bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new species of Phrynopus from the northeastern Andes of Peru, its phylogenetic position, and notes on the relationships of Holoadeninae (Anura: Craugastoridae)
Authors: VENEGAS PABLO J. , BARBOZA ANDY C. , RIVA IGNACIO DE LA , PADIAL JOSÉ M.
Published: July 2018

We report the discovery of a geographically disjunct and morphologically distinctive species of direct-developing frog of the genus Phrynopus (Phrynopus mariellaleo sp. nov.) that changes considerably our understanding of the distribution of species in this Andean genus. The type locality lies on a subcordillera (Cerro de Campanario area) of the extreme northeastern portion of the Cordillera Central of Peru, on the headwaters of the Mayo River, Amazonas department, at 2575 m asl (6°6’42.9’’S, 77°26’24’’W). This area is situated 170 km to the NE from the northernmost record of Phrynopus known so far. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of a supermatrix (13269 aligned positions of gene sequences of four mitochondrial and ten nuclear genes) of 105 terminals (representing 93 named and 9 unnamed species of Holoadeninae) recover this new species as the sister to Phrynopus auriculatus, a species occurring more than 500 km south of the type locality of the new species. Both Phrynopus auriculatus and the new species occur at moderate elevations on the easternmost stretches of the Andean subcordilleras; their sister relationship point to a potentially broader distribution of species of Phrynopus along the poorly sampled intervening areas of the eastern hills of the Andes. The new species has a conspicuous and visibly large tympanic membrane (a trait rare in the clade), outlined by a marked bold black supratympanic fold and a black facial mask, and exhibits conspicuous dorsolateral, scapular, and middorsal Y-shaped folds. Specimens were found on the forest floor—a rocky substrate covered by a thick layer of leaf litter, moss and roots—of a primary humid montane forest (Yungas ecoregion) with scattered patches of bamboo (Chusquea spp.). Our phylogenetic analyses corroborate the monophyly of all Holoadeninae genera, including Euparkerella and Psychrophrynella, genera for which tests of monophyly were pending, and corroborates Hypodactylus nigrovittatus as part of Hypodactylus and sister to a clade that includes H. brunneus, H. elassodiscus and H. peraccai.
Contributions to the study of Idiocerinae (Homoptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae) of Central Asia with notes on synonymy
Authors: TISHECHKIN DMITRI YU.
Published: July 2018

Investigation of morphological variability in three species of Central-Asiatic Idiocerinae showed that small differences in the shape of male genitalia and abdominal apodemes are not species-specific traits. Based on these data, the following synonymies are established: Populicerus ambigenus (Dubovskiy, 1966) = P. tenellus (Dubovskiy, 1966), syn. n., Idiocerus bilituratus Dubovskiy, 1966 = I. bipustulatus Mityaev, 1967, syn. n.; the synonymy Sahlbergotettix salicicola (Flor, 1861) = S. mesasiaticus Dubovskiy, 1966 = Idiocerus fulvius Dlabola, 1967 established by Anufriev (1978) is confirmed. Illustrated descriptions of three species considered and data on their male calling signals, biology, and distribution are provided.
A new species of the genus Phytocoris (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Mirinae) from western Iran
Authors: HOSSEINI REZA , MOHAMMADI SAADI
Published: July 2018

A new species, Phytocoris (Eckerleinius) hawramanicum sp. nov is described from Iran. A revised dichotomous key to the species of subgenus Eckerleinius Wagner known in Iran and adjacent regions, illustrations of male genitalia and male habitus photographs of this new taxon are provided. Diagnosis of the new species is based on a comparison with other congeneric found from Iran and adjacent countries. The type specimens were deposited in the insect collection of the University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
Observing the Tropical Atmosphere in Moisture Space
Authors: Schulz Hauke , Stevens Bjorn
Published: July 2018

Measurements from the Barbados Cloud Observatory are analyzed to identify the processes influencing the distribution of moist static energy and the large-scale organization of tropical convection. Five years of water vapor and cloud profiles from a Raman lidar and cloud radar are composed to construct the structure of the observed atmosphere in moisture space. The large-scale structure of the atmosphere is similar to that now familiar from idealized studies of convective self-aggregation, with shallow clouds prevailing over a moist marine layer in regions of low-rank humidity, and deep convection in a nearly saturated atmosphere in regions of high-rank humidity. With supplementary reanalysis datasets the overall circulation pattern is reconstructed in moisture space, and shows evidence of a substantial lower-tropospheric component to the circulation. This shallow component of the circulation helps support the differentiation between the moist and dry columns, similar to what is found in simulations of convective self-aggregation. Radiative calculations show that clear-sky radiative differences can explain a substantial part of this circulation, with further contributions expected from cloud radiative effects. The shallow component appears to be important for maintaining the low gross moist stability of the convecting column. A positive feedback between a shallow circulation driven by differential radiative cooling and the low-level moisture gradients that help support it is hypothesized to play an important role in conditioning the atmosphere for deep convection. The analysis suggests that the radiatively driven shallow circulations identified by modeling studies as contributing to the self-aggregation of convection in radiative–convective equilibrium similarly play a role in shaping the intertropical convergence zone and, hence, the large-scale structure of the tropical atmosphere.
Nonlinear Formation of the Three-Dimensional Spectrum of Mesoscale Wind Velocity and Temperature Fluctuations in a Stably Stratified Atmosphere
Authors: Chunchuzov Igor
Published: July 2018

