bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new species of Pelthydrus (s. str.) Orchymont, 1919 from Yunnan, China (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Hydrophilinae: Laccobiini)
Authors: ZHU BINGYUE , JI LANZHU , BIAN DONGJU
Published: June 2019

Pelthydrus schoenmanni sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) belonging to the Pelthydrus jendeki species group is described from Yunnan Province, China. Like other species of genus, it is known from streams. A revised key to the Pelthydrus jendeki group, the description, and genital illustration of this species are provided.
Geosesarma spectrum, a new species of semiterrestrial vampire crab (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Sesarmidae) from Brunei Darussalam, Borneo
Authors: NG PAUL Y. C. , NG PETER K. L.
Published: June 2019

A new semiterrestrial vampire crab from the family Sesarmidae, Geosesarma spectrum n. sp., is described from Brunei Darussalam (Borneo). The new species is characterised by its colouration in life, relatively large size, and form of the carapace, ambulatory legs and gonopods. The new species is compared to its closest congeners from Borneo. This description brings the number of Geosesarma species to 60.
Mechanical and thermal properties of reticulated SiC aerogel composite prepared by template method
Authors: Ye Xinli , Chen Zhaofeng , Ai Sufen , Zhang Junxiong , Hou Bin , Zhou Qianbo , Wang Fei , Liu Hezhou , Cui Sheng
Published: June 2019

A novel structure-controllable reticulated silicon carbide (SiC) skeleton-reinforced silica aerogel composites (SiC/aerogel) were fabricated successfully by template method. Three-dimensional SiC skeletons prepared by different deposition time were prepared via the chemical vapor deposition technology, and then the silica aerogel was induced by the sol–gel process. The test results showed that the mechanical properties increased and thermal conductivities decreased remarkably after impregnating reticulated SiC skeleton with silica aerogel. The SiC/aerogel-24 possessed the highest compressive strength of 0.82 MPa with the thermal conductivity of 0.1597 W/(m·K) at 600℃, while the SiC/aerogel-12 exhibited the lowest thermal conductivity of 0.1244 W/(m·K) and its compressive strength was 0.64 MPa. The present work reported a novel method to manufacture the structure-controllable reticulated SiC aerogel composite which could be used as a high-temperature super-thermal insulation material for the potential applications.
Simulation and experiment on the effect of patch shape on adhesive repair of composite structures
Authors: Li Cheng , Zhao Qiaoli , Yuan Junjun , Hou Yuliang , Tie Ying
Published: June 2019

In order to investigate the performance of the adhesive bonding repair in composite structures, static tensile test is carried out on the bonding structures numerically and experimentally. The tensile stress–displacement behaviors of T7901 composite adhesive bonding structure is studied under room temperature. Based on the three-dimensional progressive damage theory, the model of adhesive bonding structures with different patch shape has been constructed, and the final failure strength is predicted using APDL language. Moreover, experiment has been performed on each adhesive bonding structure with different patch shape. The results indicate a good agreement with numerical predictions. Furthermore, it is found that the repair effect of the adhesive bonding structure with the square patch is better than others. The final damage pattern and damage range of the patch repair structure are also tested by X-ray machine, which are consistent with the simulation results.
Different directions or the same route? The varied identities of ride-share drivers
Authors: Josserand Emmanuel , Kaine Sarah
Published: June 2019

In this article we draw on personal narratives to study the identity work conducted by ride-share drivers to make sense of their occupational identity that is made problematic by the ambiguity of their legal classification and the precarious nature of their material conditions. Our contribution is twofold. First, we reveal the specificity of the identity work conducted by gig workers in comparison to other groups of workers such as employees and independent workers. We uncover the narratives that gig workers use to construct a coherent discourse that accommodates the trade-offs that their occupation involves. Second, we provide an understanding of the experience of gig workers. We adopt the term ‘sub-entrepreneur’ to refer to a type of independent contractor who experiences less freedom than those with true entrepreneurial scope and autonomy in their work. This definition assists in our reflection on our findings in relation to the future of gig workers, gig work and gig platforms.
Sciatic nerve injury in children after gluteal intramuscular injection: Case reports on medical malpractice
Authors: Zhuo Peipei , Gao Dong , Xia Qing , Ran Dan , Xia Wentao
Published: June 2019

Two cases of medical malpractice for sciatic nerve injury caused by gluteal intramuscular injection in China are reported. Two children presented with foot drop indicative of sciatic nerve injury following gluteal intramuscular injections. The appraisal of whether there was medical negligence, the causal relationship between the patients’ nerve injuries and medical standard of care, and the causative potency were entrusted to us by the court. Based on each patient’s original medical history, imaging examination results, limb dysfunction and interviews with their relatives, there was a causal relationship between the children’s injuries and the medical treatment. The causative potency of medical negligence was complete effect in one case and main effect in the other case.
Complication of tracheotomy: A case of fatal pneumomediastinum in spontaneous ventilation
Authors: Pigaiani Nicola , Ambrosi Enrico , Turrina Stefania , Alfieri Veronica , Leo Domenico De
Published: June 2019

