bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced Type-2 fuzzy logic–based pitch-angle control strategy for wind energy system
Authors: Naik Kanasottu Anil , Gupta Chandra Prakash , Fernandez Eugene
Published: May 2019

In general, pitch-angle controller regulates the generator output power when the wind speed exceeds the rated wind turbine speed. Besides this, it can also be employed to stabilize the wind energy system rotor speed during the transient disturbances. In this article, therefore, a logical pitch-angle controller strategy (in power and speed control modes) has been developed and an interval Type-2 fuzzy logic technique is proposed to design the controller. To evaluate the effectiveness of the Type-2 fuzzy logic–based pitch-angle controller, the simulations have been carried out for severe network faults and fluctuating wind conditions, and the results are compared with conventional proportional–integral and fuzzy logic controller (called as Type-1 fuzzy logic controller). Moreover, some key factors that affect the transient stability of wind generator have also been investigated. The electrical torque and mechanical torque versus rotor speed results are obtained under different pitch-angle conditions, and the concept of stable and unstable electrical–mechanical equilibrium points is established.
An application of backtracking search optimization–based least squares support vector machine for prediction of short-term wind speed
Authors: Tian Zhongda , Ren Yi , Wang Gang
Published: May 2019

Wind speed prediction is an important technology in the wind power field; however, because of their chaotic nature, predicting wind speed accurately is difficult. Aims at this challenge, a backtracking search optimization–based least squares support vector machine model is proposed for short-term wind speed prediction. In this article, the least squares support vector machine is chosen as the short-term wind speed prediction model and backtracking search optimization algorithm is used to optimize the important parameters which influence the least squares support vector machine regression model. Furthermore, the optimal parameters of the model are obtained, and the short-term wind speed prediction model of least squares support vector machine is established through parameter optimization. For time-varying systems similar to short-term wind speed time series, a model updating method based on prediction error accuracy combined with sliding window strategy is proposed. When the prediction model does not match the actual short-term wind model, least squares support vector machine trains and re-establishes. This model updating method avoids the mismatch problem between prediction model and actual wind speed data. The actual collected short-term wind speed time series is used as the research object. Multi-step prediction simulation of short-term wind speed is carried out. The simulation results show that backtracking search optimization algorithm–based least squares support vector machine model has higher prediction accuracy and reliability for the short-term wind speed. At the same time, the prediction performance indicators are also improved. The prediction result is that root mean square error is 0.1248, mean absolute error is 0.1374, mean absolute percentile error is 0.1589% and R2 is 0.9648. When the short-term wind speed varies from 0 to 4 m/s, the average value of absolute prediction error is 0.1113 m/s, and average value of absolute relative prediction error is 8.7111%. The proposed prediction model in this article has high engineering application value.
The eastern-Iran wind-resource assessment through a planetary boundary layer simulation (2011–2015)
Authors: Mohammadpour Penchah Mohammadreza , Malakooti Hossein
Published: May 2019

Currently, in order to reduce the time and cost of wind measurement masts installation, numerical meteorological models are being utilized to simulate the regional wind climate. In this study, the Weather Research and Forecasting model was applied to assess the wind power potential in the East of Iran. After evaluating the model, the wind mean speed and the power map were prepared based on a 5-year simulation (2011–2015). The results indicated that there were high wind-energy-potential areas bordering Iran and Afghanistan. The model illuminated that Khaf city had a satisfactory wind potential, reasonably corresponding with the observations. The model error was greater for the low wind speeds. With regard to the wind resource map of the area, only 3% of the study area falls within class 3 or higher, and therefore, can be considered conformative to the wind power generation.
On the connection between agent-based simulation and methodological individualism
Authors: Di Iorio Francesco , Chen Shu-Heng
Published: May 2019

This paper investigates the relationship between methodological individualism (MI) and agent-based simulation (ABS). We use a thesis defended by Caterina Marchionni and Petri Ylikoski (2013) as the starting point of our approach. According to this thesis, since MI is often considered to be a reductionist orientation, it is confusing and meaningless to assume that ABS, which is a non-reductionist and emergentist explanatory model, is committed to MI. We criticise this view and focus on the problem of the proper definition of MI. We explain that MI is compatible with the ABS strategy because reductionism is only the most simplistic variant of MI and argue that ABS explanations must be regarded as explanations in terms of non-reductionist MI.
Gaps in Understanding of the Epidemiology of Mood and Anxiety Disorders among Migrant Groups in Canada: A Systematic Review
Authors: Edwards Jordan , Hu Malini , Thind Amardeep , Stranges Saverio , Chiu Maria , Anderson Kelly K.
Published: May 2019

Objective:

Estimates of mood and anxiety disorders are highly variable among migrant groups, as they are influenced by the socio-political context. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize available Canadian evidence on the prevalence and incidence of mood and anxiety disorders among migrant groups.

