bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrusion Prevention System Inspired Immune Systems
Authors: Farhaoui Yousef
Published: June 2016

In view of new communication and information technologies that appeared with the emergence of networks and Internet, the computer security became a major challenge, and works in this research axis are increasingly numerous. Various tools and mechanisms are developed in order to guarantee a safety level up to the requirements of modern life. Among them, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) intended to locate activities or abnormal behaviors suspect to be detrimental to the correct operation of the system. The purpose of this work is the design and the realization of an IDPS inspired from natural immune systems. The study of biological systems to get inspired from them for the resolution of computer science problems is an axis of the artificial intelligence field which gave rise to robust and effective methods by their natural function, the immune systems aroused the interest of researchers in the intrusion detection field, taking into account the similarities of NIS (Natural Immune System) and IDPS objectives. Within the framework of this work, we conceived an IDPS inspired from natural immune system and implemented by using a directed approach. A platform was developed and tests were carried out in order to assess our system performances.
Challenges Over Two Semantic Repositories - OWLIM and AllegroGraph
Authors: Tajabor Paria , Raafat Tara
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this research study is exploring two kind of semantic repositories with regards to various factors to find the best approaches that an artificial manager can use to produce ontology in a system based on their interaction, association and research. To this end, as the best way to evaluate each system and comparing with others is analysis, several benchmarking over these two repositories were examined. These two semantic repositories: OWLIM and AllegroGraph will be the main core of this study.  The general objective of this study is to be able to create an efficient and cost-effective manner reports which is required to support decision making in any large enterprise.
Information Retrieval: Textual Indexing Using an Oriented Object Database
Authors: Erritali Mohammed
Published: June 2016

The growth in the volume of text data such as books and articles in libraries for centuries has imposed to establish effective mechanisms to locate them. Early techniques such as abstraction, indexing and the use of classification categories have marked the birth of a new field of research called "Information Retrieval". Information Retrieval (IR) can be defined as the task of defining models and systems whose purpose is to facilitate access to a set of documents in electronic form (corpus) to allow a user to find the relevant ones for him, that is to say, the contents which matches with the information needs of the user.  Most of the models of information retrieval use a specific data structure to index a corpus which is called "inverted file" or "reverse index". This inverted file collects information on all terms over the corpus documents specifying the identifiers of documents that contain the term in question, the frequency of each term in the documents of the corpus, the positions of the occurrences of the word. In this paper we use an oriented object database (db4o) instead of the inverted file, that is to say, instead to search a term in the inverted file, we will search it in the db4o database. The purpose of this work is to make a comparative study to see if the oriented object databases may be competing for the inverse index in terms of access speed and resource consumption using a large volume of data.
Nonlinear Dynamics Research between Drill Pipe and Coal Hole Wall during Gas Extraction Drilling
Authors: Han Xiaoming , Luo Chenxu , Zhang Qiangqiang
Published: June 2016

This paper analyzes the impact of gas drainage borehole drilling rod vibration phenomena stability.Taking 100m hole depth in underground coal mine as an example, the dynamic simulation analysis of the underground gas drainage drilling rod was carried out by using the ANSYS finite element dynamic analysis module LS-DYNA method.According to the collision course between the drill pipe and the coal hole wall, the Lagrange algorithm is introduced to analyze the stress change of drill pipe in the collision course of 98mm, 108mm, 118mm and 128mm. The failure mechanism of drill pipe fatigue fracture and hole wall instability caused by the collision between drill pipe and coal hole is analyzed. The results show that the stress caused by the impact of drilling speed, drilling pressure and coal hole diameter is larger than that caused by the collision between drill pipe and coal wall.
An Enhanced Symmetrical Fault Detection during Power Swing/Angular Instability using Park’s Transformation
Authors: A Jeevitha , S Devi
Published: June 2016

Power systems are subjected to a wide range of small or large disturbances during operating conditions. Power system disturbances such as line switching, generator disconnection and sudden removal of faults causes oscillations in an electrical machine rotor angles that can result in severe power swings. Depending on the protection controls, the system may remain stable or unstable and it may result in loss of synchronism. In recent years, distance relay finds difficulty between symmetrical fault and power swing which causes undesired tripping of the transmission line is the foremost reason for blackout. This paper proposes a new method Park’s Transformation and Fast Fourier Transform which are used to discriminate between the three phase fault and power swing and also to protect the backup zone of distance relay. This method is verified for normal and abnormal conditions with different load angles and different fault locations in IEEE 6-bus system are simulated in MATLAB/ Simulink. The Simulation results show the capability to avoid unwanted tripping decision of relay quickly and precisely.
A New Electrode Regulator System Identification of Arc Furnace Based on Time-Variant Nonlinear-Linear-Nonlinear Model
Authors: Wang Jinfeng , Yin Shoulin , Wang Xueying
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we express arc furnace electrode regulator system as a time-variant nonlinear-linear-nonlinear model. On this basis, we propose an online identification method based on nonlinear-linear-nonlinear model system. This new scheme solves the problem of model variation and prediction precision decline causing by time-varying of arc characteristic. In order to dispose the difficulty of parameters separation in the online identification process, this new method adopts the mind of update the parameters of linear parts and nonlinear parts respectively. It realizes the parameters separation of system effectively. Simulation results show that this method can track the changes of arc characteristics effectively. That it achieves the aim of real-time monitoring and controlling system parameters.
Determining Basic Cost of Electricity on the Regionalization System
Authors: Sabri Yusra , Zein Hermagasantos
Published: June 2016

