bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracting Optical Fiber Background from Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Spectra Based on Bi-Objective Optimization Modeling
Authors: Huang Jie , Shi Tielin , Tang Zirong , Zhu Wei , Liao Guanglan , Li Xiaoping , Gong Bo , Zhou Tengyuan
Published: April 2017

We propose a bi-objective optimization model for extracting optical fiber background from the measured surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) spectrum of the target sample in the application of fiber optic SERS. The model is built using curve fitting to resolve the SERS spectrum into several individual bands, and simultaneously matching some resolved bands with the measured background spectrum. The Pearson correlation coefficient is selected as the similarity index and its maximum value is pursued during the spectral matching process. An algorithm is proposed, programmed, and demonstrated successfully in extracting optical fiber background or fluorescence background from the measured SERS spectra of rhodamine 6G (R6G) and crystal violet (CV). The proposed model not only can be applied to remove optical fiber background or fluorescence background for SERS spectra, but also can be transferred to conventional Raman spectra recorded using fiber optic instrumentation.
A Vibrational Circular Dichroism Microsampling Accessory: Mapping Enhanced Vibrational Circular Dichroism in Amyloid Fibril Films
Authors: Lu Xuefang , Li Honggang , Nafie Jordan W. , Pazderka Tomáš , Pazderková Markéta , Dukor Rina K. , Nafie Laurence A.
Published: April 2017

We report the first vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) measurement of spatial heterogeneity in a sample using infrared (IR) microsampling. Vibrational circular dichroism spectra are typically measured using a standard IR cell with an IR beam diameter of 10 mm or greater making it impossible to investigate the spatial heterogeneity of a solid film sample. We have constructed a VCD sampling assembly with either 3 mm or 1 mm spatial resolution. An XY-translation stage was used to measure spectra at different spatial locations producing IR and VCD maps of the sample. In addition, a rotating sample stage was employed using a dual photoelastic modulator (PEM) setup to suppress artifacts due to linear birefringence in solid-phase or film samples. Infrared and VCD mapping of an insulin fibril film has been carried out at both 3 and 1 mm spatial resolution, and lysozyme films were mapped at 1 mm resolution. The IR spectra of different spots vary in intensity due primarily to sample thickness. The changes in the VCD intensity across the map largely correlate to corresponding changes in the IR map. Closer inspection of the insulin map revealed changes in the relative intensities of the VCD spectra not present in the parent IR spectra, which indicated differences in the degree of supramolecular chirality of the fibrils in the various spatial regions. For lysozyme films, in addition to different degrees of supramolecular chirality, reversal of the net fibril chirality was observed. The large signal-to-noise ratio observed at 1 mm resolution implies the feasibility of further increasing the spatial resolution by one or two orders of magnitude for protein fibril film samples.
Measurement and Control of Emissions from Diesel Engine Operated by Biodiesel with Bioadditives of Mentha piperita
Authors: Pillai N Subramonia , Kannan P Seeni , Suresh S , Vettivel SC
Published: April 2017

The sole intention of this investigation is to control and protect the environment by low emissions. An experiment was conducted in a DI CI engine by fueling with 20% of rubber seed biodiesel blended with diesel (B20). Similar experiments were performed with the three different proportions of combined additives (pentanol and Mentha piperita leaves extract), namely, B20A1, B20A2, and B20A3. The performance and emission characteristics were compared with baseline fuel (diesel). Compared with B20, B20A2 exhibited higher brake thermal efficiency of 27.98% and the brake-specific fuel consumption is less by 4.83%. However, the engine exhaust temperature was slightly higher. All the additive mixed blends emitted lesser CO, hydrocarbon, and smoke, especially with B20A2. In addition, B20A2 showed 12% reduction of NOx than B20. Experimental results proved that B20A2 blend was found to be a novel environmentally friendly fuel with most favorable emissions.
Investigation and Correction of Actual Microphone Response for Chatter Detection in Milling Operations
Authors: Sallese Lorenzo , Grossi Niccolò , Scippa Antonio , Campatelli Gianni
Published: April 2017

Integrating sensors in machine tools for monitoring purpose entails dealing with different issues, not only related to accessibility and safety but also to measureable bandwidth and linearity of the sensors. Those factors could be related to the sensor itself but also to sensor–machine interaction that could drastically affect sensor performances and reliability. This paper presents a dedicated experimental investigation of the actual response of microphone transducer inside the machine-tool chamber, highlighting the effects of the machine-tool chamber in altering response linearity. The identified response is then processed with specifically developed equalization filters to correct the measured response and rescale the amplitude of frequency contributions, as required by most chatter detection techniques. The main aspect of both the experimental identification procedure and the development of an effective correction approach are presented and discussed. Finally, the technique is tested in processing signals acquired in experimental chatter tests to estimate the achievable improvements.
Social capital and knowledge sharing in academic research teams
Authors: García-Sánchez Paola , Díaz-Díaz Nieves L. , De Saá-Pérez Petra
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this article is to analyse the role of social capital within academic research teams and its influence on knowledge sharing. An empirical study was carried out with 87 academic research teams at a Spanish university. The results show that internal ties have a positive effect on trust. Moreover, the results also reflect that both dimensions of social capital (internal ties and trust) have a positive and significant effect on research teams’ knowledge sharing. Therefore, the findings reveal that the network’s structure has a positive influence on the quality of relationships among academic researchers that favour knowledge sharing.

