bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing Substitution Box Based on the 1D Logistic Map Chaotic System
Authors: Fadhil Meryam Saad , Farhan Alaa Kadhim , Fadhil Mohammad Natiq
Published: February 2021

Many researchers have tried to use the chaotic systems in generating different cryptographic tools, in order to provide high level of security to the data passing through network. In modern symmetric cryptographic systems, one of the most essential functions is a nonlinear mapping Substitution process which is responsible for creating the confusion between plaintext and ciphertext. It replaces each input bits by other bits using the lookup table S-Box. In this paper a new S-Box based on a 1D logistic map chaotic system was designed. The chaotic sequence generated from the 1D logistic map was processed to generate the hexa code values, and after that this hexa code also processed to construct the new good S-Box. This proposal was evaluated using the S-Box tests criteria including avalanche, balanced, completeness, strict avalanche, and invertibility. The analysis results show that the proposed S-Box passes all these statistical tests, has large avalanche effect and therefore the S-Box can avoid many attacks. The construction of both Substitution-Box and its inverse take only few milliseconds, so it can be used in many lightweight block ciphers.
Review on secure data aggregation in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Abood Mohammed Salah , Wang(王华) Hua , Mahdi Hussain Falih , Hamdi Mustafa Maad , Abdullah Ahmad S.
Published: February 2021

Recent advances in wireless sensor networks ( WSNs) have inspired various new applications, including target tracking and monitoring of ecosystems. Nevertheless, a large amount of data energy consumption of WSNs is utilized by data communication. However, data aggregation techniques can eliminate redundant data being transferred back to the base station and thereby lessening the consumption of energy. Security features like data integrity, confidentiality and accumulation of latest data is of great importance if WSN is utilized in extremely hostile or remote settings whereby the sensors are vulnerable to node failure and breach. Currently, there is prospect for securing data aggregation using WSN. In light of this, security features in data aggregation using WSN will be examined in current study. Next, the adversarial model that can be used in any aggregation scheme is then evaluated. Moreover, the latest and most sophisticated secured data aggregation scheme, proposed will be examined and categorized into two groups which are classified according to the number of aggregator nodes and the existence of the verification term. In this paper, created a table that showed the advantages and limitations of each algorithm that was adopted by researchers, shown in Table 3. Last, a computational approach is recommended to build a modern design with minimal protection preconditions against various types of challenges. The conceptual framework aims to provide an advanced understanding and enable the process of evaluation.
Power reduction using high speed with saving mode clock gating technique
Authors: Hameed Maan , Mogheer Hussein Sh. , Mansour Ali
Published: February 2021

The demand for low power consumption is motivated by several factors such as the evolution of portable design, reliability effects, and flexibility. The purpose of clock gating is inactive or suppresses change to fragments of the clock route as flip-flop, clock system and rationality under a specific condition processed by clock gating chips. Moreover, the clock is disabled when it is not necessary in clock gating to decrease power dissipation. Clock technique successfully turns off the clock any place it pointlessly expends power. By following the expressed methodology, the force utilization turns out to be less up to half without influencing the performance of the structure. The extraordinary source of power utilization is the clock. Clock signal is not used to achieve any digital calculation. It is for the most part utilized for synchronization of successive circuits. In this way, clock signal does not carry any data. In this research paper, a new sub module for high speed and saving mode is proposed. It saves more power by switch on only the target module and switch other module off. By using this technique, it may reduce power dissipation up to half. In order to execute encoder and decoder structure, the models of compression and decompression process is created by applying Verilog HDL language Quartus II 11.1 Web Edition with 32-Bit. In addition, operational simulation is executed by using ModelSim-Altera 10.0c (Quartus II 11.1 Starter Edition).
A Proposed Solution for Route Reply Storm Problem to Improve DSR Protocol Performance in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kadhim Dheyaa Jasim
Published: February 2021

Due to the limited transmission range of the wireless sensor network interface, a node may need multiple network hops to exchange data with another node over networks and other issues cause an overhead and bad utilization on the network. As a consequently, if some nodes reply route request at the same time to the same destination, then these simultaneous replies from different nodes will cause collision at the destination which it can cause a problem named route reply storm. The dynamic source routing (DSR) protocol is a reactive source routing protocol for mobile IP network where nodes should sense and discover with nearby nodes. Each node acts as a router for sending and receiving the packets to/from other node. In this work, we present a new proposal as a solution for storm route reply problem in DSR; the objective of the new proposed solution is to present a way to reduce unnecessary packet flooding between source and destination nodes in order to enhance DSR protocol. Afterthought, this work proposed some case studies to verify our proposed solution for solving the problem route reply storm, our verifications proves our robustness and correctness of the proposed solution against two main WSN problems that may face any wireless sensor network including coverage problem and link failure problem. The simulation results achieved here for two routing protocols DSR protocol and proposed improved DSR protocol for energy efficiency parameters. Simulation results showed that the energy consumption of proposed approach is minimized by 25 % approximately as compared to previous standard DSR protocol while the network lifetime performance is increased by approximately 35 % as compared to standard DSR protocol. In summary, the proposed solution of DSR protocol can be energy efficient for wireless sensor networks resource management.
Effects of Increasing Mass Scaling in 3D Explicit Finite Element Analysis on the Wire Drawing Process
Authors: Gattmah Jabbar , Shihab Suha K. , Mohamed Muzher Taha , Abbas Ali Laftah
Published: February 2021

