bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Process-Oriented Diagnosis of Tropical Cyclones in High-Resolution GCMs
Authors: Kim Daehyun , Moon Yumin , Camargo Suzana J. , Wing Allison A. , Sobel Adam H. , Murakami Hiroyuki , Vecchi Gabriel A. , Zhao Ming , Page Eric
Published: December 2017

This study proposes a set of process-oriented diagnostics with the aim of understanding how model physics and numerics control the representation of tropical cyclones (TCs), especially their intensity distribution, in GCMs. Three simulations are made using two 50-km GCMs developed at NOAA’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory. The two models are forced with the observed sea surface temperature [Atmospheric Model version 2.5 (AM2.5) and High Resolution Atmospheric Model (HiRAM)], and in the third simulation, the AM2.5 model is coupled to an ocean GCM [Forecast-Oriented Low Ocean Resolution (FLOR)]. The frequency distributions of maximum near-surface wind near TC centers show that HiRAM tends to develop stronger TCs than the other models do. Large-scale environmental parameters, such as potential intensity, do not explain the differences between HiRAM and the other models. It is found that HiRAM produces a greater amount of precipitation near the TC center, suggesting that associated greater diabatic heating enables TCs to become stronger in HiRAM. HiRAM also shows a greater contrast in relative humidity and surface latent heat flux between the inner and outer regions of TCs. Various fields are composited on precipitation percentiles to reveal the essential character of the interaction among convection, moisture, and surface heat flux. Results show that the moisture sensitivity of convection is higher in HiRAM than in the other model simulations. HiRAM also exhibits a stronger feedback from surface latent heat flux to convection via near-surface wind speed in heavy rain-rate regimes. The results emphasize that the moisture–convection coupling and the surface heat flux feedback are critical processes that affect the intensity of TCs in GCMs.
The Imprint of Strong-Storm Tracks on Winter Weather in North America
Authors: Lukens Katherine E. , Berbery Ernesto Hugo , Hodges Kevin I.
Published: December 2017

Northern Hemisphere winter storm tracks and their relation to winter weather are investigated using NCEP CFSR data. Storm tracks are described by isentropic PV maxima within a Lagrangian framework; these correspond well with those described in previous studies. The current diagnostics focus on strong-storm tracks, which comprise storms that achieve a maximum PV exceeding the mean value by one standard deviation. Large increases in diabatic heating related to deep convection occur where the storm tracks are most intense. The cyclogenesis pattern shows that strong storms generally develop on the upstream sectors of the tracks. Intensification happens toward the eastern North Pacific and all across the North Atlantic Ocean, where enhanced storm-track-related weather is found. In this study, the relation of storm tracks to near-surface winds and precipitation is evaluated. The largest increases in storm-track-related winds are found where strong storms tend to develop and intensify, while storm precipitation is enhanced in areas where the storm tracks have their highest intensity. Strong storms represent about 16% of all storms but contribute 30%–50% of the storm precipitation in the storm-track regions. Both strong-storm-related winds and precipitation are prone to cause storm-related losses in the eastern U.S. and North American coasts. Over the oceans, maritime operations are expected to be most vulnerable to damage offshore of the U.S. coasts. Despite making up a small fraction of all storms, the strong-storm tracks have a significant imprint on winter weather in North America potentially leading to structural and economic loss.
Arts graduates in a changing economy
Authors: Frenette Alexandre
Published: December 2017

The articles in this special issue contribute to a burgeoning literature on the role of higher education in the creative economy and offer an engaging entry point to a better understanding of recent overlapping changes in higher education, careers, and the professional identities of artistic workers. This introductory essay highlights some of the key themes and findings within this special issue, engaging with topics of interest both to academics and the broader arts community: the cultures of arts schools; job outcomes after college; the geography of artistic work; creative identity; and the multiple conceptions of creativity.
Bob Holman (1936–2016): Christian Socialism and the Quest for Equality
Authors: Eldridge John
Published: December 2017

This article provides an overview of the life and work of the academic, social worker, and community campaigner, Bob Holman (1936–2016). It describes what Christian socialism meant in Holman’s thought and practice and explains why it still matters.
A review of mental health policies from Commonwealth countries
Authors: Bhugra Dinesh , Pathare Soumitra , Joshi Rajlaxmi , Kalra Gurvinder , Torales Julio , Ventriglio Antonio
Published: December 2017

Background:

The burden of disease related to mental disorders across the world is substantial. However, there remains inequality between funding for clinical and research activities between physical illness and mental illness in almost all countries.

Aims:

One way of reducing this inequality is to ensure that mental health policies reflect this. We were interested in looking at the policies of members of Commonwealth.

Method:

We decided to survey 52 member countries of the Commonwealth to explore whether mental health policies existed and whether there was equity between physical and mental health services funding. Using World Health Organization (WHO) data sets and other sources when indicated, we looked at the existence and contents of mental health policies.

