bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Γ-stochastic neighbour embedding for feed-forward data visualization
Authors: Rice Iain
Published: December 2017

t-Distributed stochastic neighbour embedding is one of the most popular non-linear dimension-reduction techniques used in multiple application domains. In this article, we propose a variation on the embedding neighbourhood distribution, resulting in Γ-stochastic neighbour embedding, which can construct a feed-forward mapping using a radial basis function network. We compare the visualizations generated by Γ-stochastic neighbour embedding with those of t-distributed stochastic neighbour embedding and provide empirical evidence suggesting the network is capable of robust interpolation and automatic weight regularization.
Assessing acute psychological distress in the immediate aftermath of stroke
Authors: Juth Vanessa , Chan Michelle K , Cramer Steven C , Holman E Alison
Published: December 2017

Background and purpose:

High acute stress may presage the development of subsequent cardiovascular ailments. Understanding how best to assess acute stress may inform early interventions seeking to prevent long-term morbidity/mortality following stroke. A mixed methods approach examined early post-stroke acute stress symptoms using the post-traumatic stress disorder checklist-5 (PCL-5) and the acute stress disorder scale (ASDS).

Methods:

A focus group of stroke survivors and/or their caregivers ( N=8) evaluated PCL-5/ASDS feasibility, and 20 patients hospitalized for acute stroke were interviewed 2–10 days post-stroke onset, using either the PCL-5 or the ASDS.

Results:

Acute stress symptoms were present and measurable during acute stroke recovery. Assessment of acute stress in hospitalized patients with stroke is feasible; a briefer modified ASDS has advantages over the PCL-5.

Conclusions:

The ASDS is a viable and useful measure for assessing psychological distress during the acute post-stroke aftermath. Findings suggest that acute stress symptoms are present among patients with stroke, warranting greater attention to psychological responses in the early post-stroke period. Given that acute stress has serious potential long-term health consequences, additional research on stroke-related acute stress may prove useful for understanding post-stroke morbidity/mortality.
Persistence of socioeconomic inequalities in the knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors five years after coronary angiography
Authors: Tchicaya Anastase , Lorentz Nathalie , Demarest Stefaan , Beissel Jean
Published: December 2017

Background:

Cardiovascular diseases are important causes of death, morbidity, and years of potential life lost in most developed countries.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to assess trends in knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors among patients five years after coronary angiography and to investigate the impact of educational level on knowledge level.

Methods:

The study included 1289 of 4391 patients admitted for cardiac events in 2008/2009 at the National Institute for Cardiac Surgery and Interventional Cardiology, Luxembourg. A follow-up study was conducted by post five years later (2013/2014). Data were obtained from 1837 of the contacted patients (with 548 reported deaths) (response rate=42%). Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between educational level and knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors. Educational level was used as a surrogate for socioeconomic status.

Results:

In total, 39.9% of patients could list at least three risk factors in 2013/2014, a much higher percentage than the 8.5% observed during the initial survey. In both sexes, knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors increased between 2008/2009 and 2013/2014. Patients with higher educational levels were more likely (odds ratio=2.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.63–3.34) to cite at least three risk factors than patients with lower education levels.

Conclusion:

Knowledge level was associated with educational level, and improved for all educational groups five years after coronary angiography. Educational differences in knowledge persisted, but the gaps decreased. Improving knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors among patients with cardiovascular disease will help increase awareness and promote lifestyle changes.
Non-formal spaces of socio-cultural accompaniment: Responding to young unaccompanied refugees – reflections from the Partispace project
Authors: Batsleer Janet , Andersson Björn , Liljeholm Hansson Susanne , Lütgens Jessica , Mengilli Yağmur , Pais Alexandre , Pohl Axel , Wissö Therése
Published: December 2017

Drawing on research in progress in the Partispace project we make a case for the recognition of the importance of non-formal spaces in response to young refugees across three different national contexts: Frankfurt in Germany; Gothenburg in Sweden; and Manchester in the UK. It is argued that recognition of local regulation and national controls of immigration which support climates of hostility makes it important to recognise and affirm the significance of non-formal spaces and ‘small spaces close to home’ which are often developed in the ‘third space’ of civil society and arise from the impulses driven by the solidarity of volunteers. In these contexts it is important that practices of hospitality can develop which symbolically reconstitute refugees as hosts and subjects of a democratic conversation, without which there is no possible administrative solution to the refugee crisis. It is essential that educational spaces such as schools, colleges and universities forge strong bonds with such emergent spaces.
Interests, ideas and legacies of the past: Analysing the positions and strategies of Swedish policy actors in the establishment of the European Research Council
Authors: Persson Bo
Published: December 2017

