bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Visual Association Memory in Low-Educated, Non-Western Immigrants with the Modified Visual Association Test
Authors: Franzen Sanne , van den Berg Esther , Kalkisim Yuled , van de Wiel Lotte , Harkes Marleen , van Bruchem-Visser Rozemarijn L. , de Jong Frank Jan , Jiskoot Lize C. , Papma Janne M.
Published: July 2019

Background: Neuropsychological tests are influenced by culture, language, level of education, and literacy, but there are few cognitive tests of which the applicability in ethnic minority populations has been studied. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Visual Association Test (VAT), a test of visual association memory, in a non-Western, low-educated memory clinic population. Additionally, a modified version of the VAT using colored photographs instead of line drawings was studied (mVAT). Method: Both the original VAT and the mVAT were administered to non-Western immigrants (n = 73) from 2 multicultural memory clinics in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and a control sample of non-demented Turkish elderly (n = 14) with low education levels (32 and 29% illiterate, respectively). Results: Both the VAT and the mVAT were able to discriminate persons with and without dementia (area under the curve: VAT, 0.77–0.88; mVAT, 0.85–0.95). The mVAT had more homogeneous item difficulty levels than the VAT. Administration of parallel versions of the VAT and the mVAT within the same person revealed higher scores on the mVAT (Z = –3.35, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The mVAT is a reliable and valid measure of memory in non-Western immigrants. Clinicians and researchers should be aware that the memory performance of immigrants may be systematically underestimated when using tests with black-and-white line drawings, such as the original VAT.
Use of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogs in Children: Update by an International Consortium
Authors: Bangalore Krishna Kanthi , Fuqua John S. , Rogol Alan D. , Klein Karen O. , Popovic Jadranka , Houk Christopher P. , Charmandari Evangelia , Lee Peter A.
Published: July 2019

This update, written by authors designated by multiple pediatric endocrinology societies (see List of Participating Societies) from around the globe, concisely addresses topics related to changes in GnRHa usage in children and adolescents over the last decade. Topics related to the use of GnRHa in precocious puberty include diagnostic criteria, globally available formulations, considerations of benefit of treatment, monitoring of therapy, adverse events, and long-term outcome data. Additional sections review use in transgender individuals and other pediatric endocrine related conditions. Although there have been many significant changes in GnRHa usage, there is a definite paucity of evidence-based publications to support them. Therefore, this paper is explicitly not intended to evaluate what is recommended in terms of the best use of GnRHa, based on evidence and expert opinion, but rather to describe how these drugs are used, irrespective of any qualitative evaluation. Thus, this paper should be considered a narrative review on GnRHa utilization in precocious puberty and other clinical situations. These changes are reviewed not only to point out deficiencies in the literature but also to stimulate future studies and publications in this area.
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol Efflux Capacity Is Associated With Incident Cardiovascular Disease in the General Population
Authors: Ebtehaj Sanam , Gruppen Eke G. , Bakker Stephan J.L. , Dullaart Robin P.F. , Tietge Uwe J.F.
Published: July 2019

Objective:

Focus is shifting from HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) as predictive biomarker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) towards antiatherogenic HDL functionalities. Still, limited data exist on the prospective association of HDL function metrics with CVD events. The current work aimed to determine, if baseline HDL-C efflux capacity (CEC) is associated with future CVD events in the general population.

Approach and Results:

We performed a prospective study among participants of the PREVEND (Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-stage Disease) cohort (follow-up, 12 years). From the overall n=8592 subjects 325 with previous CVD events were excluded; of the remaining 8267 eligible participants all subjects with new CVD events during follow-up were selected and individually matched to controls for age, sex, smoking status, and HDL-C levels. CEC at baseline was quantified using human THP-1-derived macrophage foam cells and apolipoprotein B-depleted plasma. Despite identical HDL-C and apoA (apolipoprotein)-I levels between cases (n=351) and controls (n=354) CEC was significantly lower in cases (0.93±0.29 versus 1.01±0.24 arbitrary units;
P
<0.001). In all subjects combined, CEC correlated positively with HDL-C and apoA-I and negatively with body mass index, hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), and urinary albumin excretion. CEC was inversely associated with incident CVD events, both expressed per quartile and per 1 SD change (odds ratio, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.62–0.86;
P
<0.001); this association remained significant after adjustments for HDL-C, hsCRP, kidney function, and several other clinical covariates.

