bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbubble-Mediated Ultrasound Outweighs Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Osteogenesis and Neovascularization in a Rabbit Model of Steroid-Associated Osteonecrosis
Authors: Xu Dan-Feng , Qu Guo-Xin , Yan Shi-Gui , Cai Xun-Zi
Published: September 2018

Microbubbles magnify the acoustic pressure of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) and may enhance its bioeffect for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This study compared the effect of this novel microbubble-mediated ultrasound (MUS) with that of the traditional LIPUS on osteogenesis and neovascularization in a rabbit model of steroid-associated osteonecrosis. We hypothesized that MUS might outweigh LIPUS on promoting osteogenesis and neovascularization in steroid-associated osteonecrosis. The bilateral femoral head necrosis was induced by lipopolysaccharide and methylprednisolone in the rabbits. The indices of bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular number, maximal loading strength, and mineral apposition rate were analyzed, demonstrating that the animal model of steroid-associated osteonecrosis was successfully established. Both the MUS group (GM) and the LIPUS group (GL) were insonated 20 min daily for six weeks. GM received an extra intracapsular injection of microbubbles before insonation every other day. Fluorescence bone labeling, Micro-CT Analysis, biomechanical test, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, and histological evaluation were performed for comparing GM with GL. The results demonstrated a 39% higher mineral apposition rate in GM compared with GL. The BMD and the maximal loading strength of femoral head of GM increased by 4.3% and 27.8% compared to those of GL, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression of BMP-2 and VEGF were also significantly higher in GM. The number of blood vessels of GM was 65% greater than that of GL. MUS is more potent than LIPUS in enhancing osteogenesis, neovascularization, and biomechanical strength of femoral head in the animal model of steroid-associated osteonecrosis. Without increasing the intensity of insonation or the risk of tissue damage, MUS is better for inhibiting the process of steroid-associated osteonecrosis.
Function-Aware Anomaly Detection Based on Wavelet Neural Network for Industrial Control Communication
Authors: Wan Ming , Song Yan , Jing Yuan , Wang Junlu
Published: September 2018

Function control, which is an essential link in industrial automation, is undergoing a growing integration with ICTs (Information Communication Technologies) because of the flexible manufacturing and convenient interoperability in CPSs (Cyber-Physical Systems). However, it has also brought the increasing dangers of cyberattacks caused by malicious or intentional industrial process control exploitations. In order to effectively detect these cyber intrusions and anomalies, this paper proposes a function-aware anomaly detection approach based on WNN (Wavelet Neural Network), which perceives the abnormal function control changes in industrial control communication. By appropriately extracting the time-related function control characteristics from industrial communication packets, this approach builds an optimized wavelet neural network to model the normal function control behaviors and calculates the detection threshold to differentiate the aberrant industrial process control activities. Additionally, a real-world control system, whose communication protocol is Modbus/TCP, is simulated to furnish the analyzed function control data. According to the experimental results, we fully demonstrate this approach has the fine detection accuracy and adequate real-time capability.
A New Approach to Studying Net Present Value and the Internal Rate of Return of Engineering Projects under Uncertainty with Three‐Dimensional Graphs
Authors: Maravas Alexander , Pantouvakis John-Paris
Published: September 2018

Cost‐benefit analysis (CBA) is very useful when appraising engineering projects and examining their long‐term financial and social sustainability. However, the inherent uncertainty in the estimation of completion time, final costs, and the realization of benefits often act as an impediment to its application. Since the emergence of fuzzy set theory, there have been significant developments in uncertainty modelling in project evaluation and investment analysis, primarily in the area of formulating a fuzzy version of CBA. In this context, in studying the key indicators of CBA, whereas fuzzy net present value (fNPV) has been investigated quite extensively, there are significant issues in the calculation of fuzzy internal rate of return (fIRR) that have not been addressed. Hence, this paper presents a new conceptual model for studying and calculating fNPV and fIRR. Three‐dimensional fNPV and fIRR graphs are introduced as a means of visualizing uncertainty. A new approach is presented for the precise calculation of fIRR. To facilitate practical application, a computerization process is also presented. Additionally, the proposed methodology is exemplified in a sample motorway project whereby its advantages over traditional stochastic uncertainty modelling techniques such as Monte Carlo analysis are discussed. Overall, it is concluded that the new approach is very promising for modelling uncertainty during project evaluation for both project managers and project stakeholders.
Thermal Life of Carbon Structures: From the Earth to after the Titan
Authors: Anvari A.
Published: September 2018

With the increasing of consumption of sources and the population of mankind on Earth, scientists are looking for an alternative planet in the solar system that can establish the second home for mankind. Previously, Mars has been the center of attention by scientists due to the closer distance to Earth and being similar to that in many aspects. Recently, scientists discovered that there may be a better alternative. Titan, despite its great distance from the Earth, seems like a better planet for the mankind colonization due to its atmosphere that create a shield against the radiation in comparison to Mars’ atmosphere that is thin and is not capable to create an adequate shield against radiation. In the previous work, the thermal life of carbon structures on Mars was approximately estimated. The aim of this research is to provide a method to estimate the thermal life of carbon structures on Titan. Carbon structures are currently used in space structures due to their lightweight and strength.
Towards a Model of User Experience in Immersive Virtual Environments
Authors: Tcha-Tokey Katy , Christmann Olivier , Loup-Escande Emilie , Loup Guillaume , Richir Simon
Published: September 2018