In the past decade, the number of EU policy activities in research and higher education has increased greatly. The governance processes in these areas are increasingly characterized as multilayered, involving actors with a variety of roles, functions and loyalties. This article focuses on the forces shaping the policy positions and strategies of national science policy actors and coalitions in transnational policy processes through a case study of the positions, ideas and strategies held by central Swedish science policy actors in the process of building the European Research Council (ERC) during the first decade of the 2000s. The case is analysed from the perspectives of three versions of neo-institutional theory, each of which has somewhat different views on how institutions, interests and policy ideas interact in these kind of processes. The analysis shows that the Swedish influence on this process consisted primarily of an advocacy coalition of individuals with strong institutional positions in the Swedish science policy system and affiliations to transnational policy institutions and communities. Furthermore, the study shows that the policy actors largely functioned as normative entrepreneurs who related to general policy ideas shared by members of a transnational community, but also that the drivers of the development and the policy solutions were largely anchored in experiences and legacies from a national context.
Applying fuzzy grey quality function deployment to identify solutions for improving safety of container terminal loading and unloading operations
Authors: Chen Ching-Yuan , Ding Ji-Feng , Liang Gin-Shuh , Chou Tsung-Yu
Published: December 2017

The safety of container terminal loading and unloading operations is an important link in international port logistics, and such operations deeply affect terminal operating efficiency and service quality. Finding solutions for improving the safety and quality of loading and unloading operations has therefore become very important. In this article, a fuzzy grey quality function deployment approach was developed to identify solutions for improving the safety of container terminal loading and unloading operations in Taiwan. First, the fuzzy grey quality function deployment approach was presented. Second, this study employed a house of quality to facilitate investigation of the 18 safety needs’ attributes and 10 feasible technical solutions. Safety needs, and their importance and satisfaction, were then examined via an expert questionnaire. Subsequently, a fuzzy relationship matrix was constructed to link technical solutions and safety needs in a fuzzy decision environment. Finally, the fuzzy grey quality function deployment approach was applied to prioritize technical solutions regarding improving the safety quality of container terminal loading and unloading operations in Taiwan. This study’s results show that the top six most feasible technical solutions for improving the safety quality of loading and unloading operations are “implementing professional education and training,”“enhancing safety awareness and behavior of personnel,”“developing effective standard operating procedures,”“adequate safety equipment,”“establishing a good safety climate,” and “regular maintenance of hardware and equipment.” These top six technical solutions are also discussed in this article.
Evaluation of deep learning approaches based on convolutional neural networks for corrosion detection
Authors: Atha Deegan J , Jahanshahi Mohammad R
Published: December 2017

Corrosion is a major defect in structural systems that has a significant economic impact and can pose safety risks if left untended. Currently, an inspector visually assesses the condition of a structure to identify corrosion. This approach is time-consuming, tedious, and subjective. Robotic systems, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, paired with computer vision algorithms have the potential to perform autonomous damage detection that can significantly decrease inspection time and lead to more frequent and objective inspections. This study evaluates the use of convolutional neural networks for corrosion detection. A convolutional neural network learns the appropriate classification features that in traditional algorithms were hand-engineered. Eliminating the need for dependence on prior knowledge and human effort in designing features is a major advantage of convolutional neural networks. This article presents different convolutional neural network–based approaches for corrosion assessment on metallic surfaces. The effect of different color spaces, sliding window sizes, and convolutional neural network architectures are discussed. To this end, the performance of two pretrained state-of-the-art convolutional neural network architectures as well as two proposed convolutional neural network architectures are evaluated, and it is shown that convolutional neural networks outperform state-of-the-art vision-based corrosion detection approaches that are developed based on texture and color analysis using a simple multilayered perceptron network. Furthermore, it is shown that one of the proposed convolutional neural networks significantly improves the computational time in contrast with state-of-the-art pretrained convolutional neural networks while maintaining comparable performance for corrosion detection.
An application of finite element model updating for damage assessment of a two-story reinforced concrete building and comparison with lidar
Authors: Song Mingming , Yousefianmoghadam Seyedsina , Mohammadi Mohammad-Ebrahim , Moaveni Babak , Stavridis Andreas , Wood Richard L
Published: December 2017