Conclusions:

Combined these data demonstrate that in the general population baseline CEC is significantly associated with the future development of CVD events independent of HDL-C and apoA-I plasma levels.
Utilization of Palliative Care for Cardiogenic Shock Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction: A 15‐Year National Perspective on Trends, Disparities, Predictors, and Outcomes
Authors: Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra , Prasad Abhiram , Dunlay Shannon M. , Murphree Dennis H. , Ingram Cory , Mueller Paul S. , Gersh Bernard J. , Holmes David R. , Barsness Gregory W.
Published: July 2019

Background

This study sought to evaluate the 15‐year national utilization, trends, predictors, disparities, and outcomes of palliative care services (
PCS
) use in cardiogenic shock complicating acute myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results

A retrospective cohort from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2014 was analyzed using the National Inpatient Sample database. Administrative codes for acute myocardial infarction–cardiogenic shock and
PCS
were used to identify eligible admissions. The primary outcomes were the frequency, utilization trends, and predictors of
PCS
. Secondary outcomes included in‐hospital mortality and resources utilization. Multivariable regression and propensity‐matching analyses were used to control for confounding. In this 15‐year period, there were 444 253 acute myocardial infarction–cardiogenic shock admissions, of which 4.5% received
PCS
. The cohort receiving
PCS
was older, of white race, female sex, and with higher comorbidity and acute organ failure. The
PCS
cohort received fewer cardiac procedures, but more noncardiac organ support therapies. Older age, female sex, white race, higher comorbidity, higher socioeconomic status, admission to a larger hospital, and admission after 2008 were independent predictors of
PCS
use. Use of
PCS
was independently associated with higher in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio 6.59 [95% CI 6.37–6.83];
P
<0.001). The cohort with
PCS
use had >2‐fold higher in‐hospital mortality, 12‐fold higher use of do‐not‐resuscitate status, lesser in‐hospital resource utilization, and fewer discharges to home. Similar findings were observed in the propensity‐matched cohort.

Conclusions

PCS
use in patients with acute myocardial infarction–cardiogenic shock is low, though there is a trend towards increased adoption. There are significant patient and hospital‐specific disparities in the utilization of
PCS
.
Blood Pressure and Outcome After Mechanical Thrombectomy With Successful Revascularization
Authors: Anadani Mohammad , Orabi Mohamad Y. , Alawieh Ali , Goyal Nitin , Alexandrov Andrei V. , Petersen Nils , Kodali Sreeja , Maier Ilko L. , Psychogios Marios-Nikos , Swisher Christa B. , Inamullah Ovais , Kansagra Akash P. , Giles James A. , Wolfe Stacey Q. , Singh Jasmeet , Gory Benjamin , De Marini Pierre , Kan Peter , Nascimento Fábio A. , Freire Luis Idrovo , Pandhi Abhi , Mitchell Hunter , Kim Joon-Tae , Fargen Kyle M. , Al Kasab Sami , Liman Jan , Rahman Shareena , Allen Michelle , Richard Sébastien , Spiotta Alejandro M.
Published: July 2019

Background and Purpose—

Successful reperfusion can be achieved in more than two-thirds of patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy. Therefore, it is important to understand the effect of blood pressure (BP) on clinical outcomes after successful reperfusion. In this study, we investigated the relationship between BP on admission and during the first 24 hours after successful reperfusion with clinical outcomes.

Methods—

This was a multicenter study from 10 comprehensive stroke centers. To ensure homogeneity of the studied cohort, we included only patients with anterior circulation who achieved successful recanalization at the end of procedure. Clinical outcomes included 90-day modified Rankin Scale, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), mortality, and hemicraniectomy.

Results—

A total of 1245 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 69±14 years, and 51% of patients were female. Forty-nine percent of patients had good functional outcome at 90-days, and 4.7% suffered sICH. Admission systolic BP (SBP), mean SBP, maximum SBP, SBP SD, and SBP range were associated with higher risk of sICH. In addition, patients in the higher mean SBP groups had higher rates of sICH. Similar results were found for hemicraniectomy. With respect to functional outcome, mean SBP, maximum SBP, and SBP range were inversely associated with the good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2). However, the difference in SBP parameters between the poor and good outcome groups was modest.

Conclusions—

Higher BP within the first 24 hours after successful mechanical thrombectomy was associated with a higher likelihood of sICH, mortality, and requiring hemicraniectomy.
On the systematic status of the genus Oriocalotes Günther, 1864 (Squamata: Agamidae: Draconinae) with the description of a new species from Mizoram state, Northeast India
Authors: GIRI VARAD. B. , CHAITANYA R. , MAHONY STEPHEN , LALROUNGA SAMUEL , LALRINCHHANA C. , DAS ABHIJIT , SARKAR VIVEK , KARANTH PRAVEEN , DEEPAK V.
Published: July 2019

