bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study Evaluating Mindfulness and Naikan-Based Therapy: AEON-HO for Attachment Style, Self-Actualization, and Depression
Authors: Fujisaki Chieko
Published: November 2018

AEON-HO (Altering emotional organization-holistic operation) contains methods of Naikan therapy and mindfulness. Naikan and mindfulness are originally from Buddhism tradition, and they have a high affinity. AEON-HO was conceptualized to improve attachment issues and the growth of self-actualization, because Naikan and mindfulness are known to be effective for attachment issues but partially if they are used independently. Naikan can approach to attachment avoidance, while mindfulness can approach to attachment anxiety. The primary purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of AEON-HO on attachment styles, self-actualization, and depression by using “attachment style scale the Experiences in Close Relationships inventory–the generalized–other–version (ECR-GO),” “self-actualization scale” translated to Japanese, and “center for epidemiologic studies for depression scale.” Participants have taken these three psychological questionnaires before and after the eight-week program of AEON-HO, and the results of scales were compared. Participants were 36 adults with a mean age of 49 years ( SD = 3.9). Changes in two attachment styles, anxiety and avoidance and depressive state, were observed between pre- and posttest, while there were no significant changes in self-actualization. However, attachment anxiety and self-actualization were correlated negatively in pre- and posttest, while attachment avoidance and self-actualization were correlated negatively only in pretest.
Finite element simulation of an auxetic plied yarn structure
Authors: Zeng Jifang , Cao Haijian , Hu Hong
Published: November 2018

Auxetic plied yarn is a novel type of yarn structure formed with two types of component yarns with different moduli. Although the effect of structural parameters on its negative Poisson's ratio behavior has been investigated by both experimental and geometrical analyses, the influence of material properties, including yarn tensile modulus and friction, has not been studied yet. In this work, these two factors are further investigated via finite element simulation. The finite element model is first created by using the commercial software ANSYS 15.0. Then, the simulation results are compared with the experimental and analytical data. Finally, the effects of the tilt angle of stiff yarn, yarn friction and tensile modulus are discussed. It is expected that the outcomes of this work would be useful to guide the design and fabrication of this type of auxetic yarn structure.
Unruly bodies and dangerous spaces: Masculinity and the geography of ‘dreadful enclosures’
Authors: McDowell Linda , Harris Anna
Published: November 2018

In this article, the co-constitution of place and masculinity is examined through a focus on three locations in Hastings, a seaside town on the south coast of England. Certain estates, streets and a square in the town have a reputation for danger, poverty and insecurity, places that ‘respectable’ inhabitants avoid when possible. The estate ranks high on indicators of deprivation whereas the street and the square are dominated by working class young men at particular times of the day and night when drug taking, casual sex and violence are common. Public performances of a version of protest masculinity reinforce the stereotypical reputations of both the spaces and the bodies of young men, exacerbating socio-economic and spatial inequality in the town.
Helplessness Mediates Racial Discrimination and Depression for African American Young Adults
Authors: Madubata Ijeoma J. , Odafe Mary O. , Talavera David C. , Hong Judy H. , Walker Rheeda L.
Published: November 2018

Racial discrimination is associated with depressive symptoms for young African American adults. Yet few studies have examined the psychological mechanisms for this association. The purpose of this preliminary study was to examine the mediating effect of helplessness on the association between perceived racial discrimination and depressive symptoms in a sample of 172 African American young adults. Measures of perceived racial discrimination, depression, and helplessness were administered. Though the majority of the sample reported minimal or no symptoms of depression, approximately 37% of the sample reported dysphoric or more severe depression symptomatology. After controlling for age, perceived racial discrimination was directly and indirectly associated with depressive symptoms via helplessness. These findings provide some insight into the cognitive mechanisms through which depressive symptoms may emerge for African American young adults exposed to racial discrimination.
Discrimination and the healthy immigrant effect: A focus on marriage migrant women in Korea
Authors: Kim Hyemee
Published: November 2018

Why does immigrants’ health deteriorate over time? Numerous scholars across multiple disciplines have probed the question, and the term “healthy immigrant effect” was coined precisely to describe this paradoxical phenomenon. This study aims to examine, first, the existence of the healthy immigrant effect among marriage migrant women in Korea, and second, to evaluate the discrimination-health relationship as a potential explanation for the healthy immigrant effect. The 2012 National Survey of Multicultural Families was used for the analyses, using the self-reported health status of women as a measure of health. The results indicate that the health status of marriage migrant women in Korea is lower among those who have stayed longer, and that experiences of discrimination partially mediate the relationship between the acculturation process and the health status of marriage migrant women.
Multivariate Gaussian process regression for nonlinear modelling with colored noise
Authors: Hong Xiaodan , Huang Biao , Ding Yongsheng , Guo Fan , Chen Lei , Ren Lihong
Published: November 2018

