bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychophysiological Assessment in Pilots Performing Challenging Simulated and Real Flight Maneuvers
Authors: Johannes Bernd , Rothe Stefanie , Gens André , Westphal Soeren , Birkenfeld Katja , Mulder Edwin , Rittweger Jörn , Ledderhos Carla
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND: The objective assessment of psychophysiological arousal during challenging flight maneuvers is of great interest to aerospace medicine, but remains a challenging task. In the study presented here, a vector-methodological approach was used which integrates different
psychophysiological variables, yielding an integral arousal index called the Psychophysiological Arousal Value (PAV).METHODS: The arousal levels of 15 male pilots were assessed during predetermined, well-defined flight maneuvers performed under simulated and real flight conditions.RESULTS:
The physiological data, as expected, revealed inter- and intra-individual differences for the various measurement conditions. As indicated by the PAV, air-to-air refueling (AAR) turned out to be the most challenging task. In general, arousal levels were comparable between simulator and real
flight conditions. However, a distinct difference was observed when the pilots were divided by instructors into two groups based on their proficiency in AAR with AWACS (AAR-Novices vs. AAR-Professionals). AAR-Novices had on average more than 2000 flight hours on other aircrafts. They showed
higher arousal reactions to AAR in real flight (contact: PAV score 8.4 ± 0.37) than under simulator conditions (7.1 ± 0.30), whereas AAR-Professionals did not (8.5 ± 0.46 vs. 8.8 ± 0.80).DISCUSSION: The psychophysiological arousal value assessment was
tested in field measurements, yielding quantifiable arousal differences between proficiency groups of pilots during simulated and real flight conditions. The method used in this study allows an evaluation of the psychophysiological cost during a certain flying performance and thus is possibly
a valuable tool for objectively evaluating the actual skill status of pilots.Johannes B, Rothe S, Gens A, Westphal S, Birkenfeld K, Mulder E, Rittweger J, Ledderhos C. Psychophysiological assessment in pilots performing challenging simulated and real flight maneuvers. Aerosp Med
Hum Perform. 2017; 88(9):834–840.
Protective Effects of Emotional Intelligence and Proactive Coping on Civil Pilots’ Mental Health
Authors: Guo Yaning , Ji Ming , You Xuqun , Huang Jie
Published: August 2017

