bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Economic Benefits of Irrigation Districts under Prior Appropriation Doctrine: An Econometric Analysis of Agricultural Land‐Allocation Decisions
Authors: Ji Xinde , Cobourn Kelly M.
Published: January 2018

The economic literature has established that prior appropriation doctrine induces heterogeneity in risk among water users, which leads to an inefficient allocation of resources. In this study, we show that irrigation districts alleviate that risk by deviating from the strict application of prior appropriation doctrine. As a result, farmers inside irrigation districts are able to plant more water‐intensive crops than farmers outside irrigation districts, which increases average profitability. We empirically examine this hypothesis by leveraging a georeferenced panel data set at the spatial scale of the individual water right and spanning 2007–14 in Idaho's Eastern Snake River Plain. Our results indicate that on average, irrigation districts allocate larger portions of their land to drought‐sensitive, high‐value crops such as sugar beets and potatoes. As a result of differences in planting decisions, members of irrigation districts earn on average $16.20 per acre, or 6.0% more per year than those outside of irrigation districts.
P‐wave and interatrial block: New predictor for atrial high rate episodes in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices
Authors: Rubio Campal José M. , Benezet‐Mazuecos Juan , Iglesias Bravo José Antonio , Sánchez Borque Pepa , Miracle Blanco Ángel , de la Vieja Alarcón Juan José , Martínez Mariscal Jaime , Baranchuk Adrian M. , Farré Muncharaz Jerónimo
Published: January 2018

Background

The presence of interatrial block (IAB) is associated with the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to determine whether P‐wave duration and presence of IAB before the implantation of a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) are associated with the presence of atrial high rate episodes (AHRE), during long‐term follow‐up.

Methods

380 patients (57% men; 75 ± 10 years) were included. IAB was defined according to the International Consensus Criteria. AHRE was defined as an episode of atrial rate ≥225 beats/min with a minimum duration of 5 minutes.

Results

Documented paroxysmal AF before the implantation was present in 24% of the patients; 80% had hypertension and 32% structural heart disease. Mean P‐wave duration was 123 ± 23 ms, and 39% of the patients had IAB (32% partial, 7% advanced). After a mean follow‐up of 18 ± 12 months, 33% of the patients presented AHRE. Patients with AHRE had a P‐wave duration significantly longer (130 ± 24 ms vs 119 ± 21 ms; P < 0.001) and a greater prevalence of IAB (53% vs 32%; P < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, predictors of AHRE were: IAB (odds ratio [OR] 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.3–3.4], P < 0.001) and previous paroxysmal AF (OR 2.6; 95% CI [1.5–4.3], P < 0.001). In patients without previous AF, the presence of IAB was also a significant predictor of AHRE (OR 3.1; 95% CI [1.8–5.5], P < 0.001).

Conclusions

IAB is a strong predictor of AHRE in patients with CIED. This finding is independent of the presence of prior paroxysmal AF.
Long‐term effects of intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) on canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Timm Katrin , Mueller Ralf S. , Nett‐Mettler Claudia S.
Published: January 2018

Background

Subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) is an established and efficacious therapy for canine atopic dermatitis (AD). In humans, intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) was reported to be associated with fewer and less severe adverse effects than subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy and to be efficacious for several years after three intralymphatic injections.

Objective

To evaluate safety and effects ofILITin a case series of dogs with (AD).

Animals

Fifty one privately owned dogs withAD.

Methods

Dogs received injections of 0.2 mL alum‐precipitated allergen extract into the popliteal lymph nodes at monthly intervals for 3–5 months. Lesion scores, pruritus and medication scores were determined before and at three and 12 months after beginning immunotherapy, and compared in a per protocol analysis (PP) and an intention‐to‐treat analysis (ITT).

Results

Twenty two dogs completed the study and 29 dogs did not fulfil study completion criteria due to lack of a final study visit (21 of 29) or due to insufficient improvement (14 of 29). All scores improved during the study with both analyses. For pruritus and Quality of Life scores this improvement was significant with both analyses; for Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI)‐03 values and medication scores only withPP. The only rare adverse effects observed included mild swelling of the lymph node post‐injection and increased pruritus.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

ILITis safe and feasible, and provides long‐lasting relief in some atopic dogs with a limited number of injections.
Proper Orthogonal Decomposition Framework for the Explicit Solution of Discrete Systems With Softening Response
Authors: Ceccato Chiara , Zhou Xinwei , Pelessone Daniele , Cusatis Gianluca
Published: January 2018

