bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The State’s Changing Role Regarding the Kurdish Question of Turkey: From Consistent Tutelage to Volatile Securitization
Authors: Özpek Burak Bilgehan
Published: June 2019

Disappearance of the established security paradigm of Kemalist state has not helped to create strong institutions and legal-bureaucratic structures that are supposed to prevent a certain political elite to dominate the political system and criminalize its adversaries by security reasons. Instead, survival concerns and political will of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) has become replacement of the established paradigm. This has created a systemic crisis. On the one hand, the AKP has played the role of a regular political party, which is supposed to have equal rights and privileges with other players in the game. On the other hand, the AKP has been the tutelary actor that determines what national security is and who threatens national security. As a result of this picture, the AKP has exploited its monopoly over securitization to eliminate the criticisms of the opposition groups. Therefore, any political party or political group has not been viewed as a national security threat only if it has not threatened the political survival of the AKP. Such a crisis has also affected the AKP’s approach toward the Kurdish question. Unlike the established paradigm’s allergy toward the political demands of Kurds due to its commitment to nation-state principle, the AKP’s fluctuated policy toward the Kurds resembles to a political party’s survival strategy rather than a policy stemming from a consistent national security paradigm.
Review of step-pool hydrodynamics in mountain streams
Authors: Kalathil Sruthi Thazhathe , Chandra Venu
Published: June 2019

Step-pools are one of the major types of bed morphology prevalent in mountain streams. They have a unique flow structure as compared to low-gradient streams, in terms of large boundary elements and alternating super-critical and sub-critical flow conditions, which result in a non-uniform flow regime. Step-pools may also be constructed artificially to restore mountain incisions, and for creating close-to-nature fish passes. For hydraulic model development and various design considerations, the accurate prediction of flow phenomenon is required. This necessitates a detailed study of the turbulence phenomenon in natural step-pool reaches and its effect on the total flow. However, the influence of aerated conditions in step-pool hydrodynamics has not yet been adequately addressed. This paper presents a review of the mechanism of flow resistance and energy dissipation in step-pool mountain streams. Also, the significance of incorporating air entrainment in flow analysis, limitations and the way forward in modeling air–water flow in laboratory studies are discussed.
A Case Study: Visualizing Coulomb Forces With the Aid of Augmented Reality
Authors: Tomara Marina , Gouscos Dimitris
Published: June 2019

In this work, we describe an educational approach based on augmented reality (AR) and mobile technology that has been developed with the aim to engage students in a learning procedure regarding the electric forces as well as Coulomb’s Law. Initially, we present the AR learning environment and we explain its design principles with respect to the educational goals we aim to accomplish. The idea behind the present approach has been to present students with a novel learning environment that aligns well with their familiarization with mobile technology and the pleasure they take in making use of this technology, in order to stimulate their intrinsic motivation and learning performance. In addition, we demonstrate the early results of a classroom study performed in order to estimate students’ reaction to the AR approach and get an indication of their motivation levels and ease of use, with respect to the AR tool. Based on the study results, we conclude that students have demonstrated positive attitudes toward the AR learning approach and we claim that mobile AR may be incorporated for educational purposes in physics curricula.
Comparing the Efficacy of Virtual Simulation to Traditional Classroom Role-Play
Authors: Spencer Sally , Drescher Talya , Sears Jennifer , Scruggs Angelica F. , Schreffler Jillian
Published: June 2019

Emulating realistic school environments and practicing difficult conversations between collaborating teachers are necessary for teacher candidates to prepare for potentially challenging workplace realities. In an effort to determine best practices for doing so in university classroom settings, a study was conducted comparing role-play with mixed-reality simulation in preservice courses. Half of the participants interacted in role-play; the other half interacted with an avatar in a mixed-reality simulation in a case study with a reluctant coteacher. Participants completed pre- and postsurveys aimed at measuring their opinion of the value of having a coteacher and indicate their perception of usefulness and realism of role-play and mixed-reality. Findings indicate that participants found mixed-reality sessions significantly more realistic and a more useful practice tool when compared with role-play participants. These findings demonstrate promise for continued use of mixed-reality simulation and invites conversation about simulation targeting practice of concepts difficult to replicate in university classrooms. Additional significant findings indicate that participants realized greater value of coteaching partners in the simulated environment. Findings are encouraging because coteaching is commonly used to assist with including students with special needs in general education classrooms; preservice programs must effectively teach communication methods to students in preparation for their future careers.
So that is how it works? How observing a clinical process improved the management perspectives of non-clinical staff
Authors: Heenan Mike , Lukich Alena , Myers Danielle , Pomponio Wendy , Yardley Darryl
Published: June 2019

