bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate governance, human capital resources, and firm performance: Exploring the missing links
Authors: Lajili Kaouthar , Lin Lauren Yu-Hsin , Rostamkalaei Anoosheh
Published: July 2020

This study explores the associations between human capital resources, firm performance, and corporate governance mechanisms. Based on the survey results of the “50 most attractive employers” conducted by Universum Global 2010, human resource, performance, and governance data was collected for the period from 2007 to 2011. Drawing on the strategic human capital and resource management, international governance, and organizational literature, this study examines the extent to which corporate governance mechanisms moderate the relationships between firm performance and human capital resources and posits that human resource performance is positively associated with corporate governance mechanisms that support and enhance strategic human resource management policies. Panel regression analyses are conducted to test the study’s hypotheses. The results show that human capital resources are positively related to firm performance, and that some corporate governance mechanisms may negatively affect performance when interacted with human capital variables. Furthermore, human resource performance is significantly related to some governance mechanisms, with interaction effects between human capital and other organizational attributes showing differential impacts. Overall, the results support a contingency-based view of strategic human resource management in the context of large and attractive global employers and highlight the importance of governance design in supporting investments and deploying human resources and capabilities at the firm and industry levels and across national boundaries.
Does earnings quality affect the cost of debt in a banking system? Evidence from French listed companies
Authors: Houcine Asma , Houcine Walid
Published: July 2020

This study examines the effect of earnings quality on the cost of debt, for a sample of French listed firms from 2005 to 2015. Using accruals quality (AQ) as a proxy for the quality of financial reports, the results obtained confirm the research hypothesis formulated, showing that the quality of financial reports is negatively related to firms’ interest cost. The results also support that the innate component of AQ has a greater impact on the cost of debt than the discretionary component. The findings of this study may be of interest to managers by providing evidence on the economic consequences of improved earnings on the cost of debt and the factors that determine debt pricing in making decisions to minimize it. The results of this article are also important for creditors, that is, banks, showing that earnings are important in predicting firms’ reimbursement capacity (i.e. future cash flows) and that less estimation error in accruals improves the ability of earnings to predict future cash flows.
Shame, guilt, and the production of urban space
Authors: Vanolo Alberto
Published: July 2020

Guilt and shame operate in connection with individual and collective forces. This paper explores how space is contingent in psychic processes, and how the generation and negotiation of feelings of guilt and shame develop in the interplay between internal processes of the mind and the worldly ‘outside’. By presenting two examples, precisely commodity consumption and sex, and a set of fictional anecdotes, the article proposes a series of hypotheses concerning distance, proximity and visibility in relation to shame and guilt, and it analyses mechanisms of resistance to guilt and shame, which include spatial architectures of concealment, displacement and mimesis. It is argued that an explicit recognition of the role of guilt and shame in shaping urban spaces may lead to a better understanding of the mechanics of production of space, may contribute to further bridging geographical and psychoanalytical debates, and may have a political and transformative potential, with meaningful geographical implications.
Controls on dune scarping
Authors: Davidson Samuel G , Hesp Patrick A , Silva Graziela Miot da
Published: July 2020

The controls that affect the degree of spatio-temporal change to foredunes following scarping are reviewed herein. As sea-levels rises and climate changes, dune scarping will become more common. Thus, it is critical to understand what factors contribute to the magnitude of scarping, and what effect this has on dune systems to better manage coastal erosion into the future. Scarping occurs when foredunes are partially eroded by waves, generally during periods of high water level. The controls on the degree and magnitude of scarping examined include water level, foredune vegetation cover and species present, plant root mass, height and volume of the foredune, the original foredune morphology, surfzone–beach type, and compaction of sediment. Water-level height and duration of high water is the most significant control as it determines the elevation at which wave action can erode the dune and, therefore, the extent of scarping and dune volumetric loss. Higher plant density, greater rooting depth, high root mass, and greater compaction aid in reducing the degree of scaping. The presence of large woody debris and wrack may also influence the degree of scarping. The effects scarping has on the morphology of a foredune after the initial erosion event can range from small changes (e.g. minor, small scarps and slight slumping), to moderate changes such as the foredune translating landwards, to large change such as the transition of an entire dune system into a new transgressive dunefield phase. A new model summarising the key controls and their relationship/significance to the magnitude and extent of scarping is presented.
Trend-based time series data clustering for wind speed forecasting
Authors: Kushwah Varsha , Wadhvani Rajesh , Kushwah Anil Kumar
Published: July 2020

