bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Information Formats and Incidental Affect on Prior and Posterior Probability Judgments
Authors: Armstrong Bonnie A. , Sparrow Erika P. , Spaniol Julia
Published: July 2020

Background. Interpreting medical test results involves judging probabilities, including making Bayesian inferences such as judging the positive and negative predictive values. Although prior work has shown that experience formats (e.g., slide shows of representative patient cases) produce more accurate Bayesian inferences than description formats (e.g., verbal statistical summaries), there are disadvantages of using the experience format for real-world medical decision making that may be solved by presenting relevant information in a 2 × 2 table format. Furthermore, medical decisions are often made in stressful contexts, yet little is known about the influence of acute stress on the accuracy of Bayesian inferences. This study aimed to a) replicate the description-experience format effect on probabilistic judgments; b) examine judgment accuracy across description, experience, and a new 2 × 2 table format; and c) assess the effect of acute stress on probability judgments. Method. The study employed a 2 (stress condition) × 3 (format) factorial between-subjects design. Participants ( N = 165) completed a Bayesian inference task in which information about a medical screening test was presented in 1 of 3 formats (description, experience, 2 × 2 table), following a laboratory stress induction or a no-stress control condition. Results. Overall, the 2 × 2 table format produced the most accurate probability judgments, including Bayesian inferences, compared with the description and experience formats. Stress had no effect on judgment accuracy. Discussion. Given its accuracy and practicality, a 2 × 2 table may be better suited than description or experience formats for communicating probabilistic information in medical contexts.
Indirect and Direct Design Methods for Design of Reinforced Concrete Pipe
Authors: Beakley Josh , DelloRusso Steven J. , Takou Margarita
Published: July 2020

There are currently two acceptable methods by which concrete pipe may be designed per the AASHTO Bridge Design Specifications: the direct design method and the indirect design method. The evaluation of applied load is similar for both methods, however, evaluation of the pipe’s capacity to resist applied load differs between the two methods. The indirect design method uses physical three edge bearing (TEB) testing at the production facility based on a relationship between the forces in the pipe wall in the installed condition compared with forces in the pipe wall from the TEB test. The direct design method follows the conventional design procedure for concrete members where demand versus capacity is determined using load and resistance factors to account for variability in applied loads and resistant capacity of the structure. Because of advances in computer technology, the direct method has become easier to apply than it was in the past. However, the indirect method, which has been used for approximately 70 years, has demonstrated conservatism and is a proven design method. Comparison of similar installations using the two methods has resulted in disagreements with respect to the minimum required reinforcement, however, both methods are adequately conservative, and each may have its place depending on the size and strength of the pipe. This paper presents the fundamental differences between the two design methods and offers some guidance on when to use each of them.
Safety Effects of Horizontal Curve Reliability Index
Authors: Himes Scott , Donnell Eric
Published: July 2020

Recent advancements in analytical processes have used probabilistic approaches to examine the efficacy of the point mass model (and other Green Book models) to develop reliability-based approaches for geometric design. However, there has been minimal research establishing the link between reliability measures and substantive safety (expressed through crash frequency). The objective of this paper is to use empirical data supporting the calculation of reliability index for existing horizontal curves and to estimate the relationship between reliability index and crash frequency. Other horizontal curve-related characteristics that may have an impact on crash frequency on horizontal curves for rural two-lane highways and rural freeway facilities are controlled for in the evaluation. The safety analysis showed that the wet pavement reliability index was significantly associated with crash frequency for total curve-related crashes, single-vehicle run-off-road crashes, rollover crashes, truck-related crashes, and weather-related crashes. The relationship was strongest for the reliability index in its continuous form, meaning that the effect is continuous across the range of wet pavement reliability that was observed.
A review on composite patch repairs and the most important parameters affecting its efficiency and durability
Authors: Mohammadi Sirvan , Yousefi Mohammad , Khazaei Mahdi
Published: July 2020