There are increasing new advances in virtual reality technologies as well as a rise in learning virtual environments for which several studies highlighted the pedagogical value, knowledge transfer, and learners’ engaged-behaviors. Moreover, the notion of user experience is now abundant in the scientific literature without the fact that there are specific models for immersive environments. This paper aims at proposing and validating a model of User eXperience in Immersive Virtual Environment, including virtual learning environments. The model is composed of 10 components extracted from existing models (i.e., presence, engagement, immersion, flow, usability, skill, emotion, experience consequence, judgement, and technology adoption). It was validated in a user study involving 152 participants who were asked to use the edutainment application Think and Shoot and to complete an immersive virtual environment questionnaire. The findings lead us to a modified user experience model questioning new paths between user experience components (e.g., the influence of experience consequence on flow).
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Infection Control Measures in Stomatology Students in Lima, Peru
Authors: Silva Oscar , Palomino Silvia , Robles Ada , Ríos Jorge , Mayta-Tovalino Frank
Published: September 2018

Introduction. The level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices with respect to infection control measures in undergraduate stomatology students is not well understood; that is why these variables were evaluated in the students of the Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista between September and November of 2017.Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 347 students from the Ica, Lima Norte, and Chorrillos campuses were evaluated. The sample was calculated using the statistical formula of comparison of means. The questionnaire of the CDC (Center of Contagious Diseases) was used to measure the variables described.Results. It was observed that 72.05% of the students preferred to use oral rinsing before starting a treatment, 72.62% used the autoclave as the primary equipment to sterilize their instruments in the dental clinic, 95.10% considered that isolation is important in the control of the infection, 46.40% affirmed that tuberculosis is the most infectious disease, and only 26.51% considered it to be hepatitis B. On the other hand, it was found that the scores of knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 2.74 ± 2.16, 3.59 ± 0.88, and 3.59 ± 1.73, respectively.Conclusions. The level of knowledge was low among the students evaluated; however, as far as the level of practices and attitudes was high, even so, this topic must be reinforced so that stomatology students reflect on the importance of the risks that exist to get infected with any disease inside the dental office, as outside of it.
Modeling and Optimization for Collaborative Business Process Towards IoT Applications
Authors: Cheng Yongyang , Zhao Shuai , Cheng Bo , Hou Shoulu , Shi Yulong , Chen Junliang
Published: September 2018

The rapid development of Internet of Things (IoT) attracts growing attention from both industry and academia. IoT seamlessly connects the real world and cyberspace via various business process applications hosted on the IoT devices, especially on smart sensors. Due to the discrete distribution and complex sensing environment, multiple coordination patterns exist in the heterogeneous sensor networks, making modeling and analysis particularly difficult. In addition, massive sensing events need to be routed, forwarded and processed in the distributed execution environment. Therefore, the corresponding sensing event scheduling algorithm is highly desired. In this paper, we propose a novel modeling methodology and optimization algorithm for collaborative business process towards IoT applications. We initially extend the traditional Petri nets with sensing event factor. Then, the formal modeling specification is investigated and the existing coordination patterns, including event unicasting pattern, event broadcasting pattern, and service collaboration pattern, are defined. Next, we propose an optimization algorithm based on Dynamic Priority First Response (DPFR) to solve the problem of sensing event scheduling. Finally, the approach presented in this paper has been validated to be valid and implemented through an actual development system.
Inflammatory-Driven Angiogenesis in Bone Augmentation with Bovine Hydroxyapatite, B-Tricalcium Phosphate, and Bioglasses: A Comparative Study
Authors: Anghelescu Vlad M. , Neculae Ioana , Dincă Octavian , Vlădan Cristian , Socoliuc Claudiu , Cioplea Mirela , Nichita Luciana , Popp Cristiana , Zurac Sabina , Bucur Alexandru
Published: September 2018

