bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Gyration Reduction and Design Specification Changes on Volumetric Properties of Virginia Dense-Graded Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Diefenderfer Stacey D. , Bowers Benjamin F. , McGhee Kevin K.
Published: July 2018

In 2015, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) proposed changes to their specification for asphalt mix design. The changes incorporated a reduction of design gyrations from 65 to 50; the addition of constraints on the No. 4 (4.75 mm) and No. 30 (600 µm) sieves; and adjustments to the production value for voids filled with asphalt and minimum voids in mineral aggregate. Before these modifications were fully adopted, a study was performed to assess the effect of the changes on mixture properties and laboratory performance. Eleven pairs of asphalt mixtures were evaluated; the pairs consisted of a typical VDOT 65-gyration mixture produced under the specification current at the time and a companion 50-gyration mixture designed and produced in accordance with the proposed specification. Mixtures were evaluated to determine the effect of the design parameters on volumetric properties, gradation, and permeability. The changes had very little effect on volumetric properties or gradation. Permeability effects were mixed, with 9.5 mm nominal maximum aggregate size mixtures requiring greater compaction to meet permeability requirements and 12.5 mm nominal maximum aggregate size mixtures showing improved permeability even at higher air-void contents. For the 50-gyration mixtures, core air voids were reduced, indicating the potential for increased durability attributable to improved densification in the field.
Assessing Perceptions of Programming Education Among P-12 School Teachers and Principals: A Multigroup Invariance Analysis
Authors: Kong Siu-Cheung , Wang Yi-Qing
Published: July 2018

This study aims to establish a robust measurement to obtain a comprehensive understanding of perceptions of programming education (POPE) of teacher and principal groups. In this study, the POPE scale contains three dimensions: (a) understanding in programming (UP), (b) support for programming (SP), and (c) expectation of programming (EP). Self-reported questionnaires were administrated among 258 teachers and 229 principals. Multigroup analyses were used among the two groups. The results of measurement invariance tests show that configural and metric invariance are fully supported, and scalar invariance is partially supported, suggesting the factor structures, loadings, and most item intercepts of the POPE scale are equivalent across the groups examined. Implications of the study are discussed.
Stone quarrying induces organ dysfunction and oxidative stress in Meriones libycus
Authors: Al-Otaibi Fahed S , Ajarem Jamaan S , Abdel-Maksoud Mostafa A , Maodaa Saleh , Allam Ahmed A , Al-Basher Gadh I , Mahmoud Ayman M
Published: July 2018

Exposure to heavy metal-containing dust arising from stone quarrying may cause severe health problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of stone quarrying in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) on the Libyan jird Meriones libycus. Soil samples and jirds were collected from four sites located at different distances from the quarrying area. Soil from the first (500 m away from the quarry) and second (1800 m away) sites showed a significant increase in cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and vanadium (V) when compared with the reference site (38,000 m away). Jirds at these sites exhibited significant increases in liver, kidney, lung, and fur levels of Cd, Pb, Ni, and V. Serum transaminases, creatinine, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly increased in jirds, whereas reduced glutathione (GSH) levels decreased. Liver, kidney, and lung tissues of jirds, collected from the first and second sites, showed significantly increased MDA and decreased GSH levels. Additionally, animals at both sites showed altered hematological parameters and several histopathological changes in their liver, kidney, and lung. Soil and animals at the third site (7300 m away) showed no significant changes. Thus, our study showed the impact and hazardous effects of quarrying on the liver, kidney, lung, and hemogram of M. libycus. These findings can provide scientific evaluation for studying the impact of quarrying on the workers and communities living close to the studied area.
Large-Scale Diversity Estimation Through Surname Origin Inference
Authors: Mazières Antoine , Roth Camille
Published: July 2018

The study of surnames as both linguistic and geographical markers of the past has proven valuable in several research fields spanning from biology and genetics to demography and social mobility. This article builds on the existing literature to conceive and develop a surname origin classifier based on a data-driven typology. This enables us to explore a methodology to describe large-scale estimates of the relative diversity of social groups, especially when such data is scarcely available. We subsequently analyze the representativeness of surname origins for 15 socio-professional groups in France.
Ethical Challenges of Early Identification of Advanced Chronic Patients in Need of Palliative Care
Authors: Gómez-Batiste Xavier , Blay Carles , Broggi Marc Antoni , Lasmarias Cristina , Vila Laura , Amblàs Jordi , Espaulella Joan , Costa Xavier , Martínez-Muñoz Marisa , Robles Bernabé , Quintana Salvador , Bertran Joan , Torralba Francesc , Benito Carmen , Terribas Nuria , Busquets Josep Maria , Constante Carles
Published: July 2018

Palliative care must be early applied to all types of advanced chronic and life limited prognosis patients, present in all health and social services. Patients' early identification and registry allows introducing palliative care gradually concomitant with other measures. Patients undergo a systematic and integrated care process, meant to improve their life quality, which includes multidimensional assessment of their needs, recognition of their values and preferences for advance care planning purposes, treatments review, family care, and case management.