Points for practitioners

The results provide universities’ managers with a better understanding of internal social capital in academic research teams, which has important implications for researchers’ willingness to collaborate and share knowledge. Public university managers may use strategies to improve interdependence among research team members, favouring social relations among researchers. Thus, public universities should enhance research teams with stronger ties and high levels of trust that increase knowledge sharing.
Fabrication and characterization of 3D printed BaTiO3/PVDF nanocomposites
Authors: Kim Hoejin , Fernando Torres , Li Mingyue , Lin Yirong , Tseng Tzu-Liang Bill
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a fabrication process to enhance homogeneous dispersion of BaTiO3 nanoparticles in polyvinylidene fluoride matrix nanocomposites using fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing technique. The nanocomposites integrate the functional property (piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and dielectric) of BaTiO3 with the flexibility and lightweight of polyvinylidene fluoride. Traditionally, the simple yet effective way to fabricate the nanocomposites includes solvent-casting, spin-coating, and hot-embossing. However, these methods have disadvantages such as heterogeneous dispersion of BaTiO3 nanoparticles in polyvinylidene fluoride matrix due to the higher density of BaTiO3 compared with polyvinylidene fluoride and agglomeration during fabrication process. This heterogeneous dispersion could weaken functional and mechanical properties. Herein, fused deposition modeling 3D printing technique was utilized for homogeneous dispersion to alleviate the agglomeration of BaTiO3 in polyvinylidene fluoride through two processes: filament extrusion and 3D printing. In addition, thermal poling was applied to further enhance piezoelectric response of the BaTiO3/polyvinylidene fluoride nanocomposites. It is found that 3D printed BaTiO3/polyvinylidene fluoride nanocomposites exhibit three times higher piezoelectric response than solvent-casted nanocomposites.
The Transfiguration of Jesus and the Easter Visions
Authors: Guijarro Santiago
Published: April 2017

John Pilch was a forerunner in the study of extraordinary experiences in the New Testament. As a token of gratitude, this paper is devoted to him. It focuses on the Transfiguration story, and suggests that Jesus may have initiated his disciples to access alternate states of consciousness by means of visions they may have learned to re-enact. This pre-Easter practice would explain why the encounter with the Risen Lord took place primarily through visions whose basic pattern is that of the vision reported in this episode.
Alternate States of Consciousness and Biblical Research
Authors: Craffert Pieter F.
Published: April 2017

Nobody has done more than John Pilch to popularize the use of an ASC model for understanding the visions, sky journeys and other ecstatic experiences reported in biblical texts. He is to be credited for pointing out the ethnocentrism in traditional biblical research that do not take visions, soul journeys and the like seriously as culturally plausible human phenomena. He introduced the notion of alternate states of consciousness (ASCs), a well-known category in anthropological research, to biblical interpretation in an attempt to avoid the ethnocentrism that considers such reports as either nonhistorical or fictional. However, while avoiding ethnocentrism at this point he reintroduced it in two other ways. The first is by rejecting the so-called Western view of ASC experiences and secondly, by claiming that ASCs represent actual events that provide access to alternate reality—something that he considers to be absent from the reductionistic view of reality of Western cultures.
The Contribution of John Pilch to the Critical Interpretation of “the Extraordinary” in the Bible
Authors: Miquel Esther
Published: April 2017

This article assesses John Pilch's contribution to the exegesis of biblical texts dealing with extraordinary experiences and phenomena such as visions, flights of the soul, healings and the like. It focuses on Pilch's methodology for reconstructing the interpretations that the original audiences had most probably given to such texts. This methodology, which combines an emic approach with the use of different models drawn from medical anthropology, cultural and cognitive psychology and neurobiology, shows that ancient Mediterranean people would have considered those apparently fantastic stories of healings and visions plausible, because many among them had lived through similar experiences. The article contrasts the contextualized and scientifically informed realism that Pilch's interpretations ascribe to many of these texts with that pertaining to naïve and fundamentalist readings of the Bible.
Interventions to Improve Grandparent Caregivers’ Mental and Physical Health: An Integrative Review
Authors: Sumo Jen’nea , Wilbur JoEllen , Julion Wrenetha , Buchholz Susan , Schoeny Michael
Published: April 2017

