bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Cost-Effective and Objective Full-Depth Patching Identification Method using 3D Sensing Technology with Automated Crack Detection and Classification
Authors: Tsai Yi-Chang (James) , Wu Yi-Ching , Price Geoffrey
Published: November 2018

Full-depth patching is one of the commonly used asphalt pavement maintenance and rehabilitation methods in which deteriorated base and surface layers are repaired to restore strength and improve ride quality. During resurfacing projects, areas requiring full-depth patching are identified and quantified as construction priorities because of the high costs associated with the labor and materials for the procedure. Currently, the manual surveys conducted to identify these locations are time-consuming and labor-intensive. Thus, large projects often cannot easily quantify the full-depth patching need because of the significant labor that would be required. This paper proposes a method that uses emerging 3D laser technology to identify the full-depth patching need by processing and analyzing the pavement distresses automatically extracted from 3D laser images. The proposed method consists of five steps: (1) 3D data acquisition, calibration, and validation, (2) crack detection, (3) crack classification, (4) rutting detection and measurement, and (5) determination of image-based patching need using the established decision tree. A case study of one mile of 3D pavement images, collected from US 80/S.R. 26, was conducted to demonstrate the use and feasibility of the proposed method. Results show the proposed method is capable of correctly classifying 95.4% of the images that show pavements requiring patching and 84.2% of the images showing pavements not requiring patching for a combined accuracy of 94.1%. The method shows promise for identifying patch locations in a cost-effective manner and will save money and time for transportation agencies.
Aviation Connectivity Impacts on Regional Economies in the United States
Authors: Wong Jason C. Y.
Published: November 2018

This paper uses applied microeconomics techniques to investigate the impact of aviation connectivity on 548 regional economies in the United States. Using lagged socioeconomic variables to instrument for future aviation connectivity, the paper finds a significant impact of connectivity on long-run economic growth. An increase of 100 in the city’s Global Connectivity Index is associated with an increase in long-term total personal income of the city by up to $254,350,000, and up to 613 more jobs. For a city like Myrtle Beach, SC, with a connectivity index close to the mean connectivity levels of core-based statistical areas, a 100-point increase in the index represents a 1.03% increase in air connectivity. The paper also finds evidence suggesting that the impact of connectivity on regional economies is significantly more pronounced in the largest 100 cities, whereas these effects vanish in smaller cities.
Synthesis of hollow tin dioxide and its improvement of flame retardancy and toughness on poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Hu Weidong , Wu Jing , Jiao Yunhong , Xie Jixing , Chen Jinjie , Xu Jianzhong
Published: November 2018

Hollow tin dioxide (S-SnO2) and solid SnO2 (B-SnO2) were prepared by a hydrothermal-calcination method with and without carbon spheres as templates, respectively. The flame retardancy, mechanical and thermal degradation properties, and char residues of the poly(vinyl chloride) samples treated with S-SnO2 and B-SnO2 were contrastively investigated by a limiting oxygen index instrument, cone calorimeter (Cone), tensile properties tests, and thermogravimetric analyzer. When the loading level of SnO2 was 2 phr, the limiting oxygen index of the poly(vinyl chloride) sample treated with S-SnO2 (poly(vinyl chloride)/S-SnO2) increased by 5.3% and 2%, and its elongation is 27.3% and 29.9% higher than that of the blank poly(vinyl chloride) and the poly(vinyl chloride) sample treated with B-SnO2 (poly(vinyl chloride)/B-SnO2), respectively. Compared with the blank poly(vinyl chloride) and the poly(vinyl chloride)/B-SnO2, the total heat release of poly(vinyl chloride)/S-SnO2 decreased by 24.5% and 9.4%, and the peak of smoke production rate decreased by 56.7% and 11.7%, respectively.
Does Gottman’s Marital Communication Conceptualization Inform Teen Dating Violence? Communication Skill Deficits Analyzed Across Three Samples of Diverse Adolescents
Authors: Rueda Heidi Adams , Yndo Monica , Williams Lela Rankin , Shorey Ryan C.
Published: November 2018

