bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Section Idealization of Corrugated Thermoplastic Pipe in AASHTO Design
Authors: Bass Brent J. , Beaver Jesse L.
Published: October 2018

The AASHTO Load and Resistance Factor Bridge Design Specifications (AASHTO LRFD) thermoplastic pipe design method requires corrugated pipe local buckling resistance to be determined based on corrugation effective area. The effective area may be determined through calculations or physical tests on sections of pipe. When determined through calculations, effective area is based on individual corrugation element (e.g., crest, valley, web) slenderness following methods published by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) for cold-formed steel design. Cold-formed steel members are rolled from constant-thickness steel sheet and have cross-sections divided into elements by distinct corners. In contrast, corrugated thermoplastic pipe cross-sections have variable geometries with non-uniform thickness, elements without distinct corners defining their ends, and elements that may be rounded or have other beneficial features such as intermediate ribs or stiffeners. Applying the calculation method requires idealization of corrugation elements into flat plates of representative clear width and thickness. As corrugation geometries have evolved with the increased use of thermoplastic pipe, there has not been a thorough review of appropriate methods of idealization to ensure current geometries meet the intent of the design method. This paper reviews the existing AASHTO LRFD effective area calculation method, information from background documents upon which the AASHTO LRFD method was based (NCHRP reports 438 and 631), and relevant information from the AISI Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members; identifies important concepts for cross-section idealization; and provides recommendations for idealization of corrugation members with curves and intermediate stiffeners.
Unwaged Work and the Production of Sustainability in Eco-Conscious Households
Authors: Munro Kirstin
Published: October 2018

An investigation of household sustainability production makes possible the evaluation of the trade-offs inherent in these pro-environmental activities. The results suggest that policies promoting household-level sustainability efforts may be misguided. Without accompanying radical transformations in infrastructures and institutions—including the household—these efforts will always fall short of what is needed to promote human flourishing and protect the environment from harm.

JEL Classification: B54, B51, D13, Q50
Can a three-dimensional composite really provide better mechanical performance compared to two-dimensional composite under compressive loading?
Authors: Tarfaoui M , Nachtane M
Published: October 2018

A series of split Hopkinson pressure bar tests on two-dimensional and three-dimensional woven composites were presented in order to obtain a reliable comparison between the two types of composites and the effect of the z-yarns along the third direction. These tests were done along different configurations: in-plane and out-of-plane compression test. For the three-dimensional woven composite, two different configurations were studied: compression responses along to the stitched direction and orthogonal to the stitched direction. It was found that three-dimensional woven composites exhibit an increase in strength for both: in-plane and out-of-plane tests.
Effect of Low-Dose Hydrocortisone Therapy in Adult Patients With Septic Shock: A Meta-Analysis With Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lyu Qing-Quan , Chen Qi-Hong , Zheng Rui-Qiang , Yu Jiang-Quan , Gu Xiao-Hua
Published: October 2018

Background:

The efficacy of low-dose hydrocortisone therapy in the management of septic shock remains controversial in critical care for many years. Hence, we performed this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with trial sequential analysis (TSA) to evaluate its effect on clinical outcome among adult patients with septic shock.

Methods:

We identified relevant RCTs published from inception to March 7, 2018 comparing low-dose hydrocortisone with placebo or no intervention in adults admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for septic shock. Meta-analyses were performed for the primary and secondary outcomes. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s instrument. Trial sequential analysis was used to pool the results from the included studies for the primary outcomes.

Results:

Thirteen studies were retrieved by our literature search strategy. There were no significant differences in 28-day mortality (odds ratio [OR] = 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.81-1.00; P = .05) and hospital mortality (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.82-1.02; P = .09) between the 2 groups, which were confirmed by TSA. However, there was a significant improvement in shock reversal in the hydrocortisone group (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.02-1.72; P = .03). Furthermore, subgroup analyses revealed that hydrocortisone plus fludrocortisone statistically reduced the rate of 28-day mortality (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.64-0.97; P = .03), ICU mortality (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.63-0.95; P = .02), and hospital mortality (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.63-0.95; P = .01) in comparison with the placebo, the results were also confirmed by TSA.