The aim of this integrative review is to appraise grandparent caregiver interventions that are designed to improve their physical and mental health. A database search was performed to identify relevant studies published between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 2014. Thirteen publications, including 11 studies, met all inclusion and exclusion criteria. All studies included grandparent mental health outcomes with fewer focusing on physical health and social relations. Improvements were found in all three areas with fewer improvements seen in physical health. However, small effect sizes were seen with most measures of these outcomes. Although the interventions led to positive grandparent caregiver outcomes, the studies were limited by their design, only one of which was a randomized controlled trial. Also, interventions did not consider variations in the grandchild’s or parent’s ages or if the grandparent provided primary or shared care. These gaps should be addressed in future research.
What is stable pain control? A prospective longitudinal study to assess the clinical value of a personalized pain goal
Authors: Fainsinger Robin , Nekolaichuk Cheryl , Fainsinger Lara , Muller Viki , Fainsinger Lisa , Amigo Pablo , Brisebois Amanda , Burton-Macleod Sarah , Ghosh Sunita , Gilbert Rebekah , Tarumi Yoko , Thai Vincent , Wolch Gary
Published: April 2017

Background:

A universal consensus regarding standardized pain outcomes does not exist. The personalized pain goal has been suggested as a clinically relevant outcome measure.

Aim:

To assess the feasibility of obtaining a personalized pain goal and to compare a clinically based personalized pain goal definition versus a research-based study definition for stable pain.

Design:

Prospective longitudinal descriptive study.

Measures:

The attending physician completed routine assessments, including a personalized pain goal and the Edmonton Classification System for Cancer Pain, and followed patients daily until stable pain control, death, or discharge. Stable pain for cognitively intact patients was defined as pain intensity less than or equal to desired pain intensity goal (personalized pain goal definition) or pain intensity ⩽3 (Edmonton Classification System for Cancer Pain study definition) for three consecutive days with <3 breakthroughs per day.

Setting/participants:

A total of 300 consecutive advanced cancer patients were recruited from two acute care hospitals and a tertiary palliative care unit.

Results:

In all, 231/300 patients (77%) had a pain syndrome; 169/231 (73%) provided a personalized pain goal, with 113/169 (67%) reporting a personalized pain goal ⩽3 (median = 3, range = 0–10). Using the personalized pain goal definition as the gold standard, sensitivity and specificity of the Edmonton Classification System for Cancer Pain definition were 71.3% and 98.5%, respectively. For mild (0–3), moderate (4–6), and severe (7–10) pain, the highest sensitivity was for moderate pain (90.5%), with high specificity across all three categories (95%–100%).

Conclusion:

The personalized pain goal is a feasible outcome measure for cognitively intact patients. The Edmonton Classification System for Cancer Pain definition closely resembles patient-reported personalized pain goals for stable pain and would be appropriate for research purposes. For clinical pain management, it would be important to include the personalized pain goal as standard practice.
Cost-effectiveness of a transitional home-based palliative care program for patients with end-stage heart failure
Authors: Wong Frances Kam Yuet , So Ching , Ng Alina Yee Man , Lam Po-Tin , Ng Jeffrey Sheung Ching , Ng Nancy Hiu Yim , Chau June , Sham Michael Mau Kwong
Published: April 2017

Background:

Studies have shown positive clinical outcomes of specialist palliative care for end-stage heart failure patients, but cost-effectiveness evaluation is lacking.

Aim:

To examine the cost-effectiveness of a transitional home-based palliative care program for patients with end-stage heart failure patients as compared to the customary palliative care service.

Design:

A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted alongside a randomized controlled trial (Trial number: NCT02086305). The costs included pre-program training, intervention, and hospital use. Quality of life was measured using SF-6D.

Setting/participants:

The study took place in three hospitals in Hong Kong. The inclusion criteria were meeting clinical indicators for end-stage heart failure patients including clinician-judged last year of life, discharged to home within the service area, and palliative care referral accepted. A total of 84 subjects (study = 43, control = 41) were recruited.

Results:

When the study group was compared to the control group, the net incremental quality-adjusted life years gain was 0.0012 (28 days)/0.0077 (84 days) and the net incremental costs per case was −HK$7935 (28 days)/−HK$26,084 (84 days). The probability of being cost-effective was 85% (28 days)/100% (84 days) based on the cost-effectiveness thresholds recommended both by National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (£20,000/quality-adjusted life years) and World Health Organization (Hong Kong gross domestic product/capita in 2015, HK$328117).

