bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation of a sonic-underexpanded jet impinging on a partially covered cylindrical Hartmann whistle
Authors: Samanta Arnab , Narayanan S , Kumar Jha Shailesh , Narayan Ashish
Published: November 2017

The present study numerically investigates the effect of a partially covered cylindrical shield on the flow/shock oscillation characteristics of a Hartmann whistle when the pulsating jet exits through the two small openings, (a) close to the cavity inlet, and (b) away from the cavity inlet, of the cylindrical shield. The relevant parameters that modify the flow/shock oscillations of the Hartmann whistle are the stand-off distance, nozzle pressure ratio, cavity length, cavity shield, jet diameter, etc. The pulsating nature of flow in a partially shielded Hartmann whistle is investigated for various stand-off distances to understand its effect in achieving effective flow control. The velocity vectors indicate that the partly shielded Hartmann whistle operates in the jet regurgitant mode with different regurgitant phases. It also shows that some amount of the jet near the cavity inlet gets diverted towards the shield and gets attached to it, whereas some exits out through the two shield openings which can be injected into the flow to be controlled. The Mach number contours indicate the flow deceleration/reacceleration zones, shock-cell structures as well as fluid column oscillations in shock-cells/cavity regions. The present study reveals that the stand-off distance and the jet diameter are the crucial parameters, which control the oscillation mechanisms in a partially covered Hartmann whistle for achieving effective flow control. Thus, this paper sufficiently demonstrates the role of stand-off distances, openings in the shield as well as jet diameter in modifying the flow/shock oscillation characteristics of a partially shielded Hartmann whistle in achieving the finest flow control.
Study on the braiding of preform with special-shaped sections based on the two-dimensional braiding process
Authors: Yu Qiang , Sun Zhihong , Qiu Yiping , Zhou Shenhua , Chen Yanting , Wu Jiewei , Zhou Qihong , Chen Xiaochuan
Published: November 2017

In this paper, a method for designing a two-dimensional (2D) braiding machine to braid preforms with special-shaped cross-sections is proposed. By means of splicing the running tracks of a traditional flat braiding machine’s carriers, the 2D braiding machine can produce various structures with special-shaped cross-sections such as thin-walled cross-shaped, H-shaped, U-shaped, and T-shaped cross-sections, greatly expanding the application of 2D braiding. This paper studies the collisions of carriers after track splicing, dividing the collision problem into two categories, and putting forward a method to analyze whether the carriers collide. The judging method can not only verify whether there are collisions between carriers but also guide designers to change the layout of horn gears to avoid collisions. The mapping relation between the common arrangements of the carriers and the number of slots of the horn gears is also summarized, providing a theoretical basis for a future customized 2D braiding machine according to the practical needs.
Estimation of yarn strength based on critical slipping length and fiber length distribution
Authors: Jiang Zhan , Yu Chongwen , Yang Jianping , Han Guangting , Xing Mingjie
Published: November 2017

Yarn strength is composed of the total contributions made by all breaking and slipping fibers which are determined by critical slipping length lc. Though the definition of lc has been the focus of many research projects, it still remains unsolved. In this study, idealized assumptions were made on yarn structure, and lc was then estimated. At the same time, the actual contributions that breaking fibers and slipping fibers make to yarn strength were recalculated based on an idealized yarn structure, which was analyzed with the conditional probability method according to fiber length distribution. Then, yarn strength was computed by simulating random fiber arrangement in the yarn. It could be seen from calculated results that the critical slipping length declines as yarn twist multiplier increases. Meanwhile, as the twist multiplier increases, the calculated yarn strength rises to the highest point and then declines, which is in agreement with traditional spinning theory. Thus, the calculation of yarn strength based on critical slipping length could reflect the yarn breaking mechanism with a change in the yarn twist multiplier, and could be applied for further prediction of yarn strength.
Role of computed tomography of abdomen in difficult to diagnose typhoid fever: a case series
Authors: Hafeez Wajid , Rajalakshmi S , Sripriya S , Madhu Bashini M
Published: November 2017

Background and Aim

Diagnosis of typhoid is challenging when blood cultures fail to isolate Salmonella species. We report our experience with interpreting computed tomography (CT) abdomen findings in a case series of typhoid fever.

Methods

The case series consisted of patients who had a CT abdomen done as part of their investigations and a final diagnosis of typhoid fever. The CT films were reviewed and findings evaluated for distinctive features.

Results

During 2011–2017, 11 patients met the inclusion criteria. Indication for CT was pyrexia of unknown origin in the majority of patients. Review of CT films revealed mesenteric lymphadenopathy (100%), terminal ileum thickening (85%), hepatosplenomegaly (45%), retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy (18%) and ascites (9%).

