bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental studies of wind impact on coke chambers
Authors: Pomelov Vladislav , Poddaeva Olga , Churin Pavel
Published: December 2018

The article deals with the experimental investigation of the wind effect on coke chambers, which are part of delayed coking units. These structures are one of the most susceptible structures of an increased level of responsibility in the structure of industrial enterprises, which is primarily due to their height (height exceeds 100 meters). Experimental researches were carried out on the basis of the Educational Scientific and Production Laboratory for Aerodynamic Tests of Building Structures of NIU MGSU, using the Unique Scientific Installation of the Large Gradient Wind Tunnel. The text of the article shows the main features of the models made for carrying out experimental studies, briefly describes the process of testing and their results.
Comparative tests for horizontal stiffness of elastomeric bearings
Authors: Shuvalov Aleksandr , Safina Larisa , Kovalev Mikhail
Published: December 2018

We needed to determine physical and mechanical characteristics of elastomeric bearings in order to create an accurate design models for structures mounted on elastomeric bearings. Methods and results of comparative tests for horizontal stiffness of elastomeric bearings, that were carried out both on real-size specimens and smaller scale models, are shown in the following article. Tests on real-size specimens were undertaken to prove the trustworthiness of test results acquired on smaller scale models.
Choice of parameters of oscillatory actions in the molding of reinforced concrete products
Authors: Vasiliev Vitaly
Published: December 2018

The process of propagation of a wave packet in the concrete mixture during the formation of reinforced concrete products by harmonic and shock-vibrational actions was considered. It was shown that the displacement of the layers of the concrete mixture during the propagation of the shock wave is directed against the direction of wave propagation, providing a sealing effect. On the basis of experimental studies, practical recommendations are given for determining the rational thickness of the compacted concrete mixture, depending on the frequency of oscillations.
Energy-efficient solar power plants for autonomous heat supply in Russia
Authors: Khavanov Pavel , Chulenyov Anatoly
Published: December 2018

In the complex of measures for energy saving, partial replacement and reduction of consumption of fossil energy and electricity, water heating solar installations for heating systems have long been in practice for small energy facilities. Solar energy is one of the most dynamically developing directions of use of renewable energy sources, especially the introduction of which are associated with climatic conditions and technical requirements of their application. The territory of Russia is located mainly in the cold climatic zone and in regions with a sharply continental climate in which the operation of water heating solar plants is justified and most rational in seasonal use, in this case, their technical operation is carried out mainly during the non-heating period of the year. In such installations, in a number of cases, it is possible to avoid the need to use “non-freezing” heat carriers, and therefore the thermal schemes of the plants are simpler in design and cheaper, since heat exchangers or bivalent storage tanks can be excluded to transfer heat from the antifreeze to the water of the heating circuit or hot water system.
Properties of the rubber vibration isolator of the elevator
Authors: Skel Vladimir
Published: December 2018

The article presents experimental-theoretical studies of rubber shock absorbers of an elevator. Their static and dynamic stiffness in compression and static shear stiffness are determined. Two variants of fastening of rubber prisms were considered: in a cage and without a holder. It is shown that the logarithmic decrement of damping of the rubber cushion lies in the range of values 0.4 ... 0.5.
Determination of the magnetic separator separation function
Authors: Kharlamov Evgeniy
Published: December 2018

The article considers the design of magnetic separators for separation of iron-containing powders. The technology of separation of waste (tailings) of production by means of a separator of a boiling layer is offered. A technique for determining the separation coefficient and the dependence of the separation coefficient at different operating modes is presented. The efficiency of separation of the proposed separator above the traditional ones is shown.
Innovative Method of Urban Planning Management Based on the Mathematical Modelling of the Network Objects
Authors: Anufriev Dmitriy , Shikulskaya Olga , Shikulskiy Mikhail , Naberezhnaya Alyona
Published: December 2018

When urban planning for convenience of the population and business it is necessary to place rationally objects of retail trade and service. Currently a large number of different methods are available to achievement of this purpose, but they are not universal. The most effective solutions could be achieved through the transfer of laws from one area of knowledge to another. The Coulomb’s law was used. Authors analyzed all factors affecting the incurrence of profits or losses of a retail network.
Modeling of processes of wastewater treatment from nitrogen compounds in the trickling biofilter
Authors: Gogina Elena , Yantsen Olga
Published: December 2018

At least 70% of WWTP of small capacity in Russia include biofilters, that's why development of new technologies for treatment and methods of reconstruction are the points of great interest This abstract describes the methods and techniques of biofilters reconstruction to achieve desired water quality. The presence of biogenic compounds (NH4, PO4) in the water body are one of the causes of eutrophication. The article considers the methodology of modeling processes of wastewater treatment in the biofilters: The results of sanitary - chemical researches and researches of the formed biomass are given. Based on the obtained data, laboratory models for hydraulic modeling and simulation of denitrification-nitrification processes on biofilters were developed. Modified mathematical model for calculating the height of the biofilters received specific mathematical dependences for the studied feed material.
Methods of spectral density estimation for airfield pavements
Authors: Nguyen Van-Hieu , Nguyen Duy-Dong , Tatarinov Vladimir
Published: December 2018

