bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonic monitoring of insulated block joints
Authors: Stephen JT , Hardwick C , Beaty P , Lewis R , Marshall MB
Published: August 2018

Insulated block joints are essential components used in railway tracks. They are divided into circuits and are used for train detection and signalling. However, they also represent a weak point in the track system and have a finite life. Condition monitoring of these components for planning preventative maintenance is currently labour intensive, and can be significantly expensive for the rail operator. In this study, insulated block joints were fatigued via shear load, whilst being condition monitored for degradation using a normally incident ultrasonic technique. Tests were also initially performed on lap-joints and shear specimens to further understand the response of the ultrasonic signal to failure of the adhesive layer under controlled conditions. Dynamic reflection coefficients as well as the applied load were recorded in all tests, and results were compared to failure zones on the specimens. The results showed that the ultrasonic technique was able to determine the onset of failure and de-bonding of the adhesive layer in addition to degradation and wear. The technique was also able to highlight differences in performance between two different liners, pultruded glass reinforced polyester resin and a flexible glass fibre sheet, with the latter showing improved resistance. The outcomes of this study have highlighted the viability of condition monitoring insulated block joints using an ultrasonic approach and have provided a basis for a future field trial.
Distributed efficiency-based circular formation for the unmanned air vehicles detection system
Authors: Zilun Hu , Jianying Yang
Published: August 2018

This paper considers on the general circumnavigation problem for a team of vertical takeoff and landing unmanned air vehicles, with the goal of achieving specific circular formations and circling centered at a target of interest. Different from the traditional circular formation problem, in this paper, not only the formation but also the detection efficiency of the formation is taken into consideration. A novel distributed optimal circular formation algorithm is proposed. According to this algorithm, the circular formation can be guaranteed with the optimal radius that can optimize the team performance function. Hereon, the performance functions can be time-varying, and thus a time-varying optimal circular formation is created. Theoretical studies indicate that the proposed algorithm can achieve the formation in a distributed manner only based on the local information and the network connection. Finally, simulation examples are presented to show the validity of the theoretical results.
Influence of multi-wall separation control on normal-shock-induced separation in supersonic duct flows
Authors: Vaisakh S , Muruganandam TM
Published: August 2018

In this work, separation due to the interaction of normal shock with wall boundary layers in a supersonic duct flow is studied using schlieren, oil flow visualization, and pressure measurements. This study uses separation control devices on three walls of a rectangular duct and investigates the influence of adding control on one wall and on the other walls. It was found that control on any wall has effect on separation on other walls. This effect was found to be due to the change in the size of corner separations. Pressure recovery was found to be steeper with the introduction of more control devices in the duct.
Optimization of flapping wing mechanism of bionic eagle
Authors: Huang Mingyang
Published: August 2018

The present study is focused on optimization of a double-crank-rocker flapping wing mechanism to imitate the motion of eagle wing divided into inner and outer wing with flapping, folding and twist degree of freedom, and structural flexibility. Considering the multibar dimensions of the flapping mechanism as design variables, combinatorial optimization method was applied to maximize the aerodynamic efficiency. Based on the optimization results, a bionic eagle model of 1.5 m wing span was manufactured to perform flight tests. The study results show that the optimized kinematic of motion can be achieved by using the multibar flapping mechanism; the inner wing plays the key role of producing lift while the outer wing producing thrust; as a result of the optimization, the lift was increased by 2.8% from 3.85 N up to 3.96 N and the thrust increased by 12.5% from 0.16 N up to 0.18 N, which was verified by the flight tests. The flight test also demonstrated a sustainable level flight of the bionic eagle model at a flapping frequency of 2 Hz.
Modeling and control of flexible link manipulators for unmodeled dynamics effect
Authors: Altıner Berk , Delibaşı Akın , Erol Bilal
Published: August 2018

Flexible link manipulators are mostly prefered in applications where energy consumption and faster operation are critically important. Since distributed nature of flexibility makes the system depend on not only time variable but also a spatial variable, the dynamics of flexible structures are expressed by partial differential equations. In the virtue of this kind of modeling, the designers encounter with infinite dimensional systems which means that the system has an infinite number of degrees of freedom. To cope with infinite dimensional systems, one of the most relevant techniques is to truncate the model into a definite order. However, this may yield the unmodeled dynamics that cause performance degradation and even instability. In this paper, the main motivation is to propose control techniques to compensate unwanted effects of unmodeled dynamics which may occur in truncation process. In order to achieve this goal, the linear quadratic Gaussian and the weighted [Formula: see text] controller design are adopted. The performances of the designed controllers are demonstrated on the experimental setup. Besides this motivation, traditional lumped parameter model of the flexible link manipulator which is widely seen in the literature is considered and the superiority of the partial differential equation model is shown on the experimental setup.
Letters for Black Lives: Co-ethnic Mobilization and Support for the Black Lives Matter Movement
Authors: Arora Maneesh , Stout Christopher T.
Published: August 2018

