bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On Short-Term Fatigue Analysis for Wind Turbine Tower of Two Semi-Submersible Wind Turbines Including Effect of Startup and Shutdown Processes
Authors: Luan Chenyu , Moan Torgeir 
Published: December 2018

Fatigue limit state design check based on S-N curve and Palmgren-Miner rule approach is required by design standards for floating wind turbines since floating wind turbines are subjected cyclically varying environmental loads. Fatigue damage over a given period could be considered as a summation of short-term fatigue damage of each stationary environmental condition multiplying by the number of occurrence of the environmental condition during the given period. In reality, environmental condition varies continuously. While fatigue damage due to transient load processes that are induced by startup and shutdown operations cannot be captured by this conventional approach. Large data bases of real-time measurements show shutdown and startup operations may appear in any operational conditions and the number of the operations could be considerable. Analysis for startup and shutdown operations induced fatigue damage is required by standards for offshore wind turbines. However, relevant publications addressing this issue are very limited in particular for floating wind turbines. In contrast to bottom fixed wind turbines, floating wind turbines have rigid-body motions in 6 d.o.f.s, while the floating wind turbine hulls are moored by mooring lines rather than directly mounted on sea bed or land.
This paper focuses on shedding light on the importance of startup and shutdown induced transient load processes on fatigue damage in the tower of two MW-level horizontal axis semi-submersible wind turbines by comparing short-term fatigue damage in several environmental conditions with and without transient load processes induced by startup and shutdown of the wind turbines. In some situations, 4,600 seconds short-term fatigue damage may be dominated by the transient load process induced fatigue damage which may make the fatigue damage be increased by up to 300%, while in many cases, the fatigue damage may be increased by 10% to 100%. The importance of the transient load processes on long-term fatigue damage is related to occurrence frequency of startup and shutdown events and needs more analysis in future.
(Over)eating out at major UK restaurant chains: observational study of energy content of main meals
Authors: Robinson Eric , Jones Andrew , Whitelock Victoria , Mead Bethan R , Haynes Ashleigh 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the energy content of main meals served in major UK restaurant chains and compare the energy content of meals in fast food and “full service” restaurant chains.DesignObservational study.SettingMenu and nutritional information provided by major UK restaurant chains.Main outcome measuresMean energy content of meals, proportion of meals meeting public health recommendations for energy consumption (≤600 kcal), and proportion of meals with excessive energy content (≥1000 kcal).ResultsMain meals from 27 restaurant chains (21 full service; 6 fast food) were sampled. The mean energy content of all eligible restaurant meals (13 396 in total) was 977 (95% confidence interval 973 to 983) kcal. The percentage of all meals that met public health recommendations for energy content was low (9%; n=1226) and smaller than the percentage of meals with an excessive energy content (47%; 6251). Compared with fast food restaurants, full service restaurants offered significantly more excessively calorific main meals, fewer main meals meeting public health recommendations, and on average 268 (103 to 433) kcal more in main meals.ConclusionsThe energy content of a large number of main meals in major UK restaurant chains is excessive, and only a minority meet public health recommendations. Although the poor nutritional quality of fast food meals has been well documented, the energy content of full service restaurant meals in the UK tends to be higher and is a cause for concern.RegistrationStudy protocol and analysis strategy pre-registered on Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/w5h8q/).
Pharyngoesophageal and cardiorespiratory interactions: potential implications for premature infants at risk of clinically significant cardiorespiratory events
Authors: Hasenstab Kathryn A. , Nawaz Saira , Lang Ivan M. , Shaker Reza , Jadcherla Sudarshan R. 
Published: December 2018

