bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Civil War Mediation and Rebel Use of Violence Against Civilians
Authors: Pospieszna Paulina , DeRouen, Karl
Published: May 2016

Violence against civilians is portrayed as an antecedent of civil war, a cause, or both. Civil war creates opportune environments for planning and carrying out these acts that in turn can have detrimental effects on peace processes. Since not all civil war factions will see peace as beneficial, some actors may use violence to undermine the peace talks. The rebels may use indiscriminate violence to demonstrate their ability to exact costs on the government thus forcing the latter to negotiate. This article focuses upon acts of violence committed by rebel groups during mediated peace process. The central hypothesis is that violence against civilians increases the probability of mediation that in turn increases the prospects for violence. Using all civil war episodes from 1970 to 2008 as observations results from bivariate probit analysis endogenizing the choice of mediation bear out this theoretical argument.
Should I Stay or Should I Go? Reciprocity, Negotiation, and the Choice of Structurally Disadvantaged Actors to Remain in Networks
Authors: Savage Scott V. , Sommer Zachary L.
Published: May 2016

Drawing on existing theories of social exchange as well as self-categorization theory, we consider how two forms of direct exchange influence whether structurally disadvantaged actors choose to stay in the micro-structures that disadvantage them. We posit that (1) the exit opportunity is more likely to result in disadvantaged actors coming to view their network as a group if there has been a history of reciprocal, as opposed to negotiated, exchange and (2) this psychological group formation should account for disadvantaged actors disproportionately choosing to remain in reciprocal exchange networks. We also consider whether the information actors have about the alternative network affects this choice. Findings from two laboratory experiments generally support our argument that for disadvantaged actors, psychological group formation mediates the relationship between exchange form and staying in networks.
Intersectionality in European Union policymaking: the case of gender-based violence
Authors: Lombardo Emanuela , Rolandsen Agustín Lise
Published: May 2016

Inclusiveness of different social groups and responsiveness to the needs of increasingly diverse societies are key criteria for policy analysts to assess the quality of public policies. We argue that an intersectional approach attentive to the interaction of gender with other inequalities is particularly apt to deal with equality and diversity in policymaking. By analysing a selection of European Union policy documents on gender-based violence in the period 2000–2014, we attend to the question of what intersectionality can bring to policymaking in terms of strengthening inclusiveness and address the methodological question of applying an intersectional approach to policy analysis.
A response to ‘One Christ—Many Witnesses: Vision of Mission and Unity, Edinburgh and Beyond’
Authors: Behera Marina Ngursangzeli
Published: May 2016

A short response to ‘One Christ—Many Witnesses: Vision of Mission and Unity, Edinburgh and Beyond’ by Dana Robert.
Dissimilarity in physical attractiveness within romantic dyads and mate retention behaviors
Authors: Oltmanns Joshua R. , Markey Patrick M. , French Juliana E.
Published: May 2016

The present study investigated the relations among physical attractiveness and inter- and intrasexual mate retention tactics used by individuals in romantic relationships. Seventy-three undergraduate romantic dyads were photographed and completed a questionnaire about their mate retention tactics. Independent judges rated the photographs for physical attractiveness. Actor–partner interdependence models indicated that (a) partner’s physical attractiveness was positively associated with the individual’s own use of mate retention behavior, (b) an individual’s own level of physical attractiveness was not related to the individual’s own use of mate retention behavior, however, (c) there was a dissimilarity effect for predicting mate retention behaviors. Specifically, participants who were less physically attractive and were in romantic relationships with physically attractive partners employed more intrasexual retention tactics.
Forms, their aspects and their formation processes in architecture and nature
Authors: Schaur Eda
Published: May 2016

Short presentation of the key topics of research of Frei Otto and his teams at IL, with emphasis on the comprehensive investigations on form generating processes, the mutual interdependence of forms as a geometrically measurable, space creating entities and their structural qualities. This was one of the primary research topics at IL, which was studied in different contexties, like prestressed membranes, grid shells, form generation in living nature. Similar questions lead also to the investigations on structures of non-planed settlements, their form generation processes and their characteristics. The article conclude with a short presentation of the author’s latter investigations at the University of Innsbruck, “Institut für Konstruktion und Gestaltung” - “koge” on the phenomena of irregularity and on multilayer membranes, studies which are based on the experiences winned at IL.
Analytical formfinding
Authors: Ströbel Dieter , Singer Peter , Holl Jürgen
Published: May 2016

