bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A wavelet neural network approach to predict daily river discharge using meteorological data
Authors: Gürsoy Ömer , Engin Seref Naci
Published: April 2019

This paper reports some part of modelling and data analysis work carried out within the frame of a comprehensive project on the web-based development of watershed information system. This work basically aims to present the daily discharge predictions from the actual discharge along with the meteorological data using a wavelet neural network approach, which combines two methods: discrete wavelet transform and artificial neural networks. The wavelet–artificial neural network model developed provides a good fit with the measured data, in particular with zero discharge in the summer months and also with the peaks and sudden changes in discharge on the test data collected throughout the year. The results indicate that the wavelet–artificial neural network model based predictions are distinctly superior to that of conventional artificial neural network model that corresponds up to an 80% reduction in the mean-squared error between the artificial neural network model and measured data.
Effect of wind disturbance on the aerodynamic performance of coaxial rotors during hovering
Authors: Lei Yao , Lin Rongzhao
Published: April 2019

The ability to resist the effect of wind disturbance is vital for micro air vehicles. As the most compact rotor configuration for micro air vehicles, coaxial rotors will be the preferred choice for this type of devices. In this paper, the aerodynamic performance of the coaxial rotors considering the wind gust is presented with both experiments and simulations. First, effect of wind disturbances on the micro air vehicles flight was introduced. Then, low-speed wind tunnel tests were performed on a coaxial rotor with a spacing 0.39 R to obtain the performance in both horizontal and vertical wind of 0–5 m/s with the revolutions per minute ranging from 1500 to 2400. Finally, computational fluid dynamics simulations, as a means of visualizing the flow field to compensate the intuition of the experimental data, were applied by using the sliding mesh to capture the detailed interference of flow field with the distributions of streamline and velocity vector. Compared with wind tunnel tests, simulation results were highly consistent with experiments that allow to capture the flow details around the rotor tip effectively. In addition, the aerodynamic performance was deteriorated by vortices moving or deforming around the blade tip. Also, coaxial rotors can effectively resist the wind disturbance in the horizontal direction while the rotor performance was found to be declined in the vertical wind.
INGO memberships revisited: Local variation of receptor sites in the education sector
Authors: Lerch Julia C
Published: April 2019

This article investigates cross-national variation in the types of locally based actors, or “receptor sites,” that connect with international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) in local contexts. Empirics center on an INGO disseminating global best practices for education in humanitarian crises to a membership of around 10,000 individuals in over 150 countries. Members reported working at a range of organizations, here conceptualized as receptor sites. Using multivariate regression, I examine cross-national differences in a subset of these workplace affiliations. Findings show that members join primarily in Western countries and in specific sites of humanitarian crises. However, they tend to be affiliated with different types of receptors in these two contexts due to differences in the underlying factors that generate INGO ties. Receptors influential in the construction of global norms (such as aid donors and universities) dominate in the Western core, where ties serve as a means for promoting cultural ideals elsewhere. In contrast, implementing organizations (such as local schools, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and governments) prevail in humanitarian crises, where ties offer access to global resources in tackling local issues. Country-level ties to INGOs are thus not always equivalent, but can capture locally variant pathways for diffusion.
Measuring Test Anxiety With an Invariant Measure Across Genders: The Case of the German Test Anxiety Inventory
Authors: Donati Maria Anna , Izzo Viola Angela , Scabia Aurora , Boncompagni Jessica , Primi Caterina
Published: April 2019

Since test performance is increasingly relevant in educational and occupational circles, the assessment of test anxiety—the phenomenological, physiological, and behavioral responses to the negative consequences that often emerge in evaluative situations—has become increasingly important to scholars and practitioners. One of the most widely employed scales to measure test anxiety in adolescents is the German Test Anxiety Inventory (in German: Prufungsangstfragebogen, PAF). The current study investigated the psychometric properties of the PAF when administered to Italian students. Our research found evidence of validity, supported the five-factor structure, and demonstrated the test’s good internal consistency. Moreover, the invariance of the dimensional structure across genders was examined. Overall, this study provides evidence for the reliability and validity of the PAF among Italian students.
Enhancement of mechanical and electromagnetic absorbing properties of carbon/glass hybrid composites with a three-dimensional quasi-isotropic braided structure
Authors: Fan Wei , Xue Lili , Wei Tongxue , Dong Jingjing , Li Juanzi , Yuan LinJia , Dang Wensheng , Sun Runjun , Chen Xiaogang
Published: April 2019