The theory of formation of the space–time spectrum of the mesoscale fluctuations in the horizontal wind velocity and vertical displacements (or relative temperature fluctuations) in a stably stratified atmosphere is developed. The nonlinear mechanism of the formation of the finescale layered inhomogeneities in the internal wave fields associated with the nonresonant wave–wave and wave–vortical mode interactions is described. The 3D spatial spectra of the layered inhomogeneities are obtained from the approximate solutions of Lagrangian motion equations for internal waves and subsequent transition to the Eulerian coordinate system. Because of such transition, the advection of internal waves by the wind induced by the waves and vortical modes is taken into account. The contributions from the large-scale wind disturbances and finescale layered inhomogeneities to the horizontal wavenumber spectrum of the velocity fluctuations are found. Using an analytic form obtained for the 3D spectrum, the comparison is made between the modeled one-dimensional (1D) wavenumber spectra (vertical and horizontal) of the fluctuations with the observed spectra in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. The observed 1D (horizontal and vertical) wavenumber spectra of the horizontal velocity fluctuations with a −3 power-law decay are explained.
Robust actuator and sensor fault reconstruction of wind turbine using modified sliding mode observer
Authors: Rahnavard Mostafa , Ayati Moosa , Yazdi Mohammad Reza Hairi
Published: July 2018

This paper proposes a robust fault diagnosis scheme based on modified sliding mode observer, which reconstructs wind turbine hydraulic pitch actuator faults as well as simultaneous sensor faults. The wind turbine under consideration is a 4.8 MW benchmark model developed by Aalborg University and kk-electronic a/s. Rotor rotational speed, generator rotational speed, blade pitch angle and generator torque have different order of magnitudes. Since the dedicated sensors experience faults with quite different values, simultaneous fault reconstruction of these sensors is a challenging task. To address this challenge, some modifications are applied to the classic sliding mode observer to realize simultaneous fault estimation. The modifications are mainly suggested to the discontinuous injection switching term as the nonlinear part of observer. The proposed fault diagnosis scheme does not require know the exact value of nonlinear aerodynamic torque and is robust to disturbance/modelling uncertainties. The aerodynamic torque mapping, represented as a two-dimensional look up table in the benchmark model, is estimated by an analytical expression. The pitch actuator low pressure faults are identified using some fault indicators. By filtering the outputs and defining an augmented state vector, the sensor faults are converted to actuator faults. Several fault scenarios, including the pitch actuator low pressure faults and simultaneous sensor faults, are simulated in the wind turbine benchmark in the presence of measurement noises. Simulation results show that the modified observer immediately and faithfully estimates the actuator faults as well as simultaneous sensor faults with different order of magnitudes.
Loving the Group That Denies You First: Social Identity Effects of Ostracism Before Inclusion
Authors: Dahl Ethan , Niedbala Elizabeth M. , Hohman Zachary P.
Published: July 2018

Ostracism is an aversive situation that occurs frequently in everyday life; however, few empirical studies have investigated multiple experiences of inclusion or ostracism from the same group. The prior work in this area has also not evaluated the influence of subsequent inclusion and ostracism on identification with the group, perceptions of the group, or group member behaviors. Across three experiments, the current study investigated the impact of subsequent inclusion and ostracism on an individual’s fundamental needs, identification with the group, perceptions of the group, and risk taking to benefit the group. It was hypothesized that participants who were ostracized and then included would show significant increases in group identification, positive group perceptions, and risk taking to benefit the group. Support for these hypotheses was found. Results are discussed regarding the impact of subsequent experiences of ostracism and inclusion on the individual and his or her relationship with the group.
Darling, Get Closer to Me: Spatial Proximity Amplifies Interpersonal Liking
Authors: Shin Ji-eun , Suh Eunkook M. , Li Norman P. , Eo Kangyong , Chong Sang Chul , Tsai Ming-Hong
Published: July 2018

