bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of a newly structuralized meta-aramid/cotton blended yarn for fabrics with enhanced flame-resistance
Authors: Feng Jie , Zhang Min , Hua Tao , Chan Ka Hei
Published: August 2019

This paper presents a study on a newly structuralized meta-aramid/cotton blended yarn for fabrics with enhanced flame-resistance. In this study, a new type of “marl yarn” resembling structure for cotton/aramid yarns was proposed with an aim to lower the flammability of cotton fiber strands within the yarn and thus enhance the flame resistance of the blended yarns and the resultant fabrics. To facilitate the formation of marl yarn structure, a modified device was developed that can be attached to the ring spinning machine for yarn production. Yarn structure was examined and the effects of the blending ratio of aramid/cotton fibers and yarn structure on the yarn flammability and physical properties were investigated. The results showed that a marl-like yarn structure was formed wherein a small amount of meta-aramid fibers were concentrated to form fiber strands, which served as effective fire barriers, hindering the afterflame/afterglow of cotton fibers. The experimental results demonstrated that the marl structured yarn exhibited lower yarn flammability in terms of afterflame, afterglow, damage length and limiting oxygen index (LOI) as well as possessing similar physical properties compared with conventional evenly blended yarn. By using the marl structured yarns developed, meta-aramid/cotton blended woven fabrics were produced and their flammability and physical properties were evaluated. The results showed that the fabrics using the marl structured yarns had a higher minimal flame application time for ignition and LOI as well as a lower flame spread speed than fabrics using evenly blended yarns.
Addressing adults with adverse childhood experiences requires a team approach
Authors: Valeras Aimee Burke , Cobb Erin , Prodger Mark , Hochberg Erica , Allosso Lucy , VandenHazel Haley
Published: August 2019

Objective

The primary care office is an ideal setting to identify and address adverse childhood experiences, which is a strong predictor of chronic health outcomes and morbidity. This study sought to understand the experiences of primary care from the perspective of patients who experienced trauma.

Method

Purposive sampling was used to select eligible and interested participants who identify a high adverse childhood experience score at a residency-based community health center, which offers integrated behavioral health services in primary care. Semistructured in-depth interviews conducted by doctoral-level behavioral health clinicians were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically.

Results

Subjects ( n = 6) described aspects of medical setting, including removal of clothing or physical touch, that trigger their past trauma, which often resulted in maladaptive stress responses. Subjects also reported sensing when their complexity resulted in negative interpersonal dynamics between team members, and they described fearing abandonment from their team during these heightened stress states. The behavioral health clinician on the health care team served as an advocate, enhanced trust, and allowed for increased continuity and access to care.

Conclusions

Given the role of adverse childhood experiences in health outcomes and the results of this study, incorporating a trauma-informed approach is essential to treating patients with adverse childhood experiences. We propose that integrating mental health professionals into primary care settings better serves patients with trauma histories.
A dynamic network analysis of emergent grammar
Authors: Ibbotson Paul , Salnikov Vsevolod , Walker Richard
Published: August 2019

For languages to survive as complex cultural systems, they need to be learnable. According to traditional approaches, learning is made possible by constraining the degrees of freedom in advance of experience and by the construction of complex structure during development. This article explores a third contributor to complexity: namely, the extent to which syntactic structure can be an emergent property of how simpler entities – words – interact with one another. The authors found that when naturalistic child directed speech was instantiated in a dynamic network, communities formed around words that were more densely connected with other words than they were with the rest of the network. This process is designed to mirror what we know about distributional patterns in natural language: namely, the network communities represented the syntactic hubs of semi-formulaic slot-and-frame patterns, characteristic of early speech. The network itself was blind to grammatical information and its organization reflected (a) the frequency of using a word and (b) the probabilities of transitioning from one word to another. The authors show that grammatical patterns in the input disassociate by community structure in the emergent network. These communities provide coherent hubs which could be a reliable source of syntactic information for the learner. These initial findings are presented here as proof-of-concept in the hope that other researchers will explore the possibilities and limitations of this approach on a larger scale and with more languages. The implications of a dynamic network approach are discussed for the learnability burden and the development of an adult-like grammar.
Glass-boxing Science: Laboratory Work on Display in Museums
Authors: Wylie Caitlin Donahue
Published: August 2019