INTRODUCTION: Pilots’ mental health is an issue of crucial importance that may endanger flight safety. As such, it is of profound significance to address the question of what characteristics are protective of mental health among pilots. The present study aimed to explore
the indirect effects of emotional intelligence (EI) on depression and anxiety via proactive coping, and examine the moderating role of previous flight experience (PFE) in the conditional indirect effect of EI on depression through proactive coping.METHODS: A cross-sectional regression
design was used to measure EI (Trait Meta Mood Scale), proactive coping (Proactive Coping Scale), depression (The PHQ-9), and anxiety (The GAD-7) among 319 Chinese civil pilots from China Southern Airlines. Mediation and moderated mediation effects were explored using regression analyses and
were confirmed by the bootstrapping approach.RESULTS: Pilots reported relatively low levels of depression (M = 0.39, SD = 0.24) and anxiety (M = 0.22, SD = 0.23). Married pilots had higher levels of depression (t = 2.46) and anxiety (t = 3.07) than single pilots. Proactive
coping mediated the association between EI and depression (B = −0.25), as well as the relationship between EI and anxiety (B = −0.23). Moreover, conditional process analysis showed that PFE moderated the indirect effect of EI on depression through proactive coping (b3
= 0.005), in which simple slope analysis showed a stronger mediating effect for pilots with more PFE (simple slope = −0.14).DISCUSSION: The results showed that EI and proactive coping had protective potential in the prevention of depression and anxiety. Implications for the
promotion of mental health and diminishing depression and anxiety among pilots are discussed.Guo Y, Ji M, You X, Huang J. Protective effects of emotional intelligence and proactive coping on civil pilots’ mental health. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(9):858–865.
Autonomic Cardiovascular Responses to Orthostatic Stress After a Short Artificial Gravity Exposure
Authors: Zhang Qingguang , Evans Joyce M. , Stenger Michael B. , Moore Fritz B. , Knapp Charles F.
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND: Intermittent artificial gravity (AG) training over days and weeks has been shown to improve the human orthostatic tolerance limit (OTL) and improve cardiovascular regulation in response to orthostatic stress. Effects of a single AG exposure are currently unknown.METHODS:
We tested cardiovascular responses to orthostatic stress in 16 hypovolemic subjects (9 men and 7 women), once following a single, short (∼90 min) bout of AG and once following a similar period of head-down bed rest (HDBR). Hypovolemia was produced by intravenous furosemide infusion (20
mg) and orthostatic stress was produced by combined 70° head-up tilt (HUT) and progressively increasing lower body negative pressure until symptoms of presyncope developed. To assess reflex-induced changes in cardiovascular regulation, heart rate and blood pressure variability were analyzed
by spectral analysis and baroreflex activity was evaluated by transfer function analysis.RESULTS: Compared to HDBR, a short AG exposure increased men’s low frequency (0.04–0.15 Hz) power of systolic blood pressure (SBPLF), but did not change women’s
SBPLF responses to orthostatic stress. In response to 70° HUT, compared to supine, low frequency phase delay (PhaseLF) between systolic blood pressure and RR intervals increased by ∼20% following HDBR, but did not change following AG, reflecting improved baroreflex
activity at a milder level of orthostatic stress after AG.CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that a short bout of AG increased both sympathetic and baroreflex responsiveness to orthostatic stress in hypovolemia-induced, cardiovascular-deconditioned men and women, which may contribute
to the AG-induced improvement of OTL shown in our previous reports.Zhang Q, Evans JM, Stenger MB, Moore FB, Knapp CF. Autonomic cardiovascular responses to orthostatic stress after a short artificial gravity exposure. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(9):827–833.
Cross-Sectional Survey of Physicians on Providing Volunteer Care for In-Flight Medical Events
Authors: Chatfield Eric , Bond William F. , McCay Bradley , Thibeault Claude , Alves Paulo M. , Squillante Marc , Timpe Joshua , Cook Courtney J. , Bertino Raymond E.
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND: Airline carriers have equipment, procedures, and protocols in place to handle in-flight medical events (IFMEs). Community physicians may be asked for aid during IFMEs. Cross-Sectional Survey of Physicians on Providing Volunteer Care for In-Flight Medical Events
surveyed self-assessed awareness and knowledge, perceived barriers, and suggestions for improving responses to IFMEs.METHODS: We composed a survey regarding clinicians’ self-assessed understanding of in-flight resources, procedures, flight environmental issues, and Good Samaritan
protections. The survey was distributed primarily via electronic mail to medical staff list serves to a total of approximately 1300 physicians representing 2 health networks that serve urban, suburban, and rural areas in both inpatient and outpatient settings.RESULTS: Total number
of responses was 418. Physician response rate was 29.2% (379/1300). In 3% (39/1300), the responder either failed to indicate their background or was another type of health care professional (e.g., dentist, medical student, physician assistant). Of the physicians, 37.5% (142/379) were primary
care and 42% (177/418) of responders reported at least one experience of being asked to volunteer. When asked how well they understand the protocols with which medical events are handled, 64% (262/412) responded “not at all” and 23% (94/412) reported “a little” knowledge.
Only 56% (223/397) answered that 75% or more of U.S. flights have ground medical support available. There were 73% (298/411) who believed airlines were required to have medical supplies, but 54% (222/410) reported no knowledge of supplies available. A total of 69% (279/403) believed or were
sure that the U.S. has a Good Samaritan law that applies to IFMEs.DISCUSSION: Many physicians lack basic knowledge about IFMEs. Responders may assist more effectively if better informed about protocols and the availability of ground medical support. Education and timely information
support are recommended.Chatfield E, Bond WF, McCay B, Thibeault C, Alves PM, Squillante M, Timpe J, Cook CJ, Bertino RE. Cross-Sectional Survey of Physicians on Providing Volunteer Care for In-Flight Medical Events. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(9):876–879.
Cerebellar Infarction Presenting with Acute Vestibular Syndrome in Two U.S. Air Force Pilots
Authors: Hesselbrock Roger R.
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND: Cerebellar infarction is an uncommon but serious cause of isolated acute vestibular symptoms, particularly in young, healthy individuals, and can easily be overlooked. We present two cases of cerebellar infarction in U.S. Air Force pilots, one of which occurred during
flight.CASE REPORTS: A 41-yr-old man developed acute vertigo, disequilibrium, nausea, and headache, with progressive slow symptomatic improvement, and presented to medical attention 4 d after symptom onset. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed right inferomedial cerebellar infarction.
Echocardiography discovered patent foramen ovale and atrial septal aneurysm. A 40-yr-old man developed severe vertigo, nausea, and vomiting during initial aircraft descent. Head computed tomography scan was performed acutely and was normal. Initial assessment was benign paroxysmal positional
vertigo. Brain magnetic resonance imaging 1 mo after symptom onset showed a small right inferior cerebellar infarction. Patent foramen ovale and bilateral atrial enlargement were seen on echocardiography. Both pilots made full neurological recoveries and were eventually returned to flight
status.DISCUSSION: Central causes of isolated acute vestibular symptoms are uncommon and are often not considered in otherwise healthy individuals. Cerebellar infarction is one of these uncommon but increasingly recognized causes of acute vestibular symptoms. As evaluation and management
of central causes are much different from peripheral conditions, prompt localization confirmation is paramount. Accurate evidence-based bedside screening methods are available for rapid localization. Awareness of the possibility of central etiologies and careful clinical evaluation with application
of bedside screening methods in patients with acute vestibular symptoms will reduce the number of inaccurate diagnoses.Hesselbrock RR. Cerebellar infarction presenting with acute vestibular syndrome in two U.S. Air Force pilots. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(9):880–883.
An effective Pd nanocatalyst in aqueous media: stilbene synthesis by Mizoroki–Heck coupling reaction under microwave irradiation
Authors: García Carolina S , Uberman Paula M , Martín Sandra E
Published: August 2017

