bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approaches to Multiple Attribute Group Decision Making Based on the DTOWHA Operator with 2-Tuple Linguistic Information
Authors: Wang Yan-Mei
Published: May 2017

We investigate the multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems in which the attribute values take the form of 2-tuple linguistic information. In this paper, we develop the dependent 2-tuple ordered weighted harmonic averaging (DTOWHA) operator, and then apply the DTOWHA
operator to develop some approaches for multiple attribute group decision making with 2-tuple linguistic information. Finally, an illustrative example for service quality assessment in special higher education is given to verify the developed approach and to demonstrate its practicality and
effectiveness.
Models for Multiple Attribute Group Decision Making Based on the Induced Fuzzy Linguistic Ordered Weighted Harmonic Mean Operator and Their Applications
Authors: Zhou Hao , Tao Tao , Wang Sheng
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we investigate the multiple attribute group decision making problem with triangular fuzzy linguistic information. We proposed the induced fuzzy linguistic ordered weighted harmonic mean (IFLOWHM) operator. A practical method based on the FLWHM and IFLOWHM operators is
developed for multiple attribute group decision making with triangular fuzzy linguistic variables. Finally, an illustrative example for security evaluation of wireless sensor network is given to verify the developed approach.
Pharmacological Activity of Some 2,6-bis(thieno[2,3-b]pyrimidine)pyridine Derivatives as Antiulcerogenic Agents
Authors: Amr Abd El-Galil E , Al-Omar Mohamed A , Abdalla Mohamed M
Published: May 2017

We herein report the antiulcer activity of some synthesized fused heterocyclic 2,6-(substituted thienopyrimidine)pyridine candidates 1a,b-8a,b. All the tested compounds were synthesized and conveniently screened for their analgesic, anticonvulsant, and antiparkinsonian activities.
Sixteen compounds were demonstrated to exhibit antiulcer activities via H+/K+-ATPase (proton pump) inhibition activities.
On the Unique Response Roman Domination Numbers of Graphs
Authors: Li Yong , Li Qiong , He Jian , Fan Xinruan , Ding Zhaoheng
Published: May 2017

Let G be a graph with vertex set V(G). A function f: V(G) → {0, 1, 2} with the ordered partition (V0, V1, V2) of V(G), where Vi
= {V∈V(G) | f(V) = i} for i = 0, 1, 2, is a Roman dominating function if x ∈ V0 implies |N(x)∩V2|≥ 1. It is a unique response Roman function if x ∈ V0
implies |N(x) ≥ V2|≤ 1 and x ∈ V1 ∪ V2 implies that |N(x) ∩ V2| = 0. A function f: V(G) → {0, 1, 2} is a unique response Roman dominating
function if it is both a unique response Roman function and a Roman dominating function. The unique response Roman domination number, denoted by uR(G), of G is the minimum weight of a unique response Roman dominating function. In this paper we study the
unique response Roman domination of graphs, and provide some graphs whose unique response Roman domination number equals to the independent Roman domination number.
Aquatic Image Segmentation Method Based on HS-PCNN for Automatic Operation Boat in Crab Farming
Authors: Ruan Chengzhi , Zhao Dean , Chen Xu , Jia Weikuan , Liu Xiaoyang
Published: May 2017

Crab farming mainly adopts the pattern of aquatic feeding, which is a hard work for farmers. To reduce the labor intensity and production costs for farmers, it is great significance to develop an automatic aquatic-cleaning boat with visual navigation. In visual navigation system, image
segmentation is a difficult problem. In this paper, we combine the advantages of pulse coupled neural network in image segmentation with the global optimization characteristic of harmony search algorithm, an image segmentation algorithm of optimized pulse coupled neural network based on harmony
search (HS-PCNN) is proposed. In order to improve the operating efficiency and segmentation accuracy of PCNN, this new algorithm can optimize the weighted combination of PCNN maximum Shannon entropy and minimum cross entropy by harmony search (HS), and evaluate the optimization effect of parameters
by using yield function. Experimental results show that the proposed method can provide a more effective method for the aquatic image segmentation in crab pond.
Assessment of Residential Building Energy-Saving with 2-Tuple Linguistic Information
Authors: Liu Xiao-Feng
Published: May 2017

With the acceleration of the process of our country’s urbanization, the investment of urban infrastructure construction continues to increase and the construction industry has become a pillar industry of the national economy. However, the proportion of building energy consumption
in the total energy is increasing at the same time. In order to achieve the sustainable development of the society, the energy-saving target is proposed in the 12th Five-Year Plan of China, which sets for the requirements for building energy-saving in Shaanxi Province. Evaluation of building
energy-saving is an effective method to promote the healthy development of the work of building energy efficiency, but there is not a complete, reasonable and practicable the evaluation system. In this paper, we investigate the multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems for
evaluating the residential building energy-saving with 2-tuple linguistic information. Then, a model based on the 2-tuple weighted geometric (TWG) operator to evaluate the residential building energy-saving is presented. In this model, alternative appraisal values are calculated by the aggregation
of 2-tuple linguistic information. Thus, the ranking of alternative or selection of the most desirable trip(s) is obtained by the comparison of 2-tuple linguistic information. Finally, an illustrative example for evaluating the residential building energy-saving is given to verify the developed
approach and to demonstrate its practicality and effectiveness.
An Unsteady Magnetohydrodynamic Jeffery Nanofluid Flow Over a Shrinking Sheet with Thermal Radiation and Convective Boundary Condition Using Spectral Quasilinearisation Method
Authors: Goqo Sicelo P , Mondal Sabyasachi , Sibanda Precious , Motsa Sandile S
Published: May 2017