Leaded by the National Department of Health, a program for the early identification of these patients has been implemented in Catalonia (Spain). Although the overall benefits expected, the program has raised some ethical issues. In order to address these challenges, diverse institutions, including bioethics and ethics committees, have elaborated a proposal for the program's advantages. This paper describes the process of evaluation, elaboration of recommendations, and actions done in Catalonia.
Spontaneous Volunteering in Social Crises: Self-Organization and Coordination
Authors: Simsa Ruth , Rameder Paul , Aghamanoukjan Anahid , Totter Marion
Published: July 2018

This article investigates spontaneous volunteering during the social crisis referred to as the “European 2015 refugee crisis.” The situation was politically controversial and the vacuum in humanitarian aid was filled by civil society, including large numbers of spontaneous volunteers (SVs). Based on empirical research, we analyzed the responses and the experiences of SVs working under the auspices of civil society organizations and derived management implications. The findings show that the environment of spontaneous volunteering in social crises differs from that in natural disaster situations. SVs partly substitute official response systems and this results in a high degree of self-organization. Thus, “structured self-organization,” that is finding a suitable complementary relationship between self-organization and coordination, is crucial for the efficiency of SVs’ work, and their satisfaction, well-being, and commitment. Structured self-organization requires (a) fluid structures that enable autonomy, (b) orienting framework conditions, and (c) resources for care and coordination.
More haste less speed: Cognition, creativity, and culture in temporal paradox
Authors: Pagán Cánovas Cristóbal
Published: July 2018

The understanding of time in spatial terms (“The hour is approaching”) has become the most studied case of conceptual projection in the cognitive sciences. However, the predominant models of direct transfer from the concrete to the abstract, from space to time, do not account even for many conventional meanings, such as the subjective value of speed (“The hour is approaching fast”). Poetic examples such as Ende’s Momo, where fast and slow are reversed in a meaningful paradox, show the need for a network model based on blending. The network model of blending theory can provide crucial insights into the goal-driven processes for the mapping and integration of concepts, into the complex nature of the templates connecting mental structures, and into the relation between cultural-cognitive patterns, creativity, and context. For this, it is necessary to focus not only on the cognitive operations of mapping and blending but also on the templates that arise from them and on the know-how that comes with these templates, which are always geared toward purposeful usage in context. Time is very often not time itself, but what we want to make of it. In the ways in which we integrate it with emotions, intentions, and social or cultural background we can find precious keys to understand not only time concepts but also imagination and thought in general.
Variable selection for random effects two-part models
Authors: Han Dongxiao , Liu Lei , Su Xiaogang , Johnson Bankole , Sun Liuquan
Published: July 2018

Random effects two-part models have been applied to longitudinal studies for zero-inflated (or semi-continuous) data, characterized by a large portion of zero values and continuous non-zero (positive) values. Examples include monthly medical costs, daily alcohol drinks, relative abundance of microbiome, etc. With the advance of information technology for data collection and storage, the number of variables available to researchers can be rather large in such studies. To avoid curse of dimensionality and facilitate decision making, it is critically important to select covariates that are truly related to the outcome. However, owing to its intricate nature, there is not yet a satisfactory variable selection method available for such sophisticated models. In this paper, we seek a feasible way of conducting variable selection for random effects two-part models on the basis of the recently proposed “minimum information criterion” (MIC) method. We demonstrate that the MIC formulation leads to a reasonable formulation of sparse estimation, which can be conveniently solved with SAS Proc NLMIXED. The performance of our approach is evaluated through simulation, and an application to a longitudinal alcohol dependence study is provided.
Regulatory Roles of Osteopontin in Production of Monocyte-Origin MCP-1
Authors: Shi Liying , Shi Lin , Wang Xiangdong , He Jiantai
Published: July 2018

Osteopontin (OPN), expressed by various immune cells, plays a critical role in leukocyte migration. Although OPN was found to selectively induce the expression of proinflammatory chemokines, the molecular mechanisms that control OPN gene expression and its underlying mechanism for migration and recruitment of inflammatory cells remain largely unknown. In this study, real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to determine OPN and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) expression. Signaling and molecular events between OPN and MCP-1 were analyzed by Western blot. Leukocyte migration in the presence of OPN was measured by chemotaxis assay. Our data indicated that phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) that are activated upon stimulation with lipopolysaccharide were shown to upregulate OPN expression. Endogenous production of OPN was attributable to increased production of MCP-1, and this effect could be blocked by an anti-β1 integrin antibody and JNK and p38 kinase inhibitors. Furthermore, we found that the effect of OPN on inflammatory cell migration was mediated through inducing the expression of MCP-1 in monocytes. These results support a role of OPN in monocyte migration via MCP-1, which may represent an additional mechanism for innate and adaptive immune responses.
Results of Scarf Osteotomy Without Implant Fixation in the Treatment of Hallux Valgus
Authors: Liszka Henryk , Gądek Artur
Published: July 2018

Background:

The main goal of the study was to evaluate the costs, clinical and radiologic results, and complications of hallux valgus surgery using scarf osteotomy, depending on the type of fixation (with or without screws).