Communication skill deficits are thought to contribute to teen dating violence (TDV), parallel to the inclusion of these throughout prevention curricula. Communication research among adolescents is highly underdeveloped, although a preliminary study utilizing Gottman’s marital communication conceptualization found that a majority of negative communication behaviors predictive of marital distress were also associated with relationship aggression among primarily White college students. Our aim was to replicate this study with diverse samples of adolescents (50.3% Latino, 23.5% Black; Mage = 16.06). Urban high school youth, pregnant and parenting youth in residential foster care, and youth in urban after-school programs self-reported on their use of maladaptive and adaptive communication behaviors, relationship quality (i.e., satisfaction, commitment), and emotional, physical, sexual, relational, and threatening dating violence. Across samples, maladaptive communication and particularly flooding (i.e., the tendency to become overwhelmed, leave the argument) and the four horsemen (i.e., a cascading and negative communication sequence) were associated with higher likelihood of multiple types of TDV. Relationship quality was associated with decreased likelihood for TDV among high school and after-school youth samples, but with increased likelihood among youth in foster care. Results indicate that youth utilize a wide range of both adaptive and maladaptive communication behaviors, and that similar maladaptive patterns predictive of relationship distress in young adulthood and in marriage are also associated with distress in adolescents’ dating relationships. Equipping youth with adaptive communication skills as part of a comprehensive approach to reducing TDV and enhancing healthy relationships is meaningful for diverse adolescents. Further research is warranted concerning youth’s perceptions of relationship quality and risk of TDV.
Violence With Femicide Risk: Its Effects on Women and Their Children
Authors: Hernández Wilson
Published: November 2018

The objective of this study is to assess the effects that a specific type of severe violence—violence with femicide risk (VFR)—has on women’s physical and mental health, as well as the physical health of their children. I focus on Peru, a country in which 7 out of 10 women have been victims of some form of intimate partner violence. In Latin America, Peru is one of the countries with the highest rates of violence against women. Methodological gaps in the existing literature (sampling size, selection bias, and reverse causality) are covered using an important nationally representative sample (Demographic and Health Survey: N = 84,136) and the use of propensity score matching. Results show that VFR increases symptoms of depression, as well as alcohol and tobacco consumption. The children of victims of VFR had significantly more recent episodes of bloody stool, diarrhea, fever, and coughing. These effects are heterogeneous. They vary based on violence characteristics (history of sexual violence) and on victims’ socioeconomic status. According to the relevant literature, these effects can be understood to stem from somatization, stress, substance use (as a facilitator of violence), and neurological damage due to exposure to this type of violence. Results suggest VFR may have life-course altering effects given victims’ distinct coping strategies.
Thermal conductivity enhancement of polyimide films filled with BN and AlN fillers
Authors: Ma Xinyu , Liu Lizhu , Zhang Xiaorui , Lv Tong
Published: November 2018

A series of polyimide (PI) composite films were prepared using PI as matrix and boron nitride (BN) and aluminum nitride (AlN) as the doped phases. The modification of the thermal conductive filler particles was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The results showed that the silane coupling agent KH550 was successfully coated on the surface of BN and AlN. X-ray photoelectron spectrometer characterization was used to further prove that silane coupling agents were successfully attached to BN and AlN surfaces, forming a new chemical bond. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to analyze the dispersion of filler particles in the matrix. It was found that agglomeration phenomenon occurred when the content of BN particles were high, but this problem was improved after the surface modification of BN. The breakdown field strength and volume resistivity of PI/BN composite film increased first and then decreased with the increase of BN content and reached the maximum when the volume fraction of BN was 5%, which was 191.53 kV/mm and 8.832 × 1013 Ω·m, respectively. When the BN content was 9 vol%, the thermal conductivity of the PI/BN composite film was 0.496 W/(m·K), which was 1.4 times larger than that of the pure PI film. The thermal conductivity of the PI/BN/AlN composite film at the BN and AlN contents of 5 vol% and 1 vol%, respectively, is 0.144 W/(m·K) higher than that of 7 vol% PI/BN. It indicated that the synergistic effect of the composite fillers played a significant role, and at the same time, under the premise of ensuring higher thermal conductivity, the amount of thermally conductive particles could be reduced to some extent. After the surface modification of the filler particles, the properties of the composite film showed the same trend compared with the unmodified one, while the only difference was that there was a certain increase in the numerical value.
Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women living in remote areas in Amazonas, Brazil—a self-collection screening experience
Authors: AP Rocha Danielle , Moraes Cássia de Oliveira , Araújo Adriene F , dos Santos Beltrão Êmille , Castelo dos Santos Lainara , Menezes da Mata Lígia , NN Xavier Antônio , dos Santos Reis Renato , CC Soares Sílvia , L Torres Kátia , Levi José E , M Mariño Josiane
Published: November 2018

Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection among women. In Brazil, there is no organized screening program for C. trachomatis, and the actual prevalence of infection is unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of C. trachomatis infection in women living in riverside communities in the Amazon, using self-collection employing the Evalyn® Brush and polymerase chain reaction. A total of 299 riverine women aged 18–81 years, mean age 35.7 (±12.8) years, predominantly agricultural workers, with low schooling and living with a partner, participated in this study. The prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was found to be 3.7% (95% CI 1.8–6.5), most of them being symptomatic. The mean age of the first sexual intercourse reported by women was 15.2 (±2.3) years, and the majority reported having had none or only one partner in the last 12 months, with very low adherence to consistent condom use (15.4%). Most women (98.3%) reported having approved using the vaginal self-collecting brush, and only 4.7% reported having difficulty in handling the brush. We consider that a vaginal self-collecting device is adequate for diagnosing C. trachomatis infection in women living in remote, hard-to-reach areas.
Koebner phenomenon of discoid lupus erythematosus on old tattoos
Authors: Wang R F , Maher M , Chung C , Kaffenberger J A
Published: November 2018