Does close distance increase liking for a social object? In a preliminary sociogram task, an association between proximity and intimacy was found in drawings of self and others. In three experimental studies, male participants consistently preferred female targets who were (actually or appeared to be) close than far from them. Distance was manipulated through various means—sitting distance (Study 2), presenting two facial images separately to each eye by a stereoscopic device (Study 3), or a video clip (Study 4). This effect was stronger among those with deprived social needs and occurred in part because close (vs. far) targets seemed psychologically more accessible to the perceiver. Our findings offer rare experimental evidence for the empirically challenged propinquity effect and provide new insights on how distance shapes inner experience.
Relational uncertainty and interdependence processes in marriage: A test of relational turbulence theory
Authors: Solomon Denise Haunani , Brisini Kellie St. Cyr
Published: July 2018

This study examined how relational uncertainty and qualities of interdependence within marriages correspond with eight measures of cognitive, emotional, and communicative phenomena. Structural equation modeling evaluated predictions deduced from relational turbulence theory (RTT), which links relational uncertainty to biased cognitions and interference and facilitation from a partner to emotional intensity. A research question focused on associations with indices of communicative engagement. Results provided mixed support for RTT. Relational uncertainty was significantly associated with taking conflict personally and cognitive jealousy as predicted, but it was also associated with emotional jealousy and negative affect and did not predict communicative engagement. Interference from a partner was positively associated with negative affect for women, but not men, and with topic avoidance for men, but not women. Facilitation from a partner was positively associated with the directness of communication about hurt and, for men only, it corresponded with more negative affect and more topic avoidance. Contrary to expectations, facilitation from a partner was positively associated with cognitive jealousy. The discussion highlights implications for future research on relational turbulence in marriage.
Online ethnic segregation in a post-conflict setting
Authors: Nisser Annerose , Weidmann Nils B
Published: July 2018

Existing research has shown that online networks are often segregated along identity lines, such as political ideology or religious views. Although online segregation should be specifically detrimental when appearing between ethnic groups in a post-conflict setting, to date we have no systematic evidence on the level of online ethnic segregation. To close this gap, the present study examines online ethnic segregation in a large ethnically mixed blogger network in a post-conflict society, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since politics has been found to enhance ethnic divides in the offline world, we additionally examine whether segregation is higher for bloggers engaging with political topics. Using large-scale web scraping, automated text analysis and Monte Carlo simulation, we find evidence for pronounced ethnic divisions. Furthermore, we find that political bloggers tend to have more ethnically segregated networks. The findings show that a broad public exchange transcending ethnic categories remains limited in the online context we study, and that those who dominate the online political debate tend to be those who in their social interactions put even more weight on ethnic categories than the average.
IL-6/IL-6R pathway is a therapeutic target in chemoresistant ovarian cancer
Authors: Yousefi Hassan , Momeny Majid , Ghaffari Seyed H. , Parsanejad Nazanin , Poursheikhani Arash , Javadikooshesh Sepehr , Zarrinrad Ghazaleh , Esmaeili Fatemeh , Alishahi Zivar , Sabourinejad Zahra , Sankanian Ghazaleh , Shamsaiegahkani Sahar , Bashash Davood , Shahsavani Narjes , Tavakkoly-Bazzaz Javad , Alimoghaddam Kamran , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir
Published: July 2018

Introduction:

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy worldwide and despite an initial response to therapeutic agents, the majority of patients have chemoresistant disease. There is no treatment strategy with proven efficacy against chemoresistant EOC and in this setting, overcoming therapy resistance is the key to successful treatment.

Methods:

This study aimed to investigate expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) (IL-6) and IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) in a panel of the EOC cell lines. To achieve this, the expression of IL-6 and its receptor were compared in the EOC cells using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. MTT assay was performed to obtain chemosensitivity of the EOC cells.

Results:

In this report, we show that expressions of IL6 and IL6R are higher in therapy-resistant EOC cells compared to sensitive ones. Higher expression of IL6 and its receptor correlated with resistance to certain chemotherapeutic agents. Moreover, our findings showed that combination of tocilizumab (Actemra; Roche), an anti-IL-6R monoclonal antibody, with carboplatin synergistically inhibited growth and proliferation of the EOC cells and the most direct axis for IL-6 gene expression was NF-κB pathway.

Conclusion:

Collectively, our findings suggest that blockade of the IL-6 signaling pathway with anti-IL-6 receptor antibody tocilizumab might resensitize the chemoresistant cells to the current chemotherapeutics.
Research data management and sharing among researchers in Arab universities: An exploratory study
Authors: Elsayed Amany M. , Saleh Emad I.
Published: July 2018

This study investigates researchers’ current practices for managing and sharing research data. An online survey was conducted among researchers from three Arab universities in Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. In total, 337 participants filled out the questionnaire. The study shows that 97% of researchers were responsible for their research data, and 64.4% of researchers shared their data. Contributing to scientific progress and increasing research citations and visibility were the key factors that motivated researchers to share data. However, confidentiality and data misuse were the main concerns among those who were reluctant to share. Finally, some recommendations regarding the improvement of data management and sharing practices are presented.
The Culinary Gender Binary in an Era of Multiculturalism
Authors: Lallani Shayan S.
Published: July 2018