In this article, formfinding theories for different structures are considered. The beginning of analytical formfinding theories coincides with the analysis of the Olympic Roof in Munich (1972). Therefore, this article starts with the derivation of the force-density method with respect to cable net calculations as those procedures were used for the cable net calculation of the Munich stadium. Later on, the formfinding theories were adapted to textile membranes and foils, so the constitutive equations are extended by crimp- and shear-stiffness. The crimp-stiffness produces a correlation between warp- and weft-stiffness in textile membranes. The shear-stiffness causes shear-stresses because of angle-deformations. Pneumatic structures such as air-halls, air-domes, and ethylene tetrafluoroethylene cushions are widely used. The formfinding calculation of those pneumatically stressed membranes is also demonstrated. An important formfinding input value for those structures is the size of the volume itself. Therefore, an additional constraint in the volume formfinding strategy is the so-called volume equation, which is related to the internal pressure. Minimal surfaces such as soap films (and pneumatically stressed bubbles) have a very specific material behavior which is extensively described. The analytical formfinding theories were always developed due to physical modeling procedures. Mixed formfinding tools combine stiff elements with soft surface materials, as is often done in physical models when, for example, a stiff timber bar is used together with a soft nylon mesh.
Monro-Kellie 2.0: The dynamic vascular and venous pathophysiological components of intracranial pressure
Authors: Wilson Mark H
Published: May 2016

For 200 years, the ‘closed box’ analogy of intracranial pressure (ICP) has underpinned neurosurgery and neuro-critical care. Cushing conceptualised the Monro-Kellie doctrine stating that a change in blood, brain or CSF volume resulted in reciprocal changes in one or both of the other two. When not possible, attempts to increase a volume further increase ICP. On this doctrine’s “truth or relative untruth” depends many of the critical procedures in the surgery of the central nervous system. However, each volume component may not deserve the equal weighting this static concept implies. The slow production of CSF (0.35 ml/min) is dwarfed by the dynamic blood in and outflow (∼700 ml/min). Neuro-critical care practice focusing on arterial and ICP regulation has been questioned. Failure of venous efferent flow to precisely match arterial afferent flow will yield immediate and dramatic changes in intracranial blood volume and pressure. Interpreting ICP without interrogating its core drivers may be misleading. Multiple clinical conditions and the cerebral effects of altitude and microgravity relate to imbalances in this dynamic rather than ICP per se. This article reviews the Monro-Kellie doctrine, categorises venous outflow limitation conditions, relates physiological mechanisms to clinical conditions and suggests specific management options.
Computational fluid dynamics modeling of the structural influences on offshore wind measurements at the Cleveland water intake crib in Lake Erie
Authors: Corrigan Daniel , Li Simeng , Matthiesen David H
Published: May 2016

Installation of dedicated offshore meteorological tower is very expensive due to the water depth and in some locations, icing conditions. However, many port cities have existing offshore structures such as water intake facilities or historical coastal defense structures that could be utilized as a low-cost alternative for wind resource assessment studies. Such a study was conducted using the city of Cleveland’s Water Division water intake facility located 3.5 miles offshore of downtown Cleveland in Lake Erie. Lake Erie is the smallest of the Great Lakes and as such can completely ice over during the winter. The water intake crib was installed in 1904 and has a small building on top of the water intake pipe. In 2005, a meteorological tower was installed on top of this building and has been recording wind measurements at 30, 40, and 50 m above the nominal water level. The influence of this structure on the recorded wind measurements was assessed using a computational fluid dynamics model. The assessment was conducted across the eight cardinal and ordinal directions and evaluated as a function of incoming wind profile. The model assumed a neutral boundary condition and the standard power law equation was used to predict the true mean wind speeds and wind shear coefficients. Input wind profiles with programmed wind shear coefficients of 0.0, 0.1, and 0.2 were found to be reduced above the crib structure and resulted in wind shear coefficients of −0.07, 0.05, and 0.17, respectively, at the locations of the cup anemometer measurements. This reduction of wind shear coefficient values was found to be caused by an increase in the wind speed above the building, which affected the lower height measurements more than the upper height measurements. The relationship between the known programmed wind shear coefficients and the lower resultant wind shear coefficients predicted from the computational fluid dynamics model was then used to adjust the experimental measurements to correct historical data. The corrected mean wind speeds occurring during a 2-year period beginning in October 2005 at 30, 40, and 50 m are 6.79, 7.02, and 7.16 m s−1, respectively, as compared to the previously reported values of 7.14, 7.25, and 7.34 at 30, 40, and 50 m, respectively. These values represented the wind speeds which would have been measured using an isolated 50 m meteorological mast positioned directly on the water’s surface rather than atop the offshore water intake building. The wind shear coefficient averaged over the corrected wind speeds was 0.1038 as compared to the previously reported value of 0.0541.
Still Second Class
Authors: Rosenthal Marina N. , Smidt Alec M. , Freyd Jennifer J.
Published: May 2016

