bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated framework for criminal network extraction from Web
Authors: Afra Salim , Alhajj Reda
Published: November 2019

Extracting criminals’ information and discovering their network are techniques that investigators often rely on to get extra information about criminal incidents and potential criminals. With the recent advances of the Web, a.k.a. Web 2.0, it has become a rich source of data which provides a variety of information sources. In this article, we propose an integrated framework that combines a variety of available components and makes use of different sources of information provided on the Web to get a better knowledge about criminals or terrorists (we will use criminals to cover all terrorists in the rest of this article). Our system extracts criminals’ information and their corresponding network using Web sources, such as online newspapers, official reports, and social media. It uses text analysis to identify key persons and topics from crawled Web documents. We build a criminal graph from the analysed text based on the co-occurrence of mentioning of criminals. Further analysis is applied on the constructed graph to get key people, hidden relationships and interactions between criminals, as well as hierarchical criminal groups within a network. For every process in the framework, we analysed various available works and implementations that could be used in the process. While analysing social media posts, we identified several challenges which show what solutions could be used for that purpose. Finally, we provide a Web application which implements the proposed framework. It also shows how helpful and efficient the system is in extracting and analysing criminal information.
Assessing nutritional status in a cohort of liver cirrhosis outpatients: A prospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Luong Rebecca , Kim Marcellinus , Lee Alice , Carey Sharon
Published: November 2019

Background:

Malnutrition impairs prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). There is limited research exploring the prevalence of malnutrition in patients with LC in an Australian population and in outpatient settings.

Aims:

One aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition in patients with LC in an outpatient liver clinic at a tertiary metropolitan hospital in Sydney, Australia, and explore other factors that may be associated with malnutrition. The second aim was to compare different versions of Subjective Global Assessment (SGA).

Methods:

This cross-sectional study evaluated the nutritional status of 42 prospectively recruited participants by SGA, SGA modified for liver disease (SGA-LD) and patient-generated SGA (PG-SGA). Anthropometric measures and handgrip strength (HGS) were also measured for comparison. Clinical and demographic data were compared with nutritional status.

Results:

SGA, SGA-LD and PG-SGA yielded the same prevalence of malnutrition of 40% with very good agreement (kappa value = 1.00). Malnourished patients had a lower median HGS% of normal than those who were well-nourished. Malnourished patients also had anthropometric measurements trending towards the lower percentiles of a healthy population. Nutritional status was significantly associated with ethnicity ( p = 0.02) and PG-SGA score ( p < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

The present study showed that nearly half of our study population were malnourished (40%). Thus, nutrition intervention in terms of nutrition support could improve patient outcomes. It appears that the standard SGA is suitable to assess nutritional status in patients in the early stages of LC compared to more time-consuming SGA versions.
Treatment-related adverse events and response rate to immune checkpoint inhibition
Authors: Li Yanmin , Wang Zhengping , Guo Ting , Liu Shenghua , Feng Chenchen
Published: November 2019

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) represents a novel treatment modality for refractory cancers, and improving prediction of potential responders is critical.

Method

We hypothesized that ICI is a systemic-effecting mechanism. The objective response rate (ORR) for anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, anti-CTLA-4, or combination therapy was plotted against the corresponding all-grade and grade 3–4 (G3/4) treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) across several cancer types using an extensive literature search (MEDLINE and Google Scholar; December 1, 2012–December 30, 2017).

Results

Sixty-six eligible studies comprised 76 cohorts and 25 cancer types. A significant correlation was present between all-grade or G3/4 TRAEs and the ORR. The correlation coefficient was 0.5 for all-grade and 0.4 for G3/4 TRAEs, suggesting that >50% of the differences in the ORR across cancer types may be reflected by TRAEs and 40% of ORR differences may be predicted by G3/4 TRAEs. Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Merkel cell carcinoma showed a better response, while adrenocortical cancer, breast cancer, and uveal melanoma showed a worse response, compared with that predicted by TRAE.

Conclusion

There is a strong relationship between TRAEs and ICI activity across multiple cancers. The toxicity profile compared with the ORR to ICIs should be investigated in phase I trials.
Transtracheal flow-regulated oxygen insufflation—a simple and safe method for prolonging safe apnoea time in difficult airway management: A report of two cases
Authors: Wexler Sivan , Prineas Stavros N , Suharto Timothy A
Published: November 2019