This article uses oral histories to examine how migration affected the gender dynamics of foodwork carried out by late postwar Italian immigrants in Toronto. Culinary gender roles remained preserved as narrators journeyed to Toronto. However, by the twenty-first century when national discourse emphasized a multicultural Canada—the climax of the shift toward culinary pluralism—the narrators each embodied a range of food masculinities and femininities. They also described other motives to do partake in culinary labor that cannot be categorized by the traditional binary. A new paradigm that accounts for the experiences of migrants encountering the homogenizing forces of multiculturalism is needed.
The Scope and Method of Applied Policy Economics
Authors: Colander David
Published: July 2018

Much has been written about the methodology of economic science. Little has been written about the methodology of applied economics, and most applied economists think of applied economics as subject to a scientific methodology. But, as Classical economists recognized long ago, that cannot be correct as the methodology of science is designed to minimize the integration of values, while applied policy analysis requires the integration of values into the analysis, ideally in as transparent ways as possible. This article suggests that applied policy economics should consciously follow an engineering, not a scientific, methodology because engineering methodology allows for the conscious blending of philosophical methodology, used to arrive at consensus on values, with scientific methodology used to arrive at consensus on scientific facts and understanding.

JEL Classifications: B40, B41, A12, A13
Predictive Value of Epileptiform Discharges for Subsequent Epilepsy After Febrile Seizures
Authors: Kavčič Alja , Rener-Primec Zvonka
Published: July 2018

The predictive value of epileptiform discharges for subsequent epilepsy after febrile seizures was studied in 140 children: 72 children (51%) had simple febrile seizures and 68 children (49%) had complex febrile seizures. Electroencephalography (EEG) was performed in 103 children (74%), it was normal in 66 (47%) and with epileptiform patterns in 37 patients (26%). At follow-up in 2017, 10 children developed epilepsy, 1 had a single epileptic seizure, 9 of them had epileptiform EEGs. Of the patients with normal EEGs after complex febrile seizures, none developed epilepsy, and 92% of patients with normal EEGs after recurrent febrile seizures did not develop epilepsy. Therefore, patients with normal EEGs were unlikely to develop epilepsy. Fifteen percent of patients with complex and 31% of patients with recurrent febrile seizures and epileptiform EEGs developed epileptic seizures. The positive predictive value of epileptiform discharges was low in complex and twice as high in recurrent febrile seizures.
Understanding the information experiences of parents involved in negotiating post-separation parenting arrangements
Authors: Partridge Helen , McAllister Lynn , Toohey Lisa , Field Rachael , Crowe Jonathan , Allcock Annelies
Published: July 2018

The paper presents findings from a study into the information experiences of people needing to make post-separation parenting arrangements. Data was collected from 20 participants, through in-depth, semi-structured, telephone interviews. Thematic analysis identified five major themes: Following, Immersion, Interpersonal, History and Context which depict the information experiences of the participants. The findings can be used as an evidence base to inform the design and delivery of support and services provided by government agencies and other community groups supporting the legal information needs of individuals and families. The work extends current understandings of information experience as an object of study in the information science discipline.
Relational autonomy in action: Rethinking dementia and sexuality in care facilities
Authors: Victor Elizabeth , Guidry-Grimes Laura
Published: July 2018

Background:

Caregivers and administrators in long-term facilities have fragile moral work in caring for residents with dementia. Residents are susceptible to barriers and vulnerabilities associated with the most intimate aspects of their lives, including how they express themselves sexually. The conditions for sexual agency are directly affected by caregivers’ perceptions and attitudes, as well as facility policies.

Objective:

This article aims to clarify how to approach capacity determinations as it relates to sexual activity, propose how to theorize about patient autonomy in this context, and suggest some considerations for finding an ethically responsible and practically feasible way to respect the sexual rights of this population.

Research Design:

The focus is on residents with early to moderate dementia in states of daily dependency on professional caregivers. The article critically examines existing empirical research on sexuality among persons with dementia, caregivers’ attitudes, and institutional roadblocks to enabling residents’ sexuality. A relational lens and insights from disability studies are used in the philosophical analysis.

Participants and Research Context:

No research participants were part of this analysis.

Ethical Considerations:

This article offers a conceptual analysis and normative framework only.

Findings:

The analysis highlights the delicate balance that capacity assessments for sexual activity have to strike; while caregivers should protect those who cannot give adequate consent, the denial of sexuality among residents can cause deep, long-ranging harms. Sexual agency features into an ongoing sense of self for many individuals with dementia, and the imposition of inappropriate standards and expectations for sexual autonomy can lead to unwarranted obstacles to sexual activity.