The aims of this study were to 1) examine pharyngoesophageal and cardiorespiratory responses to provoking pharyngeal stimuli, and 2) to determine potential contributory factors impacting heart rate (HR) changes to provide insight into cardiorespiratory events occurring in preterm infants. Forty-eight neonates (19 females and 29 males, born at 27.7 ± 0.5 wk; mean ± SE) pending discharge on full oral feeds were studied at 38.7 ± 0.2 wk postmenstrual age using concurrent pharyngoesophageal manometry, electrocardiography, respiratory inductance plethysmography, and nasal airflow thermistor. Pharyngoesophageal and cardiorespiratory responses (prevalence, latency, and duration) were quantified upon abrupt pharyngeal water stimuli (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 ml in triplicate). Mixed linear models and generalized estimating equations were used for comparisons between HR changes. Contributory factors included stimulus characteristics and subject characteristics. Of 338 pharyngeal stimuli administered, HR increased in 23 (7%), decreased in 108 (32%), and remained stable in 207 (61%) neonates. HR decrease resulted in repetitive swallowing, increased respiratory-rhythm disturbance, and decreased esophageal propagation rates (all, P < 0.05). HR responses were related to stimulus volume, stimulus flow rate, and extreme prematurity (all, P < 0.05). In preterm infants, HR remains stable in a majority of pharyngeal provocations. HR decrease, due to pharyngeal stimulation, is related to aberrant pharyngoesophageal motility and respiratory dysregulation and is magnified by prematurity. We infer that the observed aberrant responses across digestive, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems are related to maladaptive maturation of the parasympathetic nervous system. These aberrant responses may provide diagnostic clues for risk stratification of infants with troublesome cardiorespiratory events and swallowing difficulty.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cardiorespiratory rhythms concurrent with pharyngeal, upper esophageal sphincter, and esophageal body responses were examined upon pharyngeal provocation in preterm-born infants who were studied at full-term maturation. Decreased heart rate (HR) was associated with extreme preterm birth and stimulus flow/volume. With HR decrease responses, aerodigestive reflex abnormalities were present, characterized by prolonged respiratory rhythm disturbance, repetitive multiple swallowing, and poor esophageal propagation. Promoting esophageal peristalsis may be a potential therapeutic target.
Size Matters
Authors: Zweerink Alwin , Friedman Daniel J. , Klem Igor , van de Ven Peter M. , Vink Caitlin , Biesbroek P. Stefan , Hansen Steen M. , Emerek Kasper , Kim Raymond J. , van Rossum Albert C. , Atwater Brett D. , Nijveldt Robin , Allaart Cornelis P. 
Published: December 2018

Background:
In patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB), QRS duration (QRSd) depends on left ventricular (LV) dimension. Previously, we demonstrated that normalizing QRSd to LV dimension, to adjust for variations in LV size, improved prediction of hemodynamic response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). In addition, sex-specific differences in CRT outcome have been attributed to normalized QRSd. The present study evaluates the effect of normalization of QRSd to LV dimension on prediction of survival after CRT implantation.

Methods:
In this 2-center study, we studied 250 heart failure patients with LV ejection fraction ≤35% and QRSd ≥120 ms who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging before CRT implantation. LV end-diastolic volumes were used for QRSd normalization (ie, QRSd/LV end-diastolic volumes). The primary end point was a combined end point of death, LV assist device, or heart transplantation.

Results:

During a median follow-up of 3.9 years, 79 (32%) patients reached the primary end point. Using univariable Cox regression, unadjusted QRSd was unrelated to CRT outcome (
P
=0.116). In contrast, normalized QRSd was a strong predictor of survival (hazard ratio, 0.81 per 0.1 ms/mL;
P
=0.008). Women demonstrated higher normalized QRSd than men (0.62±0.17 versus 0.55±0.17 ms/mL;
P
=0.003) and showed better survival after CRT (hazard ratio, 0.52;
P
=0.018). A multivariable prognostic model included normalized QRSd together with age, atrial fibrillation, renal function, and heart failure cause, whereas sex, diabetes mellitus, strict left bundle branch block morphology, and LV end-diastolic volumes were expelled from the model.

Conclusions:
Normalization of QRSd to LV dimension improves prediction of survival after CRT implantation. In addition, sex-specific differences in CRT outcome might be attributed to the higher QRSd/LV end-diastolic volumes ratio that was found in selected women, indicating more conduction delay.
Pulmonary Production of Soluble ST2 in Heart Failure
Authors: Pascual-Figal Domingo A. , Pérez-Martínez Maria T. , Asensio-Lopez Maria C. , Sanchez-Más Jesús , García-García Maria E. , Martinez Carlos M. , Lencina Miriam , Jara Ruben , Januzzi James L. , Lax Antonio 
Published: December 2018

Background:
Serum concentrations of ST2 (interleukin-1 receptor-like 1) represent a meaningful prognostic marker in cardiac diseases. Production of soluble ST2 (sST2) may be partially extracardiac. Identification of sST2 sources is relevant to design strategies for modulating its signaling.

Methods and Results:

An experimental model of ischemic heart failure was used. sST2, membrane-bound ST2 (ST2L), and IL-33 were measured in lungs, heart, kidney, and liver by quantifying mRNA and protein expression in tissue samples obtained at different times (1, 2, 4, and 24 weeks). Primary human type II pneumocyte cell cultures were subjected to strain. sST2 was measured in samples of bronchial aspirate and serum obtained from patients treated with invasive respiratory support. In the experimental model, sST2 increased significantly from the first week in both lungs and myocardium, whereas ST2L/IL-33 response was unfavorable in lungs (decrease) and favorable in myocardium (increase). No changes were observed in liver and kidneys. ST2 immunostaining was intensely observed in alveolar epithelium, and sST2 was secreted by primary human type II pneumocytes in response to strain. sST2 levels in lung aspirates were substantially higher in the presence of cardiogenic pulmonary edema (median, 228 [interquartile range, 28.4–324.0] ng/mL;
P
<0.001) than bronchopneumonia (median, 5.5 [interquartile range, 1.6–6.5]) or neurological disorders (median, 2.9 [interquartile range, 1.7–10.1]), whereas sST2 concentrations in serum did not differ.