Previous research demonstrates that individuals are more open to persuasion from people who share their race. However, it is not known whether this relationship holds for Asian Americans. We address this shortcoming by exploring how the race of an author influences support for, and perceptions of, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Drawing from literature on opinion formation and social identity theory, we expect that whites will be most persuaded by whites, while Asian Americans will not be particularly persuaded by co-ethnic messengers due to relatively low levels of group identity. To test our hypotheses, we use two online surveys that oversample Asian American respondents who are randomly assigned letters in support of BLM written by either an Asian American author or a white author. Similar to previous research, we find that whites are more likely to respond to appeals from co-racial individuals. However, we find that Asian Americans respond positively to co-ethnic and white messengers. Further analysis reveals that Asian Americans’ lower levels of in-group preferences compared with whites explains why they do not respond to co-racial individuals similarly to other groups.
Effect of Patiromer in Hyperkalemic Patients Taking and Not Taking RAAS Inhibitors
Authors: Kloner Robert A. , Gross Coleman , Yuan Jinwei , Conrad Ansgar , Pergola Pablo E.
Published: August 2018

Introduction:

Hyperkalemia (potassium >5.0 mEq/L) affects heart failure patients with renal disease regardless of the use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi). The open-label TOURMALINE study showed that patiromer, a sodium-free, nonabsorbed potassium binder, lowers serum potassium of hyperkalemic patients similarly when given with or without food; unlike prior studies, patients were not required to be taking RAASi. We conducted post hoc analyses to provide the first report of patiromer in patients not taking RAASi.

Methods:

Hyperkalemic patients received patiromer, 8.4 g/d to start, adjusted to achieve and maintain serum potassium of 3.8 to 5.0 mEq/L. If taking RAASi, stable doses were required. The primary end point was the proportion of patients with serum potassium 3.8 to 5.0 mEq/L at week 3 or 4. This analysis presents data by patients taking or not taking RAASi.

Results:

Demographics and baseline characteristics were similar in patients taking (n = 67) and not taking RAASi (n = 45). Baseline mean (SD) serum potassium was 5.37 (0.37) mEq/L and 5.42 (0.43) mEq/L in patients taking and not taking RAASi, respectively. Mean (SD) daily patiromer doses were similar (10.7 [3.2] and 11.5 [4.0] g, respectively). The primary end point was achieved in 85% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 74-93) of patients taking RAASi and in 84% (95% CI: 71-94) of patients not taking RAASi. From baseline to week 4, the mean (SE) change in serum potassium was −0.67 (0.08) mEq/L in patients taking RAASi and −0.56 (0.10) mEq/L in patients not taking RAASi (both P < .0001 vs baseline, P = nonsignificant between groups). Adverse events were reported in 26 (39%) patients taking RAASi and 25 (54%) not taking RAASi; the most common adverse event was diarrhea (2% and 11%, respectively; no cases were severe). Five patients (2 taking RAASi) reported 6 serious adverse events; none considered related to patiromer.

Conclusions:

Patiromer was effective and generally well-tolerated for hyperkalemia treatment, whether or not patients were taking RAAS inhibitors.
Troubling Fieldwork: When Critical Events/Incidents in Classroom Fieldwork Provoke
Authors: McCloud Jennifer Sink
Published: August 2018

In this autoethnography, I reflect on troubling fieldwork dilemmas I experienced while conducting qualitative research in a high school English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom. Here, I trouble—interrogate and raise questions about—two events involving JanCarlos, a student from Honduras. Using dialogue and reflexive internal dialogue, I present how the events were critical for him in that they altered the trajectory of his school experience and represented “critical incidents” in my research as they provoked emotional responses, interrupted my objective stance, and altered my interpretations. As I watched events unfold, I routinely asked the relational ethical question—“What should I do now?” In so doing, I critically reflect on fieldwork dilemmas and make transparent my position/power in creating knowledge.
The igniter and the megaphone: Perceptions of Facebook’s role in activism
Authors: Lev-On Azi
Published: August 2018

The study examines perceptions of the significance and roles of new and mainstream media in protests, using interviews with 31 individuals involved in the 2011 protests in Israel: Activists and Campaigners, who organized the protests ‘on the ground’; Techies, who operated the digital presence of the protests; and Journalists, who covered the protests. Findings indicate that the perceptions of media’s significance and roles varied greatly. While Techies attributed a significant role to the Internet, Activists and Journalists placed greater emphasis on the enduring dominance of mainstream media. In addition, interviewees argued that the Internet, particularly Facebook, has a greater added value in supporting protests associated with peripheral than central regions. Finally, most interviewees argued that the Internet, particularly Facebook, was highly significant to the success of the protest in its early stages, but mainstream media coverage is necessary for achieving wider public recognition and legitimacy in subsequent stages.
Cyclic testing of Q690 circular high-strength concrete-filled thin-walled steel tubular columns
Authors: Wang Jiantao , Sun Qing
Published: August 2018