The paper gives an analysis of methods for estimating the spectral density of airfield pavements. The spectral density of the surface of the airfield pavement is the main criterion for estimating the roughness. This characteristic is used for the dynamic strength calculation of pavement. The paper presents analysis and comparison of the most popular methods for estimating the spectral density, and considers Burg's perspective parametric method, previously not used in aerodrome design practice.
Model of suspension displacement in a porous medium
Authors: Kuzmina Liudmila , Osipov Yuri
Published: December 2018

The displacement of monodisperse suspension by clean water in a porous medium, accompanied by the formation of deposit is considered. A flow of water is supplied at the inlet of the porous medium filled with suspension. The suspension is displaced by water moving at a constant velocity. A mathematical model of deep bed filtration of suspension in a porous medium based on size-exclusion mechanism of particle retention and pore clogging is formulated. It is proved that in the suspension area the solution depends only on time, and in the clean water area – only on the distance to the porous medium inlet. For constant initial conditions an exact solution of the problem is constructed. In the case of linear filtration coefficient, the analytic solution is given in explicit form. The properties of the obtained solutions are analyzed.
Planning of design works and formation of the initial permissive documentation for projects of general education institutions
Authors: Oleinik Pavel , Yurgaytis Alexey , Popova Aleksandra
Published: December 2018

In this article, the stages of erecting the building of a general education institution (GEI) from the moment of the formation of the idea of construction to the transfer of the object into operation are considered. Based on the personal experience of the authors, as well as the study of the corresponding regulations for obtaining the initial permissive documenta-tion (IPD), a list of IPDs was formed. In addition, during the study, a con-ditional schedule was drawn up for the collection of the IPD, as well as the necessary approvals for the initial phase of the object design.
Integrated approach to the reconstruction of industrial enterprises
Authors: Oleinik Pavel , Cherednichenko Nadezhda , Melnichuk Vitaliy , Bulycheva Anastasiya
Published: December 2018

The article considers reconstruction as the important direction of fixed assets reproduction. It provides information about industry specific features of the reconstruction and highlights the most likely works. It also shows the ways to improve the efficiency of reconstruction through the implementation of an integrated approach based on the joint development of solutions by all participants of the reconstruction works. As a result, when developing space-planning and design solutions, organizational and technological solutions are taken into account. The article also concerns the introduction of the most advanced technological processes, the rational use of the facility territory, taking into account the interests of the participants of the reconstruction works. The conditions for the production of reconstruction work are reflected in the real way.
Risk management to ensure the exploitation reliability of high-rise buildings
Authors: Dement’eva Marina , Terekhin Ilya , Lebedeva Anastasiya
Published: December 2018

The paper presents the results of a study of design risks affecting the exploitation reliability of high-rise buildings. The aim of the study was to study and optimize risk management strategies. The relevance of the work is justified by the statistics of recorded violations in the design of high-rise buildings, which affects their quality in the process of exploitation, leading to disastrous consequences. Existing methods of risk assessment take into account natural and man-made hazards. The consequences of risk are human victims. Damage to risk is estimated from material losses. The paper suggests refinement to the methodology for assessing project risks. As a criterion of the consequences of risks, the deviation from the normative technical condition is proposed. As a criterion of damage, the value of operating costs, as well as the amount of costs for eliminating not the consequences of risks, but the costs of eliminating their causes at the design stage are proposed. The risk classification was carried out according to the design stages, according to the source of occurrence. The ranking of risk criteria was proposed to establish the priority of their elimination. The algorithm of risk management proposed by the authors can serve as an addition to existing quality control systems for the stage of designing high-rise buildings.
Risks on Optimization of Life Cycle of Technology of Installation of Transformed Low-rise Buildings from Sandwich Panels
Authors: Pleshivtsev Alexander , Korol Oleg , Barkhi Reza
Published: December 2018

One of the main issues of development of organizational and technological solutions for the rapid construction of transformable low-rise buildings of sandwich panels (transformable low-rise buildings) is to improve the methods of industrial production through the use of high-performance mechanization. Increase of working capital efficiency, which makes prefabricated transformable buildings of sandwich panels the most attractive technical solutions for the investor-customer and allow you to quickly recoup the investment. Traditional measures of improvement of the organization of processes and specific directions of development of the organization of construction production of (transformable low-rise buildings) in modern conditions are given. We highlight the technological component of sustainability, and the specifics of security in the modern conditions of technological development and increasing innovativeness.
Medienunterstütztes Narrationstraining mit kontextreichen Fotos: Erprobung eines innovativen Ansatzes in der Aphasietherapie
Authors: Leusch Vera , Hußmann Katja , Heim Stefan , Werner Cornelius , Schattka Kerstin
Published: December 2018

Hintergrund In der autobiografischen Narration, dem Erzählen über sich selbst, kann Identitätsarbeit gelingen. Personen mit Aphasie (PMA) benötigen aufgrund der hohen linguistischen Komplexität Unterstützungsmaßnahmen innerhalb von narrativen Texten, die Narration im sozialen Austausch erleichtern bzw. ermöglichen.