Nonlinearity of process systems along with colored noises is common in chemical processes. A multivariate (multiple inputs and multiple outputs) Gaussian process regression (MGPR) modelling approach, which can model multivariate nonlinear processes, is developed in this paper. The developed GPR model considers the Gaussian colored noise, rather than the traditional Gaussian white noise. The colored noise is described by the moving average (MA) model and the autoregressive (AR) model, respectively, with unknown parameters so that a MA-GPR model and an AR-GPR model are developed. These two colored noise based models are further extended to the MGPR model to generate the MA-MGPR model and the AR-MGPR model. The covariance functions of the MA-MGPR model or the AR-MGPR model are formulated with consideration of the autocorrelation of noises. Moreover, all parameters are estimated by using a unidimensional updated particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, simultaneously. Numerical examples as well as a three-level drawing model of Carbon fiber production process are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed modelling approaches.
Preview tracking control for discrete-time nonlinear Lur’e systems with sector-bounded nonlinearities
Authors: Yu Xiao , Liao Fucheng
Published: November 2018

In this paper, the problem of preview tracking control for a class of discrete-time nonlinear Lur’e systems is investigated. To overcome the difficulty arising from the sector nonlinearity, the original system is transformed into a linear parameter varying (LPV) system, and a new auxiliary method is introduced. The difference between the state vector and the auxiliary variable is used instead of the usual difference between system states. At the same time, the tracking error and the previewable future reference information are also considered in order to construct an augmented error system (AES). Then, the preview tracking problem is reduced to a robust control problem. Note that the AES is still an LPV system. Next, a state feedback controller is developed to ensure that the closed-loop system is asymptotically stable with H∞ guaranteed cost performance. Based on this, a preview controller for the original system is proposed. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the controller.
Trickle-Down, Trickle-Out, Trickle-Up, Trickle-In, and Trickle-Around Effects: An Integrative Perspective on Indirect Social Influence Phenomena
Authors: Wo David X. H. , Schminke Marshall , Ambrose Maureen L.
Published: November 2018

Research on trickle effects has proliferated in the past decade. However, the literature has grown in a largely disorganized and fragmented fashion, with the different types of trickle effects (trickle-down, trickle-out, trickle-up, trickle-in, and trickle-around) often examined as independent phenomena. To better understand and integrate this research, we provide a comprehensive review of the empirical literature of trickle effects. In particular, drawing on an indirect social influence perspective, we clarify the definition of trickle effects as a process whereby perceptions, feelings, attitudes, or behaviors of a source affect perceptions, feelings, attitudes, or behaviors of a transmitter, which in turn affect perceptions, feelings, attitudes, or behaviors of a recipient. We then review the works collectively, cataloging them by trickle type. Next, we examine boundary conditions (moderators) of the effects, methodologies utilized, and the theoretical accounts proposed to explain the effects. Finally, we introduce a conceptual framework that allows us to organize trickle-effects research and identify paths for future trickle-effects research.
Preclinical Evaluation of Mesh Implants: The Pathologist’s Perspective
Authors: Keating John H. , Melidone Raffaele , Garcia-Polite Fernando
Published: November 2018

Surgical and laparoscopic implantation of mesh devices is on the rise for a variety of applications. The complexity and range of evolving mesh designs calls for consistent and detailed pathologic evaluation in determining host responses and assessing overall safety. This review addresses the components of evaluation of mesh implants in animal models, with emphasis on histologic parameters, semiquantitative scoring matrices, and morphometric analyses that have been specifically adapted to this class of implants. Necropsy assessment should include implant persistence, architecture, and associated host responses such as exudation and adhesions. Microscopic evaluation should focus on primary relevant responses such as bioresorption, integration/tissue ingrowth, neovascularization, and inflammation. Selection of the best means of processing and evaluation can be complicated, as meshes may include one or more biologic components (e.g., collagen), synthetic polymer fibers, coatings, and other molecules. The architecture of some meshes can influence tissue responses and complicate sampling, sectioning, and evaluation. Recognition of specific study objectives and knowledge of anticipated responses helps to determine the appropriate histologic or immunochemical stains, while understanding of mesh composition and anticipated persistence in tissue determines the suitability of paraffin or resin embedding, and both guide the evaluation of mesh devices in the preclinical setting.
Systematic Review of High Probability Requests in K-12 Settings: Examining the Evidence Base
Authors: Common Eric Alan , Bross Leslie Ann , Oakes Wendy Peia , Cantwell Emily Dawn , Lane Kathleen Lynne , Germer Kathryn Ann
Published: November 2018

We conducted this systematic review to classify the evidence-base status for high-probability request sequence (HPRS) as a strategy to improve students’ behavioral outcomes in general and special education settings across the K-12 continuum. Specifically, the purpose of this review was to determine whether HPRS could be classified as an evidence-based practice according to Council for Exceptional Children’s Standards for Evidence-Based Practices in Special Education employing a modified, weighted coding scheme specifying methodologically sound studies as meeting 80% or more of components across quality indicators (QIs). Two of the 22 included studies met all QIs, and 16 studies met or exceeded our 80% weighted criterion. Based on this body of evidence, we classified HPRS in K-12 school settings as potentially evidence based. We offer a discussion of educational implications, limitations, and future directions.
A systematic review of measures of adherence to physical exercise recommendations in people with stroke
Authors: Levy Tamina , Laver Kate , Killington Maggie , Lannin Natasha , Crotty Maria
Published: November 2018

Objective:

To review methods for measuring adherence to exercise or physical activity practice recommendations in the stroke population and evaluate measurement properties of identified tools.

