bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematical modeling of ethno-social conflicts with the introduction of the control function
Authors: Petukhov Alexandr Yurevich , Malhanov Alexey Olegovich , Sandalov Vladimir Mikhailovich , Petukhov Yury Vasilevich
Published: November 2019

In this article, we propose a model of ethno-social conflict based on diffusion equations with the introduction of the control function for such a conflict. Based on the classical concepts of ethno-social conflicts, we propose a characteristic parameter – social distance – that determines the state of society from the point of view of the theory of conflict.

A model based on the diffusion equation of Langevin is developed. The model is based on the idea that individuals interact in society through a communicative field – h. This field is induced by every person in a society and serves as a model of the information interaction between individuals. In addition, the control is introduced into the system through the dissipation function.

A solution of the system of equations for a divergent diffusion type is given. Using the example of two interacting–conflicting ethnic groups of individuals, we have identified the characteristic patterns of ethno-social conflict in the social system and determined the effect social distance in society has in the development of similar processes with regard to the external influence, dissipation, and random factors. We have demonstrated how the phase portrait of the system qualitatively changes as the parameters of the control function of the ethno-social conflict change.

Using the analysis data of the resulting phase portraits, we have concluded that it is possible to control a characteristic area of sustainability for a social system, within which it remains stable and does not become subject to ethno-social conflicts.
Misinformation making a disease outbreak worse: outcomes compared for influenza, monkeypox, and norovirus
Authors: Brainard Julii , Hunter Paul R
Published: November 2019

Health misinformation can exacerbate infectious disease outbreaks. Especially pernicious advice could be classified as “fake news”: manufactured with no respect for accuracy and often integrated with emotive or conspiracy-framed narratives. We built an agent-based model that simulated separate but linked circulating contagious disease and sharing of health advice (classified as useful or harmful). Such advice has potential to influence human risk-taking behavior and therefore the risk of acquiring infection, especially as people are more likely in observed social networks to share bad advice. We test strategies proposed in the recent literature for countering misinformation. Reducing harmful advice from 50% to 40% of circulating information, or making at least 20% of the population unable to share or believe harmful advice, mitigated the influence of bad advice in the disease outbreak outcomes. How feasible it is to try to make people “immune” to misinformation or control spread of harmful advice should be explored.
Subjective Age in Older Korean Americans: The Impact of Functional Disability Mediated by Attitudes Toward Aging
Authors: Choi Eun Y. , Jang Yuri
Published: November 2019

The present study aims to examine how subjective age of older Korean Americans would be affected by functional disability and attitudes toward aging. We hypothesized that (a) both functional disability and attitudes toward aging would have a direct effect on subjective age and (b) the effect of functional disability on subjective age would be mediated by attitudes toward aging. Our analyses of the survey data with 208 community-dwelling Korean Americans aged 60 and older (mean age = 69.6, SD = 7.51) showed that the indirect effect of functional disability on subjective age through attitudes toward aging [–.020 (.009)] was significant (bias-corrected 95% confidence interval [–.039, –.006]). The findings suggest that functional disability fosters negative attitudes toward aging, which in turn leads to the feelings of being older than actual age. Our study suggests ways to preserve and promote positive perceptions of age and aging.
Social Support, Basic Psychological Needs, and Social Well-Being Among Older Cancer Survivors
Authors: Leow Kenneth , Lynch Martin F. , Lee Jungmin
Published: November 2019

This study examined the contribution of social support and satisfaction of basic psychological needs in predicting social well-being among older cancer survivors, from the perspective of self-determination theory. The sample for this study derived from the third wave of the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States. Participants consisted of 376 cancer survivors who had completed cancer treatment. The results of this study suggested that social support from family members and friends was a significant predictor of social well-being. Satisfaction of the basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) was a significant predictor of social well-being. The fulfillment of basic psychological needs among older cancer survivors is important to the experience of greater social well-being, a finding that contributes to the development of a dynamic model of motivation, engagement in social activity, and successful reintegration into one’s community.
Editorial boards of 45 journals devoted to school and educational psychology: International characteristics and publication patterns
Authors: Wang Jiayi , Begeny John C. , Hida Rahma M. , Oluokun Helen O.
Published: November 2019