In 2018, the Brant Community Healthcare System completed an 8-day study on patient flow with non-clinical staff observing multiple patient journeys from the point of emergency presentation to inpatient admission to discharge. Following the project, a mixed-methods research study was conducted to understand the experience of non-clinical staff observers. This article will share what non-clinical staff learned from observing the patient journey, how it changed their understanding of clinical workflow, and how it would impact their future approach as non-clinical professionals. Results also led to a discussion on the management implications of utilizing non-clinical observers to audit clinical processes, how to improve non-clinical professional development, how to improve recruitment of non-clinical staff, and how to reduce barriers to collaboration between clinical and non-clinical professionals.
In the inventories of deceased British merchant seafarers: Exploring merchant shipping and material culture, 1860–1880
Authors: Walker Meaghan
Published: June 2019

Between 1860 and 1880, the years which hold the richest collection of log books at the Maritime History Archive in St. John’s, NL, an average of 4,400 seafarers died per year working in the British merchant marine. Each of these deaths potentially produced an inventory of effects showing the material wealth of working people at sea. These inventories reveal the material possessions of late nineteenth-century seafarers, particularly young working-class men who exposed themselves most to danger but also were the most numerous demographic. By analyzing both what these inventories contain, but also what inventories are missing, it is possible to understand material factors stemming from changing dynamics in a workforce undergoing technological and demographical change.
Maritime labour and economic opportunity: Shetlanders and the Dundee Arctic whaling trade during the late nineteenth century
Authors: Ylitalo Matthew
Published: June 2019

From the late eighteenth century until the early twentieth century, British Arctic whaling vessels called at the Shetland Islands to hire additional crew members. Whalers valued Shetlanders for their boat-handling expertise, and Shetlanders benefitted from earning cash wages. After 1872, local documentation on Shetlanders in Arctic whaling becomes scarcer. This article traces social, economic and environmental factors to contextualise Shetland’s involvement in Arctic whaling during its last decades. It draws information from British merchant marine crew agreements to identify prosopographical characteristics of Shetlanders joining the whalers, and it links this information to other Shetland sources to understand how whaling influenced Shetland’s society and economy. The article also demonstrates the value of using crew agreements to develop alternative perspectives of social, economic and labour histories across a multiscalar range of local, regional and transoceanic histories.
Sourcing maritime history over four decades: Crew agreement scholarship at Memorial University of Newfoundland
Authors: Burton Valerie
Published: June 2019

Providing context for this forum on a major resource for nineteenth-century merchant seafarers’ history, this article treats the temporality of the politics – historical, archival and historiographical – of the Agreements and Accounts of Crew of British imperial vessels. The exercise brings to light significant differences in the projects and practice of maritime history during the time that two generations of historians have had access to the Agreements at Memorial University. While introducing the subsequent articles by emerging scholars, it raises questions about how archives are involved in the production and communication of maritime history. It makes particular reference to the digital transformation of archives and pays attention to the social reproduction and social purpose of our discipline.
‘They are in the habit of sailing in big crafts’: what kinds of warships did the Sasanids use?
Authors: Dmitriev Vladimir A.
Published: June 2019

The warships used by the Sasanids were troop ships used exclusively to carry soldiers to the theatre of operations, although it is possible they deployed merchant ships to carry cavalry. In the basin of the Indian Ocean, the Persians used the vessels of the local Asian type (so-called dhow), whereas in the Mediterranean they utilized ships of Byzantine design (sailing-rowing dromons and chelandions). The total size of the Sasanian fleet is unknown, but it can be assumed that naval squadrons numbered from a few to several dozen ships. The Byzantines enjoyed naval supremacy, which was one of the most important reasons for the Sasanid defeat in the Persian-Byzantine war of 602–628 and, therefore, for the future conquest of Iran and all the Near East by the Arabs.
Channelling violence at sea: States, international trade and the transformation of naval forces from the high Middle Ages to the age of steam
Authors: Unger Richard W.
Published: June 2019

Certain late medieval changes in government practices, influenced by political developments and technological changes at sea, led to increasing limitations to acts of violence on European oceans and seas. The motivation of states became more overtly economic through the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. From around 1650 the expansion in trade, and most especially long distance trade, led to changes in the role, composition and size of naval forces. By the first decades of the nineteenth century nations directed their navies and violence at sea in general at protecting domestic commerce and disrupting that of any enemy.
A Review of Available Treatments, Clinical Evidence, and Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis in the United States
Authors: Krupp Lauren B. , Vieira Maria Cecilia , Toledano Haley , Peneva Desi , Druyts Eric , Wu Ping , Boulos Fernanda C.
Published: June 2019

