bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust ultraviolet shielding and enhanced mechanical properties of graphene oxide/sodium alginate composite films
Authors: Hu Xili , Zhang Xiansheng , Tian Mingwei , Qu Lijun , Zhu Shifeng , Han Guangting
Published: September 2015

To enhance the mechanical performance and ultraviolet shielding property, graphene oxide was incorporated as the functional nanofiller into a sodium alginate matrix to form a composite film via a solvent-casting method. The as-obtained films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal gravimetric; their mechanical and ultraviolet blocking properties were also systemically evaluated and compared. The results showed that the maximum tensile strength increased to 84 MPa at 6 wt.% graphene oxide loading, nearly 265% greater than that of pure sodium alginate film. The increased tensile strength may have resulted from the existence of hydrogen bonding and high interfacial adhesion between graphene oxide filler and sodium alginate matrix. Furthermore, the sodium alginate/graphene oxide films also demonstrated robust ultraviolet shielding capacity; the corresponding ultraviolet protection factor reached up to 133.61 at 8 wt.% graphene oxide loading.
Ratcheting prediction of Al 6061/SiCP composite samples under asymmetric stress cycles by means of the Ahmadzadeh–Varvani hardening rule
Authors: Ahmadzadeh GR , Varvani-Farahani A
Published: September 2015

The present study intends to examine ratcheting response of SiCP particle-reinforced Al 6061 matrix (Al 6061/SiCP) composite samples over asymmetric load cycles based on the kinematic hardening rule of Ahmadzadeh–Varvani. The Ahmadzadeh–Varvani hardening rule offered a simple framework by taking into account of both material and stress level dependent coefficients to predict the quasi-shakedown of ratcheting of composite samples with various volume fractions under single- and multi-step loading conditions. The coefficients in the Ahmadzadeh–Varvani rule were estimated by means of mathematical expressions involving material properties, mean stress, and stress amplitude for any given stress levels. Ratcheting strain progressively increased as composite materials experienced low–high loading sequences when stress level increased over steps of loading histories. Ratcheting strain curves of low-high and high-low loading histories were successfully predicted. The predicted ratcheting curves with high–low loading sequences have shown change in ratcheting direction consistent with the experimental data.
Dynamic mechanical properties and the dynamic fragility concept applied to vegetal fiber on vegetal composite materials
Authors: Ornaghi Júnior Heitor L , Poletto Matheus , Ornaghi Felipe G , Zattera Ademir J , Amico Sandro C
Published: September 2015

The dynamic fragility concept has been performed on kenaf and jute composites containing different reinforcement contents. Based on the average relaxation times, we have determined, as a function of the type of reinforcement and fiber content, the dynamic fragility concept of composites manufactured by resin transfer molding. It was constated that for these polymeric composite materials, the glass transition temperature is not a so significant feature to evaluate the characteristic parameters of the Williams–Landel–Ferry and Vogel–Fulcher–Tamman equations. The reason is that for up to 30% reinforcement volume, the glass transition values maintain similar values for these composites, whereas mechanical and dynamical mechanical properties shown an increase in the properties by fiber incorporation. Also, the activation energy as the structural relaxation energy would give a more realistic approach of the results found, following the McKenna supposition.
The Role of External Support in Civil War Termination
Authors: Sawyer Katherine , Cunningham Kathleen Gallagher , Reed William
Published: September 2015

Many studies highlight the role that international intervention can play in prolonging civil wars. Yet, direct military intervention is just one way that external actors become involved in civil conflicts. In this article, a model is developed and analyzed that shows that when the government is unsure about how external support to the rebels will help rebel war-making capacity, it is the government that will continue fighting rather than settle the dispute. Different types of external support to rebels influence their fighting capacity differently, and some types of support create uncertainty about how new resources will translate into war-making ability. Specifically, more fungible sources of support (such as direct financial support) generate the most uncertainty for states as they attempt to estimate the effect of support to rebels on the conflict. Increased uncertainty inhibits bargained settlement, and disputes characterized by fungible external support are less likely to end than those where rebels receive different kinds of support. Empirical analyses demonstrate strong support for this argument; rebels that receive highly fungible external support (money and guns) are less likely to see conflict termination than rebels that do not.
Gender Imbalance and Terrorism in Developing Countries
Authors: Younas Javed , Sandler Todd
Published: September 2015