The Koebner phenomenon is the development of lesions in traumatized skin, often with spontaneously occurring lesions elsewhere. We report a case of a woman in her 20 s presenting with discoid lesions superimposed on tattoos that she obtained many years ago. Although a few case reports have been published describing development of lesions on red tattoos attributed to photosensitivity, or koebnerization occurring less than a month following tattoo placement, our patient demonstrates a unique delayed development of discoid lesions years after obtaining her tattoos in non-sun exposed skin. Patients with conditions associated with the Koebner phenomenon must be counseled regarding forms of preventable trauma such as tattoos, and should be made aware that the Koebner phenomenon may not only manifest immediately, but can also present many years later.
Disseminated toxoplasmosis with atypical symptoms which developed with exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Furuya H. , Ikeda K. , Iida K. , Suzuki K. , Furuta S. , Tamachi T. , Suzuki K. , Miura G. , Hiraguri M. , Hase R. , Hikosaka K. , Norose K. , Nakajima H.
Published: November 2018

Toxoplasma is a common parasite worldwide that mainly affects the brain, lungs and eyes. Although toxoplasmic encephalitis is a lethal disease without treatment, past case reports show most patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who developed toxoplasmic encephalitis were misdiagnosed and treated as neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus, which led to unfavorable outcomes. We herein describe a case of disseminated toxoplasmosis affecting all the above organs with atypical symptoms, which developed with exacerbation of systemic lupus erythematosus. She had initially manifested with retinochoroiditis without vitritis, mild cognitive impairment and an isolated lung mass. These are completely different from the classic symptoms of toxoplasmosis that have been reported in patients with HIV infection and/or those after hematopoietic transplantation. Our case, together with previously reported cases, suggests the manifestation of toxoplasmosis that develops in systemic lupus erythematosus patients can be different from that seen in conventional cases and varies between individual patients. Our case highlights both the difficulty in and the importance of diagnosing toxoplasmosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and provides helpful information to identify this rare, devastating, yet treatable disease.
Treatment of Naturally Degenerated Canine Lumbosacral Intervertebral Discs with Autologous Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Collagen Microcarriers: A Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Steffen Frank , Bertolo Alessandro , Affentranger Remo , Ferguson Stephen J. , Stoyanov Jivko
Published: November 2018

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a frequent disease in modern societies and at its later stages is likely to cause chronic low back pain. Although many studies have been published, the available treatments for IVD degeneration fail to promote regeneration or even marginal repair of the IVD structure. In this study, we aimed to establish veterinary canine patients as a translational large animal model that recapitulates IVD degeneration that occurs in humans, and to investigate the suitability of intradiscal application of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). Twenty client-owned dogs diagnosed with spontaneous degenerative lumbosacral IVD and low back pain were included in the study. Autologous MSC were isolated from bone marrow and cultured for 2 weeks. Prior to injection, MSC were attached on collagen microcarriers for delivery, with or without TGF-β1 crosslinking. After decompressive spinal surgery, dogs received an intradiscal injection of MSC-microcarriers ( n = 11), MSC-TGF-β1-microcarriers ( n = 6) or microcarriers only (control, n = 3). MSC-microcarriers were initially evaluated in vitro and ex vivo, to test cell chondrogenic potential and biomechanical properties of the microcarriers, respectively. Clinical performance and Pfirrmann grading were evaluated at 10 months after the injection by magnetic resonance imaging. MSC differentiated successfully in vitro towards chondrogenic phenotype and biomechanical tests showed no significant differences of IVD stiffness after microcarrier injection. In vivo injection was successful in all dogs, without any visible leakage, and clinical functioning was restored back to normality. However, postoperative Pfirrmann grade remained identical in all dogs, and formation of Schmorl’s nodes was detected in 45% of dogs. This side effect was reduced by halving the injection volume, which was then observed only in 11% of dogs. In conclusion, we observed marked clinical improvement in all groups, despite the formation of Schmorl’s nodes, but microcarriers and MSC failed to regenerate the structure of degenerated IVD.
Study of electrical properties of a reduced graphene-oxadiazole-2-thiol (rGS) PVA polymer composite
Authors: Al-Tikrity Emaad T Bakir , Waheed Ibrahim F , Ali Sabah M
Published: November 2018