In many industries, when replacement of a part is not possible or economic, the repair is done. One of the best methods for repairing metal and composite parts is using composite patches. Repairing with a composite patch is a widespread field to extend the service life of the cracked components. This technique is more structurally efficient with fewer damages on the structure than others. The bonded patch offers many advantages over a mechanically fastened doubler, which include improved fatigue behavior, reduced corrosion, and easy conformance to complex aerodynamic contours. In this article, advantages of the composite patch and its efficiency and durability are discussed, and the most important parameters (patch and adhesive thickness, patch separation, residual stress, patch length and width, etc.) affecting its performance are studied based on the latest available references.
Analysis of influence factors on interfacial bond between BFRP bars and seawater sea-sand concrete
Authors: Hua Yuntao , Yin Shiping , Wang Zihan
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the influences of parameters such as the bond length, surface textures of reinforcement, reinforcement type and stirrups restraint were considered. Pull-out failure, splitting failure and splitting-pullout failure modes were observed during the test. The slip at the free end always lagged behind the slip at the loading end and the bond-slip curve of ribbed basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars included the micro-slip stage, slip stage, descent stage, and residual stage. Reducing the bond length and using ribbed-sand coated bars were beneficial to improve the bond performance. Increasing the bond length from 2.5 d to 5 d reduced the bond strength by 49.2%. The application of ribbed-sand coated bars instead of plain bars increased the bond strength by 1202.3%. The difference in bond strength between steel bars, BFRP bars and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars was small and the bond strengths of the three were much greater than that of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) bars. This was mainly attributed to the different rib forms of the bars. The application of stirrups increased the bond strength by 11.5%, which indicated that the stirrup restraints can improve the bond behavior to a certain extent. Besides, the analysis of the bond-slip curve based on the energy perspective was consistent with test results.
Fixing Up after Tearing Down: The Impact of Demolitions on Residential Investment
Authors: Kuhlmann Daniel
Published: July 2020

Does the presence of deteriorating housing affect nearby property owner’s decision to maintain their units? Does demolishing these distressed houses increase nearby homeowner’s maintenance investment? In this paper, I examine these questions by testing whether exposure to targeted demolitions of abandoned and distressed housing affects changes in the external condition of nearby houses. Using two waves of a property inventory in Cleveland, Ohio, my models suggest that, compared with a control group of houses located near vacant housing, proximity to demolitions decreases the likelihood that a property’s condition deteriorated between 2015 and 2018 and increases the likelihood that it improved.
Are Two Voices Better Than One? Comparing Aspects of Text Quality and Authorial Voice in Paired and Independent L2 Writing
Authors: Zabihi Reza , Bayan Maryam
Published: July 2020

Research has shown that collaboratively produced texts are better in quality compared with individually written texts. However, no study has considered the role of collaboration in authorial voice, which is an essential element in current writing curricula. This study analyzes the effects of collaborative task performance in the quality of L2 learners’ argumentative texts and in their authorial voice strength. A total of 306 upper-intermediate L2 learners were selected and divided into independent ( N = 130) and paired ( N = 176) groups. Each learner/pair was asked to write one argumentative text. The quality of writings was determined by a quantitative analysis that included three measures of complexity, accuracy, and fluency (CAF). Participants’ authorial voice strength was assessed by two raters using an analytic voice rubric. Comparison of means revealed that pairs outperformed independent writers in all CAF measures. However, the results for the role of collaboration in authorial voice were mixed: While pairs were more successful than independent writers in manifesting their ideational voice, independent writers outperformed pairs with regard to affective and presence voice dimensions and holistic voice scores. The article concludes that, despite its positive implications for L2 writing, collaborative writing may pose challenges for learners’ authorial stance taking.
The Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management Program: Effects for Students Receiving Special Education Services
Authors: Reinke Wendy M. , Stormont Melissa , Herman Keith C. , Dong Nianbo
Published: July 2020

Many children with disabilities receive the majority of their instruction in the general education classroom where many universal programs are implemented. It is therefore important to examine the impact of evidence-based universal interventions on children with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management (IY TCM) program has benefits for children in grades Kindergarten to third grade receiving special education services. Using data from a large randomized controlled trial conducted across 105 Kindergarten to third-grade classrooms and 1,817 children, we investigated the impact of IY TCM on children receiving special education services. Findings indicated that children who receive special education supports, who were in classrooms of general education teachers trained in the IY TCM intervention, had significant improvement in concentration problems, disruptive behavior, and social competence in comparison with children receiving special education in control classrooms.
Prevalence and Determinants of Physical Violence and Its Impact on Birth Outcomes During Pregnancy in India: Evidence From a Nationally Representative Survey
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Yuvaraj , Ganesh Karthika
Published: July 2020

Physical violence during pregnancy can have negative impact on health status of mother and fetus. Hence, the current study was done to determine the prevalence and determinants of physical violence and its impact on birth outcomes during pregnancy in India. We have analyzed the most recent National Family Health Survey 4 data (NFHS-4) gathered from Demographic Health Survey (DHS) program. Stratification (urban/rural) and clustering (villages/census enumeration blocks [CEBs]) in the sample design was accounted using svyset command. In total, 62,165 ever pregnant women aged 15 to 49 years were included. Prevalence of physical violence during pregnancy in India was 3.3%. Husband/partner (2.7%) was the person most commonly responsible. Women who were widowed/separated/divorced (aPR = 1.88), belonging to the poorest quantile (aPR = 2.32), women who were employed (aPR = 1.42), women in the Southern states (aPR = 3.24), and women whose husband/partner has lesser educational qualification (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 2.02) had significantly higher prevalence of physical violence during pregnancy ( p < .001). Women who faced physical violence had significantly higher proportion of miscarriage (4.3%), abortion (3.3%), and stillbirth (1.1%) when compared with women who did not face any violence (4.1% had miscarriage, 1.8% had abortion, and 0.5% had stillbirth; p < .001). These findings show the importance of providing general supportive measures and strengthen the existing punitive legislations to prevent the violence during pregnancy.
Identification With the Aggressor and Inward and Outward Aggression in Abuse Survivors
Authors: Lahav Yael , Allende Santiago , Talmon Anat , Ginzburg Karni , Spiegel David
Published: July 2020