We surveyed 525 graduate students (61.7% females and 38.3% males) regarding their exposure to sexual and gender-based harassing events. Thirty-eight percent of female and 23.4% of male participants self-reported that they had experienced sexual harassment from faculty or staff; 57.7% of female and 38.8% of male participants reported they had experienced sexual harassment from other students. We explored the relation between sexual harassment and negative outcomes (trauma symptoms, campus safety, and institutional betrayal) while also considering associations with other types of victimization (sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence) during graduate school. Our results update and extend prior research on sexual harassment of graduate students; graduate-level female students continue to experience significantly more sexual harassment from faculty, staff, and students than their male counterparts, and sexual harassment is significantly associated with negative outcomes after considering other forms of victimization. Leaders in the academic community and therapists can apply these findings in their work with sexually harassed students to destigmatize the experience, validate the harm, and work toward preventing future incidents. A podcast conversation with the author of this article is available on PWQ's website at http://pwq.sagepub.com/site/misc/Index/Podcasts.xhtml
Press nationalism emerges in pollution disaster reporting
Authors: Lou Chen , Wagner Carson B. , Cheng Hong
Published: May 2016

This content analysis examines how The New York Times and The Washington Post framed the Bhopal gas leak in India in 1984 and the British Petroleum oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. Findings indicate that the frame for the Union Carbide-caused Bhopal incident de-emphasized the U.S. corporation’s role. Conversely, the coverage of the BP spill emphasized the faults of the foreign-owned company within the U.S.
Commenter anonymity affects reader perceptions
Authors: Miller Barbara M. , Xu Qian , Barnett Brooke
Published: May 2016

An experiment examines how attributes of reader comments about online news stories affect perceptions of the story as well as readers’ intentions to share it. Attributes of both the comment and the commenter play a role in how and whether readers will react to the story.
Women Social Workers
Authors: Mallinger Gayle , Starks Saundra , Tarter Kirsten
Published: May 2016

Research continues to demonstrate that female social workers earn less than their male counterparts and experience significant barriers to professional advancement. Yet, little has been written about factors promoting women’s progress within the structural barriers that disadvantage women social workers. The combination of ethic of care, risk and resilience, and ecological theories informs the conceptual model outlined in this article. This model provides a roadmap for understanding national and organizational impediments to the success of women social workers and offers strategies for empowering women in the profession in the United States. Social work practitioners and administrators must engage in frank discussions about sexism, nurture leadership skills, and advocate for the elimination of gender discrimination and for the promotion of equal opportunity in social service organizations.
The Impact of a National Tobacco Education Campaign on State-Specific Quitline Calls
Authors: Zhang Lei , Malarcher Ann , Babb Steve , Mann Nathan , Davis Kevin , Campbell Kelsey , Schauer Gillian , Alexander Robert , Debrot Karen , Rodes Robert
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

The ads from the first federally funded national tobacco education campaign, Tips From Former Smokers (Tips), considerably increased quitline calls nationwide. This study evaluates the effect of Tips on state-specific quitline calls.

Design:

Precampaign, during-campaign, and postcampaign comparison; regression modeling.

Setting:

All fifty states as well as the District of Columbia.

Subjects:

Calls to state quitlines.

Intervention:

Tips.

Measures:

Tips campaign exposure was measured by gross rating points (GRPs). Calls to quitline’s 1-800-QUIT-NOW were assigned to markets in each state based on their area codes.

Analysis:

Multivariate regression was used to assess the relationship between calls to state quitlines and media market-level Tips GRPs, while controlling for market and area code characteristics.

Results:

Nationally, every 100 Tips GRPs per week at the market level was associated with an average of 45 additional quitline calls in each area code (β = 44.65, p < .001). Tips GRPs were associated with significant increases in quitline calls in 46 states and the District of Columbia, of which 11 experienced effects significantly larger than the national average and 5 experienced significantly smaller effects. We were unable to detect statistically significant effects of GRPs on call volumes for four states. Graphically, call volumes in those states followed Tips GRPs.

Conclusion:

The Tips campaign significantly increased calls to quitlines for almost all the states. These findings underscore the effectiveness of national tobacco media campaigns for reaching state audiences.
Philanthropic Support of National Parks
Authors: Yandle Tracy , Noonan Douglas S. , Gazley Beth
Published: May 2016

Ostrom’s social-ecological systems (SES) framework infrequently has been applied to civil society research. But its focus on collective action may help explain why some national parks are more successful at attracting philanthropic resources to supplement stagnant public funding. We examine two types of charitable supporting organizations: “Friends of” Groups (FOGs), which typically emphasize fundraising, and Cooperating Associations (CAs), which typically emphasize visitor support. We identify their partnership patterns across more than 300 national park units. Our findings suggest that FOGs and CAs fill different niches. CAs are drawn to more popular parks or memorials, and FOGs are found in parks with smaller budgets or offering fewer activities. Actor characteristics play a secondary role in explaining nonprofit incidence. The holistic approach of the SES perspective demonstrates the importance of connecting resource systems to institutional settings and actor attributes.
Flight modeling and simulation for dynamic soaring with small unmanned air vehicles
Authors: Liu Duo-Neng , Hou Zhong-Xi , Gao Xian-Zhong
Published: May 2016