This work reports the synthesis and characterisation of reduced graphene-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thiol (rGS) as a novel nanocompound derivative for graphene. The preparation was performed through a series of reactions starting from graphene oxide, followed by incorporation of different proportions of this nanocompound with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), via non-covalent bonding, to afford the rGS/PVA polymer composites. The pure rGS compound, rGS/PVA composite films and pure PVA film were characterised by different techniques including infrared (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and powder x-ray diffraction. The electrical properties of the composite films, involving dielectric constant, permittivity ( ε′), imaginary permittivity ( ε″), conductivity (σAC) and loss factor tan δ, were investigated. The measurements were performed at frequencies of (5kHz to 0.5 MHz) at room temperature. At low frequency, the dielectric permittivity ( ε′) and imaginary permittivity ( ε″) attained higher values in all cases, although with increasing frequency these values diminished rapidly. It was also found that the alternating current conductivity of the composites increased with increasing frequency.
An inhomogeneous cell-based smoothed finite element method for the nonlinear transient response of functionally graded magneto-electro-elastic structures with damping factors
Authors: Zhou Liming , Li Ming , Chen Bingkun , Li Feng , Li Xiaolin
Published: November 2018

In this article, an inhomogeneous cell-based smoothed finite element method (ICS-FEM) was proposed to overcome the over-stiffness of finite element method in calculating transient responses of functionally graded magneto-electro-elastic structures. The ICS-FEM equations were derived by introducing gradient smoothing technique into the standard finite element model; a close-to-exact system stiffness was also obtained. In addition, ICS-FEM could be carried out with user-defined sub-routines in the business software now available conveniently. In ICS-FEM, the parameters at Gaussian integration point were adopted directly in the creation of shape functions; the computation process is simplified, for the mapping procedure in standard finite element method is not required; this also gives permission to utilize poor quality elements and few mesh distortions during large deformation. Combining with the improved Newmark scheme, several numerical examples were used to prove the accuracy, convergence, and efficiency of ICS-FEM. Results showed that ICS-FEM could provide solutions with higher accuracy and reliability than finite element method in analyzing models with Rayleigh damping. Such method is also applied to complex structures such as typical micro-electro-mechanical system–based functionally graded magneto-electro-elastic energy harvester. Hence, ICS-FEM can be a powerful tool for transient problems of functionally graded magneto-electro-elastic models with damping which is of great value in designing intelligence structures.
The Interface of International Marketing and Entrepreneurship Research: Review, Synthesis, and Future Directions
Authors: Yang Man , Gabrielsson Peter
Published: November 2018

There is no intensive review available of research at the interface of international marketing and entrepreneurship. This article systematically logs and organizes the subject matter and provides research suggestions. An organizing framework with three main dimensions—international marketing, the nature of marketing, and entrepreneurship—guides the literature review, which relies on a full search of articles relevant to international marketing and entrepreneurship published in academic journals over the past two decades (1997–2016). The study adopts a qualitative research approach to analyze 169 articles that meet the definitions of both international marketing and entrepreneurship research. Nine research types emerge at the intersection of international marketing and entrepreneurship research, and the study examines the theoretical and empirical trends of each type. A promising avenue for future studies would be cross-cultural comparative research on the individual–opportunity nexus in marketing across countries. More mixed-method and longitudinal research designs are also welcomed. The authors conclude by offering suggestions for future interdisciplinary research.
Influence of static preload on vibration reduction effect of floating slab tracks
Authors: Li Minghang , Ma Meng , Liu Weining , Jiang Bolong
Published: November 2018

To effectively reduce the railway vibration and its environmental impact, vibration mitigation measures are increasingly used. The vibration reduction effect of railway tracks is described quantitatively by insertion loss (IL). ILs obtained from in situ measurements under moving train loads and laboratory tests under artificial excitation differ significantly due to the different track loading state between these two methods. The differences of track loading state are induced by the moving effect of train passages and the preloads effect of vehicle masses, the latter of which is a significant factor to discuss in this paper. In order to study the static preload by vehicle masses influence on the vibration reduction effect in isolated tracks, the steel spring floating slab track and regular slab track, as a reference case, were compared. First, a theoretical simplified model was constructed, following which a finite–infinite element coupled model was built, which was calibrated by experimental test results. Impact loads were applied to both tracks with preloads using unsprung wheelsets or sprung vehicle-body masses, with the total mass varying from 0 t to 30 t. The results demonstrate that the increase in preload of unsprung mass makes the natural frequencies further reduced, and the peak IL value increased from 39 dB to 48 dB. The increase in preload has a significant effect on vibration responses below 5 Hz, and the application of the preload has different effects on the reduction effect in different frequency ranges.
Vibration isolation performance of nonobstructive particle damping in a machine rack
Authors: Zheng Zhanpeng , Wu Chengjun , Wu Hengliang , Wang Jianyong , Lei Xiaofei
Published: November 2018

