bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The John Hick Papers: Religious Pluralism in the Archives
Authors: Ruston Thomas William
Published: December 2015

Throughout his retirement, John Hick, the Philosopher of Religious Pluralism, collated a collection of papers in his home office, which had built up over the course of his career. Until now, the contents of this collection remained unknown. The collection totals 40 boxes of material and has been donated by the Hick family to the Cadbury Research Library at the University of Birmingham.1 It is a remarkable collection, which contains a lifetime’s work, including: unpublished manuscripts, journal articles, lectures, interviews on VHS and DVD, sermons, and diaries which he kept during his work with the Community Race Relations Committee, and SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education). Of particular interest have been the correspondences Hick has kept with his former colleagues, interlocutors, critiques as well as other notable figures. Some of these correspondences include letters written, to use Hick’s own words, in ‘almost undecipherable’2 handwriting from Norman Kemp Smith, Donald MacKinnon, and Ramu Gandhi. Further letters are from other key figures in Hick’s life, including: T. E. Jessop, H. H. Farmer, H. H. Price, Wilfred Cantwell Smith, Peter Heath, and Paul Knitter. There are other letters from some notable figures such as: John A. T. Robinson, Karen Armstrong, and Desmond Tutu. A few of the letters contain quite a fierce exchange, noting in particular those between Hick and Antony Flew, Don Cupitt, Charles Hartshorne, and the then Cardinal Ratzinger. The John Hick Estate and the Spalding Trust have generously funded my research into the archived papers.
Tipping points in Dutch big city neighbourhoods
Authors: Ong Cheng Boon
Published: December 2015

Micro-level studies using individual and household data have shown that residential location choices are influenced by neighbourhood ethnic composition. Using three conurbation samples in the Netherlands – Amsterdam metropolitan area, Rotterdam-The Hague metropolitan area and the country’s largest conurbation, the ‘Randstad’ urban agglomeration – this paper analyses the evolution of neighbourhood ethnic composition as a social interaction outcome of disaggregated household behaviour. The potential ‘tipping point’ in neighbourhood ethnic composition, beyond which ‘white flight’ (or the departure of native or advantaged households) occurs, is tested. The share in neighbourhood population of native Dutch and Western minority did not exhibit the hypothesised ‘tipping’ behaviour in its growth rate with respect to initial share of non-Western minority. This paper argues that the large social housing sector, centralised tax regime, and strong regulatory role of the state in housing and urban planning, are the main explanatory factors for the relative constancy in Dutch neighbourhood ethnic composition.
Women’s behaviour in public spaces and the influence of privacy as a cultural value: The case of Nablus, Palestine
Authors: Al-Bishawi Manal , Ghadban Shadi , Jørgensen Karsten
Published: December 2015

The aim of this paper is to study how women’s privacy needs are met through the physical form of public spaces in both old and new urban designs, using as a case study the city of Nablus, Palestine, which has been significantly influenced by the culture of gender separation. The findings will help develop a better understanding of the relationship between women’s privacy and the physical form of public spaces and will enhance the development of public spaces that women can use comfortably and actively to participate in the urban life. An environmental approach based on the concept of behavioural setting was used to examine women’s privacy issues in the chosen public spaces. Direct observations and questionnaires were used in the fieldwork, in addition to interviews with women and relevant people who influence the women’s privacy. Maps (GIS), sketches and SPSS techniques were used to interpret the data.
Detection and management of the first human anthrax outbreak in Togo
Authors: Patassi Akouda Akessiwe , Saka Bayaki , Landoh Dadja Essoya , Agbenoko Kodjo , Tamekloe Tsidi , Salmon-Ceron Dominique
Published: December 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe and define an outbreak of human anthrax in two villages in the northern savannah region of Togo.

Patients and Method

In December 2009, localised groups of deaths occurred among villagers and their livestock, confirmed to be due to anthrax at the district hospital of Dapaong in Northern Togo. The National Disease Control department undertook an investigation to describe the epidemiological, clinical and bacteriological characteristics of this outbreak.

Results

Thirty-four individuals presented with clinical manifestations of anthrax. All patients were known to have consumed meat from cattle who had died of unknown causes or had been killed as a result of unknown illness. All patients presented with muco-cutaneous lesions; some had gastro-intestinal, neurological or meningeal symptoms, or septicaemia. One patient was co-infected with Plasmodium falciparum. Six deaths (17.6%) were reported at the beginning of the epidemic; 28 patients were successfully treated with a 10-day course of intravenous Penicillin or oral Amoxicillin. The two factors that contributed to the ultimate resolution of the anthrax outbreak were the increase of community awareness toward health promotion and vaccination of all farm animals.

