bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bolstering Content by Promoting Language and Literacy in the Urban Science Classroom
Authors: Renn Jennifer E. , Duguay Annie Laurie
Published: March 2019

This chapter focuses on the creation and implementation of lesson modules related to developing language skills in the middle school science classroom. These modules, which focus on academic language development for students who are English learners or speakers of non-standard dialects, are part of the curriculum in a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program for middle school science educators at a large urban U.S. university. Drawing on the literature surrounding the academic language of science and language development, the content of these modules is appropriate for teacher educators and science teachers at all levels. The module content was designed around three components, linguistic understandings, critical language awareness, and pedagogical modeling, and exemplifies the Standards of Professional Development Excellence established by the Center for Applied Linguistics. This chapter describes the module creation, observations from the module delivery, and program participant responses to the materials and content.
Gendered and Racial Microaggressions in STEM
Authors: Rockinson-Szapkiw Amanda J. , Wade-Jaimes Katherine
Published: March 2019

Women and people of color remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce and academia. In this chapter, the authors focus on the experience of girls and students of color in urban STEM classrooms through the lens of microaggressions theory. Within this chapter, the authors define macroaggression and discuss the various types (e.g., microinsults, microinvalidations, microassaults). Consequences of microaggressions are discussed and strategies are presented to address microaggressions within the PreK-12 urban school setting.
Secondary Education Mathematics and UDC Expectations
Authors: Fleming Jeffery S. , Farmer Shurron
Published: March 2019

In this chapter, the authors wish to examine the alignment between Common Core mathematics standards and introductory mathematics courses at the University of the District of Columbia. In this study, the authors are not trying to determine the reasons students choose or not choose STEM-related fields as their majors; instead the authors are exploring the transition from secondary to post-secondary mathematics education by aligning the Common Core mathematics standards that have been the District of Columbia Public School (DCPS) system. The authors have observed from their teaching experiences that for many students, the transition from secondary to post-secondary mathematics has not been seamless. One factor that may cause a breakdown in this transition could be the misalignment between Common Core state standards mathematics content and the content of the introductory mathematics in the Division of Sciences and Mathematics at the University of the District of Columbia.
Cryogenic Treatment of Polymer/MWCNT Nano-Composites for Mechanical and Tribological Applications
Authors: Chopra Swamini , Sreya S. , Babhulkar Rohit V. , Halde Swaksha P. , Deshmukh Kavita A. , Peshwe D. R.
Published: March 2019

The cryogenic treatment of material has been known to motivate structural stability by rearranging its crystallographic structure in metals and by promoting intermolecular as well as intramolecular rearrangements in polymers. Additionally, in case of polymers reinforced with micro fillers, the structural changes brought about by cryogenic treatment are still largely governed by the polymer matrix itself. Thus, when investigated for their mechanical and tribological properties, the response of polymer/MWCNT nano-composites after cryogenic treatment was found to be depending on the cryo-structural modifications in the polymer matrix, followed by the MWCNT interaction to some extent. The enhancement in the mechanical properties of the polymer/MWCNT nano-composites is attributed to the increasing % crystallinity, changes in crystal structure, conversion of less stable phases into more stable phases, change in the nature of bonding and strengthening of interphase between polymer and MWCNT. Thus, for the cryogenic treatment temperature of -185 °C, the optimum soaking period for PA and PA/MWCNT nano-composite was 24 hrs, whereas for PBT and PBT/MWCNT nano-composite it was 12 hrs and 16 hrs, respectively. This agrees well with the popular claim that each polymer has a specific functional group and/or structural characteristic that readily responds to the cryogenic treatments conditions (irrespective of the filler type, content and/or interaction), thereby, modifying the structure and giving superior properties, which makes cryogenic treatment a material specific process.
Simulation and Modeling of Nanotechnology Aircraft Using MATLAB
Authors: Kumar Indradeep
Published: March 2019

The design methods based on aerospace model have been widely used in aircraft conceptual design for decades and proven very effective when restricted to simple problems with very approximate analyses. These monolithic, large, design and analysis codes are genuinely multidisciplinary, but as analyses become more complex, such codes have grown so large as to be incomprehensible and hence difficult to maintain. This chapter deals with the computational modeling of nanoparticles. Nanomaterials constitute a prominent sub-discipline in the materials and chemical sciences. Conventional materials like glass, ceramic, metals, polymers, or semiconductors can be acquired with nanoscale proportions. Nanomaterials have various microstructural distinctive attributes such as nanodiscs, nanotubes, nanocoatings, quantum dots, nanocomposites, and nanowires. The unique properties of nanoparticle-based materials and devices depend directly on size and structure dependent properties.
Rivalry Influences on Fan Engagement Within Twitter
Authors: Harrolle Michelle Gacio , Wells Janelle E.
Published: March 2019

