bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring and removal of cyanobacterial toxins from drinking water by algal-activated carbon
Authors: Ibrahim Wael M , Salim Emad H , Azab Yahia A , Ismail Abdel-Hamid M
Published: May 2015

Microcystins (MCs) are the most potent toxins that can be produced by cyanobacteria in drinking water supplies. This study investigated the abundance of toxin-producing algae in 11 drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). A total of 26 different algal taxa were identified in treated water, from which 12% were blue green, 29% were green, and 59% were diatoms. MC levels maintained strong positive correlations with number of cyanophycean cells in raw and treated water of different DWTPs. Furthermore, the efficiency of various algal-based adsorbent columns used for the removal of these toxins was evaluated. The MCs was adsorbed in the following order: mixed algal-activated carbon (AAC) ≥ individual AAC > mixed algal powder > individual algal powder. The results showed that the AAC had the highest efficient columns capable of removing 100% dissolved MCs from drinking water samples, thereby offering an economically feasible technology for efficient removal and recovery of MCs in DWTPs.
School Indicators of Violence Experienced and Feeling Unsafe of Dutch LGB Versus Non-LGB Secondary Students and Staff, 2006-2010
Authors: Mooij Ton
Published: May 2015

Gender and sexual orientation are expressed in heterosexual, lesbian (L), gay (G), bisexual (B), transgender (T), or queer (Q) interests and behavior. Compared with heterosexual persons, LGBTQ persons seem to experience more antisocial behavior, including negative discrimination and violence. To assess differences in LGBTQ-related discrimination in schools, the question for this research is “Do the degrees of violence experienced and feeling unsafe of LGBTQ students and staff in a school differ from those of non-LGBTQ students and staff in the same school?” Secondary analysis was carried out on data from a Dutch national digital monitor survey on safety in secondary schools. In 2006, 2008, and 2010, participation amounted to 570 schools, 18,300 teaching and support staff, and 216,000 students. Four indicators were constructed at the school level: two Mokken Scale means assessing severity of violence experienced and two Alpha Scale means assessing feeling unsafe. Analysis of mean differences showed that LGB students experienced more violence and felt less safe than non-LGB students; LGB staff felt less safe in school than non-LGB staff. When LGB students experienced more violence at school than non-LGB students, LGB students also felt less safe than non-LGB students for all 3 years. No such relationships existed for LGB staff, or between LGB staff and LGB students. No significant relationships were found between the four LGB school indicators and contextual school variables. The outcomes and uniqueness of the study are discussed. Recommendations are made to improve assessment and promote prosocial behavior of students and staff in schools.
An integrated TRIZ approach for technological process and product innovation
Authors: Li Miao , Ming Xinguo , Zheng Maokuan , He Lina , Xu Zhitao
Published: May 2015

Process trimming (also can be called as trimming for process) helps to trim and eliminate process operations by redistributing their functions among other operations. It offers one way to eliminate key disadvantages in product and manufacturing process that other methods do not see. However, few methods have been disclosed in a structured way for process trimming effectively. Therefore, this article proposes an integrated process focused on technological process and product innovation to solve the key problems with process trimming-based TRIZ (theory of inventive problem-solving) approach. This method helps to identify and inventively solve the key problems and maximize use resource of system and supersystem. First, process trimming candidates are identified based on component function model, component trimming rules, process function model analysis, component–process interaction matrix, and root cause analysis. Then, three types of process trimming strategies are presented. Algorithm of process trimming is developed to identify key problems in technological process. TRIZ problem-solving tools are used to solve these key problems. Finally, a case study of refrigerator door foam innovative design and manufacturing process is investigated to test the efficiency of the approach. The innovative solution significantly decreases manufacturing defects and service cost.
A meta-model of computer numerical controlled part programming languages
Authors: Zhang Xianzhi , Nassehi Aydin , Newman Stephen T
Published: May 2015

Over the last 50 years, the development of computer numerical controlled machines has seen a plethora of part programming languages being developed. The large majority of these languages are based on the ISO 6983 standard which is commonly known as G&M codes, but other languages from machine tool suppliers are also used for programming machine tools. These programming languages have provided major barriers for the interoperability of such information between computer numerical controlled machines and also from computer numerical controlled machines to computer-aided systems. Thus, the process knowledge in existing part programs cannot be recycled and reused easily, due to an inability to interpret these forms of data. In this article, a new meta-model of computer numerical controlled part programming languages has been proposed. The meta-model aims to abstract the characteristics of computer numerical controlled machine activities and interpret/represent process information within computer numerical controlled part programs written in different languages or dialects. Realising the translation between the meta-model and different part programming languages, it is possible to capture the shopfloor knowledge from computer numerical controlled machines without the need to develop individual interpreting interfaces for each programming language. The valuable process knowledge can thus be captured from the part programs and represented in a neutral presentation to facilitate the knowledge accumulation and management, which is vital for manufacturing companies to gain competitive advantages in the globalised market.
A multiple slicing approach to automatic generation of parting curves
Authors: Lin Alan C , Quang Nguyen Huu
Published: May 2015