Conclusions:
The lungs are a relevant source of sST2 in heart failure. These results may have implications for the progression of disease and the development of therapies targeting the ST2 system in patients with heart failure.
Forecasting Sales in Underdeveloped Countries
Authors: Copulsky William 
Published: December 2018

Sales forecasting in underdeveloped countries is quite different than in countries with more mature economies. The keys to forecasting in developing countries are an understanding (1) of the phases of economic development that these countries pass through; and (2) of the impact that each phase has upon demand for various classes of products. The author describes how these phases can be identified and how they affect demand.
Haptic Cues Used for Outdoor Wayfinding by Individuals with Visual Impairments
Authors: Koutsoklenis Athanasios , Papadopoulos Konstantinos 
Published: December 2018

Introduction The study presented here examines which haptic cues individuals with visual impairments use more frequently and determines which of these cues are deemed by these individuals to be the most important for way-finding in urban environments. It also investigates the ways in which these haptic cues are used by individuals with visual impairments. Methods To answer the research questions, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The data collection procedure consisted of three parts: a focus-group interview, questionnaires, and fully structured interviews. Results A list of 37 haptic cues used for outdoor wayfinding emerged from the focus-group interview. The following haptic cues were calculated to be the most significant for outdoor wayfinding by individuals with visual impairments: changes in the texture of walking surface, sidewalks, bus stops, slopes, curb ramps, walls, parking posts, traffic lights, flower beds, and potholes. Participants use these haptic cues as points of reference, to determine their position in an environment, and to collect information about other objects in the environment. Haptic cues also function as warnings of possible hazards and help individuals with visual impairments to avoid colliding with objects while walking. Discussion The participants reported that they use haptic cues that can be perceived through different means and that they use their sense of touch to gain different types of spatial information. A discrepancy was revealed for several cues between their scores in frequency and usefulness. Implications for practitioners Findings from this study could be used to inform training in orientation and mobility, to enhance route descriptions, and to inform the design of commercial tactile maps.
Using Constant Time Delay to Teach Braille Word Recognition
Authors: Hooper Jonathan , Ivy Sarah , Hatton Deborah 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Constant time delay has been identified as an evidence-based practice to teach print sight words and picture recognition (Browder, Ahlbrim-Delzell, Spooner, Mims, & Baker, 2009). For the study presented here, we tested the effectiveness of constant time delay to teach new braille words. Methods A single-subject multiple baseline across behaviors design was used to investigate the use of constant time delay to teach recognition of highly motivating braille words to four students with visual impairments and intellectual disabilities. Results Each participant learned all words taught (9–12 words each). A functional relation was demonstrated for all four participants by immediate changes in trend from baseline to intervention. Discussion This is the first published report of the successful use of constant time delay to teach braille word recognition to students with visual impairments and intellectual disabilities. An attending cue was introduced into the procedures for students with a low number of unprompted correct responses, and results were positive. Possible sources of variability in word retention are discussed. Implications for practitioners Results suggest constant time delay can be adapted and implemented with braille readers in typical teaching environments.
Conditions that Influence Drivers’ Yielding Behavior in Turning Vehicles at Intersections with Traffic Signal Controls
Authors: Bourquin Eugene A. , Emerson Robert Wall , Sauerburger Dona , Barlow Janet M. 
Published: December 2018

Introduction This study evaluated drivers’ delays and yields in response to pedestrian behaviors when making right turns at the onset of a green traffic signal. Methods Researchers conducted trials at seven sites in the United States. Data were collected ( n = 445) in six conditions: no pedestrian present (control); and a pedestrian: standing with no cane (control), displaying a cane, flagging a cane, putting a hand up toward the driver, or taking a reversible step into the street. Driver delays were recorded in seconds from the onset of the green traffic signal to when the vehicle first moved and when the front bumper crossed the middle of the pedestrian's crosswalk. Results Regarding driver responses when the vehicle crossed the crosswalk: a cane display was not significantly different from no cane display; the cane-flagging, reversible-step, and hand-up conditions were all significantly better than a cane display; a reversible step was significantly better than both cane flagging and hand up. Analysis of yields found that: a cane display was not significantly different from not displaying a cane; cane flagging, reversible step, and hand up were all significantly better than the cane display; a reversible step was significantly better than both hand up and cane flagging. The greatest effect was the reversible step, which increased drivers’ yielding 205% more often than a pedestrian displaying a cane. Implications for practitioners For drivers to behave appropriately, they must notice the pedestrian and understand the intent to initiate a crossing. The standard practices taught by O&M specialists may not result in substantial yielding by drivers. O&M specialists could develop new and more effective practices based on these results in order to change risks for pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired when crossing many streets.
Print to Braille: Preparation and Accuracy of Mathematics Materials in K-12 Education
Authors: Herzberg Tina S. , Rosenblum L. Penny 
Published: December 2018

