bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Afro-Pessimism and the (Un)Logic of Anti-Blackness
Authors: Olaloku-Teriba Annie
Published: July 2018

In the coming months and years, the left faces a historic juncture. On the one hand, racist violence is on the rise across the West, and the political class seems intent on mobilising both overt and subtle racism. On the other hand, strategies of anti-racist organising, which have developed on both sides of the Atlantic, have reached a theoretical impasse. I argue that now, more than ever, a serious project of historical and intellectual retrieval is necessary. This article interrogates the theoretical limitations of ‘anti-blackness’ as an analysis of racialised oppression. Through the thought of Frantz Fanon and Steve Biko, among others, I argue that theories of ‘anti-blackness’, specifically those rooted in Afro-pessimism, are predicated on a theoretical shift away from relational social theory to identitarian essentialism which obscures, rather than illuminates, the processes of racialisation which undergird racial oppression.
Strategy and Politics: From Marx to the Third International
Authors: Bensaïd Daniel
Published: July 2018

The following text is a translation of Daniel Bensaïd’s ‘Strategy and Politics’, which covers debates within the workers’ movement from the time of Marx and Engels, through the Second and Third Internationals, up to the more immediate revolutionary experiences in Nicaragua and Latin America. An Introduction to this has been published simultaneously.
Two new species in Cremanthodium (Asteraceae, Senecioneae) from China
Authors: WANG LONG , REN CHEN , YANG QIN-ER
Published: July 2018

Based on observations on herbarium specimens and living plants, two new species in Cremanthodium (Asteraceae, Senecioneae) from China, namely C. hongshanense from northwestern Yunnan and C. maoxianense from western Sichuan, are described and illustrated.
On the taxonomic status of the genus Dichodon (Caryophyllaceae: tribe Alsineae): morphological and molecular evidence reassessed
Authors: ARABI ZAHRA , GHAHREMANINEJAD FARROKH , RABELER RICHARD K. , SOKOLOVA IRINA , HEUBL GÜNTHER , Zarre Shahin
Published: July 2018

The status of the genus Dichodon has long been debated, and its taxonomic position in tribe Alsineae has been changed during the time from a section or subgenus in Cerastium to genus sister to Holosteum. This group comprises important members of wet meadows in alpine and subalpine vegetation of Europe, arctic regions, and SW-Asia plus one species known as a weed in N-America, and a further one occuring in mountains of Taiwan. In order to clarify the taxonomic questions concerning this group and its species delimitation, we constructed phylogenetic trees, selecting several species belonging to tribe Alsineae as representatives of major lineages of this tribe as well as several accessions of Dichodon. Morphological studies focused more intensively on members of Dichodon using herbarium specimens and direct field examinations. The results confirm those of recent molecular phylogenetic studies, indicating Dichodon as a monophyletic genus sister to Holosteum and not Cerastium. In addition, the obtained cladograms support five distinct groups in Dichodon corresponding to five species of this genus we recognize in Iran, the focal area of this study. Seed micromorphology provides strong support for the recognition of Dichodon as a separate genus, but it is not informative at species and subspecies ranks due to constancy of most of seed characters within the genus. As part of this study, a new species—Dichodon alborzensis—is described, D. kotschyi is reported in Iran for the first time, and Cerastium schischkinii is placed in synonymy (new synonymy) under D. kotschyi.
Alyssum rossetii (Brassicaceae), a new species from the Aosta Valley in Italy based on morphological and genome size data
Authors: ŠPANIEL STANISLAV , KAPLAN KLAUS , BOVIO MAURIZIO , MÁRTONFIOVÁ LENKA , CETLOVÁ VERONIKA
Published: July 2018

Alyssum rossetii, a stenoendemic madwort discovered on a mountain slope in the Valpelline valley (northern part of the Aosta Valley in the Pennine Alps), is described here as a new species. It is a perennial that is morphologically close to the Alyssum montanum-A. repens complex, with several hitherto neglected peculiar morphological characters. Here we present a full description of the new taxon, including information on its chromosome number, genome size and ecology, as well as a detailed morphological comparison of the new species with four related taxa occuring in the broader region, namely A. flexicaule, A. montanum, A. orophilum and A. rhodanense. Besides morphological differences, the new species also conspicuously differs from the other taxa in relative monoploid genome size. According to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria, it should be classified as Endangered.
­­­­­­A new species of Dalbergia (Fabaceae: Dalbergieae) from Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: SOOSAIRAJ S. , RAJA P. , BRITTO S. JOHN , BALAGURU B.
Published: July 2018