Aqueous Mizoroki–Heck coupling reactions under microwave irradiation (MW) were carried out with a colloidal Pd nanocatalyst stabilized with poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). Many stilbenes and novel heterostilbenes were achieved in good to excellent yields starting from aryl bromides and different olefins. The reaction was carried out in a short reaction time and with low catalyst loading, leading to high turnover frequency (TOFs of the order of 100 h−1). The advantages like operational simplicity, high robustness, efficiency and turnover frequency, the utilization of aqueous media and simple product work-up make this protocol a great option for stilbene syntheses by Mizoroki–Heck reaction.
Molecular-cloud-scale Chemical Composition. I. A Mapping Spectral Line Survey toward W51 in the 3 mm Band
Authors: Watanabe Yoshimasa , Nishimura Yuri , Harada Nanase , Sakai Nami , Shimonishi Takashi , Aikawa Yuri , Kawamura Akiko , Yamamoto Satoshi
Published: August 2017

We have conducted a mapping spectral line survey toward the Galactic giant molecular cloud W51 in the 3 mm band with the Mopra 22 m telescope in order to study an averaged chemical composition of the gas extended over a molecular-cloud scale in our Galaxy. We have observed the area of 25′ × 30′, which corresponds to 39 pc × 47 pc. The frequency ranges of the observation are 85.1–101.1 GHz and 107.0–114.9 GHz. In the spectrum spatially averaged over the observed area, spectral lines of 12 molecular species and 4 additional isotopologues are identified. An intensity pattern of the spatially averaged spectrum is found to be similar to that of the spiral arm in the external galaxy M51, indicating that these two sources have similar chemical compositions. The observed area has been classified into five subregions according to the integrated intensity of 13CO(J = 1 − 0) (

), and contributions of the fluxes of 11 molecular lines from each subregion to the averaged spectrum have been evaluated. For most of the molecular species, 50% or more of the flux comes from the subregions with

from 25 to 100 K km s−1, which does not involve active star-forming regions. Therefore, the molecular-cloud-scale spectrum observed in the 3 mm band hardly represents the chemical composition of star-forming cores, but mainly represents the chemical composition of an extended quiescent molecular gas. The present result constitutes a sound base for interpreting the spectra of external galaxies at a resolution of a molecular-cloud scale (∼10 pc) or larger.
The Significance of the Influence of the CME Deflection in Interplanetary Space on the CME Arrival at Earth
Authors: Zhuang Bin , Wang Yuming , Shen Chenglong , Liu Siqing , Wang Jingjing , Pan Zonghao , Li Huimin , Liu Rui
Published: August 2017

As one of the most violent astrophysical phenomena, coronal mass ejections (CMEs) have strong potential space weather effects. However, not all Earth-directed CMEs encounter the Earth and produce geo-effects. One reason is the deflected propagation of CMEs in interplanetary space. Although there have been several case studies clearly showing such deflections, it has not yet been statistically assessed how significantly the deflected propagation would influence the CME’s arrival at Earth. We develop an integrated CME-arrival forecasting (iCAF) system, assembling the modules of CME detection, three-dimensional (3D) parameter derivation, and trajectory reconstruction to predict whether or not a CME arrives at Earth, and we assess the deflection influence on the CME-arrival forecasting. The performance of iCAF is tested by comparing the two-dimensional (2D) parameters with those in the Coordinated Data Analysis Workshop (CDAW) Data Center catalog, comparing the 3D parameters with those of the gradual cylindrical shell model, and estimating the success rate of the CME Earth-arrival predictions. It is found that the 2D parameters provided by iCAF and the CDAW catalog are consistent with each other, and the 3D parameters derived by the ice cream cone model based on single-view observations are acceptable. The success rate of the CME-arrival predictions by iCAF with deflection considered is about 82%, which is 19% higher than that without deflection, indicating the importance of the CME deflection for providing a reliable forecasting. Furthermore, iCAF is a worthwhile project since it is a completely automatic system with deflection taken into account.
A Robust Mass Estimator for Dark Matter Subhalo Perturbations in Strong Gravitational Lenses
Authors: Minor Quinn E. , Kaplinghat Manoj , Li Nan
Published: August 2017

A few dark matter substructures have recently been detected in strong gravitational lenses through their perturbations of highly magnified images. We derive a characteristic scale for lensing perturbations and show that they are significantly larger than the perturber’s Einstein radius. We show that the perturber’s projected mass enclosed within this radius, scaled by the log-slope of the host galaxy’s density profile, can be robustly inferred even if the inferred density profile and tidal radius of the perturber are biased. We demonstrate the validity of our analytic derivation using several gravitational lens simulations where the tidal radii and the inner log-slopes of the density profile of the perturbing subhalo are allowed to vary. By modeling these simulated data, we find that our mass estimator, which we call the effective subhalo lensing mass, is accurate to within about 10% or smaller in each case, whereas the inferred total subhalo mass can potentially be biased by nearly an order of magnitude. We therefore recommend that the effective subhalo lensing mass be reported in future lensing reconstructions, as this will allow for a more accurate comparison with the results of dark matter simulations.
What Sets the Radial Locations of Warm Debris Disks?
Authors: Ballering Nicholas P. , Rieke George H. , Su Kate Y. L. , Gáspár András
Published: August 2017