Discussion:

Recommendations include developing clear and inclusive institutional policies and practices of care, providing education for caregivers on how to discuss and document residents’ sexual preferences over time, and taking advantage of ethics consultation services.

Conclusion:

This analysis establishes the need for more research and discussion on this sensitive topic. Future research should investigate the specific responsibilities of caregivers in furthering the sexual interests of residents, how exactly to modify existing capacity instruments, and how best to support historically marginalized patients in their sexual identities.
Reconciling Entrepreneurial Orientation and Dynamic Capabilities: A Strategic Entrepreneurship Perspective
Authors: Kim Hwan Jin
Published: July 2018

Strategic entrepreneurship (SE) emphasises the complementary roles played by entrepreneurship and strategic management in promoting firm growth. This article adopts two dominant concepts from each field—entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and dynamic capabilities (DCs)—to investigate their interaction effects on firm performance (FP). It further examines three contingencies—firm, market and product innovation—that significantly affect the levels of EO and DCs that firms pursue. This study analyses the influence of EO and DCs on performance using hierarchical regression models. Interaction effects of EO and DCs on FP demonstrate a positive relationship. This study found that DCs are more critical for incumbent firms than for small firms. Both EO and DCs enhance performance in dynamic markets. The EO increases performance under radical product innovation, while DCs show no effects. This study provides important and unique implications for the complementary roles of entrepreneurship and strategic management.
Comparison of Sporting Values in Europe: Effects of Social Institutionalization in Three European Territories
Authors: Massiera Bernard , Imed Ben Mahmoud , Thierry Long
Published: July 2018

This study examines the representations conveyed by sports practitioners and the ideologies that govern sports institutions in three European countries. Sports organizations seem to construct identitary references for practitioners through the values they convey and the forms of sociability that they develop. This international study compares the practices and representations of sport based on a questionnaire sent to a sample of practitioners in Cardiff, Great Britain; Nice, France; and Pitesti, Romania. The findings indicate some differences. In Great Britain, sports practices remain imbued with educational values, in line with the ideals that were at the origin of the sporting movement. In France, sports practices seem more rooted in an orthodoxy promoted by community supervision. In Romania, sport remains attached to a therapeutic vocation and social mobility in connection with the communist past.
Urbanization and Carbon Emissions in India and China
Authors: Sridhar Kala Seetharam
Published: July 2018

This article understands, from an empirical perspective, the determinants of carbon emissions, using internationally comparable data, and cross-national regressions for India and China. Next, it explores the relationship between urban land use regulations and carbon emissions in India’s cities.

Urbanization has no impact on carbon emissions per capita or per unit of geographical area. Electricity consumption in China and electricity produced from coal in India have a positive effect on carbon emissions. GDP per capita has a positive effect in India and not so in China, but per capita GDP squared has a negative impact on emissions in both the countries.

Does this imply that urbanization should be ignored in the two countries? The answer is no, because a city’s urban form, to which policy contributes, is correlated with carbon emissions. More suburbanized cities which sprawl more also emit more carbon. India’s land use regulations relating to building height restrictions are conservative, hence Indian cities sprawl, which lead to carbon emissions. Hence, the focus of urban policy has to be on the development of compact cities. The article concludes with caveats of the data.
Solidarity and its limits for economic integration in the European Union’s internal market
Authors: Butler Graham
Published: July 2018

Solidarity is applicable to multiple strands of European Union (EU) law, including in the fostering of an internal market. Although the internal market has always held constitutional status, the objects that underlie it came about much later. The question of how solidarity, as a principle, value, and concept in EU law has been present in the nurturing of this process is not fully apparent, given a lack of clear methodology for when, and how solidarity is to be utilised. By delving into the treaties and the jurisprudence of the Court, the normative bedrock of solidarity emerges; not just as a facilitator of the internal market, but also for the purposes of economic integration. The article demonstrates that solidarity in law can be a reason or justification for measures to promote the treaty-based aim of the internal market. Yet simultaneously, it finds that solidarity is not an all-encompassing principle, value, or concept in absolute terms, and has limits for utilisation in the spirit of European integration. Conclusively, by demonstrating the limits of solidarity as a ‘legal’ principle, value, or concept, the article asks whether it is time to reassess the role that solidarity should play in EU law in the future.
Frustration of purpose and the French Contract Law reform
Authors: Kovac Mitja
Published: July 2018

