bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Different Screening Model Structures on Cervical Cancer Incidence and Mortality Predictions: The Maximum Clinical Incidence Reduction (MCLIR) Methodology
Authors: de Kok Inge M. C. M. , Burger Emily A. , Naber Steffie K. , Canfell Karen , Killen James , Simms Kate , Kulasingam Shalini , Groene Emily , Sy Stephen , Kim Jane J. , van Ballegooijen Marjolein
Published: June 2020

Background. To interpret cervical cancer screening model results, we need to understand the influence of model structure and assumptions on cancer incidence and mortality predictions. Cervical cancer cases and deaths following screening can be attributed to 1) (precancerous or cancerous) disease that occurred after screening, 2) disease that was present but not screen detected, or 3) disease that was screen detected but not successfully treated. We examined the relative contributions of each of these using 4 Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) models. Methods. The maximum clinical incidence reduction (MCLIR) method compares changes in the number of clinically detected cervical cancers and mortality among 4 scenarios: 1) no screening, 2) one-time perfect screening at age 45 that detects all existing disease and delivers perfect (i.e., 100% effective) treatment of all screen-detected disease, 3) one-time realistic-sensitivity cytological screening and perfect treatment of all screen-detected disease, and 4) one-time realistic-sensitivity cytological screening and realistic-effectiveness treatment of all screen-detected disease. Results. Predicted incidence reductions ranged from 55% to 74%, and mortality reduction ranged from 56% to 62% within 15 years of follow-up for scenario 4 across models. The proportion of deaths due to disease not detected by screening differed across the models (21%–35%), as did the failure of treatment (8%–16%) and disease occurring after screening (from 1%–6%). Conclusions. The MCLIR approach aids in the interpretation of variability across model results. We showed that the reasons why screening failed to prevent cancers and deaths differed between the models. This likely reflects uncertainty about unobservable model inputs and structures; the impact of this uncertainty on policy conclusions should be examined via comparing findings from different well-calibrated and validated model platforms.
Using EQ-5D Data to Measure Hospital Performance: Are General Population Values Distorting Patients’ Choices?
Authors: Gutacker Nils , Patton Thomas , Shah Koonal , Parkin David
Published: June 2020

Background. The English National Health Service publishes hospital performance indicators based on average postoperative EQ-5D index scores after hip replacement surgery to inform prospective patients’ choices of hospital. Unidimensional index scores are derived from multidimensional health-related quality-of-life data using preference weights estimated from a sample of the UK general population. This raises normative concerns if general population preferences differ from those of the patients who are to be informed. This study explores how the source of valuation affects hospital performance estimates. Methods. Four different value sets reflecting source of valuation (general population v. patients), valuation technique (visual analog scale [VAS] v. time tradeoff [TTO]), and experience with health states (currently experienced vs. experimentally estimated) were used to derive and compare performance estimates for 243 hospitals. Two value sets were newly estimated from EQ-5D-3L data on 122,921 hip replacement patients and 3381 members of the UK general public. Changes in hospital ranking (nationally) and performance outlier status (nationally; among patients’ 5 closest hospitals) were compared across valuations. Results. National rankings were stable under different valuations (rank correlations >0.92). Twenty-three (9.5%) hospitals changed outlier status when using patient VAS valuations instead of general population TTO valuations, the current approach. Outlier status also changed substantially at the local level. This was explained mostly by the valuation technique, not the source of valuations or experience with the health states. Limitations. No patient TTO valuations were available. The effect of value set characteristics could be established only through indirect comparisons. Conclusion. Different value sets may lead to prospective patients choosing different hospitals. Normative concerns about the use of general population valuations are not supported by empirical evidence based on VAS valuations.
Laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery for a tumor near the isthmus of a horseshoe kidney with a complicated blood supply
Authors: Shao Zhiqiang , Tan Shanfeng , Yu Xiaohong , Liu Hongjun , Jiang Yongjun , Gao Jiangping
Published: June 2020

A horseshoe kidney is a congenital kidney malformation commonly associated with complications such as hydronephrosis, renal calculi, and infections of the renal pelvis. Renal cell carcinoma is extremely rare in a horseshoe kidney; once it occurs, however, it is intractable because of vascular abnormalities. This is especially true in laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery, even for tumors of <4 cm in diameter. We herein report a case involving an asymptomatic 65-year-old man with an incidental finding of a 4-cm solid mass near the isthmus of a horseshoe kidney on B-mode ultrasonography. Preoperative computed tomography of the renal artery revealed six arterial vessels supplying the affected kidney. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed. The outcome of this case suggests that laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery might be a successful treatment method for a horseshoe kidney but that preoperative vessel evaluation and experienced laparoscopic skills are needed.
The desk killer and the spider
Authors: Pelz Peter
Published: June 2020