In the absence of upper airway patency, supraglottic methods of oxygen delivery become ineffective. We present two semi-elective difficult airway cases where oxygenation via the supraglottic route was deemed impractical due to upper airway obstruction. In order to facilitate safe airway management, apnoeic oxygenation was delivered via a narrow bore transtracheal cannula using a flow-regulated oxygen insufflator. The potential for safely prolonging apnoea time with this technique in both elective and emergency settings is discussed.
Physical Activity as a Predictor of Clinical Trial Outcomes in Bipolar Depression: A Subanalysis of a Mitochondrial-Enhancing Nutraceutical Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ashton Melanie M. , Mohebbi Mohammadreza , Turner Alyna , Marx Wolfgang , Berk Michael , Malhi Gin S. , Ng Chee H. , Cotton Sue M. , Dodd Seetal , Sarris Jerome , Hopwood Malcolm , Stubbs Brendon , Dean Olivia M.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) generally engage in low levels of physical activity (PA), and yet few studies have investigated the relationship between PA and change in BD symptom severity. The aim of this subanalysis of an adjunctive nutraceutical randomized controlled trial for the treatment of bipolar depression was to explore the relationship between PA, the active adjunctive treatments (a nutraceutical “mitochondrial cocktail”), and clinical outcomes.

Methods

Participants with bipolar depression were randomized to receive N-acetylcysteine alone, N-acetylcysteine with a combination of nutraceuticals (chosen for the potential to increase mitochondrial activity), or placebo for 16 weeks. Participants ( n = 145) who completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF; measured at Week 4) were included in this exploratory subanalysis. Assessments of BD symptoms, functioning, and quality of life were completed at monthly visits up until Week 20. Generalised Estimating Equations were used to explore whether IPAQ-SF scores were a moderator of treatment received on outcomes of the study.

Results

Week-4 PA was not related to changes in Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale scores across the study until Week 20. However, participants who engaged in more PA and who received the combination treatment were more likely to have a reduction in scores on the Bipolar Depression Rating Scale ( P = 0.03). However, this was not consistent in all domains explored using the IPAQ-SF. Participants who engaged in higher levels of PA also experienced greater improvement in social and occupational functioning and less impairment in functioning due to their psychopathology and improvement in quality of life at Week 20, irrespective of treatment.

Conclusions

This study provides novel evidence of the association between PA and reduction in BD symptoms in a nutraceutical clinical trial. However, further research assessing the potential synergistic effects of PA in BD is required.
Mattering Versus Self-Esteem in University Students: Associations With Regulatory Focus, Social Feedback, and Psychological Distress
Authors: Flett Gordon L. , Nepon Taryn
Published: November 2019

Although research has established that feelings of not mattering are associated with distress, the factors and processes that contribute to these associations have not received much consideration. The current study was conducted to address three themes. First, mattering was evaluated from a motivational perspective by examining mattering and regulatory focus. Second, the uniqueness of low mattering in predicting distress was investigated when considered along with other predictors (i.e., self-esteem and regulatory focus). Finally, a negative inferential style involving perceptions of negative social feedback was tested as a cognitive mediator of the link between mattering and distress. Mattering was correlated moderately with a promotion self-regulation focus. Regression analyses showed that mattering was also linked uniquely with distress beyond the variance predicted by self-esteem and regulatory focus. In addition, the association between low mattering and distress was mediated by negative social feedback. Our findings highlight the need for further investigation of mattering as a unique contributor to distress and the factors associated with mattering.
Estimating Representative Group Intrinsic Circadian Period from Illuminance-Response Curve Data
Authors: Stack Nora , Zeitzer Jamie M. , Czeisler Charles , Diniz Behn Cecilia
Published: November 2019

The human circadian pacemaker entrains to the 24-h day, but interindividual differences in properties of the pacemaker, such as intrinsic period, affect chronotype and mediate responses to challenges to the circadian system, such as shift work and jet lag, and the efficacy of therapeutic interventions such as light therapy. Robust characterization of circadian properties requires desynchronization of the circadian system from the rest-activity cycle, and these forced desynchrony protocols are very time and resource intensive. However, circadian protocols designed to derive the relationship between light intensity and phase shift, which is inherently affected by intrinsic period, may be applied more broadly. To exploit this relationship, we applied a mathematical model of the human circadian pacemaker with a Markov-Chain Monte Carlo parameter estimation algorithm to estimate the representative group intrinsic period for a group of participants using their collective illuminance-response curve data. We first validated this methodology using simulated illuminance-response curve data in which the intrinsic period was known. Over a physiological range of intrinsic periods, this method accurately estimated the representative intrinsic period of the group. We also applied the method to previously published experimental data describing the illuminance-response curve for a group of healthy adult participants. We estimated the study participants’ representative group intrinsic period to be 24.26 and 24.27 h using uniform and normal priors, respectively, consistent with estimates of the average intrinsic period of healthy adults determined using forced desynchrony protocols. Our results establish an approach to estimate a population’s representative intrinsic period from illuminance-response curve data, thereby facilitating the characterization of intrinsic period across a broader range of participant populations than could be studied using forced desynchrony protocols. Future applications of this approach may improve the understanding of demographic differences in the intrinsic circadian period.
Intimate Partner Violence, Parenting, and Children’s Representations of Caregivers
Authors: Zvara Bharathi J. , Mills-Koonce Roger , Feagans Lynne Vernon , Cox Martha , Blair Clancy , Burchinal Peg , Burton Linda , Crnic Keith , Crouter Ann , Garrett-Peters Patricia , Greenberg Mark , Lanza Stephanie , Werner Emily , Willoughby Michael
Published: November 2019