The montane agamid lizard genus Oriocalotes is currently considered monotypic, represented by the species, O. paulus. The systematic status of this taxon has remained questionable since its initial descriptions in the mid-1800s. A detailed molecular and morphological study was carried out to assess the validity of this genus, and its systematic position within the Asian agamid subfamily, Draconinae. Freshly collected and historical museum specimens from the type locality of O. paulus were examined morphologically, along with additional samples collected from localities in Mizoram state, Northeast India. Utilising newly generated molecular sequences (two mitochondrial and three nuclear genes), combined with those previously published for representative genera from the subfamilies Draconinae and Agaminae, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic trees were constructed. Phylogenetic results suggest that Oriocalotes is part of the widespread South and Southeast Asian radiation of Calotes. Comparative morphological studies (including external morphology, hemipenis and osteology) between Oriocalotes and related genera further support this systematic placement. Oriocalotes is herein regarded as a junior subjective synonym of Calotes. Calotes paulus comb. nov. is also assigned a lectotype and given a detailed redescription based on the lectotype, paralectotypes and additional topotypic material. Furthermore, the specimens collected from Mizoram populations are found to be morphologically and genetically distinct from Calotes paulus comb. nov., and are described herein as a new species, Calotes zolaiking sp. nov.
Taxonomic notes, lectotype designations and new synonymies in some species of the bee genus Centris Fabricius, 1804 described by Sándor Mocsáry and Heinrich Friese (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: VIVALLO FELIPE
Published: July 2019

In this paper some primary types of Centris bees described by Sándor Mocsáry and Heinrich Friese deposited at Magyar Természettudományi Múzeum, Hungary were studied. To stabilize the application of some names, lectotypes were designated for C. aeneiventris Mocsáry, C. bicornuta Mocsáry, C. flavilabris Mocsáry, C. fulviventris Mocsáry, C. lineolata castaniventris Mocsáry, C. zonata Mocsáry, C. labiata Friese, C. klugii Friese, and C. fusciventris scutellata Friese. In addition, C. aeneiventris, C. intermixta Friese and C. pseudoephippia Friese are proposed as new junior synonymies of C. ephippia Smith. This latter species, along with C. scutellata are transferred to C. (Melanocentris) Friese from the subgenera C. (Ptilocentris) Snelling and C. (Aphemisia) Ayala, respectively. Taxonomic notes on type material of C. bicornuta and C. conspersa Mocsáry are also provided.
A new species of Medinodexia Townsend (Diptera: Tachinidae) from Japan, with a discussion on phylogenetic implications of the female postabdomen in Blondeliini
Authors: TACHI TAKUJI , HUANG YU-ZEN
Published: July 2019

Medinodexia japonica sp. nov. is described from Japan and an adult leaf beetle, Aulacophora nigripennis Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is recorded as its host. A piercing-type ovipositor is one of the characteristics of the genus Medinodexia Townsend, but it is also found in other blondeliine genera. To evaluate the structural differences of the piercing-type ovipositor, the female postabdominal characters were examined within Blondeliini and their phylogenetic implications are briefly discussed. Females of Medinodexia are similar to those of Medina Robineau-Desvoidy for the presence of invaginations on tergite 6 and sternite 6 of the abdomen. Medinodexia exigua Shima and M. orientalis Shima are not treated here, because they are considered to belong to an undescribed genus due to differences in the male and female postabdominal characters distinguishing them from the remaining species of Medinodexia.
Hydrological Drought Forecasting Incorporating Climatic and Human-Induced Indices
Authors: Li Min , Zhang Ting , Li Jianzhu , Feng Ping
Published: July 2019

Many drought forecasting methods have been proposed, but only a few have considered the changing environment. The main purpose of this study is to improve the accuracy of drought forecasting models under changing environments by considering the influence of large-scale climate patterns and human activities on hydrological drought. To select the most significant large-scale climatic index that influences drought events in the Luanhe River basin, Spearman’s rho correlation test was applied to detect the relationship between large-scale oceanic–atmospheric circulation patterns and the standardized runoff index (SRI). We also proposed a human activity index (HI) to represent the effect of human activities on hydrological drought. Based on a multivariate normal distribution, we included the above indices in a probabilistic forecasting model, which forecasted the probabilities of transition from the current to a future SRI value. Using the Liying hydrological station as an example, the impacts of a controlled large-scale climatic index (Niño-3.4) and the HI on the transition probabilities were illustrated, and the results showed that the turning point of the Niño-3.4 effect on the transition probabilities occurred within the range from 25.91 to 26.90. Finally, a scoring method was applied to compare the forecasting model performances. The results showed that the inclusion of the large-scale climatic index and HI improved the forecasting accuracy.
Conditional Process Analysis: Concepts, Computation, and Advances in the Modeling of the Contingencies of Mechanisms
Authors: Hayes Andrew F. , Rockwood Nicholas J.
Published: July 2019

Behavioral scientists use mediation analysis to understand the mechanism(s) by which an effect operates and moderation analysis to understand the contingencies or boundary conditions of effects. Yet how effects operate (i.e., the mechanism at work) and their boundary conditions (when they occur) are not necessarily independent, though they are often treated as such. Conditional process analysis is an analytical strategy that integrates mediation and moderation analysis with the goal of examining and testing hypotheses about how mechanisms vary as a function of context or individual differences. In this article, we provide a conceptual primer on conditional process analysis for those not familiar with the integration of moderation and mediation analysis, while also describing some recent advances and innovations for the more experienced conditional process analyst. After overviewing fundamental modeling principles using ordinary least squares regression, we discuss the extension of these fundamentals to models with more than one mediator and more than one moderator. We describe a differential dominance conditional process model and overview the concepts of partial, conditional, and moderated moderated mediation. We also discuss multilevel conditional process analysis and comment on implementation of conditional process analysis in statistical computing software.
North Carolina [Un]incorporated: Place, Race, and Local Environmental Inequity
Authors: Purifoy Danielle M.
Published: July 2019