Conclusions

Enhancing discrete mesenteric lymphadenopathy and terminal ileum thickening are non-specific findings noted in typhoid fever. Absence of matted necrotic nodes and peritoneal thickening rule out tuberculosis and raise suspicion of typhoid fever in endemic regions.
Factors predicting non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and advanced fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Tasneem Abbas Ali , Luck Nasir Hassan , Majid Zain
Published: November 2017

Introduction

To determine the factors predicting non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and advanced fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methodology

All patients aged >18 years and having a fatty liver on abdominal ultrasound (US), presenting from January 2011 to January 2017, were included. A liver biopsy was performed on all the patients.

Results

Of 96 patients undergoing liver biopsy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), 76 (79.2%) were men. On liver US, diffuse fatty liver (DFL) was noted in 68 (70.8%) patients. Liver biopsy showed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in 78 (81.3%) patients. Factors associated with NASH were male gender, body mass index (BMI) > 27 kg/m2, DFL and raised alanine aminotransferase (ALT). A GULAB score (based on gender, US liver findings, lipid (fasting) levels, ALT level and BMI) of ≥5 predicted NASH with 82.05% sensitivity. Factors associated with advanced fibrosis in NAFLD were age >40 years, diabetes mellitus, AST/ALT ratio > 1 and raised GGT.

Conclusion

NASH is common in patients with male gender, high BMI, DFL on liver US, raised ALT and GULAB score ≥5.
Confirmatory factor analysis of the Kaufman assessment battery in a sample of primary school-aged children in rural South Africa
Authors: Mitchell Joanie M , Tomlinson Mark , Bland Ruth M , Houle Brian , Stein Alan , Rochat Tamsen J
Published: November 2017

The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition, measures cognitive processing, includes non-verbal sub-tests, and is increasingly used in low- and middle-income countries. While the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition, has been validated in the United States, a psychometric evaluation has not been conducted in Southern Africa. This study aims to establish the reliability and validity of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition, among a sample of 376 primary school-aged children in rural South Africa (7–11 years). We examined Cronbach’s alpha and conducted a confirmatory factor analysis. The battery showed good reliability (mental processing index [α = .78]), and the originally validated structure of the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition, was maintained (χ2 = 16.30, p = .432). Mean scores were low on the Planning sub-scale. On the Simultaneous sub-scale, the mean score was higher for the supplementary sub-test Block Counting versus the core sub-test Triangles. With translation and the inclusion of supplementary sub-tests, the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition, is an appropriate assessment to use in this context (150/150).
Understanding design scales for a range of potential green infrastructure benefits in a London Garden City
Authors: Pochee Hareth , Johnston Innes
Published: November 2017

It has been proposed that increasing the amount of foliage, trees and soft landscaping in our cities could prove useful environmentally, economically and socially. Benefits of greener urban environments that have been suggested range from reduction in water pollution to improved mental health. This paper outlines a critical appraisal of the science and reasoning behind several cited benefits of greening cities. The specific potential benefits addressed are urban heat island mitigation, improved insulation, stormwater management, air pollution reduction, energy crop production, acoustic attenuation, food production and community gardening for health and wellbeing. London, UK, has been used as an example case with an aim of estimating the extent, types and distributions of green that would be required to yield meaningful city-scale benefits. The work takes a broad-brush approach, from a designer's perspective, to begin the process of understanding how greenery designs work, to what extent, and how they might be applied in urban environments. The characteristics of some concept design options for a Garden City version of London that illustrate the scale of greening required to realise the benefits are presented.

Practical application: This paper outlines a critical appraisal of the science and reasoning behind several cited benefits of greening cities. The specific potential benefits addressed are urban heat island mitigation, improved insulation, stormwater management, air pollution reduction, energy crop production, acoustic attenuation, food production and community gardening for health and wellbeing. A collection of concept designs, for London, UK, has been examined with the aim of estimating the extent, types and distributions of greenery that would be required to yield meaningful city-scale benefits. The work has direct relevance to city planning and the design of green infrastructure in London, UK; however, many of the issues covered are applicable to other cities worldwide.
Explanatory Cognitive Diagnostic Models: Incorporating Latent and Observed Predictors
Authors: Park Yoon Soo , Xing Kuan , Lee Young-Sun
Published: November 2017