Methods:

We evaluated 169 patients who underwent scarf osteotomy between January 2013 and August 2016. The patients were separated into 3 groups depending on the type of stabilization: A, 2 screws (50 patients); B, modified with 1 screw (55 patients); C, modified without implant (64 patients). We assessed duration of surgery, additional procedures, pre- and postoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) on anteroposterior and lateral foot weightbearing radiographs, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux-metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale for the clinical assessment preoperatively and at the 12-month follow-up. We recorded all the complications and compared the costs between the groups.

Results:

Both the average HVA (A: from 33.7 to 12.6 degrees, B: 35.0 to 13.2 degrees, C: 34.7 to 12.4 degrees) and IMA (A: from 14.9 to 7.5 degrees, B: 15.2 to 6.9 degrees, C: 15.5 to 7.8 degrees) decreased in all groups without significant intergroup differences. The average AOFAS score improved in all the groups (A: from 40 to 88 points, B: 38 to 89 points, C: 42 to 91 points). A similar complication rate was observed (A: 9%, B: 10%, C: 11%). In group C, we noted a shorter time of surgery, and the procedure was the most cost-effective.

Conclusion:

Scarf osteotomy without implant stabilization was faster and cost-effective and gave comparable results. It was technically demanding and required patient compliance.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Biomechanical Comparison of Syndesmotic Repair Techniques During External Rotation Stress
Authors: Goetz Jessica E. , Davidson Nathan P. , Rudert M. James , Szabo Nicole , Karam Matthew D. , Phisitkul Phinit
Published: July 2018

Background:

The purpose of this study was to compare mechanical behavior of conventional syndesmosis fixation devices with new anatomic repair techniques incorporating various repair augmentations to determine which approach would return rotational ankle mechanics closer to those of an intact ankle.

Methods:

Ten pairs of fresh-frozen through-the-knee cadaveric lower limbs were subjected to 7.5 Nm of external rotation torque while under 750 N of axial compression. After testing specimens intact and with the deltoid and syndesmotic ligament complexes completely destabilized, specimens underwent syndesmotic fixation using a screw, a suture button construct, a prototype structurally augmented flexible trans-syndesmotic fixation device, or the prototype device plus suture repairs of the anterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament and deep deltoid ligament. Syndesmotic repair devices were exchanged between tests so that each specimen was tested with 2 different fixation techniques. Whole-foot rotation angles at 7.5 Nm of applied torque were measured for comparison of the different repair strategies, and reflective markers mounted on the tibia, fibula, and talus were used to track translations and rotations of the talus and the fibula relative to the tibia during testing.

Results:

Syndesmotic destabilization significantly ( P < .001) increased whole-foot, talus, and fibula rotation in an axial plane and posterior fibula translation under 7.5 Nm of torque. Neither the suture button nor the augmented flexible trans-syndesmotic fixation device reduced those increases. Screw fixation or addition of anatomic ligament repairs to the augmented flexible fixation device successfully reduced axial plane rotations and sagittal plane translations to near intact levels.

Conclusion:

Flexible trans-syndesmotic fixation alone was found to be insufficient for restoring rotational stability to the ankle/talus or preventing sagittal plane displacement of the fibula.

Clinical Relevance:

Repairs to simulate anatomic structures disrupted during a syndesmosis injury were required to restore rotational stability to the foot when using flexible trans-syndesmotic fixation that may have clinical applicability.
Elastic wave propagation characteristics of periodic track structure in high-speed railway
Authors: Wang Ping , Yi Qiang , Zhao Caiyou , Xing Mengting
Published: July 2018

Wave propagation in the ordered and randomly disordered periodic track structure in high-speed railways are investigated theoretically and experimentally. Taking the CRTS-I double-block ballastless track structure in China as the research object, a theoretical model of periodic track structure is established. The rail is modelled as a Timoshenko beam considering the bending–torsional coupling. The dispersion curves of the periodic track structure are obtained according to the transfer matrix method and Bloch theory. Based on the Lyapunov exponent algorithm, the elastic wave propagation characteristics of the randomly disordered periodic track structure are further calculated and analyzed considering the random disorder of structure parameters. The obtained results show that the periodic track structure is characterized by band gaps, elastic wave propagation attenuates significantly within the band gap, and random disorder in the track structure can expand the attenuation regions. Finally, the band gap characteristics of the vertical/lateral flexural wave and torsional wave are verified respectively through an in situ experiment.
Australian Media Messages: Critical Discourse Analysis of Two Intimate Homicides Involving Domestic Violence
Authors: Easteal Patricia , Holland Kate , Breen Michelle Dunne , Vaughan Cathy , Sutherland Georgina
Published: July 2018