Introduction. The clinical use of bioactive materials for bone augmentation has remained a challenge because of predictability and effectiveness concerns, as well as increased costs. The purpose of this study was to analyse the ability to integrate bone substitutes by evaluating the immunohistochemical expression of the platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecules, vascular endothelial growth factor, collagen IV, laminin, and osteonectin, in the vicinity of bone grafts, enabling tissue revascularization and appearance of bone lamellae. There is a lack of in vivo studies of inflammatory-driven angiogenesis in bone engineering using various grafts. Methods. The study was performed in animal experimental model on the standardized monocortical defects in the tibia of 20 New Zealand rabbits. The defects were augmented with three types of bone substituents. The used bone substituents were beta-tricalcium phosphate, bovine hydroxyapatite, and bioactive glasses. After a period of 6 months, bone fragments were harvested for histopathologic examination. Endothelial cell analysis was done by analysing vascularization with PECAM/CD31 and VEGF and fibrosis with collagen IV, laminin, and osteonectin stains. Statistical analysis was realized by descriptive analysis which was completed with the kurtosis and skewness as well as the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney statistical tests. Results. The discoveries show that the amount of bone that is formed around beta-tricalcium phosphate and bovine hydroxyapatite is clearly superior to the bioactive glasses. Both the lumen diameter and the number of vessels were slightly increased in favor of beta-tricalcium phosphate. Conclusion. We can conclude that bone substitutes as bovine bone and beta-tricalcium phosphate have significant increased angiogenesis (and subsequent improved osteogenesis) compared to the bioactive glass. In our study, significant angiogenesis is linked with a greater tissue formation, indicating that in bone engineering with the allografts we used, inflammation has more benefic effects, the catabolic action being exceeded by the tissue formation.
Stromal Fibroblasts Mediate Anti–PD-1 Resistance via MMP-9 and Dictate TGFβ Inhibitor Sequencing in Melanoma
Authors: Zhao Fei , Evans Kathy , Xiao Christine , DeVito Nicholas , Theivanthiran Balamayooran , Holtzhausen Alisha , Siska Peter J. , Blobe Gerard C. , Hanks Brent A.
Published: September 2018

Although anti–PD-1 therapy has improved clinical outcomes for select patients with advanced cancer, many patients exhibit either primary or adaptive resistance to checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. The role of the tumor stroma in the development of these mechanisms of resistance to checkpoint inhibitors remains unclear. We demonstrated that pharmacologic inhibition of the TGFβ signaling pathway synergistically enhanced the efficacy of anti–CTLA-4 immunotherapy but failed to augment anti–PD-1/PD-L1 responses in an autochthonous model of BRAFV600E melanoma. Additional mechanistic studies revealed that TGFβ pathway inhibition promoted the proliferative expansion of stromal fibroblasts, thereby facilitating MMP-9–dependent cleavage of PD-L1 surface expression, leading to anti–PD-1 resistance in this model. Further work demonstrated that melanomas escaping anti–PD-1 therapy exhibited a mesenchymal phenotype associated with enhanced TGFβ signaling activity. Delayed TGFβ inhibitor therapy, following anti–PD-1 escape, better served to control further disease progression and was superior to a continuous combination of anti–PD-1 and TGFβ inhibition. This work illustrates that formulating immunotherapy combination regimens to enhance the efficacy of checkpoint blockade requires an in-depth understanding of the impact of these agents on the tumor microenvironment. These data indicated that stromal fibroblast MMP-9 may desensitize tumors to anti–PD-1 and suggests that TGFβ inhibition may generate greater immunologic efficacy when administered following the development of acquired anti–PD-1 resistance.

See related Spotlight on p. 1444
India’s Anti-corruption Authorities: Lokpal and Lokayukta
Authors: Jha Rajani Ranjan
Published: September 2018

Increasing corruption in public life in India has been a matter of growing concern since the early 1960s. The Administrative Reforms Commission recommended the appointment of the Lokpal institution in 1966. Since then, a number of Lokpal legislations were introduced in the Parliament in the years 1968, 1971, 1977, 1985, 1989, 1996, 1998 and 2001 without any success. The Anna Hazare movement of 2011 forced the Government of India to seriously think of introducing the Lokpal legislation. Finally, the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, was passed. However, the Act is yet to be operationalised. While the Lokpal legislation lapsed one after the other, at their level many states enacted and introduced the Lokayukta institution. The success has been very limited so far as tackling corruption is concerned. The present article deals with these anti-corruption authorities in India in terms of their historical evolution, legislative features and experiences gained out of the working of the Lokayuktas.
An Older Adult Study of Concurrent Visual Feedback in Learning Continuous Balance
Authors: Goodwin Jeff E. , Goggin Noreen L.
Published: September 2018

This investigation manipulated concurrent visual feedback for older adults learning to perform a continuous balance task. We randomly assigned 21 older adults to one of three knowledge of results (KR) groups with varying concurrent but always 100% terminal feedback percentages during acquisition: 100% Concurrent and Terminal (100% C&T), 50% Concurrent and 100% Terminal (50% C & 100% T), and 0% Concurrent and 100% Terminal (0% C & 100% T). The continuous balance task involved learning to maintain balance on a circular platform that moved simultaneously on both anterior/posterior and medial/lateral axes. We tested participants before acquisition phase learning and two days afterwards (retention test). At retention testing, participants in the 50% C & 100% T and those in the 0% C & 100% T conditions demonstrated significantly greater accuracy and stability than did participants in the 100% C&T condition. These findings extend previous research with young adults in supporting the guidance theory that too frequent a provision of concurrent knowledge of results negatively affects learning.
‘A wicked problem’? Risk assessment and decision-making when licensing possession and use of firearms in Greater London
Authors: Bryant Robin , Arditti Roger
Published: September 2018