Under seismic action, the severe damage in critical regions of structures could be ascribed to the cumulative damage caused by cyclic loading. This article describes an investigation of the hysteresis behaviour of Q690 circular high-strength concrete-filled thin-walled steel tubular columns with out-of-code diameter-to-thickness ratios. A total of eight specimens were tested under constant axial compression and cyclic lateral loading. The study results of phase I testing consisting of a benchmark test were summarized to examine the seismic behaviour under standard loading, and those of the phase II testing that considered different fatigue loading modes and different concrete strengths were summarized to investigate the low-cycle fatigue behaviour. The load–displacement hysteretic curves, energy dissipation, strength and stiffness degradation were discussed in detail. A simplified method was proposed to predict the low-cycle fatigue life, which can be applied in the damage-based seismic design of circular concrete-filled steel tubular structures.
Nonlinear analysis and simulation of active hybrid aerodynamic and aerostatic bearing system
Authors: Wang Cheng-Chi , Lee Rong-Mao , Yau Her-Terng , Lee Tsui-Er
Published: August 2018

Active hybrid aerodynamic and aerostatic bearing system has gradually become more valued in recent years for its application in the precision machine field, especially for precision instruments and mechanisms that require high rotational speed, high precision, and high rigidity support. In this system, air lubricated bearing is mainly used for support. Although the carrying capacity is not as high as oil film bearings, air lubricated bearings can provide a work environment where the rotor (spindle) will not experience axial deformation at high rotational speed and low heat generation. In practice, spindle system dynamic problems include critical speed, spindle imbalance, and improper bearing design, which can cause the spindle system to produce aperiodic motion, instability, and even chaotic motion under certain parameters and conditions during its operation. If severe, these irregular motions may cause machine damage or delay production. In order to understand what type of work situation can produce aperiodic phenomenon, and to prevent irregular vibration and reduce instantaneous air hammer effect, the finite difference method and mixed method are used to explore the related characteristics for spindle system. Meanwhile, relevant theories including bifurcation diagram, Poincare map, spectrum response phenomenon, and maximum Lyapunov exponents are applied to analyze rotor non-linear dynamic behavior. In addition, we verified the non-linear motion parameter conditions to prevent spindle system from falling into the instable status during design. The objective is to lower the probability of chaotic phenomenon in the system and reduce damage caused by irregular vibrations in the system. The result of this study can serve as a reference when designing precision spindle systems or mechanisms.
Comparative analysis of optimisation methods for linking material parameters of exponential and power models: An application to cyclic stress–strain curves of ferritic stainless steel
Authors: Šeruga Domen , Nagode Marko
Published: August 2018

The four most commonly used optimisation methods for linking the material parameters of an exponential Armstrong–Frederick and a power Ramberg–Osgood model are compared for given cyclic stress–strain curves of a ferritic stainless steel EN 1.4512. These methods are the damped Gauss–Newton method, the Levenberg–Marquardt method, the Downhill Simplex method and a genetic algorithm. Globally optimal material parameters are obtained by parallel searches within the methods. The methods are tested for cyclic curves at 20 ℃, 300 ℃, 650 ℃ and 850 ℃. The optimal values of material parameters and R2 values are comparable, whereas the search paths, the numbers of steps to reach optimal solutions and the processing time of the methods differ.
Hauntological Environmental Art: The Photographic Frame and the Nuclear Afterlife of Chernobyl in Lina Selander’s Lenin’s Lamp
Authors: Bloom Lisa E
Published: August 2018

This article draws attention to how photography is changing art, by imagining a politics through which to structure a future around something other than the failed visions of technological modernization and nuclear expansion. Focusing on the ongoing environmental damage of events such as Chernobyl 32 years later, the author considers the Swedish artist Lina Selander’s ‘Lenin’s Lamp Glows in the Peasant Hut’ to examine how photography and video may work together to address the present and future force of that disaster’s ongoing environmental aftermath with history’s failed Soviet dream of progress. She proposes that ‘Lenin’s Lamp’, in its work with the temporality of material remains and impressions, is a work of hauntological environmental art that engages viewers in hope and dread. How the work stages this dual affective response through its work with the temporalities of photographic and filmic artifacts is the subject of this article.
Photography, Curation, Affect
Authors: Brower Matthew
Published: August 2018

This article explores the implications of photographic affect for curatorial practice by examining the exhibition Through The Body: Lens-Based Work by Contemporary Chinese Women Artists (Art Museum at University of Toronto, 2014). The author focuses on the curatorial task of situating the work of three of the artists, Chen Zhe, Fan Xi and Chun Hua Catherine Dong that employs affect in related but potentially incompatible ways. Chen’s visceral series The Bearable documents her practices of cutting as an attempt to overcome shame and begin healing. Fan’s portraits of topless Chinese lesbians use affect to assert the human dignity of her subjects and make their presence visible in a culture that erases them. Dong’s photographic and video documentations of her mail-order bride performances use affect to disrupt and complicate the power relations her performances expose. By situating their works in the exhibition, the article investigates the issues raised by photographic affect for curatorial practice.
Affective Architectures: Photographic Evidence and the Evolution of Courtroom Visuality
Authors: Moore Kelli
Published: August 2018