This article investigates whether gender imbalance may be conducive to domestic terrorism in developing countries. A female-dominated society may not provide sufficient administration, law, or order to limit domestic terrorism, especially since societies in developing countries primarily turn to males for administration, policing, and paramilitary forces. Other economic considerations support female imbalance resulting in grievance-generated terrorism. Because male dominance may also be linked to terrorism, empirical tests are ultimately needed to support our prediction. Based on panel data for 128 developing countries for 1975 to 2011, we find that female gender imbalance results in more total and domestic terrorist attacks. This female gender imbalance does not affect transnational terrorism in developing countries or domestic and transnational terrorism in developed countries. Further tests show that gender imbalance affects terrorism only when bureaucratic institutions are weak. Many robustness tests support our results.
Chondrocytes Directly Transform into Bone Cells in Mandibular Condyle Growth
Authors: Jing Y. , Zhou X. , Han X. , Jing J. , von der Mark K. , Wang J. , de Crombrugghe B. , Hinton R.J. , Feng J.Q.
Published: September 2015

For decades, it has been widely accepted that hypertrophic chondrocytes undergo apoptosis prior to endochondral bone formation. However, very recent studies in long bone suggest that chondrocytes can directly transform into bone cells. Our initial in vivo characterization of condylar hypertrophic chondrocytes revealed modest numbers of apoptotic cells but high levels of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 expression, some dividing cells, and clear alkaline phosphatase activity (early bone marker). Ex vivo culture of newborn condylar cartilage on a chick chorioallantoic membrane showed that after 5 d the cells on the periphery of the explants had begun to express Col1 (bone marker). The cartilage-specific cell lineage–tracing approach in triple mice containing Rosa 26tdTomato (tracing marker), 2.3 Col1GFP (bone cell marker), and aggrecan CreERT2 (onetime tamoxifen induced) or Col10-Cre (activated from E14.5 throughout adult stage) demonstrated the direct transformation of chondrocytes into bone cells in vivo. This transformation was initiated at the inferior portion of the condylar cartilage, in contrast to the initial ossification site in long bone, which is in the center. Quantitative data from the Col10-Cre compound mice showed that hypertrophic chondrocytes contributed to ~80% of bone cells in subchondral bone, ~70% in a somewhat more inferior region, and ~40% in the most inferior part of the condylar neck ( n = 4, P < 0.01 for differences among regions). This multipronged approach clearly demonstrates that a majority of chondrocytes in the fibrocartilaginous condylar cartilage, similar to hyaline cartilage in long bones, directly transform into bone cells during endochondral bone formation. Moreover, ossification is initiated from the inferior portion of mandibular condylar cartilage with expansion in one direction.
‘‘Fake It ’til You Make It’’
Authors: Nielsen Kelly
Published: September 2015

Sociologists of education have explored the relationship between students’ postsecondary aspirations and their propensity to get “cooled out” in community colleges. However, researchers have directed little attention to students whose aspirations remain stable over long periods of time or to the different roles that college degree goals play in the lives of disadvantaged students. Using four waves of longitudinal interviews, I examine the reasons why low-income women hold steady to their aspirations for college degrees over a three-and-a-half-year period. I argue that holding steady not only reflects rational expectations about future employment opportunities, but it also generates moral status in the face of marginalization and facilitates the navigation of personal relationships. I use the concept of an “ambition imperative” to demonstrate how aspirations for college attainment are a means of asserting moral status and pursuing virtuous social membership. This article contributes to theories of aspirations and offers an alternative explanation of the institutional effects of community colleges in the lives of students.
Speculative Usability
Authors: Rivers Nathaniel , Söderlund Lars
Published: September 2015

This article introduces Speculative Usability. Whereas traditional models of usability rely on the salient features of an object–user relationship focused around the uses for which the object was designed, the goal of Speculative Usability is to notice an object as it interacts with other objects (in addition to but including human users) and to be vulnerable to an object’s unintended effects. The payoff of this speculative approach is an increased inventional capacity for usability testing.
An Examination of a Risk/Needs Assessment Instrument and Its Relation to Religiosity and Recidivism Among Probationers in a Muslim Culture
Authors: Bhutta Mazhar H. , Wormith J. Stephen
Published: September 2015

This study was conducted to assess the value of administering a risk/need assessment instrument to low-risk offenders in Pakistan. The Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (LS/CMI) and a measure of religiosity, the Muslim Religiosity-Personality Inventory (MRPI): Abridged Scale, were administered to probationers in this highly devout Muslim country that has little experience with risk/need assessment. In spite of the low recidivism rate, predictive validities based on correlation and receiver operating characteristic analyses were comparable with those of Western cultures overall, and for samples based on gender, geographic location, and type of crime. Although religiosity was negatively correlated with recidivism, it offered no incremental validity to the LS/CMI to predict recidivism because it was also correlated negatively with the LS/CMI. The findings have theoretical implications for the risk assessment of low-risk offenders and for the contribution of religiosity to offender risk and practical implications for the Pakistani justice system.
Rape Myth Adherence Among Campus Law Enforcement Officers
Authors: Smith Molly , Wilkes Nicole , Bouffard Leana A.
Published: September 2015