Methods:

Studies were identified from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. They were included if they used population-based samples, presented data on the incidence or prevalence of diagnosed or self-reported mood or anxiety disorders for first-generation migrant groups in Canada, and used a Canadian-born or long-term resident reference group.

Results:

Nineteen studies met our inclusion criteria. Prevalence ratios ranged from 0.48 to 0.87, and nearly all estimates were obtained from population health surveys. Prevalence estimates among migrant groups were lower than the reference group, with the 90th percentile of estimates ranging from 1.5% to 8.2%. Risk factors for mood and anxiety disorders among migrants included being female, younger, unemployed, having lower income, and living in neighborhoods with a lower proportion of migrants.

Conclusions:

There remain many gaps in our current understanding of mood and anxiety disorders among migrant groups in Canada. Although evidence suggests the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders are consistently lower among migrant groups, a lack of incidence estimates limits the strength of this conclusion. Future research should focus on comparisons of self-reported and diagnosed estimates, the use of a range of different primary or secondary data sources, and consideration of important risk factors.

Prospero Citation:

Jordan Edwards, Malini Hu, Amardeep Thind, Saverio Stranges, Maria Chiu, Kelly Anderson. The burden of mood and anxiety disorders among immigrant and refugee populations in Canada: a systematic review. PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018087869 Available from: http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?ID=CRD42018087869 .
Prediction of statistical life time for unidirectional CFRTP under creep loading
Authors: Nakada Masayuki , Miyano Yasushi , Morisawa Yoko , Nishida Hirofumi , Hayashi Yutaka , Uzawa Kiyoshi
Published: May 2019

Recently, a thermoplastic epoxy resin (TP-EP) was developed at the Innovative Composite Center of Kanazawa Institute of Technology. Resin-impregnated carbon fiber reinforced TP-EP (CF/TP) strands molded by pultrusion were developed for use as tension rods by Komatsu Matere Co. Ltd. This study examines the prediction of the statistical life time for these developed CF/TP strands under creep tension loading with comparison to similar prediction for CF/TS strands having a thermoset epoxy resin (TS-EP) as matrix described in our earlier report. First, a test method for creep strength and static strength at elevated temperatures was developed for CF/TP strands. Second, the static tensile strengths of CF/TP strands were measured statistically at various constant temperatures under a constant strain rate. The statistical creep failure times under tension loading for CF/TP strands were predicted at a constant temperature by substituting the statistical static strengths into the formulation based on the matrix resin viscoelasticity. Third, the validity of predicted results was clarified by comparison with the creep failure times measured statistically using creep tests for CF/TP strands. Finally, the relation between the failure probability and creep failure times for CF/TP strands at various loads and temperature conditions was discussed by comparing the result of CF/TS strands with those for thermosetting epoxy resin as the matrix.
Teaching Science Content and Practices to Students With Intellectual Disability and Autism
Authors: Knight Victoria F. , Wood Leah , McKissick Bethany R. , Kuntz Emily M.
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this literature review was to synthesize recent research (2009–2018) for teaching science to students with intellectual disability and intellectual disability/autism. Authors identified a total of 15 studies; of these, 12 were determined to be methodologically sound studies using the Council for Exceptional Children quality indicators. Based on the methodologically sound studies, authors analyzed the evidence base of the instructional practices to teach science content and science practices to students with intellectual disability and intellectual disability/autism. Unlike previous literature reviews in which the focus has been on teaching science content, authors contribute to the literature on teaching science to this population by determining the evidence for teaching the science practices (e.g., asking questions, communicating findings). Resulting analysis was used to offer research-based recommendations for providing quality science instruction to students with intellectual disability and intellectual disability/autism. We conclude with limitations and possibilities for future research.
Prospective Predictors of Sexual Revictimization Among College Students
Authors: Cusack Shannon E. , Bourdon Jessica L. , Bountress Kaitlin , Saunders Trisha R. , Kendler Kenneth S. , Dick Danielle M. , Amstadter Ananda B.
Published: May 2019

This study examined the prevalence rates of sexual violence revictimization during each year of college. In addition, the impact of key mental health concerns on these rates was investigated. Incoming first-year students at a large, urban university completed a survey about their exposure to incidences of sexual assault before college and about their mental health symptoms. During each subsequent spring semester, experiences of sexual assault and mental health symptoms were reassessed. The sample was limited to individuals who reported sexual assault for at least one time period ( N = 3,294). More than 60% of individuals who endorsed an initial incident of sexual assault reported no subsequent incidences, leading to an overall revictimization rate of 39.5%. Rates of revictimization were higher for those identifying as women, as compared to men, and those identifying as White, as compared to those identifying as Asian or “other.” Trauma-related distress and increased symptoms of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and depression were all related to a greater risk of experiencing revictimization. Given that experiencing an initial sexual assault greatly increases the risk of experiencing revictimization, and considering the notable prevalence rates of sexual assault on college campuses, it is imperative to examine trends in revictimization throughout the course of college. Examining factors that increase risk for experiencing revictimization is crucial to developing university-wide effective prevention and intervention efforts. In addition to the efforts to increase the reporting of incidences of sexual assault, universal programming efforts should also focus on factors that promote resilience in the face of sexual assault, such as reducing risky drinking behavior, increasing social support, and reducing stigma around the reporting of mental health symptoms.
Functional Multipotency of Stem Cells and Recovery Neurobiology of Injured Spinal Cords
Authors: Teng Yang D.
Published: May 2019