In electric business, costs that support production called with allowable electric cost or basic cost of electricity. Therefore, the basic cost of electricity has to get more attention seriously from the electric company in order to be trusted by consumers. In determining of the costs must be transparence and do the optimizing in calculating process because of revenues from customers have to be able to cover the basic cost of electricity so that the electric company does not go bankrupt. This paper will create concept and formulations for determining the basic cost of electricity in a region. There are a few different characteristics of each region will influence the costs. The basic cost of electricity can be different among regions that were caused by generating, investment and losses in the region. Later has been done a numerical simulation to simple power system and the results are matching with desired expectations.
Single Phase Variable Sampling Phase Locked Loop using Composite Observer
Authors: Arun K , Selvajyothi K
Published: June 2016

An observer based variable sampling period phase locked loop is introduced for grid connected systems. The composite observer acts as an efficient estimator of the fundamental components from a periodic input signal rich in DC and harmonics. The observer gains are designed using pole placement technique, which inherently ensures the stability of this estimator.  Even under drift frequency, a constant number of samples (512) per cycle are maintained with the help of the numerically controlled oscillator. This makes the oscillator gain elements in the observer a constant and eliminates the trigonometric computation. This phase locked loop is found to be working in a wide range of frequency 40 – 70Hz. The performance of the proposed scheme is studied with a synthetic harmonic rich signal as well as validated by implementing the PLL in Cyclone IV FPGA with a real time grid voltage.
Induction Motors Stator Fault Analysis based on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Taha Hussein Hussein , Ammar Mohamed , Moustafa Hassan Mohamed
Published: June 2016

This article presents a method for fault detection and diagnosis of stator inter-turn short circuit in three phase induction machines. The technique is based on the stator current and modelling in the dq frame using an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy artificial intelligence approach. The developed fault analysis method is illustrated using MATLAB simulations. The obtained results are promising based on the new fault detection approach.
Transient Analysis of a Multi-phase Induction Machine Operating as Generator
Authors: Mohanty Alok Kumar , Yadav K B
Published: June 2016

Multi-phase machines are considered serious contenders as compared to the three phase machines for variable applications in generating mode. This paper presents the transient performance analysis of a multi-phase induction machine operating in six-phase mode for power generation. In this paper the simulation and experimental analysis of a six-phase machine in generating mode have been made. The simulations are made and the machine functionality was investigated during no-load and when subjected to different types of loads. Experimental results are provided to confirm the ability of these models to represent during no load as well as during load period and the result were found to be satisfactory for power generation.
Bridgeless Isolated Cuk PFC Implementation using PID and Neural Controller
Authors: Pireethi R. , Balamurugan R.
Published: June 2016

 The comparision of Bridgeless  Isolated Cuk converter using Proportional  Integral  Derivative (PID) and Neural controller (NC) is presented in this paper. Due to Diode Bridge Rectifier (DBR) conventional converters suffer from high conduction loss. Bridgeless Cuk converter is used  to eliminate the issues. Bridgeless   Isolated (BLI)  Cuk  converter is used to withstand high voltage. Compare to Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM) Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM) utilize less number of sensors. To obtain unity power factor it is used to  work in  DCM mode. BLI Cuk Converter is implemented in  two controller PID and  Neural controller to observe  power factor. Performance of BLDC motor  is simulated  by using MATLAB/SIMULINK software. 
Improved Performance of Four Switch Three Phase with SEPIC-Based Inverter
Authors: B Prabu , M Murugan
Published: June 2016

The proposed novel four-switch three-phase (FSTP) inverter is to design to reduce the rate, difficulty, mass, and switching losses of the DC-AC conversion system. Here the output line voltage cannot exceed half the input voltage in the out-dated FSTP inverter and it operates at half the DC input voltage. Single-Ended Primary-Inductance Converter (SEPIC) is a novel design for the FSTP inverter proposed in this paper. In this proposed topology the necessity of output filters is not necessary for the pure sinusoidal output voltage. Related to out-dated FSTP inverter, the proposed FSTP SEPIC inverter raises the voltage utilization aspect of the input DC supply, where the suggested topology delivers the higher output line voltage which can be extended up to the full value of the DC input voltage. In the proposed topology a control used called the integral sliding-mode (ISM) control and this control is used to enhance its dynamics and to ensure strength of the system during different operating conditions. Simulation model and results are used to authorise the proposed concept and simulations results show the effectiveness of the proposed inverter.
The opposite effects of routine metabolic rate and metabolic rate during startle responses on variation in the predictability of behaviour in hermit crabs
Authors: Velasque Mariana , Briffa Mark
Published: June 2016