Large-scale educational testing data often contain vast amounts of variables associated with information pertaining to test takers, schools, or access to educational resources—information that can help explain relationships between test taker performance and their learning environment. This study examines approaches to incorporate latent and observed explanatory variables as predictors for cognitive diagnostic models (CDMs). Methods to specify and simultaneously estimate observed and latent variables (estimated using item response theory) as predictors affecting attribute mastery were examined. Real-world data analyses were conducted to demonstrate the application using large-scale international testing data. Simulation studies were conducted to examine the recovery and classification for simultaneously estimating multiple latent (using dichotomous and polytomous items as indicators for the latent construct) and observed predictors for varying sample sizes and number of attributes. Results showed stable parameter recovery and consistency in attribute classification. Implications for latent predictors and attribute specifications are discussed.
Business Corruption and Economic Prosperity
Authors: Amir Eli , Danziger Shai , Levi Shai
Published: November 2017

Prior literature shows that government corruption mostly hurts poorer economies, whereas recent events, including the 2008 U.S. economic crisis, suggest that business corruption may harm growth in wealthier economies. Using multinational surveys in which citizens communicated their perceptions of corruption levels in both the private and the public sectors, we examine the extent of business corruption relative to government corruption in countries and its relation to economic prosperity. We find that citizens of wealthier countries report higher business corruption than citizens of poor countries, and relatively low government corruption. Business corruption is evidently a greater concern to citizens of wealthier countries. Furthermore, we find that an increase in perceived business corruption is associated with a decrease in income per capita mainly in wealthy countries. In wealthier economies, business trust has a larger role, and perceived business corruption has a stronger effect on growth. Finally, our evidence suggests that an increase in perceived business corruption leads to increase in regulation, and the marginal effect of the regulation on growth is positive.
Use of Mixed‐Oil Fat Emulsion to Improve Intestinal Failure–Associated Liver Disease in Long‐Term Home Parenteral Nutrition: A Case Report
Authors: Hurt Ryan T. , Mundi Manpreet S.
Published: November 2017

Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is a life‐saving therapy for patients who are not able to use their gastrointestinal tract. There are a number of complications associated with HPN, including metabolic bone disease, intestinal failure–associated liver disease (IFALD), and catheter‐related bloodstream infections. We present a case of a 32‐year‐old HPN patient who initially developed biopsy‐proven IFALD (total bilirubin, 2.4 mg/dL) while on long‐term HPN. His HPN was initiated due to myopathic intestinal dysmotility and pseudo‐obstruction when he was 15 years old. Because of his IFALD, the intravenous (IV) fat emulsion had been reduced and dextrose increased to >500 g/d in the HPN. Although the IFALD improved, he had signs of insulin resistance and struggled with numerous episodes of pancreatitis. His dextrose was decreased and insulin resistance improved, but he began losing weight. As his IV fat emulsion was gradually increased, IFALD worsened and he was switched to mixed‐oil (MO) IV fat emulsion (30% soy, 30% medium‐chain triglycerides, 25% olive oil, and 15% fish oil). His IFALD improved and total bilirubin normalized (0.4 mg/dL) when switched to the MO lipid. He has been on MO lipid for >8 months (current dose 70 g given 7 days per week) with no more episodes of pancreatitis, normal liver enzymes, and weight gain.
From mud to the museum: Metadata challenges in archaeology
Authors: Henninger Maureen
Published: November 2017

An archaeological site is a palimpsest in which the evidence of the depositional episodes is destroyed through the excavation processes; all that remains are the artefacts and their documentary evidence manifested in registers, datasets, dig diaries and reports. While the reports may represent the end product of a specific excavation, the archaeological record tells a story; it is interpretative and dynamic, with later excavations adding new knowledge and narratives. Museums preserve the artefacts but unless the documentary evidence is preserved in standard formats, it cannot be easily re-used by the archaeology community to create that knowledge; nor can museums provide the narratives for the general public whose cultural heritage it is. This article presents a case study from the Ness of Brodgar excavations that examines possibilities for reconciling one part of the data of an archaeological dig, the small finds register (SFR) and its sparse amount of descriptive metadata, with the potentiality of data re-use and with the requirements of a museum that may have custody of the artefacts. It maps and enriches messy domain-specific ontologies to standard archaeological and cultural heritage ontologies and taxonomies using simple natural language processing, linked open data and the museum CIDOC conceptual reference model (CRM). This research, in examining the application of ontology mapping tools, explores common practices and processes that are useful in any discipline within the cultural heritage domain.
Analytical High-resolution Electron Microscopy Reveals Organ-specific Nanoceria Bioprocessing
Authors: Graham Uschi M. , Yokel Robert A. , Dozier Alan K. , Drummy Lawrence , Mahalingam Krishnamurthy , Tseng Michael T. , Birch Eileen , Fernback Joseph
Published: November 2017