Dalbergia matthewii S. Soosairaj, P. Raja & S. John Britto, a new species from the Western Ghats in South India, is described and illustrated. The species is a liana from the fringes of Southern Montane Wet Temperate Forests. The new species is distinguished from the closely similar species D. gardneriana and D. congesta by its more numerous leaflets (13), larger petiolule (2–4 mm), greenish-yellow flowers, obovate vexillum, strigose hairs along the margin of the ovary and pod that is reticulate throughout. In order to aid in the identification of this new species a key to the scandent species of Dalbergia in India is provided.
Review of the leafhopper genus Anufrievia Dworakowska (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae: Erythroneurini)
Authors: CAO YANGHUI , YANG MEIXIA , LIN SHUANGHU , ZHANG YALIN
Published: July 2018

General characteristics of Anufrievia Dworakowska and a key to the species from China and Thailand are provided. Twenty-one new species, Anufrievia adaucta, A. arcuata, A. curva, A. expensa, A. falcata, A. forcipiformis, A. fusina, A. jinghongensis, A. liubanus, A. parisakazu, A. plana, A. qinlingensis, A. quadrata, A. sphenoides, A. subapicifixa, A. subdentata, A. sufflata, A. symmetrica, A. triangulata, A. triprocessa and A. wolongensis are described. Four species are newly recorded from China: A. akazu (Matsumura), A. badjawae Dworakowska, A. bauhinicola Dworakowska & Viraktamath and A. zelta Dworakowska. A. badjawae is also a new record to Thailand.
Predictable Patterns of the Atmospheric Low-Level Circulation over the Indo-Pacific Region in Project Minerva: Seasonal Dependence and Intraensemble Variability
Authors: Zhang Tuantuan , Huang Bohua , Yang Song , Kinter James L.
Published: July 2018

The predictable patterns and intraensemble variability of monthly 850-hPa zonal wind over the tropical Indo-Pacific region are investigated using 7-month hindcasts for 1983–2009 from Project Minerva. When applied to the ensemble hindcasts initialized on 1 May and 1 November, a maximum signal-to-noise empirical orthogonal function analysis identifies the patterns of high predictability as the hindcasts progress. For both initial months, the most predictable patterns are associated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The second predictable patterns with May initialization reflect the anomalous evolution of the western North Pacific (WNP) monsoon, characterized by a northward shift of the WNP anomalous anticyclone/cyclone in summer and a southward shift in fall. The intraensemble variability shows a strong seasonality that affects different predictable patterns in different seasons. For May initialization, the dominant patterns of the ensemble spread bear some resemblance to the predictable WNP patterns in summer and ENSO patterns in fall, which reflect the noise-induced differences in the evolution of the predictable signals among ensemble members. On the other hand, the noise patterns with November initialization are dominated by the northern extratropical atmospheric perturbations from winter to early spring, which expand southward through the coupled footprinting mechanism to perturb the ENSO evolution in different ensemble members. In comparison, the extratropical perturbations in the Southern Hemisphere, most significant in early months with May-initialized predictions, are less effective in affecting the tropical circulation.
Two AMOC States in Response to Decreasing Greenhouse Gas Concentrations in the Coupled Climate Model MPI-ESM
Authors: Klockmann Marlene , Mikolajewicz Uwe , Marotzke Jochem
Published: July 2018

This study analyzes the response of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) to different CO2 concentrations and two ice sheet configurations in simulations with the coupled climate model MPI-ESM. With preindustrial (PI) ice sheets, there are two different AMOC states within the studied CO2 range: one state with a strong and deep upper overturning cell at high CO2 concentrations and one state with a weak and shallow upper cell at low CO2 concentrations. Changes in AMOC variability with decreasing CO2 indicate two stability thresholds. The strong state is stable above the first threshold near 217 ppm, and the weak state is stable below the second threshold near 190 ppm. Between the two thresholds, both states are marginally unstable, and the AMOC oscillates between them on millennial time scales. The weak AMOC state is stable when Antarctic Bottom Water becomes dense and salty enough to replace North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) in the deep North Atlantic and when the density gain over the North Atlantic becomes too weak to sustain continuous NADW formation. With Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) ice sheets, the density gain over the North Atlantic and the northward salt transport are enhanced with respect to the PI ice sheet case. This enables active NADW formation and a strong AMOC for the entire range of studied CO2 concentrations. The AMOC variability indicates that the simulated AMOC is far away from a stability threshold with LGM ice sheets. The nonlinear relationship among AMOC, CO2, and prescribed ice sheets provides an explanation for the large intermodel spread of AMOC states found in previous coupled LGM simulations.
A Systematic Review of Race/Ethnicity and Parental Treatment Decision-Making
Authors: Harris Vandra C. , Links Anne R. , Walsh Jonathan , Schoo Desi P. , Lee Andrew H. , Tunkel David E. , Boss Emily F.
Published: July 2018

