bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Experimental Investigation of Victim Blaming in Sexual Assault: The Roles of Victim Sexual Orientation, Coercion Type, and Stereotypes About Bisexual Women
Authors: Dyar Christina , Feinstein Brian A. , Anderson RaeAnn E.
Published: November 2019

Bisexual women are more likely to be sexually assaulted and to receive negative reactions to disclosures of sexual assault than heterosexual and lesbian women. However, few studies have examined the extent to which victim sexual orientation and related factors influence perceptions of sexual assault victims and perpetrators. To fill this gap, the current study used an experimental manipulation to examine the influence of victim sexual orientation and coercion type on perceptions of sexual assault victims and perpetrators. Participants ( N = 826) were randomly assigned to read one of nine vignettes in which the sexual orientation of the female victim (bisexual, lesbian, heterosexual) and the type of coercion (verbal, physical, alcohol incapacitation) were varied. Then, participants were asked a series of questions about the victim and the perpetrator. Results indicated that bisexual and heterosexual female victims were both perceived as having wanted to have sex with the perpetrator more and as having “led the perpetrator on” more than lesbian victims. In contrast, victim sexual orientation was not associated with explicit ratings of victim or perpetrator responsibility or victim suffering. Bisexual female victims were also perceived as more promiscuous than both lesbian and heterosexual female victims. In turn, perceiving the victim as more promiscuous was associated with perceiving the victim as more responsible, having wanted to have sex with the perpetrator more, having “led the perpetrator on” more, and suffering less, and with perceiving the perpetrator as less responsible. In sum, our findings suggest that efforts to reduce sexual violence toward bisexual women should attend to negative attitudes toward bisexual women, especially the perception of bisexual women as promiscuous.
Sedentary Time and Physical Activity Across Occupational Classifications
Authors: Quinn Tyler D. , Pettee Gabriel Kelley , Siddique Juned , Aaby David , Whitaker Kara M. , Lane-Cordova Abbi , Sidney Stephen , Sternfield Barbara , Barone Gibbs Bethany
Published: November 2019

Purpose:

To examine differences in activity patterns across employment and occupational classifications.

Design:

Cross-sectional.

Setting:

A 2005-2006 Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study.

Sample:

Participants with valid accelerometry data (n = 2068).

Measures:

Uniaxial accelerometry data (ActiGraph 7164), accumulated during waking hours, were summarized as mean activity counts (counts/min) and time spent (min/d) in long-bout sedentary (≥30 minutes, SED≥30), short-bout sedentary (<30 minutes, SED<30), light physical activity (LPA), short-bout moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (<10 minutes, MVPA<10), and long-bout MVPA (≥10 minutes, MVPA≥10) using Freedson cut-points. Employment status was self-reported as full time, part time, unemployed, keeping house, or raising children. Self-reported job duties were categorized into 23 major groups using the 2010 Standard Occupational Classification.

Analysis:

Omnibus differences were analyzed using adjusted analysis of covariance and repeated after stratification by race (black/white) and sex (female/male).

Results:

SED≥30, SED<30, LPA, and MVPA<10differed significantly by employment and occupational categories ( P ≤ .05), while MVPA≥10did not ( P ≥ .50). SED≥30, SED<30, and LPA differed by occupational classification in men, women, blacks, and whites ( P < .05). Mean activity counts, MVPA<10, and MVPA≥10were significantly different across occupational classifications in whites ( P ≤ .05), but not in blacks ( P > .05). Significant differences in mean activity counts and MVPA<10across occupational classifications were found in males ( P ≤ .001), but not in females ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

Time within activity intensity categories differs across employment and occupational classifications and by race and sex.
Translation, Validation, and Psychometric Properties of Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale—Short Form Among Iranian Women
Authors: Asgarian Azadeh , Hashemi Maryam , Pournikoo Mansoureh , Mirazimi Tayebe-Sadat , Zamanian Hadi , Amini-Tehrani Mohammadali
Published: November 2019

Background

Iranian researchers have investigated breastfeeding self-efficacy and its related factors. However, there is no valid and reliable tool for assessing the breastfeeding self-efficacy of Iranian Farsi-speaking women.

Research aim

To examine the validity and reliability of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale—Short Form among Iranian Farsi-speaking mothers.

Methods

We conducted this cross-sectional study at Izadi teaching hospital in Qom, Iran. Using convenience sampling, we recruited 174 mothers, who completed the questionnaire on the first postnatal day. A forward–backward translation method was used to translate the scale. Cronbach’s alpha and item-total characteristics were examined to test reliability. Construct validity was evaluated via principal component analysis (PCA), as well as known-groups validity.