Pediatric multiple sclerosis is associated with challenges in prompt diagnosis and uncertainty regarding optimal treatment. This review aimed to identify treatment guidelines or consensus statements for pediatric patients with multiple sclerosis, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved treatment options for pediatric multiple sclerosis, and any randomized controlled trials and observational studies examining available pharmacologic treatments in the pediatric multiple sclerosis population. Literature searches were performed in MEDLINE (1946-2016), EMBASE (1974-2016), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify treatment guidelines or consensus statements, pediatric multiple sclerosis treatment approvals, and randomized controlled trials and observation studies that examine the safety and effectiveness of available disease-modifying therapies. Only 3 consensus statements provided recommendations for pharmacologic treatments for children, all 3 published before the most recent revisions of the pediatric multiple sclerosis diagnostic guidelines. Despite the changes to the clinical landscape of pediatric multiple sclerosis with the introduction of diagnostic guidelines, fingolimod is the only FDA-approved treatment for pediatric multiple sclerosis in the United States. The effectiveness and safety of other disease-modifying therapies suggested by consensus statements have been reported in relatively small prospective and retrospective observational studies. Clinical evidence from a recently completed randomized controlled trial and future global registries can inform treatment decisions for the pediatric multiple sclerosis population.
Fuzzy logic-based modeling and analysis of surface roughness, electrostatic charge, and material removal rate in ultrahigh precision diamond turning of rigid contact lens polymer
Authors: Liman Muhammad Mukhtar , Abou-El-Hossein Khaled , Abdulkadir Lukman Niyi
Published: June 2019

Due to increasing demand for high accuracy and high-quality surface finish in optical industry, contact lens manufacturing requires reliable models for predicting surface roughness (Ra) which plays a very important role in the optical manufacturing industry. In this study, a Nanoform 250 ultra-grind turning machine was used for machining, while cutting speed, feed rate, and the depth of cut (with values selected to cover a wide range based on the literature) were considered as the machining parameters for a diamond turned rigid polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) contact lens polymer. Turning experiments were designed and conducted according to Box–Behnken design which is a response surface methodology technique. Fuzzy logic-based artificial intelligence method was employed to develop an electrostatic charge (ESC), Ra, and material removal rate (MRR) prediction models. The accuracy and predictive ability of the fuzzy logic model was then judged by considering an average percentage error between experimental values and fuzzy logic predictions. Further, a comparative evaluation of experiments and fuzzy logic approach showed that the average errors of ESC, Ra, and MRR using fuzzy logic system were in tandem with experimental results. Hence, the developed fuzzy logic rules can be effectively utilized to predict the ESC, Ra, and MRR of a rigid PMMA contact lens polymers in automated optical manufacturing environments for high accuracy and computational cost.
Thermoplastic polyurethane composites for railway applications: Experimental and numerical study of hybrid laminates with improved impact resistance
Authors: Rizzo F , Cuomo S , Pinto F , Pucillo G , Meo M
Published: June 2019

Due to the introduction of highly restrictive safety and pollution legislations in the railway industry, weight reduction has become an increasingly important topic over the last decade. Carbon fibre-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) constitute an excellent alternative to traditional materials, due to their highly specific in-plane mechanical properties. Their use in railway industry, however, is currently hindered by their weak out-of-plane properties. Bogies and underframes are often subjected to impact loadings caused by objects and debris surrounding the tracks (i.e. ice, ballast) that become airborne during the train transit and impact lower part of the carriage. While metal structures absorb impact energy via plastic deformation, barely visible impact damage can occur in CFRP, weakening the component, and often leading to catastrophic failures. This work proposes a method for the improvement of impact absorption performance of railway composite structures via the addition of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coating to CFRP laminates. The thermomechanical behaviour of the thermoplastic layer was investigated with dynamic mechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry analysis to optimize the manufacturing process, while damping tests were carried out to demonstrate its unaltered energy absorption ability in the final manufactured structure. TPU/CFRP plates (150 × 100 mm2 of in-plane size) were subjected to 2, 3 and 5 J impacts, and the results were compared with those of traditional CFRP laminates. Non-destructive test (NDT; i.e. C-scan, phased array) and compression-after-impact test were carried out on the impacted samples to assess the damaged area and residual in-plane mechanical properties. Results show that the TPU layer modifies the energy absorption mechanism, preventing the propagation of damage within the CFRP and resulting in undamaged samples even at the highest energy. To predict the TPU/CFRP impact behaviour and identify the best process parameters to optimize impact energy absorption, a finite element model was developed and validated using experimental data. The comparison showed good correlation, and a fine approximation of the different impact mechanisms was observed with a maximum error of 5% between experimental and simulated output values. The experimental and numerical results show that the TPU/CFRP laminates constitute a novel solution for the manufacturing of lighter and safer railway composite structures.
Successful Long-Term Prophylactic Treatment With Subcutaneous C1 Esterase Inhibitor in a Patient With Hereditary Angioedema
Authors: Hahn Janina , Nordmann-Kleiner Melanie , Trainotti Susanne , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Greve Jens
Published: June 2019

Background:

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) patients suffer from recurrent swellings. Current standard therapy consists of C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) and bradykinin receptor B2 antagonists. Severe courses require prophylactic treatment. For such patients, it has been demonstrated that the intravenous (IV) administration of C1-INH [C1-INH(IV)] is safe and effective. A new prophylactic option is subcutaneous (SC) treatment with C1-INH.