This is the first utilization of advanced analytical electron microscopy methods, including high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping to characterize the organ-specific bioprocessing of a relatively inert nanomaterial (nanoceria). Liver and spleen samples from rats given a single intravenous infusion of nanoceria were obtained after prolonged (90 days) in vivo exposure. These advanced analytical electron microscopy methods were applied to elucidate the organ-specific cellular and subcellular fate of nanoceria after its uptake. Nanoceria is bioprocessed differently in the spleen than in the liver.
NTP/NIEHS Global Contributions to Toxicologic Pathology
Authors: Sills Robert , Brix Amy , Cesta Mark , Churchill Sheba R. , Cora Michelle C. , Dixon Darlene , Dykstra Michael , Flake Gordon , Herbert Ron , Kovi Ramesh , Janardhan Kyathanahalli , King-Herbert Angela , Malarkey David , Pandiri Arun , Travlos Greg , Willson Cynthia , Elmore Susan A.
Published: November 2017

National Toxicology Program (NTP) pathologists are engaged in important initiatives that have significant global impact. These initiatives build on its leadership in pathology peer review and publications in the areas of toxicologic pathology, clinical pathology, and laboratory animal medicine. Over the past decade, NTP/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences research initiatives have focused on cancer and noncancer hazard identification, with the goal of understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms of disease. New initiatives of significant global impact include the web-based nonneoplastic lesion atlas and an NTP partnership with international scientists to investigate molecular mechanisms at the whole genome level, which will be used to inform potential mechanisms of environmental exposures in human cancers. Also, we are dedicated to contributing to pathology and toxicology organizations through service on executive committees and editorial boards, participating in international projects and symposiums, and providing training for future leaders in toxicologic pathology. Herein, we provide highlights of our global contributions.
The sexually frustrated, the dumb and the libtard traitors: A typology of insults used in the positioning of multiple others in Irish online discourse relating to refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants and migrants
Authors: Devlin Anne Marie , Grant Ciara
Published: November 2017

Based on the framework devised by Korostelina, the purpose of the study is to explore the typology of insults used in the positioning of multiple others by Irish Facebook users in response to Irish Independent newspaper articles concerning the 2016 refugee crisis in Europe. While the main focus rests on positioning the voiceless refugees, asylum seekers and immigrants, the study also illuminates how those with voices deploy insults to position each other. The study concludes that insults are deployed differentially both quantitatively and qualitatively depending on whether the recipient has a voice. In the online domain, the voiceless are subject to a greater number and range of insults.
14-3-3σ Protein Expression in Canine Renal Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Suárez-Bonnet Alejandro , Lara-García Ana , Stoll Alexander L. , Carvalho Sofia , Priestnall Simon L.
Published: November 2017

14-3-3σ is a protein expressed in many epithelial tissues associated with essential cell functions, including cell-cycle control, apoptosis, and cytoskeletal integrity. There is a paucity of knowledge of the tumorigenesis of canine renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), and the histological origin of this tumor has not been established. This study analyzed the expression of 14-3-3σ, Ki-67, cytokeratins, and vimentin in 40 canine RCCs. Aberrant expression of 14-3-3σ was demonstrated in 15 (38%) cases and was associated with a significantly shorter survival time ( P < .002). In contrast to canine RCC, normal kidney did not express 14-3-3σ. The Ki-67 proliferation index did not show utility as a prognostic factor. The distal convoluted tubular epithelium in normal kidneys coexpressed cytokeratins and vimentin, and thus maintenance of this coexpression pattern in canine RCC suggests that most tumors arise from the distal segment of the nephron. These results suggest that 14-3-3σ is a potential negative prognostic factor and a possible therapeutic target.
Independent Ireland in Comparative Perspective
Authors: O’Rourke Kevin Hjortshøj
Published: November 2017

This article surveys independent Ireland’s economic policies and performance. It has three main messages. First, the economic history of post-independence Ireland was not particularly unusual. Very often, things that were happening in Ireland were happening elsewhere as well. Second, for a long time, we were hampered by an excessive dependence on a poorly performing UK economy. And third, EC membership in 1973 and the single market programme of the late 1980s and early 1990s were absolutely crucial for us. Irish independence and European Union (EU) membership have complemented each other, rather than being in conflict: Each was required to give full effect to the other. Irish independence would not have worked as well for us as it did without the EU; and the EU would not have worked as well for us as it did without political independence.
RNA-Seq investigations of human post-mortem trigeminal ganglia
Authors: LaPaglia Danielle M , Sapio Matthew R , Burbelo Peter D , Thierry-Mieg Jean , Thierry-Mieg Danielle , Raithel Stephen J , Ramsden Christopher E , Iadarola Michael J , Mannes Andrew J
Published: November 2017

Background

The trigeminal ganglion contains neurons that relay sensations of pain, touch, pressure, and many other somatosensory modalities to the central nervous system. The ganglion is also a reservoir for latent herpes virus 1 infection. To gain a better understanding of molecular factors contributing to migraine and headache, transcriptome analyses were performed on postmortem human trigeminal ganglia.