Results

The mean (standard deviation) of sample age was 28.33 (5.38). The mean (standard deviation) of breastfeeding self-efficacy score was 54.32 (10.50), ranging from 24–70. Cronbach’s alpha (.92), inter-item correlations (.21–.72), and corrected item-total correlations (.44–.75) indicated the adequate reliability of the scale. PCA yielded one component with an eigenvalue of 6.97, explaining 49.8% of the total variance. There was no significant difference in the self-efficacy scores between primiparous and multiparous women. Breastfeeding self-efficacy was not significantly different between the groups in terms of the demographic characteristics.

Conclusion

The Farsi version of the Breastfeeding Self-efficacy Scale—Short Form is a valid and reliable instrument for Iranian Farsi-speaking mothers, with sound psychometric properties per the other studies worldwide.
The Political Responses of Virtual Assistants
Authors: Ojeda Christopher
Published: November 2019

What would a machine say about politics if it could speak? Because of virtual assistants, such as Amazon’s Alexa or Apple’s Siri, social scientists are now equipped to answer this question. Yet little is known about what these machines say about politics or why they say it, even though their political responses are potentially consequential given their widespread usage. In this article, I survey six virtual assistants and find that they typically have an above average knowledge of politics, an elementary understanding of important political concepts, and only a handful of opinions on important political issues. In follow-up interviews with tech workers, ranging from software engineers to executives, I use grounded theory to generate hypotheses about how companies craft responses to political questions. I find that tech companies are motivated in large part by economic considerations and that the future responses of the virtual assistants will likely create political echo chambers in which responses are highly customized to individual users. I conclude by discussing the implications of these findings for political polarization, democratic citizenship, and the growing prevalence of artificial intelligence in politics.
Spectral analysis of guided wave propagation in discretized domains under local interactions
Authors: Packo Pawel , Kijanka Piotr , Leamy Michael J
Published: November 2019

The paper presents a spectral analysis of wave propagation in bounded two-dimensional elastic media discretized under assumptions of two selected local computational strategies. The Local Interaction Simulation Approach and Cellular Automata for Elastodynamics are first overviewed with particular emphasis on their fundamental assumptions, treatment of boundary conditions, and resulting formulations. Each method’s numerical dispersion characteristics for bulk waves are then analyzed using a closed set of iteration equations, after which guided Lamb wave dispersion characteristics are analyzed for homogeneous and layered plates. In all cases, comparisons to finite element dispersion characteristics, re-formulated in the form of local iteration equations, provide insight into the relative advantages and disadvantages of the local formulations and reveal non-physical effects induced by numerical discretization. Finally, verification of the analytical dispersion results is presented using transient simulations with accompanying spectral analysis.
Dynamic response of a bi-axially pre-stressed bi-layered plate resting on a rigid foundation under a harmonic force
Authors: Daşdemir Ahmet
Published: November 2019

This study aims to investigate the forced vibrations caused by a time-harmonic force from a pre-stressed bi-layered plate resting on a rigid foundation under the action of a time-harmonic pointwise loading. Our investigation was conducted according to a piecewise homogeneous body model utilizing the three-dimensional linearized theory of elastic waves in initially stressed bodies. Throughout this study, we assumed that there is complete contact between the plate and the rigid foundation. The purpose of this study is threefold: the development of a mathematical model to investigate the dynamic response of the pre-stressed bi-layered plate, the analysis of the frequency response of the plate under consideration, and finally, demonstrating the relationship between the initial stress and the dimensionless frequency of the plate. We solved the mathematical model by employing the finite element method. We present our numerical results on the dynamic behavior of the plate. In particular, we have shown that an increase in the values of the aspect ratio of a plate under fixed thickness leads to a decrease in the normal stress resonance values.
On modal analysis of axially functionally graded material beam under hygrothermal effect
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Singh Rahul , Hussain Muzamal
Published: November 2019

This investigation focuses on the modal analysis of an axially functionally graded material beam under hygrothermal effect. The material constants of the beam are supposed to be graded smoothly along the axial direction under both power law and sigmoid law distribution. A finite element analysis with COMSOL Multiphysics® (version 5.2) package is used to find the Eigen frequencies of the beam. The accuracy of the technique is authenticated by relating the results with the prior investigation for reduced case. The effects of moisture changes, temperature, and volume fraction index, length-to-thickness ratio on the Eigen frequencies are investigated in detail. It is believed that the present investigation may be useful in the design of highly efficient environmental sensors for structural health monitoring perspective.
A device for measuring sternal bone connectivity using vibration analysis techniques
Authors: Joutsen Atte , Hautalahti Juha , Jaatinen Esa , Goebeler Sirkka , Paldanius Antti , Viik Jari , Laurikka Jari , Hyttinen Jari
Published: November 2019

Objectives:

Stability of bone splitting sternotomy is essential for normal healing after open cardiac surgery. Mechanical vibration transmittance may offer a means for early detection of separation of bone (diastasis) in the sternotomy and prevent further complications. This article describes the technical implementation and validation of vibration analysis–based prototype device built for measuring sternal bone connectivity after sternotomy.