We investigate the combined effects of a magnetic field and a convective boundary condition on unsteady Jeffrey nanofluid flow over a shrinking sheet with thermal radiation and heat generation. The effects of several important factors such as particle size and shape, the clustering
of particles and the effective thermal conductivity of nanofluids has not been studied adequately. It is important for more research so as to ascertain the effects of these factors on the thermal conductivity of a wide range of nanofluids. The non-dimensional governing equations are derived
and solved using a spectral quasilinearisation method. Among other findings, we show that thermal radiation enhances both the temperature and concentration profiles. Furthermore, the effects of different physical parameters on the flow velocity, temperature and concentration profiles are shown
graphically and discussed in detail. Comparison with previously published work shows an excellent agreement.
Model for Software Patterns Selection with Fuzzy Linguistic Information
Authors: Li Zhi-Min , Zhao Yi-Ding
Published: May 2017

With respect to multiple attribute group decision making problem with triangular fuzzy linguistic information, in which the attribute weights and expert weights take the form of real numbers, and the preference values take the form of triangular fuzzy linguistic variables, some operators
for aggregating triangular fuzzy linguistic variables, such as the fuzzy linguistic harmonic mean (FLHM) operator, fuzzy linguistic weighted harmonic mean (FLWHM) operator, fuzzy linguistic ordered weighted harmonic mean (FLOWHM) operator, and fuzzy linguistic hybrid harmonic mean (FLHHM)
operator are proposed. Based on the FLWHM and FLHHM operators, a practical method is developed for group decision making with triangular fuzzy linguistic variables. Finally, an illustrative example about software patters selection is given to verify the developed approach.
UBP-Trust: User Behavioral Pattern Based Secure Trust Model for Mitigating Denial of Service Attacks in Software as a Service (SaaS) Cloud Environment
Authors: Dhiyanesh B , Sakthivel S
Published: May 2017

The problem of security enforcement in cloud environment has been discussed in number of situations and the most approaches uses minimum number of features to mitigate the denial of service attacks in cloud environment. The methods suffers with the problem of poor detection accuracy
and false classification ratio, to overcome the issue, we propose a novel approach to mitigate the denial of service attacks in SaaS layer of cloud environment. This paper discusses a UBP-Trust model, which monitors the behavioral patterns of the users of cloud environment at different situations.
Based on the monitored results, the method generates user behavior pattern which represents, the number of times the user has accessed the service, the number of times the service has been accessed and finished successfully, the amount of data being sent, the number of false invocation, the
variance of protocol and so on. Using all these features considered the method generates the behavioral pattern and used to compute the user trust weight for each user being monitored. Based on the weight computed, he will be decided as malicious or genuine and based on which the method restrict
the user from accessing the service. The proposed method produces efficient results in DDOS detection accuracy and produces less time complexity and false classification ratio.
Adaptation Needs and Countermeasures of China’s Agricultural Sector in Response to Climate Change
Authors: Chunyang Chen , Fang Wang
Published: May 2017

China’s agricultural production will be greatly impacted by the climate change, and in order to accurately evaluate the impact degree of the climate change on China’s corn yield, this paper proposes an analytical method of impact of climate change on China’s corn yield
based on numerical predication of fuzzy inference. Firstly, this paper provides research region and data description and the condition of data sources of this experiment and provides its regressive formal model at the same time; secondly, proposes a kind of numerical predication method of
fuzzy inference and realizes the valid predication of climate change with the use of improved TS fuzzy model for improving the accuracy of climate change predication; finally, evaluates the impact on China’s corn yield and makes targeted analysis through the experiment.
Nano Drug Deliverer for Ampicillin, Clavulanic Acid, Imipenem, Penicillin G and Ticarcillin
Authors: Derakhshandeh Maryam , Monajjemi Majid
Published: May 2017

