bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing Guidelines for Epoxy Grout Pourback Systems for Controlling Thermal/Shrinkage Cracking at Post-Tensioning Anchorages: Full-Scale Testing and Numerical Analysis
Authors: Ahmad Irtishad , Suksawang Nakin , Sobhan Khaled , Corven John A. , Vallier Rick , Sayyafi Ehssan Amir , Pant Sharmila
Published: May 2018

Epoxy grout pourbacks at end anchorages of post-tensioning tendons provide an essential level of corrosion protection. The tendon may fail because of strand corrosion, within a few years of installation, if it is not properly protected with epoxy grout pourbacks. Recently, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) found cracking on larger epoxy grout pourbacks, possibly as a result of the exothermic nature of the epoxy grout curing, causing thermal stresses that increase the potential for pourbacks cracking. Coordinated laboratory and numerical investigations were undertaken to develop best practice guidance for eliminating cracking in epoxy grout pourbacks. Potential factors were determined to be the pourback size, shapes, and temperature of the concrete substrate. An epoxy grout pourback material was used to construct full-scale pourback systems consisting of rectangular (R-type) and irregular (S-type) pourbacks with volume to surface, V/ S ratios of 80, 98, and 113 mm. The full-scale specimens were instrumented with multiple thermocouples and a vibrating wire strain gauge, to capture the temperature profile and localized strain respectively. An ANSYS finite element model was developed to perform a parametric study to better understand the cracking mechanism and the influence of the V/ S ratio. The model was calibrated and validated using the data obtained from the full-scale test. Based on the research findings, it is recommended that the maximum value of the V/ S ratio of the epoxy grout pourbacks be limited to 91 for S-type and 107 mm for R-type shapes.
Soft Computing Tools to Predict Progression of Percent Embedment of Aggregates in Chip Seals
Authors: Seitllari Aksel , Kutay M. Emin
Published: May 2018

In this study, soft computing and multilinear regression techniques were employed to develop models for prediction of progression of chip seal percent embedment depth ( Pe). The model uses inputs such as cumulative equivalent traffic volume, Vialit test results, dust content of aggregates, and initial embedment depth. Multilinear regression, adaptive neuro-fuzzy system, and artificial neural network techniques were used to estimate the Pe. The contribution of the variables affecting Pe was evaluated through a sensitivity analysis. The results indicate that while most of the proposed models were able to predict the Pe reasonably, the artificial neural network model performed the best.
Influence of Socioeconomic Conditions on Crash Injury Severity for an Urban Area in a Developing Country
Authors: Mesa-Arango Rodrigo , Valencia-Alaix Víctor G. , Pineda-Mendez Raul A. , Eissa Taleb
Published: May 2018

This paper includes macroeconomic conditions in an econometric framework to understand urban crash injury severity (CIS) in a developing country, and identify its distinctive socioeconomic conditions. The work combines classic variables from a unique data set of crashes in Medellín, Colombia, with macroeconomic indicators. A multinomial logit (MNL) model with random parameters mines valuable information from the data. Numerical results support the following CIS mitigation policies: upgrading intersections with traffic signals; incorporating forgiving roadway designs; providing better conditions for motorcyclists and non-motorized users; prioritizing education, outreach, and enforcement campaigns during periods of good macroeconomic conditions (for some segments of the population), high motorization rates, and regarding specific periods, that is, times within the day, the week, and the year.
Missouri-Specific Crash Prediction Model for Signalized Intersections
Authors: Claros Boris , Sun Carlos , Edara Praveen
Published: May 2018

The Highway Safety Manual (HSM) provides guidance and tools to conduct quantitative safety analysis. Crash prediction models are used to estimate the expected number of crashes per year, by facility type, severity, and crash type. There are two approaches for applying the HSM crash prediction methodology to local conditions: (1) calibration of models provided in the HSM; or (2) development of jurisdiction-specific models. There are some instances in which model calibration may not be appropriate. To illustrate this case, 601 urban signalized four-leg intersections (U4SG) in Missouri were used to obtain the calibration factor, assess the quality of the calibration factor, and develop jurisdiction-specific models. For U4SG total crashes, the calibration factor for Missouri conditions was 3.98 (standard deviation, 0.13). The assessment of the calibration factor showed a disproportional difference between the observed data in Missouri and the HSM model. Thus, the calibration was deemed inappropriate and the development of Missouri-specific models was supported. The models were developed for severities Fatal and Injury (FI) and Property Damage Only (PDO) crashes. The predictor variables considered were intersection AADT, posted speed limit, signal control type, exclusive left turn lanes, exclusive right turn lanes, right turn on red prohibited, and facilities of interest within 1,000 ft from the intersection (bus stops, schools, and alcohol sale establishments). Functional forms for all predictor variables were optimized. The log-likelihood, inverse overdispersion, and Cumulative Residuals (CURE) plots showed satisfactory measures of model accuracy.
Analysis of Fatal Traffic Crash-Reporting and Reporting-Arrival Time Intervals of Emergency Medical Services
Authors: Lee Jaeyoung , Abdel-Aty Mohamed , Cai Qing , Wang Ling
Published: May 2018