Methods and Case:

We present the case of an HAE patient placed on prophylactic C1-INH(IV) therapy due to frequent attacks when managed with on-demand therapy. An implanted port allowed the periodical and safe application of medication until the device was explanted due to an infection. Due to the poor venous access, repeated IV application failed. Therefore, we began a SC treatment with 1500 IU C1-INH [C1-INH(SC)] as long-term prophylaxis and analyzed the clinical course over 16 months.

Results:

Under the SC prophylaxis, the number of attacks were reduced to 1/month in comparison to 4.33/month with no prophylactic treatment and 1.83/month with C1-INH(IV). No severe attacks and no attack within the upper airway occurred over the 16 months of C1-INH(SC) treatment. As a result, quality of life improved, as measured by the Angioedema quality of life questionaire (AE-QoL).

Conclusion:

Self-administered SC prophylactic use of C1-INH over a period of 16 months seems to be a well tolerated and efficient. The patient’s quality of life improved, and by learning self-application, the patient gained independence.
Nonlinear vibration characteristics of spur gear system subjected to multiple harmonic excitations
Authors: Yang Yi , Li Hang , Dai Yiping
Published: June 2019

Due to the complicated working conditions, the gear systems are often subjected to multifrequency excitations in practical situations. This paper is concerned with the nonlinear vibration behaviors of a spur gear pair to excitations that involve multiple frequencies. The spur gear system is described by a typical single degree of freedom model, in which the nonlinear backlash, static transmission error, and multiple harmonic excitations are taken into consideration. With the help of the multi-scale method, the nonlinear frequency–response characteristics of the spur gear system are derived and analyzed. Further, the numerical simulation and the published experimental data are utilized to validate the developed dynamic model of gear pair and to prove the practicality of the analytical method. Results show that the multifrequency excitation-based gear model could be more reliable than the simplified gear model subjected to single-frequency excitation. Thus, the established model in this work would be capable of predicting the nonlinear vibration behaviors of spur gear systems under complicated excitations. The purpose of this study is to provide references that may be of interest to engineers and researchers attempting to handle the nonlinear dynamics of gear systems.
The influence of intermediate species on the combustion process of n-dodecane flame
Authors: Zhao Wanhui , Zhou Lei , Qi Jiayue , Wei Haiqiao
Published: June 2019

Split-injection strategy is of great potential to reduce the pollutant emissions without deterioration of engine performance. The combustion of the previously injected fuel has great influence on the ignition of the subsequent second injection. In this study, the main influence of species formed in the first injection on the ignition of the second injection is analysed in detail. Different species are added into the fuel/air mixture to study the influence of the species formed in the first injection on the combustion process of the second injection. Results show that the influence of species addition on the ignition delay is dependent on the initial temperature and oxygen concentration. The presence of acetylene (C2H2) and methane (CH4) prolongs the ignition delay regardless of initial temperatures or oxygen concentrations. However, ethylene (C2H4), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydrogen (H2) and formaldehyde (CH2O) shorten the ignition delay at high temperatures. The temperature increase ahead of the second spray plays a more important role in promoting the overall ignition process regardless of the initial oxygen concentration. Moreover, the effect of species addition on the first- and second-stage ignition processes is also analysed in detail. Different from the results with other species addition, the presence of H2O2 and CH2O in the initial gas leads to the monotonical decrease with the increase in the initial gas temperature, T0.
Reaction mechanism and chemical kinetics of NH3-NO/NO2-SCR system with vanadium-based catalyst under marine diesel exhaust conditions
Authors: Wang Zhanguang , Zhu Yuanqing , Zhou Song , Feng Yongming
Published: June 2019

As one of the most effective NOx emission removing technologies to meet the Tier III limitation by International Maritime Organization, urea-selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology is starting to be used in two-stroke marine diesel engines. Based on the two-cycle catalytic mechanism proposed by Topsoe, in combination with the exhaust characteristics of the marine diesel, expansion studies on detailed SCR reaction model were carried out in this paper. According to the temperature dependence of reaction pathway, SCR reaction model was divided into three parts: low temperature reaction pathway, standard SCR reaction pathway, and high temperature oxidation pathways, and an expanded NH3-NO/NO2-SCR reaction model for V2O5 catalyst was proposed in the paper. In order to verify the accuracy of the expanded SCR reaction model, simulating and testing studies of SCR reaction under marine diesel conditions were carried out with a commercial extruded V2O5/TiO2 catalyst. The simulation values are agreed well with experimental values at 150–500 ℃, and kinetics characteristics of SCR reaction process under V2O5/TiO2 catalyst can be predicted accurately with the expanded NH3-NO/NO2-SCR reaction model.
Loss minimization of induction machines during torque transients
Authors: Abdelati Riadh , Mimouni Mohamed Faouzi
Published: June 2019

