bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of personality traits in pair bond formation: pairing is influenced by the trait of exploration
Authors: Faust Katerina M. , Goldstein Michael H.
Published: March 2021

In species with long-term pair bonds, such as zebra finches, evaluating the quality of potential mates is critically important. Courtship is an opportunity to evaluate information from dynamic behavioural cues. Personality traits, as stable individual differences in behaviour, could predict the quality of a potential mate. How might personality traits influence mate choice? We examined the influence of several personality traits, including exploration, aggression, and social preference, on pair formation in zebra finches. We provided birds with a variety of potential mates and allowed them to select a pair partner. Our semi-naturalistic mate choice paradigm allowed birds to observe social information over an extended period, simulating the challenges of social evaluation that birds encounter in the wild. We found that pairing is influenced by personality, with birds selecting mates similar to them in exploration. The partner’s exploration score relative to their own was more important than the absolute exploration score.
The Rohingya Crisis, Myanmar, and R2P ‘Black Holes’
Authors: Pedersen Morten B.
Published: March 2021

The world has failed the Rohingya. Yet, the essence of this failure is widely misunderstood. While the existing literature on the Rohingya crisis tends to blame specific agents for having failed to fulfil their obligations under the Responsibility to Protect (R2P), this article directs our attention to the structural obstacles to mass atrocity prevention in Myanmar. Given the high risk of mass atrocities against the Rohingya and low feasibility of effective protection under any of the three pillars of R2P, it concludes that it was never plausible that R2P could work in this case. The idiom of R2P ‘black holes’ is introduced to denote situations where nothing that can realistically be done within the framework of R2P is likely to be sufficient to prevent mass atrocities or protect the victims.
Alexander’s Foundation of Alexandria
Authors: Anson Edward M.
Published: March 2021

Many reasons have been offered for Alexander the Great’s foundation of Alexandria in Egypt. He wished to create a great economic and cultural centre, or a naval base from which to control the Aegean, or simply to expand his prestige. It has also been argued that Alexander may have had no greater purpose at all and that this entire episode in the Alexander saga owes much to Ptolemaic propaganda. This paper will argue that this Alexandria, like the Conqueror’s other foundations, was primarily to be a military base in a foreign land, designed to thwart any future attempt, in this case by the Egyptians, to free themselves from his control.
Fireside Chats: A Novel Wellness Initiative for Medical Students in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Lee Sean J , Natour Abdul Kader , Geevarghese Sunil K
Published: March 2021

To supplement preexisting wellness programming for the surgery clerkship, a faculty surgeon at Vanderbilt initiated Fireside Chats (FC) in 2015. Inspired by Franklin Roosevelt’s Depression-era radio broadcasts, FC features small group sizes, off-campus excursions, and a reimagining of the mentor–mentee relationship that eschews hierarchy in favor of deep, mutualistic connections in both personal and professional domains. Here we describe the rationale and implementation of FC and present survey data that demonstrate the warm reception of FC and its efficacy in stewarding the mental health of medical students. Moreover, unlike large group activities such as “learning communities,” FC continues to meet in-person during COVID-19 and preserves social engagement opportunities that may alleviate pandemic-induced isolation and distress.
Repair of a Crossbow Bolt Injury of the Subclavian Artery Behind the Mid-clavicle
Authors: Bruce Lauren , Nelson Sarah , Vu Joceline , Bettencourt Amanda P. , Vercruysse Gary A.
Published: March 2021

The management of a rare midclavicular crossbow bolt injury to the subclavian artery is discussed. Important concepts include the initial clinical diagnosis, operative planning, the surgical approach to the retro-clavicular great vessels, the technical aspects of repair, and postoperative course. A discussion of the reasoning behind an operative vs. endovascular approach is also discussed.
Rectal Granular Cell Carcinoma Requiring Abdominoperineal Resection
Authors: Sunderland Michaelia S. , Dakwar Anthony , Rasheid Sowsan
Published: March 2021

Background

Granular cell tumors, derived from neural crest cells, are rare tumors infrequently located in the colon or rectum. We will discuss a patient with a rectal granular cell tumor invading the anal sphincters requiring an abdominoperineal resection.

Methods

A 56-year-old male, with anal pain, was found to have a perirectal mass. Pathology from ultrasound-guided transrectal biopsy demonstrated low grade granular cell tumor. The patient underwent a laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with perineum reconstruction.

Results

Pathology demonstrated a granular cell tumor of 4.5 centimeters with tumor invasion of the anal sphincters. Surgical margins were free of neoplasm.