Data sources:

Two systematic searches were conducted in eight databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews, Sports Discus, PEDro, PubMed and EMBASE). Phase 1 was conducted to identify measures. Phase 2 was conducted to identify studies investigating properties of these measures.

Review methods:

Phase 1 articles were selected if they were published in English, included participants with stroke, quantified adherence to exercise or physical activity recommendations, were patient or clinician reported, were defined and reproducible measures and included patients >18 years old. In phase 2, articles were included if they explored psychometric properties of the identified tools. Included articles were screened based on title/abstract and full-text review by two independent reviewers.

Results:

In phase 1, seven methods of adherence measurement were identified, including logbooks ( n = 16), diaries ( n = 18), ‘record of practice’ ( n = 3), journals ( n = 1), surveys ( n = 2) and questionnaires ( n = 4). One measurement tool was identified, the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities ( n = 4). In phase 2, no eligible studies were identified.

Conclusion:

There is not a consistent measure of adherence that is currently utilized. Diaries and logbooks are the most frequently utilized tools.
Differential effects of hypothermia on neurovascular unit determine protective or toxic results: Toward optimized therapeutic hypothermia
Authors: Lyden Patrick D , Lamb Jessica , Kothari Shweta , Toossi Shahed , Boitano Paul , Rajput Padmesh S
Published: November 2018

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) benefits survivors of cardiac arrest and neonatal hypoxic–ischemic injury and may benefit stroke patients. Large TH clinical trials, however, have shown mixed results. Given the substantial pre-clinical literature supporting TH, we explored possible mechanisms for clinical trial variability. Using a standard rodent stroke model ( n = 20 per group), we found smaller infarctions after 2 h pre- or post-reperfusion TH compared to 4 h. To explore the mechanism of this discrepancy, we used primary cell cultures of rodent neurons, astrocytes, or endothelial cells subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD). Then, cells were randomly assigned to 33℃, 35℃ or 37℃ for varying durations after varying delay times. Both 33 and 35℃ TH effectively preserved all cell types, although 33℃ was superior. Longer cooling durations overcame moderate delays to cooling initiation. In contrast, TH interfered with astrocyte paracrine protection of neurons in a temperature-dependent manner. These findings suggest that longer TH is needed to overcome delays to TH onset, but shorter TH durations may be superior to longer, perhaps due to suppression of astrocytic paracrine support of neurons during injury. We propose a scheme for optimizing TH after cerebral injury to stimulate further studies of cardiac arrest and stroke.
Quantitative parameters correlated well with differentiation of squamous cell carcinoma at head and neck: a study of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI
Authors: Dong Ji Xiao , Yan Shuo , Xia Shuang , Guo Yu , Shen Wen
Published: November 2018

Background

Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is widely used for the diagnosis and prognostic assessment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, no research on grading HNSCC using DCE-MRI has been found. We hypothesize that DCE-MRI can grade the HNSCC non-invasively.

Purpose

To verify the hypothesis that DCE-MRI can grade the HNSCC non-invasively.

Material and Methods

Forty-two patients with histopathologically proved HNSCC from September 2013 to February 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Chi-square test was used to compare patterns of time intensity curves (TICs) between well and poorly differentiated HNSCC. Two-sample t-test was performed to calculate the difference of volume transfer constant (Ktrans), extravascular extracellular volume fraction (Ve), and initial area under the curve (iAUC) between groups. The diagnostic ability and cut-off value were assessed by receiver operator characteristic analysis.

Results

Most TICs of HNSCC are type III; no difference between well and poorly differentiated HNSCC has been found ( P > 0.05). The value of Ktrans, Ve, and iAUC for well and poorly differentiated HNSCC are (0.218 ± 0.048; 0.383 ± 0.074) min−1, (0.605 ± 0.108; 0.712 ± 0.150), and (27.552 ± 6.238; 43.157 ± 9.148), respectively. Ktrans, Ve, and iAUC are higher in poorly differentiated HNSCC, compared with well differentiated HNSCC ( P < 0.001, 0.013, and < 0.001, respectively). Ktrans has the greatest diagnostic significance with Youden’s index being 0.859 by cut-off value 0.270 min−1. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 95.0% and 90.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

The Ktrans, Ve, and iAUC of HNSCC can be reliable quantitative parameters for evaluating well and poorly differentiated HNSCC where Ktrans has the highest value.
Application of whole-lesion intravoxel incoherent motion analysis using iZOOM DWI to differentiate malignant from benign thyroid nodules
Authors: Song Ming-hui , Jin Yan-fang , Guo Jin-song , Zuo Lili , Xie Hong , Shi Kaining , Yue Yun-long
Published: November 2018

Background

Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters derived from iZOOM diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can be used to quantitatively identify malignant thyroid nodules. However, the criteria are not standardized.