This invited concise review was written for the special issue of Cell Transplantation to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the American Society for Neural Therapy and Repair (ASNTR). I aimed to present a succinct summary of two interweaved lines of research work carried out by my team members and collaborators over the past decade. Since the middle of the 20th century, biomedical research has been driven overwhelmingly by molecular technology-based focal endeavors. Our investigative undertakings, however, were orchestrated to define and propose novel theoretical frameworks to enhance the field’s ability to overcome complex neurological disorders. The effort has engendered two important academic concepts: Functional Multipotency of Stem Cells, and Recovery Neurobiology of Injured Spinal Cords. Establishing these theories was facilitated by academic insight gleaned from stem cell-based multimodal cross-examination studies using tactics of material science, systems neurobiology, glial biology, and neural oncology. It should be emphasized that the collegial environment cultivated by the mission of the ASNTR greatly promoted the efficacy of inter-laboratory collaborations. Notably, our findings have shed new light on fundamentals of stem cell biology and adult mammalian spinal cord neurobiology. Moreover, the novel academic leads have enabled determination of potential therapeutic targets to restore function for spinal cord injury and neurodegenerative diseases.
How to Teach Evidence-Based Practice in Social Work: A Systematic Review
Authors: Spensberger Florian , Kollar Ingo , Gambrill Eileen , Ghanem Christian , Pankofer Sabine
Published: May 2019

Purpose:

This article presents a systematic review of research regarding how best to educate social work students and practitioners concerning of the process of evidence-based practice and/or the application of empirically supported treatments (ESTs).

Method:

We conducted a systematic review with a narrative synthesis, largely following the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews for Interventions and PRISMA reporting guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Results:

Twenty-seven studies met our eligibility criteria. These consisted mostly of uncontrolled designs and their measures relied mainly on learners’ self-perception regarding acquisition of declarative and procedural knowledge, motivation, and satisfaction. Reports were mostly positive (88.7%).

Conclusions:

Research regarding the education of social work students and practitioners about the process of evidence-based practice as well as ESTs is limited. Further investigation is needed concerning the effectiveness of specific teaching methods using controlled designs and more rigorous outcome measures including observation of practice in real-life situations and/or in role-plays.
A Threshold Concept and Capability Approach to the Cross-Cultural Contextualization of Western Management Education
Authors: Lamb Peter , Hsu Shih-Wei , Lemanski Michal
Published: May 2019

This article presents contextualization as a pedagogic response to the issues of cross-cultural relevance associated with Western management education in non-Western contexts, and with regard to the needs and expectations of non-Western students. Building on a synthesis of threshold concepts and threshold capabilities, this article demonstrates in principle how contextualization is a threshold concept that can help educators and students address the issue of relevance. Translation intelligence is introduced as a distinct threshold capability, which can enable the development of the knowledge handling skills necessary for students’ future management practice. This article posits that contextualization and translation intelligence are valuable to business schools and management educators because they address issues of cross-cultural relevance and by facilitating learning beyond content they equip students with skills which can be employed in their future management practice.
Us-ing: Producing Qualitative Inquiry Pedagogies With/in Lively Packets of Relations
Authors: Kuby Candace R. , Christ Rebecca C.
Published: May 2019

We share about an introductory qualitative inquiry (QI) class when we asked students to bring their “thinking with theory” assignment paper and then invited them to think with theory-tissue paper-scissors-discarded library books-writing from literature reviews-transcripts of interviews-fieldnotes as a way to produce newness. This assignment was conceived as the result of our own theoretically informed approach(es) to pedagogy; it was not enough for us to read about post-theories or even to put them to work in our own inquiries, but we also had to find ways to live them out in our pedagogies. In this way, this assignment became one way for our students not only to read about QI, but also be/do qualitative inquiry(ers)—differently—as they came to know/be(come)/do. We focus this article on one student, Gigi, as she created and shared during that night in class and participated later in a follow-up focus group session. We end the article with several questions for other instructors of QI to consider in relation to their pedagogies and what they produce.
Surface contamination of the outer and blister packages of oral anticancer drugs: A multicenter study
Authors: Nomura Hisanaga , Katakura Noriaki , Morita Tomoko , Sano Yoshiyuki , Usui Hiroaki , Hiura Sumiko , Nakakuni Masayoshi , Otsuka Masataka , Akiyama Emiko , Endo Kazushi
Published: May 2019

Introduction

All guidelines necessitate wearing personal protective equipment during dispensing of oral anticancer drugs. This study aims to measure the degree of contamination on the press-through-package strips of oral anticancer drugs in Japan.

