bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A revision of the genus Petta Malmgren, 1866 (Annelida: Pectinariidae), with two new species from deep waters of southeastern Australia, and comments on phylogeny of the family
Authors: ZHANG JINGHUAI , HUTCHINGS PAT , KUPRIYANOVA ELENA
Published: June 2019

Petta Malmgren, 1866 is a small and poorly known genus of the annelid family Pectinariidae Quatrefages, 1866. Prior to this study, the genus comprised four species P. pusilla Malmgren, 1866 (type locality Gullmarsfjord, west coast of Sweden), P. assimilis McIntosh, 1885 (type locality between Prince Edward and Kerguelen Island, southern Indian Ocean), P. pellucida (Ehlers, 1887) (type locality Santarem Channel between Cay Sal Bank and Bahamas, Caribbean Sea) and P. tenuis Caullery, 1944 (type locality Sulu, Philippines, tropical Pacific Ocean), the two last ones were known only from the original description. We revised the genus by re-examining the types and providing updated illustrated re-descriptions of its species, except for P. assimilis of which the type material has been lost. Commonly used morphological characters of the genus are expanded to also include new ones such as the presence of pair of lateral ear-shaped lobes adjacent to dorsal base of cephalic veil, pair of ventral lappets on segment 1, pair of dorso-lateral pads on segment 5, large basal hump on branchiae, and a rounded anterior peg with a blunt tip and a longitudinal row of two major teeth on uncini. The type species P. pusilla is recognised as having four lappets on the anterior margins of cephalic veil and a large lower lip posterior to buccal cavity. Two species P. investigatoris n. sp. and P. williamsonae n. sp. are described from deep water off the coast of southeastern Australia and represent the first records of this genus in Australian waters. A phylogenetic position of one new species was assessed in the framework of a phylogeny based on a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (mtCOI). An updated taxonomic key to Pectinariidae genera and all species of Petta is given.
The Unexpected Rapid Intensification of Tropical Cyclones in Moderate Vertical Wind Shear. Part III: Outflow–Environment Interaction
Authors: Ryglicki David R. , Doyle James D. , Hodyss Daniel , Cossuth Joshua H. , Jin Yi , Viner Kevin C. , Schmidt Jerome M.
Published: June 2019

Interactions between the upper-level outflow of a sheared, rapidly intensifying tropical cyclone (TC) and the background environmental flow in an idealized model are presented. The most important finding is that the divergent outflow from convection localized by the tilt of the vortex serves to divert the background environmental flow around the TC, thus reducing the local vertical wind shear. We show that this effect can be understood from basic theoretical arguments related to Bernoulli flow around an obstacle. In the simulation discussed, the environmental flow diversion by the outflow is limited to 2 km below the tropopause in the 12–14-km (250–150 hPa) layer. Synthetic water vapor satellite imagery confirms the presence of upshear arcs in the cloud field, matching satellite observations. These arcs, which exist in the same layer as the outflow, are caused by slow-moving wave features and serve as visual markers of the outflow–environment interface. The blocking effect where the outflow and the environmental winds meet creates a dynamic high pressure whose pressure gradient extends nearly 1000 km upwind, thus causing the environmental winds to slow down, to converge, and to sink. We discuss these results with respect to the first part of this three-part study, and apply them to another atypical rapid intensification hurricane: Matthew (2016).
Scope of Antibiotic Stewardship Programs in Pediatrics
Authors: Grammatico-Guillon Leslie , Abdurrahim Lukman , Shea Kimberley , Astagneau Pascal , Pelton Stephen
Published: June 2019

This review of pediatric antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs) summarized the antibiotic prescribing interventions and their impact on antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. We reviewed studies of pediatric ASP, including the search terms “antimicrobial stewardship,” “antibiotic stewardship,” “children,” and “pediatric.” The articles’ selection and review were performed independently by 2 investigators, according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Twenty-one studies were included, from the past 15 years, increasing after the 2007 IDSA (Infectious Diseases Society of America) guidelines for ASP with a large variability of the programs, and the virtual exclusive focus on inpatient settings (90%): 16 formalized ASP and 5 non-ASP actions. A reduction in antibiotic prescribing in ASP has been demonstrated in the studies reporting pediatric ASP, but only one ASP showed a significant impact on antimicrobial resistance. However, the impact on antibiotic consumption in pediatrics demonstrated the important contribution of these strategies to improve antibiotic use in children, without complications or negative issues.
Developmental Heterogeneity in Social Support Among Juvenile Offenders: Relevance of Social Support Withdrawal for the Dulling of Maturational Decline in Offending
Authors: Wojciechowski Thomas W.
Published: June 2019