Methods

RNA-Seq measurements of gene expression were conducted on small sub-regions of 16 human trigeminal ganglia. The samples were also characterized for transcripts derived from viral and microbial genomes. Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) antibodies in blood were measured using the luciferase immunoprecipitation assay.

Results

Observed molecular heterogeneity could be explained by sampling of anatomically distinct sub-regions of the excised ganglia consistent with neurally-enriched and non-neural, i.e. Schwann cell, enriched subregions. The levels of HSV-1 transcripts detected in trigeminal ganglia correlated with blood levels of HSV-1 antibodies. Multiple migraine susceptibility genes were strongly expressed in neurally-enriched trigeminal samples, while others were expressed in blood vessels.

Conclusions

These data provide a comprehensive human trigeminal transcriptome and a framework for evaluation of inhomogeneous post-mortem tissues through extensive quality control and refined downstream analyses for RNA-Seq methodologies. Expression profiling of migraine susceptibility genes identified by genetic association appears to emphasize the blood vessel component of the trigeminovascular system. Other genes displayed enriched expression in the trigeminal compared to dorsal root ganglion, and in-depth transcriptomic analysis of the KCNK18 gene underlying familial migraine shows selective neural expression within two specific populations of ganglionic neurons. These data suggest that expression profiling of migraine-associated genes can extend and amplify the underlying neurobiological insights obtained from genetic association studies.
Excessive daytime sleepiness in chronic migraine and chronic tension-type headache from the general population
Authors: Kristoffersen Espen Saxhaug , Stavem Knut , Lundqvist Christofer , Russell Michael Bjørn
Published: November 2017

Introduction

A relationship between headache and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) has been suggested. This study investigated this association in relation to people with chronic migraine or chronic tension-type headaches.

Methods

A total of 30,000 persons aged 30–44 from the general population were screened for chronic headache. Those eligible were interviewed by a headache specialist. EDS was defined as Epworth sleepiness scale score >10. Logistic regression models were used.

Results

Among the 323 eligible participants, 21.1% had EDS. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the odds ratios (OR) of EDS were not significantly different in people with CM and CTTH. However, high headache frequency was associated with EDS (OR 2.03 (95% CI 1.11–3.73, p = 0.022)) for those with ≥ 80 compared to < 80 headache days/3 months, after adjustment for type of headache, age, and gender.

Conclusions

Increased EDS was associated with higher headache frequency, but not with specific headache diagnoses.
Two novel families with hemiplegic migraine caused by recurrent SCN1A mutation p.F1499L
Authors: Schubert Victoria , Auffenberg Eva , Biskup Saskia , Jurkat-Rott Karin , Freilinger Tobias
Published: November 2017

Background

Familial hemiplegic migraine type 3 is a monogenic subtype of migraine caused by missense mutations in the neuronal voltage-gated sodium channel gene SCN1A, with 10 different mutations reported so far. In two familial hemiplegic migraine type 3 families, partial cosegregation with a rare eye phenotype (elicited repetitive daily blindness) was previously reported.

Methods

Two novel familial hemiplegic migraine pedigrees were subjected to genetic analysis and detailed work-up of associated clinical features.

Results

In both pedigrees, we identified SCN1A mutation p.F1499L, which has been previously associated with familial hemiplegic migraine type 3 and elicited repetitive daily blindness. Both families displayed a pure familial hemiplegic migraine phenotype without evidence of an episodic eye phenotype.

Conclusion

Like a substantial proportion of other familial hemiplegic migraine type 3 mutations, p.F1499L affects the intracellular linker between domains III and IV of SCN1A, which seems to be a mutational hot-spot. Our new data establish p.F1499L as a recurrent familial hemiplegic migraine type 3 mutation. Elicited repetitive daily blindness seems to be a rare phenomenon in familial hemiplegic migraine type 3, even in carriers of the same mutation.
Treatment of leachate from municipal solid waste of Mostaganem district in Algeria: Decision support for advising a process treatment
Authors: Bourechech Z , Abdelmalek F , Ghezzar MR , Addou A
Published: November 2017

