bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a multi-scalar reading of informality in Delft, South Africa: Weaving the ‘everyday’ with wider structural tracings
Authors: Cirolia Liza Rose , Scheba Suraya
Published: March 2018

Informality is a critical theme in urban studies. In recent years, ‘the everyday’ has become a focus of studies on informality in African cities. These studies focus on particularity and place. They offer a useful corrective to top-down and universalising readings which exclude the daily experiences and practices of people from analysis. As we show in this article, everyday studies surface valuable insights, highlighting the agency and precarity which operates at the street level. However, a fuller understanding of informality’s (re)production requires drawing together particularist accounts with wider and more structural tracings. These tracings offer insights into the ways in which state and financial processes influence and interface with the everyday. In this article, we use the case of housing in Delft, a township in Cape Town, to demonstrate this approach and argue for a multi-scalar and relational reading of the production of informality.
Creating a Continuous Improvement Model for Sustaining Programs in Technical and Professional Communication
Authors: Schreiber Joanna , Meloncon Lisa
Published: March 2018

We build on previous scholarship calling for sustainable growth in technical and professional communication programs through maintenance and reflection. Inspired by continuous improvement models used in industry, we offer GRAM—Gather–Read–Analyze–Make—a continuous improvement model designed to identify and align often overlooked practices and processes necessary to build and sustain programs.
Modelling and experimental verification of pressure relief synchronous control for small trapped fluid volumes
Authors: Wang Gang , Wei Jianhua , Fang Jinhui , Shi Wenzhuo , Zhang Qiang
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a pressure relief synchronous control method for four small entrapped high-pressure fluid volumes on a huge hydraulic machine. Firstly, as the existing pressure relief methods cannot behave well for small entrapped high-pressure fluid volumes, a novel electrohydraulic proportional pressure relief circuit is proposed. The electrohydraulic proportional pressure relief circuit is composed of a proportional pressure relief valve, a damping orifice and a constant pressure source, through which the pressure can be relieved proportionally to the command signal. Secondly, as the machine is a manned hydropower carrier, a very safety-critical application, a simple and easy to implement hybrid control scheme consisting of a synchronization controller and a pressure tracking controller is developed. As the pressure relief circuit has a wide range of operating conditions and parameter uncertainties, a practical self-tuning fuzzy proportion integration (PI) pressure tracking controller with feedforward is proposed, and a master–slave PI synchronization pressure controller with dead band is employed for the four entrapped fluid volumes. Finally, the experimental verification is implemented on a test stand to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed synchronous control system. The experimental results confirm that the pressure deviations among the four small entrapped high-pressure fluid volumes are bound within [Formula: see text].
Parametric approach to computing stabilizing proportional-integral-derivative regions
Authors: Le Binh Nguyen , Nie Zhuo-Yun , Wang Qing-Guo
Published: March 2018

This paper addresses the problem of determining the stabilizing proportional-integral-derivative controller regions for a general linear system with or without time delay in unity output feedback configuration. When such a problem is solved in the 3D space by a graphical method, it brings in the visualizing difficulties. This paper proposes a new method by projecting the stability boundary in the 3D to the parameterized stability boundary band in the 2D plane of [Formula: see text] while [Formula: see text] varies in an interval. The boundary band divides the plane to the regions for which simple and effective stability test is developed and the complete stabilizing regions in the 2D plane of [Formula: see text] are determined for any given interval on [Formula: see text]. The rules are presented to find conditionally stable band portions, within which the corresponding stabilizing sub-interval for [Formula: see text] can be obtained from an analytical formula for the case of no band intersections and from the root locus on [Formula: see text] for the case of the band intersections. Several examples are designed to cover different cases and illustrate the method.
Role of Consumers in Guideline Development Process
Authors: Anne Samantha , Rosenfeld Richard
Published: March 2018

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) inform patient care by providing recommendations based on a thorough examination of risks and benefits of medical care or intervention. With the ever‐increasing importance placed on shared decision making, and because of the valuable perspective on patient‐related topics and patient‐centered outcomes, consumers of health care have been incorporated in the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation CPG development process. Consumers bring a unique perspective and add transparency to the guideline development process. In addition, they are instrumental in formulating patient‐friendly recommendations that are easier to understand. Studies that have been done to evaluate the role of consumers in the CPG development process found that consumers had a positive impact. In addition, studies report that consumers felt adequately prepared after appropriate training and education on the process. Further studies are needed to understand how to best engage, train, and educate consumers in future guidelines development.
Why do stroke survivors not receive recommended amounts of active therapy? Findings from the ReAcT study, a mixed-methods case-study evaluation in eight stroke units
Authors: Clarke David J , Burton Louisa-Jane , Tyson Sarah F , Rodgers Helen , Drummond Avril , Palmer Rebecca , Hoffman Alex , Prescott Matthew , Tyrrell Pippa , Brkic Lianne , Grenfell Katie , Forster Anne
Published: March 2018

Objective:

To identify why the National Clinical Guideline recommendation of 45 minutes of each appropriate therapy daily is not met in many English stroke units.

