bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Central Nervous System Lipoproteins
Authors: Mahley Robert W.
Published: May 2016

ApoE on high-density lipoproteins is primarily responsible for lipid transport and cholesterol homeostasis in the central nervous system (CNS). Normally produced mostly by astrocytes, apoE is also produced under neuropathologic conditions by neurons. ApoE on high-density lipoproteins is critical in redistributing cholesterol and phospholipids for membrane repair and remodeling. The 3 main structural isoforms differ in their effectiveness. Unlike apoE2 and apoE3, apoE4 has markedly altered CNS metabolism, is associated with Alzheimer disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, and is expressed at lower levels in brain and cerebrospinal fluid. ApoE4-expressing cultured astrocytes and neurons have reduced cholesterol and phospholipid secretion, decreased lipid-binding capacity, and increased intracellular degradation. Two structural features are responsible for apoE4 dysfunction: domain interaction, in which arginine-61 interacts ionically with glutamic acid-255, and a less stable conformation than apoE3 and apoE2. Blocking domain interaction by gene targeting (replacing arginine-61 with threonine) or by small-molecule structure correctors increases CNS apoE4 levels and lipid-binding capacity and decreases intracellular degradation. Small molecules (drugs) that disrupt domain interaction, so-called structure correctors, could prevent the apoE4-associated neuropathology by blocking the formation of neurotoxic fragments. Understanding how to modulate CNS cholesterol transport and metabolism is providing important insights into CNS health and disease.
Associations of Trauma Exposure and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms With Venous Thromboembolism Over 22 Years in Women
Authors: Sumner Jennifer A. , Kubzansky Laura D. , Kabrhel Christopher , Roberts Andrea L. , Chen Qixuan , Winning Ashley , Gilsanz Paola , Rimm Eric B. , Glymour Maria M. , Koenen Karestan C.
Published: May 2016

Background

Trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (
PTSD
) have been linked to myocardial infarction and stroke in women, with biological and behavioral mechanisms implicated in underlying risk. The third most common cardiovascular illness, venous thromboembolism (
VTE
), is a specific health risk for women. Given previous associations with other cardiovascular diseases, we hypothesized that high levels of trauma and
PTSD
symptoms would be associated with higher risk of incident
VTE
in younger and middle‐aged women.

Methods and Results

We used proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (
HR
s) and 95%
CI
s for new‐onset
VTE
(960 events) over 22 years in 49 296 women in the Nurses’ Health Study
II
. Compared to no trauma exposure, both trauma exposure and
PTSD
symptoms were significantly associated with increased risk of developing
VTE
, adjusting for demographics, family history, and childhood adiposity. Women with the most
PTSD
symptoms exhibited the greatest risk elevation: trauma/6 to 7 symptoms:
HR
=2.42 (95%
CI
, 1.83–3.20); trauma/4 to 5 symptoms:
HR
=2.00 (95%
CI
, 1.55–2.59); trauma/1 to 3 symptoms:
HR
=1.44 (95%
CI
, 1.12–1.84); trauma/no symptoms:
HR
=1.72 (95%
CI
, 1.43–2.08). Results were similar, although attenuated, when adjusting for
VTE
‐relevant medications, medical conditions, and health behaviors.

Conclusions

Women with the highest
PTSD
symptom levels had nearly a 2‐fold increased risk of
VTE
compared to women without trauma exposure in fully adjusted models. Trauma exposure alone was also associated with elevated
VTE
risk. Trauma and
PTSD
symptoms may be associated with a hypercoagulable state. Treatment providers should be aware that women with trauma exposure and
PTSD
symptoms may be vulnerable to
VTE
.
Global Cities and Housing Dilemmas
Authors: Manshadi Elham Fallah , Manshadi Afrooz Fallah
Published: May 2016

Globalization is one of the outcomes of extended economic development in recent decades, which inevitably has direct and indirect effects on different aspects of human life. This paper explains the effect of globalization on housing dilemmas in global cities or cities that want to be global. For this phenomenon, the effect of immigration—resulting from globalization and space polarization, the economic influence of globalization on housing as a global good, the effect of globalization on cultural characteristics, and finally changes in urban space structures emerging from globalization—on site selection of residential land use will be analyzed.
Believing is Seeing: A Perspective on Perceiving Images of Objects on the Shroud of Turin
Authors: Sheen Mercedes , Jordan Timothy R.
Published: May 2016

For many years, the Shroud of Turin has been famous for images of a body and face which many believe were formed during The Resurrection. More recently, however, claims have been made that the Shroud also contains evidence of other objects, and these claims have been used to support the view that the Shroud is the burial cloth of Jesus. However, these claims are based on marks that are barely visible and the psychological processes known to be involved in perceiving objects under data-limited conditions have been largely ignored. Here, we consider these processes and assess the claims that objects can be seen on the Shroud. We conclude that the viewing conditions provided by images of the Shroud are likely to lead to the illusory perception of objects, and knowing the psychological processes underlying these perceptions is crucial for accurately determining the provenance of the Shroud and other material artefacts.
Which mitochondrial gene (if any) is best for insect phylogenetics?
Authors: McDonagh Laura M. , West Helen , Harrison James W. , Stevens Jamie R.
Published: May 2016