This article examines the courtroom situation, focusing on courtroom spectatorship, architecture, and visuality in US trials. Visual evidence is situated within the architectural apparatus of the courtroom to examine how affect unfolds between a testifying witness and courtroom audience members. The movement of photographic evidence during judicial proceedings is linked to the disruption of temporal and spatial equilibrium. The idea is introduced that a feeling of vertigo is produced in the testifying witness and audience participants. Following Sianne Ngai’s conception of the ‘minor affects’, it is proposed that disconcertion and confusion are characteristics of witness testimony and thus important political affects to note in analyses of the relationship between vision and the discovery of justice in legal spectatorship.
Police Contact with Young People with Cognitive Disabilities: Perceptions of Procedural (In)justice
Authors: Ellem Kathy , Richards Kelly
Published: August 2018

The interactions of police with young people with cognitive disabilities (YPWCD) have seldom been considered in research, even though this group is over-represented in the criminal justice system. This article presents the results of a qualitative study into YPWCD’s experiences with police in Queensland, Australia. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with service providers who work with YPWCD and YPWCD themselves. The procedural justice perspective was used as an analytic framework to provide an insight into YPWCD’s relationships with the police. Findings point to ways in which police can better respond to YPWCD in procedurally just ways, as well as to the role that family and service providers might play in supporting this outcome.
The role of social workers in mental health care: A study of primary care centers in Mexico
Authors: Saavedra Nayelhi I , Berenzon Shoshana , Galván Jorge
Published: August 2018

In Mexico, people with limited resources who seek specialized attention in mental health generally go to primary health care, where their first contact is with social workers. There is little information about the activities of social workers in the field of mental health, and little recognition of their role. The aim of this study is to characterize the role of the social workers in health centers in Mexico City. We used an exploratory sequential mixed methods design (QUAL → quan) in two phases. The first phase consisted of interviews with 15 social workers, and the second a survey of 92. The qualitative information was analyzed through the establishment of categories and subcategories, and the quantitative data using descriptive statistics. The results of the two phases were then triangulated. The majority of the social workers had specialized diplomas from technical high schools, with little training in mental health. They identified two types of patients, those with mental illness and those with emotional problems; the latter were the most common patients in the health centers. Patients with mental illness were given information and referred to specialists; those with emotional problems were given orientation, counseling, and referrals, and above all, they were listened to. We believe that these activities are important: given the shortage of specialists, they offer patients a space for catharsis, for venting their emotions. Social workers receive little recognition for this labor, a fact related to an institutional reproduction of medical authority that does not take into account the social view of illness.
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 activation mediates hyperhomocysteinemia-associated lipolysis suppression in adipocytes
Authors: Li Xin , Cheng Yuhong , Zhong Xiuli , Zhang Bing , Bao Zhiwei , Zhang Yi , Wang Zhigang
Published: August 2018

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is associated with suppressed lipolytic response in adipocytes/adipose tissue, however, the underlying mechanism remains to be extensively studied. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a master transcriptional factor regulating antioxidant generation, has been recently reported to mediate lipid metabolism. Employing both fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes and male C57BL/6 mice, in the present study, we investigated the potential involvement of Nrf2 activation in HHcy-mediated lipolytic suppression. Our results showed that homocysteine (Hcy) treatment resulted in suppressed lipolysis, evidenced by increased intracellular triglyceride (TG) accumulation, decreased glycerol and free fatty acid (FFA) in fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Interestingly, Hcy exposure was associated with Nrf2 activation in adipocytes. Further studies showed that Nrf2 knockdown via siRNA transfection ameliorated Hcy-induced glycerol release in adipocytes. On the contrary, Nrf2 activators, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and tert-butylhydroquinone (t-BHQ), increased intracellular TG content and decreased glycerol release in adipocytes. Importantly, our in vitro observations were corroborated by our in vivo findings, in which Hcy feeding (0.1% wt/vol) for four weeks induced Nrf2 expression in adipose tissue and lowered circulating FFA and glycerol levels in mice. Furthermore, EGCG injection (5 mg/kg/d) decreased circulating glycerol levels in comparison to the control group in mice. In conclusion, these results indicated that Nrf2 activation in response to HHcy plays an important role in mediating Hcy-suppressed lipolysis in adipocytes.
Determination methodology for stable control domain of electric powertrain based on permanent magnet synchronous motor
Authors: Hu Donghai , Yan Yanzhi , Xu Xiaoming
Published: August 2018

