bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twenty Years of Men and Masculinities by the Numbers: An Analysis of Publications and Article Keywords
Authors: Cserni Robert T. , Essig Lee W.
Published: March 2019

In this article we begin to map the field of Men and Masculinities Studies by examining 20 years of publications in the journal of Men and Masculinities. We conduct a content analysis of 458 articles and 2115 keywords from 1998 to 2017. Our findings indicate similar numbers of women and men published sole-authored articles. The most prevalent themes among published articles were related to theory, sexualities, and family. Furthermore, non-English speaking regions in the world are under-represented compared to English speaking regions. We hope that our discussion of these, and other findings, will help (re)shape the field and the journal of Men and Masculinities into a more diverse and inclusive academic space.
The Costs of Exclusionary Practices in Masculinities Studies
Authors: Bridges Tristan
Published: March 2019

Feminist scholarship on masculinities ossified into a recognizable “subfield” of gender studies, in part, through systematically centering the work of a very small group of white men. This process of collective centering works as an effective “exclusionary practice” that I argue hinders both the scholarly and political potential of this field. This article examines the transformation of the status of the subfield alongside an examination of women’s contributions to feminist scholarship on masculinities, and an emergent politics of citation that works to reproduce inequality within this subfield. In addition to identifying the processes by which a small group of white men have accumulated a disproportionate amount of power and status within “masculinities studies” as problematic, I also question the lack of critical dialogue and debate between various subfields examining systems of power and structured advantage. Here, I put masculinities studies into conversation with whiteness studies, critical heterosexualities studies, research on elites, and more to argue that there should be more dialogue between scholars doing research in these areas. Disrupting exclusionary practices in masculinities studies with both political and practical intent will better situate feminist scholars of masculinities to adapt their scholarship to transformations in the character and form of durable systems of inequality as well as identifying emergent processes and mechanisms of social reproduction.
Vehicle for Southern African Knowledge? Men and Masculinities and Research from South Africa
Authors: Morrell Robert
Published: March 2019

Knowledge production is dominated by publications in and from the global North. This has given rise to a concern that certain perspectives and agendas have global prominence whereas others, from the global South, are marginalized. Analyzing the publication record of Men and Masculinities with respect to articles authored by scholars from, or working in, South Africa, I argue that the journal, despite being founded, based and published in the United States, has a very good record of providing space for Southern gendered perspectives to emerge.
So What Has Been, Is, and Might Be Going on in Studying Men and Masculinities?: Some Continuities and Discontinuities
Authors: Hearn Jeff
Published: March 2019

Following introductory remarks on how the terms “masculinities” and “men” have been used differentially in recent critical studies on men and masculinities (CSMM), the article reviews some key aspects of CSMM - past, present and future. The diverse influences on CSMM have included various feminisms, gay studies, anti-imperialism, civil rights, anti-racism, green and environmental movements, as well as LGBTIQ+ movements, Critical Race Studies, Globalization/Transnational Studies, and Intersectionality Studies. In the present period, the range of theoretical and political approaches and influences on studies continues to grow, with, for example, queer, post-, post post-, new materialist, posthumanist, and science and technology studies, making for some discontinuities with established masculinities theory. In many regions, there are now more women working explicitly and long-term in the area, even if that is itself not new. CSMM have also become more geographically widespread, more dispersed, more comparative, international, transnational, postcolonial, decolonializing, globally “Southern”, global, globalized and globalizing; this diversifying feature is transforming CSMM. Key areas for future research are identified, including the relations of men and masculinities to: first, ecology, environment and climate change; second, ICTs, social media, AI, robotics and big data; third, transnational/global, transnational institutions and processes; and, fourth, nationalism, racism, authoritarianism, neo-fascism and political masculinism. Together, these make for a “lurking doom”. At the same time, there is a whole range of wider theoretical, methodological, epistemological and ontological questions to be taken up in CSMM much more fully in the future.
“In Reality Every Reader Is, While He Is Reading, the Reader of His Own Self”: Reconsidering the Importance of Narrative and Savoir Littéraire for Masculinity Studies
Authors: Horlacher Stefan
Published: March 2019

Given the strong emphasis on plurality, which is so characteristic of current masculinity studies, the relationship between masculinity as a concept and its plural forms has to be rethought. If we conceive of masculinity as having a largely discursive and narrative structure and accept that narrative is an ontological condition of social life which exemplarily manifests itself in literature and the arts, it is precisely here that a plethora of narratives of masculinity becomes ‘visible’, with the performative function of narrative allowing for a variety of new masculine gender identities and subject positions that only become available through their conception in literature/the arts.
Buddies, Comrades, Couples, and Exes: Men’s Friendships with Women
Authors: Gardiner Judith Kegan
Published: March 2019