The architectures of debris disks encode the history of planet formation in these systems. Studies of debris disks via their spectral energy distributions (SEDs) have found infrared excesses arising from cold dust, warm dust, or a combination of the two. The cold outer belts of many systems have been imaged, facilitating their study in great detail. Far less is known about the warm components, including the origin of the dust. The regularity of the disk temperatures indicates an underlying structure that may be linked to the water snow line. If the dust is generated from collisions in an exo-asteroid belt, the dust will likely trace the location of the water snow line in the primordial protoplanetary disk where planetesimal growth was enhanced. If instead the warm dust arises from the inward transport from a reservoir of icy material farther out in the system, the dust location is expected to be set by the current snow line. We analyze the SEDs of a large sample of debris disks with warm components. We find that warm components in single-component systems (those without detectable cold components) follow the primordial snow line rather than the current snow line, so they likely arise from exo-asteroid belts. While the locations of many warm components in two-component systems are also consistent with the primordial snow line, there is more diversity among these systems, suggesting additional effects play a role.
A New Signal Model for Axion Cavity Searches from N-body Simulations
Authors: Lentz Erik W. , Quinn Thomas R. , Rosenberg Leslie J. , Tremmel Michael J.
Published: August 2017

Signal estimates for direct axion dark matter (DM) searches have used the isothermal sphere halo model for the last several decades. While insightful, the isothermal model does not capture effects from a halo’s infall history nor the influence of baryonic matter, which has been shown to significantly influence a halo’s inner structure. The high resolution of cavity axion detectors can make use of modern cosmological structure-formation simulations, which begin from realistic initial conditions, incorporate a wide range of baryonic physics, and are capable of resolving detailed structure. This work uses a state-of-the-art cosmological N-body+Smoothed-Particle Hydrodynamics simulation to develop an improved signal model for axion cavity searches. Signal shapes from a class of galaxies encompassing the Milky Way are found to depart significantly from the isothermal sphere. A new signal model for axion detectors is proposed and projected sensitivity bounds on the Axion DM eXperiment (ADMX) data are presented.
NuSTAR Hard X-Ray Observation of a Sub-A Class Solar Flare
Authors: Glesener Lindsay , Krucker Säm , Hannah Iain G. , Hudson Hugh , Grefenstette Brian W. , White Stephen M. , Smith David M. , Marsh Andrew J.
Published: August 2017

We report a Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) observation of a solar microflare, SOL2015-09-01T04. Although it was too faint to be observed by the GOES X-ray Sensor, we estimate the event to be an A0.1 class flare in brightness. This microflare, with only ∼5 counts s−1 detector−1 observed by the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI), is fainter than any hard X-ray (HXR) flare in the existing literature. The microflare occurred during a solar pointing by the highly sensitive NuSTAR astrophysical observatory, which used its direct focusing optics to produce detailed HXR microflare spectra and images. The microflare exhibits HXR properties commonly observed in larger flares, including a fast rise and more gradual decay, earlier peak time with higher energy, spatial dimensions similar to the RHESSI microflares, and a high-energy excess beyond an isothermal spectral component during the impulsive phase. The microflare is small in emission measure, temperature, and energy, though not in physical size; observations are consistent with an origin via the interaction of at least two magnetic loops. We estimate the increase in thermal energy at the time of the microflare to be 2.4 × 1027 erg. The observation suggests that flares do indeed scale down to extremely small energies and retain what we customarily think of as “flare-like” properties.
Star Formation of Merging Disk Galaxies with AGN Feedback Effects
Authors: Park Jongwon , Smith Rory , Yi Sukyoung K.
Published: August 2017

Using a numerical hydrodynamics code, we perform various idealized galaxy merger simulations to study the star formation (SF) of two merging disk galaxies. Our simulations include gas accretion onto supermassive black holes and active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback. By comparing AGN simulations with those without AGNs, we attempt to understand when the AGN feedback effect is significant. Using ∼70 simulations, we investigate SF with the AGN effect in mergers with a variety of mass ratios, inclinations, orbits, galaxy structures, and morphologies. Using these merger simulations with AGN feedback, we measure merger-driven SF using the burst efficiency parameter introduced by Cox et al. We confirm previous studies which demonstrated that, in galaxy mergers, AGN suppresses SF more efficiently than in isolated galaxies. However, we also find that the effect of AGNs on SF is larger in major than in minor mergers. In minor merger simulations with different primary bulge-to-total ratios, the effect of bulge fraction on the merger-driven SF decreases due to AGN feedback. We create models of Sa-, Sb-, and Sc-type galaxies and compare their SF properties while undergoing mergers. With the current AGN prescriptions, the difference in merger-driven SF is not as pronounced as in the recent observational study of Kaviraj. We discuss the implications of this discrepancy.
A Large-scale Plume in an X-class Solar Flare
Authors: Fleishman Gregory D. , Nita Gelu M. , Gary Dale E.
Published: August 2017