Results:

We found that less than half of the countries had a mental health policy. Deinstitutionalization was not seen as a priority in many countries and there was no equity between physical and mental health funding. Although integration between physical and mental health care was recommended in many countries, there was a clear gap.

Conclusion:

It is apparent that there is still a long way to go in terms of equity between physical and mental health in terms of funding in member states of the Commonwealth. These findings confirm earlier observations of discrimination against people with mental illness. We suggest that there must be mechanisms in place to facilitate and support change wherever required.
The Secessionist Movement in Jammu and Kashmir and India–Pakistan Relations1
Authors: Jacob Happymon
Published: December 2017

The secessionist movement in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) plays a central role in India–Pakistan bilateral relations. New Delhi’s ability or the lack thereof to pacify the internal conflict in J&K has major implications for the larger conflict resolution process with Pakistan, and the nature of its diplomatic negotiations with Pakistan on the Kashmir question, in turn, directly impacts the conflict in Kashmir. Moreover, an unmanaged rebellion in Kashmir could prove to be expensive for India due to a variety of external and internal factors. The nature, politics, demands and ideological orientation of the contemporary insurgency in J&K differs from that of the 1990s in many significant ways. Conflict resolution in J&K would need to be aware of such differences to be successful.
India as a Normative Power
Authors: Kumari Priya
Published: December 2017

India is in the middle of a historic transformation, wherein it confronts a dyadic situation on whether it will rise as a significant global power in the twenty-first century. Factors such as modernization, a fast-growing economy, strong demographic dividend and emergence as the single largest IT cluster on the earth, strongly resonate with the idea that in no time the world will once again look at India with regard and respect. However, to a sceptic, one of the major shortfalls in India’s rise as a global power is its scrupulous reluctance to pursue liberal norms such as democracy and human rights in its bilateral relations. This article, however, argues that such a conventional view is too simplistic. Ian Manner gives the conventional theory of norm promotion. He exemplifies the concept by explaining the role of the European Union (EU), which is acting as a normative power. In order to understand, can the same theory be used to explain the norm promotion by India, the article analyses New Delhi’s response to the mixed migration crisis of the Indian Ocean. While analysing, the article takes into cognizance the factors such as the context of South Asia, international law, geo-strategic location and capability. Based on the analysis, the article argues that India is not the EU and does not abide by the conventional Western form of norm promotion by putting direct pressure on another state. Rather, as an alternative strategy, India pursues the liberal agenda in a non-conventional manner by effectively using multilateral forums not to superimpose any particular form of norms but assist states in nation-making, democracy consolidation and ensuring human security.
A topological optimization algorithm applied to the design of composites patch repair of mixed-mode cracked plate
Authors: Braun Matías , Villa Edgardo Ignacio , Riojas-Roldán Helio , Rocco Claudio Guillermo
Published: December 2017

In this work, a topology optimization algorithm is developed and implemented to get an optimum composite patch shape. Typically, the design process consists of an iterative analysis, where the best solution is obtained from a comparative study. In this way, we propose a topology optimization algorithm applied to obtain the optimum composite patch shape. The algorithm is implemented in MatLab, and uses the commercial finite element code Abaqus/Standard. A numerical example is analysed to show the capability of the proposed method. The obtained results are compared with numerical results reported by other researchers, revealing the potential of the developed algorithm.
Pour Convergence: College Students’ Definitions and Free-Poured Volumes of Standard Alcohol Servings
Authors: Kohn Carolynn S. , Schultz Nicole R. , Bettencourt Katrina , Dunn Carlton Heather
Published: December 2017

We examined the correspondence between college students’ ( N = 192, 71% women) definitions of free-pours and their free-poured volumes of beer, wine, and liquor. Participants’ mean beer definitions and free-pours were positively correlated; participants’ mean wine and liquor definitions were larger than their free-pours, which were fairly accurate. Contrary to what the aggregate mean values indicated, fewer than half of the participants accurately free-poured a standard volume of beer, wine, or liquor (37.4%, 35.1%, and 22.2%, respectively) or provided an accurate definition of beer (45.8%); similar to the aggregate data, few participants provided accurate definitions of standard serving of wine (12.2%) or liquor (12.8%) Instead, a majority of participants’ definitions and free-pours were well over or under a standard serving. For all three types of alcohol, there was little correspondence between each individual participant’s definitions and his or her free-poured volumes. These data suggest analyses of individual data points may provide information important for data collection, prevention, and intervention strategies.
Performance Funding Policy Effects on Community College Outcomes: Are Short-Term Certificates on the Rise?
Authors: Li Amy Y. , Kennedy Alec I.
Published: December 2017