Research linking municipal underbounding to racialized environmental inequality suggests that understanding the built environmental outcomes of municipal annexation or incorporation may add an important dimension to scholarship on environmental justice and critical race theory. This article explores whether white, black, and Latinx populations are likely to receive the same built environmental benefits from municipal incorporation. I study the distribution and proximity of built amenities and disamenities across white, black, and Latinx populations in incorporated municipalities and unincorporated communities in North Carolina—a state with ongoing controversies about who benefits from municipal jurisdiction. To the extent that municipalities are associated with built environmental amenities, I find that block groups with high white populations are the primary beneficiaries. By contrast, environmental disamenities are distributed disproportionately in communities with higher black and Latinx populations regardless of municipal incorporation. These findings suggest that histories of racialized municipal exclusion are an additional layer of already overdetermined environmental racism, such that municipal inclusion—primarily through annexation of excluded black and Latinx populations—may do little to alter the existing inequities.
The Effects of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery on Voice Characteristics in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients
Authors: Jandali Danny B. , Ganti Ashwin , Husain Inna A. , Batra Pete S. , Tajudeen Bobby A.
Published: July 2019

Objectives:

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a standard treatment modality for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) who have failed appropriate medical therapy. However, FESS entails modification of the upper airway tract that may alter phonatory resonance and produce voice changes. The effects of FESS on postoperative voice characteristics in patients with CRS have yet to be quantitatively assessed.

Methods:

Patients with severe CRS who underwent FESS at a tertiary care referral center between May and October 2017 were prospectively enrolled. The Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) and the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) were used to quantitatively evaluate voice characteristics and quality of life, respectively. Preoperative and postoperative CAPE-V and VHI scores were compared with postoperative scores for each patient. Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores were also obtained to assess changes in patient symptoms.

Results:

18 CRS patients undergoing FESS were enrolled. The average preoperative Lund-Mackay score was 14, indicating baseline severe CRS. Postoperative assessments demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in CAPE-V (45-27, p = .005) and VHI (10-4.7, p < .001) scores. These correlated with a statistically significant decrease in SNOT-22 scores (42-13, p < .001).

Conclusions:

Patients with CRS experience a significant improvement in voice characteristics and vocal quality of life following FESS. Furthermore, this appears to correlate with a significant decrease in self-reported disease severity. These findings may augment the discussion of potential benefits of FESS to a new potential domain for voice quality.
Feasibility of Quantitative Analysis of Magnesium and Calcium in Edible Salts Using a Simple Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Device
Authors: Kim Hyang , Jeon Yoonji , Lee Won Bae , Nam Sang-Ho , Han Song-Hee , Ham Kyung-Sik , Singh Vivek K. , Lee Yonghoon
Published: July 2019

Feasibility of a simple laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) device has been investigated for the analysis of Mg and Ca in edible salts. The LIBS spectrometer was assembled with a compact low-power diode-pumped solid-state laser (DPSSL) and a non-gated low-resolution handheld spectrometer. A simple sampling process was employed for on-site application. A piece of filter paper was dipped in the aqueous solution of a sample salt and dried for analysis using LIBS. Maintaining the sample surface height at the optimum position was critical to generate plasmas persistently due to the low pulse energy of the DPSSL. The varying height of the filter paper surface was monitored and compensated, while the sample stage was translated to collect spectra from different positions. The variation of line intensities of Mg and Ca could be attributed to the inhomogeneous distribution of dry residues. To correct this, the peak that consists of the Na(I) and C(II) lines at 568 nm was employed as a reference signal for intensity normalization of the analyte Mg(II) and Ca(II) lines. For edible salt products, the normalized Mg(II) and Ca(II) line intensities could be well correlated with the concentrations of Mg and Ca determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. Our results indicate that a simple LIBS device in combination with the simple sampling method is promising as an on-site salt quality assessment methodology.
Influence of Gamma Ray Irradiation on the Optical Properties of Calcite and Dolomite
Authors: Junior Hélio José Lucas , Duarte Celso de Araujo , Pinto Melissa Wilm Senna , Foryta Dietmar William , Titon Bruno Guimarães , Vasconcellos Eleonora Maria Gouvea
Published: July 2019