This article investigates the performance of finite element model updating to identify the induced damage in a two-story reinforced concrete masonry-infilled building using vibration data as well as lidar (light detection and ranging) scans. The building, located in El Centro, California, was severely damaged due to the 2010 El Mayor–Cucapah (Baja California, Mexico) Earthquake, and it was planned to be demolished following a number of ambient and forced vibration tests. The forced vibration tests were performed using an eccentric mass shaker. During the testing sequence, damage was induced to the building by removing four exterior walls. The modal parameters of the structure are estimated using the ambient vibration and forced vibration measurements at the reference state and damaged state. Lidar data are also used to detect surface defects and quantify the temporal changes of surface defects caused by the wall removal and forced vibration tests. Based on site inspections, geometry measurements, and material test data, two initial finite element models are built, namely the un-tuned initial model and the tuned initial model. The tuned initial model implements stiffness reduction factors to account for the observed damage in the building at its reference state while the un-tuned model does not. Two sets of reference models are calibrated to represent the structure at the reference state using the un-tuned and tuned initial models. The reference models are then updated to fit the measured data at the damaged state of the building with damage being estimated as the loss of stiffness in updating substructures. The estimated damage is compared to the nominal value of induced damage and surface defects detected by lidar scans. The analysis of the results indicates that the un-tuned and tuned initial models provide similar updated models and damage identification results which are in good agreement with the nominal values of damage and lidar detection results.
Lester Milbrath’s The Washington Lobbyists, 50 Years On: An Enduring Legacy
Authors: McGrath Conor
Published: December 2017

Published in 1963, Lester Milbrath’s The Washington Lobbyists has become indispensable for understanding how lobbying operates and the societal benefits it brings. Milbrath there presented the first detailed survey of lobbying activities, and his findings have been generally affirmed by a range of later studies, although his conviction that lobbying was an essentially benign force which exerted relatively little impact on policy has been more contested. Milbrath’s theoretical model of lobbying as a communication process has enduring value to scholars and practitioners alike, and the definition of lobbying which he formulated continues to be useful. This article seeks explicitly to celebrate Milbrath’s outstanding research on lobbyists, more than 50 years after his book was published, and highlights some elements of Milbrath’s work which have not yet been fully explored by scholars.
Reading Strategies and Academic Success: The Case of First-Semester College Males
Authors: Poole Alex
Published: December 2017

Research has shown that males often struggle with the demands of college, one of which involves comprehending academic texts. Many males, however, do understand course readings and are successful students. Unfortunately, little is known about how successful and struggling college males differ in their use of reading strategies, the effective use of which is vital for academic text comprehension. The following study aimed to fill this gap by analyzing first-semester college males’ strategy use and investigating whether it was related to academic success. The results were similar to other studies of college students’ strategy use and suggest that many males are unwilling or unable to use certain strategies. In addition, a small number of significant correlations between strategy use and academic success were found. Explanations for such results and pedagogical interventions to help first-semester college males better use reading strategies are considered.
Concordance Between Parents in Perpetration of Child Mistreatment: How Often Is It by Father-Only, Mother-Only, or by Both and What Difference Does It Make?
Authors: Straus Murray A. , Douglas Emily M.
Published: December 2017

Research on child mistreatment tends to focus on the mother or the father as the abusing parent, even though there is wide agreement that both theory and practice should deal with child maltreatment as a family system problem. Most children have the benefit or the risk of more than one caretaker for substantial periods of their lives, most often two parents or stepparents. This article is intended to illustrate the value of research which uses concordance analysis (CA) to identify children who experienced three dyadic concordance types (DCTs) of mistreatment: father-only, mother-only, or both parents, including single-parent combinations of caretakers. A concordance approach that identifies possible abusers in addition to the presenting parent using the three DCTs is a practical first step toward a family system perspective to enhance child abuse theory, research, and practice.
Using Photovoice to Address Gender-Based Violence: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Christensen M. Candace
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this article is to examine how photovoice research addresses gender-based violence (GBV) among individuals and communities that experience and witness GBV. Photovoice action research (PVAR) methods act as both an intervention and a research method by engaging participants in using photography to depict a topic of concern and in developing potential solutions. To date, there is not a published review of PVAR publications that focus on addressing GBV. This article is comprised of a qualitative systematic review of studies that use photovoice research methods to address GBV. This review is conducted in accordance with the Supplementary Guidance of the Cochrane handbook and results in the examination of 17 publications that meet inclusion criteria. The data synthesis engages grounded theory (GT) methods and results in the emergence of one primary category transgressing the violence and three subcategories illustrating the problem, caring for self and others, and harnessing community resources. The results of this review reveal research, practice, and policy implications for photovoice projects aimed at addressing GBV.
A Profile of Gender-Based Violence Research in Europe: Findings From a Focused Mapping Review and Synthesis
Authors: Bradbury-Jones Caroline , Appleton Jane V. , Clark Maria , Paavilainen Eija
Published: December 2017