Rivalries and social media influence the way individuals consume, produce, and experience sport. Thus, the purpose of the study was to understand the effects of sport rivalries on fan engagement within Twitter for segments of the Manchester United Football Club's business ecosystem (i.e., team brand, news-based fan club, unofficial fan club, and firm). First, the authors examined how specific Twitter content affected fan engagement during rivalry matches. Second, the authors compared fan engagement and virtual maltreatment within the segments of the Manchester United ecosystem. An analysis of 2,750 tweets from Manchester United's ecosystem during the 2015-2016 season was conducted. Results demonstrated a significant rivalry effect on fan engagement across all segments of Manchester United's ecosystem, and a significant virtual maltreatment effect on fan engagement during rivalry matches for the news-based fan club, unofficial fan club, and firm. Findings from the study provide practical and theoretical implications for marketing competitive relationships.
From Rivalry to Antipathy Amid Sports Enthusiasts in Individual Sports
Authors: Nayak Sushma , Nidhiri Sebin B.
Published: March 2019

The main focus of the chapter is to bring out the extremes—immoderations and intemperance—in sports rivalry by primarily considering the case of Monica Seles' stabbing on court by a crazy Steffi Graf fan in 1993. Rivalries among players eventually extend to fans to bring about diverse dark shades (hostility and violence) among the latter. An outcome of being a part of a fan base is extreme devoutness and fervor towards one's own favorite player while considering partisans of an adversary group as an “outgroup.” Sports rivalries customarily create a safe environment to support the creation of ingroup and outgroup, although in fanatical situations, real fights do break out among rival fans. The chapter shall delve into these aspects and consider a distinct case of extreme fan behavior as an upshot of arch rivalry in sports world. The authors shall further examine the role of different stakeholders in bringing about a healthy playing environment and fostering positive fan behavior that shall bring laurels to the game.
Attitudes Toward Rival Teams' Naming-Rights Sponsors
Authors: Eddy Terry , Reams Lamar , Dwyer Brendan
Published: March 2019

The purpose of the chapter is to present an exploratory study examining the effects of rivalry on attitudes toward naming-rights sponsors in college football. Although research on the effects of partnerships with rival teams on fans' reactions and/or perceptions of the brand has been appearing for over a decade, the volume of work is still quite limited. From the research that does exist, findings tend to be fairly consistent in that negative transfer effects on sponsoring brands have been found to exist among rival fans. The current study investigated the effects of team identification and perceived strength of rivalry on sponsor image and behavioral intentions of individuals for whom the team with the naming-rights partnership is not their favorite.
Russian Information Warfare and 9/11 Conspiracism
Authors: Hotchkiss Michael Bennett
Published: March 2019

Following the September 11, 2001 (9/11) attacks, several “prophecies” circulated on the internet claiming the 16th century French seer Nostradamus predicted the crisis, leading to “Nostradamus” being the top search on Google and other search engines in 2001. Considering Nostradamus prophecies as popular eschatology, a dimension of political conspiracism, it is observed that while the hoaxes have never been attributed to a specific actor(s), the provenance of the prophecies which circulated on 9/11 are connected to a legacy of Russian Cold War-era propaganda. Additionally, several other conspiracy theories which circulated following 9/11 can be connected to Russia and its military proxy Syria. Considering conspiracy theories as a “populist theory of power,” leveraged by Russia in order to diminish American global dominance, a case is made that Russia is likely responsible for the Nostradamus hoax of 9/11 and similar “active measures” in Poland in 2010, Ukraine in 2014, and Hungary in 2015.
Center of Pressure Measurement to Evaluate Fall Risk in the Elderly
Authors: Hong Chong Min
Published: March 2019

The aim of this article was to develop a center of pressure (COP) measurement device and application to evaluate the fall risk among the elderly. The approach was designed to measure changes in COP in a standing position to assess balance, an important risk factor in falling. The developed approach consisted of both hardware and software; the hardware's function was to measure the sway in COP while the software controlled the device, displayed the results, and stored the data. Data was transmitted from device to tablet or smartphone via Bluetooth. This approach to COP measurement was configured as a dedicated application, making it easier for the elderly to measure their own COP for evaluating balance and fall risks using the measurement data. In conclusion, this device is easy and convenient for the elderly to use in their daily life and could help with fall management and prevention.
Simulation-Based Investigation of the Influence of Process Parameter Deviations on the Quality of Clinch Connections with Preformed Hole
Authors: Maier Bernd , Klingler Markus , Böhm Sabine , Awiszus Birgit
Published: March 2019

In this work, the influences of deviations of material properties (used material is aluminium for both metal sheets), hole geometry (diameter, chamfer at the bottom and rounding at the top) and offset between punch and hole on the quality of a clinched connection are analysed. The analyses were done with numerical forming simulations, which were validated by experimental tests. For each process parameter, models were built up to simulate the forming process. After simulation of the forming process, it was possible to measure the resulting undercut and to identify the dependency between process parameters and width of undercut. This shows the influence of each investigated parameter on clinch quality and enables to set tolerances as high as possible but small enough to get the required undercut in the clinched connection.
A Numerical Model for the Prediction of Microstructure Distribution across the Thickness of Quenched Steel Plates
Authors: Gawad Jerzy , Iaconeta Ilaria , Bhogireddy Sai Pavan , Hernaut Philippe , Lebedev Aleksandr , Wierink Gijsbert , de Cooman Bruno Charles
Published: March 2019