Purpose

To determine IVIM parameter values derived from iZOOM DWI that can differentiate malignant from benign thyroid nodules.

Material and Methods

Forty-two patients with 46 pathologically confirmed thyroid nodules. All patients underwent preoperative examinations with conventional and iZOOM DWI. A three-dimensional region of interest was drawn on multiple slices to cover the entire nodule. IVIM parameters ( D, pure diffusion; f, perfusion fraction; and D*, pseudodiffusion) were measured. The IVIM parameters of the malignant and benign thyroid nodules were compared using independent samples t -tests, a multiple logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

D, D*, and f exhibited good reproducibility. The D and f values in the malignant nodules ( D = [0.72 ± 0.14] × 10−3 mm2/s, [29.94 ± 7.36] %) were significantly lower than those in benign nodules ( D = [1.23 ± 0.35] × 10−3 mm2/s, [36.00 ± 8.35] %). The D value achieved the highest area under curve (0.939). The optimal cut-off value for D was 0.87 × 10−3 mm2/s (sensitivity = 95.83%, specificity = 90.91%, positive predictive value [PPV] = 92.00%, negative predictive value [NPV] = 95.24%, and accuracy rate = 93.48%). The area under ROC curve (AUC) of D combined with the f value did not significantly differ from that of D.

Conclusion

IVIM parameter D derived from iZOOM DWI may be helpful in differentiating malignant from benign thyroid nodules.
Reliability assessment of offshore dynamic scour protections using copulas
Authors: Fazeres-Ferradosa T , Taveira-Pinto F , Romão X , Reis MT , Neves L das
Published: November 2018

This article presents a methodology to assess the reliability of dynamic scour protections used to protect offshore wind turbine foundations. The computed probabilities of failure are based on a dataset of 124 months of hindcast data from the Horns Rev 3 offshore wind farm. Copula-based models are used to obtain the joint distribution function of the significant wave height and spectral peak period and to obtain the probability of failure of scour protections. The sensitivity of the probability of failure to each model is addressed. The influence of the duration of the waves’ time series is also studied. A sensitivity analysis of the probability of failure to physical constraints, such as the water depth, current’s velocity or the mean diameter of the armour units, is performed. The results show that probability of failure is dependent on the copula used to model the spectral parameters and the associated value of Kendall’s τ. It is shown that the copula presenting the best values of Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) did not lead to the probabilities of failure that are closer to the non-parametric estimation, obtained by means of the bivariate version of the Kernel density estimation method. The application to the case study led to annual probabilities of failure, which are comparable with the values applied for other offshore components, according to the current offshore wind industry standards.
Unlocking the Democratic Potential of Urban Planner–Librarian Collaborations
Authors: Knapp Courtney
Published: November 2018

Planners and librarians work in complementary fields with common civic engagement and empowerment goals. This essay argues that urban planners and librarians stand to benefit mutually from interdisciplinary collaboration in four key areas: democratic access and participation, information literacy and capacity building, trust and social capital, and evolving institutional relevance. My commentary draws from a review of relevant literature, personal experiences collaborating with librarians on the Planning Free School of Chattanooga, and the perspectives of participants who joined the initiative.
Death, Dying, and End-of-Life Experiences Among Refugees: A Scoping Review
Authors: Madi Farah , Ismail Hussein , Fouad Fouad M. , Kerbage Hala , Zaman Shahaduz , Jayawickrama Janaka , Sibai Abla M.
Published: November 2018

Background:

The objective of this scoping review is to identify and map the global literature on death, dying, and end-of-life experiences among refugees. The study aims at identifying gaps in the literature produced on the topic and informs areas for future research in the field.

Methods:

We included articles that met the following inclusion criteria: (1) Population: Refugees and/or internally or externally displaced individuals due to wars, conflicts, nonnatural disasters, or emergencies; (2) Setting: End-of-life phase, dying, and death that took place following the refuge or displacement and reported after the year 1980; and (3) Study Design: All types of studies including but not limited to primary studies, narrative reviews, systematic reviews, news, editorials, commentaries, opinion pieces, technical reports, and policy briefs. A systematic search of the following electronic databases: Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, and JSTOR yielded 11 153 records. The search of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees database Refworld retrieved an additional 7510 records.

Results:

Seven articles met our inclusion criteria. All articles were coauthored by scholars in universities/research institutes in high-income countries, and except for one, all were conducted in the country of the final settlement of refugees. One article adopted a qualitative approach, another article adopted a mixed-methods approach, one was a narrative review, and 4 articles were reviews of the literature. Three articles discussed access to medical/palliative care among older refugees, and 3 others addressed bereavement and death arrangements. Moreover, one article examined how transmigration and previous experiences from 2 cultural settings in home countries affect the contemplation of death and dying.