Conclusion

Although six deaths occurred among families’ members who were infected, new human anthrax cases were prevented by rapid treatment of victims as well as aggressive public health interventions. However the risk of re-emergence of infection and exposure still exists as there are no existing epidemiological mapping and no identification of infected zones; and furthermore, no functional anthrax surveillance system exists in the affected region.
Functionally graded elastomeric composites as microwave shielding media
Authors: Sharma Raghunandan , Ahankari Sandeep S , Kar Kamal K , Biswas Animesh , Srivastav KV
Published: December 2015

Magnetic particle-filled elastomeric composites are of significant importance in microwave shielding applications. An attempt has been made to enhance the microwave reflection properties of such composites by introduction of a magnetic filler concentration gradient along the thickness. Iron powder-filled functionally graded elastomeric composites (FGECs) are prepared by a construction-based method, wherein the volume fraction of iron powder is varied along the sheet thickness. The reflection losses of the uniformly dispersed elastomeric composites (UDECs) and of the FGECs, both employing same average amount of filler, has been measured through a reflection method with a vector network analyser, using the complex scattering parameter S11. FGECs with equal sample thickness and filler volume fraction exhibit 2.5 times higher microwave reflection over a broader frequency range, as compared to that of the UDECs. For a volume fraction of 0.39, the reflection losses of FGECs and UDECs at 12.3 GHz are observed to be −50 dB and −19 dB, respectively. The corresponding frequency bandwidth for reflection loss ≤ −15 dB is observed to be 9.4 GHz for FGECs compared to that of 3.5 GHz for UDECs.
“Making Do” Decisions
Authors: Wills Celia E. , Polivka Barbara J. , Darragh Amy , Lavender Steven , Sommerich Carolyn , Stredney Donald
Published: December 2015

This study describes the decision-making processes home healthcare personnel (HHP) use to manage their personal health and safety when managing hazards in client homes. A professionally diverse national sample of 68 HHP participated in individual semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, and described their decision making and strategies for hazard management in their work environments. HHP described 353 hazard management dilemmas within 394 specifically identified hazards, which were clustered within three broader categories: electrical/fire, slip/trip/lift, and environmental exposures. HHP described multiple types of “making do” decisions for hazard management solutions in which perceived and actual resource limitations constrained response options. A majority of hazard management decisions in the broader hazards categories (72.5%, 68.5%, and 63.5%, respectively) were classifiable as less than optimal. These findings stress the need for more support of HHPs, including comprehensive training, to improve HHP decision making and hazard management strategies, especially in context of resource constraints.
Eco-districts: can they accelerate urban climate planning?
Authors: Fitzgerald Joan , Lenhart Jennifer
Published: December 2015

Despite signing the Mayors Climate Change Agreement, few US cities have made significant progress in either climate mitigation or adaptation. For the most part, European cities have been more effective, albeit with assistance from the European Union and their national governments. Several of the most successful European cities have implemented eco-districts, which have offered many lessons for overall sustainability planning. Using Malmö, Sweden as a case study, we ask how planners and elected officials learned from implementing an eco-district, focusing on experimentation with new technologies and approaches to planning. We identify how “double-loop learning”, a term coined by Argyris and Shön, was at play in changing planning practice. As eco-districts are catching on in North American cities, there is much to be learned from European practice.
World port cities as cosmopolitan risk community: Mapping urban climate policy experiments in Europe and East Asia
Authors: Blok Anders , Tschötschel Robin
Published: December 2015

Extending Ulrich Beck's theory of world risk society, this article traces the emergence of a cosmopolitan risk community of world port cities in Europe and East Asia, constituted around shared imaginations of the global risks and opportunities of climate change. Such urban risk imaginations are shaped and circulated, we argue, within transnational assemblages of local government networks, international organizations, multinational insurance companies and transnational non-governmental organizations. Adopting the methodology of mapping urban climate experiments, we then document one policy indication of this cosmopolitan risk community, in terms of the timing, intensity, priorities and modes of government manifested in the climate policy engagements of 16 major world port cities across the regions of Europe and East Asia. The substantial similarities in such policy engagements, we conclude, amount to a new urban–cosmopolitan realism, reshaping urban politics in the face of climate change.
Broadening or jumping? An analysis of the first export market of European Union firms
Authors: Pinna Anna Maria , Brau Rinaldo , Licio Vania Manuela
Published: December 2015

This paper explores the export activities of international firms from seven European countries with a special focus on the neighbourhoods of Europe, where 16 countries have been included in the neighbouring policy. Using a detailed dataset of the internationalisation activities of nearly 15,000 companies, we focus on the best export destinations of European Union firms. In 2008, only 6% of exporters had at least one neighbouring country in their top three export destinations. We subsequently model the export/no-export activity of each firm and the location of the first export destination by means of a nested logit model and find that this process is driven primarily by geography. No reduction (or even an increase) of the strength of the distance effect can be detected for a firm when exporting outside Europe to nearby countries, meaning that European Union firms do not have any particular advantage in exporting their goods in countries near their borders with respect to all the other possible destinations in the world. The ‘repulsive force’ of distance is alleviated only when moving outside of neighbourhoods where the size of the destination market becomes stronger.
Energy transitions and uncertainty: Creating low carbon investment opportunities in the UK electricity sector
Authors: Bolton Ronan , Foxon Timothy J , Hall Stephen
Published: December 2015

