bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Outcomes Following Remotely Administered Self-Help Training for Parents
Authors: Padilla Raul , Parsons Michael H.
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects up to 7% of children, with consequences lasting into adulthood for an indeterminate number of people. Children with ADHD need special interventions that start with effective parenting. Yet parent-education programs are often inappropriate for low-income or single-parent families who lack transportation, availability, or resources to attend. AIMS: We evaluated a remotely administered, 6-week, Six-step Parenting Program (SsPP) at two community health centers in Trenton, New Jersey. METHODS: Eight low-income, single-parent families were selected for participation. The parent/teacher rating scale of ADHD symptoms (SNAP-IV [Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham–IV questionnaire]) was administered pre- and post-application. RESULTS: Six out of 8 (75%) participating parents/guardians perceived improvements in children’s symptoms. Completion of SsPP resulted in reduced SNAP-IV values by an average of 12.4% ( n = 8), with improvements in 16 of 18 variables. CONCLUSIONS: The remotely administered SsPP may hold promise for parents unable to attend training and deserves further consideration and evaluation.
Analysis of Emergency Room Visits Reveals a Seriously Mentally Ill, Medically Fragile Population Requiring Strategic Management
Authors: Sahota Kavinder , Bennett Carole
Published: January 2019

OBJECTIVE: This practice improvement project evaluated the cost of health care services utilized by patients with comorbid mental and physical chronic conditions who were psychiatrically hospitalized but transported for health care services of physical symptoms that developed during their psychiatric hospitalization. METHOD: A retrospective review of invoices to a regional psychiatric hospital for non-psychiatric health services utilized by inpatients revealed high costs of emergency room (ER) visits from July 2016 to June 2017. Medical records for these seriously mentally ill inpatients who visited the ER for evaluation of sudden emergent physical symptoms were reviewed. The collected data were analyzed. RESULTS: ER invoices revealed that 41 visits had been made by 28 patients with a total cost of $308,466.67, of which $258,668.15 was judged to be for the treatment of patients with symptoms of preventable side effect syndromes. This chart review and analysis suggest a need for improved strategic medication management in an integrated model of care. CONCLUSIONS: Polypharmacy was found to be responsible for increased debilitating physical symptoms requiring ER visits for this seriously mentally ill, medically fragile population. An integration of care services for comorbid conditions by advanced practice registered nurses with protocols specifically designed for this population was recommended.
Bringing Personalized Medicine to a PACT Program: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Conley Virginia M. , Daack-Hirsch Sandra , Halbmaier Katie , Shaw Lisa
Published: January 2019

INTRODUCTION: Programs for assertive community treatment (PACT) serve persons with severe mental illness who have been unsuccessful with traditional outpatient services. Many PACT clients struggle to obtain symptom relief with medications that often have poor efficacy and undesired side effects, which can result in nonadherence, relapse, and increased health care utilization with associated costs. AIMS: This quality improvement project aimed to improve client and PACT program outcomes by incorporating pharmacogenomic testing into the psychopharmacological decision-making process. METHODS: The project used a pre–posttest design with each client serving as their own control to evaluate changes in clients’ symptoms and program outcomes resulting from pharmacogenomics-guided medication management. RESULTS: Following project implementation, clients’ symptoms were decreased and both engagement in care and stability in the community increased. Psychiatric hospitalizations and associated costs decreased. CONCLUSIONS: This project suggests utility for using pharmacogenomics testing to personalize care for persons with severe mental illness.
Deformation of microstretch elastic beams loaded on the lateral surface
Authors: Ieşan D
Published: January 2019

This paper is concerned with the linear theory of microstretch elastic solids. We study the deformation of a chiral cylinder subjected to body loads, to traction on the lateral surface and to resultant forces and moments on the ends. The body loads and the surface loading are assumed to be independent of the axial coordinate. The solution is reduced to solving some plane problems. The results are used to study the deformation of a circular cylinder subjected to a uniform pressure acting on the lateral surface.
Prospective crossover clinical trial comparing transdermal with oral phenobarbital administration in epileptic cats
Authors: Barnes Heller Heidi L , Trepanier Lauren A , Robertson Michelle , Mei Chaoqun
Published: January 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare serum phenobarbital concentrations, adverse events and client satisfaction during 14 weeks of transdermal vs oral phenobarbital administration to epileptic cats.

Methods

This was a prospective, fixed-order, crossover pilot study. Nine client-owned cats with presumptive or diagnosed idiopathic epilepsy were enrolled. Oral phenobarbital (PO-PB) was administered for weeks 1–14 (median starting dosage of 3.8 mg/kg [2.0–5.4 mg/kg/day] q12h); transdermal phenobarbital (TD-PB) was administered for weeks 14–28 (median starting dosage 18.8 mg/kg/day [17.6–24.0 mg/kg/day] q12h). Serum phenobarbital concentrations (S-PB) were measured at weeks 2, 14, 16 and 28. Client satisfaction questionnaires and biochemistry were evaluated at 14 and 28 weeks.