To assess and promote internationally representative scholarship, several past studies have examined the geographic affiliation of journals’ editorial board members and authors. The present study is the first known to examine this with journals devoted to school and educational psychology. After systematically identifying all peer-reviewed scholarly journals around the globe that are specifically devoted to school or educational psychology ( N = 45), the goals of this study were to (a) report key characteristics about each journal’s editorial board, and (b) examine the extent to which geographic affiliation (country where one is employed) is consistent among a journal’s editorial board members and recent authors. One key finding revealed that editorial boards of the discipline’s journals represent individuals from all global regions, but many global regions (e.g. Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America) are underrepresented. Another finding showed that the vast majority of journals evidence strong similarities in geographic affiliation between editorial board members and authors. Findings, implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed in the context of internationalization.
Approximating Bifactor IRT True-Score Equating With a Projective Item Response Model
Authors: Kim Kyung Yong , Cho Uk Hyun
Published: November 2019

Item response theory (IRT) true-score equating for the bifactor model is often conducted by first numerically integrating out specific factors from the item response function and then applying the unidimensional IRT true-score equating method to the marginalized bifactor model. However, an alternative procedure for obtaining the marginalized bifactor model is through projecting the nuisance dimensions of the bifactor model onto the dominant dimension. Projection, which can be viewed as an approximation to numerical integration, has an advantage over numerical integration in providing item parameters for the marginalized bifactor model; therefore, projection could be used with existing equating software packages that require item parameters. In this paper, IRT true-score equating results obtained with projection are compared to those obtained with numerical integration. Simulation results show that the two procedures provide very similar equating results.
The impact of hippocampal segmentation methods on correlations with clinical data
Authors: Aljondi Rowa , Szoeke Cassandra , Steward Chris , Lui Elaine , Alghamdi Salem , Desmond Patricia
Published: November 2019

Background

In vivo measurement of hippocampal volume with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an important element in neuroimaging research. However, hippocampal volumetric findings and their relationship with cardiovascular risk factors and memory performance are still controversial and inconsistent for non-demented adults.

Purpose

To compare total and regional hippocampal volumes from manual tracing and automated Freesurfer segmentation methods and their relationship with mid-life clinical data and late-life verbal episodic memory performance in older women.

Material and Methods

This study used structural MRI datasets from 161 women who were scanned in 2012 and underwent neuropsychological assessments. Of these participants, 135 women had completed baseline measures of cardiovascular risk factors in 1992.

Results

Our results showed a significant correlation between manual tracing and automated Freesurfer output segmentations of total (r = 0.71), anterior (r = 0.65), and posterior (r = 0.38) hippocampal volumes. Mid-life Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Profile score is not associated with late-life hippocampal volumes, adjusted for intracranial volume, age, education, and apolipoprotein E gene ε4 status. Anterior hippocampal volume segmented either with manual tracing or automated Freesurfer software is sensitive to changes in mid-life high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level, while posterior hippocampal volume is linked with verbal episodic memory performance in elderly women.

Conclusion

These findings support the use of Freesurfer automated segmentation measures for large datasets as being highly correlated with the manual tracing method. In addition, our results suggest intervention strategies that target mid-life HDL cholesterol level in women.
Caesarism, populism, and the 2018 election in Brazil
Authors: Gontijo Caio , Ramos Leonardo
Published: November 2019

This article seeks to foster a critical engagement with the current Brazilian political scenario, mobilizing for the analysis concepts like crisis, Caesarism, and populism. Hence, we start from the Dilma Rousseff’s impeachment process as the departing point to think about the debacle of PT’s government as well as Lula’s left Caesarism, passing through Michel Temer’s government, its neoliberal reforms and the scenario previous to the 2018 presidential election in order to contextualize the rise of Jair Bolsonaro and present the Caesarist polarization between Bolsonaro and Haddad (Lula’s political heir).
A Twenty-Five-Year Biography of the TOD Concept: From Design to Policy, Planning, and Implementation
Authors: Jamme Huê-Tâm , Rodriguez Janet , Bahl Deepak , Banerjee Tridib
Published: November 2019

Promoting a new vision of community—walkable, affordable, environmentally sustainable—the urban design idea of transit-oriented development (TOD) extended the land use and transportation nexus. This review article offers a twenty-five-year retrospective of TOD literature, shaped by disciplinary, policy, and practice predilections. Although the “D” in TOD stands for the encompassing notion of “development,” most literature focused on land development in particular. Meanwhile, sustainable or community development ideas languished, and other Ds such as Density, Diversity, and Design served as an operational framework for outcome-based research. We conclude by urging renewed focus in TOD research on the original goal of developing inclusive and sustainable communities.
Planning Students’ Conceptions of Research
Authors: Pojani Dorina , Kimpton Anthony , Rocco Roberto
Published: November 2019