This paper examines how actors in the UK electricity sector are attempting to deliver investment in low carbon generation. Low carbon technologies, because of their relative immaturity, capital intensity and low operational costs, do not readily fit with existing electricity markets and investment templates which were designed for fossil fuel based energy. We analyse key electricity market and infrastructure policies in the UK and highlight how these are aimed at making low carbon technologies ‘investable’ by reducing uncertainty, managing investment risks and repositioning actors within the electricity socio-technical ‘regime’. We argue that our study can inform contemporary debates on the politics and governance of sustainability transitions by empirically investigating the agency of incumbent regime actors in the face of uncertainty and by offering critical insights on the role of markets and finance in shaping socio-technical change.
Global and local governance, industrial and geographical dynamics: A tale of two clusters
Authors: Zhu Shengjun , He Canfei
Published: December 2015

This article closely examines two industrial clusters in China, and compares the various adaptations these two clusters have undergone, as well as the mechanisms underlying the industrial and geographical dynamics within these two clusters. Specifically, based on recent field investigation and in-depth interviews during 2011–2014, we examine two types of local governance, and pay attention to the articulation between “governance within global value chains” and “governance within local clusters,” and to how global and local governance co-shape the ways in which and the extents to which local firms participate in the global economy, producing diverse geographies of production and generating diverse trajectories of regional development. The article concludes that local and global governance co-determine domestic firms’ upgrading sources, the strength of their local embeddedness, and the ways in which they conduct spatial and organizational restructuring, such as factory consolidation, factory closure, industrial upgrading, and geographical relocation.
The professionals speak: Practitioners’ perspectives on professional election campaigning
Authors: Tenscher Jens , Koc-Michalska Karolina , Lilleker Darren G , Mykkänen Juri , Walter Annemarie S , Findor Andrej , Jalali Carlos , Róka Jolán
Published: December 2015

Faced with some fundamental changes in the socio-cultural, political and media environment, political parties in post-industrialized democracies have started to initiate substantial transformations of both their organizational structures and communicative practices. Those innovations, described as professionalization, become most obvious during election campaigns. In recent times, the number of empirical studies measuring the degree of political parties’ campaign professionalism has grown. They have relied on a broad spectrum of indicators derived from theory which have not been tested for their validity. For the first time, we put these indicators to a ‘reality check’ by asking top-ranked party secretaries and campaign managers in 12 European countries to offer their perceptions of professional election campaigning. Furthermore, we investigate whether any differences in understanding professionalism among party campaign practitioners can be explained by macro (country) and meso (party) factors. By and large, our results confirm the validity of most indicators applied in empirical studies on campaign professionalism so far. There are some party- and country-related differences in assessing campaign professionalism too, but the influence of most factors on practitioners’ evaluations is weak. Therefore, we conclude that largely there is a far-reaching European Union-wide common understanding of professional election campaigning.
Observers’ reactions to victim impact statements
Authors: Lens Kim ME , van Doorn Janne , Lahlah Esmah , Pemberton Antony , Bogaerts Stefan
Published: December 2015

Previous research has shown that expectancy violations can have both affective and cognitive consequences. In particular, recent victimological research argues that people’s perceptions and judgments of victims are negatively influenced when their expectations of the victim’s emotional behavior are violated. That is, expectancy violation may lead to secondary victimization: victims may be judged to be less credible, suffer higher levels of victim derogation, and receive less sympathy as a result of expectancy violation. In this study, we elaborate upon these affective consequences and examine possible cognitive consequences of expectancy violation in victimological research. We found preliminary evidence for secondary victimization in both affective and cognitive domains: when evaluated by student observers, victims of ‘mildly’ severe crimes who delivered an emotional victim impact statement not only ran the risk of being evaluated as less credible than victims of more severe crimes who delivered the exact same victim impact statement, but their victim impact statement was also remembered less accurately.
Post-traumatic cytotoxic edema is directly related to mitochondrial function
Authors: Vlodavsky Eugene , Palzur Eilam , Shehadeh Mona , Soustiel Jean F
Published: December 2015