Results

Median S-PB concentrations during oral administration were 21 µg/ml (observed range 11–40 µg/ml) at week 2 and 22 µg/ml (8–35 µg/ml) at week 14, and at the higher TD dosage were 18 µg/ml (0–42 µg/ml) at week 16 and 17 µg/ml (7–50 µg/ml) at week 28. Phenobarbital concentrations were significantly correlated with PO dosage at week 2 ( r = 0.75, P = 0.03) but not at weeks 16 and 28. Significantly more dose adjustments were needed during the TD phase ( P = 0.03), but 6/9 owners (67%) still preferred TD to PO administration. Adverse effects were mild and comparable in both groups.

Conclusions and relevance

Therapeutic S-PB concentrations were achievable in some cats using TD-PB at 18 mg/kg/day q12h. Poor correlation between TD dosage and S-PB concentrations was observed and more dosage adjustments were required during TD administration. These findings necessitate close therapeutic drug monitoring if TD-PB is prescribed.
Parity Differently Affects the Breast Cancer Specific Survival from Ductal Carcinoma In Situ to Invasive Cancer: A Registry-Based Retrospective Study from Korea
Authors: Lee JungSun , Oh Minkyung , Ko SeungSang , Park Chanheun , Lee Eun Sook , Kim Hyun-Ah , Jung Yongsik , Lee Jungyeon ,   The Korean Breast Cancer Society
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

Multiparity might increase general mortality for women, but has inconclusive in patients with breast cancer. Here, we aim to discover their effect in terms of the breast cancer development hypothesis: from ductal carcinoma in situ to invasive carcinoma.

Methods:

We included 37 947 patients from the web-based breast cancer registration program of the Korean Breast Cancer Society and analyzed survivals using multivariate Cox regression analysis and whether the associations of these factors displayed linear trends. They were divided into the following groups: (1) pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), (2) invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) mixed with intraductal component (DCIS-IDC), and (3) node negative pure IDC.

Results:

The mean age was 48.9 ± 9.9 years including premenopausal women was 61.8%. Although patients with parities of 1-3 had better prognosis compared with patients with nulliparous women, high parity (⩾4) increased the hazard ratio (HR) of overall survival (OS) (DCIS: HR, 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62-3.78; IDC: HR, 1.43, 95% CI 0.89-2.31; and DCIS-IDC: HR, 1.44, 95% CI 0.45-4.59) during 84.2 (±10.7) months. For breast cancer specific survival (BCSS), the HR of the IDC group ( P-value for trend = .04) increased along with increasing parity and was worse than nulliparous patients, and the HR of the DCIS-IDC group increased but was better than nulliparous patients ( P-value for trend = .02). Compared with nulliparous patients, any age at first birth (AFB) decreased HR of OS in the DCIS and IDC groups (DCIS: P = .01; IDC: P = .04).

Conclusions:

Parity show dual effects on OS of women with all ductal typed breast cancer but show different effects on BCSS in Korea.
The Effect of Oral Administration of Amantadine on Neurological Outcome of Patients With Diffuse Axonal Injury in ICU
Authors: Abbasivash Rahman , Valizade Hasanloei Mohammad Amin , Kazempour Aidin , Mahdkhah Ata , Shaaf Ghoreishi Mir Mehdi , Akhavan Masoumi Ghazal
Published: January 2019

Traumatic brain injury is a major cause of death and disability in adults. This study investigated the effect of oral administration of amantadine on the neurological outcomes of patients with diffuse axonal injury (DAI) in the intensive care unit (ICU). This double-blind clinical trial was conducted in the ICU of Imam Hospital in Urmia. Patients with DAI were intubated and received mechanical ventilation in the ICU. They were divided into 2 groups: patients receiving amantadine (A) and placebo (P). The acquired data were analyzed using SPSS, P < .05 significant level. Findings showed no significant difference between the 2 groups in age and sex. There was no significant difference between the mean Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) at the time of admission and discharge, and the mean Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) of the patients in 2 groups. No significant difference was observed in the duration of mechanical ventilation, hospitalization, and mortality in both groups ( P > .05) in ICU. However, there was a significant difference between the mean GCS at the time of admission and discharge and death. Also, significant differences existed between the mean GOS in discharged and deceased patients ( P = .001). This study showed no significant difference between the mean GCS at the time of admission and discharge and the mean GOS of the discharged patients and the mortality rate in the 2 groups. However, there were clear statistical differences between these variables in discharged and deceased patients. It is recommended that further studies are conducted with a larger sample size.
The Use of Janus Kinase Inhibitors in Alopecia Areata: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Crowley Erika L. , Fine Shamone C. , Katipunan Kathleen Kwan , Gooderham Melinda J.
Published: January 2019

Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder that targets hair follicle epithelium, thereby restricting hair growth in localized patches. Although several therapies for AA have been tested, responses with traditional therapies have been limited. In recent years, numerous reports have been published of patients with AA responding to Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. This literature review aims to describe AA pathophysiology, explore how and why JAK inhibitors can be used for AA treatment, and review published case reports, case series, and open-label studies published to date. Pathogenesis of AA includes interactions between genetic, environmental, and immune factors and is mediated by the cytokines interferon-γ and interleukin (IL)-15. JAK inhibition resulting in hair regrowth in some cases supports that AA is associated with the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway. The emergence of JAK inhibitors for AA therapy is changing the way health care providers think about and treat AA. A mixture of animal model studies and human case studies have reported the use of baricitinib (JAK 1/2), ruxolitinib (JAK 1/2), and tofacitinib (JAK 1/3) for the management of AA. JAK inhibition has shown potential as an effective AA therapy when used in case studies, case series, and open-label trials. Formal clinical trials are ongoing and will yield more definitive conclusions about the safety and efficacy of JAK inhibitors.
A Qualitative Analysis of Canadian Indoor Tanning Policies
Authors: Gill Pavandeep , Kalia Sunil
Published: January 2019

Background:

The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies artificial tanning devices as Group 1 human carcinogens. Studies have shown that use of indoor tanning before age 35 can increase the risk of melanoma development by 75%. It has therefore been recommended that indoor tanning use be restricted in individuals younger than age 18.

Objectives:

This study aims to review the state of provincial indoor tanning policies, especially in regards to use by youth across Canada, and what strategies are being implemented to enforce them.

Methods:

Focused interviews were conducted with representatives from the provincial Ministries of Health across Canada in May and June 2014. Follow-up interviews were performed between February and May 2017.

Results:

As of January 2018, regulations are in effect in all Canadian provinces restricting indoor tanning by minors and requiring display of signage warning of the risks of indoor tanning by salons. However, there are discrepancies among the provinces on how and if tanning salons are monitored and how and if these regulations are enforced.

Conclusions:

While implementing youth bans on indoor tanning is a promising start, all Canadian provinces need to ensure that efforts are being undertaken to ensure compliance with these policies to effectively combat the rising incidence of skin cancer among the Canadian population.
‘I once wore an angry bird T-shirt and went to read Qur’an’: Asymmetrical institutional complexity and emerging consumption practices in Pakistan
Authors: Husain Saima , Molesworth Mike , Grigore Georgiana
Published: January 2019

This article brings together theories of institutional logics and the exploration of the lives of tweens in Pakistan to understand how emerging consumption practices fit within Pakistani children’s daily lives, and how institutional complexity that includes the dominance of religion under Pakistani Islamization is negotiated to separate and maintain the differences between them. We identify resolutions to asymmetrical institutional complexity in the consumption of character T-shirts: spatial–temporal practices, visual practices, symbolic substitution practices and single logic practices. We contribute to an understanding of how consumption happens in an Eastern Muslim culture, and how multiple institutional logics shape the consumption practices of children, by articulating how halal consumption practices, far from being essentialist, or presented as market segmentation, form from negotiations and reflections at the boundaries where Islam and Market logics meet.
A toolbox for volumetric visualization of light properties
Authors: Kartashova T , de Ridder H , te Pas SF , Pont SC
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we introduce a toolbox for the perceptually based visualization of light in a volume, focusing on the visual effects of illumination. First, our visualizations extend the conventional methods from a two-dimensional representation on surfaces to the whole volume of a scene. Second, we extend the conventional methods from showing only light intensity to visualizing three light properties (mean illuminance, primary direction and diffuseness). To make our methods generally available and easily accessible, we provide a web-based tool, to which everybody can upload data, measured by a cubic or simple illuminance meter or even a smartphone-app, and generate a variety of three-dimensional visualizations of the light field. The importance of considering the light field in its full complexity (and thus as a three-dimensional vector field instead of its two-dimensional sections) is widely acknowledged. Our toolbox allows easy access to sophisticated methods for analysing the spatial distribution of light and its primary qualities as well as how they vary throughout space. It is our hope that our results raise interest in ‘third stage’ approaches to lighting research and design, and the toolbox offers a practical solution to this complex problem.
Effects of magnitude of visceral adipose tissue reduction: Impact on insulin resistance, hyperleptinemia and cardiometabolic risk in adolescents with obesity after long-term weight-loss therapy
Authors: Campos Raquel Munhoz da Silveira , Masquio Deborah Cristina Landi , Corgosinho Flávia Campos , Caranti Danielle Arisa , Ganen Aline de Piano , Tock Lian , Oyama Lila Missae , Dâmaso Ana Raimunda
Published: January 2019

Aim:

To investigate the association between visceral adipose tissue loss and insulin resistance and hyperleptinemia in adolescents with obesity submitted to interdisciplinary weight-loss therapy.