Through the medium of a review article of I You We Them by Dan Gretton, the author explores the significance for the shaping of our current world of the desk killers of modern history. He reflects on what this means for human beings and human relationships today, in the light not only of the ongoing and accelerating climate crisis, but the immediate existential upheaval caused by Covid-19. For this is reshaping our society even as we go to press.
Application of a portable indentation rig with Rockwell indenter to determine mechanical properties and residual stresses on an aluminum plate
Authors: Ghanbari Saba Salmani , Mahmoudi Amir-Hossein
Published: June 2020

Measuring residual stresses is still a dilemma in many engineering applications. It is even more crucial when the industrial requirements demand for a non-destructive technique in order to avoid compromising the structural integrity of the engineering components. Furthermore, estimating the mechanical properties of the materials, especially when the components are aged, is of importance. Instrumented indentation has gained much interest in recent years. There are many studies in the literature which are focused on measuring residual stresses or mechanical properties using instrumented indentation. Since in many cases there is no possibility of transferring large samples or those under service, for possible measurements, having a portable rig can be very useful. Furthermore, indentation procedure is a low-cost non-destructive method with high accuracy which is able to measure the plastic properties of material as well as its residual stresses on which the designing and construction of the portable apparatus were based. The instrumented indentation testing details were followed according to the ASTM E2546-15 standard practice. In this research, a wide range of simulations were performed on a group of aluminum alloys in order to estimate the equi-biaxial residual stresses by analyzing the indentation load–displacement curves which were obtained from the experimental outcomes. Then neural networks were employed to estimate the unknown parameters. The performance accuracy of the designed portable apparatus and the acceptable precision of the introduced method were then verified with experimental tests performed on Al 2024-T351.
Accurate stress analysis of laminated composite and sandwich plates
Authors: Chanda Aniket , Sahoo Rosalin
Published: June 2020

This article is devoted to derive the analytical solution for flexural behavior of general symmetric and anti-symmetric cross-ply laminated composite and sandwich plates subjected to transverse mechanical load using the recently developed trigonometric zigzag theory. The inter-laminar continuity conditions of transverse shear stresses at the layer interfaces of the plate are enforced which is an essential condition for any zigzag model. The governing equations of equilibrium of the boundary value problem derived from the principle of minimum potential energy is reduced to a system of five partial differential equations whose solutions are obtained by Navier’s method. Attempt is made to demonstrate number of numerical problems to compare the results of the zigzag model with the elasticity solutions and with the results of other researchers in one common platform. Though in any solid mechanics problem, the displacement components are the primary unknowns, more attention is paid to the stress determination. Hence, the transverse shear stresses are evaluated using both the constitutive and equilibrium equations.
Experimental and numerical studies on fracture characteristics of notched granite beams under cyclic loading and unloading
Authors: Li Xiaojing , He Peijie , Tang Jianhui , Chen Xudong
Published: June 2020

In underground engineering, such as mining engineering and deep tunnel engineering, the rock is often loaded and unloaded repeatedly. The strength of rock under cyclic load is lower than that under static load. To obtain the fracture response of the rock, the three-point bending tests of notched granite beams under cyclic loading and unloading were carried out with Electro-hydraulic Servo Material Test System. The acoustic emission technology was adopted to monitor the acoustic emission events of sample in the process of fracture. It is revealed that the fracture toughness of granite under cyclic loading and unloading is lower than that under static loading. Based on the acoustic emission energy obtained from monitoring, the damage evolution during cyclic loading and unloading was analyzed. The fracture mode of granite samples is analyzed by the RA value-average frequency correlation method. And the Felicity ratio during the loading and unloading cycle was calculated to evaluate the severity of initial damage of the material. It is revealed that Kaiser effect appears only in the elastic deformation stage of cyclic loading unloading bending. The Holmquist–Johnson–Cook damage constitutive model and Weibull distribution were used to establish the heterogeneous granite model. And the three-point bending of the model under cyclic loading and unloading was simulated to disclose the crack growth mechanism of rock. The study may provide some references for rock instability control in geotechnical engineering construction.
Decreased endothelial glycocalyx thickness is an early predictor of mortality in sepsis
Authors: Beurskens Daniëlle MH , Bol Martine E , Delhaas Tammo , van de Poll Marcel CG , Reutelingsperger Chris PM , Nicolaes Gerry AF , Sels Jan-Willem EM
Published: June 2020