Studies on animal behaviour have suggested a link between personality and energy expenditure. However, most models assume constant variation within individuals, even though individuals vary between observations. Such variation is called intraindividual variation in behaviour (IIV). We investigate if IIV in the duration of the startle response is associated with metabolic rates (MR) in the hermit crabPagurus bernhardus. We repeatedly measured startle response durations and MR during each observation. We used double hierarchical generalized linear models to ask whether among and IIV in behaviour was underpinned by MR. We found no association between the mean duration of the startle responses and either routine MR or MR during startle response. Nevertheless, we found that IIV increased with MR during startle responses and decreased with routine MR. These results indicate that crabs with higher MR during startle responses behave less predictably, and that predictability is reduced during exposure to elevated temperatures.
Effects of maternal stress and cortisol exposure at the egg stage on learning, boldness and neophobia in brook trout
Authors: Cortez Ghio Sergio , Boudreau Leblanc Antoine , Audet Céline , Aubin-Horth Nadia
Published: June 2016

The environment experienced by females can have long-lasting effects on offspring phenotype. The objective of this study was to determine if maternal stress-induced behaviour reprogramming in offspring is found in brook char and to test whether cortisol is the main mediator, by separating the potential effects of cortisol from that of other potential maternal factors. We exposed female brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) to different parallel treatments during the oogenesis period: undisturbed as controls (1) fed cortisol through food (2) or physically stressed by handling once a week (3). Additionally, we exposed half of the control eggs to a cortisol suspension before fertilisation (4). Cortisol consumption and handling did not elevate either maternal plasma or egg cortisol, although egg cortisol level was significantly increased when eggs were bathed in the suspension. We measured spatial learning and memory, boldness and neophobia in 6 month-old offspring and found no effects of treatments on learning, memory or behaviour. Our results suggest that the relationship between maternal stress, circulating and egg cortisol levels, other maternal factors, and behavioural reprogramming is context and species-specific.
Adherence to Symptom-Based Care Guidelines for Down Syndrome
Authors: Santoro Stephanie L. , Yin Han , Hopkin Robert J.
Published: June 2016

To assess adherence to symptom-based studies recommended in the health supervision guidelines for Down syndrome from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), 24 pediatric care sites participated in retrospective chart review. Symptom-based screening and 4 associated recommendations, including cervical spine radiograph, video swallow study, celiac study with tissue transglutaminase and sleep study were analyzed by reviewing well-child visit notes of 264 children with Down syndrome. Given trends toward symptom-based screens, Pearson’s chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to determine the association between symptom presence and receiving corresponding symptom-based screens. Adherence rates were widely variable ranging from 0% to 79% completion. Symptom-based studies were performed in 22% to 36% of patients. Symptom screens were documented positive in many patients, but the presence of symptoms did not correlate with completion of symptom-based screens. Symptom-based screening is low; associated studies were performed in patients without documented symptoms contrary to AAP recommendation.
The mental health of sexually trafficked female survivors in Nepal
Authors: Rimal Retina , Papadopoulos Chris
Published: June 2016

Background:

Despite further recent research into the consequences associated with human sex trafficking, scant evidence associated with the mental health outcomes among victims of sex trafficking remains, including within Nepal where trafficking continues to be a growing problem.

Aim:

To investigate the prevalence and explanatory factors of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among female survivors being housed and supported by two non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Nepal.

Methods:

A total of 66 female sex trafficking survivors being housed by two NGOs were purposively sampled. Anxiety and depression symptomatology were measured using the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist–25 instrument and PTSD symptomatology was measured using the PTSD Checklist–Civilian Version.

Results:

In all, 87%, 85.5% and 29.7% of the sample scored above anxiety, depression and PTSD thresholds, respectively. HIV-positive status and length of workday during trafficking period significantly associated with at least one outcome measure.