Pneumomediastinum is defined as the presence of free air in the mediastinal space. It is classically defined as either spontaneous or secondary pneumomediastinum, depending on whether a cause can be recognised (e.g. trauma, intrathoracic infections or medical procedures such as dental or facial surgery and tracheotomy). It can be associated with pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema of the cervico-facial area because of the ascent of the air from the mediastinum towards the neck. To our knowledge, only one case of death from pneumomediastinum due to tracheotomy has previously been recorded. We report a case of death due to pneumomediastinum, which occurred in a patient with a tracheotomy during spontaneous ventilation. The 65-year-old man underwent surgical mandibular reconstruction with a custom-made titanium plate for osteonecrosis with temporary tracheotomy. The patient received mechanical ventilation only during surgery. On day 3, when the tracheotomy was closed, the patient experienced a rapid deterioration of lung ventilation with initial development of subcutaneous cervical emphysema. Although a tracheotomy tube was promptly inserted, the patient developed massive subcutaneous cervico-facial emphysema with a drop in oxygen capillary saturation. The man died after half an hour of resuscitation due to a massive pneumomediastinum. In this paper, we discuss the epidemiology, aetiology, physiopathology, complications and necropsy findings in pneumomediastinum, focusing on the aspects of our case compared to the only other case reported.
Perceptions of medical students towards autopsy teaching and its significance
Authors: Tandon Arjun , Kanchan Tanuj , Atreya Alok , Tandon Abhishek
Published: June 2019

The importance of autopsies in medical education is multidimensional. In accordance with the existing medical curriculum in India, forensic medicine is a subject taken up during the second year of the MBBS, and undergraduate students of medicine are expected to witness a minimum of 10 autopsies during the third to fifth semesters. This research analyses the perceptions of medical students towards medico-legal autopsy teaching and its significance at one medical institution in India. A total of 450 MBBS students participated in the study and submitted their responses to the predesigned semi-structured 20-point questionnaire on autopsy viewing and its relevance in general. The obtained data were analysed statistically using SPSS software. More than 75% of students agreed that they could appreciate the actual morphology and pathological changes in the human organs. There was a positive response from 54.9% students, who affirmed that autopsy helped refresh and improve their knowledge of human anatomy. More than 60% students agreed to have gained understanding of clinical–pathological correlations and became acquainted with death certification. The majority of the students (53.6%) agreed that autopsy postings made them mentally and emotionally stronger. The present study provides useful evidence regarding the perceptions of medical students towards autopsy teaching, and intends to highlight the utility of autopsies in enhancing the knowledge of medical students and its significance in the medical education curriculum.
Suicide and Accidental Death for Australia’s Farming Families: How Context Influences Individual Response
Authors: Kennedy Alison J. , Maple Myfanwy , McKay Kathryn , Brumby Susan
Published: June 2019

This article presents qualitative data to explore the experience of farming family members faced with accidental or suicide death and understand how this is experienced within the farming context. Individual semistructured interviews were conducted with 25 members of Australian farming families bereaved by suicide or accidental death. Qualitative data was thematically analyzed. Three interconnected themes were identified: acceptance of risk, normalization of death, pragmatic behavior patterns and connection to place. Bereavement and reconstruction of meaning following suicide or accidental death for farming families is influenced by the cultural, social, geographical, and psychological contexts of farming families. This article challenges traditional conceptions of suicide and accidental death as necessarily experienced as “violent” or “traumatic,” bereavement as experienced similarly across western cultures, and the reaction to suicide or accidental death as one that challenges people’s understanding of their world and leaves them struggling to find a reason why the death occurred.
Baseline Low Prognostic Nutritional Index Predicts Poor Survival in Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinomas Treated With Radical Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Topkan Erkan , Yucel Ekici Nur , Ozdemir Yurday , Besen Ali Ayberk , Mertsoylu Huseyin , Sezer Ahmet , Selek Ugur
Published: June 2019

Background:

To retrospectively assess the impact of prognostic nutritional index (PNI) on survival outcomes of patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC) treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).

Methods:

This study incorporated 154 patients with LA-NPC who received exclusive cisplatinum-based CCRT. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was utilized for accessibility of pretreatment PNI cutoffs influencing survival results. The primary end point was the interaction between the overall survival (OS) and PNI values, while cancer-specific survival (CSS) locoregional progression-free survival (LR-PFS), distant metastasis–free survival (DMFS), and PFS were the secondary end points.