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) play a vital role in the postcrash effort to reduce fatalities by providing first aid and transportation to medical facilities. This study aims to analyze the time required for crash reporting and EMS arrival in fatal traffic crashes and to identify relevant crash, roadway, environmental and zonal socio-economic factors. The time required for EMS reporting and arrivals were calculated by location type (urban or rural) and roadway functional classification using Florida data. Subsequently, a variety of duration models were estimated to reveal the contributing factors for crash-reporting and reporting-arrival intervals. Although about 90% of fatal crashes are reported to EMS within ten minutes in both urban and rural settings, EMS average reporting time in rural areas (4.5 min) is greater than that in urban areas (3 min). Moreover, freeways require longer time for EMS arrival (8.3 min) compared with conventional roadways (6.8 min). It was shown that the log-logistic and gamma models performed the best for crash-reporting and reporting-arrival intervals, respectively. The modeling results revealed that both EMS reporting and arrival times are related to the crash, roadway, environmental, and socio-economic factors. The key findings indicate that EMS reporting and arrival times differ significantly according to the urban or rural designation and road functional classification, and that they have statistically significant relationship with various factors. It is expected that the findings from this study can be used to develop effective and practical strategic plans to minimize EMS reporting and arrival times and, therefore, decrease the likelihood of fatalities.
Performance Evaluation of Concrete Pavement Slab Considering Creep Effect by Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Liang Siming , Wei Ya , Wu Zehong , Hansen Will
Published: May 2018

Creep, as an intrinsic property of concrete material, will inevitably affect the performance of concrete pavement slabs in the field. However, the creep effect on the performances of concrete pavement slabs is far from being fully investigated. In this study, a test set-up is designed to measure the flexural creep of concrete beams exposed to both sealed and drying conditions. The measured flexural creep results are then modeled by the microprestress–solidification theory-based creep model which is incorporated into finite element analysis to evaluate numerically the creep effect on the moisture warping deformation, warping stress, and the total stress under traffic load in concrete slabs. Parameters including slab size, slab thickness, and subgrade modulus are considered. It is found that concrete creep has a significant effect on slab performance. Based on the measured creep properties in this study, the warping deformation of slabs can be reduced by 8–62%, and the warping stress and the total stress can be relaxed by at least 50%. Therefore, it is of importance to incorporate creep effect in analyzing warping deformation and stress generated in concrete pavement slabs. This study also provides a numerical methodology to the current performance evaluation of concrete slabs in the field.
Timetable Synchronization and Optimization Considering Time-Dependent Passenger Demand in an Urban Subway Network
Authors: Shang Pan , Li Ruimin , Liu Zhiyong , Xian Kai , Guo Jifu
Published: May 2018

In an urban subway network, a synchronized and optimized timetable can provide a good service to all passengers. Therefore, the timetable is typically the most important factor for an operator. This study builds a time-dependent passenger demand-driven timetable synchronization and optimization (TDTSO) model as a mixed-integer programming model to minimize passenger total travel time in an urban subway network by adjusting departure times, running times, stopping times, and headways of all trains on each line. To solve the model, a binary variable determination (BVD) method is developed to calculate the binary variables of the TDTSO model, and a genetic algorithm based on the BVD method is proposed. The proposed TDTSO model is applied to the Beijing subway network in a case study. Several performance indicators are presented to verify the efficiency of the proposed model. The results can provide the operator of an urban subway network with additional options to produce a synchronized and optimized timetable for real-world situations.
Trip Characteristics Analysis of the Effects of a Travel Behavior Change Program
Authors: Arroyo Rosa , Ruiz Tomás , Casquero Daniel , Mars Lidón
Published: May 2018

Travel behavior change programs (TBCP) are measures or actions specifically designed to motivate people to reduce their car use. This study contributes to the literature on rigorous evaluation of the effects of participating in TBCP. In particular, we analyze the effect of TBCP in relation to a potential for a reduction in car use. In contrast to previous studies, the effect of TBCP is analyzed considering two characteristics of the trip: travel companion and time of trip. The TBCP, consisting of three persuasion actions customized to the needs of the participants in the research, was designed and implemented in Valencia (Spain). To evaluate the effects of participating in the TBCP, a two-wave panel survey was carried out, which collected activity-travel scheduling process data from participants before and after the implementation of the TBCP. To properly identify the effects of taking part in the TBCP, participants were divided into two groups: those who were involved in the TBCP, and those who did not participate in any persuasion action (control group, CG). Descriptive and confirmatory analysis, which included the use of sample selection panel data models with treatment effects and random parameters, have been developed. The results suggest that the individuals most affected by participating in TBCP are those carrying out solo and afternoon trips. If traveling with companions, those who do so with household members are more influenced by participating in TBCP. Important research and transportation policy implications are derived from these results.
A Methodology to Assess the Quality of Travel Time Estimation and Incident Detection Based on Connected Vehicle Data
Authors: Iqbal Md Shahadat , Khazraeian Samaneh , Hadi Mohammed
Published: May 2018