Implications:

Research on end-of-life experiences among refugees is sorely lacking. This study raises awareness of the need for empirical data on end-of-life challenges and palliative care among refugees, thus equipping humanitarian agencies with a more explicit and culturally sensitive lens targeting those with life-limiting conditions.
In vitro performance of a nanobiocomposite scaffold containing boron-modified bioactive glass nanoparticles for dentin regeneration
Authors: Moonesi Rad Reza , Pazarçeviren Engin , Ece Akgün Elif , Evis Zafer , Keskin Dilek , Şahin Sıla , Tezcaner Ayşen
Published: November 2018

Every year, many dental restoration methods are carried out in the world and most of them do not succeed. High cost of these restorations and rejection possibility of the implants are main drawbacks. For this reason, a regenerative approach for repairing the damaged dentin-pulp complex or generating a new tissue is needed. In this study, the potential of three-dimensional cellulose acetate/oxidized pullulan/gelatin-based dentin-like constructs containing 10 or 20% bioactive glass nanoparticles was studied to explore their potential for dentin regeneration. Three-dimensional nano biocomposite structures were prepared by freeze-drying/metal mold pressing methods and characterized by in vitro degradation analysis, water absorption capacity and porosity measurements, scanning electron microscopy, in vitro biomineralization analysis. During one-month incubation in phosphate buffered saline solution at 37°C, scaffolds lost about 25–30% of their weight and water absorption capacity gradually decreased with time. Scanning electron microscopy examinations showed that mean diameter of the tubular structures was about 420 µm and the distance between walls of the tubules was around 560 µm. Calcium phosphate precipitates were formed on scaffolds surfaces treated with simulated body fluid, which was enhanced by boron-modified bioactive glass addition. For cell culture studies human dental pulp stem cells were isolated from patient teeth. An improvement in cellular viability was observed for different groups over the incubation period with the highest human dental pulp stem cells viability on B7-20 scaffolds. ICP-OES analysis revealed that concentration of boron ion released from the scaffolds was between 0.2 and 1.1 mM, which was below toxic levels. Alkaline phosphatase activity and intracellular calcium amounts significantly increased 14 days after incubation with highest values in B14-10 group. Von Kossa staining revealed higher levels of mineral deposition in these groups. In this work, results indicated that developed dentin-like constructs are promising for dentin regeneration owing to presence of boron-modified bioactive glass nanoparticles.
Returning Chernivtsi to the Cultural Map of Europe: The Meridian Czernowitz International Poetry Festival
Authors: Bernsand Niklas
Published: November 2018

This article is part of the special cluster titled Bukovina and Bukovinians after the Second World War: (Re)shaping and (re)thinking a region after genocide and ‘ethnic unmixing’, guest edited by Gaëlle Fisher and Maren Röger.

Drawing on tropes, stories, and symbols emanating from lost layers of urban cultural diversity has been an important resource in post-socialist city branding in many cities in Eastern and Central Europe that saw significant ethno-demographic changes in connection with World War II. In Chernivtsi, this is usually framed by narratives emphasizing tolerance, cultural diversity, and Europeanness, notions that are prominent in myths about the city in German-speaking Central Europe. A common strategy here, found in municipal city branding and in commercial efforts to draw on the multiethnic past in restaurants and cafés, is to deemphasize difficult questions about what actually happened to the celebrated cultural diversity and soften or ignore the temporal break. The article analyses how the International Poetry Festival Meridian Czernowitz, that has taken place in Chernivtsi since 2010, works with the city’s culturally diverse past and its literary dimensions, drawing on tropes from both local multiculturalist narratives and on the Bukowina-Mythos popularised by intellectuals from German-speaking countries. Although the festival is not a venue for working through traumas, locating events in symbolically charged places such as the Jewish cemetery and highlighting Holocaust themes in poetry readings opens up for difficult questions where the lost cultural diversity might become something more than only a resource.
Beyond the “Northern” and “Southern” Divide: Food and Space in Polish Consumer Cooperatives
Authors: Bilewicz Aleksandra , Śpiewak Ruta
Published: November 2018

In this article, the authors analyze emerging alternative food networks (AFNs) in Poland—that is, newly established consumer cooperatives—focusing on how the networks’ members perceive food and the space of its production. This analysis leads to reflection on the division that exists in the subject literature between “northern” and “southern” AFNs. The authors argue that this division does not capture the complex situation of Central and Eastern Europe’s postsocialist countries. While one type of Polish cooperative—identified as “activist”—resembles “northern” AFNs in some respects, the “consumption-oriented” cooperatives evince many features of the “southern” type. It is argued that both types of cooperatives are built according to Western patterns, but there is an underlying understanding of food quality that defines their actual relations with producers and consumer choices, and this has much in common with the informal food networks prevalent during the socialist period. Therefore, alternative food networks in postsocialist countries require a new interpretation that may change the overall categorization of AFNs.
Structure and properties of tough starch modified with rubber-based polyurethane microparticles
Authors: Weng Fangqing , Dou Xiaoya , Deng Yinghua , Wang Liangjie , Zhou Shiyi , Wu Qiangxian , Zhang Yu
Published: November 2018