Introduction This study analyzed the accuracy of 107 mathematics worksheets prepared for tactile learners. The mean number of errors was calculated, and we examined whether there was a significant difference in the level of accuracy based on National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) certification or job role of participants. Methods The authors selected five work sheets representative of mathematics materials transcribed for K-12 students. After completing an online demographic survey, participants prepared at least one of the worksheets and completed an online transcription survey about how they prepared each worksheet. Results The majority of the 59 participants spent less than 30 minutes transcribing each worksheet, and the predominant method for production was the use of braille translation software. Overall, participants had a high level of accuracy on the literary braille portions of the worksheets. There was variability in the accuracy of the Nemeth elements, formatting, and tactile graphic labels across the transcriptions. Significant differences existed between the means of errors in formatting and literary braille according to NLS certification status and, to a lesser extent, job role. There was not a significant difference in the accuracy of Nemeth elements in the majority of the worksheets according to certification status or job role. There were no significant differences in the preparation of the worksheets based on primary production method. Discussion There was variability in how materials were prepared for tactile readers and in the quality of the transcriptions. Implications for practitioners Variation in how materials are presented to tactile readers, including the formatting of headings and directions, can affect the ease of scanning and reading of materials. Inconsistencies, omissions, and errors have the potential to impact the ability of readers to understand and access information.
Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments and Their Use of Assistive Technology: Measuring the Proficiency of Teachers and Their Identification with a Community of Practice
Authors: Siu Yue-Ting , Morash Valerie S. 
Published: December 2018

Introduction This article presents an instrument that measures the assistive technology proficiency of teachers of students with visual impairments and their identification with a community of practice that values assistive technology. Teachers’ deficits in assistive technology proficiency negatively impact students who are visually impaired by stunting the development of assistive technology skills, ultimately resulting in poorer postsecondary education and employment outcomes. Identification with a community of practice that values assistive technology may be supportive of the technological proficiency of teachers of students with visual impairments. Method Assistive technology proficiency and community of practice identification dimensions were defined and outlined in rubric-like “construct maps.” A survey that was created to place teachers of students with visual impairments within each construct map was completed by 33 Californian teachers. Survey performance was evaluated by estimating Rasch models, which provided information on relative question difficulty and question performance. Results Estimated question difficulties revealed expected patterns. Only two survey questions performed irregularly (infit > 1.33). Internal reliability was good (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.80) for assistive technology proficiency, and acceptable (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.70) for community of practice identification. Discussion The findings suggest the survey reliably measured the assistive technology proficiency and identification with a community of practice that values technology in this sample of teachers. Utilization of this tool may enable the objective evaluation of assistive technology proficiency of teachers pre- and post-training. Implications for practitioners Creation of a reliable instrument that measures these constructs will support investigations in how one relates to the other, and will consider how professional development may be designed to better support the use of assistive technology by teachers.
Applying the Intervention Model for Fostering Affective Involvement with Persons who Are Congenitally Deafblind: An Effect Study
Authors: Martens Marga A. W. , Janssen Marleen J. , Ruijssenaars Wied A. J. J. M. , Huisman Mark , Riksen-Walraven J. Marianne 
Published: December 2018

Introduction In this study, we applied the Intervention Model for Affective Involvement (IMAI) to four participants who are congenitally deafblind and their 16 communication partners in 3 different settings (school, a daytime activities center, and a group home). We examined whether the intervention increased affective involvement between the participants and their communication partners and whether it increased positive emotions and reduced negative emotions in the participants. Methods We used video observations in a multiple-baseline design across subjects to assess the effects of the 20-week intervention on the communication partners’ interactions with the participants. Results After onset of the intervention, affective involvement increased for three participants, while all four participants showed an increase in positive emotions and a decrease in negative emotions. During follow-up, the positive effect on the participants’ behaviors decreased in most cases, but remained visible as compared to the baseline level. Discussion The findings demonstrate that the IMAI can be successfully applied to persons who are congenitally deafblind. Given the small number of participants, replication of the intervention is recommended. Implications for practitioners Affective involvement can be increased by training, but it is difficult to maintain this effect over time. Coaching of communication partners on a more permanent basis is recommended to maintain the sharing of emotions between persons who are congenitally deafblind and their communication partners.