Methods:

A total of 172 post-pubertal adolescents (body mass index greater than the 95th percentile of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reference growth charts) were recruited for the study. The adolescents were assigned to long-term weight-loss therapy. Body composition, visceral and subcutaneous fat, glucose metabolism, lipid profile, hepatic enzymes and leptin concentration were measured. After the therapy, the adolescents were allocated to three different groups according to the tertile of visceral fat reduction.

Results:

Positive effects on body composition were observed in all analysed groups independent of visceral fat reduction. It was found that visceral fat was an independent predictor of insulin resistance in the investigated population. Obese adolescents who lost a higher proportion of visceral adipose tissue (>1.8 cm) demonstrated improved metabolic and inflammatory parameters twice as much than those who presented smaller losses. Positive correlations between visceral fat reduction and glucose metabolism, lipid profile, hepatic enzymes and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index were demonstrated.

Conclusion:

The magnitude of the reduction in visceral fat was an independent predictor of insulin resistance, hyperleptinemia and metabolic disorders related to obese adolescents.
Feasibility of Image Registration for Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Radiotherapy Based on Similarity Measurement by a Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Zhu Ning , Najafi Mohammad , Han Bin , Hancock Steven , Hristov Dimitre
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

Registration of 3-dimensional ultrasound images poses a challenge for ultrasound-guided radiation therapy of the prostate since ultrasound image content changes significantly with anatomic motion and ultrasound probe position. The purpose of this work is to investigate the feasibility of using a pretrained deep convolutional neural network for similarity measurement in image registration of 3-dimensional transperineal ultrasound prostate images.

Methods:

We propose convolutional neural network-based registration that maximizes a similarity score between 2 identical in size 3-dimensional regions of interest: one encompassing the prostate within a simulation (reference) 3-dimensional ultrasound image and another that sweeps different spatial locations around the expected prostate position within a pretreatment 3-dimensional ultrasound image. The similarity score is calculated by (1) extracting pairs of corresponding 2-dimensional slices (patches) from the regions of interest, (2) providing these pairs as an input to a pretrained convolutional neural network which assigns a similarity score to each pair, and (3) calculating an overall similarity by summing all pairwise scores. The convolutional neural network method was evaluated against ground truth registrations determined by matching implanted fiducial markers visualized in a pretreatment orthogonal pair of x-ray images. The convolutional neural network method was further compared to manual registration and a standard commonly used intensity-based automatic registration approach based on advanced normalized correlation.

Results:

For 83 image pairs from 5 patients, convolutional neural network registration errors were smaller than 5 mm in 81% of the cases. In comparison, manual registration errors were smaller than 5 mm in 61% of the cases and advanced normalized correlation registration errors were smaller than 5 mm only in 25% of the cases.

Conclusion:

Convolutional neural network evaluation against manual registration and an advanced normalized correlation -based registration demonstrated better accuracy and reliability of the convolutional neural network. This suggests that with training on a large data set of transperineal ultrasound prostate images, the convolutional neural network method has potential for robust ultrasound-to-ultrasound registration.
Parent Experiences of Raising a Young Child with Multiple Disabilities: The Transition to Preschool
Authors: Waters Chelsea L. , Friesen Amber
Published: January 2019

Families raising young children diagnosed with multiple disabilities encounter experiences that are often unique and extend well beyond the early childhood years due to the intensity and severity of their child’s needs. The contexts of these families must be understood to provide meaningful services and supports, particularly during the child’s transition from early intervention to preschool services. In this transcendental phenomenological inquiry, 10 parents of young children with multiple disabilities who transitioned from early intervention into preschool services participated in a brief survey and a semistructured interview. Findings highlight two thematic categories experienced by participants: (a) the transition from early intervention to preschool services, and (b) the importance of social contexts. Implications emphasizing effective partnerships with families, teacher preparation program enrichment, and development of accessible community supports are discussed.
Problematic Sexual Behavior and Religion Among Adult Jewish Males: An Initial Study
Authors: Rosmarin David H. , Pirutinsky Steven
Published: January 2019