In this work we apply a numerical inverse analysis procedure based on the ICME framework to ensure a required microstructure and combination of properties in the quenched plate. The microstructure is decided first, and the cooling profile needed to obtain such microstructure is then calculated using the CALPHAD approach. Subsequently, an inverse analysis of the heat transfer problem provides the description of the convection mechanism in quenching that results in the demanded cooling profile. An additional constraint is set on the through-thickness thermal gradient to achieve a homogeneous microstructure. Finally, the resultant microstructure is computed. By means of the proposed model we are able to retrieve the necessary quenching process parameters and to quantify the influence of these parameters on the temperature and microstructure distribution within the plate after the quenching.
The Sonic Persona
Authors: Schulze Holger
Published: March 2019

In The Sonic Persona, Holger Schulze undertakes a critical study of some of the most influential studies in sound since the 19th century in the natural sciences, the engineering sciences, and in media theory, confronting them with contemporary artistic practices, with experimental critique, and with disturbing sonic experiences.

From Hermann von Helmholtz to Miley Cyrus, from FLUXUS to the Arab Spring, from Wavefield Synthesis to otoacoustic emissions, from premillennial clubculture to postdemocratic authoritarianism, from signal processing to human echolocation: This book presents a fundamental critique concerning recent sound theories and their anthropological concepts - and proposes an alternate, a more plastic, a visceral framework for research in the field of a cultural anthropology of sounding and listening.

This anthropology of sound takes its readers and listeners on a research expedition to the multitude of alien humanoids and their surprising sonic personae: in dynamic and generative tension between predetermined auditory dispositives, miniscule and not seldomly ignored sound practices, and idiosyncratic sensory corpuses: a critique of the senses
Abundances, emissions, and loss processes of the long-lived and potent greenhouse gas octafluorooxolane (octafluorotetrahydrofuran, c-C4F8O) in the atmosphere
Authors: Vollmer Martin K. , Bernard François , Mitrevski Blagoj , Steele L. Paul , Trudinger Cathy M. , Reimann Stefan , Langenfelds Ray L. , Krummel Paul B. , Fraser Paul J. , Etheridge David M. , Curran Mark A. J. , Burkholder James B.
Published: March 2019

Abstract. The first atmospheric observations of octafluorooxolane
(octafluorotetrahydrofuran, c-C4F8O), a persistent greenhouse gas, are
reported. In addition, a complementary laboratory study of its most likely atmospheric
loss processes, its infrared absorption spectrum, and global warming potential (GWP) are
reported. First atmospheric measurements of c-C4F8O are provided from the
Cape Grim Air Archive (41∘ S, Tasmania, Australia, 1978–present), supplemented
by two firn air samples from Antarctica, in situ measurements of ambient air at
Aspendale, Victoria (38∘ S), and a few archived air samples from the Northern
Hemisphere. The atmospheric abundance in the Southern Hemisphere has monotonically grown
over the past decades and leveled at 74 ppq (parts per quadrillion, femtomole per mole
in dry air) by 2015–2018. The growth rate of c-C4F8O has decreased from a
maximum in 2004 of 4.0 to <0.25 ppq yr−1 in 2017 and 2018. Using a 12-box
atmospheric transport model, globally averaged yearly emissions and abundances of
c-C4F8O are calculated for 1951–2018. Emissions, which we speculate to
derive predominantly from usage of c-C4F8O as a solvent in the
semiconductor industry, peaked at 0.15 (±0.04, 2σ) kt yr−1 in 2004 and
have since declined to <0.015 kt yr−1 in 2017 and 2018. Cumulative emissions
over the full range of our record amount to 2.8 (2.4–3.3) kt, which correspond to 34 Mt
of CO2-equivalent emissions. Infrared and ultraviolet absorption spectra for
c-C4F8O as well as the reactive channel rate coefficient for the
O(1D) + c-C4F8O reaction were determined from laboratory
studies. On the basis of these experiments, a radiative efficiency of
0.430 W m−2 ppb−1 (parts per billion, nanomol mol−1) was determined,
which is one of the largest found for synthetic greenhouse gases. The global annually
averaged atmospheric lifetime, including mesospheric loss, is estimated to be
>3000 years. GWPs of 8975, 12 000, and 16 000 are estimated for the 20-, 100-, and
500-year time horizons, respectively.
The CAMS reanalysis of atmospheric composition
Authors: Inness Antje , Ades Melanie , Agustí-Panareda Anna , Barré Jérôme , Benedictow Anna , Blechschmidt Anne-Marlene , Dominguez Juan Jose , Engelen Richard , Eskes Henk , Flemming Johannes , Huijnen Vincent , Jones Luke , Kipling Zak , Massart Sebastien , Parrington Mark , Peuch Vincent-Henri , Razinger Miha , Remy Samuel , Schulz Michael , Suttie Martin
Published: March 2019