The application of explicit dynamics to simulate quasi-static events often becomes impractical in terms of computational cost. Different solutions have been investigated in the literature to decrease the simulation time and a family of interesting, increasingly adopted approaches are the ones based on the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) as a model reduction technique. In this study, the algorithmic framework for the integration of the equation of motions through POD is proposed for discrete linear and nonlinear systems: a low dimensional approximation of the full order system is generated by the so-called proper orthogonal modes (POMs), computed with snapshots from the full order simulation. Aiming to a predictive tool, the POMs are updated in itinere alternating the integration in the complete system, for the snapshots collection, with the integration in the reduced system. The paper discusses details of the transition between the two systems and issues related to the application of essential and natural boundary conditions (BCs). Results show that, for one-dimensional (1D) cases, just few modes are capable of excellent approximation of the solution, even in the case of stress–strain softening behavior, allowing to conveniently increase the critical time-step of the simulation without significant loss in accuracy. For more general three-dimensional (3D) situations, the paper discusses the application of the developed algorithm to a discrete model called lattice discrete particle model (LDPM) formulated to simulate quasi-brittle materials characterized by a softening response. Efficiency and accuracy of the reduced order LDPM response are discussed with reference to both tensile and compressive loading conditions.
Design of the Interacting-BoomCopter Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Remote Sensor Mounting
Authors: McArthur Daniel R. , Chowdhury Arindam B. , Cappelleri David J.
Published: January 2018

This paper presents the design of the interacting-BoomCopter (I-BoomCopter) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for mounting a remote sensor package on a vertical surface. Critical to the design is the novel, custom, light-weight passive end effector. The end effector has a forward-facing sonar sensor and in-line force sensor to enable autonomous sensor mounting tasks. The I-BoomCopter's front boom is equipped with a horizontally mounted propeller, which can provide forward and reverse thrust with zero roll and pitch angles. The design and modeling of the updated I-BoomCopter platform is presented along with prototype flight test results. A teleoperated wireless camera sensor mounting task examines the updated platform's suitability for mounting remote sensor packages. Additionally, an autonomous control strategy for remote sensor mounting with the I-BoomCopter is proposed, and autonomous test flights demonstrate the efficacy of the approach.
Design of a Flapping Wing Mechanism to Coordinate Both Wing Swing and Wing Pitch
Authors: Wang Peter L. , Michael McCarthy J.
Published: January 2018

This paper presents a design procedure to achieve a flapping wing mechanism for a micro-air vehicle that coordinates both the wing swing and wing pitch with one actuator. The mechanism combines a planar four-bar linkage with a spatial four-bar linkage attached to the input and output links forming a six-bar linkage. The planar four-bar linkage was designed to control the wing swing trajectory profile and the spatial four-bar linkage was designed to coordinate the pitch of the wing to the swing movement. Tolerance zones were specified around the accuracy points, which were then sampled to generate a number of design candidates. The result was 29 designs that achieve the desired coordination of wing swing and pitch, and a prototype was constructed.
Lymphatic malformation with acquired Horner syndrome in an infant
Authors: Spors Birgit , Seemann Joerg , Homer Natalie , Fay Aaron
Published: January 2018

An infant presented with right upper eyelid ptosis and was subsequently diagnosed with acquired Horner syndrome. Further evaluation revealed a right-sided cervicothoracic lymphatic malformation. At 13 weeks of age, the child underwent percutaneous intracystic sclerotherapy with a mixture of sodium tetradecyl sulphate and ethanol. Twenty-one weeks after initial treatment, ophthalmic examination showed complete resolution of the blepharoptosis and pupillary miosis. Percutaneous sclerotherapy not only effectively treated the space-occupying lymphatic malformation but also reversed the Horner syndrome that was presumably induced by neural tension (more likely) or compression.
Origins of tobacco harm reduction in the UK: the ‘Product Modification Programme' (1972–1991)
Authors: Elias Jesse , Ling Pamela M
Published: January 2018

Objective

To better understand the current embrace of long-term nicotine maintenance by British governmental agencies and tobacco harm reduction by several leading British public health organisations, describe the context and deliberations of the UK’s first formal tobacco risk reduction programme: ‘Product Modification’.

Methods

Analysis of previously secret tobacco industry documents, news archives and Parliamentary debate records.

Results

From 1972 to 1991, the British government sought to investigate safer smoking through the ‘product modification programme'. The Independent Scientific Committee on Smoking and Health (ISCSH) advised the British government on these efforts and collaborated with the tobacco industry, with which government then negotiated to determine policy. The ISCSH operated from four industry-backed premises, which contributed to the ISCSH’s support of safer smoking: (1) reduced toxicity indicates reduced risk; (2) collaboration with the tobacco industry will not undermine tobacco control; (3) nicotine addiction is unavoidable; (4) to curtail cigarette use, solutions must be consumer-approved (ie, profitable). These premises often undermined tobacco control efforts and placed the ISCSH at odds with broader currents in public health. The product modification programme was abandoned in 1991 as the European Community began requiring members to adopt upper tar limits, rendering the ISCSH redundant.