Discussion

This is the only documented case of a colorectal granular cell tumor that has required an abdominoperineal resection. On histology, it was considered low grade but its behavior was more consistent with a malignant process. Additional research on malignant granular cell tumors is necessary to help improve treatment options, prevent recurrence, and improve overall survival. His medical course will be followed for disease progression or metastasis.
Emergency Gastrectomy for Oesophageal and Gastric Polyps With Massive Bleeding Induced by Anticoagulation
Authors: Ong Chelsea T. W. , Palamuthusingam Pranavan , Avramovic John
Published: March 2021

We report the management dilemma of a patient with known gastric polyposis requiring anticoagulation for a submassive pulmonary embolism and haemodynamic compromise. This occurred in a comorbid patient with iron deficiency anaemia and previous venous thromboembolism. The patient had repeated episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding post-thrombolysis for which the cause was not seen on gastroscopy and required an emergency gastrectomy to control the bleeding. A keyword search was done across Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase; in the case of gastric polyposis causing significant bleeding, current practice is to identify and treat such cases with endoscopy. This case report delineates the first case in literature of haemorrhagic bleeding in gastric polyposis secondary to therapeutic anticoagulation which has gone on to require definitive surgical management.
Extending organizational socialization theory: Empirical evidence from volunteer work for refugees in France and Australia
Authors: Traeger Charlotte , Haski-Leventhal Debbie , Alfes Kerstin
Published: March 2021

How are volunteers who provide assistance to refugees socialized into their organizations? Known as the process through which newcomers evolve from organizational outsiders into insiders, socialization is particularly crucial among volunteers, as they often help vulnerable groups such as refugees. To examine this issue, which is critical to both scholars and practitioners, we draw on a large-scale qualitative study conducted in France and Australia. Based on triangulated data from 42 in-depth interviews, 17 hours of participant observations and document analysis, we shed light on the socialization of volunteers. We identify a three-stage process during which volunteers become insiders: (i) familiarizing with the role; (ii) bonding with the group; and (iii) embedding into the organization. Each stage consists of tactics, learning domains, emotions and outcomes that are particularly salient to the volunteer experience. With only slight differences between the two countries, our model extends organizational socialization theory by uncovering a process that allows volunteers to feel confident in their role, integrated into their team and part of a larger purpose. We also contribute to debates on volunteer management by highlighting organizational tactics that fit the volunteer experience.
Science for the Next Century: Deep Phenotyping
Authors: Wright J.T. , Herzberg M.C.
Published: March 2021

Our ability to unravel the mysteries of human health and disease have changed dramatically over the past 2 decades. Decoding health and disease has been facilitated by the recent availability of high-throughput genomics and multi-omics analyses and the companion tools of advanced informatics and computational science. Understanding of the human genome and its influence on phenotype continues to advance through genotyping large populations and using “light phenotyping” approaches in combination with smaller subsets of the population being evaluated using “deep phenotyping” approaches. Using our capability to integrate and jointly analyze genomic data with other multi-omic data, the knowledge of genotype-phenotype relationships and associated genetic pathways and functions is being advanced. Understanding genotype-phenotype relationships that discriminate human health from disease is speculated to facilitate predictive, precision health care and change modes of health care delivery. The American Association for Dental Research Fall Focused Symposium assembled experts to discuss how studies of genotype-phenotype relationships are illuminating the pathophysiology of craniofacial diseases and developmental biology. Although the breadth of the topic did not allow all areas of dental, oral, and craniofacial research to be addressed (e.g., cancer), the importance and power of integrating genomic, phenomic, and other -omic data are illustrated using a variety of examples. The 8 Fall Focused talks presented different methodological approaches for ascertaining study populations and evaluating population variance and phenotyping approaches. These advances are reviewed in this summary.
An Investigation of the Relationship Between Attitudes Towards Caring for Dying Patients and Compassion
Authors: Arli Senay Karadag
Published: March 2021

The study aims to investigate the relationship between nurses’ attitudes towards caring for dying patients and compassion levels. This cross-sectional study was conducted with the volunteer participation of 130 nurses working in various clinics in a hospital located in eastern Turkey between March and June 2019. Data were collected through the Socio-demographic Form, the Frommelt Attitude toward Care of Dying Scale (FATCOD), and the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). A statistically significant difference was found between nurses’ education level and compassion level (p < 0.01). A significant difference was found between the units where they were working and attitude towards caring for dying patients (p < 0.01). A positive, statistically significant relationship was found between the FATCOD total score and SCS total score (p < 0.01). A significant relationship between the compassion level and attitude toward caring for dying patients is an important finding for nurses, who encounter death frequently.
Nearly Got Shot Dead, and He Didn’t Get His Little Check Yet: Workers, Crime, and Law and Order in New York City, 1962-1970
Authors: Dyer Glenn
Published: March 2021