Results:

A rounded PNI cutoff value of 51 was identified in ROC curve analyses to exhibit significant link with CSS, OS, DMFS, and PFS outcomes, but not LR-PFS. Patients grouping per PNI value (≥51 [N = 95] vs <51 [N = 49]) revealed that PNI < 51 group had significantly shorter median CSS ( P < .001), OS ( P < .001), DMFS ( P < .001), and PFS ( P < .001) times than the PNI ≥ 51 group, and the multivariate results confirmed the PNI < 51 as an independent predictor of poor outcomes for each end point ( P < .05 for each). The unfavorable impact of the low PNI was also continued at 10-year time point with survival rates of 77.9% versus 42.4%, 73.6% versus 33.9%, 57.9% versus 27.1%, and 52.6% versus 23.7% for CSS, OS, DMFS, and PFS, respectively. Additionally, we found that PNI < 51 was significantly associated with higher rates of weight loss >5% over past 6 months (49.2% versus 11.6%; P = .002) compared to PNI < 51 group.

Conclusion:

Low pre-CCRT PNI levels were independently associated with significantly reduced CSS, OS, DMFS, and PFS outcomes in patients with LA-NPC treated with definitive CCRT.
Old Age Pension Scheme in India: Distributional Impacts
Authors: Narayana M. R.
Published: June 2019

This article develops an empirical framework for the estimation of the economic effects and impacts of the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) and other socio-economic variables related to poverty among elderly individuals in India. Based on an official data sample of 9,852 elderly individuals, it produces evidence of the poverty-reduction effects of IGNOAPS, suggesting that it could be justified to promote more active policy support for this scheme as an instrument of poverty alleviation among elderly individuals. Four areas of policy intervention are identified for reformulation: increased pension expenditure by adjusting for inflation, linking the pension expenditure to economic growth, correction of inclusion and exclusion errors and extension of coverage to all elderly individuals in below poverty line families. It is argued that a move towards full pension provisions for all eligible elderly individuals may reduce personal income inequalities among India’s elderly population. This could also be a constitutionally sound approach applied to other countries in South Asia.
The Maker Faire of Rome as a window of observation on the new perspectives for local economic development and the new urban entrepreneurial ecosystems
Authors: Fiorentino Stefania
Published: June 2019

The rise of the Maker Movement – representing small businesses active in the digital fabrication and the creative industry field – is indicative of the emergence of a new type of urban economy and labour regulations in many cities. Trade fairs have been central to the dynamics of these makers as well as an institutional tool to build an economic reputation for the place hosting them. This paper draws upon a survey of exhibitors at, and interviews with organizers of, the Maker Faire of Rome 2015 to describe the features of this unfolding entrepreneurial world. The findings indicate that, although cities are once again the nexus of contemporary innovation trends, these are deeply intertwined with the surrounding socio-political context. Specifically, and in some contrast to the extant literature on creativity, the Rome case indicates the salience of Makers to those urban economies most in need of regeneration.
The incidence and prevalence of delirium across palliative care settings: A systematic review
Authors: Watt Christine L , Momoli Franco , Ansari Mohammed T , Sikora Lindsey , Bush Shirley H , Hosie Annmarie , Kabir Monisha , Rosenberg Erin , Kanji Salmaan , Lawlor Peter G
Published: June 2019

Background:

Delirium is a common and distressing neurocognitive condition that frequently affects patients in palliative care settings and is often underdiagnosed.

Aim:

Expanding on a 2013 review, this systematic review examines the incidence and prevalence of delirium across all palliative care settings.

Design:

This systematic review and meta-analyses were prospectively registered with PROSPERO and included a risk of bias assessment.

Data sources:

Five electronic databases were examined for primary research studies published between 1980 and 2018. Studies on adult, non-intensive care and non-postoperative populations, either receiving or eligible to receive palliative care, underwent dual reviewer screening and data extraction. Studies using standardized delirium diagnostic criteria or valid assessment tools were included.

Results:

Following initial screening of 2596 records, and full-text screening of 153 papers, 42 studies were included. Patient populations diagnosed with predominantly cancer ( n = 34) and mixed diagnoses ( n = 8) were represented. Delirium point prevalence estimates were 4%–12% in the community, 9%–57% across hospital palliative care consultative services, and 6%–74% in inpatient palliative care units. The prevalence of delirium prior to death across all palliative care settings ( n = 8) was 42%–88%. Pooled point prevalence on admission to inpatient palliative care units was 35% (confidence interval = 0.29–0.40, n = 14). Only one study had an overall low risk of bias. Varying delirium screening and diagnostic practices were used.