Objective: Performance funding (PF) policies allocate a portion of state funding to colleges based on student outcomes. This study is the first to account for policy type and design differences, and explores the impact of performance funding on three levels of credential completions: short-term certificates, medium-term certificates, and associate’s degrees. Method: We create a panel dataset of 751 two-year colleges from years 1990 to 2013 using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. We conduct a series of analyses using difference-in-differences with the inclusion of college- and state-level control variables. Results: We find that, on average, performance funding produces no significant changes in completions of any of the three credentials. Policy types characterized by a greater proportion of funding tied to the base budget, mission differentiation in performance metrics, inclusion of underrepresented student metrics, and longer periods of operating years produce an increase in short-term certificates, no significant change in medium-term certificates, and a decrease in associate’s degrees. Contributions: This study’s findings suggest that because awarding more short-term certificates is a relatively quick and cost-effective way to capture performance funds, colleges might be engaging in a path of least resistance by churning out short-term certificates and redirecting focus away from associate’s degrees, which is concerning given that short-term certificates generally offer limited labor market benefits compared to medium-term certificates and associate’s degrees. Our results also underscore the importance of policy designs in explaining differential impacts on credential completion.
Ethnic Discrimination in the Rental Housing Market: An Experiment in New Caledonia
Authors: Bunel Mathieu , Gorohouna Samuel , L’Horty Yannick , Petit Pascale , Ris Catherine
Published: December 2017

This study focuses on the links between ethnic discrimination, housing discrimination, and the ethnic composition of neighborhoods at a specific spatial level, that of the city quarter. Our goal is to determine whether discrimination exacerbates residential segregation. We measure discrimination and access to housing in Greater Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia, by ethnic background, distinguishing between the people of Kanak (the indigenous people) and those of European descent. Between October 2015 and February 2016, four applicants individually responded to 342 real-estate rental ads, made a total of 1,368 responses. Two of the applicants made their Kanak origin known through their surnames, while two others similarly made their European origin known. In each pairing, an applicant signaled financial and professional stability by explicitly indicating that he was a civil servant. A particularity of the study was to analyze these data statistically by crossing it with the ethnic distribution of neighborhoods. Severe discrimination regarding access to private rental housing for Kanak applicants in all neighborhoods was found. Signaling stability strongly reduced discrimination against Kanak applicants. This discrimination is linked to the behavior of landlords and, to a lesser extent, to the actions of real-estate agencies. The difficulties accessing housing are solely due to discrimination linked to the social precariousness of Kanaks in neighborhoods where Kanaks are most represented. They are also linked to ethnic discrimination against Kanaks in neighborhoods dominated by Europeans. Housing providers thus play an active role in residential segregation.
Predictors of Caregiver Communication About Reproductive and Sexual Health and Sensitive Sex Topics
Authors: Ritchwood Tiarney D. , Peasant Courtney , Powell Terrinieka W. , Taggart Tamara , Corbie-Smith Giselle , Akers Aletha Y.
Published: December 2017

Numerous studies examining parent–teen communication about sex (PTCS) have focused on reproductive and sexual health information (i.e., pregnancy, physical development, contraception), with significantly fewer addressing communication about sensitive sex topics (i.e., sexual pleasure, masturbation). This study compares predictors of communication about reproductive and sexual health to those of sensitive sex topics with early adolescents. Participants were 465 rural caregivers and their African American youth. Positive attitudes and self-efficacy for PTCS, open communication style, and older youth age predicted caregiver reports of communication about reproductive and sexual health topics. Open communication style and self-efficacy for PTCS predicted caregiver reports of communication about sensitive sex topics. For youth, only older age and being female predicted communication about reproductive and sexual health, while only being female predicted communication about sensitive sex topics. This study may inform interventions that seek to increase PTCS by highlighting strategies for improving communication about both reproductive and sensitive sex topics.
Economic crisis and occupational integration of recent immigrants in Western Europe
Authors: Panichella Nazareno
Published: December 2017

There are two models of inclusion of recent immigrants in Western Europe. In the Continental model immigrants are penalized in terms of both probabilities of being employed and job quality. In the Mediterranean one there is a stronger trade-off between a limited risk of unemployment and a lower job quality. Did the recession foster a convergence or a divergence between these two models? This article focuses on this issue and analyses the integration of immigrants in 10 countries, using EU-LFS data (2005–2012) and considering two occupational outcomes: the probability of being employed, and the probability of avoiding the unskilled working class. It also studies the turnover between unemployment and dependent employment. The crisis generated a partial and limited convergence between the two models, involving only male immigrants living in Southern Europe. In these countries immigrants experienced higher risks of unemployment because the crisis diminished their turnover between unemployment and dependent employment.
Gender Differences in Social Cognition: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study of Recently Diagnosed Patients with Schizophrenia and Healthy Subjects
Authors: Navarra-Ventura Guillem , Fernandez-Gonzalo Sol , Turon Marc , Pousa Esther , Palao Diego , Cardoner Narcis , Jodar Merce
Published: December 2017

Objectives:

This study had 2 objectives: First, to explore the gender-related differences in emotional processing (EP) and theory of mind—both cognitive (CToM) and affective (AToM)—in patients with schizophrenia and in a control group of healthy subjects; and, second, to examine, from a gender perspective, the possible association between EP and CToM in the AToM performance.