Abstract. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS)
reanalysis is the latest global reanalysis dataset of atmospheric
composition produced by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather
Forecasts (ECMWF), consisting of three-dimensional time-consistent atmospheric
composition fields, including aerosols and chemical species. The dataset
currently covers the period 2003–2016 and will be extended in the future by
adding 1 year each year. A reanalysis for greenhouse gases is being
produced separately. The CAMS reanalysis builds on the experience gained
during the production of the earlier Monitoring Atmospheric Composition and
Climate (MACC) reanalysis and CAMS interim reanalysis. Satellite retrievals
of total column CO; tropospheric column NO2; aerosol optical depth (AOD); and
total column, partial column and profile ozone retrievals were assimilated
for the CAMS reanalysis with ECMWF's Integrated Forecasting System. The new
reanalysis has an increased horizontal resolution of about 80 km and
provides more chemical species at a better temporal resolution (3-hourly
analysis fields, 3-hourly forecast fields and hourly surface forecast
fields) than the previously produced CAMS interim reanalysis. The CAMS
reanalysis has smaller biases compared with most of the independent ozone,
carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and aerosol optical depth observations
used for validation in this paper than the previous two reanalyses and is
much improved and more consistent in time, especially compared to the MACC
reanalysis. The CAMS reanalysis is a dataset that can be used to compute
climatologies, study trends, evaluate models, benchmark other reanalyses or
serve as boundary conditions for regional models for past periods.
Air quality and acid deposition impacts of local emissions and transboundary air
pollution in Japan and South Korea
Authors: Yim Steve Hung Lam , Gu Yefu , Shapiro Matthew , Stephens Brent
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Recent studies have reported that air pollution causes adverse impacts on the environment and human health. Previous studies have intensively investigated the transboundary air pollution (TAP) impact in East Asia in episode events. From the environmental perspectives, it is necessary to better understand the spatiotemporal variations in TAP and the resultant impact on the environment. This study is aimed at assessing and quantifying the air quality impacts in Japan and South Korea due to their local emissions and TAP in East Asia–one of the polluted regions. We have applied state-of-the-science atmospheric models to simulate air quality in East Asia, and then analyzing the air quality and acid deposition impacts of local emissions and TAP in Japan and South Korea. Our results show that ~30 % of annual ambient PM2.5 in 2010 was on average contributed by local emissions in Japan and South Korea, while the remaining was contributed by TAP from other countries in the region. More detailed analyses also revealed minimal seasonal variation in surface PM2.5 in Japan, whereas there was a relatively large variation in South Korea in the winter. Further, among all five studied anthropogenic emission sectors of China, the industrial sector represented the greatest contributor to annual surface PM2.5 concentrations in Japan and South Korea, followed by the residential and power generation sectors. In terms of acid deposition, our results show that TAP’s impact on acid deposition (SO42− and NO3−) was larger than TAP’s impact on PM2.5 concentration, and that seasonal variations were similar for both Japan and South Korea: higher in both the winter and summer. Finally, wet deposition had a greater impact on mixed forests in Japan and savannas in South Korea. Given these significant impacts of TAP in the region, it is paramount that cross-national efforts be taken to mitigate air pollution problems in across East Asia.
3 + 2 + X: What is the most useful depolarization input for retrieving microphysical properties of non-spherical particles from lidar measurements by assuming spheroidal particle shapes?
Authors: Tesche Matthias , Kolgotin Alexei , Haarig Moritz , Burton Sharon P. , Ferrare Richard A. , Hostetler Chris A. , Müller Detlef
Published: March 2019

Abstract. The typical multiwavelength aerosol lidar data set for inversion of optical to microphysical parameters is composed of three backscatter coefficients (β) at 355, 532, and 1064 nm and two extinction coefficients (α) at 355 and 532 nm. This data combination is referred to as 3β + 2α or 3 + 2 data set. This set of data is sufficient for retrieving some important microphysical particle parameters if the particles have spherical shape. Here, we investigate the effect of including the particle linear depolarization ratio (δ) as a third input parameter to the inversion of lidar data. The inversion algorithm is generally not used if measurements show values of δ that exceed 0.10 at 532 nm, i.e. in the presence of non-spherical particles such as desert dust, volcanic ash, and under special circumstances biomass-burning smoke. We use experimental data collected with instruments that are capable of measuring δ at all three lidar wavelengths with an inversion routine that uses the theory of light scattering by randomly oriented spheroids to replicate scattering properties of non-spherical particles. This is the first systematic test of the effect of using all theoretically possible combinations of δ taken at 355, 532, and 1064 nm as input in the lidar data inversion. We find that depolarization information at least at one wavelength already provides useful information in the inversion of optical data that describe light-scattering by non-spherical particles. However, any choice of δλ will give lower values of the single-scattering albedo than the traditional 3 + 2 data set. We find that input data sets that include δ355 give a non-spherical fraction that closely resembles the dust ratio we obtain from using β532 and δ532 in a methodology applied in aerosol-type separation. The use of δ355 in data sets of two or three δλ reduces the fraction of non-spherical particles that is retrieved when using δ532 and δ1064. Use of the latter two without accounting for δ355 generally leads to high fractions of non-spherical particles that we consider not trustworthy. The use of three δλ instead of two δλ including the constraint that one of these is measured at 355 nm does not provide any advantage over using 3 + 2 + δ355. We conclude that — depending on measurement capability — the future standard input for inversion using spheroid kernels might be 3 + 2 + δ355 or 3 + 2 + δ355 + δ532.
Lack of marine entry into Marmara and Black Sea-lakes indicate low relative sea level during MIS 3 in the northeastern Mediterranean
Authors: Yanchilina Anastasia G. , Grall Celine , Ryan William B. F. , McManus Jerry F. , Major Candace O.
Published: March 2019