Design:

Mixed-methods case-study evaluation, including modified process mapping, non-participant observations of service organisation and therapy delivery, documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews.

Setting:

Eight stroke units in four English regions.

Subjects:

Seventy-seven patients with stroke, 53 carers and 197 stroke unit staff were observed; 49 patients, 50 carers and 131 staff participants were interviewed.

Results:

Over 1000 hours of non-participant observations and 433 patient-specific therapy observations were undertaken. The most significant factor influencing amount and frequency of therapy provided was the time therapists routinely spent, individually and collectively, in information exchange. Patient factors, including fatigue and tolerance influenced therapists’ decisions about frequency and intensity, typically resulting in adaptation of therapy rather than no provision. Limited use of individual patient therapy timetables was evident. Therapist staffing levels were associated with differences in therapy provision but were not the main determinant of intensity and frequency. Few therapists demonstrated understanding of the evidence underpinning recommendations for increased therapy frequency and intensity. Units delivering more therapy had undertaken patient-focused reorganisation of therapists’ working practices, enabling them to provide therapy consistent with guideline recommendations.

Conclusion:

Time spent in information exchange impacted on therapy provision in stroke units. Reorganisation of therapists’ work improved alignment with guidelines.
Repeated intermittent oral amphetamine administration results in locomotor tolerance not sensitization
Authors: Turner Amy C , Stramek Agata , Kraev Igor , Stewart Michael G , Overton Paul G , Dommett Eleanor J
Published: March 2018

Background:

The phenomenon of locomotor sensitization to injected amphetamine is well-characterised. The increased locomotor activity found acutely is enhanced with repeated intermittent treatment. This effect arises due to hypersensitization of the dopaminergic system and is linked to drug addiction. A clinical population exposed to chronic repeated intermittent amphetamine treatment, such as is found for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), may be expected to be more at risk of addiction following this treatment. However, evidence suggests the opposite may be true. This suggests the route of administration may determine the direction of effects.

Aims and methods:

We aimed to establish how an oral amphetamine treatment regimen, similar to that used in ADHD, impacts on locomotor activity, specifically whether tolerance or sensitization would arise. Healthy hooded Lister rats were given amphetamine (2 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg) or a vehicle solution once daily for 4 weeks with a 5 day on, 2 day off schedule. Locomotor activity was measured on the first day of treatment to establish the acute effects and on the final day of treatment to examine the chronic effects.

Results:

As expected, acute doses of amphetamine increased locomotor activity, although this only reached statistical significance for the 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg doses. By contrast, after chronic treatment, animals administered these doses showed reduced activity indicating drug tolerance rather than sensitization had occurred.

Conclusion:

We suggest that the route of administration used in ADHD, which results in more stable and longer duration drug levels in the blood, results in tolerance rather than sensitization and that this effect could explain the reduced likelihood of substance addiction in those treated with psychostimulants for ADHD.
Micro-computed tomographic evaluation of the effect of the final apical size prepared by rotary nickel-titanium files on the removal efficacy of hard-tissue debris
Authors: Xu Ke , Wang Juan , Wang Ke , Gen Nan , Li Jin
Published: March 2018

Objective

This study was performed to compare the removal efficacy of hard-tissue debris in mandibular first molars prepared to various apical sizes.

Methods

The mesial root canals of 40 extracted mandibular first molars were prepared by rotary nickel-titanium files to an apical size of #25/0.04 (Group #2504), #30/0.04 (Group #3004), #35/0.04 (Group #3504), and #40/0.04 (Group #4004). Irrigation was performed with 5.25% NaOCl and 17% EDTA. Micro-computed tomography was used to scan the samples before and after root canal preparation. Remnant hard-tissue debris was identified, quantified, and visualized three-dimensionally using shape recognition and image superimposition analysis, and the debris was mapped to its location.

Results

After preparation, 11.67%±2.99% of the root canals contained hard-tissue debris in Group #2504, 8.00%±2.71% in Group #3004, 7.17%±2.88% in Group #3504, and 4.51%±1.61% in Group #4004. The amount of accumulated hard-tissue debris was significantly less in Group #4004 than in the other groups. However, there were no significant differences between Groups #3004 and #3504.

Conclusions

An increased final apical size resulted in significantly lower debris accumulation. However, no root canal in any group was completely free from hard-tissue debris, and debris was mostly found in the isthmus of the mesial root canals.
Early mortality in elderly patients undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma in real-world practice
Authors: Xia Jun , Wang Lingling , Zhou Xin , Wang Jing , Wang Huan , Guo Hongfeng
Published: March 2018

Objectives

This study was performed to analyze the risk factors for early mortality (EM) in elderly patients undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma (MM) in real-world clinical practice.