This study uses critical discourse analysis to examine news reporting of two cases of intimate partner violence in Australia. The fine-grained analysis of newswriting and news-editing practices focuses particularly on the lexical features and referential strategies used to represent the perpetrator and the victim, the crime, and the location of the crime. Findings show that reporting often omits social context, sensationalizes, and acts to shift blame in ways that do not increase public understanding of the nature of domestic violence. These results build on international findings and add to the evidence base about media reporting of violence against women.
The Development and Use of a Theory of Change to Align Programs and Evaluation in a Complex, National Initiative
Authors: DuBow Wendy M. , Litzler Elizabeth
Published: July 2018

In a complex, multisite initiative, a well-developed theory of change can help an organization’s leadership make strategic decisions about program elements, organizational direction and priorities, as well as provide structure and accountability for evaluation. This article describes the multistep process used by the evaluation team of a large nonprofit to iteratively develop a theory of change for a complex national initiative, including challenges encountered during the creation process and the initial implementation phase. We describe the benefits derived from the development process and the uses of the theory of change by the program staff and by the evaluation team. Although the theory of change highlighted weaknesses in the evaluation, it also provided us with an opportunity to improve the evaluation. Recommendations are included for those evaluators seeking to develop a theory of change for their own organizations.
Improving precision in prediction: Using kidney failure risk equations as a potential adjunct to vascular access planning
Authors: Inston Nicholas , Lok Charmaine E
Published: July 2018

The timing of referral for creation of vascular access in a patient with declining kidney function is difficult to predict. Current methods may result in patients undergoing unnecessary procedures and subsequent interventions on accesses that are never used. Multiple variables, including time for assessment, surgery and follow-up that considers the likelihood of access failure, and the estimated rate of kidney function decline, make vascular access planning challenging and difficult to balance. Better prediction tools that incorporate the risks of progressive decline in kidney function with the risk of access failure and the competing risk of death would facilitate decision-making in vascular access. The kidney failure risk equation is a validated, simple online tool that estimates the probability of the 2- and 5-year risk of reaching end-stage kidney disease. While the use of the kidney failure risk equation has not been validated as an adjunct to planning vascular access, it has potential and may facilitate more individualised care and more appropriate allocation of resources.
Usability, Satisfaction, and Usefulness of an Illustrated Eczema Action Plan
Authors: Shelley Amanda J. , McDonald Katherine A. , McEvoy Alana , Sauder Maxwell , Kanigsberg Nordau , Zemek Roger , Vaillancourt Regis , Pouliot Annie , Ramien Michele L.
Published: July 2018

Background:

An eczema action plan (EAP) is an individualized tool to help caregivers and patients self-manage eczema. While novel illustrated EAPs have been developed and validated, there is limited literature examining the value of EAPs from patient and caregiver perspectives.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to test the usability, satisfaction, and usefulness of our validated EAP from the perspective of patients and caregivers.

Methods:

Consecutive patients from the pediatric dermatology clinic of a tertiary children’s hospital from July 2016 to July 2017 were offered enrolment in a prospective survey study; informed consent was obtained from participants. The illustrated EAP was explained to the participant by a trained research assistant. Participants were sent electronic postvisit surveys using Likert scale questions via REDCap on EAP usability and satisfaction (9 items) as well as on usefulness (3 items).

Results:

Of 233 consecutive clinic patients, 192 participants (82%) were enrolled, and 112 (58%; 85 caregivers and 22 patients) completed the postvisit surveys. Characteristics were similar between responders and nonresponders. Overall, participants rated the usability (96%), satisfaction (85%), and usefulness (78%) of the EAP positively. Education level, experience with eczema, previous dermatology consultation, and participant type (caregiver vs patient) did not significantly affect the usability or usefulness ratings. However, caregivers’ overall EAP ratings were significantly higher ( P = .02) than the patients’.

Conclusion:

The caregivers and participants demonstrate that the EAP is a useful and highly usable tool. Future research should examine the effectiveness of EAP use on objective atopic dermatitis outcomes using a pragmatic clinical trial design.
Brexiting CMS
Authors: Bristow Alexandra , Robinson Sarah
Published: July 2018