Frustration of purpose remains one of the most ill-defined concepts in the English law of contracts. The same problem has also recently attracted the attention of the French legislature in its modernization of the Code Civil. The French reform entitles courts with broad powers to adjust the contract when unforeseen contingencies have made the bargain unduly costly. This article argues that the introduction of an economically inspired adjustment rule in English contract law should be re-considered to maintain its current superior commercial position. If implemented, then the ‘ex ante division of surplus’ should be the governing principle in adjusting contract price, because such a remedy will not affect the agreed-upon division of the surplus. Moreover, this paper suggests that the recent French reform is indeed a long-awaited step toward a more effective regulation of the notorious ‘unforeseen contingencies’ phenomena, but also suggests that further improvements might be needed. Furthermore, it offers a set of arguments suggesting that the English law in its current form might still be the preferred option in the world of international business transactions. The international commercial attractiveness of English contract law, although being challenged by the new French Civil Code, remains undisputed.
Hybrid model intermediate between a laboratory and field study: A humane paradigm shift in feline research
Authors: Fischer Amy , Benka Valerie AW , Briggs Joyce R , Maki Joanne , Morris Kevin N , Myers Kayla A , Rhodes Linda , Weedon George Robert , Levy Julie K
Published: July 2018

Objectives:

Non-surgical contraceptives are under development to provide accessible, affordable and humane alternatives for the management of free-roaming cat populations. The objective of this project was to develop a research approach for promising non-surgical contraceptives using outbred cats in a simulated free-roaming setting, meeting high standards for both animal welfare and scientific rigor.

Methods:

A facility, specially constructed with indoor and outdoor living areas, was approved and regulated as both an animal shelter and a United States Department of Agriculture research facility. Thirty female and five male cats, healthy but at high risk of euthanasia, were recruited from animal shelters and private homes. Guided by a detailed protocol, cats were housed in this facility for up to 18 months after acclimatization. Cats were administered the study product or a placebo, and then entered into a breeding trial. Cats were adopted at the end of the study. A range of methods was used to provide enrichment and balance a natural environment with the need for detailed daily monitoring.

Results:

Primary study results related to contraceptive safety and efficacy are published separately. Achieving a research model that is an intermediate step between a laboratory and an uncontained free-roaming cat colony was complex. Significant learnings shared in this current publication span: the selection of cats; acclimatization to a simulated colony environment; cat behavioral training during the study and in preparation for adoption; disease management; contract staff and volunteer support; and cat behavior throughout a breeding study.

Conclusions and relevance:

This model inspires continued movement away from the paradigm of breeding cats for research and instead sources existing cats at risk for euthanasia. The housing and management of the cats elevates research animals’ quality of life and provides positive post-study outcomes. While not appropriate for every feline research scenario, this hybrid model (between a laboratory and field study) proved to be a practical, humane and reliable scenario for research requiring a simulated real-world environment.
A scoping review on the current and potential use of social network analysis for evaluation purposes
Authors: Popelier Lisa
Published: July 2018

The pervasiveness and importance of relationships and networks has fueled the development of the social network analysis approach, which considers structural relationships to be primary causes of societal outcomes. While the potential of social network analysis has been demonstrated and discussed extensively in social science research, relatively little is known about the current and potential use of social network analysis for evaluation purposes. This scoping review of journal articles reveals that evaluators use social network analysis because of its ability to identify key stakeholders, assess network structures and relationships quantitatively, reveal informal relations and visualize even complex networks. However, challenges arise when interpreting findings, determining causation between network structures and outcomes and disseminating evaluation results in an ethically responsible manner. The review concludes that the evaluation field―especially in the development sector―would benefit greatly from increased use of social network analysis, but that this would first require improved use of alternative sources of network data, qualitative methods and inferential statistics that will enable evaluators to move beyond descriptive network analysis.
Wise psychological interventions to improve gender and racial equality in STEM
Authors: Casad Bettina J. , Oyler Danielle L. , Sullivan Erin T. , McClellan Erika M. , Tierney Destiny N. , Anderson Drake A. , Greeley Paul A. , Fague Michael A. , Flammang Brian J.
Published: July 2018

Women and racial minorities are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. This review describes six “wise” psychological interventions that can improve gender and race equality in STEM education by addressing psychological processes that inhibit achievement. The interventions are brief, low cost, and effective because they target specific psychological processes that cause disinterest, disengagement, and poor performance in STEM education. Interventions promoting a growth mindset address needs for competence and confidence. Communal goal interventions portray STEM as fulfilling communal values. Utility-value interventions highlight the usefulness and value of STEM education in students’ lives and careers. Values-affirmation interventions can buffer negative effects of social identity threat by reaffirming one’s personal values. Belonging interventions can bolster sense of belonging and identity in STEM by fostering a personal connection with the STEM community. Role models can instill a sense of belonging and identity compatibility in underrepresented groups in STEM. Educators, researchers, and policy makers can promote STEM education and careers by advocating for wise psychological interventions.
Context, visibility, and control: Police work and the contested objectivity of bystander video
Authors: Newell Bryce Clayton
Published: July 2018