Wind forecasting is a time series problem, can aide in estimating the annual energy production of potential wind farms. Seasonality and trend are the two significant components that characterize the wind time series data. Variability in trend and seasonal component affects the performance of most of the forecasting methods. Therefore, to simplify the wind forecasting technique, generally, nonlinear seasonal and trend components are eliminated from wind time series data. Accuracy depends on the application function that is applicable to eliminate the trend and seasonality. In this article, a hybrid approach for time series forecasting has been proposed. A clustering technique has been developed, which finds the clusters of time series data showing identical trend components. After finding the proper clusters of similar trend components, statistical methods, namely, autoregressive integrated moving average and generalized autoregressive score techniques, are applied to the individual cluster. In the end, resulting components are aggregated. The experiment shows that the cluster-based forecasting technique gives better performance as compared with existing statistical models.
Association Between Concussion History and Factors Relating to Cognitive, Behavioral, and Emotional Health Among American High School Athletes: A Cross-sectional Analysis
Authors: Knell Gregory , Burkhart Scott O. , Caze Todd J. , Polousky John D. , Kohl Harold W. , Messiah Sarah E.
Published: July 2020

Background:

The cognitive, behavioral, and emotional deficits that may be associated with sports-related concussions among adolescents are unclear.

Purpose:

To examine the association between reported concussion history and factors relating to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional health among a population-based sample of US high school–aged adolescents.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Participants included a representative sample of US high school student-athletes who reported a concussion history (in the past 12 months) and relevant behaviors/outcomes within 3 domains: cognitive (academics, difficulty concentrating), behavioral (drinking and driving, carrying a weapon, physically fighting, tobacco use, marijuana use, binge drinking), and emotional (symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts/actions). The adjusted relative odds of experiencing 0 and at least 1, 2, 3, or ≥4 concussions were modeled while mutually adjusting for the behaviors of interest in addition to age, race/ethnicity, and sleep problems. Data were reported in sex stratum.

Results:

A total of 13,268 participants were included in the unweighted data set. Overall, 14.5% (95% CI, 12.9%-16.2%) of female and 18.1% (95% CI, 16.4%-19.8%) of male student-athletes had at least 1 concussion in the past 12 months. As compared with those who reported not engaging in any of the behaviors deleterious to health or having had any of the negative health outcomes (composite score of 0), female athletes with composite scores of 1 to 4, 5 to 7, and 8 to 11 were 1.94 (95% CI, 1.55-2.43), 3.13 (95% CI, 2.30-4.33), and 6.05 (95% CI, 3.75-9.75) times more likely to have a recent history of concussions after accounting for relevant factors. As compared with those having a composite score of 0, male athletes with composite scores of 1 to 4, 5 to 7, and 8 to 11 were 2.03 (95% CI, 1.58-2.59), 3.80 (95% CI, 2.71-5.34), and 8.23 (95% CI, 4.91-13.77) times more likely to have a recent history of concussions after accounting for relevant factors.

Conclusion:

Self-reported concussions among US high school athletes is related to several deleterious health behaviors and outcomes. These associations should be confirmed in longitudinal analyses.
A Cross-sectional Examination of Quadriceps Strength, Biomechanical Function, and Functional Performance From 9 to 24 Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Curran Michael T. , Bedi Asheesh , Kujawa Megan , Palmieri-Smith Riann
Published: July 2020

Background:

Patients who undergo anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) have deficiencies in strength, functional performance, and biomechanical function at return to activity. Patients who have abnormal strength and function after ACLR may be at a greater risk for secondary injury and posttraumatic osteoarthritis.

Purpose:

To examine quadriceps strength, functional performance, and knee biomechanics in patients who are 9, 12, 18, and 24 months after ACLR.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We recruited 82 participants (45 female) who underwent ACLR and were cleared to return to activity . Participants were assigned to 1 of 4 groups based on their time from ACLR: 9 months (285.26 ± 8.16 days), 12 months (373.59 ± 8.81 days), 18 months (557.50 ± 11.96 days), and 24 months postoperative (741.05 ± 11.86 days). Quadriceps strength was measured concentrically at 60 deg/s. Functional performance was assessed by measuring maximal hop distances or heights during dynamic hopping/jumping tests (single-leg hop, triple hop, crossover hop, and single-leg vertical hop). Biomechanical function was evaluated during the dynamic hop tests by using peak sagittal plane knee flexion angles recorded during landings. Strength, performance, and biomechanics data were collected for both limbs and reported as symmetry scores ([injured/uninjured] × 100). Self-perceived function was measured using the International Knee Documentation Committee subjective knee form.