Policy implications

Endorsements of reduced harm tobacco products share the same four premises that supported the product modification programme. Current tobacco harm reduction premises and policies supported by the British government and leading British public health organisations may reflect the historical influence of the tobacco industry.
A Domino Circuit Technique for Noise-Immune High Fan-In Gates
Authors: Asyaei Mohammad , Moradi Farshad
Published: January 2018

Noise immunity is an important concern in deep nano-scale technologies, especially for high fan-in gates. In this paper, a new domino circuit technique is proposed by which the noise immunity of high fan-in gates increases while the power consumption reduces. The proposed technique is based on the comparison of two currents, which vary with respect to the voltage across the pull-down network (PDN). By comparing these currents, the voltage level of the dynamic node is pulled up or pulled down depending on the input voltages. Using this technique, the voltage swing on the PDN can be decreased to reduce the power consumption. Moreover, a diode-connected NMOS transistor is added in series with the PDN in the proposed technique. This will result in reducing the subthreshold leakage current due to the stacking effect and, as a result, the noise immunity will improve. To demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed domino design over the conventional techniques, high fan-in gates are designed and compared in 90[Formula: see text]nm CMOS technology. Simulation results exhibit at least 1.87X noise immunity improvement and 20% power consumption reduction in comparison to the standard footless domino (SFLD) circuits at the same delay.
Low Voltage Low Power Fully Integrated Chaos Generator
Authors: Jin Jie , Zhao LV
Published: January 2018

A low voltage low power fully integrated chaos generator is presented in this paper. Comparing with the conventional off-the-shelf electronic components-based chaos generators, the designed circuit is fully integrated, and it achieves lower supply voltage, lower power dissipation and smaller chip area. The proposed fully integrated chaos generator is verified with GlobalFoundries 0.18[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m CMOS 1P6M RF process using Cadence IC Design Tools. The simulation results demonstrate that the fully integrated chaos generator consumes only 17[Formula: see text]mW from [Formula: see text]2.5[Formula: see text]V supply voltage. Moreover, the chip area of the chaos generator is only 1.755[Formula: see text]mm2 including the testing pads, and it has a wide range of practical application prospects.
Planning and Decision-Making for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Schwarting Wilko , Alonso-Mora Javier , Rus Daniela
Published: January 2018

In this review, we provide an overview of emerging trends and challenges in the field of intelligent and autonomous, or self-driving, vehicles. Recent advances in the field of perception, planning, and decision-making for autonomous vehicles have led to great improvements in functional capabilities, with several prototypes already driving on our roads and streets. Yet challenges remain regarding guaranteed performance and safety under all driving circumstances. For instance, planning methods that provide safe and system-compliant performance in complex, cluttered environments while modeling the uncertain interaction with other traffic participants are required. Furthermore, new paradigms, such as interactive planning and end-to-end learning, open up questions regarding safety and reliability that need to be addressed. In this survey, we emphasize recent approaches for integrated perception and planning and for behavior-aware planning, many of which rely on machine learning. This raises the question of verification and safety, which we also touch upon. Finally, we discuss the state of the art and remaining challenges for managing fleets of autonomous vehicles.
Connections Between Metabolism and Epigenetics in Programming Cellular Differentiation
Authors: Chisolm Danielle A. , Weinmann Amy S.
Published: January 2018

Researchers are intensifying efforts to understand the mechanisms by which changes in metabolic states influence differentiation programs. An emerging objective is to define how fluctuations in metabolites influence the epigenetic states that contribute to differentiation programs. This is because metabolites such as S-adenosylmethionine, acetyl-CoA, α-ketoglutarate, 2-hydroxyglutarate, and butyrate are donors, substrates, cofactors, and antagonists for the activities of epigenetic-modifying complexes and for epigenetic modifications. We discuss this topic from the perspective of specialized CD4+ T cells as well as effector and memory T cell differentiation programs. We also highlight findings from embryonic stem cells that give mechanistic insight into how nutrients processed through pathways such as glycolysis, glutaminolysis, and one-carbon metabolism regulate metabolite levels to influence epigenetic events and discuss similar mechanistic principles in T cells. Finally, we highlight how dysregulated environments, such as the tumor microenvironment, might alter programming events.
The Association among Default Mode Network Functional Connectivity, Mentalization, and Psychopathology in a Nonclinical Sample: An eLORETA Study
Authors: Farina Benedetto , Della Marca Giacomo , Maestoso Giulia , Amoroso Noemi , Valenti Enrico Maria , Carbone Giuseppe Alessio , Massullo Chiara , Contardi Anna , Imperatori Claudio
Published: January 2018