Although popular culture contrasts men and women as opposites, cross-gender friendships between the sexes are thriving. I agree with other scholars that men’s friendships with women are increasing in number, value, and social acceptability in the United States. I argue that we should expand our contexts for understanding cross-gender friendships from dyads or paid bonds to include men and women comrades, coworkers, in-laws, exes, and members of other mixed groups.
Recreating Men’s Relationship with Nature: Toward a Profeminist Environmentalism
Authors: Pease Bob
Published: March 2019

While feminist and profeminist scholars are increasingly in agreement with the thesis that hegemonic and destructive forms of masculinity are the source of current environmental crises, there is less agreement on how to address this issue or on the way forward for ecologically conscious and profeminist men. Some forms of ecofeminism essentialize women as being closer to nature than men, while arguing that men are closer to culture. There seems little capacity for men to change in this view. In a parallel development, some ecomasculinity theorists argue that the problem is not with the nature of masculinity per se but with the separation of men’s natural maleness from forms of masculinity that suppress their infinite capacity to care. It will be argued that such latter approaches espouse either an ecofeminine or ecomasculinist perspective rather than a social ecofeminist view. This article will explore the implications of the social ecofeminist critique (or what some writers refer to as feminist environmentalism) for understanding socially constructed masculinism, and what men can do about it, in the context of the social divisions between men across the world.
Parametric modeling method for design and bending failure analysis of graded lattice structures
Authors: Wang Tianshu , Zhang Li , Guo Licheng , Sun Yang
Published: March 2019

The graded lattice structures have advantages in optimizing structure. In this paper, a parametric modeling method of graded lattice structure is proposed. The continuum damage model is used to evaluate the failure load of the structures. In this paper, two types of graded lattice structure are built by parametric modeling method: the cell-size-changed graded lattice structure (the densities of the structures are constant) and the bar-width-changed graded lattice structure (the masses of the structures are constant). The failure loads of the structures under three-point bending load are investigated. The results show that the smaller middle cell improves the bending failure load of the cell-size-changed graded lattice structures up to 52%, and the wider sandwich bar in the middle of the structure improves the bending failure load of the Bar-width-changed graded lattice structures up to 31%. Meanwhile, the graded parameter of the structures will influence the failure mode of the structures.
Conjunctival bleb compression as a treatment for hypotony post XEN45 implant in uveitic glaucoma
Authors: Yu Jonathan Thur Sian , Au Leon
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

Over-filtration and subsequent hypotony are recognised complications of penetrating glaucoma procedures, especially when augmented with antimetabolites. Patients with uveitis are especially at risk of hypotony and this can reduce the final acuity achieved, compromise surgical outcomes and adversely affect the inflammatory status. The incidence of hypotony following XEN45 implant insertion is higher for uveitic patients and we present a method of surgically addressing this hypotony with transconjunctival compression sutures that are placed over the overdraining XEN45 implant.

Methods:

We present a retrospective case series of consecutive uveitic glaucoma patients who had conjunctival compression sutures between 2015 and 2018 following XEN45 insertion, at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, UK. Two 9/0 nylon sutures were placed in a horizontal figure-of-eight conformation transconjunctivally across the overdraining bleb: one directly over the XEN45 implant and one at the posterior limit of the implant in order to restrict flow.

Results:

Three patients underwent conjunctival compression sutures following XEN45 implant-related hypotony and all three had successful resolution of their hypotony and visual symptoms. No patients required long-term topical agents to control their intraocular pressure.

Conclusion:

Conjunctival compression sutures are an effective option for addressing persistent hypotony following XEN45 implant insertion in patients with uveitic glaucoma.
Primary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the lacrimal drainage system in two pediatric patients
Authors: Ucgul Ahmet Yucel , Tarlan Bercin , Gocun Pınar Uyar , Konuk Onur
Published: March 2019

Primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) of lacrimal drainage system (LDS) is quite rare in children, but it is important to expedite early diagnosis in an effort to alter possible life-threatening disease since they are usually misdiagnosed as chronic dacryocystitis. In the literature, there are few examples of tumors of LDS in children. The authors herein report two pediatric cases of extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) originating from lacrimal sac in an attempt to increase the knowledge about the clinical course of NHL of LDS. Considerable care must be taken since tumors of lacrimal drainage can mimic dacryocystitis clinically and macroscopically. Two patients both attended with painless swelling in the left lacrimal sac region and epiphora of the left eye. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging showed a tumoral lesion in the left lacrimal sac region and histopathological examination of excisional biopsy specimen demonstrated MALT lymphoma in both patients. The treatment regimen comprises lacrimal sac excision within the tumor, canalicular dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with bicanalicular silicone intubation (BSI) combined with chemotherapy and regional radiotherapy in one case, whereas the second case received only radiotherapy after canalicular DCR with BSI. Both of them maintained clinical remission along follow-up.
Visual Analytics of Genomic and Cancer Data: A Systematic Review
Authors: Qu Zhonglin , Lau Chng Wei , Nguyen Quang Vinh , Zhou Yi , Catchpoole Daniel R
Published: March 2019