Cerebral edema represents a major threat following traumatic brain injury. However, therapeutic measures for control of intracranial pressure alone have failed to restore cerebral metabolism and improve neurological outcome. Since mitochondrial damage results in ATP depletion and deactivation of membrane ionic pumps, we hypothesized that modulation of ATP bioavailability may directly affect cytotoxic edema. Intracranial pressure measurements were performed in Sprague-Dawley rats treated by intraperitoneal injection of dimethylsulfoxide (vehicle), cyclosporine A (CsA), or Oligomycin B (OligB) following cortical contusion and further correlated with water content, mitochondrial damage, and electron microscopic assessment of neuronal and axonal edema. As hypothesized, ultra-structural figures of edema closely correlated with intracranial pressure elevation, increased water content and mitochondrial membrane permeabilization expressed by loss of transmembrane mitochondrial potential. Further, mitochondrial damage evidenced ultra-structurally by figures of swollen mitochondria with severely distorted cristae correlated with both cytotoxic edema and mitochondrial dysfunction. Importantly, cerebral edema and mitochondrial impairment were significantly worsened by treatment with OligB, whereas a noticeable improvement could be observed in animals that received injections of CsA. Since OligB and CsA are responsible for symmetrical and opposite effects on oxidative metabolism, these findings support the hypothesis of a causative relationship between edema and mitochondrial function.
Religion, Markets, and Digital Media
Authors: Kamarulzaman Yusniza , Veeck Ann , Mumuni Alhassan G. , Luqmani Mushtaq , Quraeshi Zahir A.
Published: December 2015

This study explores the role that social media serves in mediating and connecting religious communities and markets through a netnographic study of the search for halal food in the U.S. We find that social media websites can serve as important tools for overcoming obstacles to finding and verifying halal food sources, including barriers of physical access, authenticity, and quality. At a macro level, social media platforms have the potential to moderate the relationship between religion, the market, and consumption in a number of important ways, such as providing a venue for dialogues related to standards of commitment and faithfulness, serving as a community-based arbiter of standards, supporting identity constructions, and helping to overcome the marginalization associated with minority populations.
Early stage cervical cancer: role of magnetic resonance imaging after conization in determining residual tumor
Authors: Woo Sungmin , Kim Hye Sung , Chung Hyun Hoon , Kim Sang Youn , Kim Seung Hyup , Cho Jeong Yeon
Published: December 2015

Background

Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently indispensable in the management of cervical cancer, its role in determining residual tumor in patients with cervical cancer after conization is not well known.

Purpose

To evaluate the value of MRI after conization in determining residual tumor in patients with FIGO stage IA-IB1 cervical cancer.

Material and Methods

In this retrospective study, 55 patients underwent conization followed by preoperative MRI and definitive surgery. Two radiologists evaluated the presence of residual tumor on MRI. MRI and preoperative clinical variables were compared between patients with and without residual tumor at final pathology using Student’s t-test or Chi-square test. Association between variables and the presence of residual tumor was assessed using logistic regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

Residual tumor at final pathology was found in 30 (54.5%) patients. Patients with residual tumor were older, had greater SCC antigen, and more frequently had positive conization margins and identifiable tumor on MRI ( P < 0.008). Multivariate analysis showed that age ( P = 0.008; odds ratio [OR] = 1.140), positive conization margin ( P = 0.016; OR = 11.919), and identifiable tumor on MRI ( P = 0.038; OR = 6.926) were independently predictive of residual tumor. Areas under the curve (AUCs) calculated with age (0.693), SCC antigen (0.755), and identifiable tumor on MRI (0.727) were greater than lymphovascular space invasion (0.517) and histological subtype (0.520, P ≤ 0.049). Otherwise, there were no significant differences in the AUCs derived from different variables ( P = 0.053–0.970).

Conclusion

Identifiable tumor on MRI after conization in patients with early stage cervical cancer was an independent predictor of residual tumor at final pathology.
Determinants of Return to Play After the Nonoperative Management of Hamstring Injuries in Athletes
Authors: Fournier-Farley Camille , Lamontagne Martin , Gendron Patrick , Gagnon Dany H.
Published: December 2015

Background:

It is important for clinicians to rely on suitable prognosis factors after hamstring injuries because of the high incidence of these injuries and time away from athletic activities.

Purpose:

To summarize the current literature on factors that influence return to play after a hamstring injury in athletes.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

A computer-assisted literature search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, and EBM Reviews databases (and a manual search of the reference lists of all selected articles) was conducted using keywords related to hamstring injuries and return to play. The literature review criteria included (1) patients with an acute hamstring or posterior thigh injury; (2) a randomized controlled trial, cohort study, case-control study, case series, or prospective or retrospective design; (3) information on rehabilitation, physical therapy, clinical assessment, imaging techniques, and return to play; and (4) studies written in English or French.