Campus police agencies are often the first, if not only, responders to sexual assault incidents occurring on college campuses. Little is known, however, regarding the attitudinal dispositions of these officers, specifically their acceptance of rape myths and the effect this has on case processing. The current study addresses this gap in the literature by examining attitudes toward and perceptions of sexual assault among a sample of campus law enforcement officers in Texas. This was done through the administration of a short survey to a sample of campus law enforcement officers prior to their attendance at a sexual assault-focused training, as well as all campus police chiefs via the Internet. Survey items inquired about officers’ careers in law enforcement, contact with victims, and perceptions of sexual assault. Results suggest that officers’ adherence to rape myths is strongly related to their perceptions of campus sexual assault incidents and their attitudes toward victims. Suggestions for future research and policy are offered.
Dancing in the Streets
Authors: Foulkes Julia L.
Published: September 2015

This collection of essays on the arts in postwar U.S. cities offers a historical perspective on the contemporary embrace of the arts as a tool for urban placemaking, neighborhood revitalization, economic boosting, and market branding. Urban historians can add a longer perspective to this trend to explain not only the roots of its current popularity but also more detailed measures of the arts’ impact. These essays look at arts institutions, artists as residents, and artworks themselves from the 1950s-70s to uncover the entangled intersection of arts and urbanization – before the arts became a touted salvation for stagnant economies and run-down neighborhoods.
The “Loft Cause” or “Bohemia Gone Bourgeois?”
Authors: Trask Jeffrey
Published: September 2015

The Westbeth Arts Center in New York’s Greenwich Village was one of the first large-scale institutionally sponsored conversions of nineteenth-century factories into residential lofts for artists. A privately and publicly financed project to provide housing for low-income artists, Westbeth stood apart from individual-artist-led loft conversion in SoHo in both its scope and its philanthropic goals of democratizing the arts in postwar America. Westbeth never met its sponsors’ hopes that it would serve as a model for similar nonprofit artist residences in cities throughout the nation, but it did prove to private real estate developers that residential lofts had cultural value in postindustrial cities. Ultimately, Westbeth represented a transitional moment in postwar urban development between publicly funded urban renewal and private real estate development.
Adaptive stabilization of high-order time-delay nonlinear systems with unknown state-dependent growth rates
Authors: Gao Fangzheng , Wu Yuqiang
Published: September 2015

This paper investigates the problem of adaptive stabilization by state feedback for a class of high-order nonlinear systems with time-varying delays. Compared with the existing relevant literature, a distinguishing feature of the systems under investigation is that the growth rates are unknown functions of system states. This renders the existing control methods inapplicable to the control problems of the systems. By skillfully using the method of adding a power integrator, an adaptive state-feedback controller independent of the time delay is explicitly constructed with the help of appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals. It is proved that the states of the time-delay nonlinear systems can be regulated to the origin, while all the closed loop signals are globally uniformly bounded. Finally, both physical and academic examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
A novel device for measuring velocity of projectile
Authors: Jia Yunfei , Han Yaqiu
Published: September 2015

A novel device used to measure the velocity of a projectile for the military has been developed. This set of equipment based on the principle of statistics is composed of five groups of sensors. These five groups of sensors are symmetrically arranged to ensure that the groups of sensors measure the same point velocity, and the average value of the groups of sensors is regarded as the final test result. Compared with the traditional test method for projectile velocity, this method reduces the uncertainty of measurement by increasing the measurement samples. In this paper the F-test, T-test and variance are used to prove that the measurement value of this device is an unbiased, consistent and a valid estimation of the true value. Experiments are carried out over a wide operational range from 40 m/s to 2000 m/s velocity and from 4-mm to 12.7-mm calibre. The results show that the measurement uncertainty of this device is less than 1‰ ( k = 2). This device can be suggested as a prior calibration in order to estimate other devices for measuring projectile velocity.
Model-free adaptive control scheme for EGR/VNT control of a diesel engine using the simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation
Authors: Ishizuka Shinichi , Kajiwara Itsuro , Sato Junichi , Hanamura Yoshifumi , Hanawa Satoshi
Published: September 2015