Historians have conducted important research on the rise of law-and-order politics in New York City, where anxieties over women’s freedoms, political battles over police oversight, and crime impacts in poor communities contributed to its rise. The numerous walkouts, negotiations, and worker-management conflicts around high-crime areas in New York City suggest that the question of law and order was a salient workplace issue as well for the members of Communication Workers of America Local 1101. In their case, such concerns predate the rhetorical rise of law and order and help us better understand why such politics found fertile ground among working-class New Yorkers, white and black. Repeated incidences, largely in the city’s black ghettoes, prompted workers with a strong class consciousness and commitment to solidarity to transform the problems and experiences of individual workers into a shared question to be addressed via collective action.
Hallucinogenic/psychedelic 5HT2A receptor agonists as rapid antidepressant therapeutics: Evidence and mechanisms of action
Authors: dos Santos Rafael Guimarães , Hallak Jaime EC , Baker Glen , Dursun Serdar
Published: March 2021

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is among the most prevalent mental health disorders worldwide, and it is associated with a reduced quality of life and enormous costs to health care systems. Available drug treatments show low-to-moderate response in most patients, with almost a third of patients being non-responders (treatment-resistant). Furthermore, most currently available medications need several weeks to achieve therapeutic effects, and the long-term use of these drugs is often associated with significant unwanted side effects and resultant reductions in treatment compliance. Therefore, more effective, safer, and faster-acting antidepressants with enduring effects are needed. Together with ketamine, psychedelics (or classic or serotoninergic hallucinogens) such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, and ayahuasca are among the few compounds with recent human evidence of fast-acting antidepressant effects. Several studies in the 1950s to 1970s reported antidepressive and anxiolytic effects of these drugs, which are being confirmed by modern trials (LSD, one trial; psilocybin, five trials; ayahuasca, two trials). The effects of these drugs appear to be produced primarily by their agonism at serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) receptors, especially the 5-HT2A receptor. Considering the overall burden of MDD and the necessity of new therapeutic options, the promising (but currently limited) evidence of safety and efficacy of psychedelics has encouraged the scientific community to explore more fully their beneficial effects in MDD.
Effect of Maternal Healthcare Utilization on Early Neonatal, Neonatal and Post-Neonatal Mortality in India
Authors: Chauhan Bal Govind , Verma Raj Kumar , Alagarajan Manoj , Chauhan Satish Kumar
Published: March 2021

This paper examines the effect of maternal healthcare utilization on early neonatal, neonatal and post-neonatal mortality in India using the recent round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) data. At the national level, for the last live birth of women during the five year preceding the survey, the early neonatal mortality rate was about 16, neonatal mortality rate was 19 and post-neonatal mortality was 7 per thousand live births. Also, only one-fifth of women who had a birth in the past five years received full antenatal care (ANC), 83 percent women received safe delivery and 65 percent women received post-natal care. Findings of the study indicate that full ANC and postnatal care were significantly associated with early neonatal and neonatal mortality. However, no significant association between safe delivery and newborn mortality were found after adjusting the socio-economic and demographic characteristics. Therefore, for a policy point of view, there is a dire need to strengthen supply dependent factors regarding public awareness, accessibility, and affordability of maternal and child healthcare services. It is also necessary to focus on increasing utilization along with continuum of care of maternal and child healthcare services to sustain the reduction in mortality during infancy.
Dying To Be Men: Masculinity and Early Cancer Detection Among Nigerian Men
Authors: Esiaka Darlingtina , Nwakasi Candidus , Brodie Kelsey , Philip Aaron , Ogba Kalu
Published: March 2021

Cancer incidence and mortality in Nigeria are increasing at an alarming rate, especially among Nigerian men. Despite the numerous public health campaigns and education on the importance of early cancer detection in Nigeria, there exist high rate of fatal/advanced stage cancer diagnoses among Nigerian men, even among affluent Nigerian men. However, there is limited information on patterns of cancer screening and psychosocial predictors of early cancer detection behaviors among Nigerian men. In this cross-sectional study, we examined demographic and psychosocial factors influencing early cancer detection behaviors among Nigerian men. Participants (N = 143; Mage = 44.73) responded to survey assessing: masculinity, attachment styles, current and future cancer detection behaviors, and sociodemographic characteristics. We found that among the participants studied, education, masculinity and anxious attachment were significantly associated with current cancer detection behaviors. Additionally, education and anxious attachment were significantly associated with future cancer detection behaviors. Our finding is best served for clinicians and public health professionals, especially those in the field of oncology in Sub-Saharan Africa. Also, the study may be used as a groundwork for future research and health intervention programs targeting men in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Teaching the Online Marketing Research Course for MBA Students
Authors: Peterson Mark
Published: March 2021