Results:

Quadriceps strength in the 9-month (77.61 ± 16.73) and 12-month (77.80 ± 13.99) groups was significantly lower ( P < .01) compared with the 24-month group (92.40 ± 15.55). Self-perceived function for the 9-month group (79.33 ± 10.40) was significantly lower ( P < .01) when compared with 12-month (87.58 ± 10.29), 18-month (89.81 ± 8.36), and 24-month (91.59 ± 5.70) groups. Single-leg hop distance symmetry was significantly lower ( P < .01) for the 9-month group (90.01 ± 9.46) when compared with the 18-month (96.24 ± 6.47) and 24-month (96.30 ± 6.46) groups; triple hop symmetry was significantly lower ( P < .05) for the 9-month group (90.26 ± 10.03) when compared with the 18-month (96.83 ± 9.60) and 24-month (95.91 ± 6.36) groups; and crossover hop was significantly lower ( P < .05) for the 9-month group (88.35 ± 13.53) when compared with the 18-month (95.85 ± 8.63) and 24-month (97.10 ± 4.12) groups.

Conclusion:

Quadriceps strength, self-perceived function, and functional performance improve 9 to 24 months after ACLR, indicating that recovery is ongoing after return to activity. Return-to-activity criteria after ACLR should objectively account for strength and function.
Shared Perceptions of Supervisor Support: What Processes Make Supervisors and Employees See Eye to Eye?
Authors: Penning de Vries Julia , Knies Eva , Leisink Peter
Published: July 2020

This paper aims to find out what processes contribute to horizontal (between employees) and vertical (between employees and their supervisor) shared perceptions of supervisor support by public frontline supervisors. Informed by a multilevel qualitative study among supervisors and teachers in public secondary schools, we develop theoretical propositions regarding these processes. We propose that employees’ expectations based on experiences with previous supervisors can decrease horizontal shared perceptions. Subsequently, a contingent or consistent approach to supporting employees contribute to the development of horizontal and vertical shared perceptions, depending on the legitimacy attributed by employees to the reason behind this approach. Over time, supervisor support experienced by employees at meaningful work-life events contributes to the emergence of horizontal and vertical shared perceptions. This research shows that instead of merely looking for correlates of shared perceptions, scrutinizing the processes that contribute to horizontal and vertical shared perceptions increases our understanding of this complex phenomenon.
“My Mentor Thinks That I can Be Someone Amazing”: Drawing Out Youths’ Passions and Purpose
Authors: White Allison E. , Lincoln Brenna , Liang Belle , Sepulveda Jonathan , Matyjaszczyk Veronica , Kupersmith Caroline , Hill Nancy E. , Perella John
Published: July 2020

This qualitative descriptive study analyzed the role that natural mentors had in cultivating a sense of purpose and meaning among 38 diverse male and female high school students. The types of mentoring support provided and the students’ perceived experiences of receiving the support were considered in the analysis. Directed content analysis revealed four initial overarching types of supportive actions that were provided by mentors: emotional, instrumental, informational, and appraisal support. The types of support offered were further categorized across three dimensions of perceived support by the mentees: (a) affirmation (e.g., the experience of emotional and appraisal support), (b) cultivation (e.g., the experience of being challenged and obtaining skills), and (c) guidance (e.g., the experience of receiving information and advice). In order for mentees to perceive and accept cultivation and guidance support, they first needed to experience an affirming relationship with their mentors. Findings may inform best practices for mentoring youth toward lives of meaning and purpose.
Outcomes in Children and Adolescents With Psychogenic Nonepileptic Events Using a Multidisciplinary Clinic Approach
Authors: Terry Debbie , Enciso Laurie , Trott Kristen , Burch Maggie (Mary) , Albert Dara V. F.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Psychogenic nonepileptic events (PNEE) are paroxysmal events that resemble epileptic seizures but are caused by psychological factors. Coordination of care has been recommended as one strategy to integrate care and improve outcomes. We aim to evaluate patient outcomes in a multidisciplinary pediatric psychogenic nonepileptic events clinic that includes care coordination.

Methods:

All patients referred to the multidisciplinary psychogenic nonepileptic events clinic were entered into a prospective database. Follow-up calls were made by the clinic nurse at 1 and 3 months following the visit.

Results:

A total of 101 unique patients were reviewed. Ninety-six appointments were scheduled, and 83 appointments were completed (86%). Social work identified barriers in 38 patients, and 76% of those assisted completed their appointment. At 1 month, two-thirds of families were reached, 50% were accepting of the diagnosis, and 70% had clinical improvement in events. By 3 months, 75% had clinical improvement, 76% were receiving mental health services, and 73% were accepting of the diagnosis; however, more had also returned to the emergency department. Families needing assistance from social work tended to have worse outcomes. Increase in acceptance was nearly statistically significant ( P = .058) from 1 to 3 months; however, it was not so for clinical improvement in events ( P = .623).

