bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remapping the cognitive and neural profiles of children who struggle at school
Authors: Astle Duncan E. , Bathelt Joe ,   The CALM Team, Holmes Joni
Published: September 2018

Our understanding of learning difficulties largely comes from children with specific diagnoses or individuals selected from community/clinical samples according to strict inclusion criteria. Applying strict exclusionary criteria overemphasizes within group homogeneity and between group differences, and fails to capture comorbidity. Here, we identify cognitive profiles in a large heterogeneous sample of struggling learners, using unsupervised machine learning in the form of an artificial neural network. Children were referred to the Centre for Attention Learning and Memory (CALM) by health and education professionals, irrespective of diagnosis or comorbidity, for problems in attention, memory, language, or poor school progress (n = 530). Children completed a battery of cognitive and learning assessments, underwent a structuralMRIscan, and their parents completed behavior questionnaires. Within the network we could identify four groups of children: (a) children with broad cognitive difficulties, and severe reading, spelling and maths problems; (b) children with age‐typical cognitive abilities and learning profiles; (c) children with working memory problems; and (d) children with phonological difficulties. Despite their contrasting cognitive profiles, the learning profiles for the latter two groups did not differ: both were around 1SDbelow age‐expected levels on all learning measures. Importantly a child's cognitive profile was not predicted by diagnosis or referral reason. We also constructed whole‐brain structural connectomes for children from these four groupings (n = 184), alongside an additional group of typically developing children (n = 36), and identified distinct patterns of brain organization for each group. This study represents a novel move toward identifying data‐driven neurocognitive dimensions underlying learning‐related difficulties in a representative sample of poor learners.
From childhood to adulthood: health care use in individuals with cerebral palsy
Authors: Roquet Marion , Garlantezec Ronan , Remy‐Neris Olivier , Sacaze Elise , Gallien Philippe , Ropars Juliette , Houx Laetitia , Pons Christelle , Brochard Sylvain
Published: September 2018

Aim

To analyse the health care usage of individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) as a function of age and ambulatory status.

Method

In total, 970 self‐administered questionnaires relating to health care usage were sent, via a clinical network of professionals and institutions, to children and adults with CP in Brittany, France. Frequency of use of different aspects of health care were analysed as a function of age and ambulatory status. Multivariate logistic regression evaluated differences in the frequency of each health care type with age; the transition from childhood to adulthood was specifically analysed.

Results

The response rate was 53% (282 adults, 230 children). Use of medication (particularly psychotropic and analgesic) increased with age, while physical‐types of health care (rehabilitation, physical medicine and rehabilitation follow‐up, and equipment) decreased with age, independently of ambulatory status. Use of other treatments, such as botulinum toxin injections, was not influenced by age. The provision of rehabilitation was particularly affected by the period of transition.

Interpretation

Although health care needs change naturally in adulthood, the large decrease in usage of specific types of rehabilitation after the transition to adulthood suggested individuals had difficulty accessing this type of health care after childhood. These results provide objectives for the development of patient‐centred, transitional consultations, and longitudinal studies.

What this paper adds

Use of medication, particularly psychotropic and analgesic drugs, increased with age in individuals with cerebral palsy.

Use of orthoses, physical medicine and rehabilitation physician follow‐up, and rehabilitation decreased with age.

Transition from childhood to adulthood involved significant changes in health care usage.
Reinforcement of barrier function – skin repair formulations to deliver physiological lipids into skin
Authors: Zhang Z. , Lukic M. , Savic S. , Lunter D. J.
Published: September 2018

Objective

The aim of the study was to develop formulations to deliver physiological lipids into skin in an attempt to repair defective barrier function.

Methods

Physiological cholesterol and linoleic acid were incorporated into basic cream and non‐ionic cream to prepare skin repair formulations. Homogeneity and storage stability of the developed creams were examined by polarized light microscopy. Ex vivo evaluation was conducted using lipid‐deficient skin samples and confocal Raman microspectroscopy. A 7‐day in vivo study was performed on volunteers to study the repairing efficacy.

Results

Homogeneous texture was seen in the prepared skin repair formulations. The application of the creams led to substantially increased lipid levels compared to the reference in the lipid‐deficient skin in ex vivo study. Twice‐a‐day application of the skin repair creams provided a reinforcement of the skin barrier as transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was significantly decreased.

Conclusion

The skin repair creams showed excellent efficacy in skin recovery. They have great potentials for treating impaired skin barrier associated with depletion of lipids in stratum corneum.
Dicer regulates Nosema ceranae proliferation in honeybees
Authors: Huang Q. , Li W. , Chen Y. , Retschnig‐Tanner G. , Yanez O. , Neumann P. , Evans J. D.
Published: September 2018