Conclusion:

Delirium is prevalent across all palliative care settings, with one-third of patients delirious at the time of admission to inpatient palliative care. Study heterogeneity limits meta-analyses and highlights the future need for rigorous studies.
Why are so few Africans at work in Ireland? Immigration policy and labour market disadvantage
Authors: O’Connell Philip J
Published: June 2019

This paper explores why African immigrants have poor labour market outcomes in Ireland, with very low employment and exceptionally high unemployment rates. The analysis draws on the 2011 Census to examine outcomes for different groups of immigrants. Controlling for individual characteristics suggests that the labour market disadvantages suffered by Africans cannot be attributed to compositional differences: Africans in Ireland are a relatively well-educated group concentrated in the prime working-age groups. The paper investigates an alternative explanation that suggests that the African disadvantage may be due to the policy of excluding asylum seekers from the labour market. I create a novel measure of the risk of exposure to the Irish asylum system by expressing the number of asylum seekers in years prior to the 2011 Census as a proportion of the Irish-resident population from each country. This asylum risk variable is found to influence labour market outcomes, reducing employment and increasing unemployment chances. Moreover, its inclusion in the models also reduces the effects of African group membership. Even controlling for individual characteristics and risk of exposure to the asylum system, there remains a substantial residual African disadvantage in both employment and unemployment, which may be due to discriminatory practices by employers.
Methodology to evaluate the uncertainty of train exterior noise prediction
Authors: Iglesias E Latorre , Xia J , Farooq ME , Bistagnino A , Sapena J
Published: June 2019

Noise emissions play a key role in the development of environment-friendly rolling stock. Noise limits given by EU directives for interoperability purposes but also by internal directives of the different countries where any kind of rolling stock operates have to be respected for train approval. Exterior noise predictions are used nowadays to validate the design of new rolling stock. These predictions are used within the companies to evaluate the different design options, to optimize costs, to assess the risks and for virtual certification in cases where existing products are modified. Potentially predictions could be used in the future for a complete virtual certification of the train allowing to decrease or even to completely avoid the noise tests that are currently carried out by the train manufacturers. As a consequence, the cost of the certification process will be reduced. One of the challenges for a complete virtual certification is the assessment of uncertainties in the predictions as probably this will not be accepted by the stakeholders without a defined and validated uncertainty assessment. This work presents a methodology to estimate the uncertainty of the predictions of train noise emissions. An example of the application of the proposed framework for uncertainty evaluation is provided for a typical suburban rolling stock showing the feasibility of its use for railway exterior noise predictions but potentially also for interior noise calculations and for different applications other than railway.
A method for identification and sequence optimisation of geometry spot welds in a digital twin context
Authors: Tabar Roham Sadeghi , Wärmefjord Kristina , Söderberg Rikard
Published: June 2019

Geometrical variation is the main cause of the aesthetic and functional problems in the product geometry. Variation and disturbances are caused by several sources during the manufacturing process. In the automotive industry, one of the main sources of variation is the spot welding sequence. Optimising this sequence is of combinatorial Nondeterministic Polynomial (NP)-hard problems. In a typical automotive sheet metal assembly, there are a large number of spot welds. Today, if the number of spot welds in a sub-assembly is more than 10, the sequence optimisation will be a challenging and time-consuming task. Therefore, industry is mainly dependent on the experiential approach or simultaneous welding simulations for predicting the geometrical outcome. In this paper, a method is introduced to identify the geometry weld points to reduce the optimisation problem size in a geometry assurance digital twin context. This method is then applied to three automotive body-in-white assemblies and optimisation is performed. The results show that reducing the size of the problem by the proposed approach can help to save a considerable amount of time while getting geometrical outcomes within the satisfactory error levels.
Vibration characteristics of zigzag and chiral functionally graded material rotating carbon nanotubes sandwich with ring supports
Authors: Hussain Muzamal , Naeem Muhammad Nawaz , Taj Muhammad
Published: June 2019

In this study, vibrations of rotating zigzag and chiral functionally graded carbon nanotubes with ring supports have been performed. To discretize the governing equations of current model, Galerkin’s method is utilized for frequency equations of single-walled carbon nanotubes. The unknown axial functions have been assumed by characteristic beam functions, which fulfill boundary conditions applied at the tube ends. Effects of different parameters with ring supports on the fundamental natural frequencies versus ratio of length-to-radius, angular speed, and height-to-radius ratio have been investigated. The frequencies curves decrease as the length-to-diameter ratio increases. With the increase of the angular speed the frequency curve of backward waves increases and forward wave decreases for rotating zigzag and chiral tubes. On the other hand, the phenomena of frequency versus height-to-radius ratio are the counterpart of length-to-radius ratio for rotating boundary conditions. The frequency phenomena have been observed to be very pronounced with ring support. Frequency value of C-C end condition is higher than those of C-F computations. The results of single-walled carbon nanotube are computed by using MATLAB software. To validate the accuracy of present model, the results have been compared with earlier modeling/simulations.
The influence of friction on the tooth normal force of spur and helical gears
Authors: Reimann T , Herzog T , Kadach D , Stahl K
Published: June 2019