Oscillation of torque and speed occurs in the electric powertrain based on permanent magnet synchronous motor under field-oriented control when we set an unreasonable proportional control parameter of proportional–integral regulator. Thus, it influences the stability and reliability of electric powertrain. The objectives of this article are to study nonlinear dynamics of electric powertrain under various complex operating conditions and settle a minimum stable range of proportional control parameter of proportional–integral regulator. To achieve these goals, nonlinear dynamic model of electric powertrain was established. Then, we solved equilibrium points and analyzed the stability of equilibrium points. Finally, we set different control parameters of proportional–integral regulator and various complex working conditions of electric powertrain to simulate nonlinear dynamics of electric powertrain. The simulation results show the electric powertrain operates stably when the control parameter is set in the area where there is only one stable equilibrium point. Chaos do exist in the electric powertrain with field-oriented control under different working conditions. Our analysis reveals the dynamics of electric powertrain are dependent on proportional control parameters of proportional–integral regulator and electric powertrain performs unstably most likely under the operating condition with no-load and zero reference rotational speed.
Rotation-joint stiffness modeling for industrial robots considering contacts
Authors: Liu Zhifeng , Xu Jingjing , Cheng Qiang , Zhao Yongsheng , Pei Yanhu
Published: August 2018

Joint flexibility has a major impact on the motion accuracy of a robotic end effector, particularly at high speeds. This work proposes a technique of precisely modeling the torsional stiffness of the rotational joints for the industrial robots. This technique considers the contacts that exist in the joint system, which can have a significant effect on the overall joint stiffness. The torsional stiffness of the connections that commonly exist in the rotational joints, such as the belt connection, the connections using key, bolts, and pins, were modeled by combining the force analysis and the fractal theory. Through modeling the equivalent stiffness for the springs in serial and in parallel, the torsional stiffness of all joints for the ER3A-C60 robot were calculated and analyzed. The results show that the estimated stiffness based on the proposed technique is closer to the actual values than that based on the previous model without considering the contacts. The analysis is useful for controlling the dynamic characteristic of the industrial robots with the rotational joints while planning the trajectory for the end effector.
Energy saving control based on motor efficiency map for electric vehicleswith four-wheel independently driven in-wheel motors
Authors: Gang Li , Zhi Yang
Published: August 2018

For four-wheel independently driven in-wheel motor electric vehicles, the four-wheel drive/braking torque can be controlled independently. Therefore, it has an advantage that energy saving control can be applied effectively. This article studies several energy saving control methods from two levels of driving and braking for four-wheel independently driven in-wheel motor electric vehicles under urban conditions based on the motor efficiency map. First, the energy saving control logic and the evaluation index were proposed in the article. The four-wheel drive torque was online optimized in real time through drive energy saving control, in order to improve the driving efficiency in the driving process of electric vehicles. According to the theory of ideal braking force distribution and Economic Commission of Europe braking regulations, the parallel regenerative braking control method based on the motor efficiency map was then studied. The parallel regenerative braking control method was applied to four-wheel independently driven in-wheel motor electric vehicles. The simulation analysis under typical urban driving cycle conditions was carried out to determine the braking intensity of the parallel brake front axle separate regenerative braking, and finally the braking energy recovery rate of electric vehicle can be improved in the low speed and low braking torque. Finally, simulation experiments have been carried out to verify the researched method under the NEDC, UDDS, and J1015 urban driving cycles. The simulation results show that the energy saving control methods have an obvious effect on energy saving under the urban driving cycle conditions.
Enhancement of bi-axial glass fibre reinforced polymer composite with graphene platelet nanopowder modifies epoxy resin
Authors: Priya I Infanta Mary , Vinayagam BK
Published: August 2018

The material used for the study is bi-axial glass cloth with epoxy resin. Two sets of laminates were manufactured using vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding, one laminate with parent material (P1, P2) and the other laminate with graphene platelet nanopowder (P1-GPN, P2-GPN). For the graphene platelet nanopowder samples, addition of 0.1% weight of graphene platelet nanopowder is mixed with epoxy resin. Three different tests such as tensile, compression and impact were conducted on the composite material. There was an increase of 11.18% and 33.4% in tensile strength, 26.4% and 24.6% in compression strength when compared to the parent samples of 2 and 3 mm thickness, respectively. This strength was obtained with the reduction of fibre content when compared to other research works. Also high-velocity impact test using gas-gun method was performed on parent and blended samples. The energy absorption levels of blended samples were 9.2% and 8.2% higher than the parent samples of 2 and 3 mm thickness, respectively. Therefore, this study reveals that the addition of graphene platelet nanopowder with the parent material has increased the strength of the composite tremendously.
Performance optimization of ultrasonic flow meter based on computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Peng Shanbi , Liao Wen , Tan Huan
Published: August 2018