Despite the benefits of whole-genome analysis, in many instances — particularly in applied entomology — mitochondrial genes continue to offer a reliable, rapid and cheap alternative. To date, most studies using insect mitochondrial DNA have analysed single genes and none have rigorously attempted to assess which genes are best suited for studying particular insect orders; here, we address this issue and use the ability of individual genes to recover ordinal monophyly of various insect orders as a metric. Phylogenies were constructed for nine insect orders and three outgroups, using 12 protein-coding genes and two rRNA genes; 153 genomes were analysed and trees were constructed using PhyML. The importance of gene length and region within the mtDNA genome were explored using correlation and sliding window analyses. No single gene appeared to outperform all others. Accordingly, we recommend that mitochondrial-based reconstructions of insect relationships use a multi-gene approach, using as many genes and taxa as possible.
Speciation of the genus Dolichopoda in Anatolia with reference to the role of ancient central lake system
Authors: Taylan Mehmet Sait , Şirin Deniz
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to determine of the evolutionary relationships of the TurkishDolichopodaspecies, and to define and clarify the systematics of the group in Anatolia. For this purpose, we have examined some 27 populations of the genusDolichopodafrom Anatolia and adjacent regions (Caucasia and the Greek islands). A total of 532 bp of the mitochondrial 16S rDNA gene was sequenced in order to clarify the phylogenetic relationships of the genus. Five main clades can be distinguished and well-supported by phylogenetic analyses. In these clades, the results obtained from Samos Island and Anatolia are remarkable. In contrast to some previous studies, our results point to an Aegean origin of the AnatolianDolichopodaspecies. According to the mitochondrial 16S rDNA divergence data, the current distribution of the genetic diversity was affected by ancient central lake system, habitat types, Messinian period and Plio-Pleistocene characterized by alternating dry/cold and warm/humid stages.
Skepticism and Epistemic Closure: Two Bayesian Accounts
Authors: Moretti Luca , Shogenji Tomoji
Published: May 2016

This paper considers two novel Bayesian responses to a well-known skeptical paradox. The paradox consists of three intuitions: first, given appropriate sense experience, we have justification for accepting the relevant proposition about the external world; second, we have justification for expanding the body of accepted propositions through known entailment; third, we do not have justification for accepting that we are not disembodied souls in an immaterial world deceived by an evil demon. The first response we consider rejects the third intuition and proposes an explanation of why we have a faulty intuition. The second response, which we favor, accommodates all three intuitions; it reconciles the first and the third intuition by the dual component model of justification, and defends the second intuition by distinguishing two principles of epistemic closure.
Notes on the genus Homogryllacris Liu, 2007 (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae: Gryllacridinae) with description of two new species from China
Authors: DU BAOJIE , BIAN XUN , SHI FUMING
Published: May 2016

Two new species of the genus Homogryllacris Liu, 2007 are described and illustrated, i.e. Homogryllacris brevipenna sp. nov. (type locality: Yunnan), Homogryllacris curvicauda sp. nov. (type locality: Guangxi). A key to the species, additional bionomics and a distribution map for the genus Homogryllacris are provided. All material examined is deposited in the Museum of Hebei University.
The Measured Relationship between Ice Water Content and Cloud Radar Reflectivity in Tropical Convective Clouds
Authors: Protat A. , Delanoë J. , Strapp J. W. , Fontaine E. , Leroy D. , Schwarzenboeck A. , Lilie L. , Davison C. , Dezitter F. , Grandin A. , Weber M.
Published: May 2016

In this paper, unprecedented bulk measurements of ice water content (IWC) up to approximately 5 g m−3 and 95-GHz radar reflectivities Z95 are used to analyze the statistical relationship between these two quantities and its variability. The unique aspect of this study is that these IWC–Z95 relationships do not use assumptions on cloud microphysics or backscattering calculations. IWCs greater than 2 g m−3 are also included for the first time in such an analysis, owing to improved bulk IWC probe technology and a flight program targeting high ice water content. Using a single IW–Z95 relationship allows for the retrieval of IWC from radar reflectivities with less than 30% bias and 40%–70% rms difference. These errors can be reduced further, down to 10%–20% bias over the whole IWC range, using the temperature variability of this relationship. IWC errors largely increase for Z95 > 16 dBZ, as a result of the distortion of the IWC–Z95 relationship by non-Rayleigh scattering effects. A nonlinear relationship is proposed to reduce these errors down to 20% bias and 20%–35% rms differences. This nonlinear relationship also outperforms the temperature-dependent IWC–Z95 relationship for convective profiles. The joint frequency distribution of IWC and temperature within and around deep tropical convective cores shows that at the −50° ± 5°C level, the cruise altitude of many commercial jet aircraft, IWCs greater than 1.5 g m−3 were found exclusively in convective profiles.
Estimation of Weather Noise in Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Systems Using Initialized Simulations
Authors: Zhu Jieshun , Shukla Jagadish
Published: May 2016