This paper analyses the risk assessment and decision-making used by a police force to assess the suitability of a person to own a firearm. The decision to grant a firearms licence has many characteristics of a ‘wicked problem’. Firearms Enquiries Officers (FEOs) in the police force concerned primarily use professional judgement to solve this problem, employing various forms of reasoning and heuristics, but potentially also prone to cognitive bias. We conclude with some observations on how training of FEOs and their supervisors in risk assessment and decision-making might be further developed.
Surface modification of polylactic acid and poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) biodegradable materials via chitosan-coating treatment: A new approach for developing novel antibacterial acupoint catgut embedding materials
Authors: Fu Shao-ju , Zhang Pei-hua
Published: September 2018

Surgical site infections are liable to cause significant postoperative morbidity and increase health costs. However, polylactic acid and poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) acupoint catgut-embedding therapy materials used to stimulate certain points for curing diseases are typically devoid of antibacterial activity. Here we report novel polylactic acid and poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) embedding materials with effective antibacterial properties via chitosan-coating treatment that retained their inherent excellent characteristics. To achieve more comprehensive properties, polylactic acid polymer chips and poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) multifilaments were adopted to fabricate embedding materials, and their preparation processes were studied. Meanwhile, a new one-dip-one-rolling coating system was designed and established in this work. Afterwards, characterizations such as fundamental properties, mechanical properties and biocompatibility were explored. The results showed that both the polylactic acid and poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) groups with covered chitosan layers showed a different increase in weight and diameter. FT-IR analysis indicated that there were interactions between the pure embedding materials and chitosan molecules, the present of hydroxyl group (-OH) and some polar bonds such as (N-H) amide II and (C=O) amide I would be benefit for the hydrophilicity of modified materials. Chitosan-coated polylactic acid monofilaments in group 2 (breaking strength = 31.26 ± 1.62 cN/dtex, breaking elongation = 34.82 ± 5.21%) and chitosan-coated poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) braiding threads in group 2 (breaking strength = 92.58 ± 1.69 cN/dtex, breaking elongation = 73.39 ± 2.38%) showed better mechanical properties. Antibacterial efficacy and cell cytocompatibility of polylactic acid and poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) groups were greatly enhanced after coating. The degradation behaviors were slowed down, providing a longer-lasting effect during the treatment process. In conclusion, the modified polylactic acid and poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) embedding materials with good, comprehensive performance presented great potential in acupoint catgut-embedding therapy clinical applications.
Numerical simulation of the fiber trajectories in vortex spinning under different process parameters based on the finite element model
Authors: Han Chenchen , Cheng Longdi , Gao Weidong , Hua Zhihong , Xue Wenliang
Published: September 2018

This paper studied the fiber movement in vortex spinning based on the flexible fiber finite element model, according to the theoretical mechanical analysis of the vortex spun yarn forming process. The finite element simulation and analysis of the different trajectories of free-end fiber in vortex spinning under different process parameters were carried out. The influence of the fiber count, fiber bending stiffness and nozzle pressure on the fiber transfer and distribution was analyzed and verified by experiments of tracer fiber and yarn slicing. The numerical simulation and the experiments’ results show a consistent correlation of different process parameters and fiber movement, such as the fiber diameter increasing, the fiber bending stiffness increasing, the nozzle pressure decreasing, and the fiber tending to get a smaller twist angle and becoming more easily distributed in the center of the yarn. This paper provides a theoretical basis for the structure design of vortex spun yarn and the production practice of vortex spinning.
Causes of urbanisation and counter-urbanisation in Zambia: Natural population increase or migration?
Authors: Crankshaw Owen , Borel-Saladin Jacqueline
Published: September 2018

This article addresses the debate over the causes of urbanisation and counter-urbanisation in Zambia: Are urbanisation and counter-urbanisation caused mostly by net migration or are they caused mostly by the natural growth or decline of the urban population? Using population censuses, we apply the intercensal forward survival ratio method to measure net migration and the natural population growth of urban and rural areas in 1990, 2000 and 2010. The results show that the most important cause of urbanisation and counter-urbanisation was net migration rather than natural urban population growth or decline. Although natural urban population growth was roughly twice that of net migration, this had very little influence on urbanisation because it was matched by the natural growth of the rural population. We also address the causes of migration by examining employment trends. These results indicate that economic decline during the 1990s resulted in decreased urban employment and a dramatic rise in urban unemployment, which in turn caused migration from urban to rural areas. Conversely, during the 2000s, absolute employment grew and unemployment decreased, which corresponded with increased rural–urban migration (resulting in net urbanisation). Our findings also show that even during the period of net out-migration from urban areas and high urban unemployment levels, the resident urban-born workforce continued to grow strongly through natural increase. Thus, these results also show that urban population growth can increase substantially in the absence of urban economic growth, thereby increasing urban unemployment and urban–rural migration.
Nitroxide-mediated graft copolymerization of styrene from cellulose and its polymer/montmorillonite nanocomposite
Authors: Abbasian Mojtaba , Bakhshi Mojtaba , Jaymand Mehdi , Karaj-Abad Saber Ghasemi
Published: September 2018