Patient race/ethnicity affects health care utilization, provider trust, and treatment choice. It is uncertain how these influences affect pediatric care. We performed a systematic review (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and Embase) for articles examining race/ethnicity and parental treatment decision-making, adhering to PRISMA methodology. A total of 9200 studies were identified, and 17 met inclusion criteria. Studies focused on treatment decisions concerning end-of-life care, human papillomavirus vaccination, urological surgery, medication regimens, and dental care. Findings were not uniform between studies; however, pooled results showed (1) racial/ethnic minorities tended to prefer more aggressive end-of-life care; (2) familial tradition of neonatal circumcision influenced the decision to circumcise; and (3) non-Hispanic Whites were less likely to pursue human papillomavirus vaccination but more likely to complete the vaccine series if initiated. The paucity of studies precluded overarching findings regarding the influence of race/ethnicity on parental treatment decisions. Further investigation may improve family-centered communication, parent engagement, and shared decision-making.
How to Waste a Break: Using Portable Electronic Devices Substantially Counteracts Attention Enhancement Effects of Green Spaces
Authors: Jiang Bin , Schmillen Rose , Sullivan William C.
Published: July 2018

Overuse of portable electronic devices depletes one’s attention capacity, a critical cognitive resource. Although contact with nature promotes attentional functioning, we do not know the extent to which exposure to nature and the use of electronic devices interact to promote or inhibit attentional functioning. In this study, 81 participants performed cognitive tasks and then were randomly assigned to one of four rest treatments: green settings with or without a laptop computer and barren settings with or without a laptop computer. Attention was measured three times. Analysis showed a significant effect for both setting and use of a laptop as well as a significant interaction between setting and laptop use. A further analysis controlling for time spent focused on the laptop screen produced similar results. The findings show that using an electronic device in green settings substantially counteracts the attention enhancement benefits of green spaces.
Teaching senior undergraduate students for state estimation module implementation on power applicationsoftware
Authors: Beiza J
Published: July 2018

This paper describes an effective method of teaching power application software programming to undergraduate students of power system groups in an electrical engineering department. The paper demonstrates how to implement power application software modules on a power network. The first scope of this method is to develop a power application software state estimation module and grow student practical operational vision of power application software. Some experiments are implemented on a power grid. This grid has 320 buses and that is the biggest sub-transmission area of Iran power grid. Evaluation of this test over several semesters with more than 30 students is very positive. The results show that students’ motivation and confidence in understanding this test has been developed remarkably.
Developing a Common Vocabulary: Questions of Purpose and Priority
Authors: Russell Jazmine
Published: July 2018

The “Standards and Guidelines” provide much-needed considerations for any agency or group undertaking the project of creating diagnostic/descriptive categories, including the vital assertion that those with lived experience of mental distress must be a valued part of the process. However, to fully take into account the unique needs of those with lived experience, we must also question the very assumption that diagnostic and descriptive systems are necessary to promote well-being. This article addresses the current tension in diagnostic priorities and explores the benefits of encouraging personal expressions of mental distress in the context of activism and peer support.
An Examination of Policy Narratives in Agricultural Biotechnology Policy in India
Authors: Huda Juhi
Published: July 2018

The Narrative Policy Framework (NPF) focuses attention on the importance of narratives in policy debates and on their empirical analysis. While NPF has become an increasingly important and accepted approach to studying the policy process, the vast majority of research applies it to the policy contexts of the United States, which limits tests of its potential generalizability and responsiveness to cultural specificity. To broaden the contextual scope of the approach, this study applies the NPF to a non-U.S. policy context through examining the controversial issue of agricultural biotechnology policy in India. It analyzes media coverage from leading English newspapers in India to explore the strategic use of narrative variables in policy narratives. In doing so, it highlights the important role of incomplete policy narratives in policy debates and outcomes. Policy narratives do not always contain a full suite of narrative components, and yet they may be among the most common messages received by the public and political actors. Through an analysis of incomplete narratives, this study attempts to further refine the definition of policy narratives and consider which narratives are important from empirical and audience reception perspectives. Results show that incomplete narratives occur more frequently and contain relevant narrative variables.
The Assessment of Resilience and Burnout in Correctional Officers
Authors: Klinoff Vera A. , Van Hasselt Vincent B. , Black Ryan A. , Masias Estefania V. , Couwels Judy
Published: July 2018

Despite the awareness of occupational stress in first responders, virtually no investigations have focused on correctional officer resilience. The purpose of this study was to (a) identify whether personal strengths (i.e., hope, optimism, social support) are associated with increased resilience, (b) determine the extent to which resilience protects against job burnout, and (c) ascertain whether resilience mediates the negative relationship between personal strengths and reduced burnout. Correctional officers ( N = 300) were randomly selected across five detention facilities. Meditational analyses examined the relationship between personal strengths and burnout, through the construct of resilience. Results revealed hope, optimism, and social support are significantly associated with reduced burnout, and that this relationship is mediated by resilience. These results suggest that personal strengths can reduce burnout in correctional officers by increasing resilience. This is the first study to examine the effects of these positive psychology variables on burnout in a correctional officer population.
Dynamic sliding mode-based attitude stabilisation control of satellites with angular velocity and control constraints
Authors: Yu Chunmei , Xie Xun
Published: July 2018