This study presents a new method to estimate atmospheric weather noise from coupled models, which is based on initialized simulations with a CGCM. In this method, the weather noise is estimated by removing the signal part, as determined from the coupled ensemble mean simulations. The weather noise estimated from coupled models is compared with that estimated from uncoupled AGCM simulations. The model used in this study is CFSv2. The initialized simulations start from each April during 1982–2009 paired with four members and extend for 6 months. To make a clear comparison between weather noise in coupled and uncoupled simulations, a set of uncoupled AGCM (the atmospheric component of CFSv2) simulations are conducted, which are forced by the daily mean SSTs from the above initialized CGCM simulations. The comparison indicates that, over the Asia–Pacific monsoon region where the local air–sea coupling is important, the noise variances are generally reduced as a result of air–sea coupling, as are the total and signal variances. This result stands in contrast to the results of previous studies that suggested that the noise variance for coupled and uncoupled models is the same. It is shown that the previous conclusion is simply an artifact of the assumption applied in the AGCM-based approach (i.e., the signal is the same between coupled and uncoupled simulations). In addition, the variance difference also exhibits a clear seasonality, with a larger difference over the monsoon region appearing toward boreal summer. Another set of AGCM experiments forced by the same SST suggests that the CGCM-based method generally remains valid in estimating weather noise within 2 months of its initial start.
Impact of Environmental Aerosols on a Developing Extratropical Cyclone in the Superparameterized Community Atmosphere Model
Authors: Lu Yi , Deng Yi
Published: May 2016

The impacts of environmental aerosols on the growth of an extratropical cyclone in a realistic winter flow setting are investigated using the superparameterized Community Atmosphere Model (SP-CAM) where cloud-scale dynamics and thermodynamics are explicitly resolved. An examination of the results from 13 ensemble pairs suggests that the growth rate of the cyclone is temporarily reduced as a result of increased aerosol concentrations. A convection–advection–moisture self-adjustment (CAMS) mechanism of aerosol–cyclone interaction is proposed to explain this finding. Specifically, the weakened growth is unambiguously attributed to the weakening of the cold advection underneath the midtropospheric trough of the cyclone. The weakened cold advection is in turn driven by a decrease of the zonal temperature gradient that is tied to the reduced latent heating in the stratiform cloud region of the cyclone. Invigoration of convection ahead of the cold front by aerosols is found to be directly responsible for a suppressed moisture supply into the stratiform cloud region and thus the reduced latent heating there. The regional climate implications of these results are discussed. Also highlighted is the importance of incorporating aerosol microphysical effects on deep convection in any modeling effort that aims to understand aerosol–circulation interaction at the extratropics.
Value of the Jason-1 Geodetic Phase to Study Rapid Oceanic Changes and Importance for Defining a Jason-2 Geodetic Orbit
Authors: Dibarboure G. , Morrow R.
Published: May 2016

Because of the drifting nature of the ground track of Jason-1 during its geodetic mission (GM), there are 1200 overlap events where the Jason-1 GM and Jason-2 tracks align perfectly (less than their altimeter footprint radius) over thousands of kilometers. These overlap events sample homogeneously all longitudes and all time differences (dt) ranging from a few minutes to 10 days or more.

When dt is almost zero, the difference is characterized by altimeter noise and its modulation by waves. As dt increases, the rapid ocean variability is revealed. The first statistical analysis of the 1200 events yields variance maps, spectra, autocorrelation, and space–time scales that are consistent with past observations (e.g., the 3-day phase of ERS-1). This paper highlights the value of this Jason-1 GM overlap dataset for more sophisticated studies of the rapid ocean variability. There are two major limitations: 1) the noise level of Jason-class altimeters prevents analyzing scales smaller than 80 km and 2) short time differences also absorb a fraction of the derivative of slower signals.