A new slicing algorithm that uses multiple sets of cutting planes to automatically determine parting curves for three-dimensional parts is proposed. In this algorithm, one set of cutting planes is used to generate the slicing profiles, and two others are used to determine the intersection points with the inner and outer loops of the parting curves. The algorithm provides a highly effective solution for handling complicated models that contain free-form surfaces. The features of the algorithm are highlighted in three case studies using tessellated geometry in STL file format as the input. The resultant parting curves overcome many problems inherent in the current methods and can be used by various downstream computer-aided design systems for three-dimensional mold design.
Step-length control analysis with a multi-staged clutch damper model in a torsional vibration problem using harmonic balance method
Authors: Yoon Jong-Yun , Kim Byeongil
Published: May 2015

This study focuses on a step-length control method to investigate piecewise type nonlinearities such as multi-staged clutch dampers in a practical system. In general, step-length control techniques are employed to overcome at least two difficulties with respect to examining the nonlinear dynamic responses of a physical system. Such techniques first reduce the calculation time, which increases the efficiency of simulation in many case studies. Then, the employment of step-length control resolves strongly stiff problems which often occur in the asymmetrical piecewise type nonlinearities. In order to overcome these difficulties, this study suggests a newly developed step-length control method based on the employment of two different adaptive step sizes from prior steps to the next steps, when simulation is conducted using an arc-length continuation method. The simulation results using the step-length control method show much improvement with respect to reducing the calculation times and number of steps compared with the ones without step-length control method. Thus, this study provides clear understanding of the objectives of using step-length control such that it increases the efficiency of simulation as well as resolves the convergence problems in a nonlinear dynamic system.
A thermal management system for the battery pack of a hybrid electric vehicle: modeling and control
Authors: Tao Xinran (William) , Wagner John
Published: May 2015

The lithium-ion battery pack in hybrid electric vehicles is an important energy storage device that requires proper thermal management. A considerable amount of heat is generated by the battery cells owing to their internal resistance during charging and discharging, especially for peak vehicle loads. This study focuses on developing a smart controlled thermal management solution in which a vapor compression system is integrated. A lumped-parameter cylindrical battery thermal model is developed with a Kalman observer to estimate the transient changes in the temperatures of the battery surface, the battery core, and the cooling air flowing around the cells. For the first time, the optimal cooling air temperature of the battery is investigated using optimal control theory. A model predictive controller is then introduced to regulate the refrigerant compressor and to track the ideal cooling air temperature. In a case study, the power consumption of the thermal management system and the behavior of the internal temperature of the battery are investigated under an urban assault cycle. For various operation configurations and conditions, the numerical results demonstrate that the peak error of the core temperature of the battery can be tracked within 0.25 °C of the target value and the energy consumption of the cooling system can be reduced by up to 58%.
Finite element analysis of sliding distance and contact mechanics of hip implant under dynamic walking conditions
Authors: Gao Yongchang , Jin Zhongmin , Wang Ling , Wang Manyi
Published: May 2015

An explicit finite element method was developed to predict the dynamic behavior of the contact mechanics for a hip implant under normal walking conditions. Two key parameters of mesh sensitivity and time steps were examined to balance the accuracy and computational cost. Both the maximum contact pressure and accumulated sliding distance showed good agreement with those in the previous studies using the implicit finite element analysis and analytical methods. Therefore, the explicit finite element method could be used to predict the contact pressure and accumulated sliding distance for an artificial hip joint simultaneously in dynamic manner.
Competence Judgments Based on Facial Appearance Are Better Predictors of American Elections Than of Korean Elections
Authors: Na Jinkyung , Kim Seunghee , Oh Hyewon , Choi Incheol , O’Toole Alice
Published: May 2015

Competence judgments based on facial appearance predict election results in Western countries, which indicates that these inferences contribute to decisions with social and political consequence. Because trait inferences are less pronounced in Asian cultures, such competence judgments should predict Asian election results less accurately than they do Western elections. In the study reported here, we compared Koreans’ and Americans’ competence judgments from face-to-trait inferences for candidates in U.S. Senate and state gubernatorial elections and Korean Assembly elections. Perceived competence was a far better predictor of the outcomes of real elections held in the United States than of elections held in Korea. When deciding which of two candidates to vote for in hypothetical elections, however, Koreans and Americans both voted on the basis of perceived competence inferred from facial appearance. Combining actual and hypothetical election results, we conclude that for Koreans, competence judgments from face-to-trait inferences are critical in voting only when other information is unavailable. However, in the United States, such competence judgments are substantially important, even in the presence of other information.
On the Education of Art-Based Researchers
Authors: O’Donoghue Dónal
Published: May 2015