This study examines the conceptualizations of planning research by more than two hundred Master’s students enrolled in planning schools located throughout four continents. The study is set in the context of theories on the two main traditions of planning thought: “planning as a social science” and “planning as design.” The findings reveal that planning students typically have one of four conceptions of planning research: (1) research as trading of ideas, (2) research as gathering of evidence, (3) research as precursor to design, and (4) research as rhetoric. While the planning schools included in this study have diverse orientations (along the design–social science continuum), our findings suggest that planning students most often conceptualize this discipline as a social science. The orientation of a planning student’s current school or department appears to be more important in determining a student’s conception research than his or her undergraduate study major. While planning curricula are becoming more homogenized around the world, some national traditions persist which then affect how students regard planning research.
Perceptions of Fear, Likelihood of Victimization, and Confidence About Dangerous Situations Among University Women in Poland
Authors: Lickiewicz Jakub , Hughes Patricia Paulsen , Sałapa Kinga , Tychmanowicz Anna , Makara-Studzińska Marta
Published: November 2019

Polish women have not been studied in regard to fear, likelihood, or confidence about dangerous situations, nor has there been an instrument to measure those perceptions. The purpose of the study was fourfold: first, to present the Polish translation and validation of the Perception of Dangerous Situations Scale (PDSS-P) and second, to assess Polish women’s perceived fear, likelihood, and confidence about dangerous situations using the PDSS-P (41 items). The third purpose was to determine to what degree the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and/or the Hope for Success Scale (KNS) correlated with any of the three subscales of the PDSS-P. The fourth purpose was to determine the congruence of the PDSS-P to the original PDSS. Two other tools (GSES and KNS) were administered to determine concurrent validity with the PDSS. A sample of 208 women aged 19 to 27 years ( M = 21.04, SD = 1.88) participated in the study. Five factors were determined for each subscale, similar to the original version of the PDSS. Women reported they were more afraid of being raped by a stranger than being murdered. Their estimation of the likelihood of some serious events occurring was not congruent with statistical realities. The women thought the least likely events to happen to them in the next year would be being raped or beaten by someone they know, or being held prisoner by someone who wanted to murder them. Confidence to manage dangerous situations was low in cases of being raped by strangers or known people, being kidnapped, or being attacked. The GSES and KNS provided useful information, in that they did not measure the same constructs as the PDSS-P.
Social Participation Among Adults Aging With Long-Term Physical Disability: The Role of Socioenvironmental Factors
Authors: Clarke Philippa , Twardzik Erica , Meade Michelle A. , Peterson Mark D. , Tate Denise
Published: November 2019

Objective: This study examined the environmental barriers and facilitators that hinder or promote participation among adults aging with physical disabilities. Method: Data come from an ongoing study of 1,331 individuals aging with long-term physical disability ( M = 65 years). Linear regression examined the association between individual and socioenvironmental factors and participation restrictions in work, leisure, and social activities. Results: Pain, fatigue, and physical functional limitations were significant barriers to participation for individuals aging with physical disability. Barriers in the built environment also reduced participation, net of health and functioning. Poor access to buildings was especially problematic for participation among individuals not using any mobility aid to get around. But for those using wheel or walking aids, environmental barriers had no adverse effect on participation. Discussion: These findings highlight the importance of disentangling the role of different environmental factors by distinguishing between assistive technology for mobility and the physical built environment, including their interactive effects.
Translating the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program for Community-Dwelling Adults With Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Ferretti Lisa A. , McCallion Philip
Published: November 2019

Objective: The study was to test the feasibility of supplementary materials (DD-CDSMP) supporting people with developmental disabilities who are aging to participate in the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP). CDSMP is a six-session group intervention designed to increase self-management of chronic health conditions. Method: Supplementary materials were utilized within two CDSMP workshops. Each workshop involved seven to nine persons with developmental disabilities and five to seven staff. Supplementary materials to the existing intervention manual were reviewed using a framework for modifications and adaptions for evidence-based interventions. Process interviews with leaders and participants, pre- and posttests on self-management activity and satisfaction surveys assessed outcomes and feasibility. Results: Classes were successfully held with a 70% completer rate, and all materials proved useful. Discussion: People with developmental disabilities as they age tend to have more comorbid conditions than the general population. Developing and implementing materials and strategies to making self-management more accessible to people with developmental disabilities in mainstream rather than segregated settings will improve the quality of people’s lives.
Stationary random vibration of a viscoelastic Timoshenko cantilever beam under diverse random processes
Authors: Zhou Qingzhao , He David , Zhao Yaping
Published: November 2019