Social support is a highly relevant predictor of offending. Despite this, little research has examined how this construct develops over time and how withdrawal of social support may result in “late bloomer” offending. This study used the Pathways to Desistance to data to test hypotheses related to these research questions. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify trajectories of social support, and ordinary least squares regression was used to determine the relevance of trajectory group assignment for predicting differences in offending between adolescence and adulthood. Results indicated that withdrawal of social support resulted in a dulling of the maturational decline in offending frequency typically observed following adolescence. Implications are discussed.
A Log-Linear Modeling Approach for Differential Item Functioning Detection in Polytomously Scored Items
Authors: Yesiltas Gonca , Paek Insu
Published: June 2019

A log-linear model (LLM) is a well-known statistical method to examine the relationship among categorical variables. This study investigated the performance of LLM in detecting differential item functioning (DIF) for polytomously scored items via simulations where various sample sizes, ability mean differences (impact), and DIF types were manipulated. Also, the performance of LLM was compared with that of other observed score–based DIF methods, namely ordinal logistic regression, logistic discriminant function analysis, Mantel, and generalized Mantel-Haenszel, regarding their Type I error (rejection rates) and power (DIF detection rates). For the observed score matching stratification in LLM, 5 and 10 strata were used. Overall, generalized Mantel-Haenszel and LLM with 10 strata showed better performance than other methods, whereas ordinal logistic regression and Mantel showed poor performance in detecting balanced DIF where the DIF direction is opposite in the two pairs of categories and partial DIF where DIF exists only in some of the categories.
Smooth or Stepped? Laboratory Comparison of Enhanced Sonifications for Monitoring Patient Oxygen Saturation
Authors: Collett Renae , Salisbury Isaac , Loeb Robert G. , Sanderson Penelope M.
Published: June 2019

Background:

The pulse oximeter (PO) provides anesthesiologists with continuous visual and auditory information about a patient’s oxygen saturation (SpO2). However, anesthesiologists’ attention is often diverted from visual displays, and clinicians may inaccurately judge SpO2 values when relying on conventional PO auditory tones. We tested whether participants could identify SpO2 value (e.g., “97%”) better with acoustic enhancements that identified three discrete clinical ranges by either changing abruptly at two threshold values (stepped-effects) or changing incrementally with each percentage value of SpO2 (smooth-effects).

Method:

In all, 79 nonclinicians participated in a between-subjects experiment that compared performance of participants using the stepped-effects display with those who used the smooth-effects display. In both conditions, participants heard sequences of 72 tones whose pitch directly correlated to SpO2 value, and whose value could change incrementally. Primary outcome was percentage of responses that correctly identified the absolute SpO2 percentage, ±1, of the last pulse tone in each sequence.

Results:

Participants using the stepped-effects auditory tones identified absolute SpO2 percentage more accurately ( M = 53.7%) than participants using the smooth-effects tones ( M = 47.9%, p = .038). Identification of range and detection of transitions between ranges showed even stronger advantages for the stepped-effects display ( p < .005).

Conclusion:

The stepped-effects display has more pronounced auditory cues at SpO2 range transitions, from which participants can better infer absolute SpO2 values. Further development of a smooth-effects display for this purpose is not necessary.
Blending Human and Machine: Feasibility of Measuring Fatigue Through the Aviation Headset
Authors: Wilson Nicholas , Guragain Bijay , Verma Ajay , Archer Lewis , Tavakolian Kouhyar
Published: June 2019

Objective

To determine viability of drowsiness detection, researchers study the feasibility of photoplethysmogram (PPG) data collection from the geography of the aviation headset, correlating to electrocardiogram (ECG) reference.

Background

Fatigue has been a probable cause, contributing factor, or a finding in 20% of transportation incidents and accidents studied between January 2001 and December 2012. This operational hazard is particularly troublesome within aviation and airline operations.

Method

PPG and ECG data were collected synchronously from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) commercially rated pilots during flight simulation in the window of circadian low (WOCL). Valid PPG and ECG data from 14 participants were analyzed, which yielded approximately 2 hr of data per participant for fatigue-related analysis.

Results

The results of the study demonstrate clear trends toward decreased heart rate for both ECG and PPG and suggest progression of drowsiness between four separate periods (T1, T2, T3, and T4) selected during the study; however, the mean heart rate change from T1 to T4 was statistically significant.

Conclusion

The results suggest that ECG and PPG data can be an important tool to observe conditions where drowsiness or fatigue may add risk to the operation. In addition, the data show high correlation between ECG and PPG data, further suggesting that a simpler PPG sensor, mounted within the geography of the aviation headset, may streamline the operationalization of important physiological data.

Application

Incorporation of PPG sensors and associated signal processing methods into facilitating equipment, such as the aviation headset, may add a layer to operational safety.
Now You Feel It, Now You Don’t: The Effect of Movement, Cue Complexity, and Body Location on Tactile Change Detection
Authors: Gomes Kylie , Betza Scott , Riggs Sara Lu
Published: June 2019

Objective

To evaluate the effects that movement, cue complexity, and the location of tactile displays on the body have on tactile change detection.