Nonobstructive particle damping (NOPD) is a novel passive control technology with strong nonlinear-damping. Many scholars put effort into the research on the internal mechanism of NOPD. In contrast, the application of NOPD to engineering has not received much research effort. A theoretical model based on the principle of gas–solid flows, which is employed to evaluate damping effect of NOPD and to predict dynamic response of a machine rack by a co-simulation approach, is established in this paper. In view of the difference between damping effect acting on the lateral and bottom of NOPD holes directly, total damping force is divided into lateral damping force and bottom damping force according to the Janssen theory of stress changed direction. Moreover, NOPD technology is applied to a machine rack for discussing its vibration isolation performance. The results indicate that NOPD technology can suppress the intense vibration, especially between 4000 Hz and 8000 Hz. It is noted that the theoretical model of NOPD can accurately predict the dynamic response of the machine rack with NOPD. The 1/3 Octave vibration energy spectrum indicates that NOPD technics can dissipate the vibration energy of the machine rack at full frequency, especially in 31.5 Hz, and attenuation up to 39.75 dB.
Becoming Through an Encounter With an Artistic Congo Village Event in Norway
Authors: Andersen Camilla Eline
Published: November 2018

Through Mohamed Ali Fadlabi and Lars Cuzner’s processual art project European Attraction Limited, I learned that there was a human zoo at a jubilee exhibition in the capital city of Norway around 100 years ago. This human zoo was set up as a “Congolese village” including 20 “primitive” huts built of reeds covered with palm leaves. Within the “village”, 80 presumably Congolese children, women, and men were performing “authentic African life” as a partly entertaining display to spectators. In the article, I explore what emerges when encountering this project, not as an art critique but as an educational researcher in Norway interested in race and racialization and how to invent different ways of creating more livable worlds.
Severe warm-antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia due to multicentric Castleman disease: Responding to rituximab
Authors: Iskandar Andrew , Hwang Andrew , Dasanu Constantin A
Published: November 2018

Castleman disease is a rare B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by lymph node enlargement with or without constitutional signs. Herein, we describe a unique patient with multicentric Castleman disease and retroviral infection who presented with a sudden onset of constitutional signs and was found to have severe warm-antibody autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Rituximab monotherapy yielded an excellent clinical response. We aim to inform the medical community of this rare paraneoplastic phenomenon in patients with Castleman disease and its effective management. Prompt recognition of this entity may help avoid costly diagnostic workups, excessive blood transfusions, and lengthy hospital stays.
Long-term outcomes of the ‘primary extension technique’ in the prevention of Steal syndrome
Authors: Charlwood Natasha , Al-Khaffaf Haytham
Published: November 2018

Purpose

To report our 13 years of experience with the ‘primary extension technique’ for the prevention of dialysis-associated steal syndrome.

Methods

All diabetic patients undergoing upper arm autogenous elbow fistula formation using the primary extension technique between September 2001 and September 2014 at a single centre were included. At follow-up all patients were evaluated for patency, adequacy of needling and the presence or absence of steal symptoms. In primary extension technique, the fistula is formed by anastomosing the median cubital vein with the proximal radial or ulnar artery just below the brachial artery bifurcation.

Results

In total, 64 operations of the primary extension technique were included in this study. All patients were diabetic. Primary failure was 5%, follow-up 23–84 months. Nine patients (14%) developed cephalic vein thrombosis. In these cases, the basilic vein was successfully transposed to the existing fistula. In eight patients (12.5%), the cephalic vein required superficialisation. In three patients, the flow was preferentially into the basilic vein with poor maturation of cephalic vein. Of these three patients, there was a small proximal cephalic vein in one patient and stenosis in the other two patients. One patient who developed dialysis-associated steal syndrome is included in the results as they were listed for primary extension technique fistula formation but in fact did not have their fistula formed using primary extension technique. Instead, the anastomosis was formed proximal to the bifurcation of the brachial artery. Symptoms improved with revision of the fistula.