Abstract. The Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS 3) is considered a period of persistent and rapid climate and sea level variabilities during which eustatic sea level is observed to have varied by tens of meters. Constraints on local sea level during this time are critical for further estimates of these variabilities. We here present constraints on relative sea level in the Marmara and Black Sea regions in the northeastern Mediterranean, inferred from reconstructions of the history of the connections and disconnections (partial or total) of these seas together with the global ocean. We use a set of independent data from seismic imaging and core-analyses to infer that the Marmara and Black Seas remained connected persistent freshwater lakes that outflowed to the global ocean during the majority of MIS 3. Marine water intrusion during the early MIS-3 stage may have occurred into the Marmara Sea-Lake but not the Black Sea-Lake. This suggests that the relative sea level was near the paleo-elevation of the Bosporus sill and possibly slightly above the Dardanelles paleo-elevation, ~80 mbsl. The Eustatic sea level may have been even lower, considering the isostatic effects of the Eurasian ice sheet would have locally uplifted the topography of the northeastern Mediterrranean.
Development and prospects of the regional MiKlip decadal prediction system over Europe: predictive skill, added value of regionalization, and ensemble size dependency
Authors: Reyers Mark , Feldmann Hendrik , Mieruch Sebastian , Pinto Joaquim G. , Uhlig Marianne , Ahrens Bodo , Früh Barbara , Modali Kameswarrao , Laube Natalie , Moemken Julia , Müller Wolfgang , Schädler Gerd , Kottmeier Christoph
Published: March 2019

Abstract. The current state of development and the prospects of the regional MiKlip decadal prediction system
for Europe are analysed. The MiKlip regional system consists of two 10-member hindcast
ensembles computed with the global coupled model MPI-ESM-LR downscaled for the European
region with COSMO-CLM to a horizontal resolution of 0.22∘ (∼25 km).
Prediction skills are computed for temperature, precipitation, and wind speed using E-OBS
and an ERA-Interim-driven COSMO-CLM simulation as verification datasets. Focus is given
to the eight European PRUDENCE regions and to lead years 1–5 after initialization.
Evidence of the general potential for regional decadal predictability for all three
variables is provided. For example, the initialized hindcasts outperform the
uninitialized historical runs for some key regions in Europe, particularly in southern
Europe. However, forecast skill is not detected in all cases, but it depends on the
variable, the region, and the hindcast generation. A comparison of the downscaled
hindcasts with the global MPI-ESM-LR runs reveals that the MiKlip prediction system may
distinctly benefit from regionalization, in particular for parts of southern Europe and
for Scandinavia. The forecast accuracy of the MiKlip ensemble is systematically enhanced
when the ensemble size is increased stepwise, and 10 members is found to be suitable for
decadal predictions. This result is valid for all variables and European regions in both
the global and regional MiKlip ensemble. The present results are encouraging for the
development of a regional decadal prediction system.
Communicating Complex Forecasts for Enhanced Early
Warning in Nepal
Authors: Budimir Mirianna , Donovan Amy , Brown Sarah , Shakya Puja , Gautam Dilip , Uprety Madhab , Cranston Michael , Sneddon Alison , Smith Paul , Dugar Sumit
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Early warning systems have the potential to save lives and improve resilience. Simple early warning systems rely on real-time data and deterministic models to generate evacuation warnings; these simple deterministic models enable life-saving action, but provide limited lead time for resilience-building early action. More complex early warning systems supported by forecasts, including probabilistic forecasts, can provide additional lead time for preparation. However, barriers and challenges remain in disseminating and communicating these more complex warnings to community members and individuals at risk. Research was undertaken to analyse and understand the current early warning system in Nepal, considering available data and forecasts, information flows, early warning dissemination and decision making for early action. The research reviewed the availability and utilisation of complex forecasts in Nepal, their integration into dissemination (Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) bulletins and SMS warnings), and decision support tools (Common Alerting Protocols and Standard Operating Procedures), considering their impact on improving early action to increase the resilience of vulnerable communities to flooding.
CobWeb 1.0: Machine Learning Tool Box for Tomographic Imaging
Authors: Chauhan Swarup , Sell Kathleen , Enzmann Freider , Rühaak Wolfram , Wille Thorsten , Sass Ingo , Kersten Michael
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Despite the availability of both commercial and open source software, an ideal tool for digital rock physics analysis for accurate automatic image analysis at ambient computational performance is difficult to pin point. More often image segmentation is driven manually where the performance remains limited to two phases. Discrepancies due to artefacts causes inaccuracies in image analysis. To overcome these problems, we have developed CobWeb 1.0 which is automated and explicitly tailored for accurate grayscale (multi-phase) image segmentation using unsupervised and supervised machine learning techniques. The simple and intuitive layout of the graphical user interface enables easy access to perform Image enhancement, Image segmentation and further to obtain the accuracy of different segmented classes. The graphical user interface enables not only processing of a full 3D digital rock dataset but also provides a quick and easy region-of-interest selection, where a representative elementary volume can be extracted and processed. The CobWeb software package covers image processing and machine learning libraries of MATLAB® used for image enhancement and image segmentation operations, which are compiled into series of windows executable binaries. Segmentation can be performed using unsupervised, supervised and ensemble classification tools. Additionally, based on the segmented phases, geometrical parameters such as pore size distribution, relative porosity trends and volume fraction can be calculated and visualized. The CobWeb software allows the export of data to various formats such as ParaView (.vtk), DSI Studio (.fib) for visualization and animation and Microsoft® Excel and MATLAB® for numerical calculation and simulations. The capability of this new software is verified using high-resolution synchrotron tomography datasets, as well as lab-based (cone-beam) X-ray micro-tomography datasets. Albeit the high spatial resolution (sub-micrometer), the synchrotron dataset contained edge enhancement artefacts which were eliminated using a novel dual filtering and dual segmentation procedure.
Customers’ Evaluation of Service Quality in the Ghanian Banking Industry: A Case Study of Cal Bank Limited
Authors: Addai Bismark , Agyeman Annette Serwaa , Gyimah Adjei Gyamfi
Published: March 2019