Methode In einem ersten Pilotprojekt im Rahmen einer Masterarbeit wurde eine narrativ ausgerichtete Intervention konzipiert und erprobt, in der PMA in Erzählsituationen über persönlich relevante Themen sog. Visual-Scene-Displays (VSD) mit kontextreichen Fotos am Smartphone einsetzen. Die Machbarkeit der Intervention wurde mit 2 PMA erprobt und der Mehrwert des Medieneinsatzes u. a. für den kommunikativen Austausch zwischen PMA und Gesprächspartnern anhand einer qualitativen und quantitativen Gesprächsanalyse untersucht.

Ergebnisse Zwischen den Bedingungen mit vs. ohne VSD-Dateien-Nutzung zeigten sich vielfältige Unterschiede im Gesprächsverhalten, sowohl bei den PMA als auch ihren KommunikationspartnerInnen (KP). Beide Patienten initiierten bis zu 18 % mehr Äußerungen und mussten bis zu 18 % weniger auf Fragen antworten. Sie erlebten die Kommunikation subjektiv als positiver. Die KP stellten bis zu 40 % weniger Verständnisfragen. Sie kommentierten dafür bis zu 19 % mehr und gaben bis zu 18 % mehr positive Bestätigung. Das Verständnis i. S.v. „content units“ war erhöht. Auch die KP waren mit der Kommunikation subjektiv zufriedener.

Diskussion Die Studie liefert damit einen neuen Ansatz zur logopädischen Versorgung bei Aphasie mit einer personenzentrierten und ressourcenorientierten Ausrichtung. Erste Ergebnisse bestätigen die Machbarkeit der Intervention sowie verschiedene positive Auswirkungen des hier beschriebenen Medieneinsatzes auf den kommunikativen Austausch über persönliche Themen. Eine Replikation mit größeren Stichproben ist notwendig.
Klassische Implantate, die man kennen sollte: der Plattenspanner
Authors: Diwersi Nadine , Beeres Frank , Babst Reto , Link Björn-Chritian
Published: December 2018

Der Plattenspanner gehört seit 1938 zu den ursprünglichsten Instrumenten der Osteosynthesetechnik. Mit ihm können interfragmentäre Kompression, oder auch Distraktion erreicht werden. Ebenso kann er in der Behandlung von Pseudarthrosen eingesetzt werden.
Raucherentwöhnung bei substituierten Opioidabhängigen – Effekte von ärztlichen Beratungen, unter Einbezug der E-Zigarette, auf die Anzahl gerauchter Zigaretten
Authors: Piest Bernhard , Seide Svenja
Published: December 2018

Ziel Bisherige Rauchentwöhnungsprogramme bei substituierten Opioidabhängigen waren ineffektiv. Mit dieser Untersuchung soll bei Opioidabhängigen der Einfluss von Beratungen auf die Anzahl gerauchter Zigaretten pro Tag geprüft werden. Die E-Zigarette wurde zur Rauchentwöhnung mit einbezogen.

Methodik In einer Therapiestudie erhielten 35 substituierte Opioidabhängige regelmäßige Beratungsgespräche zum Thema „Rauchen“. Medikamentöse Entwöhnungshilfen und -kurse wurden angeboten. Teil 1 (T1) dauerte 30 Monate (2012–2014). Ziele waren Rauchstopp und Reduktion der Zigarettenzahl. Teil 2 (T2) dauerte 18 Monate (2014–2016) und schloss sich direkt an. Hauptziel der Beratungen war die Substitution der Zigaretten mit der E-Zigarette, daneben waren Rauchstopp und Reduktion der Zigarettenzahl weitere Ziele. Verglichen werden die Anzahl gerauchter Zigaretten vor T1, nach T1 und nach T2.

Ergebnisse 20 Teilnehmende verblieben bis zum Ende in der Studie. Nach Teil 1 rauchten alle Teilnehmenden weiter ohne Reduktion der Zigarettenzahl. Nach Teil 2 waren 4 Studienteilnehmende zigarettenabstinent: 3 Personen stiegen von Tabakzigaretten auf die E-Zigarette um und 1 Person nutzte ausschließlich einen Nikotin-Inhalator. Von den übrigen 16 konsumierten 7 Nikotinersatzprodukte und Zigaretten parallel. Diese 7 reduzierten ihren Zigarettenkonsum auf 10,1, während die ausschließlich Zigarettenrauchenden 18,0 Zigaretten rauchten.