This article engages in a prosthetic reading of Charles Garoian’s definition of art-based research—prosthetic insofar as it connects his definition with the ideas of others, to intellectual traditions not immediately recognized as his—in an effort to consider how “newcomers” to the field of art-based research might be welcomed and prepared to act as researchers. Arguing that art researchers and scholars have a collective responsibility to welcome “newcomers” to the field, acquaint them with the possibilities of a form and practice that they seem to care deeply about, without dictating what “newcomers” ought to do, the article explores how Garoian’s definition constructs art-based research as a place from which to act, to inquire generously, to make good judgments, and to give accounts of others in ethical ways.
Fosaprepitant for the prevention of nausea and vomiting in patients receiving BEAM or high-dose melphalan before autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Clark Stephen Michael , Clemmons Amber B , Schaack Lindsay , Garren Jeonifer , DeRemer David L , Kota Vamsi K
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To assess the impact of single-dose fosaprepitant on nausea and emesis after BEAM and high-dose melphalan conditioning regimens for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Methods

In a single-center cohort study patients receiving melphalan containing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation regimens who received a one-time dose of 150 mg IV fosaprepitant (n = 56) were compared to a historical control (n = 70).

Results

The primary endpoint of no emesis from melphalan administration through five days afterward was 80% for the fosaprepitant group versus 66% in the control group ( p = 0.068). Addition of fosaprepitant demonstrated significant improvement in emetic episodes per patient during the entire assessment period ( p = 0.011) and days 1–5 after melphalan ( p = 0.045). Fosaprepitant resulted in no substantial nausea during the entire assessment period in 37% of high-dose melphalan patients and 57% of BEAM patients.

Conclusions

Further studies are suggested to investigate the optimal number and timing of doses of fosaprepitant in this setting.
Development of a combination antibiogram for Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia in an oncology population
Authors: Smith Zachary R , Tajchman Sharla K , Dee Brian M , Bruno Jeffrey J , Qiao Wei , Tverdek Frank P
Published: May 2015

Purpose

Development of a combination antibiogram to identify combinations of antibiotics that have the highest likelihood of attaining one active agent in the empiric management of presumed Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia.

Methods

Patients with cancer and P. aeruginosa bacteremia from January 1 to December 31, 2012 were included in this analysis. The primary outcome was identification of effective combinations of beta-lactam and non-betalactam agents. An effective combination was defined as one which achieved in-vitro activity to greater than or equal to 85% of isolates collected. Furthermore, the addition of the non-beta-lactam agent was required to increase the in-vitro activity by at least 5% over beta-lactam monotherapy. Multiple secondary outcomes were evaluated.

Results

One hundred and twenty-three P. aeruginosa isolates were included from 99 patients. Single agent beta-lactam sensitivities ranged from 72.4 to 79.7%. Combination regimen sensitivities ranged from 73.5 to 96.7%. All combination regimens that included a beta-lactam plus an aminoglycoside were found to be effective per the study definition. Independent risk factors for MDR P. aeruginosa were receipt of intravenous (IV) antibiotics within 90 days and hospital length of stay (LOS) greater than or equal to five days. Increasing the number of antibiotics received was associated with a decrease in survival to hospital discharge.

Conclusions

Effective combination regimens included all beta-lactam aminoglycoside regimens. Receipt of IV antibiotics within 90 days and hospital LOS greater than or equal to five days were independent risk factors for MDR isolates.
Stability of micronutrients and phytochemicals of grapefruit jam as affected by the obtention process
Authors: Igual M , García-Martínez E , Camacho MM , Martínez-Navarrete N
Published: May 2015

Fruits are widely revered for their micronutrient properties. They serve as a primary source of vitamins and minerals as well as of natural phytonutrients with antioxidant properties. Jam constitutes an interesting way to preserve fruit. Traditionally, this product is obtained by intense heat treatment that may cause irreversible loss of these bioactive compounds responsible for the health-related properties of fruits. In this work, different grapefruit jams obtained by conventional, osmotic dehydration (OD) without thermal treatment and/or microwave (MW) techniques were compared in terms of their vitamin, organic acid and phytochemical content and their stability through three months of storage. If compared with heating, osmotic treatments lead to a greater loss of organic acids and vitamin C during both processing and storage. MW treatments permit jam to be obtained which has a similar nutritional and functional value than that obtained when using a conventional heating method, but in a much shorter time.
The Impact of Online Social Support on Patients’ Quality of Life and the Moderating Role of Social Exclusion
Authors: Yao Tang , Zheng Qiuying , Fan Xiucheng
Published: May 2015