Learning in an online environment shares many aspects with the learning required in marketing research projects conducted by research agencies with client firms. However, learning-management-system platforms now provide powerful ways to enrich learning in the online environment through threaded discussions, access to video clips and lively interaction between students and instructors. In such ways, an asynchronous online marketing research course can allow the type of rich experience and reflection that are the hallmarks of valuable experiential-learning. The purpose of this article is to discuss the benefits and challenges of teaching a key course in the education of business students—the marketing research course—in an online environment. This article integrates theoretical frameworks of online education and discusses timely issues for those teaching an online marketing-research course to MBA students, such as the importance of imparting the scientific method, the role of the teacher as a facilitator, content for the course, and thoughts about future marketing research courses. Because most online MBA students are currently working in business, they have an opportunity for applying their learning at work in a very valuable way. Such opportunity can bring an energy and excitement for learning not matched in other contexts for the MBA.
Radiation exposure and establishment of diagnostic reference levels of whole-body low-dose CT for the assessment of multiple myeloma with second- and third-generation dual-source CT
Authors: Zensen Sebastian , Bos Denise , Opitz Marcel , Haubold Johannes , Forsting Michael , Guberina Nika , Wetter Axel
Published: March 2021

Background

In the assessment of diseases causing skeletal lesions such as multiple myeloma (MM), whole-body low-dose computed tomography (WBLDCT) is a sensitive diagnostic imaging modality, which has the potential to replace the conventional radiographic survey.

Purpose

To optimize radiation protection and examine radiation exposure, and effective and organ doses of WBLDCT using different modern dual-source CT (DSCT) devices, and to establish local diagnostic reference levels (DRL).

Material and Methods

In this retrospective study, 281 WBLDCT scans of 232 patients performed between January 2017 and April 2020 either on a second- (A) or third-generation (B) DSCT device could be included. Radiation exposure indices and organ and effective doses were calculated using a commercially available automated dose-tracking software based on Monte-Carlo simulation techniques.

Results

The radiation exposure indices and effective doses were distributed as follows (median, interquartile range): (A) second-generation DSCT: volume-weighted CT dose index (CTDIvol) 1.78 mGy (1.47–2.17 mGy); dose length product (DLP) 282.8 mGy·cm (224.6–319.4 mGy·cm), effective dose (ED) 1.87 mSv (1.61–2.17 mSv) and (B) third-generation DSCT: CTDIvol 0.56 mGy (0.47–0.67 mGy), DLP 92.0 mGy·cm (73.7–107.6 mGy·cm), ED 0.61 mSv (0.52–0.69 mSv). Radiation exposure indices and effective and organ doses were significantly lower with third-generation DSCT ( P < 0.001). Local DRLs could be set for CTDIvol at 0.75 mGy and DLP at 120 mGy·cm.

Conclusion

Third-generation DSCT requires significantly lower radiation dose for WBLDCT than second-generation DSCT and has an effective dose below reported doses for radiographic skeletal surveys. To ensure radiation protection, DRLs regarding WBLDCT are required, where our locally determined values may help as benchmarks.
Elusive adulthood and surplus life-time in Spain
Authors: Weiss Hadas
Published: March 2021

Drawing on fieldwork in Madrid, I argue that the growing redundancy of living labour power in the capitalist production process has translated, since the last decades of the 20th century, into surplus portions of the individual life-cycle. Capitalism’s promise of productivity, associated with adulthood, has shrunk to become a window of opportunity. Besides sheer luck, it takes protracted preparation to seize this opportunity and inordinate effort to retain it. Adulthood is the mystified representation of structural pressures on productive activity, as an elusive personal accomplishment whose curtailment is one’s own fault. Failure to realize it is further depoliticized as either a rejection of adulthood, or acceptance of besieged adulthood as a sign of maturity.
Grayscale Drone Inspection Image Enhancement Framework for Advanced Bridge Defect Measurement
Authors: Jeong Euiseok , Seo Junwon , Wacker James
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a framework to better identify and measure defects in a bridge using drone-based inspection images integrated with grayscale image enhancement techniques. For this study, a DJI Matrice 210 drone was used for the inspection of a three-span timber bridge with concrete decking located in Keystone, South Dakota. During the inspection, the drone recorded a series of videos of the bridge using the MOVie (MOV, video file extension) video format. MOV-based image analysis was conducted to identify a variety of defect types (i.e., efflorescence, water leakage, spalling, and discoloration) on the bridge. For improvement of defect visibility, the grayscale image enhancement technique was applied to determine visually enhanced images for the individual defect. The technique used grayscale image histogram processing that can adjust images using realignment of contrast histograms, in which contrasts of each pixel of the grayscale images have their own number from 0 for black to 255 for white in the image. With the enhanced images, pixel-based measurement was conducted to quantify the defects, including efflorescence (3.75 m2), water leakage (4.21 m2), spalling (0.74 m2), and discoloration (2.12 m2). Based on these findings, the grayscale drone inspection image enhancement technique enabled the demonstration of defect visibility adjustment and improvement for more reliable identification and measurement of the defects in the bridge.
Military Subsidization of Human Capital and Gender Stratification in the US Economy
Authors: Saxon Tyler
Published: March 2021

In the United States, the military is the primary channel through which many are able to obtain supports traditionally provided by the welfare state, such as access to higher education, job training, employment, health care, and so on. However, due to the nature of the military as a highly gendered institution, these social welfare functions are not as accessible for women as they are for men. This amounts to a highly gender-biased state spending pattern that subsidizes substantially more human capital development for men than for women, effectively reinforcing women’s subordinate status in the US economy.