To meet the more stringent environmental requirements of automobile exhaust gas emissions, diesel engines have recently received increased attention due to their high heat efficiency. To lower fuel consumption and reduce exhaust gas simultaneously, fuel combustion must be more precisely controlled. For example, the oxygen concentration, which affects emissions, is controlled by exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and variable nozzle turbo (VNT). However, realizing a controlled design is difficult due to system non-linearity and strong interference between EGR and VNT. Recently, various design methods have employed the so-called model-based control design, but this design approach is difficult to use when the controlled object is complex. Currently, mass production uses gain scheduling of map-based on proportional–integral–derivative (PID) control, in which each gain is tuned at various operational points. However, map calibration has many drawbacks, including time-consuming tuning, difficulty tuning during transient operations and problems adapting to the individual variations in the engine characteristics. This study proposes a construction method for a model-free adaptive PID controller using the simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (SPSA) and its performance is confirmed in an engine bench test.
Evaluating Function-Based Social Stories™ With Children With Autism
Authors: Pane Heather M. , Sidener Tina M. , Vladescu Jason C. , Nirgudkar Anjalee
Published: September 2015

Social Stories™ are often used with children with autism to provide information about appropriate behaviors in specific contexts. Although Social Stories™ often target reduction of problem behavior, there is limited research evaluating function-based Social Stories™ based on the results of experimental functional analyses. This study used a brief functional analysis to assist in developing a Social Story™ that matched the function of the target behavior for two boys with autism. The differential effects of a Social Story™ that matched the function of the behavior, a Social Story™ that did not match the function of the behavior, and a Social Story™ that described baseline were compared in an alternating treatments design. Results indicated that (a) the function-based Social Story™ plus functional communication training (FCT) was effective in decreasing target problem behavior and increasing target mands for both participants, (b) both participants selected the function-based Social Story™ during treatment preference evaluations, and (c) both participants maintained low levels of target problem behavior and maintained target mands when the Social Stories™ were removed.
The Gypsy Threat Narrative
Authors: Loveland Matthew T. , Popescu Delia
Published: September 2015

In this study, we analyze European attitudes about the Roma. These attitudes are important because they encourage or impede the full inclusion of the Roma in European society. We articulate what we refer to as the Gypsy Threat Narrative and use it to motivate an empirical analysis of how comfortable Europeans are with Roma neighbors, as expressed in a 2008 Eurobarometer survey. We use mixed ordinary least square regression models to account for the hierarchical data structure, and account for a number of factors previously found to correlate with attitudes about the Roma while reporting new findings grounded in the logic of the Gypsy Threat Narrative. We discuss the implications of our study for research on European ethnic relations and for activists working for greater Roma inclusion.
Expert Judgment versus Market Accounting in an Industrial Research Lab
Authors: Giannella Eric
Published: September 2015

Accounts of change in contemporary research in industry and the academy often note the increasing coexistence of market and academic norms and practices. This article suggests that, at least in industry, these conflicting norms and practices are often preserved by loose coupling between market pressures and the research organization. Based on a two-year case study, this article examines the imposition of tight coupling at an industry lab that had previously been able to maintain some of the norms and practices associated with the academy. Tight market coupling limited the role of judgment in the governance of research. First, a market-based quantitative project selection system delegitimized expert judgment. As a result, projects with obvious market and technical uncertainties were more difficult to justify. Second, objective, market-based oversight also limited the role of expert judgment. Tracking the return on investment of scientists’ hours with time cards had the effect of discouraging time spent on learning or exploratory work. In many cases, researchers argued that displacement of judgment for a quantitative governance system caused work to shift away from research and toward product development.
Topic segmentation using word-level semantic relatedness functions
Authors: Ercan Gonenc , Cicekli Ilyas
Published: September 2015

Semantic relatedness deals with the problem of measuring how much two words are related to each other. While there is a large body of research for developing new measures, the use of semantic relatedness (SR) measures in topic segmentation has not been explored. In this research the performance of different SR measures is evaluated in the topic segmentation problem. To this end, two topic segmentation algorithms that use the difference in SR of words are introduced. Our results indicate that using an SR measure trained with a general domain corpora achieves better results than topic segmentation algorithms using Wordnet or simple word repetition. Furthermore, when compared with computationally more complex algorithms performing global analysis, our local analysis, enhanced with general domain lexical semantic information, achieves comparable results.
Cultural pluralism?
Authors: Spivak Gayatri Chakravorty
Published: September 2015

This article is an analysis of the ideological production of the idea of cultural pluralism. It points at the impossibility of inhabiting two or more civil societies at once. It points at the fact that culture alive cannot be accessed. It recommends attention to the ungeneralizable huge subaltern populations of the world that often also constitute an electorate. It recommends linguistic rather than cultural pluralism and a nurturing of the understanding of the right to intellectual labor in education practice.
Are we indeed what we eat? Street food consumption in the Market Circle area of Takoradi, Ghana
Authors: Hiamey Stephen Edem , Amuquandoh Francis Eric , Boison Grace Aba
Published: September 2015