Conclusion

Our 13-year experience demonstrates that the primary extension technique is a safe and effective procedure for fistula formation. Patency rates are comparable to brachio-cephalic and brachio-basilic fistulas and primary extension technique is effective in the prevention of dialysis-associated steal syndrome.
Transformative assessment in physical education
Authors: Tolgfors Björn
Published: November 2018

This article focuses on assessment processes in the school subject of physical education (PE). Inspired by Torrance, the overarching research question is: ‘What might assessment involve if it focuses on the development and identification of collective understanding, collaboratively produced through educational experiences?’ The purpose of the study is to illustrate what characterises transformative assessment and show how it can be addressed in PE practice. A combination of group interviews with teachers, lesson observations and individual interviews with students and teachers was used to gather the empirical material. The analysis was based on three aspects of transformative assessment: responsibilisation; subjectification; and collaboration. Three empirical illustrations show what transformative assessment might involve in relation to learning tasks such as: the training log; the group choreography; and the case of exercise physiology. The views presented in this article contribute to the knowledge about the field in the following ways. First, the illustrations show that the ‘whats’, ‘hows’, ‘whoms’ and ‘whys’ in the assessment practice are often negotiable, which prevents a simplified understanding of the four aspects of assessment literacy: comprehension; application; interpretation; and critical engagement. Second, the notion of transformative assessment could hinder a reductive use of assessment for learning and promote collaborative learning and social justice in today’s heterogeneous PE practices.
Post-stay email marketing implications for the hotel industry: Role of email features, attitude, revisit intention and leisure involvement level
Authors: Yang Kiseol , Min Ji Hye , Garza-Baker Krishna
Published: November 2018

Despite their widespread use in the hotel industry, limited research has been conducted on post-stay emails. Therefore, this study was designed to examine the effects of post-stay email features on customers’ attitudes towards a brand and their revisit intention. The email features analysed in the study consisted of personalization, message copy, interactivity, financial and illustration. Further, the effectiveness of each email feature was measured based on respondents’ leisure involvement levels. Results indicated that personalization, interactivity and financial features were significant predictors of revisit intention depending on customers’ involvement levels, while attitude was a significant mediator. Overall, the findings from the study add to the knowledge of how post-stay emails can be used when formulating customer retention strategies.
The dynamic emergence of minimal groups
Authors: Jackson Christopher Michael , Jackson Joshua Conrad , Bilkey David , Jong Jonathan , Halberstadt Jamin
Published: November 2018

The minimal group paradigm has consistently shown that people will discriminate to favor their own group over an out-group, even when both groups are created arbitrarily by an experimenter. But will people actually form groups that are so arbitrary? And could something as trivial as a randomly assigned name tag color serve as a fault line during group formation? In this study, we use in vivo behavioral tracking (IBT) to precisely and unobtrusively track samples of participants as they assort repeatedly into groups. We find that participants do form groups on the basis of their randomly assigned name tag colors, but that name tag homophily emerges over time, becoming stronger in subsequent groups. Our results suggest that people are unconsciously or consciously biased toward group similarity, even when similarities are essentially meaningless. Our study has implications for theories of intergroup relations and social identity. It also demonstrates the utility of applying real-time tracking to study group formation.
Achieving the SDGs through interdisciplinary research in global health
Authors: Herzig Van Wees Sibylle L , Målqvist Mats , Irwin Rachel
Published: November 2018

The Swedish Global Health Research Conference held in Stockholm, 18–19 April 2018, convened researchers from across Sweden’s universities to foster collaboration and new research. In response to the theme of the conference, How can Sweden contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals? From research to action, many of the plenary and keynote speakers highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research and teaching. This commentary draws upon a workshop discussing interdisciplinarity, which took place at the conference. Participants included senior professors, lecturers, students and collaborators from the private sector and civil society and we discussed the conceptual and structural challenges that prevent engagement in interdisciplinary research. Although the workshop focused on the Swedish context, issues will be familiar to researchers working outside of Sweden. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals highlight the grand challenges for global society and are intertwined, with progress in one affecting progress in all others. With this starting point, we argue that interdisciplinary research is the way to achieve them. Accordingly, we need to overcome the conceptual and structural challenges that can hinder it. We therefore argue for a paradigm shift of how we value knowledge. We also call for fundamental changes in external and internal (university-level) funding structures, and for the strengthening of interdisciplinary global health teaching.
The assessment of data quality issues for process mining in healthcare using Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III, a freely available e-health record database
Authors: Kurniati Angelina Prima , Rojas Eric , Hogg David , Hall Geoff , Johnson Owen A
Published: November 2018

There is a growing body of literature on process mining in healthcare. Process mining of electronic health record systems could give benefit into better understanding of the actual processes happened in the patient treatment, from the event log of the hospital information system. Researchers report issues of data access approval, anonymisation constraints, and data quality. One solution to progress methodology development is to use a high-quality, freely available research dataset such as Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III, a critical care database which contains the records of 46,520 intensive care unit patients over 12 years. Our article aims to (1) explore data quality issues for healthcare process mining using Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III, (2) provide a structured assessment of Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III data quality and challenge for process mining, and (3) provide a worked example of cancer treatment as a case study of process mining using Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III to illustrate an approach and solution to data quality challenges. The electronic health record software was upgraded partway through the period over which data was collected and we use this event to explore the link between electronic health record system design and resulting process models.
Are YouTube videos useful for patient self-education in type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Gimenez-Perez Gabriel , Robert-Vila Neus , Tomé-Guerreiro Marta , Castells Ignasi , Mauricio Didac
Published: November 2018

Objective:

To evaluate the usefulness of YouTube videos as an educative tool for type 2 diabetes self-management.