In this paper, the stochastic properties of a uniform Timoshenko cantilever beam are investigated systematically. Based on the external viscous damping and Kelvin–Voigt viscoelastic damping, the partial differential equations of the Timoshenko beam subjected to random excitation are derived. The applied load is the concentrated force, and the excitation related to includes the ideal white noise, the band-limited white noise, and the exponential noise. Expressions are obtained for the space–time correlation functions and the space–frequency power spectral density functions of the transverse displacement response. The evident improvement is that the infinite integral and the definite integration in the mean square responses are worked out by means of the residue integral method and the integration by partial fraction, and the exact solutions of the mean square response are obtained in the form of an infinite series finally. This improvement provides a basis for both the mode truncation and the modal cross-spectral densities whether which can be ignored. Providing the numerical example, the numerical results obtained show the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis.
Characteristics of large- and small-scale structures in the turbulent boundary layer over a drag-reducing riblet surface
Authors: Zhang Zi-Liang , Zhang Ming-Ming , Cai Chang , Cheng Yu
Published: November 2019

Riblet is one of the most promising passive drag reduction techniques in turbulent flows. In this paper, hot-wire measurements on a turbulent boundary layer perturbed by a drag-reducing riblet surface are carried out to further understand the riblet effects on the turbulent flows and the drag reduction mechanism. Compared with the smooth case, different energy variations in the near-wall region and the logarithmic region are observed over riblets. Then, by using a spectral filter of a given wavelength, the time series of the hot-wire data are decomposed into large- and small-scale components. It is indicated that large-scale structures in the logarithmic region impose a footprint (amplitude modulating effect) on the near-wall small-scale structures. By quantifying this footprint, it is found that the interactions between large- and small-scale structures over riblets are weakened in the near-wall region. Furthermore, the bursting process of large and small scales is studied. For both large- and small-scale structures, a shorter bursting duration and a higher bursting frequency are observed over the riblet surface, which indicates that riblets impede the formation of large- and small-scale bursting events. The flow physics behind these phenomena are also discussed in detail.
Microstructural characterization and in-process traverse force during friction stir welding of austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Siddiquee Arshad Noor , Pandey Sunil , Abidi Mustufa Haider , Al-Ahmari Abdulrahman , Khan Noor Zaman , Gangil Namrata
Published: November 2019

Welding AISI 304 stainless steel is challenging, especially as fusion-based welding processes (such as arc welding) severely undermine the material's corrosion resistance due to sensitization. Solid-state friction stir welding is one of the most suitable alternatives. Friction stir welding of high-strength high-softening materials such as AISI 304 is difficult mainly because of the non-availability of affordable tools and tool life. In this study, AISI 304 stainless steel was successfully butt-welded by friction stir welding. The experiments were performed using Taguchi's L27 orthogonal array. Shoulder diameter, tool r/min, and traverse speed were selected as the most influential welding parameters. A Tungsten Carbide (WC) tool was employed with a tapered pin profile. Defect-free joints were fabricated successfully for all the welding conditions. Microstructural examinations using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed significant grain refinement in the stir zone and the presence of distinct structural features such as stepped, dual, and ditch in various characteristics zones. The presence of precipitates was also observed in samples and was confirmed via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. The in-process traverse force was measured by a special arrangement of force measuring units attached to the work fixture. The traverse force data were analyzed and optimized. The results of an analysis of variance reveal that the traverse speed was the most important parameter, followed by tool r/min, interaction between the tool shoulder diameter and traverse speed, interaction between the tool shoulder diameter and tool r/min, and, finally, the tool r/min.
Rotating blades monitoring using standard turbine instrumentation
Authors: Liska Jindrich , Jakl Jan , Vasicek Vojtech
Published: November 2019

Ensuring the reliability of the steam turbine is fundamental task for its proper operation. Early detection of any failure avoids material and financial losses. A very important task in turbomachinery diagnostics is monitoring of rotating blades vibration, especially in terms of the last stages of low-pressure turbine parts, where, in general, the vibration can reach the important level due the blades length. The commonly used methods are based on stress evaluation using strain gauges or on the non-contact measurement of blade tips – blade tip-timing (BTT) method. Rising demand for low-cost monitoring systems suitable for blade monitoring has led to development of a new approach based on signal processing of standard turbine instrumentation. The symptoms of blade vibration could be also visible in signals from relative shaft vibration (SV) sensors, which are standardly installed in turbine journal bearings. This paper illustrates the principles and possibilities of the approach based on processing of SV signals for monitoring of actual state of rotating blades. Finally, the comparison of parallel measurements using SV and BTT in operation of steam turbine reveals the properties and advantages of both methods.
Clinical knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections among emergency medicine providers
Authors: Niforatos Joshua D , Nowacki Amy S , Avery Ann , Gripshover Barbara M , Yax Justin A
Published: November 2019

Introduction

This study examines the association of the domains of knowledge for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among emergency medicine providers (EP).