Nitroxide-mediated polymerization was successfully employed for well-defined graft copolymerization of styrene (St) monomer from cellulose (Cell) backbone. For this purpose, Cell was acylated by 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide, and then 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) was immobilized onto Cell backbone using a nucleophilic substitution reaction to produce Cell-TEMPO macroinitiator. Afterward, St monomer was grafted onto Cell backbone through “grafting from” technique. The successful synthesis of Cell- g-polystyrene (PSt) copolymer was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Finally, Cell- g-PSt/montmorillonite nanocomposite was fabricated through solution intercalation approach. The thermal properties and structural morphology of the resultant nanocomposite were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry and transmission electron microscopy, respectively.
Productivity subarea of CBM field and its key controlling factors: A case study in the Hancheng pilot test area, southeastern Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Liu Yanfei , Tang Dazhen , Li Song , Xu Hao , Tao Shu , Zhao Junlong , Geng Yunguang , Fan Hongbo
Published: September 2018

The Hancheng block in the southeastern Ordos Basin is one of the earliest and the most important areas for coalbed methane exploration and development in China. However, there are significant production variations in different wells or even some adjacent wells in the Hancheng block. To reveal the reasons of production differences in such a small scale, further detailed studies of coalbed methane productivity in the Hancheng pilot test area, a precursor trial area in Hancheng block with mature, well-characterized coalbed methane reservoirs and long-term production database, were conducted. The influence of nine factors (including engineering and geological factors) on gas production was analyzed. By introducing the rough set theory, which is applicable to the vague, imprecise, and incomplete information system, this paper presents a method for quantitative evaluation of the influencing factors on gas production. The results indicate that there are certain distribution characteristics of productivity in Hancheng pilot test area, which can be partitioned into four zones. The degressive order of the influencing degree of these nine factors is (i) the distance between the well and the fault, (ii) the structure curvature of the coal seams, (iii) the gas content, (iv) the critical reservoir ratio, (v) the volume of the fracturing liquids per meter, (vi) the volume of the fracturing sand per meter, (vii) the dynamic liquid level drop rate, (viii) the depth, and (ix) the thickness. Geological factors, especially the influence of fault, structural curvature of the coal seams and gas content, play a major role in controlling long-term gas production. Engineering factors (effect of fracturing and dynamic liquid level drop rate) have always been integral parts of coalbed methane development.
Chasing the umbrella: delayed migration of ductal occluder device into the aorta
Authors: Raju Vijayakumar , Poddar Aayush , Gopalakrishnan Sai , Muthuswamy Kalyanasundaram
Published: September 2018

Delayed migration of a ductal occluder device into the aorta after transcatheter closure of a patent ductus arteriosus is extremely rare. We present a case of delayed migration of a ductal occluder into the descending aorta 4 months after its deployment in an 11-year-old girl. Successful surgical removal of the device from the descending aorta and triple-ligation of the ductus arteriosus was performed via a left thoracotomy. The patient made an uneventful recovery.
Applying a Strengths-Based Psychoeducational Model of Rehabilitation to the Treatment of Intimate Partner Violence: Program Theory and Logic Model
Authors: Bowen Erica , Walker Kate , Holdsworth Emma
Published: September 2018

In the United Kingdom, there is an increasing need to develop prevention programs for intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA). However, this need has increased within a context of increasing financial pressure. Consequently, commissioners are expressing interest in models of prevention that are brief. This article first reviews the effectiveness of domestic violence (DV) prevention programs, including those from England and Wales. This article then describes the theoretical development of an emerging IPVA prevention program that combines solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) methods. The article addresses how CBT content is integrated within the SFBT approach and provides details of the intervention logic model.
Corporate convenience store development effects in small towns: Convenience culture during economic and digital storms
Authors: Wrigley Neil , Wood Steve , Lambiri Dionysia , Lowe Michelle
Published: September 2018

The impact of the global economic crisis, together with the ‘digital’ storm of unrelenting growth in online retail and its complex substitution and modification effects, had significant implications for UK town centres and high streets. Dramatically increased vacancy rates within town centres have focused policy debate on the drivers of town centres’ vitality and viability in the context of profound technological and consumer culture shifts. As consumers turned away from ‘big basket’ one-stop weekly shops at large out-of-centre stores and began shopping ‘little and often’ using a fragmented range of alternatives, the convenience store sector, significantly altered by corporate entry, grew rapidly. However, there is surprisingly little empirical evidence on the impacts of these new-generation corporate convenience stores on town centres and communities. This paper helps fill that gap by reporting the findings of a study of five small towns in southern England. Drawing on evidence from surveys of over 1500 consumers and 200 traders, we show that despite their modest size, these stores have rapidly assumed significant and little-documented trip generation and ‘anchor’ roles essential to the sustainability of the centres. Moreover, they have facilitated trends towards ‘relocalization’ of food shopping, reduction in car dependency and higher than expected levels of linked trips. In this paper, we draw out the significance of those findings and position them within wider conceptual and policy debates. We also stress the spatially and temporally contingent nature of the findings within a dynamic technological and regulatory context.
How Thai Women Manage Living in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Thananowan Nanthana , Kaesornsamut Phuangphet , O’Rourke Tammy , Hegadoren Kathy
Published: September 2018