Connected vehicle (CV) technologies are expected to have a significant influence on the investment decisions of transportation system management and operations (TSMO) in the near future. One of the potential applications is the use of CV data to support various TSMO processes. This study investigates the use of CV data as an alternative to existing data acquisition techniques in providing two critical functions to support TSMO: travel time estimation and incident detection. In support of this investigation, the study develops regression models to estimate the accuracy and reliability of travel time measurement and latency of incident detection as functions of the traffic demand level and the proportion of CV in the traffic stream. The developed regression models are used in conjunction with a prediction of CV proportions in future years to determine when the CV technology can provide sufficient data quality to replace existing data acquisition systems. The results can be used by TSMO programs and agencies to plan their investment in data acquisition alternatives in future years.
Making Strides: State of the Practice of Pedestrian Forecasting in Regional Travel Models
Authors: Singleton Patrick A. , Totten Joseph C. , Orrego-Oñate Jaime P. , Schneider Robert J. , Clifton Kelly J.
Published: May 2018

Much has changed in the 30 years since non-motorized modes were first included in regional travel demand models. As interest in understanding behavioral influences on walking and policies requiring estimates of walking activity increase, it is important to consider how pedestrian travel is modeled at a regional level. This paper evaluates the state of the practice of modeling walk trips among the largest 48 metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) and assesses changes made over the last 5 years. By reviewing model documentation and responses to a survey of MPO modelers, this paper summarizes current practices, describes six pedestrian modeling frameworks, and identifies trends. Three-quarters (75%) of large MPOs now model non-motorized travel, and over two-thirds (69%) of those MPOs distinguish walking from bicycling; these percentages are up from nearly two-thirds (63%) and one-half (47%), respectively, in 2012. This change corresponds with an increase in the deployment of activity-based models, which offer the opportunity to enhance pedestrian modeling techniques. The biggest barrier to more sophisticated models remains a lack of travel survey data on walking behavior, yet some MPOs are starting to overcome this challenge by oversampling potential active travelers. Decision-makers are becoming more interested in analyzing walking and using estimates of walking activity that are output from models for various planning applications. As the practice continues to mature, the near future will likely see smaller-scale measures of the pedestrian environment, more detailed zonal and network structures, and possibly even an operational model of pedestrian route choice.
Modeling Day-to-Day Dynamics of Travelers’ Risky Route Choices under the Influence of Predictive Traffic Information
Authors: Lou Xiaoming , Cheng Lin , Li Dawei , Zhu Shibei , Zhou Jing
Published: May 2018

In stochastic transport networks, travelers tend to reserve a “travel time budget” (TTB) for every alternative route to assure their punctual arrival with a predefined confidence level. This paper incorporates the concept of TTB into a deterministic nonlinear dynamic system to model the day-to-day evolution process of travelers’ risk-taking route choices in stochastic degradable road networks. This paper also introduces consistent traffic information prediction, which can be provided by advanced traveler information systems (ATIS), into the dynamic system to investigate its influence on travelers’ route choice behaviors and the corresponding day-to-day network flow evolutions. In the proposed dynamic model, ATIS-equipped travelers are distinguished from those not so equipped to reflect traveler heterogeneity in access to traffic information. Some theoretical analyses are further conducted to investigate the existence and uniqueness of the fixed point, and the stability of the day-to-day dynamic model. The analysis results show that consistent predictive traffic information can help to stabilize day-to-day network flow fluctuations and thus can enhance fixed-point stability of the dynamic model. In addition, this paper investigates the effects of travelers’ attitudes to risk on the network flow evolution process. An illustrative example is presented to demonstrate the characteristics of the dynamic model as well as to verify the theoretical analysis results.
Influence of Type of Traffic Control on Injury Severity in Bicycle–Motor Vehicle Crashes at Intersections
Authors: Rash-ha Wahi Rabbani , Haworth Narelle , Debnath Ashim Kumar , King Mark
Published: May 2018