A growing body of research has tied religion to problematic sexual behavior in both positive and negative ways. On the one hand, religious belief and engagement buffer against incidence and severity of problematic sexual behavior, but on the other hand religiously affiliated individuals who engage in such behavior tend to experience spiritual struggles (negative religious coping) and poor psychosocial outcomes. No published empirical studies have examined these variables among adult Jewish males. In the present study, 94 adult Jewish males completed measures of religious belief/practice, positive religious coping, spiritual struggles, and problematic sexual behavior. General and positive aspects of Jewish religiosity were unrelated to problematic sexual behavior. By contrast, spiritual struggles were tied to higher levels of problematic sexual behavior, but only for individuals who were raised as Orthodox Jews. Surprisingly, this latter finding was independent of current Orthodox affiliation. These results suggest that a religious Jewish upbringing, irrespective of current religious identity, can moderate ties between sexual behavior and spirituals struggles.
Range of Motion Measurements of the Fingers Via Smartphone Photography
Authors: Zhao John Z. , Blazar Philip E. , Mora Ariana N. , Earp Brandon E.
Published: January 2019

Background: Range of motion (ROM) measurements of the fingers are frequently obtained during hand physical examinations. While traditionally measured by manual goniometry, smartphone photography introduces an alternative method of ROM measurement that also has potential telemedicine applications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of smartphone photography measurements as an alternative to traditional goniometry, using the patient with Dupuytren disease as a model. Methods: Patients with a confirmed Dupuytren contracture were prospectively enrolled in this study. Range of motion measurements of the affected joints were obtained prior to any invasive treatments. Two sets of photographs were taken by both a clinical staff member and a nonclinical individual unaffiliated with the study. Both sets of photos were analyzed for degree of contracture via software analysis and compared against traditional goniometer measurements. Results: The study prospectively enrolled 50 consecutive patients with Dupuytren disease, comprising 123 affected joints. The mean contractures of all affected joints as measured by manual goniometry, trained photograph goniometry, and untrained photograph goniometry were 38.5, 35.3, and 35.5, respectively. The mean difference in contracture measurement was 3.2° between manual and trained photograph goniometry and 3.0° between manual and untrained photograph goniometry. There was no statistically significant difference between trained and untrained photo set measurements. Photograph measurements between separate raters demonstrated high consistency (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.92). Conclusions: Smartphone photography provides contracture measurements equivalent to the accepted error of a finger goniometer (3.2° compared with 5°). The accuracy of smartphone photography in measuring contractures offers potential telemedicine applications for both clinical and research needs.
An evaluation method for green logistics system design of agricultural products: A case study in Shandong province, China
Authors: Ni Songyuan , Lin Yu , Li Yongxing , Shao Hui , Wang Shiguang
Published: January 2019

Recently, the environmental issue caused by logistics of agricultural products has attracted a great deal of attention. In order to solve the problem, much of work focuses on green logistics to decrease environmental pollution. However, the green logistics evaluation system of agricultural products is insufficient. Therefore, establishing a reasonable green logistics evaluation system for agricultural products plays a key role in the development of green agricultural products. In this work, domestic and international environmental factors which affect the development of the green logistics of agricultural products are analyzed based on reduction, reuse, and recycling principle of circular economy. In addition, a series of evaluation indicators for green logistics of agricultural products are developed. A fuzzy analytic hierarchy process method is proposed to make a comprehensive evaluation for green logistics of agricultural products based on evaluation indicators. The method combined analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy theory, where a fuzzy transformation operator is introduced. The proposed method is applied for decision-maker in view of knowledge management. In order to verify the applicability of approach, the approach is applied to green logistics of Shandong agricultural products.
A moment estimation–based method for the path planning of manipulators with kinematic system reliability constraints
Authors: Wang Jin , Wang Wei , Fu Jianhui , Lu Guodong
Published: January 2019

Since the path planning plays a significant role in the manipulator’s control, the system reliability evaluation and optimization for path planning are studied with consideration of the joint clearance. A simple moment estimation–based method is proposed; a linear performance function is first established using the extreme value distribution theory. Based on the maximum entropy principle, the first four moments of variables are utilized to derive a best-fit probability density function to feature the characteristics of the system distribution rather than an empirical assumption of the normality. To meet the system reliability criterion constraints, a sensitivity analysis is conducted using the direct linearization method. With modification in the tolerance of sensitive parameters, the reliability can be improved efficiently. Traditional methods, such as the first-order second moment method, the first-order reliability method, and Monte Carlo simulation, are popular in this research field and therefore they are applied as benchmark methods for comprehensive comparisons in the accuracy and efficiency. A typical serial manipulator is applied as an example to validate the feasibility of our proposed method.
Inspection scheduling based on reliability updating of gas turbine welded structures
Authors: Coro Armando , Abasolo Mikel , Aguirrebeitia Josu , López de Lacalle LN
Published: January 2019