JEL classification: B54, B52, Z13
Interview with Liesel Hearst, group analyst
Authors: Weegmann Martin
Published: March 2021

I conducted an interview with Liesel Hearst at her home in April 2004. It was subsequently lost in a house move, rediscovered in 2016, when we met again to edit and review the interview. It gives a valuable account of Liesel’s formation as a group analyst and glimpses into the early history of our discipline. She spoke with characteristic clarity, spirit and demonstrated an open-mindedness that was engaging. I took the photograph at the same time—how I love her impish smile!
Clinical and Demographic Profiles of Home Care Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias: Implications for Information Transfer Across Care Settings
Authors: Ryvicker Miriam , Barrón Yolanda , Shah Shivani , Moore Stanley M. , Noble James M. , Bowles Kathryn H. , Merrill Jacqueline
Published: March 2021

Home health care (HHC) clinicians serving individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) do not always have information about the person’s ADRD diagnosis, which may be used to improve the HHC plan of care. This retrospective cohort study examined characteristics of 56,652 HHC patients with varied documentation of ADRD diagnoses. Data included clinical assessments and Medicare claims for a 6-month look-back period and 4-year follow-up. Nearly half the sample had an ADRD diagnosis observed in the claims either prior to or following the HHC admission. Among those with a prior diagnosis, 63% did not have it documented on the HHC assessment; the diagnosis may not have been known to the HHC team or incorporated into the care plan. Patients with ADRD had heightened risk for adverse outcomes (e.g., urinary tract infection and aspiration pneumonia). Interoperable data across health care settings should include ADRD-specific elements about diagnoses, symptoms, and risk factors.
Open Science and Single-Case Design Research
Authors: Cook Bryan G. , Johnson Austin H. , Maggin Daniel M. , Therrien William J. , Barton Erin E. , Lloyd John Wills , Reichow Brian , Talbott Elizabeth , Travers Jason C.
Published: March 2021

Research indicating many study results do not replicate has raised questions about the credibility of science and prompted concerns about a potential reproducibility crisis. Moreover, most published research is not freely accessible, which limits the potential impact of science. Open science, which aims to make the research process more open and reproducible, has been proposed as one approach to increase the credibility and impact of scientific research. Although relatively little attention has been paid to open science in relation to single-case design, we propose that open-science practices can be applied to enhance the credibility and impact of single-case design research. In this article, we discuss how open-science practices align with other recent developments in single-case design research, describe four prominent open-science practices (i.e., preregistration, registered reports, data and materials sharing, and open access), and discuss potential benefits and limitations of each practice for single-case design.
Registered Reports in Special Education: Introduction to the Special Series
Authors: Cook Bryan G. , Maggin Daniel M. , Robertson Rachel E.
Published: March 2021

This article introduces a special series of registered reports in Remedial and Special Education. Registered reports are an innovative approach to publishing that aim to increase the credibility of research. Registered reports are provisionally accepted for publication before a study is conducted, based on the importance of the research questions and the rigor of the proposed methods. If provisionally accepted, the journal agrees to publish the study if researchers adhere to accepted plans and report the study appropriately, regardless of study findings. In this article, we describe how registered reports work, review their benefits (e.g., combatting questionable research practices and publication bias, allowing expert reviewers to provide constructive feedback before a study is conducted) and limitations (e.g., requires additional time and effort, cannot be applied to all studies), review the application of registered reports in education and special education, and make recommendations for implementing registered reports in special education.
College Disability Service Office Staff Members’ Autism Attitudes and Knowledge
Authors: Kim So Yoon
Published: March 2021

Disability support office (DSO) staff are responsible for providing appropriate support for an increasing population of undergraduate students with autism. A total of 153 DSO staff members in higher education institutions in the United States completed an online survey on their autism attitudes and knowledge, previous contact with autistic people, and demographic characteristics. Multiple regressions were conducted to investigate which variables uniquely predict their attitudes and knowledge. Quality of contact and education level predicted openness toward autism. Quality and quantity of contact, knowledge, and public versus private status of institutions predicted social distance toward autistic individuals. Finally, quality of contact, school size, and average annual cost predicted their knowledge. The underlying mechanisms between institutional variables and autism attitudes and knowledge need to be explored. Understanding what kinds of institutional supports and context-appropriate training should be provided to promote collaborative relationships between DSO staff and autistic students is a promising avenue for future studies.
Intelligent optimization of EV comfort based on a cooperative braking system
Authors: Zhao Lingying , Ye Min , Xu Xinxin
Published: March 2021