Visual analytics and visualisation can leverage the human perceptual system to interpret and uncover hidden patterns in big data. The advent of next-generation sequencing technologies has allowed the rapid production of massive amounts of genomic data and created a corresponding need for new tools and methods for visualising and interpreting these data. Visualising genomic data requires not only simply plotting of data but should also offer a decision or a choice about what the message should be conveyed in the particular plot; which methodologies should be used to represent the results must provide an easy, clear, and accurate way to the clinicians, experts, or researchers to interact with the data. Genomic data visual analytics is rapidly evolving in parallel with advances in high-throughput technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR). Personalised medicine requires new genomic visualisation tools, which can efficiently extract knowledge from the genomic data and speed up expert decisions about the best treatment of individual patient’s needs. However, meaningful visual analytics of such large genomic data remains a serious challenge. This article provides a comprehensive systematic review and discussion on the tools, methods, and trends for visual analytics of cancer-related genomic data. We reviewed methods for genomic data visualisation including traditional approaches such as scatter plots, heatmaps, coordinates, and networks, as well as emerging technologies using AI and VR. We also demonstrate the development of genomic data visualisation tools over time and analyse the evolution of visualising genomic data.
Bohler Angle and the Crucial Angle of Gissane in Paediatric Population
Authors: Pombo Bruno , Ferreira Ana Cristina , Costa Luís
Published: March 2019

Bohler angle and the crucial angle of Gissane are used on the evaluation of calcaneus fractures. However, few authors have described the variation of the angles when the calcaneus is growing. In this study, Bohler angle and the crucial angle of Gissane in paediatric population were measured using lateral foot radiographs of 429 patients, from 0 to 16 years of age. The control group was composed of 70 adult patients. The sample had a mean Bohler angle of 35.4° ± 5.9° and a mean crucial angle of Gissane of 110.5° ± 7.4°. The greater mean difference was identified for Bohler angle (8°) in the age group of 5 to 8 years (39.6° ± 5.7°) and for the crucial angle of Gissane (5°-6°) in the age group of 0 to 4 years (115.8° ± 7.3) ( P < .05). The influence of the ossification centres on the geometry of the calcaneus across age groups makes Bohler angle and the crucial angle of Gissane higher in young children. The increase in Bohler angle points out the relative development of the posterior facet in young children and the importance of the reconstruction of the posterior facet height in the intra-articular calcaneus fractures.

Level of Evidence: Diagnostic study; Level III.
Steady-state performance of a circular journal bearing lubricated with a non-Newtonian fluid considering the elastic deformation of the liner
Authors: Chetti Boualem , Zouggar Hamid
Published: March 2019

In this work, a numerical study of the effect of elastic deformation on the static characteristics of a circular journal bearing operating with non-Newtonian fluids obeying to the power law model is presented. The modified Reynolds equation has been derived taking into consideration the effect of non-Newtonian behavior of the fluids. To obtain the pressure distribution, the Reynolds equation has been solved using finite difference technique with appropriate iterative technique incorporating Reynolds boundary conditions. The static performance characteristics for finite-width journal bearing in terms of the load-carrying capacity, the attitude angle, friction coefficient, and the side leakage have been studied for various values of the non-Newtonian power law index n and the elastic coefficient. The results show that the increase of the power law index produces a higher load-carrying capacity, a higher side leakage, a lower attitude angle, and a lower friction coefficient. From this study, it can be concluded that the elastic deformation has an important influence on the static characteristics of the journal bearing lubricated with a non-Newtonian fluid, and this influence is more significant for the journal bearing operating at larger values of the eccentricity ratio.
Judicial decision-making within political parties: A political approach
Authors: Bolleyer Nicole , von Nostitz Felix-Christopher , Bormann Nils-Christian
Published: March 2019

How do German intra-party tribunals manage internal conflicts? More specifically, why do they accept some cases for trial but reject others? Required by law to strictly adhere to implement rule of law standards, German intra-party tribunals are designed to insulate conflict regulation from politics. Meanwhile, research on judicial politics highlights the role of political and strategic considerations in accepting cases for trial. Building on the latter, we develop a theory that emphasizes tribunals’ political concerns such as winning elections. We test our hypotheses with a mixed-effects logit model on a novel data set covering 1088 tribunal decisions in six German parties from 1967 until 2015. Our findings indicate that political factors exert a strong effect on tribunal case acceptance. Tribunals are more likely to accept cases when suffering electoral loss and after losing government office. Moreover, tribunals dismiss cases more easily when their parties display relatively high levels of policy agreement.
Sexually violent effervescence: Understanding sexual assault among youth
Authors: Tutenges Sébastien , Sandberg Sveinung , Pedersen Willy
Published: March 2019