Conclusion:

Among adult patients with septic shock, the use of low-dose hydrocortisone compared with control did not confer overall survival benefits, albeit improving shock reversal rate. The benefit of reducing 28-day mortality, ICU mortality, and hospital mortality was observed in combination use of hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone.
Vitamin D Deficiency Is Highly Prevalent in Critically Ill Patients and a Risk Factor for Mortality: A Prospective Observational Study Comparing Noncirrhotic Patients and Patients With Cirrhosis
Authors: Mayr Ulrich , Fahrenkrog-Petersen Leonie , Batres-Baires Gonzalo , Rasch Sebastian , Herner Alexander , Schmid Roland M. , Huber Wolfgang , Lahmer Tobias
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

A 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 25(OH)D, deficiency is common among critically ill patients and correlated with increased mortality. Furthermore, deficiency is associated with advanced liver disease. However, there are no studies available comparing the dimensions and consequences of a 25(OH)D deficiency between patients with and without liver cirrhosis in the setting of intensive care units (ICUs). This study focuses on differences in 25(OH)D status between critically ill noncirrhosis patients and patients with cirrhosis (primary end point), hypothesizing that deficiency and its impact on mortality risk are even more pronounced in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods:

We performed a prospective observational study of 176 patients (noncirrhosis patients, N = 114; patients with cirrhosis, N = 62) with a laboratory assessment of 25(OH)D on ICU admission and survival analyses after 180 days.

Results:

On admission, 55% of patients showed a severe deficiency, 25(OH)D <10 ng/mL, and a further 23% moderate deficiency (10-19 ng/mL). The overall median level of 25(OH)D was 8.0 (5.0-18.0) ng/mL (10.5 [6.0-21.3] in noncirrhosis patients vs 7.0 [4.8-10.0] in patients with cirrhosis; P < .001). We found extremely low levels particularly in patients without prior vitamin D supplementation (6.0 [4.0-7.5] in patients with cirrhosis vs 8.0 [5.0-12.0] ng/mL in noncirrhosis patients; P = .004). Vitamin D status correlated inversely with the sequential organ failure assessment, acute and physiology chronic health evaluation, model of end-stage liver disease, and Child-Pugh scores. Survival analyses categorized 25(OH)D levels <10 ng/mL as a high-risk factor for mortality 180 days after admission (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.60-3.70; P < .001). In patients with cirrhosis, a severe deficiency (<10 ng/mL) involved a significantly higher mortality risk than in noncirrhosis patients (HR: 2.30, 95% CI = 1.39-3.82; P = .001). In cases of admission levels ≥10 ng/mL, however, mortality risk was similar between patients with cirrhosis and noncirrhosis patients (HR: 1.08, 95% CI = 0.43-2.73; P = .873).

Conclusions:

Hypovitaminosis D is a highly frequent disorder in critically ill patients admitted to ICU. A severe deficiency with levels <10 ng/mL is a high risk factor for increased mortality, especially in patients with cirrhosis.
The Association of Prediabetes and Diabetes Risk Perception With Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Weight Loss
Authors: Murillo Rosenda , Katic Bozena J. , Gonzalez Tailisha , Vasquez Elizabeth , Echeverria Sandra
Published: October 2018

Purpose:

To examine the association of perceived risk of prediabetes and diabetes with leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and weight loss, and determine whether the association of risk perception with LTPA and weight loss varies by race/ethnicity.

Design:

Cross-sectional.

Setting:

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014.

Subjects:

Non-Latino white, non-Latino black, and Latino nondiabetic and nonprediabetic NHANES participants ≥18 years of age who were not underweight (n = 9550).

Measures:

Demographic characteristics, LTPA, attempted weight loss, and perceived risk of prediabetes or diabetes.

Analysis:

Log-binomial regression models were fit to assess the association of perceived risk with meeting LTPA recommendations and having attempted to lose weight, overall and by race/ethnicity.

Results:

Individuals reporting that they perceived they could be at risk for diabetes/prediabetes were less likely to meet LTPA recommendations (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79-0.95), but significantly more likely to report attempting weight loss in the past year (aPR: 1.14; 95%CI: 1.04-1.25), compared with those reporting no risk perception. Latino and non-Latino blacks who perceived they could be at risk for diabetes/prediabetes were 25% and 35% more likely to report trying to lose weight in the past year (aPR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.08-1.44 and aPR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.19-1.54, respectively), compared with Latino and non-Latino blacks that did not perceive being at risk. In contrast, non-Latino whites who perceived they were at risk were 20% less likely to report meeting LTPA recommendations (aPR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.72-0.89), compared with non-Latino whites reporting no risk perception.