Conclusion:

Results suggest that a transitional home-based palliative care program is more cost-effective than customary palliative care service. Limitations of the study include small sample size, study confined to one city, clinic consultation costs, and societal costs including patient costs and unpaid care-giving costs were not included.
Brain temperature but not core temperature increases during spreading depolarizations in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Schiefecker Alois J , Kofler Mario , Gaasch Max , Beer Ronny , Unterberger Iris , Pfausler Bettina , Broessner Gregor , Lackner Peter , Rhomberg Paul , Gizewski Elke , Hackl Werner O , Mulino Miriam , Ortler Martin , Thome Claudius , Schmutzhard Erich , Helbok Raimund
Published: April 2017

Spreading depolarizations (SDs) are highly active metabolic events, commonly occur in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and may be triggered by fever. We investigated the dynamics of brain-temperature (Tbrain) and core-temperature (Tcore) relative to the occurrence of SDs. Twenty consecutive comatose ICH patients with multimodal electrocorticograpy (ECoG) and Tbrain monitoring of the perihematomal area were prospectively enrolled. Clusters of SDs were defined as ≥2 SDs/h. Generalized estimating equations were used for statistical calculations. Data are presented as median and interquartile range. During 3097 h (173 h [81–223]/patient) of ECoG monitoring, 342 SDs were analyzed of which 51 (15%) occurred in clusters. Baseline Tcore and Tbrain was 37.3℃ (36.9–37.8) and 37.4℃ (36.7–37.9), respectively. Tbrain but not Tcore significantly increased 25 min preceding the onset of SDs by 0.2℃ (0.1–0.2; p < 0.001) and returned to baseline 35 min following SDs. During clusters, Tbrain increased to a higher level (+0.4℃ [0.1–0.4]; p = 0.006) when compared to single SDs. A higher probability (OR = 36.9; CI = 36.8–37.1; p < 0.001) of developing SDs was observed during episodes of Tbrain ≥ 38.0℃ (23% probability), than during Tbrain ≤ 36.6℃ (9% probability). Spreading depolarizations – and in particular clusters of SDs – may increase brain temperature following ICH.
Pharmacologically increasing collateral perfusion during acute stroke using a carboxyhemoglobin gas transfer agent (Sanguinate™) in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Cipolla Marilyn J , Linfante Italo , Abuchowski Abe , Jubin Ronald , Chan Siu-Lung
Published: April 2017

Similar to patients with chronic hypertension, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) develop fast core progression during middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) resulting in large final infarct volumes. We investigated the effect of Sanguinate™ (SG), a PEGylated carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) gas transfer agent, on changes in collateral and reperfusion cerebral blood flow and brain injury in SHR during 2 h of MCAO. SG (8 mL/kg) or vehicle ( n = 6–8/group) was infused i.v. after 30 or 90 min of ischemia with 2 h reperfusion. Multi-site laser Doppler probes simultaneously measured changes in core MCA and collateral flow during ischemia and reperfusion using a validated method. Brain injury was measured using TTC. Animals were anesthetized with choral hydrate. Collateral flow changed little in vehicle-treated SHR during ischemia (−8 ± 9% vs. prior to infusion) whereas flow increased in SG-treated animals (29 ± 10%; p < 0.05). In addition, SG improved reperfusion regardless of time of treatment; however, brain injury was smaller only with early treatment in SHR vs. vehicle (28.8 ± 3.2% vs. 18.8 ± 2.3%; p < 0.05). Limited collateral flow in SHR during MCAO is consistent with small penumbra and large infarction. The ability to increase collateral flow in SHR with SG suggests that this compound may be useful as an adjunct to endovascular therapy and extend the time window for treatment.
Satisfaction of Patients Attending Public HIV or AIDS Care and Treatment Centers in Kinondoni District, Tanzania
Authors: Ndayongeje Joel , Kazaura Method
Published: April 2017

Satisfaction of care and treatment among HIV patients is one of the important elements for adherence. This study aimed to determine levels of satisfaction and associated factors among HIV-infected patients attending public care and treatment centers (CTCs) in Tanzania. The study was cross-sectional using face-to-face interviews. Satisfaction was measured using a total of 30 questions from a domain of six area of CTC service delivery. To assess independent predictors of levels of satisfaction, we used multilevel ordinal logistic regression analysis. We enrolled 434 study participants. Of these, 5% reported low satisfaction, 25% medium satisfaction, and 70% reported high satisfaction. The CTC environment was rated low by 56% of the patients. Predictors of levels of satisfaction were age of patient and health facility level. Low levels of satisfaction with CTC environment and laboratory services underscore the need for improvement of these areas.
The Imaginary Companions Created by Children Who Have Lived in Foster Care
Authors: Aguiar Naomi Ruth , Mottweilier Candice M. , Taylor Marjorie , Fisher Philip A.
Published: April 2017