Ampicillin, Clavulanic acid, Imipenem, Penicillin G and Ticarcillin properties for the drug delivery with binding to SWCNNTs and SWBNNTs have been studied. Penicillin and its alteration Penicillin G or phenoxyacetic acid for Penicillin V is used for large scale production. Penicillin
and other cell wall inhibitors are primarily specific against Gram positive bacteria because of higher percentage of peptidoglycan in the cell walls of these organisms. Ampicillin belonging to the penicillin group of beta lactam antibiotics, ampicillin is able to penetrate Gram positive and
some Gram-negative bacteria. Imipenem (Primaxin) is an intravenous β-lactam antibiotic discovered by Merck scientists Burton Christensen, William Leanza, and Kenneth Wildonger in 1980. It was the first member of the carbapenem class of antibiotics. Based on our previous works we
have modeled and simulated a drug delivery system of those antibiotics. The investigation of those antibiotics in binding with single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and SWBNNTs have been studied by theoretical methods. It has been established the best structural and functional of those antibiotics.
A number of computational chemistry studies carried out to understand the conformational preferences that may be attributed to stereo electronic effects. These results show the minimized structure of mentioned antibiotics with SWCNTs and SWBNNTs, calculated potential energy for important dihedral
angles, and the effect of temperature on geometry of optimized structure. NMR by GIAO approximation, have been applied for determination of the situation in antibiotics-SWCNT and shifting. This model provides an atomistic analysis of the antibiotics-SWCNT strategy and its implications for
further investigations of drugs.
Geometric Interpretation of Timelike Mannheim Curves by Using Riccati Equations in Minkowski 3-Space E13
Authors: Yüzbaşı Zühal Küçükarslan , Bektaş Mehmet
Published: May 2017

In this paper, we consider the Riccati equations of the timelike Mannheim curves in Minkowski 3-space E13. We obtain the new results for this type curves and also give some geometric interpretation of the Riccati equations.
Traffic Identification Based on User Access Authentication and Message Tag
Authors: Zhu Hejun , Zhu Liehuang
Published: May 2017

In order to solve the problem of direct location management of Internet users under the environment of NAT, the unique session ID that represents the user session was put the first option location of the initial session SYN option, and the same session ID was put the additional tail
part of the each initial UDP session and the specified UDP tail part, the traffic identification and location management of the Internet users were realized under the environment of NAT through the message tag and user access authentication, the practical application showed that compared with
the traditional method, this method not only solved the location management of the Internet users under the NAT, but also greatly reduced the Internet authentication device, network mirror device, network transmission device, network bandwidth and other resources.
The Research of Highly Effective Wrestling Educational Model Based on Optimized Theory Technology
Authors: Liu Lei
Published: May 2017

Theoretical studies in Chinese-style wrestling teaching optimization can help to better explore the theory and practice of teaching Chinese Wrestling innovation, improve teaching quality, promote Chinese-style wrestling the popularization and development in colleges and universities.
In this paper, optimization theory and optimized content and optimized implementation strategy in Chinese-style wrestling teaching have been studied in-depth analysis, which will not only help promote the development of Chinese-style wrestling teaching, also for other sports curriculum has
a guiding role. In this article study the main application of optimization theory in teaching of prominent Chinese-style wrestling in normal college sports elective course, in the process of teaching, a further study needed in optimizing teaching content, teaching methods, teaching structure,
teaching evaluation. In addition that, because of much to optimization subject in the Optimization Research in Teaching, so this paper mainly evaluate the effect on the curriculum, the attitude of learning and the effect of mastering the skills during the research process. Evaluation of the
content is not comprehensive enough so in the future need to go further.
A Multi-Index Measurement Model of English Classroom Teaching Level in Colleges and Universities Based on Fuzzy System Theory
Authors: Liu Zhengyuan
Published: May 2017

As a major index for improving English teaching ability in colleges and universities, English class-room teaching level serves as an important guarantee for enrolling excellent would-be students, and plays a crucial role in enhancing the competitiveness of English major. For this reason,
this paper studies the evaluation of English classroom teaching level in colleges and universities. An evaluation index system is established by analyzing the selecting principles for evaluation indexes of English classroom teaching level. Furthermore, such evaluation is graded, and the fuzzy
membership of an evaluation object concerning various indexes in different grades is worked out. Then, AHP method is employed to obtain the corresponding weight of evaluation indexes, so as to establish a multi-index measurement model of English classroom teaching level in colleges and universities
based on fuzzy system theory. The result of case study demonstrates that the presented model is feasible.
The Application of the Human Body Link Stress Analysis Method in the Basketball Movement
Authors: Wang Man
Published: May 2017

“Link stress analysis method” is a method to determine to cause the original dynamic muscle of the body movements. In the basketball sports and training, it gets more and more attention. The writer tries to base the teaching practice, to make some supplement and discussion
of the theoretical definition, the methods of the analysis of the original muscle and the problems that should be noticed.
Comprehensive Evaluation Model of Physical Education Based on Grey Clustering Analysis
Authors: Wu Hongyu , Li Fenglei , Cheng Guohua
Published: May 2017

This paper first introduces the implementation scheme design of the comprehensive evaluation of physical education, and then uses examples to verify the effect of the model constructed in this study, with the application of the traditional evaluation method, namely total score method
into the practice to be analysed by comparing with the model of this study. Through practical test, it is obtained that the evaluation index system in this study is basically scientific, reasonable and feasible, and the evaluation result is basically consistent with the actual situation, thus
it verifies the conclusion that the model in the case of small sample can ensure the validity of the evaluation results.
Research on the Music Education Quality Evaluation Based on TFAHPGC
Authors: Chen Rong
Published: May 2017