The paper examines street foods consumption in the Market Circle of Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana. The data used for the study were obtained from individuals who were either purchasing or consuming street foods in the Market Circle in August of 2011. The results revealed that the average consumer makes use of street foods six times in a week and there was a penchant for carbohydrate based foods over other types of street foods. Reasons including cost saving, convenience and eating on credit were noted to underlie the consumption of street foods in the area. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the high consumption of street foods in the Market Circle was for reasons other than nutrition and health.
Income-generating Project Initiation in Churches: A Guide for Mission Workers
Authors: Tower Alan
Published: September 2015

Outsider mission workers with local church communities, such as with the agency Latin Link, can have a role in the promotion of church and community-based income generation projects as a poverty reduction strategy and as a way of healthy community involvement generally. This is likely to involve a process of healthy community decision-making, some generic business training for potential project leaders and workers, and a microfinance scheme run with established guidelines. In this way, outside initiative promotes community development rather than imposing unsuitable solutions from the outside.
Does real-time visualization support local stakeholders in developing landscape visions?
Authors: Tobias Silvia , Buser Tobias , Buchecker Matthias
Published: September 2015

Research on visualization during participatory planning workshops is widespread, but there are hardly any studies comparing workshops with and without visualization. We conducted four workshops with local stakeholders to develop landscape visions for the year 2030. In three workshops we used different techniques to support the visioning process with real-time visualization: drawings by hand, a town planning computer-aided design software, and a combination of GIS, Google Earth, and SketchUp with Cinema 4D. In the fourth workshop the participants developed their visions without any visualization. In all cases the participants evaluated the workshops expost by means of a standardized questionnaire.The comparative analysis of the data revealed that visualization supports the participants consistently but only moderately in imagining future landscape conditions. In particular, visualization provided a better common basis for communication, whereas it only marginally inspired the viewers to develop new ideas. The main trade-off of using visualizations that we found was that the participants assessed their influence on the discussion as too strong as they focused the discussion on visual aspects. Among the visualization techniques tested, drawings by hand appeared to be particularly useful for creating long-term (more than fifteen years) landscape visions. Future research on the use of visualization during workshops should concentrate on the perceptions and requirements of the viewers.
The morphological characteristics of medieval temple towns of Tamilnadu
Authors: Thilagam N Lakshmi , Banerjee Uttam Kumar
Published: September 2015

Medieval temple towns of Tamilnadu in South India evolved under the predominant influence of religion and bear this symbolic imprint in their urban form. In this study we present the spatial configuration of seven medieval temple towns of Tamilnadu: Madurai, Tiruvannamalai, Chidambaram, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Tirunelvelli, and Tiruchengode. All seven towns selected for this study are glorified Saivite centers bearing individual characteristics of sociospatial formation and yet as a total reflect the significant features of the Hindu urban genotype. We use the space syntax theory that offers a quantitative and comparative approach, to identify temple towns as a unique urban genotype. All seven urban settlements are analyzed separately and compared with each other in order to arrive at the instrumental and symbolic characteristics of their urban space. The main characteristics found in these cities are: a high degree of axiality; more spatial synchrony in a regular settlement pattern; a high level of connectivity with integration cores centered on the temple forming highly intelligible structures. The strong significance of the Hindu urban genotype is established through the rank ordering of urban streets and landmark elements, thus reinforcing the symbolic structuring of the integration core.
Local plan implementation: assessing conformance and influence of local plans in the United States
Authors: Lyles Ward , Berke Philip , Smith Gavin
Published: September 2015

Attention to if and how plans are implemented is increasing. Among the conceptions of plan implementation used by scholars, plan conformance and plan performance are most prominent, though rarely have both been assessed in a single study. We assess plan conformance and a modified version of performance, which we call influence, for a sample of more than 100 local hazard mitigation plans developed in response to a national planning requirement in the United States. Our findings indicate that progress on implementation of the policies included in the plans (plan conformance) is moderate, but that the rate of progress varies widely by the type of policy and the state in which the local jurisdiction is located. The findings also indicate that coordination of hazard mitigation plans (plan influence) is strongest with other emergency management agency-led planning initiatives and weaker with planning initiatives led by other agencies. National officials interested in advancing local implementation of national goals need to consider the degree to which state and local governments are given autonomy to select and prioritize local policies included in plans, as well as constraints on coordination across planning initiatives.
Cost-utility analysis of great saphenous vein ablation with radiofrequency, foam and surgery in the emerging health-care setting of Thailand
Authors: Siribumrungwong Boonying , Noorit Pinit , Wilasrusmee Chumpon , Leelahavarong Pattara , Thakkinstian Ammarin , Teerawattananon Yot
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To conduct economic evaluations of radiofrequency ablation, ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy and surgery for great saphenous vein ablation.

Method

A cost-utility and cohort analysis from societal perspective was performed to estimate incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Transitional probabilities were from meta-analysis. Direct medical, direct non-medical, indirect costs, and utility were from standard Thai costings and cohort. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed to assess parameter uncertainties.