This work presents a novel control approach to the attitude stabilisation problem of rigid satellites with external disturbance, control constraint, and angular velocity constraint. The controller is developed in the framework of dynamic sliding mode control. A dynamic sliding mode surface is preliminarily chosen, and then a structure-simple sliding mode control law is synthesised. It is proved that the proposed control law can successfully accomplish the attitude stabilisation manoeuvre. The attitude is exponentially stabilised, and the angular velocity is stabilised with an exponential rate to a ball with a small radius. In comparison with the static sliding mode surface-based controllers, the proposed approach can provide a fast convergence rate. The system convergence time can be shortened by dynamically updating the control parameters in the sliding mode. Simulation results are presented to examine the feasibility of the presented solution.
Envelope oriented singularity robust steering law of control moment gyros for spacecraft attitude maneuver
Authors: Guo Yanning , Wang Pengyu , Ma Guangfu , Wang Liangyue
Published: July 2018

The problem of steering pyramid control moment gyro (CMG) cluster for fast spacecraft attitude maneuver along eigenaxis is investigated. A novel steering law is proposed to continuously attempt to reduce the difference between the current gimbal angle and the desired one corresponding to the angular momentum envelop of the CMG cluster. The proposed steering law can be decomposed into two parts: the first one is a singularity robust term to keep maneuverability and produce control torque, and the other is a null motion term to rearrange the gimbal angles toward momentum envelope. By involving this steering law, it is expected to possess both rapid angular momentum exchange and singularity avoidance ability. In addition, by introducing a new limit vector on attitude error, classical cascade-saturation control algorithm is revised to guarantee spacecraft eigenaxis rotation. Both open-loop steering law test and closed-loop attitude maneuver simulations are performed to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed methods.
A novel second-order sliding mode control based on the Lyapunov method
Authors: Liu Lu , Ding Shihong , Ma Li , Sun Haibin
Published: July 2018

In this paper, a novel discontinuous second-order sliding mode control approach has been developed to handle sliding mode dynamics with a nonvanishing mismatched disturbance by using Lyapunov theory and a finite-time disturbance observer. Firstly, the finite-time disturbance observer is designed to estimate the nonvanishing mismatched disturbance. Secondly, a virtual controller has been constructed based on the estimated value such that the sliding variable can be stabilized to zero in a finite time. Then, the real discontinuous controller is designed to guarantee that the virtual controller can be well tracked in a finite time. Lyapunov analysis also verifies the finite-time stability of the closed-loop sliding mode control system. The developed discontinuous second-order sliding mode control method possesses two appealing features including strong robustness with respect to the matched and mismatched nonvanishing disturbances, and relaxation on the constant upper bound of uncertainties widely used in a conventional second-order sliding mode. Finally, an academic example is illustrated to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity Among Low-Income Latina Women at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Chang Claire , Khurana Sonia , Strodel Rachel , Camp Anne , Magenheimer Elizabeth , Hawley Nicola
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine perceived barriers to physical activity among low-income Latina women who were at risk for type 2 diabetes, as well as the demographic factors that influence these perceived barriers.

Methods

Recruited in the waiting room of a community health center in a low-income neighborhood (n = 160), Latina women between the ages of 18 and 49 years completed a survey to assess demographic characteristics and perceived barriers to physical inactivity. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to identify barriers to physical activity and the associations between demographic factors and perceived barriers.

Results

The most commonly perceived barriers to physical activity in the study sample were lack of willpower and lack of energy. After adjusting for other characteristics, overweight/obese participants were more likely than women of normal weight to report social influence and fear of injury as important barriers to exercise. In addition, women whose preferred language was Spanish were more likely than women whose preferred language was English to perceive lack of time, and social influence as important barriers.

Conclusions

The effective encouragement of physical activity among Latina women at risk for type 2 diabetes must address the perceived barriers of lack of willpower and lack of energy. Although all women at risk for type 2 diabetes could benefit from counseling and other strategies to encourage physical activity, these efforts should be targeted toward Spanish-speaking overweight/obese women, who are more likely to perceive barriers to exercise.
An ontology-based approach for supply-chain quality control: From a principal–agent perspective
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Chen Kun , Liu Zhiyong , Guo Ren-Yong , Chen Si
Published: July 2018