Microcirculatory alterations play an important role in the early phase of sepsis. Shedding of the endothelial glycocalyx is regarded as a central pathophysiological mechanism causing microvascular dysfunction, contributing to multiple organ failure and death in sepsis. The objective of this study was to investigate whether endothelial glycocalyx thickness at an early stage in septic patients relates to clinical outcome. We measured the perfused boundary region (PBR), which is inversely proportional to glycocalyx thickness, of sublingual microvessels (5–25 µm) using sidestream dark field imaging. The PBR in 21 patients with sepsis was measured within 24 h of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). In addition, we determined plasma markers of microcirculatory dysfunction and studied their correlation with PBR and mortality. Endothelial glycocalyx thickness in sepsis was significantly lower for non-survivors as compared with survivors, indicated by a higher PBR of 1.97 [1.85, 2.19]µm compared with 1.76 [1.59, 1.97] µm, P=0.03. Admission PBR was associated with hospital mortality with an area under the curve of 0.778 based on the receiver operating characteristic curve. Furthermore, PBR correlated positively with angiopoietin-2 (rho=0.532, P=0.03), indicative of impaired barrier function. PBR did not correlate with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV (APACHE IV), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (SOFA score), lactate, syndecan-1, angiopoietin-1 or heparin-binding protein. An increased PBR within the first 24 h after ICU admission is associated with mortality in sepsis. Further research should be aimed at the pathophysiological importance of glycocalyx shedding in the development of multi-organ failure and at therapies attempting to preserve glycocalyx integrity.
Differences in pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide and calcitonin gene-related peptide release in the trigeminovascular system
Authors: Edvinsson Jacob Carl Alexander , Grell Anne-Sofie , Warfvinge Karin , Sheykhzade Majid , Edvinsson Lars , Haanes Kristian Agmund
Published: June 2020

Background

Several neurotransmitters are expressed in the neurons of the trigeminal ganglion. One such signalling molecule is the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP). PACAP signalling has been suggested to have a possible role in the pathophysiology of primary headaches.

Objective

The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between PACAP and calcitonin gene-related peptide, currently the two most relevant migraine peptides.

Methods

In the current study, we used ELISA to investigate PACAP and calcitonin gene-related peptide release in response to 60 mM K+ or capsaicin using a rat hemi-skull model. We combined this analysis with qPCR and immunohistochemistry to study the expression of PACAP and calcitonin gene-related peptide receptors and ligands.

Results

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is released from the trigeminal ganglion and dura mater. In contrast, PACAP is only released from the trigeminal ganglion. We observed a weak correlation between the stimulated release of the two neuropeptides. PACAP-38 immunoreactivity was expressed alone and in a subpopulation of neurons in the trigeminal ganglion that also store calcitonin gene-related peptide. The receptor subtype PAC1 was mainly expressed in the satellite glial cells (SGCs), which envelop the neurons in the trigeminal ganglion, in some neuronal processes, inside the Aδ-fibres and in the outermost layer of the myelin sheath that envelopes the Aδ-fibres.

Conclusion

Unlike CGRP, PACAP is only released within the trigeminal ganglion. This raises the question of whether a migraine therapy aimed at preventing peripheral PACAP signalling would be as successful as the CGRP signalling targeted treatments.
Oxytocin as a regulatory neuropeptide in the trigeminovascular system: Localization, expression and function of oxytocin and oxytocin receptors
Authors: Warfvinge Karin , Krause Diana N , Maddahi Aida , Grell Anne-Sofie , Edvinsson Jacob CA , Haanes Kristian A , Edvinsson Lars
Published: June 2020

Background

Recent clinical findings suggest that oxytocin could be a novel treatment for migraine. However, little is known about the role of this neuropeptide/hormone and its receptor in the trigeminovascular pathway. Here we determine expression, localization, and function of oxytocin and oxytocin receptors in rat trigeminal ganglia and targets of peripheral (dura mater and cranial arteries) and central (trigeminal nucleus caudalis) afferents.

Methods

The methods include immunohistochemistry, messenger RNA measurements, quantitative PCR, release of calcitonin gene-related peptide and myography of arterial segments.

Results

Oxytocin receptor mRNA was expressed in rat trigeminal ganglia and the receptor protein was localized in numerous small to medium-sized neurons and thick axons characteristic of A∂ sensory fibers. Double immunohistochemistry revealed only a small number of neurons expressing both oxytocin receptors and calcitonin gene-related peptide. In contrast, double immunostaining showed expression of the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor component receptor activity-modifying protein 1 and oxytocin receptors in 23% of the small cells and in 47% of the medium-sized cells. Oxytocin immunofluorescence was observed only in trigeminal ganglia satellite glial cells. Oxytocin mRNA was below detection limit in the trigeminal ganglia. The trigeminal nucleus caudalis expressed mRNA for both oxytocin and its receptor. K+-evoked calcitonin gene-related peptide release from either isolated trigeminal ganglia or dura mater and it was not significantly affected by oxytocin (10 µM). Oxytocin directly constricted cranial arteries ex vivo (pEC50 ∼ 7); however, these effects were inhibited by the vasopressin V1A antagonist SR49059.