This article examines how police officers understand and perceive the impact of bystander video on their work. Drawing from primarily qualitative data collected within two police departments in the Pacific Northwest, I describe how officers’ concerns about objectivity, documentation, and transparency all manifest as parts of a broader politics of information within policing that has been amplified in recent years by the affordances of new media platforms and increasingly affordable surveillance-enabling technologies. Officers’ primary concerns stem from their perceived inability to control the context of what is recorded, edited, and disseminated to broad audiences online through popular platforms such as YouTube.com , as well as the unwanted visibility (and accountability) that such online dissemination generates. I argue that understanding the effects of this `new visibility’ on policing, and the role played by new media in this process, has become vitally important to our tasks of organizing, understanding, and overseeing the police.
Image-based perceptual analysis of lit environments
Authors: Zhao N , Reinhart CF , Paradiso JA
Published: July 2018

Modern lighting systems typically provide a number of control parameters, e.g. colour and intensity, which allows nearly infinite possible configurations in one single room. The growing complexity of control makes it increasingly challenging for the user to configure the system and fully utilize the additional degrees of freedom. In contrast, an intuitive control interface takes into account the perceptual meaning of the lighting configurations. Unfortunately, collecting user ratings to construct perceptual models for lit spaces is cumbersome. To address this problem, we introduce an image-based mapping method that can rapidly evaluate the perceptual impression of lighting scenes using photographs or renderings. We discuss potential applications, guidelines and limitations of this method. In summary, we were able to closely approximate ratings-based mapping (normalized dissimilarity value <0.04). Among three dimensionality reduction methods, principal component analysis achieved the lowest dissimilarity and required the least images with a resolution as low as six by six pixels. Furthermore, simulations revealed that one perceptual model might suffice for the same type of offices. Offices of different types, on the other hand, require new mapping.
Not just falling off a horse: Conversion and insight in pedagogy and classroom practice
Authors: Goh Yu-Ming Stanley
Published: July 2018

This paper seeks to make use of the theological concept of conversion as a means of understanding and explicating the process of insight and understanding as it is experienced by students, and, in so doing, make proposals that can aid in both in pedagogy and classroom processes. Philosopher and theologian Bernard Lonergan described a cognitive structure that begins with insight that leads to judgements and reasoned action. Flowing from this, he describes intellectual conversion as a reflective self-appropriation of the cognitive structures that lead one to transcend naïve intellectual approaches in favour of more critical ones. This conversion is not a singular event but can be seen to be cumulative iterations of insight, judgement and action. An intellectually converted person is one who is aware of cognitive processes and structures and thus acts to develop intellectually and morally. This would in turn lead to the ability to reflect critically about both knowledge as well as the processes that lead to it. This critical awareness of learning myths as well as intellectual horizons would place learners in good stead to act positively to learn well in the dynamic modern context. The connection between conversion and teaching will be explored by looking first at the conditions for the possibility of conversion in the classroom in both students and educators, and later at how the latter can be better prepared to catalyse this process in the students. Particular contexts that emphasise problem solving and the development of higher-order learning skills will ground the conception of conversion in current educational environments.
Building an Evidence-Based, Holistic Approach to Advancing Integrated Employment
Authors: Hall Allison Cohen , Butterworth John , Winsor Jean , Kramer John , Nye-Lengerman Kelly , Timmons Jaimie
Published: July 2018

Since the introduction of supported employment in the Developmental Disabilities Act of 1984 and the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1986, there has been continued development and refinement of best practices in employment services and supports. Progress includes creative outcomes for individuals with significant support needs including customized jobs and self-employment, community rehabilitation providers that have shifted emphasis to integrated employment, and states that have made a substantial investment in Employment First policy and strategy. Despite these achievements, the promise of integrated employment remains elusive for the majority of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The number of individuals supported in integrated employment by state agencies has remained stagnant for the past 15 years, participation in nonwork services has grown rapidly, and individual employment supports have not been implemented with fidelity. This article presents preliminary findings from activities completed by the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Advancing Employment for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and discusses a framework for organizing state and federal investments in research, practice, and systems change.
How I Do It: New Dissector Device Allows for Effective Operative Field in Transoral Endoscopic Thyroid Surgery Using Vestibular Approach
Authors: Müller Verena , Mogl Martina , Seika Philippa , Jöns Thomas , Sauer Igor , Pratschke Johann , Anuwong Angkoon , Zorron Ricardo
Published: July 2018