The efficacy of the principal–agent contract in supply-chain quality control depends not only on contract parameters but also such noncontract parameters as cost of a high-quality effort and the diagnostic error of the inspection policy. The noncontract parameters usually fluctuate and are unobservable during contract execution, which may hinder suppliers’ high-quality effort, or, in other words, result in a lower efficacy for the contract. This article proposes an ontology-based approach to facilitating a principal–agent contract by monitoring the contract’s loss of efficacy. The approach consists of ontology-based models and data-centric algorithms. The ontology-based models not only formally represent concepts and relations between concepts involved in predicting whether a contract is efficient, but also organise multichannel data such as news, marketplace reports and industry databases containing information of factors impacting the unobservable noncontract parameters’ fluctuations. Based on the ontology-based models and multichannel data, the data-centric algorithms are developed to predict whether a contract will lose efficacy. We evaluate our approach through case study, simulation and comparison against related approaches to supply-chain quality control. The case study proves that our approach is appropriate. In the simulation evaluation, a combination of our approach and principal–agent contract is more efficient than just a principal–agent contract. The comparison results against related approaches show that our approach is a novel, inexpensive and directly applicable tool for reducing both asymmetric information and moral hazard in supply-chain quality control.
Predictors of Adverse Outcomes in Free Flap Reconstruction: A Single‐Institution Experience
Authors: Farquhar Douglas R. , Masood Maheer M. , Pappa Andrew K. , Patel Samip N. , Hackman and Trevor G.
Published: July 2018

Objective

Understanding the independent predictors of poor outcomes in free flap surgery is essential for patient selection. We aim to determine the independent predictors of major complications, flap survival, and extended hospital stays.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary medical center.

Subjects and Methods

We reviewed medical records from all vascularized tissue transfers in the head and neck between 2007 and 2014 at our institution. We recorded demographics, medical comorbidities, disease characteristics, flap characteristics, and intraoperative events. We defined outcomes as major complications in the 30‐day postoperative period, flap death or partial flap survival, and a length of stay ≥14 days. We used bivariate and multivariate methods to test for associations.

Results

Of 170 free flap operations, 44% had major complications; 11% fully or partially failed; and 27% required an extended hospital stay. Independent predictors of major complications were age ≥60 years (odds ratio [OR], 3.7; P =. 001), revision surgery (OR, 3.5; P =. 004), and a prior neck dissection (OR, 3.5; P =. 004). Independent predictors of flap failure were revision surgery (OR, 4.1, P =. 01) and the use of a plate (OR, 3.7; P =. 03). Revision surgery was independently associated with a longer stay (OR, 3.0; P =. 01), and the use of a radial forearm flap was associated with a shorter stay (OR, 0.3, P =. 047).

Conclusion

These results underscore that caution is warranted in revision flap surgery, patients with prior neck operations, and patients aged ≥60 years.
Traditional and augmented reality mirror therapy for patients with chronic phantom limb pain (PACT study): results of a three-group, multicentre single-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rothgangel Andreas , Braun Susy , Winkens Bjorn , Beurskens Anna , Smeets Rob
Published: July 2018

Objective:

To compare the effects of traditional mirror therapy (MT), a patient-centred teletreatment (PACT) and sensomotor exercises without a mirror on phantom limb pain (PLP).

Design:

Three-arm multicentre randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Rehabilitation centres, hospital and private practices.

Subjects:

Adult patients with unilateral lower limb amputation and average PLP intensity of at least 3 on the 0–10 Numeric Rating Scale (NRS).

Interventions:

Subjects randomly received either four weeks of traditional MT followed by a teletreatment using augmented reality MT, traditional MT followed by self-delivered MT or sensomotor exercises of the intact limb without a mirror followed by self-delivered exercises.

Main measures:

Intensity, frequency and duration of PLP and patient-reported outcomes assessing limitations in daily life at baseline, 4 weeks, 10 weeks and 6 months.

Results:

In total, 75 patients received traditional MT ( n = 25), teletreatment ( n = 26) or sensomotor exercises ( n = 24). Mean (SD) age was 61.1 (14.2) years and mean (SD) pain intensity was 5.7 (2.1) on the NRS. Effects of MT at four weeks on PLP were not significant. MT significantly reduced the duration of PLP at six months compared to the teletreatment ( P = 0.050) and control group ( P = 0.019). Subgroup analyses suggested significant effects on PLP in women, patients with telescoping and patients with a motor component in PLP. The teletreatment had no additional effects compared to self-delivered MT at 10 weeks and 6 months.

Conclusion:

Traditional MT over four weeks was not more effective than sensomotor exercises without a mirror in reducing PLP, although significant effects were suggested in some subgroups.
Long-term effects of vestibular rehabilitation and head-mounted gaming task procedure in unilateral vestibular hypofunction: a 12-month follow-up of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Viziano Andrea , Micarelli Alessandro , Augimeri Ivan , Micarelli Domenico , Alessandrini Marco
Published: July 2018

Objective:

To investigate the long-term effects of adding virtual reality–based home exercises to vestibular rehabilitation in people with unilateral vestibular hypofunction.