This article presents a new design of an energy optimization approach to induction motor drives. The proposed control strategy is based on a designed cost function given as a weighting sum of power and energy models and subjected to the dynamic of a low-order current-fed induction motor model, which considers only the dynamics of the rotor flux and the mechanical equation as constraints to the problem. Such a strategy uses the concept of off-line optimal closed-loop control. Considering the case of a random desired torque, the resolution with suboptimal conditions allows a time-varying rotor flux that converges to the optimal solution and minimizes energy in a dynamic operation. This solution is presented in an analytical form and is dedicated to optimizing a transient regime characterized by a random load torque. This command law will become invariant with respect to time and will asymptotically tend to a stationary optimal solution. Aiming to check the validity of the proposed algorithm, a comparison study is conducted between rotor-field-oriented control operating with a suboptimal rotor flux and rated constant-flux control. The simulation and experimental results obtained for a 1.5-kW laboratory induction motor demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Cells Involved in Urethral Tissue Engineering: Systematic Review
Authors: Culenova Martina , Ziaran Stanislav , Danisovic Lubos
Published: June 2019

The urethra is part of the lower urinary tract and its main role is urine voiding. Its complex histological structure makes urethral tissue prone to various injuries with complicated healing processes that often lead to scar formation. Urethral stricture disease can affect both men and women. The occurrence of this pathology is more common in men and thus are previous research has been mainly oriented on male urethra reconstruction. However, commonly used surgical techniques show unsatisfactory results because of complications. The new and progressively developing field of tissue engineering offers promising solutions, which could be applied in the urethral regeneration of both men´s and women´s urethras. The presented systematic review article offers an overview of the cells that have been used in urethral tissue engineering so far. Urine-derived stem cells show a great perspective in respect to urethral tissue engineering. They can be easily harvested and are a promising autologous cell source for the needs of tissue engineering techniques. The presented review also shows the importance of mechanical stimuli application on maturating tissue. Sufficient vascularization and elimination of stricture formation present the biggest challenges not only in customary surgical management but also in tissue-engineering approaches.
The Weiss judgment: The Court’s further clarification of the ECB’s legal framework: Case C-493/17 Weiss and others, EU:C:2018:1000
Authors: Mooij Annelieke AM
Published: June 2019

In December 2018, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Justice delivered its judgment in the Weiss case. This case is the most recent development in the Euro crisis case law. The financial crisis has shown the difficulty in determining the precise limits to the mandate of the European Central Bank. The Gauweiler case provided a legal framework but also left unanswered questions. This contribution will first provide the background to the Euro crisis and the context of the case then continue by giving a short summary and analyses of the Opinion of the Advocate General and the judgment of the Court. Finally, a reflection will be given on what lessons can be taken from the Weiss case. As the Weiss case appears to be last in Euro crisis case law, this reflection will include an overall analysis of the current interpretation of the mandate of the European Central Bank post-Euro crisis.
Elastic buckling analysis of an embedded infinitely long rod under combined axial and torsional loads
Authors: Wang Dong , Wu Mao See
Published: June 2019

In this paper, expressions for the critical axial–torsional loads are derived for the buckling of an elastic rod embedded in an elastic medium. The derivation is based on the assumption that the deforming rod encounters a response force from the surrounding medium, and a first-order perturbation analysis of the governing equilibrium equations. It is shown that a dimensionless universal buckling relationship, independent of material and geometry, exists between the critical axial load, both in compression and tension, and the critical torsional load. A reducing axial compression, or an increasing axial tension, enhances the critical torsional load. In addition, two different mode shapes are predicted for the same critical combined loads, and the buckled shapes are generally three-dimensional.
Stress field formulation of linear electro-magneto-elastic materials
Authors: Amiri-Hezaveh A , Karimi P , Ostoja-Starzewski M
Published: June 2019

A stress-based approach to the analysis of linear electro-magneto-elastic materials is proposed. Firstly, field equations for linear electro-magneto-elastic solids are given in detail. Next, as a counterpart of coupled governing equations in terms of the displacement field, generalized stress equations of motion for the analysis of three-dimensional (3D) problems Are obtained – they supply a more convenient basis when mechanical boundary conditions are entirely tractions. Then, a sufficient set of conditions for the corresponding solution of generalized stress equations of motion to be unique are detailed in a uniqueness theorem. A numerical passage to obtain the solution of such equations is then given by generalizing a reciprocity theorem in terms of stress for such materials. Finally, as particular cases of the general 3D form, the stress equations of motion for planar problems (plane strain and Generalized plane stress) for transversely isotropic media are formulated.
An Alternative In Vitro Method for Examining Nanoparticle-Induced Cytotoxicity
Authors: Gu Qiang , Cuevas Elvis , Ali Syed F. , Paule Merle G. , Krauthamer Victor , Jones Yvonne , Zhang Yongbin
Published: June 2019