Social support is critical for improving patients’ health outcomes. People living with chronic diseases are often socially excluded and thus face many challenges in their lives. The type and amount of social support they receive from online health care communities can potentially enhance their quality of life. This research verifies emotional support, informational support, companionship, and relatedness as four categories of online social support pertinent in health care communities. In examining the detailed effects of multidimensional online social support on physical, psychological, and existential quality of life, this research finds that the impact of emotional support on psychological quality of life is most effective. An empirical survey of 349 participants finds that the influential outcomes of online social support on quality of life depend on stigmatized patients’ perceptions of their level of social exclusion. In general, stigmatized patients with high levels of social exclusion seek a variety of online social support and attain a more improved quality of life than those patients with lower levels of social exclusion. This research recommends that the health care sector emphasize patients’ synergies and develop online customer resources to extend the limited medical support available.
“I Love Him in an Absolutely Gay Way”
Authors: Klugman Matthew
Published: May 2015

Elite male spectator sports have been problematized as sites that play a key role in molding and regulating a gender order dominated by an aggressive hegemonic masculinity that is patterned on male sporting heroes. This article explores instead the love, devotion, and desires that some male fans feel for these male sporting heroes. Drawing on fragments from Australian and US online fan forums, together with interviews with Australian Rules Football supporters and a film based on an American football fan, this article examines the possibly heterodox aspects of these feelings, how they intersect with the aggressive, territorial masculinity of the sports their heroes play, and touches on the implications for social change. The love of male fans for male sporting heroes suggests that the hegemonic masculinity associated with elite male spectator sports is not as monolithic as previously thought, but the broader aggressive, heteronormative context of these sporting cultures also suggests some limits to notions of an emerging inclusive masculinity.
Hegemonic Masculinity and the Possibility of Change in Gender Relations
Authors: Duncanson Claire
Published: May 2015

Hegemonic masculinity was introduced as a concept which, due to its understanding of gender as dynamic and relational, and of power as consent, could explain both the persistence of male power and the potential for social change. Yet, when hegemonic masculinity is applied in empirical cases, it is most often used to demonstrate the way in which hegemonic masculinity shifts and adopts new practices in order to enable some men to retain power over others. This is especially so in feminist International Relations, particularly studies of military masculinities, where shifts toward “softer” military masculinities such as the “tough and tender” soldier-scholar demonstrate to many feminists merely the “flexibility of the machinery of rule.” In this article, I challenge the pessimism of these accounts of military masculinity. My particular contribution is to build on an emergent and underdeveloped strand of Connell’s work on hegemonic masculinity: how change might be theorized. I argue that hegemonic masculinity remains a useful concept, but that the process through which “hegemony may fail” requires rethinking. I make this argument by exploring and working through empirical material on military masculinities, drawing on both my own research and critical analysis of the literature.
DNA Methylation Patterns in Peripheral Blood of Pregnant Women With Group B Streptococcus Colonization
Authors: Wright Michelle L. , Ralph Jody L. , Korniewicz Denise M.
Published: May 2015

The primary risk factor for neonatal Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection, which is the leading cause of infectious neonatal morbidity and mortality, is maternal colonization. However, no definitive maternal risk factors for GBS colonization have been identified and no systematic efforts have been made to prevent maternal colonization. The purpose of this exploratory secondary analysis was to evaluate genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in maternal peripheral blood early in pregnancy for association with GBS colonization status in the third trimester. Genome-wide DNA methylation was analyzed from 18 nulliparous GBS-positive and -negative women ( n = 9/group) recruited for a previous study. No statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics or DNA methylation in peripheral blood were identified between GBS-positive and -negative women in early pregnancy. The results suggest that DNA methylation patterns in peripheral blood are not associated with risk for GBS colonization.
Child soldiers as time bombs? Adolescents’ participation in rebel groups and the recurrence of armed conflict
Authors: Haer Roos , Böhmelt Tobias
Published: May 2015

The existent work on child soldiering began only recently to systematically study its consequences, both theoretically and empirically. The following article seeks to contribute to this by examining the impact of rebels’ child soldier recruitment practices during war on the risk of armed conflict recurrence in post-conflict societies. We argue that child soldiering in a previous dispute may increase both the willingness and opportunity to resume fighting in the post-conflict period, while disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes could decrease these aspects of conflict recurrence. Empirically, we analyse time-series cross-section data on post-conflict country-years between 1989 and 2005. The findings highlight that the risk of conflict recurrence does, indeed, increase with child soldiers who fought in an earlier dispute, but — counter-intuitively — is unlikely to be affected by the presence of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes in post-conflict societies. This research has important implications for the study of armed conflicts, child soldiering and research on post-conflict stability.
‘It’s all about developing the whole child’
Authors: Black Alison , Costello Rebecca , Craft Anna , Katene Will
Published: May 2015