The tooth normal force is one of the main influencing factors for calculating the pitting load-carrying capacity of gears. In the current standards for cylindrical gears, it is calculated without regard to the friction force’s influence. This paper presents a simple local calculation approach for determining the friction force and driving direction’s influence on the tooth normal force of cylindrical gears on the whole tooth flank. Unlike previous models, without the need to set up a dynamic model of the gear mesh and having to solve differential equations numerically. For two exemplary spur and one helical gear set, the tooth normal forces are calculated considering the friction force and the driving direction’s influence and without regard to these effects. A comparison is carried out and the results are discussed thoroughly.
Surface quality and tool wear in micro-milling of single-crystal aluminum
Authors: Gao Qi , Li Weimin , Chen Xueye
Published: June 2019

Micro-milling technology is used to machine micro-components and features widely with high surface precision and processing efficiency. To identify the determinants of surface quality of single-crystal aluminum, the micro-milling mechanism of single-crystal materials was characterized based on the shear theory and the mathematical model. The slip plane (111) is the easiest to slip through analysis, so its plastic tendency is the best. A double-edged cemented micro-milling tool with diameter of 0.4 mm was used, and a response surface methodology experiment was conducted on the micro-milling of single-crystal aluminum. By the analysis of variance and range, the factors that impact surface quality were determined as feed rate, spindle speed, and milling depth. A single-crystal surface roughness prediction model was established, allowing the discussion of the influence rules of cutting parameters on the micro-milling surface and analysis of the mechanism and form of tool wear by scanning electron microscopy. These data provide the theoretical and experimental basis for the micro-milling of single-crystal materials.
The relationship between energy consumption and gross domestic product in Hong Kong (1992–2015): Evidence from sectoral analysis and implications on future energy policy
Authors: Zhang Ruixiaoxiao , Shen Geoffrey QP , Ni Meng , Wong Johnny
Published: June 2019

The causal relationship between energy consumption and gross domestic product in Hong Kong from 1992 to 2015 is investigated in this study. Different from the previous studies focusing on the causal relationship between total energy consumption and total gross domestic product per capita, this study further investigates the causal relationship from sectoral perspective, including residential, commercial, industrial and transportation sectors. For each sector, the time series data of sectoral energy consumption and sectoral per capita value added are collected. To conduct the Granger causality test, the unit root test is first applied to analyse the stationarity of time series. The cointegration test is then employed to examine whether causal relationship exists in long-term. Finally, based on the aforementioned tests, both vector error correction model and vector autoregression model can be selected to determine the Granger causality between time series. It is interesting to find that the sectoral energy consumption and corresponding sectoral per capita value-added exhibit quite different causal relationships. For both residential sector and commercial sectors, a unidirectional causal relationship is found running from the sectoral per capita value added to sectoral energy consumption. Oppositely, for industrial sector and transportation sector, a unidirectional causal relationship is found running from sectoral energy consumption to sectoral per capita value added. Regarding the Granger causality test results, the indicative suggestions on energy conservation policies, energy efficiency policies and greenhouse gas emission reduction policies are discussed based on the background of Hong Kong’s economic structure and fuel types.
Forming limit analysis of Mg-2Zn-1.2Al-0.2Ca-0.2RE alloy sheet using ductile fracture models
Authors: Li Fei-Fan , Fang Gang , Qian Ling-Yun
Published: June 2019

This work was aimed to experimentally and theoretically investigate the formability of a new magnesium alloy sheet at room temperature. The fracture forming limit diagram was predicted by MMC3 and DF2014 models, where the non-linear strain path effect was taken into account by means of damage accumulation law. In order to obtain the instantaneous values of the stress triaxiality and the Lode parameter during the deformation process, strains tracked by digital image correlation technique were transformed into stresses based on the constitutive equations. The fracture forming limit diagram predicted by the fracture models was compared with the forming limits obtained by ball punch deformation tests. The prediction errors were evaluated by the accumulative damage values, which verified the advantages of ductile fracture models in predicting the forming limits of the magnesium alloy sheets.
Recovering a French Tradition: Ignace Meyerson in focus
Authors: Pléh Csaba
Published: June 2019

The paper is written on the occasion of a new French monograph by Noemi Pizarosso on Ignace Meyerson. This French mid 20th century intellectual has been one of the representatives of the early French non-individualistic social psychologies. Meyerson claimed that the mind undergoes radical changes during historical times. Relative to the other early historical psychologies, Meyerson was more radical and more relativistic in the historical sense. One great merit of the book of Pizarosso is to show that Meyerson and his followers attempted to prove this historical relativity thesis in analyzing changes in the concept of person, and changes in styles of art.
Investigation of modal damping ratios for stay cables based on stochastic subspace identification with ambient vibration measurements
Authors: Chen Chien-Chou , Wu Wen-Hwa , Yu Szu-Ting , Lai Gwolong
Published: June 2019