Based on interviews with 104 young partygoers, this article examines sexual assaults that occur in the context of festive events. Focus is on how individuals describe their sexual victimization. Three experiential characteristics stand out in the victims’ accounts. First, the assaults are described as being characterized by an altered state of consciousness, primarily alcohol-related intoxication. Second, the assaults are described as involving a sense of losing control. Third, the assaults are described as antagonistic, with one side using force to achieve domination. Drawing on Durkheimian theory, the article introduces the sensitizing concept of ‘sexually violent effervescence’ to clarify how victims experience sexual assaults.
Violence, toleration, or inclusion? Exploring variation in the experiences of LGBT combatants in Colombia
Authors: Thylin Theresia
Published: March 2019

While scholars have started to pay increased attention to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons serving in state security forces, little is known of the experiences of LGBT combatants operating in non-state armed groups in conflict settings. This article explores the experiences of LGBT persons from three different armed groups in Colombia. While LGBT combatants are often in a highly vulnerable position, this article reveals large differences between armed groups, as well as important exceptions within groups that contribute to LGBT combatants' varied experiences. In conclusion, I argue that understanding these variations in LGBT combatants' experiences has important policy and programme implications and provides opportunities for more inclusive peacebuilding processes in Colombia and beyond.
Why were capital controls abandoned? The case of Britain’s abolition of exchange controls, 1977–1979
Authors: Copley Jack
Published: March 2019

This article examines the politics of capital control liberalisation through an archival analysis of Britain’s exchange controls abolition. While the political economy consensus states that capital controls were abandoned because of a desire to boost the competitiveness of national financial centres and the ascendance of laissez-faire ideas, this article will challenge this interpretation. The James Callaghan and Margaret Thatcher governments were concerned by the worsening performance of British industrial exporters, and exchange control abolition constituted a strategy to depreciate sterling and thus boost export competitiveness. Yet this beggar-thy-neighbour strategy risked spooking global markets and provoking a run on sterling. Thus, the Thatcher administration publicly masked its intentions by emphasising that this deregulation was motivated by laissez-faire ideology. This article thus reconceptualises the role of competition and ideas in spurring capital control liberalisation by demonstrating the importance of industrial competitiveness and the role of ideas as rhetoric.
Development of a neuromuscular driver model with an estimation of steering torque feedback in vehicle steer-by-wire systems
Authors: Gholami Amir , Majidi Majid
Published: March 2019

In this paper, a neuromuscular driver model for sensing torque feedback or haptic interaction between the vehicle equipped with steer-by-wire (SBW) system and the driver has been developed. The proposed driver model consists of a preview model and a neuromuscular model. The preview driver model calculates the desired angle of the steering-wheel to follow the path, and the neuromuscular driver model, with the ability of perceiving real-time torque feedback, determines the real angle of the steering-wheel angle according to muscular system transfer functions to follow the desired steering-wheel angle. In order to calculate torques on the steering-wheel, the lateral tyre-road forces are estimated by Kalman filter designed using a linear 2-DOF vehicle model. So, the design of the neuromuscular driver model combined with torque feedback estimation is the main contribution of this paper. The simulation results from TruckSim and Simulink software indicate that the novel designed driver model with torque feedback estimation has an important role in the controlling and steering vehicle to follow the desired paths.
Researching embodied relationships with place: rehabilitating the sit-down interview
Authors: May Vanessa , Lewis Camilla
Published: March 2019

This article explores the utility of sit-down interviews in researching people’s embodied relationships with place. We offer a critical intervention in the ongoing debates concerning methodological ‘innovation’ by exploring under which circumstances sit-down interviews can produce dynamic and embodied knowledge. We propose that when conducted in situ in an environment well known by both research participants and researchers, and when focused on inherently sensory topics, sit-down interviews can provide rich insights into embodied experiences of place. In addition, we contribute to the literature that compares sit-down interviews and walk-alongs by exploring the aspects of embodied experience that sit-down interviews might be more adept at capturing. Since there is considerable overlap in the kinds of knowledge that different interview methods can produce, we argue that it is impossible to divide social reality into distinct domains of experience, each with its own matching method of enquiry.
Students’ views of the architectural design review: The design crit in East Africa
Authors: Olweny Mark RO
Published: March 2019