Results:

The search strategy identified 914 potential articles, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria. In terms of the clinical assessment, the following factors were associated with a longer recovery time: stretching-type injuries, recreational-level sports, structural versus functional injuries, greater range of motion deficit with the hip flexed at 90°, time to first consultation >1 week, increased pain on the visual analog scale, and >1 day to be able to walk pain free after the injury. As for magnetic resonance imaging studies, the following factors correlated with a longer recovery time: positive findings; higher grade of injury; muscle involvement >75%; complete transection; retraction; central tendon disruption of the biceps femoris; proximal tendon involvement; shorter distance to the ischial tuberosity; length of the hamstring injury; and depth, volume, and large cross-sectional area. With respect to ultrasound studies, the following factors were associated with a poor prognosis: large cross-sectional area, injury outside the musculotendinous junction, hematoma, structural injury, and injury involving the biceps femoris. Lastly, rehabilitation approaches that included hamstring loading during extensive lengthening or 4 daily sessions of static hamstring stretching led to shorter rehabilitation times.

Conclusion:

Numerous determinants have an effect on return to play after a hamstring injury in athletes. It is important for sports professionals to be aware of those determinants to guide athletes through the rehabilitation process and refine return-to-play strategies.
Sex-Based Differences as a Predictor of Recovery Trajectories in Young Athletes After a Sports-Related Concussion
Authors: Ono Kim E. , Burns Thomas G. , Bearden Donald J. , McManus Susan M. , King Harold , Reisner Andrew
Published: December 2015

Background:

To date, few studies have delineated clear sex-based differences in symptom resolution after a sports-related concussion (SRC), and equivocal results have been identified in sex-based differences on baseline assessments.

Purpose:

To assess whether female athletes displayed prolonged recovery and more symptoms at baseline and after an SRC compared with male athletes.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The current study assessed 135 male and 41 female athletes (10-18 years old) who participated in high-impact sports in metropolitan Atlanta middle and high schools. All athletes completed a baseline assessment and at least 1 postconcussion assessment from the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing battery. Longitudinal hierarchical linear modeling was employed to examine individual-level variables and their associations with adolescents’ rates of recovery in concussive symptoms after controlling for age and number of prior concussions.

Results:

Aggregate symptoms were rated as higher in female athletes compared with male athletes at baseline (mean ± SD: females, 13.49 ± 11.20; males, 4.88 ± 8.74; F(1,175) = 10.59, P < .001) and immediately after a concussion (females: 16.75 ± 18.08; males: 10.58 ± 14.21; F(1,175) = 3.99, P = .05). There were no group differences in the slope of recovery between male and female athletes, indicating generally similar trajectories of change for both groups. Post hoc analyses revealed higher baseline levels of migraine and neuropsychological symptoms in female athletes.

Conclusion:

Although female athletes in the current study reported increased symptoms, identical recovery patterns were observed in both sexes, suggesting that sex-based differences in concussion recovery are better explained by increased symptom frequency among female athletes when compared with their male counterparts.
Return-to-Sport Outcomes After Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery
Authors: Anand Bobby S. , Feller Julian A. , Richmond Anneka K. , Webster Kate E.
Published: December 2015

Background:

There are limited and inconsistent data regarding return-to-sport outcomes after revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Hypothesis:

Return-to-sport rates will be lower after revision ACLR when compared with primary ACLR.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The study cohort consisted of 136 eligible patients who had undergone their first revision ACLR between March 2006 and March 2010. Of these, 109 patients (80%) completed a sports activity survey at a mean 5-year follow-up (range, 3-7 years). Follow-up also included the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective form, Marx Activity Scale, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score–quality of life (KOOS-QOL) form. Operative details were obtained from the clinical record.

Results:

After revision ACLR, 46% (95% CI, 37%-55%) of patients returned to their preinjury level of sport, compared with 50% (95% CI, 41%-59%) after the primary reconstruction in the same patients. Of the patients who were not able to return to their preinjury level of sport after primary reconstruction, 33% improved to the point that they were able to do so after revision. Younger patients were more likely to have returned to their same level of sport (58% vs 38%, P < .05), while the rate of return was the same between male and female patients. Those who returned to their preinjury level of sport scored higher Marx ( P < .01), KOOS-QOL ( P < .001), and IKDC scores ( P < .01) than those who did not. Patients with <50% thickness articular cartilage lesions at revision surgery were more likely to have returned to their preinjury level (52% vs 31%, P < .05) and had significantly better Marx ( P < .01), KOOS-QOL ( P < .01), and IKDC scores ( P < .01) at follow-up. The status of the menisci at the time of revision surgery was not associated with rates of return to sport, but patients with an intact medial meniscus had significantly higher KOOS-QOL ( P < .05) scores at follow-up.