The aim of this work is to propose a plan for the choice of a suitable process for the treatment of a young leachate from municipal solid waste. Classical processes were applied: Fenton process, the coupling coagulation-Fenton process and the adsorption on powdered activated carbon (PAC). The study involves synthesised leachates from three types of wastes collected from sanitary landfill (SL): leachate of putrescible fraction (Lp), paper-cardboard (Lpc), sawdust (Ls) and the one of landfill (Lsl). The optimal operating conditions have been determined for the three processes: Fenton: [H2O2] = 6.8 g L-1 and [Fe2+] = 2.8 g L-1, coagulation: [Fe3+] = 0.3 g L-1 and adsorption: [PAC] = 60 g L-1. The three processes gave reduction rates of chemical oxygen demand ranging from 50% to 85% for Lp, 87% to 97% for Lpc and 61% to 87% for Ls. Whereas for Lsl, it was of 45%, 56% and 80% for the Fenton, coagulation-Fenton and adsorption processes, respectively. A modelling study was conducted to calculate the chemical oxygen demand of leachate produced during 25 years for different thicknesses of waste. This predicted value is used to advise for the process treatment to apply and to assess the environmental impacts in the long term.
Microfinance and Violence Against Women in Rural Guatemala
Authors: Cepeda Isabel , Lacalle-Calderon Maricruz , Torralba Miguel
Published: November 2017

Violence against Women (VaW) has come to be recognized as a serious human rights abuse with important consequences not only for women but for whole societies. Since VaW has several manifestations, it is possible to differentiate among different types of violence. In this article, a broad theoretical framework with different dimensions of gender violence was adapted to a Latin American social and cultural context to measure three out of the five main types of violence: economic violence, emotional psychological violence, and coercive control. The goal of this article is to provide empirical evidence to determine whether access to microfinance services plays a role in reducing VaW. To this end, we designed and performed a cross-sectional study with a treatment and a control group in rural Guatemala. A sample of 883 rural women in the “Altiplano” area of Guatemala (448 women with microfinance services and 435 without) was surveyed from May to November 2012. The results of the bivariate logistic regression showed evidence of association between access to microfinance services and reduction of VaW. After adjusting for covariates, global, economic, and emotional psychological violence maintained a negative and statistically significant association with microfinance, while only coercive control showed no statistical association with microfinance services. Access to microcredits showed a very clear relationship to reducing economic and emotional violence but not coercive control, a factor that may be determined by social and cultural norms. In contrast to Status Inconsistency Theory, which has been tested primarily in Asia, our study of Guatemala showed that increased status and economic independence of women due to their participation in microfinance services reduced VaW.
Individual and Institutional Predictors of IPV/SV Screening in College Health Centers
Authors: Sutherland Melissa A. , Fantasia Heidi Collins , Hutchinson M. Katherine , Katz Jennifer
Published: November 2017

Intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence (SV) are significant public health issues for women, particularly for college women. IPV and SV have been associated with numerous adverse health consequences and involvement in unhealthy behaviors. Given the health risks and high rates of IPV/SV among college women, it is important to understand and promote screening in this population. The purpose of this study was to examine college women’s experiences with IPV/SV screening at college health centers and identify individual and institutional characteristics associated with screening. Random samples of female undergraduate college students from five colleges in the northeast United States were recruited to participate in an anonymous online survey in January 2015. Inclusion criteria included at least one visit to the college health center during the preceding fall semester. Participants were questioned regarding demographics and whether they were screened or asked about IPV/SV at the college health center. A total of 873 women met the inclusion criteria and completed surveys. Only 10.2% of the college women in the study reported that they were screened for IPV/SV at their most recent visit to the college health center. Participants from public colleges/universities were 3 times more likely than others to report screening, whereas participants from urban college/university campuses were more than twice as likely as others to report screening. College women who went to the college health center for a gynecological or sexual health reason were nearly 4 times as likely as other women to report being screened for IPV/SV. Low rates of IPV/SV screening at college health centers represent missed opportunities. Further research across more numerous and diverse college sites is needed to understand the factors that promote or inhibit IPV/SV screening in college health centers to develop interventions to facilitate routine screening practices.
Police Officers’ and Victim Advocates’ Perceptions of the Lethality Assessment Program
Authors: Dutton Leila B. , Tamborra Tracy L. , Pittman Meagan
Published: November 2017