Background

Tactile displays have been demonstrated as a means to address data overload by offloading the visual and auditory modalities. However, change blindness—the failure to detect changes in a stimulus when changes coincide with another event or disruption in stimulus continuity—has been demonstrated to affect the tactile modality and may be exacerbated during movement. The complexity of tactile cues and locations of tactile displays on the body may also affect the detection of changes in tactile patterns. Limitations to tactile perception need to be examined.

Method

Twenty-four participants performed a tactile change detection task while sitting, standing, and walking. Tactile cues varied in complexity and included low, medium, and high complexity cues presented to the arm or back.

Results

Movement adversely affects tactile change detection as hit rates were the highest while sitting, followed by standing and walking. Cue complexity affected tactile change detection: Low complexity cues resulted in higher detection rates compared with medium and high complexity cues. The arms exhibited better change detection performance than the back.

Conclusion

The design of tactile displays should consider the effect of movement. Cue complexity should be minimized and decisions about the location of a tactile display should take into account body movements to support tactile perception.

Application

The findings can provide design guidelines to inform tactile display design for data-rich, complex domains.
Factionalism Within the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan
Authors: Hama Hawre Hasan
Published: June 2019

Institutional conflicts within the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) have existed ever since the party’s founding in 1975 as a result of a merger of three different factions. The conflicts were successfully managed in a way that did not hurt the party’s overall functioning until the Gorran movement, led by Nawshirwan Mustafa, split off in 2009. However, it was the withdrawal of party leader Jalal Talabani from political and public life due to a stroke suffered in 2012 that most damaged the party’s ability to function, and widened factional cracks within the organization. The absence of Talabani led to the emergence of intense competition between various groups within the PUK for influence and positions. Consequently, PUK policies on a number of important issues in Iraqi Kurdistan have been indecisive and weak since approximately 2013. This research will discuss the PUK’s inconsistent policies and their negative implications for the Kurdistan Region. Furthermore, it will argue that the PUK’s internal conflicts emboldened its rival, the Kurdistan Democratic Party, between the years 2014 and 2018.
Factors associated with the resumption of sexual intercourse before the scheduled six-week postpartum visit
Authors: Nkwabong Elie , Ilue Elisabeth Ekuka , Nana Njamen Théophile
Published: June 2019

This retrospective cohort study was aimed at evaluating the factors associated with the resumption of sexual intercourse (SI) before the six-week postpartum visit and was carried out between 1 January and 15 February 2014. The main variables studied included maternal age, number of living children, mode of delivery, complications observed at delivery and resumption or not of SI. Data from women who resumed SI were compared to those of women who did not. Fisher’s exact test and t-test were used for comparison. We recruited 120 women, among whom 95 (79.1%) resumed SI. Of these, 65/95 (68.4%) did not attend the postpartum visit while 30 (31.6%) did ( P = 0.321). The factors associated with early resumption of SI were maternal age of 20–34 years ( P < 0.001), women with one child ( P < 0.004) and who had had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery ( P < 0.001). Our conclusion is that nursing mothers should receive postpartum contraception before leaving the hospital.
Posted work, enforcement capacity and firm variation: Evidence from the Danish construction sector
Authors: Arnholtz Jens
Published: June 2019

This article draws on interviews, register data and a survey with 150 Polish posted workers in the Danish construction sector to analyse the challenges of enforcing the labour rights of posted workers. It argues that while posting companies are generally more ‘unruly’ vis-a-vis host country institutions, their way of engaging with these institutions varies depending on whether the company is a main contractor, subcontractor, or a private home service provider. This implies that the enforcement challenges that union and labour inspectors face differ just as the conditions of posted workers vary depending on the employer’s position. The article concludes that while recent reforms to the rules of posting may solve some legal issues, there are still major challenges on the enforcement front.
Vocabulary and Main Idea Reading Intervention Using Text Choice to Improve Content Knowledge and Reading Comprehension of Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Solis Michael , Reutebuch Colleen K. , Falcomata Terry , Steinle Paul K. , Miller Veronica L. , Vaughn Sharon
Published: June 2019

This simultaneous replication single-case design study investigated a vocabulary and main idea intervention with an aspect of text choice provided to students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Five middle school students with ASD participated in two instructional groups taught by school-based personnel. Results were initially mixed. These results were followed by upward and stable trends, indicating a functional relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Social validity measures indicated that students appreciated the opportunity to make choices on text selection.
Investigating the Robustness of the Illusory Truth Effect Across Individual Differences in Cognitive Ability, Need for Cognitive Closure, and Cognitive Style
Authors: De keersmaecker Jonas , Dunning David , Pennycook Gordon , Rand David G. , Sanchez Carmen , Unkelbach Christian , Roets Arne
Published: June 2019