3D explicit technique based on finite element analysis is usually applied for solving the nonlinear problems in metal forming process such as wire drawing. The mass scaling percentage that related with stable time increment has substantial influence for attaining the optimum simulation results. In this article, the drawing process of A304 stainless wire utilizing analytical and numerical approach without mass scaling was developed to estimate and validate the obtained drawing stresses using different reduction of area. Then, 3D explicit models based on finite element analysis was run using various mass scaling at the low and high reduction of area 12 and 27% for displaying the analysis time, equivalent plastic strain (PEEQ), and drawing stress. The results exposed that the appropriate increase of mass percentage corresponding to the target time increment can be selected for reducing the time of wire drawing analysis to 53 and 50% at reduction of area 12 and 27% respectively. Although the PEEQ and drawing stress had little increase when the mass percentage raises however, it should be taken into consideration through the design of the wire drawing process. Therefore; the mass scaling value must be carefully adopted.
Numerical and Experimental Investigation on the Combustion of Premixed Propane – Air Mixtures
Authors: Abbas Alhumairi Mohammed Kh , Aldabash Nazar , Almahdawi Yasseen , Al-Jiboory Ali Khudhair
Published: February 2021

The behaviour of a premixed propane flame in three dimensions was studied numerically and experimentally in a jet flow combustor at different equivalence ratio, Reynolds numbers and turbulent intensity. The detailed attract here has come up with data of propane -air mixtures flame propagation over a range of equivalence ratios (e) between 0.6 lean flame to 1.3 rich flame on environmental conditions of temperature and atmospheric pressure. The instantaneous flame was visualized using a high-speed camera on the domain of the burner of 100 mm diameter. From 174 to 472 images were recorded for each experimental test. Flame surface density was obtained from the instantaneous image of the flame. The influence of the flame area density in the evaluation of the flame propagation will be discussed. The study shows that the increase in turbulent intensity leads to increase the turbulent flame propagation speed subsequently increase in flame area density at a constant an equivalence ratio value. Also, it was shown that the wrinkling flame shape is the dominant characteristic leading to the increased turbulence intensity. The research results are expected to be used for developing jet flow combustor burners.
Evaluation of the Mechanical Characteristics of Hybrid Nanocomposite Materials (TiO2-SiO2- ZrO2)
Authors: Kadhim Hala M. , Al-Nassar Suha I. , Azzawi Wessam Al , Shehab Abeer A. , Mahmoud Adel K. , Demiral Murat
Published: February 2021

Hybrid nanocomposite materials have opened the way for more promising applications in the areas of optics, electronics, Ionics, mechanics, energy, environment, biology and medicine. In this work hybrid nanocomposite materials were synthesized, by mechanical stirring method, using SiO2+ZrO2+TiO2 nanoparticles with different percentages (4 wt.% to 10 wt.%), as a reinforcement material. The effect of the added nanoparticles on the mechanical properties was evaluated in terms of tensile strength, impact strength and hardness. The results revealed that the hybrid nanocomposite with 4 wt.% SiO2+ZrO2+TiO2 showed maximum tensile strength, hardness, and impact resistance. Further, the best development in the mechanical properties achieved in the literature, due to the addition of different Nano fillers (TiO2, SiO2, and SiO2 +ZrO2) with different percentages (4 wt.% to 10 wt.%), were compared with the achieved results in the present work. The results showed that the addition of hybrid nanocomposite SiO2+ZrO2+TiO2 provides significant mechanical properties development compared to the other materials addition.
Effect of vertical loads on pile group response subjected to lateral cyclic loading with different configuration of piles: experimental study
Authors: Abbas Jasim M , Mahmood Aseel K.
Published: February 2021