Conclusion

Oxytocin receptors are extensively expressed throughout the rat trigeminovascular system and in particular in trigeminal ganglia A∂ neurons and fibers, but no functional oxytocin receptors were demonstrated in the dura and cranial arteries. Thus, circulating oxytocin may act on oxytocin receptors in the trigeminal ganglia to affect nociception transmission. These effects may help explain hormonal influences in migraine and offer a novel way for treatment.
Deep Learning Approach for Predictive Analytics to Support Diversion during Freeway Incidents
Authors: Saha Rajib , Tariq Mosammat Tahnin , Hadi Mohammed
Published: June 2020

Route diversion during incidents on freeways has been proven to be a useful tactic to mitigate non-recurrent congestion. However, the capacity constraints created by the signals on the alternative routes put limits on the diversion process since the typical time-of-day (TOD) signal control cannot handle the sudden increase in the traffic on the arterials because of diversion. Thus, there is a need for active transportation management strategies that support agencies in identifying the potential diversion routes for freeway incidents and the need for adjusting the traffic signal timing under different incident and traffic conditions. This paper investigates the use of a data analytic approach based on the long short-term memory (LSTM) deep neural network method to predict the alternative routes dynamically using incident attributes and traffic status on the freeway, and travel time on both the freeway and alternative routes during the incident. Additionally, a methodology is proposed for the development of special signal plans for the critical intersections on the alternative arterials based on the results from the LSTM neural network, combined with simulation modeling, and signal timing optimization. The methodology developed in the paper can be easily implemented by the transportation agencies, as it is based on data that are generally available to the agencies. The results from this paper indicate that the developed methodology can be used as part of a decision support system (DSS) to manage the traffic proactively during the incidents on the freeways.
Estimating Baseline Numbers for Safety Measure Target Setting in Virginia
Authors: Himes Scott , Gayah Vikash , Gooch Jeff , Read Stephen
Published: June 2020

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) established the Safety Performance Management program (Safety PM) to support the Highway Safety Improvement Program. The Safety PM Final Rule requires state departments of transportation (DOTs) to establish and report safety targets annually. FHWA does not identify a specific methodology to use when establishing safety targets. Many state DOTs apply annual growth/decline factors to previous-year safety measures. However, state DOTs also have flexibility to use a data-driven process. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) recently pursued the development of a more robust data-driven safety target setting methodology. This paper presents a methodology for establishing safety target baselines for several measures, including (1) fatalities, (2) serious injuries, and (3) nonmotorized fatalities and serious injuries. Predictive models were developed for establishing a baseline for 2019 targets and were further refined for 2020 targets. The predictive models include macro-level inputs and were developed for monthly, VDOT district-level outcomes. Performance measure data from 2018 were withheld from models for validation purposes and 2018–2020 model inputs were forecasted based on recent data. As 2019 data become available, the models should incorporate newer data and new models should be developed for revised 2020 and beyond predictions, as necessary. Refined models should include additional data elements as predictors, include more years of data to increase sample size, and capture moments when unobserved annual factors (i.e., unobserved underlying macro-level trends) begin to change.
Collaborative Parcels Logistics via the Carrier’s Carrier Operating Model
Authors: McLeod Fraser , Cherrett Tom , Bates Oliver , Bektaş Tolga , Lamas-Fernandez Carlos , Allen Julian , Piotrowska Marzena , Piecyk Maja , Oakey Andrew
Published: June 2020

Parcel logistics in urban areas are characterized by many carriers undertaking similar activity patterns at the same times of day. Using substantial carrier manifest datasets, this paper demonstrates advantages from rival carriers collaborating using a “carrier’s carrier” operating model for their last-mile parcel logistics operations. Under these circumstances, a single carrier undertakes all the deliveries within a defined area on behalf of the carriers instead of them working independently. Modelling the daily delivery activity of five parcel carriers working over a 3.7 km2 area of central London, comprising around 3000 items being delivered to around 900 delivery locations, and consolidating their activity through a single carrier suggested that time, distance and associated vehicle emissions savings of around 60% could be achieved over the current business-as-usual operation. This equated to a reduction in the number of delivery vans and drivers needed from 33 to 13, with annual savings of 39,425 h, 176,324 km driven, 52,721 kg CO2 and 56.4 kg NOx. Reliance on vans and associated vehicle emissions could be reduced further by using cargo cycles alongside vans for the last-mile delivery, with estimated annual emissions savings increasing to 72,572 kg CO2 and 77.7 kg NOx. The results indicated that consolidation of items for delivery in this way would be especially beneficial to business-to-consumer (B2C) carriers whose parcel profiles comprise relatively small and light items. One of the key barriers to the wider take up of such services by individual carriers is the loss of individual brand identity that can result from operating through a carrier’s carrier.
Durable High Early Strength Concrete via Internal Curing Approach using Saturated Lightweight and Recycled Concrete Aggregates
Authors: Qadri Faisal , Jones Christopher
Published: June 2020