Conclusions:

Implementation of a multidisciplinary team with care coordination allowed for follow-up for children and adolescents with psychogenic nonepileptic events and mitigation of barriers to care and can improve clinical outcomes. After being seen in our clinic, many families had accepted the diagnosis, most of the patients reached had event improvement and were successfully linked with counseling at the 1- and 3-month follow-ups.
Innovative biocomposite development based on the incorporation of Salvadora persica in acrylic resin for dental material
Authors: Chaaben Rihem , Taktak Rym , Mnif Basma , Guermazi Noamen , Elleuch Khaled
Published: July 2020

A novel biocomposite with poly(methyl methacrylate) as resin containing Salvadora persica powders was elaborated. In this study, for the first time, S. persica was used to enhance the bioactive performance of dental restoration materials. Material characterization was carried out both on bare materials and on the elaborated biocomposite (30 wt% of S. persica). X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and high-performance liquid chromatography techniques were conducted to perform material characterization. The obtained results linked to dental material showed the presence of the organic chemical compounds of S. persica, which are responsible for biological activities, and the presence of mineral chemical compounds of S. persica, which are useful for dental applications and health. They also revealed the absence of toxic residual monomers. In addition, they proved the antioxidant activities proof of elaborated composite related to total polyphenol flavonoid content. Finally, they exhibited the antibacterial activity of S. persica and the composite.
Numerical analysis of gas bearings in oil-free linear compressors
Authors: Zhang Xinye , Ziviani Davide , Braun James E , Groll Eckhard A
Published: July 2020

Recently, linear compressor technology has gained increased attention in vapor compression systems due to its compactness and lower frictional losses compared with the conventional reciprocating compressors. Since the absence of the crank-mechanism eliminates the rotation and reduces the side loads on the piston centered inside the cylinder, it is possible to operate the linear compressors without oil lubrication. A number of advantages can be obtained in terms of the refrigerant compatibility, operation conditions and the system cost. In order to enable oil-free operation, while minimizing frictional losses and leakage flow between the piston and the cylinder wall, a gas bearing approach is applied. Little work was found in the open literature related to the numerical analysis of gas bearings coupled with a comprehensive dynamic linear compressor model. This paper presents a 1-D gas bearing model based on a Finite Volume Method (FVM) applied to a linear compressor. The dynamic characteristics of the gas bearings on the gas film pressure field are analyzed using the model. When integrated together with a comprehensive dynamic linear compressor model, it is possible to predict leakage and frictional losses within the compressor as well as the overall performance.
Mechanism of affecting the performance and internal flow field of an axial flow subsonic compressor with self-recirculation casing treatment
Authors: Zhang Hao G , Dong Fei Y , Wang Wei , Chu Wu L , Yan Song
Published: July 2020

This investigation aims to understand the mechanisms of affecting the axial flow compressor performance and internal flow field with the application of self-recirculation casing treatment. Besides, the potentiality of further enhancing the compressor performance and stability by optimizing the geometric structure of self-recirculation casing treatment is discussed in detail. The results show that self-recirculation casing treatment generates about 7.06, 7.89% stall margin improvements in the experiment and full-annulus unsteady calculation, respectively. Moreover, the compressor total pressure and isentropic efficiency are improved among most of operating points, and the experimental and calculated compressor peak efficiencies are increased by 0.7% and 0.6%, respectively. The comparisons between baseline shroud and self-recirculation casing treatment show that the flow conditions of the compressor rotor inlet upstream are improved well with self-recirculation casing treatment, and the degree of the pressure enhancement in the blade top passage for self-recirculation casing treatment is higher than that for baseline. Further, self-recirculation casing treatment can restrain the leading edge-spilled flows made by the blade tip clearance leakage flows and weaken the blade tip passage blockage. Hence, the flow loss near the rotor top passage is reduced after the application of self-recirculation casing treatment. The rotor performance and stability for self-recirculation casing treatment are greater than those for baseline. The flow-field analyses also indicate that the adverse effects caused by the clearance leakage flows of the blades tip rear are greater than those made by the clearance leakage flows of the blades leading edge. When one injecting part of self-recirculation casing treatment is aligned with the inlet of one blade tip passage, the flow-field quality in the passage is not the best among all the passages between two adjacent injecting parts of self-recirculation casing treatment. Further, the flow-field analyses also indicate that the effect of the relative position between the blade and self-recirculation casing treatment on the flows in the self-recirculation casing treatment may be ignored during the optimization of the recirculating loop configuration.
Quantized feedback particle filter for unmanned aerial vehicles tracking with quantized measurements
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Xiaogang , Cui Naigang
Published: July 2020