Children’s representational models of self and relationship quality with caregivers in the context of intimate partner violence (IPV) were investigated using family drawings created by children in their first-grade year. The present study examines the mediating role of mothers’ and fathers’ sensitive parenting behaviors in the relations between IPV and children’s representations of relationship quality with mothers and fathers. The sample ( N = 947) is drawn from a longitudinal study of rural poverty exploring the ways in which child, family, and contextual factors shape development over time. Results of analyses indicate significant associations between IPV, sensitive parenting, and children’s representation of relationship quality with mothers and fathers. There was a significant indirect effect from IPV on children’s representation of relationship quality with fathers through paternal parenting behaviors. The findings from this study suggest that exposure to violence may affect how children view their family relationships and that fathers’ parenting behavior is a key mediating process. Implications of the findings and directions for future study are proposed.
A reliable process planning approach based on fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method incorporating historical machining data
Authors: Mou Wenping , Gao Xin
Published: November 2019

The quality of process planning could directly affect product quality, machining efficiency and cost. In small batch production such as machining aircraft structural parts, human experience is dominant in the process planning of those parts with great variability. Inferior planning of the machining process directly leads to low efficiency and quality, which has serious impact on the lead time of aircraft structural parts. To address these problems, different from the existing process knowledge reuse method by estimating the geometric similarity, a more reliable process planning method based on fuzzy comprehensive evaluation via historical machining data is proposed in this article. As long as machining resources are determined, a feature-based historical machining data model can be built, and the similarities between new machining features and the features in the database are estimated accordingly. Machining strategy, which contains tool path strategy and machining parameters, can then be identified according to the evaluation results of the similar features based on entropy weight method. A prototype system is developed and successfully applied to the typical aircraft structural parts.
Ride and roll/yaw stability analysis of articulated frame steer vehicle with torsio-elastic suspension
Authors: Chai Mu , Zhang Wencan , Wang Daoyong , Chen Junjie
Published: November 2019

An articulated frame steered vehicle model with torsio-elastic suspension is established in Adams/View. The model considered the influence of the hydraulic steering system on the yaw stability of articulated vehicles, thus, the hydraulic steering system is formulated and modeled in MATLAB/Simulink. The ride and roll/yaw stability of the vehicle model is investigated via co-simulation of Adams and Simulink. The Adams vehicle model is verified based on the vibration acceleration responses near the seat position at constant forward speeds. The hydraulic steering system model is validated through the steady-state steering maneuver. Relative ride performance of unsuspended and fully suspended vehicle is investigated in terms of unweighted and frequency-weighted root-mean-square accelerations. The roll and yaw stability of vehicle model with and without suspension at loaded and unloaded conditions are subsequently analyzed in terms of roll angle, roll safety factor, lateral acceleration, critical speed, and so on. The results show that the torsio-elastic suspension can efficiently reduce the vibrations of the vehicle, and the articulated frame steer vehicles applied with torsio-elastic suspension yield slightly lower roll/yaw stability but substantial reductions in the ride vibration levels. The results provide some reference for the suspension and steering system design of articulated engineering vehicle.
Identification of the under-tie pad material characteristics for stress state reduction
Authors: Branson Jacob M , Dersch Marcus S , Lima Arthur de Oliveira , Edwards J Riley , Cesar Bastos Josue
Published: November 2019

The degradation of ballast particles and concrete crossties in heavy-haul railroad tracks poses problems such as inhibiting proper drainage and disturbing track geometry. under-tie pads offer a solution to reduce crosstie–ballast stresses by improving load distribution through the track structure and reducing pressures on ballast particles and the crosstie surface. Despite the emergence of under-tie pads on heavy-haul corridors, optimal characteristics for the reduction of the tie–ballast stress state have not been defined in literature. In this research, several under-tie pad products and generic materials with various thicknesses and hardnesses were studied to identify appropriate properties of under-tie pad products for pressure distribution. The findings from this research provide an insight into how material characteristics influence the pressure mitigation performance of under-tie pads. Results from this study indicate that thickness is the most crucial metric determining under-tie pad performance in reducing ballast degradation; hardness and material type also have an effect, but to a lesser degree.
The Effect of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Protection of Dopaminergic Neurons from Apoptosis by Reducing Oxidative Stress in the Early Stage of a 6-OHDA-Induced Parkinson’s Disease Model
Authors: Chi Heng , Guan Yunqian , Li Fengyan , Chen Zhiguo
Published: November 2019