Although there is literature that describes coping strategies of women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV), the definitions of common coping strategies and the two-dimensional model of coping styles (emotion-or problem-focused) may not fully delineate how these women manage their day-to-day lives. Using an Interpretive Description method and feminist standpoint principles, in-depth interviews were conducted with 40 Thai women regarding how they managed living in the context of IPV. Data were analyzed using an iterative thematic analysis procedure. In this study, the highly changeable and adaptive strategies use by participants could not be easily categorized into emotion-or action/problem-focused. Indeed, the strategies used by Thai women in this study were better described as survival focused. Based on our analysis, the process of managing their day-to-day life in the context of IPV revealed six major themes: keeping silent, disconnect between the fantasy of love and reality, seeking emotional support, ambivalence surrounding leaving, living with negative emotions, and despair and suicide. An undercurrent that was woven throughout multiple themes was the dominant lens of motherhood through which women made day-to-day decisions. These data also highlight the specific impacts that Thai society and religious beliefs have on increasing the risk of IPV and maintaining its duration. All levels of government, religious leaders, and public policy makers must engage in intersectoral initiatives to make public what is now private. Social and health service providers must create safe spaces where women can disclose IPV and where they can get funded multilevel supports to help them live independent of violence. The participants’ stories give voice to why Thai health professionals need to fully engage with women to understand the past and current contexts of women’s lives and how their experiences impact their health.
Field balancing of vehicle transmission shaft based on the influence coefficient method
Authors: Chu Zhigang , Huang Di , Yang Liang
Published: September 2018

Imbalance of transmission shaft may result in serious bearing failures and poor vehicle noise, vibration, and harshness performance. Usually, shafts in a multi-shaft system are balanced separately before been assembled in vehicle. This causes potential out of balance issue in the full vehicle level in the field due to tolerance stacking up and dynamic imbalance coupling. In this article, a system level balancing method, the influence coefficient method, is introduced and applied to solve the problem of excessive floor panel vibration. The balancing result shows that the first-order vibration from vehicle transmission shaft imbalance obviously decreased. Method applied in this article is simple and practical and could be used for other applications to prevent bearing failure or noise, vibration, and harshness issue due to vehicle level imbalance.
High Strain Rate Compression Characterization of Affordable Woven Carbon/Epoxy Composites under Off-Axis Loading
Authors: Hosur M.V. , Alexander J. , Vaidya U.K. , Jeelani S. , Mayer A.
Published: September 2018

This paper discusses an experimental study on the response of affordable plain weave carbon/epoxy composite laminates to high strain rate compression loading using a modified Compression Split Hopkinson's Pressure Bar (SHPB) under off-axis loading. 37 layer laminates were manufactured using aerospace grade woven fabrics with a SC-15 epoxy resin system, utilizing a Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion Molding (VARIM) approach. Samples were subjected to high strain rate compression loading at strain rates ranging from 1187/s to 2289/s in the plane of the laminates, using a modified SHPB that facilitates controlled single pulse loading of the sample. Samples were tested along 0°,15°, 30°, and 45° off-axes angles. Quasi-static tests were carried out to compare them with the dynamic response. Failure modes were evaluated using optical micrographs. Results were analyzed in terms of peak stress, strain at peak stress, failure modes and orientation.
Influence of Gamma-Radiation on the Electrical Conductance of NR/IIR Conductive Blend during Swelling in Kerosene
Authors: Madani M.
Published: September 2018

The influence of gamma-irradiation on the electrical conductance (Y) of natural rubber (NR)-butyl rubber (IIR) blend filled with different concentrations of general purpose furnace (GPF) carbon black has been studied during swelling in kerosene. Moreover, the degree of swelling and the penetration rate in kerosene for these rubber blends are also studied as a function of γ-irradiation dose. An attempt was made to calculate the carbon-carbon interspacing distance and its dependence on solvent penetration rate for unirradiated as well as irradiated samples.
Structural Investigation into Poly-p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole Fibres
Authors: Sharma L. , Mizoo O. , Pezzotti G.
Published: September 2018

Poly-p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole, Zylon™, is a fibre with numerous applications in the aerospace and sports (sail cloth, ski poles and tennis racquets) industries and was developed by the Toyobo Company in Japan. It is a lightweight material having higher tensile modulus and strength than graphite.