This study was designed to provide some preliminary information about the imaginary companions created by children who have lived in foster care, including prevalence rates and qualitative descriptions of the imaginary companions. We were also interested in how descriptions of the imaginary companions created by children who had lived in foster care compare to those of other children. Children with a history of foster care ( n = 21) and children from a low socioeconomic status community sample ( n = 39) were interviewed about imaginary companions. Twenty-six children (43.3%) reported having imaginary companions. Although having an imaginary companion has sometimes been believed to be more common in children with a history of maltreatment, in this preliminary study, prevalence rates did not differ between the two groups of children. In addition, both groups of children described companions that were a positive source of entertainment, friendship, and social support.
Granisetron plus dexamethasone for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery: A meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Min , Zhou Chengmao , Huang Bing , Ruan Lin , Liang Rui
Published: April 2017

Objective

This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of granisetron plus dexamethasone for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

We searched the literature in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and CNKI.

Results

In total, 11 randomized controlled trials were enrolled in this analysis. The meta-analysis showed that granisetron in combination with dexamethasone was significantly more effective than granisetron alone in preventing PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopy surgery. No significant differences in adverse reactions (dizziness and headache) were found in association with dexamethasone.

Conclusion

Granisetron in combination with dexamethasone was significantly more effective than granisetron alone in preventing PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery, with no difference in adverse reactions between the two groups. Granisetron alone or granisetron plus dexamethasone can be used to prevent PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.
Management of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Tibial Avulsion Injuries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hooper Perry O. , Silko Chris , Malcolm Tennison L. , Farrow Lutul D.
Published: April 2017

Background:

Tibial-sided avulsion injuries of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) generally require surgical intervention. No consensus exists concerning the optimal surgical treatment approach for these injuries.

Purpose:

To perform a systematic review investigating the open and arthroscopic surgical treatment modalities, outcomes, and complications of PCL tibial-sided bony avulsions.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The authors performed a systematic review of the literature utilizing PubMed and EMBASE from 1975 to present outlining open versus arthroscopic surgical repair of PCL bony avulsion injuries and comparing subjective and objective postoperative patient-reported outcomes, including Tegner, IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee), and Lysholm scoring systems, as well as rates of patient complications. The quest was performed in June 2016, and searched terms included posterior cruciate ligament, PCL, bony, avulsion(s), tibial-sided, open, and arthroscopic. Inclusion criteria included English-language studies involving surgical fixation strategies for PCL tibial-sided bony avulsions. Exclusion criteria included non-English language, case studies/case series, and subject matter not pertaining to PCL bony avulsions.

Results:

Twenty-eight articles comprising 637 patients met the criteria and were included in the final review. PCL injuries with a tibial-sided avulsion were the result of motor vehicle accidents in 68.4% of patients, with 59.0% of these injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents. The arthroscopic group had better IKDC grade A scores (78.9%), indicating a normal knee postoperatively, as compared with the open group (65.9%). The postoperative Lysholm scores were similar between the groups, with a mean of 95.0 in the arthroscopic group and 92.8 in the open group. The arthroscopic group also reported 100% return to preinjury level of activity, compared with 86.2% in the open group. The most common complication in both groups was arthrofibrosis, which was reported more often in the arthroscopic group (0%-35%) versus the open treatment group (0%-25%).

Conclusion:

In patients with displaced tibial-sided PCL avulsion fractures treated operatively, surgical approaches render similar outcomes and risks. While the arthroscopic group had somewhat higher subjective and objective knee outcome scores, it demonstrated a slightly higher rate of arthrofibrosis. The clear advantage of the arthroscopic approach is that concomitant intra-articular injuries seen on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, such as meniscal tears or osteochondral loose fragments, can be addressed at the time of the index operation.
Relational Group Analysis. A Response to R. Billow: Relational Group Psychotherapy: An Overview: Part II: Relational Models of Group Process, June 2017
Authors: Berman Avi
Published: April 2017

The simultaneous existence and evolvement of the intra-psychic and the interpersonal is the basis of the term ‘relational’. Group analysis seems to have the same convictions about the essence of the human mind, the interconnection of minds and the need to refresh our psychotherapeutic concepts. Referring to Billow’s article, I suggest that the clearest connection between his ideas, the relational point of view and group analysis is his view about the meaning of nodes as an active (rather than passive) processing communication. However, contemporary relational thinking requires some self-report of the therapist’s counter-transference as a manifestation of relational attitude. From this point of view, some parts of Billow’s article are written from an orthodox, one-person psychology perspective. It seems that Foulkes’ suggestion that the conductor is also a participant and is subject to the same group processes is an essential connection between group analysis and relational thinking. Recognizing and understanding the conductor’s participation in the group may be relevant and rewarding to our professional elaboration in relational terms.
Levelling the Playing Fields in PAR: The Intricacies of Power, Privilege, and Participation in a University–Community–School Partnership
Authors: Wood Lesley , McAteer Mary
Published: April 2017