The class of carbonaceous chondrite meteorites has carbon in their structures, similarly to the terrestrial calcite and dolomite rocks, and contains the group =CO3 linked to Ca and/or Mg, which may be, in principle, more susceptible to the action of the spatial gamma radiation (γ–R) due to the presence of these light-atom elements. On the present work, we used a variety of optical techniques to investigate the possible effects of γ–R produced by an artificial 192Ir source in terrestrial calcite and dolomite, which may allow to understand the effect of the spatial radiation in that celestial bodies of the solar system. As a result, we verified that the γ–R irradiation caused the effect of untrapping of electrons from deep color centers, that spatially migrate to other color centers on the samples, resulting on the change of the electron energetic configuration.
Determination of the Reactivity Degree of Various Alkaline Solutions: A Chemometric Investigation
Authors: Arnoult Marie , Dupuy Colin , Colas Maggy , Cornette Julie , Duponchel Ludovic , Rossignol Sylvie
Published: July 2019

Knowledge of alkaline silicate solutions is crucial in order to optimize geopolymer properties. Geopolymers are new binders resulting from the activation of an aluminosilicate by an alkaline solution. It is well established that the solution reactivity strongly affects the geopolymerization and therefore the geopolymer working properties. As a consequence, an evaluation of the reactivity degree of alkaline silicate solutions prior synthesis is of the utmost interest. However, the determination of the solution reactivity is currently tedious, and for geopolymer commercialization, it would be necessary to find an easy way to determine it. Therefore, Raman spectroscopy, combined with chemometric techniques, is proposed as a solution to easily determine the alkaline silicate solution reactivity. To conduct this investigation, 65 silicate solutions were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, and reference values of their reactivity degree were determined. Finally, principal component analysis and partial least squares regression were performed to build a statistical model able to predict the alkaline silicate solution reactivity from Raman spectra.
A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence: On the Past, Present, and Future of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Haenlein Michael , Kaplan Andreas
Published: July 2019

This introduction to this special issue discusses artificial intelligence (AI), commonly defined as “a system’s ability to interpret external data correctly, to learn from such data, and to use those learnings to achieve specific goals and tasks through flexible adaptation.” It summarizes seven articles published in this special issue that present a wide variety of perspectives on AI, authored by several of the world’s leading experts and specialists in AI. It concludes by offering a comprehensive outlook on the future of AI, drawing on micro-, meso-, and macro-perspectives.
Is Transformational Leadership Theory Passé? Revisiting the Integrative Effect of Instructional Leadership and Transformational Leadership on Student Outcomes
Authors: Kwan Paula
Published: July 2019

Purpose: Despite occasional claims for the coexistence of transformational leadership and instructional leadership in schools, the literature is dominated by views supporting an “either/or” orientation. This is especially true in the wake of recent findings that instructional leadership has a greater impact on student learning. This study, going beyond simply evaluating whether these two modes of leadership complement or contradict each other, explores how they may intersect in complex and nuanced ways. Specifically, I examine the moderating effect of transformational leadership on the impact of instructional leadership on student outcomes. Research Design: A questionnaire, composed of items to measure instructional and transformational leadership, student outcomes, school background factors, and informant’s demographic variables, was sent to the vice-principals in Hong Kong schools. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to factor out the effect of informants’ personal and school factors on leadership perception and student outcomes in the testing of the moderating effect. Findings: With evidence drawn from 177 aided schools, this study confirms the moderating effect of transformational leadership through the identification of a disparity in the effect of instructional leadership on student outcomes corresponding to disparate levels of transformational leadership enactment in schools. Implications: The effect of instructional behaviors on student outcomes is considered to be situationally contingent on the extent of transformational behavior enactment. Despite its lack of a direct impact on student outcomes, transformational leadership serves as a necessary, although insufficient, condition for the effective implementation of instructional monitoring measures. Limitations of the study are also discussed.
The dialectics of spatial performances: The interplay of tensions in activity-based organizing
Authors: Sivunen Anu , Putnam Linda L
Published: July 2019

Navigating organizational workspace is often plagued with tensions that emerge from the interplay of intended designs with organizational activities and lived experiences. These tensions are evident in research findings, such as inconsistencies in the ways that employees react to new workplace designs. They call on scholars to rethink organizational space, not as a concrete, static, or ready-made ‘thing’, but as a set of ongoing performances that enact particular practices, clashes among opposites, and organizational tensions. Based on research in a Nordic company, this study reveals how tensions and responses to them in an activity-based office generate creative alternatives that enhance participation and navigate passages between order and disorder. Contrary to the presumption that tensions need to be resolved, this study suggests that embracing them through managing the fluidity and flux of space gives rise to adaptability. Thus, in orchestrating workspace changes, it calls on organizational members to attend to mobility, constellations of objects and materiality, and temporal boundaries in navigating space rather than focusing on fixtures and designs.
The design and implementation of road condition warning system for drivers
Authors: Teke Mustafa , Duran Fecir
Published: July 2019