Method

Surface contamination of the external packaging of anticancer drugs was examined by performing wipe tests at four hospitals and two community pharmacies. The following commercially available drugs were examined: Xeloda®, TS-1®, and methotrexate tablets and SA-1® and Rheumatrex® capsules.

Results

The wipe tests’ results revealed that the contamination levels of Xeloda® and TS-1® tablets and SA-1® capsules were within their detection limits. In some facilities, the contamination levels on the press-through-package strips of Rheumatrex® capsules were 3.27 × 10−1, which is close to its detection limit. However, across all facilities, the contamination level of methotrexate tablets was above its detection limit.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggested that adherence to oral anticancer drugs may not occur during manufacture or transportation. However, it may be due to the presence of pollutants in the facilities. Prevention of pollution in facilities might eliminate the need to wear personal protective equipment during dispensing of oral anticancer drugs.
Family Ownership, Asset Levels, and Firm Performance in Western European Hospitality Companies
Authors: Masset Philippe , Uzelac Irena , Weisskopf Jean-Philippe
Published: May 2019

This article uses a comprehensive sample of companies from 16 Western European countries over the period 2004 and 2016 to examine the relationship between blockholder ownership, asset levels, and corporate performance in the hospitality industry. We find evidence that both family and nonfamily blockholders display a higher use of assets in the lodging industry, but only nonfamily blockholders do so in the food and beverage industry. At the same time, nonfamily blockholders tend to display a poor performance in both industries, while this is only true for the lodging industry in the case of family-owned businesses. Finally, we show that asset levels moderate the observed ownership–performance relationship. Our results hold both for static and dynamic asset measures and taking the global financial crisis into account.
From Customer-Related Social Stressors to Emotional Exhaustion: An Application of the Demands–Control Model
Authors: Ma Zihui , Kim Hyun Jeong , Shin Kang Hyun
Published: May 2019

This study examines emotional intelligence (EI) as an additional moderator in the interactive effect of customer-related social stressors (CSS) (demands) and job autonomy (control) on emotional exhaustion by constructing a three-way interaction (EI × CSS × Autonomy) for the regression model of emotional exhaustion. Employees from hotels and restaurants in one metropolitan city in the United States participated in this study. The interactive effect of CSS and autonomy on exhaustion is shown among employees low in EI rather than high. Low EI employees experience greater exhaustion when they perceive low autonomy (stress exacerbating effect). When CSS is high, job autonomy is low, and EI is low, employees experience the highest level of emotional exhaustion. The findings support the proposition that individual characteristics, such as EI, add significant explanatory power to the job demands–control model (JDC) to understand occupational stress. Managerial and theoretical implications are provided based on the results.
Tootling in an After-School Setting: Decreasing Antisocial Interactions in At-Risk Students
Authors: Kirkpatrick Baileigh A. , Wright Shelby , Daniels Stephanie , Taylor Kala L. , McCurdy Merilee , Skinner Christopher H.
Published: May 2019

This study was designed to extend the research on tootling interventions, which involves reinforcing students’ reporting of their peers’ incidental prosocial behaviors. Specifically, a withdrawal design was used to determine if a tootling intervention decreased antisocial/disrespectful interactions of four, teacher-nominated students in an after-school, third-grade classroom. Visual analysis of a repeated-measures graph and effect size estimates suggested that the tootling intervention decreased these interactions. Discussion focuses on future research designed to evaluate the generalizability of tootling interventions and the effects of similar interventions over time and across dependent variables.
The Effects of Peer-Assisted Learning on Disruptive Behavior and Academic Engagement
Authors: Sinclair Anne C. , Gesel Samantha A. , Lemons Christopher J.
Published: May 2019

Education researchers have recently called for the development of interventions to address the needs of students with or at risk of disabilities who exhibit co-occurring academic and behavioral needs. Teachers of these students frequently prioritize intervening on problem behavior rather than academics. However, addressing students’ academic needs with interventions that change classroom environments may reduce problem behavior. This study examined the effects of a reciprocal peer-tutoring program on disruptive behavior and academic engagement. An A-B-A-B design was implemented in an eighth-grade intervention classroom receiving Tier 2 supports from a general educator, with one student who demonstrated frequent disruptive behavior and concomitant reading difficulty. Results support a functional relation between the intervention and changes in disruptive behavior and academic engagement. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Altered Serum Oxytocinase and Enkephalin-Degrading Aminopeptidase Activities in Patients With Fibromyalgia
Authors: Martínez-Martos José Manuel , Correa-Rodríguez María , Rus Alma , Molina Francisco , Ramírez-Expósito María Jesús , Aguilar-Ferrandiz María Encarnación
Published: May 2019

Objectives:

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition of unclear etiology. We have analyzed, for the first time, the activity of a broad spectrum of aminopeptidases (APs) in patients with FM and controls to investigate whether they are involved in the pathophysiology of this syndrome.