Methods:

Forty patients with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder were recruited and matched by gender, age and years of education with 40 healthy subjects. EP was measured by the pictures of facial affect (POFA) test. CToM was measured using first- and second-order false-belief (FB) stories. AToM was measured by the reading the mind in the eyes test (RMET). Group and gender differences in CToM were analysed using the X2 test, whereas EP and AToM were analysed using the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U Test and a general linear model. Results were adjusted by intelligence quotient and negative symptomatology.

Results:

Patients with schizophrenia underperformed against healthy subjects in the POFA test, second-order FB, and RMET, but not in first-order FB. No significant gender differences were found. However, there was a trend showing that females outperformed males in the POFA ( P = 0.056). Group ( P < 0.001), POFA ( P < 0.001) and second-order FB ( P = 0.022) were the best factors predicting RMET performance (adjusted R2 = 0.584).

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that the illness is the main factor related to the deficit in social cognition, except for the basic aspects of the CToM that were unimpaired in most patients. Nevertheless, the influence of female gender in EP should not be neglected in any group. Finally, the hierarchal interaction between these domains is discussed.
Quality of Care for Patients With Diabetes and Mulitmorbidity Registered at Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics
Authors: Heale Roberta , Wenghofer Elizabeth , James Susan , Garceau Marie-Luce
Published: December 2017

Background

Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics are a new model of primary healthcare in Ontario. Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics are distinctive in that nurse practitioners are the primary care providers working with an interprofessional team. There have been no evaluations of the quality of care within the Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic model.

Purpose

Evaluation of the Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic model, specifically for complex clinical presentations, will provide insights that may be used to inform improvements to the delivery of care in the Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent to which diabetes care was complete and to determine the impact of organizational tools, including electronic medical record tracking, diabetes care template, and referral to community programs, on the completeness of care for patients with diabetes and multimorbidity at Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics.

Methods

An audit of 30 charts was conducted at five different Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics (n = 150) for patients with diabetes and at least one other chronic condition. Indicators included patient and organizational characteristics as well as diabetes care items taken from diabetes clinical guidelines.

Results

Overall, care for patients with diabetes and multimorbidity in Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics was complete. However, there were no significant associations between patient or organizational characteristics and the extent to which diabetes care was complete.
Rescuing Nones From the Reference Category: Civic Engagement Among the Nonreligious in America
Authors: Frost Jacqui , Edgell Penny
Published: December 2017

Religious individuals are repeatedly found to be more civically engaged than nonreligious individuals. However, most studies of civic engagement relegate the nonreligious to the reference group; the “Nones” are treated as homogeneous and assumed to have few avenues for civic engagement. We bring the nonreligious out of the reference group and explore how variations in nonreligious identification, belief, and behavior affect civic engagement. We find important variations among the nonreligious in terms of their propensity to be civically engaged that are lost when their heterogeneity is ignored. Those who identify as “nothing in particular” (NIP) are much less likely to show interest or engagement in civic life than are atheists, agnostics, and the “spiritual but not religious,” and we show that the image of the nonreligious as uninvolved in civic life is inaccurate and most likely driven by forms of analysis that disproportionately weight the experiences of the “NIPs.”
Normalization of excess 210Pb with grain size in the sediment cores from the Yangtze River Estuary and adjacent areas: Implications for sedimentary processes
Authors: Sun Xueshi , Fan Dejiang , Tian Yuan , Zheng Shiwen
Published: December 2017

The fallout radionuclide 210Pb has been widely used as an environment tracer for estimating deposition rates and revealing sedimentary processes. However, a comprehensive evaluation of different grain size fractions effects on the adsorption of 210Pb is a prerequisite for effective utilization of the tracer. In this paper, 11 cores were collected from different sub-sedimentary environments in the Yangtze Estuary and its adjacent area, x-radiographs of the sediment cores were taken, and the grain size and radioactive 210Pb levels were analyzed systematically; the relationship between grain size and 210Pb was discussed in detail. The results indicated that 226Ra was relatively stable, with no systematic variation from the Yangtze Estuary to inner shelf region or with depth and was unaffected by grain size. In contrast to 226Ra, significant positive correlations between the fine fraction (<32 µm) and 210Pbex were found, particularly between the clay component (<4 µm) and 210Pbex, in all the sediment cores. The 210Pbex profiles were improved significantly after using the linear relationships for quantitatively normalizing the activities to the <4 µm components, and the calibrating 210Pbex profiles of different zones matched the sub-sedimentary environments of the recent reduction in sediment discharge after Three Gorges Dam (TGD) impoundment very well. Also, through the normalization procedure, it was found that the Yangtze-derived clay component may play the most important role in the distribution of 210Pbex in sediments, especially in upper layer 10–15 cm of the cores. When applying 210Pb data to establish the geochronology or study sedimentary processes in the East China Sea or similar sedimentary environments, the grain size effect should be fully considered.
Exploring Aspects of Health and Well-Being in Siblings of Young Homicide Victims
Authors: Tasker Susan Louise , Wright Kenneth Edmond
Published: December 2017