Two carbon/glass hybrid composites with different reinforced structures were designed and their mechanical and electromagnetic absorbing properties (EMAPs) were investigated in this paper. It was found that the tensile, bending, and double-notch shear strength of the three-dimensional (3D) quasi-isotropic (QI)-braided composite were 4.50%, 9.64%, and 14.29% higher than those of the QI-laminated composite, respectively. This was because Z-binder yarns in the 3D QI-braided composite can lock all yarn sets together to bear external stress and inhibit crack propagation in interlamination. The EMAPs of the 3D QI-braided composites were larger than that of the QI-laminated composite in the entire Ku band. This was because the Z-directional glass fibers in the 3D QI-braided composite were beneficial for electromagnetic transmission. The uniform arrangement of five sets of yarns (+45°, –45°, 90°, 0°, and Z-yarns) resulted in the 3D QI-braided composites having better QI-EMAPs and QI mechanical properties in plane and outstanding interlayer performance than the traditional carbon fiber laminated composite.
Systematic review of Lyme disease in Turkey
Authors: Önal Uğur , Erdem Hüseyin Aytaç , Uyan Önal Ayşe , Sipahi Oğuz Reşat
Published: April 2019

A systematic review was conducted with the aim of describing the demographical data, features and outcomes of patients with Lyme disease (LD), reported from Turkey. Three international database (electronic PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus) and two national database (Ulakbim and Turkmedline) searches were performed using the following keywords ([‘Lyme’ or ‘Borrelia burgdorferi’ or ‘Borrelia’ or ‘Borreliosis’] and ‘Turkey [and/country]’). National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNNDS) of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria were used for classification. A PRISMA-based algorithm was used for systematic review. There were a total of 75 LD cases in 36 different reports. Studies related to LD are confined to case reports. We believe that LD is an important healthcare problem in Turkey and to our knowledge this is the first systematic review from this country.
Chikungunya-induced inflammatory myositis: a case report in India
Authors: Dev Nishant , Kumar Rahul , Gogna Arun , Sharma Shruti
Published: April 2019

Chikungunya fever is a benign and self-limiting disease caused by an RNA virus belonging to genus alphavirus and transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes. However, a number of atypical presentations involving various systems have been reported. Among the neurological complications, encephalitis, myelitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome and optic neuritis are commonly seen. However, its presentation as isolated inflammatory myositis causing quadriplegia is extremely rare. We report a 35-year-old woman with quadriplegia caused by chikungunya-induced inflammatory myositis. The diagnosis was confirmed with clinical examination, electromyography study, muscle biopsy findings and exclusion of other causes. There have been case reports of inflammatory myositis in association with various infections as well as in association with other neurological presentations in chikungunya. However, this may be the first case report of isolated inflammatory myositis associated with chikungunya fever.
Should UK specialty trainee doctors in Obstetrics and Gynaecology have more opportunities to work in global women’s health?
Authors: McCauley Mary , Unger Holger W , Vousden Nicola , Sobhy Soha
Published: April 2019

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has a long history of advocacy for women’s health, nationally and internationally. There is a demand and interest in global women’s health among a sample of junior doctors training in obstetrics and gynaecology in the UK. There is ongoing debate regarding whether this desire should be nurtured, opportunities created and barriers addressed, both in the interest of training and as a means of addressing global health inequity. Global health work needs to be a mutually beneficial partnership for all involved, with work carried out sensitively and sustainably.
How to Do a Salary Equity Study: With an Illustrative Example From Higher Education
Authors: Taylor Lori L. , Lahey Joanna N. , Beck Molly I. , Froyd Jeffrey E.
Published: April 2019

Regular salary equity studies can be a best practice among employers committed to salary equity and fairly managed compensation. While a well-constructed salary study can identify inequities for amelioration, a poorly constructed study can create rather than solve problems. Organizations may be deterred from doing these studies because of their inherent analytical challenges. We provide a guide for human resource managers describing how to conduct their own salary studies, how to interpret the results, and how organizations can apply the results. We describe best practices across public sector organizations and illustrate them with an example from higher education. We also provide a link to an online appendix containing sample code that can be used to conduct such analyses using two popular software packages. The twin goals of the article are to increase the quality of salary analyses while reducing the barriers to conducting them.
The “Undeserving Poor,” Racial Bias, and Medicaid Coverage of African Americans
Authors: Snowden Lonnie , Graaf Genevieve
Published: April 2019

The Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion increased coverage especially for the “undeserving poor”—nondisabled, nonelderly adults, who disproportionately are African American. However, African Americans benefited comparably less than other groups from Medicaid expansion because they disproportionately reside in states that rejected Medicaid expansion. Psychological and other social science research establishes that disapproval of providing “welfare” to “undeserving poor” is closely aligned with racial bias, and that these sentiments partly motivate public disapproval of policies such as Medicaid for nondisabled, nonelderly adults. It is important to clarify and acknowledge this barrier for a realistic perspective on obstacles to keeping and expanding Medicaid coverage.
Syntactic cues to the noun and verb distinction in Mandarin child-directed speech
Authors: Ma Weiyi , Zhou Peng , Golinkoff Roberta Michnick , Lee Joanne , Hirsh-Pasek Kathy
Published: April 2019