We prepared a novel covalent rubber-based polyurethane/starch composites material via a simple and effective method. Infrared, scanning electron microscopic, and mechanical tests demonstrated that polyurethane microparticles showed good compatibility with starch as the polyurethane content increases. This is mainly because of the urethane bond newly formed by –OH in starch and –NCO in rubber-based polyurethane. And when the rubber-based polyurethane content increased from 20% to 30%, its elongation at break improved by 116.9%. CPB30 showed excellent hydrophobicity and toughness, which showed potential application.
Multiobjective optimization of rotor-bearing systems with an investigation of goal programming approach
Authors: Soorajkrishna S , Sekhar AS , Shankar K
Published: November 2018

With ever-increasing demand for higher flexibility and higher speeds of operation of high-speed rotating machinery, study of their unbalance responses and stability are of paramount importance. For easier maintenance and transport, weight of such systems is also a critical criterion. In the present study, optimum design parameters of a rotor-bearing system are found by employing multiple multiobjective optimization schemes for simultaneously minimizing unbalance response, maximizing stability limit speed, and minimizing system weight. This is an improvement over previous systems where simple equal weighting of multiple objective functions is carried out to reduce computational challenges. The shaft is assumed to be hollow and modeled as an assembly of 10 two-noded Euler–Bernoulli beam elements with an isotropic disc mounted on it. Genetic algorithm and its multiobjective variant (NSGA-II) are used to find the global optima. The technique of goal programming is identified as a more practical and less computationally challenging alternative to Pareto-based optimization, while yielding an approximate optimum. Complexities arising due to gyroscopic effects and dynamic nature of anisotropic fluid film bearings are also considered, along with practical upper and lower bounds of design variables and maximum von Mises stress developed in the system as constraints.
Early phase modeling of frontal impacts for crashworthiness: From lumped mass–spring models to Deformation Space Models
Authors: Lange Volker A , Fender Johannes , Song Lailong , Duddeck Fabian
Published: November 2018

Because of the drawbacks of standard lumped mass–spring models discussed at the beginning of this paper, a new approach for simplified modeling of frontal impacts appropriate for early phase crashworthiness design is proposed. It is based on a first step, the Geometry Space Model, representing the real location of the structural components with deformable, non-deformable, and gap parts. This is then transformed by a new algorithm into the Deformation Space Model which considers only the available free deformation lengths and can be used to assess the correct deformation modes of complex structural systems. These developments are embedded in a wider research field, already published, where Solution Spaces are established for set-based design of the force–displacement curves for all springs. Together with this Solution Space technology, the proposed new simplified modeling approach for frontal impacts will make early phase development more efficient in the future.
Vibration damping and acoustic characteristics of sisal fibre–reinforced polypropylene composite
Authors: Munde Yashwant S , Ingle Ravindra B , Siva I
Published: November 2018

Natural fibre composites attract industries because of their low density, low cost and the specific mechanical properties they possess in comparison to synthetic fibres. In this work, the randomly oriented sisal fibre–reinforced polypropylene composites are fabricated using extrusion–injection moulding technique. The aim of this study is to experimentally investigate the effect of fibre weight fraction (0%–30% in step of 10%) on vibrational damping and acoustic characteristics. The impulse hammer excitation technique is used to evaluate the free vibrational characteristics, namely, natural frequency and damping. An impedance tube is used in evaluating the acoustic properties, namely, sound absorption coefficient and transmission loss. Experimental results reveal that increase in fibre loading significantly alter the vibrational and acoustic response of the polypropylene composite. Modal analysis shows that incorporation of sisal fibres by 30 wt.% to polypropylene made the natural frequency superior when compared with other compositions. However, damping becomes worse with higher fibre content. In case of acoustic properties, incorporation of fibres at higher fraction enhances the sound absorption coefficient and transmission loss. Experimental results drive the research in development of such new materials system towards the application of vibration and sound diminutions.
Numerical investigation of tip flow dynamics and main flow characteristics with varying tip clearance widths for an axial-flow pump
Authors: Shen Simin , Qian Zhongdong , Ji Bin , Agarwal Ramesh K
Published: November 2018