Concrete pavements tend to degrade at joints when concrete gets exposed to freeze-thaw cycles in the presence of moisture. In Kansas, U.S., one common repair method for deteriorated concrete pavement involves patching with high early strength concrete (HESC). For heavily trafficked routes and intersections, this is often done at night, so that the pavement can be opened to traffic next morning. Often, patched concrete shows poor durability lasting for just few years. HESC mixtures often include high cement content and low water-to-cement ratio. These factors lead to shrinkage that creates cracks which, in turn, facilitate the ingress of detrimental substances that eventually degrade patches. Internal curing (IC) has been explored in this study to improve the durability of HESC repair materials. Saturated lightweight aggregates and recycled crushed concrete were used to replace a portion of the virgin fine aggregates. Both mixtures were compared with a control mixture. These three mixtures were replicated for low and high cement contents. The test program focused on assessing two main performance indicators—strength development and durability. Durability testing included autogenous and drying shrinkage, and freeze-thaw cycling where relative dynamic modulus of elasticity, expansion, and mass change were measured. Target strengths were achieved in all mixtures. Autogenous shrinkage test results showed that IC significantly improves shrinkage potential and durability. For these mixtures, low cement content also appears to improve durability.
Integrating Supply and Demand Perspectives for a Large-Scale Simulation of Shared Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Gurumurthy Krishna Murthy , de Souza Felipe , Enam Annesha , Auld Joshua
Published: June 2020

Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) have been steadily increasing the share of total trips in metropolitan areas across the world. Micro-modeling TNC operation is essential for large-scale transportation systems simulation. In this study, an agent-based approach for analyzing supply and demand aspects of ride-sourcing operation is done using POLARIS, a high-performance simulation tool. On the demand side, a mode-choice model for the agent and a vehicle-ownership model that informs this choice are developed. On the supply side, TNC vehicle-assignment strategies, pick-up and drop-off operations, and vehicle repositioning are modeled with congestion feedback, an outcome of the mesoscopic traffic simulation. Two case studies of Bloomington and Chicago in Illinois are used to study the framework’s computational speed for large-scale operations and the effect of TNC fleets on a region’s congestion patterns. Simulation results show that a zone-based vehicle-assignment strategy scales better than relying on matching closest vehicles to requests. For large regions like Chicago, large fleets are seen to be detrimental to congestion, especially in a future in which more travelers will use TNCs. From an operational point of view, an efficient relocation strategy is critical for large regions with concentrated demand, but not regulating repositioning can worsen empty travel and, consequently, congestion. The TNC simulation framework developed in this study is of special interest to cities and regions, since it can be used to model both demand and supply aspects for large regions at scale, and in reasonably low computational time.
Safety Evaluation of Median U-Turn Crossover-Based Intersections
Authors: Al-Omari Ma’en Mohammad Ali , Abdel-Aty Mohamed , Lee Jaeyoung , Yue Lishengsa , Abdelrahman Ahmed
Published: June 2020

Alternative innovative designs for intersections were defined to enhance traffic operation and safety. Median U-turn (MUT) and restricted crossing U-turn (RCUT) intersections are among the types of alternative intersections that enable drivers to make left-turn movements at median U-turn crossovers downstream of the main intersection. Recently, municipalities and transport agencies have tended to implement these types of intersections. However, their effectiveness in crash reduction has not been adequately determined in previous studies. This is because of the limited number of alternative intersections that were considered in these studies. In addition, there was no consideration for the unusual new geometric design of these intersections. In this study, a safety evaluation was conducted while considering the new intersection-related areas at MUT and RCUT intersections to clarify and quantify their effectiveness in crash reduction. This study considered 73 MUT and 12 RCUT intersections. Two types of MUT intersections were considered in this study. Crash modification factors for MUT and RCUT intersections were estimated by using before–after and cross-sectional methods. The results indicated that MUT and RCUT intersections are safer than conventional intersections. MUT intersections are effective in reducing total, property damage only (PDO), rear-end, and opposite-direction sideswipe crashes, although they significantly increase single-vehicle and non-motorized crashes. RCUT intersections are effective in reducing fatal-and-injury, injury, head-on, and angle crashes. Findings of this research provide clear evaluation for decision makers about the effectiveness of MUT and RCUT intersections in crash reduction.
Field Evaluation of Connected Vehicle-Based Transit Signal Priority Control under Two Different Signal Plans
Authors: Wang Qinzheng , Yang Xianfeng (Terry) , Leonard Blaine D. , Mackey Jamie
Published: June 2020

In 2017, a connected vehicle (CV) corridor utilizing dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) technology was built along Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, Utah. One main goal of this CV corridor is to implement transit signal priority (TSP) when the bus is behind its published schedule by a certain threshold. With the data generated by the transit vehicles, transmitted through the DSRC system, logged by traffic signal controller, and coupled with the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) data from transit operation system, some performance data of the TSP can be analyzed including TSP requested, TSP served, bus reliability, bus travel time, and bus running time. For providing better signal coordination to buses, the signal plan for this CV corridor underwent retiming in October 2018. This research aims to compare the TSP performance before and after the signal retiming. The field data of August, September, November, and December in 2018 were selected to perform this evaluation. Results show that the TSP served rate after signal retiming is 35.29%, which is higher than that of 33.12% before signal retiming. In addition, compared with the signal plan before October, bus reliability northbound and southbound on the CV corridor was improved by 2.4% and 1.47%, respectively; bus travel time and bus running time were reduced as well.
Delineator for Separated Bicycle Lanes at Sidewalk Level
Authors: Bentzen Billie Louise (Beezy) , Scott Alan C. , Myers Linda
Published: June 2020