Conclusion:

Findings highlight the role of perceived risk for prediabetes and diabetes in LTPA and weight loss, with findings varying by race/ethnicity. Awareness of prediabetes and diabetes risk could contribute to efforts aimed at improving LTPA and weight loss.
Challenges of Implementing Integrated Programs for Underrepresented Students in STEM: A Study of the CSU STEM Collaboratives
Authors: Kezar Adrianna J. , Holcombe Elizabeth M.
Published: October 2018

With emerging evidence about the efficacy of integrated support programs for college students and increasing attention nationally to creating such programs, it is important to understand implementation barriers that might affect program success. This study is one of the first to examine implementation of integrated programs, with a particular focus on the challenges related to connecting or aligning programmatic elements across departmental and divisional boundaries. The authors conducted a case study of eight institutions that implemented integrated programs that supported the transition to college for underrepresented students in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) and identified several implementation challenges that are unique to integrated programs.
Objective Standard Setting in Educational Assessment and Decision Making
Authors: Sondergeld Toni A. , Stone Gregory E. , Kruse Lance M.
Published: October 2018

Assessment and evaluation at all levels of educational systems have become policy priorities for many countries. Two common reasons for this are student learning expectations and accountability. Although much effort has been put into the creation and refinement of content standards, standardized tests, and methods for using testing results, there has been less attention paid to the development of performance standards (proficiency levels) that greatly affect policy decision making. The present study investigates the Objective Standard Setting Model (OSS) as an improved criterion-referenced method for setting multilevel performance standards. To demonstrate how OSS can be employed for performance standard setting, our study used data from preservice teachers completing an assessment literacy test in a pre- and posttest environment. Using OSS, performance standard levels of proficient and excellent were established with clear content-related descriptions of growth in student content mastery.
Thermomechanical nonlinear buckling of pressure-loaded carbon nanotube reinforced composite toroidal shell segment surrounded by an elastic medium with tangentially restrained edges
Authors: Hieu Pham Thanh , Van Tung Hoang
Published: October 2018

Buckling and postbuckling behaviors of toroidal shell segment reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotubes, surrounded by an elastic medium, exposed to a thermal environment and subjected to uniform external pressure are investigated in this paper. Carbon nanotubes are reinforced into matrix phase by uniform distribution or functionally graded distribution along the thickness direction. Material properties of constituents are assumed to be temperature dependent, and the effective properties of carbon nanotube reinforced composite are estimated by extended mixture rule through a micromechanical model. Governing equations for toroidal shell segments are based on the classical thin shell theory taking into account geometrical nonlinearity, surrounding elastic medium, and varying degree of tangential constraints of edges. Three-term solution of deflection and stress function are assumed to satisfy simply supported boundary condition, and Galerkin method is applied to derive nonlinear load–deflection relation from which buckling loads and postbuckling equilibrium paths are determined. Analysis shows that tangential edge restraints have significant effects on nonlinear buckling of carbon nanotube reinforced composite toroidal shell segments. In addition, the effects of carbon nanotube volume fraction, distribution types, geometrical ratios, elastic foundation, and thermal environments on the buckling and postbuckling behaviors of carbon nanotube reinforced composite toroidal shell segments are analyzed and discussed.
Recent advancement in near infrared spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging techniques for quality and safety assessment of agricultural and food products in the China Agricultural University
Authors: Jiang Hongzhe , Wang Wei , Ni Xinzhi , Zhuang Hong , Yoon Seung-Chul , Lawrence Kurt C
Published: October 2018

Near infrared spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging are fast-growing, rapid, powerful, and non-destructive optical technologies that can be used especially in quality and safety control of agro-food products. The Non-destructive Detecting Laboratory for Agricultural and Food Products in the College of Engineering, China Agricultural University in Beijing, China, has engaged in research on sensing and characterizing agro-food quality and safety attributes with the latest optical methods including near infrared spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging for over five years. In this report, some of our latest research and developments through multidisciplinary international collaborations will be highlighted to demonstrate our contributions to this near infrared spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging sensing area to improve non-destructive diagnosis and quality control of agricultural and food products.
Emerging Market Bidder Returns and the Choice of Payment Method in Mergers and Acquisitions: Evidence from India
Authors: Ladkani Radha M. , Banerjee Ashok
Published: October 2018

Consistent with other evidence on short-run effects of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) announcements on acquiring firm’s shareholder wealth in emerging markets, our study reveals that M&A deals in India, irrespective of the payment method, are not value destroying. Cash deals and stock deals create shareholder wealth on deal announcements. We offer ‘pseudo-cash deal hypothesis’ to explain this phenomenon. We also observe that bigger the relative size of the deal, greater is the abnormal return on deal announcements. We observe that acquirers with high promoter holdings are highly reluctant to offer stock when they acquire a majority stake. However, bigger deals, deals for listed target firms, and deals in the information technology sector, command stock offers.