The music teaching is an integral part of college student quality education. However, many colleges do not pay attention to the music teaching. In addition, different regions of the colleges have a different attitude to the music teaching. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the
music education. The fuzzy evaluation method is an important part in the evaluation methods. The method can apply the fuzzy language to evaluate the target. Therefore, the evaluated results of the method are more practical. In this paper, we combine the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process, AHP
method with the Gray correlation method and put forward the TFAHPGC method. Then, we use the method to evaluate the music teaching in different regions of the colleges in China. The final experimental results show that the method is very effective.
On Cumulative Residual Renyi Entropy of Consecutive Order Statistics
Authors: Abo-Eleneen Z. A , Almohaimeed Bader
Published: May 2017

Rao et al. (2004, IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, 50, 1220–1228). proposed cumulative residual entropy (CRE): a new and robust measure of information. Recently Sunoj and Linu (2012, Statistics, 46:1, 41–56,) discussed the cumulative residual Renyi’s entropy
CRREα as a generalized of CRE. In this paper, we first provide a computational method that represents the joint CRREα of the first i order statistics as a single integral and it further, simplifying to simple expression as sum of the beta
distributions. We then derive some recurrence relations for the CRREα in a consecutive order statistics to facilitate the computation. We also develop a simple formula for the sample estimate of the CRREα of a consecutive order statistics.
The Binary Differential Search Algorithm Approach for Solving Uncapacitated Facility Location Problems
Authors: Sahman Mehmet Akif , Altun Adem Alpaslan , Dündar Abdullah Oktay
Published: May 2017

Recently, many Computational-Intelligence algorithms have been proposed for solving continuous problem. The Differential Search Algorithm (DSA), a computational-intelligence based algorithm inspired by the migration movements of superorganisms, is developed to solve continuous problems.
However, DSA proposed for solving problems with continuous search space proposed for solving should be modified for solving binary structured problems. When the DSA is intended for use in binary problems, continuous variables need to be converted into binary format due to solution space structure
of this type of problem. In this study, the DSA is modified to solve binary optimization problems by using a conversion approach from continuous values to binary values. The new algorithm has been designated as the binary DSA or BDSA for short. First, when finding donors with the BDSA, four
search methods (Bijective, Surjective, Elitist1 and Elitist2) with different iteration numbers are used and tested on 15 UFLP benchmark problems. The Elitist2 approach, which provides the best solution of the four methods, is used in the BDSA, and the results are compared with Continuous Particle
Swarm Optimization (CPSO), Continuous Artificial Bee Colony (ABCbin), Improved Binary Particle Swarm Optimization (IBPSO), Binary Artificial Bee Colony (binABC) and Discrete Artificial Bee Colony (DisABC) algorithms using UFLP benchmark problems. Results from the tests and comparisons show
that the BDSA is fast, effective and robust for binary optimization.
Research on the Selection of Supercritical Fluid Extraction Conditions and Antioxidation of Hawthorn Oil
Authors: Tong Hanqing , Sun Jing
Published: May 2017

Hawthorn oil has been shown to own many health benefits, such as being used as a folk medicine. However, the oxidation resistance presented in hawthorn fruit has not been clearly characterized. In order to promote the researches on hawthorn oil, we explored the selection of supercritical
fluid extraction conditions and antioxidation of hawthorn oil. To begin with, we detected that the order of impact among four factors of supercritical CO2 extraction was: material degree > resolving temperature > extraction temperature > extraction pressure. In addition,
using material degree as 40 mesh to 60 mesh, resolving temperature as 55 °C, extraction temperature as 45 °C, extraction pressure as 25 MPa could obtain the highest extraction yield, namely 2.13%. Meanwhile, we explored antioxidation of hawthorn oil on plant and animal oil. Hawthorn
oil showed some effect in stabilizing plant and animal oil. Additionally, it could generate synergistic effect with citric acid, ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene during antioxidation process in plant and animal oil.
Study on the Credit Risk Contagion Mechanism of Enterprise Group’s Guarantee Behavior of Cellular Automation Simulation
Authors: Li Feng , Yuan Ke
Published: May 2017

There is usually a transaction behavior of parent-subsidiary corporation’s connected guarantee inside enterprise group, and this credit risk has become an important means of contagion within the group. From the perspective of abstract theory, and aiming at the mechanism of the
internal credit risk contagion of enterprises, this paper studies the possible gap between the elements like actual debt, stock equity and deadline, and provides powerful reference for the debt guarantee behavior between parent corporation and subsidiary corporation, thus better serving the
study on debt risk issues.
Four New/Old Vertex-Degree-Based Topological Indices of HAC5C7[p, q] and HAC5C6C7[p, q] Nanotubes
Authors: Li Yingfang , Yan Li , Jamil Muhammad Kamran , Farahani Mohammad Reza , Gao Wei , Liu Jia-Bao
Published: May 2017

Recently, Gutman et al. presented some vertex-degree based topological indices, that earlier have been considered in the chemical and/or mathematical literature, but, evaded the attention of most mathematical chemists. These are the reciprocal Randic index (RR), the reduced reciprocal
Randic index (RRR), the reduced second Zagreb index (RM2) and the forgotten index (F). In this paper, we compute these topological indices of HAC5C7[p, q] and HAC5C6C7[p, q]
nanotubes.
Research of Arching Phenomenon in Crowd Evacuation Simulation Based on the Arch Effect
Authors: Li Liang , Liu Hong , Lv Lei
Published: May 2017