The design studio and the associated design review can be regarded as the signature pedagogy of architectural education, where students garner the essence of what it means to be an architect. Here, novices are transformed into architects through the acquisition of architectural cultural capital. This paper investigates the design review in East African schools of architecture from a student’s perspective, garnered from focus group discussions carried out in five schools of architecture, and corroborated through observations. Findings indicate challenges in the design review, vis-à-vis the broader goals and objectives of architectural education. However, it did uncover attempts at change, via a ‘back seat instructor approach’, for example, breaking down the stereotype of the design review as a hostile environment for students. The paper concludes with a few recommendations to help recast this signature pedagogical approach as a truly discursive environment.
Internationalisation of higher education: Impacts, challenges and future possibilities
Authors: Robson Sue , Wihlborg Monne
Published: March 2019

This article introduces the special edition entitled ‘Critical reflections on contemporary higher education and developments of and in internationalization’. The articles presented here have resulted from the growing interest in internationalisation among members of the European Educational Research Association Network 22, Research in Higher Education. The authors responded to a special call for papers at the ECER 2016 Conference held at University College, Dublin, taking a critical stance on the phenomenon of internationalisation in relation to higher education. In this special edition, we explore a range of contemporary issues impacting upon European and European-influenced higher education policies, dialogues and practices. Internationalisation is conceptualised as a process where cross-cultural challenges are addressed, deliberative pedagogies are developed, and curriculum and the broader higher education experience is enriched to encourage individual and collective agency and engagement with the complex challenges facing society (Shaffer et al., 2017). The papers explore and critique the conceptual and methodological challenges and possibilities of researching internationalisation. They transcend institutional, disciplinary and national boundaries, and aim to offer new research approaches, analytical tools and frameworks, and a robust critique of ideas around internationalising higher education in Europe and beyond.
Experimental verification and validation of nonlocal peridynamic approach for simulating guided Lamb wave propagation and damage interaction
Authors: Patra Subir , Ahmed Hossain , Saadatzi Mohammadsadegh , Banerjee Sourav
Published: March 2019

In this article, experimental verification and validation of a peridynamics-based simulation technique, called peri-elastodynamics, are presented while simulating the guided Lamb wave propagation and wave–damage interaction for ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation and structural health monitoring applications. Peri-elastodynamics is a recently developed elastodynamic computation tool where material particles are assumed to interact with the neighboring particles nonlocally, distributed within an influence zone. First, in this article, peri-elastodynamics was used to simulate the Lamb wave modes and their interactions with the damages in a three-dimensional plate-like structure, while the accuracy and the efficacy of the method were verified using the finite element simulation method (FEM). Next, the peri-elastodynamics results were validated with the experimental results, which showed that the newly developed method is more accurate and computationally cheaper than the FEM to be used for computational nondestructive evaluation and structural health monitoring. Specifically, in this work, peri-elastodynamics was used to accurately simulate the in-plane and out-of-plane symmetric and anti-symmetric guided Lamb wave modes in a pristine plate and was extended to investigate the wave–damage interaction with damage (e.g. a crack) in the plate. Experiments were designed keeping all the simulation parameters consistent. The accuracy of the proposed technique is confirmed by performing error analysis on symmetric and anti-symmetric Lamb wave modes compared to the experimental results for pristine and damaged plates.
Hybrid Evolutionary Algorithm applied to Automated Floor Plan Generation
Authors: Nisztuk Maciej , Myszkowski Paweł B.
Published: March 2019

The article presents the application of Hybrid Evolutionary and Greedy-based algorithms to the problem of Automated Floor Plan Generation. The described optimization issue is part of a wider domain of Computer-Aided Architectural Design. The article covers the extensive description of the representation domain model (architectural canonical guidelines, user design requirements and constraints) and the explanation of proposed approach: problem representation, genetic algorithm operators, and fitness function definition. The research experimental procedures are based on real-world data: the architectural design guidelines being the design constraints and five real-world functional programs introduced and proposed as benchmarks. The article summarizes the implementation of the proposed approach, compares the Hybrid Evolutionary Algorithm experimental results with the Greedy-based algorithm, and suggests possible extensions and future research directions.
The Effect of Trauma on Religious Beliefs: A Structured Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Leo Darius , Izadikhah Zahra , Fein Erich C. , Forooshani Sayedhabibollah Ahmadi
Published: March 2019

Introduction:

Empirical research has shown that religious beliefs support people recovering from traumatic experiences. However, there is relatively little research on the inversion of this dynamic, the way that trauma changes a person’s religious beliefs. The authors of this article conducted a structured literature review and meta-analysis of published quantitative and qualitative literature related to the effects of interpersonal trauma on religious beliefs in adults. Their aims were to determine whether religious beliefs act as cognitive schemas, to support or reject the “shattered assumptions” hypothesis, and to assess whether post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms have an additive effect on changing beliefs.