Conclusion:

Return-to-sport rates of patients after revision ACLR were similar to those after their primary surgery but were still lower than the reported rates of ACLR patients who did not need revision surgery. Greater chondral pathologic abnormalities at revision surgery were associated with reduced function at follow-up.
Causation Fallacy 2.0
Authors: Hughes Sherick , Thompson Dorsey Dana N. , Carrillo Juan F.
Published: December 2015

Justice Goodwin Liu reexamined seminal affirmative action in higher education legal cases beginning with the landmark 1978 case, Regents of the University of California v. Bakke and leading up to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2003 decision in Gratz v. Bollinger. Liu argued that the Bakke and Gratz lawsuits were grounded in an underlying causation fallacy, largely because neither case involved enough applicants of color to change the likelihood of Bakke’s and Gratz’s admittance. Recent lawsuits from self-identified White and Asian, rejected applicants have emerged against top-ranked universities. This article revisits Liu’s assertions by applying his critical approach to those cases. Data indicate too few applicants of color to change the likelihood of recent plaintiffs’ admittance. Concluding arguments name Causation Fallacy 2.0 as a useful tool for explaining the cultural politics of race surrounding affirmative action admissions cases.
Analysis of ultra-heavy plate rolling force based on thickness temperature gradient elements and experiment simulations
Authors: Wang HY , Ding JG , Lu X , Zhang DH , Zhao DW
Published: December 2015

The thickness of the plate in temperature gradient rolling is first divided into 2  m elements, and m is an undetermined parameter which can be limited. Based on these thickness elements with different temperatures, the rolling force of this advanced process is first analyzed with slab method. Also the predictions of thickness ratio with different temperatures and reductions of each thickness elements are proposed in this paper. The results measured after rolling experiments are used to compare with these calculated by this model in order to verify its accuracy. In the experiment, a multi-metals riveting plate in the same temperature is designed to simulate a single metal one in gradient temperatures based on the thickness elements. Since the model is based on an analytical method which is strongly supported by the rolling theories, it can be applied in real gradient temperature rolling for ultra-heavy plate.
New realistic hypothesis on corner stiffness of right-angle frames for increased analysis accuracy
Authors: Kwon Young-Doo , Han Jin-Sik
Published: December 2015

Structural elements like bars, trusses, beams, frames, plates, and shells have long been used in structures and machines because of their large stiffness-to-weight ratios. The Euler–Bernoulli theory for beam elements is currently used in a wide range of engineering fields. Frames may essentially be considered to be a type of general beam with axial loads. In the analysis of a right-angle frame, the stiffness of a corner has been assumed to be infinite, which is allowable only when the frame is sufficiently slender. However, a comparison of the results of a finite element analysis showed that the assumption of rigid corner stiffness is unacceptable for most cases because of the considerable errors that result. To resolve this problem, we assumed that the stiffness of a corner in a right-angle frame was finite, which is mostly the case, and solved the problem of a right-angle frame with round corners under internal pressure. Using the derived formula based on the assumption of finite corner stiffness and the formula for the round corner stiffness, we analyzed the entire right-angle frame structure and compared the results to finite element analysis results. As a final attempt, the quasi-optimal dimension of the corner was found to exhibit the lowest von Mises equivalent stress. This proposed approach could be applied to many problems involving frames with various boundary conditions to improve the accuracy.
Attenuating characteristics of a multi-element buffer bottle in an aircraft piston pump
Authors: Li Lei , Lee Kok-Meng , Ouyang Xiaoping , Yang Huayong
Published: December 2015

Pressure pulsation of an aircraft piston pump and accompanying vibrations are often sources of unreliability and fatigue of an aircraft hydraulic energy system. To reduce discharge pressure pulsation, a buffer bottle is usually installed inside the pump for space consideration that generally restricts its chamber volume resulting in a high working frequency range usually well exceeding the pressure pulsation frequencies corresponding to the normal operating speed range of the pump and hard to be adjusted once installed. To meet this challenge, this paper presents a method for designing a multi-element buffer bottle as an integrated fluid filter network formed by sub-elemental circuits (consisting of orifice, pipe and T-off) that can be assembled in an aircraft piston-pump. This design method of a compact fluid filter network is illustrated with a practical example based on a multi-element buffer bottle. Based on impedance models, results of an in-depth numerical investigation analyzing the effects of different buffer-bottle designs, geometrical parameters and adjustable orifice dimensions on pressure pulsation attenuation are discussed. The method for tuning the operating resonant frequency of a multi-element buffer bottle for pressure attenuation using a changeable orifice diameter is demonstrated experimentally confirming the buffer bottle as an attractive alternative to the conventional methods based on large-volume chambers.
Aerodynamic parametric analysis of an unconventional joined-wing aircraft configuration
Authors: Pérez-Álvarez Javier , Cuerno-Rejado Cristina , Meseguer José
Published: December 2015