Many studies have identified factors that contribute to bicycle–motor vehicle (BMV) crashes, but little is known about determinants of cyclist injury severity under different traffic control measures at intersections. Preliminary analyses of 5,388 police-reported BMV crashes from 2002 to 2014 from Queensland, Australia revealed that cyclist injury severity differed according to whether the intersection had a Stop/Give-way sign, traffic signals or no traffic control. Therefore, separate mixed logit models of cyclist injury severity (fatal/hospitalized, medically treated, and minor injury) were estimated. Despite similar distributions of injury severity across the three types of traffic control, more factors were identified as influencing cyclist injury severity at Stop/Give-way controlled intersections than at signalized intersections or intersections with no traffic control. Increased injury severity for riders aged 40–49 and 60+ and those not wearing helmets were the only consistent findings across all traffic control types, although the effect of not wearing helmets was smaller at uncontrolled intersections. Cyclists who were judged to be at fault were more severely injured at Stop/Give-way and signalized intersections. Speed zone influenced injury severity only at Stop/Give-way signs and appears to reflect differences in intersection design, rather than speed limits per se. While most BMV crashes occurred on dry road surfaces, wet road surfaces were associated with an increased cyclist injury severity at Stop/Give-way intersections. The results of this study will assist transport and enforcement agencies in developing appropriate mitigation strategies to improve the safety of cyclists at intersections.
Innovative Healthy Lifestyles School-Based Public–Private Partnerships Designed to Curb the Childhood Obesity Epidemic Globally: Lessons Learned From the Mondelēz International Foundation
Authors: Pérez-Escamilla Rafael
Published: May 2018

Public–private partnerships (PPPs) have been recognized as central for addressing the childhood obesity epidemic. However, very few real-world examples have been published documenting the workings of effective PPPs. The objective of this article is to identify the factors that enabled the successful implementation of school-based PPPs focusing mainly on nutrition and physical activity in 7 countries located in Asia (China and India), Africa (South Africa), Europe (Germany, United Kingdom), and Latin America (Brazil and Mexico). We triaged qualitative data from (1) proceedings from 2 school-based healthy lifestyles program evaluation workshops in October 2013 and in May 2016; (2) Mondelēz International Foundation (MIF) annual country reports and MIF project reports; and (3) interviews with key program leaders from each program. Extracted data were mapped into each of the 11 guiding principles for effective PPPs recently developed by a multisectoral public–private group of stakeholders in the United States. Three of the 7 countries met all, and the remaining 4 met between 4 and 7 of the guiding principles. Therefore, it is not surprising that there is strong evidence that all programs are having a positive impact on healthy lifestyles knowledge and practices in the target populations. This MIF-led initiative provides important lessons as to how to establish effective PPPs designed to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic globally.
One HRM Fits All? A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of HRM Practices in the Public, Semipublic, and Private Sector
Authors: Blom R. , Kruyen P. M. , Van der Heijden B. I. J. M. , Van Thiel S.
Published: May 2018

For a long time, public and semipublic organizations have borrowed Human Resource Management (HRM) practices from the private sector to enhance employee performance. Numerous scholars argue, however, that business-like practices are less effective outside the private sector context because of sector-specific conditions. Based on the ability–motivation–opportunity model, we performed a three-level meta-analysis to investigate differences in effects of HRM practices on individual performance across sectors. Our study shows that significant differences exist between sectors, but the expectation that the effects of HRM practices are largest in the private sector and smallest in the public sector is not supported. More specifically, the differences between the public, semipublic, and private sector are not straightforward. In this respect, we encourage future scholars to further examine these differences.
Simplified complexity: Analytical strategies for conflict event research
Authors: van der Maat Eelco
Published: May 2018

Scholars who have sought to identify the triggers of rare political events have met with limited success. With respect to civil war, studies teach us to expect conflict where it is feasible. However, although we understand where civil conflict occurs, we do not quite understand when it occurs. Focusing on civil conflict, I argue that time-variant and time-invariant explanations relate to the outcome by means of two distinct causal processes, which has implications for the identification of triggers of rare events. I provide an easily implementable approach to improve rare event estimation that uses matching to leverage constant attributes to estimate the effects of rare predictors. I demonstrate the utility of this procedure by providing an aggregate and disaggregate example of civil conflict onset estimation.
Is Tax Increment Financing a Fiscal Bane or Boon?
Authors: Nguyen-Hoang Phuong
Published: May 2018

Among urban planners, tax increment financing (TIF) is a popular economic development financing tool. Critics, however, claim that TIF is a fiscal bane, reducing property value for affected jurisdictions, especially school districts. TIF regulations in Iowa—on annual base values, returned excess increments, and protected debt service levy—provide the opportunity to test this argument. Using eighteen years of TIF district-level data, this study finds that TIF was most likely a fiscal boon for school districts. Given this finding, the study also provides several implications for TIF use and economic development planners in Iowa and elsewhere.
Caring for a Dying Partner: The Male Experience
Authors: Judd Rebecca , Guy Helen , Howard Ruth A.
Published: May 2018

Objective:

Caring for someone close who is dying, such as a spouse, is an emotive experience; however, there is little research examining the phenomenon of caregiving for a spouse at the end of life and of men’s experiences specifically. Existing literature suggests that men who are providing care are less likely to seek help than women, especially psychological and emotional support for themselves. The aim of the current study was to explore the lived experiences of men caring for a dying spouse or partner and their help-seeking for themselves during this time.