Methods

From February 2018 to March 2018, 75 EP (physicians, residents, and advanced practice providers) completed an anonymous, self-administered survey. The primary outcome of strength of correlation between HIV and STI sections of the survey was analyzed using Spearman’s rank-order coefficient.

Results

Respondents were physicians (54.6%), male (56%), Caucasian (83.7%), with eight years in practice (IQR: 2,16). Spearman’s correlation of HIV and STIs showed a weak positive correlation ( r = 0.35, p = 0.002). There was no association between HIV scores and provider type ( p = 0.67) or provider gender ( p = 0.89) as well as no association between STI scores and provider type ( p = 0.10) or provider gender ( p = 0.79).

Conclusion

The results of our study reveal that when presented with a patient at high risk for undiagnosed HIV or with undiagnosed symptomatic HIV infection, most providers either do not test or do not have HIV in the differential diagnosis. Similarly, knowledge of STIs is only weakly correlated with knowledge of HIV risk factors and symptomatic HIV infection. Further research and screening efforts may benefit by focusing on HIV education among emergency medicine providers.
The Ethical Perils of Personal, Communal Relations: A Language Perspective
Authors: Kouchaki Maryam , Gino Francesca , Feldman Yuval
Published: November 2019

Most companies use codes of conduct, ethics training, and regular communication to ensure that employees know about rules to follow to avoid misconduct. In the present research, we focused on the type of language used in codes of conduct and showed that impersonal language (e.g., “employees” or “members”) and personal, communal language (e.g., “we”) lead to different behaviors because they change how people perceive the group or organization of which they are a part. Using multiple methods, including lab- and field-based experiments (total N = 1,443), and a large data set of S&P 500 firms (i.e., publicly traded, large U.S. companies that are part of the S&P 500 stock market index), we robustly demonstrated that personal, communal language (compared with impersonal language) influences perceptions of a group’s warmth, which, in turn, increases levels of dishonesty among its members.
Design and flight testing of closed-loop simple adaptive control for a biplane micro air vehicle
Authors: Jana Shuvrangshu , Shewale Mayur , Balasubramaniam Susheel , Kandath Harikumar , Bhat M Seetharama
Published: November 2019

This article presents the implementation of closed-loop simple adaptive control on fixed-wing micro air vehicle dynamics to improve flight performance characteristics. It is known that to retain the micro air vehicle system performance during the entire flight regime is difficult due to model uncertainties, large parameter variation and wind disturbances compared to flight velocity. An adaptive controller can adapt to the uncertainties but the complexity involved in their implementation is high due to unavailability of required sensor information and computational resources on a micro air vehicle platform. Lack of flight test results in the open literature incorporating adaptive control so far can be partially attributed to this complexity. In this case, adaptive control architecture is implemented in such a way that only the uncertainties in the system dynamics are taken care of by the adaptive control and desired nominal plant performance is achieved by the basic controller. The proposed adaptive controller architecture is implemented in real flight test, and improvement of tracking performance over a proportional–integral–derivative controller is demonstrated which illustrates superior performance to conventional architectures. The proposed design approach can be implemented easily to an existing system, and system performance can be enhanced in the presence of unmodelled and uncertain system dynamics.
Hemoptysis and a cardiac murmur: is it primary or secondary antiphospholipid syndrome?
Authors: Kolitz T , Fruchter O , Sasson L , Geva Y , Moreh-Rahav O , Zandman-Goddard G
Published: November 2019

Endocarditis is most frequently infective in origin, and thus, when a patient presents with a clinical picture suggestive of endocarditis, an extensive work up aimed at finding the infectious agent is warranted. Among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, cardiovascular disease is prevalent in more than 50% of patients including valvular disease and non-infective endocarditis, known as Libman–Sacks (LS) endocarditis. The prevalence of LS syndrome among SLE patients with secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is higher than in SLE without APS. Here, we present a case of a patient diagnosed with primary APS who presented with hemoptysis and a cardiac murmur. The diagnosis of SLE was established following the findings of non-infective verrucous vegetations together with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH). Treatment with high-dose corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulins yielded substantial resolution of the vegetations and regression of the DAH. Hence, aortic valve replacement was successfully performed as an elective procedure and without any postoperative complications. The patient is in remission after a 6-month follow-up. The clinical findings of DAH and double valve non-infectious endocarditis prompted the diagnosis of SLE with secondary APS.
Weighted cumulative sum tests for random effect models with binary responses
Authors: Korre Antonia K , Vasdekis Vassilis GS
Published: November 2019