To address the comfort of an electric vehicle, a coupling mechanism between mechanical friction braking and electric regenerative braking was studied. A cooperative braking system model was established, and comprehensive simulations and system optimizations were carried out. The performance of the cooperative braking system was analyzed. The distribution of the braking force was optimized by an intelligent method, and the distribution of a braking force logic diagram based on comfort was proposed. Using an intelligent algorithm, the braking force was distributed between the two braking systems and between the driving and driven axles. The experiment based on comfort was carried out. The results show that comfort after optimization is improved by 76.29% compared with that before optimization by comparing RMS value in the time domain. The reason is that the braking force distribution strategy based on the optimization takes into account the driver’s braking demand, the maximum braking torque of the motor, and the requirements of vehicle comfort, and makes full use of the braking torque of the motor. The error between simulation results and experimental results is 5.13%, which indicates that the braking force’s distribution strategy is feasible.
Optimization and Experimental Validation of Automotive Bulbs
Authors: Mozafari Vanani Lotfali , Ghanbari Mani , Ghasemi Zavaragh Hadi
Published: March 2021

In a vehicle, bulbs called the P-group are responsible for warning other drivers or pedestrians and they are known as signal bulbs. Signal bulbs have been used to emit warning and hazard signs in parts such as brake lights, direction indicator, hazard lights (night vision) as well as tail bulbs and car park alarms. There has been limited researches on the photometric characteristics of these lamps, but a review of these studies revealed that no detailed research has yet been done on optimizing these characteristics, and there is a scientific gap. In this study, factors affecting the service life and luminous flux were evaluated by using Taguchi design of experiments method. The results showed that the two factors of weight percent composition of bubble filling neutral gases and the volumetric efficiency of gases injected into the bubble had the most influence on the target parameters. Experimental results showed that the optimum composition of neutral gases injected into the bulb bubble can extend the bulb service life to approximately 341 h, which is three times the service life of a bulb with the inappropriate composition of fill gases. Then the optimum state of the service life and the luminous flux were determined to meet the reference standards. Although the service life and luminous flux parameters were able to reach 341 h and 513 lumens in the maximized state, however, in the optimum state with satisfying reference standards, the service life and luminous flux were 330 h and 463 lumens, respectively. Then, the bulb bubble filling with inert neutral gases and its effect on the bulb service life was investigated. The results showed that if the volumetric efficiency of gas injection increased from the normal 75%–100%, the service life of the test lamps would be improved by about 10%.
Performance analysis of MR damper based semi-active suspension system using optimally tuned controllers
Authors: Tharehalli mata Gurubasavaraju , Mokenapalli Vijay , Krishna Hemanth
Published: March 2021

This study assesses the dynamic performance of the semi-active quarter car vehicle under random road conditions through a new approach. The monotube MR damper is modelled using non-parametric method based on the dynamic characteristics obtained from the experiments. This model is used as the variable damper in a semi-active suspension. In order to control the vibration caused under random road excitation, an optimal sliding mode controller (SMC) is utilised. Particle swarm optimisation (PSO) is coupled to identify the parameters of the SMC. Three optimal criteria are used for determining the best sliding mode controller parameters which are later used in estimating the ride comfort and road handling of a semi-active suspension system. A comparison between the SMC, Skyhook, Ground hook and PID controller suggests that the optimal parameters with SMC have better controllability than the PID controller. SMC has also provided better controllability than the PID controller at higher road roughness.
MPC based active disturbance rejection control for automated steering control
Authors: Suhail Suhail Ahmad , Bazaz Mohammad Abid , Hussain Shoeb
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes a control strategy for the design of an automated steering control for an autonomous electric vehicle. The proposed Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) with Model Predective Control (MPC) is not only capable of alleviating the disturbance but also shows robustness against structured uncertainties which may arise due to models that represent the vehicle dynamics. Simulations have been carried out to assess the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme is better in terms of tracking performance than MPC and ADRC. The steering control system, with the proposed strategy, can achieve faster response, higher tracking accuracy, and improved robustness performance in dealing with model uncertainties and external disturbances.
Design of a lateral velocity observer based on synthesis of different sources
Authors: Feng Jianbo , Wang Yanxue , Yang Jianwei , Qi Zhiquan
Published: March 2021