Financial services are intangible and the only way to attract and retain customers is to seek out what they expect and design services to meet these expectations. This study was conducted to investigate customers’ evaluation of service quality in the Ghanaian banking industry using Cal Bank Limited as a case study institution and to recommend effective ways to improve the quality of service delivery. A convenience sampling technique was utilized in a 200 sample-size selection from Cal Bank customers in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. Structured questionnaire adopted from the SERVQUAL instrument was used to gather primary data from customers and SPSS Statistics version 21 was employed as the main statistical tool. It is evident in this study that customers are dissatisfied with the overall level of service quality provided by the bank. However, customers are satisfied with empathy and assurance dimensions. The study further revealed that all the five dimensions of service quality significantly influence the service quality of the bank and the dimension with greatest impact is reliability, which has the highest coefficient. This means that the bank needs to pay much attention to reliability as a service quality component and improve upon the reliable services provided to customers whilst maintaining or improving the other dimensions.
“Deplorable” Satire: Alt-Right Memes, White Genocide Tweets, and Redpilling Normies
Authors: Greene Viveca S.
Published: March 2019

In the past decade, people associated with what is known as the alt-right have employed a strategy similar to that of progressive, antiracist satirists to advance a decidedly white supremacist, anti-Semitic, misogynist, and deadly serious agenda. As this article documents, the alt-right weaponizes irony to attract and radicalize potential supporters, challenge progressive ideologies and institutions, redpill normies, and create a toxic counterpublic. Discussing examples of satiric irony generated by the extreme right alongside those produced by the (often mainstream) left, this article pairs two satirical memes, two activists’ use of irony, two ambiguously satirical tweets, and two recent controversies pertaining to racism and satire so as to illustrate how people with very different political commitments employ a similar style with potent effects. Of particular significance are reverse racism discourses, including “white genocide,” and the increasingly complicated relationship between intentions, extremism, and satire.
The syntactic structure of pelirrojo compounds
Authors: Marqueta Bárbara
Published: March 2019

This paper deals with Spanish adjective-headed compounds (pelirrojo), whose main properties are systematically compared with those of their English counterparts (red-haired). I provide a distinction based on the grammatical category of the non-head projections peli and red and on their relative complexity to capture the relevant differences. Additionally, I focus on the most noticed feature of Spanish pelirrojo compounds, which is the fact that they only codify inalienable possession relationships. I argue that the existence of an inalienable-only compound pattern shows that Spanish pelirrojo compounds contain a relational head which establishes an inalienable possession relationship between a possessee located inside the compound (pelo ‘hair’), and a possessor located outside it (e.g., Juan in Juan es pelirrojo. ‘John is red-haired.’). The same kind of relational structure is not identifiable inside English parallel structures or other Spanish compound patterns.
One year later: A case study examining a community hospital’s administrative response to a debris flow
Authors: Gianola Ann , Fellows Steven A.
Published: March 2019

Santa Barbara, California was first impacted by the Thomas Fire in December 2017 only to be devastated by the Montecito Debris Flow less than two weeks later. Cottage Health, a not-for-profit health system that provides advanced tertiary and quaternary medical care for patients throughout the Central Coast of California, was at the forefront of first responders to those directly impacted by the debris flow. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (“SBCH”) (located 6 miles from the flow) treated 18 trauma patients, two first-responders, and 1 additional emergency patient later in the day, while Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (“GVCH”) (located 12 miles from the flow) treated seven patients. Flooding and debris from the storm forced the closure of Highway 101 in both directions north and south for thirteen days. Highway 101 is the only major thoroughfare from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles and forced Cottage Health to implement an internal “travel agency,” in order to support Cottage Health clinicians to get to and from the two hospitals. The internal “travel agency” arranged transportation via planes, boats, vans and trains. In addition, the agency arranged accommodations utilizing local hotels, and an empty patient care unit in GVCH. Employees and board members opened up their homes to respond to more than 4,000 transportation and 900 overnight accommodation requests. Immediately following the disaster, licensed Cottage Health clinicians implemented a How We Heal: Trauma and Anxiety Support Group series to serve all Santa Barbara residents. The series is composed of How We Heal: Process Group, How We Heal: Skill Building/Seeking Safety Group and How We Heal: Survivor Group and one year later, continues to serve the community.
Knowledge Towards Energy Drinks Consumption and Related Factors Among Young Male Athletes in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Almulla Aisha A. , Radwan Hadia , Adeeb Nada Al
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVES: We aim to investigate the knowledge towards Energy Drinks (EDs) consumption and related factors among young male athletes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