Nosema ceranae is a microsporidian parasite that infects the honeybee midgut epithelium. The protein‐coding gene Dicer is lost in most microsporidian genomes but is present in N. ceranae. By feeding infected honeybees with small interfering RNA targeting the N. ceranae gene coding Dicer (siRNA‐Dicer), we found that N. ceranae spore loads were significantly reduced. In addition, over 10% of total parasite protein‐coding genes showed significantly divergent expression profiles after siRNA‐Dicer treatment. Parasite genes for cell proliferation, ABC transporters and hexokinase were downregulated at 3 days postinfection, a key point in the middle of parasite replication cycles. In addition, genes involved in metabolic pathways of honeybees and N. ceranae showed significant co‐expression. Furthermore, the siRNA‐Dicer treatment partly reversed the expression patterns of honeybee genes. The honeybee gene mucin‐2‐like showed significantly upregulation in the siRNA‐Dicer group compared with the infection group continually at 4, 5 and 6 days postinfection, suggesting that the siRNA‐Dicer feeding promoted the strength of the mucus barrier resulted from interrupted parasite proliferation. As the gene Dicer broadly regulates N. ceranae proliferation and honeybee metabolism, our data suggest the RNA interference pathway is an important infection strategy for N. ceranae.
Thermal properties of 2:1 bismuth borate: Temperature‐dependent characterizations of lone electron pairs
Authors: Murshed M. Mangir , Petersen Hilke , Fischer Michael , Curti Mariano , Mendive Cecilia B. , Baran Volodymyr , Senyshyn Anatoliy , Gesing Thorsten M.
Published: September 2018

Applications of bismuth borate ceramics require understanding of the microscopic features, leading to macroscopic behaviors such as thermal expansion. We report the structural and spectroscopic features of Bi4B2O9 between 4 K and 900 K using a combination of temperature‐dependent neutron and X‐ray powder diffractions and Raman spectroscopy. Lattice thermal expansion was modeled using the Debye‐Einstein‐Anharmonicity (DEA) fit. The model also follows four independent thermal expansion tensors of the monoclinic system. Phonon density of states obtained from the density functional theory (DFT) calculations helps to understand the low Debye temperature calculated from the metric expansion as well as from the isotropic atomic displacement parameters. Both Wang‐Liebau eccentricity (WLE) parameter and Liebau density vector (LDV) are calculated from the structural data and from the DFT calculation, respectively. Whereas, the dimensionless absolute value of WLE measures the degree of deformation of the electronic deformation density of the 6s2 lone electron pairs (LEPs) of the Bi3+ cations, LDV additionally shows the changes of the orientation of the LEP‐lobes as function of temperature. Analyses of the temperature‐dependent frequencies of some selected Raman modes support the choice of the elastic model of the Debye approach.
Laser excitation‐activated self‐propagating sintering of NaYbF4:Pr3+/Gd3+ white light microcrystal phosphors
Authors: Jiang Mengci , Shen Si , He Jiayang , Wu E , Zeng Heping
Published: September 2018

We demonstrate that self‐propagating sintering reaction could be activated and dramatically enhanced by laser excitation of ion dopants in the solid‐state reactants. Near‐resonant laser absorption and subsequent nonradiative decays make the solid‐state reactants be sintered efficiently while ionic excitations catalyze self‐propagating solid‐state reactions. As a prototype demo, we synthesized white light upconversion phosphors NaYbF4:Pr3+/Gd3+. A continuous‐wave laser at 980 nm was used to populate Yb3+ ions in YbF3 to excited level, which react with NaF to preform NaYbF4 nuclei. The preformed nuclei enhanced laser excitation and energy transfer to those ions that could not be directly excited by the pump laser and thus enabled self‐propagating solid‐state sintering synthesis of NaYbF4 microcrystals at quite low laser powers. Laser excitation of Yb3+ ions could also benefit facile rare‐earth ion doping through activated self‐propagating reactions. Gd3+ and Pr3+ ions were doped in NaYbF4 by simply adding Gd3+ and Pr3+ ionic oxides or fluorides in the raw materials. In addition, Gd3+ ions doping in F− anions ambient could transform the NaYbF4 microcrystal phase from cubic to hexagonal and tune upconversion photoluminescence. This synthetic method can be widely applied to synthesize many other solid‐state compounds, perovskite solar cells, photocatalysts, solid oxide fuel cells, and so forth.
Kinematic and electromyographic analysis of the Askling L‐Protocol for hamstring training
Authors: Severini Giacomo , Holland Donal , Drumgoole Aisling , Delahunt Eamonn , Ditroilo Massimiliano
Published: September 2018

Hamstring injuries are common in field sport athletes. Eccentric strength training of the hamstring muscles is an integral component of rehabilitation programs. The Askling L‐Protocol comprises three exercises [extender; diver; glider] that load the hamstrings during eccentric activity. When compared to a conventional exercise‐based rehabilitation program, the Askling L‐Protocol has been shown to reduce the time to return to sport following hamstring injury and prevalence of injury recurrence. Nevertheless, the mechanisms behind its efficacy have yet to be studied. In this work, we conducted a kinematic and electromyographic analysis of the exercises of the Askling L‐Protocol. Eleven healthy individuals performed each of the exercises while electromyographic data from four muscles (including two hamstring muscles) were recorded. Hip and knee angular displacements and velocities were also synchronously recorded using a motion capture system. We found that the L‐Protocol elicits a maximal contraction (up to 60% of the MVC in the glider exercise) in the hamstring muscles at a work point similar to the swing phase of running (around 62 degrees hip flexion and 23 degrees knee flexion). No difference in the levels of activation of the hamstrings was observed between the diver and glider, regardless of the different functional role they had in the two exercises. During the extender, the hamstring muscles are stretched and minimally engaged. Finally, co‐activation analysis highlighted that through the combination of passive stretch and active eccentric contraction, the hamstrings are trained to co‐activate using similar structural modules employed differentially to drive the movement or stabilize it.
Patterns of accelerometer‐based sedentary behavior and their association with cardiorespiratory fitness in adults
Authors: Ullrich Antje , Baumann Sophie , Voigt Lisa , John Ulrich , van den Berg Neeltje , Dörr Marcus , Ulbricht Sabina
Published: September 2018

