017

Purpose:

High-flow arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) may pose a challenge for endovascular treatment due to high-flow rates. Incomplete treatment, recurrence, or even worsening can occur if a proper management is not performed. We report a case successfully treated with endovascular therapy.

Case Report:

A 37-year-old male was referred to our hospital with a soft tumor in the left thigh, limb asymmetry and associated pain. Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging showed an extensive high-flow AVM with a venous aneurysm of 40 mm diameter. Diagnostic angiography identified multiple feeding vessels from the profunda femoris and superficial femoral arteries. Two endovascular interventions were performed within 1 month, combining afferent vessel embolization and percutaneous thrombin injection into the nidus, to exclude the AVM. Two-year imaging follow-up revealed thrombosis of the malformation. The patient remained asymptomatic with normal thigh diameter. No complications were documented in any of the sessions.

Conclusion:

Endovascular therapy could be a safe and effective option for AVM as long as it includes not only feeding vessels embolization but also complete occlusion of the nidus.
Controlling Multiple Unmanned Aircraft from a Manned Helicopter: The Need for Advanced Autonomy and Refined Pilot-Vehicle Interface
Authors: Taylor Grant S. , Alicia Thomas J. , Turpin Terry , Surana Amit
Published: September 2017

Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) is a military concept that employs unmanned aerial systems (UASs) in support of traditional manned aircraft. The current ratio of manned to unmanned aircraft in MUM-T operations is one to one with a goal to expand to multiple UASs to further enhance the capability, but this imposes significant challenges on the operator. To address these challenges, this research implemented automated UAS behaviors combined with a pilot-vehicle interface tailored to provide supervisory control over multiple UASs. Results demonstrated that this combination of technologies allows a single crewmember to effectively manage up to three UASs while executing complex MUM-T tactical missions with manageable workload, improved situational awareness, and improved mission performance. Experimental results also identified areas where the current implementations can be further refined.
Human Readiness Assessment: A Multivariate Approach
Authors: Garcia Andre , Ganey Neil , Wilbert Jeff
Published: September 2017

Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) are a framework, originally created by NASA and later adopted and tailored by the US Department of Defense (Graettinger, Garcia, Siviy, Schenk, Van Syckle, 2002) to track the progress and maturity of a given technology. There are a number of derivative readiness level frameworks that have spun off the original TRL framework such as System Readiness Levels, Software Readiness Levels, Integration Readiness Levels, and Manufacturing Readiness Levels, just to name a few. Most of the time, these frameworks have an associated readiness assessment used to identify or assess the precise readiness level status. Human Readiness Levels (HRLs) are a framework used to identify the level of readiness or maturity of a given technology as it relates to its usability and its refinement to be used by a human(s) (Phillips, 2010). There are a number of HRL frameworks or similar (e.g. Human Factors Readiness Levels), yet little attention has been paid to Human Readiness Assessments (HRAs). The purpose of this paper is to review the literature of Human Readiness Levels and introduce a new multivariate Human Readiness Assessment that emphasizes workload, situation awareness (SA), and usability.
Best Practices for Engaging Underserved Populations
Authors: Stonewall Jacklin , Fjelstad Katherine , Dorneich Michael , Shenk Linda , Krejci Caroline , Passe Ulrike
Published: September 2017

This work developed and applied a set of “best practices” when engaging marginalized populations to collect data, attitudes, and opinions around a research topic. To support city stakeholders making decisions to create more sustainable and equitable cities, data-driven simulation models are being developed. To ensure that these models are equitable, the needs of marginalized populations must be included. The challenge, however, in understanding these needs is that researchers have often struggled to reach and engage underserved populations. The best practices were developed by reviewing the literature from areas such as psychology, communication, and community planning. These best practices (Earn Trust Through Partnership, Be Multilingual & Inclusive, Communicate for Understanding, Respect Work Schedules and Cultural Norms, and Offer Something Useful) were then applied to the design of a data collection exercise for the study of weatherization decision making and behaviors of urban residents in an economically disadvantaged community. The results of the process were positive with high levels of participation and engagement. The use of the best practices allowed the researchers to better engage with the population, to the benefit of both groups. The development of these best practices will aid researchers in better engaging underserved populations across many areas of study.
Improving How We Weave Cognitive Engineering into Military Acquisition: Understand, Design, Validate
Authors: McDermott Patricia L. , Ryan Matthew , Bonaceto Craig , Potter Scott , Savage-Knepshield Pam , Kosnik William , Dominguez Cindy
Published: September 2017

To fulfill its name and purpose, cognitive engineering must emerge from its application primarily as a research practice into implementation within recognized practices of systems engineering. Although generally accepted in military research circles, cognitive engineering theory and methods have not gained widespread application in systems engineering processes. This panel will enable five speakers with different perspectives on this problem to describe means for attempting to change this state of the practice. The focus of the panel will be in gaining traction and advocacy for applying cognitive engineering in the acquisition of major military systems, which are typically employed in high-stakes, time-critical, high-uncertainty environments.
Does Accountability and an Automation Decision Aid’s Reliability Affect Human Performance in a Visual Search Task?
Authors: Shah Smruti J. , Bliss James P.
Published: September 2017

Some automation aids are not 100% reliable and can therefore provide incorrect information to users. If humans trust and comply with faulty automation aids, performance errors may result. In combat identification, performance errors may include fratricide or failure to identify enemies. In operator-automation teams, human accountability may reduce errors resulting from over-compliance and automation bias. The goal of the proposed study was to evaluate if reliability of an automation aid (60%, 80%) and accountability level (accountability, non-accountability) would influence human performance on a visual search task. Fifty-two undergraduate students performed a simulated combat identification task, aided by automation. Those in the 60% reliability condition committed more identification errors. However, this difference was eliminated for accountable participants. The findings suggest increasing operator accountability may improve identification performance and meliorate the adverse effects of unreliable automation.