People are more inclined to believe that information is true if they have encountered it before. Little is known about whether this illusory truth effect is influenced by individual differences in cognition. In seven studies (combined N = 2,196), using both trivia statements (Studies 1-6) and partisan news headlines (Study 7), we investigate moderation by three factors that have been shown to play a critical role in epistemic processes: cognitive ability (Studies 1, 2, 5), need for cognitive closure (Study 1), and cognitive style, that is, reliance on intuitive versus analytic thinking (Studies 1, 3-7). All studies showed a significant illusory truth effect, but there was no evidence for moderation by any of the cognitive measures across studies. These results indicate that the illusory truth effect is robust to individual differences in cognitive ability, need for cognitive closure, and cognitive style.
If You Shared My Happiness, You Are Part of Me: Capitalization and the Experience of Couple Identity
Authors: Pagani Ariela F. , Parise Miriam , Donato Silvia , Gable Shelly L. , Schoebi Dominik
Published: June 2019

The way in which individuals react to a partner’s disclosure of positive news (capitalization response) is associated with relational well-being. Two studies analyzed the role of couple identity in explaining the association between perceived capitalization responses and relationship quality. A daily diary study ( n = 90 couples) revealed that on days people perceived their partners’ responses as active-constructive, they reported higher levels of couple identity. A longitudinal two-wave study ( n = 169 couples) showed that couple identity mediated the link between active-constructive (for both women and men) and passive-destructive responses (only for men) and relationship quality. Overall, our findings suggest that the experience of the partner’s involvement and support in good times contribute to a sense of couple identity, which over the long turn, is associated with partners’ relational well-being.
Effect of Extraneous Affect on Health Message Reception
Authors: Takahashi Koji J. , Earl Allison
Published: June 2019

People often avoid paying attention to health messages. One reason is that health messages can evoke negative affect, which produces avoidance. Prior efforts to reduce disengagement focused on changing message content or buffering the self from threat, producing mixed effects. The present studies test whether inducing positively valenced, low-arousal affect independently of the message or the self, labeled extraneous affect, promotes health message receptivity. Across four studies (total N = 1,447), participants who briefly meditated (vs. a control listening task) paid more attention to messages (Study 1). Increased positive valence facilitated attention, which subsequently increased message comprehension (Studies 2-4), whereas reduced arousal directly increased message comprehension. These effects generalized across extraneous affect manipulations, settings, information domains, and levels of message threat. Taken together, extraneous affect can be leveraged to promote message receptivity. This contributes to a theoretical understanding of how affect impacts persuasion.
Demystifying the Root Causes of Conflict in Old “Greater” Sudan: Ethnicity and Tribalism?
Authors: Chigudu Daniel
Published: June 2019

Modern Sudan (North and South) has not enjoyed lasting peace. Sudan’s civil wars have been perceived to be primarily caused by its ethnic and tribal groups. This study uses a qualitative approach to analyze secondary data on the disputants and the causes of their conflicts. It demystifies the concepts of ethnicity and tribalism in order to examine why the conflicts appear to be unending in Sudan’s two republics. The findings reveal that the conflicts are not rooted in the identities of Sudan’s people. Their conflicts are about political autonomy, the distribution of the wealth derived from their scarce resources, issues of governance, and disputes over political boundaries.
High School Teachers’ Perceptions of Restorative Discipline Practices
Authors: Rainbolt Stacey , Fowler Elizabeth Sutton , Mansfield Katherine Cumings
Published: June 2019

Disproportionality in school discipline is a serious and ongoing problem. Some schools are experimenting with alternative models to address persistent inequities. This article features one high school’s adoption of a restorative practices discipline program with a focus on teachers’ perceptions of their experiences and the efficacy of the program. Findings indicate that restorative practices can be a powerful means to strengthen relationships and reduce the number of students receiving exclusionary consequences.
Shaping imagined communities through music: Lessons from the School Song practice in Nepal
Authors: Treacy Danielle Shannon , Westerlund Heidi
Published: June 2019

This study attends to the global need to rethink how music education could provide opportunities for shaping imagined communities in times of intensifying societal complexity and diversity by exploring the practice of singing ‘school-specific songs’ in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. The methodology combines educational ethnography with Appreciative Inquiry, whereby individual interviews with school administrators, musician-teachers, a school founder and a composer were analysed and reflexively interpreted. Countering previous critical research on school-specific songs, this study shows that although the school-specific song practice originates outside Nepal, the songs are tailor-made to canonise each school’s unique vision and mission, and for teaching values and character, and were thus considered to be local. Through considering the new ideas and practices that emerge through a reflexive interpretation of the school-specific song practice, we discuss five perspectives that arose from the Appreciative Inquiry process: the universal right to aspire; developing reflexivity; the pedagogical paradox of rituals; a continuum from individual to collective goals; and a constantly changing ‘we’ in diversifying, complex societies. The study suggests that rituals in schooling, of which school-specific songs are a part, should be applied reflexively and subject to ongoing critical reflection and constant revision.
Refining representations for L2 phonology
Authors: Schwartz Geoffrey
Published: June 2019