We aimed to identify patterns of sedentary behavior (SB) and examined whether cardiorespiratory fitness differs between classes with distinct patterns of SB. One hundred and seventy participants (57% women, mean age = 56.4 years) received accelerometry monitoring for 7 days. Prior to accelerometry assessment, cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). VO2peak was directly measured during a symptom‐limited cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a cycle ergometer. Patterns in accelerometer data were classified based on time spent in SB per day using growth mixture modeling. Model‐implied class‐specific VO2peak means were compared using adjusted equality test of means. Growth mixture modeling revealed four patterns of SB: "High, stable" (n = 120, M = 724.9 min/d), "Low, increase" (n = 14, M = 622.2 min/d), "Low, decrease" (n = 11, M = 540.2 min/d), and "High, decrease" (n = 25, M = 694.8 min/d). Persons in class "High, stable" had significantly lower VO2peak values (M = 25.0 mL/kg/min, SD = 0.6) compared to persons in class "Low, increase" (M = 30.5 mL/kg/min, SD = 3.6; P = 0.001), in class "Low, decrease" (M = 30.1 mL/kg/min, SD = 5.0; P = 0.009), and in class "High, decrease" (M = 29.6 mL/kg/min, SD = 5.9; P = 0.032). No differences among the other classes were found. We identified four classes of individuals with distinct patterns of SB and showed that VO2peak partially differs between classes. Especially, individuals with stable high SB levels throughout the week might be addressed in public health recommendations and interventions.
Physiological responses and parasympathetic reactivation in rescue interventions: The effect of the breathing apparatus
Authors: Marcel‐Millet Philémon , Ravier Gilles , Grospretre Sidney , Gimenez Philippe , Freidig Sébastien , Groslambert Alain
Published: September 2018

This study aimed to assess the effect of wearing a breathing apparatus during a simulated rescue intervention on psychophysiological responses and parasympathetic reactivation of firefighters. Thirty‐four firefighters participated in this study which consisted of four experimental sessions conducted randomly: a maximal fitness test and three rescue interventions performed (a) with personal protective clothing (PPC); (b) with PPC and the full self‐contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), including cylinder, full‐face piece, and breathing regulator; and (c) with PPC and only the cylinder of the self‐contained breathing apparatus (SCBAc). Physiological (heart rate [HR], breathing frequency [BF]) and perceptual (rating of perceived exertion [RPE]) responses were continuously collected during the three rescue interventions. Parasympathetic reactivation was assessed using HR recovery and variability indexes after experimental sessions. HR responses ranged between 63% and 95% of HRmax, and BF responses ranged between 22 and 55 breaths/min for the different activity tasks. Parasympathetic reactivation indexes were similar for the rescue interventions but lower than after the intermittent fitness test (P = 0.016 – P < 0.0001). Mean HR for both SCBAc (83.2 ± 4.1%HRmax) and SCBA (83.1 ± 5.2%HRmax) was higher in comparison with PPC (79.5 ± 5.3%HRmax). RPE was higher for SCBA than for SCBAc which was higher than PPC. Mean BF for SCBA (34 breaths/min) was lower than PPC (40 breaths/min) and SCBAc (43 breaths/min). Based on HR, BF, and RPE, rescue interventions seem to be psychologically and physiologically stressful. Parasympathetic reactivation after PCC, SCBA, and SCBAc suggests that these conditions induce higher cardiac stress than the maximal fitness test. The study showed that SCBA increased psychophysiological perturbations.
Public–private divide: cultural and social factors in women's attitudes toward cord blood banking in Jordan
Authors: Matsumoto Monica M. , Dajani Rana , Matthews Kirstin R.W.
Published: September 2018

BACKGROUND

Private cord blood (CB) banking is more widespread than public banking in Jordan, contributing to misinformation and unequal access to resources. This study elucidates unique perspectives of women in Jordan toward CB banking for the purpose of national and international policymaking, ethics, and education.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The authors developed and disseminated a questionnaire to women in maternity outpatient clinic waiting rooms in five different hospitals in Jordan. A total of 899 surveys were collected with 100% return rate: 464 surveys from private hospitals and 435 from public ones. Data were reported as frequency distributions, chi‐square and Fisher's exact test statistics, and odds ratios.

RESULTS

Patient demographics, self‐reported knowledge, and opinions about CB banking differed significantly between women at private versus public hospitals. Women at private hospitals had higher levels of awareness and communication with a health care professional about CB banking, which is associated with more positive viewpoints on CB banking and a self‐reported higher likelihood of participating in CB banking in the future. Furthermore, religious approval and father‐only consent for CB banking must be considered as unique factors in CB storage in Jordan.