Schlussfolgerung Nach Aufnahme des Ziels „Substitution der Zigaretten durch die E-Zigarette“ in die Beratungsgespräche gelang einem Teil der Studienteilnehmenden die Zigarettenabstinenz.
Propagation of arbitrarily polarized terahertz Bessel vortex beam in inhomogeneous unmagnetized plasma slab
Authors: Li Haiying , Liu Jiawei , Ding Wei , Bai Lu , Wu Zhensen
Published: December 2018

On the basis of vector plane wave spectrum expansion, the reflection and transmission characteristics of an arbitrarily polarized terahertz Bessel vortex beam by an inhomogeneous unmagnetized plasma slab are investigated. Magnitude profiles of electric field components in the transverse plane, which is perpendicular to the central axes of the reflected and transmitted beams, as well as the weight distributions of orbital angular momentum (OAM) states, are displayed for both homogeneous and inhomogeneous unmagnetized plasma slabs. The results indicate that the magnitude profiles of electric field components for both the reflected and transmitted beams have a serious distortion which is more distinct for the inhomogeneous plasma slab, resulting in diverse patterns which are different from those of the incident beam. Compared with the incident beam, many adjacent OAM states are derived in both the reflected and transmitted beams. For the incidences of both the x- and circular-polarizations, the weight of the predominant OAM state in the reflected beam for the homogeneous plasma slab is greater than that for the inhomogeneous plasma slab but contrary to this conclusion for the transmitted beam. The deformation of OAM states cannot be reflected by the patterns of the field distribution directly. Polarization has few effects on the weight of OAM states of the transmitted beams to the same plasma slab. The weight of the predominant OAM state in the transmitted beam rises with an increase in the incident angle, which is contrary to the conclusion in the reflected beam.
Mechanisms of the energy transfer across the magnetic field by Alfvén waves in toroidal plasmas
Authors: Kolesnichenko Ya. I. , Yakovenko Yu. V. , Tyshchenko M. H.
Published: December 2018

Physics of the transverse energy transfer by Alfvén waves in toroidal plasmas is elucidated. It is found that, in contrast to the classical Alfvén waves in infinite plasmas, the Alfvén waves in toroidal systems produce plasma compression due to coupling with fast magnetoacoustic waves, which provides the energy transfer. The radial group velocities of the traveling waves constituting the Global Alfvén Eigenmodes and Toroidicity-induced Alfvén Eigenmodes are calculated. It is shown that equations for Alfvén eigenmodes derived in the approximation of vanishing wave field along the equilibrium magnetic field reproduce the longitudinal magnetic field of the wave and lead to correct transverse energy flux. The obtained results explain how Alfvén eigenmodes can provide the spatial energy channeling—the transfer of the energy by these modes from the unstable plasma region to the region where the mode damping dominates.
Improved figure of merit and other thermoelectric properties of Sn1−xCuxSe
Authors: Gowthamaraju S. , Bhobe P. A. , Nigam A. K.
Published: December 2018

With an intention of improving the figure of merit (ZT) of SnSe, we substitute up to 10% of Cu in place of Sn in SnSe. After confirming the phase purity, crystal structure, and stoichiometry of the prepared compositions using X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy, the microstructure was examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Thorough examination of the transport properties in the temperature range of 5–400 K was undertaken. In particular, four-probe electrical resistivity, Hall effect, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity were recorded for all compositions. Heat capacity was also measured. The results show peculiar nature of Sn1−xCuxSe; a small percentage of Cu addition acts as an annihilation center for the holes in SnSe. But as the substitution percentage is increased, the electrons contributed by the d-band of Cu seem to add a sizable concentration of charge carriers at the Fermi level which affects its transport properties. However, the p-type nature of conduction in SnSe does not change. Owing to the increased participation of electrons in the conduction process, a maximum carrier concentration of 1.12 × 1018 cm−3 (10% Cu-substitution) is observed. Thermopower can no longer be attributed to a single parabolic band structure for the Sn1−xCuxSe series. Interestingly, the thermal conductivity and heat capacity values remain nearly unchanged. With an improvement in the value of ZT (1.02 at 300 K) and compatibility factor of ≤2, we find that replacing a small percentage of Sn with Cu can be a good alternative to improve the performance of polycrystalline SnSe.
Rapid prototyping of fluoropolymer microchannels by xurography for improved solvent resistance
Authors: Hizawa Takuma , Takano Atsushi , Parthiban Pravien , Doyle Patrick S. , Iwase Eiji , Hashimoto Michinao
Published: December 2018

Microchannels made of fluoropolymers show potential merits due to their excellent solvent resistance, but such channels have not been widely used because of the complexity to fabricate them. This communication describes a method to prototype microfluidic devices using fluoropolymer films. The fabrication requires only two steps; cutting fluoropolymer films with a desktop cutting plotter and applying heat and pressure to laminate them. The method is rapid, simple, and low-cost. The conditions for heat press were identified for two common fluoropolymers: polytetrafluoroethylene and fluorinated ethylene propylene. The laminated films were confirmed to remain sealed with an internal pressure of at least 300 kPa. The fabricated devices were tested for the resistance to a set of organic solvents that would not be compatible with typical devices fabricated in polydimethylsiloxane. To highlight the potential of the fluoropolymer devices fabricated in this method, generation of droplets in a continuous stream of organic solvent using a T-junction channel was demonstrated. Our method offers a simple avenue to prototype microfluidic devices to conduct experiments involving organic solvents such as organic chemistry and in-channel synthesis of microparticles.
Faceting and metal-exchange catalysis in (010) β-Ga2O3 thin films homoepitaxially grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Mazzolini P. , Vogt P. , Schewski R. , Wouters C. , Albrecht M. , Bierwagen O.
Published: December 2018