Design:

Follow-up otoneurological examination in two randomized groups following a previous one-month trial.

Setting:

Tertiary rehabilitation center.

Subjects:

A total of 47 patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction, one group ( n = 24) undergoing conventional vestibular rehabilitation and the other one ( n = 23) implementing, in addition, head-mounted gaming home exercises, 20 minutes per day for one month.

Interventions:

One year after completing rehabilitation, patients underwent testing with static posturography, video head impulse test, self-report questionnaires, and a performance measure.

Main measures:

Vestibulo-ocular reflex gain, posturographic parameters such as length, surface, and fast Fourier transform power spectra, self-report, and gait performance measure scores.

Results:

Vestibulo-ocular reflex gain was significantly better with respect to pretreatment in both groups. The mixed-method group showed significantly higher gain scores: mean (standard deviation (SD)) at 12 months was 0.71 (0.04), versus 0.64 (0.03) for the vestibular rehabilitation–only group ( P < 0.001). Accordingly, some classical posturography scores such as surface with eyes open and length with eyes closed and low-frequency power spectra were significantly different between groups, with the virtual reality group showing improvement ( P < 0.001). Self-report measures were significantly better in both groups compared to pretreatment, with significant improvement in the mixed-method group as compared to conventional rehabilitation alone: Dizziness Handicap Inventory mean total score was 24.34 (2.8) versus 35.73 (5.88) with a P-value <0.001.

Conclusion:

Results suggest that head-mounted gaming home exercises are a viable, effective, additional measure to improve long-term vestibular rehabilitation outcomes.
A random finite set approach for dynamic occupancy grid maps with real-time application
Authors: Nuss Dominik , Reuter Stephan , Thom Markus , Yuan Ting , Krehl Gunther , Maile Michael , Gern Axel , Dietmayer Klaus
Published: July 2018

Grid mapping is a well-established approach for environment perception in robotic and automotive applications. Early work suggests estimating the occupancy state of each grid cell in a robot’s environment using a Bayesian filter to recursively combine new measurements with the current posterior state estimate of each grid cell. This filter is often referred to as binary Bayes filter. A basic assumption of classical occupancy grid maps is a stationary environment. Recent publications describe bottom-up approaches using particles to represent the dynamic state of a grid cell and outline prediction-update recursions in a heuristic manner. This paper defines the state of multiple grid cells as a random finite set, which allows to model the environment as a stochastic, dynamic system with multiple obstacles, observed by a stochastic measurement system. It motivates an original filter called the probability hypothesis density / multi-instance Bernoulli (PHD/MIB) filter in a top-down manner. The paper presents a real-time application serving as a fusion layer for laser and radar sensor data and describes in detail a highly efficient parallel particle filter implementation. A quantitative evaluation shows that parameters of the stochastic process model affect the filter results as theoretically expected and that appropriate process and observation models provide consistent state estimation results.
The levels of NF-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 play a role in thyroid carcinoma malignancy in vivo
Authors: Le Fei , Zhang Jing-Yu , Liu Wei , Huang Xian-Ming , Luo Wen-Zheng
Published: July 2018

Background

To investigate the relationship between the levels of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 and tumour characteristics in patients with thyroid carcinoma.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled consecutive patients with thyroid carcinoma. Tumour samples were collected and the levels of NF-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 protein and mRNA were measured using immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR).

Results

A total of 73 patients with thyroid carcinoma were included in the study (20 males; 53 females; mean ± SD age, 44.8 ± 12.7 years, range, 18–76 years). There were no significant differences in sex, age and pathological type between the NF-κB p50 positive group and the NF-κB p50 negative group, but tumour diameter and lymph node metastasis were significantly higher in the NF-κB p50 positive group compared with the NF-κB p50 negative group. Similar findings were observed for NF-κB p65. The levels of NF-κB p50 were positively correlated with NF-κB p65 in samples of thyroid carcinoma ( rs = 0.653).

Conclusion

The levels of NF-κB p50 and NF-κB p65 in samples of thyroid carcinoma were positively associated with tumour diameter and the presence of lymph node metastasis.
Investigating the Influence of Social Media Consumption on Punitive Attitudes Among a Sample of U.S. University Students
Authors: Intravia Jonathan
Published: July 2018

Prior research suggests that media consumption influences attitudes toward punitiveness. Traditionally, prior efforts have generally examined television news and crime-related programming. However, less is known whether more contemporary forms of media consumption, such as social media, are related to punitive attitudes. Using a multisite sample of more than 900 mostly young adults, the current study examines (a) the relationship between four types of social media consumption (overall, general news, crime-specific content, and punishment-specific content) on penal attitudes and (b) whether these relationships vary based on key characteristics. Results reveal that individuals who consume punishment-specific content on social media are significantly more likely to have stronger attitudes regarding the use of punishment and this relationship varies by fear of crime. Findings and directions for future research are discussed.
The Impact of Transit-oriented Development on Housing Value Resilience: Evidence from the City of Atlanta
Authors: Zhang Wenwen , Wang Fangru , Barchers Camille , Lee Yongsung
Published: July 2018