This article presents a novel methodology for the inspection scheduling of gas turbine welded structures, based on reliability calculations and overhaul findings. The model was based on a probabilistic crack propagation analysis for welds in a plate and considered the uncertainty in material properties, defect inspection capabilities, weld geometry, and loads. It developed a specific stress intensity factor and an improved first-order reliability method. The proposed routine alleviated the computational cost of stochastic crack propagation analysis, with accuracy. It is useful to achieve an effective design for manufacturing, to develop structural health monitoring applications, and to adapt inspection schedules to airplane fleet experience.
Noise-added selection method for location-based service using differential privacy in Internet of Things
Authors: Li Zhimin , Lv Haoze , Liu Zhaobin
Published: January 2019

With the development of Internet of Things, many applications need to use people’s location information, resulting in a large amount of data need to be processed, called big data. In recent years, people propose many methods to protect privacy in the location-based service aspect. However, existing technologies have poor performance in big data area. For instance, sensor equipments such as smart phones with location record function may submit location information anytime and anywhere which may lead to privacy disclosure. Attackers can leverage huge data to achieve useful information. In this article, we propose noise-added selection algorithm, a location privacy protection method that satisfies differential privacy to prevent the data from privacy disclosure by attacker with arbitrary background knowledge. In view of Internet of Things, we maximize the availability of data and algorithm when protecting the information. In detail, we filter real-time location distribution information, use our selection mechanism for comparison and analysis to determine privacy-protected regions, and then perform differential privacy on them. As shown in the theoretical analysis and the experimental results, the proposed method can achieve significant improvements in security, privacy, and complete a perfect balance between privacy protection level and data availability.
Investigation of a boundary simulation of continuity using the discrete solid element method
Authors: Zhu Baochen , Feng Ruoqiang
Published: January 2019

The discrete solid element method is an efficient numerical method that simulates the large deformation, strong material nonlinearity, fracture, and dynamic problems of continuity. In the discrete solid element method model, the spring stiffness of the spherical elements on the boundary is different from that inside the discrete solid element method model based on the principle of conservation of energy. The spring stiffness of the spherical elements on the boundary of the discrete solid element method model is shown to have a significant effect on the macroscopic properties. According to the position of the spherical elements on the boundary of the discrete solid element method model, the spherical elements on the boundary are divided into three types, which are spherical elements on the surface position, on the edge position, and on the corner position. To accurately reflect the mechanical behavior of the material, the principle of energy conservation is used to strictly deduce the spring stiffness of the three types of spherical elements on the boundary, and the relationship between the spring stiffness and elastic constants is established. The numerical example shows that the calculation accuracy of the discrete solid element method in modeling the mechanical behavior of continuity is improved after the spring stiffness of the spherical elements on the boundary is revised. In addition, the applications of the discrete solid element method to dynamic buckling of the thin plate and buckling of the cracked thin plate are also given.
Research on the automotive sensor–aided low-cost inertial navigation system for land vehicles
Authors: Fang Susu , Wang Zengcai , Zhao Lei
Published: January 2019

When a low-cost micro-electro-mechanical system inertial measurement unit is used for a vehicle navigation system, errors will quickly accumulate because of the large micro-electro-mechanical system sensor measurement noise. To solve this problem, an automotive sensor–aided low-cost inertial navigation system is proposed in this article. The error-state model of the strapdown inertial navigation system has been derived, and the measurements from the wheel speed sensor and steer angle sensor are used as the new observation vector. Then, the micro-electro-mechanical system inertial measurement unit/wheel speed sensor/steer angle sensor–integrated system is established based on adaptive Kalman filtering. The experimental results show that the positioning error of micro-electro-mechanical system inertial measurement unit/wheel speed sensor/steer angle sensor is 94.67%, 98.88%, and 97.88% less than the values using pure strapdown inertial navigation system in the east, north, and down directions, respectively. The yaw angle error is reduced to less than 1°, and the vehicle velocity estimation of micro-electro-mechanical system inertial measurement unit/wheel speed sensor/steer angle sensor–integrated navigation system is closer to the reference value. These results show the precision of the integrated navigation solution.
A new calibration method for enhancing robot position accuracy by combining a robot model–based identification approach and an artificial neural network–based error compensation technique
Authors: Nguyen Hoai-Nhan , Le Phu-Nguyen , Kang Hee-Jun
Published: January 2019

Robot position accuracy plays a very important role in advanced industrial applications. This article proposes a new method for enhancing robot position accuracy. In order to increase robot accuracy, the proposed method models and identifies determinable error sources, for instance, geometric errors and joint deflection errors. Because non-geometric error sources such as link compliance, gear backlash, and others are difficult to model correctly and completely, an artificial neural network is used for compensating for the robot position errors, which are caused by these non-geometric error sources. The proposed method is used for experimental calibration of an industrial Hyundai HH800 robot designed for carrying heavy loads. The robot position accuracy after calibration demonstrates the effectiveness and correctness of the method.
Numerical study on the hydrodynamic performance of the semi-spade rudder and propeller
Authors: Yang Xiao , Yin Yong , Lian Jing-Jing
Published: January 2019