These findings are important if a geodetic mission is considered for Jason-2 in the coming years (e.g., when the satellite starts to exhibit aging problems): a well-chosen geodetic orbit for Jason-2 has the potential to collect a better distribution of overlap events with Jason-3. To that extent, thousands of orbits were screened to find the options that would provide good geodetic and mesoscale sampling and also maximize the overlap sampling of a tentative Jason-2 GM phase.
Polarimetric Radar Observations of Precipitation Type and Rate from the 2–3 March 2014 Winter Storm in Oklahoma and Arkansas
Authors: Van Den Broeke Matthew S. , Tobin Dana M. , Kumjian Matthew R.
Published: May 2016

A powerful winter storm affected the south-central United States in early March 2014, accompanied by elevated convective cells with hail and high rates of sleet, freezing rain, and snow. During portions of the event the thermal profile exhibited a shallow surface cold layer and warm, unstable air aloft. Precipitation falling into the cold layer refroze into ice pellets and was accompanied by a polarimetric refreezing signature and numerous crowdsourced surface ice pellet reports. Quasi-vertical profiles of the polarimetric variables indicated an enhanced reflectivity factor ZHH below the melting layer bright band and enhanced low-level differential reflectivity ZDR values coincident with surface ice pellet reports. Freezing rain rate was highest in areas with high ZHH and specific differential phase KDP values at low levels. High snow rates were most closely associated with 1- and 1.5-km ZHH values, though KDP and ZDR also appeared to show some ability to distinguish high snow rate. Numerous elevated convective cells contained rotating updrafts that appeared to contribute to storm longevity and intensity. Most contained well-defined ZDR maxima or columns and relatively high base-scan ZDR values. Several contained polarimetric signatures consistent with heavy mixed-phase precipitation and hail; social media reports indicated that large hail was produced by some of the storms.
World Cup 2022 and Qatar’s construction projects: Relational power in networks and relational responsibilities to migrant workers
Authors: Millward Peter
Published: May 2016

This article explores the relational power and responsibilities to migrant workers on physical infrastructure projects in Qatar connected to the sovereign state hosting the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup 2022. Currently, these construction workers operate under the Kafala system, which is upheld in Qatar. However, large numbers of Qatar’s visiting migrant construction workers were recorded as injured or killed through incidents that were related to their work. Further still, many other migrant workers reported poor, unsanitary living conditions and being ‘trapped’ by their Kafil with passports withheld or wages not forthcoming, prompting criticism from international non-governmental organizations. This article adopts a relational sociological approach to discuss how ‘responsibilities’ for deaths, injuries and illnesses are passed between key actors that include the State of Qatar, FIFA, World Cup sponsors, building contractors and sub-contractors, and the recruitment agencies that find workers in other countries to work on the construction sites. As such, it makes three scholarly contributions: it leads in unpacking and discussing the treatment of migrant construction workers in World Cup 2022 infrastructure projects in Qatar; it follows work by Timms in adding to the literature on the passing of responsibilities for migrant workers between states and corporations in globalized societies; and it uses the case to further critically unpack Castells’ notions of relational power in networks.
Expatriation and career success: A human capital perspective
Authors: Ramaswami Aarti , Carter Nancy M , Dreher George F
Published: May 2016

Very little is known about the linkages between expatriation and objective measures of career success. In this field study we address the expatriation–compensation attainment relationship, after controlling for different kinds of international experience, among 440 graduates of elite MBA programs from around the world. The results suggest that a positive compensation return only accrues to repatriates who have experienced more than one expatriate assignment, perceived acquired knowledge and skills to be utilized during post-repatriation periods, and who are working at higher organizational levels. These findings, along with a supplementary analysis, support an explanation of the results based on human capital theory. That is, expatriation relates to compensation attainment because it is an intense developmental experience, and not merely a selection or signaling mechanism. Furthermore, by incorporating the concepts of value of human capital, richness of human capital, and opportunity to display human capital, we provide a stronger test of when and for whom completing expatriate assignments is positively associated with compensation. The results also suggest that there are currently few readily available substitutes for expatriation.
Microfinance and the business of poverty reduction: Critical perspectives from rural Bangladesh
Authors: Banerjee Subhabrata Bobby , Jackson Laurel
Published: May 2016

In this article we provide a critical analysis of the role of market-based approaches to poverty reduction in developing countries. In particular, we analyse the role of microfinance in poverty alleviation by conducting an ethnographic study of three villages in Bangladesh. Microfinance has become an increasingly popular approach that aims to alleviate poverty by providing the poor new opportunities for entrepreneurship. It also aims to promote empowerment (especially among women) while enhancing social capital in poor communities. Our findings, however, reflect a different picture. We found microfinance led to increasing levels of indebtedness among already impoverished communities and exacerbated economic, social and environmental vulnerabilities. Our findings contribute to the emerging literature on the role of social capital in developing entrepreneurial capabilities in poor communities by highlighting processes whereby social capital can be undermined by market-based measures like microfinance.
The impact of stereotypes and supervisor perceptions of employee work–family conflict on job performance ratings
Authors: Li Andrew , Bagger Jessica , Cropanzano Russell
Published: May 2016