The City and County of San Francisco sponsored research to identify a delineator for separated bicycle lanes at sidewalk level that is at least as detectable as truncated-dome detectable warning surface (DWS) by pedestrians with visual impairments, and that is not a barrier to pedestrians with mobility impairments. Tested as potential delineators were a 12-in. wide continuous raised trapezoid (0.75 in. high), and 12- and 24-in. wide installations of relatively wide flat-top bars (FTBs) and of a “corduroy” surface of narrower bars spaced more closely together (both 0.2 in. high). Thirty-one visually-impaired participants detected all five surfaces in addition to DWS, a total of six times each, from 90° and 25° approaches, with mean detection accuracies better than 90% for all surfaces (no significant differences). The long white cane intruded into the cycle track significantly less frequently with 24-in. wide surfaces. In a counterbalanced manner, participants also briefly stepped onto each surface eight times, each time identifying it as “domes,”“bars,” or “trapezoid.” They identified the trapezoid significantly better (mean rate of correct identification = 98.8%) than all other surfaces. A majority of participants with vision disabilities preferred the trapezoid. Thirty participants with a variety of mobility impairments, using a variety of aids, crossed each surface four times with little significant difference from the DWS in effort, instability, and discomfort or pain. No surface was found to be a barrier to crossing. The trapezoidal surface was recommended as the delineator, although the 24-in. FTBs also performed very well.
Planning by Scale: The Role of Perceived Scale in Determining Residential Satisfaction
Authors: Eizenberg Efrat , Jabareen Yosef , Zilberman Omri
Published: June 2020

This article suggests that the domination of the scale of the neighborhood in planning distorts our understanding of urban phenomena and that a multiscalar approach is required. It examines the association of perceived scales with residential satisfaction. The findings suggest that the neighborhood is not the dominant scale with which people perceive and define their residential area, rather they consider smaller than the neighborhood scales. Moreover, we found that the perceived scale is a significant predictor of residential satisfaction. We conclude that scale matters for understanding urban issues, and become even more significant in a time of crisis such as the coronavirus epidemic, and that urban planning should consider and be informed by smaller than the neighborhood scales.
Does Participation in Adult Education Increase Volunteering? An Analysis of British Longitudinal Data
Authors: Rüber Ina Elisabeth , Janmaat Jan Germen
Published: June 2020

High-quality longitudinal data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study gives us the opportunity to investigate whether participation in adult education (AE) fosters volunteering, and whether this depends on the volume of AE, its content, or on the qualification obtained with it. From a public enlightenment perspective, we would only expect to find an effect if the content of AE relates to social issues and domains relevant for volunteering. Yet theories emphasizing AE as a place of encounter and an activity that strengthens self-confidence would expect a positive effect regardless of the content but depending on the volume and the obtained qualification. Our results from a person fixed-effects model reveal a significant and positive effect of participation in AE on volunteering in general, while volume, content, and obtained qualifications appear to make no difference. These findings provisionally suggest that social interactions and self-perceptions explain civic returns to AE.
Postinjury Engagement With the Police and Access to Care Among Victims of Violent Street Crime: Does Criminal History Matter?
Authors: Roman Caterina G. , Klein Hannah J. , Harding Courtney S. , Koehnlein Joshua M. , Coaxum Verishia
Published: June 2020

This study examines whether victims of violent street crimes who are known to the police as past offenders, when compared with victims with no arrest history, have different outcomes related to receipt of victim and health-related services, while taking into consideration whether or not police responded to the victimization incident. The sample is comprised of 103 men and women between the age of 18 and 40 living in one Mid-Atlantic city who were victims of street violence within the year before study recruitment. Logistic regression was used to assess the impact of police response to the victimization incident on receipt of victim services, and receipt of victim services on engagement with counseling and mental health services. The results show that prior arrests were not associated with receipt of services. However, having police officers respond to the victimization was associated with higher odds of receiving victim services, and in turn, victim services were associated with receiving mental health treatment. Police response appears to set victims on a path to accessing services. Although the number of arrests was not associated with service receipt, a small percentage of victims who did not receive services stated they were reluctant to cooperate with the police, thus limiting their opportunity for victim services. Because most victims who did not access victim services did not know that they existed, policies that promote more knowledge of and initial engagement with victim services could improve access to needed health and mental health services.
Migrants into Humanitarians: Ethnic Solidarity and Private Aid-Giving during Romania’s Historic Flood of 1970
Authors: Capotescu Cristian
Published: June 2020