Conclusion:

The results contribute further evidence of how damaging sex trafficking can be to victims, particularly in terms of being at risk of clinical depression and/or anxiety. Continued efforts to prevent trafficking from occurring as well as effective, timely intervention for survivors are needed.
Making Asian Learners Talk: Encouraging Willingness to Communicate
Authors: Vongsila Vatsana , Reinders Hayo
Published: June 2016

Developing English for communicative purposes is a key objective of language classes in many parts of the world. As a logical prerequisite to communication practice, learners need to have Willingness to Communicate (WTC) before they will engage in L2 interaction (Macintyre et al., 1998). Teachers can play an important role in helping learners to develop WTC (Dörnyei, 2007), however, since research into this topic is relatively recent, not much is known about how teachers go about this process. For this reason, the present study investigated teachers’ perceptions of their role in fostering WTC through interviews and questionnaires and compared these with observations of their classroom practices. The research was conducted in New Zealand ESOL class that focused predominantly on communicative skills, catering mostly to Asian learners. The results showed that teachers believed they play a key role in helping learners to develop WTC and identified a range of strategies they used in class. Classroom observations confirmed the use of some strategies although no explicit encouragement of language practice outside the classroom was made. This paper identifies some possible reasons for this mismatch and concludes with practical recommendations for ESOL teachers who wish to support learners’ WTC.
Wet-chemical method for the metallization of a para-aramid filament yarn wound on a cylindrical dyeing package
Authors: Onggar Toty , Amrhein Gosbert , Abdkader Anwar , Hund Rolf-Dieter , Cherif Chokri
Published: June 2016

High-performance yarns such as aramid fibers are nowadays used to reinforce composite materials due to their advantageous physico-chemical properties and their low weight. They are also resistant to heat and fire. Para-aramid filament yarns (p-AFs) wound on a cylindrical dyeing package have been silvered successfully by means of a newly developed wet-chemical filament yarn metallization process on a laboratory scale. The surface morphology of untreated and silvered p-AF was determined by means of scanning electron microscopy. The chemical structure of the surfaces (contents of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and silver) was determined by means of energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The eliminated and newly formed groups of p-AF before and after silvering were detected by infrared spectroscopy (Fourier transform—attenuated total reflectance). After metallization, the silver layer thickness, the mass-related silver content and washing and rubbing fastness were assessed. Furthermore, textile-physical examinations concerning Young's modulus, elongation at break and electrical conductivity were performed. Subsequently, the electrically conductive p-AFs were integrated in thermoset composite materials reinforced by glass fibers and para-aramid.
Interactive virtual try-on based three-dimensional garment block design for disabled people of scoliosis type
Authors: Hong Yan , Zeng Xianyi , Bruniaux Pascal , Liu Kaixuan
Published: June 2016

This paper introduces a co-design-based method for generating two-dimensional (2D) block patterns for physically disabled people with scoliosis, using three-dimensional (3D) virtual technology. A parameterization process is first performed on a scanned 3D body for creating a digitalized model of the human body, permitting simulation of the consumer's morphological shape with atypical physical deformations. Feature points of the human body for designing a garment block are discussed and classified with wearing ease for obtaining a desired fit effect based on the parameterized model. A basic garment block wire-frame aligned with body features is then established based on the defined feature points of the human body. Based on the deformed wireframe, a 3D expandable garment block is modeled. Customized 2D and 3D virtual garment prototyping tools are applied to create customized garment products based on the general concept of co-design by running the sequence Design–Display–Evaluation–Adjustment using the garment design process and design knowledge, which have already been applied to normal body shapes successfully. Through this process, the classical 2D garment design knowledge, especially 2D pattern design rules, will be modified according to the virtual garment evaluation procedure. The proposed method is validated and compared with the conventional block patternmaking methods in the virtual environment. The experimental results show that the proposed method is easier to implement and can generate garment patterns with satisfactory fit. Furthermore, the method can be used to create fit-ensured mass-customized apparel products (the top body type) for disabled people with scoliosis.
The Predictive Validity of the Post-Conviction Risk Assessment Among Federal Offenders
Authors: Luallen Jeremy , Radakrishnan Sharmini , Rhodes William
Published: June 2016

In the U.S. federal court system, the Probation and Pretrial Services Office (PPSO) uses a tool known as the Post-Conviction Risk Assessment (PCRA) to assess offender risk and identify challenges offenders face while under supervision. This article evaluates the PCRA and its components to determine its usefulness as a predictive tool for evaluating risk. Overall, we find that the PCRA is an effective tool for classifying offenders as it is currently designed, achieving a level of predictive validity comparable with its competitors. Notably, we also find that the PCRA effectively differentiates offenders early in supervision terms, and that its predictive power diminishes as time under supervision lengthens. Finally, the strength of PCRA classification appears to vary with offense type. The PCRA performs well for some offenses including drug, violent, and property offenses, but provides less utility in reliably predicting less common offenses.
Oil and the Chávez Legacy
Authors: Hellinger Daniel
Published: June 2016

In the final 15 years of the Punto Fijo era (1958–1998), as state institutions and socioeconomic conditions deteriorated, the executive class of Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. broke free from state control. In his 15 years as president of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez reasserted the state’s control over the company and reestablished a fiscal regime that brought the country enormous financial benefits. It is a legacy, however, that has an uncertain future.