We here present an experimental study on (010)-oriented β-Ga2O3 thin films homoepitaxially grown by plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy. We study the effect of substrate treatments (i.e., O-plasma and Ga-etching) and several deposition parameters (i.e., growth temperature and metal-to-oxygen flux ratio) on the resulting Ga2O3 surface morphology and growth rate. In situ and ex-situ characterizations identified the formation of (110) and (1¯10)-facets on the nominally oriented (010) surface induced by the Ga-etching of the substrate and by several growth conditions, suggesting (110) to be a stable (yet unexplored) substrate orientation. Moreover, we demonstrate how metal-exchange catalysis enabled by an additional In-flux significantly increases the growth rate (>threefold increment) of monoclinic Ga2O3 at high growth temperatures, while maintaining a low surface roughness (rms < 0.5 nm) and preventing the incorporation of In into the deposited layer. This study gives important indications for obtaining device-quality thin films and opens up the possibility to enhance the growth rate in β-Ga2O3 homoepitaxy on different surfaces [e.g., (100) and (001)] via molecular beam epitaxy.
Design of integration test system for liquid nitrogen jet experiment
Authors: Shi Haizhong , Zhang Shikun , Wu Xiaoguang , Li Ran , Zhang Hongyuan , Huang Pengpeng
Published: December 2018

Liquid nitrogen (LN2) is considered as one of the potential fracturing fluids for unconventional oil/gas and geothermal reservoirs. In order to study the feasibility of the LN2 jet in fracturing operation, an integration test system is put forward in this paper. The system contains five units: the power system, the pure LN2 jet system, the abrasive LN2 jet system, the heat transfer system, and the control and data acquisition system. A series of experiments about rock breaking and heat transfer with the LN2 jet can be conducted by using this test system. The experiments in this paper demonstrate the reliability of the system for LN2 jet experiments. The results can provide theoretical supports for LN2 jet fracturing technology.
TANGO1 and SEC12 are copackaged with procollagen I to facilitate the generation of large COPII carriers
Authors: Yuan Lin , Kenny Samuel J. , Hemmati Juliet , Xu Ke , Schekman Randy
Published: December 2018

Significance

Collagen is a major component of the extracellular matrix, and its secretion requires cytoplasmic proteins that assemble on the surface of the endoplasmic reticulum to bud ∼100-nm-diameter cargo transport vesicles (COPII). Bulky collagens, such as the 300-nm procollagen I (PC1), are too big to fit into normal COPII vesicles. Recently, large COPII-coated vesicles were found to act as PC1 carriers, but how these large COPII carriers are generated remains unclear. Here, we show copackaging of PC1 along with its cargo receptor TANGO1, a coreceptor protein, cTAGE5, and the COPII initiating factor SEC12. Because SEC12 is excluded from small COPII vesicles, we propose that TANGO1 targets SEC12 to PC1-containing endoplasmic reticulum and drives the formation of large COPII-coated vesicles.
Crop environment, plant growth and physiology.
Authors: Bartholomew D. P.
Published: December 2018

This chapter discusses carbon assimilation, water use, and the effects of environmental factors (such as temperature, irradiation, water stress, flooding, carbon dioxide enrichment, hail and salinity) on morphological, anatomical and physiological features, as well as adaptations, of pineapple.
Pests, diseases and weeds.
Authors: Sipes B. , Matos A. P. de
Published: December 2018

This chapter describes some pineapple soil-borne pests (including nematodes and arthropods) and pathogens of the roots; weeds; pests and pathogens of the shoot and fruit; and their management, using cultural, chemical, biological, genetic (breeding for resistance and genetic engineering) control methods. A tabulated list is also given of pineapple pests, diseases and weeds, with their distribution in commercial pineapple production areas.
Opening the black box: Stem cell–based modeling of human post-implantation development
Authors: Taniguchi Kenichiro , Heemskerk Idse , Gumucio Deborah L.
Published: December 2018

Proper development of the human embryo following its implantation into the uterine wall is critical for the successful continuation of pregnancy. However, the complex cellular and molecular changes that occur during this post-implantation period of human development are not amenable to study in vivo. Recently, several new embryo-like human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)–based platforms have emerged, which are beginning to illuminate the current black box state of early human post-implantation biology. In this review, we will discuss how these experimental models are carving a way for understanding novel molecular and cellular mechanisms during early human development.
Patient experience on self-management support among primary care patients with diabetes and hypertension
Authors: Lim Ming Tsuey , Lim Yvonne Mei Fong , Teh Xin Rou , Lee Yi Lin , Ismail Siti Aminah , Sivasampu Sheamini
Published: December 2018

Objective

To determine the extent of self-management support (SMS) provided to primary care patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension and its associated factors.

Design

Cross-sectional survey conducted between April and May 2017.

Setting

Forty public clinics in Malaysia.

Participants

A total of 956 adult patients with T2D and/or hypertension were interviewed.