Anecdotal report and a scant literature suggest homicide has lasting effects on the health and well-being of siblings of homicide victims. However, sample and other methodological problems make it difficult to claim these effects. It also makes it difficult to attribute these effects to a sibling’s homicide versus other distressing life events. We compared 67 siblings of homicide victims with 80 comparison siblings on aspects of general health and well-being. Similar occupation types and levels of income, education, general health perception, and self-worth were found. The Homicide Group reported significantly higher levels of subjective distress and school/work absences in the past 3 months due to feeling unwell, and significantly less social support and life satisfaction. This study contributes to the literature by adding a larger sample on the issue of siblings of homicide victims and including a Comparison Group. Findings advance understanding of homicide’s effects on siblings of homicide victims.
Labour Force Participation by Women and Inclusive Growth
Authors: Madurawala Sunimalee
Published: December 2017

This article examines the recent trends of opportunities available for women in Sri Lanka in accessing the labour force by using the Social Opportunity Function presented by Ali and Son (2007). Opportunity curves were constructed for women and men separately to assess the equity-impacts of access opportunities to be in the labour force across different expenditure groups. Opportunity index (OI) (average opportunities available to the population) and the Equity Index of Opportunity (EIO) (how opportunities are shared or distributed among the population) calculated for both sexes to quantify the precise magnitude of the change. Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) data produced by the Department of Census and Statistics of Sri Lanka was the main data source. Construction of Opportunity Curves revealed that opportunities for women in accessing labour force have declined over time across all expenditure groups. But it is more remarkable for women in the lower expenditure deciles. In the case of men, mixed results could be observed for different expenditure deciles. Regardless of the sex, average opportunities to access the labour force, OI and EIO have deteriorated over the time period considered.
Foreign Direct Investment and Poverty Reduction
Authors: Agarwal Manmohan , Atri Pragya , Kundu Srikanta
Published: December 2017

It is widely proclaimed that capital account liberalization would immensely benefit developing economies because once capital controls are lifted, developing economies create a potential for movement of capital. And, this free movement of capital could possibly increase growth thereby lifting millions out of poverty. India has been gradually liberalizing since the 1980s and throughout more capital inflows were observed compared to outflows. Also, the composition of capital flows has been changing since the 1980s–with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows rising steadily post-1991compared to portfolio and debt flows. However, since 2000, FDI outflows from India were also witnessed. In this paper we empirically test the impact of FDI flows on poverty in India for 1980–2011. To provide a correct perspective to India’s performance we also analyze the link between FDI flows and poverty for SAARC countries. For a better understanding of how FDI flows impact poverty, we analyze the outflows and inflows separately. The results show both similarities and contrasts in the behaviour of India in comparison with the other SAARC countries.
Intangible Capital and Firm Productivity
Authors: Goldar Bishwanath , Parida Yashobanta
Published: December 2017

An estimate of intangible capital stock is made for a sample of about 3,200 Indian corporate firms for 2012–2013, based on investments made by the firms in various intangible assets during the previous 10 years. For manufacturing and services firms of the sample, three alternate specifications of a production function are estimated in which intangible capital is taken as an input. This analysis clearly reveals that intangible capital has a significant positive impact on productivity of manufacturing and services firms in India. The rate of return to intangible capital is found to be much higher than that to tangible capital.
Improving diesel engine efficiency at high speeds and loads through improved breathing via delayed intake valve closure timing
Authors: Vos Kalen R , Shaver Gregory M , Lu Xueting , Allen Cody M , McCarthy James , Farrell Lisa
Published: December 2017