Many previous studies have mainly investigated only the effect of cyclic loading on the behaviour of group pile without taking in to account the influence of axial load in the other mean (without the effect of vertical load on the behaviour on the group pile), which is represented most realistic case. In addition, due to the large number of variables in soil and piles, which make these studies not fully understood, so deep studies of the behaviour of the group pile is needed. This study aiming to knowing the effect of axial load and piles shape on the performance of piles group under cyclic loads and identifying the best configuration of piles also to study the effect of pile spacing on lateral displacement under pure and combined loading. by developing cyclic laboratory system that can test the pile of group. Aluminium pile with slenderness ratio L/D of 40 in-groups (1×2), (2×1) is used in this study. The most important results explained that the presence of vertical loads on the pile group cap according to allowable vertical load capacity and the pile shape have positive effect. Where it is reducing the lateral displacement of the head group pile a rounded of 60 %and 30% respectively.
Effect of development reinforcement strut in concrete deep beam
Authors: Ammash Haider K. , AL-Mousawi Maryam M.
Published: February 2021

The effect of the development of reinforcement strut on the performance of discontinuity regions in concrete deep beams was tested through an experimental program. Four reinforced concrete deep beams with two different designs reinforcement (conventionally reinforcement and strut reinforcement) and with various amounts of web reinforcement tested to select the optimum design of deep beams. The geometry and main reinforcement were constant for all specimens. Measurements of cracking patterns, recording the strain in the axis and edges of the struts by (DIC) technique, and analyses of load-displacement at mid-span of investigated concrete deep beams. The data results indicated that the capacity of the deep beam with reinforcement strut higher than the control deep beam with traditional reinforcement and with less displacement. A control deep beam was failed by diagonal tension stresses in the struts, not present in the reinforcement strut specimens. Where the compression stresses were found in the axis of the strut.
Shear Strength of Gypseous Soil under Soaking Conditions
Authors: Zakaria W A
Published: February 2021

Gypseous soil has far been considered one of the metastable soils as it experiences good strength parameters when dry, but upon indentation under goes a sadden-radical decrease in volume, or collapse potential. This will result in great distress in engineering facilities resting on it. This type of soil exists in many regions in world including Iraq, and problems associated with dealing with soil, in general, are numerous in this country. This soil, in its totality, is sandy type, as such its main dominating strength parameter is the friction angle and in special circumstances the apparent cohesion, which may exist. This research is concerned in studying the change in shear strength before and after soaking for gypseous soil. An extensive work is carried out to locate gypseous soil locations in Iraq from available site investigation reports. As such, twelve samples are brought from twelve different locations in Iraq as to be investigated. Test results reveal that there is much data scattering between the soaked and non-soaked angle of friction from one side against the collapsibility and gypsum content for the other side, and the relationship is inversely proportional. There is a decrease of 2-3 degrees in the friction angle as the soil is soaked for 24 hours. The Procter maximum dry density and the specific gravity of soil is inversely proportional to the collapse potential and the data scattering is low. The sieve analysis for the twelve soil samples are sandy in nature.
Compressive Capacity of Conventional and Under Reamed Piles in Soft Clay
Authors: Abbas H O
Published: February 2021

Under reamed pile is a well-known solution for carrying roads, light structures, walk sides, communication and electrical tower and rail. In this laboratory study, the compression conduct of conventional pile and undreamed pile with single and double bulbs models with shaft diameter of 10 mm embedded in soft clay soil layer overlaying sand soil was investigated. The sand layer with a depth of 300mm was compacted into six sub layers to relative density 70% in a steel container of a diameter 300mm in size. The depth of soft clay was 250mm and undrained shear strength (Cu) 35 kPa which compacted into five sub layers on sandy soil layer. A series of tests of model are performed on conventional and underreamed pile. Different lengths of piles are manufactured like 250mm, 290mm, 330mm, 370mm and 410mm and with bulb of a diameter 20mm. Moreover, single bulb and dual bulbs were utilized for these piles, a comparison in behaviour between underreamed pile and conventional pile (without bulb) is fulfilled. This study appeared finalize the ultimate compressive capacity of underreamed pile of single bulb is (1.9, 2.6, 3.3, 3.4 and 3.2) times greater than conventional pile while the underreamed of double bulbs is (4.1, 3.7, 4.3, 4.1 and 3.7) times greater than conventional pile for ratios of L/ D (25, 29, 33, 37 and 41) respectively. A proposed relationship used to estimate ultimate compressive capacity for conventional pile and underreamed pile with single and double bulbs when dimensions of pile are known or used to estimate dimensions of pile for specified load capacity.
Review Paper. Utilization of Low-Cost Adsorbents for the Adsorption Process of Chromium ions.
Authors: Ali Alatabe Mohammed Jaafar , Hussein Ahmed Alaa
Published: February 2021