Conventional in vitro assays are often used as initial screens to identify potential toxic effects of nanoparticles (NPs). However, many NPs have shown interference with conventional in vitro assays, resulting in either false-positive or -negative outcomes. Here, we report an alternative method for the in vitro assessment of NP-induced cytotoxicity utilizing Fluoro-Jade C (FJ-C). To provide proof of concept and initial validation data, Ag-NPs and Au-NPs were tested in 3 different cell cultures including rat brain microvessel endothelial cells, mouse neural stem cells, and the human SH-SY5Y cell line. Conventional 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays were run in parallel with the new method and served as references. The results demonstrate for the first time that FJ-C labeling can be a useful tool for assessing NP-induced cytotoxicity in vitro. Using these approaches, it was also demonstrated that removal of Ag-NPs—while keeping the Ag-ions that were released from the Ag-NPs in culture media—abolished the measured cytotoxicity, indicating that Ag-NPs rather than Ag-ions in solution contributed to the observed cytotoxic effects. Further, co-treatment of Ag-NPs with N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) prevented the observed cytotoxicity, suggesting a protective role of NAC in Ag-NP-induced cytotoxicity. Thus, this alternative in vitro assay is well suited for identify potential cytotoxicity associated with exposure to NPs.
Using a person-generated mental health outcome measure in large clinical trials in Kenya and Pakistan: Self-perceived problem responses in diverse communities
Authors: Harper Shehadeh Melissa , van’t Hof Edith , Schafer Alison , van Ommeren Mark , Farooq Saeed , Hamdani Syed Usman , Koyiet Phiona , Akhtar Parveen , Masood Aqsa , Nazir Huma , Dawson Katie , Albanese Emiliano
Published: June 2019

Health care should be informed by the physical, socioeconomic, mental, and emotional well-being of the person, and account for social circumstances and culture. Patient-generated outcome measures can contribute positively to mental health research in culturally diverse populations. In this study, we analysed qualitative responses to the Psychological Outcome Profiles (PSYCHLOPS) Questionnaire—a patient-generated outcome measure based on open-ended questions, and compared the qualitative responses gathered to conventional, nomothetic measures used alongside the PSYCHLOPS in two studies. Data were collected as part of outcome research on a psychological intervention in Pakistan ( N = 346) and Kenya ( N = 521). Two researchers coded the qualitative responses to the PSYCHLOPS and identified overarching themes. We compared the overarching themes identified to the items in the conventional, nomothetic outcome measures to investigate conceptual equivalence. Using the PSYCHLOPS, the most frequently reported problems in Kenya were financial constraints, poor health, and unemployment. In Pakistan, the most frequent problems were poor health and emotional problems. Most of the person-generated problem concepts were covered also in nomothetic measures that were part of the same study. However, there was no item equivalence in the nomothetic measures for the most frequent PSYCHLOPS problem cited in both countries. Response bias and measurement bias may not be excluded. More research on the use of PSYCHLOPS alongside conventional outcome measures is needed to further explore the extent to which it may bring added value. Use of a PSYCHLOPS semistructured interview schedule and efforts to minimise response biases should be considered.
Predicting outcome in traumatic brain injury using a new outcome assessment scale – The Lagos Brain Disability Examination Scale (LABDES)
Authors: Idowu Olufemi Emmanuel , Oshinaike Olajumoke , Ogun Shamsideen Abayomi , Arabambi Babawale , Orungbeja Toluwani Opeyemi , Malomo Oluwabusayomi Oghenerume , Aisudo Charles Kolawole , Oyeleye Olarinmoye Oluwole
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Traumatic brain injury management is a leading cause of disability and death in young adults. Our objective was to develop a new multidomain, comprehensive, sensitive, objective and easily reproducible outcome scale with high predictive accuracy to assess patients with traumatic brain injury. The developed outcome assessment tool, the Lagos Brain Disability Examination Scale was then tested for any association of outcome predictability with patients’ admission modified Marshall, Rotterdam and Helsinki computerized tomographic scores.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was carried out of patients aged 16 years and above who sustained traumatic brain injury. All recruited patients had their biodata and derived cranial computerized tomographic scores documented using the modified Marshall, Rotterdam and Helsinki computerized tomographic scale on a pro forma. Outcomes were assessed at eight weeks after traumatic brain injury with the Lagos Brain Disability Examination Scale. Statistical significance was judged at p < 0.05 level.

Results

Forty-one patients were included (31 males; mean age 38.6 years, median 38 years, range 16–83 years). The Helsinki score gave a better prognostic predictability compared to the other computerized tomographic scoring systems. Twenty-one (51.2%) patients had good recovery according to the Lagos Brain Disability Examination Scale grade.