Museum displays tend to black-box science, by displaying scientific facts without explanations of how those facts were made. A recent trend in exhibit design upends this omission by putting scientists, technicians, and volunteers to work in glass-walled laboratories, just a window away from visitors. How is science conceived, portrayed, and performed in glass-walled laboratories? Interviews and participant observation in several “fishbowl” paleontology laboratories reveal that glass walls alter lab workers’ typical tasks and behavior. However, despite glass-walled labs’ incomplete and edited enactment of scientific work, displaying an active workplace valuably challenges visitors’ assumptions that science is passive and that museums are home only to facts and dead things. Thus, glass-walled labs do not destroy the black box that obscures scientific practice for nonscientists. Instead, they exemplify a glass box, a kind of black box that contains a performance of scientific work. Glass-boxing describes a common way in which museums present scientific practice—that is, by making it observable but incompletely so—by inviting the public to construct a rich understanding of science as human work.
Adherence to Short-course Pharmacotherapy in Adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Sherwin LeeAnne B. , Deroche Chelsea B. , Krisanabud Poungkamon , Matteson-Kome Michelle , Bechtold Matthew , Ruppar Todd
Published: August 2019

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), characterized by abdominal pain and bowel dysfunction, treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms. Adherence is crucial for pharmacologic management success. We examined 73 adult’s objective adherence to rifaximin using the taxonomy for adherence. Demographic, quality of life (QOL), psychological distress, perceived stress, adverse childhood experiences (ACE), pain, and adherence data were collected. Impaired QOL, elevated psychological distress and perceived stress, and a significant number of ACE were reported at baseline. Average time to prescription initiation was 2.5 days. Once implemented, 92% missed midday dose and persisted 5 days beyond the prescribed dose. High-adherers reported lower pain levels post-rifaximin compared to low-adherers. Objective adherence was significantly lower than self-reported. Objective adherence was not predicted by above variables. Adherence to rifaximin is poor in those with IBS. Future research examining perceived barriers/facilitators toward rifaximin adherence may provide insight into patient-centered, modifiable targets for adherence interventions and improve patient-related outcomes.
Tell el-Amarna, Autumn 2017 and Spring 2018
Authors: Stevens Anna , Dabbs Gretchen R. , Rogge Corina , Rose Pamela , Mérat Amandine , Bos Jolanda , Williamson Jacquelyn , Garnett Anna , Skinner Lucy , Dawson Julie , Bettum Anders , Clapham Alan , Tully Gemma
Published: August 2019

Fieldwork at Amarna in autumn 2017 and spring 2018 included excavation at a previously uninvestigated pit-grave cemetery, the North Cliffs Cemetery, on the low desert near the North Tombs. Initial results suggest the burials here are closer in character to those at the South Tombs Cemetery (excavated 2006–13) than at the North Tombs Cemetery (excavated 2015, 2017). Several post-excavation projects continued on materials from the North and South Tombs Cemeteries, including skeletal remains, coffins, hair, textiles, head cones, pottery and botanical materials, in addition to the ongoing recording of Kom el-Nana relief fragments and pottery from the Stone Village. A new site management programme, in partnership with the Ministry of Antiquities, was also launched.
Recommendations and resources for regional anaesthesia Fellowships in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Sidhu Navdeep S , Chuan Alwin , Mitchell Christopher H
Published: August 2019

Regional anaesthesia is a fundamental aspect of anaesthesia practice. Structured Fellowships in regional anaesthesia facilitate the development of expert clinicians, scholars and future leaders. The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists accredits training sites for the final year of Fellowship training but does not outline specific guidance for subspecialty training. Based on evidence from a systematic literature review and best-practice medical education principles, the ideal structure for a regional anaesthesia Fellowship programme in Australia and New Zealand is outlined in four categories: (a) structure and duration of training; (b) educational aspects; (c) institutional organization; (d) evaluation and improvement. Departments may use this resource to help design, implement and improve their Fellowship programmes while trainees may employ it as a reference to achieve their learning goals at any training stage. Continuing professional education plays a central role in achieving and maintaining mastery of regional anaesthesia competencies.
Managing the grand challenge of biological threats to food production: The importance of institutional logics for managing Australian biosecurity
Authors: Bryant Melanie , Higgins Vaughan
Published: August 2019

This article argues that an institutional logics framework is critical for developing a shared responsibility approach to managing the grand challenge of biosecurity in Australian agriculture. We identify the dominant logics evident in the Australian biosecurity context. In doing so, we draw attention to how a shared responsibility approach is compromised by tensions created by multiple logics, such as varying interpretations of biosecurity roles and responsibilities that different actors hold. However, in reframing such tensions from an institutional ambidexterity framework, we argue that a shared responsibility approach is achievable and, through examples from the Australian context, highlight the sites and spaces through which it may be fostered. We argue that identifying these sites and spaces requires that scholars conceptualise logics as blended rather than as discrete modes of operation.