Arch Effect is a universal natural phenomenon caused by the non-homogeneous displacement of the media. Likely, the pedestrians in a crowd evacuation simulation, according to the social force model, would also form an arch near the exit in a short time. The resulting arch may decrease
evacuation efficiency and lead to extremely dangerous situations. In this paper, inspired by the similarity between the natural Arch Effect and pedestrians’ evacuation behaviors, a hypothesis is proposed that the arching phenomenon in crowd evacuation simulations can be controlled by
applying the theory of the natural Arch Effect. To test this hypothesis, two steps have been conducted. First, the obstacles in the scene are treated as the arch feet. By setting obstacles at appropriate positions, the arch is formed at a position more distant from the exit. The outer-arch
can help to avoid extremely dangerous situations and improve evacuation efficiency. Second, a modified interval equation based on the Arch Effect is proposed to calculate the proper interval of the obstacles to be set in the scene. With the pressure in the crowd and the size of obstacles considered,
the equation aims to provide the optimal interval value for pedestrian evacuation. The results of the experiments illustrate that it is effective to analyze and control the arching phenomenon in crowd evacuation simulations by applying the theory of the Arch Effect.
Research on Variable Current Regenerative Braking Control Strategy Based on Radial Basis Function Neural Network Tuning PID Control
Authors: Pan Chaofeng , Zhang Rui , Chen Liao , Wang Shaohua , Yi Fengyan
Published: May 2017

Nowadays, regenerative braking is one of the most prevalent and important technology applied in EV (electric vehicle). It can extend the driving range of EV by transforming part of kinetic energy into electric energy during the braking process of EV. The research object of this paper
is one certain EV with the hybrid electric power which includes lithium ion battery and ultra-capacitor. This paper establishes the circuit mathematical model of RBS (regenerative braking system) and analyzes the system comprehensively. Based on that, this paper designs a braking force distribution
method between the front-axle and rear-axle. Under the premise of braking safety, this paper puts forward a variable current regenerative braking control strategy based on RBF (radial basis function) neural network tuning PID control with the aim of maximum energy recovery. In order to prove
the validity of the model and the control strategy, this paper contrasts the variable current regenerative braking control strategy with the traditional constant current braking control strategy by bench test and simulation under NEDC driving cycle. The result shows that the variable current
regenerative braking control strategy is effective, improving the energy recovery efficiency, extending the driving range of EV.
Multiscale Simulations of Irradiation Effects of Bilayer Graphene Induced by Swift Heavy Ions
Authors: Zhao Dong-Dong
Published: May 2017

The damage production induced by swift heavy ion irradiation in bilayer graphene (BLG) is investigated. The radial dose distributions of delta rays produced by bismuth ions are calculated by Monte Carlo simulation. The radial dose rapidly decreases with increasing the distance from
the path center. An unusual phenomenon is found that the velocity effect is not suitable for BLG the same as in the single layer graphene (SLG). The energy deposited into the lattice due to electron-phonon coupling is simulated by molecular dynamics method. By given energy to a cylindrical
region, the carbon chains even nanoholes can be produced, which depends on the electronic energy loss (dE/dx). For BLG, the threshold electronic energy loss is lower than 6.5 keV/nm, which is lower than for SLG of 8 keV/nm. Through the calculation of density changes, a low density core and
a high density shell structure can be seen while the tracks radii are obtained. With increasing dE/dx values, the track radius is first increasing and then saturates. At the end, the analysis of defects indicates that only a small part of the defects can be recombined and the radiation damage
in BLG is less severe than in SLG.
Nonlinear Simulation Analysis on Loaded-Bearing Performance of Multistory Infilled R.C. Frame Structure with Openings Under Horizontal Force
Authors: Jia Yigang , Wu Guangyu , Zhong Yaxi , Ren WenGuo , Yu Cheng , Wan Bao
Published: May 2017

The influence of infill walls on the mechanical property of RC frame structures is distinct, the rational lateral stiffness of infilled frame structures and the design method of filler wall which are considered in resistance urgently need to be discussed. A group of single-span single-story
infilled frame models (three) are nonlinear simulation analyzed by using ANSYS program, and verify the results of ANSYS by comparing with their experimental results. Then, establish a group of single-span three-stories infilled frame models (seven) with different opening sizes and different
opening locations to simulate and analyze the lateral performance of multistory infilled frame structure with openings. And the following conclusions are drawn: the frame beam is in the unfavorable condition of “short beam sheared” with the existence of the openings in up and down
stories; the lower the location of story is, the bigger the lateral stiffness of infilled frame is, and the quicker the degradation speed of stiffness is and so on.
Research on the Relationship Between Surface Engineering and Deformation Response of Some Natural Polymeric Nanofibrous Systems. Possible Applications in Medicine
Authors: Guignard Mirela Iorgoaiea , Coman Diana , Agop Maricel , Ouerfelli Noureddine , Miricescu Dan , Vrinceanu Narcisa , Iancu Dragos Teodor , Dumitrascu Dan Dumitru , Gradinaru Irina
Published: May 2017