Methods

Retrospective data from 108 elderly patients who were newly diagnosed with MM from January 2007 to July 2015 were analyzed in a single hematology center. EM was defined as death of any cause within 12 months after diagnosis. A multivariate regression model was used to evaluate EM.

Results

EM occurred in 16 (14.8%) elderly patients with newly diagnosed MM. The most common cause of death was infection (10/16, 62.5%). In the multivariate analysis, only an age of ≥75 years, International Staging System (ISS) stage III disease, and high lactate dehydrogenase concentration were significantly and independently associated with EM.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that infection is the leading cause of EM in elderly patients with MM. An age of ≥75 years, ISS stage III disease, and a high lactate dehydrogenase concentration are significant predictors of EM. We should further target this higher-risk patient population to define personalized therapy with which to improve outcomes.
Corrected QT interval prolongation during anesthetic induction for laryngeal mask airway insertion with or without cisatracurium
Authors: Xuan Chengluan , Wu Nan , Li Yanhui , Sun Xiaoting , Zhang Qunshu , Ma Haichun
Published: March 2018

Objective

This study was performed to observe the occurrence of corrected QT (QTc) interval prolongation during anesthetic induction for laryngeal mask airway insertion and the effects of cisatracurium administration on the QTc interval.

Methods

Eighty-eight patients were assigned to two groups: the cisatracurium administration group (n = 45) and non-cisatracurium administration group (n = 43). The QTc interval was continuously recorded by a 12-lead Holter electrocardiogram beginning in the hospital ward and continuing until after anesthetic induction.

Results

In the cisatracurium administration group, the QTc interval significantly increased from 417.9 ± 27.9 to 451.6 ± 32.5 ms after arrival in the operating room and significantly decreased to 432.4 ± 32.5 ms after a 15-minute rest; it significantly increased to 459.7 ± 23.8 ms again after propofol and fentanyl injection. However, the QTc interval decreased after cisatracurium injection. In the non-cisatracurium administration group, the QTc interval initially showed changes similar to those in the cisatracurium group until fentanyl and propofol were injected.

Conclusions

The QTc interval was significantly prolonged on arrival in the operating room and after propofol and fentanyl injection. The QTc interval did not significantly change by laryngeal mask airway insertion regardless of the administration of cisatracurium.
Acute prevertebral abscess secondary to intradiscal oxygen–ozone chemonucleolysis for treatment of a cervical disc herniation
Authors: Yang Chun-Sheng , Zhang Lin-Jie , Sun Zhi-Hua , Yang Li , Shi Fu-Dong
Published: March 2018

Objective

We herein present a case involving a prevertebral abscess complicated by a spinal epidural abscess (SEA) secondary to intradiscal oxygen–ozone chemonucleolysis for treatment of a cervical disc herniation.

Methods

A 67-year-old woman with a history of intradiscal oxygen–ozone chemonucleolysis developed numbness and weakness in her right upper and bilateral lower extremities followed by urinary retention. Her symptoms did not respond to intravenous antibiotics alone. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical region revealed an extensive SEA anterior to the spinal cord, spinal cord myelopathy due to anterior compression by the lesion, and a prevertebral abscess extending from C2 to T1. She underwent surgical drainage and irrigation.

Results

The patient was successfully treated with surgical drainage and systemic antibiotic therapy without kyphosis. Streptococcus intermedius was detected within the abscess. All clinical symptoms except for the sensory deficit in the left leg were relieved.

Conclusions

The safety of intradiscal oxygen–ozone therapy requires further assessment. High-dose intravenous antibiotics should be initiated empirically at the earliest possible stage of prevertebral and epidural abscesses. Surgical drainage may be a rational treatment choice for patients with a prevertebral abscess complicated by an SEA and spinal cord myelopathy.
An unusual case of hematemesis and epistaxis caused by a pheochromocytoma
Authors: Ugur Kader , Girgin Mustafa , Bahcecioglu İbrahim Halil , Artas Hakan , Selcuk Simsek Fikri , Aydin Suleyman
Published: March 2018

Pheochromocytoma is a rare catecholamine-secreting neoplasm that is the cause of hypertension in <0.2% of patients with hypertension. We encountered an unusual case of pheochromocytoma involving hematemesis and epistaxis episodes with accompanying hypertensive attacks. Venous ectasia was detected in the esophagus. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging revealed an adenoma in the left adrenal region. The present case illustrates that pheochromocytoma can mimic different clinical conditions.
A weight function method for multiaxial low-cycle fatigue life prediction under variable amplitude loading
Authors: Wang Xiao-Wei , Shang De-Guang , Sun Yu-Juan
Published: March 2018