Ever-increasing multi-frequency imaging of solar observations suggests that solar flares often involve more than one magnetic fluxtube. Some of the fluxtubes are closed, while others can contain open fields. The relative proportion of nonthermal electrons among those distinct loops is highly important for understanding energy release, particle acceleration, and transport. The access of nonthermal electrons to the open field is also important because the open field facilitates the solar energetic particle (SEP) escape from the flaring site, and thus controls the SEP fluxes in the solar system, both directly and as seed particles for further acceleration. The large-scale fluxtubes are often filled with a tenuous plasma, which is difficult to detect in either EUV or X-ray wavelengths; however, they can dominate at low radio frequencies, where a modest component of nonthermal electrons can render the source optically thick and, thus, bright enough to be observed. Here we report the detection of a large-scale “plume” at the impulsive phase of an X-class solar flare, SOL2001-08-25T16:23, using multi-frequency radio data from Owens Valley Solar Array. To quantify the flare’s spatial structure, we employ 3D modeling utilizing force-free-field extrapolations from the line of sight SOHO/MDI magnetograms with our modeling tool GX_Simulator. We found that a significant fraction of the nonthermal electrons that accelerated at the flare site low in the corona escapes to the plume, which contains both closed and open fields. We propose that the proportion between the closed and open fields at the plume is what determines the SEP population escaping into interplanetary space.
The Herschel Planetary Nebula Survey (HerPlaNS): A Comprehensive Dusty Photoionization Model of NGC6781*
Authors: Otsuka Masaaki , Ueta Toshiya , Hoof Peter A. M. van , Sahai Raghvendra , Aleman Isabel , Zijlstra Albert A. , Chu You-Hua , Villaver Eva , Leal-Ferreira Marcelo L. , Kastner Joel , Szczerba Ryszard , Exter Katrina M.
Published: August 2017

We perform a comprehensive analysis of the planetary nebula (PN) NGC 6781 to investigate the physical conditions of each of its ionized, atomic, and molecular gas and dust components and the object’s evolution, based on panchromatic observational data ranging from UV to radio. Empirical nebular elemental abundances, compared with theoretical predictions via nucleosynthesis models of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars, indicate that the progenitor is a solar-metallicity,

initial-mass star. We derive the best-fit distance of 0.46 kpc by fitting the stellar luminosity (as a function of the distance and effective temperature of the central star) with the adopted post-AGB evolutionary tracks. Our excitation energy diagram analysis indicates high-excitation temperatures in the photodissociation region (PDR) beyond the ionized part of the nebula, suggesting extra heating by shock interactions between the slow AGB wind and the fast PN wind. Through iterative fitting using the Cloudy code with empirically derived constraints, we find the best-fit dusty photoionization model of the object that would inclusively reproduce all of the adopted panchromatic observational data. The estimated total gas mass (

) corresponds to the mass ejected during the last AGB thermal pulse event predicted for a

initial-mass star. A significant fraction of the total mass (about 70%) is found to exist in the PDR, demonstrating the critical importance of the PDR in PNe that are generally recognized as the hallmark of ionized/H+ regions.
Observations and Numerical Models of Solar Coronal Heating Associated with Spicules
Authors: Pontieu B. De , Moortel I. De , Martinez-Sykora J. , McIntosh S. W.
Published: August 2017

Spicules have been proposed as significant contributors to the mass and energy balance of the corona. While previous observations have provided a glimpse of short-lived transient brightenings in the corona that are associated with spicules, these observations have been contested and are the subject of a vigorous debate both on the modeling and the observational side. Therefore, it remains unclear whether plasma is heated to coronal temperatures in association with spicules. We use high-resolution observations of the chromosphere and transition region (TR) with the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph and of the corona with the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory to show evidence of the formation of coronal structures associated with spicular mass ejections and heating of plasma to TR and coronal temperatures. Our observations suggest that a significant fraction of the highly dynamic loop fan environment associated with plage regions may be the result of the formation of such new coronal strands, a process that previously had been interpreted as the propagation of transient propagating coronal disturbances. Our observations are supported by 2.5D radiative MHD simulations that show heating to coronal temperatures in association with spicules. Our results suggest that heating and strong flows play an important role in maintaining the substructure of loop fans, in addition to the waves that permeate this low coronal environment.
An Observational Diagnostic for Distinguishing between Clouds and Haze in Hot Exoplanet Atmospheres
Authors: Kempton Eliza M.-R. , Bean Jacob L. , Parmentier Vivien
Published: August 2017

The nature of aerosols in hot exoplanet atmospheres is one of the primary vexing questions facing the exoplanet field. The complex chemistry, multiple formation pathways, and lack of easily identifiable spectral features associated with aerosols make it especially challenging to constrain their key properties. We propose a transmission spectroscopy technique to identify the primary aerosol formation mechanism for the most highly irradiated hot Jupiters (HIHJs). The technique is based on the expectation that the two key types of aerosols—photochemically generated hazes and equilibrium condensate clouds—are expected to form and persist in different regions of a highly irradiated planet’s atmosphere. Haze can only be produced on the permanent daysides of tidally locked hot Jupiters, and will be carried downwind by atmospheric dynamics to the evening terminator (seen as the trailing limb during transit). Clouds can only form in cooler regions on the nightside and morning terminator of HIHJs (seen as the leading limb during transit). Because opposite limbs are expected to be impacted by different types of aerosols, ingress and egress spectra, which primarily probe opposing sides of the planet, will reveal the dominant aerosol formation mechanism. We show that the benchmark HIHJ, WASP-121b, has a transmission spectrum consistent with partial aerosol coverage and that ingress–egress spectroscopy would constrain the location and formation mechanism of those aerosols. In general, using this diagnostic we find that observations with the James Webb Space Telescope and potentially with the Hubble Space Telescope should be able to distinguish between clouds and haze for currently known HIHJs.
Gamifying the Media Classroom
Authors: Seaborn Katie , Fels Deborah I. , Bajko Rob , Hodson Jaigris
Published: August 2017