As a common nature gas measuring tool, ultrasonic flow meter is more and more put into use. Therefore, the accuracy of measurement is what we concern the most. The performance of ultrasonic flow meter is closely related to fluid state which flows through it. This article identified the evaluation method of rectification effect of gasotron and its implementation steps. It proposed an assessing index Lmin based on dichotomy. Computational fluid dynamics method is used to simulate the model of an upstream straight pipe section with a header and plate gasotron, which obtained the assessing index Lmin in five different transmission conditions. Finally, the feasibility of the gasotron is validated against comparing indication errors in different installation conditions: with a header, benchmark, with a header and gasotron.
Ethics education in leadership development: Adopting multiple ethical paradigms
Authors: Berkovich Izhak , Eyal Ori
Published: August 2018

Attitude development and identity formation in educational leadership are the goals of non-traditional, and in the 21st century also of neo-traditional, development initiatives. Ethics education emerges as one of the linchpins in neo-traditional and non-traditional development initiatives. Yet, despite considerable interest in ethics education in educational leadership development, ethics education has not been examined systematically, and empirical research on its effects is scarce. The present paper aims to address this lacuna by exploring the effects of ethics education based on extended multiple ethical paradigms in the context of an educational leadership programme. Moreover, the study follows a systematic longitudinal design, based on pre- and post-course measurements that used the Ethical Perspectives Instrument in six Israeli cohorts of educational administration graduate students ( n = 73). The findings indicate that ethics education has a limited effect on the student body as a whole, but when students were separated into those who did and did not change their dominant ethics, differences emerged. The results suggest that school leadership development focusing on attitude development and identity formation in general and on ethics education in particular lead to different outcomes.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for multiple liver lesions after bone marrow transplant in a child with leukaemia: Multifocal focal nodular hyperplasia
Authors: Verhagen MV , Ciocarlie O , Humphries P , Watson T
Published: August 2018

We present a case of a two-year-old girl in which liver lesions were characterised on contrast-enhanced ultrasound as multifocal focal nodular hyperplasia. This child had previously undergone haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for juvenile myelomonocytic leukaemia and was suspected to have hepatobiliary graft versus host disease. Liver biopsy was performed to confirm the unexpected focal nodular hyperplasia and look for concurrent graft versus host disease. Focal nodular hyperplasia was histologically confirmed on a background of diffuse liver damage in keeping with polypharmacotherapy, steatosis and sepsis. An element of graft versus host disease was not excluded but was not confidently shown in the sample of the lesion. This case report describes and illustrates how contrast-enhanced ultrasound may be of use to further assess hepatic lesions in a complex case of multifactorial hepatic pathology. Radiologists, haematologists and pathologists should be aware that multifocal focal nodular hyperplasia is part of the differential diagnosis of liver lesions in a child with liver damage due to complex disease and treatment. Biopsy remains the gold standard, if there is a concurrent clinical suspicion of graft versus host disease.
Heterosynaptic long-term potentiation from the anterior cingulate cortex to spinal cord in adult rats
Authors: Chen Qi-Yu , Chen Tao , Zhou Li-Jun , Liu Xian-Guo , Zhuo Min
Published: August 2018

Spinal nociceptive transmission receives biphasic modulation from supraspinal structures. Recent studies demonstrate that the anterior cingulate cortex facilitates spinal excitatory synaptic transmission and nociceptive reflex. However, whether the top-down descending facilitation can cause long-term synaptic changes in spinal cord remains unclear. In the present study, we recorded C-fiber-evoked field potentials in spinal dorsal horn and found that the anterior cingulate cortex stimulation caused enhancement of C-fiber-mediated responses. The enhancement lasted for more than a few hours. Spinal application of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist D-AP5 abolished this enhancement, suggesting that the activation of the NMDA receptor is required. Furthermore, spinal application of methysergide, a serotonin receptor antagonist, also blocked the anterior cingulate cortex-induced spinal long-term potentiation. Our results suggest that the anterior cingulate cortex stimulation can produce heterosynaptic form of long-term potentiation at the spinal cord dorsal horn, and this novel form of long-term potentiation may contribute to top-down long-term facilitation in chronic pain conditions.
The etiological changes of acetylation in peripheral nerve injury–induced neuropathic hypersensitivity
Authors: Wang Xian , Shen Xiaofeng , Xu Yingli , Xu Shiqin , Xia Fan , Zhu Bei , Liu Yusheng , Wang Wei , Wu Haibo , Wang Fuzhou
Published: August 2018