From Raman nanostress mappings, using high resolution Raman piezospectroscopy, HRRP and electron microscopy, we have attempted to determine the structural changes occurring in two poly-p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole fibres prepared under different processing conditions. Fibre A was coagulated in aqueous phosphoric acid and fibre B was produced by heat treating fibre A at 650 °C under 0.7 GPa tension. We reveal the ordered and disordered morphology relating this to (probable) liquid crystal formation.
Organic Vapour Sensor from Carbon Black Filled Amorphous Polymer Composite: Effects of Processing, Carbon Fibres and Irradiation
Authors: Dong Xian Ming , Fu Ruo Wen , Zhang Ming Qiu , Zhang Bing , Rong Min Zhi
Published: September 2018

Carbon black filled poly(butyl methacrylate) (CB/PBMA) composites as organic vapour sensors were fabricated by polymerization filling. The results indicate that the composites have a wide synthesis window, giving composite materials with high gas sensitivity under different conditions. In comparison with composites made by solution mixing, the composites made by polymerization filling have much higher responsivity to organic vapours because of the superior distribution of the filler particles. The addition of a third component, vapour-grown carbon fibres (VGCF), and the post-treatment of the composites by γ–ray irradiation proved to be rather effective in enhancing response stability.
Commercial Dental Composite: Determination of Reaction Advancement and Study of the Migration of Organic Compounds
Authors: Sanglar C. , Defay M. , Waton H. , Bonhomme A. , Alamercery S. , Baudot R. , Païsse O. , Grenier-Loustalot M.F.
Published: September 2018

This work on organic dental composites was undertaken to determine the role of residual reactive methacrylate functions at the end of the photopolymerization cycle, and to investigate the fate of the residual monomers and oligomers in organic (ethanol) and aqueous (water and artificial saliva) media. The results show that all the methacrylate monomers present in dentine migrate into ethanol (about 1% (w/w)). In aqueous media on the other hand, only the most hydrophilic monomer (UDMA) migrates (0.05% (w/w)) into water and 0.03% into artificial saliva (pH = 9). This desorption in the three media is accompanied by the hydrolysis of monomers, leading to the formation of monohydrolyzed urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) and bis-phenyl glycidyl dimethacrylate (BISGMA); UDMA and BISGMA are completely hydrolyzed in artificial saliva. The alkalinity of the milieu apparently favours the hydrolysis of methacrylate functions.
Cure Simulation of Hemp Fiber Acrylic Based Composites during Sheet Molding Process
Authors: Behzad T. , Sain M.
Published: September 2018

In the present study, a new environmentally friendly thermoset resin was used to manufacture hemp fiber acrylic composites by sheet molding process for automotive applications. A finite difference method was applied to predict the cure behavior and temperature variation of hemp fiber acrylic based composites during the process. Dynamic Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was employed to determine the kinetic parameters for the curing reaction at different heating rates. It was found the experimental and predicted values are in good agreement at the lower heating rate. The thermophysical properties of the resin, fiber and composite were obtained to use in the model. The temperature profile and the degree of cure of the composite with 40% resin and 60% fiber were simulated and a comparison of numerical results with known experimental data confirms the approximate validity of the model.
Solution Rheology of Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Silica Hybrid Nanocomposites
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Abhijit , De Sarkar Mousumi , Bhowmick Anil K.
Published: September 2018

The solution behavior of polymer/silica hybrid nanocomposites was investigated using a Brookfield viscometer. The nanocomposites were prepared using the sol-gel technique with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as the precursor for silica. The sol-gel reaction was carried out in the pH range of 1.0-2.0, which was maintained by the addition of concentrated HCl. Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/silica nanocomposites demonstrated a bigger rise in solution viscosity after continuous measurement for five days than either- acrylic rubber (ACM)/silica or epoxidised natural rubber (ENR)/silica nanocomposites. Detailed investigation of the PVA/silica system indicated that it exhibited Newtonian behaviour when the solutions contained (5 or 7.5 wt% of PVA,) even when increasing the TEOS concentration to 50 wt%, although at one particular TEOS concentration (10 wt%), the nanocomposite was pseudoplastic when the concentration of PVA was increased to 10 wt%.

The reinforcement factor [Formula: see text] for those PVA/silica hybrid nanocomposites containing 5 wt% of PVA deviated strongly from the Guth-Smallwood prediction. Instead they obeyed a relationship of the type ηmax = η0(1 + aϕb), where a = 4.45 and b = 0.38, calculated for this system. The viscosity decreased with increasing temperature for both PVA and the representative nanocomposite with 30 wt% TEOS (PVA30), although the activation energy for flow of the nanocomposite did not vary to a great extent.
Effects of Fibre Surface Treatment on Dynamic Tensile Properties of Glass Woven Fabric Reinforced Vinylester Composites
Authors: Kim Jang-Kyo , Sham Man-Lung , Sohn Min-Seok , Hu Shisheng
Published: September 2018

Glass fibre has been recognized as a strain rate dependent material. Its failure behaviour changes from brittle to ductile as the strain rate increases. As a consequence, the strength of the glass fibre increases, but the fibres within a composite become more prone to debond from the matrix because of the brittleness of the matrix material, promoted by the high strain rate. In the present study, the tensile responses of glass woven fabric reinforced vinyl ester composites with various fibre surface treatments are examined under static and dynamic loading conditions. The results show that both the ductility and the strength of the composites increased with increasing strain rate. The tensile strength was lower and the failure strain was higher in the weft direction than in the warp direction, because of excessive crimping in the former direction. The tensile strength in general increased with increasing silane concentration, for the majority of strain rates studied. The influence of fibre surface treatment on the impact tensile strength and modulus of composites were functionally similar, confirming the influence of fibre-matrix interphase properties on composite fracture behaviour at high strain rates.
Thermodynamic and Kinetic Considerations - Effect of Organic Siloxane on MMA Polymerization
Authors: Deng Xiaobo , Cao Shunsheng , Liu Bailing , Li Songjun
Published: September 2018