Method:

Five academic databases were searched using permutations of the key words: Religion, Trauma, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The resulting references were compared to predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria, and the reference lists of these papers were also searched for additional matches. Included papers were then subjected to a meta-analysis.

Results:

Five quantitative, two qualitative, and two mixed-methodologies papers were matched. Aggravated analyzes confirmed the hypothesized effect ( r = .19, p < .05).

Conclusions:

The reviewed literature suggests that most people do not change their religious beliefs after a trauma but significant changes occur for a smaller proportion of people—either increasing or decreasing their religious beliefs. These effects are greatest for people who develop PTSD. This review supports the shattered assumptions hypothesis of Janoff-Bulman, explains the cognitive mechanisms of change, and proposes a model for the additive effects of PTSD.
Between Data Capitalism and Data Citizenship
Authors: Segura María Soledad , Waisbord Silvio
Published: March 2019

We discuss two points raised by the articles in this special issue, which are related to our previous work on media movements in Latin America. First, we analyze the dimensions of data activism in the region. Recent experiences in Latin America suggest two types of data activism differentiated by goals and spheres of action: social data activism and data rights activism. They also have diverse tactics and achievements. Second, we discuss the Global South as the site of counter-epistemic and alternative practices, and we wonder whether the concept of “data colonialism” adequately captures the dynamics of the digital society in areas of well-entrenched digital divides. We argue that datafication and the opposition to datafication in the South does not develop exactly as in the North given huge political, economic, social, and technological differences in the context of the expansion of digital capitalism.
CalliSpheres Drug-Eluting Bead Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization Presents With Better Efficacy and Equal Safety Compared to Conventional TACE in Treating Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Xiang Hua , Long Lin , Yao Yuanhui , Fang Zhiyong , Zhang Zhiming , Zhang Yongjin
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study was to compare the treatment response, survival, liver function, and adverse event incidence of drug-eluting bead transcatheter arterial chemoembolization using CalliSpheres microspheres with conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Seventy-three patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who received drug-eluting bead transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (using CalliSpheres microspheres) or conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization treatment were consecutively enrolled. Treatment response was assessed by modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors at month 1/month 3/month 6; posttreatment, liver function indexes, and adverse events were recorded. Progression-free survival and overall survival were also calculated. Objective response rate of patients at months 1, 3, and 6, disease control rate of patients and objective response rate of nodules at month 3 were increased in drug-eluting bead transcatheter arterial chemoembolization group compared with conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization group. In addition, drug-eluting bead transcatheter arterial chemoembolization using CalliSpheres microspheres was an independent factor for predicting better objective response rate at month 1. Patients in drug-eluting bead transcatheter arterial chemoembolization group achieved longer progression-free survival and similar overall survival compared to those in conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization group; Cox proportional hazards regression model analyses revealed that drug-eluting bead transcatheter arterial chemoembolization using CalliSpheres microspheres was associated with better progression-free survival while it did not affect overall survival. Meanwhile, most of the occurrences of abnormal liver function indexes were similar between 2 groups, whereas drug-eluting bead transcatheter arterial chemoembolization group had a higher percentage of patients with total bile acid ≥2 upper limit of normal compared to conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization group at month 1. Moreover, the adverse event incidences between 2 groups were similar. In conclusion, drug-eluting bead transcatheter arterial chemoembolization using CalliSpheres microspheres achieves better treatment response and progression-free survival while equal safety compared to conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Equity versus Excellence: Is the Pursuit of “Tier-1” Status Compatible With Social Justice?
Authors: DeTurk Sara , Briscoe Felecia M.
Published: March 2019

This study explored the social justice implications of the transition of a Hispanic-serving Institution (HSI) to a “Tier-1” institution. Interviews and demographic statistics describe a university that has increased its global reach, its enrollment of students of color, and the prestige of the Latinx-majority city in which it is located. Conversely, the institution is declining in its service to low-income students and the local community, and changing expectations for faculty and staff compromise the hiring and retention of marginalized groups such as women and people of color.
A Chinese Cross-Sectional Study on Symptoms in Aging Males: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: Li Hongjun , Zhang Xinyu , Wang Haibo , Yang Bin , Li Ni , Ji Zhigang
Published: March 2019