Between 2011 and 2013, the Department for Education (DfE) in England made £3.3 million available to support the development of opportunities for young disabled people to access high-quality physical education and school sport. The DfE with the Youth Sport Trust (YST) developed a range of initiatives to help meet this aim, including Project Ability, TOPsportsability and the Young Leaders programme. The authors of this article were commissioned by the YST to evaluate the school-based inclusion initiatives. One aspect of the evaluation was an examination of project ‘legacy’ benefits – a term much cited in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. This article asks what additional, unexpected, positive legacy benefits appear to be associated with the capacity built by the DfE Disability project initiatives. A wide range of legacy benefits beyond those the YST set out to achieve were found, including tangible achievements such as accreditation, and intangible benefits such as the holistic development of participants beyond sports.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of interventions using the Common Sense Self-Regulatory Model to improve adherence behaviours
Authors: Jones Christina J , Smith Helen E , Llewellyn Carrie D
Published: May 2015

This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of the Common Sense Self-Regulatory Model in the design of interventions to improve adherence behaviours. Of nine eligible studies, six reported improvements in adherence behaviours and three showed moderate to large effects on return to work and lifestyle recommendations. Four studies stated how Common Sense Self-Regulatory Model constructs were addressed in the intervention and five measured illness perceptions as outcomes. Evidence was found for targeting cure/control perceptions in studies aimed at improving adherence behaviours. Future studies need to measure illness perceptions pre- and post-intervention to enable mediational analyses to assess the effect of Common Sense Self-Regulatory Model interventions on improving health outcomes.
Still stressed but feeling better: Well-being in autism spectrum disorder families as children become adults
Authors: Pozo Pilar , Sarriá Encarnación
Published: May 2015

The transition to adulthood and adulthood itself have been identified as times of stress for parents of individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Longitudinal studies, however, show improvements in the well-being of mothers of adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder. This article presents a cross-sectional study of 102 Spanish parents (51 mothers and 51 fathers) of 102 individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The aim was to examine parental well-being (evaluated based on stress, anxiety, depression and psychological well-being) in three groups of parents of adults, adolescents and young children with autism spectrum disorder. In addition, the relationships between parental well-being and the characteristics of their children, social support, parental age and sense of coherence were analysed. The results showed that although parental stress and psychological well-being levels were similar across the groups, depression and anxiety were lower in parents of adolescents or adults compared with parents of young children. Different factors predicted different measures of parental well-being, but sense of coherence emerged as the main predictive factor for all parental well-being measures. These findings are discussed in relation to parental adaptation over the lifespan and the implications for interventions in autism spectrum disorder families.
Group brainstorming: When regulatory nonfit enhances performance
Authors: Levine John M. , Alexander Kira M. , Wright Aidan G. C. , Higgins E. Tory
Published: May 2015

In a study investigating motivational factors in group brainstorming, we investigated the impact on performance of regulatory fit/nonfit (based on the group’s focus and task strategy). All members of three-person groups were placed in either a promotion focus or a prevention focus and then were all given either an eager strategy or a vigilant strategy for performing a brainstorming task (with an expectancy stop rule). As predicted, groups experiencing nonfit (promotion/vigilant, prevention/eager) spent more time working on the task and generated more nonredundant ideas than did groups experiencing fit (promotion/eager, prevention/vigilant). Also as predicted, task persistence mediated the joint impact of regulatory focus and task strategy on idea generation. Parallel results for idea diversity and quality were accounted for by number of ideas generated. These findings shed light on motivational aspects of group brainstorming and demonstrate the utility of regulatory fit theory for explaining small group phenomena.
Comparison of mental distress in patients with low back pain and a population-based control group measured by Symptoms Check List – A case-referent study
Authors: Christensen Jan , Fisker Annette , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Olsen Lis Raabæk , Mortensen Ole Steen , Hartvigsen Jan , Langberg Henning
Published: May 2015