This article studies the involvement of Western diaspora communities of Transylvanian Saxons in the humanitarian campaign for Romania during the flood disaster in 1970. It shows how the Saxons’ private relief campaigns established new forms of connectivity and exchange across the Iron Curtain through a transnational regime of care, ethnic solidarity, and charitable work. The article argues that the contingent and precarious situation of such spatially divided ethnic communities refashioned a generation of World War II refugees and migrants from “speechless” objects of humanitarian intervention into passionate advocates, effective mediators, and surprising champions of private aid giving in postwar Europe.
“Knowing Well, Being Well: Well-Being Born of Understanding.” Introducing a New Open-Access Section for the American Journal of Health Promotion
Authors: Terry Paul E.
Published: June 2020

A time-honored principle in education is that changes in knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs are precursors to changes in actions or behaviors. Nevertheless, health promotion professionals occasionally hear the bromide that “people know what they’re supposed to do, they just don’t do it!” What does it mean to know something really well? And when is knowledge influential enough that it affects our very way of being? This editorial introduces a new section for the American Journal of Health Promotion called “Knowing Well, Being Well: Well-being born of understanding” (KWBW). Premiering in this issue of the journal, KWBW will be led by coeditors Drs Sara Johnson and David Katz, two of the most recognized and respected leaders in health promotion. Although today’s health promotion practitioners seem intent on moving “from wellness to well-being,” our discipline is in the nascent stages of reconciling theories of behavior change and pathways to well-being. “Knowing Well, Being Well” will chart a course to explore how knowledge, supportive environments, and purposeful living contribute to health, happiness, and life satisfaction.
Ten-year survival of patients treated with peritoneal dialysis: A prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Xia Xi , Qiu Yagui , Yu Jing , Lin Tong , Lu Miaoqing , Yi Chunyan , Lin Jianxiong , Ye Hongjian , Chen Wei , Mao Haiping , Yang Xiao , Huang Fengxian
Published: June 2020

Background:

Few studies evaluated over 5-year outcomes of dialysis patients. This study examined 10-year all-cause mortality and death-censored technique failure in a cohort of incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) individuals.

Methods:

Five hundred and thirty-three incident PD individuals from 2006 to 2008 were prospectively followed up for more than 10 years until 2018. Clinical characteristics at PD initiation were collected. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcome was death-censored technique failure. Cox hazards models were fit using clinical characteristics at PD initiation.

Results:

The mean age starting PD for these participants was 48 ± 16 years; 130 (24%) patients had diabetic nephropathy. During follow-up, 208 patients died, and 84 patients experienced technique failures. The 1, 3, 5, and 10 years’ survival rates for incident PD patients were 93%, 81%, 64%, and 36%, respectively, and the technical survival rates were 98%, 93%, 85%, and 62%, respectively. Mortality risk was much higher after 3 years on PD. The peritonitis rate was 0.19 episodes per patient-year, and 7 (1.3%) patients had encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) giving an incidence rate of 3.1 of 1000 patient-years. The main causes of death were cardiovascular events (97 of 208, 47%), and technique failure was mainly due to peritonitis (41 of 84, 49%). Older age, higher Charlson comorbidity index, and lower level of education were strongly associated with mortality, and diabetic nephropathy was an independent risk factor for technique failure.

Conclusions:

The 10-year’s survival and technique survival rates of incident PD patients were 36% and 62%. Long-term PD can be continued successfully with improved outcomes and low risk for EPS.
‘Playing makes it fun’ in out-of-school activities: Children’s organised leisure
Authors: Lehto Satu , Eskelinen Kristiina
Published: June 2020

The aim of this article is to focus on how children perceive their time spent in organised out-of-school activities in Finland and establish whether these activities provide an arena for children’s leisure. The article is based on two empirical studies, one on after-school activities and another on school sports clubs at the elementary school level. The most meaningful features for children were found to be time to play freely with friends and taking part in designing activities. Out-of-school activities are supervised and controlled because of various societal and educational requirements. The tension between children’s views and institutional requirements is discussed.
Do Equal Qualifications Yield Equal Rewards for Immigrants in the Labour Market?
Authors: Ahmad Akhlaq
Published: June 2020

Using a correspondence field experiment, the study reported in this article has investigated if immigrant job applicants with equivalent qualifications are treated differently in the Finnish labour market. The study consists of 5000 job applications that were sent out to 1000 advertised positions by five applicants of Finnish, English, Iraqi, Russian and Somali backgrounds, who differed only in their names. The findings show that applicants of immigrant origin receive significantly fewer invitations for a job interview than the native candidate, even if they possess identical language proficiency, education and vocational diplomas. However, the extent of discrimination is not equally distributed among the immigrant groups. Rather, job applicants from non-European backgrounds seem to suffer a significantly greater labour-market penalty. The findings clearly suggest that, despite anti-discrimination legislation and measures aimed at promoting equal employment opportunities, discrimination continues to remain a serious barrier to immigrants’ labour-market integration in a Nordic welfare society.
A state observation and torque compensation–based acceleration slip regulation control approach for a four-wheel independent drive electric vehicle under slope driving
Authors: Guo Luole , Xu Hongbing , Zou Jianxiao , Jie Hongyu , Zheng Gang
Published: June 2020