CONCLUSION

This analysis aids in identifying discrepancies in knowledge, resources, and communication, as well as unique population preferences. Comprehensive culturally attuned educational campaigns for patients and physicians should be a national priority to ensure ethical practice, informed decision making, and sustainable programs before the opening of Jordan's first public CB bank in 2017.
Factors influencing developmental delay among young children in poor rural China: a latent variable approach
Authors: Zhang Jingxu , Guo Sufang , Li Ying , Wei Qianwei , Zhang Cuihong , Wang Xiaoli , Luo Shusheng , Zhao Chunxia , Scherpbier Robert W
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The aims of the study were to determine the prevalence of suspected developmental delay in children living in poor areas of rural China and to investigate factors influencing child developmental delay.

Design

A community-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted.

Eighty-three villages in Shanxi and Guizhou Provinces, China.

Participants

A total of 2514 children aged 6–35 months and their primary caregivers.

Outcome measures

Suspected child developmental delay was evaluated using the Ages & Stages Questionnaires-Chinese version. Caregivers’ education and age, wealth index, child feeding index, parent-child interaction, number of books and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale were reported by the primary caregivers. Haemoglobin levels were measured using a calibrated, automated analyser. Birth weight was obtained from medical records.

Results

Overall, 35.7% of the surveyed children aged 6–35 months demonstrated suspected developmental delay. The prevalence of suspected developmental delay was inversely associated with age, with the prevalence among young children aged 6–11 months being almost double that of children aged 30–35 months (48.0% and 22.8%, respectively). Using a structural equation model, it was demonstrated that caregiver’s care and stimulus factors and child’s haemoglobin level were directly correlated, while caregiver’s sociodemographic factors were indirectly associated with suspected developmental delay.

Conclusions

The prevalence of suspected developmental delay is high in poor rural areas of China, and appropriate interventions to improve child development are needed.
Revolution and Emotions: Toward a Reinterpretation of the Political Events of 1914–1917
Authors: Buldakov Vladimir Prokhorovich
Published: September 2018

V.P. Buldakov explores the emotional overheating in the Russian Empire, but also of the entire European cultural milieu during the era of Great War, Revolution, Civil War and beyond. Exploring a wide range of sources, archival, philosophical, literary, journalism, epistolary, memoirs and diaries, he calls for a new (socio)-psychological history of the Russian Revolution that integrates the irrational, the energy of negation, impulsiveness, atavisms and aggression and the importance of myth and rumor- in other words the full panoply of the emotions as manifested in social movements and politics.
Thermal management of conventional photovoltaic module using phase change materials—An experimental investigation
Authors: Waqas Adeel , Ji Jie , Bahadar Ali , Xu Lijie , Zeshan  , Modjinou Mawufemo
Published: September 2018

The electrical conversion efficiency of the monocrystalline photovoltaic module is adversely affected due to the higher temperature of the solar cells. Therefore, cooling technologies to remove the excess heat generated by the photovoltaic modules play a vital role to enhance its output. In this article, thermal management of the conventional monocrystalline photovoltaic modules using phase change material has been experimentally evaluated. Phase change material with a melting point of 30°C to 32°C was encapsulated in the aluminium tubes that were 500 mm long having 19 mm inner diameter. Phase change material-filled tubes were attached to the rear side of the photovoltaic module at an equal distance to cover the module area of 0.30 m2. The total mass of the phase change material used in the current experimental study was 1.0 kg. The average temperature of the modified photovoltaic module was 2.4°C to 2.8°C lower than conventional photovoltaic module during sunshine hours. The peak temperature of the conventional photovoltaic panel was lowered from 6°C to 9°C due to the inclusion of phase change material. The electrical conversion efficiency enhanced up to 2.0%. The current configuration of integrating phase change material with photovoltaic modules was observed advantageous as it assisted in enhancing the natural convection from the back of the photovoltaic module rather suppressing. An energy balance showing the trend of energy losses from conventional photovoltaic and photovoltaic with phase change material is also presented and discussed.
Speculations on the postnatural: Restoration, accumulation, and sacrifice at the Salton Sea
Authors: Cantor Alida , Knuth Sarah
Published: September 2018

Using a regional political ecology lens, this paper explores emerging geographies and politics of a “postnatural” ecomodernist turn in mainstream environmentalism. We examine the unfolding case of ecological restoration and renewable energy development at Southern California’s Salton Sea. Ambitious proposals to restore the massive, increasingly degraded lake (and finance restoration) by reengineering it as a hub for geothermal energy generation and high-tech green industry hinge upon the ambiguity and malleability of restoration in an environment long classified as postnatural. These plans coincide with a broader rush on renewable energy sites in the California desert, and mounting conflicts over water and land with legacy agro-industrial interests. The case illustrates significant problems within postnatural environmentalism. First, it demonstrates how theorizations of the postnatural can intersect with green capitalist projects of re(e)valuation and development, as the Sea’s managers manipulate environmental framings to support accumulation-minded projects, and accumulation imperatives swamp other functionalities of restoration. Meanwhile, despite the flourishing of postnatural discourses, the “pristine” is shown to do continued work as the Sea becomes a sacrifice zone for development deflected from better-protected spaces. This postnatural positioning has rendered the Salton Sea vulnerable to neoliberal austerity and speculation in ways that compromise its future existence.
Effect of Partial Blending on High Content Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Mix Design and Mixture Properties
Authors: Yu Shuai , Shen Shihui , Zhou Xuli , Li Xinghai
Published: September 2018

Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) material, especially high RAP content mixture, is nowadays receiving more interest in asphalt pavement construction. When determining the optimum asphalt content (OAC) in RAP mixture design, RAP partial blending is sometimes neglected and total blending is assumed. Such an assumption influences the virgin binder content determination and can contribute to the poor fatigue and cracking performance of high RAP pavement in the field. This paper studied the impact of RAP partial blending on the OAC of mixtures with varied RAP content up to 40%. A Laboratory Hamburg Wheel Tracking Test, an IDT fracture test, and an SCB test were performed on mixtures designed by different methods to evaluate rutting and cracking performance. In particular, a partial blending design method was proposed to improve the mixture performance by adjusting the virgin binder content through the RAP blending ratio. It was found that the optimum virgin binder content decreased as the RAP content increased; the Superpave volumetric method required the lowest OAC while the partial blending method required the highest OAC. The rutting performance of the RAP mixtures considering partial blending was slightly lower than other mixtures. However, all RAP mixtures showed better rutting resistance than virgin mixtures. The cracking performance of the high RAP mixtures was significantly improved if the partial blending effect was considered in the design.
Exploring the Effects of Important Predictors of Ramp Speed Choice
Authors: Dadashova Bahar , Dixon Karen , Avelar Raul
Published: September 2018

Traditional measures of speed obtained through traffic observations are not based on detailed information about the related drivers and vehicles. Data from naturalistic studies, such as SHRP2 – NDS, can mitigate this issue by combining the key data on driver, roadway, and speed choice behavior. The objective of this study is to assess drivers’ speed choice on freeway ramps as a function of ramp design, trip summary, and driver characteristics. The data analysis provides insights into various spatial and temporal factors. To conduct the data analysis time series reduction, matching, and clustering methods were implemented to define a new speed choice behavior response variable denoted as driving state. Using the resulting response variable and the three groups of predictors, neural network analysis was conducted to identify the most influential predictors and their effects on the speed choice behavior of drivers during on-ramp and off-ramp travels. Results of this analysis of speed choice behavior on freeway ramps indicate that the speed choice at these locations is indeed a complex process and is mainly influenced by the temporal and traffic conditions. Personal characteristics of drivers were also found to influence speed choice in these locations.
Rutting Evaluation of Hot and Warm Mix Asphalt Concrete under High Aircraft Tire Pressure and Temperature at National Airport Pavement and Materials Research Center
Authors: Garg Navneet , Kazmee Hasan , Ricalde Lia , Parsons Timothy
Published: September 2018

The aircraft industry’s propensity to increase the range of aircraft results in increased gross weight and tire pressure. Therefore, performance assessment of airfield asphalt concrete mixes under such high tire pressure and extreme environmental exposure becomes imperative for sustainable design implementation. Moreover, a lack of scientific information on the field performance has been a major roadblock in the adoption of green technologies like warm mix asphalt (WMA). An accelerated pavement testing study was undertaken at the Federal Aviation Administration’s National Airport Pavement and Materials Research Center to evaluate the rutting performance of hot and warm asphalt mixes at two different binder grades. Six test lanes were constructed – four outdoors and two indoors, each encompassing three different test sections. The constructed test sections were subjected to different combinations of tire pressure, temperature, and environmental exposure using a custom-designed airport heavy vehicle simulator. Both field performance and laboratory characterization tests indicated that WMA exhibited comparable performance to hot mix asphalt. Environmental aging was found to be conducive to the curing and enhanced rutting performance of polymer-modified WMA.
Use of a 3D model to improve the performance of laser-based railway track inspection
Authors: Ye Jiaqi , Stewart Edward , Roberts Clive
Published: September 2018

In recent decades, 3D reconstruction techniques have been applied in an increasing number of areas such as virtual reality, robot navigation, medical imaging and architectural restoration of cultural relics. Most of the inspection techniques used in railway systems are, however, still implemented on a 2D basis. This is particularly true of track inspection due to its linear nature. Benefiting from the development of sensor technology and constantly improving processors, higher quality 3D model reconstructions are becoming possible which push the technology into more challenging areas. One such advancement is the use of 3D perceptual techniques in railway systems. This paper presents a novel 3D perceptual system, based on a low-cost 2D laser sensor, which has been developed for the detection and characterisation of physical surface defects in railway tracks. An innovative prototype system has been developed to capture and correlate the laser scan data; dedicated 3D data processing procedures have then been developed in the form of three specific defect-detection algorithms (depth gradient, face normal and face-normal gradient) which are applied to the 3D model. The system has been tested with rail samples in the laboratory and at the Long Marston Railway Test Track. The 3D models developed represent the external surface of the samples both laterally (2D slices) and longitudinally (3D model), and common surface defects can be detected and represented in 3D. The results demonstrate the feasibility of applying 3D reconstruction-based inspection techniques to railway systems.
An anisotropic heat diffusion model for enhancing the extraction of underground rail track fasteners under extremely low and uneven illumination conditions
Authors: Ai Chengbo , Qiu Shi , Xu Guiyang
Published: September 2018