Many existing state estimation approaches assume that the measurement noise of sensors is Gaussian. However, in unmanned aerial vehicles tracking applications with distributed passive radar array, the measurements suffer from quantization noise due to limited communication bandwidth. In this paper, a novel state estimation algorithm referred to as the quantized feedback particle filter is proposed to solve unmanned aerial vehicles tracking with quantized measurements, which is an improvement of the feedback particle filter (FPF) for the case of quantization noise. First, a bearing-only quantized measurement model is presented based on the midriser quantizer. The relationship between quantized measurements and original measurements is analyzed. By assuming that the quantization satisfies [Formula: see text], Sheppard’s correction is used for calculating the variances of the measurement noise. Then, a set of controlled particles is used to approximate the posterior distribution. To cope with the quantization noise of passive radars, a new formula of the gain matrix is derived by modifying the measurement noise covariance. Finally, a typical two-passive radar unmanned aerial vehicles tracking scenario is performed by QFPF and compared with the three other algorithms. Simulation results verify the superiority of the proposed algorithm.
Model identification and real-time implementation of a linear parameter–varying control scheme on lab-based inverted pendulum system
Authors: Barkat Anila , Hamayun Mirza Tariq , Ijaz Salman , Akhtar Saleem , Ansari Ejaz Ahmad , Ghous Imran
Published: July 2020

To research the tendencies of immediate change in the scheduled parameters, a linear parameter–varying control strategy is made in real time for lab-based inverted pendulum system. An adjusted and observing virtual instrument is designed in LabVIEW to construct this mechanism. To obtain the transient response data, a step response is transmitted by virtual instrument to the inverted pendulum by which model of inverted pendulum is identified. System model depicts its characteristics, so this model is employed in designing controller. To improve the performance and robustness, linear parameter–varying controller is created to deal with parameter distinctions. Furthermore, the effectiveness of this designed robust controller is checked by integrating on hardware system. The discovered model is checked by evaluating the presented approaches in real time and simulation outcomes with traditional controller as proportional–integral–derivative controller and linear–quadratic regulator.
On hazard-based penalized likelihood estimation of accelerated failure time model with partly interval censoring
Authors: Li Jinqing , Ma Jun
Published: July 2020

In survival analysis, the semiparametric accelerated failure time model is an important alternative to the widely used Cox proportional hazard model. The existing methods for accelerated failure time models include least-squares, log rank-based estimating equations and approximations to the nonparametric error distribution. In this paper, we propose another fitting method for the accelerated failure time model, formulated from the hazard function of the exponential error term. Our method can handle partly interval-censored data which contains event time, as well as left, right and interval censoring time. We adopt the maximum penalized likelihood method to estimate all the parameters in the model, including the nonparametric component. The penalty function is used to regularize the nonparametric component of the accelerated failure time model. Asymptotic properties of the penalized likelihood estimate are developed. A simulation study is conducted to investigate the performance of the proposed method and an application of this method to an AIDS study is presented as an example.
Studentification in Germany: How investors generate profits from student tenants in Goettingen and the impacts on urban segregation
Authors: Miessner Michael
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a study about studentification in the medium-sized university town of Goettingen, Germany. While many studentification studies focus on the transformation of owner-occupied houses into houses of multiple occupation, this study is about displacement in the rental housing market. I argue that within this context, the displacement of marginalised social groups takes place through rental prices and private landlords’ preferences for students of higher education. Hence, I focus on how landlords extract high rents from their property without making serious investments and investigate landlords’ strategies for increasing their return on investment via higher education student tenants. I explain their strategies, grounding this research in semi-structured interviews with landlords, property managers and real estate agents, complemented by statistical data. I show that different rental strategies landlords apply lead to the separation of different social groups. Hence, this paper argues that the strategies of landlords have an important impact on urban segregation and urban development in cities. Therefore, a deeper investigation of these strategies would help us achieve a better understanding of how the process of studentification proceeds and how displacement takes place.
Commitment to Change Among Health Care Workers in Pakistan
Authors: Bakari Haroon , Hunjra Ahmed Imran , Jaros Stephen
Published: July 2020

Commitment to organizational change as an important focus of commitment has received greater attention in the literature of action commitments. Research indicates that this construct represents employee attitude towards change initiative and may be a greater predictor of support for change. This is of particular import in health care systems, globally, and in developing nations, in particular, which are constantly seeking to change and adapt to new medical and administrative advances. However, commitment to change (C2C) has received very little research attention from Asian health care systems. Therefore, this study answers the call for validation, by validating a culture-specific translated version of the C2C scale in a sample drawn from the privatization context of public sector hospitals in Pakistan. The goals are to: (a) examine some psychometric properties of the major Western-derived measures of C2C in Pakistan to see if they are valid and reliable there; and (b) draw implications from our results for the management of change efforts in Pakistani health care systems. Thus, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted using SPSS and analysis of moment structures (AMOS) to provide evidence of reliability, construct validity and predictive validity of C2C among Pakistani health care workers. Results found evidence of the measure’s cross-cultural validity and revealed a positive correlation between C2C and three dimensions of behavioural support for change. This study is a significant contribution to the literature, being the first to provide comprehensive evidence of validity of the C2C scale in Pakistan, a developing country. An important implication for leaders of organizational change in Pakistan is that they may use this construct to unearth employee level of understanding and attitude towards change initiative to envisage mechanisms to foster employee support for change. Researchers may also use this construct in Pakistan’s context to assess employee C2C.
Varieties of capitalism in multinational companies: A comparative study of Volkswagen Slovakia and Kia Motors Slovakia
Authors: Haipeter Thomas , Jo Hyung Je
Published: July 2020