Design:

Search terms were “diabetes diet” and “diabetes treatment.” Videos were jointly assessed by two reviewers. A third investigator evaluated a random sample to check for agreement.

Main measures:

Usefulness defined as making reference to AAD7 Self-Care Behaviors™ and presence of misleading information.

Results:

Of the 393 videos included, 42.2 percent (n = 166) classified as “alternative medicine.” 40.2 percent (n = 158) contained useful information. 25.7 percent (n = 101) videos contained misleading information. Videos displaying “alternative medicine” professionals (60 out of 200) were less useful (17% vs 57%; p < 0.001) and more misleading (40% vs 2%; p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The probability of finding videos that relate to AADE7™ self-care behaviors is below 50 percent. The odds of finding misleading information are high. Therefore, it is inadvisable for professionals to recommend the use of YouTube as an educating tool if specific videos are not suggested.
Multicomponent intervention combining a cognitive stimulation group and tai chi to reduce cognitive decline among community-dwelling older adults with probable dementia: A multi-center, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Young Daniel Kim-Wan
Published: November 2018

Objective

This research study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention that combines a cognitive stimulation group and tai chi to reduce cognitive decline among community-dwelling Chinese older adults with probable dementia.

Methods

A multi-center, randomized controlled trial design was adopted in this study. In addition to treat as usual, the treatment group ( n = 41) participated in a structured cognitive stimulation group followed by tai chi twice a week, with a total of 14 sessions held during the study period. The control group ( n = 39) received treat as usual. Mattis Dementia Rating Scale and Mini-Mental State Examination were used for assessing the cognitive abilities of participants in the pre- and post-treatment periods.

Results

A 2 × 2 repeated measures analysis of covariance demonstrated that the treatment group was more effective than the control group on improving Dementia Rating Scale score ( F = 7.45, p < .01) with a moderate effect size (partial eta square = .09) and Mini-Mental State Examination score ( F = 9.96, p < .01) with a moderate to large effect size (partial eta square = .12) after controlling for age, gender, educational level, marital status, and number of physical illnesses.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates the effectiveness of the multicomponent intervention on improving cognitive ability among community-dwelling older adults with probable dementia, suggesting that the multicomponent intervention can facilitate early identification, assessment, and treatment for community-dwelling older adults with probable dementia.
From my own flesh and blood: An exploratory examination of discrimination from family for Black/White Multiracial people
Authors: Franco Marisa , Katz Rahel , Pickens Jessica , Brunsma David L
Published: November 2018

This qualitative study examined instances of racial discrimination from family members among 36 Black/White Multiracial individuals. Forms of discrimination included stereotyping, identity invalidation, racist comments, lack of acknowledgment, vicarious discrimination, and negativity. Participants responded to discrimination by distancing themselves from family members, resisting, and/or dismissing discrimination. Discriminatory experiences made race more salient for participants. Participants reported feeling hurt, alienated, and confused following discrimination. Implications of findings for social workers counseling Multiracial people and interracial families are discussed.
Sensitivity to Deviance and to Dissimilarity: Basic Cognitive Processes Under Activation of the Behavioral Immune System
Authors: Nussinson Ravit , Mentser Sari , Rosenberg Nurit
Published: November 2018

Throughout evolutionary history, pathogens have imposed strong selection pressures on humans. To minimize humans’ exposure to pathogens, a behavioral immune system that promotes the detection and avoidance of disease-connoting cues has evolved. Although most pathogens cannot be discerned by our sensory organs, they produce discernable changes in their environment. As a result, a common denominator of many disease-connoting cues is morphological deviance—figurative disparity from what is normal, visual dissimilarity to the prototype stored in memory. Drawing on an evolutionary rationale, we examine the hypothesis that activation of the behavioral immune system renders people more sensitive to morphological deviance and more prone to perceive dissimilarities between stimuli. In Study 1 ( N = 343), participants who scored higher on disgust sensitivity demonstrated greater differentiation between normal and disfigured faces, reflecting greater sensitivity to morphological deviance in the bodily domain. In Study 2 ( N = 109), participants who were primed with pathogen threat demonstrated greater differentiation between perfect and imperfect geometrical shapes, reflecting greater sensitivity to morphological deviance even in stimuli that have nothing to do with health or disease. In Study 3 ( N = 621), participants who scored higher on disgust sensitivity perceived pairs of neutral pictures as less similar (i.e., more dissimilar) to each other. Literature on the relations to social deviance and implications for social perception and for social behavior is discussed.
Bolted joint integrity monitoring with second harmonic generated by guided waves
Authors: Yang Yi , Ng Ching-Tai , Kotousov Andrei
Published: November 2018