This article discusses the implications of phonological representation for the study of L2 speech acquisition. It is argued, on the basis of empirical findings from diverse phenomena in L2 phonology, that refined representations in which ‘segments’ have internal prosodic structure offer a more insightful view of cross-linguistic phonetic interaction than traditional phonological models. These refinements may be implemented in the Onset Prominence representational environment, in which diverse structural parses affect sub-segmental phonetic properties, transitions between segments, and the formation of prosodic boundaries.
Use of Lotteries for the Promotion of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Service: A Discrete-Choice Experiment among Adult Men in Tanzania
Authors: Ong Jason J. , Neke Nyasule , Wambura Mwita , Kuringe Evodius , Grund Jonathan M. , Plotkin Marya , d’Elbée Marc , Torres-Rueda Sergio , Mahler Hally R. , Weiss Helen A. , Terris-Prestholt Fern
Published: June 2019

Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is effective in reducing the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, countries like Tanzania have high HIV prevalence but low uptake of VMMC. We conducted a discrete-choice experiment to evaluate the preferences for VMMC service attributes in a random sample of 325 men aged 18 years or older from the general population in 2 Tanzanian districts, Njombe and Tabora. We examined the preference for financial incentives in the form of a lottery ticket or receiving a guaranteed transport voucher for attendance at a VMMC service. We created a random-parameters logit model to account for individual preference heterogeneity and a latent class analysis model for identifying groups of men with similar preferences to test the hypothesis that men who reported sexually risky behaviors (i.e., multiple partners and any condomless sex in the past 12 months) may have a preference for participation in a lottery-based incentive. Most men preferred a transport voucher (84%) over a lottery ticket. We also found that offering a lottery-based financial incentive may not differentially attract those with greater sexual risk. Our study highlights the importance of gathering local data to understand preference heterogeneity, particularly regarding assumptions around risk behaviors.
Mechanisms of Social Capital in Organizations: How Team Cognition Influences Employee Commitment and Engagement
Authors: Kroll Alexander , DeHart-Davis Leisha , Vogel Dominik
Published: June 2019

While previous research has shown that organizational social capital benefits organizations and creates performance gains, most of this work examined this relationship at the macro level based on organizational aggregates. In this article, we study organizational social capital effects at the micro level, that is, its impact on important work-related attitudes of employees within organizations. We argue that individual perceptions of organization-wide social capital matter in determining employee attitudes such as engagement and commitment. We also point to the critical role of team cognition in shaping individual perceptions of social capital in organizations. Using an organizationally representative sample of nearly 1,200 individuals from two local government organizations in North Carolina, we find support for the indirect effect of team cognition on employee work attitudes. The findings suggest that a promising way to increase the social capital of organizations is through interventions at the team level.
Potential of modified puncture method to decrease intravenous indwelling needle-related complications in inpatients with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Liu Yingying , Liu Meili , Han Dan , Xiao Ling , Wu Jine
Published: June 2019

Objective

This study was performed to investigate the potential of a modified puncture method to decrease the incidence of intravenous indwelling needle-related complications in inpatients with cardiovascular disease.

Methods

From February 2017 to July 2017, 436 consecutive inpatients with cardiovascular disease requiring infusion treatment were recruited and randomly divided into the control group and the treatment group. The standard infusion puncture method was applied in the control group, and a modified puncture method was applied in the treatment group. The incidence of complications and necessary positional adjustments of the intravenous indwelling needle in the two groups were observed.

Results

The incidence of necessary positional adjustments of the intravenous indwelling needle was significantly lower in the treatment group than control group (16.5% versus 5.0%, respectively). The incidences of redness at the puncture point and oozing of blood or fluid at the puncture point were also significantly lower in the treatment group than control group (18.6% versus 4.5% and 12.7% versus 5.5%, respectively).

Conclusions

The modified puncture method for intravenous indwelling needles can significantly decrease the incidence of complications and positional adjustments during application, which relieves patients’ pain and lightens nurses’ workload.
A phase II study of the combination of docetaxel and bevacizumab for previously treated non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Shimizu Tetsuo , Nakagawa Yoshiko , Asai Yasuo , Tsujino Ichirou , Takahashi Noriaki , Gon Yasuhiro
Published: June 2019

Objective

The standard therapies for previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) include docetaxel (DOC). Bevacizumab (BV), an antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody, increases the antitumor effect of cytotoxic anticancer agents. A BV-containing combination regimen is recommended as the primary therapy for advanced non-squamous NSCLC. However, the efficacy of DOC + BV is unknown in patients with previously treated advanced NSCLC. We conducted a phase II clinical study of DOC + BV for patients with previously treated advanced non-squamous NSCLC.

Methods

Twenty-three patients were enrolled in this study from June 2011 through May 2014. Chemotherapy was repeated every 21 days unless there was evidence of disease progression or intolerance to the study treatment. We assessed efficacy and toxicity.