Intelligent transportation systems are advanced applications that inform vehicle drivers about road conditions. The main purpose of the intelligent transportation systems is to reduce either tangible or intangible loss for the drivers by ensuring the safety of passengers and vehicles. In this study, a system is designed and implemented using wireless sensor networks to inform vehicle drivers about the condition of the road surface. Icing has been chosen as the primary focus of the study since it is considered to be a big threat to road and driver’s safety. The temperature at 10 cm depth of the road, air temperature, relative humidity, air pressure and conductivity values are used as the input data for the prediction of icing on the road surface. The data were previously collected on Raspberry Pi which is a single-board computer and the data were read and processed instantly via k-nearest neighbor algorithm. Using these collected data, the road surface condition is classified as icy, dry, wet or salty-wet. The analyzed results for the road surface condition are presented to the drivers via a mobile application in real time. The drivers are alerted visually and audibly as they approach the coordinates on the road where risky conditions are present.
Design and implementation of dspic33fj32mc204 microcontroller–based asynchronous motor voltage/frequency speed control circuit for the ventilation systems of vehicles
Authors: Kıvrak Sinan , Özer Tolga , Oğuz Yüksel
Published: July 2019

Direct current motors are used for blower fans as well as for many other systems in vehicles. In this study, it was suggested to use an asynchronous motor instead of the direct current motor for the blower fan. Therefore, an induction motor driver was designed. The purpose of designing this driver was to allow the use of asynchronous motors instead of the brushed direct current motors utilized in automotive ventilation systems. Power and control circuits were designed. A three-phase variable frequency voltage was obtained using an inverter circuit designed with metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor semiconductor elements from the direct voltage. The voltage/frequency control method was applied to the induction motor. The power circuit was designed using three npn-type and three pnp-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors, in order to reduce the number of independent sources. The direct current motors generally used in automotive ventilation systems have 12 V operating voltage, so the driver was designed to be used in the 12–18 V range. In this study, the alternating current driver was used for a 90 W asynchronous motor and drive at 12 V and 18 V variable input voltage values. The dsPIC33fj32mc204 microcontroller was used to achieve variable frequency and speed control.
Divergent instability control of aeroelastic system driven by aerodynamic forces under disturbance based on discrete sliding mode control algorithms
Authors: Liu Ting-Rui
Published: July 2019

Divergent instability control of 2D pretwisted blade section of wind turbine driven by aerodynamic forces under disturbance is investigated. Realization of divergent instability control is based on two types of discrete sliding mode control algorithms. The structure is modeled as 2D pretwisted blade section integrated with structural damping, which is driven by aerodynamic model with perturbed disturbance. Discrete sliding mode control algorithm suitable for disturbance control is investigated to control divergent flap/lead-lag vibrations of blade section. To increase convergence performance and reduce the chattering phenomenon, discrete sliding mode control based on disturbance observer is applied. Convergence of disturbance observer is analyzed, and stability of closed-loop system is discussed. The simulation results show that not only the convergence accuracy can be improved by sliding mode control based on disturbance observer controller, but also the displacement chattering and the control input chattering can be effectively eliminated. Compared with conventional discrete sliding mode control, it has more advantages in the control of divergent instability. To facilitate the real-time realization and automation and at the same time to ensure accuracy, a design of quadratic feedback to build the performance control matrix in sliding mode control based on disturbance observer is developed in present study.
An intelligent machine vision system for detecting surface defects on packing boxes based on support vector machine
Authors: Wu Yu , Lu Yanjie
Published: July 2019

Defects in product packaging are one of the key factors that affect product sales. Traditional defect detection depends primarily on artificial vision detection. With the rapid development of machine vision, image processing, pattern recognition, and other technologies, industrial automation detection has become an inevitable trend because machine vision technology can greatly improve accuracy and efficiency; therefore, it is of great practical value to study automatic detection technology of the surface defects encountered in packaging boxes. In this study, machine vision and machine learning were combined to examine a surface defect detection method based on support vector machine where defective products are eliminated by a sorting robot system. After testing, the support vector machine training model using radial basis function kernel detects three kinds of defects at the same time under the ideal condition of parameter selection, and the effective detection rate is 98.0296%.
Quantitative evaluation of the impurity content of grease for low-speed heavy-duty bearing using an acoustic emission technique
Authors: Jiang Kuosheng , Han Liubang , Zhou Yuanyuan
Published: July 2019

Lubrication performance plays a key role in the lifetime of bearings. Online quantitative monitoring of the impurity contents of lubricants is an effective way to evaluate the performance of lubrication conditions. However, mainstream vibration monitoring techniques are often incapable of providing information on lubrication contamination especially for low-speed and high-load cases in which the dynamic interaction is insignificant. In this paper, an acoustic emission (AE) method is developed to achieve quantitative evaluation of the impurity content of lubrication greases, which are commonly used as lubricants for low-speed and heavy-duty bearings. In particular, a Peak-Hold-Down-Sample algorithm is proposed to compressively sample the large volume AE data acquired at the rate of several megahertz. Both simulations and experiments show that Peak-Hold-Down-Sampled AE data contain information about the deferent levels of impurities. Therefore, the proposed AE approach can be used to monitor lubrication performance in extreme operations.
Retrieval of sea ice thickness using global navigation satellite system reflected signals
Authors: Gao Hongxing , Yang Dongkai , Wang Qiang
Published: July 2019