Main Outcome Measures

Patient experience on SMS was evaluated using a structured questionnaire of the short version Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care instrument, PACIC-M11. Linear regression analysis adjusting for complex survey design was used to determine the association of patient and clinic factors with PACIC-M11 scores.

Results

The overall PACIC-M11 mean was 2.3(SD,0.8) out of maximum of 5. The subscales’ mean scores were lowest for patient activation (2.1(SD,1.1)) and highest for delivery system design/decision support (2.9(SD,0.9)). Overall PACIC-M11 score was associated with age, educational level and ethnicity. Higher overall PACIC-M11 ratings was observed with increasing difference between actual and expected consultation duration [β = 0.01; 95% CI (0.001, 0.03)]. Better scores were also observed among patients who would recommend the clinic to friends and family [β = 0.19; 95% CI (0.03, 0.36)], when health providers were able to explain things in ways that were easy to understand [β = 0.34; 95% CI (0.10, 0.59)] and knew about patients’ living conditions [β = 0.31; 95% CI (0.15, 0.47)].

Conclusions

Our findings indicated patients received low levels of SMS. PACIC-M11 ratings were associated with age, ethnicity, educational level, difference between actual and expected consultation length, willingness to recommend the clinic and provider communication skills.
Comparative Analysis of the Exposure and Surgical Freedom of the Endoscopic Extended Minipterional Craniotomy and the Transorbital Endoscopic Approach to the Anterior and Middle Cranial Fossae
Authors: Noiphithak Raywat , Yanez-Siller Juan C , Revuelta Barbero Juan M , Cho Raymond I , Otto Bradley A , Carrau Ricardo L , Prevedello Daniel M
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Numerous minimally invasive approaches to the skull base have been successively developed. Knowledge of the surgical nuances of a specific approach may facilitate approach selection. This study sought to compare the nuances of an extended version of the minipterional craniotomy (EMPT) with those of the transorbital endoscopic approach (TOEA) to the anterior and middle cranial fossae (ACF and MCF, respectively).

OBJECTIVE

To quantitatively analyze and compare the area of exposure and surgical freedom between EMPT and TOEA to the ACF and MCF.

METHODS

EMPT and TOEA were carried out in 5 latex-injected cadaveric heads, bilaterally (10 sides). For each approach, the area of exposure, surgical freedom, and angle of attack were obtained with neuronavigation and statistically compared.

RESULTS

No significant difference was found between the mean area of exposure of EMPT and TOEA at the ACF and MCF (P = .709 and .317, respectively). The mean exposure area at the ACF was of 13.4 ± 2.6 cm2 (mean ± standard deviation) and 13.0 ± 1.9 cm2 for EMPT and TOEA, respectively. Except for the crista galli, EMPT afforded a larger area of surgical freedom at all targets. EMPT also achieved significantly greater attack angles in vertical axis except to the crista galli. The horizontal attack angles to all targets were similar between approaches.

CONCLUSION

EMPT and TOEA offer a comparable area of exposure at the ACF and MCF in the cadaver; however, the instrument maneuverability afforded by EMPT is superior. Further studies are necessary to better define their precise surgical application.
Partial Costotransversectomy and Corpectomy for Thoracic Spinal Metastatic Disease: Operative Technique and Nuances: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Akinduro Oluwaseun O , Nottmeier Eric W
Published: December 2018

We describe the operative approach and management for thoracic metastatic disease in a 78-yr-old man with worsening mechanical lower back and left-sided thoracic radicular pain. Imaging of the thoracic spine revealed an osteolytic T11 mass with destruction of the left T11 pedicle and transverse process. Biopsy confirmed spinal metastasis from the liver. Preoperative angiogram was completed for localization of the artery of Adamkewicz and microparticle embolization of the left T11 intercostal artery. Surgical resection was supplemented with electrophysiological monitoring and neuronavigation. The corpectomy was approached by resecting the medial aspect of the rib, transverse process, and pedicle, which were all invaded with tumor. The left T11 nerve root was isolated and sacrificed to allow for placement of the expandable corpectomy cage and also resulted in sustained relief of the patient's radicular pain. The patient recovered from surgery well, with postoperative improvement of his pain. This case highlights the complex technical nuances of this procedure, and the importance of a thorough preoperative evaluation, including angiography, as proper identification of the artery of Adamkewitz can prevent severe neurological deficit from a spinal cord stroke. The patient consented to the procedure.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Developmental Prevention
Authors: Li Jobina , McIntosh Cameron
Published: December 2018

This chapter provides a cost-benefit analysis of developmental crime prevention. From a life-course perspective, developmental prevention offers an intriguing solution to address growing concerns regarding current criminal justice practices, given the growing body of research that suggests that this type of intervention is both results-oriented and fiscally responsible. To this end, this chapter lays out the case for the economics of developmental crime prevention. It next provides an overview of the methodological basis, and related considerations, of a cost-benefit analysis, which assigns monetary values to program outcomes relative to program costs so as to provide an estimate of the financial return on investment. The chapter then reviews the leading cost-benefit analysis studies in developmental crime prevention today and offers a glimpse at the future of such research.
Co-offending
Authors: van Mastrigt Sarah B. , Carrington Peter
Published: December 2018