JEL Classification: G34, G14
Monetary integration in the Eurozone and the rise of transnational authoritarian statism
Authors: Schneider Etienne , Sandbeck Sune
Published: October 2018

The negotiations over the Eurozone crisis have increasingly come to reflect Poulantzas’ idea of ‘authoritarian statism’, i.e., a decline in the relevance of democratic institutions and a shift in political power towards technical state apparatuses. Yet, scholarly approaches to transnational integration have provided little guidance as to why monetary relations have become such a pronounced point of condensation for the contradictions inherent in European integration. While mainstream theories of monetary unions such as optimal currency area theory neglect the impact of state power and class interests on monetary politics, more critical perspectives on transnational integration have paid insufficient attention to monetary governance and its role in the mediation of international relations. The present paper brings heterodox theories of international relations and monetary integration to bear on the increasingly authoritarian dynamics of Eurozone governance. Reflecting on Bruff’s discussion of authoritarian neoliberalism, we proceed to examine how the circumvention of democratic institutions via Eurozone monetary governance is more precisely captured through the notion of transnational authoritarian statism. We develop this concept in relation to two historical periods of European integration: the formation of the Economic and Monetary Union and the recent extension of the European Central Bank’s scope of monetary governance.
Spatial Concentration of Opioid Overdose Deaths in Indianapolis: An Application of the Law of Crime Concentration at Place to a Public Health Epidemic
Authors: Carter Jeremy G. , Mohler George , Ray Bradley
Published: October 2018

The law of crime concentration at place has become a criminological axiom and the foundation for one of the strongest evidence-based policing strategies to date. Using longitudinal data from three sources, emergency medical service calls, death toxicology reports from the Marion County (Indiana) Coroner’s Office, and police crime data, we provide four unique contributions to this literature. First, this study provides the first spatial concentration estimation of opioid-related deaths. Second, our findings support the spatial concentration of opioid deaths and the feasibility of this approach for public health incidents often outside the purview of traditional policing. Third, we find that opioid overdose death hot spots spatially overlap with areas of concentrated violence. Finally, we apply a recent method, corrected Gini coefficient, to best specify low- N incident concentrations and propose a novel method for improving upon a shortcoming of this approach. Implications for research and interventions are discussed.
Studying Children’s Experiences in Interactions With Clinicians: Identifying Methods Fit for Purpose
Authors: Bryan Gemma , Bluebond-Langner Myra , Kelly Daniel , Kumpunen Stephanie , Oulton Kate , Gibson Faith
Published: October 2018

Increased emphasis on the child’s voice and point of view in care and treatment has led to an expansion in the development of methods to access and identify their perspectives. Drawing on our experiences in a study of children with leukemia in hospital, this article explains the challenges and opportunities that arise in the use of five commonly used methods in a study of hospitalized children’s experiences with health care professionals, including the “Draw and Write” technique, a sticker activity, a paper–person exercise, informal interviews, and participant observation. Each of these methods was examined with regard to ease of use, data generation, and utility of data for accessing children’s perspectives and development of initial clinical guidance.
Credit/debt and human capital: Financialized neoliberalism and the production of subjectivity
Authors: Bowsher Josh
Published: October 2018

Adding to contemporary debates about the relationship between financialization and neoliberalism, this article investigates their entanglement at the level of subjectivity. Primarily, the article argues that financialization and neoliberalism are converging to produce a new form of subjectivity, post-profit homo œconomicus, an always indebted but credit-seeking enterprise. The value of this approach, the article demonstrates, is that it provides theoretical tools capable of grasping the differential production of subjectivity across the uneven and unequal striations of contemporary neoliberal society, from precarious workers of the gig economy to financial sector elites. The article examines two figures who have become central to public and academic debates about neoliberalism and financialization – the low-waged, precarious worker and the indebted student – to consider how neoliberal subjectivity is produced and distributed unevenly. It concludes that within these fragmentary socioeconomic positions are different instantiations of always indebted but credit-seeking human capital.
Investigations on dry sliding frictional and wear characteristics of SiC and red mud reinforced Al2024 matrix hybrid composites using Taguchi's approach
Authors: Singh Jaswinder , Chauhan Amit
Published: October 2018