Methods:

An in-house built measurement system, sternal vibration device, consisting of actuator, sensor, and main controller and signal acquisition unit was designed and manufactured. The system was validated, and three different test settings were studied in mockups (polylactide rods in ballistic gel) and in two human sternums: intact, stable wire fixation, and unstable wire fixation with a gap mimicking bone diastasis. The transmittance of vibration stimulus across the median sternotomy was measured.

Results:

The validation showed that the force produced by the actuator was stable, and the sensor could be calibrated to precisely measure the acceleration values. The vibration transmittance response to material cut and sternotomy was evident and detectable in the 20 Hz to 2 kHz band. The transmittance decreased when the connectivity between the sternal halves became unstable. The trend was visible in all the settings.

Conclusion:

Technical solutions and description of validation process were given. The device was calibrated, and the vibration transmittance analysis differentiated intact and cut polylactide rod. In the sternum, intact bone, wire fixation with exact apposition, and with a gap were identified separately. Although further studies are needed to assess the accuracy of the method to detect different levels of diastases, the method appears to be feasible.
Immunologic and virologic responses to antiretroviral therapy in treatment-naïve, HIV-infected elderly patients
Authors: Ocheretyaner ER , Yusuff J , Park TE
Published: November 2019

Currently available data on immunologic and virologic responses to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in elderly patients are conflicting. The primary objective of this study was to assess immunologic and virologic responses to ART in treatment-naïve, HIV-infected elderly patients compared to younger patients. This was a single center, retrospective, descriptive study including treatment-naïve, HIV-infected adults initiated on ART between 1 January 2005 and 30 April 2015. Immunologic and virologic responses were compared between the ages ≥50 and < 50 years old. A total of 158 patients were included. By 14 months of ART, 85.9% (n = 67/78) of the patients ≥50 years old and 92.5% (n = 74/80) of those < 50 years old achieved immunologic response (p = 0.02). By 24 weeks of ART, 64.1% (n = 50/78) of the patients ≥50 years old and 65% (n = 52/80) of those < 50 years old achieved virologic response (p = 1). The amount of time it took the elderly patients to achieve virologic suppression was not significantly different compared to the younger patients (p = 0.459). Treatment-naïve, HIV-infected elderly patients achieved virologic response to ART that was comparable to younger patients although their immunologic response to ART was significantly lower.
Unusual presentation of erythema elevatum diutinum in an HIV-positive man with dramatic response to dapsone
Authors: Kaur Maninder , Sahoo Alok K , Gupta Somesh
Published: November 2019

Erythema elevatum diutinum (EED) is a form of chronic leukocytoclastic vasculitis, which is known to occur in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. Mostly, in the setting of HIV, it presents as plaques, nodules and occasionally as vesicles. We present a case of EED manifesting as annular plaques in an HIV-positive man, which was predominantly acral in distribution, involving the face also. After starting on dapsone, it disappeared completely in three days.
Optimization design of hydraulic performance in vaned mixed-flow pump
Authors: Zhu Di , Tao Ran , Xiao Ruofu , Yang Wei , Liu Weichao , Wang Fujun
Published: November 2019

Vaned mixed-flow pump is widely used in industrial and agricultural cases. Considering mixed-flow impeller and space guide-vanes, the impeller and guide-vane blade angles need optimization design. In order to conduct optimization, the global dynamic-criterion algorithm with the ability of parallel running, dynamic criterion and escaping from local-best trap was used in this case. Based on numerical simulation and experimental verification, the 18 parameters' combination was optimized using this algorithm to achieve higher-efficiency in a specific flow rate range around the design condition. The numerical results showed that the weighted efficiency increased from 87.32% to 89.26% and the head coefficient decreased from 0.720 to 0.693. The improved efficiency and reduced head under design requirement helps to reduce the shaft power and energy consumption. The optimized blade inlet angle matches the inlet angle and improves the uniformity of flow in the impeller. The impeller outlet angle matches the guide vane inlet angle. Therefore, the flow regime becomes smoother in the rotor stator interaction region. The experimental results verify that the optimized pump efficiency was 85.75%. The measured head coefficient was 0.643 which meets the design requirement. This study provides a successful work for the green design of impeller and guide-vane of mixed-flow pump.
Prevalence and incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus and associated outcomes in the 2009–2016 US Medicare population
Authors: Li S , Gong T , Peng Y , Nieman K M , Gilbertson D T
Published: November 2019

Objectives

We aimed to update data on the prevalence and incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the Medicare population and describe associated outcomes.

Methods

This observational study used Medicare 20% random sample data 2007–2016 to estimate SLE prevalence and incidence 2009–2016. The study population included patients aged ≥18 years (stratified by <65 and ≥65 years) with Medicare fee-for-service coverage. The SLE definition was based on a published and validated algorithm. All-cause death, hospitalizations, and kidney disease incidence were defined for a prevalent SLE cohort 2011–2015. Unadjusted event rates during 5-year follow-up were reported per 100 patient-years.