This review is aimed at exploring the possibilities of recovering Chromium ions using several low-cost adsorbents through wastewater processing. In the past, several traditional methods were employed for removing Chromium ions. These included precipitation, evaporation, electroplating and ion exchange. However, these processes were associated with various limitations, which included the treatments to be restricted to a certain concentration of the Chromium ions. Therefore, the process of using low-cost adsorbents can be deemed as an eco-friendly one. At the moment, an enormous amount of natural materials and agricultural waste are produced, which extremely harmful to the environment. Thus, adsorption is an alternate process for removing Chromium ions. Based on the enhanced characteristics of the process of adsorption, such as cost-effectiveness, improved adsorptive properties, and increased availability, the process is definitely an economical one for removing Chromium ions. This review provides a brief appraisal of the relevant literature which exists on the low-cost adsorption for removing Chromium from polluted wastewaters. Additionally, in order to comprehend the overall adsorption process of low-cost adsorbents, this review will also explore the various existing adsorption models. These include the isotherm, kinetics, and thermodynamics along with the impact of various factors on the process of adsorption.
Effect of dynamic amplitude on response of single pile embedded in collapsible soil
Authors: Abd Noor Deia , Abid Awn Safa Hussain
Published: February 2021

This paper includes an experiential study of the dynamic response of one pile under the dynamic load that comes from the motor placed on the cover pile called the source of vibration. This study used the effect of the dynamic movement of vibration on a single pile in collapsible soils (gypseous soil) with a gypsum content of 30%. This experiment is performed in the dry and soak state for four slenderness ratios of the pile (12, 17, 22 and 27) and the pile is inserted after preparing the soil layers in a container steel (30* 30*60) cm. The results showed that the velocity, acceleration, and displacement amplitude decreased with increasing the slenderness ratio of the pile in the dry and soaking conditions in addition to that the values of velocity, acceleration and displacement amplitude are less than in the case of soaking compared to their values in the dry state.
The Traffic Assessment of the Adjacent Arterial Streets Close to Gates of the Main Campus of the University of Mosul, Iraq
Authors: Taha M Y , Ali H H
Published: February 2021

Like many university campuses, University of Mosul Main Campus (UOMMC) a major activity center and focus of traffic generator. The UOMMC surrounded by segments of four major arterial streets that form the outer limits of the campus At segments close to the campus gates of these streets, many traffic problems and congestion conditions occur due to the significant traffic volumes and movements with high vehicles and pedestrians conflicts, frequent parking turnover, increasing passengers loading and unloading operations throughout the campus working days. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the current and future traffic congestion situation at the main campus gates and its effect on the multilane streets segments around the main campus, near its gates. The methods of data collection included site visits, personal observations, questionnaire survey, measurements, and imaging techniques. The current and future traffic operational state of these segments concerning the traffic stream characteristics or level of service is defined by three primary measures (according to HCM 2016): traffic flow rate, traffic speed, and traffic density. Finally, the study provided suggested and proper solutions for the existing and future traffic problems simulate the benefit of the campus community to provide the protection of life and property, optimum use of campus gates and, acceptable and safe traffic flow on the multilane streets around the main campus.
Structural Behavior of Hollow-core Reinforced Self-compacting Concrete Two-way Slabs
Authors: Hameed Yahyia M. , Ismael Murtada A.
Published: February 2021

This study presents an experimental study to investigate the structural behavior of two-way slabs of hollow-core reinforced self-compacting concrete. The experimental program involves the testing of six slabs with size dimensions (450x450x70mm). The slab specimens were divided into two groups, the first group with a hollow-core change in diameter, and the second group with a hollow-core change in number. The experimental results indicated that the increasing the diameter of the hollow core from 15 to 23 and 30 mm decreases the first crack load by 7 percent to 9.65 percent and 14.5 percent and reduces the ultimate load by 4.7 percent to 10.1 percent and 15.8 percent respectively compared with the solid slab. Increasing the diameter of the hollow core and the amount of the hollow core also makes the load-deflection less stiff and decreases ultimate deflection.
Studying the effect of hybrid fibers and silica fumes on mechanical properties of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete
Authors: Al-Mwanes Ammar Oudah , Agayari Reza
Published: February 2021

hrough this research, the influence of different amounts of polypropylene fiber and steel fibers and with specific proportions of silica fume on the hard characters of Ultra-High-Performance Fibers Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) has been studied. Amounts quantities were being added polypropylene fibers (0.4% to 0.8% to 1.2%), and 16%steel fibers and with specific proportions of silica fume (20%, 25%, and 30%) to the of UHPC. This study indicates the possibility of preparation of UHPFRC mixes utilizing locally available materials at markets when careful selection is being to materials and can achieve a compression strength of (178.84) MPa, splitting tensile strength of (19.96) Mpa, and the flexural strengths of (24.97) MPa. The experimental results showed a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the UHPFRC which contains the combination of fibers compared to UHPC mixes without hybrid fibers. Ultra-High-Performance Fibers Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) may also be a building material with good improved mechanical and high properties use in building and construction working and can be utilized for all applications, particularly for rehabilitation works.
Evaluating the microstructure evolution and wear behavior of friction stir processed aluminum matrix surface composites with nano-sized SiC particles
Authors: Yu Xiaofeng , Wu Hua , Gong Wenbiao
Published: February 2021