En los últimos 15 años de la era del Punto Fijo (1958–1998), mientras las instituciones estatales y las condiciones socioeconómicas se deterioraban, los ejecutivos de Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. se independizaron del control estatal. Durante sus 15 años como presidente de Venezuela, Hugo Chávez reafirmó el control del estado sobre esta compañía y reestableció un régimen fiscal que le rindió grandes beneficios económicos al país. Se trata, sin embargo, de un legado que tiene un futuro incierto.
Adaptive feedback passivity-based disturbance attenuation for switched nonlinearly parameterized systems
Authors: Pang Hongbo , Zhao Jun
Published: June 2016

This paper investigates the adaptive feedback passification and disturbance attenuation problems for a class of switched nonlinearly parameterized systems. First, a state-dependent switching law and a set of adaptive feedback controllers with new control inputs are designed to render the resulting closed-loop system passive for a class of switched nonlinearly parameterized systems without external disturbance. Then, the new control inputs are designed to solve the disturbance attenuation problem. Second, a set of adaptive feedback controllers and a composite state-dependent switching law are designed to solve the adaptive feedback passivity-based disturbance attenuation problem for a class of cascaded switched nonlinearly parameterized systems. A numerical example shows the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Distributed adaptive consensus control for multi-agent systems with Lipschitz nonlinear dynamics
Authors: Xu Xiaole , Gao Lixin
Published: June 2016

In this paper, the observer-based consensus problem for nonlinear multi-agent systems is considered. The dynamics of each agent is given in general form of Lipschitz nonlinear system, and the communication topology among the agents is assumed to be undirected and connected. The leader-following case and leaderless case are discussed. In the former, it is assumed that the leader’s input is possibly nonzero and time-varying and only a subset of the following agents can access the state information of the leader. To track the active leader, a distributed adaptive consensus protocol, based on the relative-output information with its neighbouring agents, is proposed for each following agent. It is shown that under suitable conditions, all the following agents can track the leader under the designed adaptive controllers and observers. Following that, the leaderless case is probed. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate our obtained result.
Stability analysis of decentralized event-triggered H∞ control using the quadratic convex approach
Authors: Li Fuqiang , Fu Jingqi , Du Dajun
Published: June 2016

This paper studies the stability analysis of the decentralized event-triggered H∞ control with communication delays using the quadratic convex approach. Unlike the decentralized event-triggered mechanism (ETM), which only uses the information from the sensor itself by considering the communication topology of the wireless sensor network, a more general decentralized ETM is first proposed by using the information from both the sensor itself and its neighbours. Then, a time-delay system model with parameters of the decentralized ETM, directed graph information, communication delays and external disturbances is presented. In addition, novel delay-dependent asymptotic stability criteria are derived by using the augmented Lyapunov–Krasovski functional (LKF), which contains the cross terms of variables and quadratic terms multiplied by a higher degree scalar function. Unlike some prior results using the first-order convex combination property, our derivation applies the quadratic convex approach with the augmented LKF, which results in less conservatism. Moreover, sufficient conditions for the co-design of the controller and the decentralized ETM are obtained. Finally, numerical examples confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Performance improvement of shunt active power filter by a new wavelet-based low-pass filter: Theory and implementation
Authors: Modarresi Javad , Fallah Mehdi , Gholipour Eskandar , Abarzadeh Mostafa
Published: June 2016

In this paper, a wavelet-based low-pass filter (WBLPF) is proposed to improve the direct current (DC) component separation speed. To this end, three different methods are studied to implement discrete wavelet transform, and then they are compared with each other in term of transient response time, accuracy and computational cost. Afterwards, the conventional low-pass filter is replaced by the new WBLPF in the p-q method. This replacement increases the speed of DC component separation, and consequently the performance of the shunt active power filter is improved. To verify and examine the proposed method, a power system is simulated in MATLAB software and a prototype is implemented in the laboratory. The simulation and experimental results confirm the superiority of the proposed method.
The Life of an Idiot: Artaud and the Dogmatic Image of Thought after Deleuze
Authors: Shaw Jon K.
Published: June 2016

The conceptual persona of the idiot recurs and evolves over the decades between Deleuze’s Difference and Repetition and his final book with Guattari, What is Philosophy?, shifting from a philosophical question to a nonphilosophical one that allies thought with literature and life. The great figure of this shock of literature is Antonin Artaud who, Deleuze argues, refinds thought’s creative capacity by putting it back in touch with its immanent outside – with a machinic and pre-personal ‘unthought’. This essay will argue that by turning to works from later in Artaud’s œuvre, especially the 1946 poem-cycle Artaud le Mômo, the problem of idiocy meets a correlative problem concerning life and death. Artaud establishes a four-fold of thought-unthought-life-unlife which is problematically resolved in what he calls a ‘body’, a figure which I will argue requires that we rethink the relationship Artaud experiences between idiocy and suffering.
3DStock: A new kind of three-dimensional model of the building stock of England and Wales, for use in energy analysis
Authors: Evans Stephen , Liddiard Rob , Steadman Philip
Published: June 2016