The stability assessment of stay cables based on the damping ratios of lower cable modes has attracted a large amount of research efforts. An accurate determination of those modal damping ratios is consequently required for the analysis or health monitoring of cable-stayed bridges. The aim of this study was to explore the challenge in accurately identifying the modal damping ratios of stay cable. The ambient vibration measurements collected from the stay cables of four cable-stayed bridges are investigated to cover different characteristics. A recently developed methodology based on stochastic subspace identification is adopted to determine the modal damping ratios of the cable. With the identified modal damping ratios for the stay cables of four bridges, comparison is made to examine the range of cable damping in different cable-stayed bridges and discuss the effects of several influence factors. It is found that the modal damping ratios for the stay cables of investigated bridges typically fall between 0% and 0.7%, close to the range from 0.05% to 0.5% reported by Post-Tensioning Institute. Moreover, it is also discovered that the modal damping ratio of the cable would decrease with increasing cable length if the energy dissipation mechanism of the cable principally comes from the anchorage device. In the cases where the middle free length section of the cable is filled with effective grouting materials, the modal damping ratio of the cable is not necessarily correlated with the cable length. Finally, the obtained results also indicate that the grouting material filled in the middle free length section of the cable defines the primary contribution to energy dissipation ranked by a descending order of ceresine wax, flexible polymer-modified cement and polyurethane foam.
Plastic hinge relocation in reinforced concrete beam–column joint using carbon fiber–reinforced polymer
Authors: Arowojolu Olaniyi , Ibrahim Ahmed , Rahman Muhammad K , Al-Osta Mohammed , Al-Gadhib Ali H
Published: June 2019

Reinforced concrete buildings with moment-resisting frames comprising beam–column joints (without joint shear reinforcement) designed prior to introduction of seismic codes are shear deficient when subjected to seismic loading, thereby mostly fail in shear at the core of the beam–column joint. However, those designed to the new seismic codes may fail by flexural hinging at the interface of the beam–column joint due to the yielding of the beam reinforcement at the location of highest stress demand (usually the beam–column joint interface). The shear failure has been precluded through the provision of transverse reinforcement at the joint in new design and the use of carbon fiber–reinforced polymer retrofitting in old buildings. Plastic hinge formation at the interface of the beam–column joint is critical because of its penetration into the joint and its effect on bond deterioration. In this study, eight corner-external beam–column joint specimens of 1/3 scale of a typical moment-resisting frame, made without transverse reinforcement, were tested for monotonic and reversed cyclic test under displacement-controlled regime. The control specimens failed by flexural hinging at the beam–column joint interface. The experimental results have been validated using the finite element model. The specimens were retrofitted with unidirectional carbon fiber–reinforced polymer of different layers and different length. After retrofitting, the plastic hinge was relocated to the curtailment end of the carbon fiber–reinforced polymer. The relocation of the plastic hinge resulted in higher load capacity and ductility.
Effects of temperature and lead core heating on response of seismically isolated bridges under near-fault excitations
Authors: Wang Hao , Zheng Wen-Zhi , Li Jian , Gao Yu-Qi
Published: June 2019

Seismic responses of bridges isolated by lead rubber bearings under near-fault excitations are presented in this article. A bilinear force-deformation model is employed to represent the hysteretic behaviors of lead rubber bearings. The joint effects of ambient temperature, initial displacement, and lead core heating on the responses of seismically isolated bridges are investigated. Nonlinear time history analyses are conducted with the employed hysteretic models of lead rubber bearings. Comparisons of the responses with and without the joint effects are performed, in terms of maximum isolator displacements, maximum isolator forces, and base forces of the piers. Results show that ambient temperature, initial displacement, and lead core heating have significant joint effects on the responses of seismically isolated bridges. When such joint effects are ignored at low temperatures, the maximum isolator displacements could be overestimated, whereas the maximum isolator forces and the base forces could be underestimated. However, as for ambient temperatures above 20°C, the maximum isolator displacements could be underestimated, whereas the maximum isolator forces and the base forces could be overestimated with small maximum isolator displacements and underestimated with large maximum isolator displacements.
Green space and mental health symptoms in a cardiac rehabilitation population
Authors: Patel Deven M. , Block Robert C. , Chapman Benjamin P. , Korfmacher Katrina S. , van Wijngaarden Edwin
Published: June 2019

The association between mental health symptoms and the quantity of green space surrounding the homes of people who recently experienced a cardiovascular event were examined while also assessing plausible mechanisms. Both objective- and perception-based metrics were used to characterize the amount of green space in a half-mile buffer around the homes of 142 participants enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Participants completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale to assess mental health symptoms. Increased quantity of green space around the home was associated with fewer depressive symptoms but was not clearly associated with symptoms of anxiety and stress. Physical activity in green space was associated with lower odds of all three outcomes, while having green space in view from the home was not associated with any outcome. These results suggest that increased accessible green space near the home may improve depression and promote recovery in this population. This may be due to physical activity in this space.
Enhancement of submicron particle deposition on a semi-circular surface in turbulent flow
Authors: Xu Haolun , Fu Sau Chung , Leung Wing Tong , Lai Tsz Wai , Chao Christopher Y. H.
Published: June 2019