Wheel slipping of four-wheel independent drive electric vehicle on slope will reduce vehicle controllability and driving stability, thereby reducing vehicle safety. In order to solve the problem of wheel slipping and optimize the speed control performance of four-wheel independent drive electric vehicle on slope, an acceleration slip regulation control strategy of slope drive is proposed in this paper. First, we design a road identification algorithm to identify the current road conditions of the four-wheel independent drive electric vehicle, and calculate the optimal slip ratio of the current road surface by curve fitting method. Then, with the optimal slip ratio as the control objective, the acceleration slip regulation control strategy is designed to maximize the utilization of wheel adhesion coefficient to prevent wheel slip. Third, a slope identification algorithm based on Luenberger state observer is designed to identify the various slopes of the uphill and downhill road, after which a torque compensation algorithm is designed according to the identification slope, to compensate for the longitudinal component of vehicle gravity at different slopes. Fourth, a slope torque distribution algorithm is proposed based on acceleration slip regulation and slope identification. Finally, through the joint simulation platform of MATLAB/Simulink and CarSim, it is shown that the proposed control strategy can better restrain wheel slipping on the uphill and downhill road, and has better dynamic characteristics and stability.
Comparison of economic viability of series and parallel PHEVs for medium-duty truck and transit bus applications
Authors: Hoshing Vaidehi , Vora Ashish , Saha Tridib , Jin Xing , Shaver Gregory , Wasynczuk Oleg , García R Edwin , Varigonda Subbarao
Published: June 2020

This article performs a novel comparison of the life-cycle costs of the series and parallel architectures for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Economic viability is defined as having a payback period less than 2 years and number of battery replacements less than or equal to three over a vehicle life of 12 years along-with drivability and gradability constraints. Economic viability is compared for two plug-in hybrid electric vehicle applications (Medium-duty Truck and Transit Bus) using series and parallel architectures over multiple drivecycles, for three economic scenarios (viz. 2020, 2025 and 2030 where the fuel price, battery price and motor price are varied such that latter scenarios are more favorable for hybridization). One battery overnight recharge is assumed. The results demonstrate that by 2020 the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle transit buses are viable for the duty cycles Manhattan, Orange County, and China (Normal and Aggressive). By 2025, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle Class 6 trucks are viable for all duty cycles considered (Pick-up and delivery, Refuse and New York Composite). The parallel architectures generally require less than 50% of the initial cost of the series architecture, due to smaller motor sizes, driving earlier viability for parallel architectures. The transit bus scenarios generally achieve payback sooner than the medium-duty truck due to higher fuel cost savings, driving earlier viability for transit bus applications.
Yaw stability control through independent driving torque control of mid and rear wheels of an articulated bus
Authors: Wenwei Wang , Wei Zhang , Hanyu Zhang , Wanke Cao
Published: June 2020

This paper describes a novel yaw stability control strategy for a four-wheel-independent-drive electric articulated bus with four motors at the middle and rear wheels. The proposed control strategy uses a hierarchical control architecture. In the upper layer, a 3 degree-of-freedom reference model is established to obtain the desired vehicle states and the desired yaw moments of the front and rear compartments are determined by means of sliding mode control, respectively. The lower layer distributes differential longitudinal forces according to the desired yaw moments based on quadratic programming theory. The tire utilization rate is used as the optimization goal considering the actual constraints. To verify performance, three test cases are designed on the dSPACE-ASM simulation platform. The test results show the proposed control strategy can improve the yaw stability and the trajectory following performance of the bus under different driving conditions.
Method of estimating the rolling resistance coefficient of vehicle tyre using the roller dynamometer
Authors: Soica Adrian , Budala Adrian , Monescu Vlad , Sommer Slawomir , Owczarzak Wojciech
Published: June 2020

The tendency in the past few years has been to introduce tyres with lower rolling resistance coefficients to the market. This paper presents a mathematical method for determining the rolling resistance coefficients variation depending on the speed. The method uses power balance which results from automobile dynamics while rolling on chassis dynamometer. The rolling resistance coefficients of tyres obtained through ‘drum test method’, for which the rolling resistance coefficients variation is known in terms of vehicle speed, are considered as reference values, while than rolling resistance coefficients of tyres obtained through ‘MAHA roller dynamometer’ using the recorded lost drag power in the roll-out phase on the stand are considered as tested values. The rolling resistance coefficients variation could be determined up to the maximum permissible speed of the tyre, for all wheels trained on the stand and not just for one tyre, as determined in laboratory conditions. The test conditions are similar to those in real road conditions, where the temperature of the environment and wheels cannot be controlled. The values obtained by the authors’ proposed method were compared with the values obtained by the ‘drum test method’. The main contribution of the proposed method is to estimate the rolling resistance coefficients without using a very expensive test facility.