JEL Classification: M19
On the Spatial Evolution of Traffic State Transitions: Empirical Observations and General Features
Authors: Reina Paulina , Saman George , Ahn Soyoung
Published: August 2019

Features of transitions between stationary traffic states for both congestion onset and dissipation were evaluated through empirical observations at two freeway sites. Results reveal that transition durations vary significantly between sites and that they can be rather long, with observed average transition durations of 42–45 min in one site. It was also observed that transition durations remain relatively constant within a queue, while transition rates vary as the transition zone travels upstream of the bottleneck. In addition, results also suggest that complex site geometry, particularly the presence of multiple lane reductions, has an effect on the spatial evolution of transition rates, while single merging and diverging maneuvers do not seem to affect the mechanism of transitions. Finally, it was observed that the presence of non-stationary traffic periods could have a considerable effect on the estimation of key traffic variables in locations where long transition durations are observed.
Linked Lives: Exploring Gender and Sedentary Behaviors in Older Adult Couples
Authors: Ashe Maureen C. , Michalowski Victoria I. , Chudyk Anna M. , Gerstorf Denis , Madden Kenneth M. , Hoppmann Christiane A.
Published: August 2019

Objectives: We explored associations between co-habiting partners for sedentary behavior (type and time, via accelerometry and self-report), gender, and a surrogate health measure (inflammatory biomarker: C-reactive protein, CRP). Methods: Participants completed activity questionnaires and the Timed Up and Go (mobility), wore an accelerometer for 7 days, and provided samples for high-sensitivity (hs) CRP. We used multilevel modeling (partners within couples) to investigate associations between independent variables and (a) sedentary behavior and (b) hsCRP. Results: 112 couples (50% women) provided sedentary data and hsCRP. Sedentary behavior was significantly correlated ( r = .440, p < .001) between women and men, but there were significant differences in sedentary time (women < men) and light activity (women > men). Gender, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and mobility estimated 37% of the modeled variance in sedentary time, while body mass index (BMI) and MVPA estimated 10% of the modeled variance in hsCRP. Discussion: Despite differences in how activity was accumulated, there were no significant differences between women’s and men’s health biomarker.
An improved procedure to implement NSGA-III in coordinate waste management for urban agglomeration
Authors: Qu Lili , Zhou Zhihao , Zhang Tianzhu , Zhang Huanan , Shi Lei
Published: August 2019

With the growth of urbanization in countries globally, large cities have often formed clusters of urban agglomerations in metropolitan areas. The coordinated management of regional solid waste produced by such urban agglomeration poses a typical high-dimensional, multi-objective optimization issue. This paper aims to introduce a procedure to implement the third-generation genetic algorithm (NSGA-III), an established multi-objective genetic algorithm based on non-dominated sorting mechanisms, for the purpose of evaluating environmental and economic benefits simultaneously while seeking the optimal solutions for coordinated management among multiple recycling centres. In this study, two series of scenarios were abstracted from scrap tire recycling, representing linear calculation and nonlinear calculation cases separately. Several improvements were made to the originally published NSGA-III procedure that solve the problem of non-convergence for hypervolumes of the output. Through comparisons of calculation results, an improved procedure is suggested and shown to have improved performance.
#MeToo and Google Inquiries Into Sexual Violence: A Hashtag Campaign Can Sustain Information Seeking
Authors: Kaufman Michelle R. , Dey Debangan , Crainiceanu Ciprian , Dredze Mark
Published: August 2019

The #MeToo Movement has brought new attention to sexual harassment and assault. While the movement originates with activist Tarana Burke, actor Alyssa Milano used the phrase on Twitter in October 2017 in response to multiple sexual harassment allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. Within 24 hours, 53,000 people tweeted comments and/or shared personal experiences of sexual violence. The study objective was to measure how information seeking via Google searches for sexual harassment and assault changed following Milano’s tweet and whether this change was sustained in spite of celebrity scandals. Weekly Google search inquiries in the United States were downloaded for the terms metoo, sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and rape for January 1, 2017 to July 15, 2018. Seven related news events about perpetrator accusations were considered. Results showed that searches for metoo increased dramatically after the Weinstein accusation and stayed high during subsequent accusations. A small decrease in searches followed, but the number remained very high relative to baseline (the period before the Weinstein accusation). Searches for sexual assault and sexual harassment increased substantially immediately following the Weinstein accusation, stayed high during subsequent accusations, and saw a decline after the accusation of Matt Lauer (talk show host; last event considered). We estimated a 40% to 70% reduction in searches 6 months after the Lauer accusation, though the increase in searches relative to baseline remained statistically significant. For sexual abuse and rape, the number of searches returned close to baseline by 6 months. It appears that the #MeToo movement sparked greater information seeking that was sustained beyond the associated events. Given its recent ubiquitous use in the media and public life, hashtag activism such as #MeToo can be used to draw further attention to the next steps in addressing sexual assault and harassment, moving public web inquiries from information seeking to action.
Vibration analysis of multiwalled carbon nanotube-reinforced composite shell: An experimental study
Authors: Subramani Mageshwaran , Ramamoorthy Manoharan
Published: August 2019