This paper is about industrial relation (IR) strategies and practices in multinational companies (MNCs). It is based on a comparison of these practices in subsidiaries of different MNC within one country. We discuss how far differences and commonalities can be explained by national IR institutions, by company structures and cultures or by the agency of IR actors. In doing so, this will also address the broader question of how far the varieties of capitalism affect what MNCs do abroad and if, and in what way, they adapt to local conditions in terms of IRs and union structures. The paper is based on a case study comparison of two of the biggest automotive companies, Volkswagen and Hyundai, and their production locations in Slovakia. Both companies have different institutional backgrounds in their host countries with different patterns of labour relations, they are internationalized on a growing level and they both have foreign operations in identical countries like in Slovakia, which makes it possible to analyse the effects of institutions, strategies and labour agency by a comparison of establishments. There are two main findings exposing a strong interplay of the factors under scrutiny. First, in both companies, the local IR patterns are strongly shaped by the varieties of institutions at the company headquarters, whereas the IR institutions of the host country are adapted to them; and second, agency plays a growing role as the labour shortage improves the power position of the unions.
Why it’s worthwhile training as a psychiatrist
Authors: Looi Jeffrey CL , Finlay Angus JF
Published: July 2020

Objectives:

We provide experiential reflections upon the process of training and working as a psychiatrist, with the aim of sparking and maintaining interest in psychiatry as a medical career.

Conclusions:

There are many benefits and worthwhile experiences from training and working in psychiatry, especially in the privilege of providing holistic care for persons suffering from mental illness.
Experimental validation of a shape-memory alloy slat-cove filler: Structural response and computational model development
Authors: Patterson Ryan , Scholten William , Strganac Thomas , Turner Travis , Hartl Darren
Published: July 2020

Current and expected Federal Aviation Administration regulations are pressuring the aerospace industry to develop new technologies that reduce aeroacoustic emissions, which may affect the health and well-being of community members. With recent technological advancements reducing noise emissions from aircraft engines, airframe noise sources now represent a large component of the total emitted noise during approach and landing. This research investigates a shape-memory alloy slat-cove filler concept, which is a promising noise reduction technology for the leading-edge-slat high-lift system. Aerodynamic and structural experiments are conducted with the purpose of characterizing response under relevant flow conditions. A model-scale wing section prototype was treated with a slat-cove filler and used to compare aerodynamic effects of the shape-memory alloy treatment at multiple settings. It is shown that the addition of the slat-cove filler does not detrimentally impact the aerodynamic response of the wing prototype and actually resulted in a higher lift-to-drag ratio. Aerostructural experiments were conducted incorporating Digital Image Correlation measurements and displacement measurements from a custom-designed system based on a laser displacement sensor. These experiments determined the structural response of the shape-memory alloy slat-cove filler during a typical retraction/deployment cycle under relevant wind tunnel test conditions and compared to results from a finite element analysis model.
Preparation and performance study of a new type of Tile transducer for roadway applications
Authors: Wang Jun , Cai Yuanqiang , Liu Zhiming , Ding Guangya , Cai Guojun , Fu Hongtao
Published: July 2020

In recent years, piezoelectric technology for recovery of road vibration energy has gained widespread attention. Most research in this field thus far has examined different piezoelectric materials and evaluated their feasibility in field tests, but less attention has been devoted to different transducer structures. In this study, a new type of Tile transducer was developed for roadway applications. The Tile transducer exhibited good vibration absorption effect and energy harvesting efficiency at low-frequency vibration. This study tested the Tile transducer under the supported boundary condition, and analyzed the influence of the curvature of the Tile transducer on the energy harvesting efficiency with regard to the electromechanical conversion performance and structural strength. When the excitation frequency was 10 Hz and load was 500 N, the total power of the Plane transducer was 0.59 mW. Under the same load condition, the total power of the Tile transducer was 15.44 mW, which was 26-fold higher than that of the Plane transducer. An ultimate compressive bearing capacity test and fatigue test of the Tile transducer were then carried out, and the fatigue failure mode was analyzed. The test results prove that the Tile transducer had stable and lasting structural performance.
Three-Dimensional Analysis of Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Nasal Deformity
Authors: Harrison Lucas M. , Hallac Rami R. , Derderian Christopher A.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

This cross-sectional study utilizes 3-dimensional analysis to assess nasal morphology in patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) compared to controls across the timeline of cleft care.