Brexit could be seen as the largest popular rebellion against the power elites in the UK modern history. It is also part of a larger phenomenon – the resurgence of nationalism and right-wing politics within Europe, the United States and beyond. Bringing in its wake the worrying manifestations of racism, xenophobia and anti-intellectualism, Brexit and its consequences should be a core concern for Critical Management Studies academics in helping to shape post-Brexit societies, organizations and workplaces, and in fighting and challenging the sinister forces that permeate them. In this article, we consider how CMS can rise to the challenges and possibilities of this ‘phenomenon-in-the-making’. We reflect on the intellectual tools available to CMS researchers and the ways in which they may be suited to this task. In particular, we explore how the key positions of anti-performativity, critical performativity, political performativity and public CMS can be used as a starting point for thinking about the potential relevance of CMS in Brexit and post-Brexit contexts. Our intention is to encourage CMS-ers to contribute positively to the post-Brexit world in academic as well as personal capacities. For this, we argue that a new public CMS is needed, which would (1) be guided by the premise that we have no greater and no lesser right than anyone else to shape the world, (2) entail as much critical reflexivity in relation to our unintended performativities as our intended ones and (3) be underpinned by marginalism as a critical political project.
An exploration of the influence of professional relationships on the career pathways of physical education teacher educators
Authors: McEvoy Eileen , Heikinaro-Johansson Pilvikki , MacPhail Ann
Published: July 2018

This paper focuses on the professional journeys of 14 mid- and late-career teacher educators in seven countries in the subject area of physical education. Data was gathered through two rounds of semi-structured interviews and revealed a strong emphasis on the professional relationships impacting upon participants’ entry to and development within the profession. Career interest development, career choice and career performance were all affected by the people with whom participants formed relationships throughout their careers. The findings are discussed with reference to the role of teacher educators in selecting, encouraging and supporting their teacher education colleagues.
Poetic prosumption of animation, comic, game and novel in a post-socialist China: A case of a popular video-sharing social media Bilibili as heterotopia
Authors: Chen Zhen Troy
Published: July 2018

Based on the case of Bilibili, a popular Chinese video-sharing social media with a core focus on animation, comic, game and novel, this article examines the transnational prosumption practices of Chinese urban youth who mostly belong to Generation Z. I conduct ethnographic research and in-depth interviews with animation, comic, game and novel fans to investigate the construction of heterotopia on Bilibili through their various practices of tactical prosumption. This article demonstrates that young animation, comic, game and novel fans prosume, socialise and express themselves in a tactical and poetic way within the heterotopia, a place of otherness. Various tactics are employed to challenge and counter control, social norms as well as consumerism. Starting with a critical engagement with Azuma’s pessimistic view on animation, comic, game and novel fan culture, the notion of ‘database animals’, I argue that a neglected, albeit nuanced, poetic and tactical prosumption process is evident on Chinese social media. Being the results of an interdisciplinary study, the findings will be helpful to scholars who are interested in contemporary Chinese studies with a focus on the animation industry, fandom, consumption and social media.
Experimental and numerical investigation of the possibilities for the structural health monitoring of railway axles based on acceleration measurements
Authors: Hassan Mohamed , Bruni Stefano
Published: July 2018

In this article, numerical and experimental investigations are carried out to assess the possible use of vibration measurements to identify the presence of a fatigue crack in railway axles, detecting components of axle vibration occurring at frequencies that are integer multiples of the axle’s frequency of revolution (N×Rev components). A model of a cracked axle is defined using the Timoshenko beam finite elements incorporating an equivalent beam element having cross-sectional area and moments which are periodically changing with the angular position of the axle turn to reflect the crack breathing mechanics. Two levels of validation are considered for this model: first, verification with numerical results from a solid model of railway cracked axle (solid model was built before using the solid finite element model) and, second, validation against experimental results obtained from full-scale tests performed on cracked axles using a rotating bending fatigue test rig available at the labs of Politecnico di Milano. To consider the effect of disturbances arising from train–track interaction, track irregularity and wheel out-of-roundness, a multi-body model of a complete railway vehicle is defined, incorporating one axle modelled as a flexible cracked axle. This model is used to evaluate the N×Rev components of axle vibration occurring in the presence of axle cracks having different positions along the axle and different depths, in combination with different sources of disturbance. The results show that the 2×Rev and 3×Rev components of the horizontal axle-box acceleration are well correlated to the size of the crack and are almost insensitive to the effect of all disturbances considered in this study. Hence, they can be used for the continuous monitoring of axel integrity. Finally, a criterion for crack detection is defined and applied to the experimental and numerical results, showing the possibility of detecting cracks with sizes in the order of 8% of the total section area.
Development of a tunable low-frequency vibration energy harvester and its application to a self-contained wireless fatigue crack detection sensor
Authors: Yang Suyoung , Jung Sung-Youb , Kim Kiyoung , Liu Peipei , Lee Sangmin , Kim Jaeha , Sohn Hoon
Published: July 2018