Since the bamboo derived nanocellulosic fibrous systems (used as covers for mattresses), come in contact with skin, the study is aiming to establish the relationship between their three D-dimensional architecture and permanent deformation. The composite should have a permanent deformation
near to zero, in order to be as stable as possible, in terms of dimensional. Different types of bamboo derived nanocellulosic fibrous systems, whose surfaces have been modified/engineered under several irradiation conditions, were used. By analyzing the area of 1 cm2 with UST (Universal
Surface Tester), different 3D diagrams were achieved. This type of surface investigation provides relevant information about permanent deformation response of the studied surface, for comfort purposes. In other terms, the roughness which is the parameter quantifying the 3D geometry of the
systems surface, a correlation between deformation response and the roughness level could be established. Moreover, since there is a direct contact of this polymeric supports with skin, the outcomes of this research can be regarded as a perspective/starting point for a novel study. The level
of roughness can be monitored, in order to obtain matrices with different hydrophobicity, consequently with potential antimicrobial performance. The more hydrophilic the polymeric matrix will be, the more the antimicrobial response/behaviour can be achieved. Some implications in medicine are
also considered, because one of the most applied methods to fight infection would be to apply loading onto bamboo derived cellulosic supports that has the capability to release antimicrobial substances.
Change above the Glass Ceiling: Corporate Social Responsibility and Gender Diversity in Japanese Firms
Authors: Mun Eunmi , Jung Jiwook
Published: May 2017

This article examines how local organizations respond to the global norm of corporate social responsibility (CSR), focusing on the case of workplace gender diversity in Japan. Though many global institutional investors have declared their commitment to CSR principles, whether and how their investments actually improve local practices has yet to be examined. We hypothesize that changes implemented by local firms in response to pressure from global institutional investors are shaped by political dynamics among competing professional groups in organizations. Through interviews with CSR managers and consultants in Japan, we find that CSR managers push for gender diversity only in the upper ranks of their organizations. This helps managers limit resistance from human resources managers, who want to maintain the traditional employment system, while still gaining support from investor relations managers, who support changes that are visible to investors. Our findings from panel data analysis further document this change above the glass ceiling. Analyzing more than 800 Japanese firms between 2001 and 2009, we show that both foreign investment and the within-firm influence of CSR and investor relations managers significantly increased the number of women on boards and in managerial positions but did not improve the lot of those in non-managerial or entry-level positions. Our study contributes to research on diffusion and organizational change by illuminating interprofessional politics in the local implementation of global norms.
Cooperative credit in colonial Bengal: An exploration in development and decline, 1905–1947
Authors: Iqbal Iftekhar
Published: May 2017

The article examines the performance of cooperative credit movement in the last four decades of colonial Bengal. Despite high hopes at the beginning, the cooperative institutions proved unsustainable due to unusually high rate of loan default and consequently failed to play a role in rural wellness as promised. The article argues that the seeds of failure were ingrained in the movement as it was used as a tool to engage and contain nationalist and communist politics in the late colonial environment. The possibility of a successful experiment on the association of a global model of non-firm financial entrepreneurship with forms of local social capital that existed in Bengal was suspended by a political process which aimed at retaining the authority of the colonial state by privileging a select social group. Social capital, the cornerstone of cooperative movement, was ineffective in Bengal because it had to operate on a ground fiercely contested by political capital.
Book Review: Anshu Malhotra and Siobhan Lambert-Hurley, eds, Speaking of the Self— Gender, Performance and Autobiography in South Asia
Authors: Karlekar Malavika
Published: May 2017

Anshu Malhotra and Siobhan Lambert-Hurley, eds, Speaking of the Self— Gender, Performance and Autobiography in South Asia, Durham and London: Duke University Press, 2015, 312 pp.
Book Review: C.J. Fuller and Haripriya Narasimhan, Tamil Brahmans: The Making of a Middle-class Caste
Authors: Roy Tirthankar
Published: May 2017

C.J. Fuller and Haripriya Narasimhan, Tamil Brahmans: The Making of a Middle-class Caste, Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2014, 278 pp.
Book Review: Kaiser Haq, The Triumph of the Snake Goddess
Authors: Chakrabarti Ishan
Published: May 2017

Kaiser Haq, The Triumph of the Snake Goddess, Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2015, 350 pp.
Book Review: Kesavan Veluthat and Donald R. Davis, Jr., eds, Irreverent History: Essays for M.G.S. Narayanan
Authors: Arzony Sivan Goren
Published: May 2017

Kesavan Veluthat and Donald R. Davis, Jr., eds, Irreverent History: Essays for M.G.S. Narayanan, New Delhi: Primus Books, 2014, 315 pp.
Book Review: Mohammed Suleman Siddiqi, The Junaydi Sufis of the Deccan: Discovery of a Seventeenth Century Scroll
Authors: Malik Pia Maria
Published: May 2017