When academics, who occupy a traditional position of power and privilege, engage with community members whose thinking, attitudes, and responses have been shaped by ongoing sociohistorical oppression and disadvantage, democratic participation is not easy to attain. Yet, unless community members feel able to participate freely, the valuable local knowledge they bring to the project will be lost and the learning will again be based on theories that may have little relevance for them. We explain how power relations can be leveled through the utilization of specific strategies within a participatory action research design. Seven community members and five teachers collaborated to develop a program that the community members would later use to educate parents about how to better support their children academically. Informed by a qualitative analysis of visual and textual data generated in several working sessions for this project, findings indicate that, while the flattening of power relations is an ongoing and complex task, specific strategies can be used to “level the playing fields” and negotiate the intricacies of power, privilege, and participation.
Therapeutic Change in Group Therapy For Interpersonal Trauma: A Relational Framework for Research and Clinical Practice
Authors: Chouliara Zoë , Karatzias Thanos , Gullone Angela , Ferguson Sandra , Cosgrove Katie , Burke Draucker Claire
Published: April 2017

Our understanding of therapeutic change processes in group therapy for complex interpersonal trauma has been limited. The present study aimed at addressing this gap by developing a framework of therapeutic change in this field from a survivor and therapist perspective. This is a qualitative study, which utilized semistructured individual interviews. Transcripts were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to identify recurrent themes. A final sample of n = 16 patients and n = 5 facilitators completed the interview. Main change processes identified by survivors were as follows: self versus others, trust versus threat, confrontation versus avoidance, and “patching up” versus true healing. Therapeutic processes identified by therapist facilitators included managing group dynamics, unpredictability and uncertainty, and process versus content. The proposed framework explains therapeutic change in group therapy in relational terms, that is, therapeutic dissonance, the dynamic interaction of self and experience as well as building empathic trusting relations. The importance of managing dissonance to aid personally meaningful recovery was highlighted. These findings have implications for the usefulness of relational and person-centered approaches to clinical practice in the area of interpersonal and complex trauma, especially in the early identification, prevention, and management of dropouts.
Individual Versus Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Partner-Violent Men: A Preliminary Randomized Trial
Authors: Murphy Christopher M. , Eckhardt Christopher I. , Clifford Judith M. , LaMotte Adam D. , Meis Laura A.
Published: April 2017

A randomized clinical trial tested the hypothesis that a flexible, case formulation–based, individual treatment approach integrating motivational interviewing strategies with cognitive-behavioral therapy (ICBT) is more efficacious than a standardized group cognitive-behavioral approach (GCBT) for perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV). Forty-two men presenting for services at a community domestic violence agency were randomized to receive 20 sessions of ICBT or a 20-week group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program. Participants and their relationship partners completed assessments of relationship abuse and relationship functioning at baseline and quarterly follow-ups for 1 year. Treatment uptake and session attendance were significantly higher in ICBT than GCBT. However, contrary to the study hypothesis, GCBT produced consistently equivalent or greater benefits than ICBT. Participant self-reports revealed significant reductions in abusive behavior and injuries across conditions with no differential benefits between conditions. Victim partner reports revealed more favorable outcomes for group treatment, including a statistically significant difference in psychological aggression, and differences exceeding a medium effect size for physical assault, emotional abuse, and partner relationship adjustment. In response to hypothetical relationship scenarios, GCBT was associated with greater reductions than ICBT (exceeding a medium effect) in articulated cognitive distortions and aggressive intentions. Treatment competence ratings suggest that flexible, individualized administration of CBT creates challenges in session agenda setting, homework implementation, and formal aspects of relationship skills training. Although caution is needed in generalizing findings from this small-scale trial, the results suggest that the mutual support and positive social influence available in group intervention may be particularly helpful for IPV perpetrators.
Perceptions on gender-based differences in educational leadership
Authors: Aziz Fakhra , Kalsoom Qudsia , Quraishi Uzma , Hasan Sibte
Published: April 2017

This descriptive, qualitative study aimed at identifying disparities in perceptions of males and females regarding gender-based differences in educational leadership. Data were gathered purposively from 20 renowned male and female educationists having a long experience of leadership in various institutes of Pakistan. An open-ended questionnaire was used as a research tool to express their perceptions. Data were thematically analyzed under pre-defined categories borrowed from different leadership theorists. The results showed that both male and female respondents perceive that males have more leadership qualities as compared to females. It is especially true about abilities of decision-making and empowering the employees.
Evaluation of a Web-Based Holistic Stress Reduction Pilot Program Among Nurse-Midwives
Authors: Wright Erin M.
Published: April 2017