Correlated binary responses are very commonly encountered in many disciplines like, for example, medical studies. The development of goodness-of-fit tests is essential for examining the adequacy of the fitted models. The objective of this article is to provide weighted modifications of cumulative sums or moving cumulative sums of residuals for testing goodness-of-fit of random effects logistic regression models. The proposed weights can be interpreted as the residuals of a weighted linear regression of an omitted covariate on the covariates already included in the fixed part of the model. These processes lead to supremum statistics whose null distribution is derived using simulation. Results from a simulation study suggest better performance of the weighted when compared to the unweighted supremum statistics. The proposed tests are illustrated using a real data example.
Do Badges Affect Intrinsic Motivation in Introductory Programming Students?
Authors: Facey-Shaw Lisa , Specht Marcus , van Rosmalen Peter , Bartley-Bryan Jeanette
Published: November 2019

Background. Programming is a challenging and highly important topic for introducing learners to our digital world. Research has shown that motivation plays a key role in programming performance. Gamification using digital badges has the potential to influence motivation, provide social recognition and encourage learner participation. More research is recommended to evaluate its motivational impact in different contexts.

Intervention. This research explores the effects of badges on the intrinsic motivation levels of introductory programming students within a higher education institution. The course is offered during the first year of the programme. We report the results of a baseline study without badges and four subsequent badge experiments of different designs over a four-year period.

Methods. This quasi-experimental study followed a pre-test/post-test design to measure the effects of badges on the intrinsic motivation levels of university-level introductory programming students. Badges were designed and implemented. Feedback via focus groups and a post-badge survey was collected.

Results. Findings are inconclusive as the quantitative results suggest that badges did not increase intrinsic motivation scores. Contrastingly, badge survey and qualitative data indicate that badges were received more positively on average.

Discussion. We analyse and discuss the results within the context of motivation and the programming discipline, and discuss external factors that may impact the relationship between gamification and motivation.

Conclusion. Further research is necessary to investigate whether gamification, through the use of digital badges, can foster positive intrinsic motivational results, particularly in the well-known challenging domain of introductory programming.
Parenting Among Mothers Who Experienced Child Sexual Abuse: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Lange Brittany C. L. , Condon Eileen M. , Gardner Frances
Published: November 2019

Child sexual abuse (CSA) represents a significant public health problem. While CSA is associated with several adverse outcomes, recent attention has been given to its effect on maternal parenting. Despite a growing literature on this topic, a comprehensive systematic review has not been conducted. Thus, this review aimed to fill this gap. Several search strategies were used, including searches in academic databases. Two reviewers completed screening, full-text review, data extraction, and quality determinations. Extracted qualitative data were synthesized for the 108 studies meeting inclusion criteria. The primary themes emerging from women’s accounts of the effects of CSA on their current parenting included abuse of child, breastfeeding, child-rearing practices, coping related to parenting, mother–child relationship, perceptions of child, perceptions of motherhood, and protection of children from abuse. Given the current lack of interventions designed for these mothers, the results of this review may aid in the development of evidence-based interventions.
Safety of High-Intensity Statins in the Veteran Population: Atorvastatin 40 to 80 mg Compared With Rosuvastatin 20 to 40 mg
Authors: Stein Bradley , Ward Tiffany , Hale Genevieve , Lyver Elise
Published: November 2019

Background: High-intensity statin therapy is recommended in patients with clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or at high risk of ASCVD. Current evidence demonstrates efficacy of high-intensity statin therapy in reducing major adverse cardiovascular events; yet the comparative safety profile between high-intensity statin agents remains unknown. In 2011, when atorvastatin became generic, the Veteran’s Health Administration made the formulary switch from rosuvastatin to atorvastatin. Currently, rosuvastatin is generic; however, at the time of this study, it was still under patent. Objective: The primary objective was to determine if high-intensity atorvastatin compared with rosuvastatin is associated with an increased incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the veteran population. Methods: A retrospective cohort study at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital compared patients receiving rosuvastatin 20 to 40mg from January 2009 to November 2011 (n = 4,165) and atorvastatin 40 to 80mg from May 2012 to June 2016 (n = 5,852). Patients were excluded if they were nonadherent to statin therapy or had a documented ADR to atorvastatin prior to formulary switch. Results: A difference in overall ADR rates was found between atorvastatin and rosuvastatin groups (4.59% vs 2.91%; odds ratio [OR], 1.61; 95% CI, 1.29 to 2.00; P < 0.05). Statistically significant differences in abnormal liver transaminases (3.99% vs 1.39%; OR, 2.95; 95% CI, 2.21 to 3.94; P < 0.05) and statin-associated muscle symptoms (1.14% vs 0.5%; OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.39 to 3.74; P < 0.05) were identified between groups. Patients receiving rosuvastatin were on therapy 2.5 times longer before developing an ADR. Conclusion and Relevance: High-intensity atorvastatin compared with rosuvastatin is associated with an increased incidence of ADRs.
Examining the Validity of the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire in the Assessment of Police Candidates
Authors: Sellbom Martin , Corey David M. , Ben-Porath Yossef S.
Published: November 2019