Method:

In this case–control study, we fluorometrically measured specific AP activities in serum samples of 75 patients with FM and 29 healthy controls. The predictive value of AP activities in FM was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results:

Oxytocinase activity was higher in patients with FM than in controls ( p < .001). A subgroup of patients with FM ( n = 18; 24%) showed low levels of enkephalin-degrading aminopeptidase (EDA) activity when compared with the healthy controls ( p < .001) and with the rest of FM patients ( p < .001). There were no significant differences in the activity levels of aminopeptidase A, aminopeptidase B, aspartyl aminopeptidase, insulin-regulated aminopeptidase, pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase, or aminopeptidase N between FM patients and controls. According to ROC analysis, oxytocinase activity may be a good marker for differentiating individuals with FM from healthy subjects.

Conclusions:

Our findings show that serum oxytocinase activity is increased in patients with FM, which could alter the metabolism of peptides with analgesic effects such as oxytocin and enkephalins. The determination of serum oxytocinase activity may aid in FM diagnosis. Additionally, we have identified a subpopulation of FM patients with abnormally low serum EDA activity.
Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Associated With Development of Transient Low Back Pain During Prolonged Standing? A Protocol
Authors: Bussey Melanie Dawn , Aldabe Daniela , Ribeiro Daniel Cury , Madill Stéphanie , Woodley Stephanie , Hammer Niels
Published: May 2019

Background:

Prolonged standing has been associated with an increased prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and is recognized as a potential workplace hazard for employees such as retail staff, assembly line workers, and healthcare personnel. Low back pain is more prevalent in women than in men, and disability due to LBP is worse in women with severe urinary incontinence. However, it is unclear whether pelvic floor dysfunction observed in stress urinary incontinence is a risk factor for LBP. The main purpose of this study is to determine whether co-activation patterns between the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles during a 2-hour prolonged standing task predict transient LBP in women with and without stress urinary incontinence.

Methods:

In this is prospective cohort study, 60 female volunteers will stand in a confined area for 2 hours (120 minutes) while performing tasks such as, ‘computer work’ and ‘small object assembly’. The primary outcome measure is transient LBP, which will be monitored every 10 minutes using a numeric pain rating scale. Surface electromyography (EMG) will be collected from the gluteus medius and internal oblique/transverse abdominis muscles, and an intravaginal electrode will be used to monitor pelvic floor muscle activity. The EMG signals will be divided into 12 10-minute blocks to assess changes in co-activation over time. Cross-correlation analyses will be used to quantify co-activation between the muscle pairs (e.g. pelvic floor and internal oblique/transverse abdominis), and the coefficient of co-activation will be expressed as a percentage for each block. A mixed-model regression analysis will be used to determine whether co-activation patterns can predict transient LBP during the prolonged standing task.

Discussion:

The primary objective of this research is to improve current understanding regarding the role of pelvic floor muscles in the onset of LBP and the potential association between stress urinary incontinence and LBP. These findings have the potential to inform prevention and rehabilitation programmes for women with stress urinary incontinence and LBP.

Trial registration:

ACTRN12618000446268 [Protocol Version 2].
Investigation of the wear of engine journal bearings approaching severe lubrication conditions using a microabrasion tester
Authors: Hernández-Peña Andys , Farfan-Cabrera Leonardo I , Gallardo-Hernández Ezequiel A
Published: May 2019

Ideally, engine journal bearings are expected to operate under hydrodynamic lubrication regime to limit wear and promote minimal friction by sliding. Nevertheless, engine journal bearings fail since wear caused by severe conditions in actual engine operation, such as start/stop, misalignment, lubricant degradation, overheating, and debris contamination, producing a transition from hydrodynamic to mixed and boundary lubrication regimes and wear increased in both engine journal bearings and crankshaft. Thus, this work aims to study the influence of boundary lubrication, engine mineral oil aging, and debris contamination on wear of engine journal bearings. An adapted microscale abrasion tester using a ball-on-concave flat configuration was used to reproduce boundary lubrication under controlled conditions. Steel balls having a similar surface than crankshafts and concave flat samples cut from actual engine journal bearings were tested. The tests were run under boundary lubrication at a constant load, speed, and sliding distance at 26 ℃ and 100 ℃ using separately clean fresh and aged engine mineral oil, and then, tests were conducted using the oils contaminated with hard abrasive particles. The engine mineral oil was degraded by a laboratory aging process approaching oxidation of an engine mineral oil used in actual use conditions. Oxidation, additives depletion and changes in viscosity were evaluated. The wear volumes and scar morphologies of engine journal bearing samples were analyzed. The results suggested that high temperature was the main contributor for wear increase in engine journal bearings, while oil aging and debris did not influence considerably on the wear. However, the oils contaminated with hard particles produced a wear decrease in engine journal bearing samples but increased wear in rotary balls.
Risky disciplining: On interdisciplinarity between sociology and cognitive neuroscience in the governing of morality
Authors: Wade Matthew
Published: May 2019