Oxidative stress is an important cause of dopaminergic (DA) neuron apoptosis in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) possess antioxidative features. In this study, we investigated whether MSCs could reduce oxidative stress and protect DA neurons from apoptosis by intravenous (I.V.) injection in the early stage of a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced PD model. MSCs were injected into the tail vein of mice, and behavioral tests, immunofluorescence staining, western blot, and oxidative stress levels were assessed at different time points. After 6-OHDA exposure, DA neuron apoptosis was detected, together with severe oxidative stress in brain and periphery. Compared with the non-transplanted sham controls, motor function in the 6-OHDA-lesioned group after I.V. injection of MSCs was significantly improved, and the levels of DA neuron apoptosis and oxidative stress decreased. The results demonstrate that MSCs can rescue DA neurons from ongoing apoptosis by reducing oxidative stress, and provide insights on developing new therapeutic strategies to offset the degenerative process of PD.
Effect of recycled coarse aggregate on the properties of C40 self-compacting concrete
Authors: Wang Yunyang , Zhao Bingchen , Yang Guang , Jia Yandong , Yang Lijun , Li Meng , Tang Xiangliang , Huang Zhigang , Sun Jin , Shen Weimin
Published: November 2019

The effect of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) on the fresh and hardened properties of C40 self-compacting concrete (SCC) was investigated in this paper. The slump, T 500 (the time needed for SCC to spread into a round configuration with a nominal diameter of 500 mm), the slump flow and the flow time of fresh C40 SCC as well as the compressive strength and modulus of elasticity of hardened C40 SCC were studied. The modulus of elasticity of C40 SCC was calculated by theoretical formula, and the calculated values were compared with the experimental values. Mechanisms that effect on the C40 SCC properties at fresh and hardened states were also explored. The experimental results showed that the slump values of the C40 SCC are beyond 250 mm. The C40 SCC with RCA replacement content of 50% showed the highest slump value of 275 mm. All T 500 values of the C40 SCC are within 5 s. The slump flow of the C40 SCC slightly increases with the increase of replacement content of the RCA. In contrast, the compressive strength and modulus of elasticity of the C40 SCC slightly decrease with the increase of replacement content. The experimental values of modulus of elasticity are lower than that of the calculated values. Submerged in water before mixing of RCA leading to the slump flow of the C40 SCC increases with the increasing replacement content of the RCA. The old cement mortar attached to the RCA surface is the main reason that weakens the mechanical properties. The lower amount of coarse aggregate and the higher amount of cement paste attribute to the lower values of modulus of elasticity. This study implied that RCA can be effectively used in the production of C40 SCC without any significant sacrifice on workability and mechanical properties.
United Nations and Human Security Paradoxes in Iraq
Authors: Turan Idris
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this article is to analyse the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and its repercussions for humanity from the perspective of Human Security. In addition, the aim is to focus on the international systemic problems in the UN on the basis of Human Security. The Human Security approach is expected to bring new insights both to the analysis of what happened to Iraq and its people and how the ‘noble’ aims of the US invasion brought about just the opposite outcomes. It is argued that Iraqis and the country’s future should be thought in the context of Human Security rather than abstract ideals of democratisation and emancipation.
India and Emerging Challenges in International Relations and Area Studies
Authors: Harshé Rajen
Published: November 2019

This article captures a bird’s eye view of International Relations and Area Studies by offering a range of ideas and arguments from diverse phases including the current phase of globalisation.  After exploring the nature of links between the two fields, it reflects on globalisation, looks at the prominent theories in international relations critically before moving on to discuss areas such as Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. Further, by shedding light on inter-area relations, it grapples to find a way to define an area. By treating India as an area in its own right, it relates India to different regions of Asia. It essentially argues that scholars in India need to evolve innovative concepts and theories by doing inter-disciplinary research that are useful for knowledge building exercises as well as policy think tanks.
‘Different faces of dignity’: A functionalist account of the institutional use of the concept of dignity in the European Union
Authors: Petrić Davor
Published: November 2019

The article provides a functionalist account of the ‘institutional uses’ of (human) dignity in the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union. It looks at how the legal concept of dignity is invoked and used in the adjudication processes in the European Union, what is its role, and what are its practical effects. The aim is to arrive at a better understanding of the dignity’s functional roles in the EU, but also of the functional similarities and differences in comparison with other European jurisdictions. This will further show in what aspects dignity is independent of or dependent on institutional contexts in which it operates, especially regarding the judicial practices and mutual relationships between different courts.
The study of enhancement of magnetorheological effect based on natural rubber/thermoplastic elastomer SEBS hybrid matrix
Authors: Song Xincheng , Wang Wenju , Yang Fufeng , Wang Guoping , Rui Xiaoting
Published: November 2019