A well-validated test of normal personality functioning is necessary in preemployment evaluations of candidates for public safety positions. In this study, we evaluated the construct validity and predictive validity of one such measure, the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ), in a large sample of candidates for law enforcement positions. We examined associations between MPQ scale scores and biographical data, clinician suitability ratings on the 10 established California Commission on Peace Officer and Standards and Training (POST) psychological screening dimensions, and (for a subsample) posthire performance outcome data. MPQ scores generally demonstrated a conceptually expected pattern of associations with criterion variables, supporting their construct validity. Scores related to negative emotionality were particularly salient predictors of a range of POST-10 suitability ratings. Scales assessing aspects of positive emotionality, impulsivity, as well as absorption, emerged as the best predictors of posthire performance problems.
Sampling Poetry, Pedagogy, and Protest to Build Methodology: Critical Poetic Inquiry as Culturally Relevant Method
Authors: Davis Camea
Published: November 2019

This article argues for a culturally relevant methodology that can aid minoritized and justice-oriented qualitative researchers in amplifying and sustaining the cultural epistemologies and counter-stories of minoritized research participants. The author uses the hip hop aesthetic of sampling as a structural metaphor to assemble the elements of a culturally relevant methodology capable of protest by sampling from the arts-based method of poetic inquiry, culturally relevant pedagogy, and critical race theory. This article explains criteria for a culturally relevant methodology of critical poetic inquiry and provides examples of research poetry that meet the criteria.
Perceptions and expectations of health care providers towards clinical pharmacy services at a tertiary cancer centre in Qatar
Authors: Omar Nabil E , Elazzazy Shereen , Abdallah Oraib , Nashwan Abdulqadir J , Eltorki Yassin , Afifi Hebatalla M , Kassem Nancy , Yassin Mohamed , Hamad Anas
Published: November 2019

Background

Clinical pharmacy services started in 2009 at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Qatar. Clinical pharmacy services was established to provide comprehensive prescription of drug management and support, and consulting services to build clinically efficient and cost-effective pharmacy program.

Aim

To determine perceptions and expectations of healthcare providers toward the clinical pharmacy services at the National Center for Cancer Care and Research.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of healthcare providers was conducted from January to May 2018. A self-administered electronic/paper survey containing four domains assessing healthcare providers’ perceptions and expectations towards clinical pharmacy services, perceived barriers to clinical pharmacist role and suggested area for improvement was sent to 375 healthcare providers including physicians, operational pharmacists, nurses and dietitians.

Results

The response rate was 112/375. Most of the healthcare providers (74%) perceived the increasing interest in clinical pharmacy services. Also, they expected (1) providing consultations regarding appropriate medication choices (82%); (2) providing information about medication availability and shortages (82%); (3) assisting in the prescribing of cost-effective drugs by providing pharmacogenomics information routinely (75%) and (4) Participating actively in research activities (74%). Overall, healthcare providers have a high level of trust in the clinical pharmacists’ abilities ( P < 0.01). Nurses were less appreciative ( P < 0.002) of the positive role of clinical pharmacists in direct patient care as compared to both physicians and pharmacists (64.2%, 90% and 95.7%, respectively).

Conclusion

This study revealed a positive attitude towards the role of clinical pharmacists by healthcare providers at National Center for Cancer Care and Research. However, there is an area of improvement by empowering with privilege and staffing, elevating the awareness and expansion in the ambulatory care settings.
Field study on thermal comfort in naturally ventilated and air-conditioned university classrooms
Authors: Fabozzi Michael , Dama Alessandro
Published: November 2019

Maintaining a satisfactory thermal environment is of primary importance, especially when the goal is to maximize learning such as in schools or universities. This paper presents a field study conducted in Milan during summer 2017 in 16 classrooms of Politecnico di Milano, including both naturally ventilated (NV) and air-conditioned (AC) environments. This study asked 985 students to report their thermal perception and their responses were evaluated according to the measured thermal comfort parameters to assess the prediction as given by Fanger and adaptive models, according to ANSI/ASHRAE 55-2017 and EN 15251:2007 standards. Furthermore, an analysis regarding potential effects of gender in comfort perception was performed. The results confirmed the fitness of Fanger’s model for the prediction of occupants’ thermal sensations in AC classrooms with a reasonable accuracy. In NV classrooms, the Adaptive model was proven to be suitable for predicting students’ comfort zone according to ASHRAE 55 Standard, while the adaptive comfort temperatures recommended by EN 15251 were not acceptable for a large number of students. No significant differences in thermal comfort perception between genders have been observed, except for two NV classrooms in which females’ thermal sensation votes had resulted closer to neutrality in comparison to males, who expressed a warmer thermal sensation.
Quantitative investigations on setting parameters of air conditioning (air-supply speed and temperature) in ventilated cooling rooms
Authors: Chen Haofu , Feng Zhuangbo , Cao Shi-Jie
Published: November 2019