Background. Minimally invasive thyroid and parathyroid resections are rarely performed. Promising new endoscopic transoral approaches to the anterior neck (transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach [TOETVA]) have been described with good results and few complications. This study evaluates a new device to allow the safe entrance of trocars in the subplatysmal space for TOETVA in a cadaver model. Methods. The technique was performed in 4 unilateral thyroidectomies in female cadavers. The technical steps consisted of a 10-mm incision made at the center of the oral vestibule followed by subplatysmal hydrodissection. The blunt dissector is a metallic stick with an olive at the end and promotes progressive gain in subplatysmal space enlarging the operative field. The instrument was inserted creating a space below the platysma to the anterior neck and the strap muscles. Three trocars were inserted in the vestibular area. The dissection begins by cutting the linea alba cervicalis. The isthmus was dissected and transected. Anatomical structures as the superior thyroid artery, parathyroid glands, and the recurrent laryngeal nerve could be safely identified with magnified vision. Results. Optimal operative field due to subplatysmal dissection by the device allowed for exposition of thyroid and parathyroid glands in all cases. Unilateral thyroidectomy was performed in a mean of 54 minutes with excellent aesthetic results. Conclusions. The new device is a promising feature to allow safe transoral thyroid surgery in a cadaver model. Further studies in clinical series are needed to evaluate the broad application of the device.
Substance Use Patterns of Gay and Bisexual Men in the Momentum Health Study
Authors: Roth Eric Abella , Cui Zishan , Wang Lu , Armstrong Heather L. , Rich Ashleigh J. , Lachowsky Nathan J. , Sereda Paul , Card Kiffer G. , Jollimore Jody , Howard Terry , Olarewaju Gbolahan , Moore David M. , Hogg Robert S.
Published: July 2018

Research with male sexual minorities frequently combines gay and bisexual men as Men Who Have Sex with Men or Gay and Bisexual Men. When analyzed separately, bisexual men consistently feature negative health differentials, exemplified by higher substance use levels. This interpretation is not clear-cut because studies may combine bisexual men and women, use different dimensions of sexual orientation to define bisexuality, and/or not consider number of sexual partners as a possible confounding factor. This study conducted separate bivariate and multivariate analyses comparing gay to bisexual Momentum Study participants based on self-identity, sexual attraction, and sexual behavior, while controlling for number of sexual partners and sociodemographic, psychosocial, and sexual behavior measures. The study hypothesized that, regardless of definition, bisexual men feature higher substance use levels compared to gay men. Bivariate analyses revealed significantly higher ( p < .05) use among bisexual men for multiple substances in all samples. Nonprescription stimulants and heroin were significant in all multivariate logistic regression models. In contrast, all bisexual samples reported lower use of erectile dysfunction drugs and poppers, substances associated with anal sex among gay men. Subsequent analysis linked these results to lower levels of anal sex in all bisexual samples. Bivariate analyses also revealed that bisexual men featured significantly lower educational levels, annual incomes, and Social Support Scales scores and higher Anxiety and Depression Sub-Scale Scores. In summary, findings revealed bisexual men’s distinctive substance use, sexual behavior, psychosocial, and sociodemographic profiles, and are important for tailoring specific health programs for bisexual men.
Repeated loading model for elastic–plastic contact of geomaterial
Authors: Wang Jian , Li Qimin , Yang Changwei , Zhou Caizhi
Published: July 2018

A new nonlinear hysteretic model with considering the loading, unloading, and reloading processes is developed based on Drucker–Prager yield criterion and finite-element analysis. This model can be used for multiple repeated elastic–plastic normal direction contact problems between two identical spherical geomaterials. After examining the influence of material properties, strain hardening, and loading histories, we found that the hysteretic phenomena (represented by residual displacement and plastic work) become weak after the first cycle, and the subsequent cycles step into elastic shakedown state eventually. A critical number of cycles can be used to estimate the state of ratchetting, plastic shakedown, as well as elastic shakedown. It also found that the subsequent curves will be stiffer than the previous ones, especially when the yield strength is high and ratchetting effect is not strong. This new model can be used for a wide range of geomaterials under different loading levels, and it can also be extended to describe the constitutive behavior of spheres under earthquake as well as aftershocks.
Quality of Life at an Elder’s Collective Dwelling Community: A Case Study of a Toronto Seniors’ Residence
Authors: Dong Weizhen
Published: July 2018

Canada is aging rapidly in recent years. Today, about 17 percent of the Canadian population is 65 or older. Although most seniors are aging at home (93 percent), an increasing number of elders are living in collective dwelling facilities or waiting for a vacant spot in such a community. Knowing the challenge in providing elders with satisfactory services in a multicultural society, we conducted a case study to explore elders’ quality of lives in an elders’ residence in Toronto. As the first such study in Canada, our goal is finding evidences for improving the quality of life of the elders. This project employed a qualitative case study method. Face-to-face interview and focus group discussion were the main data collection methods. The data analysis perspective is quality of life. The residence provides the elders an age appropriate lifestyle and socializing activities. Thus, most of its tenants feel at home and satisfied. However, some ethnic minority members experience communication barriers; and there are unmet service demands that require the support of societal resources. These findings are important for developing strategies to close the gaps. Collective dwelling has positive effects on elders’ general health. More resources are urgently needed for improving the seniors’ quality of lives and their subjective well-being. Elder residents’ communities require vital services such as social workers, basic health care, and a subsidized meal plan.