Magnetorheological elastomers are one kind of smart materials which consist of matrix materials and magnetic particles. The mechanical properties of magnetorheological elastomers were controllable under an external magnetic field. Applications of magnetorheological elastomers are limited as a result of their poor magnetorheological effect and mechanical performance, so enhancing the magnetorheological effect of them is critical for their application. Styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene based thermoplastic elastomer was added to natural rubber to fabricate hybrid matrix–based magnetorheological elastomers. Zero modulus of magnetorheological elastomers increased from 0.50 to 0.64 MPa and magnetorheological effect increased from 28.00% to 43.75% with the addition of styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene based thermoplastic elastomer. The contact angle of carbonyl iron particles with the matrix showed that styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene based thermoplastic elastomer can improve the compatibility of carbonyl iron particles with the matrix. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis has been carried out to investigate the internal structure of hybrid matrix–based magnetorheological elastomers.
The variable resonance magnetorheological pendulum tuned mass damper: Mathematical modelling and seismic experimental studies
Authors: Christie Matthew D , Sun Shuaishuai , Deng Lei , Ning Donghong , Du Haiping , Zhang Shiwu , Li Weihua
Published: November 2019

Tuned mass damper technologies are progressively advancing through innovative application of smart materials, facilitating more versatile infrastructure protection. During seismic events, primarily encountered surrounding fault lines, high-rise buildings and other civil structures can suffer catastrophic failures if not adequately protected. Where traditional passive structural protection may mitigate such damage, adaptive systems which provide controllable vibration attenuation across a wide range of excitation frequencies have seen growth in use, overcoming the challenges resulting from unpredictable seismic spectrums. As a robust solution to this problem, this article presents and analyses a variable resonance magnetorheological-fluid-based pendulum tuned mass damper which employs a rotary magnetorheological damper in a controllable differential transmission to add stiffness to a swinging pendulum mass. The device is mathematically modelled based on magnetic field analysis, the Bingham plastic shear-stress model for magnetorheological fluids, and planetary gearbox kinematic and torque relationships, with the model then being validated against experimental data. The passive and semi-active-controlled performance of the device in seismic vibration suppression is then experimentally investigated using a scale five-storey building. In tests conducted with the 1985 Mexico City record, the semi-active device outperformed the (optimal) passive-on tuning, at best reducing peak displacement by 15.47% and acceleration by 28.28%, with similar improvement seen against the passive-off case for the 1940 El Centro record.
Modeling the hysteretic responses of RC shear walls under cyclic loading by an energy-based plastic-damage model for concrete
Authors: Zhang Shen , Cheng Ming , Wang Jie , Wu Jian-Ying
Published: November 2019

This paper addresses application of an energy-based plastic-damage model for concrete to the modeling of hysteretic responses of reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls. Both damage evolution and plastic flows are accounted for within the framework of thermodynamics, resulting in consistent energy-based damage evolution laws. The model is implemented in the commercial software package ABAQUS via the user-defined material subroutine and applied to two representative benchmark tests of RC shear walls under cyclic loading. It is shown that with the steel reinforcement properly accounted for, the energy-based plastic-damage model can capture realistically the failure modes, load capacities, and overall load–deformation responses of RC shear walls.
The Role of the School Nurse in Suicide Interventions: An Integrative Review
Authors: Pestaner Mitzi C. , Tyndall Deborah E. , Powell Shannon B.
Published: November 2019

Suicide rates among children and adolescents have continued to rise over the past decade indicating the need for school-based suicide prevention programs. School nurses (SNs) are well positioned to assist in assessment, early identification, and intervention of at-risk students. This integrative review aimed to (1) critically examine the role of the SN in school-based suicide interventions, (2) explore potential barriers preventing the SN from participating in suicide interventions, and (3) recommend strategies to build capacity for principles of school nursing practice in suicide intervention. The National Association of School Nurses’ Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice was used to categorize interventions and outcomes related to suicide prevention. Findings demonstrate a lack of reported nursing interventions directly linked to student outcomes and suggest obscurity in the role of the SN. Recommendations for future research and strategies to build capacity for principles of school nursing practice are provided.
Ultrasound-based simulation for cannulation in outpatient hemodialysis units: An educational protocol
Authors: Niyyar Vandana Dua
Published: November 2019

Portable ultrasounds are often referred to as the “new stethoscope.” Their portability and affordability have led to improved diagnostic capabilities at the point of care in virtually every field of medicine, and hemodialysis access is no exception. However, though ultrasonography is increasingly used throughout the spectrum of hemodialysis access, its role in outpatient dialysis units in the United States has been limited so far. This may, in part, be due to limited ultrasound exposure, knowledge, and training of dialysis staff. This article details an educational protocol including hands-on simulation for training dialysis technicians and nurses in ultrasound-guided cannulation techniques.
Heritagization of Tamu music—from lived culture to heritage to be safe-guarded
Authors: Moisala Pirkko
Published: November 2019