In the present study, the vibration analysis of a multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-reinforced composite shell is performed to investigate the enhancement in natural frequencies and damping of polymer composite structure. Initially, the material characterization of MWCNT-reinforced polymer resin was performed using scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis to identify the bonding behavior of MWCNT with resin, structure of MWCNTs, structural integrity, and chemical purity of MWCNT. The mechanical characterization of MWCNT-reinforced polymer composites was performed using universal testing machine to identify the enhancement in tensile properties of the composites with MWCNT reinforcement. Laminated composite shell samples were then fabricated with the different weight fraction of the MWCNT to study the effect of weight percentage of MWCNT on the composite shells on enhancement of natural frequencies and damping. Significant increase in tensile characteristics of the composites could also be identified with the addition of MWCNT in polymer composites. It was also observed that the fundamental natural frequency and damping factor of the hybrid composite could be increased by 20% and 7%, respectively, with 1 wt% reinforcement of MWCNT in the polymer resin.
Gender, Resource Management, and Social Unrest: An Ethnographic Case Study
Authors: Nayak Anindita
Published: August 2019

This paper aims at locating the relationship between gender and resource management, especially the indigenous knowledge system of women for natural resource management of the Kondh tribe of Nayagarh district, Odisha. The Kondh live within the forest and they are highly dependent on forest for maintaining their livelihood. Specifically, women, who take family and community responsibilities, usually go through a continuous struggle from inside the family, as well as from the outside. Further, this study explains the case of the community’s role in maintaining the forest through social unrest. This work further intends to study how government policies, particularly forest policy, affect indigenous Kondh, when the destruction of natural resources has been increasing, and how women raise voices to sustain their environment.
DAWLANCE (Private) Limited: The Air Fryer Microwave Oven Launch
Authors: Haque Ehsan ul
Published: August 2019

On September 17th, 2015, Mr Hasan Jameel, Head of Marketing at Dawlance’, needs to firm up marketing mix details for the planned launch of their first microwave oven with air fryer technology. The original plan was to launch the air fryer as a five-in-one microwave oven which would allow consumers to heat, cook, bake, grill, and air fry food items using the same oven. Some managers at Dawlance; however, are concerned that offering so many options in one oven would increase the complexity and costs leading to high prices and reduced sales. They think that air fryer technology should be offered as a stand-alone unit, similar to those of competitors. Pricing is also a concern. Various price points from PKR 18,000 to PKR 30,000 are possible. Finally, the advertising and distribution spend is under consideration. Mr Jameel needs to finalise his recommendations for the upcoming presentation to the MD.
A Challenge in Governance: A Case of Higher Education in Pakistan
Authors: Butt Arif Nazir , Hemani Shezeen Salim
Published: August 2019

This case documents the governance challenges faced by Namal’s Board of Governors. Namal College (Namal) was the brainchild and dream project of Imran Khan—world-renowned cricketer, philanthropist and one of the most popular politicians of Pakistan. This case narrates the journey of Namal College from its inception in 2002 until August 2014. At this juncture, Abdul Razak Dawood (ARD), the Vice Chairman of Namal’s Board, contemplated the challenges that Namal faced and the role the Board and its members could play in taking the college closer to its vision.

From its humble beginnings as a technical training and diploma-awarding institute, Namal managed to achieve several milestones in one decade of its existence. One of the most notable achievement was the acquisition of a 1,000-acre land.

ARD, a graduate from Columbia University, a leading industrialist and the founder of one of Pakistan’s largest engineering company, Descon Engineering, wondered what would it take to create a high-powered and effective Board? ARD was concerned about addressing Namal’s challenges, which included governance, management, funding, academics and construction issues. The question was what role could the Board play in doing so? More explicitly, what role could each Board member play? Was there a possibility of creating committees within the Board to ensure efficient functioning and accountability? In sum, the case revolves around critical governance issues that needed to be addressed to ensure Namal’s sustainability and growth.
Clinical Controversy in Transplantation: Tacrolimus Versus Cyclosporine in Statin Drug Interactions
Authors: Migliozzi Daniel R. , Asal Nicole J.
Published: August 2019