The semi-spade rudder and KP458 propeller of the KVLCC2 (KRISO very large crude carrier) model tanker are adopted by ITTC maneuvering technical committee in the comparative study of ship maneuverability. The incompressible viscous flow around semi-spade rudder and KP458 propeller is investigated using Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations, the computational grids are generated using ICEM software, and finite volume method is employed to discretize the governing equations. Combined with turbulence model, the hydrodynamic performance of semi-spade rudder is analyzed at different rudder angles, and the result provides a reference for the estimation of the hydrodynamic characteristics of semi-spade rudder. The multi-reference framework method is employed to carry out the numerical simulation of the flow field around the propeller. The thrust and torque of propeller under different turbulence models are calculated in the simulation. The thrust coefficient curve, torque coefficient curve, and efficiency curve are present. The pressure distributions of the pressure side and suction side of propeller blades are studied at different advance coefficient. Based on the study of the hydrodynamic performance of the semi-spade rudder and propeller, the propeller–rudder interaction is simulated and analyzed at different advance coefficient.
Investigation of the suspension design and ride comfort of an electric mini off-road vehicle
Authors: Yu Bin , Wang Zhice , Wang Guoye , Zhao Jianzhu , Zhou Liyang , Zhao Jie
Published: January 2019

In view of the little research that has been conducted on the ride comfort of mini vehicles, an electric mini off-road vehicle was designed in this study and a 2 degree-of-freedom quarter car model was established to investigate the ride comfortability. The amplitude-frequency and vibration response characteristics of the suspension were analyzed with the natural frequencies of the front and rear suspensions selected in accordance with the required driving performance. A comprehensive objective function with respect to the safety and comfortability was established, and the damping ratio of the suspension was determined. The damping characteristics of the shock absorber were analyzed to derive an adjustment rule of the suspension damping ratio. The piecewise linear speed characteristics of the shock absorber were subsequently obtained, and suspension-parameter identification and ride comfort tests were conducted. The test results showed that the natural frequencies and damping ratios of the front and rear suspensions were 1.676 and 1.922 Hz, and 0.225 and 0.242, respectively. The results of a pulse input test and D-level road random running test also demonstrated the safety and good ride comfortability of the vehicle.
Examining a measure of spiritual capital: Perceptions of business and education majors
Authors: Lucey Thomas A
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this article is to examine an instrument designed to measure an individual’s spiritual capital. Spiritual capital represents a relatively new concept that relates to one’s relationship to financial resources such that he or she exhibits dispositions and behaviors toward justice-oriented environments. This study served to interpret the factor structure of Rima’s measure, consider differences in spiritual capital levels based on student area of study, and explore the influences on measures of students’ spiritual capital. The importance of this study relates to its interpretation of a measure for spiritual capital and its providing of information about an effort to quantify a concept largely considered abstract and intangible.
Physical activity promotion in Manitoba: Strengths, needs, and moving forward
Authors: Kosowan Leanne , Wener Pamela , Holmqvist Maxine , Gonzalez Miriam , Halas Gayle , Rothney Janet , Katz Alan
Published: January 2019

Objectives:

To present findings of a workshop with physical activity professionals in Manitoba, Canada, to facilitate the enhancement of physical activity promotion efforts by exploring (1) effective physical activity strategies, (2) methods to strengthen physical activity strategies, (3) challenges in implementing physical activity strategies in Manitoba, and (4) strategies to support collaboration.

Methods:

The Manitoba Research Chair in Primary Prevention hosted a workshop for 54 stakeholders in Manitoba. Qualitative and quantitative data obtained from the workshop were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and univariate descriptive analysis. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants with diverse experiences in physical activity promotion.

Results:

Strategies were identified and presented according to the socioecological model. Community assessment and community engagement, regional partnerships, capacity building, and mitigation of barriers characterized the discussion. In addition, discussions emphasized the need for the consistent and comprehensive application of a provincial physical activity action plan. The workshop ended with a discussion of the importance of collaboration to improve physical activity programs and initiatives.