In this paper, the experimental results of an unconventional joined-wing aircraft configuration are presented. The test model uses two different wings, forward and rear, both joined in tandem and forming diamond shapes both in plant and front views. The wings are joined in such a way that it is possible to change the rear wing dihedral angle values and the rear wing sweep angle values in 25 different positions that modify the relative distance and the relative height between the wings. To measure the system aerodynamic coefficients it is necessary to perform wind tunnel tests. The data presented corresponds to the lift, drag and induced drag aerodynamic coefficients, as well as the aerodynamic efficiency and the parameter for minimum required power, from the calculated values of the lift and drag time series measured by a 6-axis force and torque sensor. The results show the influence on the aerodynamic coefficients of the rear wing sweep and dihedral angles parameters. As a main result, it can be concluded that, in general terms, the lift and induced drag aerodynamic coefficients values decrease as both the distance and height between the wings increase, on the other hand, the total drag aerodynamic coefficient decreases if the distance between the wings increases, but nevertheless shows a slight tendency to increase if the height of the rear wing increases, whereas the aerodynamic efficiency and the parameter for minimum required power increase if the distance between the wings increases.
Enhanced predictive functional control based on equivalent input disturbance and generalized extended state observer for nonlinear systems with fast dynamics
Authors: Tian Jiayi , Zhang Shifeng , Zhang Yinhui , Li Tong , Yang Huabo
Published: December 2015

An approach for improving tracking performance of the predictive functional control (PFC) based on equivalent input disturbance (EID) and generalized extended state observer (GESO) is presented in this paper. Control structure of the proposed method includes two parts, a PFC controller and a state observer, and both of them can be designed separately. The PFC controller is employed to optimize the tracking control of a nonlinear system and its tracking performance heavily depends on the accuracy of the predictive model. Whereas, various internal perturbations and external disturbances always make the predictive model significantly deviate from the nominal model. To address this problem, a state observer is introduced into the proposed approach. All of the above-mentioned uncertainties are regarded as a lumped disturbance, and the lumped disturbance is estimated by EID–GESO as well as the system states in an integrated manner. The estimated disturbance can be eliminated in a negative feedback loop and then, a relatively accurate predictive model for the PFC controller is offered. Closed-loop stability of the composite control is also provided. Compared with previously related work, the notable feature of the proposed design is that the observer-based PFC is extended to nonintegral chain systems subject to mismatched uncertainties and better performance is obtained. Finally, the proposed approach is applied to a missile longitudinal autopilot design, and a comparison with some prominent methods in the presence of significant uncertainties demonstrates the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed design.
Prevalence of anaemia among HIV patients in rural China during the HAART era
Authors: Jin Yantao , Li Qingya , Meng Xiangle , Xu Qianlei , Yuan Jun , Li Zhengwei , Guo Huijun , Liu Zhibin
Published: December 2015

The prevalence of anaemia among HIV patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in China has not been extensively studied. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of anaemia among HIV patients receiving HAART in China. This cross-sectional study was conducted based on data in routine record registers. Factors associated with anaemia were evaluated by logistic regression model. Among the 8632 HIV patients in this analysis, the overall prevalence of anaemia was 39.2%, and the prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe anaemia were 27.2%, 10.8%, and 1.2%, respectively. Anaemia was more prevalence among male, older, little time taken HAART and lower CD4 cell count. Patients taken TCM had lower prevalence of anaemia. The prevalence of anaemia among the HIV patients receiving HAART was high in this study. HIV patients with anaemia who are older and have CD4 cells count lower than 200 cells/mL require more attention. Traditional Chinese medicine may be a potential method to lower the frequency of anaemia.
Changing Environments by Changing Individuals
Authors: Powers Joseph T. , Cook Jonathan E. , Purdie-Vaughns Valerie , Garcia Julio , Apfel Nancy , Cohen Geoffrey L.
Published: December 2015

The two studies reported here tested whether a classroom-based psychological intervention that benefited a few African American 7th graders could trigger emergent ecological effects that benefited their entire classrooms. Multilevel analyses were conducted on data that previously documented the benefits of values affirmations on African American students’ grades. The density of African American students who received the intervention in each classroom (i.e., treatment density) was used as an independent predictor of grades. Within a classroom, the greater the density of African American students who participated in the intervention exercise, the higher the grades of all classmates on average, regardless of their race or whether they participated in the intervention exercise. Benefits of treatment density were most pronounced among students with a history of poor performance. Results suggest that the benefits of psychological intervention do not end with the individual. Changed individuals can improve their social environments, and such improvements can benefit others regardless of whether they participated in the intervention. These findings have implications for understanding the emergence of ecological consequences from psychological processes.
Market Separations for BOP Producers
Authors: Singh Ramendra , Agarwal Sharad , Modi Pratik
Published: December 2015