Results

The study included > 5 million eligible patients for each year 2009–2016. There were 19,518 (10,898, aged ≥65; 8620, aged <65) in 2016, extrapolated to 97,590 (54,490 aged ≥65; 43,100 aged <65) in the overall 2016 Medicare population. Age- and sex-adjusted prevalence rates (per 100,000 Medicare population) ranged from 301.1 in 2009 to 366.6 in 2016, all ages, and 184.0–239.9, ≥65 years. There were 2614 (1844 aged ≥65; 770 aged <65) incident patients in 2016; age-/sex-adjusted incidence rates (per 100,000 Medicare population) ranged from 46.9 in 2009 to 49.0 in 2016, all ages, and 37.5–40.8, ≥65. Five-year unadjusted mortality, elderly vs. younger, was 8.8 vs. 3.8, morbidity 34.5 vs. 32.4, and kidney disease incidence 19.8 vs. 18.0 per 100 patient-years.

Conclusions

Prevalence rates steadily increased while incidence was relatively stable 2009–2016. Our data should be interpreted with caution due to our elderly study population.
Survival and Integration of Transplanted Olfactory Ensheathing Cells are Crucial for Spinal Cord Injury Repair: Insights from the Last 10 Years of Animal Model Studies
Authors: Reshamwala Ronak , Shah Megha , St John James , Ekberg Jenny
Published: November 2019

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), the glial cells of the primary olfactory nervous system, support the natural regeneration of the olfactory nerve that occurs throughout life. OECs thus exhibit unique properties supporting neuronal survival and growth. Transplantation of OECs is emerging as a promising treatment for spinal cord injury; however, outcomes in both animals and humans are variable and the method needs improvement and standardization. A major reason for the discrepancy in functional outcomes is the variability in survival and integration of the transplanted cells, key factors for successful spinal cord regeneration. Here, we review the outcomes of OEC transplantation in rodent models over the last 10 years, with a focus on survival and integration of the transplanted cells. We identify the key factors influencing OEC survival: injury type, source of transplanted cells, co-transplantation with other cell types, number and concentration of cells, method of delivery, and time of transplantation after the injury. We found that two key issues are hampering optimization and standardization of OEC transplantation: lack of (1) reliable methods for identifying transplanted cells, and (2) three-dimensional systems for OEC delivery. To develop OEC transplantation as a successful and standardized therapy for spinal cord injury, we must address these issues and increase our understanding of the complex parameters influencing OEC survival.
Duration Matters: Separating the Impact of Depth and Duration in Study Abroad Programs
Authors: DeLoach Stephen B. , Kurt Mark R. , Olitsky Neal H.
Published: November 2019

Study abroad participation has increased dramatically over the past two decades, primarily through the growth of short-term study abroad experiences. Given this, it is logical to ask whether short-term experiences are capable of delivering student learning outcomes equivalent to those of long-term experiences. The research presented in this article addresses this question by asking if program duration (i.e., temporal length of the academic program) or depth (i.e., focused and reflective interaction with the destination culture) has a greater impact on changes in students’ global awareness. A longitudinal study across 80 study abroad programs from a single institution, measured global awareness pre- and post-abroad experience. This design controlled for preexisting differences (self-selection) and allowed us to rigorously estimate the relative effects of depth and duration across four dimensions of global awareness. Results show that a longer duration was associated with significant changes in three out of the four global awareness dimensions measured. The only depth measure that positively and significantly impacted global awareness was when the study abroad destination was a non-English speaking country. Even in this instance, the impact non-English speaking destination was increased further for longer durations.
Operating Engineers and the OSHA Silica Standard: A Survey of Union Trainers
Authors: Barlet Grace , Sokas Rosemary K. , Betit Eileen
Published: November 2019

Enclosed cabs with filtration systems, an engineering control preferred in the hierarchy of controls, may reduce heavy equipment operators’ silica exposure during demolition, grading, and excavation. We surveyed operating engineer trainers about silica training, familiarity with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) silica standard, and cab filtration systems. A voluntary and anonymous online survey was e-mailed to 437 trainers in January 2018. The response rate was 22.9 percent (n = 100). Most trainers (84 percent) covered health risks and silica exposure prevention in their courses. Of these, 59 percent discussed cab filtration as an engineering control. Trainers identified possible barriers to the use of cab filtration systems and a need for education to increase use, and raised concerns about other exposures associated with heavy equipment use. Education about selection, use, and maintenance of cab filtration systems to control silica exposure is needed. Engineering improvements to heavy equipment should address cab filtration, noise, heat, and vibration.
A Complexity Perspective on Narrative Identity Reconstruction in Mental Health Recovery
Authors: Kerr Douglas John Rennox , Deane Frank Patrick , Crowe Trevor Patrick
Published: November 2019