During the past two decades, subway systems have become one of the most dominant infrastructural developments in China at an unprecedented pace and scale. More than 60 metro lines in 25 cities have been completed, transporting more than 70 million passengers daily. Operating the subway systems safely and efficiently is a continuously pressing demand from both the management companies and the public. Although many automated or semi-automated methods for extracting critical components of the rail track systems, e.g. rail, fastener, sleeper, etc., have significantly improved the productivity of routine inspection, the unique challenges posed by the subway systems have hindered these existing methods from successful implementation because of the extremely low illumination in the underground environment, whereas additional artificial lighting often poses extremely uneven illumination. In this study, a generalized local illumination adaptation model using an anisotropic heat equation is proposed to dynamically adjust the acquired rail track images with extremely low and uneven illumination conditions. An integration flow is then proposed to seamlessly incorporate the proposed model into the state-of-the-art automated fastener detection algorithms. The results show that the proposed local illumination adaptation model can significantly improve the performance of the tested state-of-the-art fastener detection algorithms when they are applied to the images collected in the environment with extremely low and uneven illumination conditions, e.g. subway systems.
Risk factors for late HIV diagnosis in the East of England: evidence from national surveillance data and policy implications
Authors: Bath Rachel E , Emmett Lynsey , Verlander Neville Q , Reacher Mark
Published: September 2018

In 2014, 42% of all HIV diagnoses in the East of England were diagnosed late. Individuals unaware of their HIV status will not benefit from lifesaving and infectious-limiting antiretroviral therapy, and they remain at risk of decreased life expectancy and onward transmission of HIV. We sought to identify risk factors associated with late HIV diagnosis in the East of England to inform future HIV testing and prevention strategies relevant to the local population. Data on all HIV infected individuals aged ≥16 years and diagnosed between 2008 and 2014 in the East of England were obtained from the national HIV and AIDS Reporting System. Late diagnosis was defined as CD4 cell count below 350 cells/mm3 within 91 days of diagnosis. Logistic regression investigated risk factors for late HIV diagnosis. A total of 2469 people were included; 1342 (54%) were late HIV diagnoses. In multivariable analysis risk factors for late diagnosis were: age ≥30 years, originating from WHO regions of South-East Asia or Europe (excluding UK), heterosexual orientation and being diagnosed as an inpatient or by a general practitioner. The odds of late diagnosis significantly reduced every year (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.90–0.99, p = 0.042). Despite this year-on-year reduction continued high rates suggest future HIV testing and prevention strategies should be informed by local regional epidemiology to allow those at greatest risk to be targeted appropriately.
Perceived Parental Behaviors and Next-Generation Engagement in Family Firms: A Social Cognitive Perspective
Authors: Garcia Patrick Raymund James M. , Sharma Pramodita , De Massis Alfredo , Wright Mike , Scholes Louise
Published: September 2018

Next-generation engagement is a key contributor to the success and continuity of family firms. Family relationships are an important factor in shaping such engagement. However, we know little as to how this engagement process unfolds, especially during the formative years of next-generation members. Using the principles of social cognitive theory and drawing on the career development, organizational behavior, and family business literature, we theorize the indirect influence of perceived parental support and psychological control on next-generation engagement in family firms through the mediating variables of self-efficacy and commitment to the family business. We discuss several possible avenues to test and extend this model in future research.
Facilitators and Barriers of Cervical Cancer Screening and Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination Among Somali Refugee Women in the United States: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Allen Elizabeth M. , Lee Hee Yun , Pratt Rebekah , Vang Houa , Desai Jay R. , Dube Amano , Lightfoot Elizabeth
Published: September 2018

Introduction: Eastern Africa has the highest rates of cervical cancer incidence (42.7 per 100,000) and mortality (27.6 per 100,000), substantially higher than worldwide incidence (14.0 per 100,000) and mortality (6.8 per 100,000). The purpose of this study was to explore facilitators and barriers to cervical cancer screening and human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination among Somali refugee women and their children. Method: Focus group discussions were conducted in August of 2016. Investigators performed systematic, comparative, and thematic data analyses. Results: The 31 Somali refugee participants ranged from 23 to 64 years old. Four major themes emerged: (1) knowledge, (2) facilitators, (3) decision making, and (4) views on intervention strategies. Doctor recommendation and family support were important facilitators. Community education was the most popular strategy in promoting screening and vaccine uptake. Discussion: Multilevel targeted interventions should increase knowledge and include family members to increase cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination uptake in the Somali community.
Advanced two-step integrated optimization of actively controlled nonlinear structure under mainshock–aftershock sequences
Authors: Khansefid A , Bakhshi A
Published: September 2018