Childhood abuse survivors may display both inward and outward aggression manifested in self-injurious behavior (SIB) and violent acts toward others. Scrutinizing the literature reveals that the relational dynamics between victims and their perpetrators might be involved in these phenomena. Yet, research on this subject matter has been sparse. Filling this gap, this study investigated the contribution of the singular bonds between victims and their perpetrators, known as identification with the aggressor, in explaining survivors’ aggression. The study was conducted among 306 Israeli college/university students who reported a history of childhood abuse. Results revealed that levels of adopting the perpetrator’s experience, identifying with the perpetrator’s aggression, and replacing one’s agency with that of the perpetrator were significantly associated with survivors’ inward and outward aggression. Moreover, profile type—that is, having high versus low levels of identification with the aggressor—was implicated in participants’ SIBs, urge to harm others, and violent acts toward others, above and beyond the effects of gender and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The present findings suggest that identification with the aggressor might make survivors prone to the re-enactment of past abusive dynamics, which, in turn, could eventuate in aggression toward themselves and others.
(Un)doing Polishness: Negotiation of Ethnic Belonging in Personal Narratives about Karta Polaka
Authors: Sasunkevich Olga
Published: July 2020

The article is based on a qualitative study of how Polishness is constructed in personal narratives about Karta Polaka (the Polish Card, Polish Charter). The interviews with possessors of the Polish Card, a document issued by the Polish state to the citizens of the former USSR identifying themselves as Poles, was conducted in 2015 in the city of Hrodna in western Belarus. The article uses the example of Karta Polaka to show how people who apply for the Polish Card perceive, negotiate, and reconstruct the idea of Polishness that this document implies. The author suggests that the demand for Karta Polaka among citizens of Belarus cannot be explained by ethnic opportunism entirely. Pragmatic and symbolic reasoning to apply for the document often overlap. Moreover, as the author argues, Karta Polaka evokes the process of negotiating ethnic belonging among participants of the study. The article departs from the theoretical standpoint that ethnic belonging is neither merely a matter of individual choice nor a passive absorption of ethnic discourses produced by states, laws, or ethnic entrepreneurs. Combining the premises of performative and dialogical approaches to identity construction, the author shows empirically which discourses influence people’s sense of ethnic belonging and how these discourses are negotiated in their personal stories.
The war against vague threats: The redefinitions of imminent threat and anticipatory use of force
Authors: Badalič Vasja
Published: July 2020

This article explores how the United States (US) has redefined the concept of ‘imminent threat’ in order to relax the rules for anticipatory use of armed force against insurgents. The article focuses on how two new definitions of imminent threat have changed the conduct of specific combat activities, namely, drone strikes and ground combat operations.

The central part of the article is divided into four sections. The first section examines the redefinition of imminent threat in the context of drone warfare, while the second section provides an analysis of the redefinition of imminent threat in ground combat operations. Both sections show how the new definitions of imminent threat abandoned two key elements of the classic definition, that is, the immediacy and certainty of the threat. The third and fourth sections of the article explore how the new definitions of imminent threat prevented the application of two key principles governing the use of armed force: the principles of necessity and proportionality. Both sections show how successive US administrations enabled the US military to conduct operations without observing these two key principles regulating the use of force.
Protracted crisis, food security and the fantasy of resilience in Sudan
Authors: Jaspars Susanne
Published: July 2020

In the past decade, food security and nutrition practices have become central in the promotion of resilience in protracted crises. Such approaches have been welcomed by the aid community because of their potential for linking relief and development. Social and political analysts, however, have criticized resilience approaches for failing to consider power relations and because they entail an acceptance of crisis or repeated risk. In this context, regimes of food security and nutrition practices have become increasingly targeted, privatized and medicalized, focussing on individual behaviour and responsibility rather than responsibility of the state or international actors. This article uses examples from Sudan to examine how and why the resilience ‘regime of practices’ has functioned as a form of neoliberal governmentality, and argues that it has created a fantasy in which conflict in Darfur is invisible. This allowed food aid to be withdrawn and removed the need for protection despite ongoing conflict and threats to livelihoods; thus crisis-affected populations have been abandoned.
Patient flow from emergency department to inpatient psychiatric unit – a narrative review
Authors: Purushothaman Subramanian
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To review the literature on common issues impacting psychiatric patient flow in emergency departments (EDs) and to explore evidence-based solutions proposed to improve patient flow.