A weight function method based on strain parameters is proposed to determine the critical plane in low-cycle fatigue region under both constant and variable amplitude tension–torsion loadings. The critical plane is defined by the weighted mean maximum absolute shear strain plane. Combined with the critical plane determined by the proposed method, strain-based fatigue life prediction models and Wang-Brown’s multiaxial cycle counting method are employed to predict the fatigue life. The experimental critical plane orientation and fatigue life data under constant and variable amplitude tension–torsion loadings are used to verify the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method is appropriate to determine the critical plane under both constant and variable amplitude loadings.
Musculoskeletal Screening Tests and Bony Hip Morphology Cannot Identify Male Professional Soccer Players at Risk of Groin Injuries: A 2-Year Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Mosler Andrea B. , Weir Adam , Serner Andreas , Agricola Rintje , Eirale Cristiano , Farooq Abdulaziz , Bakken Arnhild , Thorborg Kristian , Whiteley Rod J. , Hölmich Per , Bahr Roald , Crossley Kay M.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Musculoskeletal hip/groin screening tests are commonly performed to detect at-risk individuals. Bony hip morphology is considered a potential intrinsic risk factor but has not been examined prospectively.

Purpose:

To evaluate the association between intrinsic risk factors identified from musculoskeletal and radiographic screening tests and hip/groin injuries leading to time loss from training and/or match play in professional male soccer players.

Study Design:

Prospective cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Male professional soccer players, aged ≥18 years, underwent screening specific for hip/groin pain during 2 consecutive seasons of the Qatar Stars League. The screening battery included pain provocation, range of motion, and strength tests as well as a hip radiographic examination. The radiographic examination included an anteroposterior pelvic view and 45° Dunn view, with bony hip morphology determined using quantitative methods. Time-loss (≥1 day) hip/groin injuries and individual player exposure (training and match play) were recorded prospectively, and injuries were categorized as adductor-related, inguinal-related, iliopsoas-related, pubic-related, or hip-related groin pain, or “other,” as recommended in the Doha agreement. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) from univariate and multivariate Cox regression models to assess the relationship between potential risk factors and hip/groin injuries.

Results:

There were 438 players, completing 609 player seasons, and 113 hip/groin injuries that met the criteria for inclusion, with 85 injuries categorized as adductor-related. The proportion of players with bony morphological variants was the following: cam, 71%; pincer, 5%; and acetabular dysplasia, 13%. Previous hip/groin injuries (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.7) and eccentric adduction strength were associated with the risk of hip/groin injuries. Higher (>1 SD above the mean) than normal eccentric adduction strength was associated with an increased risk for all hip/groin injuries (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0-2.5). Lower (<1 SD below the mean) than normal eccentric adduction strength was associated with an increased risk for adductor-related injuries (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0-3.0). No other musculoskeletal screening test or bony hip morphology variables were associated with the injury risk.

Conclusion:

Previous groin injuries and eccentric adduction strength were associated with the risk of groin injuries. However, these associations were not strong enough to identify an “at-risk” individual, and therefore, musculoskeletal screening tests were not useful to dictate individualized prevention strategies. Bony hip morphology was not associated with the risk of groin injuries.
A review on new mesostructured composite materials: Part II. Characterization and properties of polymer–mesoporous silica nanocomposite
Authors: Salimian S , Zadhoush A , Mohammadi A
Published: March 2018

Hybrid inorganic–organic materials are promising systems for a variety of applications due to their extraordinary properties with intricate composite architectures composed of nanoscale inorganic moieties with organic polymers synergistically intertwined to provide both useful functionality and mechanical integrity. These materials have a high potential for future applications and therefore attract considerable interest in polymer science research during the last years. Among the various explored inorganic nanostructures, the mesoporous silica has been considered as a fascinating material to construct novel ordered and well-dispersed nanocomposites due to their high surface areas, periodic and size-controllable pore channels. This review is written with the intention to give an overview of the characterization and material properties of polymer–mesoporous silica nanocomposites. Among polymer–mesoporous silica composites, various categories including polyaniline, polypyrrole, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, epoxy, rubber, and acrylate polymer were discussed in detail.
Engaging in Indigenous CBPR Within Academia
Authors: Mitchell Felicia M.
Published: March 2018

Historical accounts of research conducted in American Indian (AI) communities have shown that research activities have not always been in the best interest of tribes. In some instances, research conducted with tribes has been harmful and resulted in unnecessary trauma and distress. In response to past wrongdoings, many researchers now seek to engage tribal communities in research that is collaborative, respectful, and reciprocal. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is one such “epistemological orientation” that has the potential to address the “oppressive, exploitive legacy of research done on Indigenous people.” This article details the author’s experience of engaging in CBPR during their dissertation study of the significance of water and its relationship to AI health and well-being. The author reflects on their firsthand account of developing and implementing the study in partnership with a local tribe. Particular attention is given to the processes of CBPR through an illustrative case example that took place on an AI reservation located in the Midwestern United States. The case example is informed by “counter storytelling” and is critically reviewed using the principle tenants of CBPR. The article concludes with implications for doctoral education and research with AI communities.
Sexual Violence Among College Students Attending a Nonresidential Campus
Authors: Solinas-Saunders Monica
Published: March 2018