In this research, Al6061 matrix composites were prepared via friction stir processing (FSP) to investigate the effect of incorporation of nano-SiC particles on dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and wear behavior. The microstructure was evaluated using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. Wear and microhardness testing were performed on the various samples to investigate the differentiation. The results illustrated that the percentage of subgrain boundaries diminished from 46.5% to 27.9% drastically, and the counterpart to high angle grain boundaries (HABGs) enhanced from 48.8% to 65.4% in the composite compared with FSPed Al. It was also determined that 94% grain comprised of recrystallized grains in the composite. The results also indicated that the specific wear rate had a clearly consistent relationship with the increasing microhardness. It was found that the addition of nano-SiC not only accelerated DRX, but also exerted a more significant hindering effect on the growth of recrystallized grains owing to the pinning effect and shear effect, hence, reducing the grain size. The primary wear mechanism of the base metal and FSPed Al was adhesive wear, while that of the composite was abrasive wear in the present work.
Effect of hot stamping and quenching & partitioning process on microstructure and mechanical properties of ultra-high strength steel
Authors: Jing Cainian , Ye Daomin , Zhao Jingrui , Lin Tao , Wu Cong , Lei Qiteng
Published: February 2021

In order to better achieve the purpose of automobile lightweight, hot stamping and quenching & partitioning (HS-Q&P) process has become a hot research focus. This process includes a hot stamping followed by a controlled quenching and partitioning process. In this paper, the effect of different austenitizing temperatures and time, as well as different holding pressure and partitioning temperatures and time on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of the tested steel was systematically studied. The resulting microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and the volume fraction of retained austenite and carbon concentration in austenite were measured by x-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that, the microstructure of HS-Q&P steel was finer and smoother than that of Q&P steel. During the pressure holding and partitioning process, the carbon atoms diffuse from martensite to austenite, thereby improving the stability of the retained austenite. Because both retained austenite and ferrite can improve the product of strength and elongation (PSE), the PSE of two phase zone austenitized HS-Q&P steel is better than that of completely austenitized HS-Q&P steel. When the austenitizing temperature was 780 °C and the pressure holding time was 90 s, the HS-Q&P steel reached the best mechanical properties. Its tensile strength was 1350 MPa, elongation was 14.24%, and PSE was 19.22 GPa%.
Effect of processing parameters on bond properties and microstructure evolution in ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM)
Authors: Li Peng , Wang Zhenqiang , Diao Mingxia , Guo Chunhuan , Wang Jiandong , Zhao Chengzhi , Jiang Fengchun
Published: February 2021

Ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) is an advanced additive manufacturing technique that utilizes ultrasonic energy to rapidly joining thin metal tapes into solid parts in a layer accumulating manner. In this study, the effects of processing parameters on the bond properties of UAM samples were investigated via peel tests, linear weld density (LWD) measurements, microhardness tests and EBSD. The results reveal that, in terms of the overall tendency, the peeling strength and LWD increase with the increasing amplitude and normal force settings. However, a parameter threshold phenomenon and two different mechanisms that affect the bond properties were also observed. Furthermore, the microstructure evolution results show that the development of the interface is closely related to the applied parameters, which can also well explain the bond property variations and the parameter threshold phenomenon.
Exploration of materials electrochemistry in rechargeable batteries using advanced in situ/operando x-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Yan Tianran , Cheng Chen , Zhang Liang
Published: February 2021

Rechargeable batteries (Li-ion batteries and beyond) have received extensive attention as powerful boosters for the development of human society. The rapid progress achieved in this research area largely relies on the in-depth efforts on the improvement of battery electrode materials and decrease of the cost. However, the application of rechargeable batteries is still hindered by low energy density, serious voltage hysteresis, and long-term degradation. Therefore, it is of great importance for understanding the underlying redox reaction and capacity fading mechanisms to circumvent these problems and improve the overall battery performance. Advanced characterization techniques, especially synchrotron-based x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), have been widely applied to the mechanistic understanding of rechargeable batteries. Particularly, in situ/operando XAS allows the characterization of practical working mechanisms by measuring the electronic structure evolution of the electrode materials under real operation conditions, which is an imperative prerequisite for the further optimization of the battery performance. Herein, the recent progress in the understanding of the operating principles of several common rechargeable batteries (including lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and lithium–sulfur batteries) based on in situ/operando XAS technique is reviewed and summarized. We aim to provide a comprehensive treatise on in situ/operando characterization of rechargeable batteries using XAS, which could provide guidance for further improvement of battery performance.
Music in the moment
Authors: Cook Nicholas
Published: February 2021