Methods:

The review was divided into three parts and a broad array of keywords were chosen to achieve greater depth in the review. Administrative data and organisational publications were included along with peer-reviewed articles in various databases.

Results:

Psychiatric patients have increased ED length of stay (EDLOS) and the proportion of psychiatric presentations in ED has increased significantly.1 Several factors contributed to increased EDLOS. Introduction of psychiatric short stay units,2 improving patient flow3 and appropriate increase in beds were identified as some of the possible solutions to improve patient flow.

Conclusion:

Psychiatric patient flow in ED is a complex issue and needs a coordinated approach to improve access. Future studies should focus on understanding the effectiveness of some of the proposed strategies.
The Role of Nonattorney Representation in the SSDI Determination Process: A Case Study of One Prominent Intermediary
Authors: Luca Dara Lee , Ben-Shalom Yonatan
Published: July 2020

Intermediary organizations that provide nonattorney representation services to people applying for Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefits are a prominent but understudied part of the disability landscape. A better understanding of these intermediaries and their clients can help to inform policies that influence the extent to which intermediaries support or impede SSA’s disability determination processes. This article describes how one prominent nonattorney intermediary screens potential clients and supports actual clients throughout the application process for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. We describe the intermediary’s operations and the characteristics of its clients and compare the characteristics and outcomes of the intermediary’s awardees with all SSDI awardees. Our findings point to one important avenue through which people enter SSDI and suggest some policy options that could improve the entry process and identify employment supports that might serve as alternatives to SSDI.
Mapping 50 Years of Small Group Research Through Small Group Research
Authors: Emich Kyle J. , Kumar Satish , Lu Li , Norder Kurt , Pandey Nitesh
Published: July 2020

At its 50-year milestone, we assess the Small Group Research ( SGR) corpus to reflect on the development of group research over the past half century. To do this, we examine the evolution of the corpus’s context and content. We examine its context by assessing its impact, which journals it communicates with, and the internationality of its authors. We examine its content—the topics discussed in its articles—using keyword clustering and co-occurrence network analysis. We identify 10 research communities and track their relationships over the four editorial periods associated with the SGR corpus (lagged 2 years for influence): 1970–1981, 1982–1991, 1992–2010, and 2011–2019. Our analyses indicate that the global and local study of group dynamics has fluctuated over time and that phenomenologically based topics connect theoretical topics and stimulate theoretical development. We also provide three criteria to identify communities and topics of group research most likely to benefit from future integration.
Ibalizumab: The First Monoclonal Antibody for the Treatment of HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Chahine Elias B. , Durham Spencer H.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

To review the efficacy and safety of ibalizumab (IBA) in the treatment of HIV-1 infection.

Data Sources:

A literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar (2010 to mid-June 2020) with the search terms TMB-355, TNX-355, and ibalizumab. Other resources included abstracts presented at recent conferences and the manufacturer’s website and prescribing information.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

All relevant English-language articles of studies assessing the efficacy and safety of IBA were included.

Data Synthesis:

IBA is a monoclonal antibody that blocks HIV-1 from infecting CD4+ T cells. IBA is approved by the Food and Drug Administration, in combination with other antiretrovirals (ARVs), for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in heavily treatment-experienced adults with multidrug-resistant (MDR) HIV-1 infection failing their current ARVs. IBA demonstrated significant and sustained antiviral activity in patients with MDR HIV-1 infection who had advanced disease and limited treatment options. It carries a warning regarding the development of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. Common adverse reactions include diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, and rash.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

IBA represents an attractive option for treatment-experienced adults with advanced HIV-1 infection who are no longer able to achieve viral suppression on oral ARV therapy alone and who are able to adhere to an infusion therapy every 2 weeks. As with other biologics, there is a potential for the development of antibodies to IBA that can compromise its efficacy and safety.