Purpose: Work-related stress among midwives results in secondary traumatic stress, posttraumatic stress disorder, and job attrition. The purpose of this pilot project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a holistic, web-based program using holistic modalities for stress reduction and improved coping among certified nurse-midwives. Design and Method: A convenience sample of 10 midwives participated in a web-based holistic stress reduction intervention using yoga, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and meditation for four days each week over 4 weeks. Participants completed pre- and postintervention questionnaires (Perceived Stress Scale [PSS] and the Coping Self-Efficacy Scale [CSES]) for evaluation of effectiveness. Findings: The PSS means showed improvement in midwives’ stress (16.4-12.3). The CSES means showed improvement in coping (174.8-214.5). Improvement was shown in each subscale of the CSES (“uses problem-focused coping”: 19.2%; “stops unpleasant thoughts and emotions”: 20.3%; and “gets support from family and friends”: 16.6%). Conclusion: Findings suggest the potential for stress reduction and improved coping skills after using holistic techniques in a web-based format within a cohort of nurse-midwives. Further research of web-based, holistic intervention for stress reduction among midwives is warranted.
Optimization of multiple quality characteristics in two-point incremental forming of aluminum 1050 by grey relational analysis
Authors: Asghari Seyed Ali Asghar , Shamsi Sarband Asghar , Habibnia Mostafa
Published: April 2017

Incremental forming process is used to reduce the cost of sheet metal forming process when the low volume batches, customized parts or prototypes have to be manufactured. During recent years, some modifications were associated with this process to enhance formability, dimensional accuracy and product quality. In the present study, an experimental attempt was made to analyze formability of aluminum 1050 in two-point incremental forming process. Here, the effect of incremental forming parameters such as tool nose diameter, wall angle, spindle speed and deep step was studied on minimum thickness, surface quality, and springback. The obtained results showed that desirable thickness and corresponding formability are enhanced when the mandrel with lowest angle, i.e. 63° is utilized and tool tip diameter is 15 mm. It is also found that the increase in spindle speed causes reduction of formability due to exerting high temperature in the sheet material that increases thinning, while the increase in tool rotation improves both the dimensional accuracy and surface quality. Also, it was found that the increase in deep step and wall angle has a negative effect on quality characteristics. By performing multi-objective optimization through grey relational analysis, it is found that 15 mm tool nose diameter, 63° wall angle, 800 r/min spindle speed and 0.2 mm deep step are optimum parameter settings that cause 63% improvement in overall quality characteristic from initial parameter setting.
Study on the machining process of micro V-shaped groove by using a revolving tip
Authors: Xue Bo , Yan Yongda , Ma Gaojie , Hu Zhenjiang
Published: April 2017

This paper proposed a machining method for micro V-shaped grooves, which was achieved by introducing the revolving trajectory on the basis of tip scratching process. By coordinating the revolving direction and the tip orientation, four kinds of revolving scratches were developed which had the revolving radii larger than the groove depths. It was found that there were two revolving scratches among these four being able to eliminate the side burrs and produce much smaller cutting forces during machining grooves compared to the traditional scratch, respectively named as the up-milling of face-forward and the down-milling of edge-forward. By considering the tip geometry in the traditional scratching process, the burr formation has been studied which was mainly affected by the effect of chip interference and the amount of uncut chip thickness. By analyzing the machining trajectory, the undeformed chip, the machined surface and the chip morphology, the reason why the up-milling of face-forward and the down-milling of edge-forward had good performances for machining V-grooves was elucidated in detail. Meanwhile, the differences between these two revolving scratches were discussed, and their advantages and disadvantages were also given.
A new terminal converging adaptive control for 6-degree-of-freedom parallel robotic manipulators with bounded control inputs
Authors: Zhao Dongya , Spurgeon Sarah K , Liang Hao , Li Shaoyuan , Zhu Quanmin
Published: April 2017

In this study, a new terminal converging adaptive control approach with bounded control inputs is developed for the 6-degree-of-freedom parallel robot manipulator. The non-smooth feedback control principle is combined with particular bounded functions to define both the control input and associated adaptive law. The Lyapunov method is used to present a stability analysis in order to prove that the error trajectories are semi-globally asymptotically stable. Numerical simulation results relating to a 6-degree-of-freedom parallel robot are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach and to compare the performance obtained with other candidate control schemes. It is shown that the proposed scheme achieves more rapid error convergence and exhibits improved robustness while guaranteeing that the control signal remains within known bounds.
Compensation of the residual error from the charge feedback control of a piezoelectric-actuated stage
Authors: Wen Sheng-Fan , Yen Jia-Yush , Liu Shih-Tang , Wang Fu-Cheng , Chen Min-Shin , Chen Yung-Yaw , Hung Chung-Wen
Published: April 2017