Methods:

Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with men caring for their partner, who was receiving palliative care. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results:

Three superordinate themes emerged from the data, “Illness Questions Everything,” “Constructing the Caring Role,” and “Help-Seeking at the Limit.” The arrival of a terminal illness into a partnership is traumatic, and while it can deepen relationships, it can also create distance. The carer role has conflicting demands and carers need to make sense of their experience in order for the carer role to be constructed as a source of purpose or meaning. Finally, the idea of seeking help for oneself as a carer during this time is seen as “incompatible,” unmanageable, and can only be considered if constructed as a “last resort.”

Significance of Results:

Men care too; however, they can feel confused by this role and unsure as to how this fits with their identity as a man. They make sense of this by identifying as a partner whose “duty” or “responsibility” is to provide care. Although this is an understandable stance, it puts them at risk of further emotional, psychological, and physiological difficulties if their own needs are not met. Men need to be supported during this time and their caring qualities need to be destigmatized and demystified so that they can feel more able to identify with the role and look after themselves while caring for their dying partner.
When Will Telemedicine Appear in the ICU?
Authors: Avdalovic Mark V. , Marcin James P.
Published: May 2018

As our population ages and the demand for high-level intensive care unit (ICU) services increase, the ICU physician supply continues to lag. In addition, hospitals, physician groups, and patients are demanding rapid access for the highest level of expertise in the care of critically ill patients. Telemedicine in the ICU combined with remote patient monitoring has been increasingly touted as a model of care to increase efficiencies and quality of care. Telemedicine in the ICU provides the potential to connect critically ill patients to sophisticated specialty care on a 24/7 basis, even for those hospitalized in rural locations where access to timely specialty consultations are uncommon. Research on the use of telemedicine in the ICU has suggested improved outcomes, such as reductions in mortality, reductions in length of stay, and greater adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Although the clinical footprint of telemedicine in ICU has grown over the past 20 years, there has been a relative slowing of implementation. This review examines the clinical evidence supporting the use of telemedicine in the ICU and discusses the impact on clinical efficacy and costs of care. Additionally, we review the current hurdles to more rapid adoption, including the significant financial investment, different models of care affecting the return on investment, and the varied cultural attitudes that impact the success and acceptance of care models using telemedicine in the ICU.
Design and experimental validation of control algorithm for vehicle hydraulic active stabilizer bar system
Authors: Dawei Pi , Zhenxing Kong , Xianhui Wang , Hongliang Wang , Shan Chen
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a novel active roll control algorithm for vehicle hydraulic active stabilizer bar system. The mechanical structure and control scheme of hydraulic active stabilizer bar system is detailed. The anti-roll torque controller is designed with “Proportional-Integral-Differential (PID) + feedforward” algorithm to calculate the total anti-roll torque. A lateral acceleration gain and roll rate damping are added into “PID + feedforward” controller, which can improve vehicle roll dynamic response. The torque distributor is introduced based on fuzzy–PID algorithm to distribute the anti-roll torque of front and rear stabilizer bar dynamically, which can improve vehicle yaw dynamics response. The actuator controller is used for realizing the closed-loop control of the actuators displacement and generating the accurate anti-roll torque. The hardware-in-the-loop simulation platform is established based on AutoBox and active stabilizer bar actuators. The hardware-in-the-loop experiment is carried out under typical maneuvers. Experimental results show that the proposed control algorithm improves the vehicle roll and yaw dynamics response, which can enhance the vehicle roll stability, yaw stability, and ride comfort.
Study of a synchronizer mechanism through multibody dynamic analysis
Authors: Farokhi Nejad Ali , Chiandussi Giorgio , Solimine Vincenzo , Serra Andrea
Published: May 2018

The synchronizer mechanism represents the essential component in manual, automatic manual, and dual-clutch transmissions. This paper describes a multibody dynamic model for analysis of a synchronizer mechanism subjected to different operational conditions. The three-dimensional multi-dynamic model is developed to predict the dynamic response of synchronizer, especially for calculation of synchronization time. For the purpose of validation, three different synchronizers (single-cone, double-cone, and triple-cone synchronizers) were used on the test rig machine. For the purpose of synchronizing time estimation, an analytical formulation is proposed. The results of the analytical and multibody dynamic analyses were compared with the experimental data, showing a good agreement. The results of analytical and numerical approaches show that the predicted time of synchronization is more precise than previous works. A sensitivity analysis was performed on the single-cone synchronizer, and the effect of tolerance dimension on the dynamic behavior of the synchronizer was reported.
Misleading Health Consumers Through Violations of Communicative Norms: A Case Study of Online Diabetes Education
Authors: Powell Derek , Keil Martin , Brenner Dru , Lim Liliana , Markman Ellen M.
Published: May 2018