Conclusion:

IBA provides a needed treatment option to achieve and maintain viral suppression in heavily treatment-experienced adults with MDR HIV-1 infection.
Bias-Variance Trade-Off in Continuous Test Norming
Authors: Voncken Lieke , Albers Casper J. , Timmerman Marieke E.
Published: July 2020

In continuous test norming, the test score distribution is estimated as a continuous function of predictor(s). A flexible approach for norm estimation is the use of generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape. It is unknown how sensitive their estimates are to model flexibility and sample size. Generally, a flexible model that fits at the population level has smaller bias than its restricted nonfitting version, yet it has larger sampling variability. We investigated how model flexibility relates to bias, variance, and total variability in estimates of normalized z scores under empirically relevant conditions, involving the skew Student t and normal distributions as population distributions. We considered both transversal and longitudinal assumption violations. We found that models with too strict distributional assumptions yield biased estimates, whereas too flexible models yield increased variance. The skew Student t distribution, unlike the Box–Cox Power Exponential distribution, appeared problematic to estimate for normally distributed data. Recommendations for empirical norming practice are provided.
Using an Online Platform to Administer the Single-Session Point Subtraction Aggression Paradigm: An Initial Examination of Feasibility and Validity
Authors: Ellis Jennifer D. , Grekin Emily R. , Dekeyser Donald , Partridge Ty
Published: July 2020

Online platforms represent a cost-effective option for data collection; however, it is unclear whether online administration of certain kinds of tasks (e.g., behavioral measures of aggression) poses validity threats. The present study provided a preliminary examination of effort (as indexed by total number of presses), differential drop-out, and believability of an online version of the single-session point subtraction aggression paradigm (PSAP). Two subsamples of participants were recruited; a sample recruited through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk ( n = 758) and an in-person undergraduate sample ( n = 88). All participants completed the PSAP, along with measures of trait hostility and state anger. The online sample did not differ from the in-person sample on effort (i.e., total number of presses), and did not find the task less believable. Higher scores on state anger were associated with lower likelihood of beginning the online PSAP, but were not associated with prematurely closing the task. State anger was related to aggressive responding on the PSAP. Limitations of the online PSAP and considerations for future research are discussed.
The Best Diagnosis Is the Autopsy, But It Comes Too Late
Authors: Valls Rosa , Avramov Dragana , Macías-Aranda Fernando , Plaja Teresa
Published: July 2020

Citizens, through social movements and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), have expressed a clear message to researchers on the contributions of science to the fight against poverty and exclusion. Many investigations have carried out diagnoses of poverty in specific areas, though at times, this work was regrettably too late. Citizens in fact clamor for solutions, not a diagnosis. Notably, the project Successful Socio-Educative Actions to Overcome Poverty, funded by the Spanish government, has not been another diagnosis on poverty in deprived territories of Spain but rather a communicative case study developed in one of the most deprived neighborhoods in this country, in which researchers, neighbors, and different social actors have contributed to analyzing actions that are successfully improving the living conditions in this community.
Exploring the Impact of Dialogic Literary Gatherings on Students’ Relationships With a Communicative Approach
Authors: García-Carrión Rocío , Villardón-Gallego Lourdes , Martínez-de-la-Hidalga Zoe , Marauri Jesús
Published: July 2020

Taking a communicative approach in a qualitative inquiry entails including people’s voices through dialogues that are egalitarian and oriented toward transformation. This approach aligns with the transformative paradigm in the pursuit of ensuring the inclusion of the most vulnerable groups. This article explores the role of the communicative approach when conducting a case study in an elementary school to study the impact of dialogic literary gatherings (DLGs) on students’ relationships, particularly for those students most at risk of being marginalized. For that purpose, dialogic encounters with teachers and students occurred in the school to jointly develop the research. During the DLGs, researchers engaged in egalitarian dialogues with the students, and these dialogues facilitated getting to know each other and building relationships of trust. The communicative approach in this study allowed us to establish a profound dialogue with 9-year-old girls to grasp the transformative impact they experienced in their relationships with others. Students’ voices are considered essential in communicative research to provide socially useful results and to measure transformative social impacts beyond the educational establishment.
Education of a Burger King: A Lockdown Story
Authors: Badley Graham Francis
Published: July 2020

A brief narrative of a journey from drop-out to presidential despot.
The Static-99R Is Not Valid For Women: Predictive Validity in 739 Females Who Have Sexually Offended
Authors: Marshall Ethan , Miller Holly A. , Cortoni Franca , Helmus L. Maaike
Published: July 2020

Although many instruments have been validated to assess risk of sexual recidivism among men, no similar tool exists for women who have sexually offended. As a result, some jurisdictions use male-based instruments to assess women despite the lack of validation research examining the predictive utility for this subgroup. This study examined the utility of the Static-99R in predicting sexual recidivism among women. Based on a sample of 739 women convicted of sexual offenses in Texas, findings show that the total score was not significantly associated with sexual recidivism. When looking at individual items, other than a history of prior sexual offenses and noncontact sexual offenses, no item of the Static-99R was significantly associated with sexual recidivism among women. Furthermore, only three items (female victims/solo offender, 4+ sentencing dates, and having not lived with a romantic other for 2+ years) were significantly associated with nonsexual recidivism. These findings indicate that the Static-99R is not suitable to assess risk of recidivism among women convicted of sexual offenses.
Conceptualizing Well-being in Youth: The Potential of Youth Clubs
Authors: Eriksen Ingunn Marie , Seland Idunn
Published: July 2020