Gamification, or the use of game elements in non-game contexts, has become a popular and increasingly accepted method of engaging learners in educational settings. However, there have been few comparisons of different kinds of courses and students, particularly in terms of discipline and content. Additionally, little work has reported on course instructor/designer perspectives. Finally, few studies on gamification have used a conceptual framework to assess the impact on student engagement. This paper reports on findings from evaluating two gamified multimedia and social media undergraduate courses over the course of one semester. Findings from applying a multidimensional framework suggest that the gamification approach taken was moderately effective for students overall, with some elements being more engaging than others in general and for each course over time." Post-term questionnaires posed to the instructors/course designers revealed congruence with the student perspective and several challenges pre- and post-implementation, despite the use of established rules for gamifying curricula.
One-Dimensional Effective Stress Non-Masing Nonlinear Ground Response Analysis of IIT Guwahati
Authors: Basu Devdeep , Dey Arindam , Kumar Shiv Shankar
Published: August 2017

Ground response analysis (GRA) helps to assess the influence of the soil medium on the propagating shear waves and indicates about the characteristics of the waves reaching the ground surface from the bedrock level. Such a study becomes imperative for the urbanized alluvial banks of North-Eastern region of India, which is located in the highest seismic zone of the country. Conventionally, GRA is carried out based equivalent linear approach, which being a simplistic approach is unable to capture the nonlinear characteristics of saturated silty sands subjected to seismic shaking. This article presents the outcome of seismic one-dimensional nonlinear GRA of IIT Guwahati (located on a varying geology in the saturated alluvial banks of River Brahmaputra) considering pore-water pressure dissipation characteristics and non-Masing unload-reload criteria. Various ground response parameters obtained from the study helps in the accurate identification of the earthquake intensity based site amplification of the region expressed through a 2-D mapping.
Seismic Retrofitting of Unreinforced Brick Masonry Panels with Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymers
Authors: Nanda Radhikesh Prasad , Khan Hasim Ali , Pal Apurba
Published: August 2017

The out-of-plane performances of brick masonry panels with different retrofitting patterns using glass fibre reinforced polymers (GFRP) have been studied under three-point loading test. The panels were retrofitted on one side and both sides with different geometric configurations. The retrofitted specimens increased the failure load from 19.6 kN (UR) to 79.2 kN. It was observed that the flexural strength of the retrofitted patterns increased from 31.58% to 150% when compared to un-retrofitted specimens. Also, the bending moment of the retrofitted panels increased from 5.94 kNm to 8.96 kNm when retrofitted with one side, while it goes up to 14.88 kNm when retrofitted with both side as compared to un-retrofitted specimens. Further, it also observed that the panel with cross retrofitting showed more efficiency in terms of flexural strength, bending moment, stiffness and deformation capacity.
Thermal Anomalies Around the Time of Nepal Earthquakes M 7.8 April 25, 2015 And M 7.3 May 12, 2015
Authors: Hazra Pranab , Sundar De Syam , Paul Suman , Guha Gautam , Ghosh Abhijit
Published: August 2017

Two consecutive large earthquakes having M values 7.8 and 7.3 occurred on April 25 and May 12, 2015, respectively at Nepal. During their occurrences, abrupt increase in greenhouse gases (like CO2, CH4, H2 etc.) and enhancement of radon emanations are found. These attain high momentum that introduce anomaly in the fluid expulsion from seismically active faults which produce air ionization before these large earthquakes. The process may be very much related to the latent heat release due to condensation of ionized aerosols, produced by energetic alpha particles from radon just before the earthquake. This probably introduces changes in the observed meteorological parameters in the region. Such variations may be due to siesmo tectonically induced radon anomaly before the earthquake.
Research on Double Energy Fuzzy Controller of Electric Vehicle Based on Particle Swarm Optimization of Multimedia Big Data
Authors: Wang Xiaokan
Published: August 2017

The pure electric vehicles have the problems of short driving range, poor acceleration performance and battery performance, this paper presents a novel double - energy fuzzy control algorithm for battery-supercapacitor based on particle swarm optimization (PSO). The proposed algorithm can avoid falling into local optimum and being over reliance on prior knowledge by using the swarm intelligence global optimization and evolutionary operation. The simulation results show that this method can improve the vehicle performances in the large extent and verify the effectiveness of the control strategy. It is very important for improving the development and research level and promoting industrialization process of pure electric vehicles.
A Comparative Study of Shape and Texture Features for Finger Spelling Recognition in Big Data Applications
Authors: Hu Yong
Published: August 2017