This article studies the heritagization of Tamu (Nepal) music, between 1975 and 2016. It describes how some musical genres are chosen to be “heritage,” the icons of Tamu distinctiveness and pride. At the same time, traditional Tamu music loses some of its social, religious and economic groundings. The main focus here is on one village, many inhabitants of which have moved to live in diaspora for economic survival. In addition, this article examines how the Internet works as a site of presenting music heritage, expressing belonging and nostalgia. Currently, Tamu organizations work for preserving their cultural heritage. They promise to repair some of the damage caused to Sino-Tibetan (also called Mongolian) Indigenous groups by internal Hinduistic colonialism in Nepal. Heightened demands for Indigenous rights expressed by parties and organizations, such as Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities, established in 2002, have also promoted the urge to safeguard Indigenous intangible heritages.
Do sanctions spell disaster? Economic sanctions, political institutions, and technological safety
Authors: McLean Elena V , Whang Taehee
Published: November 2019

Sanctions restrict or terminate economic relations between two or more countries, directly and negatively influencing sanctioned countries’ companies. We argue that sanctions are similar to recessions—both reduce economic activity in affected countries. Less economic activity results in a lower accident risk as companies use their productive facilities less. Reduced revenues also force companies to adjust by cutting costs, which includes spending on safety. Hence, accident damage should increase under sanctions. Governments can intervene by enforcing safety regulations, and their incentives to do so are stronger in democracies, where citizens can more easily remove politicians from office. Therefore, accident damage increases only in nondemocratic countries, while democracies succeed in maintaining technological safety and hence sanctions do not affect accident damage.
Co-afflicted but invisible: A qualitative study of perceptions among informal caregivers in cancer care
Authors: Tranberg Mattias , Andersson Magdalena , Nilbert Mef , Rasmussen Birgit H
Published: November 2019

This article explores the lived experience of informal caregivers in cancer care, focusing on the perceived burden and needs of individuals seeking support from an informal group for next of kin. A total of 28 individuals who were closely related to a patient with cancer participated in focus group interviews. Three themes were identified: setting aside one’s own needs, assuming the role of project manager, and losing one’s sense of identity. Together they form the framing theme: being co-afflicted. The characteristics of informal caregivers are shown to be similar to those of people with codependency, motivating development of targeted interventions from this perspective.
Egypt’s feminist counterpublic: The re-invigoration of the post-revolution public sphere
Authors: Elsheikh Dalia , Lilleker Darren G.
Published: November 2019

This study examines the current feminist counterculture movements which appears to be reinvigorating the Egyptian public sphere. The study argues women in particular have been able to find themselves alternative ways to develop a discourse focused on a desire for social changes around which they can unite. In focusing on lifestyle issues that normally are discussed only in small private spheres, they are able to challenge norms while not provoking the state or security apparatus and avoiding becoming part of the polarised political environment. This article explores the dynamics and motivations of these groups through a case study of three of the networked feminist movements. Our data from semi-structured interviews with the founders show that they grew from networks to movements which then evolved in order to be sustainable. This article argues that through the process of their evolution, these movements are helping strengthen the public sphere and enhance Egyptian democracy.
A corpus-based analysis of textual genres in the administration domain
Authors: da Cunha Iria , Montané M Amor
Published: November 2019

Laymen occasionally have to write texts in specialized domains, such as when interacting with the public administration. However, in Spanish, most studies related to administrative texts have focused on texts written by the administration for laymen rather than texts that average citizens write to the administration. Against this backdrop, this article aims to carry out the following: (a) a linguistic analysis on a corpus of Spanish-language texts from five textual genres written by laymen and addressed to the public administration (allegation, cover letter, letter of complaint, claim, and application) on the textual, lexical and discourse levels; (b) a contrastive analysis that applies statistical techniques to quantitative data to identify significant differences among these textual genres. The results show a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of each genre. Also, the statistical results indicate that there are significant differences among some of the analyzed genres.
The influence law of grouser shape on soil slide sinkage when tracked vehicle travels on soft road
Authors: He Jian , Wu Dalin , Ma Jisheng , Wang Hongkai , Yang Yuliang
Published: November 2019