SUBJECTS & METHODS: A cross-sectional study included 688 young male athletes from Al Ain sports club aged between 7 to 18 years. Data were collected using a modified version of a validated questionnaire from the European Food Safety Authority.

RESULTS: Overall EDs consumption was 24%. About 44% of the athletes consumed EDs one to two times per month. Athletes who were training between 5-7 days per week consumed significantly more EDs compared to those who were training 3-4 days per week (81% vs. 15 %, P<0.001). Athletes aged 7-12 years were 2.4 times more likely to consume EDs than athletes aged 13-18 years (P<0.001). Moreover, athletes living with both parents were significantly less likely to consume EDs compared to those living with a single parent (P=0.01). Knowledge score about EDs consumption was significantly higher for non EDs consumers compared to EDs consumers (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: EDs consumption among young male athletes was moderate. Educational programs are needed to increase the awareness regarding EDs consumption and its potential adverse effects among the young athletes. A regulation policy for EDs consumption should be addressed and consideration of labels with EDs contents and age identification is highly recommended.
Examining the Problem Solving Skills of Primary Education Mathematics Teacher Candidates according to Their Learning Styles
Authors: Altun Hasan
Published: March 2019

In this study, it is aimed to investigate the problem solving skills of primary education mathematics teacher candidates according to their learning styles. The students of Primary Education Mathematics Department students of the universities in TRNC constitute the general universe of the research and the students who study in Primary Education Mathematics Department of a private university in TRNC constitute the universe of the study. Sampling of the research consists of a total 26 students studying in Primary Education Mathematics Department in 2017-2018 academic year, determined by using the appropriate sampling method.

In order to determine the learning styles of primary education mathematics teacher candidates, 12-item Kolb Learning Inventory, developed (1976) and rearranged (1985) by Kolb and the applicability of which was proven by Aşkar and Akkoyunlu (1993) in Turkey was used in this research. Problem solving inventory used to determine teacher candidates’ problem solving skills was developed in 1982 by Heppner and Petersen and adapted to Turkish by Şahin, Şahin and Heppner.

As a result of the study, when students’ learning styles are examined it was observed that the students with converging learning style are 42.3%, students with assimilating learning style are 38.5%, students with diverging learning style are 11.5% and students with an accommodating learning style are 7.7%. It was observed that the students who participated in the study showed a tendency towards problem solving confidence. It has been suggested that taking learning styles and problem solving skills in organizing educational environments into account can help in increasing success.
Discourse Analyses of Chinese Visiting Professors at Canadian Universities: Adaptation and Transformation
Authors: Ge Lin
Published: March 2019

Chinese visiting professors, as Chinese university educators, are playing both practitioners and conformists in adapting to Western teaching perspectives and pedagogies while maintaining Chinese teaching beliefs. This study attempts to understand the international university experiences (Canada) of Chinese visiting professors. Arguably, Chinese visiting professors might potentially engage in programs aimed at providing an advance preparation for Chinese international graduate students, furthering their successful transition in study abroad. This paper is oriented to a post-structural paradigm in order to remain open to the attitudes, beliefs, and values of participants. The findings of a discourse analysis of Chinese visiting professors at a Canadian university are presented. The findings disclosed specific accounts as provided by this research group (i.e. dual academic and teaching experiences, and bicultural experiences in Chinese and Canadian universities). Using the findings, recommendations were made in bridging potential challenges to studying abroad. Specific to this task is the construction of an in-country program aimed at preparing Chinese undergraduate and graduate students for study overseas (specifically in Canada).
Effect of BaFe12O19 Nanoparticles Addition on (Bi,Pb)-2223 Superconducting Phase
Authors: Habanjar Khulud , Hassan F. El Haj , Awad R.
Published: March 2019