The syntactic structure of sentences in which a new word appears may provide listeners with cues to that new word’s form class. In English, for example, a noun tends to follow a determiner ( a/ an/ the), while a verb precedes the morphological inflection [ing]. The presence of these markers may assist children in identifying a word’s form class and thus glean some information about its meaning. This study examined whether Mandarin, a language that has a relatively impoverished morphosyntactic system, offers reliable morphosyntactic cues to the noun–verb distinction in child-directed speech (CDS). Using the CHILDES Beijing corpora, Study 1 found that Mandarin CDS has reliable morphosyntactic markers to the noun–verb distinction. Study 2 examined the relationship between mothers’ use of a set of early-acquired nouns and verbs in the Beijing corpora and the age of acquisition (AoA) of these words. Results showed that the occurrence of the form class markers is a reliable predictor of the AoA for the early-acquired nouns and verbs.
Harsh parenting and children's peer relationships: Testing the indirect effect of child overt aggression as moderated by child impulsivity
Authors: Wang Mingzhong , Wang Jing
Published: April 2019

Although harsh parenting has been found to be a risk factor for poor peer relationships, less is known about the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relation. Mainly guided by the person-environment interaction model, we tested a moderated mediation model to examine the mediating role of child overt aggression between harsh parenting and peer acceptance and whether this indirect association was moderated by child impulsivity. Eight hundred and twenty-four Chinese sixth to eighth graders with their parents and classmates were recruited as participants who completed questionnaires on harsh parenting, child impulsivity, child overt aggression and peer acceptance. Results indicated that the negative association between harsh parenting and adolescents' peer acceptance was mediated by child overt aggression. Moreover, the indirect effect of harsh parenting on peer acceptance was much stronger for adolescents with higher impulsivity. These findings suggest that reducing harsh parenting may be a way to reduce child aggression, especially for children with high impulsivity.
Intracranial Complications of Chronic Otitis Media: Why Does It Still Occur?
Authors: Gendeh Hardip Singh , Abdullah Asma binti , Goh Bee See , Hashim Noor Dina
Published: April 2019

Intracranial complications secondary to chronic otitis media (COM) include otogenic brain abscess and sinus thrombosis. Intravenous antibiotics and imaging have significantly reduced the incidence of intracranial complications secondary to COM. However, the same does not apply to a developing country like Malaysia, which still experiences persisting otogenic complications. This case series describes 3 patients with COM and intracranial complications. All 3 patients had COM with mastoiditis, with 1 of the 3 having a cholesteatoma. Postulated reasons for the continued occurrence include poor access to health care, poor compliance with medication, and the lack of pneumococcal vaccination during childhood. In conclusion, public awareness and a timely specialty referral can reduce the incidence of intracranial complications of COM.
Contralateral Precaruncular Approach to the Lateral Sphenoid Sinus—A Case Report Detailing a New, Multiportal Approach to Lesions, and Defects in the Lateral Aspect of Well-Pneumatized Sphenoid Sinuses
Authors: Lubbe Darlene E. , Douglas-Jones Paul , Wasl Hisham , Mustak Hamzah , Semple Patrick L.
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

Conventional surgical approaches to the lateral aspect of a well-pneumatized sphenoid sinus are associated with significant surgical morbidity. Transorbital endoscopic approaches have recently gained favor as an alternative approach to the skull base. We describe the use of a contralateral precaruncular endoscopic approach to provide a surgical pathway to the lateral aspect of the sphenoid sinus, allowing for improved and direct visualization of the surgical field, with limited morbidity.

Case Report:

A 60-year-old female patient, with a spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leak from a Sternberg canal defect in the sphenoid sinus, underwent repair of the defect at Groote Schuur Hospital (Cape Town, South Africa). A contralateral precaruncular approach, using the left medial orbital portal, was utilized to access the defect in the lateral aspect of a well-pneumatized right sphenoid sinus. Computer modeling software was used to predetermine the surgical pathway, and the case was performed under navigation guidance. Adequate surgical access was obtained to the lateral sphenoid sinus and sinus defect, with superior visualization compared to a pure transnasal or transpterygoid approach to the lateral sphenoid sinus.

Conclusions:

This case validates the use of computer simulation to plan and decide on the best operative approaches in skull base surgery and describes the contralateral precaruncular approach as a surgical pathway to the lateral sphenoid sinus. Advantages of the contralateral precaruncular approach include a direct trajectory toward the sinus defect, easy access with a standard 18-cm, 4-mm, 0-degree rigid endoscope, and straight instruments, with sparing of the pterygoid base and contents of the pterygopalatine fossa.
Understanding Teacher Perceptions of Assistive Technology
Authors: Lamond Bronwyn , Cunningham Todd
Published: April 2019