Conclusions

Patients’ outcome prediction on the Lagos Brain Disability Examination Scale is best using the initial Helsinki computerized tomographic scoring system. The Lagos Brain Disability Examination Scale appears to be a comprehensive and valid outcome measure to use in patients with traumatic brain injury.
Constrained stability control with optimal power management strategy for in-wheel electric vehicles
Authors: Najjari Behrouz , Mirzaei Mehdi , Tahouni Amin
Published: June 2019

This paper looks into the energy management and directional stability of four-in-wheel driven electric vehicles, simultaneously. In the proposed strategy, the optimal driving torques are initially distributed between the wheels by considering the condition for minimum losses of motors using the motor efficiency model. In risky maneuvers, a novel optimal torque vectoring system is developed to intentionally change the initial optimal torques for the generation of required stabilizing yaw moment. For designing the stability controller, a new constrained control method is analytically developed based on the prediction of continuous nonlinear vehicle models. The proposed control method restricts the side-slip angle to guarantee the stability. Also, the required control torque for each motor is restricted within the admissible range according to the motor map. As another result of the constrained strategy, a small change in the optimal energy consumption is occurred for improved stability because of using minimum external yaw moment. In simulation studies, a good performance of the developed control system to provide both directional stability and drivability of electric vehicle with high energy efficiency is presented at different driving conditions using 14-degrees-of-freedom vehicle model. A comparative study with the conventional model predictive control method indicates the speed of the proposed constrained control method and the ease of its solution and implementation.
A comparative study of the effect of compression ratio on the efficiency and flame development angle in a Cooperative Fuel Research engine fueled with binary gasoline–alcohol blends
Authors: Rubio-Gómez Guillermo , Corral-Gómez Lis , Rodriguez-Rosa David , Sánchez-Cruz Fausto A , Martínez-Martínez Simón
Published: June 2019

In the last few years, increasing concern about the harmful effects of the use of fossil fuels in internal combustion engines has been observed. In addition, the limited availability of crude oil has driven the interest in alternative fuels, especially biofuels. In the context of spark ignition engines, bioalcohols are of great interest owing to their similarities and blend capacities with gasoline. Methanol and ethanol have been widely used, mainly due to their knocking resistance. Another alcohol of great interest is butanol, thanks to its potential of being produced as biofuel and its heat value closer to gasoline. In this study, a comparative study of gasoline–alcohol blend combustion, with up to 20% volume, with neat gasoline has been carried out. A single-cylinder, variable compression ratio, Cooperative Fuel Research-type spark ignition engine has been employed. The comparison is made in terms of fuel conversion efficiency and flame development angle. Relevant information related to the impact in the combustion process of the use of the three main alcohols used in blends with gasoline has been obtained.
Mass spectral analysis of acetylated peptides: Implications in proteomics
Authors: Chandra Deepika , Gayathri P , Vats Mudita , Nagaraj R , Ray MK , Jagannadham MV
Published: June 2019

Sequence determination of peptides using mass spectrometry plays a crucial role in the bottom-up approaches for the identification of proteins. It is crucially important to minimise false detection and validate sequence of the peptides in order to correctly identify a protein. Chemical modification of peptides followed by mass spectrometry is an option for improving the spectral quality. In silico-derived tryptic peptides with different N-terminal amino acids were designed from human proteins and synthesized. The effect of acetylation on the fragmentation of peptides was studied. N-terminal acetylation of the tryptic peptides was shown to form b1-ions, improve the abundance and occurrence of b-ions. In some cases, the intensity and occurrence of some y-ions also varied. Thus, it is demonstrated that acetylation plays an important role in improving the de novo sequencing efficiency of the peptides. The acetylation method was extended to tryptic peptides generated from the proteome of an Antarctic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae Lz4W using the proteomics work flow and mass spectra of the peptides were analysed. Comparison of the MS/MS spectra of the acetylated and unacetylated peptides revealed that acetylation helped in improving the spectral quality and validated the peptide sequences. Using this method, 673 proteins of the 1070 proteins identified were validated.
What is an advert? A sociological perspective on marketing media
Authors: Cluley Robert , Nixon Elizabeth
Published: June 2019

This article draws on a conceptual vocabulary developed in science and technology studies to advance a sociological theory of objects in marketing. Analysing a single advertising medium, it shows that marketing objects can exist simultaneously in multiple forms as physical artefacts, political decisions, legal entities and economic values. Armed with this understanding, the article explores the ability of actors to manipulate these realities in their favour and investigates how it is possible to turn public space on a city street into an advertising object. Using John Law’s notion of fractional objects, the article proposes an analytic framework to open up new objects for critical intervention and reflection.
Grassroots Training for Reproducible Science: A Consortium-Based Approach to the Empirical Dissertation
Authors: Button Katherine S. , Chambers Christopher D. , Lawrence Natalia , Munafò Marcus R.
Published: June 2019