With a wide variety of big data applications, Sign Language Recognition has become one of the most important research areas in the field of human-computer interaction. Despite recent progresses, the task of classifying finger spelling is still very challenging in Sign Language Recognition. The visually similarity of some signs, the invisibility of the thumb and the large amount of variation by different signers are all make the hand shape recognition very challenging. The work presented in this paper aims to evaluate the performance of some state-of-the-art features for static finger spelling of alphabets in sign language recognition. The comparison experiments were implemented and tested using two popular data sets. Based on the experimental results, analysis and recommendations are given on the efficiency and capabilities of the compared features.
The Effect of Online Service Retailers' Quality Gaps on Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Othman Asem Majed , Omachonu Vincent , Abualsauod Emad Hashiem
Published: August 2017

The growth and expansion of e-commerce warrants more attention. Online service retailers (OSRs), as e-commerce retailers, continue to invest in the improvement of services provided to their online consumers. The success of OSRs depends heavily on their capability to understand any service quality gaps, and their ability to mitigate these gaps. Using a conceptual framework for OSRs, this study identified nine quality gaps of these retailers and their influential mitigation strategies. A survey instrument was developed and used to measure the significance of the nine quality gaps in terms of customer satisfaction with online shopping. The sample size was 4,937 completed responses from different demographic and product categories. The data analysis was carried out using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results showed that tactile feedback, delayed acquisition, delivery reliability, confounding technological trust, transaction security, wirelessness, buyers' remorse, and confounding knowledge technology significantly affect the satisfaction of online shoppers.
Tourists' Mobile Information Seeking Behavior
Authors: Gong Jing Yi , Schumann Fred , Chiu Dickson W.K. , Ho Kevin K.W.
Published: August 2017

The Internet is considered to be one of the most effective search channels for people to get a variety of information. This is especially true, for young tourists within the 18-30 year range, who prefer free independent travel tours. Many tend to have strong information needs about their travel destinations and the use of mobile technology for information search is rapidly becoming a popular trend, especially with this demographic. This study aims to investigate the associations between the mobile device usage preference and information search behavior of young travelers, between the ages of 18 and 30, in the People's Republic of China (PRC). For this purpose, a sample of 133 respondents is used. Results of the survey are provided and followed by a discussion of the overall context. Study limitations and directions for future development are suggested.
KIIPF - An Integrated Inter-Operable Knowledge Management Process Framework for Healthcare
Authors: Noordin Mohamad Fauzan , Arshad Arfan , Othman Roslina
Published: August 2017

Being complex systematically, Knowledge Management (KM) has always been challenging in the healthcare industry (HCI) of developing countries like Pakistan due to gap in acquiring and implementing KM processes. Despite the fact that extensive data and related information is available, the Pakistani HCI has been facing a major challenge due to the absence of a sound and solid KM process framework. Hence, the existing healthcare information systems in Pakistan lack the ability to control and cater the diversified nature of new knowledge creation and innovation. Consequentially, it results in inefficient and ineffective organization of knowledge along with inability to properly utilize important resources that are used for decision making activities. In this study, the researchers present and suggest an integrated and inter-operable KM process framework that helps to streamline and integrate a KM process in a phased comportment that identifies, defines, analyzes, collects and manages knowledge along with its innovation, dissemination, sharing and storage in an appropriate way.
Cyber InSecurity
Authors: Hollman Angela , Bickford Sonja , Hollman Travis
Published: August 2017

Jane, a veteran Accounting employee at Sachem Manufacturing, Inc., recently fell victim to a phishing attack that infected her computer with ransomware. Jane then furthered the attack by logging into key company systems perpetuating the problem. A series of frantic phone calls followed as staff from Information Technology (IT) scrambled to understand the problem and put the broken pieces back together. Unfortunately, the damage was too deep and the problem reached out to hinder a meeting that the CEO was having with an important client. Finger pointing, name calling, and head shaking took over the “War Room” as the top executives soon discovered that their managerial, technical, and political shortcomings were more ubiquitous than they cared to admit. The CEO blamed IT for not preventing the situation and for not communicating effectively with management in understandable terms. IT blamed the CEO for limiting necessary technical resources.
The RNA-Binding Protein HuR Posttranscriptionally Regulates IL-2 Homeostasis and CD4+ Th2 Differentiation
Authors: Techasintana Patsharaporn , Ellis Jason S , Glascock Jacqueline , Gubin Matthew M , Ridenhour Suzanne E , Magee Joseph D , Hart Marcia L , Yao Peng , Zhou Hao , Whitney Maryln S , Franklin Craig L , Martindale Jennifer L , Gorospe Myriam , Davis Wade J , Fox Paul L , Li Xiaoxia , Atasoy Ulus
Published: August 2017

Posttranscriptional gene regulation by RNA-binding proteins, such as HuR (elavl1), fine-tune gene expression in T cells, leading to powerful effects on immune responses. HuR can stabilize target mRNAs and/or promote translation by interacting with their 3′ untranslated region adenylate and uridylate–rich elements. It was previously demonstrated that HuR facilitates Th2 cytokine expression by mRNA stabilization. However, its effects upon IL-2 homeostasis and CD4+ Th2 differentiation are not as well understood. We found that optimal translation of Il2ra (CD25) required interaction of its mRNA with HuR. Conditional HuR knockout in CD4+ T cells resulted in loss of IL-2 homeostasis and defects in JAK–STAT signaling, Th2 differentiation, and cytokine production. HuR-knockout CD4+ T cells from OVA-immunized mice also failed to proliferate in response to Ag. These results demonstrate that HuR plays a pivotal role in maintaining normal IL-2 homeostasis and initiating CD4+ Th2 differentiation.
Protective effects of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) seed oil on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats
Authors: Idu MacDonald , Ovuakporie-Uvo Oghale , Okojie Suzan O.
Published: August 2017