This research examined Grade 6–10 Ontario Certified Teachers’ ( n = 24) perceptions of assistive technology (AT) and the factors correlated with perceived usefulness of AT. A mixed methods design that included a survey consisting of open- and closed-ended items elicited information about teachers’ AT knowledge and training, their basic computer literacy, their perception of administrative support for access to and implementation of AT, the usefulness of AT, and the factors that encourage or discourage AT use in the classroom. Results of correlational analysis suggested that computer literacy and AT knowledge were significantly positively correlated with perceived usefulness of AT, and a thematic analysis further identified that training and student factors may influence AT use. Implications for preservice and professional development teacher training are discussed, given the consistency of teacher-reported need for greater training opportunities for both students and teachers.
Scientific and Regulatory Policy Committee Points to Consider*: Review of Scientific and Regulatory Policy Committee Points to Consider: Review of Current Practices for Ultrastructural Pathology Evaluations in Support of Nonclinical Toxicology Studies
Authors: Keirstead Natalie D. , Janovitz Evan B. , Meehan James T. , LeRoy Bruce E. , Megill John R. , Peterson Richard A. , Masson Regis G. , Marxfeld Heike A.
Published: April 2019

Anatomic pathology and clinical pathology end points are standard components of almost every nonclinical general toxicity study conducted during the risk assessment of novel pharmaceuticals and chemicals. On occasion, an ultrastructural pathology evaluation using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) may be included in nonclinical toxicity studies. Transmission electron microscopy is most commonly used when a light microscopic finding may require further characterization that could inform on the pathogenesis and/or mechanism of action. Regulatory guidance do not address the use of TEM in general study designs nor whether these assessments should be performed in laboratories conducted in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices. The Scientific and Regulatory Policy Committee of the Society of Toxicologic Pathology (STP) formed a Working Group to assess the current practices on the use of TEM in nonclinical toxicity studies. The Working Group constructed a survey sent to members of societies of toxicologic pathology in the United States, Europe, Britain, and Japan, and responses were collected through the STP for evaluation by the Working Group. The survey results and regulatory context are discussed, as are “points to consider” from the collective experience of the Working Group. This survey indicates that TEM remains an essential diagnostic option for complementing toxicologic pathology evaluations.

[Box: see text]
With the 249th Pick . . .: Michael Sam and Imagining Failure Otherwise
Authors: Brody Evan
Published: April 2019

This article examines the sporting discourses that surrounded Michael Sam’s attempt to play in the National Football League (NFL). It argues that Sam would inevitably be described as a failure because of his inability to exist within the logics of heteronormativity and situates his experience within the framework of neoliberalism and Whiteness to better understand how both function as mediating factors in his ability to attain success. Rather than dismissing Sam’s story as abject failure, this article instead reevaluates his journey within the lens of queerness. It discusses how we might look to queerness as a mode of being, which allows a refocusing of the story from Sam’s individual failure to the institutions which fail to include queer bodies in their vision of success.
Does EVA Beat ROA and ROE in Explaining the Stock Returns in Indian Scenario? An Evidence Using Mixed Effects Panel Data Regression Model
Authors: Agrawal Ashita , Mohanty Pitabas , Totala Navindra Kumar
Published: April 2019

We study a panel data of 1,700 Indian firms listed in either National Stock Exchange (NSE) or Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) for the period 2001 to 2016 to see if economic value added (EVA) explains the annual stock returns of these Indian firms better than return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE). Using mixed effect model, we find that EVA does explain the annual stock returns of these Indian firms better than ROA and ROE.
The effect on the surface activity and the structure of SPI caused by cleavage of disulfide bonds and by subsequent glucose modification
Authors: Junfu Fan , Junsheng Li , Bixuan Wang , Xin Zhong , Guoxia Huang , Liujuan Yan , Xiane Ren
Published: April 2019

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects on the molecular structure and the properties of soybean proteins isolate (SPI) after two modifications: (1) peracetic acid oxidative cleavage of its disulfide bonds and (2) the subsequent addition of covalently bonded glucose to the SPI containing the cleaved disulfide bonds. An appropriate amount of peracetic acid will be capable of enhancing the surface properties of SPI significantly; however, excessive oxidation can obtain undesirable results. When the concentration of peracetic acid was 0.4%, following by 35.5% of the disulfide bond cleavage, compared with those of natural SPI, the foaming capacity (FC), foaming stability (FS), emulsifying capacity (EC), and emulsifying stability (ES) of oxidized-SPI were increased by 82.0%, 65.8%, 58.5%, and 41.5%, respectively. The surface activity of oxidized-SPI could be promoted by glucose modification, and the FC, FS, EC, and ES of oxidized-SPI have further risen to 146.8%, 96.0%, 131.4%, and 40.3%, respectively, after the further glucose modification. Particle size measurements showed bimodality for the SPI that was modified with glucose with a portion of smaller sizes seen. Fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism measurements demonstrate that extensibility increases; flexibility is enhanced; and glycosylation occurs more readily due to the oxidation of SPI. When grafted with glucose, these oxidized soybean protein products produce more ideal foaming and display better emulsification properties.
Imbalance in matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases from splenic veins and great saphenous veins under high hemodynamics
Authors: Yan Li , Tang Jinyuan , Hu Xiaoxuan , Xu Yongbo , Li Kun , Liu Hongyan , Nie Zhengui , Chu Haibo , Zhong Yuxu
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Varicose vein is a common disorder involving extensive venous dilation and remodeling, yet the underlying mechanism is unclear. Studies have shown increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases in human varicose veins and animal models of venous hypertension. We investigated the differences in matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases from human splenic veins and great saphenous veins under high hemodynamics.