‘Music in the moment’ focuses on music’s existence in real time. On the printed page, music is a series of notes fixed in the same relationships for all time. But as played and heard, music is a world of ‘endless movement, not discrete “forms” but continuous “forming”’—a world of lived experience that expresses human relationships in their most essential, stripped-down form.. Improvisation plays an important role in both jazz and classical music. The relationship between knowledge and practice can be illustrated by looking at historically informed performance (HIP)Music has a fascinating ability to bring about social bonding. The political significance it acquires from this, whether in national anthems or protest songs, is worthy of study also.
Music 2.0
Authors: Cook Nicholas
Published: February 2021

‘Music 2.0’ explains the role technology plays in all music: digital technology is simply its most recent manifestation. It is important to consider the impact on personal musical consumption of digital technology, including the development of streaming libraries and music recommendation systems, and on the development of internet communities based on digital participation; a result has been the development of a distinctive ‘digital style’, illustrated for example by internet memes. Digital technology also has had a massive impact on recent historical development of the music business.
The nature of marketing
Authors: Le Meunier-FitzHugh Kenneth
Published: February 2021

This chapter discusses the nature and origins of marketing. Marketing covers a wide range of essential business activities which ensure that customers can obtain the products and services that they want and need, when and how they want them. The most common applications of marketing are consumer marketing, business-to-business marketing, service marketing, not-for-profit marketing, and international marketing. Since the 1960s, marketing has used the four Ps of Price, Place, Product, and Promotion to deliver its marketing objectives and this has now been expanded to include another three Ps of People, Physical Evidence, and Process. The chapter also includes an assessment of what is customer value.
Consumer and buyer behaviour and the value proposition
Authors: Le Meunier-FitzHugh Kenneth
Published: February 2021

This chapter addresses the importance of understanding both consumer and buyer behaviours in order for marketers to create effective marketing campaigns. Consumer and buyer behaviours are those actions undertaken when obtaining goods and services. By understanding how consumers think and how they behave during buying decision-making and purchasing activities, the marketer is able to exert some influence over their actions. Likewise, marketers can influence business-to-business (B2B) purchasing patterns through their understanding of the behaviour of buyers. The chapter then goes on to look at the creation of a value proposition.
The changing nature of marketing
Authors: Le Meunier-FitzHugh Kenneth
Published: February 2021

This chapter discusses how marketing is changing in response to external influences. Nothing has been more transforming to the function of marketing than the development of the internet, digitalization, and, more recently, artificial intelligence. The growth of social media has provided new opportunities for communicating and establishing relationships with customers and consumers, which are considerably more flexible than traditional media. The internet and other technological developments have also provided the perfect conditions for driving the rapid growth of tech start-up companies, media-based businesses, and e-commerce. The chapter then examines societal marketing, which has become important to organizations in response to changing perceptions of the market concerning ethics, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable development.
The Cold War: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: McMahon Robert J.
Published: February 2021

The Cold War: A Very Short Introduction discusses the Cold War, which dominated international life from the end of the Second World War to the fall of the Berlin Wall. But how did the dispute begin, and why did it move from its origins in post-war Europe to encompass virtually every corner of the globe? This VSI considers these questions and more, providing a truly international history of the Cold War and examining its enduring legacy. It draws on the most recent scholarship and documents to offer a full analysis of all aspects of the war. These include the Vietnam War and the changing global politics since the 1970s.
6. Cold wars at home
Authors: McMahon Robert J.
Published: February 2021

‘Cold wars at home’ highlights the domestic repercussions of the Cold War. The Cold War exerted so profound and so multi-faceted an impact on the structure of international politics and state-to-state relations that it has become customary to label the 1945–90 period ‘the Cold War era’. That designation becomes even more fitting when one considers the powerful mark that the Soviet–American struggle for world dominance and ideological supremacy left within many of the world’s nation-states. The Cold War of course affected the internal constellation of forces in the Third World, Europe, and the United States and impacted the process of decolonization, state formation, and Cold War geopolitics.
Family law
Authors: Baderin Mashood A.
Published: February 2021

‘Family law’ focuses on Islamic family law, the two main aspects of which are: marriage and the dissolution of marriage. Marriage by mutual contract (al-nikāh) is the only lawful type of marriage under Islamic law, with rules regulating its validity and consequences. The two main categories of requirements for the validity of an Islamic marriage are: prerequisites and essential components of the marriage contract. The questions of maintenance, polygamy, and stipulations are vital topics for family law. Under classical Islamic law, a marriage may be dissolved either through (i) unilateral dissolution initiated by the husband (talāq), (ii) dissolution initiated by the wife (khulʻ), (iii) dissolution by mutual agreement (mubāraʻah), or (iv) judicial dissolution (faskh).
International law (al-siyar)
Authors: Baderin Mashood A.
Published: February 2021