Using the empirical powers of theories of intersectionality, the study investigates the association between students’ demographics (such as gender identity, race, ethnicity, age, and socioeconomic status) and sexual violence victimization. An anonymous survey was employed to collect data from a cluster random sample of 966 students attending face-to-face courses at a midsize urban nonresidential campus. The empirical findings suggest that being older and female are the only statistically significant factors in the analysis. As the first attempt to focus on students attending nonresidential programs in the United States, the study presents implications for policy and program implementation to include issues pertinent to students’ diversity to better respond to students’ risk of victimization.
Sex Differences in the Association Between Gaming and Serious Violence Among Predominantly African American Youth
Authors: Goldstick Jason E. , Roche Jessica S. , Carter Patrick M. , Arterberry Brooke J. , Bonar Erin E. , Walton Maureen A. , Zimmerman Marc , Cunningham Rebecca M.
Published: March 2018

Video gaming, a remarkably popular hobby in the United States, has been consistently identified as a correlate of aggressive behavior, and this association is not limited to violent video gaming. Prior studies of sex differences in the association between video gaming and aggression have not controlled for other well-known violence correlates (e.g., substance use, community violence exposure, violence attitudes) or focused primarily on high-risk youth. In this study, we used data from an emergency department in Flint, Michigan ( N = 409, 59.9% female, 93.4% African American) to identify sex differences in the association between video gaming and serious peer violence. Youth aged 14 to 20 years were recruited from October 2011 to March 2015, and self-administered computerized surveys including measures of demographics, violence perpetration, gaming frequency, substance use, community violence exposure, and violence attitudes. The primary outcome was an indicator of any serious violence perpetration (e.g., choking, burning, weapon violence) in the past 2 months. Using logistic regression, we estimated the association between gaming and serious violence perpetration, and how it varied by sex, while controlling for demographics, substance use, community violence exposure, and violence attitudes. Approximately 36.6% of males and 27.3% of females reported past 2-month serious violence. On adjusted analysis, hours spent gaming was associated with violence among females (odds ratio [OR] = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.16, 1.78]), but not males (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = [0.89, 1.19]); in the model including both males and females, the interaction between hours gaming and sex was significant ( p < .01). Our findings suggest video gaming is a stronger marker of severe violence perpetration in females than males among at-risk youth. Violence interventions among females may be improved by including content related to video gaming and identifying other prosocial activities for youth as an alternative to video gaming. Additional research is required to clarify the causal process underlying the identified associations, and to determine what aspects of video gaming are risk-enhancing.
Impact of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Admission on Bacterial Colonization of Donated Human Milk
Authors: Elmekkawi Amir , O’Connor Deborah L. , Stone Debbie , Yoon Eugene W. , Larocque Michael , McGeer Allison , Unger Sharon
Published: March 2018

Background:

Unpasteurized human donor milk typically contains a variety of bacteria. The impact of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission of the donor’s infant and duration of lactation on bacterial contamination of human milk is unknown.

Research aim:

This study aimed (a) to describe the frequency/concentration of skin commensal bacteria and pathogens in unpasteurized human donor milk and (b) to assess the impact of NICU admission and (c) the duration of milk expression on bacterial colonization of donated milk.

Methods:

The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of human milk donated to the Rogers Hixon Ontario Human Milk Bank from January 2013 to June 2014. Milk samples from each donor were cultured every 2 weeks.

Results:

The study included 198 donor mothers, of whom 63 had infants admitted to the NICU. Of 1,289 cultures obtained, 1,031 (80%) had detectable bacterial growth and 363 (28%) yielded bacterial growth in excess of 107 cfu/L, a local threshold for allowable bacteria prior to pasteurization. The mean (standard deviation) donation period per donor was 13.0 (7.5) weeks. Milk from mothers with NICU exposure had significantly higher concentrations of commensals, but not pathogens, at every time period compared with other mothers. For every 1-month increase in donation from all donors, the odds ratio of presence of any commensal in milk increased by 1.13 (95% confidence interval [1.03, 1.23]) and any pathogen by 1.31 (95% confidence interval [1.20, 1.43]).

Conclusion:

Commensal bacteria were more abundant in donor milk expressed from mothers exposed to neonatal intensive care. Bacterial contamination increased over the milk donation period.
Future Perceptions of U.S. and Israeli Young Male Adults
Authors: Bellare Yamini , Michael Rinat , Gerstein Lawrence H. , Cinamon Rachel Gali , Hutchison Ashley , Kim TaeSun , Choi Yuri
Published: March 2018