The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of BaFe12O19 nanoparticles on the microstructure, phase formation and mechanical properties of (Bi,Pb)-2223 superconducting phase. Co-precipitation and solid-state reaction techniques were used to synthesize BaFe12O19 nanoparticles and (BaFe12O19)x(Bi,Pb)-2223 superconducting samples with , respectively. BaFe12O19 nanoparticles and (BaFe12O19)x(Bi,Pb)-2223 structures were performed using X-ray diffraction. The morphology of BaFe12O19 nanoparticles and (BaFe12O19)x(Bi,Pb)-2223 were observed by means of transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. The experimental results reveal the composition of Bi-2223 phase and traces of Bi-2212 as a secondary phase when compared to the undadded sample. Lattice parameters are not altered with BaFe12O19 addition which indicate that nanoparticles do not enter the host crystal of (Bi,Pb)-2223. Vickers microhardness Hv is measured as function of indentation load and time. It was found that microhardness has a non-linear trend with applied load and time. The experimental results were analyzed using different models. The analysis revealed that the HK model was more suitable than the other approaches in estimating the load independent hardness of the samples.
Het Voorontwerp Franchise: strike two voor de wetgever
Authors: Schelhaas H.N. , Spanjaard J.H.M.
Published: March 2019

Het Voorontwerp Franchise: strike two voor de wetgever

Op 12 december 2018 publiceerde de wetgever een nieuw voorontwerp voor een wettelijke regeling van de franchiseovereenkomst. Een eerder voorontwerp uit 2017 werd kritisch bejegend door de praktijk. In dit artikel wordt het nieuwe voorontwerp besproken. De auteurs gaan in op de ratio legis, de precontractuele informatieverplichting en de goodwillplicht. Deze onderwerpen bespreken zij tegen de achtergrond van de huidige wettelijke regelingen, doctrine en rechtspraak.
Ontbinding: effectief wapen of zwaard van Damocles?
Authors: Olthof I.W.M.
Published: March 2019

Ontbinding: effectief wapen of zwaard van Damocles?

In het Eigen Haard-arrest heeft de Hoge Raad bevestigd dat de toets voor de ontbinding van overeenkomsten laagdrempelig blijft, in die zin dat in beginsel iedere tekortkoming volstaat en dat een beroep op de tenzij-bepaling niet terughoudend moet worden beoordeeld. Bij de beoordeling van die tenzij-bepaling zijn vervolgens in beginsel alle omstandigheden van het geval – en niet alleen de bijzondere aard of geringe betekenis van de tekortkoming – in gelijke mate van belang. Concrete handvatten voor de houdbaarheid van een ontbindingsberoep in de praktijk bevat het arrest echter niet. Uitspraken van feitenrechters laten zien dat een breed scala aan omstandigheden wordt meegewogen, maar dat een beroep op ontbinding toch in de meeste gevallen slaagt. Voor meer zekerheid over de ingeroepen ontbinding zullen partijen (nog altijd) heldere contractuele afspraken moeten maken.
De franchisenemersvereniging en de binding van franchisenemers
Authors: Dolphijn A.W.
Published: March 2019

De franchisenemersvereniging en de binding van franchisenemers

Aan de orde komt de vraag of een franchisenemer gebonden is aan afspraken die de franchisenemersvereniging met de franchisegever maakt, op grond van de franchiseovereenkomst.
Efficacy of Physiotherapy in Reducing Back Pain and Improve Joint Mobility in Older Women
Authors: Cichoń Dorota , Ignasiak Zofia , Fugiel Jarosław , Kochan Katarzyna , Ignasiak Tomasz
Published: March 2019

Background. Pain of the spine and large appendicular joints may limit the functional mobility of elderly persons and affect their biological fitness. This paper assesses the effects of comprehensive physical therapy in women with lumbar and cervical pain and compares flexibility in the upper and lower body and the range of motion in selected joints.
Material and methods. Thirty-three women aged 60–75 years completed a 6-week intervention involving group gymnastics to prevent back pain, relaxation techniques, classic massage, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and ultrasound therapy to the lumbosacral and cervicothoracic regions. Patient outcomes were assessed by measuring upper and lower body flexibility, upper and lower extremity joint and spinal ROM, and self-reported back pain using a Visual Analogue Scale. Differences in means between successive measurements were calculated with a Student t test for dependent groups, while differences in the range of motion in the joints of the right and left limbs were calculated with the NIR test.
Results. The physical therapy significantly improved flexibility of the upper and lower body by increasing the range of motion in selected joints of the limbs and the spine. On completion of the intervention, the intensity of back pain was reduced by 2.9 points in the VAS scale.
Conclusions. 1. The results confirm high efficacy of comprehensive physical therapy. 2. Elderly persons willingly at­tend exercise sessions combined with physical therapy procedures, as elimination of pain and improved functional efficacy facilitates self-care, thus significantly improving the quality of their lives.
Some peculiarities of the Law of Inheritance: The Formation of Imāmī and Ismāʿīlī Law
Authors: Cilardo Agostino
Published: March 2019

The question of the caliphate or imamate and similarly that of the mutʿa marriage (Imāmīs) are generally seen as the deepest differences distinguishing Shīʿī law systems from those of the remaining law schools. Inheritance law, however, reveals an additional range of Shīʿī idiosyncrasies: the division of heirs by kin into classes, certain privileges of the eldest son, and certain disadvantages of wives with respect to some goods in their husband's estates. From a historical point of view, the analysis of these cases leads to some innovative conclusions about the origin and development of Imāmi and Ismaʿīlī doctrine, the influence of political elements on the law system, the question of the authenticity of the Zaydī Majmūʿ al-fiqh, and the dominance of practical considerations over strict legal rules.