This article reports the findings from a new form of review: a focused mapping review and synthesis. The aim was to create a contemporary, snapshot profile of the nature and scope of gender-based violence (GBV) studies conducted in Europe. GBV is one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world affecting mainly women and girls. The policy context of GBV in Europe has gathered momentum in recent years, but we do not have a clear picture of how this relates to research activity. Thirteen journals were purposively selected on their likelihood to publish GBV research. All articles published in these journals during 2015 and meeting our inclusion criteria were retrieved. Data were extracted according to (1) types of methodologies used, (2) geographical location of research, and (3) patterns of research activity/interest. Thirty-two articles met the inclusion criteria. Many titles and abstracts were not explicit about the gendered nature of the research which made retrieval and analysis difficult. A range of methodologies were reported, with single-country research conducted more than international collaborations. Intimate partner violence and sexual abuse attracted most research interest. No studies explored female genital mutilation/cutting and only one investigated early and forced marriage. The findings have implications regarding GBV research in Europe, and we explore them in relation to relevant European policy. Researchers can help raise the profile of the gendered nature of most violence-related research by being explicit about this in their publications. Increasing opportunities for cross-national research will help address the global nature of GBV. Tackling GBV requires synergy of empirical evidence and policy to drive the agenda.
New garment proposal for prevention of spreading Gram-negative bacteria resistant to carbapenem antibiotic class under hospital settings
Authors: Nogueira Frederico , Gomes Ana P , Gouveia Isabel C
Published: December 2017

Sensitive skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, skin inflammation and bedsores, leave patients vulnerable under hospital setting. It is important for the development of a hospital gown with “soft hand” properties and at the same time as a protector against nosocomial infections. Klebsiella pneumoniae has developed resistance to antibiotics in the carbapenem antibiotic class, known as carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP). CRKP is resistant to nearly all antibiotics and can kill up to 50% of infected patients.

This work consisted in the development of a washable recycled silk fibroin-based gown covalently linked with an amino acid l-Cysteine(l-Cys), focused on prevention of K. pneumoniae establishment, proliferation and spreading to community, for use under hospital settings. With the growing problem of resistance to antibiotics and few new therapies on the horizon, gowns adsorbed with L-Cys show to function as a barrier to the establishment and proliferation of microorganisms, providing user protection from infectious disease. This gown was knitted at a rectilinear needle loom with a Jersey knit structure. Then it was cross-linked with l-Cys, subjected to laundry, and subsequently characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, contact angle, free energy of adhesion, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Results presented a bactericidal effect against K. pneumoniae of 94.92% after three rinses and 88.88% after five washing cycles, with the few adhered bacteria with an altered and compromised morphology.
Graphene oxide and graphene fiber produced by different nozzle size, feed rate and reduction time with vitamin C
Authors: Ucar Nuray , Gokceli Gokcen , Yuksek Ilkay Ozsev , Onen Aysen , Karatepe Yavuz Nilgun
Published: December 2017

The processing conditions of graphene oxide and graphene fibers are important for final fiber properties. The effect of different processing conditions such as feed rate, nozzle size (length and diameter), and reduction time by vitamin C on fiber properties such as morphology, mechanical properties and electrical conductivity has been analyzed. It has been observed that at the constant feed rates, increase in nozzle length results in higher mechanical properties. For the samples produced with long nozzle, thinner nozzle results to higher mechanical properties than thicker one. Decrease in nozzle length and increase in feed rate and reduction time by vitamin C resulted in an increased crimpy structure of fiber surface. Higher fiber strength was observed when the reduction time was decreased. The increase in the feed rate resulted in an increase of fiber linear densities (tex). All fibers experimented were in the semiconductor range. In this study, it has been seen that short, thin nozzles with 10 ml/h feed rate and reduction with 2.5 h provided better mechanical properties along with electrical conductivity.
Dynamic mechanical and thermogravimetric analysis of PTFE blended tailor-made textile woven basalt–vinyl ester composites
Authors: Subramanian Karthikeyan , Nagarajan Rajini , Saravanasankar Subramaniam , Sukumaran Jacob , De Baets Patrick
Published: December 2017

In this work, the authors prepared basalt–vinyl ester tailor-made green composites with uncoated and polytetrafluroethylene coated basalt woven fabric. These composites were subjected to dynamic composites-made mechanical analysis and thermo gravimetric analysis. Results revealed that a significant improvement of 18%, 14% and 13% was observed for storage and loss modulus and damping properties of polytetrafluroethylene-coated composite at low temperature region. The thermo gravimetric analysis results indicated a three-stage degradation for the polytetrafluroethylene-filled composites. Based on the acceptability from the literature, the tribo-test was performed only on the polytetrafluroethylene-coated composite for the selected PV limit of 400 MPa-mm/s (10 KN and 50 mm/s) in a flat-on-flat configuration. It was found that the influence of polytetrafluroethylene filler on the static and dynamic coefficient of friction and specific wear rate of the composite was more pronounced at dry wear test condition and it was found as 0.22, 0.12, and 4.87484 E-09, respectively. However, the results of improved storage and loss modulus and damping manifested negative correlation with the friction characteristics in the glassy region. Further, the SEM-coupled EDX spectral analysis was performed to understand the formation of transfer layer in counter surface. This polytetrafluroethylene blended composite is to be considered as an alternative to the bearing materials in offshore application.
Numerical characterization and simulation of the three-dimensional tubular woven fabric
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhu Jianhua , Zhang Ruiyun , Li Yuling , Ji Feng , Yu Jianyong
Published: December 2017