This study is a preliminary assessment of police officers’ and victim advocates’ experiences with and perceptions of the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP), a program involving the collaboration between police departments and domestic violence (DV) agencies designed to prevent fatal and serious DV. Participants included 168 officers from 22 police departments and 63 advocates from 10 DV agencies. Results from online surveys indicated that officers and advocates had favorable perceptions of one another. Officers found the LAP to be less effective as a tool to deal with DV cases than advocates. Analysis of qualitative data revealed that officers and advocates identified a number of positive by-products of the LAP, but officers cited more negative by-products than advocates. Recommendations for policy and future research are provided.
School Psychology and Cultural Competence: Room to Grow?
Authors: Johnson Jill L. , Bahr Michael W. , Navarro Virginia L.
Published: November 2017

This study investigated how the concept of cultural competence was represented in three 2010 policy documents on service delivery, ethics, and credentialing by the National Association of School Psychologists. Qualitative analysis identified substantial sections of discourse focusing on cultural competence and, to a lesser extent, social justice, but neither concept was clearly defined with examples from everyday practice. From a policy perspective, a stronger focus on the centrality of cultural competence in school psychology training and practice is needed to improve outcomes for increasingly diverse children and families. Implications for policy development, professional development, and future research are discussed.
Remaining useful life prediction of ball-bearings based on high-frequency vibration features
Authors: Behzad Mehdi , Arghand Hesam Addin , Rohani Bastami Abbas
Published: November 2017

Selecting appropriate features from the vibration condition monitoring data of ball-bearings is one of the main challenges in the application of data-driven methods for remaining useful life prediction purpose. In this article, a new feature based on the high-frequency vibration of ball-bearings is proposed. The feed forward neural network will be used for training and prediction. The experimental data of the bearing accelerated life in the PROGNOSTIA test (published in PHM 2012 IEEE conference) are used to verify the method. The results obtained by applying new features are compared with those of two popular features in the time domain (RMS and kurtosis) for prognostic purpose. Applying the proposed feature shows more accurate estimation of the bearings’ remaining useful life.
Electrostatic pull-in analysis of a nonuniform micro-resonator undergoing large elastic deflection
Authors: Prasanth CSR , Harsha C Sri , Pratiher Barun
Published: November 2017

Pull-in analysis of an electrostatically actuated nonuniform micro-resonator under large elastic deflection has been investigated with a focus on qualitative analysis to understand the essence of nonuniform cross-section on the determination of pull-in voltage. Here, a microcantilever beam with nonuniform cross-section has been adopted to develop a mathematical model considering the important features such as structural nonlinearities, nonlinear electrostatic distribution, and linear viscous effect. The individual effect of each design variables on the diagnosis of the critical voltage and corresponding critical deflection due to pull-in has been graphically depicted. The results in the static condition have been verified with the findings obtained via COMSOL multi-physics software. Present result indicates that a nonuniform microbeam configuration strengthens the structural stability by switching the pull-in voltage up to a higher value. Similarly, stable pull-in deflection within the restriction of pull-in instability has been also augmented. In addition, it has been shown that the nonuniformity within the beam structure is highly sensitive to the nonlinear effects. Hence, outputs provide a useful insight of pull-in behavior and enable an understanding of safe and smooth operating range of microelectromechanical system devices.
Modeling and adaptive control of the electro-hydraulic braking system of low-floor vehicle
Authors: Zhang Yakun , Gong Guofang , Yang Huayong , Peng Xiongbin
Published: November 2017

In this paper, a novel electro-hydraulic braking system of low-floor vehicle is developed. Theoretical models of the three-way proportional pressure reducing screw-in cartridge valve and electro-hydraulic braking system are obtained. A system design criterion is established based on the analysis of the three-way proportional pressure reducing screw-in cartridge valve. A switched adaptive fuzzy proportional–differential–integral controller is proposed to reduce the effect of change in the reference input. The performances of the proposed controller are compared with the adaptive fuzzy proportional–differential–integral controller and conventional proportional–differential–integral controller. Numerical simulation and experimental test are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the models and the proposed controller.
Attempt to correlate simulations and measurements of turbine performance under pulsating flows for automotive turbochargers
Authors: Avola Calogero , Copeland Colin , Romagnoli Alessandro , Burke Richard , Dimitriou Pavlos
Published: November 2017