The neuroscience of morality presents novel approaches in exploring the cognitive and affective underpinnings of moral conduct, and is steadily accumulating influence within discursive frames of biocitizenship. Many claims are infused with varieties of neuro-actuarialism in governing morally risky subjects, with implications that other fields should observe closely. Sociologists and other social scientists, however, have typically been reluctant to interject their expertise. However, a resurgent sociology of morality offers the means by which closer engagement may be realized. In encouraging this interdisciplinarity, a brief outline of recent developments in the neuroscience of morality is provided. Some interdisciplinary collaborations are then explored, which weave together novel methodological affordances from the neurosciences with conceptual models from sociological inquiry. A brief overview of ‘neuroliberalism’ follows, to concretize the growing appeal and practical application of the psy- and neurosciences in governing moral conduct. Finally, some tentative ‘provocations’ are offered, towards fostering moralities that, ultimately, we can live with.
Vibration of cold-formed steel floors with a steel form deck and gypsum-based self-leveling underlayment
Authors: Guan Yu , Zhou Xuhong , Yao Xinmei , Shi Yu
Published: May 2019

The vibration response and static deflection of cold-formed steel floor systems with a form deck and gypsum-based self-leveling underlayment were investigated through an experimental study and a finite element analysis. The floor system was constructed with cold-formed steel joists as supports and a cold-formed steel form deck subfloor with gypsum-based self-leveling underlayment on the surface. Dynamic tests and 1 kN static tests were carried out on three specimens, and design specifications including shear resistance construction and floor width were varied to explore their effects on the fundamental frequency, damping ratio, and center deflection of floors. Then, finite element models were developed and verified with the experimental test results, and parametric studies were conducted to consider the effect of boundary conditions on the vibration performance of the same floor systems. Based on the result, a minimum limit of fundamental frequency of 10 Hz and a maximum center deflection limit under a 1 kN point load of 1 mm were recommended for cold-formed steel floor systems with a form deck and gypsum-based self-leveling underlayment. Finally, methods to calculate the fundamental frequency and center deflection of this floor systems were proposed.
Experimental investigations of concrete-filled steel tubular columns confined with high-strength steel wire
Authors: Wei Yang , Cheng Xunyu , Wu Gang , Duan Maojun , Wang Libin
Published: May 2019

The use of high-strength steel wires is proposed to provide external confinement for concrete-filled steel tubular columns. This article presents an experimental study on high-strength steel-wire-confined concrete-filled steel tubular columns with various high-strength steel wire spacings and steel tube thicknesses and diameters. As observed from the experimental results, high-strength steel wires can effectively constrain and delay the local buckling of the steel tube in concrete-filled steel tubular columns. As a result, the load-carrying capacity and the post-peak stiffness of concrete-filled steel tubular columns are significantly increased by the high-strength steel wire confinement. When the spacing of the high-strength steel wires decreases, the load–axial strain response can evolve from a softening behavior to a hardening behavior for the concrete-filled steel tubular columns. Moreover, theoretical models were developed to predict the load-carrying capacity of the externally confined concrete-filled steel tubular columns, taking into account the mechanical mechanism and the triaxial stress state of the inner concrete. The analytical results are generally in reasonable agreement with the experimental results.
Reliability and Validity of The Finnish Version of The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire among Surgically Treated Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Patients
Authors: Multanen J. , Ylinen J. , Karjalainen T. , Kautiainen H. , Repo J. P. , Häkkinen A.
Published: May 2019

Background and Aims:

The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire is the most commonly used outcome measure in the assessment of carpal tunnel syndrome. The purpose of this study was to translate the original Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire into Finnish and validate its psychometric properties.

Materials and Methods:

We translated and culturally adapted the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire into Finnish. Subsequently, 193 patients completed the Finnish version of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, 6-Item CTS Symptoms Scale, and EuroQol 5 Dimensions 12 months after carpal tunnel release. The Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire was re-administered after a 2-week interval. We calculated construct validity, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and coefficient of repeatability. We also examined floor and ceiling effects.