In this study, frictional and wear behavior of Al2024/SiC/red mud hybrid composites processed by stir casting route has been investigated under dry sliding conditions. Further, influence of parameters, namely red mud fraction (5–20 wt%) and particle size (37–125 µm), applied load (10–40 N), sliding distance (3000–6000 m), sliding velocity (0.5–2.0 m/s), and their interaction terms on multiresponse characteristics has been examined by employing Taguchi's approach. The wear behavior of hybrid Al composites has been investigated using pin-on-disc apparatus at room temperature and optimization of parameters has been carried by statistical analysis. The adequacy of the developed model has been checked by conducting confirmation experiment and studying the worn surface morphology. The analysis of variance indicates that sliding distance has highest influence (with a contribution of 19.74%) on the wear loss characteristics, while applied load has a maximum contribution of 38.86% in the friction coefficient of the hybrid composites. It has also been revealed that the wear resistance of the hybrid composites is improved with an increase in red mud fraction and decrease in the magnitude of applied load and sliding distance. The morphology of worn surfaces shows that ploughing and abrasion of the wear surface is considerably increased with an increase in the magnitude of wear parameters. But, an increase in red mud fraction reduces the plastic deformation (delamination) of the wear surface since it favors formation of a protective layer between the sliding surfaces. The results of the confirmation experiment indicate that wear loss and friction coefficient of the developed composites have been reduced by 400 and 51%, respectively, in comparison to unreinforced alloy under optimized conditions. The errors in the measurements of the wear loss and friction coefficient have been found to be 4.26 and 2.63%, respectively.
The impact of dementia in the prison setting: A systematic review
Authors: Brooke Joanne , Diaz-Gil Alicia , Jackson Debra
Published: October 2018

Older prisoners are the fastest growing group in the prison population, with an accelerated aging process they are at a high risk of developing dementia. However, no systematic review has explored the impact of dementia in the prison setting. The objectives of this review were to identify the prevalence of dementia in the prison setting and how prison, health and social care providers assess, diagnose, treat, support and care for prisoners with dementia. A systematic search of the literature from the following databases was undertaken: CINHAL, PubMed, BNI, PsychINFO, and MEDLINE. Search strategies were tailored for each database and included recognised Medical Subject Headings. Hand searching of prominent journals in correctional services and dementia, as well as reference lists of included papers was completed. Open Grey website was searched to identify relevant government, local council and charity publications regarding dementia in the prison setting. The appropriate Critical Appraisal Skills Programmes Checklist for all included studies was completed. Following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 studies were included in the review. Due to the nature of the data extracted, a meta-synthesis was not possible; therefore, a thematic synthesis was completed. Three themes emerged: prevalence of dementia in the prison population, identification of older prisoner’s needs, and knowledge of correctional officers and legal professionals. The prevalence and incidence of dementia in prison populations remain largely unknown. There is a need for national policies and local strategies that support a multi-disciplinary approach to early detection, screening and diagnosis of cognitive impairment and dementia across prison settings. Alongside the development of structured prison environments, non-pharmacological interventions, continued assessment of prisoners with a dynamic care plan, and training for health, social and prison staff and prisoners.
Are we creating ethical dilemmas where there are none?
Authors: Howells Amy J
Published: October 2018

This case study focuses on decision-making for minors who are permanently unconscious and dependent on life-sustaining therapies. Cases of this type often cause anguish and angst for health care providers and caregivers and can lead to mistrust, moral distress, and communication problems. After presenting a particular case, an ethical analysis is applied to determine whether there is an apparent course of action or an ethical dilemma. The ethical analysis focuses on the currently accepted guidance principle for surrogate decision-making for minors and applies them to the case. The conclusion drawn shows that the case was not, in fact, an ethical dilemma by definition and that there is a reasonable course of action to be taken.
Talent Management and Development: Perspectives From Emerging Market Economies
Authors: Dirani Khalil M. , Nafukho Fredrick M.
Published: October 2018

The Problem

This issue of Advances addresses an important and so far largely unexplored area of practice and research: Talent management and development (TMD) in emerging market economies. Given the growing importance of the emerging markets, understanding how current and future talents in these countries are educated and trained is a matter of high priority for academics, business executives, and policy makers worldwide. However, systematic studies of TMD in emerging markets and especially English-language publications on this topic are scarce. We hope that this work closes an important gap in the academic literature by bridging TMD studies and research on emerging markets, and by providing analysis of TMD practices in a number of key emerging economies.

The Solution

TMD is one of the important areas of focus for human resource development (HRD) researchers and practitioners. Most research on TMD is conducted in the West, while the current state and indigenous practices of TMD in the majority of countries of the world are not explored. Articles in this special issue provided an overview of TMD in some of the emerging market economies: Asia, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa, and BRICS sector (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and cover a range of TMD practices and topics. While some authors focused more on TMD in the business sector (e.g., Brazil, Russia, and India), others discussed such topics as TMD in higher education (e.g., Vietnam), the difference between private and public institutions in TMD for managers and executives (e.g., Korea, UAE), and current practices of TMD in the public and private sectors (China). Chapters from China, South Korea, Vietnam, Russia, India, UAE, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Brazil are included in this special issue.