Valve train flexibility enables optimization of the cylinder-manifold gas exchange process across an engine’s torque/speed operating space. This study focuses on the diesel engine fuel economy improvements possible through delayed intake valve closure timing as a means to improve volumetric efficiency at elevated engine speeds via dynamic charging. It is experimentally and analytically demonstrated that intake valve modulation can be employed at high-speed (2200 r/min) and medium-to-high load conditions (12.7 and 7.6 bar brake mean effective pressure) to increase volumetric efficiency. The resulting increase in inducted charge enables higher exhaust gas recirculation fractions without penalizing the air-to-fuel ratio. Higher exhaust gas recirculation fractions allow efficiency improving injection advances without sacrificing NOx. Fuel savings of 1.2% and 1.9% are experimentally demonstrated at 2200 r/min for 12.7 and 7.6 bar brake mean effective pressure operating conditions via this combined strategy of delayed intake valve closure, higher exhaust gas recirculation fractions, and earlier injections.
Hydrocarbon impact on NO to NO2 conversion in a compression ignition engine under low-temperature combustion
Authors: Yu Xiao , Yu Shui , Zheng Ming
Published: December 2017

Compression ignition engines can employ high rates of exhaust gas recirculation to realize low-temperature combustion in order to reduce the NOx emissions. However, a substantial increase in NO2 contribution to the NOx emissions is also observed. The relationship between this NO to NO2 conversion is also affected by the hydrocarbons originating mainly from the fuel. This can have important consequences for the design of the exhaust after-treatment system. Therefore, this article presents an empirical investigation of the impact of hydrocarbon emissions on the in-cylinder NO–NO2 conversion process. First, engine motoring tests are performed with propane and NO gases dosed into the engine intake manifold. Engines with different compression ratios are employed to study the effect of in-cylinder temperature and intake HC–NO ratio on the NO–NO2 conversion process. Next, the hydrocarbon impact on the NOx survivability at different engine combustion modes is investigated using a common-rail diesel engine test platform with independent control of exhaust gas recirculation, intake boost, and exhaust back pressure. Results show that the existence of hydrocarbon has a strong promotion effect of converting NO to NO2. During compression test, NO–NO2 conversion rate can reach 95% under certain intake HC–NO concentration ratio, and the minimum HC–NO concentration ratio to sustain a high NO–NO2 conversion rate is sensitive to peak in-cylinder temperature; engine combustion results also show that hydrocarbon not only can promote the in-cylinder NO–NO2 conversion process, but also has the potential of decreasing the total NOx emissions under low-temperature combustion mode.
Sense of self: A narrative study of international adult Korean adoptees’ relationship with their birth families
Authors: Son Sujin
Published: December 2017

Adult adoptees searching and reuniting with birth families have been observed as a normative developmental work. The purpose of this study was to explore international adult Korean adoptees’ sense of self through their relationships with their birth families. A qualitative approach implementing narrative inquiry was used for this study. Open-ended interviews were conducted with nine international adult Korean adoptees who have had reunion experiences with their birth families and have continuing relationships with their birth families. This study concludes that international adult Korean adoptees’ relationships with their birth families precipitate the ongoing development of their senses of self in their adulthoods.
Dose uniformity of budesonide Easyhaler® under simulated real-life conditions and with low inspiration flow rates
Authors: Haikarainen Jussi , Rytilä Paula , Roos Sirkku , Metsärinne Sirpa , Happonen Anita
Published: December 2017

Budesonide Easyhaler® multidose dry powder inhaler is approved for the treatment of asthma. Objectives were to determine the delivered dose (DD) uniformity of budesonide Easyhaler® in simulated real-world conditions and with different inspiration flow rates (IFRs). Three dose delivery studies were performed using 100, 200, and 400 µg/dose strengths of budesonide. Dose uniformity was assessed during in-use periods of 4–6 months after exposure to high temperature (30°C) and humidity (60% relative humidity) and after dropping and vibration testing. The influence of various IFRs (31, 43, and 54 L/min) on the DD was also investigated. Acceptable dose uniformity was declared when mean DD were within 80–120% of expected dose; all data reported descriptively. DD was constant (range: 93–109% of expected dose) at all in-use periods and after exposure to high temperature and humidity for a duration of up to 6 months. DD post-dropping and -vibration were unaffected (range 98–105% of expected dose). Similarly, DD was constant and within 10% of expected dose across all IFRs. Results indicate that budesonide Easyhaler® delivers consistently accurate doses in various real-life conditions. Budesonide Easyhaler® can be expected to consistently deliver a uniform dose and improve asthma control regardless of high temperature and humidity or varying IFR.
Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Patients in Malaysia: An Early Report From the MyBCC Study
Authors: Zulkipli Aina Farhana , Islam Tania , Mohd Taib Nur Aishah , Dahlui Maznah , Bhoo-Pathy Nirmala , Al-Sadat Nabilla , Abdul Majid Hazreen , Hussain Samsinah
Published: December 2017