The issue of complex nonlinear change processes is one of the least understood aspects of recovery and one of the most difficult to apply in recovery-oriented health care. The purpose of this article is to explore the recovery stories of 17 mental health peer support workers to understand their narrative identity reconstruction in recovery using a complexity perspective. Using the Life Story Model of Identity (LSMI), a narrative thematic analysis of interviews suggests that self-mastery as part of personal agency is an important component of participants’ narrative identity reconstruction. Self-mastery is particularly evident in redemptive story turning points (positive outcome follows negative experience). A complexity perspective suggests that participants realized their adaptive capacity in relation to self-mastery as part of recovery and that its use at story turning points critically influenced their recovery journey. Further exploring self-mastery as adaptive growth in narrative identity reconstruction appears to be a fruitful research direction.
Patients’ Experiences of Cardiovascular Health Education and Risk Communication: A Qualitative Synthesis
Authors: Mentrup Stefanie , Harris Emma , Gomersall Tim , Köpke Sascha , Astin Felicity
Published: November 2019

Coronary heart disease (CHD) has no cure, and patients with myocardial infarction are at high risk for further cardiac events. Health education is a key driver for patients’ understanding and motivation for lifestyle change, but little is known about patients’ experience of such education. In this review, we aimed to explore how patients with CHD experience health education and in particular risk communication. A total of 2,221 articles were identified through a systematic search in five databases. 40 articles were included and synthesized using thematic analysis. Findings show that both “what” was communicated, and “the way” it was communicated, had the potential to influence patients’ engagement with lifestyle changes. Communication about the potential of lifestyle change to reduce future risk was largely missing causing uncertainty, anxiety, and, for some, disengagement with lifestyle change. Recommendations for ways to improve health education and risk communication are discussed to inform international practice.
Effectiveness, Safety, and Economic Comparison of Inhaled Epoprostenol Brands, Flolan and Veletri, in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Hawn Jaclyn M. , Bauer Seth R. , Wanek Matthew R. , Li Manshi , Wang Xiaofeng , Duggal Abhijit , Torbic Heather
Published: November 2019

Background: No previous studies exist examining 2 inhaled epoprostenol formulations in an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patient population. Objective: The study aim was to evaluate a formulary conversion from inhaled Flolan to Veletri to determine the impact on effectiveness, safety, and cost in patients with ARDS. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective, matched cohort observational study at a tertiary care academic medical center. Patients included were mechanically ventilated, adult patients with ARDS receiving inhaled Flolan or Veletri for ≥1 hour in the intensive care unit. Results: A total of 132 patients were included in the matched cohort. There was no difference detected in change in partial pressure of arterial O2/fraction of inspired O2(PaO2/FiO2) ratio after 1 hour of therapy between the inhaled Flolan and Veletri groups (27.2 ± 46.2 vs 30 ± 68 mm Hg, P = 0.78). Significant differences in secondary outcomes included incidence of hypotension (83% vs 95.5%, P = 0.04) and thrombocytopenia (9.1% vs 29.5%, P < 0.01) in the inhaled Flolan and Veletri groups, respectively, with no difference in cost per duration of therapy ( P = 0.29). Conclusions and Relevance: There was no difference in the change in PaO2/FiO2ratio after 1 hour of therapy between inhaled Flolan and Veletri in an ARDS patient population. The formulary conversion from inhaled Flolan to Veletri was likely justified.
Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice Regulations and Nurse Practitioner Supply
Authors: Kandrack Ryan , Barnes Hilary , Martsolf Grant R.
Published: November 2019

Adopting full scope of practice (SOP) for nurse practitioners (NPs) is associated with improved access to care. One possible mechanism for these improvements is increased NP supply. Using county-level data, we fit cross-sectional and panel regression models to estimate the association between adopting full NP SOP and NP supply in general, and in rural and health professional shortage area—designated counties in particular. In cross-sectional analyses, we estimated positive associations between NP SOP and NP supply, though these relationships were only statistically significant when analyzing health professional shortage areas. In the panel regression models with county fixed effects, the estimated effects were attenuated toward zero and sometimes switched signs. Our findings suggest that improvements in access to care following adoption of full SOP may not be driven by increased NP supply but rather by increased capacity of NPs and physicians to provide care.
What Young People Need to Make Better-Informed Decisions When Communicating With Digital Images: Implications for Mental Health and Well-Being
Authors: Cardoso Patricia , Hawk Dianne. V. , Cross Donna
Published: November 2019