The Stakeholders

This issue is expected to benefit HRD researchers, HRD practitioners, and organizations by providing TMD theories, research, and practice from different cultural perspectives around the globe. In addition, practical ways of talent development and talent management for organizations are advanced in the issue.
Investigations on jute fibre-reinforced polyester composites: Effect of alkali treatment and poly(lactic acid) coating
Authors: Gupta MK
Published: October 2018

The aim of the present investigation is to overcome the limitations of jute fibre-reinforced polyester composite. The jute fibre-reinforced polyester composites were prepared by hand lay-up technique followed by static compression using constant fibres length 15 mm and constant fibres loading 16 wt.%. In the present work, treated jute fibres consisted of alkali treated, poly(lactic acid)-coated and alkali-treated coated with poly(lactic acid). Mechanical properties in terms of tensile, flexural and impact test, and dynamic mechanical properties in terms of storage modulus [Formula: see text], loss modulus [Formula: see text], damping [Formula: see text] and glass transition temperature [Formula: see text]of prepared composites were studied. In addition, water absorption properties in terms of percentage of water uptake and sorption, diffusion and permeability coefficient were also studied. In addition, morphological analysis of untreated and treated jute fibres and its polyester based composites was also carried out using scanning electron microscope. The results suggested that the limitations of jute fibre-reinforced polyester composites were significantly reduced after the treatment of fibres. The composite with alkali-treated jute fibres coated with poly(lactic acid) exhibited the best performance in terms of improvement in mechanical, dynamic mechanical and water resistance properties. The results obtained from present study show a successful attempt of a novel treatment.
A Rare Cause of Leg Ulcer: Calcinosis Cutis as a Part of CREST Syndrome
Authors: Odyakmaz Demirsoy Evren , Çatal Cansu , Yazıcı Ayten , Bayramgurler Dilek
Published: October 2018

Leg ulcers are not a disease themselves, they are a symptom of a disease. To manage them properly, finding the correct diagnosis of the disease is mandatory. Our case is a model to underline that leg ulcers are a significant burden for the patient, because leg ulcer got ahead of the patient’s other serious complaints such as Raynaud’s phenomenon or sclerodactyly. Furthermore, our patient is also a model, and an attentive clinical evaluation is inevitable to find the correct diagnosis. We present our case aiming to underline the significance of full dermatologic examination in each ulceration to discover underlying disease.
Role of Psychosocial Job Stressors on Sexual Function of Male Nurses: The Mediator Role of Work Ability
Authors: Mokarami Hamidreza , Toderi Stefano , Rahimi Pordanjani Tayebe , Taban Ebrahim
Published: October 2018

There is limited information on the specific psychosocial risks at work that can impact sexual function. The general aim of this study was to investigate the effects of multiple dimensions of psychosocial work stressors on the male sexual function. This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 153 male nurses working in two hospitals in Iran. Sexual function and psychosocial job stressors were measured using the Persian version of the International Index of Erectile Function (P-IIEF) and the Persian version of the Health and Safety Executive (P-HSE) Management Standards Indicator Tool. The Persian version of the Work Ability Index (P-WAI) was used to assess the mediating effect of work ability on the relationship between overall stress and subscales of sexual function. The data were analyzed using Pearson product–moment correlation, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple linear regressions. The subscales of psychosocial job stressors, especially the subscale of role, had a significant correlation with several domains of sexual function. The regression modeling indicated that the subscales of role and job demands were significant predictors of various domains of sexual function. The effect of overall stress on intercourse satisfaction was fully mediated by WAI. In the other indicators of sexual function, overall stress score had only a significant direct effect, not mediated by WAI. Intervention programs to improve sexual function should focus on increasing nurses’ involvement in making decisions related to jobs and on using ergonomic principles related to balancing job demands and the level of nurses’ capabilities.
Seizure predictors and outcome after Onyx embolization in patients with brain arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Zhang Baorui , Feng Xin , Peng Fei , Wang Luyao , Guo Er Kang , Zhang Yupeng , Liu Peng , Wu Zhongxue , Liu Aihua
Published: October 2018

Background

Brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM)-related epilepsy can significantly affect patient quality of life. We aimed to identify the factors associated with seizures occurrence and evaluate the long-term outcome following Onyx embolization in bAVM patients.

Methods

Between July 2014 and July 2016, 239 consecutive patients underwent treatment for bAVMs in our institute and were respectively analyzed. Demographics, seizure status and bAVM morphologic characteristics were recorded. Modified Engel classification was used to evaluate the long-term seizure outcomes.

Results

Of 239 bAVM patients, 68 (28.5%) initially presented with seizures. Seizure occurrence was associated with cerebral hemorrhage history, frontal-temporal location and arterial borderzone location. Of the 37 patients who presented with initial seizures and were treated with Onyx embolization, 23 (62.2%) were treated with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) before Onyx embolization. At the last follow-up visit, 19 (51.4%) of the 37 patients reached modified Engel class I outcome. Of the 23 patients who had ever been treated with AEDs, 12 (52.2%) were still taking AEDs at the last follow-up visit. Single-factor analysis showed that arterial borderzone location was significantly correlated with higher modified Engel class outcome ( p = 0.046).