Results

Seventy-seven patients (31 radiofrequency ablation, 19 ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, and 27 surgeries) were enrolled from October 2011 to February 2013. Compared with surgery, radiofrequency ablation costed 12,935 and 20,872 Baht higher, whereas ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy costed 6159 lower and 1558 Bath higher for outpatient and inpatient, respectively. At one year, radiofrequency ablation had slightly lower quality-adjusted life-year, whereas ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy yielded additional 0.025 quality-adjusted life-year gained. Because of costing lower and greater quality-adjusted life-year than other compared alternatives, outpatient ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy was an option being dominant. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis resulted that at the Thai ceiling threshold of 160,000 Baht/quality-adjusted life-year gained, ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy had chances of 0.71 to be cost-effective.

Conclusions

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy seems to be cost-effective for treating great saphenous vein reflux compared to surgery in Thailand at one-year results.
Concepts of poverty and social exclusion in Europe
Authors: Madanipour Ali , Shucksmith Mark , Talbot Hilary
Published: September 2015

This paper provides a critical analysis of the concepts of poverty and social exclusion in three parts. First, it examines the relationship between poverty and social exclusion, a distinction that has been the subject of analysis, debate and controversy. Second, the concepts of poverty and social exclusion as used in the European policy discourse are analysed, and how changes in terminology, links to the economic growth agenda, and emphasis on employment as a response can be noticed. The recognition of the ‘territorial dimension’ of poverty and social exclusion has been an increasingly important feature of EU discourse and actions. Third, the paper explores the inherent territoriality of poverty and social exclusion, which has paved the way for localised spatial responses. The authors argue that economic concerns have triggered a continuous tendency to narrow down the focus of definition and action, in order to offer clarity of scope to researchers and policy makers, but that such narrowing could also undermine our ability to address a complex multi-dimensional process. In particular, prioritising economic dimensions to the neglect of the other aspects of social exclusion is problematic in dealing with major social problems.
Geography and ethics II
Authors: Olson Elizabeth
Published: September 2015

In this second report, I consider the relationship between emotion and morality from a geographical perspective. Though traditional and contemporary engagements in moral philosophy and psychology offer a diverse range of theories and approaches to emotions and morality, few of these explicitly consider or incorporate the role of space. I consider theories of embodiment and relationality as one means through which emotions become collective and institutionalized, with a focus on emotional geographies and care. I conclude by reflecting on political emotions as conflictive but insightful signals of societal shifts in our moral emotions, and suggest that incorporating emotions may also provide a different way of thinking about the problem of distant care.
Organoclay nanocomposites of post-industrial waste poly(butylene terephthalate) from automotive parts
Authors: Quispe Noe B , Fernandes Elizabeth G , Zanata Fernanda , Bartoli Julio R , Souza Diego HS , Ito Edson N
Published: September 2015

Polymeric nanocomposites are novel materials of huge interest owing to their favourable cost/performance ratio with low amount of nanofillers, improved thermal resistance, flame retardancy and mechanical properties in relation to their matrices. In this work, composites based on post-industrial waste or primary recycled poly(butylene terephthalate) and 5 wt.% of organic modified montmorillonite clays were melt compounded using a twin-screw extruder. A 22 factorial experimental design was used to study the compounding and processing variables: Organic modified montmorillonite with one or two hydrogenated tallow (initial basal spacing) and screw speed of the extruder. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy suggest that a partial exfoliation of the organoclay in the recycled poly(butylene terephthalate) matrix was achieved for organic modified montmorillonite with lower initial basal spacing. On the other hand, formulations containing organic modified montmorillonite with higher initial basal spacing showed only intercalated structure. The recycled poly(butylene terephthalate)–organic modified montmorillonite nanocomposites did not drip flaming material during burning tests. Storage of dynamic-mechanical, tensile and flexural moduli of the recycled poly(butylene terephthalate)–organic modified montmorillonite were improved when compared with both virgin and recycled poly(butylene terephthalate)s, mainly for nanocomposites formulated at a lower initial basal spacing organoclay. This could be related to a better diffusion of polymer into organic modified montmorillonite layers compared with the higher initial basal spacing organoclay. The improvements on the physical properties of recycled poly(butylene terephthalate) showed the feasibility to add value to primary recycled engineering thermoplastics with a very small amount of organic modified montmorillonite.
The lead-acid battery industry in China: outlook for production and recycling
Authors: Tian Xi , Wu Yufeng , Gong Yu , Zuo Tieyong
Published: September 2015