We draw on gender role theory to examine the relationships among employee-rated work–family conflict, supervisor perceptions of employee work–family conflict, employee gender and supervisor-rated job performance. We found that the relationship between employee-rated work–family conflict and supervisor perceptions of employee conflict varied based on both employee gender and the direction of conflict under consideration. Specifically, the relationship between the two rating sources (employee and supervisor) was stronger for male employees when conflict was considered. However, the relationship between the two rating sources was stronger for female employees when family-to-work conflict was considered. Supervisor perceptions of employee work–family conflict were negatively related to employee job performance ratings. More generally, we found support for a moderated mediation model such that the relationship between employee-rated work–family conflict and job performance was mediated by supervisor perceptions of employee work–family conflict, and the effect was moderated by employee gender. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Peace as opportunity for social justice: Establishment of new social change organizations in Israel in the wake of the Oslo Peace Accords
Authors: Kaufman Roni
Published: May 2016

The social work profession is committed to the promotion of peace and social justice. It is often assumed that peacetime enables diverting resources and attention to the promotion of disadvantaged groups. However, little is known about the mechanisms. This study of the Israeli experience following the Oslo Peace Accords suggests that one potential mechanism is the development of social change organizations (SCOs) in the wake of peace. Findings indicate growth in SCO establishment in the periphery and small towns, in vulnerable groups, and in the Israeli Palestinian (Arab) citizen minority group. Implications for social work are suggested.
Cut From the Same Cloth
Authors: Mann Heather , Garcia-Rada Ximena , Hornuf Lars , Tafurt Juan , Ariely Dan
Published: May 2016

Norms for dishonest behaviors vary across societies, but whether this variation is related to differences in individuals’ core tendencies toward dishonesty is unknown. We compare individual dishonesty on a novel task across 10 participant samples from five countries varying in corruption and cultural values. In each country, a die-rolling task was administered to students at major public universities and the general public in coffee shops. A separate group of participants in each country predicted that dishonesty would vary across countries and demonstrated a home country dishonesty bias. In contrast to predictions from independent samples, observed dishonesty was limited in magnitude and similar across countries. We found no meaningful relationships between dishonesty on our task and macro-level indicators, including corruption ratings and cultural values. These findings suggest that individuals around the world are similarly dishonest at their core.
A Meta-Analytic Review of the Legitimization of Paltry Favors Compliance Strategy
Authors: Lee Seyoung , Moon Shin-Il , Feeley Thomas Hugh
Published: May 2016

The legitimization of paltry favors compliance-gaining technique involves a phrase that validates a very small amount of requested aid. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to examine the effectiveness of the legitimization of paltry favors technique on the compliance rate, mean contribution amount per contributor, and total contribution amount. Results indicated that the legitimization of paltry favors technique significantly increased the compliance rate relative to a direct request control without markedly diminishing the mean contribution amount per contributor. In terms of total contribution amount, the legitimization of paltry favors technique was more successful than controls. Moderator analyses showed none of 14 identified moderators explained the relationship between technique use and compliance rate. Three variables (target request, time interval, and country), however, moderated the relationship between technique use and the mean contribution per contributor. Theoretical and practical implications for legitimization of paltry favors-based research are discussed.
Type D Personality Associated With Health and Mental Health Problems
Authors: Gawda Barbara
Published: May 2016

Lussier and Loas examined relationship between anhedonia, depression, and type D personality. The aim of this commentary is to extend the discussion to four aspects not considered in the original article: association of type D personality with problems other than those of cardiovascular health, inconsistent findings in these associations, data on association between type D personality and mental problems, and an attempt to interpret their main findings. The proposed interpretation refers to trait anxiety as is partially incorporated into the type D personality.
A Comparison of Economic Impact Measurement Techniques for a Tourism Special Event
Authors: Warnick Rodney B. , Bojanic David C. , Cartier Elizabeth
Published: May 2016

The study’s purpose was to examine and update the research methods and measurement issues associated with assessing the economic impact (EI) of an extended duration, regional tourism event. Specifically examined were the issues with the implementation of EI studies in regard to further testing and re-verifying the methods used in (1) measuring a representative sample from an information-seeking/sharing web site and social media registration and engagement lists; (2) comparing locals and nonlocals within a region using different definition techniques; (3) examining the impact of VFRs within the local markets; and (4) comparing the estimation of purchasing within versus outside an impact area. Recommendations for further analysis and implementation for EI studies and the management of tourism special events are presented.
Fine-grained pyrite in some Chinese coals
Authors: Wang Wenfeng , Sang Shuxun , Bian Zhengfu , Duan Piaopiao , Qian Fuchang , Lei Shaogang , Qin Yong
Published: May 2016