Objective: To review the available literature that provides evidence for the absence of statin interactions with tacrolimus compared with cyclosporine. Data Sources: A literature search of PubMed was performed (1990 to June 2019) using the following search terms: calcineurin inhibitors, tacrolimus, cyclosporine, statins, atorvastatin, simvastatin, and drug interactions. Clinical practice guidelines, article bibliographies, drug interaction database references, and product monographs were also reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Relevant English-language studies describing the mechanism of interaction, the magnitude of pharmacokinetic alterations, and safety were evaluated. In vitro data and studies conducted in adult humans were considered. Data Synthesis: Studies demonstrate pharmacokinetic differences between cyclosporine and tacrolimus, particularly with regard to inhibition of 2 hepatic transporters: P-glycoprotein and organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP). Compared with cyclosporine, tacrolimus does not affect these transporters, does not enhance statin exposure, and does not increase statin-associated safety events. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Clinical practice guidelines allude to the need to reduce statin doses in the setting of tacrolimus. Some providers have adopted this practice, and doing so may prevent transplant recipients from attaining cardiovascular benefit, especially when increased or high-intensity doses are required. The pharmacokinetic differences between tacrolimus and cyclosporine highlight different interaction potential with statins. Conclusions: Clinicians need to be aware that tacrolimus and cyclosporine are not the same with regard to causing drug interactions with statins. Tacrolimus can be used with statins without the need for dose adjustments because of lack of an interaction.
Why Is the Good Behavior Game Used for Bad Behavior? Recommendations for Using It for Promoting Good Behavior
Authors: Maag John W.
Published: August 2019

Although the good behavior game (GBG) has a long empirical record for effectively decreasing inappropriate student behavior, there are fewer studies that have targeted improving appropriate behavior. This article describes why and how the GBG can be used by teachers across grade levels and situations to increase student appropriate behavior and benefit teachers.
Outcomes of a Weight Loss Intervention to Prevent Diabetes Among Low-Income Residents of East Harlem, New York
Authors: Mayer Victoria L. , Vangeepuram Nita , Fei Kezhen , Hanlen-Rosado Emily A. , Arniella Guedy , Negron Rennie , Fox Ashley , Lorig Kate , Horowitz Carol R.
Published: August 2019

There is a need for diabetes prevention efforts targeting vulnerable populations. Our community–academic partnership, the East Harlem Partnership for Diabetes Prevention, conducted a randomized controlled trial to study the impact of peer led diabetes prevention workshops on weight and diabetes risk among an economically and racially diverse population in East Harlem, New York. We recruited overweight/obese adults from more than 50 community sites and conducted oral glucose tolerance testing and completed other clinical assessments and a health and lifestyle survey. We randomized prediabetic participants to intervention or delayed intervention groups. Intervention participants attended eight 90-minute peer-led workshop sessions at community sites. Participants in both groups returned for follow-up assessments 6 months after randomization. The main outcomes were the proportion of participants who achieved 5% weight loss, percentage weight loss, and change in the probability of developing diabetes over the next 7.5 years according to the San Antonio Diabetes Prediction Model. We enrolled 402 participants who were mainly female (85%), Latino (73%) or Black (23%), foreign born (64%), and non-English speaking (58%). At 6 months, the intervention group lost a greater percentage of their baseline weight, had significantly lower rise in HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin), decreased risk of diabetes, larger decreases in fat and fiber intake, improved confidence in nutrition label reading, and decrease in sedentary behavior as compared with the control group. Thus, in partnership with community stakeholders, we created an effective low-resource program that was less intensive than previously studied programs by incorporating strategies to engage and affect our priority population.
A mixed lubrication analysis of a thrust bearing with fractal rough surfaces
Authors: Zhang Xiaohan , Xu Yang , Jackson Robert L
Published: August 2019

Fractal descriptions of rough surfaces are widely used in tribology. The fractal dimension, D, is an important parameter which has been regarded as instrument and scale independent, although recent findings bring this into question. A thrust bearing is analyzed in the mixed lubrication regime while considering the fractal nature. Surface data obtained from a thrust bearing surface are characterized and used to calculate the fractal dimension value by the roughness-length method. Then these parameters are used to generate different rough surfaces via a filtering algorithm. By comparing the predicted performance between the measured surface and generated fractal surfaces, it is found that the fractal dimension must be used carefully when characterizing the tribological performance of rough surfaces, and other parameters need to be found.
Development and preliminary results of an Electronic Medical Record (EMR)-integrated smartphone telemedicine program to deliver asthma care remotely
Authors: Mammen Jennifer R , Java James J , Halterman Jill , Berliant Marc N , Crowley Amber , Frey Sean M , Reznik Marina , Feldman Jonathan M , Schoonmaker Judith D , Arcoleo Kimberly
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Technology-based interventions that can function within real-world practice and improve outcomes without increasing provider burden are needed, yet few successfully cross the research-to-practice divide. This paper describes the process of developing a clinically integrated smartphone-telemedicine program for adults with asthma and results from proof-of-concept testing.

Methods

We used a contextually grounded intervention development approach and May's implementation theory to design the intervention, with emphasis on systems capabilities and stakeholder needs. The intervention incorporated symptom monitoring by smartphone, smartphone telemedicine visits and self-management training with a nurse, and clinical decision-support software, which provided automated calculations of asthma severity, control and step-wise therapy. Seven adults (aged 18–40 y) engaged in a 3-month beta-test. Asthma outcomes (control, quality of life, FEV1) and healthcare utilisation patterns were measured at baseline and end-of-study.