Conclusion

Patients with bAVM hemorrhage history, frontal-temporal location and arterial borderzone location were associated with seizure occurrence. Seizure-free status was not obtained in AVM patients with arterial borderzone after embolization, though it may have benefits in other ways. The seizure-free mechanism of bAVM with Onyx embolization is worth further study.
Carotid artery stenting for patients with occipital–vertebral anastomosis
Authors: Kajikawa Ryuichiro , Fujinaka Toshiyuki , Nakamura Hajime , Kinoshita Manabu , Nishida Takeo , Kishima Haruhiko
Published: October 2018

Background and purpose

We report the outcomes of carotid artery stenting for patients with angiographically visible occipital artery–vertebral artery anastomosis.

Methods

Among 47 consecutive patients who underwent carotid artery stenting from January 2007 to December 2010, seven patients for whom cerebral angiograms clearly showed occipital artery–vertebral artery anastomosis were selected. Four different protection methods were used: distal internal carotid artery protection; carotid flow reversal; seatbelt and airbag technique; and double protection method of protecting both the external and internal carotid artery.

Results

One patient with distal internal carotid artery protection showed a high-intensity lesion at the border of the upper thalamus, internal capsule and lateral ventricle wall after carotid artery stenting. The other patient with the double protection method did not show any high-intensity lesions on postoperative diffusion-weighted imaging in the vertebrobasilar territory. All seven patients with visible occipital artery–vertebral artery anastomosis showed ipsilateral vertebral artery severe stenosis or occlusion.

Conclusion

Large occipital artery–vertebral artery anastomosis may be a pathway for embolic materials during carotid artery stenting. External carotid artery protection is recommended for carotid artery stenting in such patients.
Elicitation as a Multilayered Process
Authors: Tsui Emma K. , Franzosa Emily
Published: October 2018

This article describes a novel approach to reciprocal peer interviewing in which participants interview one another sequentially, allowing each the space of a full interview to articulate her experiences and reflections. This structure of data collection offers a new conceptualization of the way that elicitation functions; not just as a process inside of an interview, but one that is also shaped by factors preceding and outside of the individual interview, a process we call “meta-elicitation.” We argue that this form of reciprocal peer interviewing offers a view of the emic that is both participant-led and uniquely balanced between collective and individual perspectives. However, we also argue that shared authority and rapport are actively, and not always successfully, negotiated in such interviews. To prepare participants for peer interviewing, we hosted a 1-day workshop involving interview training, planning, and the recording of interviews. To maximize quality of such projects, we recommend that external researchers consider carefully (1) the balance of structure and flexibility in designing the workshop and interviews, (2) thorough preparation of participants, and (3) the role of meta-elicitation dynamics during analysis.
Musical Elicitation Methods
Authors: dos Santos Andeline , Wagner Claire
Published: October 2018

Music is an underutilized resource for research in the social sciences. This article presents examples of musical elicitation methods that were used within a study that explored how adolescents who were referred to group music therapy for aggression produced meanings of aggression through the therapeutic process. The study was conducted within a poststructuralist paradigm, particularly using the theoretical thinking tools of Deleuze and Gergen. The elicitation methods discussed include drumming, creating images during music listening, and songwriting. The article argues for the role of musical elicitation methods particularly within research that values a radical relational stance that allows participants to comfortably territorialize the research encounter, and in light of considering the transformative potential of research itself.
Data Elicited Through Apps for Health Systems Improvement
Authors: Miatello Ashleigh , Mulvale Gillian , Hackett Christina , Mulvale Alison , Kutty Ashwin , Alshazly Faten
Published: October 2018

A promising approach to meeting the need in many jurisdictions for timely, in-depth qualitative health systems experience data, is to elicit feedback through smartphone and web applications (apps). Apps offer an appealing tool to elicit data from patients and family members who may feel stigma when receiving some services and a power imbalance when providing feedback to health-care providers. In this article, we examine the effectiveness of a suite of smartphone and web apps called myExperience ( myEXP) that were created to gather care experiences of youth, family members, and service providers as part of an experience-based co-design (EBCD) study in Ontario involving youth with mental disorders. We analyzed data from 12 triads of youth (aged 16–24), family members, and service providers gathered between August 2015 and December 2016. We used qualitative content analysis to understand participant feedback on the myEXP apps and identify thematic categories that emerged from experience data elicited through the myEXP apps. We found overall that the myEXP apps were more effective at eliciting experience data from youth compared with family members and service providers. Rich experience data were gathered from youth about treatment plans in real time through the apps. The apps also showed important promise as reflective tools for all participants. They may offer advantages in research that seeks to improve responsiveness in service delivery and build mutual understanding. The apps also offer choice in how data are elicited, encourage more candid feedback and help to overcome stigma, which are important considerations for some vulnerable populations. For service redesign research using approaches such as EBCD, apps offer real-time data gathering that can complement and enhance traditional approaches such as retrospective interviews and observation.
Making the Most of Culture and Context
Authors: Ebersöhn Liesel , Malan-Van Rooyen Marlize
Published: October 2018