‘International law (al-siyar)’ discusses Islamic international law, which is known as ‘al-siyar’. Al-siyar covers the classical Islamic rules on state conduct in times of war and peace, such as treaty rules, territorial jurisdiction, rules of warfare, and diplomatic relations. The rules of Islamic international law are derived from the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and relevant practices of the earliest Muslim caliphs. Islamic law of treaties and of armed conflict, as well as the Islamic humanitarian law, are important elements in this area of law, as is international human rights law.
Digital Droplet PCR for SARS-CoV-2 Resolves Borderline Cases
Authors: Xu Jing , Kirtek Timothy , Xu Yan , Zheng Hui , Yao Huiyu , Ostman Emily , Oliver Dwight , Malter James S , Gagan Jeffrey R , SoRelle Jeffrey A
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The Bio-Rad SARS-CoV-2 ddPCR Kit (Bio-Rad Laboratories) was the first droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) assay to receive Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization approval, but it has not been evaluated clinically. We describe the performance of ddPCR—in particular, its ability to confirm weak-positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) results.

Methods

We clinically validated the Bio-Rad Triplex Probe ddPCR Assay. The limit of detection was determined by using serial dilutions of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in an artificial viral envelope. The ddPCR assay was performed according to the manufacturer’s specifications on specimens confirmed to be positive (n = 48) or negative (n = 30) by an FDA-validated reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction assay on the m2000 RealTime system (Abbott). Ten borderline positive cases were also evaluated.

Results

The limit of detection was 50 copies/mL (19 of 20 positive). Forty-seven specimens spanning a range of quantification cycles (2.9-25.9 cycle numbers) were positive by this assay (47 of 48; 97.9% positive precent agreement), and 30 negative samples were confirmed as negative (30 of 30; 100% negative percent agreement). Nine of 10 borderline cases were positive when tested in triplicate.

Conclusions

The ddPCR of SARS-CoV-2 is an accurate method, with superior sensitivity for viral RNA detection. It could provide definitive evaluation of borderline positive cases or suspected false-negative cases.
The Early Life Course of Body Weight and Gene Expression Signatures for Disease
Authors: Potente Cecilia , Harris Kathleen Mullan , Chumbley Justin , Cole Steven W , Gaydosh Lauren , Xu Wenjia , Levitt Brandt , Shanahan Michael J
Published: February 2021

We examined the way body-weight patterns through the first 4 decades of life relate to gene expression signatures of common forms of morbidity, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and inflammation. As part of wave V of the nationally representative National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (1997–2018) in the United States, mRNA abundance data were collected from peripheral blood (n = 1,132). We used a Bayesian modeling strategy to examine the relative associations between body size at 5 life stages—birth, adolescence, early adulthood, young adulthood, and adulthood—and gene expression–based disease signatures. We compared life-course models that consider critical or sensitive periods, as well as accumulation over the entire period. Our results are consistent with a sensitive-period model when examining CVD and T2D gene expression signatures: Birth weight has a prominent role for the CVD and T2D signatures (explaining 33.1% and 22.1%, respectively, of the total association accounted for by body size), while the most recent adult obesity status (ages 33–39) is important for both of these gene expression signatures (24.3% and 35.1%, respectively). Body size in all life stages was associated with inflammation, consistent with the accumulation model.
Developing Social Work Students’ Awareness of their Spiritual/Religious Identity and Integrating It into Their Professional Identity: Evaluation of a Pilot Course
Authors: Ranz Rebecca
Published: February 2021

Recent literature on social work reveals an increasing interest in including spirituality/religion in practice and social workers’ need to engage more actively with clients’ religious traditions and spirituality. However, very few current practitioners have been taught how to do so. This qualitative study, conducted in a school of social work in southern Israel, evaluates the effect of an elective pilot course on social work and Judaism aimed at enabling students to develop an awareness of religion and spirituality. The data were gathered through a brief questionnaire administered at the end of the course, after final grades were assigned. The findings indicate that at the start of the course the students’ perception was that a separation existed between religion/spirituality and social work. As the course progressed, they reflected on their religious/spiritual identity in its encounter with their professional identity. They were able to connect religion/spirituality and social work and to consider the spiritual/religious world of clients. It is recommended that social work schools develop courses that link religion and spirituality to the profession.
Outcome Value and Task Aversiveness Impact Task Procrastination through Separate Neural Pathways
Authors: Zhang Shunmin , Verguts Tom , Zhang Chenyan , Feng Pan , Chen Qi , Feng Tingyong
Published: February 2021