Fine-grained pyrite in some Chinese coals has been investigated, with analysis by optical microscopy and a scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer illustrating that the interaction between mineral and organic matters results in the irregular pyrite crystal present in coal. When considering the co-existing carbon, the density of fine-grained pyrite in coal is lower than that of mineral pyrite. Organic sulfur and pyritic sulfur in coal can be converted into each other under the favorable conditions. However, the fine-grained pyrite crystal pattern is still detected when the S/Fe ratio increases to 2:1, meaning that the fine-grained pyrite shifts from dissemination to crystallization. Fine-grained pyrite in coal has a strong activity and its surface is susceptible to be oxidized. Oxidized fine-grained pyrite usually forms sulfate (mainly gypsum), and sometimes may be converted to marcasite. Fine-grained pyrite in coal, when their granularity is small enough, may be chemically associated with organic components by non-pyritic Fe–S bond rather than physically embedded in coal matrix. So, it is not suitable to express the mineral using the FeS2 formula.
Review of the Series: In Humility and Hope
Authors: Matthey Jacques
Published: May 2016

In summary, the books and papers develop and interpret the content and meaning of the Edinburgh 2010 statement and show its significance for contemporary and future theory and practice of mission. They also prove that the Edinburgh event and statement reflect a reality as fruit of processes of dialogue and common search for authentic Christian witness among the various sectors of contemporary Christianity. The series testifies to the provisional station we have reached on the pilgrimage towards the final breaking in of God’s kingdom.
Using space syntax and Q-analysis for investigating movement patterns in buildings: The case of shopping malls
Authors: Omer Itzhak , Goldblatt Ran
Published: May 2016

In this study, we present the potential of the conjunction between space syntax and Q-analysis methodologies for investigating patterns of movement flows in buildings. This potential is illustrated by an implementation of the two methodologies by comparing between two shopping malls in Israel, which are characterized by distinct spatial configurations. Q-analysis was used to identify the spread of individuals’ movement paths and their conjunction into movement areas, while space syntax enabled to examine how these aspects of movement flow are affected by the malls’ spatial configuration. The results indicate that high spatial integration and intelligibility levels not only promote intensive movement in accessible and central areas (as found in previous studies) but also the spread of movement paths and their formation to integrated circulation systems. The combined implementation of space syntax and Q-analysis improves our understanding about the role of building’ spatial configuration in shaping movement flows. We discuss the potential of this implementation for monitoring and improving movement flow and usability of spaces in buildings.
Natural structures - the research of Frei Otto in natural sciences
Authors: Burkhardt Berthold
Published: May 2016

Frei Otto (1925 – 2014) is one of the most decorated architects in the 2nd half of the 20th century in the world. He built lightweight structures as the German Pavilion in Montreal 1967, the roofs for the Olympic games in Munich 1972 and numerous tents and shell structures. In his pioneering research he described the growth and form of natural structures in living and non living nature. This contribution highlights Frei Otto’s approach and works.
Physical analog models in architectural design
Authors: Gaß Siegfried
Published: May 2016

The contribution presents design approaches based on analog models and experiments in architecture and science and on the works of Frei Otto and his teams, in particular. Starting with the classification of self-forming processes, three thesis are described to show the influence of the physical experiment on the quality of the design. The first thesis - the design tools define the architecture - opposes T-square and compass versus self-forming physical experiments, tracing back the invention of the grid shell to the search for a tool to define the proper shape of compression stressed shell structures. The second - in working with self-forming processes, the will to design a particular shape is linked to the understanding of the influence of boundary conditions - emphasizes that the use of self-forming processes never holds you from making design decisions. The third - in shapes, defined by self-forming processes, the balance of power according to the principle of minimal energy expenditure results in a harmony of form - reflects on the esthetical quality of shapes, deriving from self-forming processes. The verification is given by an example of evidence: describing the design process for a tent according to the form of a minimal surface the interplay between willful decisions and inherent laws within the shape are show. The choice of suitable boundary conditions results in a shape which does equal justice to the original design ideas and the structural specifications. Finally its shown that the role of physical design models in times of computer-based virtual 3D models appear as three dimensional sketches.
Modelling load and vibrations due to iced turbine operation
Authors: Rissanen Simo , Lehtomäki Ville , Wennerkoski Jani , Wadham-Gagnon Matthew , Sandel Klaus
Published: May 2016

Wind energy in icing and low-temperature climate has a huge growth potential, but rotor icing effects on turbine dynamics and lifetime are not well known and simulations with iced rotor are not required in current IEC 61400-1 turbine design standard. In this article, simulations with iced rotor are compared to measured mechanical loads. The dynamic behaviour of the wind turbine was simulated with FLEX5 aeroelastic code for Senvion MM92 2 MW wind turbine. Simulations with typical iced airfoil lift and drag coefficients, aerodynamic and mass imbalances for iced rotor were performed and compared to measured iced turbine loads. Resulting iced turbine simulation parameters can be used in defining new design load cases for cold climate turbines. The most representative simulation parameter combination was achieved with a symmetric aerodynamic penalty applied on all blades and an asymmetric rotor mass imbalance of 166 kg ice load on two blades and 83 kg ice load on one blade.
Format appears to matter less than story salience
Authors: Guerrazzi Diane , Grant August E. , Wilkinson Jeffrey S.
Published: May 2016

Researchers suggest another factor other than format may be at work in determining the amount of time readers spend with an online news story, and that is the story’s relevance. They suggest journalists choose the format based upon the best way for telling a particular story.
Health Behavior Combinations and Their Association With Inflammation
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D.
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

Studies have examined the independent and additive effects of health behaviors (e.g., physical activity, diet, sleep, and smoking) on systemic inflammation, but we know little about whether different pairs of these behaviors differentially influence inflammation, which was the purpose of this study.