Three-dimensional tubular woven composite as a kind of special textile structural material is mainly used in oil and natural gas industry due to the advantages of the mechanical uniform circular shape and the provided properties. In order to comprehend the mechanical properties of the fabric in advance, modeling the three-dimensional tubular woven fabric is very important based on the actual weaving process parameters and specific structural data. In this paper, numerical characterization was performed and geometric model was constructed for this kind of three-dimensional tubular woven fabric. The geometric model of the 3D tubular woven fabric was established first based on the minimal repeating structural unit, and then a set of code including the positioning yarn coordinates and the topological relationship of the positioning yarn and non-positioning yarn was described. Furthermore, the three-dimensional tubular woven fabric was simulated under OpenGL platform according to the assumptions of the yarn cross-section and yarn path that was described by cubic B-spline curves. The proposed simulation method will contribute to the fabric structure simulation system used in the calculation of the fiber volume fraction, the distribution of voids and the prediction of composite mechanics.
The Dynamics and Political Implications of Anti-Intellectualism in the United States
Authors: Motta Matthew
Published: December 2017

Recently, Americans have become increasingly likely to hold anti-intellectual attitudes (i.e., negative affect toward scientists and other experts). However, few have investigated the political implications of anti-intellectualism, and much empirical uncertainty surrounds whether or not these attitudes can be mitigated. Drawing on cross-sectional General Social Survey (GSS) data and a national election panel in 2016, I find that anti-intellectualism is associated with not only the rejection of policy-relevant matters of scientific consensus but support for political movements (e.g., “Brexit”) and politicians (e.g., George Wallace, Donald Trump) who are skeptical of experts. Critically, though, I show that these effects can be mitigated. Verbal intelligence plays a strong role in mitigating anti-intellectual sympathies, compared with previously studied potential mitigators. I conclude by discussing how scholars might build on this research to study the political consequences of anti-intellectualism in the future.
Evaluating Integrative Cancer Clinics With the Claim Assessment Profile: An Example With the InspireHealth Clinic
Authors: Hilton Lara , Elfenbaum Pamela , Jain Shamini , Sprengel Meredith , Jonas Wayne B.
Published: December 2017

Background: The evaluation of freestanding integrative cancer clinical programs is challenging and is rarely done. We have developed an approach called the Claim Assessment Profile (CAP) to identify whether evaluation of a practice is justified, feasible, and likely to provide useful information. Objectives: A CAP was performed in order to (1) clarify the healing claims at InspireHealth, an integrative oncology treatment program, by defining the most important impacts on its clients; (2) gather information about current research capacity at the clinic; and (3) create a program theory and path model for use in prospective research. Study Design/Methods: This case study design incorporates methods from a variety of rapid assessment approaches. Procedures included site visits to observe the program, structured qualitative interviews with 26 providers and staff, surveys to capture descriptive data about the program, and observational data on program implementation. Results: The InspireHealth program is a well-established, multi-site, thriving integrative oncology clinical practice that focuses on patient support, motivation, and health behavior engagement. It delivers patient-centered care via a standardized treatment protocol. There arehigh levels of research interest from staff and resources by which to conduct research. Conclusions: This analysis provides the primary descriptive and claims clarification of an integrative oncology treatment program, an evaluation readiness report, a detailed logic model explicating program theory, and a clinical outcomes path model for conducting prospective research. Prospective evaluation of this program would be feasible and valuable, adding to our knowledge base of integrative cancer therapies.
Inpatient Acupuncture at a Major Cancer Center
Authors: Garcia M. Kay , Cohen Lorenzo , Spano Michael , Spelman Amy , Hashmi Yousra , Chaoul Alejandro , Wei Qi , Lopez Gabriel
Published: December 2017