Rational and scientific design of indoor air conditioning is essential. In the design of Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning system, air-supply speed (ventilation rate) and air-supply temperature are the two most important parameters. In the current study, numerical simulations and experimental measurements were adopted to investigate the influences of ventilation mode, air-supply velocity and air-supply temperature on indoor thermal comfort as well as building energy consumption in summer. Different ventilation modes (up supply and down exit, ceiling supply and ceiling exit) were considered in modelling. Based on the simulation and experimental results, dimensionless index [Formula: see text] is proposed, which represents the ratio of buoyancy weighting force to inertial force. This index can be used as a pre-evaluation index of indoor thermal comfort in preliminary design of air conditioning. It is an indicator to judge the working conditions in cooling-ventilated rooms. When [Formula: see text], the settlement and diffusion effects of indoor airflow reach a good level, which means that the parameter setting could provide a comfortable indoor thermal environment. The dimensionless number [Formula: see text] is a theoretically based tool in the pre-evaluation of indoor thermal environment, providing guidance for setting of ventilation design parameters.
Bruised, battered, bleeding: the dangers of mobilising abused goddesses for ‘women’s empowerment’
Authors: Vemuri Ayesha
Published: November 2019

In September 2013, images of bruised, bleeding and battered Hindu goddesses went viral on social media networks. Saraswati (the goddess of knowledge), Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) and Durga (the goddess of strength and power) appear as victims of domestic abuse in the Abused Goddesses advertising campaign against domestic violence. In this article, I analyse the Abused Goddesses campaign and the conversations it generated. I argue that it reiterates both a form of Hindu nationalistic discourse as well as longstanding patriarchal, orientalist and neocolonialist perspectives about sexual violence in India. I examine the discourse generated by the Abused Goddesses campaign on social and mainstream media in order to trace how these images were circulated, perceived and engaged with by Indian and international audiences. While the campaign went viral on social media, I argue that its virality offers insufficient conditions for substantial social change around gender violence, including consciousness raising. Through analysis of the campaign and the ways in which it has been commented on, I demonstrate how the representation of domestic violence through the calendar art imagery of abused goddesses ultimately reaffirms classist, casteist, racist, sexist and orientalist discourses about Indian women and the violence they face.
A systematic review and meta-analysis on Bolton’s ratios: Normal occlusion and malocclusion
Authors: Machado Vanessa , Botelho João , Mascarenhas Paulo , Mendes José João , Delgado Ana
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

The purpose of this study was to seek and summarise the Bolton overall index (OI) and anterior index (AI) regarding normal occlusion and Angle’s malocclusion according to gender, and to assess if these indices support Bolton’s standards as general references.

Methods:

PubMed, LILACS, Embase, CENTRAL and Google Scholar databases were searched up to June 2019 (CRD42018088438). Non-randomised clinical studies, published in English and assessing Bolton’s OI and/or AI in normal occlusion and Angle’s malocclusion groups, were included. OI and AI means, sample size and SDs were collected. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies was used to assess the risk of bias. Pairwise random-effects and multilevel Bayesian network meta-analyses were used to synthesise available data.

Results:

Fifty-three observational studies were included (11,411 participants; 3746 men, 4430 women; 15 studies lacked gender information). For normal occlusion, pooled estimates for OI and AI means were 91.78% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 91.42–92.14; I2 = 92.87%) and 78.25% (95% CI = 77.87–78.62; I2 = 90.67%), respectively. We could identify in Angle’s Class III patients meaningful OI and AI mean deviations from normal occlusion (0.76, 95% credible interval [CrI] = 0.55–0.98 and 0.61, 95% CrI = 0.35–0.87, respectively), while in Class II patients we found a meaningful mean deviation from normal occlusion only for OI (−0.28, 95% CrI = −0.52–−0.05). Concerning gender impact, male patients presented higher OI (0.30, 95% CI = 0.00–0.59) and AI (0.41, 95% CI = 0.00–0.83) mean values than female patients in Class I.

Conclusion:

Normal occlusion OI and AI mean values differ from Bolton’s original values. Class II division 2, for OI mean values, and Class III, for both OI and AI, are proportionally larger than normal occlusion patients. Gender had almost no impact on teeth mesiodistal proportion.