Design:

Cross-sectional.

Setting:

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2006.

Subjects:

A total of 2051 adults (≥20 years).

Measures:

A questionnaire/interview was used to assess sleep and dietary behavior; physical activity was assessed via accelerometry; smoking was assessed via cotinine levels; and a blood sample was taken to assess systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein; [CRP]).

Analysis:

Multivariable linear regression analysis.

Results:

Six health behavior pairs were evaluated: (1) active and healthy diet, (2) active and adequate sleep, (3) active and nonsmoker, (4) healthy diet and adequate sleep, (5) healthy diet and nonsmoker, and (6) adequate sleep and nonsmoker. After adjusting for age, gender, race-ethnicity, poverty level, and chronic disease, only active and nonsmoker (β = −.15) and healthy diet and adequate sleep (β = −.16) were associated with CRP.

Conclusion:

Regular physical activity and smoking avoidance and healthy eating and adequate sleep were the two health behavior pairs associated with less inflammation. This suggests that certain health behaviors may act synergistically on reducing systemic inflammation, whereas other health behavior combinations may not. Such knowledge may help to develop and implement tailored health behavior interventions.
Baseline Predictors of Singular Action Among Participants With Multiple Health Behavior Risks
Authors: Yusufov Miryam , Prochaska James O. , Paiva Andrea L. , Rossi Joseph S. , Blissmer Bryan , Redding Colleen A. , Velicer Wayne F.
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

Previous studies found that treatment effects can change two behaviors, but not one. This study examined baseline transtheoretical model constructs as three alternative predictors (stage of change, effort, and severity) of singular action among participants with co-occurring health behavior risks.

Design:

The study examined participants at risk for three pairs of behaviors (sun and smoking; smoking and diet; and diet and sun). Analyses were conducted with participants who changed only one behavior in a pair (singular action).

Setting:

School and home-based behavior change programs recruited participants via schools, worksites, and physician practices. School, worksite, medical, and home-based prevention programs were the study setting.

Subjects:

The sample (N = 3213) was age 44.6 years (SD, 11.1 years), 94.6% white, and 63.7% female.

Measures:

Stages of change, effort, and severity variables were measured.

Analysis:

Pooled data were analyzed using logistic regressions from three randomized controlled trials.

Results:

Across all three behaviors, stage of change, effort, and severity effects were consistently related to behavior change at 24 months. Change efforts on one behavior were related to change on another behavior. Baseline sun severity (odds ratio, .97 [.94, 1.00]; p = .046) and smoking severity (odds ratio, .89 [.80, .98]; p = .019) were significant predictors of change on diet at final follow-up.

Conclusion:

Stage of change was the biggest predictor. Problem severity was the smallest predictor of change at 2-year follow-up. Four of six predictors were within behaviors, whereas two were between.
The Experience With Smoke-Free Policies in Affordable Multiunit Housing in North Carolina
Authors: Stein Anna H. , Baker Laura E. , Agans Robert P. , Xue Wei , Collins Nina M. , Suttie Janet L.
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

Previous surveys of housing operators have identified concerns about enforcement, legal issues, and loss of market share as the main barriers to implementing smoke-free policies in multiunit housing. The purpose of this study was to examine enforcement practices as well as economic and legal outcomes in smoke-free affordable multiunit housing.

Design:

Cross-sectional.

Setting:

Affordable multiunit housing in North Carolina.

Subjects:

Affordable multiunit housing properties (n = 1063, 57% response rate).

Measures:

Property representatives completed a written survey with questions regarding the existence of smoke-free policies, smoke-free policy implementation and enforcement practices, and smoking-related costs.

Analysis:

Descriptive statistics, χ2 goodness-of-fit test, and t-test.

Results:

A total of 16.5% of properties had policies that prohibited smoking in all residential units. Half (49.8%) of smoke-free properties reported no violations to their policies in the past 12 months. Legal actions to enforce policies were rarely needed and were successful when they did occur. Compared to smoking-allowed properties, smoke-free properties did not experience a loss of market share in terms of occupancy rate ( t = .09; p = .93) or residents moving away (χ2 =. 5; p = .48).