The Aging Male Symptoms (AMS) scale is a questionnaire designed for assessing health-related quality of life and aging-related symptoms in men. Additional knowledge of the severity of aging symptoms in males revealed by high AMS scores and the factors associated with it in the Chinese population is required. A nationally representative prevalence and risk factor estimate of AMS scores was performed to identify the associated factors for AMS severity in China. Men aged between 35 and 70 years were recruited at 33 study centers in 21 provinces, 4 municipalities, and 4 autonomous regions. The prevalence of high AMS scores and its association with demographic, anatomical, lifestyle, and clinical variables were evaluated. Chi-square tests and logistic regression models were used for analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. In this study, 918 of 9,164 (10%, p < .001) men aged between 35 and 70 years, had AMS scores ≥50. Univariate and multivariable analyses showed that an age of >40 years, poor marital relations, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), history of fracture, and smoking ≥25 cigarettes per day were the major factors that were associated with the severity of AMS (OR ≥2; p < .05). Hypertension, low income, a low education level, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and a waist-to-hip ratio ≥0.9 were also moderately associated with AMS severity (OR 1–2; p < .05). The current study revealed the nationally representative prevalence of severe AMS scores in Chinese men and the factors associated with severe AMS. Antiaging intervention studies should target men with specific associated factors.
Development of two-axis non-magnetic turntable based on ultrasonic motor
Authors: Zhang Bo , Wang Zhou , Wang Tao
Published: March 2019

Test as well as calibration precision of a coordinator is determined by the precision of the test turntable, and the improvement of the test turntable is the most effective way to improve the calibration accuracy of the coordinator. Therefore, it is of great practical significance and value to study a test calibration turntable which is suitable for a certain type of indexer. Based on the working principle of the ultrasonic motor, the mathematical model of the friction coupling interface is established; steady-state output force of the ultrasonic motor and the maximum angular velocity of the rotor are calculated; effect of the friction material type, magnitude of the pre-tightening force, and the rotor angular speed are analyzed on the maximum output force of the ultrasonic motor. The driving performance of the rotary table ultrasonic motor and the start/stop characteristic of the rotary table are studied. Finally, the driving ability of the ultrasonic motor is optimized and verified by experiments.
On the linear convective stability of a TiO2 particle–based nanofluid layer heated from below
Authors: Pérez-Reyes Ildebrando , Vargas-Aguilar René Osvaldo
Published: March 2019

The linear hydrodynamics of Rayleigh convection in a horizontal nanofluid layer heated from below was studied. The hydrodynamic stability of the fluid layer bounded by two horizontal perfect thermal conducting walls was extended to analyze steady and oscillatory convection, and the role played by thermophoresis. Experimental data of TiO2 particle–based nanofluid was used to discuss the stability of the fluid layer. Results on the relationship between thermal and volume faction Rayleigh numbers are used to discuss experiments in nanofluid Rayleigh convection, while the absence of thermophoresis in the model equations was also considered. For this nanofluid, steady convection sets in at critical wavenumber ac = 3.12, but thermal RT and nanoparticle volume fraction RV Rayleigh numbers are given by an implicit relationship. For the onset of oscillatory convection, the wavenumber is also obtained from an implicit equation involving RT and RV. Results are discussed in terms of physical dimensionless parameters of the system like the Lewis and Prandtl numbers. This work complements the earlier efforts of Tzou and more recently by Nield and Kuznetsov.
A mine main fans switchover system with lower air flow volatility based on improved particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Ge Hengqing , Xu Guang , Huang Jinxin , Ma Xiaoping
Published: March 2019

A reliable ventilation system is essential for maintaining a comfortable working environment and ensuring safety production in an underground coal mine. The automated fan switchover technique was developed for changing the main fan for maintenance with lower air flow volatility of underground mine in the switchover process. This article established the optimization model in the main fans switchover process, used the improved particle swarm optimization algorithm to solve the model, and achieved minimum air flow volatility in the fans switchover process. Compared to previous studies, computer simulations have shown that the proposed algorithm can effectively find the global optimal solution with less initial parameters and achieved lower air flow volatility in underground mine. The particle swarm optimization solution, searching diversity, prevents it from confining to local optimal solutions and enhances convergence. The reasonable step length is beneficial to reduce the air flow volatility and main fans switchover time. The air flow volatility is larger comparatively when some doors are nearly open or closed fully at the start–stop phase of the switchover process. A case application in a China’s domestic coal mine shows that the air flow volatility of the underground mine in the main fans switchover process is no more than 0.4%.
Model predictive driver model considering the steering characteristics of the skilled drivers
Authors: Jiang Haobin , Tian Huan , Hua Yiding
Published: March 2019