This article describes the development of a new three-dimensional model of the British building stock, called ‘3DStock’. The model differs from other 3D urban and stock models, in that it represents explicitly and in detail the spatial relationships between ‘premises’ and ‘buildings’. It also represents the pattern of activities on different floors within buildings. The geometrical/geographical structure of the model is assembled automatically from two existing national data sets. Additional data from other sources including figures for electricity and gas consumption are then attached. Some sample results are given for energy use intensities. The first purpose of the model is in the analysis of energy use in the building stock. With actual energy data for very large numbers of premises, it is possible to take a completely new type of statistical approach, in which consumption can be related to a range of characteristics including activity, built form, construction and materials. Models have been built to date of the London Borough of Camden and the cities of Leicester, Tamworth and Swindon. Work is in progress to extend the modelling to other parts of Britain. Because of the coverage of the data, this will be limited however to England and Wales.
Why business angels reject investment opportunities: Is it personal?
Authors: Mason Colin , Botelho Tiago , Zygmunt Justyna
Published: June 2016

A major focus of research on business angels has examined their decision-making processes and investment criteria. As business angels reject most opportunities they receive, this article explores the reasons informing such decisions. In view of angel heterogeneity, investment opportunities might be expected to be rejected for differing reasons. Two sources of data are used to examine this issue. Face-to-face interviews with 30 business angels in Scotland and Northern Ireland provided information on typical ‘deal killers’. This was complemented by an Internet survey that attracted responses from 238 business angels from across the UK. The findings confirm that the main reason for rejection relates to the entrepreneur/management team. However, angel characteristics do not explain the number of reasons given for opportunity rejection nor do they predict the reasons for rejecting investment opportunities. This could be related to the increasing trend for business angels to join organised groups which, in turn, leads to the development of a shared repertoire of investment approaches. We therefore suggest the concept of ‘communities-of-practice’ as an explanation for this finding.
Results of a Pilates exercise program in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Valenza MC , Rodríguez-Torres J , Cabrera-Martos I , Díaz-Pelegrina A , Aguilar-Ferrándiz ME , Castellote-Caballero Y
Published: June 2016

Objective:

To investigate the effects of a Pilates exercise program on disability, pain, lumbar mobility, flexibility and balance in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

University laboratory.

Participants:

A total of 54 patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Intervention:

Patients were randomly allocated to an experimental group ( n=27) included in a Pilates exercise program or to a control group ( n=27) receiving information in a form of a leaflet.

Main outcome measures:

Disability (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and Oswestry Disability Index), current, average and pain at it least and at its worst (Visual Analogue Scales), lumbar mobility (modified Shober test), flexibility (finger-to-floor test) and balance (single limb stance test) were measured at baseline and after the intervention.

Results:

A between-group analysis showed significant differences in the intervention group compared to the control group for both disability scores, the Rolland-Morris questionnaire (mean change±standard deviation of 5.31±3.37 and 2.40±6.78 respectively and between-groups mean difference of 3.2 ± 4.12, p=0.003) and the Oswestry Disability Index ( p<0.001), current pain ( p=0.002) and pain at it least ( p=0.033), flexibility (0.032) and balance (0.043).

Conclusions:

An 8-week Pilates exercise program is effective in improving disability, pain, flexibility and balance in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.
Anisotropic cerebral vascular architecture causes orientation dependency in cerebral blood flow and volume measured with dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Hernández-Torres Enedino , Kassner Nora , Forkert Nils Daniel , Wei Luxi , Wiggermann Vanessa , Daemen Madeleine , Machan Lindsay , Traboulsee Anthony , Li David , Rauscher Alexander
Published: June 2016

Measurements of cerebral perfusion using dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging rely on the assumption of isotropic vascular architecture. However, a considerable fraction of vessels runs in parallel with white matter tracts. Here, we investigate the effects of tissue orientation on dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging. Tissue orientation was measured using diffusion tensor imaging and dynamic susceptibility contrast was performed with gradient echo planar imaging. Perfusion parameters and the raw dynamic susceptibility contrast signals were correlated with tissue orientation. Additionally, numerical simulations were performed for a range of vascular volumes of both the isotropic vascular bed and anisotropic vessel components, as well as for a range of contrast agent concentrations. The effect of the contrast agent was much larger in white matter tissue perpendicular to the main magnetic field compared to white matter parallel to the main magnetic field. In addition, cerebral blood flow and cerebral blood volume were affected in the same way with angle-dependent variations of up to 130%. Mean transit time and time to maximum of the residual curve exhibited weak orientation dependency of 10%. Numerical simulations agreed with the measured data, showing that one-third of the white matter vascular volume is comprised of vessels running in parallel with the fibre tracts.
Perceptual Experience of Visual Motion Activates hMT+ Independently From the Physical Reality: fMRI Insights From the Looming Pinna Figure
Authors: Budnik U. , Hindi-Attar C. , Hamburger K. , Pinna B. , Hennig J. , Speck O.
Published: June 2016