The design of guidance and control strategies is a promising study trend of dynamic soaring for small unmanned aerial vehicles, for which the flight modeling and simulation specifically for soaring-capable unmanned aerial vehicles is significant and necessary. The aim of this paper is to propose a flight simulation platform for dynamic soaring. In order to do so, firstly, two different sets of equations of motion of small unmanned aerial vehicles have been derived and their characteristics are compared: one is expressed in body-fixed frame and the other in air-relative flight path frame. Secondly, the latter set is used for energy analysis to maximize energy gain while climbing and diving and minimize energy cost during turning in dynamic soaring. While the former serves to build the dynamic soaring simulation platform, in which a piecewise trajectory-based guidance and control strategy according to the energy analysis is proposed tracking the optimum climb and bank angles and traveling toward desired directions. Simulation results indicate that the unmanned aerial vehicles can perform dynamic soaring toward various directions in different wind fields, follow asymptotically the typical straight-line and circular-orbit paths by repeating soaring cycles.
A Commander–Tracker–Executor based energy management framework for an engine waste heat recovery system
Authors: Lei Zhengling , Xie Hui
Published: May 2016

Energy management for an internal combustion engine waste heat recovery system presents a complex problem. There are the coupling issues of energy recovery and energy utilization. In addition, there are the problems arising from the large thermal inertia of the energy network. A Commander–Tracker–Executor energy manager framework is proposed as the management solution. Under this approach the Commander is designed to optimally split the engine’s exhaust energy among the different energy devices of the energy network at the lowest fuel cost. A disturbance estimation-based receding horizon controller is designed as a Tracker to follow the Commander’s commands in real time. The Commander’s decisions are made in real time based on each energy device’s efficiency model, the torque demand given by the driver, and the corresponding heat rejection requirement of the whole system. The Tracker works as a trajectory follower to transform the Commander’s decisions into the actuators’ control objectives. The Executor ensures that the energy management goals are achieved in line with the actuators’ control objectives. An energy network constructed of - - - - -  has been taken as an example for the simulation study. The simulation results indicate that: the manager exhibited fairly good fuel-saving potentiality along a whole driving cycle; the proposed Commander showed effective exhaust energy splitting performance; and the Tracker scheme demonstrated good tracking capability and robustness.
Three-dimensional simulation of unsteady flows in a pump-turbine during start-up transient up to speed no-load condition in generating mode
Authors: Li Zhongjie , Bi Huili , Wang Zhengwei , Yao Ze
Published: May 2016

Three-dimensional numerical simulation for a prototype pump-turbine has been performed to investigate the transient characteristics and flow behaviors in the startup process. The rotational speed, which varies with runner torque and inertial of the rotating systems, is obtained by hydraulic-force coupling method. To simulate the guide vane motions, dynamic overset mesh technique is applied with good maintenance of mesh quality. Comparisons with the existing experimental results verify the validity of the current method in predicting the startup transient characteristics of a pump-turbine with good accuracy. During the startup transient, the guide vanes open according to a prescribed sequence, which brings in increasing flow rate to the unit. The runner accelerates due to growing water power energy exerted on the runner blades. When approaching the speed no-load condition, a ring-shaped flow enlacing the entire vaneless space, that we term “water-ring,” is found to block the through-flow along the circumference, and the pump-turbine features a prominent partial pump flow state in the runner, which equalizes the torque to no load. Thus, the runner rotational speed stops increasing and stabilizes toward rated speed. The prediction shows that the pressure fluctuation amplitude of the speed no-load can be 3.8 to 8 times that of the full load, presenting evidently stronger instability at the speed no-load.
‘I Think it’s Rape and I Think He Would be Found Not Guilty’
Authors: Larcombe Wendy , Fileborn Bianca , Powell Anastasia , Hanley Natalia , Henry Nicola
Published: May 2016

A legal definition of rape that exonerates an accused who ‘reasonably believes in consent’ is currently in force in a number of jurisdictions in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Limited empirical research has investigated community and professional perceptions of the adequacy and scope of this definition of rape. The present study contributes to qualitative research on ‘reasonable belief in consent’ by analysing key themes from 11 focus group discussions with professionals working in the sexual assault sector (counsellors, health professionals, victim/survivor advocates and police officers), legally trained professionals and community members interested in rape law reform. Across these backgrounds, participants expressed dissatisfaction with this definition of rape because the scope for reasonable belief in consent was seen as overly broad. In particular, participants expected that jurors would draw on a presumption of ‘implied’ or ‘continuing’ consent between former sexual partners to find that belief in consent was ‘reasonable’ when the victim did not protest or resist the assault. As a result, many of our participants were critical that the rape definition effectively maintains the onus on a rape victim/survivor to unequivocally demonstrate non-consent. Participants advocated further law reform to give effect to a more ‘affirmative’ or communicative concept of consent.
Funding Music
Authors: Rajan Rekha S.
Published: May 2016