The aim of this paper is to develop a model which can be used to retrieve sea ice thickness based on global navigation satellite system reflected signals at a shore-based platform. First, the method calculates the intensity ratio of the reflected signal and the direct signal of the global navigation satellite system satellite, which is the ratio of the power of the reflected signal to the power of the direct signal. Then, the information of the sea ice thickness is obtained according to the empirical model of the sea ice thickness. In order to verify the effectiveness of the method, the global navigation satellite system reflected signals were observed in the experiment in the Bayu enclosure of Liaoning Province, China. The results show that the sea ice thickness of the global navigation satellite system reflected signal is 10–20 cm, which is consistent with the synthetic-aperture radar observation.
In-plane shear modulus of extruded polystyrene foam measured by the torsional vibration, square-plate twist and simple shear methods
Authors: Yoshihara Hiroshi , Maruta Makoto
Published: July 2019

In this work, the in-plane shear modulus of extruded polystyrene foam was obtained using the torsional vibration and square-plate twist methods on square plate specimens with various lengths and performing subsequent numerical analysis on the test data. Additionally, the ASTM C273/273M-11 simple shear tests were conducted and the results were compared with those obtained from the torsional vibration and square-plate twist methods. The in-plane shear modulus value obtained from the torsional vibration and square-plate twist methods was often dependent on the specimen configuration. Nevertheless, the in-plane shear modulus value could be obtained effectively by introducing a simple correction coefficient determined from the numerical analysis. In contrast, the in-plane shear modulus value obtained from the simple shear test was often lower than those obtained from the torsional vibration and square-plate twist methods.
Rigid polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams modified with grain fraction of fly ashes
Authors: Paciorek-Sadowska Joanna , Czupryński Bogusław , Borowicz Marcin , Liszkowska Joanna
Published: July 2019

This article describes the results of multidirectional research on producing new polyurethane materials modified with grain fraction of fly ashes. As a result of the conducted research, new polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams were produced, which contained 5% to 35% of a microsphere in relation to its mass. Examinations on mechanical and thermal properties, as well as flammability, were conducted. The increasing content of aluminosilicate microspheres in rigid polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams increased the apparent density of these materials. Based on the results, it was determined that the use of the microsphere in the recipe for producing polyurethane–polyisocyanurate foams is very advantageous. The obtained rigid foams are characterized by lower brittleness, higher compressive strength, higher closed cell count, as well as significantly lower flammability in relation to the reference foam (not modified with the filler).
Viscosity measurement of polypropylene loaded with blowing agents (propane and carbon dioxide) by a novel inline method
Authors: Vincent Raphael , Langlotz Martin , Düngen Matthias
Published: July 2019

Decreased viscosity due to the influence of blowing agent in thermoplastic polymer melts is a key issue for understanding the process of foam extrusion. In a process for direct foam extrusion, a novel approach for inline viscosity measurement of single-phase systems in single screw extruders is used to experimentally evaluate a viscosity decrease. Two blowing agents (propane and carbon dioxide) are tested for their effect on the viscosity of a polypropylene melt. While mass fractions of blowing agent below [Formula: see text] show little to no effect in regard to viscosity reduction compared to a pure polymer melt, a mass fraction of [Formula: see text] already results in significantly decreased viscosity values. While melt temperature influences the viscosity of the polymer melt, measurements show no significant additional effect in regard to a lowered viscosity of a single-phase system of polymer and fully dissolved blowing agent.
Nylon 612/TiO2 composites by anionic copolymerization-molding process: Comparative evaluation of thermal and mechanical performance
Authors: Rusu Elena
Published: July 2019

This study describes the changes in some properties of two series of nylon 612/TiO2 composites by varying filler type (untreated and treated) and content (up 8.0 wt.%). The samples preparation by simultaneous anionic copolymerization-molding process ensures a good dispersion of the filler in matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetrical analysis, static mechanical testing, dynamic mechanical analysis and scanning electron microscopy allowed to investigate the effects of filler loading on the mechanical, thermal and morphological characteristics of the samples and revealed the importance of filler treatment on the composites behaviour. The semicrystalline character has been proved by differential scanning calorimetry (only a single melting peak is present) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (two reflexion plane with d-spacing of 0.4311 and 0.3817 nm appear). At the same filler content, the difference ΔHm1–ΔHc was higher for the samples with treated filler. The lower Tm,α(2) in comparison with Tm,α(1) revealed a modification of the nucleation process during crystallization. The main mass loss of the samples occurred between 277 and 550℃. The addition of the filler leads to the improvement of flexural strength and flexural modulus in comparison with neat copolymer. Incorporating 8.0 wt.% treated filler, the Tg value increases by about 11.0%, reaching 61.0℃.
Modeling and optimization of electrospinning conditions of PVB nanofiber by RSM and PSO-LSSVM models for improved interlaminar fracture toughness of laminated composites
Authors: Ipakchi Hossein , Masoud Rezadoust Amir , Esfandeh Masoud , Mirshekar Hamed
Published: July 2019