Communication is a cooperative endeavor that goes well beyond decoding sentences’ literal meaning. Listeners actively construe the meaning of utterances from both their literal meanings and the pragmatic principles that govern communication. When communicators make pragmatically infelicitous statements, the effects can be similar to paltering—misleading speech that evokes false inferences from true statements. The American Diabetes Association’s (ADA’s) “Diabetes Myths” website provides a real-world case study in such misleading communications. Calling something a myth implies that it is clearly false. Instead, the ADA’s “myths” are false only because of some technicality or uncharitable reading. We compared participants’ baseline knowledge of diabetes with that of participants who read either the ADA’s myths or the myths rewritten as questions that do not presuppose the statement is false. As predicted, exposure to the ADA’s “myths,” but not to the rephrased questions, reduced basic knowledge of diabetes. Our findings underscore the need to consider psycholinguistic principles in mass communications.
‘What I would say to John and everyone like John is ...’: The construction of ordinariness through quotations in mediated political discourse
Authors: Fetzer Anita , Weizman Elda
Published: May 2018

This article examines the discursive construction of ordinariness in the context of mediated political discourse, considering in particular contexts, in which ‘non-ordinary speakers’ quote ordinary people, bring them into the mediated public arena and assign them and their quoted contributions the status of an object of talk, and in which ‘ordinary speakers’ follow up on the ‘brought-in-ordinariness’. The contexts under investigation are Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) transmitted in the social media and commenters’ posts on the exchanges between the Prime Minister’s and Leader of the Opposition’s bringing-in-ordinariness. The Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition treat the ‘brought-in-ordinariness’ in an ordinary manner by naming quoter and quoted and providing responses to the quoted questions while accommodating the political elite in their contributions; some of the ordinary commenters take up the ‘brought-in-ordinariness’ by negotiating its perlocutionary effects with evaluative metacomments. The ‘brought-in-ordinariness’ receives various kinds of uptakes, ranging from enthusiastic responses hailing true democracy to negative responses criticizing the non-professional manner of doing politics.
Trust-building strategies in corporate discourse: An experimental study
Authors: Fuoli Matteo , Hart Christopher
Published: May 2018

This article presents a scenario-based experiment designed to test the effects of trust-building strategies, realised in stance-taking acts, which a previous corpus-based study found to be salient features of stakeholder-facing corporate communication. The experiment relies on a between-subjects design in which a target group of subjects are exposed to trust-building strategies while another control group of subjects are not. We apply this paradigm to corporate discourse in the form of an About Us webpage produced by a fictitious multinational pharmaceutical company that has been accused by a whistle-blower of corporate misconduct. The results of the study show that these strategies are indeed effective in fostering trust in the company and have an indirect positive effect on the perceived credibility of the company’s denial in response to the allegations made by the whistle-blower. The strategies are therefore able to mitigate the potential damage caused by public accusations of wrongdoing and help companies insure against future threats to their legitimacy and freedom to operate, as when their behaviour violates, or is said to violate, societal norms and values. Theoretically, the results provide insights into the psychological mechanisms of trust-building and reader response. Methodologically, the study contributes to the growing body of work using experimental methods in Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) by further demonstrating that experimentation can usefully complement more traditional discourse-analytical methods as a form of triangulation.
Fossil charcoal quantification using manual and image analysis approaches
Authors: Halsall Karen M , Ellingsen Vanessa M , Asplund Johan , Bradshaw Richard HW , Ohlson Mikael
Published: May 2018

Charcoal particles are evidence of past fire events and macro-charcoal particles have been shown to represent local fire events. There are several methods for the preparation and quantification of macro-charcoal particles, none of which have been universally accepted as standard. Very few studies compare methodological differences and no studies to date compare quantification by mass with quantification by volume using image analysis. Using three cores taken from a peatland located in SE Norway, we compare these two established methods using a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) and a split-plot ANOVA test. We show that charcoal volume (image analysis method) was a better predictor of charcoal mass than charcoal particle number and the same size classes of charcoal as size class distributions were not spatially and temporally correlated. Although there is still a need for a common and unifying method, our results show that quantification of charcoal particles by image analysis including size (e.g. height in mm) and area (mm2)/volume (mm3) measurements provides more significant results in cross-site or multiple-site studies than quantifications based on particle number. This has implications for the interpretation of charcoal data from regional studies that are used to model drivers of wildfire activity and environmental change in boreal–temperate landscapes during the Holocene.
Public libraries, museums and physical convergence: Context, issues, opportunities: A literature review Part 1
Authors: Warren Emily , Matthews Graham
Published: May 2018