Sixty-eight young people contributed to a Design Thinking Challenge created to elicit a better understanding of their electronic image-sharing experiences, the helpful and harmful consequences of image-sharing to adolescent mental health and safety, and promising interventions that allow young people to make more positive decisions and minimize their risks when sharing images through electronic devices. Through this collaborative group-based process, each co-design group engaged in a four-phase process to discover, define, develop, and deliver an intervention that took the form of a paper-based mobile app prototype. Young people reported that they need information and advice to support their and others’ online decision making, help making situational decision-making skills for managing online interactions, and means to control information and images that can be accessed and distributed. Detailed app features that they required to address their decision-making needs are also discussed. These app intervention features highlight what young people need to make better-informed decisions when communicating through images electronically.
Sparse matrix partitioning for optimizing SpMV on CPU-GPU heterogeneous platforms
Authors: Benatia Akrem , Ji Weixing , Wang Yizhuo , Shi Feng
Published: November 2019

Sparse matrix–vector multiplication (SpMV) kernel dominates the computing cost in numerous applications. Most of the existing studies dedicated to improving this kernel have been targeting just one type of processing units, mainly multicore CPUs or graphics processing units (GPUs), and have not explored the potential of the recent, rapidly emerging, CPU-GPU heterogeneous platforms. To take full advantage of these heterogeneous systems, the input sparse matrix has to be partitioned on different available processing units. The partitioning problem is more challenging with the existence of many sparse formats whose performances depend both on the sparsity of the input matrix and the used hardware. Thus, the best performance does not only depend on how to partition the input sparse matrix but also on which sparse format to use for each partition. To address this challenge, we propose in this article a new CPU-GPU heterogeneous method for computing the SpMV kernel that combines between different sparse formats to achieve better performance and better utilization of CPU-GPU heterogeneous platforms. The proposed solution horizontally partitions the input matrix into multiple block-rows and predicts their best sparse formats using machine learning-based performance models. A mapping algorithm is then used to assign the block-rows to the CPU and GPU(s) available in the system. Our experimental results using real-world large unstructured sparse matrices on two different machines show a noticeable performance improvement.
Online Engagement Among Restaurant Customers: The Importance of Enhancing Flow for Social Media Users
Authors: Kim Bomin , Yoo Michelle (Myongjee) , Yang Wan
Published: November 2019

The increased usage of digital communication technologies has transformed online engagement into a key aspect of the modern customer experience in the hospitality industry. The flow theory is especially important for understanding customer engagement in the online environment. The purpose of this study is to examine the antecedents of flow and to investigate its influence on the positive attitudes and continuance intentions among the users of social media. The study’s results show that challenge, information quality, and system quality all play significant roles in flow; and flow leads to positive attitudes and continuance intentions, which indicates the importance of creating flow to increase customer engagement. Academically, this study contributes to the limited body of literature on the flow experience and customer engagement in the hospitality context. Additionally, it provides practical insights how to gain competitive advantages by strategically managing customer engagement with social media marketing through flow.
Feline coronavirus with and without spike gene mutations detected by real-time RT-PCRs in cats with feline infectious peritonitis
Authors: Emmler Laura , Felten Sandra , Matiasek Kaspar , Balzer Hans-Joerg , Pantchev Nikola , Leutenegger Christian , Hartmann Katrin
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) emerges when feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) mutate within their host to a highly virulent biotype and the immune response is not able to control the infection. FCoV spike ( S) gene mutations are considered to contribute to the change in virulence by enabling FCoV infection of and replication in macrophages. This study investigated the presence of FCoV with and without S gene mutations in cats with FIP using two different real-time RT-PCRs on different samples obtained under clinical conditions.

Methods

Fine-needle aspirates (FNAs) and incisional biopsies (IBs) of popliteal and mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen, omentum and kidneys (each n = 20), EDTA blood (n = 13), buffy coat smears (n = 13), serum (n = 11), effusion (n = 14), cerebrospinal fluid (n = 16), aqueous humour (n = 20) and peritoneal lavage (n = 6) were obtained from 20 cats with FIP diagnosed by immunohistochemistry. Samples were examined by RT-PCR targeting the FCoV 7b gene, detecting all FCoV, and S gene mutation RT-PCR targeting mutations in nucleotides 23531 and 23537. The prevalence of FCoV detected in each sample type was calculated.

Results

In 20/20 cats, FCoV with S gene mutations was present in at least one sample, but there was variation in which sample was positive. FCoV with mutations in the S gene was most frequently found in effusion (64%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 39–89), followed by spleen, omentum and kidney IBs (50%, 95% CI 28–72), mesenteric lymph node IBs and FNAs (45%, 95% CI 23–67), and FNAs of spleen and liver and liver IBs (40%, 95% CI 19–62).