The temporal decision model of procrastination has proposed that outcome value and task aversiveness are two separate aspects accounting for procrastination. If true, the human brain is likely to implicate separate neural pathways to mediate the effect of outcome value and task aversiveness on procrastination. Outcome value is plausibly constructed via a hippocampus-based pathway because of the hippocampus’s unique role in episodic prospection. In contrast, task aversiveness might be represented through an amygdala-involved pathway. In the current study, participants underwent fMRI scanning when viewing both tasks and future outcomes, without any experimental instruction imposed. The results revealed that outcome value increased activations in the caudate, and suppressed procrastination through a hippocampus-caudate pathway. In contrast, task aversiveness increased activations in the anterior insula, and increased procrastination via an amygdala–insula pathway. In sum, this study demonstrates that people can incorporate both outcome value and task aversiveness into task valuation to decide whether to procrastinate or not; and it elucidates the separate neural pathways via which this occurs.
Targeted Antibiotics for Trachoma: A Cluster-Randomized Trial
Authors: Melo Jason S , Aragie Solomon , Chernet Ambahun , Tadesse Zerihun , Dagnew Adane , Hailu Dagnachew , Haile Mahteme , Zeru Tàye , Wittberg Dionna M , Nash Scott D , Callahan E Kelly , Arnold Benjamin F , Porco Travis C , Lietman Thomas M , Keenan Jeremy D
Published: February 2021

Background

Current guidelines recommend community-wide mass azithromycin for trachoma, but a targeted treatment strategy could reduce the volume of antibiotics required.

Methods

In total, 48 Ethiopian communities were randomized to mass, targeted, or delayed azithromycin distributions. In the targeted arm, only children aged 6 months to 5 years with evidence of ocular chlamydia received azithromycin, distributed thrice over the following year. The primary outcome was ocular chlamydia at months 12 and 24, comparing the targeted and delayed arms (0–5 year-olds, superiority analysis) and the targeted and mass azithromycin arms (8–12 year-olds, noninferiority analysis, 10% noninferiority margin).

Results

At baseline, the mean prevalence of ocular chlamydia in the 3 arms ranged from 7% to 9% among 0–5 year-olds and from 3% to 9% among 8–12 year-olds. Averaged across months 12–24, the mean prevalence of ocular chlamydia among 0–5 year-olds was 16.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.0%–24.4%) in the targeted arm and 22.3% (95% CI: 11.1%–33.6%) in the delayed arm (P = .61). The final mean prevalence of ocular chlamydia among 8–12 year-olds was 13.5% (95% CI: 7.9%–19.1%) in the targeted arm and 5.5% (95% CI: 0.3%–10.7%) in the mass treatment arm (adjusted risk difference 8.5 percentage points [pp] higher in the targeted arm, 95% CI: 0.9 pp–16.1 pp higher).

Conclusions

Antibiotic treatments targeted to infected preschool children did not result in significantly less ocular chlamydia infections compared with untreated communities and did not meet noninferiority criteria relative to mass azithromycin distributions. Targeted approaches may require treatment of a broader segment of the population in areas with hyperendemic trachoma.
Frequency of Parkinsonism and Parkinson Disease in African Americans in the Chicago Community
Authors: Bailey Meagan , Shulman Lisa M , Ryan Diane , Ouyang Bichun , Shulman Joshua M , Buchman Aron S , Bennett David A , Barnes Lisa L , Hall Deborah A
Published: February 2021

Background

There is paucity of data about African American (AA) patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and parkinsonism which may precede PD in older adults. Prior studies suggest that there are lower rates of PD in the AA population, with more cognitive impairment in AA with PD. This study aimed to investigate differences in PD, parkinsonism, and cognition between White and AA populations in 3 longitudinal epidemiologic cohort studies of aging.

Methods

This study examined parkinsonism, PD frequency, and cognition of community-dwelling older individuals in 3 longitudinal epidemiologic cohort studies. Parkinsonism was based on an exam utilizing the modified Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale performed by a nurse. PD was based on self-report, medications used for treatment of PD, and examination findings. Cognition was assessed using 19 performance-based tests that assess 5 cognitive domains.

Results

AA participants were less likely to have parkinsonism compared to Whites, even with age and gender differences. Frequency of PD was not significant between groups. AA were more likely to have lower cognitive scores as compared to Whites. AA were less likely to have parkinsonism even with controlling for cognitive differences between groups.

Conclusions

Parkinsonian signs are present among AA in the community at lower rates than in White individuals. Cognitive profiles of AA and Whites with parkinsonism may be different, suggesting differing contributions of pathology to cognitive decline and parkinsonism between groups. Additional research is needed to understand the progression of parkinsonism to PD, as well as to understanding the cognitive differences in AA with parkinsonism.
The manuscript journals of the trial of Charles I: new evidence on their provenance and purpose
Authors: Vallance Edward
Published: February 2021

Historians of the trial of Charles I will be familiar with the two copies of the manuscript journals kept in The National Archives of the U.K. and the U.K. Parliamentary Archives. Besides these manuscripts, two further copies of the trial proceedings are held in the Beinecke Library, Yale, and in the British Library. This article compares these versions to propose a tentative document history of the journals, suggesting that these manuscripts were produced for different purposes: what began as the basis for an authoritative public account of the trial later became a text intended for a more select legal audience.