Results

Each participant averaged four telemedicine visits (94% patient satisfaction). All participants had uncontrolled asthma at baseline; end-of-study 5/7 classified as well-controlled. Mean asthma control improved 1.55 points (CI = 0.59–2.51); quality of life improved 1.91 points (CI = 0.50–3.31), FEV1 percent predicted increased 14.86% (CI = −3.09–32.80): effect sizes of d = 1.16, 1.09, and 0.96, respectively. Preventive healthcare utilisation increased significantly (1.86 visits/year vs. 0.28/year prior, CI 0.67–2.47) as did prescriptions for controller medications (9.29 prescriptions/year vs. 1.57 prescriptions/year, CI 4.85–10.58).

Discussion

Smartphone telemedicine may be an effective means to improve outcomes and deliver asthma care remotely. However, careful attention to systems capabilities and stakeholder acceptability is needed to ensure successful integration with practice. Clinical Trials registration #: NCT03648203
Mental health, suicidal ideation, and experience of bullying among university students in Pakistan
Authors: Bibi Akhtar , Blackwell Simon E , Margraf Jürgen
Published: August 2019

This study investigates mental health, access to treatment, suicidality, and bullying among Pakistani university students. Data were collected from a sample of 355 university students in Pakistan. For reference, we compared these data to a sample previously collected from German and Chinese students. Results indicated relatively poorer mental health and access to mental health treatments among the Pakistani sample, including a higher rate of recent suicidal ideation and bullying. Acknowledgment of these issues in Pakistani culture would be a good starting point to work on developing solutions to enhance the overall mental health of Pakistani students.
Remembering Ireland: News flows and 1916 in the transnational mediascape
Authors: Kirk Niamh
Published: August 2019

Irish emigration has resulted in large and highly organised diasporas in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia which sustain commercially successful ethnic news organisations serving the communities’ informational and cultural needs. Some of these titles have been operating in print for decades and expanded operations as they transitioned online. Diaspora journalism has an important role in recreating ethnic identity among deterritorialised Irish audiences. However, little is understood about what aspects of homeland culture diaspora news media represent, how ‘Irishness’ is characterised or the extent these representations can be regarded as homogeneous across different hostlands. The focus of this research is on Irish diasporic news organisations, comparing how news titles in each of the regions represented Irish identity over 6 months in 2016. Using RSS Feeds and automated data entry, it maps the news flows from Ireland to the digital diaspora press in each of the regions, revealing differences in the salience of news categories and topics. In addition, a comparative frame analysis of how the 1916 Centenary event in Ireland was covered revealed differences in the conceptualisation and representation of this part of Irish culture. This article highlights the complexity of diaspora news media’s role in representing ethnic identities as they respond and republish homeland current affairs. It reveals unbalanced news flows to the diaspora press and divergences among Irish diasporic news media over how transnational Irish culture is conceptualised and represented.
Near or far away: Local police governance in Ireland
Authors: Conway Vicky
Published: August 2019

This paper will outline the extent to which local police governance is provided for in Ireland. It will argue that, in a country that has of late been plagued by policing scandals, reform agenda as yet have not been preoccupied by this issue and so formal police governance has not emerged. On the other hand, however, the paper analyses reform trends that tend towards such developments. These are analysed and it is argued, firstly, that these developments have been substantially shaped by the post-colonial nature of the state and, secondly, that through these examples we can question the virtues and vices of local police governance.
Childhood Physical and Sexual Abuse as a Predictor of Reoffending: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dalsklev Madeleine , Cunningham Twylla , Dempster Martin , Hanna Donncha
Published: August 2019

Experiences of childhood trauma such as physical and sexual abuse are common among offender populations, and a trauma history is related to increases in the risk of criminal conduct. Previous reviews on the link between childhood trauma and reoffending are limited in scope as they only investigate adolescent populations. The aim of the current systematic review was to explore the association between childhood physical and sexual abuse and its prediction on actual reoffending rates in adult population(s). Four databases (PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed, and PILOTS) were searched, and the final included articles were quality assessed by two reviewers. A total of 3,151 studies were identified, and 13 met the a priori eligibility criteria. Most of the studies obtained high quality ratings. A narrative synthesis of the results suggests that childhood physical and sexual abuse are generally high among the prison population and tend to be even higher among those who reoffend. A substantial number of studies found that childhood physical and sexual abuse predict reoffending, and the majority of the studies found a positive direction for this association, albeit of a small magnitude. These findings suggest that prisons should consider trauma-informed assessment and rehabilitation of offenders.
Hippotherapy and the Communicative Abilities of Children With Down Syndrome: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Jackson-Maldonado Donna
Published: August 2019