Aims: We investigated default mode network (DMN) electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity differences between individuals with self-reported high mentalization capability and low psychopathological symptoms, versus participants with mentalization impairments and high psychopathological symptoms. Methods: Forty-nine students (35 women) with a mean age of 22.92 ± 2.53 years were administered the Mentalization Questionnaire (MZQ) and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. Five minutes of EEG during resting state were also recorded for each participant. DMN functional connectivity analyses were conducted by means of the exact Low Resolution Electric Tomography software (eLORETA). Results: Compared to the individuals with high mentalization capability and lower self-reported psychopathological symptoms, participants with mentalization impairments and high psychopathological symptoms showed a decrease of EEG beta connectivity between: (i) the right and left medial frontal lobe, and (ii) the left medial frontal lobe and the right anterior cingulate cortex. Furthermore, while MZQ total score was positively associated with DMN network connections (i.e., right and left medial frontal lobes), several psychopathological symptoms (i.e., interpersonal sensitivity, depression, and psychoticism) were negatively associated with DMN connectivity. Conclusion: Our results may reflect a top-down emotion regulation deficit which is associated with both internalizing and externalizing behavior problems.
Acantholimon davisii (Plumbaginaceae), a new specific name for the Turkish endemic A. caryophyllaceum subsp. parviflorum

Authors: AKAYDIN GALİP , CRESPO MANUEL B.
Published: January 2018

Acantholimon Boissier (1846: 69) nom. cons., was first described to include perennial, densely or laxly pulvinate subshrubs, mostly thorny and cushion-forming. The genus currently contains about 200 taxa, mainly distributed from SE-Europe to C-Asia (see e.g., Kubitzki 1993). The main distribution centres of the genus are in the eastern Mediterranean and the Irano-Turanian regions (Bokhari 1970, Yıldırım & Crespo 2014), where many endemics occur. Taxa in Acantholimon have considerable ecological and economic importance, mostly as ornamental plants because their long-lasting and nicely coloured flowers (Doǧan & Akaydın 2004).
Alyssum doerfleri Degen (Brassicaceae), new for the Italian flora
Authors: BERNARDO LILIANA , MAIORCA GIOVANNI , ROMA-MARZIO FRANCESCO , PERUZZI LORENZO
Published: January 2018

Alyssum doerfleri is recorded for the first time in Italy from Monte Sellaro, Pollino National Park (southern Apennines, Calabria). Macro- and micro-morphology (including SEM study of trichomes) and karyology (2n = 16) of the Italian plants are congruent with the data available for Balkan populations. Chorological and conservation features of this species are presented and discussed.
Attitudes towards income inequality: ‘Winners’ versus ‘losers’ of the perceived meritocracy
Authors: Roex Karlijn LA , Huijts Tim , Sieben Inge
Published: January 2018

Individuals with a higher social position are more tolerant of current income inequality than individuals with a lower social position. Besides this, attitudes towards income inequality are influenced by inequality-legitimising myths in a given society. Little is known about how these two factors interact. This study combines these two lines of research and argues that different social strata are more polarised in their attitudes towards inequality in societies with strong prevalent meritocratic perceptions. We expect lower-status individuals (i.e. with a lower income or education) to experience a threat to their group esteem and therefore be less likely to support their society’s inequalities in societies with such strong meritocratic perceptions. This hypothesis was tested using data from the International Social Survey Programme 2009 (Social Inequality) on 39 countries. The results show that different social strata are indeed more polarised in their attitudes towards inequality in societies where meritocratic perceptions are more prevalent. Our results are robust for income, but not for education. This suggests that in perceived meritocracies, people regard income as the primary indicator of effort and ability.
From Opt Out to Blocked Out: The Challenges for Labor Market Re-entry after Family-Related Employment Lapses
Authors: Weisshaar Katherine
Published: January 2018

In today’s labor market, the majority of individuals experience a lapse in employment at some point in their careers, most commonly due to unemployment from job loss or leaving work to care for family or children. Existing scholarship has studied how unemployment affects subsequent career outcomes, but the consequences of temporarily “opting out” of work to care for family are relatively unknown. In this article, I ask: how do “opt out” parents fare when they re-enter the labor market? I argue that opting out signals a violation of ideal worker norms to employers—norms that expect employees to be highly dedicated to work—and that this signal is distinct from two other types of résumé signals: signals produced by unemployment due to job loss and the signal of motherhood or fatherhood. Using an original survey experiment and a large-scale audit study, I test the relative strength of these three résumé signals. I find that mothers and fathers who temporarily opted out of work to care for family fared significantly worse in terms of hiring prospects, relative to applicants who experienced unemployment due to job loss and compared to continuously employed mothers and fathers. I examine variation in these signals’ effects across local labor markets, and I find that within competitive markets, penalties emerged for continuously employed mothers and became even greater for opt out fathers. This research provides a causal test of the micro- and macro-level demand-side processes that disadvantage parents who leave work to care for family. This is important because when opt out applicants are prevented from re-entering the labor market, employers reinforce standards that exclude parents from full participation in work.
The homosexual advance defence in Australia: An examination of sentencing practices and provocation law reform
Authors: McGeary Rebecca , Fitz-Gibbon Kate
Published: January 2018