Future perceptions consist of an individual’s ambition, view of future events, and plan for life domains. Such perceptions can predict and shape a person’s career development and motivate to pursue and achieve goals in different life roles. Research on emerging adults’ perceptions has important implications for career professionals assisting this population. In this study, the authors investigated the future perceptions of 49 U.S. and 39 Israeli emerging adult university males using thematic analysis. Participants’ responses represented an array of topics and were grouped into the following themes: (a) work, (b) family and relationships, (c) education, (d) material and monetary assets, (e) location, (f) leisure, and (g) general quality of life. Results suggested that culture could be important in how emerging adult males envision their future lives and roles. Recommendations for how career educators and counselors can implement the findings in their work with U.S. and Israeli college students are discussed.
The anatomy of international students’ acculturation in UK universities
Authors: Gbadamosi Ayantunji
Published: March 2018

The diversity of the student population in the United Kingdom’s higher education sector evokes a vision of the world as a global village. The effect of this diversity on the UK economy has been considerable. Nevertheless, the research attention given to how overseas students can become integrated into UK culture remains inadequate. This interpretive research study helps to fill that gap by exploring the acculturation of overseas students in the United Kingdom using a London-based university as the contextual platform. It discusses the challenges faced by overseas students, which include culture shock, discrimination and limited opportunities for interpersonal relationships, and looks at how these challenges might be addressed. The article suggests strategic directions for higher education institutions to create value for their target students in the highly competitive education sector.
Mechanical and dielectric properties of crystalline poly(arylene ether nitrile) copolymers
Authors: Wang Yajie , You Yong , Tu Ling , Hu Weibin , Tong Lifen , Wei Renbo , Liu Xiaobo
Published: March 2018

Poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PEN) copolymers (HQ/RS-PEN) containing different proportions of hydroquinone (HQ-PEN) block and resorcinol (RS-PEN) block were synthesized, and their crystalline, mechanical, and dielectric properties were investigated. Three HQ/RS-PEN copolymers with 10%, 20%, and 30% of RS-PEN blocks were prepared via condensation polymerization of HQ and RS with 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile. The PEN copolymers were characterized and confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, intrinsic viscosity, and thermal analyses. With the addition of RS-PEN block, the flexibility of PEN copolymers was increased. In addition, even though the high loading content of RS-PEN block was incorporated, the PEN copolymers still exhibited relatively high dielectric constant, whereas the dielectric loss decreased. Furthermore, to investigate the effect of treatment time and temperature on the physical properties of crystalline PEN copolymers, HQ/RS-PEN20 was isothermally treated at different temperatures (280°C, 300°C, 310°C, 320°C, and 330°C) for a constant time and at a constant time for different hours (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 h). After the optimization of the crystallization of HQ/RS-PEN polymer, excellent mechanical and dielectric properties of copolymers were obtained. The results showed that when isothermally treated at 320°C for 2 h, the HQ/RS-PEN20 showed optimal properties of tensile strength of 117.6 MPa and dielectric constant of 4.07 at 1 kHz.
Development of a predictive safety control algorithm using laser scanners for excavators on construction sites
Authors: Oh Kwangseok , Park Sungyoul , Seo Jaho , Kim Jin-Gyun , Park Jinsun , Lee Geunho , Yi Kyongsu
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a laser scanner–based predictive safety system for excavators. Blind spots on excavators and operators’ carelessness cause majority of fatal accidents, such as those in which deaths occur due to collisions with objects on a construction site. A proper safety system can enhance the safety of construction vehicles on construction sites. In this study, a safety control algorithm for collision avoidance was developed utilizing kinematics and a dynamic model based on the working area and object behavior predictions. The object behaviors were predicted by considering human pace states since excavators often operate in tandem with workers. Combining the data collected from static obstacles and moving objects, the researchers identified a safe working space. In the case of moving objects, the researchers predicted the probabilistic reachable area of workers via hypothesis testing and state estimation utilizing the estimated position and velocity information obtained by a laser scanner. Hypothesis testing was conducted to identify worker pace states, such as standing still, walking, jogging, and running, using estimated velocity. The working area was predicted via working part kinematic analysis of an excavator. Safety indices, such as time to collision (TTC) and warning index (x), were employed to define the safety level of an excavator in operation in the TTC–x domain. The safety level consists of safe, warning, and emergency braking levels. Furthermore, the researchers developed a control algorithm to avoid collision of the excavator with static and moving objects. Tests of the developed reachable area of a worker were conducted utilizing laser scanners. In addition, a simulation-based performance evaluation of the developed safety control algorithm was conducted with test results employing the excavator swing dynamic model.
Design and study of new power connector with parallel contact points
Authors: Beloufa Amine , Amirat Mohamed
Published: March 2018

The electric power in electric automotive can reach more than 60 kW; this power is very high and can cause a serious damage in a classical electrical connector as softening or melting of the contact zones. The purpose of this paper is to develop a new power connector designed with recent electrically conductive materials; these materials have a good compromise between the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. A finite elements model of the connector was developed to calculate contact resistance and temperature, contact area, insertion force, and mechanical stresses. The obtained results were very satisfactory and show that the new connector supports a high electric power more than a classical connector. Therefore, the developed connector presents a large interest for connectors designers.
Musical Preferences Predict Personality: Evidence From Active Listening and Facebook Likes
Authors: Nave Gideon , Minxha Juri , Greenberg David M. , Kosinski Michal , Stillwell David , Rentfrow Jason
Published: March 2018