Air pollution due to suspended particles in the built environment threatens people’s health. The collection of submicron particles using air cleaners is especially difficult due to their tiny sizes. Surface patterned structures can enhance submicron particle deposition, thus improving the performance of an air cleaner. In this study, a semi-circular micro-structured surface was designed and optimized by considering particle deposition enhancement and reduction of pressure differential. The maximum efficiency ratio at the pitch-to-height ratio ([Formula: see text]) of 3 reached 1137 for the 1 µm particles but only 3.4 for 0.01 µm particles. The main mechanism of enhancing submicron particle deposition depends on the capture of the recirculation wake induced by semi-circular structures and entrainments of large turbulence kinetic energy to the near-wall regions. Submicron particles was observed to deposit between cavities on the semi-circular surface at a small [Formula: see text]. This study shows that surface patterned structures in the semi-circular shape at small [Formula: see text] can enhance the submicron deposition efficiency, thus providing a possible approach to improve the overall efficiency of air cleaners.
Does the presence of certain bacterial family in the microbiome indicate specific indoor environment characteristics? A factorial design approach for identifying bio-fingerprints
Authors: Seong Dahae , Hoque Shamia
Published: June 2019

The study applies the current knowledge on microbiome in built environments towards identifying microbes, specifically bacteria as bio-fingerprints which can reflect indoor space and occupant characteristics. Data were collected from the literature on the bacterial family and the indoor environment. The factorial design approach was applied to quantify and compare the influence of selected indoor environmental parameters, sampling region (air or surface), sampling locations (residence or non-residence), gender and age and their interactions on the types and concentration of detected bacterial families. Factorial design analysis identified and confirmed Corynebacteriaceae and Lactobacillaceae as the gender signature for males and females, respectively. The significant bacterial families across all scenarios are: Corynebacteriaceae, Propionibacteriaceae, Bacillaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Methylobacteriaceae, Moraxellaceae, Micrococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Rhodobacteraceae, Streptococcaceae and Pseudomonadaceae. Higher concentrations of Propionibacteriaceae indicate that the specific location is an adult-occupied space. Staphylococcaceae presence is the bio-fingerprint of contaminated air of hospitals bio-fingerprint and Moraxellaceae on hospital surfaces are distinct characteristics. Streptococcaceae is a bio-fingerprint of contaminated air of schools and other children-occupied spaces. Enterobacteriaceae is a bio-fingerprint of contaminated air of non-residence locations. Bacillaceae does not indicate any indoor characteristics.
Influence of rotor eccentricity on vibration characteristics in a five-stage centrifugal pump with vaned diffusers
Authors: Wang Kai , Ma Qijiang , Wang Chengbin , Liu Houlin , Xia Chen
Published: June 2019

To determine the effect of rotor eccentricity on the vibration of multistage pumps, a five-stage centrifugal pump with vaned diffusers was selected to experimentally measure the vibration characteristics under both stable condition and unstable condition due to the rotor eccentricity. The results show that the rotor eccentricity results in an irregular orbit of the rotor axis, which is diffused outward. As the flow rate increases, the peak amplitude of the rotor axis’ orbit first decreases and then increases, and the peak amplitude at the design flow rate is minimized. The main vibration frequencies of rotor axis’ orbit are the axis passing frequency and a secondary high frequency. After rotor eccentricity occurs, all monitoring point vibrations increase by different degrees, the increments of axial vibration are particularly obvious, and the characteristic frequencies of the pump increase.
Accelerated weathering of textile waste nonwovens used as sustainable agricultural mulching
Authors: Abidi Houcine , Rana Sohel , Chaouch Walid , Azouz Bechir , Aissa Imed Ben , Hassen Mohamed Ben , Fangueiro Raul
Published: June 2019

The removal of agriculture residual plastic films is nowadays a big concern for all environmentalists. Several ecological alternatives were developed for more sustainable products and cleaner production. In this work, the effect of three months of exposure under accelerated weathering conditions (ultraviolet light, moisture, and heat) on the properties of two textile waste nonwovens as a sustainable alternative to plastic mulching films was investigated. Results showed that thermostability and mechanical properties of the clothing textile waste felt and cotton waste nonwoven decreased after accelerated weathering. The chemical variation of cotton waste nonwoven and textile waste felt and the degradation rate of natural and synthetic fibers due to the photolysis and hydrolysis caused by accelerated weathering conditions were studied following the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the fibrous composition variation of the blended textile waste felt structure during the study.
Autoencoder-based candidate waypoint generation method for autonomous flight of multi-unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Kwak Jeonghoon , Sung Yunsick
Published: June 2019