The effects of 3-(methacryloxypropyl)-trimethoxysilane (MATS) and vinyl trimethoxysilane (VTMOS) on methyl methacrylate (MMA) polymerization have been investigated. The two co-monomers appear to show opposite effects. The polymerization shows a higher rate of polymerization and extent of conversion in the presence of MATS than in its absence. However, a lower rate of polymerization and extent of conversion are obtained in the presence of VTMOS. The difference can be related to the different roles of the co-monomers. The increase in the rate of polymerization and conversion with MATS can be attributed to the higher reactivity of monomers. The lower conversion with VTMOS may be due to the electronic effects associated with VTMOS, which can decrease the electric density of the active double bond in MMA and therefore deactivate the polymerization. Further investigation shows that the change of free energy in the polymerization with MATS is lower than without MATS. Also, monomer reactivity in the presence of MATS is higher than in the absence of MATS. The decrease in free energy may be a thermodynamic response to the increase in the conversion. The increase in monomer reactivity may be responsible for increasing the rate of polymerization.
Mg(OH)2/Epoxy Resin Nanocomposite Prepared by a Novel Method
Authors: Yiyun Cheng , Ronghui Cui , Pingsheng He
Published: September 2018

This study presents a new method of preparing Mg(OH)2/epoxy resin nanocomposites. An epoxy resin micro-emulsion is taken as a micro-reactor for the formation of Mg(OH)2 nano-crystals. After the reaction, the collected epoxy proved to be a composite with embedded nano-Mg(OH)2. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that the Mg(OH)2 nano-crystals were dispersed uniformly in cured epoxy resin matrix.
Synthesis and Properties of Composites of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene with Carbon Fibres or Fibre Monocrystals
Authors: Atanasov Atanas , Koleva Dimitrina
Published: September 2018

Composite materials were synthesized from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and discrete modified and unmodified carbon fibres or fibre monocrystals of alkali titanates. The modified carbon fibres contained 1.2% w/w oxygen-containing functional groups, obtained by subjecting them to thermo-oxidative treatment in air at 1073 K for 60 min. The properties of the composites were studied as a function of the carbon fibre content (up to 12% w/w) and fibre monocrystal content (up to 6% w/w). Neither the modified nor unmodified carbon fibres showed any reinforcing effect on the tensile strength of the polymer matrix, and the fibre monocrystals showed only an insignificant effect at 0.5–1.0% w/w loading. Composites containing thermally activated carbon fibres or fibre monocrystals were found to have higher thermal resistance.

UHMWPE composites containing 12% w/w carbon fibres showed good specific electrical conductance and thermal stability, as well as lower friction coefficient, temperature coefficient of expansion and shrinkage on heat treatment compared to ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Composites with 6% w/w fibre monocrystals had higher thermal stability, shrinkage and especially Vicat softening points than ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.
New Biodegradable Blends from Aliphatic Polycarbonate and Poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Cao Y.X. , Du F.G. , Wang X.L. , Meng Y.Z.
Published: September 2018

Poly(propylene carbonate/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PPC/PVA) blends with various PVA contents were prepared by a solution casting technique. The thermal and mechanical properties and the morphologies of the blends were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), static mechanical measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FT-IR techniques. The TGA results showed that the introduction of PVA led to a slightly earlier decomposition of the PPC. DSC analysis and SEM observation indicated that the PPC/10% PVA blend was a miscible system, while those containing more than 20% of PVA were two phase systems. FT-IR revealed that the hydroxyl-stretching peak shifted to a higher wave number, and the carbonyl-stretching peak to a lower wave number with increasing PVA content. This indicated a specific interaction between PVA and PPC. Therefore the tensile strength and stiffness of the blends tended to increase greatly with increasing PVA content.
Optical and Dielectric Properties of PVC, PVA and Their Blends
Authors: Sarker B.K. , Islam A.B.M.O. , Ahmed F. , Bhuiyan A.H.
Published: September 2018

A low cost solvent casting method has been used for the preparation of films of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl acetate (PVA) and their blends. Samples of PVC, PVA and their blends with different ratios of dimethylformamide (DMF) were prepared on glass substrates and their morphological, optical and dielectric properties investigated. The surface of the PVA sample was more homogenous than that of PVC, and agglomeration of the PVC was observed in the matrix of PVA in the blend sample. The electrical conductivity of the blend was higher than that of the PVC and PVA samples. The a.c. conductivity, dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent (tanδ) were measured at different frequencies and temperatures. The dielectric behaviour of the samples is discussed.