Research over the past decade has shown that various personality traits are communicated through musical preferences. One limitation of that research is external validity, as most studies have assessed individual differences in musical preferences using self-reports of music-genre preferences. Are personality traits communicated through behavioral manifestations of musical preferences? We addressed this question in two large-scale online studies with demographically diverse populations. Study 1 ( N = 22,252) shows that reactions to unfamiliar musical excerpts predicted individual differences in personality—most notably, openness and extraversion—above and beyond demographic characteristics. Moreover, these personality traits were differentially associated with particular music-preference dimensions. The results from Study 2 ( N = 21,929) replicated and extended these findings by showing that an active measure of naturally occurring behavior, Facebook Likes for musical artists, also predicted individual differences in personality. In general, our findings establish the robustness and external validity of the links between musical preferences and personality.
Eric Wittkower and the foundation of Montréal’s Transcultural Psychiatry Research Unit after World War II
Authors: Delille Emmanuel
Published: March 2018

Eric Wittkower founded McGill University’s Transcultural Psychiatry Unit in 1955. One year later, he started the first international newsletter in this academic field: Transcultural Psychiatry. However, at the beginning of his career Wittkower gave no signs that he would be interested in social sciences and psychiatry. This paper describes the historical context of the post-war period, when Wittkower founded the research unit in Montréal. I focus on the history of scientific networks and the circulation of knowledge, and particularly on the exchanges between the French- and English-speaking academic cultures in North America and Europe. Because the history of transcultural psychiatry is a transnational history par excellence, this leads necessarily to the question of the reception of this academic field abroad.
The politics and practice of Thomas Adeoye Lambo: towards a post-colonial history of transcultural psychiatry
Authors: Heaton Matthew M
Published: March 2018

This article traces the career of Thomas Adeoye Lambo, the first European-trained psychiatrist of indigenous Nigerian (Yoruba) background and one of the key contributors to the international development of transcultural psychiatry from the 1950s to the 1980s. The focus on Lambo provides some political, cultural and geographical balance to the broader history of transcultural psychiatry by emphasizing the contributions to transcultural psychiatric knowledge that have emerged from a particular non-western context. At the same time, an examination of Lambo’s legacy allows historians to see the limitations of transcultural psychiatry’s influence over time. Ultimately, this article concludes that the history of transcultural psychiatry might have more to tell us about the politics of the ‘transcultural’ than the practice of ‘psychiatry’ in post-colonial contexts.
Performance estimation of Ntaruka hydropower plant and its comparison with the prediction results obtained by SPSS
Authors: Bimenyimana Samuel , Asemota Godwin Norense Osarumwense , Ihirwe Paula Jeanne , Mesa Cicilia Kemunto , Li Lingling
Published: March 2018

Hydroelectricity has long been used in Rwanda. The Ntaruka hydropower plant was constructed during the colonial period in the northern part of Rwanda and it is still in operation. This paper evaluates the annual performance of this power plant and highlights several factors, which are vital for future predictions in the energy generation. Literature search and review coupled with energy generation analysis and forecasting were used for the study. Data were collected through site visits and discussions with the staff of the Rwanda Energy Group. Analysis were made by considering some performance factors of the power plant such as net capacity factor, plant use factor, power factor, voltage profile, frequency profile, general energy profile, and annual energy generation profile taking cognizance of hydropower plant installed capacity. Based on the available monthly operation hours of the power plant and its annual energy generation data between 2011 and 2014, predictions were made using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPPS version 20.0) to forecast future energy generation for the power plant. Results show that the annual energy generation of the power plant varies between 1277 and 4524 MWh, with an average of 2912 MWh within the above years, which is much closer to the average real energy generation obtained between 2011 and 2015 and, therefore, the power plant is in good operating condition. Further research is recommended to consider using staffing levels, plant availability factors, and economic efficiency to determine the economic effectiveness and performance indices of the hydropower plant.
The one and the many: Both/and reasoning and the embracement of pluralism
Authors: Novis-Deutsch Nurit S.
Published: March 2018

This article outlines the basic structure of a Pluralistic Thinking Model (PTM). The model posits the activity of endorsing multiplicity and complexity as an individual difference factor. Pluralistic thinking is neither the reverse of prejudice, nor synonymous with multiculturalism, and deserves a conceptual space of its own. At its foundation lies a style of interpreting the world through a “both/and” lens. The PTM posits five drivers of pluralism: cognitive attributes, motivational factors (emotional and personality traits), a developmental trajectory, personal experience, and socio-cultural surround. Each of these is supported by research findings. While pluralism may lead to a sustainable embracement of diversity, it is challenging to maintain across domains and targets, indicating its domain-specificity. This paper presents two new tools for measuring pluralistic thinking: the Pluralistic Thinking Scale (PTS) and the Magic Wand Survey (MWS). Suggestions are offered for further exploration of the concept and for its social and ethical implications.
Importance of the integrated test in the Down’s syndrome screening algorithm
Authors: Springer Drahomira , Loucky Jaroslav , Tesner Pavel , Cutka David , Stejskal David , Gregor Vladimir , Zima Tomas
Published: March 2018