This research examines whether transit-oriented development (TOD) contributes to housing value resilience in Atlanta, Georgia. We developed two spatial hedonic models using property sale records to examine whether being located in TOD areas contributes to the resilience of housing prices during and after the Great Recession, compared to being located in transit-adjacent development areas. Our results suggest that there is a growing demand for TOD properties in recent years, which contributes to maintaining and faster regaining property values in TOD areas. Our results support future investment in TOD areas and also suggest challenges to incorporating affordable housing in TOD designs.
Understanding the Care Needs and Profile of People Living at Home With Moderate to Advanced Stage Parkinson Disease
Authors: Hand Annette , Oates Lloyd L. , Gray William K. , Walker Richard W.
Published: July 2018

Background:

In the United Kingdom, people with Parkinson disease (PD) and atypical parkinsonism will require more support with their care needs as the condition progresses. There are few data on the nature of care input required and the amount of informal and formal care needed by people with PD to enable them to remain within their own home.

Method:

All people with moderate to advanced stage (Hoehn and Yahr III-V) idiopathic PD and atypical parkinsonism under the care of the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust PD service and living in their own home were invited to take part in The Northumbria Care Needs Project, a 10-year prospective longitudinal study. At baseline, data regarding formal (paid) personal and domestic care input and use of respite care, sitting services, and day centers were collected. We also collected data on patient cognitive disability, functional disability, and disease severity and informal carer tasks.

Results:

Of 162 people with PD included in the study, only 25.2% accessed formal domestic care and the same proportion formal personal care. In contrast, 80.2% identified an informal carer who helped with these tasks. Despite greater level of functional disability in those with an informal carer, levels of formal personal care input were similar to those with and without a formal carer. Levels of formal domestic carer input were higher in those without an informal carer.

Conclusions:

Use of formal care services was relatively uncommon in our cohort and much of the burden of caring appears to be being met by informal carers.
Adaptive stiffness control of passivity-based biped robot on compliant ground using double deep Q network
Authors: Wu Yao , Yao Daojin , Guo Zhao , Xiao Xiaohui
Published: July 2018

Passive dynamic walking exhibits human-like and energy-efficient gait. Biologically inspired compliance introduced to flexible passivity-based robot would be helpful to generate stable locomotion. However, designing adaptive controller for flexible biped on compliant ground still remains a challenge. This paper aims to design an adaptive and model-free stiffness controller for passivity-based flexible biped on compliant ground, where the hip stiffness is modulated by double deep Q network. One benefit of the double deep Q network is that adaptive stiffness control policy could be directly learned from inputs. At first, passive dynamic walking gait is utilized as a reference trajectory during double deep Q network training. Then the trained double deep Q network is used as adaptive stiffness controller for biped on compliant ground. Simulation results show that the passivity-based biped robot could walk in such walking cases as disturbed initial condition, level compliant ground, downslope slippery compliant surface, and varying compliance environments. The adaptive stiffness controller would be used to make the passivity-based biped robot adapt to the environmental changes.
Passive flow control of the corner separation in an annular compressor cascade with a micro-blade
Authors: Wang Bo , Wu Yanhui
Published: July 2018

Corner separation contributes greatly to the loss and the passage blockage in a compressor stage. In order to mitigate the corner separation and improve the aerodynamic performance of compressors, a novel passive flow control method, an off-surface micro-blade installed upstream of the separation onset location, was proposed. A numerical investigation has was performed in an annular compressor cascade to assess the control effectiveness of the micro-blade. The results show that the location of the micro-blade affects the control effect significantly. The application of the well-designed micro-blade enhances the diffusion capacity considerably under the inflow incidence from −2° to +10°, accompanied by a slight loss reduction at some particular incidences. Detailed analysis of the predicted flow field was carried out to understand the underlying mechanism. It indicates that a “jet” forms upstream of the separation onset location with the application of the micro-blade. The formation of the jet reduces the thickness of boundary layer on the suction surface and builds a “jet barrier” near the endwall to hinder the accumulation of the low momentum fluid. The influence of the incidence was also investigated. It is concluded that the incidence increase has both positive and negative influences on the control effect of the micro-blade. As a result, the performance of the micro-blade is sensitive to the variation of inlet incidence.
Drivers of Tolerance in Post-Arab Spring Egypt: Religious, Economic, or Government Endorsements?
Authors: Hassan Mazen , Shalaby Marwa
Published: July 2018