Purpose: Mental distress is common in persons experiencing low back pain and who are sick-listed or at risk of being sick-listed. It is, however, not known how mental distress measured by the Symptoms Check List-90 differs between patients with low back pain and the general population. The objective of this study was to compare mental symptoms and distress as measured by the Symptoms Check List-90 in sick-listed or at risk of being sick-listed patients with low back pain with a population-based control group. Methods: Mental distress was compared in a group of patients with low back pain ( n=770) and a randomly selected population-based reference group ( n=909). Established Danish cut-off values for mental distress were used to evaluate the mental distress status in the low back pain and control group and logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios for the Global Severity Index and the symptom scales of the Symptoms Check List-90 while controlling for baseline demographic differences between the groups. Results: Group mean scores showed that all symptom scales and the Global Severity Index for both sexes were statistically elevated in the low back pain group, except for interpersonal sensitivity in women. When the scores were dichotomized to cases and non-cases of mental distress, a significantly higher prevalence of cases was observed in the low back pain group compared to the reference group on all symptom check list scales, except for paranoid ideation for both sexes and interpersonal sensitivity for women. The biggest between-group difference was observed for the somatization symptom scale. Conclusions: Low back pain patients who are sick-listed or at risk of being sick-listed, are more mentally distressed compared to a randomly selected sample of the general Danish population. Self-reported symptoms of somatization, anxiety, phobic anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, depression and hostility are all more common among patients with low back pain compared to the general population.
Increasing Retention and Graduation Rates Through a STEM Learning Community
Authors: Dagley Melissa , Georgiopoulos Michael , Reece Amber , Young Cynthia
Published: May 2015

The EXCEL Program began as a National Science Foundation-sponsored STEM Talent Expansion Program in 2006 and, because of its significant impact on retention of STEM majors, has since become an institutionalized program at the University of Central Florida. The University of Central Florida EXCEL Program annually recruits approximately 200 first-year STEM students into a learning community with residential/social and curricular components. First-year retention, long-term retention, and graduation rates are all higher for the EXCEL cohorts than the comparison groups. Overall retention of students in a STEM major is 43% higher for the EXCEL Program than the comparison group. In particular, women, African Americans, and Hispanics in the EXCEL Program have demonstrated high retention (54%, 57%, and 67%) and graduation rates (35%, 27%, and 50%). The large cohort size and all-inclusive nature of the EXCEL Program makes it a unique model for addressing the current need for STEM graduates.
The African American Student Network
Authors: Grier-Reed Tabitha , Arcinue Ferdinand , Inman Evetta
Published: May 2015

Comparing retention rates for 91 Black women and 56 Black men who participated in the African American Student Network with 68 women and 36 men who were randomly selected from the population of Black undergraduates at a Midwestern university, we included an analysis of covariance to control for ACT score and first-term grade point average. Results demonstrated a statistically significant main effect for network ( F(1, 245) = 10.14, p = .002, η2 = .04), where network participants were retained at a significantly higher rate than randomly selected non-network African American students. There was no effect for gender and no interaction.
Violence Victimization on a College Campus
Authors: Mengo Cecilia , Black Beverly M.
Published: May 2015

Violence against university students has significant impact on their mental health. The impact of violence on students’ academic performance has received little attention. The primary purpose of this study is to examine the impact of sexual and physical/verbal violence on the academic performance of college students. Data from 74 case files of service users of a campus-based Relationship and Sexual Violence Program were examined. Bivariate analysis was used to examine the impact of sexual and physical/verbal victimization on grade point average and leaving school. Students who experienced both physical/verbal and sexual violence experienced significant drop in their grade point average. Students who experienced sexual victimization were more likely to leave the university than students who experienced physical/verbal victimization. Findings indicate that universities would be well served by investing resources in violence prevention programming.
Survivor Perspectives on IPV Perpetrator Interventions
Authors: McGinn Tony , Taylor Brian , McColgan Mary , Lagdon Susan
Published: May 2015

More effective work with perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) can be built upon a better understanding of how and why they change their behavior. This article presents a systematic narrative review of female IPV survivor perspectives on the changes brought about by IPV perpetrator programs. Fourteen databases and web search engines were searched and 16 articles reporting relevant qualitative findings were identified. Survivors often reported some level of positive change through their partner’s engagement with a program, but the sustainability of this change is unclear and there was also some negative feedback. From the survivors’ perspective, key barriers to perpetrator change include alcohol dependency, mental health challenges, relationship dynamics, and their family of origin. Mechanisms by which perpetrators are held to account, namely, survivor validation and judicial measures, were seen as central to the change process. Survivors perceived changes in perpetrator behavior (the use of conflict interruption techniques and new communication skills) and changes in perpetrators’ belief systems (adopting new perspectives). Changes in belief systems were associated with more complete desistence from violence and would appear more difficult to effect. The review highlights the complexity in this field, which is discussed by the authors with reference to practice, policy, and research.
Examining Trends in the Administration of “As Needed” Medications to Inpatients With Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
Authors: Neumann Robert D. , Faris Peter , Klassen Richard
Published: May 2015

Rationale:

The use of “pro re nata” (PRN) medication in patients with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) is common but may be a source of inappropriate medication administration.