Results

The median progression-free survival was 30.7 weeks. The response rate was 47.8%. The most common grade ≥3 adverse events were neutropenia (20 patients, 87.0%) and febrile neutropenia (7 patients, 30.4%).

Conclusions

The combination of DOC and BV often resulted in serious neutropenia, suggesting that this regimen is difficult to tolerate.
The association of self-reported respiratory system diseases with farming activity among farmers of greenhouse vegetables
Authors: Li Jiangping , Li Yanxia , Tian Danian , Yang Huifang , Dong Lijun , Zhu Lingqin
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Several studies have investigated the link between agricultural activities of open-field farmers and the prevalence of respiratory diseases, but the relationship with greenhouse vegetable farmers remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 1,366 participants from four villages in China provided information about their agricultural activities and symptoms of diagnosed respiratory system diseases. The Poisson regression model and zero-inflated Poisson regression model were used to assess the association between diseases, symptoms, and agricultural activities.

Results

The prevalence of respiratory diseases was 3.59%, and the rates of four main symptoms (cough, tachypnea, chest distress, and hemoptysis) were 17.21%, 8.56%, 10.25%, and 1.61%, respectively. Mix spray of pesticides associated with cough, tachypnea and chest distress, 1.740-, 3.385- and 2.882-fold likelihood were found than hand spray, and the significant association were detected in empty, general information, life-style information adjusted models.

Conclusions

The relationship between agricultural activities and respiratory diseases is unclear. However, use of the mix spray method of pesticide application may increase the risk of cough, tachypnea, and chest distress.
Tuned in: Musical rhythm and social skills in adults
Authors: Loeb David , Reed Jessa , Golinkoff Roberta Michnick , Hirsh-Pasek Kathy
Published: June 2019

In music, we “feel the beat” through rhythm. During successful social interactions, individuals establish an interpersonal rhythm through back-and-forth exchanges. Consequently, these two disparate domains share a common reliance on rhythm. This study investigates whether our sense of musical rhythm relates to our social competence. Ninety-eight undergraduate students ( M = 20.9 years, SD = 2.8 years) participated in a rhythm reproduction task and completed Riggio’s Social Skills Inventory to examine whether the two skills are related. Scores on the rhythm task predicted participants’ scores on one part of the inventory – the Social Control subscale – which measures how well individuals can adjust and adapt to different social exchanges. Critically, performance on the musical rhythm task did not correlate with every social subscale but only with that related to social exchanges. The results suggest that a core rhythmic ability might underpin performance in both musical and social domains.
Differential efficacy of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation for the acute treatment of episodic and chronic cluster headache: A meta-analysis
Authors: de Coo Ilse F , Marin Juana CA , Silberstein Stephen D , Friedman Deborah I , Gaul Charly , McClure Candace K , Tyagi Alok , Liebler Eric , Tepper Stewart J , Ferrari Michel D , Goadsby Peter J
Published: June 2019

Background

Two randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trials (ACT1, ACT2) evaluated non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) as acute treatment for cluster headache. We analyzed pooled ACT1/ACT2 data to increase statistical power and gain insight into the differential efficacy of nVNS in episodic and chronic cluster headache.

Methods

Data extracted from ACT1 and ACT2 were pooled using a fixed-effects model. Main outcome measures were the primary endpoints of each study. This was the proportion of participants whose first treated attack improved from moderate (2), severe (3), or very severe (4) pain intensity to mild (1) or nil (0) for ACT1 and the proportion of treated attacks whose pain intensity improved from 2–4 to 0 for ACT2.

Results

The pooled population included 225 participants (episodic: n = 112; chronic: n = 113) from ACT1 (n = 133) and ACT2 (n = 92) in the nVNS (n = 108) and sham (n = 117) groups. Interaction was shown between treatment group and cluster headache subtype ( p < 0.05). nVNS was superior to sham in episodic but not chronic cluster headache (both endpoints p < 0.01). Only four patients discontinued the studies due to adverse events.

Conclusions

nVNS is a well-tolerated and effective acute treatment for episodic cluster headache.

Trial registration

The studies were registered at clinicaltrials.gov (ACT1: NCT01792817; ACT2: NCT01958125).
Development of Anti-Icing Airfield Heated Pavement System using Solar Energy
Authors: Daniels Joseph , Heymsfield Ernest
Published: June 2019

This paper analyzes the development and assesses the viability of an anti-icing airfield heated pavement system using solar energy. Field experimentation investigates two systems: (i) an electrical heated pavement system with a photovoltaic energy system as its power source, and (ii) a hydronic heated pavement system with a solar water-heating system as its heating source. The systems operate under an automated thermostat heating sequence for operation optimization and energy conservation. Study results found the solar systems capable of supplying enough energy to maintain the pavement surface above freezing temperatures and keep it free of snow. A finite element model (FEM) was developed for the electrical system to assess the energy required to heat an airfield apron area. A benefit–cost analysis (BCA) expanded the hydronic system analysis to assess the viability for implementing a solar-hydronic heated pavement system at an apron area. The viability of an anti-icing airfield heated pavement system using solar energy was evaluated using a FEM analysis and BCA at an existing airport, the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport.
Expanding the Capabilities of Radar-Based Vehicle Detection Systems: Noise Characterization and Removal Procedures
Authors: Santiago-Chaparro Kelvin R. , Noyce David A.
Published: June 2019