This paper is mainly devoted to estimating the lateral velocity of vehicle with an observer synthesis method using a cost-effective 6D inertial measurement unit. The four sources of observer to be synthesized come from the dynamics model, the kinematics model, and a LuGre tire model, respectively. The weight of each source is calculated by considering the nonlinear extent of each tire by means of the adaptation of tire cornering stiffness, which is adapted and updated using the dynamics model observer with the information obtained from the kinematics model observer. Then using the weighted sum of the four sources as the reference information for a modified kinematics observer, the final estimation can provide smooth and accurate results that are robust to sensor drifts and measurement noise, which is verified with several dSPACE based hardware-in-the-loop simulations.
Event-triggered flocking control of multi-agent systems in presence of cyber attacks
Authors: Amirian Neda , Shamaghdari Saeed
Published: March 2021

We propose an event-triggered control system for multi-agent systems with the double-integrator network to achieve resilient flocking behavior in the presence of cyberattacks. The method can manage connectivity and increase the robustness of the topology graph via a three-state hybrid control. Each state of hybrid control has a distinct triggering condition. The developed event-triggered update rules can mitigate the influence of the noncooperative agents using the weighted mean subsequence reduced algorithm and reduce unnecessary communication among them. As a result, the performance of the system can effectively improve. Convergence of the velocity and orientation of the agents is guaranteed by using this type of control structure and resilient consensus protocol. We assume that the bound on the number of noncooperative agents in the neighbor sets of cooperative agents is known. The proposed scheme with the event-triggering rules can avoid Zeno behaviors inherently. Finally, a simulation example is worked out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Random-effects linear model application to herd-level assessment of bovine hepatic trace mineral concentrations
Authors: Herdt Thomas H. , Wisnieski Lauren , Buchweitz John
Published: March 2021

To evaluate the utility of random-effects linear modeling for herd-level evaluation of trace mineral status, we performed a retrospective analysis of the results for trace mineral testing of bovine liver samples submitted to the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory between 2011 and 2017. Our aim was to examine random-effects models for their potential utility in improving interpretation with minimal sample numbers. The database consisted of 1,658 animals distributed among 121 herds. Minerals were assayed by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectroscopy, and included cobalt, copper, iron, molybdenum, manganese, selenium, and zinc. Intraclass correlation coefficients for each mineral were significantly different ( p < 0.001) from zero and ranged from 0.38 for manganese to 0.82 for selenium, indicating that the strength of herd effects, which are presumably related to diet, vary greatly by mineral. Analysis of the distribution and standard errors of best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP) values suggested that testing 5–10 animals per herd could place herds within 10 percentile units across the population of herds with 70–95% confidence, the confidence level varying among minerals. Herd means were generally similar to BLUPs, suggesting that means could be reasonably compared to BLUPs with respect to the distributions reported here. However, caution in interpreting means relative to BLUPs should be exercised when animal numbers are small, the standard errors of the means are large, and/or the values are near the extremes of the distribution.
Reframing How Early Pregnancy Loss Is Viewed in the Emergency Department
Authors: Dainty Katie N. , Seaton M. Bianca , McLeod Shelley , Tunde-Byass Modupe , Tolhurst Elizabeth , Rojas-Luengas Vanessa , Little Darby , Varner Catherine
Published: March 2021

Women experiencing early pregnancy loss frequently seek care in emergency departments or early pregnancy clinics. The existing qualitative literature on the experience of miscarriage has yet to address how to connect how these women perceive their care experience and the prevailing structures which may be at the root of why their experience continues to be challenging. This study aimed to look deeper into the sources of negative experiences of early pregnancy loss for insight into how to rethink where to make impactful changes to care. Phenomenologically informed interviews with 59 women revealed several points of tension in the framing of early pregnancy loss, including the view of miscarriage as common, of it as a medical versus emotional experience, and the assumptions around care needs. Our work suggests that these tensions need to be dismantled through more patient-centered approaches to patient–provider relationships, policies, models of care, and medical discourse.
Vygotskian Business Ethics: The Influence of Peers on Moral Reasoning in Business Ethics Education
Authors: Ohreen David , Sundararajan Binod , Trifts Valerie , Comber Scott
Published: March 2021

The Russian developmental psychologist Lev Vygotsky provides important theoretical underpinnings for an alternative to business ethics pedagogy. Although Vygotsky’s constructivist approach has been applied to other disciplines, such as cognitive development, moral development, and network analysis and learning, its application to business ethics education is virtually nonexistent. Vygotsky’s focus on language and peer influence provides a novel approach to ethics education. Although many business ethics instructors already use group discussion in their classes, we provide evidence that will reinforce such techniques as a crucial pedagogical method. This study is an exploratory application of Vygotsky’s developmental theory to business ethics education. Data were gathered in business ethics and management courses, with experimental and control groups, and analyzed using the Defining Issues Test and thematic-coded journal entries. Results indicated that discussions created a zone of proximal development improving the moral reasoning for most students giving them multiple perspectives and providing support to engage in deliberations and peer dialogue when discussing ethical frameworks, ethical scenarios, and ethical decision making.
Tracing the Use of the Family Management Framework and Measure: A Scoping Review
Authors: Knafl Kathleen A. , Deatrick Janet A. , Gallo Agatha M. , Skelton Beth
Published: March 2021