The influence law of a tracked vehicle grouser shape on the soil slide sinkage was investigated in this study via the numerical simulations and physical tests. A finite element model was built using the plastic incremental theory and generalized Hokker’s law, while constitutive soil parameters were obtained via triaxial test. The numerical simulation model was verified by physical test results. Based on the verified numerical simulation model, the influence law of the tracked vehicle grouser shape on the soil slide sinkage was determined. The results show that (1) shear displacement in the lateral direction can increase the soil sinkage in the vertical direction, which is referred to as the “slide sinkage”; (2) there is a linear relationship between the slide sinkage and the shear displacement; (3) the grouser width and height have a positive influence on the amount of slide sinkage. Under the same load, an increase in grouser width and height will cause an increase in the soil slide sinkage. Grouser thickness and pitch have a negative influence on the slide sinkage, and under the same load, increased grouser width and height cause a reduction in the soil slide sinkage. Grouser angle characteristics have no significant effect on the soil sinkage. The application of the slide sinkage in tracked vehicles traveling on soft roads was investigated in multibody system dynamics analysis software Recurdyn to confirm these observations. The results presented in this paper may provide a workable reference for the analysis of tracked vehicles in multibody system dynamics scenarios.
Semi-active vibration control of SiC-reinforced Al6082 metal matrix composite sandwich beam with magnetorheological fluid core
Authors: Allien J Vipin , Kumar Hemantha , Desai Vijay
Published: November 2019

Dynamic characterization of silicon carbide particles reinforced Al6082 alloy metal matrix composite sandwich beam with magnetorheological fluid core is experimentally investigated. The study is focused on determining the effect of magnetorheological fluid core on the dynamic behavior of the sandwich structure. The magnetorheological fluid core is enclosed between the top and bottom metal matrix composite beams. The metal matrix composite beams are cast with silicon carbide particles in Al6082 alloy varying from 0 to 20 wt%. The magnetorheological fluid is prepared in-house and contains 30 vol.% carbonyl iron powder and 70 vol.% silicone oil. The free vibration test is conducted to determine the natural frequencies and damping ratio. It is found that the natural frequencies and damping ratio of the sandwich beams increased with an increase in the applied magnetic flux density. The experimental forced dynamic response of sandwich beams is carried out using sine sweep excitation. Vibration amplitude suppression capabilities of the sandwich beams subjected to varying magnetic flux densities are determined. The experimental forced vibration results reveal that metal matrix composite–magnetorheological fluid core sandwich beams have excellent vibration amplitude suppression capabilities.
The influence of transformational and authentic leadership on the satisfaction of hotel customers in the Canary Islands
Authors: Baquero Asier , Delgado Beatriz , Escortell Raquel , Sapena Juan
Published: November 2019

Leadership provides a strategy to deal with intense competition and high customer expectations in the hotel industry. This paper analyses the ability of managers’ transformational and authentic leadership to predict customer satisfaction. A sample of 18,944 customers and managers of eight hotels in the Canary Islands was used for the analysis. The data were collected using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire-6s, the Authentic Leadership Questionnaire and ReviewPro management software. The data were analysed to confirm the ability of transformational and authentic leadership to predict overall customer satisfaction. The results indicate that the transformational subscales of idealised influence and intellectual stimulation and the authentic subscales of relational transparency and balanced processing predict overall customer satisfaction. However, there are discrepancies between the results for self-managed service departments and outsourced service departments. This study provides a novel approach to scientific research, building upon previous studies of the effectiveness of both types of leadership, especially in relation to their impact on guest satisfaction and differences between departments. The evidence provides insight into the leadership qualities that increase customer satisfaction, which is essential in the hotel industry.
On the 10-year anniversary of minecraft: two interventions in extractive colonialism
Authors: Brazelton Bennett
Published: November 2019

In light of the 10-year anniversary of the release of Minecraft, the wildly popular survival/building game, this retrospective considers the game as a vastly impactful digital text of settler colonialism. The ways in which the game’s ‘survival mode’ approaches the extraction of resources from land is fundamentally entangled in colonial fictions of indigeneity, gendered systems of property, and a Euro-humanist sense of entitlement and ownership. Considering Minecraft as a colonial text allows for two theoretical and aesthetic interventions: first, the visual art of Peruvian-American Eamon Ore-Giron, who challenges colonial extractivism in the two-channel piece, Morococha, and second, the 2006 flash game released by XGen Studies, Motherload, which approaches mining-based gameplay with key differences. These two interventions highlight the importance of digital realms as a terrain of colonial space-making and thus a site of analysis for cultural geographers. Moreover, they may help to chart useful paths to the production and realization of anti-colonial digital textuality.
From concept to conceptions: Can the Broad View overcome the debate between orthodox and political theories of human rights?
Authors: Corrigan Daniel P
Published: November 2019