Conclusion:

Housing operators’ concerns about enforcement, legal issues, and loss of market share associated with smoke-free policies are largely unfounded among affordable housing properties in North Carolina. Public health professionals should use messaging strategies that refute these concerns to encourage more properties to adopt smoke-free policies.
Globalisation and Third Way Theories: The Beleaguered Family and the Marginalisation of Women
Authors: Abraham Taisha
Published: May 2016

The neoliberal logic of globalisation that shapes today’s world imposes certain roles on the family and the community as important social units for the regeneration of civil society, best done through the reform discourse of Third Way theories. Third Way thinking resurfaced in the vacuum created by the collapse of the Soviet bloc, the retreat of socialism and the inadequacy of unfettered neoliberalism as an effective alternative.

The Third Way move to create a public space through the family and the community, separate from state structures and marketplace compulsions, to foster ‘dialogic democracy’ and civil morality poses several problems for women. The first relates to the renewal of family and community, both ‘essentially contested concepts’, without addressing the inequities embedded in these units. The second concerns the onus of renewing and regulating democracy by shifting from the state to civil society, whereby individuals gain agency and class/caste/gender/race and other structural differences are erased. Globalisation intersects in ambivalent ways with already existing caste/class/gender/race relations, rendering complex the notion of using these social units as tools for civil regeneration.

Third Way theories do not necessarily re-invent the family and the community as social units; they merely re-orient them to the demands of neoliberalism. These theories must locate the family and the community within the global context of the restructuring of capital itself and perceive capitalism as setting limits on the extent to which both these units can be reformed or regulated.
Book Review: Sudhir Mahadevan, A Very Old Machine: The Many Origins of the Cinema in India
Authors: Larkin Brian
Published: May 2016

Sudhir Mahadevan, A Very Old Machine: The Many Origins of the Cinema in India. Albany: SUNY Press, 2015, 256 pp., US$ 85, ISBN: 978-1-4384-5829-8
Qualitative Interviews With Science Communication Trainers About Communication Objectives and Goals
Authors: Besley John C. , Dudo Anthony D. , Yuan Shupei , Abi Ghannam Niveen
Published: May 2016

Qualitative interviews with science communication trainers ( n = 24) on the role of objectives and goals in training efforts suggest that trainers believe that scientists come to training with a range of long-term goals in mind. However, trainers appear to focus on teaching communication skills and are relatively unlikely to focus on identifying specific communication objectives as a means of achieving scientists’ goals. The communication objective that trainers consistently report emphasizing is knowledge building. Other potential objectives such as fostering excitement, building trust, and reframing issues were rarely raised. Research aimed at helping trainers foster strategic communication capacity is proposed.
Exploring Perceptions of Credible Science Among Policy Stakeholder Groups
Authors: Berdahl Loleen , Bourassa Maureen , Bell Scott , Fried Jana
Published: May 2016

How do different stakeholder groups define credible science? Using original qualitative focus group data, this exploratory study suggests that while nuclear energy stakeholder groups consider the same factors when assessing credibility (specifically, knowledge source, research funding, research methods, publication, and replication), groups differ in their assessments of what constitutes expertise, what demonstrates (or reduces) trustworthiness, and the relative prioritization of expertise versus trustworthiness. Overall, these results suggest it is important for science communication to consider audience-specific credibility, and raise questions about the potential impact of both funding sources and predatory journals on the perceived credibility of scientists.
Portrayals of Mental Illnesses in Women’s and Men’s Magazines in the United States
Authors: Yang Yiyi , Tang Lu , Bie Bijie
Published: May 2016

Mental illness is a serious health risk in the United States. People suffering from mental illnesses are often subjective to gender-specific stigma and stereotypes. Based on theories of agenda setting, framing, and stigma communication, this study compares the portrayal of mental illnesses in women’s and men’s lifestyle and health magazines between 2009 and 2013 through a content analysis. It finds that women’s magazines tend to present a more positive coverage of mental illnesses by citing patients, adopting human interest discourse, and using challenge cues such as hope than men’s magazines. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Static characteristics of six pads multilayer protuberant foil thrust bearings
Authors: Zheng Yueqing , Lai Tianwei , Chen Shuangtao , Chen Liang , Liu Liqiang , Hou Yu
Published: May 2016

The multilayer protuberant foil bearing, as a new type of compliant surface foil bearing, shows a great and wide application promise. Six pads multilayer protuberant foil thrust bearings with different configurations were designed and fabricated in this study. The static characteristics of these bearings and the effects of their key configuration parameters including the thickness of top foil, the thickness of protuberant foil, and the layers of protuberant foil are investigated. The experimental results reveal that the bearings show nonconstant structural stiffness, and the stiffness mainly depends on both the load force and the configuration of the bearings. In the airborne regime, the torque of the bearing is mainly dependent on the load force rather than the rotational speed, which can be interpreted by the proportional relationship between the bearing clearance and the rotational speed. Furthermore, the experimental results also show that the maximum load capacities of the bearing are also greatly affected by the bearing configuration. With more layers of the protuberant foils and thinner top foil, the bearing shows larger maximum load capacity. The work provides some insights about the relationships between the characteristics and the configuration of the bearings.