Charge control for a piezoelectric actuator is supposedly unaffected by the hysteresis effect; however, the voltage applied to the actuator covers both the effective force-generating voltage and the hysteresis voltage. In this article, this hysteresis nonlinearity is considered an extra disturbance over a linear system. A novel approach entailing the use of the parasitic capacitance charge feedback in conjunction with a Preisach model to estimate the hysteresis disturbance is proposed. The estimated extra voltage enables the controller to augment its effort with an additional term to compensate for this loss. The article also describes the establishment of an adequate Preisach model. The proposed approach applies a low-pass filter and feedforward compensator to improve the tracking performance. Control results under sinusoidal reference and staircase reference tracking confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed compensation in eliminating the hysteresis effect and achieving high-precision control.
Marshal Ferdinand Foch versus Georges Clemenceau in 1919
Authors: Greenhalgh Elizabeth
Published: April 2017

This article defends Marshal Ferdinand Foch against historian J.C. King’s harsh verdict that Foch had caused a political crisis in 1919 with his dispute with the French premier, Georges Clemenceau, during the negotiations for the Treaty of Versailles. After placing civil–military relations in France into a wide chronological and national context, the relative contributions of Foch and Clemenceau to the treaty negotiations and the stages of their quarrel are assessed and the degree of danger to the French polity is evaluated. Finally the reasons for the surprising persistence into recent times both of King’s verdict and of the concept of complete civilian control over the military are weighed.
Evaluating the Usability of Authoring Environments for Serious Games
Authors: Slootmaker Aad , Hummel Hans , Koper Rob
Published: April 2017

Background. The EMERGO method and online platform enable the development and delivery of scenario-based serious games that foster students to acquire professional competence. One of the main goals of the platform is to provide a user-friendly authoring environment for creating virtual environments where students can perform authentic tasks.

Aim. We present the findings of an in-depth qualitative case study of the platform’s authoring environment and compare our findings on usability with those found for comparable environments in literature.

Method. We carried out semi-structured interviews, with two experienced game developers who have authored a game for higher education, and a literature review of comparable environments.

Findings. The analysis shows that the usability of the authoring environment is problematic, especially regarding understandability and learnability, which is in line with findings of comparable environments. Other findings are that authoring is well integrated with the EMERGO method and that functionality and reliability of the authoring environment are valued.

Practical implications. The lessons learned are presented in the form of general guidelines to improve the understandability and learnability of authoring environments for serious games.
Ossifying Fibromyxoid Tumor of the Retromolar Trigone: A Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Titsinides Savvas , Nikitakis Nikolaos G. , Tasoulas Jason , Daskalopoulos Argyriοs , Goutzanis Lampros , Sklavounou Alexandra
Published: April 2017

Ossifying fibromyxoid tumor (OFMT) is a mesenchymal neoplasm of uncertain lineage and intermediate biologic behavior. Involvement of the head and neck area is infrequent (10% to 15%) and intraoral presentation is very rare. An OFMT developing in the retromolar trigone of a 13-year-old male is presented, along with a comprehensive review of oral OFMT cases. Among 12 oral OFMTs (including the present case), most patients were male (72.7%), with a mean age of 30.3 (13-67) years. The tumors generally appeared as painless masses of firm or hard consistency (mean diameter 27.7 mm), most commonly located in the soft tissues of the mandible (50%). Common microscopic features included ossification, lack of atypia or high mitotic activity, and immunohistochemical positivity for S100 (5/7), vimentin (6/6), GFAP (3/6), and SMA (2/6). Recurrence was reported only in one case. Further characterization of this rare entity is needed to increase our understanding of its distinct clinical and histopathologic features.
Gear fault diagnosis based on time–frequency domain de-noising using the generalized S transform
Authors: Cai Jianhua , Li Xiaoqin
Published: April 2017

Gears are the most important transmission modes used in mining machinery, and gear faults can cause serious damage and even accidents. In the work process, vibration signals are influenced not only by friction, nonlinear stiffness, and nonstationary loads, but also by strong noise. It is difficult to separate the useful information from the noise, which brings some trouble to the fault diagnosis of mining machinery gears. The generalized S transform has the advantages of the short time Fourier transform and wavelet transform and is reversible. The time–frequency energy distribution of the gear vibration signal can be accurately presented by the generalized S transform, and a time–frequency filter factor can be constructed to filter the vibration signal in the time–frequency domain. These characteristics play an important role when the generalized S transform is used to remove the noise in the time–frequency domain. In this paper, a new gear fault diagnosis based on the time–frequency domain de-noising is proposed that uses the generalized S transform. The application principle, method steps, and evaluation index of the method are presented, and a wavelet soft-threshold filtering method is implemented for comparison with the proposed approach. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by numerical simulation and experimental investigation of a gear with a tooth crack. Our analyses also indicate that the proposed method can be used for fault diagnosis of mining machinery gears.