Background: Azadirachta indica (neem) seed oil was evaluated for its hepatoprotective effect. Liver damage was induced using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) while silymarin served as a positive control.Aim: This study is aimed at testing the hepatoprotective potentials of A. indica seed oil on Wistar rats.Method: Hepatotoxicity was induced by the administration of 1.0 mL/kg of CCl4 subcutaneously to 72 healthy Wistar rats of both sexes (weight range: 145 g – 315 g). The seed oil of A. indica was orally administered daily in various doses of 0.25 mL/kg, 0.5 mL/kg and 1.0 mL/kg for 14 days. Animal body and organ weights were recorded, while blood and liver tissues were collected for biochemical, haematological and histological analyses.Results: Treatment with neem seed oil lowered the aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels significantly (P < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner compared to the control. The haematological parameters, organ weight index and animal body weight showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) when compared with the control. Histology assessment was in agreement with the biochemical result as tissues of CCl4 exhibited significant fatty tissue accumulation, as opposed to that of 0.25 mL/kg neem treatment, which showed only moderate accumulation of fatty tissues, while higher doses, 0.5 mL/kg and 1.0 mL/kg, showed a healthy liver as compared with the control.Conclusion: The result of this study revealed that neem seed oil had a dose-dependent hepatoprotective effect on the experimental rats.
Граничное управление и томография римановых многообразий (BC-метод)
Authors: Belishev Mikhail Igorevich
Published: August 2017

BC-метод это один из подходов к обратным задачам математической физики. Его отличительная особенность - разнообразные междисциплинарные связи: помимо уравнений в частных производных, поставляющих задачи, используются теория управления и систем, асимптотические методы, функциональный анализ, теория операторов, банаховы алгебры и др. Цель работы - представить основные идеи и инструменты BC-метода и дать обзор некоторых результатов. Для презентации выбрано одно из главных его достижений - реконструкция римановых многообразий по динамическим и спектральным граничным данным.
Библиография: 108 названий.
Расширения вертексных алгебр. Конструкции и приложения
Authors: Feigin Boris Lvovich
Published: August 2017

В работе обсуждаются основные известные способы построения вертекс-операторных алгебр. Стартовая точка - решeтчатая алгебра. Скрининги выделяют в решeтчатых алгебрах подалгебры. Кроме того, можно строить расширения вертексных алгебр. Комбинирование этих конструкций и даeт большинство известных примеров. Мы строим большой класс алгебр с большим центром. Такие алгебры имеют приложение к геометрической программе Ленглендса.
Библиография: 46 названий.
Граничное поведение автоморфизмов гиперболического пространства
Authors: Zorich Vladimir Antonovich
Published: August 2017

Автоморфизм евклидова шара продолжается до гомеоморфного отображения замкнутого шара даже тогда, когда коэффициент квазиконформности отображения неограниченно, но контролируемо растeт по мере приближения к границе шара.
Посредством конформно евклидовой модели Пуанкаре пространства Лобачевского это в переводе на геометрический язык даeт условие, при котором автоморфизм гиперболического пространства всe ещe продолжается на его идеальную границу - абсолют.
Библиография: 28 названий.
Аппроксимации Эрмита-Паде для мероморфных функций на компактной римановой поверхности
Authors: Komlov Aleksandr Vladimirovich , Palvelev Roman Vital'evich , Suetin Sergey Pavlovich , Chirka Evgenii Mikhailovich
Published: August 2017

В работе рассматривается задача о предельном распределении нулей и асимптотическом поведении полиномов Эрмита-Паде 1-го рода для набора ростков $[1,f_{1,\infty},…,f_{m,\infty}]$ функций $f_j$, $j=1,…,m$, мероморфных на $(m+1)$-листной римановой поверхности ${\mathfrak R}$. Развивается подход Наттолла к решению этой задачи, основанный на специальном "наттолловском" разбиении поверхности ${\mathfrak R}$ на листы.
Библиография: 36 названий.
Photoionization of water molecules by high energy photons
Authors: Martini Lara , Boll Diego , Fojón Omar
Published: August 2017

We theoretically study the photoionization of water molecules by high energy photon impact. We develop a model in which the final state wavefunction is given by a Coulomb continuum wavefunction with effective charges and the water molecule bound states are represented using the Moccia's monocentric wavefunctions. We obtain analytical expressions for the transition matrix element that enable the computation of cross sections by numerical quadratures.  We compare our predictions for photon energies between 20 and 300 eV with more elaborated theoretical results and experiments. We obtain a very good agreement with experiments, in particular, at enough high energies where there is a lack of elaborated results due to their high computational cost.
Received: 15 March 2017,  Accepted: 25 June 2017; Edited by: S. Kais; DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4279/PIP.090006
Cite as: L Martini, D I R Boll, O A Fojón, Papers in Physics 9, 090006 (2017)
This paper, by L Martini, D I R Boll, O A Fojón, is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License 3.0.