Methods

Seventy-two human diseased splenic vein, splenic vein, varicose great saphenous vein, and great saphenous vein specimens were collected. The mRNA and protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 were determined.

Results

The mRNA expression and protein positive expression ratio of matrix metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 as well as the content of relative-protein expression were significantly increased in the diseased splenic veins and varicose great saphenous veins compared with the splenic veins and great saphenous veins ( P < 0.05). The varicose great saphenous vein-to-great saphenous vein ratio in the protein positive expression ratio and mRNA expression were significantly increased compared with the diseased splenic vein-to-saphenous vein ratio ( P < 0.05). There was no significant change in the content of relative-protein expression of the varicose great saphenous vein-to-great saphenous vein and diseased splenic vein-to-splenic vein ratios analyzed by Western blot ( P>0.05).

Conclusion

Under high hemodynamics, dysequilibrium of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases from human splenic veins and great saphenous veins may be one of the molecular mechanisms underlying vascular remodeling.
Feasibility and effects of an exercise-based intervention in prison inmates with psychiatric disorders: the PsychiActive project randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bueno-Antequera Javier , Oviedo-Caro Miguel Ángel , Munguía-Izquierdo Diego
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To evaluate the feasibility and effects of a 12-week intervention combining aerobic and strength exercises in prison inmates with psychiatric disorders.

Design:

Two parallel-group, randomized controlled trials.

Setting:

A psychiatric prison hospital.

Subjects:

Forty-one men prison inmates (mean age ± SD = 38.2 ± 9.2 years, mean prison duration ± SD = 2.6 ± 2.5 years) with psychiatric disorders (primarily personality disorder, n = 27; mean illness duration ± SD = 12.0 ± 10.5 years).

Interventions:

Participants were randomly allocated to intervention group consisted of exercise plus usual care ( n = 21) or control group which received usual care ( n = 20) for 12 weeks. The exercise programme included three weekly sessions of group-based moderate-to-high intensity combined exercises designed and supervised by exercise professionals.

Main measures:

Fitness and anthropometric measures were assessed using field-based tests (6-minute walk, Incremental Shuttle Walk, Arm-Curl, and Chair-Stand), handgrip dynamometry, bioelectrical impedance, and waist and hip circumferences.

Results:

There were no adverse events, and 10 intervention participants withdrew. The remaining 11 participants attended a mean of 28 sessions, of which nine met the compliance criteria. Between-group change differences substantially favoured the compliance intervention group for the 6-minute walk (+21.2%), Incremental Shuttle Walk (+33.9%), Arm-Curl (+13.8%), waist (−3.5%), waist/height0.5 (−1.7%) (−2.7%), waist/hip (−3.4%), and Body Shape Index (−3.3%) (−3.5%). Additional analysis showed beneficial effects of exercise participation on handgrip strength.

Conclusion:

The intervention was safe, had a high dropout rate, and seemed to be effective for improving fitness and anthropometric measures in men prison inmates with psychiatric disorders who attended and participated in the exercise sessions.
Calibration of an item bank in 474 orthopedic patients using Rasch analysis for computer-adaptive assessment of anxiety
Authors: Kallinger Selina , Scharm Henry , Boecker Maren , Forkmann Thomas , Baumeister Harald
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To calibrate an item bank of anxiety-related questions for use in orthopedic patients within a computer-adaptive test.

Design:

This is a psychometric study.

Setting:

The sample of orthopedic patients was recruited in two orthopedic rehabilitation clinics in Germany.

Subjects:

A total of 474 orthopedic rehabilitation patients were recruited for this study.

Interventions:

Not applicable.

Main measures:

The main measure is an adapted version of an existing anxiety item pool for cardiovascular rehabilitation patients.

Results:

The results of the confirmatory factor analysis and Mokken analysis confirmed a one-factor structure and double monotonicity. An anxiety item bank (48 items) could be developed and calibrated using Rasch analysis. It fitted to the Rasch model with a non-significant item–trait interaction ( χ2(203) = 172.59; P = .94) and was free of differential item functioning. Unidimensionality could be verified and the person separation reliability was .96. The category threshold parameters varied between 4.72 and 3.16 (7.88 logits).