Conclusions and relevance

In these 20 cats with FIP, FCoVs with S gene mutations were found in every cat in at least one tissue or fluid sample. This highlights the association between mutated S gene and systemic FCoV spread. Examining a combination of different samples increased the probability of finding FCoV with the mutated S gene.
X(-rays) sometimes mark the spot: A case of occult central venous catheter embolization
Authors: Baciarello Marco , Maspero Giada , Maestroni Umberto , Palumbo Giuseppina , Bellini Valentina , Bignami Elena
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

Breakage and fragment embolization is a rare but feared complication of peripherally inserted central catheter use. While chest radiographs are no longer the gold standard for determining peripherally inserted central catheter tip position, their use in diagnosing complications is still warranted. We report a case of occult catheter embolization discovered by routine chest X-ray.

Case Description:

A patient with a right brachial vein peripherally inserted central catheter was admitted to our Emergency Department for palpitations and dyspnea. The peripherally inserted central catheter was not visible at presentation, and she was unclear as to what had happened; she left the Emergency Department before workup was performed. Catheter embolization was discovered upon implantation of a new peripherally inserted central catheter.

Conclusion:

Although routine chest radiographs are no longer necessary after peripherally inserted central catheter implantation, they are in diagnosing peripherally inserted central catheter–related complications even in asymptomatic patients. We discuss their use and the possible role of securement devices in preventing some instances of catheter embolization.
Classroom acoustics: Listening problems in children
Authors: Gheller Flavia , Lovo Elisa , Arsie Athena , Bovo Roberto
Published: November 2019

The acoustic quality of classrooms is crucial for children’s listening skills and consequently for their learning. Listening abilities in kids are still developing, and an environment with inadequate acoustic characteristics may create additional problems in speech perception and phonetic recognition. Background noise or reverberation may cause auditory processing problems and greater cognitive effort. There are also other elements which can make difficulty in listening and understanding in noisy environments an even more serious problem, such as learning disabilities, mild to severe hearing loss or bilingualism. Therefore, it is important to improve the acoustic quality of the classrooms, taking into account the specific needs of children in terms of signal-to-noise ratio and reverberation time, in order to ensure a proper quality of listening. The aim of this work is to analyse, through the review of previous studies, the impact that the acoustic of classrooms has on children’s listening skills and learning activities.
Development and feasibility of a Patient Blood Management implementation programme in vascular surgery
Authors: Chau Marisa , Gohil Divisha , Schofield Nick , Abeysiri Sandaruwani , Klein Andrew A , Richards Toby
Published: November 2019

Vascular surgery is the largest (non-cardiac) user of blood transfusion which is associated with increased risk to patients. Patient Blood Management (PBM) is a quality improvement programme in transfusion medicine involving educational change and recommendations through preoperative, operative, and postoperative surgery. We wished to assess the feasibility to implement a PBM programme in vascular surgery. A multidisciplinary programme was developed at a vascular unit by PBM experts. The PBM programme involved a series of educational lectures, consultations, and discussions with doctors, nurses, and theatre staff. A one-page PBM checklist of recommendations was developed for all patients undergoing vascular surgery. Prospective audits were conducted before (October 2014 to March 2015) and after (November 2015 to February 2016) PBM implementation. Outcomes were blood transfusion and haemoglobin concentration (Hb) trigger threshold. A total of 211 patients were admitted under vascular surgery: 127 for Audit 1 and 84 for Audit 2. Overall, 30% of patients were transfused, with 193 units transfused in Audit 1 and 85 in Audit 2. PBM implementation was associated with a reduction in patients receiving a blood transfusion (37% to 20%; p = 0.01). However, there was no difference in Hb trigger threshold (76 g/L vs 72 g/L, p = 0.051). A PBM programme is feasible and can be implemented in vascular surgery. PBM was associated with an improvement in transfusion use and length of patient stay that merits further investigation.
Mechanical performance of FRP-confined geopolymer concrete under seawater attack
Authors: Alzeebaree Radhwan , Çevik Abdulkadir , Mohammedameen Alaa , Niş Anıl , Gülşan Mehmet Eren
Published: November 2019

In the study, mechanical properties and durability performance of confined/unconfined geopolymer concrete and ordinary concrete specimens were investigated under ambient and seawater environments. Some of the specimens were confined by carbon fiber and basalt fiber–reinforced polymer fabric materials with one layer and three layers under chloride and ambient environments to observe mechanical strength contribution and durability performances of these hybrid types of materials. These fiber-reinforced polymer fabric materials were also evaluated in terms of retrofit purposes especially in the marine structures. In addition, microstructural evaluation is also conducted using scanning electron microscope on geopolymer concrete and ordinary concrete specimens to observe the amount of deterioration in microscale due to the chloride attacks. Results indicated that confined specimens exhibited enhanced strength, ductility, and durability properties than unconfined specimens, and the degree of the enhancement depended on the fiber-reinforced polymer confinement type and the number of fiber-reinforced polymer layer. Specimens confined by carbon fabrics with three layers showed superior mechanical properties and durability performance against chloride attack, while specimens confined by basalt fabrics with one layer exhibited low performance, and unconfined specimens showed the worst performance. Both fiber-reinforced polymer fabric materials can be utilized as retrofit materials in structural elements against chloride attacks. The results also pointed out that seawater attack reduced the ductility performance of the geopolymer concrete and ordinary concrete specimens. Furthermore, geopolymer concrete specimens were found more durable than the ordinary concrete specimens, and both types of concretes exhibited similar fracture properties, indicating that geopolymer concrete can be utilized for structural elements instead of ordinary concretes.
Right-wingers on the rise online: Insights from the 2018 Swedish elections
Authors: Larsson Anders Olof
Published: November 2019