There has recently been a growth in physical convergence in cultural heritage domains. Part 1 examines this ‘trend’, its drivers and related issues, with particular focus on public libraries and museums. It offers an overview of practice, challenges and opportunities. Through thematic analysis of a comprehensive, literature review of both domains that looked at the wider aspects of collaboration, cooperation, partnerships and integration in the sector as well as physical convergence, it provides insight into background, theory and activities worldwide. It presents discussion on the meaning of convergence, the concept of ‘memory institutions’, the relationship between public libraries and museums in the context of convergence, shared mission and values, convergence and re-convergence, and professionalism and divergence. It concludes with consideration of practical aspects such as motivations for convergence, including digital technology, changing user expectations and culture, and economic and political challenges that impact on physical convergence in a dynamic local government environment.
UK public library roles and value: A focus group analysis
Authors: Appleton Leo , Hall Hazel , Duff Alistair S. , Raeside Robert
Published: May 2018

Findings from a study of the advantages and disadvantages accrued by individuals from their public library use, and the impact of this on citizenship at individual and community levels, are presented. The analysis of longitudinal focus group data collected on two occasions at eight UK locations at a time of a so-called ‘public library crisis’ demonstrates a strong sense of the epistemic role of public libraries, and their conception as safe, welcoming, community-owned spaces. Links between public library use and the development of citizenship are less easily identified. However, the evidence shows that public library use facilitates participation in society, and provides resources to allow individuals and communities to fulfil their societal obligations.
Transplantation of a Peripheral Nerve with Neural Stem Cells Plus Lithium Chloride Injection Promote the Recovery of Rat Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Zhang Li-Qun , Zhang Wen-Ming , Deng Lingxiao , Xu Zi-Xing , Lan Wen-Bin , Lin Jian-Hua
Published: May 2018

Transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) holds great potential for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). However, transplanted NSCs poorly survive in the SCI environment. We injected NSCs into tibial nerve and transplanted tibial nerve into a hemisected spinal cord and investigated the effects of lithium chloride (LiCl) on the survival of spinal neurons, axonal regeneration, and functional recovery. Our results show that most of the transplanted NSCs expressed glial fibrillary acidic protein, while there was no obvious expression of nestin, neuronal nuclei, or acetyltransferase found in NSCs. LiCl treatment produced less macrosialin (ED1) expression and axonal degeneration in tibial nerve after NSC injection. Our results also show that a regimen of LiCl treatment promoted NSC differentiation into NF200-positive neurons with neurite extension into the host spinal cord. The combination of tibial nerve transplantation with NSCs and LiCl injection resulted in more host motoneurons surviving in the spinal cord, more regenerated axons in tibial nerve, less glial scar area, and decreased ED1 expression. We conclude that lithium may have therapeutic potential in cell replacement strategies for central nervous system injury due to its ability to promote survival and neuronal generation of grafted NSCs and reduced host immune reaction.
Do Color Blindness and Multiculturalism Remedy or Foster Discrimination and Racism?
Authors: Plaut Victoria C. , Thomas Kecia M. , Hurd Kyneshawau , Romano Celina A.
Published: May 2018

This article offers insight from psychological science into whether models of diversity (e.g., color blindness and multiculturalism) remedy or foster discrimination and racism. First, we focus on implications of a color-blind model. Here, the literature suggests that while color blindness appeals to some individuals, it can decrease individuals’ sensitivity to racism and discrimination. Furthermore, the literature suggests that, with some exceptions, color blindness has negative implications for interracial interactions, minorities’ perceptions and outcomes, and the pursuit of diversity and inclusion in organizational contexts. Second, we examine circumstances under which a multicultural approach yields positive or negative implications for interracial interactions, organizational diversity efforts, and discrimination. The research reviewed coalesces to suggest that while multiculturalism generally has more positive implications for people of color, both models have the potential to further inequality.
Academic Gerrymandering? Expansion and Expressions of Academic Work
Authors: Lund Dean Kathy
Published: May 2018

As academic institutions creatively respond to exogenous forces requiring fundamental re-imagining of academic work, boundaries are being redrawn between traditional academic/professorial work and academic administration, resulting in blended job roles that constitute an incipient threat to academic values such as freedom and autonomy. After contrasting the nature of academic and nonacademic work, I draw on institutional theory to offer a model examining conditions under which blended academic and administrative roles engender four outcomes: positional dexterity, accommodating citizen, grab bag, and academic gerrymandering. I warn against institutional conditions that foster academic gerrymandering, or the “redistricting” of academic work for managerial benefit. I end the article with examples of other professions where administrative and “core” professional work have not been blended intentionally or well, and I suggest topics for future research.
Inhaled Fasudil Lacks Pulmonary Selectivity in Thromboxane-Induced Acute Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborn Lambs
Authors: Hanson Shawn F. L. , Terry Michael H. , Moretta Dafne T. , Power Gordon G. , Wilson Sean M. , Alam Farzana , Ahsan Fakhrul , Blood Arlin B. , Giri Paresh C.
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a potentially deadly disease for infants and adults with few existing medical interventions and no cure. In PH, increased blood pressure in the pulmonary artery eventually leads to heart failure. Fasudil, an antagonist of Rho-kinase, causes vasodilation leading to decreased systemic artery pressure and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP). This study compared the effects of fasudil administered as either an intravenous infusion or inhaled aerosol in newborn lambs.