In May 2015, the judgment of the High Court of Australia in Lindsay v The Queen reignited debate surrounding the use of the partial defence of provocation in cases involving a non-violent homosexual advance. Lindsay re-established the legal possibility that a man provoked enough to lose self-control and commit lethal violence in response to a non-violent homosexual advance could be convicted of manslaughter by reason of provocation rather than murder. The judgment arrived in the midst of two decades of national law reform activity, whereby all Australian jurisdictions have either introduced or proposed reform to abolish or restrict the application of the controversial partial defence of provocation. In doing so, cases involving a homosexual advance defence are increasingly shifting to the realm of sentencing. This article offers a timely analysis of the sentencing of homosexual advance defence cases in New South Wales and Queensland. In doing so, it examines the judicial treatment of a defendant’s claim of a ‘special sensitivity’ to a homosexual advance, problems arising from the private nature of an alleged homosexual advance and the treatment of intoxication in sentencing. It reveals that reform of legal categories alone may not be sufficient in ensuring a just legal response to homicides incited by alleged homosexual advances.
Patient predictors of response to cognitive behaviour therapy and schema therapy for depression
Authors: Carter Janet D , McIntosh Virginia VW , Jordan Jennifer , Porter Richard J , Douglas Katie , Frampton Christopher M , Joyce Peter R
Published: January 2018

Objective:

Few studies have examined differential predictors of response to psychotherapy for depression. Greater understanding about the factors associated with therapeutic response may better enable therapists to optimise response by targeting therapy for the individual. The aim of the current exploratory study was to examine patient characteristics associated with response to cognitive behaviour therapy and schema therapy for depression.

Methods:

Participants were 100 outpatients in a clinical trial randomised to either cognitive behaviour therapy or schema therapy. Potential predictors of response examined included demographic, clinical, functioning, cognitive, personality and neuropsychological variables.

Results:

Individuals with chronic depression and increased levels of pre-treatment negative automatic thoughts had a poorer response to both cognitive behaviour therapy and schema therapy. A treatment type interaction was found for verbal learning and memory. Lower levels of verbal learning and memory impairment markedly impacted on response to schema therapy. This was not the case for cognitive behaviour therapy, which was more impacted if verbal learning and memory was in the moderate range.

Conclusion:

Study findings are consistent with the Capitalisation Model suggesting that therapy that focuses on the person’s strengths is more likely to contribute to a better outcome. Limitations were that participants were outpatients in a randomised controlled trial and may not be representative of other depressed samples. Examination of a variety of potential predictors was exploratory and requires replication.
Do Social Norms Affect Support for Earthquake-Strengthening Legislation? Comparing the Effects of Descriptive and Injunctive Norms
Authors: Vinnell Lauren J. , Milfont Taciano L. , McClure John
Published: January 2018

Social norms have been successfully applied in health promotion and environmental conservation, but their potential for encouraging natural hazard preparation is relatively untested. This research extends the focus theory of normative conduct to natural hazards and cognitive-behavioral outcomes by examining whether focusing individuals on descriptive and injunctive norms increases their support for earthquake-strengthening legislation in a seismically active city: Wellington, New Zealand. In a large community sample ( N = 690), the injunctive norm condition increased support for the legislation compared with the control, whereas the descriptive norm condition did not. In contrast, the descriptive norm condition raised judgments of the feasibility of the strengthening work compared with the control, whereas the injunctive norm condition did not. These findings support previous research demonstrating the differing effects of descriptive and injunctive forms of normative information, and suggest that using both in the same communication is the best strategy for enhancing support for earthquake-strengthening legislation.
Newly Initiated In-Hospital Antipsychotics Continued at Discharge in Non-psychiatric Patients
Authors: Fontaine Gabriel V. , Mortensen Whitney , Guinto Kathryn M. , Scott Danielle M. , Miller Russell R.
Published: January 2018

Objectives: Antipsychotics are commonly initiated in the hospital for agitation and delirium and may be inappropriately continued upon floor transfer and at discharge. We sought to evaluate the magnitude of this issue within our health care system. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective cohort study within a 22-hospital health care system to evaluate the proportion of patients without identifiable psychiatric illness who received newly initiated inpatient antipsychotics and were then continued on an antipsychotic at hospital discharge. Results: Of 23 049 patients who received at least 1 in-hospital dose of haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, or ziprasidone, 8297 patients were included in the final analysis after applying exclusion for identifiable psychiatric illness or previous antipsychotic use. Ultimately, 334 patients (4%) were discharged with a new antipsychotic prescription. Patients receiving antipsychotics at discharge were more likely as an inpatient to receive quetiapine (77.2% vs 35.9%; odds ratio [OR]: 6.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.7-8.0; P < .001) and less likely to receive haloperidol (15% vs 47%; OR: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.14-0.27; P < .001) or olanzapine (16.2% vs 20.9%; OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.53-0.98; P < .04). Conclusions: Antipsychotics may be inappropriately continued in non-psychiatric patients at hospital discharge. Strategies to limit potentially unnecessary antipsychotics upon discharge should be evaluated.
Legibility of Text and Pictograms in Variable Message Signs: Can Single-Word Messages Outperform Pictograms?
Authors: Roca Javier , Insa Beatriz , Tejero Pilar
Published: January 2018

Objective:

The current research shows the advantage of single-word messages in the particular case of variable message signs (VMSs) with a high aspect ratio.