Results:

The cross-cultural adaptation required only minor modifications to the questions. Both subscales of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (Symptom Severity Scale and Functional Status Scale) correlated significantly with the CTS-6 and EuroQol 5 Dimensions, indicating good construct validity. The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.93 for both the Symptom Severity Scale and Functional Status Scale, indicating high internal consistency. Test–retest reliability was excellent, with an intraclass correlation coefficient greater than 0.8 for both scales. The coefficient of repeatability was 0.80 for the Symptom Severity Scale and 0.68 for the Functional Status Scale. We observed a floor effect in the Functional Status Scale in 28% of participants.

Conclusion:

Our study shows that the present Finnish version of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire is reliable and valid for the evaluation of symptom severity and functional status among surgically treated carpal tunnel syndrome patients. However, owing to the floor effect, the Functional Status Score may have limited ability to detect differences in patients with good post-operative outcomes.
Transforming Rehabilitation: The micro-physics of (market) power
Authors: Tidmarsh Matt
Published: May 2019

This paper explores the impact of the introduction of competition and profit to the probation service in England and Wales following the implementation of the Transforming Rehabilitation reforms. The paper adapts the ideas advanced in Foucault’s Discipline and Punish to draw similarities between the characteristics of ‘disciplinary institutions’ and a micro-physics of (market) power in probation under Transforming Rehabilitation. It utilises Foucault’s ‘instruments’ of disciplinary power – hierarchical observation, normalising judgement, and the examination – as lenses through which to highlight the unintended consequences of the installation of market techniques within the service. The paper argues that the constraints peculiar to instilling decentralising market mechanisms that were presented as a means to liberate practitioners and reduce reoffending have entrenched further the centralising tendencies associated with managerialism.
Pornography, religiosity, and social work
Authors: Droubay Brian A , Butters Robert P
Published: May 2019

The effects of pornography have received increased scrutiny in the digital age. Several U.S. states have recently passed resolutions declaring pornography a public health crisis, and clients are increasingly seeking help for related concerns. Given the pornography debate encompasses micro and macro arenas, social workers have reason to be engaged. But there is a dearth of literature examining social workers' views on these issues. Given values play an integral role in informing attitudes about sexuality, we sought to better understand the role of religiosity in shaping social work students’ views on pornography via a web-based survey ( n = 136).

Findings

Results from a path analysis suggest highly religious students are more likely to believe pornography is a serious public health issue, and this relationship is mediated through their perception of pornography’s addictiveness.

Applications

That highly religious social work students are more likely to pathologize pornography has implications for policy advocacy and clinical social work practice. If highly religious social workers are more likely to rate pornography as addictive, they may be more likely to pathologize their clients' use of it. This is significant in that addiction is a heavy label that may harm clients. Our findings further speak to the importance of educating social work students and practitioners about reflexivity, not only in the context of individual practice but also in the macro practice arena. We argue that staying cognizant of their biases and utilizing a biopsychosocial perspective, social workers can bring a valuable perspective to the pornography debate.
‘In a rush’: Time-space compression and its impacts on cruise excursions
Authors: Gutberlet Manuela
Published: May 2019

With the increase in large-scale cruise tourism worldwide, researchers have highlighted the inauthenticity of the cruise experience and the reconstruction of space. This research deals with new aspects: fast tourism through time-space compression, and the formation of enclosed, customized ‘tourist bubbles’ that confine the tourists and promote a constructed authenticity of the experience on-shore. The second aim is to advance applied research in slower cruise excursions, especially in emerging cruise destinations. The research is based on extensive field work conducted during nine cruise-excursions to the sand desert and an oasis in the Sultanate of Oman. Oman is in the early stages of developing mega-cruise tourism while having received little attention in tourism research. For this study, in-depth interviews were conducted with German-speaking cruise tourists, cruise employees as well as with local cultural brokers and the Minister of Tourism. Moreover, participant observation, travel ethnography and photography were applied. Results indicate while moving from one customized ‘tourist bubble’ to the next one, time is controlled and enhanced through fast modes of transportation and a tight schedule of the excursion. The tourists and their cultural brokers are ‘contained’ in time and space, while some are struggling for more authentic experiences. They are shielded off from the local environment, ‘grazing’ destinations within a short time.
Sex differences in COPD-related quadriceps muscle dysfunction and fibre abnormalities
Authors: Sharanya Adithya , Ciano Margherita , Withana Shirmila , Kemp Paul Richard , Polkey Michael Iain , Sathyapala Samantha Amanda
Published: May 2019