Unmanned aerial vehicles may collide with obstacles, such as trees or other unmanned aerial vehicles, while flying. A waypoint-based flight path is an approach to avoid such obstacles. To specify waypoints for the safe flight of unmanned aerial vehicles, it is necessary to define a flight path in advance by analyzing the flight records of unmanned aerial vehicles and thereby designate the waypoints automatically. However, there is a problem in that pilots tend to make errors in controlling unmanned aerial vehicles and collecting flight records. This article proposes a method to generate candidate waypoints for a flight path by removing such unintended flight records. In this method, images representing the positions in the collected flight records are generated. The candidate waypoints are generated as positions corresponding to the overlapping pixels of the images generated via image accumulation based on the flight records and the ones generated by accumulating the images reconstructed using an Autoencoder. The unmanned aerial vehicles can be set the waypoints for an autonomous flight using the candidate waypoints. An experiment was conducted in a university to generate candidate waypoints for road monitoring. The results obtained using the proposed method and K-means algorithm were compared. The candidate waypoints generated using the proposed method were reduced by 84.21% compared to those generated using the K-means algorithm.
No effect of age on emotion recognition after accounting for cognitive factors and depression
Authors: Murphy Jennifer , Millgate Edward , Geary Hayley , Catmur Caroline , Bird Geoffrey
Published: June 2019

A decline in emotion recognition ability across the lifespan has been well documented. However, whether age predicts emotion recognition difficulties after accounting for potentially confounding factors which covary with age remains unclear. Although previous research suggested that age-related decline in emotion recognition ability may be partly a consequence of cognitive (fluid intelligence, processing speed) and affective (e.g., depression) factors, recent theories highlight a potential role for alexithymia (difficulty identifying and describing one’s emotions) and interoception (perception of the body’s internal state). This study therefore aimed to examine the recognition of anger and disgust across the adult lifespan in a group of 140 20–90-year-olds to see whether an effect of age would remain after controlling for a number of cognitive and affective factors potentially impacted by age. In addition, using an identity recognition control task, the study aimed to determine whether the factors accounting for the effects of age on emotion discrimination also contribute towards generalised face processing difficulties. Results revealed that discrimination of disgust and anger across the lifespan was predicted by processing speed and fluid intelligence, and negatively by depression. No effect of age was found after these factors were accounted for. Importantly, these effects were specific to emotion discrimination; only crystallised intelligence accounted for unique variance in identity discrimination. Contrary to expectations, although interoception and alexithymia were correlated with emotion discrimination abilities, these factors did not explain unique variance after accounting for other variables.
Of Ships and Spectacles: Maritime Identity and the Politics of Authenticity in Regency London
Authors: Jensen Oskar Cox
Published: June 2019

This article considers three case studies – the first aqua-drama at Sadler's Wells in 1804, the naumachia in Hyde Park of 1814, and the launching of HMS Nelson at Woolwich, also in 1814 – in order to discuss maritime spectacle in Regency London. I identify an essentially political distinction between the representation of ships and the role of sailors, linked to wider questions of authenticity as understood by contemporary London audiences. I argue that the Thames riverscape itself contributed to Londoners' self-identification as nautically literate connoisseurs, unlikely to acclaim spectacles they perceived to be inauthentic. By this reading, the maritime spectacles of early nineteenth-century London constitute a misstep in a longer and more successful history of nautical theatre and melodrama, that remained fundamentally entangled with questions of democratic representation, the real versus the represented, and London's maritime identity.
Glucocorticoids in pregnancy
Authors: Pofi Riccardo , Tomlinson Jeremy W
Published: June 2019

The physiological changes that occur during pregnancy include altered regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. The fetoplacental unit plays a major role in this, together with alteration of circulating cortisol-binding globulin levels, with a net effect to increase both total and free cortisol levels. Importantly, there are several pathological conditions that require steroid treatment or replacement during pregnancy, and optimizing therapy is clearly crucial. The potential for acute and chronic adverse effects that can impact upon both the mother and the fetus makes the decision of how and when to instigate steroid therapy particularly challenging. In this review, we describe the physio-pathological changes to the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis that occur during pregnancy, tools to assess endogenous glucocorticoid reserve as well as discuss treatment strategies and the potential for the development of adverse events.
Alagille syndrome and pregnancy
Authors: Morton Adam , Kumar Sailesh
Published: June 2019

Alagille syndrome is an autosomal dominant multisystem disorder with an estimated frequency of 1 in 30 000. Only a small number of pregnancy outcomes have been described in women with this condition. The report details the pregnancy outcomes of two women with Alagille syndrome. We also review the literature pertaining to this syndrome in pregnancy and demonstrate a significant risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.