Mohammed Suleman Siddiqi, The Junaydi Sufis of the Deccan: Discovery of a Seventeenth Century Scroll, Delhi: Primus Press, 2014, 294 pp.
Oil export, external prewar support for the government, and civil conflict onset
Authors: Woo Jungmoo
Published: May 2017

The literature on civil war onset focuses on the effect of oil on domestic actors but relatively little suggests its effect on external actors who can intervene in an oil-producing state, although most revenues of oil-producing states are generated by their oil export to other states. This article advances a theory of oil export, external prewar support for the government, and civil war onset. In the international oil market, although oil is a primary energy source in most states, there are few oil exporters. This implies that costs of breaking an oil trade tie are greater for an oil-importing state vis-à-vis an oil-exporting state and, thus, oil-importing states are likely to have concerns about oil-exporting states’ political instability that can cause civil conflict onset and break their oil trade ties. I hypothesize that a state’s oil export increases the likelihood of external prewar support for its government. However, because oil-exporting states are likely to conceal the information about their oil export to prevent public grievances against the distribution of oil revenues and their governments’ incompetence in oil export, rebels are less likely to have complete information about oil export. The secrecy of oil export hinders finding a mutually acceptable bargaining range between the government and rebels, and increases the likelihood of civil conflict onset in oil-exporting states without external support for the government. I measure each state’s oil export using network analysis, and test these hypotheses using logit models. Empirical results support the hypotheses.
Transforming Students’ Attitudes and Anxieties Toward Death and Loss
Authors: Wallace Cara L. , Cohen Harriet L. , Jenkins David A.
Published: May 2017

This study examines the impact of a death and dying course on 39 undergraduate students’ attitudes and anxieties about death. Authors outline key aspects of the curriculum used in the course and discuss how the approach lends itself to a transformative learning experience related to death and loss, preparing students who will face clients with a variety of needs in these areas across practice settings. The majority of students ( n = 34) experienced a decrease in death avoidance, fear of death, and overall death anxiety. Students with a history of multiple violent, traumatic, or unexpected deaths ( n = 5) did not experience any significant changes but demonstrated increased scores of death anxiety suggesting that they may be in need of greater support while engaging in death education.
Towards an Ethical Framework for Publishing Twitter Data in Social Research: Taking into Account Users’ Views, Online Context and Algorithmic Estimation
Authors: Williams Matthew L , Burnap Pete , Sloan Luke
Published: May 2017

New and emerging forms of data, including posts harvested from social media sites such as Twitter, have become part of the sociologist’s data diet. In particular, some researchers see an advantage in the perceived ‘public’ nature of Twitter posts, representing them in publications without seeking informed consent. While such practice may not be at odds with Twitter’s terms of service, we argue there is a need to interpret these through the lens of social science research methods that imply a more reflexive ethical approach than provided in ‘legal’ accounts of the permissible use of these data in research publications. To challenge some existing practice in Twitter-based research, this article brings to the fore: (1) views of Twitter users through analysis of online survey data; (2) the effect of context collapse and online disinhibition on the behaviours of users; and (3) the publication of identifiable sensitive classifications derived from algorithms.
Geographic Variation in Diagnostic Ability and Quality of Care Metrics: A Case Study of Ankylosing Spondylitis and Low Back Pain
Authors: Shafrin Jason , Griffith Jenny , Shim Jin Joo , Huber Caroline , Ganguli Arijit , Aubry Wade
Published: May 2017

Studies examining geographic variation in care for low back pain often focus on process and outcome measures conditional on patient diagnosis but generally do not take into account a physician’s ability to diagnose the root cause of low back pain. In our case study, we used increased detection of ankylosing spondylitis—a relatively rare inflammatory back disease—as a proxy for diagnostic ability and measured the relationship between ankylosing spondylitis detection, potentially inappropriate low back pain care, and cost. Using 5 years of health insurance claims data, we found significant variation in ankylosing spondylitis detection across metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), with 8.1% of the variation in detection explained by a region’s racial composition. Furthermore, low back pain patients in MSAs with higher ankylosing spondylitis detection had 7.9% lower use of corticosteroids, 9.0% lower use of opioids, and 8.2% lower pharmacy cost, compared with patients living in low-detection MSAs.
Post-imperialism, postcolonialism and beyond: Towards a periodization of cultural discourse about colonial legacies
Authors: Göttsche Dirk
Published: May 2017

Taking German history and culture as a starting point, this essay suggests a historical approach to reconceptualizing different forms of literary engagement with colonial discourse, colonial legacies and (post)colonial memory in the context of Comparative Postcolonial Studies. The deliberate blending of a historical, a conceptual and a political understanding of the ‘postcolonial’ in postcolonial scholarship raises problems of periodization and historical terminology when, for example, anti-colonial discourse from the colonial period or colonialist discourse in Weimar Germany are labelled ‘postcolonial’. The colonial revisionism of Germany’s interwar period is more usefully classed as post-imperial, as are particular strands of retrospective engagement with colonial history and legacy in British, French and other European literatures and cultures after 1945. At the same time, some recent developments in Francophone, Anglophone and German literature, e.g. Afropolitan writing, move beyond defining features of postcolonial discourse and raise the question of the post-postcolonial.
Rūdolfs Blaumanis, the Dreyfus Affair and the Anglo-Boer War: Colonial difference and identity construction in fin-de-siècle Latvian society
Authors: Kalnačs Benedikts
Published: May 2017