Neuropathic pain is a common chronic pain condition with mechanisms far clearly been elucidated. Mounting preclinical and clinical studies have shown neuropathic pain is highly associated with histone acetylation modification, which follows expression regulation of various pain-related molecules such as mGluR1/5, glutamate aspartate transporter, glutamate transporter-1, GAD65, Nav1.8, Kv4.3, μ-opioid receptor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and certain chemokines. As two types of pivotal enzymes involved in histone acetylation, histone deacetylases induce histone deacetylation to silence gene expression; in contrast, histone acetyl transferases facilitate histone acetylation to potentiate gene transcription. Accordingly, upregulation or blockade of acetylation may be a promising intervention direction for neuropathic pain treatment. In fact, numerous animal studies have suggested various histone deacetylase inhibitors, Sirt (class III histone deacetylases) activators, and histone acetyl transferases inhibitors are effective in neuropathic pain treatment via targeting specific epigenetic sites. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of the molecules and mechanisms of neuropathy-related acetylation, as well as the acetylation upregulation and blockade for neuropathic pain therapy. Finally, we will discuss the current drug advances focusing on neuropathy-related acetylation along with the underlying treatment mechanisms.
Leading from the top: Evaluation and impact of an educational programme for Directors of Infection Prevention and Control (DIPC) within the Independent Healthcare Sector (IS)
Authors: Millward Sue
Published: August 2018

Background:

The Director of Infection Prevention and Control (DIPC) role was introduced into the UK in 2003 to address the need for effective leadership within Infection Prevention (IP). The role was embedded in English legislation in 2008. In one Independent healthcare organisation (with 31 acute hospitals spread geographically across the UK), the DIPC role is held by the hospital matron (known as Director of Nursing in the NHS), who influence resource allocation and ensure infection prevention is prioritised. A knowledge gap in microbiology, standard precautions and infection prevention regulatory requirements was identified and as there was no educational provision for this role, an accredited programme was developed. Twenty-five matrons completed the DIPC programme.

Aims:

Evaluate the impact of a DIPC educational programme on the delivery of IP services.

Methodology:

A post-course qualitative retrospective survey using open-ended questions was used to collect data from DIPCs who had completed the programme. Inductive thematic and content analysis methods were used to identify key themes from survey responses.

Results:

Out of 20 DIPCs, 16 completed the survey. Key findings included improvements in knowledge related to microbiology, IP and regulatory requirements of the DIPC role. DIPCs reported changes to service delivery including appointment of six IP nurses, improved surveillance processes, reduced infections and improved cleanliness standards. This small study demonstrates the impact of an educational programme for DIPCs who felt more empowered to manage the IP services effectively, resulting in improved patient safety through reduced infections.
Preparation and performance of non-enzymatic glucose sensor electrode based on nanometer cuprous oxide
Authors: Yu Xiaojiao , Zhang Jie , Tang Xiyan , Wei Yuchen , Kou Song , Niu Jinfen , Yao Binghua
Published: August 2018

Cuprous oxide nanometer thin-film electrodes of different structures were successfully prepared by electrochemical deposition. The structures and properties of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, ultraviolet–visible and scanning electron microscope. The cuprous oxide thin-film electrode was used as a non-enzymatic glucose sensor, and the electrocatalytic response of the sensor for glucose was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. Results showed that cuprous oxide with higher purity, neat morphology structure and uniform grain size was prepared. The cuprous oxide nanometer thin-film sensor with a sword-shaped dendrite has a good response to glucose. Moreover, it has a good linear relationship of 1–20 mg·L−1 in the range of glucose concentration, a correlation coefficient of 0.997, a detection limit of 0.337 mg·L−1, a sensitivity of 23.24 mA·cm−2·mM−1 and good stability. Therefore, it has potential for application in sensors.
Infectious Disease in Contact Sports
Authors: Peterson Andrew R. , Nash Emma , Anderson B.J.
Published: August 2018

Context:

Infections are common in contact sports. This review aims to describe the epidemiology, presenting signs and symptoms, treatment guidelines, and regulations for several common infections seen in contact sport athletes. The conditions discussed include bacterial skin infections, herpes simplex virus, molluscum contagiosum, common warts, tinea, scabies, head lice, conjunctivitis, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, and vaccine-preventable illnesses.

Evidence Acquisition:

Searches were performed across PubMed and MEDLINE research databases. In addition, general internet search engine results and reviews of reference lists of relevant papers were used to identify additional sources of evidence.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

The most common infections seen in contact sport athletes include bacterial skin infections, herpes simplex virus, molluscum contagiosum, common warts, tinea, scabies, head lice, conjunctivitis, and vaccine-preventable illnesses. Other infections, including human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C, are uncommon but potentially life threatening.

Conclusion:

Infections are common in contact sport athletes. The provider who cares for these athletes should be aware of the most common infections and their appropriate management. Early diagnosis and appropriate clinical management are important for treating the infected athlete, minimizing risk of transmission, minimizing time lost from competition, and preventing large outbreaks.
Reducing delays in the diagnosis and treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer using simulation modelling
Authors: Chalk Daniel , Trent Neil , Vennam Sarath , McGrane John , Mantle Mark
Published: August 2018

Objective:

To develop a simulation model to identify key bottlenecks in the bladder cancer pathway at Royal Cornwall Hospital and predict the impact of potential changes to reduce these delays.