This study identifies key mechanisms in youth clubs for fostering well-being among vulnerable youths. We develop a framework to conceptualize prerequisites of well-being in youth, namely having a safe place to be, positive relations with others and possibilities for growth. This conceptualization maintains insights from psychological elements of well-being while bringing psychosocial theory of identity in youth into a sociological orientation. Understanding youth as a dynamic and situated phase expands the investigation of both well-being and youth clubs from merely revolving around ‘risk’ and ‘protection’. Based on interviews with youth workers and participants in youth clubs in Norway, the article describes how ‘hanging out’ in adult supervised but otherwise unstructured spaces provide youths with safety, belonging and a gradual sense of mastery. As such, the club may function as an institutionalized safe space and gives time, a ‘moratorium’, offering vulnerable youths shelter from adult responsibilities and the acceleration of societal demands.
Tribological properties of bronze surface with dimple textures fabricated by the indentation method
Authors: Wu Jianzhao , Yu Aibing , Chen Qiujie , Wu Maochao , Sun Lei , Yuan Jiandong
Published: July 2020

Surface texturing is an effective approach to improve the tribological properties of mechanical components. An indentation method is presented to fabricate dimple textures on bronze specimen surfaces. Graphite was selected as the mating balls in ball-on-disc wear tests. The worn surfaces and the indented dimples heaped with the thin ribbon debris were observed by microscope. The morphology and evolution of wear debris were employed to explain the influence of indented dimple textures. The experimental results indicate that the generation of thin ribbon debris is due to the edge hardening of indented dimple. The thin ribbon debris and the indented conical dimple are conducive to the debris heaping on slopes of dimples, which can facilitate the formation of the graphite-rich transfer layers on indented dimple surface. Compared with nontextured surface, indented dimple surface has lower coefficients of friction and slighter wear. The tribological properties of indented dimple surface are improved because of the edge hardening, the debris heaping and the formation of transfer layers.
The influence of lubricant formulation on early thrust and radial bearing damage associated with white etching cracks
Authors: Ruellan Arnaud , Stadler Kenred , Jelita Rydel Jakub , Ryan Helen
Published: July 2020

In the past, results have shown the influence of oil-additive systems in the life of rolling bearings, also hypotheses have been formulated on the influence of lubricant formulation on the development of early bearing damage associated with white etching cracks. In some earlier work of the authors with different operating conditions, early damage, and white etching cracks had been generated by mechanical stresses. In this study, tests with custom-made lubricants have been performed on thrust as well as radial bearings to clarify some assumptions. The tested oils differ only by the presence of three additives, but only one oil has led systematically to white etching cracks despite the fact that both oils lead to similar mechanical stresses. The results confirm that under mixed lubrication conditions with certain lubricant formulations, early damage, in particular white etching cracks, can be influenced by the oil-additive system likely affecting the bearing steel. Hypotheses are formulated and the influence of different parameters is discussed. This paper, combined with earlier work of the authors, confirms that the understanding and solution to an early bearing damage associated with white etching cracks can only be validated using the appropriate test method.
Navigating the ‘field’: Reflexivity, uncertainties, and negotiation along the border of Bangladesh and India
Authors: Ferdoush Md Azmeary
Published: July 2020

Drawing on a fourteen-month ethnographic fieldwork experience along the border of Bangladesh and India, I offer a narrative of daily challenges and uncertainties in the ‘field’. Highlighting my positionality and reflexivity, I suggest that first, although a researcher may use social capital to gain access, it may raise concerns regarding the genuineness of the participant’s response. Second, with careful attention, unplanned moments and spontaneous conversations can be turned into sources for valuable insight. Third, pushing the boundaries of social norms to attain a textbook example of ‘gender balance’ does not necessarily ‘add value’ to the research; instead, is likely to make it more challenging to access the same population for further research. Finally, I reaffirm that being from the same region with a similar background does not make the researcher an ‘insider’. Rather, their positionality becomes more ‘fluid’ and constantly shifts between an insider, an outsider, both, and sometimes none.
Effectiveness of empathy enhancement programs for social workers working with older adults: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Han Areum , Kim Tae Hui
Published: July 2020

Empathy is an essential attribute required for care providers to provide quality care and effective relationship-based practice. Cognitive empathy is understanding another person’s experiences, concerns, and perspectives, and affective empathy is sharing another person’s emotion. Cognitive empathy was found to be a significant protector to burnout and stress, while affective empathy was found to be a significant contributor to compassion satisfaction among social workers. This quasi-experimental study assessed the effectiveness of two empathy enhancement programs on 105 social workers working with older adults in South Korea. The experimental group (n = 52) received a simulation-based empathy enhancement program along with a brief mindfulness practice session, and the comparison group (n = 53) watched a 30-minute-long educational video about empathy. Data were collected prior to and two weeks after the intervention.