With music education’s continued unstable role within the school system, music educators are actively seeking external funding to support and augment their programs. However, there are many challenges involved with grant writing including understanding where to find potential funders, writing the proposal, developing a budget, and including an evaluation. This article outlines the basic guidelines for writing grants and pursuing funding to support music education initiatives with descriptions of granting agencies, composing the proposal, the submission and notification process, and suggestions for collaborating with classroom teachers and university faculty to pursue grants.
Machine vision and fuzzy logic-based navigation control of a goal-oriented mobile robot
Authors: Nattharith Panus , Güzel Mehmet Serdar
Published: May 2016

This work addresses a new goal oriented navigation framework for autonomous system. In the proposed work, a hybrid control system, comprising deliberative and behavior-based architectures, has been developed. Deliberative layer employs a monocular vision camera to obtain the position of the goal while behavior-based framework makes use of the motor schema technique for safe navigation. Fuzzy logic is also adopted in order to enhance the performance of the navigation system. A rigorous series of experiments has been conducted using two navigation methods, which are the proposed control system and the conventional navigation technique utilizing the potential field method for achieving the desired goals. Both systems are implemented in the simulated experiments using Stage simulator. By employing these two approaches, it is possible to present a comparison of the navigation results between the systems utilizing different navigation techniques. The experimental results reveal that the proposed system produces better navigation performance compared to the conventional method in terms of safe and successful navigation, with a smoother trajectory and consistent motion.
The Question of Newsworthiness
Authors: Rosen Cecilia , Guenther Lars , Froehlich Klara
Published: May 2016

Although science journalists’ selection criteria have been investigated, there have not been systematic attempts yet to study how this varies across countries. Using gatekeeping theory, we analyzed and compared how three groups of journalists in Argentina, France, and Germany selected their news, and explored some motivations behind their decisions. Personal interests as well as a set of common news factors and sources are important for all journalists, while the journalists differ regarding professional role conceptions, the influence of their organizations, and perceived importance of audience perceptions. More research is needed to unravel science news selection criteria across different journalistic cultures.
Twitter
Authors: Gaber Ivor
Published: May 2016

The 2015 General Election in the United Kingdom was the first to take place in the United Kingdom with Twitter as an important part of the social media landscape. This pilot project looked at 16 constituencies along England’s South Coast in order to investigate what impact, if any, Twitter had had on both the campaign and the result and to investigate the efficacy, or otherwise, of using Twitter as a tool for studying election campaigns in terms of candidate and local party activism. On the basis of an analysis of almost half a million tweets, the analysis concluded that there appeared to be a correlation between the rate at which parties and/or candidates responded to incoming tweets and their relative electoral performance but this was not demonstrable for all parties (it applied in particular to Labour and UK Independence Party candidates). In addition, high rates of reply also appeared to have a positive impact on constituency turnout figures. The findings are not yet conclusive but suggest that Twitter could be a good indicator of general levels of local party activism. The research also sought to understand how candidates used Twitter differently and established a number of candidate ‘classifiers’. It also investigated the issues agenda that was dominating Twitter conversations during the campaign and found that Twitter’s agenda was closer to the public’s than was that of the national media. The research also monitored the regional and local media in the 16 constituencies and discovered that their issues agenda was closer still to the public’s. Overall, it is difficult to conclude that Twitter had a major impact on the election campaign and result.
Log in if you survived: Collective coping on social media in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines
Authors: Tandoc Edson C , Takahashi Bruno
Published: May 2016

This study explores the use of Facebook for collective coping in the immediate aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest storms ever recorded on Earth, which hit the Philippines in November 2013. When traditional communication channels became non-operational, non-traditional information sources and communication platforms, such as Facebook, became salient. Drawing from interviews with 29 individuals from various groups—government officials, local journalists, and residents—this study found three collective coping strategies facilitated by Facebook. First, social media became a platform for survivors to tell their friends and family they survived. Second, social media provided a means for residents to participate in the social construction of their experience. Finally, social media also became a venue for survivors to manage their feelings and memories by documenting—and memorializing—what they experienced and how they are moving on.
The dynamic Mullins effect: On the influence of the Mullins effect on dynamic moduli
Authors: Diercks N , Johlitz M , Calipel J
Published: May 2016