Materials and methods:

The diagnosis and treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer can suffer numerous delays, which can significantly affect patient outcomes. We developed a discrete event computer simulation model of the flow of patients through the bladder cancer pathway at the hospital, using anonymised patient records from 2014 and 2015. The changes tested in the model were for patients suspected to have muscle-invasive disease on flexible cystoscopy. Those patients were ‘fast-tracked’ to receive their transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) treatment using operating slots kept free for these patients. A staging computed tomography scan was booked in the haematuria clinic. Pathology requests were marked as 48 hour turnaround. The nurse specialist would then speak to the patient whilst they were on the ward following their TURBT to give information about their ongoing treatment and provide support.

Results:

The model predicted that if the changes were implemented, delays in the system could be reduced by around 5 weeks. The changes were implemented, and analysis of 3 months of the data post-implementation shows that the average time in the system was reduced by 5 weeks. The environment created by the changes in the pathway improved referral to treatment times in both muscle-invasive and non-muscle-invasive groups.

Conclusion:

The simulation model proved an invaluable tool for facilitating the implementation of changes. Simple changes to the pathway led to significant reductions in delays for bladder cancer patients at Royal Cornwall Hospital.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable for this cohort study.
Five theses on technoliberalism and the networked public sphere
Authors: Pfister Damien Smith , Yang Misti
Published: August 2018

How have digital technologies affected the market logics and economization that constitute the underlying governing rationality of neoliberalism? This essay unfurls five theses that further develop the concept of technoliberalism, the intensification of neoliberalism through computational technology, in the context of the networked public sphere: (1) technoliberalism names the dominant governing rationality in cultures where digital computation technology suffuses everyday life; (2) technoliberalism replaces public, democratically accountable power with the private, technical expertise of digital technology firms; (3) technoliberalism focuses on contriving technical systems to change culture at the expense of democratic argument and deliberation; (4) technoliberalism intensifies the commodification of attention, resulting in undemocratic forms of “noopower”; and (5) technoliberalism standardizes subjectivities through grammatization. Each thesis complicates the prospects of democratic deliberation in the networked public sphere and articulates lines of communication research necessary for keeping democratic practices vibrant.
Improving generalizability coefficient estimate accuracy: A way to incorporate auxiliary information
Authors: Jiang Zhehan , Walker Kevin , Shi Dexin , Cao Jian
Published: August 2018

Initially proposed by Marcoulides and further expanded by Raykov and Marcoulides, a structural equation modeling approach can be used in generalizability theory estimation. This article examines the utility of incorporating auxiliary variables into the structural equation modeling approach when missing data is present. In particular, the authors assert that by adapting a saturated correlates model strategy to structural equation modeling generalizability theory models, one can reduce any biased effects caused by missingness. Traditional approaches such as an analysis of variance do not possess such a feature. This article provides detailed instructions for adding auxiliary variables into a structural equation modeling generalizability theory model, demonstrates the corresponding benefits of bias reduction in generalizability coefficient estimate via simulations, and discusses issues relevant to the proposed approach.
An Audit of Political Behavior Research
Authors: Robison Joshua , Stevenson Randy T. , Druckman James N. , Jackman Simon , Katz Jonathan N. , Vavreck Lynn
Published: August 2018

What are the most important concepts in the political behavior literature? Have experiments supplanted surveys as the dominant method in political behavior research? What role does the American National Election Studies (ANES) play in this literature? We utilize a content analysis of over 1,100 quantitative articles on American mass political behavior published between 1980 and 2009 to address these questions. We then supplement this with a second sample of articles published between 2010 and 2018. Four key takeaways are apparent. First, the agenda of this literature is heavily skewed toward understanding voting to a relative lack of attention to specific policy attitudes and other topics. Second, experiments are ascendant, but are far from displacing surveys, and particularly the ANES. Third, while important changes to this agenda have occurred over time, it remains much the same in 2018 as it was in 1980. Fourth, the centrality of the ANES seems to stem from its time-series component. In the end, we conclude that the ANES is a critical investment for the scientific community and a main driver of political behavior research.
The perfect storm: The impact of disaster severity on internal human trafficking
Authors: Gurung Anuj , Clark Amanda D
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we argue natural disasters have a positive association with the likelihood of internal or domestic trafficking. Trafficking is a function of individual vulnerability and subsequent criminal agency. Economic scarcity and lack of government protection are conditions of vulnerability that are exploited by criminal agents and networks in recruiting and transporting victims. The advent of natural disasters exacerbates these conditions and provides an opportunity for criminals. We argue that internal trafficking is more likely in the wake of disasters as routes to transnational trafficking may be inaccessible. Employing generalized estimation equations on a unique cross-section, time-series dataset of 158 countries, between 2001 and 2011, we find a consistent positive link between natural disasters and the likelihood of internal trafficking. The internal trafficking angle is under-studied, and our findings point at the need for further exploration of the topic.