Background. The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased and little is known on CAM use during the initial period. Therefore, the aim was to determine prevalence of CAM use among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients prior to seeking conventional treatment. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study involved interviewing newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) using a structured questionnaire. Eligible respondents were interviewedduring a routine clinical visit. Results. A total of 400 patients were interviewed, of whom 139 (34.8%) were CAM users. Dietary supplementation (n = 107, 77.0%) was the most frequently used type of CAM, followed by spiritual healing (n = 40, 28.8%) and traditional Chinese medicine (n = 32, 23.0%). Malay ethnic group (n = 61, 43.9%) was the largest group of CAM users, followed by Chinese (n = 57, 41.0%) and Indian (n = 20, 14.4%). Majority of these CAM users (n = 87, 73.1%) did not disclose the use of CAM to their doctors. Most of them used remedies based on the recommendation of family and friends. Malay ethnicity and patients with 3 or more comorbidities were more likely to use CAM. Conclusion. There is substantial use of CAM among breast cancer patients in UMMC prior to seeking hospital treatment, and the most popular CAM modality is dietary supplements. Since, the majority of CAM users do not disclose the use of CAM to their physicians, therefore health care providers should ensure that those patients who are likely to use CAM are appropriately counseled and advised.
The “Normal” Woman Who Kills: Representations of Women’s Intimate Partner Homicide
Authors: Pelvin Holly
Published: December 2017

Research suggests that the representation of women’s lethal violence relies on stock narratives that deny women’s femininity or neutralize their culpability. I test those claims by studying media coverage of female-perpetrated intimate partner homicides in Toronto, Canada, from 1975 to 1999. I find that the vast majority of these homicides received little or no media coverage, which I attribute to the circumstances surrounding “normal” killings and the characteristics of the offenders and victims involved in them. “Normal” homicides do not necessarily disrupt or challenge our understanding of femininity or violence, making them less newsworthy or in need of explanation.
Coaches’ philosophies on the transfer of strength training to elite sports performance
Authors: Burnie Louise , Barratt Paul , Davids Keith , Stone Joseph , Worsfold Paul , Wheat Jon
Published: December 2017

The objective of the study was to explore coaches’ philosophies regarding strength training (repetitive muscle actions against high loads) and the transfer of strength training to sports performance. Thirteen world class coaches and athletes from track cycling, Bicycle Moto-Cross (BMX), sprint kayaking, rowing and athletics sprinting were interviewed using an open-ended, semi-structured approach. Participants were asked about their coaching philosophies, design of athlete training programmes, strength training and its transfer to sports performance. A thematic analysis was conducted. Data trustworthiness was enhanced by methods of member checking and analyst triangulation. Coaches believed that task-specific strength is essential for sports performance. They reported that non-specific strength training (‘traditional’ gym-based strength exercises that are not specific to a sport movement) is important for increasing athletes’ muscle size and strength. This is typically used in conjunction with resisted sport movement training (for example, increased resistance running, pedalling or rowing), believed to achieve an effective transfer of enhanced muscle strength to sports performance. Coaches described the transfer process as complex, with factors associated with fatigue and coordination having particular significance. The importance that coaches place on coordination is supported by a theoretical model that demonstrates increases in muscle strength from strength training may need to be accompanied with a change in inter-muscular coordination to improve sport performance. The idea that each athlete needs to adapt intermuscular coordination in response to a change in his/her unique set of ‘organism constraints’ (e.g. muscle strength) is well described by the theory of ecological dynamics and Newell’s model of constraints.
Ethnicity, consumption and return visits to the home country: The case of the Senegalese venants
Authors: Ndione Louis César , Rémy Eric , Bah Thierno
Published: December 2017

The article draws on an ethnographic analysis of traditional Soninke migration and biographical narratives of recent Senegalese migrants to France in an attempt to understand what is at stake in terms of ethnicity during their return visits to the homeland. Over and above the ideal type of traditional Soninke migration, the article reveals the existence in recent trajectories of a plurality of identity processes. Analysis of these return visits shows that they are crucial periods during which ethnicities are in motion as migrants redefine what constitutes home. Three aspects of these return visits are then discussed: the role of the migrant (the ‘venant’) in the process of identity construction when he is in the homeland, the importance of return visits in the acculturation of the homeland in terms of consumption cultures and practices and the organisation of the migratory dynamics connecting ethnicity and home.
Explaining Memory Amplification: Is It All About the Test Format?
Authors: Takarangi Melanie K. T. , Oulton Jacinta M. , Strange Deryn
Published: December 2017