The effects of varying tip clearance widths on tip flows dynamics and main flows characteristics for an axial-flow pump are studied employing computational fluid dynamics method. An analysis is presented for the distributions of turbulent kinetic energy, mean axial velocity, and mean vorticity magnitude at the specific flow rate of 0.7 Q BEP , focusing on flow patterns in the tip region with different tip clearance widths and associated flows. From the simulation results we find that the flow structure of tip vortex and its transportation strongly depend on the tip clearance width, especially for the extension of tip leakage vortex, appearance of induced vortex and the area of tip separation vortex. For a small clearance of 0.15 mm at 0.7 Q BEP, there is no tip separation vortex at the tip. When tip clearance width becomes larger, a tip separation vortex attaches more on the surface of blade tip as well as vortex intensity of tip flows increases. For tip clearances of 0.9 and 1.2 mm, there is a small part of induced vortex near the blade leading edge. Meanwhile, no induced vortex can be captured for tip clearances of 0.15 and 0.45 mm. The relative angle between the blade chord and tip leakage vortex trajectory reduces gradually when tip clearance width increases from 0.45 to 1.2 mm. Additionally, the radial position of tip leakage vortex core moves inwards as tip clearance width increases. Furthermore, a larger tip clearance width has greater effects on the main-stream characteristics especially near the shroud, which is due to more energy being exchanged between tip flows and main flows. At the flow rate 0.7 Q BEP, both the efficiency and head of the pump reduce with an increasing tip clearance because of greater energy loss.
Incidence and risk factors of osteomyelitis in adult and pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus: a nationwide, population-based cohort study
Authors: Huang Y.F. , Chang Y.S. , Chen W.S. , Tsao Y.P. , Wang W.H. , Liao H.T. , Tsai C.Y. , Lai C.C.
Published: November 2018

Objective

The objective of this paper is to investigate the incidence rate, risk factors and outcome of osteomyelitis among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Materials and methods

We conducted a cohort study using data for patients enrolled in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database from 2000 to 2012. Patients with SLE and age- and sex-matched controls without SLE were enrolled. Primary endpoint was the first occurrence of osteomyelitis. Risks of osteomyelitis in SLE patients were analyzed with Cox proportional hazards regression models, including age, sex, comorbidities and medications.

Results

Among 24,705 SLE patients (88.4% women, mean age 35.8 years) with a median follow-up of 9.1 years, 386 patients had osteomyelitis. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) of osteomyelitis in the SLE group vs the control group was 8.52 (95% confidence interval (CI) 7.24–10.05). The SLE group had higher incidence rates of osteomyelitis than the control group, especially in pediatric subgroups (IRR 41.1 95% CI 18.57–107.35). Compared to controls, SLE patients experienced osteomyelitis at a younger age (42.3 vs 58.1 years) but did not have an increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio 0.7; 95% CI 0.21–2.38). Age >60 years, male gender, malignancy within five years, prior bone fracture and higher daily prednisolone dose (>7.5 mg) cumulatively for >180 days increased risk for osteomyelitis.

Conclusions

SLE patients have a higher IRR of osteomyelitis than controls. Pediatric and elder SLE patients, patients with a history of bone fracture, malignancy within five years and higher-dose glucocorticoid use have a higher risk of osteomyelitis and should be carefully monitored.
Investigating the Demographics and Behavioural Characteristics Associated with Voluntary Simplicity Lifestyles in a Developed and a Developing Country: A Comparison between US and Turkish Simplifiers
Authors: Cengiz Hakan , Torlak Ömer
Published: November 2018

This study aims to compare the demographics and behavioural characteristics of consumers who adopt voluntary simplicity as a daily lifestyle process, focusing on one developed country and one developing country. Data were accordingly collected from 589 US and Turkish consumers who define themselves as voluntary simplifiers. Although other studies found that voluntary simplifiers have same demographic characteristics, our results indicate that Turkish and US simplifiers do not vary statistically in terms of demographic variables such as income class, marital status, number of children and gender but do vary statistically in terms of education, age and working hours. They also vary in terms of the deliberate shortening of working hours. The results reveal that several behavioural and demographic characteristics of consumers who adopt the same lifestyle philosophy may vary based on their culture and the conditions of their country. Findings in the discussion section are aligned with previous studies in the literature and with socioeconomic and demographic indicators of the two countries.
Understanding India–Pakistan Relations: Memory Keeps Getting in the Way of History
Authors: Ahmad Manzoor
Published: November 2018

This article aims to highlight the reasons behind the historical animosity between India and Pakistan, and its continuation for last seven decades by examining the role of ideologues who shaped the national identity discourse of two communities—Hindus and Muslims—before and after the Partition. To understand the present protracted conflict, probing the pre-Partition clash of narratives is indispensable. The Islamic imagery and Hindu symbolism used by the two communities were exclusionary and based on ‘othering’ which not only thwarted the vision of inclusive nationalism but also generated more animosity and distrust, and severely antagonized the relationship in the post-Partition period. However, this article argues that despite the deep-rooted animosity and distrust there is still scope for re-imagination and reconciliation. For that, both the countries need to transcend the sediments of the past memories and adopt a more pragmatic approach to resolve the long-standing issues that have been weighing them down for decades.
Studying the Human Health and Ecological Impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Disaster (Part 2): Introduction to This Special Issue of New Solutions
Authors: Croisant Sharon , Sullivan John
Published: November 2018