The human motion processing area, hMT+, has been labeled the critical neural area for processing of real and illusory visual motion in radial 2D patterns. However, the activation in hMT+ during perception of illusory rotation in the looming double-circular Pinna Figure (PF) generated in 3D space has not been observed yet. To do so, an optic-flow like motion of rings (looming) in PF was generated on a computer screen. A psychophysically precise nulling procedure allowed quantifying the individual amount of the perceived illusory rotation in PF (PI) for each participant. The interpolation of the individual illusory motion parameters created a subjectively non-rotating PF and a physically rotating control stimulus of identical rotary strength as the PI. The physically rotating control was a double-circular figure which diverged from PF only in its arrangement of luminance gradients. In a 3-Tesla scanner, participants were presented with a random order of rotating and non-rotating figures (illusory, real, no rotation, and nulled PI). Both types, illusory and real rotation, when equal in perceptual strength for the observer, were found to be processed by hMT+.
Long-Term Exposure to American and European Movies and Television Series Facilitates Caucasian Face Perception in Young Chinese Watchers
Authors: Wang Yamin , Zhou Lu
Published: June 2016

Most young Chinese people now learn about Caucasian individuals via media, especially American and European movies and television series (AEMT). The current study aimed to explore whether long-term exposure to AEMT facilitates Caucasian face perception in young Chinese watchers. Before the experiment, we created Chinese, Caucasian, and generic average faces (generic average face was created from both Chinese and Caucasian faces) and tested participants’ ability to identify them. In the experiment, we asked AEMT watchers and Chinese movie and television series (CMT) watchers to complete a facial norm detection task. This task was developed recently to detect norms used in facial perception. The results indicated that AEMT watchers coded Caucasian faces relative to a Caucasian face norm better than they did to a generic face norm, whereas no such difference was found among CMT watchers. All watchers coded Chinese faces by referencing a Chinese norm better than they did relative to a generic norm. The results suggested that long-term exposure to AEMT has the same effect as daily other-race face contact in shaping facial perception.
Femoral Neck Stress Fracture
Authors: Ramey Lindsay N. , McInnis Kelly C. , Palmer William E.
Published: June 2016

Background:

Limited research is available regarding return-to-running (RTR) time after femoral neck stress fractures. While studies have shown the prognostic value of image-based grading scales for stress fractures at other sites, few have included femoral neck stress fractures.

Purpose:

To determine if the grade of femoral neck stress fractures based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics correlates with RTR time.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

This study included 24 patients (mean age, 32.9 years; range, 18-51 years) who were diagnosed with 27 femoral neck stress fractures by MRI from 2009 to 2015 at a single sports medicine clinic. All fractures were compression sided and were treated nonoperatively. Charts were reviewed for patient demographics and RTR time. Images were graded from 1 to 4 using the Arendt stress fracture severity scale. Statistical analysis was performed using survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard model to compare the RTR time between grades. Cox regression was repeated, adjusted for age, bone mineral density (BMD), and body mass index (BMI).

Results:

The mean (±standard error of the mean) RTR time in weeks for patients with fractures graded 1 to 4 was 7.4 ± 2.7 (range, 4-11), 13.8 ± 3.8 (range, 6-21), 14.7 ± 3.5 (range, 8.5-24), and 17.5 ± 3.4 (range, 10-32), respectively. Survival analysis indicated that there was a statistically significant effect of fracture grade on RTR time ( P = .0065). The Cox model indicated a statistically significant difference in RTR time between grades 1 and 2 ( P = .036), 1 and 3 ( P = .014), and 1 and 4 ( P = .002). The unadjusted hazard ratio was significant ( P = .037). There were no statistically significant differences between the remaining grades ( P = .82 for grades 2 and 3, P = .37 for grades 2 and 4, and P = .31 for grades 3 and 4). Age ( P = .71) and BMD ( P = .81) did not have an effect on RTR time. The hazard ratio remained significant ( P = .05) after adjusting for age and BMD. BMI tended to have an effect on RTR time ( P = .09). After adding BMI to the adjustment, the hazard ratio decreased in significance ( P = .13), although sample size also decreased.

Conclusion:

Grade 2 to 4 femoral neck stress fractures require longer RTR time than do grade 1 injuries. Patients with lower BMI tend to require a longer RTR time.
Are Female Soccer Players at an Increased Risk of Second Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Compared With Their Athletic Peers?
Authors: Allen Melissa M. , Pareek Ayoosh , Krych Aaron J. , Hewett Timothy E. , Levy Bruce A. , Stuart Michael J. , Dahm Diane L.
Published: June 2016

Background:

Female soccer players have a well-known risk for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, but few studies have reported on second ACL injuries in this population.