This chapter reviews existing theory and empirical evidence on changes in co-offending patterns over the life course, links these patterns to other key criminal career parameters, and highlights important areas for future research. In order to set the stage for the remainder of the chapter, the few theoretical insights that relate joint offending to the development of criminal careers are first reviewed. The chapter then focuses on the age–co-offending curve, outlining what is known about changes in both co-offending prevalence and form across the life course and considering implications for more general developmental and life-course discussions of age and offending. It next examines how co-offending is related to other features of the criminal career, including onset, specialization, seriousness, frequency, duration, persistence, and desistance. Finally, this chapter briefly outlines outstanding issues and next steps for advancing DLC theory and research on group crime.
The Law and Economics of the Going-Public Decision
Authors: Kesten Jay B.
Published: December 2018

An initial public offering (IPO) is one of the most important events in the life cycle of a developing firm. The decision to “go public,” however, is complicated by the persistently cyclical market for public offerings. This chapter analyzes the macroeconomic determinants of IPO market cyclicality alongside the strategic and corporate governance considerations faced by private firms, arising from the costs and benefits of going public. The law and economics of the going-public decision also are relevant to the secular decline in IPOs since the turn of the millennium. This chapter evaluates several competing and complementary hypotheses that attempt to explain this phenomenon, each of which relies at least in part on the various features of the going-public decision-making process.
Historical Antecedents of the Field
Authors: Robertson Roland
Published: December 2018

This chapter discusses some major historical antecedents of the field of global studies. It is argued that historical reflection requires a “way of thinking” that is sensitive to a holistic longue durée framework of social and intellectual development. The chapter provides a brief discussion of the place of planet Earth in the universe and connects this via the concept of relativization with the themes of globalization, glocalization, and globality. Attention is paid to the manner in which the world as a whole was discovered and mapped in various ways from ancient times onward. It stresses the inevitability of the impact of present concerns and events on the way in which the distant past is discussed. It concentrates on the period lasting from ancient societies and civilizations up to when the world was seen as a single place, mainly in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
Global Movements
Authors: della Porta Donatella
Published: December 2018

The chapter focuses on global social movements, defined as transnational networks of actors that define their causes as global and organize protest campaigns and other forms of action that target more than one state and/or international governmental organization. Bridging insights from international relations and social movement studies, the chapter analyzes the spread of transnational contention, examining some main characteristics of repertoires of action, organizational model, and framing processes, with particular attention to the global justice movement. Explanations for the spread of global movements are then reviewed: the politicization of international relations, the development of multilevel opportunities, movements’ strategies of domestication and externalization, and the spreading of neoliberal globalization. Finally, the chapter examines the potential evolution of global movements, considering the challenges to transnationalization of contention in recent anti-austerity protests.
Urbanization
Authors: Taylor Peter
Published: December 2018

This chapter locates and integrates contemporary rampant urbanization with two other macro features of our times, intensive corporate globalization and anthropogenic climate change. Corporate globalization is derived as the latest of three global economic integrations. Each globalization has been characterized by urbanizations previously unparalleled in scale but that have been underestimated in importance. In the contemporary case, the world city network is described as the edifice of corporate globalization. This is described in terms of both the top 20 leading cities and shifts since 2000. A mixture of stability and change is found with the most important cities, notably London and New York, remaining dominant while a West–East shift has occurred, especially featuring Chinese cities. A broader vista is presented as planetary urbanization in which beyond the world city network all planetary spaces are shown to be changed by contemporary urbanization. This is extended historically to provide a long-term approach to anthropogenic climate change indicting urban demand. The conclusion is that urbanization, globalization, and climate should be understood in unison.
Art and the Cultural Transmission of Globalization
Authors: Williams Linda
Published: December 2018

This chapter assesses how from early modernity to the present day, art has been a significant agent in the cultural transmission of globalization. It is a cultural legacy, however, that continues to be divided by a deep sense of ambivalence toward the question of how social imaginaries are delimited by the ubiquitous processes of global capital. The field of contemporary art is often entirely complicit with a culture of manufactured exclusivity and large profits, yet it also has its critical edge that has shown how the glossy allure of transnational capital obscures visions of other possible, less inequitable worlds. Other possible worlds have also appeared in art in a recent turn to the great, circulatory systems of the oceans as both the historical conduits of globalization and the channels through which we might envisage what kind of global imaginary will prevail in response to environmental crisis.
Global Law
Authors: Falk Richard
Published: December 2018

An emphasis on “global law” is responsive to the emergence of problems of global scope. The entrenched statist character of Westphalian world order obstructs the development of a robust system of global law. Obstruction also arises from geopolitical factors. Geopolitical discretion thus fills the vacuum created by the inability of international law to respond to the agenda of global problems, and it does so in ways that contribute to widening gaps of global inequality and to the refusal to allow the growth of global law to provide more equitable and sustainable solutions to the material and human rights concerns of the peoples of the world. The future of a peaceful and just world depends on overcoming obstacles to the growth of global law dedicated to upholding global and human interests, which will only happen if international civil society becomes mobilized around the global policy and equity agenda.
Global History
Authors: Sachsenmaier Dominic
Published: December 2018