This article reports the results of a scoping review of research applications of the Family Management Style Framework (FMSF) and the Family Management Measure (FaMM). We identified 32 studies based on the FMSF and 41 studies in which the FaMM was used, 17 of which were based on the FMSF. Both the framework and measure have been used by investigators in multiple countries, with most applications of the FaMM outside the United States. Although the FMSF and FaMM were originally developed for use with families in which there was a child with a chronic physical condition, both have been applied to a broader range of health conditions and to studies focusing on families with an adult member facing a health challenge. Based on our findings, we make recommendations for how researchers can more fully address all aspects of the FMSF.
A novel tuned mass-conical spring system for passive vibration control of a variable mass structure
Authors: Chakraborty Sanjukta , Ghosh Aparna (Dey) , Ray-Chaudhuri Samit
Published: March 2021

This article presents the design of a tuned mass damper with a conical spring to enable tuning to the natural frequency of the system at multiple values, as may be convenient in case of a system with fluctuations in the mass. The principle and design procedure of the conical spring in the context of a varying mass system are presented. A passive feedback control mechanism based on a simple pulley-mass system is devised to cater to the multi-tuning requirements. A design example of an elevated water tank with fluctuating water content, subjected to ground excitation, is considered to numerically illustrate the efficiency of such a tuned mass damper associated with the conical spring. The conical spring is designed based on the tuning requirements at different mass conditions of the elevated water tank by satisfying the allowable load bearing capacity of the spring. Comparisons are made with the conventional passive tuned mass damper with a linear spring tuned to the full tank condition. Results from time history analysis reveal that the conical spring-tuned mass damper can be successfully designed to remain tuned and thereby achieve significant response reductions under stiffening conditions of the primary structure, whereas the linear spring-tuned mass damper suffers performance degradation because of detuning, whenever there is any fluctuation in the system mass.
Seismic analysis of a system of dam-massed foundation-reservoir under inclined excitation
Authors: Sotoudeh Payam , Ghaemian Mohsen
Published: March 2021

One of the acceptable assumptions in engineering practice is vertical propagation of earthquake waves. When the source of earthquake is located very deep in the ground, this assumption is valid, but for sources located in shallow ground, it loses its viability. In this study, linear seismic analysis of a system of concrete dam-massed foundation-reservoir is performed under inclined earthquake excitation. Both P- and SV-type earthquakes are considered for the purpose of the seismic analysis. To consider the effects of inhomogeneous waves for the case of SV wave propagation, post-critical angles are also considered in the analysis. To investigate the effects of earthquake frequency content on the results, three different records with contents of low, intermediate, and high frequencies are selected. Results indicate that considering vertical propagation underestimates the obtained responses. For the case of SV-type earthquakes, post-critical angles must be looked at. Frequency content of the earthquake also has considerable effects on trend and absolute values of responses.
Students’ motivation to engage in music lessons: The Cypriot context
Authors: Hadjikou Chryso
Published: March 2021

Students’ motivation has often been the subject of discussion in the field of music education. This article reports on an exploration of students’ motivation during their first year of attending music lessons in Cypriot lower secondary schools (Year 7). This study was a longitudinal study tracking the students ( N = 170) over one academic year. The first questionnaire was completed as students entered secondary school and the second at the end of their first year when students had encountered the new Cypriot music curriculum for the first time. The findings indicate that students’ overall motivation by the end of their first year at secondary school had diminished. As noted in previous research, problems with student motivation in school music were persistent, notwithstanding changes to the curriculum. The implications of the findings to enhance students’ motivation were examined, and future research directions are discussed.
Exploring unknowingness in the DBA programme: Possibilities for developing an ‘attitude of wisdom’
Authors: Hay Amanda
Published: March 2021

Unknowingness is an integral aspect of organisational life. Yet simultaneously this is often marginalised and silenced, leaving organisations and their managers unintentionally vulnerable. The cultivation of what Weick terms an ‘attitude of wisdom’ whose essence lies in knowing that one does not know, provides one way forward. However, challenges remain as to how this might be achieved. I suggest that management education provides one promising but so far overlooked space where managers can be helped to recognise and explore their unknowingness. In this paper, I focus on the experiences of DBA students who were embarking on journeys to become ‘researching professionals’. Drawing on an analysis of 30 students’ reflective journals, I offer two contributions. First, I identify the ways in which learning to research in this context helps students to recognise and engage with their unknowingness: through understanding the limits of what, how and when they know. I therefore outline one proposal for developing Weick’s ‘attitude of wisdom’ and in so doing, also advance a more nuanced understanding of this concept. Second, I illustrate how this learning informs managers’ everyday work by leveraging space for inquiry with others to present possibilities for more considered and inclusive action.