Objective:

To identify trends in the administration of PRN medications to inpatients with BPSD.

Methods:

Retrospective chart audits were completed on inpatients with dementia who had PRN medications prescribed for aggression, agitation, or insomnia. Data collected included age, sex, time of day, day of week, medication used, and dementia diagnosis. Additionally, data regarding administration of ranged doses and concurrent use with regularly prescribed medications of the same class were collected.

Results:

A total of 170 inpatients with dementia were included. Over 50 346 bed days, 4000 PRNs were administered. Individuals were more likely to receive a PRN if they were younger, shortly after shift change, in the evening, or during the weekend. If a ranged dose is provided they are more likely to receive the higher dose. If they are receiving regularly scheduled medication from the same class, there is risk of double dosing.
From humble beginnings to success in the clinic: Chimeric antigen receptor-modified T-cells and implications for immunotherapy
Authors: Firor Amelia E , Jares Alexander , Ma Yupo
Published: May 2015

In the past 50 years, disease burden has steadily shifted from infectious disease to cancer. Standard chemotherapy has long been the mainstay of cancer medical management, and despite vast efforts towards more targeted and personalized drug therapy, many cancers remain refractory to treatment, with high rates of relapse and poor prognosis. Recent dramatic immunotherapy clinical trials have demonstrated that engineering T-cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to target CD19 can lead to complete remission in relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies, generating a great deal of enthusiasm in the field. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the history of adoptive T-cell therapy, including CARs, in solid tumors as well as hematologic malignancies. CAR therapy has the potential to fundamentally transform cancer treatment with specific and even personalized targeting of tissue- and tumor-specific antigens. However, before CARs become standard first-line treatment modalities, critical issues regarding efficacy, combinatorial regimens, and mechanisms of treatment failure and toxicity will need to be addressed.
Endovascular Versus Surgical Revascularization for the Management of Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia
Authors: Saedon Mahmud , Saratzis Athanasios , Karim Ahmed , Goodyear Steve
Published: May 2015

Background:

Chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) can be treated with surgical revascularization (SR) or endovascular revascularization (ER).

Materials and Methods:

Systematic review of 12 studies comparing ER and SR in CMI. Primary end point was perioperative (30 days) survival. A secondary composite end point consisted of perioperative mortality, nonfatal cardiac events, nonfatal stroke, and nonfatal bowel ischemia. Further end points included late survival, primary patency, and symptom improvement.

Results:

The cumulative odds ratio (OR) for perioperative mortality was 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40-1.50, P = .45) and 0.56 (95% CI: 0.28-1.11, P = .10) for the composite end point. The cumulative OR for survival after the 30th day was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.47-1.46), P = .51. Late primary patency was reported in 8 studies, with a cumulative OR of 3.57 (95% CI: 1.83-6.97, P = .0002)—favoring SR.

Conclusion:

In the first meta-analysis to compare ER and SR in CMI, there were no differences in mortality and morbidity. Patency rates were better following SR.
Rare use of twin Solitaire® stents in the double waffle-cone technique for endovascular treatment of a wide-necked bifurcation aneurysm
Authors: Nas Omer Fatih , Kacar Emre , Kaya Ahmet , Erdogan Cuneyt , Hakyemez Bahattin
Published: May 2015

Endovascular treatment of wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms may be challenging. The waffle-cone technique can be used in these aneurysms in case of acute angulation between parent artery and distal artery of the aneurysm. Solitaire® stent (Ev3, Irvine, CA, USA) has the significant advantage of mitigating the potential complication risks. This study reports the second case in the literature in which endovascular treatment of a wide-necked bifurcation aneurysm with the double waffle-cone technique by using twin Solitaire® stents proved to be successful.
“It is not guaranteed that you will benefit”: True but misleading?
Authors: Kim Scott YH , Wilson Renee , De Vries Raymond , Kim H Myra , Holloway Robert G , Kieburtz Karl
Published: May 2015

Background:

Participants of early-phase intervention trials for serious conditions provide high estimates of likelihood of benefit, even when informed consent forms do not promise such benefits. However, some technically correct, negatively stated benefits statements—such as “it is not guaranteed that you will benefit”—could play a role in raising expectations of benefit because in ordinary English usage such statements denote a likely but not a certain-to-occur event.

Methods:

An experimental online survey of 584 English-speaking adults recruited online. They were randomized to receive one of two benefit statements (“not guaranteed” vs “some but very small chance”), using a hypothetical scenario of an early-phase clinical trial testing an intervention to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We assessed respondents’ willingness to consider participating in the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis trial, their estimates of likelihood of benefit, and their explanations for those estimates.