Objective

In the Czech Republic, over 97% of all pregnant women undergo some type of antenatal screening for Down’s syndrome. In about 95% of cases with a confirmed fetal chromosomal abnormality, the pregnancy is terminated. The most commonly used test is the first trimester combined test. We investigated the impact of implementing an integrated sequential test to improve the detection of Down’s syndrome pregnancies.

Methods

Data on the incidence of congenital defects, number of births, and affected pregnancies terminated are recorded in the National Registry of Congenital Anomalies. Anonymous data on cases of Down’s syndrome diagnosed antenatally or postnatally between 2010 and 2015 in one of the large antenatal care centers were analyzed.

Results

There were 600 diagnoses of Down’s syndrome (5.7 per 1000 births), 90% of which were made antenatally. Of antenatally detected cases, 80% were indicated for diagnostic procedure by multimarker screening results. In the multimarker screen positive group, 75% cases were first trimester positive and 25% second trimester positive (most of these had positive integrated test results). Among Down’s syndrome cases indicated for antenatal diagnosis by multimarker screening results 6.25% (n = 26) were first trimester negative, and became positive after integration with the second trimester screening results.

Conclusions

Results from five major Czech antenatal centers confirm that an integrated sequential test would detect 80–85% of Down’s syndrome fetuses in the first trimester and at least an extra 5–10% of Down’s syndrome pregnancies in the second trimester of pregnancy. These are important data that should be considered in implementing the national antenatal screening program.
Measuring the Comparative Efficacy of Endorsements by Celebrities Vis-à-vis Animated Mascots
Authors: Trivedi Jay
Published: March 2018

In a competitive market, the importance of effective communication cannot be undermined. It is very important to grab the eyeballs of existing and potential customers to succeed. Advertisers have tried innovative strategies like use of celebrity endorsements, animated characters and different appeals in advertising to woo the audience and to boost sales. In the present study, the researcher has explored the comparative effectiveness of celebrity and mascots in advertising and its impact on attitude towards the advertisement, attitude towards the brand and purchase intentions of Indian consumers. Survey method was used to conduct the research. Statistical tools such as Cronbach alpha, exploratory factor analysis, bivariate correlation analysis and multiple regressions were executed to analyze the collected data. Results emphasized on the use of celebrities over mascots to generate favourable consumer action. Advertising managers can take a cue from this research and increase the efficacy of campaigns by roping in celebrities over mascots.
Rubrics in program evaluation
Authors: Martens Krystin S.R.
Published: March 2018

Rubrics are well-established tools used in a variety of educational settings, such as student assessment, teacher performance, and curriculum review. This study investigates the extent to which and how rubrics are being used in program evaluation. After exploring the background, or etymology, of the word rubric, a review of literature is conducted. Results reveal that rubric use in program evaluation is relatively rare, although increasing. Rubrics are predominately used in education and health program evaluation to transform data from one form to another, to characterize organizational functioning, and to derive explicitly evaluative conclusions. Program evaluators use rubrics during data collection and data analysis study phases, and to synthesizing findings into conclusions. This paper is the first systematic study of the use of rubrics in program evaluation. It presents a picture of how program evaluation practitioners and scholars are using or discussing rubrics.
Adenoviral hemorrhagic disease in California mule deer, 1990–2014
Authors: Woods Leslie W. , Schumaker Brant A. , Pesavento Patricia A. , Crossley Beate M. , Swift Pamela K.
Published: March 2018

We reviewed case records from the California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) laboratory and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) spanning 25 years (1990–2014) for all deer accessions submitted to CAHFS for pathology and/or histopathology, with and without a diagnosis of adenoviral hemorrhagic disease (AHD), in order to determine the prevalence of AHD in California. We also examined spatial and temporal distribution, age, and mule deer subspecies in deer that died from AHD. Of 483 deer submitted to CAHFS for diagnostic testing in 1990–2014, 17.2% were diagnosed with confirmed AHD, and 26.5% were confirmed plus suspected cases of AHD. Columbian black-tailed deer ( Odocoileus hemionus columbianus), particularly fawns and juveniles, were most frequently affected. Deer adenovirus ( Odocoileus adenovirus 1; OdAdV-1) was detected by immunohistochemistry in archived CDFW formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from deer that died in mortality events in 1981, 1983, and 1986–1987. OdAdV-1 is a common cause of hemorrhagic disease mortality events in California deer, and mortality as a result of AHD is documented as early as 1981.