Background: Use of complementary and integrative therapies is increasing among cancer patients, but data regarding the impact treatments such as acupuncture have in an inpatient oncology setting are limited. Methods: Patients who received acupuncture in an inpatient hospital environment between December 2014 and December 2015 were asked to complete a modified Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS; 0-10 scale) before and after each visit. Pre- and post-treatment scores were examined for each symptom using paired t tests. Results: A total of 172 inpatients were treated with acupuncture in their hospital beds (257 visits). Thirty percent (n = 51) received at least one additional follow-up treatment (mean visits/patient = 1.5). Completion rate of the modified ESAS after acupuncture was 42%. The most common reasons for not completing the post-treatment ESAS were “patient too drowsy” or “patient fell asleep” (72%). For patients who reported a baseline symptom score ≥1, the greatest improvements (mean change ± SD) after acupuncture on the initial visit were found for pain (−1.8 ± 2.2; n = 69; P < .0001), nausea (−1.2 ± 1.9; n = 30; P < .001), anxiety (−0.8 ± 1.8; n = 36; P = .01), drowsiness (−0.6 ± 1.8; n = 57; P = .02), and fatigue (−0.4 ± 1.1; n = 67; P = .008). For patients who received at least one follow-up visit, significant improvement from baseline was found for sleep disturbance (−2.5 ± 4.4; n = 17; P = .03), anxiety (−2.4 ± 1.7; n = 9; P = .002), pain (−2.3 ± 2.7; n = 20; P = .001), and drowsiness (−2.0 ± 2.6; n = 16; P = .008). Conclusions: Patients who received inpatient acupuncture at a major cancer center experienced significant improvement after treatment for pain, sleep disturbance, anxiety, drowsiness, nausea, and fatigue.
Recovery From Substance Abuse Among Zimbabwean Men: An Occupational Transition
Authors: Nhunzvi Clement , Galvaan Roshan , Peters Liesl
Published: December 2017

Substance abuse is a rising global problem, associated with medical, psychiatric, family, occupational, legal, political, financial, and spiritual problems. Recovery is an important area of consideration in occupational therapy’s quest to promoting health and well-being. This narrative inquiry explored the journey of recovery from substance abuse among young adult Zimbabwean men. Three men were purposively selected to participate in in-depth narrative interviews about their occupations during recovery. Data were analyzed using a narrative analysis. Explanatory stories and three superordinate themes illustrated how substance abuse was associated with both positive and negative outcomes. The recovery process emerged as an ongoing occupational transition, influenced by occupational identity and involving changes in occupational participation. Recovery from substance abuse can be conceptualized as an occupational transition. Ongoing participation in “healthy” and meaningful occupations is key factor in this process. Construction of a positive occupational identity is also central.
Urban African American Youth and Their Caregivers’ Perceptions of School Safety in Chicago
Authors: Hong Jun Sung , Voisin Dexter R. , Lee Jungup
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study is to examine multiple factors related to school safety perceptions of youth and parents. Study sample consisted of 131 low-income, urban African American youth and their parents. Females were more likely to perceive their school as unsafe. Parents who were close to their child reported schools as safe. Both youth and parents perceived school as safe when youth has a positive relationship with teachers. Youth whose school was far from their neighborhood reported feeling safe. Neighborhood satisfaction was associated with school safety perceptions among youth. Community violence exposure was related to school safety perceptions among parents.
Modeling quantum optics for quantum key distribution system simulation
Authors: Hodson Douglas D , Grimaila Michael R , Mailloux Logan O , McLaughlin Colin V , Baumgartner Gerald
Published: December 2017

This article presents the background, development, and implementation of a simulation framework used to model the quantum exchange aspects of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems. The presentation of our simulation framework is novel from several perspectives, one of which is the lack of published information in this area. QKD is an innovative technology which exploits the laws of quantum mechanics to generate and distribute unconditionally secure cryptographic keys. While QKD offers the promise of unconditionally secure key distribution, real world systems are built from non-ideal components which necessitates the need to understand the impact these non-idealities have on system performance and security. To study these non-idealities we present the development of a quantum communications modeling and simulation capability. This required a suitable mathematical representation of quantum optical pulses and optical component transforms. Furthermore, we discuss how these models are implemented within our Discrete Event Simulation-based framework and show how it is used to study a variety of QKD implementations.
A model to estimate performance of space-based quantum communication protocols including quantum key distribution systems
Authors: Denton Jonathan C , Hodson Douglas D , Cobb Richard G , Mailloux Logan O , Grimaila Michael R , Baumgartner Gerald
Published: December 2017

This work presents a model to estimate the performance of space-based, optical-based, quantum communication protocols. This model consists of components to account for optical channel propagation effects based on orbit selection and atmospheric conditions. The model presented is general purpose and can be leveraged to evaluate the performance of a variety of quantum communication protocols, of which, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems served as our motivating use case of particular interest. To verify correctness, the model is used to produce estimates for QKD system scenarios and compared to published results. The performance of QKD systems is of interest as distance limitations for terrestrial-based systems have hindered their practical use, and satellite-based designs that can generate a shared key between two distant geographic locations have been proposed. For this application domain, a review of space-based designs that illuminate the need for a free space downlink channel model is presented followed by its development to estimate the performance of quantum exchanges between a satellite and ground site.
Living Within Blurry Boundaries: The Value of Distinguishing Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research
Authors: Morgan David L.
Published: December 2017