Filled polymers which are used in various areas of engineering usually show a significant stress-softening, commonly known as Mullins effect which is pretty well investigated in the time-regime (in form of stress–strain relations). As these materials are often exposed to dynamic loads (e.g. tires, engine-mounts, etc.), it is very common to test them by using the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and describe the material behaviour in the frequency domain (in terms of dynamic moduli). In this contribution, it is experimentally investigated how the Mullins effect influences the dynamic properties (storage and loss moduli) of the material and it is shown that the stress-softening is not only dependent on the maximum strain in history, but is also influenced by the rate of deformation during the preconditioning process. In the second part, a modelling approach for this phenomenon is presented while the anisotropic behaviour of the Mullins effect is considered by use of the concept of representative directions. Lastly, the contribution is closed with simulations of the experiments performed to show the capability of the model.
Study of the deep drawing behavior and crystallographic texture of AA 3104-H19 aluminum alloy sheets
Authors: Martins André LT , Couto Antônio A , Lima Nelson B
Published: May 2016

The aluminum alloy 3104, H19 temper, is commonly used in the production of two-piece beverage cans. The objective of the present study is to compare three different rolled sheets of this alloy. All three of them are routinely used in production lines dedicated to can manufacturing. The yield strength for all three was found around 265 MPa, the ultimate tensile strength 281 MPa, and the average elongation 4.19%. The strain hardening exponent (n) was similar for all three sheets, averaging 0.078. The plastic strain ratios for planar anisotropy (ΔR) and for normal anisotropy ([Formula: see text]) were found to be near zero and 0.4, respectively. Values of ΔR near zero indicate there is no earing tendency. The crystallographic texture analysis yielded four dominating components: Brass ({110}<112>) and Copper ({112}<111>), which are typical of strain hardened aluminum, Cube ({001}<100>), usually associated with recrystallization, and Goss ({110}<001>). Such a texture would be conducive to balanced earing. The metallographic images for all three sheets were alike, with constituents not homogeneously distributed and with similar size and chemical compositions in addition to dispersoids finely spread throughout the aluminum matrix. The Erichsen tests also showed alike results with an average of 4.6 mm before failure.
Friction stir processing of Al–CNT composites
Authors: Du Zhenglin , Tan Ming-Jen , Guo Jun-Feng , Wei Jun
Published: May 2016

Friction stir processing (FSP) is a solid-state process with the ability to refine grain sizes and uniformly disperse particles to improve the mechanical properties of the base material. In this study, FSP was performed on AA6061-T6 with and without additions of multi-walled CNTs. For FSP on monolithic Al plates, dendrites were broken down and dispersed uniformly with the increase in number of passes. As for FSP of Al–CNT composites, the CNTs have been successfully dispersed with three FSP passes. Dispersion is more uniform with increasing number of passes. The Vickers hardness and tensile yield strength were found to have improved after performing FSP with the addition of CNT as compared to FSP of AA6061-T6 without CNT.
On the isotropic and anisotropic thermal conductivity of metallic hollow sphere structures
Authors: Janousch C , Winkler R , Merkel M , Altenbach H , Öchsner A
Published: May 2016

Metallic hollow sphere structures (MHSS) combine the well-known advantages of cellular metals with the excellent material properties of solid base metals. The basic cell is a hollow sphere. Metallic hollow sphere structures can be assembled by sintering, soldering, or adhesive bonding. The macroscopic thermal property and, more specifically, the thermal conductivity is an essential material property. The objective of this work is to address the thermal conductivity of MHSS in dependence of the geometrical parameters of a single sphere and the ordering scheme of the assembled structure with a special focus on isotropy and anisotropy. From a macroscopic point of view, which is often used within the engineering design process, the characterization of the properties of MHSS demand an approximative description coming out of a homogenization. Within this paper the unit cell approach is used. The numerical analysis is done on the basis of a parameterized 3D-CAD model enabling the variation of the sphere size and wall thickness as well as the geometry of the interconnection between spheres. Periodic boundary conditions are applied. Results for the macroscopic thermal conductivity are presented for regular-packed (CP, BCC, FCC, and HCP) as well as randomly packed unit cells representing sintered or soldered MHSS. The anisotropy is discussed by the 3 × 3 thermal conductivity tensor.
The use of the theory of critical distance and the stress-gradient approach in the fatigue life estimation of notched components
Authors: Spaggiari Andrea , Castagnetti Davide , Dragoni Eugenio , Bulleri Simone
Published: May 2016