In 2013, more than four million (metric) tons (MT) of refined lead went into batteries in China, and 1.5 MT of scrap lead recycled from these batteries was reused in other secondary materials. The use of start-light-ignition (SLI), traction and energy storage batteries has spread in China in recent decades, with their proportions being 25.6%, 47.2% and 27.2%, respectively, in 2012. The total production of these batteries increased from 296,000 kVAh in 2001 to 205.23 MkVAh in 2013, with manufacturing located mainly in the middle and eastern provinces of the country. In this paper, we find that the market share of SLI batteries will decrease slightly, the share of traction batteries will continuously increase with the emergence of clean energy vehicles, and that of energy storage batteries will increase with the development of the wind energy and photovoltaic industries. Accounting for lead consumption in the main application industries, and the total social possession, it is calculated that used lead batteries could generate 2.4 MT of scrap lead in 2014, which is much higher than the 1.5 MT that was recycled in 2013. Thus, the current recycling rate is too low. It is suggested that while building large-scale recycling plants, small-scale plants should be banned or merged.
Clinical Impact of Epileptiform Discharge in Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Lee Eun Hye , Choi Yong Sung , Yoon Hoi Soo , Bahn Geon Ho
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of epileptiform discharges in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The authors retrospectively reviewed 180 children who were diagnosed with ADHD and had an electroencephalography (EEG) recording. Epileptiform discharges were found in 29 (16.1%) of 180 patients with ADHD. Of these, 15 (8.3%) had generalized epileptiform discharges and 14 (7.7%) had focal epileptiform discharges. The focal epileptiform discharges were most prevalent from the frontal (5/14) and rolandic area (5/14). Among the 29 patients with epileptiform discharges and ADHD, 5 patients had previous history of epilepsy and 4 patients developed epilepsy later, whereas none of the normal EEG group developed epilepsy. The authors suggest that interictal epileptiform discharges appear to be associated with seizure occurrence in children with ADHD and might reflect maturational pathophysiology overlapping with epilepsy.
Enteral Feedings in Children
Authors: Vermilyea Sarah , Goh Vi Lier
Published: September 2015

Enteral nutrition (EN) is the provision of food or nutrients beyond the esophagus via a tube either to the stomach or small intestines. Choosing the route, method, and formula for administration of EN to infants and children is complicated by the increasing options available. Indications and contraindications change as surgical procedures and medical treatments advance. Human milk remains the normative standard for infant formulas; if a safe supply is available, it is recommended as optimal nutrition for infants, including via enteral tube access. For infants without an available supply of human milk and children older than 12 months, a wide variety of formulas are available, including the renewed interest in formulas using cooked table foods. This article presents the different methods of EN access placement, maintenance, formula recommendations, and advancement of EN. It is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of the options and recommendations for EN.
Prenatal Anxiety and Infant Feeding Outcomes
Authors: Fallon Victoria , Bennett Kate Mary , Harrold Joanne Alison
Published: September 2015

Prenatal anxiety may negatively affect infant health in multiple domains, including infant feeding. However, the relationship between prenatal anxiety and infant feeding is not well understood. Given the benefits of recommended infant feeding practices, clarifying this relationship is important. This review was conducted to examine the relationship between prenatal anxiety and infant feeding outcomes. Electronic searches were performed in relevant databases. A hand search of selected journals and reference lists of included articles was then conducted. All studies were considered that provided information related to infant feeding outcomes and anxiety during pregnancy. Quality assessment and data extraction were conducted by 2 reviewers; 99 studies were identified, of which 6 were eligible. No associations were found between prenatal anxiety and breastfeeding initiation or breastfeeding in any quantity. However, relationships between high levels of prenatal anxiety and a reduction in both breastfeeding intention and breastfeeding exclusivity were identified. The review was limited by the small number of studies included. Sample sizes lacking power and heterogeneous measures and definitions all significantly affected the comparability of findings. It is concluded that there is insufficient evidence to clarify the relationship between prenatal anxiety and infant feeding outcomes.
Effects of silane-modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes and 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10 phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide on the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of bismaleimide resin
Authors: Wang Zheng , Wu Wei , Zhang Xuewei , Wang Jiawei , Liu Bo
Published: September 2015

In this article, the multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified by γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (MWCNT-APTES) and 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10 phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) were added into the 4,4′-bismaleimidophenyl methane (BDM)/2,2′-diallyl bisphenol A (DBA) resins to prepare the flame retardant resins. Morphological observations reveal that the MWCNT-APTES is homogeneously dispersed in the matrix. The impact strength of the resin is improved by adding MWCNT-APTES. Meanwhile, BDM/DBA containing DOPO/MWCNT-APTES achieves vertical burning (UL-94) V-0 rating and a higher limiting oxygen index. Thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy measurements have demonstrated that MWCNT-APTES resulted in the increase in char yield and the formation of the thermally stable carbonaceous char. The results of Raman show that the MWCNT-APTES can enhance the graphitization degree of the resin during combustion. All the investigations show that the combination of DOPO and MWCNT-APTES is an effective additive to develop high-performance resins with attractive flame retardance and mechanical properties.
Contact-state modelling in force-controlled robotic peg-in-hole assembly processes of flexible objects using optimised Gaussian mixtures
Authors: Jasim Ibrahim F , Plapper Peter W , Voos Holger
Published: September 2015