Recently, a debate has arisen around what can be called the “indistinguishability thesis,” that is, the claim that it is impossible to distinguish between qualitative and quantitative research. In contrast, this article argues that the inability to define simple, sharp boundaries around qualitative and quantitative research does not eliminate the value of this distinction; instead, this difference can be understood in terms of “family resemblances.” Furthermore, it is important to recognize that the separation between qualitative and quantitative research underlies the different strengths of different methods, which is a central principle in mixed methods research design. Ultimately, we must learn to tolerate the blurry boundaries between qualitative and quantitative research, while appreciating the value this distinction has for mixed methods research.
Volar Locking Plate Fixations for Displaced Distal Radius Fractures: An Evaluation of Complications and Radiographic Outcomes
Authors: Wilson James , Viner Jeremy J. , Johal Kavan S. , Woodruff Michael J.
Published: December 2017

Background: A volar locking plate (VLP) is the most frequently used form of implant used for open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures. They are known to have a complication rate of up to 27%. We hypothesized that plate design could influence complication rates. Methods: We performed a review of patients undergoing VLP fixation for distal radius fracture. A total of 228 patients underwent fixation with the Distal Volar Radial Anatomical (DVR) plate; 388 patients underwent fixation with the VariAx plate. Independent observers performed blinded case note and radiographic review, to assess for the quality of reduction, and complications for the inserted VLP. Results: Mean time to surgery was 6.0 days; mean follow-up was 17.5 weeks. Mean age was 56.5 years. The quality of reduction was classified as anatomical (46%), good (36.3%), moderate (13.0%), or poor (3.9%). Complications were identified in 109 patients (17%). Plate prominence was seen in 133 patients (21%). The DVR plate was less prominent ( P < .001) and had better overall radiographic appearances ( P = .025). Flexor tendon complications were related to plate prominence ( P = .005). Inferior reduction was associated with increased time to surgery ( P = .020). Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of prompt surgery, effective fracture reduction, and careful plate positioning to avoid volar prominence.
The Incidence of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Simultaneous Surgical Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Dupuytren Contracture
Authors: Buller Mitchell , Schulz Steven , Kasdan Morton , Wilhelmi Bradon J.
Published: December 2017

Background: To determine the incidence of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in the concurrent surgical treatment of Dupuytren contracture (DC) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) through a thorough review of evidence available in the literature. Methods: The indices of 260 hand surgery books and PubMed were searched for concomitant references to DC and CTS. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they evaluated the outcome of patients treated with simultaneous fasciectomy or fasciotomy for DC and carpal tunnel release using CRPS as a complication of treatment. Of the literature reviewed, only 4 studies met the defined criteria for use in the study. Data from the 4 studies were pooled, and the incidence of recurrence and complications, specifically CRPS, was noted. Results: The rate of CRPS was found to be 10.4% in the simultaneous treatment group versus 4.1% in the fasciectomy-only group. This rate is nearly half the 8.3% rate of CRPS found in a randomized trial of patients undergoing carpal tunnel release. Conclusions: Our analysis demonstrates a marginal increase in the occurrence of CRPS by adding the carpal tunnel release to patients in need of fasciectomy, contradicting the original reports demonstrating a much higher rate of CRPS. This indicates that no clear clinical risk is associated with simultaneous surgical treatment of DC and CTS. In some patients, simultaneous surgical management of DC and CTS can be accomplished safely with minimal increased risk of CRPS type 1.
Iron Status of Vegetarian Adults: A Review of Literature
Authors: Pawlak Roman , Berger Julia , Hines Ian
Published: December 2017

The goal of this study was to review published data on iron status among vegetarian adults. Thirteen original articles met the inclusion criteria. Among female vegetarians, the percentage of the sample with ferritin <12 µg/L or <12 ng/mL ranged from 12% to 79%. An inadequate hemoglobin concentration ranged from 6% to 30.3%. Among males, the range of ferritin <12 µg/L across studies was from 1.7% to 29%. The prevalence of hemoglobin below deficiency cutoff ranged from 0% to 15.3%. A higher percentage of vegetarian females, compared to nonvegetarian participants, had ferritin below deficiency cutoff in all but one study (34% vs 0%, 47% vs 42%, 18% vs 13%, 27.8% vs 6.5% among Catholic nuns and 19.4% among college students, 79% Indian, and 56% Caucasian vegetarian vs 27% of nonvegetarian). Serum ferritin was lower in male vegetarians than male nonvegetarians in each study (11% among vegans and 21% among vegetarians compared to 6% and 7% among high and moderate meat consumers, 3% of vegetarians, and 25% vegans vs 0% of nonvegetarians, 29% vs 7%, 9% vs 0%). Vegetarians have a high prevalence of depleted iron stores. A higher proportion of vegetarians, compared to nonvegetarians, had iron deficiency anemia. This is especially true for premenopausal vegetarian women.
Use of an android phone application for automated text messages in international settings: A case study in an HIV clinical trial in St. Petersburg, Russia
Authors: Forman Leah S , Patts Gregory J , Coleman Sharon M , Blokhina Elena , Lu John , Yaroslavtseva Tatiana , Gnatienko Natalia , Krupitsky Evgeny , Samet Jeffrey H , Chaisson Christine E
Published: December 2017