In this paper, an attempt is made to examine a new method for designing and applying the active vibration control system to improve building performance under mainshock–aftershock sequences. In this regard, three different structures are considered; 5-, 10-, and 15-story buildings. Seven mainshock–aftershock sequences are selected from the Iranian accelerogram database for analyzing the structures. By implementing an advanced two-step optimization method, buildings equipped with the active vibration control system (linear–quadratic regulator (LQR) algorithm) are designed to withstand all events of mainshock–aftershock sequences. In the first optimization step, a multi-objective optimization with the genetic algorithm is performed and a set of optimal Pareto front results is obtained. In the next step, the life-cycle cost of each optimal design sample of the Pareto front is calculated by considering the cumulative damage and the design sample with the minimum cost is selected as a final optimal property. The results prove that the active vibration control system is capable of reducing structural responses, including acceleration, drift, and residual drift under mainshock–aftershock sequences, and consequently the life-cycle cost of buildings, especially the taller ones. In addition, obtaining the building design variables (story stiffness and yielding force) and active LQR algorithm properties simultaneously leads to a slightly softer final building model than the conventional structure designed by the common building design code. Moreover, it is revealed that, by considering the aftershocks, the building life-cycle cost increases significantly.
Impact of an Intimate Partner Violence Training on Home Visitors’ Perceived Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities to Address Intimate Partner Violence Experienced by Their Clients
Authors: Dyer Angela M. , Abildso Christiaan G.
Published: September 2018

Aims. The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate the effects of a statewide intimate partner violence (IPV) training on home visitors’ perceived knowledge, skills, and abilities to address IPV experienced by their clients and (2) examine home visitors’ perceived barriers to addressing IPV during client home visits. Methods. In 2015, five equivalent, daylong IPV trainings were held throughout West Virginia. Attendance was mandatory for all home visitors in the state. Pre- and posttraining surveys were administered to every attendee ( N = 125). The surveys assessed home visitors’ perceived knowledge, skills, and abilities to address IPV experienced by their clients and perceived barriers to addressing IPV during a client home visit. Results. The results showed (1) home visitors’ knowledge, skills, and abilities significantly improved from pre- to posttraining (all p < .05) and (2) the most commonly reported barriers to addressing IPV were “the partner is present for the visit” (86.2%), “worried that asking may risk my relationship with my client” (30.2%), “not sure how to ask questions without seeming too intrusive” (25.9%), and “worried about upsetting the client” (21.6%). Conclusions. Our findings highlight the immediate positive effects of an IPV training on home visitors’ professional capabilities to address IPV experienced by clients and the most prevalent barriers home visitors face when addressing IPV that should be targeted in future health education interventions.
Intimate partner violence and clinical coding: issues with the use of the International Classification of Disease (ICD-10) in England
Authors: Olive Philippa
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To investigate the availability of intimate partner violence-related population health information in England and the possibility of identifying intimate partner violence-exposed population sample frames from administrative health data systems in England employing the International Classification of Disease.

Methods

Research design was an exploratory mixed method approach that involved trend analysis of numbers of applications of International Classification of Disease intimate partner violence classifications for admissions to NHS hospitals in England over a five-year period and semi-structured focus group interviews with clinical coders at an NHS Hospital.

Results

Use of International Classification of Disease intimate partner violence classifications was generally low across NHS Trusts in England. There was notable variation in the numbers of applications across NHS providers which demographic differences or rates of violence perpetration would not account for. The interview findings revealed conceptual ambiguity regarding intimate partner violence classifications which presented challenges for clinical coding and raised questions about the reliability and validity of International Classification of Disease’s intimate partner violence classifications.

Conclusion

It would not be possible to extract robust data about populations exposed to intimate partner violence for the purposes of audit, governance or research from health information systems using current International Classification of Disease-10 classifications. Development of these International Classification of Disease codes is essential for violence and abuse to be captured more accurately in health information systems and afforded greater prioritization and funding proportionate to the health burden and service demands that intimate partner violence is responsible for.
Fault diagnosis of wind turbine gearbox based on wavelet neural network
Authors: Huitao Chen , Shuangxi Jing , Xianhui Wang , Zhiyang Wang
Published: September 2018

In order to monitor the wind turbine gearbox running state effectively, a fault diagnosis method of wind turbine gearbox is put forward based on wavelet neural network. Taking a 1.5 MW wind turbine gearbox as the target of study, the frequency spectrum of vibration signal and the fault mechanism of driving part are analyzed, and the eigenvalues of the frequency domain are extracted. A wavelet neural network model for fault diagnosis of wind turbine gearbox is established, and wavelet neural network is trained by using different feature vectors of fault types. The relationship between fault component and vibration signal is identified, and the vibration fault of wind turbine gearbox is predicted and diagnosed by network model. The analysis results show that the method can diagnose fault and fault pattern recognition of wind turbine gearbox very well.
European Music? The International Broadcasting Union's 1930s Concert Series Concerts Européens
Authors: Michelsen Morten
Published: September 2018

Morten Michelsen focusses on a grand scale of radio exchanges, the IBU's European Concerts: a series of pan-European interconnected broadcasts in the 1930s, staged as a celebration of the new medium's power to connect, but also to project individual nations into a European radio space. He analyzes the role of the music programming within these major productions, showing how these choices reflected the tensions between projections of universal European modernity and nation-states as having unique character.
Radio als Hör-Spiel-Raum
Authors: Wodianka Bettina
Published: September 2018