Hippotherapy uses the horse’s movement to enhance motor coordination, sensory integration, communication, and emotional stability in people with different disabilities. There is a need for evidence that proves increased efficiency in language use. In this study, we analyze the effect of hippotherapy on the communicative abilities of children with Down syndrome. Nine children between 4 and 7 years of age participated in two types of therapies: traditional language therapy and hippotherapy. Results showed effects of hippotherapy on language production and utterance length. Comprehension was enhanced by all therapy techniques. This preliminary study based on systematic evidence illustrates the effects of hippotherapy on communicative abilities.
Finally, Nebraska: A Synthetic Control Analysis of Legislative Structure
Authors: Hankins William B.
Published: August 2019

I estimate the impact of Nebraska's 1937 switch from a bicameral to a unicameral legislature on state-level government expenditures. Using the synthetic control method I create a counterfactual Nebraska from a weighted average of other potential control states and compare spending in this “synthetic Nebraska” to spending in the real Nebraska. Relative to the synthetic control, Nebraska experiences a sharp decrease in expenditures per capita immediately following the switch to a unicameral legislature; however, the difference appears to diminish over time. Placebo tests show that if the change in Nebraska's legislative structure were randomly assigned among the sample of states, and legislative structure had no real impact on spending, the likelihood of obtaining a treatment-effect estimate as large as Nebraska's would be 0.0213. While the initial drop in expenditures per capita lends support to the theory that bicameralism, by requiring more veto players, is associated with higher levels of government spending, the fact that the difference between Nebraska and synthetic Nebraska diminishes suggests that legislators are able to circumvent this constraint.
Attitude controller design for the aerial trees-pruning robot based on nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode
Authors: Zhang Qiuyan , Yang Zhong , Wang Shaohui , Jiang Yuhong , Xu Changliang , Xu Hao , Xu Xiangrong
Published: August 2019

In this article, the attitude control problem of a new-designed aerial trees-pruning robot is addressed. During the tree cutting process, the aerial trees-pruning robot will be disturbed by unknown external disturbances. At the same time, the model uncertainties will also affect the attitude controller. To overcome the above problems, an attitude controller is designed with a nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode method. First, the extended state observer is designed to estimate the modeling uncertainties and unknown disturbances. Then, the extended state observer-based nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode controller can make the tracking error of the attitude converge to zero in a finite time. Finally, a control allocation matrix switching strategy is proposed to solve the problem of the change of the aerial robot model in the cutting process. The final simulation and experimental results show that the extended state observer-based nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode controller designed in this article has good attitude control performance and can effectively overcome the modeling uncertainties and unknown disturbances. The attitude controller and control allocation matrix switching strategy ensure that the attitude angles of the aerial robot can quickly track the reference signals.
Patient Input for Design of a Decision Support Smartphone Application for Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Wilson Leah M. , Tyler Nichole , Jacobs Peter G. , Gabo Virginia , Senf Brian , Reddy Ravi , Castle Jessica R.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Decision support smartphone applications integrated with continuous glucose monitors may improve glycemic control in type 1 diabetes (T1D). We conducted a survey to understand trends and needs of potential users to inform the design of decision support technology.

Methods:

A 70-question survey was distributed October 2017 through May 2018 to adults aged 18-80 with T1D from a specialty clinic and T1D Exchange online health community ( myglu.org ). The survey responses were used to evaluate potential features of a diabetes decision support tool by Likert scale and open responses.

Results:

There were 1542 responses (mean age 46.1 years [SD 15.2], mean duration of diabetes 26.5 years [SD 15.8]). The majority (84.2%) have never used an app to manage diabetes; however, a large majority (77.8%) expressed interest in using a decision support app. The ability to predict and avoid hypoglycemia was the most important feature identified by a majority of the respondents, with 91% of respondents indicating the highest level of interest in these features. The task that respondents find most difficult was management of glucose during exercise (only 47% of participants were confident in glucose management during exercise). The respondents also highly desired features that help manage glucose during exercise (85% of respondents were interested). The responses identified integration and interoperability with peripheral devices/apps and customization of alerts as important. Responses from participants were generally consistent across stratified categories.

Conclusions:

These results provide valuable insight into patient needs in decision support applications for management of T1D.
The Impact of Externally Worn Diabetes Technology on Sexual Behavior and Activity, Body Image, and Anxiety in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Robertson Courtney , Lin Ashleigh , Smith Grant , Yeung Anna , Strauss Penelope , Nicholas Jennifer , Davis Elizabeth , Jones Tim , Gibson Lisa , Richters Juliet , Bock Martin de
Published: August 2019

Background:

We aimed to explore the impact of externally worn diabetes technologies on sexual behavior and activity, body image, and anxiety in adopters and nonadopters of these devices.