First, the experienced drivers with good driving skills are used as objects of learning and road steering test data of skilled drivers are collected in this article. To better simulate human drivers, skilled drivers’ steering characteristics are analyzed under different steering conditions. Vehicle trajectories of skilled drivers are fitted by general regression neural network, and the ideal path trajectory is obtained. Second, the model predictive control algorithm is used to build the driver model. According to the requirements of quickly and steadily tracking the track of skilled drivers, vehicle kinematics model is established. The objective function and the corresponding constraint conditions of the driver model based on model predictive control were determined. Finally, numerical simulations results demonstrate that the driver model based on model predictive control can accurately track the reference trajectory of skilled drivers under the four typical steering conditions, and the tracking effect is better than the traditional single-point preview driver model and path tracking method based on a β-spline curve.
Integrated topology optimization for vibration suppression in a vertical pump
Authors: Wu Denghao , Zhu Zhibing , Ren Yun , Gu Yunqing , Mou Jiegang , Zheng Shuihua
Published: March 2019

This article presents a new approach aiming to reducing pump vibration by modifying its baseplate structure. The finite element models of the vertical pump were established and validated by the experimental impact test. The natural frequencies of pump were mapped in both experimental and numerical methods. The weak stiffness of the baseplate was identified as the root cause for the pump vibration. A topology optimization was used for enhancing the stiffness of baseplate and controlling its weight. The new baseplate was designed according to the inputs from optimization results and manufactured by the casting method. Both the vibration tests and the numerical simulations were carried out to investigate the vibration behaviors of the optimized pump model. The differences of vibration characteristics between original and optimized pumps were evaluated using 1/3 octave-band filter technique. Results show that the vibration was suppressed, and the resonance at 31.5 Hz was eliminated using the optimized baseplate. In particular, the maximum vibration amplitude of the vertical pump was reduced from 4.05 to 1.75 mm/s at the low flow rate condition. It was experimentally confirmed that the vibration amplitude of the optimized model complies with the requirements of the International Organization for Standardization standard and ensures the pump can operate stable for a long time.
A unified framework of rapid exponential stability and optimal feedback control for nonlinear systems
Authors: Li Yan , Li Yuanchun
Published: March 2019

A novel framework of rapid exponential stability and optimal feedback control is investigated and analyzed for a class of nonlinear systems through a variant of continuous Lyapunov functions and Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation. Rapid exponential stability means that the trajectories of nonlinear systems converge to equilibrium states in accelerated time. The sufficient conditions of rapid exponential stability are developed using continuous Lyapunov functions for nonlinear systems. Furthermore, according to a variant of continuous Lyapunov functions, a rapid exponential stability is guaranteed which satisfies some canonical conditions and Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation for controlled nonlinear systems. It is can be seen that the solution of Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation is a continuous Lyapunov function, and, therefore, rapid exponential stability and optimality are guaranteed for nonlinear systems. Last, the main result of this article is investigated via a nonlinear model of a spacecraft with one axis of symmetry through simulations and is used to check rapid exponential stability. Moreover, for the disturbance problem of initial point, a rapid exponential stable controller can reject the large-scale disturbances for controlled nonlinear systems. In addition, the proposed optimal feedback controller is applied to the tracking trajectories of 2-degree-of-freedom manipulator, and the numerical results have illustrated high efficiency and robustness in real time. The simulation results demonstrate the use of the rapid exponential stability and optimal feedback approach for real-time nonlinear systems.
Construction of emotional intelligent service system for the aged based on Internet of things
Authors: Liang Xiaoqi , Dai Yonghui , Chen Hanjian , Lu Shengqi
Published: March 2019

With the acceleration of global aging, the service of the aged has been widely concerned by the whole society. The traditional service mode has been challenged, and it is difficult to meet the needs of the aged. In order to provide better services for the aged, the construction of emotional intelligent service based on Internet of things is proposed in this article. First, the framework is introduced, and the architecture of the whole system is given. Second, the key technologies of emotional intelligence and Internet of things are described, which mainly include affective computing and data collection of Internet of things. Third, the implementation of the software and hardware is given, and the core functional modules are analyzed. As a whole, there are two main contributions of this article. One is to give the framework of emotional intelligence service system for the aged based on Internet of things, and the other is to analyze the emotional state and the physical data of the aged so that the early-warning and intelligent services can be provided for them.
Modules of Petri nets and new Petri net structure: Arcs with a weighted function set
Authors: Zhu Rongming , Ban Qing , Cong Xuya
Published: March 2019

This article addresses expressiveness problems for Petri nets and their useful extension for modeling and control of a system that can be modeled with Petri nets. We construct some Petri net modules, namely, an enabling module, an inhibitor module and a Modulo-N counter, which are useful for system operations. We also present the simplifications for the enabling and inhibitor modules. Then, we propose two new types of arcs, namely, enabling and inhibitor arcs, with a weighted function set. The arcs with the weighted function set from places to transitions are the marked arcs. A function set is employed to denote the weight of an arc according to the system requirements. They are very useful to solve the resource reallocation problem in a resource allocation system, where resource sharing contributes to the occurrences of deadlocks. Finally, two examples are used to show the advantages of the presented new types of arcs.