Political elections see several actors rise to the fore in order to influence and inform voters. Increasingly, such processes take place on social media like Facebook, where media outlets and politicians alike utilize seek promote their respective agenda. Given the recent rise of so-called hyperpartisan media—often described as purveyors of “fake news”—and populist right-wing parties across a series of western contexts, this study details the degree to which these novel actors succeed in overtaking their more mainstream or indeed established competitors when it comes to audience engagement on the mentioned platform. Focusing on the one-month period leading up to the 2018 Swedish national elections, the study finds that right-wing actors across the media and the political sector are more successful in engaging their Facebook followers than their competitors. As audience engagement is a key factor for social media success, the study closes by providing a discussion on the repercussions for professionals within the media and the political sector.
The inclusion of the term ‘color’ in any racial label is racist, is it not?
Authors: Kalunta-Crumpton Anita
Published: November 2019

Through an examination of the term people of color, this conceptual paper illustrates how the use of historical racial labels in the US, supposedly aimed at denouncing racism, seems to reproduce that which the labels purport to condemn. With a primary focus on Blacks or African-Americans, this paper draws purely on a review and analysis of secondary information to argue that any antiracist agenda that utilizes terms that were associated with historical racism may well be reproducing the racist ideologies that justified slavery and Jim Crow laws. This paper calls for the elimination of the term people of color and related labels from popular usage for the following reasons: (1) the racialized representation of color in historical race relations, (2) the deleterious implications of color for contemporary interracial and intraracial relations, and (3) the misleading universalism and racial divisiveness in the term people of color. These issues are discussed following an introduction and a conceptual framework. The paper concludes with a recommendation of appropriate terms for racial identification.
Thinking conjuncturally about ideology, housing and English planning
Authors: Inch Andy , Shepherd Edward
Published: November 2019

This article explores the value of Stuart Hall’s approach to conjunctural analysis for examining the complex relations between ideology and planning. By ‘thinking conjuncturally’, we explore planning as a site where multiple social, economic and political forces coalesce; ideology is one of these forces whose role and influence must be tracked alongside others. To illustrate this, we draw on recent and ongoing planning reforms in England and their relationship with housing development. Highlighting the faltering role of a particular ideological formation in ‘suturing together contradictory lines of argument and emotional investments’ around housing and planning, this article draws attention to planning as a space where ideological struggle takes place within the frame of a broader, contingent cultural hegemony. This struggle may help to reaffirm that hegemony, but it can also open space for alternative visions to be articulated, with potential to transform dominant logics of planning, and reveal routes to practical and progressive action.
Critique and post-critique in contemporary art history: Excessive attachment to suspicion in academia and beyond
Authors: Callahan Sara
Published: November 2019

This essay offers a broad look at the way critique as a mode, method, and attitude in post-war art history research and teaching intersects with occurrences of critique in humanities scholarship and teaching generally, but also how distorted forms of critique occur in contexts outside the academic field. The essay outlines concerns raised by humanities scholars with what they consider to be an over-reliance on critique as a negative skill, resulting in scholarship that tears down without building up, and self-satisfied debunking of anything that does not stand up to the current era’s identity politics. The essay argues that the question of critique is of particular urgency to the field of contemporary art. Here critique is embedded in the material studied—artworks, artistic practices, and discourses—and therefore in dire need of being understood, challenged, and decentered as a method.
Experimental modelling of spray deflection influence on planing craft performance in calm water and waves
Authors: Wielgosz Chiara , Rosén Anders , Datla Raju , Chung Uihoon , Danielsson Jonas
Published: November 2019

This study explores the prospects of using scaled model experiments for capturing the influence of a novel spray deflection concept on planing craft performance in calm water and in waves. An experimental setup with a towed planing craft model is designed and systematic experiments are performed, first with a bare hull model and then with the same model equipped with spray deflectors. Measured trim, sinkage and resistance in calm water and accelerations and resistance in waves are presented. The results, as well as various aspects of the experimental setup and the spray phenomenon, are discussed. The experimental results indicate that the studied spray deflector concept can have positive effects by lowering the resistance as well as the acceleration in waves. The detailed tailoring of the deflectors is concluded to be crucial. The developed experimental setup is concluded to give consistent results that capture the influence of the spray deflection details on the craft resistance and responses and is concluded to be useful for further research as well as for design purposes.