In this study, a tunable electromagnetic energy harvesting system, consisting of an energy harvester and energy harvesting circuits, is developed for harnessing energy from low-frequency vibration (below 10 Hz) of a bridge, and the harvesting system is integrated with a wireless fatigue crack detection sensor. The uniqueness of the proposed energy harvesting system includes that (1) the resonance frequencies of the proposed energy harvester can be readily tuned to the resonance frequencies of a host structure, (2) an improved energy harvesting efficiency compared to other electromagnetic energy harvesters is achieved in low-frequency and vibration, and (3) high-efficiency energy harvesting circuits for rectification are developed. Furthermore, the developed energy harvesting system is integrated with an on-site wireless sensor deployed on Yeongjong Grand Bridge in South Korea for online fatigue crack detection. To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the very first study where a series of low-frequency vibration energy harvesting, rectification, and battery charging processes are demonstrated under a real field condition. The field test conducted on Yeongjong Grand Bridge, where fatigue cracks have become of a great concern, shows that the proposed energy harvester can generate a peak voltage of 2.27 V and a root mean square voltage of 0.21 V from 0.18-m/s2 root mean square acceleration at 3.05 Hz. It is estimated the proposed energy harvesting system can harness around 67.90 J for 3 weeks and an average power of 37.42 µW. The battery life of the wireless sensor is expected to extend from 1.5 to 2.2 years. The proposed energy harvesting circuits, composed of the AC–DC and boost-up converters, exhibit up to 50% battery charging efficiency when the voltage generated by the proposed energy harvester is 200 mV or higher. The proposed boost-up converter has a 100 times wider input power range than a conventional boost-up converter with a similar efficiency.
Improving the microwave absorption in Ni-coated fabrics by saccharin addition in plating bath
Authors: Hoghoghifard Sedigheh , Mokhtari Hossein
Published: July 2018

Polyester fabrics are coated uniformly by nickel thin film nanostructure with 200 nm thickness by electroless plating method. This study investigates the effect of saccharin as an additive in plating solution, on the morphology, grain size, crystallinity, surface resistivity, and magnetic properties of the coated fabrics which influences the microwave shielding strongly. The morphology changes from spheroid to blade shape with an average grain size of 85 ± 10 nm and the surface resistivity reached to its lowest value in 5 g l−1 saccharin concentration. It has been seen that the crystallinity is modified and the magnetic behavior becomes softer in the presence of the additive. The measurements on microwave shielding effect in 8.2–18 GHz frequency range exhibited 98–90 and 96–85% effective transmission loss (without and with the additive) by flexible and lightweight Ni-coated fabrics. The shielding effect becomes dominated by the absorption mechanism as higher eddy current loss, higher magnetic hysteresis loss, and shape anisotropy along blade shape nanostructure while saccharin is added to plating bath.
A Review of Technology Research in HRD From a Design-Based Research Perspective
Authors: Oh Eunjung Grace , Huang Wen-Hao David
Published: July 2018

This review article is to examine the technology-related literature published in major human resource development (HRD) journals from a design-based research perspective. Despite the important role of technology in HRD activities for promoting organizational learning and performance, our understanding of the potential impact of our technology research efforts in the workplace remains limited. To address this deficiency, the authors reviewed technology research studies from five journals using two conceptual frameworks: (a) goal categories of technology research and (b) research phases and activities using a design-based research perspective, to better understand how technology research processes have been localized in organizations. Findings indicate that the major trend of technology research is in describing and conceptualizing what is happening. When using a design-based research framework, a substantial number of articles focused on analysis and reflection aspects of research activities. Implications for the technology research landscape in HRD are discussed.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Complexities and New Developments in Adolescent Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders
Authors: Neziroglu Fugen , McKay Dean
Published: July 2018

As readers of this special issue will see, the treatments provided in the Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorder (OCRD) cases described are highly varied. The unifying feature would be better described as an age group rather than a breakdown in inhibitory control as speculated to be the primary unifying mechanism in the OCRD. It is encouraging that effective treatments are emerging for adolescents with OCRDs. Providers will do well to recognize that the appearance of the OCRD does not imply that a treatment for one disorder (i.e., exposure with response prevention [ERP] for OCD) will necessarily also provide relief for another condition in this class (i.e., for Trichotillomania [TM] or Hoarding Disorder [HD]). Instead, given the heterogeneity of these disorders, it comes as little surprise that the interventions are also varied, and providers will require training in a wide range of interventions embedded in sound clinical conceptualization (i.e., Tolin, 2016). It is hoped that these cases will spark additional research on clinical presentations of adolescents with OCRDs.
A multi-objective optimization of ballistic and cruise missile fire plans based on damage calculations from missile impacts on an airfield defended by an air defense artillery network
Authors: Wade Brian M
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a new methodology for optimizing missile fire plan parameters in order to maximize the damage caused to an airfield by the impacts of ballistic and cruise missiles that leak through an air defense artillery network using weaponeering calculations. This new methodology models the damage to the airfield runway, fuel infrastructure, and parked aircraft caused by both unitary and submunition warheads carried by the ballistic and cruise missiles. It then uses the airfield damage models paired with an air defense simulation in a multi-objective optimization to find the non-dominated frontier of missile fire plan parameters that inflict the greatest damage to the different parts of the defended airfield. It demonstrates the methodology for three increasingly sized ballistic and cruise missile fire plans.
Utilization and Impact of Social Media in Hand Surgeon Practices
Authors: Garofolo Garret , Akinleye Sheriff D. , Golan Elan J. , Choueka Jack
Published: July 2018