In this article, we study the Chanderi handloom cluster as a case of market development by applying and extending Bartels’ (1968) theory of market separations. We conduct 12 in-depth semi-structured interviews of various stakeholders involved in the process of market development and validate four market separations suggested by Bartels. Additionally, we also find evidence of a new (fifth) market separation, which we label as ‘social market separation’. We empirically argue that social separation is an equally important market separation that inhibits market development at the Bottom of Pyramid (BOP), often acting as a barrier to market development. It may manifest in various forms such as overbearing social customs and regressive socio-cultural practices that may adversely impact the BOP producers’ capacity to produce or reduce their access to the markets. The implications of our study for development organizations as well as for marketers include recognizing the importance of conducting market linkages programmes for BOP producers by efficient reduction of five market separations to accelerate market development at BOP, leading to developmental gains.
The Logic of Dairy Farming
Authors: Glover Jane
Published: December 2015

This exploratory study investigates dairy farming from a sociological perspective by applying Bourdieu’s social theory of practice. The article uses qualitative methods; interviewing farming families to investigate their perceptions of the practice of dairy farming in the United Kingdom (UK). The results indicate that the choice to exit, or enter, the field is not an easy one, and once in the field, farmers cannot necessarily play the game, as envisaged with constraining factors preventing them from furthering their position in the field. The practice of dairy farming is also bound in farming families’ social and cultural heritage, which is being challenged by powerful players in the field.
The ‘Third Sector’ and Poverty Reduction in Developing Societies
Authors: Yeboah-Assiamah Emmanuel , Musah-Surugu Issah Justice , Bawole Justice Nyigmah , Nurudeen Suleiman
Published: December 2015

Rural poverty in Ghana is relatively high. Adopting interpretivist approach, this study aimed at assessing the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in rural poverty reduction using the experience of the Hunger Project (THP) in selected rural communities in Ghana. Purposive and cluster sampling techniques were used to select 37 respondents, drawn from five different ‘epicentres’ who have benefitted from THP. The study found out that THP has helped to reduce poverty levels of rural people in the Asante Akyem South District through their programmes that train, empower and resource beneficiaries. Beneficiaries have become self-reliant, socially responsible and active, economically empowered who continue to impact their households and beyond; this has cascading effect on further rural poverty reduction. The study also identifies few challenges that affect THP’s programmes. The study concludes that THP’s ‘four-phase epicentric approach’ to community development enables self-reliance, people’s involvement and holds great promise for holistic poverty eradication effort in the district. The poverty eradication component of ‘Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Beyond 2015’ makes the role of the ‘third sector’ quintessential; policy suggestions from the study serve as an input for NGOs’ decision-making processes in an attempt to scale up their poverty reduction activities in rural communities.
Theories and Methods of Rural Landscape Classification in Europe
Authors: Balestrieri Mara
Published: December 2015

After the European Landscape Convention initialling, many studies are being undertaken in order to analyze and safeguard the landscape. Nevertheless, the rural landscape remains a secondary issue, forgotten, despite its importance and diffusion across European countries. It contributes to soil conservation, development, sustainability, environmental balances and the conservation of local values and identity. Nowadays, encouraged by the national legislations in terms of the protection of the landscape, an attempt is being made to bring this issue to the general attention. But several problems have to be solved. The main one is defining and classifying what constitutes a rural landscape. Certainly, classification is not only the basis of the research on landscape structure and essence, but also it is the prerequisite for landscape evaluation, planning and design. However, theories and methodologies of landscape classification, especially of rural landscape, have not been paid enough attention. This article analyzes and discusses the theories and methodologies of landscape classifications in Europe in general and in Italy in particular. What do they have in common and in what ways do they diverge?
The effect of social feedback on music preference
Authors: Schäfer Thomas , Auerswald Fee , Bajorat Ina Kristin , Ergemlidze Nika , Frille Katharina , Gehrigk Jonas , Gusakova Anastasia , Kaiser Bernadette , Pätzold Rosi Anna , Sanahuja Ana , Sari Sema , Schramm Anna , Walter Caroline , Wilker Tanja
Published: December 2015

Although much is known about musical preferences, they are still hard to explain and predict. Over the last two decades, scholars have suggested that the functions served by music should be considered when interpreting musical preferences. It is known that the degree of functionality and the strength of musical preferences are correlated. However, as correlation does not equal causation, the present study sought to clarify experimentally whether the degree of functionality really determines the strength of musical preferences. The potential of music to foster social relatedness was selected as one of the most basic functions of music and was at the basis of an experimental study. Participants indicated their favorite musical style and a favorite piece of music which they deemed capable of creating a strong social bond among devotees of that style. They were told that other devotees of the same style would subsequently be asked to rate – based on that piece – how much they would like to get to know the person who had named that piece and their degree of affinity for that person. False feedback was manipulated in two randomized groups: one group received very positive feedback from the other fans (suggesting high functionality of the piece) and the other received rather negative feedback (suggesting low functionality). At the end of the study, participants indicated how much they liked the piece they had named. As expected, participants in the high-functionality group gave higher preference ratings for their selected piece than participants in the low-functionality group. The results suggest that the degree of music’s functionality in everyday life is a determinant of musical preferences.