Design:

Retrospective comparative cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Tertiary pediatric academic institution.

Patients and Participants:

One hundred and twelve patients with BCLP and an equal number of age and sex-matched control participants.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Nasolabial angle, nasal length, nasal protrusion, columella length, columella width, nasal tip width, alar width, and alar base width were collected at each time point. The measurements were collected pre-nasoalveolar molding (NAM) therapy, post-NAM therapy, post-primary cleft rhinoplasty, 1 year, 5 years, 10 years, and 15 years of age.

Results:

Nasolabial angle and nasal tip width were significantly different from controls from pre-NAM through 15 years of age time points. Nasal length was not significantly different at any time point. Alar width and alar base width were significantly different from pre-NAM through 10 years of age time points. Nasal protrusion, columella length, and columella width were significantly different from pre-NAM through 5 years of age time points.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that three-dimensional photogrammetry is effective in assessing the changes in nasal morphology that occur throughout the course of care in patients with BCLP from before cleft lip repair to the completion of nasal growth.
An analysis of lipid membrane morphology in the presence of coordinate-dependent non-uniformity
Authors: Yao Wenhao , Kim Chun IL
Published: July 2020

A model for the mechanics of lipid membranes with non-uniform (coordinate-dependent) properties is discussed. The coordinate-dependent responses of the membranes are incorporated via the augmented non-uniform energy function and material parameters, which are dependent explicitly on the surface coordinates. We formulate the associated normal and tangential Euler equilibrium equations through which the coordinate-dependent responses of membranes are characterized. The admissible boundary conditions are taken from the existing non-linear model but reformulated and adopted to the present framework. Within the prescription of superposed incremental deformations, a compatible linear model is also formulated, from which a complete analytical solution describing the non-uniform responses of the membrane subjected to substrate–membrane interactions is obtained.
Skeletal Muscle Ratio: A Complete Mediator of Physical Activity and HbA1C in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wang Sen-Te , Lin Yen-Kuang , Weng Shuen-Fu , Huang Chen-Ling , Huang Hui-Chuan , Chiu Yi-Chun , Hu Sophia
Published: July 2020

Background:

An increase in the physical activity level reduces body weight, decreases body fat, increases skeletal muscle mass, and improves serum glucose; however, the influence of body composition parameters on the relationship between physical activity and serum glucose remains unclear.

Objective:

This study investigated whether skeletal muscle and visceral fat affect the relationship between high physical activity and long-term serum glucose goals.

Method:

This cross-sectional study recruited patients with type 2 diabetes. The Chinese version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used for estimating the physical activity level, and a bioimpedance device was used to measure the skeletal muscle ratio (skeletal muscle mass/total body weight, %) and visceral fat area (cm2). Hierarchical logistic regression models and mediation tests were conducted according to Hayes’ procedures.

Results:

Of the total 543 Chinese individuals with type 2 diabetes enrolled, HbA1C levels of fewer than half (n = 243, 44.8%) met the target of ≤7.0%. The skeletal muscle ratio was found to be a complete mediator (OR = 0.920, 95% CI: 0.848 to 0.998; indirect effect: −0.238, 95% CI: −0.525 to −0.020) of the relationship between high physical activity and the target HbA1C level after controlling for visceral fat area (indirect effect: −0.013, 95% CI: −0.183 to 0.156), age, time since diabetes diagnosis, and rice intake.

Conclusion:

Nurses should include an increase in the skeletal muscle ratio as an objective in physical activity interventions for patients with type 2 diabetes to help them achieve their long-term serum glucose goals.
S(t)imulating resistance: Corporate responses to the Trump presidency
Authors: Gulbrandsen Ib T. , Just Sine N. , Uldam Julie
Published: July 2020