In Humanity without Dignity, Sangiovanni offers an interesting new approach to human rights theory called the “Broad View” (BV) of human rights. The BV involves an innovative attempt to overcome the debate between orthodox and political theories of human rights. While orthodox and political theories each capture certain roles or functions that human rights have in practice, it remains unclear how to reconcile some of their differences. The BV seeks to resolve this debate by drawing a distinction between the concept and particular conceptions of human rights. It offers a general concept of human rights, and then allows for both orthodox and political conceptions of this concept. The aim is to show that neither orthodox nor political theories make a conceptual mistake about human rights, while also accommodating their recognition of the various roles or functions human rights have in practice. This article assesses the success of the BV in resolving the debate, suggesting that several types of indeterminacy bring into question whether it has accomplished this aim.
Pre-diabetes, diabetes and predictors of incident angina among older women and men in the Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Mathenge Njambi , Fan Wenjun , Wong Nathan D , Hirsch Calvin , Delaney Chris (Joseph) , Amsterdam Ezra A , Koch Bruce , Calara Rico , Gardin Julius M
Published: November 2019

Diabetes mellitus and angina pectoris are important conditions in older persons. The utility of pre-diabetes mellitus, diabetes mellitus and other risk factors as predictors of incident angina pectoris among older adults has not been characterized. We examined incident angina pectoris rates by sex and diabetes mellitus status in 4511 adults aged ⩾65 years without coronary heart disease at baseline from the Cardiovascular Health Study. Cox regression examined predictors of incident angina pectoris, including pre-diabetes mellitus or diabetes mellitus adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and other risk factors, over 12.2 ± 6.9 years of follow-up. Overall, 39.1% of participants had pre-diabetes mellitus, 14.0% had diabetes mellitus and 532 (11.8%) had incident angina pectoris. Incident angina pectoris rates per 1000 person-years in those with neither condition, pre-diabetes mellitus, and diabetes mellitus were 7.9, 9.0 and 12.3 in women and 10.3, 11.2 and 14.5 in men, respectively. Pre-diabetes mellitus and diabetes mellitus were not independently associated with incident AP; however, key predictors of AP were male sex, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, antihypertensive medication and difficulty performing at least one instrumental activity of daily living (all p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). In our cohort of older adult participants, while the incidence of AP is greater in those with diabetes mellitus, neither diabetes mellitus nor pre-diabetes mellitus independently predicted incident angina pectoris.
A peak detection algorithm adopting magnetic sensor signal for rail spike location in tamping machine
Authors: Gao Meng , Wu Haifeng , Shen Yong , Wang Xia , Zeng Yu
Published: November 2019

When a tamping machine is tamping track ballasts under railway, it is necessary to determine the tamping positions in advance. This study proposes a peak detection algorithm to locate rail spikes with magnetic sensor signals, and then determine the tamping positions. In this algorithm, we have performed the downsampling, sliding window, threshold classification, and secondary peak search to complete peak detection. Especially, we discuss how a sliding window length, a downsampling frequency, a secondary-search-window length, and other parameters affect the performance of the algorithm. In experiments, we use a group of real magnetic sensor signals to evaluate the algorithm. Compared with traditional methods, the proposed algorithm can reduce the false positives and misses of peak detection to 0, while the maximum location error will not more than 1 cm.
Design and kinematics of a 3-D printed walking robot “Big Foot”, overcoming obstacles
Authors: Chavdarov Ivan , Naydenov Bozhidar
Published: November 2019

The proposed study presents an original concept for the design of a walking robot with a minimum number of motors. The robot has a simple design and control system, successfully moves by walking, avoids or overcomes obstacles using only two independently controlled motors. Described are basic geometric and kinematic dependencies related to its movement. It is proposed optimization of basic dimensions of the robot in order to reduce energy losses when moving on flat terrain. Developed and produced is a 3-D printed prototype of the robot. Simulation and experiments for overcoming an obstacle are presented. Trajectories and instantaneous velocities centers of links from the robot are experimentally determined. The phases of walking and the stages of overcoming an obstacle are described. The theoretical and experimental results are compared. The suggested dimensional optimization approaches to reduce energy loss and experimental determination of the instant center of rotation are also applicable to other walking robots.
Two-stage flexible warranty decision-making considering downtime loss
Authors: Zheng Rui , Su Chun , Zheng Yuqiao
Published: November 2019

Most existing warranty policies are rigid, and the downtime loss is also not taken into account. This study develops a two-stage decision framework to design flexible warranty policies, where the downtime loss is considered. In the first stage, by minimizing the warranty service cost, a fixed warranty policy is provided to determine the baseline of preventive maintenance’s times and effort. In the second stage, customers have three options to increase preventive maintenance times, preventive maintenance effort, or both of them, which results in three types of flexible warranty policies. The additional maintenance cost for the increased preventive maintenance times and/or preventive maintenance effort is paid by the customers. Besides, the flexible policies are optimized to minimize customer’s cost, which is the sum of the downtime loss and shared maintenance cost. A practical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed flexible warranty policies. The results indicate that compared with the fixed warranty policies, both the manufacturer and customers can benefit from the proposed flexible policies, especially when the downtime loss is substantial. Moreover, the proposed policy is more effective when the warranty period is longer.