Results:

The two arms did not differ in willingness to consider participation in the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis trial. Those receiving “not guaranteed” benefit statement had higher estimates of benefit than those receiving “some but very small chance” statement (35.7% (standard deviation 20.2) vs 28.3% (standard deviation 22.0), p < 0.0001). A total of 43% of all respondents chose expressions of positive sentiment (hope and need to stay positive) as explanations of their estimates; these respondents’ estimates of benefit were higher than others but similar between the two arms. The effect of benefit statements was greatest among those who chose “Those are just the facts” as the explanation for their estimate (31.0% (standard deviation 22.4%) in “not guaranteed” arm vs 18.9% (standard deviation 21.0%) in comparison arm, p = 0.008).

Conclusion:

The use of “not guaranteed” language in benefit statements, when compared to “small but very small chance” language, appeared to increase the perception of likelihood of benefit of entering an early-phase trial, especially among those who view their estimates of benefits as “facts.” Such “no guarantee” benefit statements may be misleading and should not be used in informed consent forms.
Sensor fusion for complex articulated body tracking applied in rowing
Authors: Ruffaldi E , Peppoloni L , Filippeschi A
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a sensor fusion model for integrating wearable inertial measures with sensors in the environment. This approach is designed and tested to support body motion tracking of rowing in indoor and outdoor environments. This paper presents the approach based on a complex kinematic model and Unscented Kalman filtering. The approach is validated in an indoor setup based on the SPRINT rowing system by comparison against results obtained from a commercial motion capture system, thus providing future directions for the assessment of rowers’ performance on an instrumented boat.
Materials selection for a bio-inspired and symbolic product: The Trentino Winter Universiade 2013 torch ‘Gentian of Alps’
Authors: Rossi Stefano
Published: May 2015

The torch is one of the most emblematic elements of the Olympic and Universiade Games protocols. This object, together with its functional aspects, has to highlight the symbolic and positive values of the event. For this reason, the design process of the torch is not easy. In this article, the inspiration, the ideation, and the design process of the Winter Universiade Trentino 2013 torch will be illustrated. The focus is to highlight the perceptive and symbolic use of materials. For the structure, an innovative coloured steel is used. Five different materials, one for each class, are used to represent the five symbols of the winter sports and culture connected with the colours of the Olympiad and Universiade flags. In this edition, for the first time, an Olympics and Universiade torch has a biomorphic appearance.
Bio-allometry inspired resource estimation in Twenty20 cricket
Authors: Natarajan Ganesh
Published: May 2015

A novel heuristic approach to resource estimation and target determination in interrupted and shortened Twenty20 cricket matches is presented. The present approach mimics Kleiber’s allometric relation to define the effective resources for a team. Unlike existing methods, the present methodology computes the resources using a simple non-statistical method to decide on the revised target, called the Kleiber target, in interrupted matches. The proposed approach is applied to a wide range of real-match scenarios involving one or more interruptions. Case studies show that the Kleiber target is consistent and reasonable over a spectrum of match situations and offers an inexpensive, robust and elegant methodology to reset targets in shortened Twenty20 matches.
Discourses of motherhood and women’s health: Maternal Thinking as feminist politics
Authors: Robinson Fiona
Published: May 2015

Using the debate surrounding the Canadian government’s 2008 Muskoka Initiative on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health as a central example, this article considers the construction of women and women’s health in global health policy. Specifically, it considers the contributions of Sara Ruddick’s philosophy to the task of unravelling the ethical and political meanings of ‘motherhood’, and the relationship between maternal thinking and feminist politics in global social policy. This article argues that while Ruddick’s Maternal Thinking has often been read as a normative ethics that asserts the moral authority of mothers’ voices and ways of being, it can also be read as a feminist political theory. In particular, Ruddick’s work provides feminists with a critical resource for considering the ways that masculinist power can drive a wedge between ‘mothers’ and ‘feminists’, thereby obscuring the need for feminism to consider all aspects of mothering as central to their political goals. Far from limiting our understandings of women and their roles in international politics, Ruddick’s work provides us with crucial insights into the discursive construction of women in global policy initiatives, as well as offering key starting points for strategies of resistance.
Revisiting Ruddick: Feminism, pacifism and non-violence
Authors: Frazer Elizabeth , Hutchings Kimberly
Published: May 2015

This article explores feminist contentions over pacifism and non-violence in the context of the Greenham Common Peace Camp in the 1980s and later developments of feminist Just War Theory. We argue that Sara Ruddick’s work puts feminist pacifism, its radical feminist critics and feminist just war theory equally into question. Although Ruddick does not resolve the contestations within feminism over peace, violence and the questions of war, she offers a productive way of holding the tension between them. In our judgment, her work is helpful not only for developing a feminist political response to the threats and temptations of violent strategies but also for thinking through the question of the relation between violence and politics as such.