This article contributes to the emergent field of corporate activism by exploring how corporate advertising voices, or is interpreted by the media as voicing, Trump resistance – that is, sympathy with anti-Trump protests and dismay at the politics of the White House incumbent. In so doing, we first situate corporate activism in relation to the more established fields of political corporate social responsibility and corporate social responsibility communication, focusing on discussions concerning the interplay between talk and action as well as the potential of talk to lead to action. On this basis, we propose a conceptual framework that posits talk and action as operating conjointly on the ontological plane of s(t)imulation, a conceptual conjunction of simulation and stimulation that is inspired by Baudrillard’s notion of the simulacrum. Empirically, we conduct a qualitative analysis of 20 examples of corporate advertising that has been reported as anti-Trump in the media. We find that the advertising in our sample is characterized by the following three main distinctions: (1) humorous references to Trump, (2) favourable and highly emotional appeals to social justice and (3) dystopian visions of society. We argue that a postmodern perspective on signs and representation may not only nuance our understanding of corporate activism, but also contribute to the conceptualization of the phenomenon by pushing the explanatory framework beyond the dialectic of talk and action.
An examination of suicidal behaviour among veterans receiving mental-health appointments in person versus clinical video telehealth
Authors: Rojas Sasha M , Piccirillo Marilyn L , McCann Russell A , Reger Mark A , Felker Bradford
Published: July 2020

Introduction

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a national leader in the implementation of clinical video telehealth (CVT) services. Despite the growth of mental-health services offered via CVT, it is unclear to what extent these services are offered and accessed by veterans with previous suicidal behaviour.

Methods

The current quality improvement project examined this question within a local VA health-care system using data from suicide behaviour reports (SBRs), the Veteran Health Administration’s official reporting and surveillance system. The frequency of SBRs was compared during two different time points among veterans who received individual mental-health appointments in person only or via CVT during the 2017 calendar year. Among veterans with a SBR, time in days elapsed from their first mental-health appointment to a SBR was examined as a function of treatment modality.

Results

Results indicated veterans who received in-person treatment only were more likely to present with a SBR six months prior to their first mental-health appointment compared to those who received CVT during the observation period. There were no differences in SBRs during the 12 months after the first appointment or the time from the first appointment to the SBR as a function of treatment modality used.

Discussion

Although veterans who received in-person mental-health services were more likely to have had a SBR six months prior to treatment, suicide risk throughout the observation period did not differ between groups. Clinical implications that arise from these findings are described in the discussion.
Commitment to the profession of ELT and an organization: A profile of expat faculty in South Korea
Authors: Moodie Ian
Published: July 2020

Despite its attention in the field of education, occupational commitment has received little attention in language teaching research. To address this gap, the study generates an occupational commitment profile of expatriate English language teachers and investigates how commitment relates to their age, sex, teaching experience, and qualifications. Eighty-two native English-speaking teachers at a private university in South Korea participated in the study by completing a survey measuring their affective, continuance, and normative commitment to the profession of English language teaching (ELT) and to their workplace. The descriptive results indicated that the sample had high affective commitment to the profession of ELT but low overall commitment to their organization. Results from MANCOVA, which controlled for the covariates of age and sex, indicated that respondents with teacher qualifications from their home countries tended to have higher levels of affective and normative commitment to the profession of ELT and to their workplace than respondents without teacher qualifications. However, no differences in commitment were found between respondents with ELT qualifications and respondents without ELT qualifications, nor were any differences found in commitment associated with ELT experience. Because affective-normative dominant profiles are associated with better workplace outcomes, such as effort given to an organization and lower turnover intentions, further consideration of this finding should be of high priority in language teacher commitment research.
Sex-related patterns of intrinsic functional connectivity in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Olson Lindsay A , Mash Lisa E , Linke Annika , Fong Christopher H , Müller Ralph-Axel , Fishman Inna
Published: July 2020

Although a growing literature highlights sex differences in autism spectrum disorder clinical presentation, less is known about female variants at the neural level. We investigated sex-related patterns of functional connectivity within and between functional networks in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, compared to typically developing peers. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data for 141 children and adolescents (7–17 years) selected from an in-house sample and four sites contributing to the Autism Brain Imaging Database Exchange (ABIDE I and II) were submitted to group independent component analysis to generate resting-state functional networks. Functional connectivity was estimated by generating resting-state functional network correlation matrices, which were directly compared between males and females, and autism spectrum disorder and typically developing groups. Results revealed greater connectivity within the default mode network in typically developing girls as compared to typically developing boys, while no such sex effect was observed in the autism spectrum disorder group. Correlational analyses with clinical indices revealed a negative relationship between sensorimotor connectivity and history of early autism symptoms in girls, but not in boys with autism spectrum disorder. A lack of neurotypical sex differentiation in default mode network functional connectivity observed in boys and girls with autism spectrum disorder suggests that sex-related differences in network integration may be altered in autism spectrum disorder.

Lay summary

We investigated whether children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders show sex-specific patterns of brain function (using functional magnetic resonance imaging) that are well documented in typically developing males and females. We found, unexpectedly, that boys and girls with autism do not differ in their brain functional connectivity, whereas typically developing boys and girls showed differences in a brain network involved in thinking about self and others (the default mode network). Results suggest that autism may be characterized by a lack of brain sex differentiation.