Conclusion:

Several common needs were identified that reflect topics from the broader literature. Collaborations and insights from workshop participants provide direction to target increased physical activity support and programming across disciplines, sectors, and regions.
Systemic inflammatory markers in individuals with cerebral palsy
Authors: Pingel Jessica , Barber Lee , Andersen Ida Torp , Walden Ferdinand Von , Wong Christian , Døssing Simon , Nielsen Jens Bo
Published: January 2019

Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) develop skeletal muscle contractures that impair muscle function. In turn, contractures affect the ability to ambulate and often promote a sedentary lifestyle. The aim of the present study was to investigate the systemic inflammatory markers transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in children and adults with CP. Blood samples of n = 34 participants (24 individuals with CP (n = 14 children with CP age 10.36 ± 1.1 and n = 10 adults with CP age 38.80 ± 3.6) and 10 healthy adults age 36.63 ± 3.8) were analyzed for circulating levels of TGFβ1, CRP, and IL-6 using Sandwich Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analyses (R&D systems). TGFβ1 and CRP levels were significantly higher in children with CP compared to both adults with CP (TGFβ1: P < 0.0005 and P < 0.0002, respectively) and healthy adults (CRP: P < 0.0001 and P < 0.0001, respectively), while no differences were observed between the adults with CP and healthy adults in TGFβ1 ( P = 0.29) and CRP ( P = 0.59), respectively. Furthermore, IL-6 levels showed no significant differences between the groups. The present findings indicate that the level of systemic inflammation is increased in children with CP. We speculate that persisting inflammation in children with CP might influence the development of muscle contractures, resulting in reduced muscle mass and marked muscle weakness in adults with CP.
How Trajectories of Disadvantage Help Explain School Attainment
Authors: Gorard Stephen , Siddiqui Nadia
Published: January 2019

This article illustrates the links between different ways of assessing disadvantage at school and subsequent qualification outcomes at age 16 in England. Our previous work has compared variables that represent current or recent snapshots of disadvantage (such as eligibility for free school meals [FSM]) with long-term summary variables and found the latter to improve measures of both social segregation between schools and explanations of raw-score differences in attainment. This new work takes an even more detailed longitudinal approach, modeling the course of one age cohort of 550,000 pupils from the National Pupil Database through their entire schooling to the age of 16 in 29 distinct analytical steps, using “effect” sizes, correlations, and a regression model. The steps represent stages such as what is known about each pupil when they were born, who they attended school with at age 10, and where they lived at age 14. The model also includes variables representing where data are missing for any pupil in any year. Using capped Key Stage 4 points as an outcome measure, these stages can predict the outcome with R = .90. This is considerably higher than for models using either snapshots or summaries of disadvantage. Key predictors are poverty and special educational needs at age 5, and throughout schooling, coupled with prior attainment at ages 6, 10, and 13. With predictors fed into the model in life order, there is little evidence of differential progress for different language and ethnic minority groups and no evidence of regional differences or a type of school effect. The article concludes with the implications of these results for assessing disadvantage when considering school contexts and for policy makers. Given the small but apparently consistent negative school composition “effects” in every year, one clear implication is that school intakes should be as mixed as possible both socially and academically.
Let the Talk Count: Attributes of Stakeholder Engagement, Trust, Perceive Environmental Protection and CSR
Authors: Asante Boadi Evans , He Zheng , Bosompem Josephine , Say Joy , Boadi Eric Kofi
Published: January 2019

This article tests the links between attributes of stakeholder engagement (information sharing [quantity and quality of information sharing], procedural fairness [respectful treatment and providing voice], and empathy) and local communities’ acceptance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives with the mediating roles of trust and perceived environmental protection. Using Ghana as a case, survey data were collected from 604 local inhabitants in mining communities for the study. In analyzing data with a structural equation modeling technique via IBM SPSS AMOS Version 22.0, the quality of information shared, respectful treatment, giving voice to and showing empathy to local inhabitants positively related with trust. Trust and perceived environmental protection partially mediated the relationships between attributes of stakeholder engagement and acceptance of CSR. The findings show different dimensions with different extent to which trust between mining firms and local communities can resolve conflicts on CSR initiatives as well as provide guidelines for healthy communication between stakeholders.
Experiences of Young People Early in the Transition From Residential Care in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Sekibo Belema
Published: January 2019

This article examines the aftercare experiences of young people who have recently left a residential care institution in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study adopted a phenomenological qualitative research design with 20 care leavers, and data collected were analyzed using Attride-Stirling’s thematic networks analytical tool. The young care leavers’ aftercare experiences were marked by many challenges with employment, finances, living and surviving alone, accommodation, and social integration. These challenges were due to inadequate preparation for independent living, as well as their orphan and care backgrounds. However, care leavers were filled with resilient optimism, in terms of personal and social factors. Personal factors related to hope of a brighter future, persistence, fear of failing, and engagement in menial jobs and savings, while social factors included formal and informal support systems care leavers mobilized for improved transitional outcomes. Recommendations for policy, research, and practice are made in light of these findings.