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lower limb dysfunction is associated with reduced exercise capacity, increased hospitalizations and mortality. We investigated sex differences in the prevalence of quadriceps dysfunction and fibre abnormalities in a large COPD cohort, controlling for the normal sex differences in health. We compared existing data from 76 male and 38 female COPD patients where each variable was expressed as a function of gender-specific normal values (obtained from 16 male and 14 female controls). Female COPD patients had lower quadriceps muscle strength and peak workload on a maximal incremental cycle ergometry protocol compared to male patients. Female patients had a smaller type II fibre cross-sectional area (CSA) compared to male patients, suggesting a greater female preponderance to fibre atrophy, although this result was largely driven by a few male patients with a large type II fibre CSA. Female patients had significantly higher concentrations of a number of plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 8 (IL8), but not lower levels of physical activity or arterial oxygenation, compared to males. Our data confirm results from a previous small study and suggest that female COPD patients have a greater prevalence of muscle wasting and weakness. Larger studies investigating sex differences in COPD-related muscle atrophy and weakness are needed, as the results will have implications for monitoring in clinical practice and for design of clinical trials evaluating novel muscle anabolic agents.
Sleep and Interpersonal Violence: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gallegos Autumn M. , Trabold Nicole , Cerulli Catherine , Pigeon Wilfred R.
Published: May 2019

Sleep disturbance is a significant public health issue that disproportionately affects survivors of interpersonal violence (IPV). This systematic review presents data on the relationship of IPV and sleep. Inclusion criteria for this review were studies that included subjects 18 years of age or older, used an IPV measure and sleep disturbance measure, and were published in a peer-reviewed journal in English. A total of 23 articles met full inclusion criteria and were included in the present review. Studies were largely cross sectional, were conducted in a wide range of clinical and nonclinical samples, and utilized a variety of measures to assess IPV (sexual violence, physical violence, or psychological aggression perpetrated by an intimate partner or sexual or physical violence by any perpetrator in childhood or adulthood) and sleep disturbances (both general sleep disturbance excluding specific sleep disorders and the two specific sleep disorders of insomnia and nightmares). The findings examined the prevalence and association of sleep disturbance in IPV samples from population and community studies, the prevalence and association of sleep disturbance in IPV studies, and the associations between post-traumatic stress disorder and sleep disturbance in IPV samples. All studies identified a relationship between IPV and sleep disturbance. The results of this review provide important information for clinicians, researchers, and policy makers on the prevalence of and relationship between IPV and sleep disturbance.
The Comparison Study of Flexible Ureteroscopic Suctioning Lithotripsy With Intelligent Pressure Control Versus Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Suctioning Nephrolithotomy in Treating Renal Calculi of 2 to 3 cm in Size
Authors: Chen Hua , Qiu Xuanxi , Du Chuance , Xie Donghua , Liu Tairong , Wang Gongxian , Song Leming
Published: May 2019

Purpose. To compare the efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscopic suctioning lithotripsy (FURS) using patented designed intelligent irrigation and suctioning intraluminal pressure-control platform and integrated pressure-measuring suctioning ureteral access sheath versus minimally invasive suctioning percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) in treating renal calculi at 2 to 3 cm in size. Methods. Ninety-one patients who met the criteria were included in the study. Among these, 46 patients underwent transurethral flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy and the other 45 patients underwent MPCNL. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data for the 2 groups and parameters including stone clearance rate, complication rate, average operative time, average postoperative hospitalization duration, and average postoperative hemoglobin level decrease were compared. Results. The hospitalization time for the FURS group was 3.53 ± 1.25 days, which was statistically shorter than that of the MPCNL group, which was 6.54 ± 2.36 days. There was significantly more patients needing pain medication postoperatively in the MPCNL group with statistical difference between the 2 groups ( P = .015). Also, there was more significant hemoglobin level drop in the MPCNL group with statistical difference between the 2 groups. However, there were no statistical differences between the 2 groups on average operative time and stone clearance rate. Conclusion. Both the operative methods are safe and efficacious in treating solitary renal calculus at 2 to 3 cm in size. However, FURS has more advantages including shorter hospital stay, less complication, and less bleeding.
Cardioprotective Potential of Plant-Derived Molecules: A Scientific and Medicinal Approach
Authors: Shah Syed Muhammad Ali , Akram Muhammad , Riaz Muhammad , Munir Naveed , Rasool Ghulam
Published: May 2019

Since the beginning of human civilization, plants have been used in alleviating the human distress and it was recorded for about thousands of years ago that the plants are being used for medicinal purposes. Natural bioactive compounds called phytochemicals are obtained from medicinal plants, vegetables, and fruits, which functions to combat against various ailments. There is dire need to explore the plant biodiversity for its medicinal and pharmacological potentials. Different databases such as Google scholar, Medline, PubMed, and the Directory of Open Access Journals were searched to find the articles describing the cardioprotective function of medicinal plants. Various substances from a variety of plant species are used for the treatment of cardiovascular abnormalities. The cardioprotective plants contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including diosgenin, isoflavones, sulforaphane, carotinized, catechin, and quercetin, have been proved to enhance cardioprotection, hence reducing the risk of cardiac abnormalities. The present review article provides the data on the use of medicinal plants particularly against cardiac diseases and to explore the molecules/phytoconstituents as plant secondary metabolites for their cardioprotective potential.