The capabilities of radar-based vehicle detection (RVD) systems used at signalized intersections for stop bar and advanced detection are arguably underutilized. Underutilization happens because RVD systems can monitor the position and speed (i.e., trajectory) of multiple vehicles at the same time but these trajectories are only used to emulate the behavior of legacy detection systems such as inductive loop detectors. When full vehicle trajectories tracked by an RVD system are collected, detailed traffic operations and safety performance measures can be calculated for signalized intersections. Unfortunately, trajectory datasets obtained from RVD systems often contain significant noise which makes the computation of performance measures difficult. In this paper, a description of the type of trajectory datasets that can be obtained from RVD systems is presented along with a characterization of the noise expected in these datasets. Guidance on the noise removal procedures that can be applied to these datasets is also presented. This guidance can be applied to the use of data from commercially-available RVD systems to obtain advanced performance measures. To demonstrate the potential accuracy of the noise removal procedures, the procedures were applied to trajectory data obtained from an existing intersection, and data on a basic performance measure (vehicle volume) were extracted from the dataset. Volume data derived from the de-noised trajectory dataset was compared with ground truth volume and an absolute average difference of approximately one vehicle every 5 min was found, thus highlighting the potential accuracy of the noise removal procedures introduced.
Simple Method to Evaluate Strength and Relaxation Properties of Asphalt Binders at Low Temperature
Authors: Matias De Oliveira Jhenyffer , Yan Tianhao , Turos Mugurel , Ghosh Debaroti , Van Deusen Dave , Marasteanu Mihai
Published: June 2019

Low temperature cracking represents the main distress in asphalt pavements built in cold regions. During the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) two test methods were developed to investigate the low temperature behavior of asphalt binders: bending beam rheometer (BBR) and direct tension tester (DTT). In this research, a simple testing protocol developed to obtain failure properties of asphalt binders at low temperatures is used to characterize the behavior of five asphalt binders used in the construction of MnROAD test cells in 2016. It is shown that a combination of creep followed by strength testing provides a more complete picture of the low temperature properties of asphalt binders and can improve the selection process. Binders with similar creep and relaxation properties have significantly different failure properties. It is also demonstrated that BBR strength data is obtained under linear viscoelastic conditions for the entire duration of the test and that creep and strength data can be interconverted using linear viscoelasticity.
Understanding Ditch Maintenance Decisions of Local Highway Agencies for Improved Water Resources across New York State
Authors: Schneider Rebecca , Orr David , Johnson Anthony
Published: June 2019

Networks of roadside ditches criss-cross the landscape, and have played a significant but previously unrecognized role in flooding and water pollution. This study surveyed town and county highway professionals across New York State (NYS) to determine their ditch management practices. There was a 41% response rate from the 999 highway staff surveyed, representing 54 of the 57 counties statewide. 36.8% of the agencies reported using full scraping or reshaping without reseeding as their primary method of ditch management and half scraped their ditches on average once every 1 to 4 years. It is estimated that one-third to one-half of the roadside ditches across upstate NYS are therefore in fair to poor condition. This translates to thousands of miles of exposed substrate vulnerable to storms, acting as a source of sediment and pollution. Limited resources including time, labor, equipment, and money were the primary reasons given for the practices used. Additional challenges identified included interactions with landowners over rights-of-way, farm-field drainage, and increasing frequency of downpours. A comprehensive, state-wide program will be necessary to actualize ditch improvement. It will require a complete toolbox of strategies, from financial support and training to regulatory mandates and penalties, and needs to include a ditch inventory system. Incentives in the form of grants and shared services should be offered by state agencies working collaboratively with local governments. Valuing highway department managers as water stewards and supporting the improved management of roadside ditches can provide an important new mechanism for protecting NYS’s water resources.
An Examination of the Role of Funny Reminders and Embedded Survey Items on Response Rate
Authors: Moore Raeal , Varghese Lebena
Published: June 2019

Web surveys provide researchers a platform to gather data in an inclusive manner and from a global audience. However, web surveys typically suffer from low response rates. To combat this issue, numerous studies have investigated how invitation messaging can improve response rates. A few studies have investigated embedding the first survey item in the e-mail invitation message and how adding humor to a reminder message might improve response rates. Our study adopted a 2 (invitation message embedded item vs. not) × 2 (reminder message embedded item vs. not) × 2 (humorous reminder message vs. not) study design. Results showed that among participants who only received the initial invitation, embedding a survey item in that invitation did not enhance completion rates. However, completion and break-off rates, compared to nonresponse, increased when participants received a survey item embedded in their reminder. Further, participants who received a humorous reminder were more likely to complete the survey than to break off. No interaction effects between the embedded item in the reminder message and the humorous tone of the reminder message emerged. Implications for invitation design are discussed.
Accounting for Volunteers: Enhancing Organizational Accountability and Legitimacy
Authors: Tooley Stuart , Hooks Jill
Published: June 2019