Hypothesis:

Inhaled aerosol delivery of fasudil will provide selective pulmonary vasodilation when compared with intravenous administration.

Methods:

Newborn lambs (∼11 days) were surgically instrumented and mechanically ventilated under anesthesia. A pulmonary artery catheter and ultrasonic flow probe were inserted to measure hemodynamics. Acute PH was pharmaceutically induced via continuous intravenous infusion of thromboxane. After achieving a 2- to 3-fold elevation of PAP, fasudil was administered either as intravenous infusion (2.5 mg/kg) or inhaled aerosol (100 mg of fasudil in 2 mL of saline). Changes in PAP, mean systemic arterial pressure (MABP), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), cardiac output, and heart rate were assessed. In addition, plasma concentrations of fasudil were measured.

Results:

Both routes of fasudil delivery produced significant decreases in PAP and PVR but also produced similar decreases in MABP and SVR. The Cmax for intravenous fasudil was greater than that for inhaled fasudil.

Conclusions:

These results suggest inhaled fasudil lacks pulmonary selectivity when compared with intravenous fasudil.
Evaluation of the efficacy of an appeasing pheromone diffuser product vs placebo for management of feline aggression in multi-cat households: a pilot study
Authors: DePorter Theresa L , Bledsoe David L , Beck Alexandra , Ollivier Elodie
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Aggression and social tension among housemate cats is common and puts cats at risk of injury or relinquishment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new pheromone product in reducing aggression between housemate cats.

Methods

A new pheromone product (Feliway Friends) containing a proprietary cat-appeasing pheromone was evaluated for efficacy in reducing aggression between housemate cats via a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial of 45 multi-cat households (pheromone [n = 20], placebo [n = 25]) reporting aggression for at least 2 weeks. Each household had 2–5 cats. Participants attended an educational training meeting on day (D) –7 and the veterinary behaviorist described behaviors to be monitored for 7 weeks using the Oakland Feline Social Interaction Scale (OFSIS), which assessed the frequency and intensity of 12 representative aggressive interactions. Participants were also provided with instructions for handling aggressive events, including classical conditioning, redirection by positive reinforcement and not punishing or startling the cat for aggressive displays. Punishment techniques were strongly discouraged. Plug-in diffusers with the pheromone product or placebo were utilized from D0–D28. Participants completed a daily diary of aggressive events and weekly OFSIS assessments through to D42.

Results

Evolution of the OFSIS–Aggression score according to treatment group in the full analysis set population revealed a significant effect on time and treatment group. The OFSIS–Aggression score decreased over time from D0–D28 in both groups (time factor P = 0.0001) with a significant difference in favor of the verum P = 0.06); similar results were found considering the D0–D42 period (time factor P = 0.0001 [D0] and P = 0.04 [D42]).

Conclusions and relevance

The OFSIS provided a quantifiable measure of the frequency and intensity of 12 intercat interactions reflecting conflict between cats. The cat-appeasing pheromone is a promising treatment for the management of aggression between housemate cats in multi-cat households.
Novel drug delivery systems for ocular therapy: With special reference to liposomal ocular delivery
Authors: Bhattacharjee Arpita , Das Pranab J , Adhikari Piya , Marbaniang Daphisha , Pal Paulami , Ray Subhabrata , Mazumder Bhaskar
Published: May 2018

Delivery of drugs to eyes is a great challenge to researchers because of a number of barriers in the eye preventing the actual dose from reaching the site. A number of ophthalmic delivery systems have been developed in the past couple of years that are not only new but also safe and reliable and help to overcome all those barriers in the eye which are responsible for the very less bioavailability of drugs. In this review, we tried to focus on current research in ocular delivery of drug substances giving special emphasis to liposomal delivery system. A brief analysis of other novel ocular delivery systems, ocular physiology, and microbial sources of disease are also highlighted herein. We analyzed the various research findings for churning a general idea for novel ocular delivery system and its future use. The novel formulations may overcome the addressed problems of ophthalmic medication and comply with the quality assurance issues. The liposomal delivery is advantageous as they have the ability to entrap both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs and are suitable for delivery to both the anterior and posterior segment of the eye. Therefore, the use of this alternative approach is quite a necessity.