Fatigue life prediction for machine components is a fundamental factor in the industrial world, and therefore several methods can be traced in technical literature to estimate life of notched components. The present paper correlates the classical stress-gradient approach, or support factor method, proposed by Siebel, Neuber and Petersen with the more recent theory of critical distance approach by Tanaka and Taylor. On one hand, the main asset of the support factor method is the punctual information about the stresses needed to estimate the effective stress, namely the maximum stress and stress gradient at the hot spot. By contrast, the theory of the critical distance needs the calculation of the stress distribution for a finite depth inside the material. The main drawback of the support factor method is that the material parameter ρ* is available only for a limited series of materials. In order to overcome this limitation, the paper investigates the correlation between the material parameter ρ* and the critical distance L by relying on a parametric stress function. The proposed correlation aims at giving a simple method for the industrial engineers, which often needs straightforward methods to tackle practical problems. A comparison between the two methods is carried out by considering three different benchmark geometries: a typical V-notched specimen, a vessel under internal pressure and a complex industrial hydraulic control valve. In the first two benchmarks, the effective stresses are analytically retrieved and compared using both methods while an elastic finite element analysis is performed for the last one. The close match of the fatigue life prediction between the methods supports the possibility to exploit the data available in literature for the critical distance in order to estimate the effective stresses with the support factor method.
Effect of chemical composition modification on structure and properties of the cast Zn-Al-Cu alloys
Authors: Krupiński M , Krupińska B , Labisz K , Rdzawski Z , Tański T
Published: May 2016

The effect of Sr, Ti-B addition on structure and properties of cast Zn-Al-Cu alloys is presented in this work. Cu as well as master alloys such as Al-Sr and Al-Ti-B were added to the zinc alloy, which was cast into a metal mould. The thermo-derivative analysis was performed using the UMSA platform (Universal Metallurgical Simulator and Analyzer) with cooling at different rates in the range from 0.09 to about 0.2 ℃ s−1. The effect was investigated of the mass concentration of alloying elements ranging from 0.1 to 1% and of the varying cooling rates on the alloys’ structure and properties, including corrosion resistance in the salt vapour environment, as well as its hardness and abrasion wear resistance in the metal-to-metal setup. Alteration of the chemical composition of the cast Zn alloys by the addition of modifiers was made to change their structure and thereby possibly improve the alloys’ properties and also the functional ones.
Antihepatocellular Carcinoma Potential of Tetramethylpyrazine Induces Cell Cycle Modulation and Mitochondrial-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Bi Lei , Yan Xiaojing , Chen Weiping , Gao Jing , Qian Lei , Qiu Shuang
Published: May 2016

Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) was originally isolated from a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Ligusticum chuanxiong. In the present study, TMP exhibits potent antitumor activities in vitro. However, the molecular mechanisms remain to be defined. Hence, this study aims to investigate the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of TMP on HepG2 and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Analyses using Cell Counting Kit-8 and real-time cell analyzer indicated that TMP significantly inhibited HepG2 cell proliferation. We also observed that TMP induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 checkpoint and apoptosis, using flow cytometry and high-content screening. Furthermore, our results predicted that TMP could directly decrease mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), increase the release of cytochrome c, and increase caspase activation, indicating that mitochondrial pathway apoptosis could be the mechanism for TMP within HepG2 cells. Moreover, TMP altered expression of p53 and the Bcl-2/Bax protein ratio, which revealed that TMP induced cell cycle arrest and caspase-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis in HepG2 cells in vitro. These studies provided mechanistic insights into the antitumor properties of TMP, which may be explored as a potential option for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Spinal astrocytic activation contributes to both induction and maintenance of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide type 1 receptor-induced long-lasting mechanical allodynia in mice
Authors: Yokai Masafumi , Kurihara Takashi , Miyata Atsuro
Published: May 2016

Background

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and its receptors are present in the spinal dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglia, suggesting an important role of PACAP–PACAP receptors signaling system in the modulation of spinal nociceptive transmission. We have previously reported that a single intrathecal injection of PACAP or a PACAP specific (PAC1) receptor selective agonist, maxadilan, in mice induced dose-dependent aversive behaviors, which lasted more than 30 min, and suggested that the maintenance of the nociceptive behaviors was associated with the spinal astrocytic activation.

Results

We found that a single intrathecal administration of PACAP or maxadilan also produced long-lasting hind paw mechanical allodynia, which persisted at least 84 days without affecting thermal nociceptive threshold. In contrast, intrathecal application of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide did not change mechanical threshold, and substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide, or N-methyl-D-aspartate induced only transient mechanical allodynia, which disappeared within 21 days. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses with an astrocytic marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein, revealed that the spinal PAC1 receptor stimulation caused sustained astrocytic activation, which also lasted more than 84 days. Intrathecal co-administration of L-α-aminoadipate, an astroglial toxin, with PACAP or maxadilan almost completely prevented the induction of the mechanical allodynia. Furthermore, intrathecal treatment of L-α-aminoadipate at 84 days after the PAC1 stimulation transiently reversed the mechanical allodynia accompanied by the reduction of glial fibrillary acidic protein expression level.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that spinal astrocytic activation triggered by the PAC1 receptor stimulation contributes to both induction and maintenance of the long-term mechanical allodynia.
The relocation and road transfer of intensive care patients to a new hospital in Bristol: Our experiences
Authors: Grier Scott , Gough Christopher JR , Wrathall Gareth J
Published: May 2016