Background: Social media is an effective tool to enhance reputation and brand recognition and is being used by more than 40% of patients when selecting a physician. This study aimed to evaluate the use of social media in hand surgeon practices, and to assess the impact that one’s social media presence has on physician-rating website scores (PRWs). Methods: Randomly selected hand surgeons from across the United States were identified. Sequential searches were performed using the physicians name + the respective social media platform (Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, personal website, group website). A comprehensive social media utilization index (SMI) was created for each surgeon. Utilizing descriptive statistics, we assessed the effect of social media on the PRW. Results: A total of 116 board-certified hand surgeons were included in our study. The sample identified 10.3% of the population used Facebook, 1.7% used Twitter, 25.8% used YouTube, 22.4% used LinkedIn, 27.5% used a personal website, and 36.2% used a group website, 0% used Instagram. The average SMI was 1.53 ± 1.42 (0-6). Physicians with a personal website received higher Healthgrades scores than those without one ( P < .05). Analysis of SMI demonstrated that hand surgeons with an index less than 3 received lower Healthgrades scores compared to those with an SMI above 3 ( P < .001). Conclusion: Hand surgeons underutilize social media platforms in their practice. A personal website is single most important social media platform to improve HealthGrades score in hand surgeons.
Tourniquet Use in Wide-Awake Carpal Tunnel Release
Authors: Sasor Sarah E. , Cook Julia A. , Duquette Stephen P. , Lucich Elizabeth A. , Cohen Adam C. , Wooden William A. , Tholpady Sunil S. , Chu Michael W.
Published: July 2018

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common cause of upper extremity discomfort. Surgical release of the median nerve can be performed under general or local anesthetic, with or without a tourniquet. Wide-awake carpal tunnel release (CTR) (local anesthesia, no sedation) is gaining popularity. Tourniquet discomfort is a reported downside. This study reviews outcomes in wide-awake CTR and compares tourniquet versus no tourniquet use. Methods: Wide-awake, open CTRs performed from February 2013 to April 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: with and without tourniquet. Demographics, comorbidities, tobacco use, operative time, estimated blood loss, complications and outcomes were compared. Results: A total of 304 CTRs were performed on 246 patients. The majority of patients were male (88.5%), and the mean age was 59.9 years. One hundred patients (32.9%) were diabetic, and 92 patients (30.2%) were taking antithrombotics. Seventy-five patients (24.7%) were smokers. A forearm tourniquet was used for 90 CTRs (29.6%). Mean operative time was 24.97 minutes with a tourniquet and 21.69 minutes without. Estimated blood loss was 3.16 mL with a tourniquet and 4.25 mL without. All other analyzed outcomes were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Operative time was statistically longer and estimated blood loss was statistically less with tourniquet use, but these findings are not clinically significant. This suggests that local anesthetic with epinephrine is a safe and effective alternative to tourniquet use in CTR. The overall rate of complications was low, and there were no major differences in postoperative outcomes between groups.
Microsurgical clipping and endovascular flow diversion of ruptured anterior circulation blood blister-like aneurysms
Authors: Hellstern V , Aguilar-Pérez M , AlMatter M , Bhogal P , Henkes E , Ganslandt O , Henkes H
Published: July 2018

Background

Detection and treatment of blister-like intracranial aneurysms as a source of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can be challenging. In the past the results of both microsurgical and endovascular treatment were difficult. We present our experience with the treatment of blister-like aneurysms in the acute phase of SAH using microsurgical clipping, endovascular parent vessel occlusion or flow diversion.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the cases of eight consecutive patients presenting in the acute phase after SAH from an intracranial blister aneurysm was performed. The demographic data of the patients, aneurysm characteristics, the clinical results of the treatment and the follow-up examinations were recorded. Procedural safety margins and aneurysm occlusion on follow-up digital subtraction angiography were the main interest of this evaluation.

Results

Between January 2012 and November 2017 a total of eight ruptured blister aneurysms were treated in our center, six patients endovascularly. Five patients were treated in the acute phase of SAH, four by flow diversion. All endovascular procedures were feasible and no procedure-related complications were observed, especially no recurrent hemorrhage. In the first angiographic follow-up all blood blister-like aneurysms were completely occluded; two of the six patients treated by flow diverter implantation showed mild, transient intimal hyperplasia without clinical symptoms or the need for treatment.