Methods:

People with type 1 diabetes aged 16-60 years living in Western Australia were invited to complete an online survey.

Results:

Of the 289 respondents (mean age 34.3 years), 45% used continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and 35% used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Approximately half of CSII users stated that the pump interferes with sex. Of these, 75% disconnect their pump during sexual activity to avoid this issue. Comfort during sex influenced the location of the CSII insertion site in 22% of respondents, with the abdomen being preferred. One in four non-CSII users cited sex-related concerns as a factor for not adopting the technology. CGM interfered with sexual activity in 20% of users, but did not commonly affect CGM placement (only 18%). Sexual activity was reported as a factor for not adopting the technology in 10% of non-CGM users. No differences in body dissatisfaction ( P = .514) or anxiety ( P = .304) between CSII and non-CSII users were observed. No differences in sexual activity and behavior between technology users and nontechnology users were observed.

Conclusion:

Wearable technologies impact upon sexual activity and this influences the decision to adopt the technology. Despite this, technology users are similar in terms of sexual behavior, anxiety, and body image compared to nontechnology users. Where appropriate, these data can be used to identify potential concerns, address strategies to mitigate them, and inform people with diabetes when considering adopting external technologies.
Small Things Matter: The Value of Rapid Biodiversity Surveys to Understanding Local Bird Diversity Patterns in Southcentral Mindanao, Philippines
Authors: Tanalgo Krizler Cejuela , Achondo Marion John Michael M. , Hughes Alice C.
Published: August 2019

Rapid assessment biodiversity surveys are usually employed when resources or time is limited. In terrestrial ecosystems, birds are important ecological indicators of ecosystem health. Our study used rapid inventories to show that species differ across habitat types; species richness and rarity were higher in pristine habitats (native and restored areas) while nonprotected habitats (e.g., plantations and orchards) mainly had common and nonendemic species. Our findings demonstrate the importance of collective local biodiversity studies in elucidating species diversity patterns, though is equally important to bolster regional conservation prioritization. We hope that our findings will benefit future decision-making for sustainable development and conservation planning.
The Effects of Halofuginone on Wound Healing in the Rat Nasal Mucosa
Authors: Ceylan Seyit Mehmet , Uysal Erdal , Sokucu Mehmet , Sezgin Efe , Kanmaz Mahmut Alper , Yurtseven Duygu Gok , Bilal Nagihan
Published: August 2019

Background

Halofuginone is an alkaloid febrifugine analogue and bioactive molecule that was isolated incidentally from the Dichroa febrifuga plant. The therapeutic efficacy of halofuginone in parasitic infections, scleroderma, inflammation, and fibrosis-related diseases, as well as in some types of cancer, has been previously reported. The effects of halofuginone on nasal mucosal damage are not yet known.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effect of topically applied halofuginone on wound healing in the mechanically injured nasal mucosa of rats.

Methods

A unilateral mucosal wound was created in the nasal cavity of 32 rats (aged 4 weeks) using the brushing technique. These rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. Although the control group did not receive an intervention, a dry pad, a saline-impregnated pad, or a pad impregnated with halofuginone were placed in the rats of the other 3 groups and left for 5 minutes. Rats were sacrificed on the 14th day, and a histological examination was performed. The nasal mucosa was assessed via hematoxylin-eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in epithelial thickness, inflammation, goblet cell formation, and epithelial disarray values between the halofuginone group and the control group ( P > .05). The subepithelial thickness was significantly decreased in the saline-treated group and the halofuginone-treated group ( P < .05), but a significantly lower level of subepithelial fibrosis was only observed in the halofuginone group compared to the other groups ( P < .05).

Conclusions

Topical halofuginone administration reduces the development of fibrosis and subepithelial edema after experimentally induced nasal mucosal injury, but it does not exert therapeutic or preventive effects on epithelial damage, inflammation, and goblet cell hyperplasia.
Prioritizing public interest in public relations: Public interest relations
Authors: Brunner Brigitta R. , Smallwood Amber M. K.
Published: August 2019

Though early public relations leaders set up serving the public interest as an unquestionable role for public relations, contemporary public relations practice and scholarship have focused on organizations’ goals and activities giving little attention to the public interest. We put forth Public Interest Relations (PIR), which resituates the public interest as central to the work in and scholarship of public relations. PIR recognizes public relations practitioners have a civic duty to create spaces for dialogue; encourage and listen to diverse viewpoints; offer honest analysis and synthesis toward recommendations that advocate for the public interest; and act in the public interest, while also advancing organizational goals. Because organizations may engage in PIR in different ways, a three-category PIR continuum is offered. When PIR is practiced, we propose trust will grow, community will be built, and goodwill will be fostered.