This chapter elaborates on the growing presence of global historical scholarship since the 1990s. It discusses the contours of this academic field—for example, by comparing it to similar forms of historiographical inquiry and by presenting its role in various subfields ranging from intellectual history to the history of commodities. Global historical scholarship, the chapter argues, is not necessarily global in scope; rather, the field operates on a variety of scales, searching for alternatives to nation-centered and Eurocentric perspectives. The chapter also presents some challenges that global historians need to face in the future, in addition to some opportunities that may arise. Among other themes, it reflects on the current global institutional landscapes of global historical research and asks whether these are suitable to carry the field into the future.
Global Epistemology
Authors: Bamyeh Mohammed
Published: December 2018

This chapter explores some of the building blocks of an epistemology that would be especially appropriate for global studies. A global epistemology requires a multidimensional approach because global complexity cannot be captured by any single discipline of knowledge or viewpoint. Six building blocks of such a global epistemology are proposed, each of which reverses common current approaches to global studies: highlighting meso- over macro-level analysis; addressing normal flow of trouble rather than resorting to the language of “crisis”; trying to see the agent more often than the circumstance in which the agent lives; explaining the webs of complex connectivity rather than obfuscating them by using the language of “hegemony”; being more cognizant of the fact that communities come into being by knowledge produced by them and about them, not by necessity; and putting the human actor, rather than the objective structures, at the center of analysis.
Digital Connectivity
Authors: Lewis Tania
Published: December 2018

Digital connectivity has become central to the daily lives of billions of people throughout the world. This chapter employs the growing digitization of food as a way of grounding and materializing people’s engagements with the digital. The first section discusses the role of digital connectivity in relation to lifestyle and consumption. The next section on cultural economies of participation discusses the growing role of ordinary people as key participants in online food cultures in terms of the rise of “prosumerism” via video-sharing platforms such as YouTube. The third section turns to questions of food politics and the digital and also the constraints and affordances of digital connectivity in relation to food activism. The final section discusses the growing role of transnational corporate food players in social media space and the limits of data sharing and so-called informational transparency in an era of data monitoring and “big data.”
Inequality from the Perspective of the Global South
Authors: Mohanty Manoranjan
Published: December 2018

Paradoxically, at a time when people in all areas of the world have been asserting their right to equality and dignity, most governments, prodded by the global elite, have focused on achieving higher economic growth with political stability, even though such policies have generated greater inequalities and social tensions. Reducing inequality has not been their principal objective. This chapter discusses the concept of inequality and the various meanings associated with it. How the problems of economic and social inequalities have been addressed in the Global South is also discussed. The chapter examines how liberal democracy treats the issue of inequality and how it is handled in regimes governed by communist parties. It also describes the notions of deferred liberalism and acquiescent socialism.
Global Sport
Authors: Giulianotti Richard
Published: December 2018

World sport often appears as one of the most powerful illustrations of globalization in action. This chapter provides a critical analysis of global sport. Four major areas of research and debate on global sport are examined: political–economic issues, centering particularly on the commercial growth of sport and inequalities between different regions; global sport mega-events such as the Olympic Games or World Cup finals in football; the emergence and institutionalization of the global sport for development and peace; and sociocultural issues, notably the importance of global sport to diverse and shifting forms of identity and belonging. Concluding recommendations are provided on areas for future research into global sport.
Developmental Cortical Plasticity in the Central Auditory System
Authors: Insanally Michele N. , Froemke Robert C.
Published: December 2018

The brain has a tremendous ability to change as a result of experience. While the brain is plastic throughout life, during early development, the nervous system seems much more sensitive to changes in neural activity or experience. During postnatal critical or sensitive periods, sensory experience can significantly restructure cortical networks, leading to long-term changes in central representations that can affect perception and behavior. This chapter reviews how the parameters of the acoustic environment and inhibitory circuitry can regulate cortical plasticity during early life experience. It highlights newly identified cortical circuit elements that are specifically recruited to engage critical-period plasticity mechanisms.
WPS inside the United Nations
Authors: Dersnah Megan
Published: December 2018

This chapter analyzes how the WPS agenda is addressed within the United Nations. Specifically, I explore the range of factors that have contributed to the current positioning of the WPS agenda within the UN system. To this end, I discuss examples of interagency cooperation around this agenda, highlighting the institutional roles of UN actors and the dynamic relationships between the UN Secretariat and the UN agencies responsible for institutionalizing this agenda, namely UN Women, the UN Development Fund (UNDP), and the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). In particular, this chapter looks at UN Women’s approach to addressing the WPS agenda since its creation in 2010 as the UN entity responsible for gender equality and women’s empowerment globally. In doing so, I suggest that the creation of UN Women and its gender-mainstreaming mandate has increased the profile of the WPS agenda within the UN architecture more broadly.