This introduction to the special issue continues an examination of the Gulf Coast Health Alliance: Health Risks Related to the Macondo Spill (GC-HARMS) project that began in New Solutions 28:3. GC-HARMS was part of a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences-funded Gulf-wide consortium that created regional community-university research partnerships addressing health impacts from the oil spill exposures. Findings from this program enhanced regional preparedness and reinforced existing disaster-response networks. This special issue of New Solutions includes an article exploring the outcomes and implications of using a community-based participatory research—citizen science approach in implementing the project’s exposure assessment/population health study and another article that describes analytic processes used to characterize toxicity of petrogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons which provided data used to develop the project’s risk message. Finally, this issue includes three Movement Voices interviews from individuals and nonprofits that served as GC-HARMS community hubs during the project.
An Individual Housing-Based Socioeconomic Status Measure Predicts Advance Care Planning and Nursing Home Utilization
Authors: Barwise Amelia , Juhn Young J. , Wi Chung-Il , Novotny Paul , Jaramillo Carolina , Gajic Ognjen , Wilson Michael E.
Published: November 2018

Background:

Socioeconomic status (SES) is an important determinant of disparities in health care and may play a role in end-of-life care and decision-making. The SES is difficult to retrospectively abstract from current electronic medical records and data sets.

Objective:

Using a validated SES measuring tool derived from home address, the HOUsing-based SocioEconomic Status index, termed HOUSES we wanted to determine whether SES is associated with differences in end-of-life care and decision-making.

Design/Setting/Participants:

This cross-sectional study utilized a cohort of Olmsted County adult residents admitted to 7 intensive care units (ICUs) at Mayo Rochester between June 1, 2011, and May 31, 2014.

Measurements:

Multiple variables that reflect decision-making and care at end of life and during critical illness were evaluated, including presence of advance directives and discharge disposition. The SES was measured by individual housing-based SES index (HOUSES index; a composite index derived from real property as a standardized z-score) at the date of admission to the ICU which was then divided into 4 quartiles. The greater HOUSES, the higher SES, outcomes were adjusted for age, 24-hour Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score, sex, race/ethnicity, and insurance.

Results:

Among the eligible 4134 participants, the addresses of 3393 (82%) were successfully geocoded and formulated into HOUSES. The adjusted odds ratios comparing HOUSES 1 versus 2, 3, and 4 demonstrated lower likelihood of advance directives −0.77(95% CI: 0.63-0.93) and lower likelihood of discharge to home −0.60(95% CI: 1.0.5-0.72).

Conclusion:

Lower SES, derived from a composite index of housing attributes, was associated with lower rates of advance directives and lower likelihood of discharge to home.
Effects of Disability Type, Task Complexity, and Biased Statements on Undergraduate Music Majors’ Inclusion Decisions for Performance Ensembles
Authors: Robinson Charles R. , Belgrave Melita J. , Keown Daniel J.
Published: November 2018

We examined decisions to include or exclude adolescent students in music performance ensembles as influenced by disability, task complexity, and biased information statements. Undergraduate music majors ( N = 104) viewed video recordings presenting varied student profiles that included two disability types, two task complexity levels, and contrasting informational statements. Participants responded to “I would include this student” statements across an agree-disagree continuum using a Continuous Response Digital Interface device, and explained their decision in an exit survey. We found a significant effect for student profile on inclusion decisions, and also confirmed that the biased information statement presented last influenced these decisions, regardless of disability or task complexity. Participants reported that inclusion decisions were based on their perception of the student’s ability, whether the student would experience ensemble success, and on their self-confidence in accommodating the student. Findings provide insight into music majors’ inclusion decision processes and support using simulation procedures in music education college courses.
The Effects of TMT Faultlines and CEO-TMT Power Disparity on Competitive Behavior and Firm Performance
Authors: Li Mengge , Jones Carla D.
Published: November 2018

Although upper echelons scholars have drawn from the demographic faultlines concept to study top management team (TMT) subgroup dynamics, the effects of TMT faultlines on competitive behavior and performance outcomes have not been well documented. To gain greater insight, we develop a model that connects TMT faultlines, CEO-TMT power disparity, competitive behavior, and firm performance. We hypothesize that TMT faultlines and CEO-TMT power disparity jointly determine a firm’s competitive aggressiveness and simplicity, and these two competitive behaviors influence firm performance. Using a sample of 295 U.S. firms in 146 industries from 2000 to 2013, our findings indicate that (a) TMTs with strong faultlines take fewer and simpler competitive actions, and CEO-TMT power disparity further worsens the negative effect on the volume of competitive actions, and (b) fewer and simpler competitive actions benefit short-term firm performance; however, they hurt the long-term firm performance trend. These findings contribute to the upper echelons and competitive dynamics research and suggest important managerial implications.