Conclusion:

The unidimensional anxiety item bank provides the basis for a computer-adaptive test to assess a wide range of anxiety in rehabilitation patients with orthopedic diseases with very good psychometric characteristics.
Socio-spatial dimensions in energy transitions: Applying the TPSN framework to case studies in Germany
Authors: Gailing Ludger , Bues Andrea , Kern Kristine , Röhring Andreas
Published: April 2019

Energy transitions cannot be fully grasped without appreciating their spatial implications. This paper takes up the idea of conceptualizing the socio-spatial dimensions of energy transitions and examines the respective value of the Territory, Place, Scale, and Network (TPSN) framework. The fundamental contribution of this framework is to move the focus of the debate away from whether one ontology of the socio-spatial is ‘better’ than another. By applying the TPSN framework to emblematic cases of regional energy spaces in Germany, we realized that the dynamics of different fields of action within an energy transition are characterized in each case by a specific pattern of the four socio-spatial dimensions and related strategies. The paper concludes with a discussion of the benefits and the shortcomings of the framework as it relates to understanding energy transitions. The fundamental role of place-making at a nexus with territorializations, as well as the additional importance of networking and rescaling strategies, are to be understood with the additional factors of the role of governance spaces, the upscaling of local experiments, powerful space-related discourses, and the socio-materiality of spaces.
Delta-shaped openness: Visualizing the foreign capital in mainland China
Authors: Zhang Ze , Cai Tong
Published: April 2019

Opening to the world is considered to be an important reason for China's rapid rise in recent decades. Due to China's unique geographical pattern, the eastern coastal areas have always been the window of China's interaction with the world. Although China's east-west openness gap has been widely recognized, mapping the huge gap is valuable in terms of recognizing mainland China. Foreign direct investment (FDI) reflects the long-term cooperative relationship between China and overseas, and FDI is deemed to show a high level of openness to the outside world. Based on the actual utilized amount of FDI capital of the prefecture-level cities in mainland China in 2016, this study developed an equal FDI capital map. The Yangtze River Delta (YRD) and the Pearl River Delta (PRD) are transformed into two much larger deltas, while non-delta-shaped regional units, including Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH), Fujian, Shandong, and Liaoning are also transformed into deltas of different scales. In addition, the distribution of FDI growth rates indicates that delta-shaped openness is being further strengthened in mainland China.
Evaluation of the Long-Term Performance of Woven Geotextile Used between Base Course and Subgrade of a Paved Road
Authors: Ullah Saad , Tanyu Burak F. , Guler Erol F. , Hoppe Edward J. , Akmaz Emre
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this research was to investigate the properties of the exhumed geotextile from a low-volume road on the Virginia Department of Transportation network. The exhumed geotextiles have been in service for 23 years, which provided an opportunity to evaluate the longevity of the materials as well as to make assessments of how it relates to the changes in material properties. During this investigation, subgrade and base course materials were also obtained from the same site and an experimental program was developed to evaluate the effectiveness of the exhumed geotextiles for separation, stabilization, and filtration for the base course thicknesses of 4, 6, and 8 in. The results from this study combined with the results from the previous studies conducted at the same site showed that when the geotextile is placed between the subgrade and base course, the thinner the pavement section, the more evident the effectiveness of the geotextile improvements. One important finding of this research was that the placement of a geotextile reduced the particle breakage caused by abrasion under the applied transient loads. This was observed as a stabilization effect of the geotextile inclusion. As a general conclusion, for low-volume roads with relatively thin pavement sections, properly selected geotextiles provide benefits for separating the subgrade and base course (minimizing pumping), filtering infiltrated or ground water, and stabilizing the road profile. These benefits become more apparent when the thickness of the base course is less than 8 in.
Prioritizing Highway Development Projects Based on Market Access in Appalachia
Authors: Shayanfar Elham , Schonfeld Paul M. , Wang J. Jason
Published: April 2019

The objective of this study is to develop a method for prioritizing the implementation of transportation investment projects constrained by limited resources while dealing with interrelations among projects. This study considers transportation (travel time, vehicle operating, and safety costs) and economic impacts (accessibility to buyer–supplier market) of completing interrelated highway projects within an optimization framework. The goal is to determine the optimized sequence and schedule of projects to optimize a performance metric (consisting of transportation and economic impacts) subject to budget flow constraints. This problem can be formulated as a non-linear integer optimization problem that can be solved using heuristic search methods. The study proposes to integrate a user equilibrium traffic assignment model and the SHRP2 C11 market access analysis tool with a genetic algorithm (GA) to solve the optimization problem. The proposed methodology is applied to a large actual network located in central Appalachian region of the U.S., and numerical results are provided to showcase its real-world applicability. This study constitutes a useful framework for state planners and regional decision makers that can effectively guide the project prioritization process. Notably, prioritization with consideration of network effects and interrelations is feasible using the proposed framework. This can lead to well-informed decisions on the basis of both direct transportation and wider economic benefits while accounting for project interrelations.
Intersection Operation with Non-Traditional Dynamic Lane Scheme through Vehicle-to-Signal Connection
Authors: Luo Sida , Nie Yu (Marco) , Zhu Lin
Published: April 2019