In this study, the second harmonic generation due to the contact nonlinearity caused by bolt loosening is studied experimentally and numerically using three-dimensional explicit finite element simulations. In particular, it is demonstrated that the magnitude of the second harmonic generation normally increases with the loosening of the bolted joint, and there is a reasonable agreement between the numerical simulations and experimental results. The finite element model, which was validated against the experimentally measured data, is further utilized to investigate an important practical situation when a loosened bolt is weakened by fatigue cracks located at the edge of the hole. The numerical case studies show that the contact nonlinearity and the change of the behaviour of the second harmonic generation with the tightening level are very different to the corresponding results with the fatigue cracks. This identified difference in the second harmonic generation behaviour can serve as an indicator of the bolted joint integrity and thus provide early warning for engineers to make decision on the necessity of carrying out further safety inspections. Overall, the findings of this study provide improved physical insights into second harmonic generation for bolt loosening, which can be used to further advance damage detection techniques using nonlinear guided waves.
Passive thermoelectric power monitoring for material characterisation
Authors: Corcoran Joseph , Nagy Peter B
Published: November 2018

Monitoring deterioration of material properties is important for assessing the structural integrity of engineering components, as it may indicate susceptibility to damage. This article focusses on the example of thermoelectric power measurements, which are known to be indicative of thermal and irradiation embrittlement and may therefore act as a proxy metric for material integrity. A passive thermoelectric power–monitoring technique is proposed which is suitable for permanent installation on engineering components. In passive measurements, the active perturbation (in this case, the heating required to create a temperature gradient) is replaced by incidental perturbation from the environment. The reduction in the ‘signal’ amplitude associated with relying on incidental perturbations may be compensated by increasing the number of individual measurements, facilitated by the greatly reduced power demand of the passive modality. Experimental studies using a stainless steel tube as a test component demonstrate thermoelectric power accuracy of <0.03 μV/°C is achievable with temperature gradients of the order of 2°C; in many cases of practical importance, this is sufficient to track the anticipated changes in thermoelectric power associated with thermal degradation.
Subtractive digital fabrication with actual robot and virtual material using a MARI platform
Authors: Poustinchi Ebrahim
Published: November 2018

This article presents a project-based research study using a new hybrid augmented reality platform called the Mixed Architectural Robotic Interface. Using the Mixed Architectural Robotic Interface as a mixture of different software and hardware platforms, ranging from design/modeling software, simulation engine, and an augmented reality application, the designer would be able to evaluate the possibilities/limitations of the fabrication, in real time and as part of the design. This method advances designer’s understanding of the fabrication equipment as an input for the design decision-making process. This article demonstrates the potential of a virtual/actual hybridized platform as a new medium to design, simulate, and evaluate, in order to enhance the digital design and fabrication. Introducing the possibility of real-time communication between the digital design software and the fabrication platforms as well as the augmented reality simulation of the fabrication process, the Mixed Architectural Robotic Interface enables designers to test the fabrication process with the fabrication equipment in the early stages of the design process. This method makes it possible to move beyond the traditional limitations of machines pursuing “un-expected creativity,” without any additional time or cost for the process. Using the virtual material for fabrication, the Mixed Architectural Robotic Interface reduces the time and cost of having multiple iterations and encourages the hands-on experimental use of the fabrication tool (in this article robotic/computer numeric control milling) not only as a production tool but also as a design study tool.
Shattering the black box: Technicities of architectural manipulation
Authors: Kousoulas Stavros
Published: November 2018

This article attempts to reverse a fallacy often met in architectural theories and practices: that of a supposed input which through processes of what one can broadly call translations generates a built output. The input–output fallacy produces an architectural black box that treats both architectural thinking and doing as a mere process of projecting, representing and annotating ‘properly’ what will later be executed. On the contrary, a manipulative account of architecture as an active process of ecological engineering will pave the way for not only reversing the fallacy but also towards a particular understanding of architectural practices: architectural technicities and their reticular, affective potentials. Drawing on the theories of Gilbert Simondon, André Leroi-Gourhan, Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari, I will examine how architecture can be genealogically approached as a reticular technicity which evolves by a reciprocal concretisation of its technical objects and a generalisation of its active practitioners: no longer the application of transcendental design rules, of symbolic deductions or statistical inductions but rather abductive heuristics of affective techniques; no input nor output but practices of sensorial amplification via material manipulation and vice versa.