Conclusions

Endovascular flow diversion is a viable option in the acute phase after SAH due to the rupture of a blister aneurysm. Implants with reduced thrombogenicity, obviating dual-platelet function inhibition, and flow diverters for vessel bifurcations would extend the indications for this treatment modality.
Sliding mode control for quadrotor with disturbance observer
Authors: Ahmed Nigar , Chen Mou
Published: July 2018

In this article, a sliding mode control scheme is proposed for a quadrotor in the presence of an exogenous disturbance. A nonlinear sliding mode surface is constructed based on the estimate output of a disturbance observer to reject the effect of the unknown disturbance in the quadrotor. The desired control performance is achieved by bringing the state from unstable state to stable ones. To show the effectiveness of the developed control scheme, simulation results are provided for illustration of the designed controller based on disturbance observer.
Using nonlocal filtering and feature extraction approaches in three-dimensional face recognition by Kinect
Authors: Mohammadi Shahram , Gervei Omid
Published: July 2018

To use low-cost depth sensors such as Kinect for three-dimensional face recognition with an acceptable rate of recognition, the challenges of filling up nonmeasured pixels and smoothing of noisy data need to be addressed. The main goal of this article is presenting solutions for aforementioned challenges as well as offering feature extraction methods to reach the highest level of accuracy in the presence of different facial expressions and occlusions. To use this method, a domestic database was created. First, the noisy pixels-called holes-of depth image is removed by solving multiple linear equations resulted from the values of the surrounding pixels of the holes. Then, bilateral and block matching 3-D filtering approaches, as representatives of local and nonlocal filtering approaches, are used for depth image smoothing. Curvelet transform as a well-known nonlocal feature extraction technique applied on both RGB and depth images. Two unsupervised dimension reduction techniques, namely, principal component analysis and independent component analysis, are used to reduce the dimension of extracted features. Finally, support vector machine is used for classification. Experimental results show a recognition rate of 90% for just depth images and 100% when combining RGB and depth data of a Kinect sensor which is much higher than other recently proposed algorithms.
Intergroup Contact as an Agent of Cognitive Liberalization
Authors: Hodson Gordon , Crisp Richard J. , Meleady Rose , Earle Megan
Published: July 2018

Intergroup contact is widely recognized as one of the most validated methods of improving attitudes toward out-groups. Yet what is intergroup contact “good for” beyond this function? To answer this question we take a panoramic view of the literature, beginning with the recognition that contact is multifaceted in both form (e.g., face-to-face, indirect, simulated) and outcome (e.g., attitudes, cognition, behavior). Taking this highly inclusive view of what contact is and what contact does suggests that it plays a fundamental role in the shaping of human cognition. An increasingly diverse body of research demonstrates that contact exerts a generalizing reaction across target out-groups, making respondents less inward looking and more open to experiences. Contact shapes ideology regarding how the world ought to operate (i.e., ideologies about social hierarchy or regulation); over time, it can promote new ways of problem-solving, enhance cognitive flexibility, and foster creativity. For these reasons, we believe that contact is a key liberalizing agent that shapes human cognition and experience; consequently, contact theory should now share the stage with other prominent theories (e.g., cognitive dissonance) that speak to a broader understanding of human nature.
What makes coaches burn out in their job? Prevalance and correlates of coaches’ burnout in Poland
Authors: Sas-Nowosielski Krzysztof , Szóstak Wioletta , Herman Ewa
Published: July 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the range of burnout among sport coaches in Poland and identify its personal (especially psychological) and situational correlates.

Methods

The sample consisted of 174 male and 70 female coaches from 21 sports disciplines, aged from 23 to 82 ( M = 39.00, SD = 10.93). Coaching experience ranged from 1 to 40 years ( M = 12.00, SD = 9.99). Participants filled in four questionnaires: Maslach Burnout Inventory, Coaching Efficacy Scale. The questionnaire of adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism, and Preferred Management Style Questionnaire.

Results

Coaches reported experiencing low levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation, but high level of reduced sense of personal accomplishments. The latter was observed in 61.06% of respondents. The correlates of individual dimensions of burnout turned out to be: (a) emotional exhaustion – gender, age, deriving financial satisfaction from one’s job, motivation efficacy, maladaptive perfectionism, democratic management style, and the nature of competition; (b) depersonalisation – deriving financial satisfaction from one’s job, building character efficacy, maladaptive perfectionism, democratic, autocratic and liberal management styles; (c) reduced sense of personal accomplishments – deriving financial satisfaction from one’s job, motivation efficacy, game strategy efficacy, maladaptive perfectionism, and democratic management style.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that sport coaches are not emotionally exhausted and do not depersonalise their charges, but are professionally undervalued. This phenomenon is related to several personal and situational variables.
Modeling of Diabetes and Its Clinical Impact
Authors: Fritzen Katharina , Heinemann Lutz , Schnell Oliver
Published: July 2018

Understanding all aspects of diabetes treatment is hindered by the complexity of this chronic disease and its multifaceted complications and comorbidities, including social and financial impacts. In vivo studies as well as clinical trials provided invaluable information for unraveling not only metabolic processes but also risk estimations of, for example, complications. These approaches are often time- and cost-consuming and have frequently been supported by simulation models. Simulation models provide the opportunity to investigate diabetes treatment from additional viewpoints and with alternative objectives. This review presents selected models focusing either on metabolic processes or risk estimations and financial outcomes to provide a basic insight into this complex subject. It also discusses opportunities and challenges of modeling diabetes.