This paper proposes an information-based dynamic lane (IDYL) scheme for signalized intersections with exclusive left-turn phases. Similar to the tandem design, the proposed scheme aims to increase the capacity of an isolated intersection by sorting incoming vehicles based on their turning movements. Its novelty is to guide vehicles of different movements into pre-designated dynamic lanes without stopping them via pre-signal. The assumption is that vehicles themselves or their drivers have access to, and can act on, real-time signal timing information through vehicle-to-signal connection to select the correct lane to enter as they approach the intersection. A mixed integer program is proposed to optimize jointly the lane configuration, timing plan, and dynamic lane utilization for an intersection. Results from numerical and simulation experiments show that IDYL can increase the reserve capacity by more than 25% when implemented on all legs of a standard four-leg intersection, and reduce the delay by around 15% when implemented on two opposing legs. The results from this study could help traffic engineers to operate signalized intersections with dynamic lanes when vehicle-to-signal connection becomes widely available in the near future.
Study on the effective parameter of buckling behavior of cylindrical composite shells with embedded SMA wires
Authors: Khalili Seyyed MR , Akbari Tayebeh
Published: April 2019

In this study, the buckling behavior of the cylindrical composite shells embedded with shape memory alloys is investigated experimentally. The laminated composite shells are fabricated from carbon-epoxy composite by filament-winding process with two different stacking sequences. The shape memory alloy wires with the shape memory effect and superelastic properties are placed between plies 2 and 3 of the four layers laminate with zero and 5% tensile pre-strain. Also, the effects of the number of embedded shape memory alloys wires including zero, four, and six wires are studied. Two boundary conditions CS–CS and SS–SS are used to perform the buckling test. Results show that the critical buckling load of the laminated cylindrical shells increases by using the shape memory alloy wires. It is observed that shape memory effect property of shape memory alloy wires is more effective than the other parameters. Also, from comparing the results, it is obtained that the fiber orientation and the boundary condition can change the effect of shape memory alloy wires on the buckling behavior of composite shell.
Immigration, Deportation, and Discrimination: Hispanic Political Opinion Since the Election of Donald Trump
Authors: Callister Adam Henry , Galbraith Quinn , Galbraith Spencer
Published: April 2019

Both the campaign and subsequent election of Donald Trump have brought about marked changes in the overall tone of American political discourse. It is thought that these changes have been particularly disruptive to the public’s view of Hispanic immigration. To evaluate the current state of Hispanic political opinion regarding immigration, this study draws upon data from a survey conducted in January 2018 of 1,080 people of Hispanic descent currently living in the United States or Puerto Rico. Researchers looked at the impact of age, gender, language preference, time lived in the United States, and knowing an undocumented immigrant on participants’ views of immigration. Taking the survey in Spanish and knowing an undocumented immigrant were found to be the most influential factors in determining a favorable view of undocumented immigrants as well as a perceived increase in discrimination toward Hispanics since Trump’s election.
Integrating Survey Data and Digital Trace Data: Key Issues in Developing an Emerging Field
Authors: Stier Sebastian , Breuer Johannes , Siegers Pascal , Thorson Kjerstin
Published: April 2019

While survey research has been at the heart of social science for decades and social scientific research with digital trace data has been growing rapidly in the last few years, until now, there are relatively few studies that combine these two data types. This may be surprising given the potential of linking surveys and digital trace data, but at the same time, it is important to note that the collection and analysis of such linked data are challenging in several regards. The three key issues are: (1) data linking including informed consent for individual-level studies, (2) methodological and ethical issues impeding the scientific (re)analysis of linked survey and digital trace data sets, and (3) developing conceptual and theoretical frameworks tailored toward the multidimensionality of such data. This special issue addresses these challenges by presenting cutting-edge methodological work on how to best collect and analyze linked data as well as studies that have successfully combined survey data and digital trace data to find innovative answers to relevant social scientific questions.
Governance and Urban Changes in the Financialized Post-crash Period
Authors: Quintana Francisco
Published: April 2019

In this article, we examine the fundamentals of the changes that have taken place in governance and urban spaces after the crisis-recession of 2007–2009, post-crash. In this investigation, we focus on the shifts that have occurred, mainly in the US and the European Union. However, given the existence of global/local asymmetric economic and political interrelations, many of these observations can be extrapolated to other territories, including Canada, Asian countries and Latin America. In particular, these transformations are essential ingredients of the systems of governance and new economic strategies of the Tradable Income-Yielding Asset (TIYA) matrix for the refinancing and structuring of planetary urbanization and, in general, of the processes for accumulation of capital. In order to carry out this analysis, we have divided the text into three parts: 1) governance post-crash; 2) urban spaces and financial recovery; and 3) conclusion.
Use and Perceptions of the Availability of Local Government and Nonprofit Services in Diverse Urban Settings
Authors: AbouAssi Khaldoun , Faulk Lewis , Tran Long , Shaffer Lilli , Kim Minjung
Published: April 2019