In May 2014, North Bristol NHS Trust merged its two existing hospitals – Southmead and Frenchay – into a new, purpose-built building. The project involved the movement of 540 patients, many over a distance of several miles. We describe the planning process and transfer of 24 level two and three patients from two intensive care units into the new hospital. These transfers were performed successfully, without significant incident and under intense scrutiny from the Trust, the patients and the media. In this paper, we reflect upon our experiences of this process, which may be of benefit to those encountering a similar move in the future.
Impact of a physical activity intervention on adolescents’ subjective sleep quality: a pilot study
Authors: Baldursdottir Birna , Taehtinen Richard E. , Sigfusdottir Inga Dora , Krettek Alexandra , Valdimarsdottir Heiddis B.
Published: May 2016

Background:

The aim of this pilot study was to examine the impact of a brief physical activity intervention on adolescents’ subjective sleep quality. Cross-sectional studies indicate that physically active adolescents have better subjective sleep quality than those with more sedentary habits. However, less is known about the effectiveness of physical activity interventions in improving adolescents’ subjective sleep quality.

Methods:

In a three-week physical activity intervention, four Icelandic upper secondary schools were randomized to either an intervention group with pedometers and step diaries or a control group without pedometers and diaries. Out of 84, a total of 53 students, aged 15−16 years, provided complete data or a minimum of two days step data (out of three possible) as well as sleep quality measures at baseline and follow-up. Subjective sleep quality, the primary outcome in this study, was assessed with four individual items: sleep onset latency, nightly awakenings, general sleep quality, and sleep sufficiency. Daily steps were assessed with Yamax CW-701 pedometers.

Results:

The intervention group ( n = 26) had significantly higher average step-count ( p = 0.03, partial η2 = 0.093) compared to the control group ( n = 27) at follow-up. Subjective sleep quality improved ( p = 0.02, partial η2 = 0.203) over time in the intervention group but not in the control group.

Conclusions:

Brief physical activity interventions based on pedometers and step diaries may be effective in improving adolescents’ subjective sleep quality. This has important public health relevance as the intervention can easily be disseminated and incorporated into school curricula.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Equity-Holder Risk in the Hospitality Industry
Authors: Kim YongHee , Kim MinChung , Mattila Anna S.
Published: May 2016

This study examined whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) enhances firm value for shareholders, who ultimately fund a firm’s CSR initiatives. Specifically, we investigated the relationship between the CSR activities of a hospitality firm and the risks associated with equity holding of the firm. Using MSCI Environmental, Social, and Governance ratings from 1991 to 2008, we measured the extent of CSR efforts of firms and tested the effect of CSR on two different types of equity-holder risks (i.e., systematic and unsystematic risks) across four segments in the hospitality industry (airlines, hotels, casinos, and restaurants). CSR was found to reduce the systematic risk of restaurants and casinos firms significantly, whereas it had no significant influence on the unsystematic risk in any of the segments. The results of this study have important theoretical and practical implications to the academia and the hospitality industry.
Beautiful monsters, strange children and the problem of making distinctions
Authors: Brophy Rachel
Published: May 2016

Inviting questions about our emotional entanglement in relationship to childhood opens new space to think about how and why we construct the child in the way we do. I propose that the figure of the child stands in for our wishes, regrets and anxieties. And perhaps, one of the reasons we phantasize about childhood is because it can be used as a revolt against actual experience. Children, according to Steedman, are the most temporary of all social subjects and so are by their very nature impossible to capture. I suggest that the fascination with the inner world of the child acts as an antidote for lost memories and our inability to consciously access the emotional experiences of the past. To introduce these ideas, I begin with Maurice Sendak, author of Where the Wild Things Are, as provocation for thinking about the figure of the child. To explore this further, I have created a dialogue between Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein and Carolyn Steedman’s discussion of the elusive history of child acrobats in Strange Dislocations. The narrative of Frankenstein’s monster is considered in contrast to Shelley’s ideas about childhood, hoping to animate tensions in her mythology. I also see the monster as a representation of the child, who then comes to represent childhood and exists as a figure beyond the page. Steedman’s work acts as a tool to support the complicated process of thinking about a child figure, its manifestation and its purpose. Lear’s ideas about loss and enigmatic objects find their way into the conversation as I attempt to build an understanding of how a timeless figure, and one without distinctions, can somehow help us when the concepts we use to function in the world have stopped making sense. Paradoxically, the child is both the concept we have lost and the enigmatic object that mobilizes our capacity to dream and search for the lost child.