Purpose:

To (1) report the rates of subsequent ACL injury (ipsilateral graft rupture or contralateral tear) in competitive female soccer players, (2) compare these rates with those of other female athletes of similar competitive level, (3) determine risk factors for second ACL injury, and (4) report clinical outcome scores in this population.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The medical records at a single institution were reviewed for female patients who were injured during a competitive athletic event and treated with primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR) between 1998 and 2013. Patients were followed for a mean of 68.8 months postoperatively (range, 24-115.2 months). Clinical outcome was obtained via Lysholm and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. Soccer players were matched 1:1 to non-soccer athletes for age, activity level, and graft type.

Results:

A total of 180 female ACLR patients with a mean ± SD age of 19.6 ± 6.9 years met the study inclusion and exclusion criteria (90 soccer players and 90 non-soccer players). Soccer players sustained more second ACL injuries, including both graft failures (11% vs 1%; P < .01) and contralateral ACL tears (17% vs 4%; P < .01), compared with non-soccer players. Of the 67 patients who returned to soccer after ACLR (mean age, 17.5 years; range, 13-27 years), significantly more had graft tears compared with those who did not return to soccer (15% vs 0%, respectively; P = .04); however, the difference in contralateral ACL tears (19% for returning players vs 9% for those who did not return; P = .34) was not significant. Relatively older age (odds ratio, 1.5 per year; P = .03) was a significant risk factor for ACL graft tear but not for contralateral ACL injury. Both groups had similar mean Lysholm (96 vs 95) and IKDC scores (95 vs 96) at final follow-up.

Conclusion:

Twenty-eight percent of all female soccer players and 34% of those players who returned to soccer had a second ACL tear. Soccer players had an increased rate of both graft tear and contralateral ACL injury compared with similar non-soccer athletes. Older age and return to soccer were significant risk factors for graft rupture.
Individual- and Relationship-Level Factors Related to Better Mental Health Outcomes following Child Abuse: Results from a Nationally Representative Canadian Sample
Authors: Afifi Tracie O. , MacMillan Harriet L. , Taillieu Tamara , Turner Sarah , Cheung Kristene , Sareen Jitender , Boyle Michael H.
Published: June 2016

Objective:

Child abuse can have devastating mental health consequences. Fortunately, not all individuals exposed to child abuse will suffer from poor mental health. Understanding what factors are related to good mental health following child abuse can provide evidence to inform prevention of impairment. Our objectives were to 1) describe the prevalence of good, moderate, and poor mental health among respondents with and without a child abuse history; 2) examine the relationships between child abuse and good, moderate, and poor mental health outcomes; 3) examine the relationships between individual- and relationship-level factors and better mental health outcomes; and 4) determine if individual- and relationship-level factors moderate the relationship between child abuse and mental health.

Method:

Data were from the nationally representative 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health ( n = 23,395; household response rate = 79.8%; 18 years and older). Good, moderate, and poor mental health was assessed using current functioning and well-being, past-year mental disorders, and past-year suicidal ideation.

Results:

Only 56.3% of respondents with a child abuse history report good mental health compared to 72.4% of those without a child abuse history. Individual- and relationship-level factors associated with better mental health included higher education and income, physical activity, good coping skills to handle problems and daily demands, and supportive relationships that foster attachment, guidance, reliable alliance, social integration, and reassurance of worth.

Conclusions:

This study identifies several individual- and relationship-level factors that could be targeted for intervention strategies aimed at improving mental health outcomes following child abuse.
Elastic anisotropy of kenaf fibre and micromechanical modeling of nonwoven kenaf fibre/epoxy composites
Authors: Andre NG , Ariawan Dody , Mohd Ishak ZA
Published: June 2016

In this work, nonwoven kenaf fibre/epoxy composites were produced by using resin transfer moulding. The effect of kenaf fibre volume fraction on the composites’ tensile properties and Poisson’s ratio was investigated. Experimental results show that highest tensile properties and Poisson’s ratio were attained at volume fraction = 0.42. A simple method has been developed to predict the fibre transverse modulus and has allowed the characterisation of kenaf fibre’s elastic anisotropy. The performance of the Tsai–Pagano model in predicting the composites’ tensile modulus and Poisson’s ratio was compared with the Manera and Cox-Krenchel model. Results showed that the consideration of fibre’s elastic anisotropy in the Tsai–Pagano model yielded a good prediction of both composites’ modulus and Poisson’s ratio. Meanwhile, the Bowyer–Bader model produced a better tensile strength prediction owing to the inclusion of fibre length and orientation factors in the model.