Background:

Early studies on traffic sign design proposed that pictorial information would advantage equivalent text messages in static signs.

Method:

We used a driving simulator to present individually 36 VMSs, showing six words (e.g., “congestion”) and six danger signs (e.g., congestion traffic sign). In Experiment 1, 18 drivers read aloud the text or orally identified the pictograms as soon as they could correctly do it. In Experiment 2, a different sample of 18 drivers gave a motor response, according to the meaning of the message. We analyzed the legibility distance and accuracy, driving performance (speed variability), and glance behavior.

Results:

Our results show that single-word messages were associated with better performance (farther reading distances) and required less visual demands (fewer glances and less glancing times) than pictograms.

Conclusion:

As typical configurations of VMSs usually have a high aspect ratio, and thus allow large character heights, single-word messages can outperform the legibility of pictograms. However, the final advantage of text or pictorial messages would depend on several factors, such as the driver’s knowledge of the language and the pictogram set, the use of single or multiple words, the particular design and size of critical details in letters and pictograms, environmental factors, and driver age.

Application:

Potential applications include the design of VMSs and other devices aimed at displaying text and/or pictograms with a high aspect ratio.
Dent depth visibility versus delamination damage for impact of composite panels by tips of varying radius
Authors: Delaney Mac P , Fung Sarah YK , Kim Hyonny
Published: January 2018

The ability to visually detect damage from impact events is a common concern for carbon/epoxy composite laminates, particularly because composite materials can sustain impact damage in forms such as delamination and backside fiber breakage that is not directly visible at the site of the impact. Therefore, a relationship drawn between the internal damage level and visibility of surface dents would be useful. An experimental investigation is presented on the relationship between visual detectability and the extent of internal damage created by low-velocity impacts. The specimens examined were 8, 16, and 24 ply carbon/epoxy panels impacted by tips of radii: 12.7, 25.4, 50.8, and 76.2 mm. In order to quantitatively describe the visibility of the damage, the depth and span of the surface dents were considered. The results indicate that there are direct relationships between visible and internal damage, but that these relationships are strongly dependent on the radius of the impact tip. Small radius impactors can leave significant visual evidence (i.e. surface dent) without creating internal damage, while the larger radius blunt impactors can create large-area internal delamination without leaving any visual evidence. Therefore, the visual detectability of impact damage is highly dependent upon tip radius, and the level of internal damage cannot be determined based on visual observation alone, especially since in practice, the radius of an impacting object is not always known.
“It Was . . . the Word ‘Scrotum’ on the First Page”: Educators’ Perspectives of Controversial Literature
Authors: Kimmel Sue C. , Hartsfield Danielle E.
Published: January 2018

Preemptive censorship occurs when educators avoid particular books because they dislike the ideas or values the books contain or fear the controversy the books may evoke. Although not as blatant as other forms of censorship, preemptive censorship has the unfortunate consequence of restricting children’s access to ideas and information. Moreover, preemptive censorship violates students’ intellectual freedom and right to read. In this study, we employ critical discourse analysis to examine discussions by preservice teachers and school librarians as they responded to a controversial children’s book. Our analysis of the discussions revealed that many preservice educators maintain a protective view of children, fear the negative reactions of parents, and would choose to engage in preemptive censorship rather than create controversy in their classrooms and schools. We conclude by recommending ways that teacher educators can support preservice teachers and school librarians in their efforts to promote the professional value of intellectual freedom.
The General Motor Ability Hypothesis: An Old Idea Revisited
Authors: Hands Beth , McIntyre Fleur , Parker Helen
Published: January 2018

While specific motor abilities have become a popular explanation for motor performance, the older, alternate notion of a general motor ability should be revisited. Current theories lack consensus, and most motor assessment tools continue to derive a single composite score to represent motor capacity. In addition, results from elegant statistical procedures such as higher order factor analyses, cluster analyses, and Item Response Theory support a more global motor ability. We propose a contemporary model of general motor ability as a unidimensional construct that is emergent and fluid over an individual’s lifespan, influenced by both biological and environmental factors. In this article, we address the implications of this model for theory, practice, assessment, and research. Based on our hypothesis and Item Response Theory, our Lifespan Motor Ability Scale can identify motor assessment tasks that are relevant and important across varied phases of lifespan development.
When breast is not best: Opposing dominant discourses on breastfeeding
Authors: Símonardóttir Sunna , Gíslason Ingólfur V.
Published: January 2018