Trauma-exposed people commonly exhibit a “memory amplification” effect, endorsing exposure to more traumatic events over time. Studies reporting this phenomenon have typically relied on checklists, where participants read event descriptions and indicate (yes/no) their exposure. We examined whether that approach is vulnerable to response biases and memory errors. In two experiments, participants viewed negative photos and completed an Old-New recognition test. In Experiment 1, participants completed either a photo recognition test or description test—composed of written descriptions of negative photos. In Experiment 2, we measured analogue PTSD symptoms and participants completed the description test twice, 24 hr apart. Those in the description test condition performed worse on the memory test and were more biased to endorse negative photos compared with the photo test condition. Furthermore, this bias to endorse negative photos increased over time and was related to analogue PTSD symptoms. Overall, our findings suggest that test format plays a role in memory amplification.
Assessing the Impact of Online Retailer Models on Consumer’s Attitude and Purchase Intentions
Authors: Nagar Komal
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this research was to examine the influence of online retailer models on Indian consumer’s attitude towards retail websites and their purchase intentions. Using an online shopping scenario, a case study was conducted on 240 postgraduate marketing students at an Indian university to evaluate the effects of two online shopping website factors on the user’s attitude towards retail websites and their purchase intentions. The findings of the study suggest that players in the e-tailing business should increasingly move towards multi category purchase model to increase the purchase intentions of the consumers. They also need to constantly review and upgrade the services offered to ensure increased intentions to purchase. The findings can enable online retailers in India to explore and shape the Internet as the next big business opportunity.
Using Consensus Workshop in the Classroom: Promoting Participation and Collaboration in Large Group Settings
Authors: Charlton Helen
Published: December 2017

Encouraging engagement when teaching groups of students can prove challenging. Consensus Workshop offers a low cost and flexible approach to the facilitation of large group discussions, appropriate with all levels of learners and across disciplines. Particularly powerful at encouraging student engagement and collaboration in the classroom, it has proven popular with students and academic peers. This article discusses the application of the Consensus Workshop across a range of classroom situations, outlines how to become familiar with the technique, and details the resources required to use the approach.
Multidimensional inverse-scattering series internal multiple prediction in the coupled plane-wave domain
Authors: Sun Jian , Innanen Kristopher A.
Published: December 2017

The inverse-scattering series internal multiple prediction and attenuation algorithm predicts multiples using certain combinations of input seismic reflection data events, which are computed in the wavenumber/pseudodepth or plane-wave/vertical traveltime (i.e., [Formula: see text]) domains. Significant differences can arise in the algorithms’ output and computational expense depending on which domain is used. Many of these are traceable to the response of the algorithm to the users’ choice of the search-limiting parameter [Formula: see text]. The question of which domain is optimal can be addressed with benchmark synthetics. The compactness of the input to the plane-wave domain algorithm leads to the expectation that it will have a reduced computational expense. Also, the lack of increase in the dominant period (i.e., the “width”) of input events as the horizontal slowness increases leads to the expectation that it will respond well to a constant [Formula: see text]. Both of these expectations are borne out with a 1.5D benchmark example. A 2D plane-wave prediction requires the data to be transformed to the [Formula: see text], or coupled plane-wave, domain, involving source- and receiver-side horizontal slownesses. An implementation of this transform leads to the first numerical examples of full 2D inverse series [Formula: see text] prediction. The arrival times, relative amplitudes, and moveout patterns of multiples from dipping horizons are seen in a benchmark synthetic example to be faithfully determined in the plane-wave formulation; waveform mismatches are, however, observed, which are traceable to the numerics of the forward and inverse transforms. High-resolution Radon transforms are a good candidate to improve the match.
Intelligent interpolation by Monte Carlo machine learning
Authors: Jia Yongna , Yu Siwei , Ma Jianwei
Published: December 2017

Acquisition technology advances, as well as the exploration of geologically complex areas, are pushing the quantity of data to be analyzed into the “big-data” era. In our related work, we found that a machine-learning method based on support vector regression (SVR) for seismic data intelligent interpolation can fully use large data as training data and can eliminate certain prior assumptions in the existing methods, such as linear events, sparsity, or low rank. However, immense training sets not only encompass high redundancy but also result in considerable computational costs, especially for high-dimensional seismic data. We have developed a criterion based on the Monte Carlo method for the intelligent reduction of training sets. For seismic data, pixel values in each local patch can be regarded as a set of statistical data and a variance value for the patch can be calculated. A high variance means that there are events centered around its corresponding patch or the pixel values in the patch range obviously. The patches with high variances are regarded as more representative patches. The Monte Carlo method assigns the variance as constraint and selects only the representative patches with a higher probability through a series of random positive numbers. After the training set is intelligently reduced through the Monte Carlo method, only these representative patches, constituting the new training set, are input to the SVR-based machine learning frame to construct a continuous regression model. Meanwhile, the patches with lower variances can be readily interpolated using a simple method and only present a minor influence in the construction of the regression model. Thus, the representative patches are called effective patches. Finally, the missing traces can be generated from the learned regression model. Numerical illustrations on 2D seismic data and results on 3D or 5D data show that the Monte Carlo method can intelligently select the effective patches as the new training set, which greatly decreases redundancy and also keeps the reconstruction quality.