This article offers an insight into the social and cultural scene in Latvia at the end of the nineteenth century. The territory of this Baltic state was then still part of the Russian Empire, divided among several of its provinces. However, this was also a period when the cultural aspirations of the rising Latvian middle class were represented by the gradual attempts to raise the self-esteem of the entire local population. The article focuses on the role that Latvian writer Rūdolfs Blaumanis (1863–1908) played in encouraging Latvians to understand themselves as a self-confident people during the fin-de-siècle period. The first part examines articles published by Blaumanis in the Latvian press during 1899 and 1900 in which he deals with the explosive political issues of the time, namely the Dreyfus Affair in France and the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa. These case studies are then followed by theoretical considerations. Taking into account the political and social contexts in which these texts were written, the way Blaumanis approaches these topics is interpreted as an attempt at self-positioning and identity construction of the local population while also creating an early form of counter-colonial narrative.
Influence of DMPA content on the properties of new thermoplastic poly(ether-urethane) elastomers
Authors: Puszka Andrzej , Kultys Anna , Rogulska Magdalena
Published: May 2017

New thermoplastic poly(ether-urethane) elastomers were synthesized by one-step melt poly addition from poly(oxytetramethylene)diol of [Formula: see text] = 2000 g mol−1 as soft segment, 1,1′-methanediylbis(4-isocyanatocyclohexane) ( Desmodur W®), and 2,2′-methylenebis[(4,1-phenylene)methylenesulfanediyl]diethanol or 6,6′-methylenebis[(4,1-phenylene)methylenesulfanediyl]dihexan-1-ol as unconventional chain extenders, and 3-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpropanoic acid as an ionic chain extender. The structure of polymers was examined by attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared. Moreover, their thermal behavior, Shore A/D hardness, mechanical properties, and optical and adhesive properties were determined. Addition of carboxyl groups to polymer resulted, generally, in increased transparency, hardness, tensile strength and adhesive strength on copper polymer junction and decreased thermal stability, refractive indexes, elongation at break, and modulus of elasticity.
The development of a bilingual vocabulary measure for Armenian–English children
Authors: Hovsepian Alice
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study was to develop a parallel bilingual vocabulary measure for the comparative study of receptive and expressive vocabulary growth in young Armenian–English bilinguals. The measure was comprised of four independent vocabulary lists equivalent on age of acquisition ratings. The lists were counterbalanced across four tasks, Armenian picture identification, Armenian picture naming, English picture identification, and English picture naming. This article includes a detailed description of the procedures employed to develop the measure and evidence regarding its reliability and validity. The procedures from this study may be valuable in developing parallel vocabulary measures for other minority–majority language combinations.
Happiness is the way
Authors: Fang Shichen , Galambos Nancy L. , Johnson Matthew D. , Krahn Harvey J.
Published: May 2017

Directional associations between civic engagement and happiness were explored with longitudinal data from a community sample surveyed four times from age 22 to 43 ( n = 690). Autoregressive cross-lagged models, controlling for cross-time stabilities in happiness and civic engagement, examined whether happiness predicted future civic engagement, civic engagement predicted future happiness, or the temporal ordering was bidirectional. Marital status, parental status, and recent unemployment experience were included as time-varying covariates of civic engagement, and analyses controlled for parent education, self-esteem, and self-rated physical health at age 18. Results indicated consistent cross-lagged associations from higher happiness to higher future civic engagement. There was no support for the path from civic engagement to future happiness, nor for bidirectional associations. Parenthood at age 22 predicted lower civic engagement, while parenthood at ages 32 and 43 predicted higher civic engagement. Recent unemployment experience was associated with less civic engagement at age 32 but more engagement at age 43, and marital status was linked with more civic engagement at age 43. Results support a broaden-and-build theoretical perspective in which happiness predicts future civic engagement across the transition to adulthood and into midlife.
Ethics, politics and the transformative possibilities of the self in Hannah Arendt and Michel Foucault
Authors: Ucnik Lenka
Published: May 2017

A wave of interest in Hannah Arendt and Michel Foucault as bio-political thinkers was initiated by publication of Giorgio Agamben’s Homo Sacer. The intellectual connection of these two figures is, however, broader than their bio-political considerations. Arendt and Foucault both offer detailed accounts of an ethico-political self. Both Arendt’s and Foucault’s later work explores the meaning of living ethically and politically. By examining the relationship between self, ethics and politics, I suggest there are two general points of convergence in Arendt and Foucault regarding the ethico-political self: (1) a shared suspicion of ethical or political systems presented as universally applicable; (2) the attempt to undermine prescriptive moral and political models by fostering a dynamic and critical self-relationship. In the shared attempt to develop a dynamic ethico-political attitude Arendt and Foucault present their respective alternatives to universally applicable moral and political structures, which both consider to be potentially dangerous.