Dominant discourses on breastfeeding as the optimal feeding method for infants and a way for mother and child to develop a strong bond are widely promoted and the message of ‘breast is best’ has been internalized by mothers around the world. Breastfeeding rates in Iceland and the other Nordic countries are among the highest in the world and the cultural and societal expectations for women to successfully breastfeed are therefore very high, as breastfeeding represents a strong moral and social norm. Iceland is considered a model for gender equality and feminism and this article thus examines the experiences of women who have struggled with breastfeeding, in a context which strongly promotes both breastfeeding and gender equality. By analysing the narratives of 77 Icelandic women, this article extends theorizing about rhetorical agency and resistance by demonstrating how they oppose and challenge dominant discourses on breastfeeding and good mothering and what counter-discourses they draw upon in order to make sense of their experiences. The findings indicate that feminism and feminist rhetoric have been unsuccessful in addressing and providing women with counter-discourses that challenge the highly gendered and oppressive elements of infant feeding and its link to idealized versions of motherhood.
Personality as a Predictor of Unit Nonresponse in an Internet Panel
Authors: Cheng Albert , Zamarro Gema , Orriens Bart
Published: January 2018

Unit nonresponse in panel data sets is often a source of bias. Why certain individuals attrite from longitudinal studies and how to minimize this phenomenon have been examined by researchers. However, this research has typically focused on data sets collected via telephone, postal mail, or face-to-face interviews. Moreover, this research usually focuses on using demographic characteristics such as educational attainment or income to explain variation in the incidence of unit nonresponse. We make two contributions to the existing literature. First, we examine the incidence of unit nonresponse in an Internet panel, a relatively new, and hence understudied, approach to gathering longitudinal data. Second, we hypothesize that personality traits, which typically remain unobserved and unmeasured in many data sets, affect the likelihood of unit nonresponse. Using data from an Internet panel that includes self-reported measures of personality in its baseline survey, we find that conscientiousness and openness to experience predict the incidence of unit nonresponse in subsequent survey waves, even after controlling for cognitive ability and demographic characteristics that are usually available and used by researchers to correct for unit nonresponse. We also test the potential to use paradata as proxies for personality traits related to unit nonresponse. Although we show that these proxies are correlated with personality traits and predict unit nonresponse in the same way as self-reported measures of personality traits, it is also possible that they capture other idiosyncrasies related to future survey completion. Our results suggest that obtaining explicit measures of personality traits or finding better proxies for them could be valuable for more fully addressing the potential bias that may arise as a result of unit nonresponse.
Hepatitis A immunisation need in nursing students in Turkey
Authors: Kader Çiğdem , Erbay Ayşe , Kılıç Akça Nazan , Yüzer Alsaç Selda , Polat Sevinç
Published: January 2018

Hepatitis A is a worldwide vaccine-preventable infection. The aim of our study was to determine the serological status of hepatitis A virus (HAV) among first-year nursing students in Turkey. A sample of 423 students was used and immunoglobulin G antibodies against HAV were determined quantitatively by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on each. Overall, 84.6% had no immunity to HAV, making them at risk for HAV, and so susceptible to nosocomial transmission. Nursing students who work in high-risk wards must be vaccinated against hepatitis A.
User satisfaction and energy use behavior in offices in Qatar
Authors: Indraganti Madhavi , Boussaa Djamel , Assadi Somayeh , Mostavi Ehsan
Published: January 2018

The occupant behavior significantly contributes to the total energy use in buildings and its understanding is greatly needed in energy analysis/simulation studies. Uncertainties about the occupant behavior adversely affect the building performance predictability of the simulation models. As field data in Qatar on occupant energy use and behavior was unavailable, we conducted an environmental satisfaction and energy use survey in the city of Doha, Qatar in seven office buildings.

Building occupants were highly satisfied with their work environments with respect to most of the environmental parameters excepting acoustics. Access to operable controls such as windows, thermostats improved their satisfaction. Subjects in private offices were more satisfied with their work environments. We noted the self-declared productivity of respondents to be high in general. It was significantly higher in offices with better occupant access to temperature controls. Noise level dissatisfaction was the highest in high partitioned cubicle offices and satisfaction was high in open plan offices. These findings provide vital design direction for new offices and environmental systems design and for managerial motivational campaigns.