There is a widely acknowledged need to improve the reliability and efficiency of scientific research to increase the credibility of the published scientific literature and accelerate discovery. Widespread improvement requires a cultural shift in both thinking and practice, and better education will be instrumental to achieve this. Here we argue that education in reproducible science should start at the grassroots. We present our model of consortium-based student projects to train undergraduates in reproducible team science. We discuss how with careful design we have aligned collaboration with the current conventions for individual student assessment. We reflect on our experiences of several years running the GW4 Undergraduate Psychology Consortium offering insights we hope will be of practical use to others wishing to adopt a similar approach. We consider the pedagogical benefits of our approach in equipping students with 21st-century skills. Finally, we reflect on the need to shift incentives to reward to team science in global research and how this applies to the reward structures of student assessment.
Mode I fracture toughness of fiber-reinforced polymer composites: A review
Authors: Siddique Amna , Abid Sharjeel , Shafiq Faizan , Nawab Yasir , Wang Hailou , Shi Baohui , Saleemi Sidra , Sun Baozhong
Published: June 2019

Composite materials are known for their high stiffness and strength at lower weight as compared to conventional structural materials. Recently, there has been a growing interest in finding the new ways to decrease delamination failure, which is a life limiting factor of laminated composites. This review paper emphasizes on the effects of different reinforcement structures on mode I fracture toughness and possible ways to improve fracture toughness. A brief description on intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of crack growth has been discussed along with the earlier investigations and recent developments for mode I fracture toughness testing. Factors that affect the fracture toughness are also discussed. A brief knowledge of mode I fracture toughness of traditional and advanced fiber-reinforced composites is given, which could help researchers to understand fracture behaviors of composites and thus, it can help engineers to design composites with higher interlaminar strength.
Exploring the Influences of Assessment Method, Intervention Steps, Intervention Sessions, and Observation Timing on Treatment Fidelity Estimates
Authors: Collier-Meek Melissa A. , Sanetti Lisa M. , Fallon Lindsay , Chafouleas Sandra
Published: June 2019

Treatment fidelity data are critical to evaluate intervention effectiveness, yet there are only general guidelines regarding treatment fidelity measurement. Initial investigations have found treatment fidelity data collected via direct observation to be more reliable than data collected via permanent product or self-report. However, the comparison of assessment methods is complicated by the intervention steps accounted for, observation timing, and intervention sessions accounted for, which may impact treatment fidelity estimates. In this study, we compared direct observation and permanent product data to evaluate these varied assessment and data collection decisions on treatment fidelity data estimates in three classrooms engaged in a group contingency intervention. Findings revealed that treatment fidelity estimates, in addition to being different across assessment method, are, in fact, different depending on the intervention steps assessed, intervention sessions accounted for, and observation timing. Implications for treatment fidelity assessment research, reporting in intervention research broadly, and implementation assessment in practice are described.
The Use of Closure Devices for Aortic Stent-Graft Insertion: Outcomes Following a Paradigm Shift to Percutaneous Access in a Tertiary Vascular Center
Authors: White Alan D. , Hazar Can , Jarosz David , Walker Paul , Shaw David , Tingerides Costa
Published: June 2019

Background:

This retrospective case series aims to evaluate the efficacy of the Perclose ProGlide system for postoperative hemostasis following aortic stent-graft insertion.

Material and Methods:

A prospectively maintained database of patients with a minimum follow-up of 12 months following percutaneous aortic procedures was interrogated. Preprocedural computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed to assess existing stenosis in the common femoral artery (CFA). Arteries with an estimated stenosis of greater than 25% on visual inspection underwent quantification using multiplanar and curved planar reformation. The preoperative and 1-year follow-up CTs of these patients were assessed for change in stenosis. Analysis was performed by 2 independent reviewers, with senior authors reviewing any discrepancies.

Results:

One hundred forty-two endovascular aortic aneurysm repairs (EVARs) were performed. The ProGlide system was used in 235 arteries, yielding a high success rate in obtaining postprocedural hemostasis (94%). There were 13 postprocedural access-related complications, including 5 patients requiring surgical closure due to inadequate seal. Two patients required thrombectomy due to distal embolization. One patient required CFA endarterectomy at 6 months for the treatment of preexisting short distance claudication. Vessel analysis was performed in 31 arteries. Mean preoperative stenosis was 32% (range: 20%-57%). Mean postoperative stenosis was 32% (21%-57%). No significant change in degree of stenosis was detected (defined as a 5% change).

Conclusions:

The ProGlide system yielded a high success rate in obtaining postoperative hemostasis with low rate of conversion to surgical closure and low complication rates. There was no evidence of worsening vessel stenosis in arteries with preprocedural stenotic disease.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4, Case Series.