Volunteers are mission-critical resources, and the ongoing ability of many nonprofit organizations to serve their constituencies is dependent on such contributed services. Utilizing an online questionnaire administered to coordinators of volunteers, the study investigates perceptions and practices in the Australian nonprofit sector in the reporting of volunteer contributions of services. We find ( N = 166) that although organizations place high value on volunteer contributions, the benefits and impact are rarely reported. The majority of respondents consider that a statement of volunteer contributions should be included alongside financial statements to give a more complete representation of organizational performance. This would enhance the accountability and legitimacy of the organization. No regulatory requirement to report and a lack of resources are cited as the predominate reasons for current nondisclosure. The findings support the need for a best practice model for recording and reporting volunteer contributions to recognize the significance of the resource.
Investigation of thermal and fluorescent properties of benzoxazole-linked triphenylamine-based co-polyimides
Authors: Iqbal Asma , Siddiqi Humaira Masood , Zubair Maria , Akhter Toheed , Park O Ok , Saeed Aamer
Published: June 2019

A series of novel fluorescent co-polyimides are obtained by combining N 1-(4-aminophenyl)- N 1-(4-(benzo[ d]oxazol-2-yl) phenyl) benzene-1,4-diamine and 4,4′-oxydianiline with four aromatic anhydride, 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride, pyromellitic dianhydride, 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride, and 4,4 ′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene)diphthalic anhydride following conventional polycondensation method. The resultant co-polyimides are characterized by elemental, Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis and gel permeation chromatography. All newly prepared polyimides (PIs) exhibit shallow highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels in the range of −4.47 to −4.98 eV and have reasonable optical bandgaps. The photoluminescence spectral analysis shows blue to green emission in solution form. Thermal and solubility properties reveal that the PIs with pendant 4-(benzo[ d]oxazol-2-yl group linked to triphenylamine unit in polymer backbone impart not only good thermal stability but also appreciable solubility making these new co-polyimides versatile for multipurpose usage.
Corrosion protection and thermal and mechanical properties for epoxy–thiol–imidazole systems of improved performance
Authors: Xing Hanxiao , Gao Yang , Zhang Peng , Wang Baoyi , Yu Yingfeng , Cao Xingzhong
Published: June 2019

Epoxy–thiol–imidazole system is promising for microelectronic packaging areas, such as underfills and low-temperature fast curing adhesives, but there is little knowledge on the corrosion resistance of this system. In this article, the anticorrosion and thermal and mechanical properties were characterized by theoretical and experimental methods and were understood from a fundamental perspective of structure. The cure behaviors were evaluated by differential scanning calorimeter. The mechanical and thermal properties were characterized by dynamic mechanical, thermomechanical, and thermos-gravimetric methods. The water absorption process was monitored using gravimetric measurement. Results show that among compositions of variable thiol–epoxy molar ratios, the one with ratio 0.25 has the best anticorrosion property and improved mechanical property, as well as good water resistance at room temperature. Both the average tensile strength and modulus increased initially and then declined with the addition of thiol part, while the average peel strength increased to above thrice the value of that of neat epoxy–imidazole system for thiol–epoxy 1:1 system.
Effect of infill pattern and infill density at varying part orientation on tensile properties of fused deposition modeling-printed poly-lactic acid part
Authors: Dave Harshit K , Patadiya Naushil H , Prajapati Ashish R , Rajpurohit Shilpesh R
Published: June 2019

Fused deposition modeling is an additive manufacturing process in which successive layers of material are deposited to create a three-dimensional object. It is the most widely used additive manufacturing process because of its ability to make specimen having difficult geometrical shape. However, building end-user functional parts using fused deposition modeling proved to be a challenging task because of a wide variety of processing parameters. In the present paper, a detailed experimental study on open source 3D printer is reported to explore the effect of various fused deposition modeling process parameters viz. part orientation, infill density and infill pattern on tensile properties and modes of failure. Poly-lactic acid filament is used to make 3D specimens. The experimental values of tensile properties are measured and critically analysed. Failure modes under various tests are studied using scanning electron microscopy. Tensile test results indicate that part orientation, infill pattern and infill density significantly affect the tensile strength. It has been observed that parts printed with flat part orientation and concentric pattern exhibit maximum tensile strength. While tensile strength has been increasing with increment in infill density. From the SEM images, it has been found that one of the major causes of failure is weak strength within and between layers for the lower value of infill density.