Practical application: Using field study data, we analyzed the occupant behavior and environmental satisfaction in offices in Doha, Qatar. The Middle East in general and Qatar in particular are known to consume enormous energy for buildings leaving a large ecological footprint. The finding of this study informs the designers of air-conditioning systems about the user behavioral patterns. Further, these findings help the building managers in designing targeted energy awareness/saving campaigns, as user motivation is vital in energy saving.
Metacognitive Reflection as a Moderator of Attitude Strength Versus Attitude Bolstering: Implications for Attitude Similarity and Attraction
Authors: Sawicki Vanessa , Wegener Duane T.
Published: January 2018

“Strong” attitudes often have greater impact than “weak” attitudes. However, emerging research suggests that weak (uncertain) attitudes can substantially influence thinking or behavior. We propose metacognitive reflection as a moderator between traditional strength patterns and these emerging attitude bolstering patterns. Across six studies, research participants encountered a target person who agreed or disagreed with participants’ attitudes. When focused on evaluating the target, attitudes predicted target evaluations better when the attitude was held with certainty (Study 1A), or after certainty had been primed (Studies 2A and 3; strength effects). However, when engaged in attitudinal social comparison (metacognitive reflection), attitudes better predicted target evaluation when the attitudes were held with doubt (Study 1B), or after doubt had been primed (Studies 2B and 3; bolstering effects). Expected change in certainty served as a mediator of attitude effects in metacognitive reflection but not target-focus conditions when doubt had been primed (Study 4).
Comparison of three interactive video games for youth with visual impairments
Authors: Gasperetti Barbara A , Foley John T , Yang Stephen , Columna Luis , Lieberman Lauren J
Published: January 2018

There is a current trend toward using innovative interventions, such as active video gaming to increase physical activity levels among youth with visual impairments. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare three video games (Dance, Dance, Revolution [DDR]; EyeToy Kinetic; and Wii Boxing) in allowing youth with visual impairments to achieve time (seconds spent during a 10-min bout) in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Participants with complete data were youth ( N = 5) with visual impairments aged 10–16 years who played three games for 10-min bouts. Heart rate monitors measured physical activity intensity. A Friedman’s analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine differences between the three interactive video games. Most players were able to achieve time in MVPA in all three games and there was a significant difference in time spent in MVPA, χ2(2) = 7.4, p = .024, with the most time in MVPA from playing EyeToy Kinetic. This study demonstrated that EyeToy Kinetic, Wii Boxing, and DDR are capable of helping youth with visual impairments accrue time in MVPA.
Repression, Rivalry and Racketeering in the Creation of Franco’s Spain: The Curious Case of Emilio Griffiths
Authors: Stockey Gareth
Published: January 2018

This article charts the personal history of Emilio Griffiths Navarro, a key individual in the Francoist administration in the Campo de Gibraltar (Cádiz province) during the early months of the Spanish Civil War. Griffiths is used as a case study to analyse the dynamics of Francoist repression in Southern Spain, and in particular the construction of what Rúben Serém has referred to as the ‘kleptocratic state’ that Franco’s fellow conspirator, General Queipo de Llano, constructed in the South. The article reaffirms the degree to which personal networks, personal rivalries and personal gain played a role in the Francoist repression. As a local case study, it also notes the unique conditions provided by rebel Spain’s border with British Gibraltar, and how this shaped the nature and extent of that repression. The article charts Griffiths’ own demise, from senior rebel official to arrest and unexplained death at the hands of Francoist security forces just 10 months later, and uses the mystery to further speculate as to rivalries and repression in early-Francoist Spain.
Endovascular coil embolization and stenting for the treatment of iatrogenic right internal mammary artery injury: A case report
Authors: Jiang Zhen , Yang JinXiu , Wang XingXiang
Published: January 2018

A 54-year-old Chinese woman presented with a 10-year history of repeated paroxysmal palpitations. She was diagnosed with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia by 12-lead electrocardiogram and was advised to undergo catheter-based radiofrequency ablation. During the procedure, a rare complication occurred that was diagnosed as a right internal mammary artery penetrating injury. After appropriate emergency treatment with arterial embolization and membrane-covered stent implantation, the patient was out of immediate danger of haemorrhaging. Follow-up computed tomography angiography of the subclavian artery at 3 months after she was discharged from hospital revealed stent-graft patency with no evidence of in-stent thrombosis or stent stenosis. No problems were observed at the 6-month follow-up visit.
Pulse High Volume Hemofiltration
Authors: Brendolan A. , D'intini V. , Ricci Z. , Bonello M. , Ratanarat R. , Salvatori G. , Bordoni V. , De Cal M. , Andrikos E. , Ronco C.
Published: January 2018

The sepsis syndrome is the most common cause of acute renal failure and multiple organ dysfunction in critically ill subjects and continues to have an alarmingly high mortality. Normal immune homeostasis is interrupted by a complex storm of inflammatory mediators responsible for the deleterious effects. Extracorporeal blood purification techniques can confer benefits in sepsis by proven non-specific removal of these mediators (pro- or anti-inflammatory), and provide a logical and adequate approach to treat this syndrome. High volume hemofiltration (HVHF) has had the most dramatic effect conferring benefits in hemodynamics, reduction in vasopressor doses and improvement in survival. “Pulse HVHF” is the latest approach which may offer the most efficient results: a daily schedule of 6–8 hours followed by standard CVVH. This paper describes the rationale and potential of this technique. Reliability and tolerance of this technique and biological effects are described.