Background/aims:

Reproducible outcomes in clinical trials depend on adherence to study protocol. Short message service (also known as text message) reminders have been shown to improve clinical trial adherence in the United States and elsewhere. However, due to systematic differences in mobile data plans, languages, and technology, these systems are not easily translated to international settings.

Methods:

To gauge technical capabilities for international projects, we developed SMSMessenger, an automated Android application that uses a US server to send medication reminders to participants in a clinical trial in St. Petersburg, Russia (Zinc for HIV disease among alcohol users—a randomized controlled trial in the Russia Alcohol Research Collaboration on HIV/AIDS cohort). The application is downloaded once onto an Android study phone. When it is time for the text message reminders to be sent, study personnel access the application on a local phone, which in turn accesses the existing clinical trial database hosted on a US web server. The application retrieves a list of participants with the following information: phone number, whether a message should be received at that time, and the appropriate text of the message. The application is capable of storing multiple outgoing messages. With a few clicks, text messages are sent to study participants who can reply directly to the message. Study staff can check the local phone for incoming messages. The SMSMessenger application uses an existing clinical trial database and is able to receive real-time updates. All communications between the application and server are encrypted, and phone numbers are stored in a secure database behind a firewall. No sensitive data are stored on the phone, as outgoing messages are sent through the application and not by messaging features on the phone itself. Messages are sent simultaneously to study participants, which reduces the burden on local study staff. Costs and setup are minimal. The only local requirements are an Android phone and data plan.

Conclusion:

The SMSMessenger technology could be modified to be applied anywhere in the world, in any language, script, or alphabet, and for many different purposes. The novel application of this existing low-cost technology can improve the usefulness of text messaging in advancing the goals of international clinical trials.
Characteristics and trends of clinical trials funded by the National Institutes of Health between 2005 and 2015
Authors: Gresham Gillian K , Ehrhardt Stephan , Meinert Jill L , Appel Lawrence J , Meinert Curtis L
Published: December 2017

Background

The National Institutes of Health is one of the largest biomedical research agencies in the world. Clinical trials are an important component of National Institutes of Health research efforts. Given the recent updates in National Institutes of Health trial reporting requirements, more information regarding the current state of National Institutes of Health–funded clinical trials is warranted. The objective of this analysis was to describe characteristics and trends of clinical trials funded by the National Institutes of Health over time and by Institutes and Centers of the National Institutes of Health.

Methods

Interventional studies funded by the National Institutes of Health and registered in ClinicalTrials.gov between 2005 and 2015 were included in the analysis. Trials were identified from the 27 March 2016 Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative Aggregate Analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov database. A descriptive analysis of trials by year and National Institutes of Health Institute/Center was performed.

Results

There were 12,987 National Institutes of Health–funded clinical trials registered between 2005 and 2015. There were 1,580, 1,116, and 930 trials registered in 2005, 2010, and 2015, respectively. The majority were early-development trials (phases 0, 1, or 2; 53%), randomized (61%), and single-center (63%). Trial demographics have remained unchanged over time. Median trial sample size was 64 (interquartile range 29–192) with 10% of trials enrolling ≥500 participants. Most trials were completed within 5 years of enrollment start (69%). Trial characteristics varied considerably across National Institutes of Health Institutes and Centers. Results were reported under the assumptions that most National Institutes of Health–funded trials are registered in ClinicalTrials.gov and that trials are being registered completely and accurately.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there has been a decline in the number of trials being funded over time, explained in part by a relatively constant budget, increases in trial costs, or other factors that cannot be quantified. National Institutes of Health–funded trials are relatively small and tend to be single-centered. There are substantial differences in the number and types of trials done by Institutes and Centers within the National Institutes of Health.
Change in a New Zealand university 1985–2010
Authors: Chong Stephanie , Geare Alan , Willett Roger J
Published: December 2017

This paper addresses the issues of managerialism and collegiality in universities in times of change. It is based on a case study of a New Zealand university from 1985 to 2010 using interviews with key participants and documentary evidence from the public and private domains. The study concludes that views of university staff about the concepts of managerialism and collegiality are influenced by the personal values of the Vice-Chancellor.