Findings

The experimental group showed significantly lower levels of psychosocial stress compared to the comparison group. It also showed significantly higher levels of cognitive empathy and significantly lower levels of compassion fatigue at posttest. Furthermore, the comparison group demonstrated significantly higher levels of a unidimensional factor of empathy, compassion satisfaction, and caring efficacy at posttest.

Application

Pre- and post-test differences, in different outcome measures from the groups, indicate the benefits of each empathy enhancement program on social workers working with older adults. In particular, the present study validates that the simulation-based empathy enhancement program can enhance the cognitive empathy of social workers and reduce burnout and stress. A further randomized controlled trial study is needed to examine the program’s effectiveness with minimal bias and confounding factors.
Virtual Reality and Fear of Shark Attack: A Case Study for the Treatment of Squalophobia
Authors: Malbos Eric , Burgess George H. , Lançon Christophe
Published: July 2020

Research treatment protocols are rare regarding an unusual anxiety disorder, namely the fear of sharks (squalophobia). As a possible solution, the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy for this phobia was tested. The advantage of using VR becomes clearer when a real life set up is impractical, such as exposing a phobic patient to a feared large marine organism, the shark. The effects were evaluated in a single case study involving multiple context-graded aquatic virtual environments with a virtual shark and using affordable VR apparatus and software. Assessment was based on self-report questionnaires. Scores the psychometric instruments exhibited a discernable reduction in fear toward sharks. Such gains were maintained at a 12-month follow-up. Presence rates indicated immersion when confronted to a three-dimensional (3D) virtual shark. This initial study revealed the potential of VR for the treatment of marine biota phobia and its potential to recreate diverse situations for exposure therapy.
Is the Foster Care-Crime Relationship a Consequence of Exposure? Examining Potential Moderating Factors
Authors: Yang Jennifer , McCuish Evan , Corrado Raymond
Published: July 2020

Youth who are dually involved in both foster care and criminal justice systems represent a small minority of individuals with multi-problem risk profiles. Prior research has found that foster care youth are disproportionately more likely to be chronic offenders in both adolescence and emerging adulthood. However, the nature of this relationship remains theoretically underexplored and empirically underexamined, especially with respect to risk factors that may moderate the relationship. Using data from the Incarcerated Serious and Violent Young Offender Study, the criminal offending trajectories of 678 incarcerated youth were examined. A history of foster care predicted membership in a high rate chronic offending trajectory. This relationship was not moderated by parental maltreatment, negative self-identity, involvement in gang activity, or substance use versatility. Findings suggested a greater need for ongoing support for foster care youth during their transition to adulthood, regardless of their exposure to a range of other negative life circumstances.
The State of Qualitative Research in Hospitality: A 5-Year Review 2014 to 2019
Authors: McGinley Sean , Wei Wei , Zhang Lu , Zheng Yanyan
Published: July 2020

In response to this special issue, concerned with methods and measurements, a comprehensive review of the last 5 years of qualitative research was conducted in the top five journals that primarily publish articles pertaining to the hospitality industry. A total of 197 articles were read and analyzed for this review with a focus on the state of trustworthiness in the contemporary hospitality literature. An outline of the methods, techniques, and successes are presented in this review as are recommendations for scholars, journal editors, journal reviewers, and our partners in industry who use qualitative data for many reasons including but not limited to employee satisfaction surveys, market focus groups, and employee exit interviews. In addition, the relatively novel and nascent ideas regarding empirical rigor such as transparency and replicability are introduced to the hospitality field.
Prognostic Factors of Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinomas Arising De Novo and From Inverted Papilloma
Authors: Li Yunxia , Wang Chengshuo , Wang Ru , Zhang Jiamin , Liu Honggang , Shi Qian , Chen Xiaohong , Hou Lizhen , Ma Hongzhi , Zhong Qi , Li Pingdong , Feng Ling , He Shizhi , Zhang Luo , Fang Jugao
Published: July 2020

Background

The prognostic factors and survival difference between inverted papilloma (IP)-associated sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and de novo SCC are unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the clinical features and oncologic outcomes in patients with IP-associated SCC and de novo SCC; and additionally, to analyze the prognostic factors of the two types of SCCs.