In this study, the diameter of polyvinyl butyral nanofibers was modeled using response surface method based on three variables, at three levels of central composite design and particle swarm optimization-least squares support vector machine. Under optimal conditions, the measured mean diameter of the nanofibers was 175 nm. Sensitivity analysis in both models showed that polyvinyl butyral concentration in the solution was found to be the most effective parameter on the nanofiber diameter. The voltage is placed in the next. Fracture toughness under Mode I condition shows that the use of electrospun nanowebs as an interlayer in the structure of multi-layers composite has a positive effect on the GIc which values for the oriented and random nanofibers modified samples increased by 60% and 55%, respectively. According to SEM images, the main mechanism of fracture toughness in these samples was crack deflection and nanofibers crack bridging.
Capitalizing on the Craze of Fortnite: Toward a Conceptual Framework for Understanding How Gamers Construct Communities of Practice
Authors: Marlatt Rick
Published: July 2019

This article conceptualizes a framework for understanding the discourse and literacy practices generated by players of the video game, Fortnite. As a teacher educator interested in studying how multiliteracies cultivated in social settings can be leveraged toward academic success, my two objectives for this theoretical article are to examine how Fortnite players operate within their digital community and to explore what relationships may be established between the game’s social literacy contexts and formal literacy learning. In light of Fortnite’s connections to reading comprehension, discourse systems, and social learning environments, recommendations are made for future research, including considerations of school-based implementation.
Moving forward? How war experiences, interethnic attitudes, and intergroup forgiveness affect the prospects for political tolerance in postwar Sri Lanka
Authors: Kijewski Sara , Rapp Carolin
Published: July 2019

How does civil war shape the prospects of lasting peace between formerly opposing ethnic groups after the end of violence? This article addresses the complex relationship between war experience, interethnic attitudes, interethnic forgiveness, and the willingness to permit basic civil liberties to former enemies in the context of postwar Sri Lanka. Despite the end of the 26-year-long civil war in 2009, social and political tensions between the two largest ethnic groups, the Sinhalese and the Sri Lankan Tamils, still prevail. Political tolerance is in the literature considered a crucial micro-level condition for peaceful coexistence, yet, its determinants, in particular the role of war experiences, have not received sufficient attention. Using new and unique all-island representative survey data (N = 1,420), we examine the mutual permission of civil liberties of these two ethnic groups. Our analyses reveal two important findings: first, the likelihood of granting civil liberties varies by civil liberty and ethnic group. Whereas most members of both ethnic groups are willing to grant the right to vote, to hold a speech, and to hold a government position, the right to demonstrate is highly contested, with only low shares of both Tamils and Sinhalese being willing to grant the other group this right. Second, the structural equation models reveal that the direct impact of war exposure is less powerful than expected and depends on the political right in question. Not forgiving the other ethnic group, partly driven by war experience and ethnic prejudice, appears to be a more consistent predictor of intolerance. These results imply that postwar efforts to further forgiveness are important to promote political tolerance and thereby long-lasting peace.
Unequal Youth Migrations: Exploring the Synchrony between Social Ageing and Social Mobility among Post-Crisis European Migrants
Authors: Varriale Simone
Published: July 2019

This article explores how symbolic boundaries between youth and adulthood shape experiences of upward and downward social mobility among EU migrants. Drawing on 56 biographical interviews with Italians who moved to England after the 2008 economic crisis, and focusing on three individual case studies, the article reveals that normative understandings of adulthood emerge as a central concern from participants’ biographical accounts, and that they mobilise unequal forms of cultural, economic and social capital to maintain a feeling of ‘synch’ between social ageing and social mobility. Drawing on Bourdieu and the sociology of adulthood, the article proposes the notion of synchrony to explore how tensions in the relationship between social ageing and social mobility shape experiences of migration. This allows for an innovative theoretical bridge between cultural class analysis, adulthood studies and migration studies, and for a better understanding of how intersections of class and age shape intra-European migrations.
Musical Taste and the Creation of Place-Dependent Capital: Manchester and the Indie Music Field
Authors: Skandalis Alexandros , Banister Emma , Byrom John
Published: July 2019

Drawing on qualitative interviews with indie music fans in Manchester, UK, we explore how experiences in the indie music field inform spatial and place-specific understandings of musical taste. Inspired by Bourdieu’s sociology of taste, the concept of place-dependent capital incorporates the interplay of the experiential dimensions of taste, and the overall structures in which they are embedded. We develop our findings into three themes, which allow us to highlight the diversity of ways in which our participants create place-dependent capital: exploring the taste of place; dwelling in place; and creating a sense of place. We propose the usefulness of place-dependent capital as an alternative theoretical tool, which acknowledges both structural and experiential dimensions of musical taste, allowing us to demonstrate the situatedness of indie music fans’ tastes.