Künstlerisch-spielerische und medienreflexiv-operierende Interventionen im Radiophonen sind so alt wie das Radio selbst. Die in diesem Buch besprochenen Hörstücke der Radiogeschichte sind von einer intensiven Auseinandersetzung auf den Möglichkeitsraum zwischen dem Radio-Dispositiv und künstlerischen Darstellungs- und Inszenierungsformen geprägt. Gemeinsam ist ihnen eine medienreflexive Anlage sowie eine Ästhetik der Störung, die auf unterschiedlichen Ebenen operiert. Im Zentrum von Bettina Wodiankas Studie steht eine interdisziplinär ausgerichtete Analyse, die medientheoretische wie medienhistorische, ästhetische und technische Überlegungen verschränkt.
Remediationen des digitalen Spiels in Offline - Das Leben ist kein Bonuslevel
Authors: Schmerheim Philipp
Published: September 2018

Die jugendlichen Hauptfiguren von Offline - Das Leben ist kein Computerspiel begeben sich bei ihrem Versuch, einen zwielichtigen Hacker zu finden, auf eine Entdeckungsreise durch die Welt jenseits des Computerbildschirms. Inszeniert wird der road trip durch den Schwarzwald und die Schweizer Voralpen nicht nur mit der Narratoästhetik der Heldenreise des Abenteuerfilms und des Coming-of-Age-Films. Auf auffällige Weise experimentiert Offline auch mit der Ludoästhetik digitaler Spiele und ist damit intermedial strukturiert: So wandeln die Figuren zwischen dem virtuellen Welt-Raum digitaler Spiele und demjenigen der physischen Wirklichkeit; Entscheidungsprozesse werden quasi-paratextuell mithilfe von Multiple-choice-Tafeln und Inventarien audiovisualisiert, die aus Online-Rollenspielen bekannt sind; und in ebenso emotionalen wie dramaturgisch wichtigen Momenten imaginieren sich die Figuren inmitten der innerfiktional realen Welt als Avatar ihres Lieblingsspiels. Um dieses ludonarrative Spiel mit Remediationen soll es im Folgenden am Beispiel von Offline und anderen Filmen aus systematischer Perspektive gehen.
Privatisierte Weiblichkeit
Authors: Seiler Nina
Published: September 2018

Von der kommunistischen Gleichmacherei zur bürgerlichen Sphärentrennung? Nach 1989 wird die Geschlechterordnung in Polen zu einer Gretchenfrage. Die postsozialistische Identitätssuche zwischen Liberalisierung und Konservatismus, zwischen transnationaler Anbindung und erstarkendem Polentum bringt einen von inneren Widersprüchen geprägten feministischen Diskurs hervor. Nina Seiler zeigt anhand detailreicher Textanalysen zu Werken feministischer Polonistik der 1990er Jahre theoretische und soziopolitische Anknüpfungspunkte und Divergenzen auf. Der zunehmenden Spaltung der polnischen Gesellschaft wird mittels Konzepten von Intertextualität, Intonation und Ideologem nachgegangen.
Die Verwaltungsjuristin Theanolte Bähnisch (1899-1973) und der Deutsche Frauenring
Authors: Freund Nadine
Published: September 2018

Die Regierungspräsidentin Theanolte Bähnisch (1899-1973) spielte im Wiederaufbau Deutschlands nach 1945 eine zentrale Rolle. Das Fundament ihres Engagements lag in ihrer Sozialisation im Geiste des reformorientierten, republikanischen Preußen begründet. Nadine Freund legt dar, wie die Präsidentin des Deutschen Frauenrings (DFR) - in Orientierung an der Idee der Überparteilichkeit - versuchte, insbesondere Frauen für die Etablierung einer zweiten deutschen Demokratie zu gewinnen. In ihrer Absicht, dabei ein Bollwerk gegen den Kommunismus zu errichten, wurde sie von deutschen und britischen Eliten aus Politik, Verwaltung, Militär, Erwachsenenbildung und Frauenbewegung unterstützt.
Dinge - Nutzer - Netze: Von der Virtualisierung des Musealen zur Musealisierung des Virtuellen
Authors: Niewerth Dennis
Published: September 2018

Museen sind stets auch virtuelle Räume: Als Einrichtungen des gemeinsamen Erinnerns schlagen sie Brücken zwischen dem An- und Abwesenden, der Materialität ihrer Exponate und einer Vergangenheit, die nur in ihren Hinterlassenschaften ihr Wirklichsein zu behaupten vermag. Dennoch sind in einer Gesellschaft, für die Virtualität Normalität geworden ist, die Institution Museum und ihr Umgang mit den längst nicht mehr ›neuen‹ Medien nach wie vor Austragungsorte erhitzter Debatten über das ›Echte‹, das ›Authentische‹ und die Erfahrbarkeit des Wirklichen. Dennis Niewerth geht der Frage nach, worin die »Virtualisierung des Musealen« besteht. Und er zeigt, was das Museum als Bollwerk der Kulturpädagogik im Sinne einer »Musealisierung des Virtuellen« einer Gesellschaft anzubieten hat, die unter der Fülle ihrer Erinnerungen begraben zu werden droht.