Previous work on political tolerance has overwhelmingly focused on established democracies. Consequently, our knowledge continues to be limited with regard to the drivers of tolerance in less democratic transitional and nondemocratic settings. In this paper, we examine what could best promote tolerance of least-favored political groups in such contexts. We use a survey experiment in Egypt to test competing theories through exposing respondents to different primes, emphasizing the importance of tolerance on the basis of religious, economic, or government endorsements. Respondents were then asked questions to gauge their tolerance levels toward their least-favored group. We control for the level of trust in government, religiosity, interpersonal trust, contact, and political knowledge. Our data show soaring levels of intolerance among Egyptians. However, we found evidence that priming respondents with the economic benefits of having a tolerant society is the most effective way to promote tolerant attitudes, especially among those with lower levels of education and younger age groups. Additionally, our analysis demonstrated that respondents’ level of trust in government has a strong effect on tolerance attitudes.
A Rasch Analysis of the Tims, Bakker, and Derks (2012) Job Crafting Scale
Authors: Peral Sergio L. , Geldenhuys Madelyn
Published: July 2018

A Rasch validation was performed on the Tims, Bakker, and Derks’s Job Crafting Scale (JCS) in the South African working context. The JCS, which has been linked to employee well-being and career-related outcomes, continues to be the most widely used measure of job crafting behavior. Data obtained from the JCS generally showed good fit to the Rasch model. Four items were flagged during the analysis for displaying misfit (1 item) or differential item functioning (3 items), warranting further research attention. The study disclosed the dimensionality of the JCS, the hierarchical ordering and fit of the items, the functionality of the response format, and the ability of the JCS to measure invariantly across men and women, yielding new and interesting insights into the psychometric properties of the scale. The study contributes to research concerning the validity of the JCS in a non-European context, particularly through the use of Rasch analysis as a validation technique.
Relationship Between White Matter Abnormalities and Neuropsychological Measures in Children With ADHD
Authors: Albajara Sáenz Ariadna , Villemonteix Thomas , Slama Hichem , Baijot Simon , Mary Alison , Balériaux Danielle , Metens Thierry , Kavec Martin , Peigneux Philippe , Massat Isabelle
Published: July 2018

Objective: Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), to investigate microstructural white matter differences between ADHD and typically developing children (TDC), and their association with inhibition and working memory performance usually impaired in ADHD. Method: Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were estimated in 36 noncomorbid children with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; DSM-IV-TR) diagnosis of combined type ADHD and 20 TDC. Correlations between FA/MD and Stop Signal Task and N-Back performance parameters were computed. Results: Working memory performance was significantly associated with MD in the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) and the cingulum in the ADHD group. No between-group differences in FA/MD reached significance, after controlling for between-group head motion differences. Conclusion: The association between white matter integrity in the cingulum and the SLF and working memory performance confirms previous studies. Our results also show that when critical conditions are controlled (age, comorbidity, head motion), no ADHD-related structural abnormality (FA/MD) are observed, in line with prior suggestions.
Perceptions of self and other: Social judgments and gaze patterns to videos of adolescents with and without autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Grossman Ruth B , Mertens Julia , Zane Emily
Published: July 2018

Neurotypical adults often form negative first impressions of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and are less interested in engaging with them socially. In contrast, individuals with autism spectrum disorder actively seek out the company of others who share their diagnosis. It is not clear, however, whether individuals with autism spectrum disorder form more positive first impressions of autistic peers when diagnosis is not explicitly shared. We asked adolescents with and without autism spectrum disorder to watch brief video clips of adolescents with and without autism spectrum disorder and answer questions about their impressions of the individuals in the videos. Questions were related to participants’ perceptions of the social skills of the individuals in the video, as well as their own willingness to interact with that person. We also measured gaze patterns to the faces, eyes, and mouths of adolescents in the video stimuli. Both participant groups spent less time gazing at videos of autistic adolescents. Regardless of diagnostic group, all participants provided more negative judgments of autistic than neurotypical adolescents in the videos. These data indicate that, without being explicitly informed of a shared diagnosis, adolescents with autism spectrum disorder form negative first impressions of autistic adolescents that are similar to, or lower than, those formed by neurotypical peers.
Europe and whiteness: Challenges to European identity and European citizenship in light of Brexit and the ‘refugees/migrants crisis’
Authors: Ammaturo Francesca Romana
Published: July 2018

This article uses the current ‘refugees/migrants crisis’ and Brexit as illustrative of the numerous challenges the European Union faces today when it comes to its identity and the construction of a ‘European citizenship’. By discussing the proliferation of borders on the European continent and by analysing the sociological significance of such proliferation, the article argues that Europe is experiencing an ontological and epistemological rather than an existential crisis that relates to its incapacity to acknowledge, and critically engage with, its fundamental neo-colonial and neo-liberal matrix. The article argues that the stalemate experienced by the European Union with respect to its regional and global relevance can only be overcome by bringing to the surface buried or disqualified knowledges about ‘who counts as European’ beyond whiteness.