Research aimed at generating evidence to address elicitation challenges that arise because of extreme inequality and marginalized perspectives requires deliberation on relevant methodologies that can elicit insights by both revering marginalized sociocultural strengths and being sensitive to power imbalances. In this article, we provide examples of participatory methods that make the most of often silenced non-Western sociocultural strengths and create opportunities for participation despite barriers due to inequality. The examples emerged from multiple researcher journals and visual data from a study that documented indigenous psychology on resilience with elders ( n = 24; male = 10, female = 14) and young people ( n = 48; male = 21, female = 27) in two remote Southern African border communities. We describe the examples of elicitation methods to make the most of culture using (i) symbols that reflect nonmainstream sociocultural perspectives, (ii) familiar multiliteracies, (iii) a variety of spoken languages, and (iv) familiar collectivist modes, as well as contextual characteristics to (i) equalize opportunity given structural disparity, (ii) equalize power, and (iii) honor gender and age hierarchies. We conclude that methods for indigenous research can honor and leverage marginalized cultures and contexts to extend beyond sympathy for an oppressed worldview or a context of deprivation.
Becoming skillful leaders: American school principals’ transformative learning
Authors: Kim Taeyeon
Published: October 2018

In this study, I explore how school principals experience transformative learning in relation to leadership development and how these experiences influence their leadership practices and perceptions. Transformative learning is critical for school leaders because it can lead to meaningful learning that qualitatively changes their leadership practices. Assuming that personally significant incidents are important for transformative learning, I analyzed qualitative data collected from 12 school principals in the United States. Analysis revealed that with these transformative learning experiences, school principals established strong foundations of leadership assumptions and strategies by changing and expanding their views of themselves and others. My findings suggest that education for principal leadership development should provide opportunities to explore multiple dimensions of learning, how relationships and school contexts influence leadership decision making, and how principals perceive themselves as leaders. This study contributes to a more dynamic understanding of how school leaders make actual change in their leadership practices.
Social capital and trust for inclusion in school and society
Authors: Allan Julie , Persson Elisabeth
Published: October 2018

This article reports on the outcomes for students who experienced a strongly inclusive learning environment as a means for all to succeed. This Swedish lower secondary school dramatically improved its results, and the article reports the outcomes from the students’ perspectives. Social capital, with its emphasis on relationships, was used to structure interviews with students who had since moved on to high schools across Sweden and was also used to analyse the interview data. Two elements of social capital that appeared to be strongly associated with the students’ success – trust and confidence – are discussed in depth. The article concludes with a consideration of the significance of the role of schools in cultivating trust and the risks associated with schools ignoring this obligation.
Assessing susceptibility to distraction along the vocal processing hierarchy
Authors: Mühl Constanze , Bestelmeyer Patricia EG
Published: October 2018

Recent models of voice perception propose a hierarchy of steps leading from a more general, “low-level” acoustic analysis of the voice signal to a voice-specific, “higher-level” analysis. We aimed to engage two of these stages: first, a more general detection task in which voices had to be identified amid environmental sounds, and, second, a more voice-specific task requiring a same/different decision about unfamiliar speaker pairs (Bangor Voice Matching Test [BVMT]). We explored how vulnerable voice recognition is to interfering distractor voices, and whether performance on the aforementioned tasks could predict resistance against such interference. In addition, we manipulated the similarity of distractor voices to explore the impact of distractor similarity on recognition accuracy. We found moderate correlations between voice detection ability and resistance to distraction ( r = .44), and BVMT and resistance to distraction ( r = .57). A hierarchical regression revealed both tasks as significant predictors of the ability to tolerate distractors ( R2 = .36). The first stage of the regression (BVMT as sole predictor) already explained 32% of the variance. Descriptively, the “higher-level” BVMT was a better predictor (β = .47) than the more general detection task (β = .25), although further analysis revealed no significant difference between both beta weights. Furthermore, distractor similarity did not affect performance on the distractor task. Overall, our findings suggest the possibility to target specific stages of the voice perception process. This could help explore different stages of voice perception and their contributions to specific auditory abilities, possibly also in forensic and clinical settings.