This analysis tests fundamental nonprofit theory using individual-level demand-side data, which complements existing studies that have relied on organizational- and community-level variables alone. We use survey and administrative data to test the relationship between individuals’ perceptions and use of local government services and their reported use of nonprofit services, controlling for the density of organizations around respondents’ addresses. Individuals who report being better served by government services are significantly more likely to report using nonprofit services—while individuals who report being unserved by government are also less likely to report access to nonprofits, despite the actual density of organizations around them. These findings support theories of interdependence between government and nonprofit sectors. However, income-based disparities in perceived access to nonprofit services highlight persistent gaps in serving all individuals on the local level.
Synthesis of docosahexaenoic acid–loaded silver nanoparticles for improving endothelial dysfunctions in experimental diabetes
Authors: Hussein JS , Rasheed W , Ramzy T , Nabeeh M , Harvy M , El-Toukhy S , Ali O , Raafat J , El-Naggar M
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To investigate the ability of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-loaded silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in facilitating the incorporation of DHA in the cell membrane, improve cell membrane structure, and attenuate endothelial dysfunction in experimental diabetes.

Methods:

DHA/AgNPs were prepared using a nanoprecipitation technique. Fifty male albino rats were used in this study; 10 of them were served as the control group and 40, as the experimental groups, were injected with streptozotocin. Then, the experimental groups were subdivided into diabetic, diabetic treated with DHA, diabetic treated with AgNPs, and diabetic treated with DHA/AgNPs groups.

Results:

DHA/AgNPs have small spherical size as proved from ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscope techniques. Cell membrane cholesterol and triglycerides showed a significant elevation in the diabetic group compared to the control, but treatment with DHA and DHA/AgNPs caused a significant reduction in both. Treatment with AgNPs and DHA/AgNPs caused a significant improvement in asymmetric dimethylarginine and nitric oxide levels compared to the diabetic group. Cell membrane fatty acids showed that omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were significantly elevated, while omega-3 PUFA were significantly reduced in the diabetic group compared to the control. There is a significant improvement in the levels of fatty acids in all groups after treatment with DHA, silver, or DHA/AgNPs.

Conclusion:

DHA/AgNPs are potent agents for the improvement of diabetic complication and endothelial dysfunction in experimental diabetes.
Association between the interferon regulatory factor 5 rs2004640 functional polymorphism and systemic lupus erythematosus: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Bae S C , Lee Y H
Published: April 2019

Objective

The aim of this study is to determine whether the functional interferon regulatory factor 5 ( IRF5) polymorphism rs2004640 is associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in multiple ethnic populations.

Methods

A meta-analysis was conducted on the T allele of the IRF5 rs2004640 polymorphism in all study participants as well as each ethnic population.

Results

Twenty research articles that included 28 comparative studies of 20,892 patients and 24,930 controls were included in the meta-analysis. The Asian population had a much lower prevalence of the T allele than any other study population at 28%, and the European population had the highest prevalence of the T allele at 52%. Meta-analysis showed an association between the IRF5 rs2004640 polymorphism and SLE in all participants (odds ratio = 1.472, 95% confidence interval = 1.370–1.582, p < 0.001). Analysis after stratification by ethnicity indicated that the IRF5 rs2004640 T allele is significantly associated with SLE in Europeans, Asians, Latin Americans and Arabs.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis confirms that the IRF5 rs2004640 polymorphism is associated with SLE susceptibility in different ethnic groups, and that its prevalence is ethnicity dependent.
Clinical Assessment of Intravenous Endothelial Progenitor Cell Transplantation in Dogs
Authors: Lee Seok Hee , Ra Jeong Chan , Oh Hyun Ju , Kim Min Jung , Setyawan Erif maha Nugraha , Choi Yoo Bin , Yang Jung Won , Kang Sung Keun , Han Seung Hyup , Kim Geon A. , Lee Byeong Chun
Published: April 2019

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been applied for cell therapy because of their roles in angiogenesis and neovascularization in ischemic tissue. However, adverse responses caused by EPC therapy have not been fully investigated. In this study, a human peripheral blood sample was collected from a healthy donor and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated using Ficoll-Hypaque. There were four experimental groups: 10 ml saline infusion group (injection rate; 3 ml/min), 10 ml saline bolus group (injection rate; 60 ml/min), 10 ml EPCs infusion group (2 x 105 cells/ml, injection rate; 3 ml/min), 10 ml EPCs bolus group (2 × 105 cells/ml, injection rate; 60 ml/min). Clinical assessment included physical examination and laboratory examination for intravenous human EPC transplantation in dogs. The results revealed no remarkable findings in vital signs among the dogs used. In blood analysis, platelet counts in saline infusion groups were significantly higher than in the EPC groups within normal ranges, and no significant differences were observed except K+, Cl– and blood urea nitrogen/urea. In ELISA assay, no significant difference was observed in serum tumor necrosis factor alpha. The serum concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor was significantly higher in EPC groups than in saline groups, and interleukin 10 was significantly up-regulated in the EPC infusion group compared with other groups. In conclusion, we demonstrated that no clinical abnormalities were detected after intravenous transplantation of human EPCs in dogs. The transplanted xenogenic EPCs might be involved in anti-inflammatory and angiogenic functions in dogs.