This article proposes the distribution similarity measure–based Gaussian mixtures model for the contact-state (CS) modelling in force-guided robotic assembly processes of flexible rubber parts. The wrench (Cartesian force and torque) signals of the manipulated object are captured for different states of the given assembly process. The distribution similarity measure–based Gaussian mixtures model CS modelling scheme is employed in modelling the captured wrench signals for different CSs. The proposed distribution similarity measure–based Gaussian mixtures model CS modelling scheme uses the Gaussian mixtures model in modelling the captured signals. The parameters of the Gaussian mixtures models are computed using expectation maximisation. The optimal number of Gaussian mixtures model components for each CS model is determined by considering the classification success rate as an index for the similarity measure between the distribution of the captured signals and the developed models. The optimal number of Gaussian mixtures model components corresponds to the highest classification success rate; hence, object elasticity variation would be accommodated by properly choosing the optimal number of Gaussian mixtures model components. The performance of the proposed distribution similarity measure–based Gaussian mixtures model CS modelling strategy is evaluated by a test stand composed of a KUKA lightweight robot doing peg-in-hole assembly processes for flexible rubber objects. Two rubber objects with different elasticity are considered for two experiments; in the first experiment, an elastic peg of 30 Shore A hardness is considered and that of the second experiment has hardness of 6 Shore A which is even softer than the one used in experiment 1. Employing the proposed distribution similarity measure–based Gaussian mixtures model CS modelling strategy excellent classification success rate was obtained for both experiments. However, more Gaussian mixtures model components are required for the softer one that gives a strong impression of the non-stationarity behaviour increment for softer materials. Comparison is performed with the available CS modelling schemes and the distribution similarity measure–based Gaussian mixtures model is shown to provide the best classification success rate performance with a reduced computational time.
A novel tool-path generation method for five-axis flank machining of centrifugal impeller with arbitrary surface blades
Authors: Fan Hong-Zhou , Wang Shang-Jin , Xi Guang , Cao Yan-Long
Published: September 2015

The centrifugal impeller with arbitrary surface blades is a very important component in automobile, ships, and aircraft industry, and it is one of the most difficult parts to process. Focusing on the machining efficiency improvement, combining the geometric advantages of ruled surface and arbitrary surface, and utilizing the efficient and accurate advantages of flank machining and point machining, this article presents a novel and targeted tool-path generation method and algorithm for five-axis flank machining of centrifugal impeller with arbitrary surface blades. In light of specific characters of different surfaces, the analyses of two different impeller blades are proposed first, the more characteristic and complex geometrical structures of the arbitrary blade are achieved. In rough machining, an approximate ruled surface blade is obtained, and a simple channel is achieved; the flank milling of the centrifugal impeller with ruled surface blades is achieved relative to the point milling of the centrifugal impeller with arbitrary surface blades; and the triangle tool path planning method is added in this process to save the machining time and cost collectively. Furthermore, in semi-finish machining, the approximate sub-ruled blade surfaces are calculated, and a new flank milling method of the sub-ruled blade surfaces is achieved; a new solution for tool interference is achieved in this process and the generation of non-interference tool paths becomes easy. Machining experiments of two different impellers are presented as a test of the proposed methods.
Effect of tool wear on chip formation during dry machining of Ti-6Al-4V alloy, part 2: Effect of tool failure modes
Authors: Sun Shoujin , Brandt Milan , Dargusch Matthew S
Published: September 2015

Variation in the geometric and surface features of segmented chips with an increase in the volume of material removed and tool wear has been investigated at cutting speeds of 150 and 220 m/min at which the cutting tools fail due to gradual flank wear and plastic deformation of the cutting edge, respectively. Among the investigated geometric variables of the segmented chips, slipping angle, undeformed surface length, segment spacing, degree of segmentation and chip width showed the different variation trends with an increase in the volume of material removed or flank wear width, and achieved different values when tool failed at different cutting speeds. However, the chip geometric ratio showed a similar variation trend with an increase in the volume of material removed and flank wear width, and achieved the similar value at the end of tool lives at cutting speeds of both 150 and 220 m/min regardless of the different tool failure modes. Plastic deformation of the tool cutting edge results in severe damage on the machined surface of the chip and significant compression deformation on the undeformed surface of the chip.