Methods

Data from 173 SCC patients treated for IP-associated SCC (n = 89) and de novo SCC (n = 84), were reviewed retrospectively for demographic features, tumor characteristics, treatment modality, and clinical outcomes. 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze factors influencing prognosis.

Results

A higher proportion of IP-associated SCC occurred in frontal and sphenoid sinus compared to de novo SCC. The two groups demonstrated similar 5-year OS and DFS (5-year OS: 63.3% and 55.4%, DFS: 45.4% and 50.1%, respectively). The metachronous tumor had a relatively better prognosis outcome than synchronous tumor and de novo SCC (5-year OS: 73.1%, 54.5% and 55.4%, respectively). Both groups showed similar loco-regional recurrence rates ( p > 0.05); however, de novo SCC tumors demonstrated an increased incidence of distant metastasis. Multivariate analysis indicated that age >70 years, advanced tumor stage and surgical margin were independent predictive factors for the risk of mortality (HR 2.047, 1.581 and 1.931, respectively).

Conclusion

IP-associated SCCs have an aggressive loco-regional tendency, whereas de novo SCCs have a higher aggressive distant metastatic propensity. Age, tumor stage and surgical positive margin are key factors for poor prognosis and should be routinely taken into consideration during treatment planning and subsequent surveillance.
Women’s Survival in Ghana: What Has Law Got to Do With It?
Authors: Dowuona-Hammond Christine , Atuguba Raymond A. , Tuokuu Francis Xavier Dery
Published: July 2020

In the 21st century, women around the world continue to face societal, economic, and sexual adversities, even as the “#MeToo” and “Time’s Up” movements appear to have excited a new tone toward the fight for gender equality and female empowerment. In this context, and in the broader context of liberating women from the oppressive shackles of a world that seems to punish women for their mere existence, this article tackles issues which are mainly peculiar to Ghana, and which have an impact on the equality, empowerment, and survival of women. The article discusses the laws, policies, and regulations that have been established to improve the lives of women in Ghana. It also examines the scourge of dangerous, discriminatory practices such as female genital mutilation, the banishment of suspected witches, and inhumane widowhood rites, which are detrimental to the survival of women in Ghana. The article recognizes that the lack of sustained growth in women’s progress globally, and specifically in Ghana, is due in large part to these discriminatory practices that have muted the voices and perspectives of women in decision-making. The law, therefore, is not enough. Some of the pivotal roles nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have played to empower women include campaigns to repeal legislation adversely affecting women’s inheritance and to improve the fairness of the Parliamentary process, efforts toward the elimination of trokosi, and the initiatives to protect women suspected of witchcraft from humiliation and banishment.
Experiences of Online Counseling Among Undergraduates in Some Ghanaian Universities
Authors: Amos Patricia Mawusi , Bedu-Addo P. K. A. , Antwi Theresa
Published: July 2020

Counseling is an age-old practice with roots dating back to the 20th century. Twenty-first-century boom in technology has offered new opportunities for counseling practice, making it possible for counselors and clients to interact virtually without recourse to physical meetings. This study sought to investigate students’ experiences of online counseling in some Ghanaian universities. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used to examine the experiences of undergraduate students using online counseling. Five of the student-clients used WhatsApp messaging, two used e-mailing, and one used WhatsApp video. A thematic approach was used to analyze student-clients’ experiences. Accessibility, convenience, privacy, and mobility were some significant benefits they indicated concerning online counseling. On the contrary, loss of non-verbal cues, mistrust, and poor internet connectivity were their major obstacles to online counseling. Nevertheless, their issues were resolved with the use of online counseling. It is recommended that Counselors are trained in the use of online resources for counseling, and Management of Universities should introduce counseling technology devices to students to make online counseling more accessible and convenient.
Unrooted responses: Addressing violence against environmental and land defenders
Authors: Grant Hollie , Le Billon Philippe
Published: July 2020

This study considers how participants in community forestry and development organizations respond to forest-related violence. The literature suggests that responses should seek to address the underlying causes of violence, enforce the rule of law, and promote human rights and political empowerment. Yet, these responses are often obstructed and neutralized by power relations and governance challenges, including pervasive corruption and patrimonialism. In Cambodia, the combination of distrust towards corrupt and abusive authorities, rigid legal-rational hierarchies and social conventions, as well as the belief that patrimonialism serves wealthy individuals and lack of awareness of rights makes it difficult to seek, and even less obtain justice for forest-related violence. Few communities, supporting NGOs and foreign donors appear willing and capable of addressing the roots of forest violence, leading to compromises undermining conservation objectives, systemic injustice, and continued exposure to violence for environmental and land defenders. The study points at four areas for further research to reduce the risks of physical harm for defenders, sustain community conservation objectives, and strengthen accountability for forest violence.