The paper attempts to correlate simulations and measurements of turbine performance under pulsating flows for automotive turbochargers. Under real automotive powertrain conditions, turbochargers are subjected to pulsating flows, due to the motion of the engine’s valves. Experiments on a purpose-built 2.2 L diesel engine gas-stand have allowed the quantification of unsteady pulsating turbine performance. Temperature, pressure and mass flow measurements are fundamental for the characterisation of turbine performance. An adequate sampling frequency of the instruments and acquisition rates are highly important for the quantification of unsteady turbomachine performance. In the absence of fast, responsive sensors for monitoring mass flow and temperature, however, appropriate considerations would have to be taken into account when making estimates of turbine performance under pulsating flows. A 1D model of the engine gas-stand has been developed and validated against experimental data. A hybrid unsteady/quasi-steady turbine model has been adopted to identify unsteadiness at the turbine inlet and outlet. To evaluate isentropic turbine efficiency and reduce the influence of external heat transfer upon measurements, the turbine inlet temperature has been measured experimentally in the vicinity of the turbine rotor in the inlet section, upstream of the turbine tongue. The hybrid unsteady/quasi-steady turbine model considers the presence of unsteady flows in the turbine inlet and outlet, leaving the rest of the turbine to react quasi-steadily. Virtual sensors and thermocouples have been implemented in a 1D model to correlate experimental time-averaged temperature measurements.
A random form generator for ballast stones
Authors: Wang Bo , Martin Ullrich
Published: November 2017

Ballast form has a critical influence on the mechanical behavior of a ballasted track. To investigate this influence, discrete element method-based simulations are often performed, in which each ballast stone can be depicted differently. To this end, algorithms are often used to capture the form of ballast stones. In this paper, an algorithm-based random form generator for ballast stones is introduced. The generator uses geometrical specifications of ballast stones according to the European standards of ballast aggregations to quantify the form of a single ballast stone, as well as to generate ballast aggregation with the given form parameters. Five aggregations are created to examine the reliability of the generator. The result shows good performance of the generator, especially when a larger aggregation is to be created. The generator can be used for creating ballast aggregations with different form parameters, so that their impact on the mechanical behavior of ballasted tracks can be studied further in discrete element method simulations.
Thermal analysis of space debris for infrared-based active debris removal
Authors: Yılmaz Özgün , Aouf Nabil , Checa Elena , Majewski Laurent , Sanchez-Gestido Manuel
Published: November 2017

In space, visual-based relative navigation systems suffer from dynamic illumination conditions of the target (eclipse conditions, solar glare, etc.) where most of these issues are addressed by advanced mission planning techniques. However, such planning would not be always feasible or even if it is, it would not be straightforward for active debris removal missions. On the other hand, using an infrared-based system would overcome this problem, if a guideline to predict infrared signature of space debris based on the target thermal profile could be provided for algorithm design and testing. Spacecraft thermal design is unique to every platform. This means every active debris removal target will have a different infrared signature, which changes over time not just only due to orbital dynamics but also due to its thermal surface coatings. In order to provide a space debris infrared signature guideline for most of the possible active debris removal targets, we introduce an innovative grouping system for thermal surface coatings based on their behaviour in space environment. Through the use of this grouping system, we propose a space debris infrared signature estimation method, which was extensively verified by our simulations and experiments. During our verifications, we have also discovered very important problem so-called ‘signature ambiguity’ that is unique to infrared-based active debris removal systems, which we have also discussed in our work.
Experimental analysis of the process parameters affecting bone burring operations
Authors: Kusins Jonathan R , Tutunea-Fatan O Remus , Ferreira Louis M
Published: November 2017

The experimental quantification of the process parameters associated with bone burring represents a desirable outcome both from the perspective of an optimized surgical procedure as well as that of a future implementation into the design of closed-loop controllers used in robot-assisted bone removal operations. Along these lines, the present study presents an experimental investigation of the effects that tool type, rotational speed of the tool, depth of cut, feed rate, cutting track overlap, and tool angle (to a total of 864 total unique combinations) have on bone temperature, tool vibration, and cutting forces associated with superficial bone removal operations. The experimental apparatus developed for this purpose allowed a concurrent measurement of bone temperature, tool vibration, and cutting forces as a function of various process parameter combinations. A fully balanced experimental design involving burring trials performed on a sawbone analog was carried out to establish process trends and subsets leading to local maximums and minimums in temperature and vibration were further investigated. Among the parameters tested, a spherical burr of 6 mm turning at 15,000 r/min and advancing at 2 mm/s with a 50% overlap between adjacent tool paths was found to yield both low temperatures at the bone/tool interface and minimal vibrations. This optimal set of parameters enables a versatile engagement between tool and bone without sacrificing the optimal process outcomes.
Robustness of crossover trials against subject drop-out – Examples of perpetually connected designs
Authors: Godolphin PJ , Godolphin EJ
Published: November 2017

When performing a repeated measures experiment, such as a clinical trial, there is a risk of subject drop-out during the experiment. If one or more subjects leave the study prematurely, a situation could arise where the eventual design is disconnected, implying that very few treatment contrasts for both direct effects and carryover effects are estimable. This paper aims to identify experimental conditions where this problem with the eventual design can be avoided. It is shown that in the class of uniformly balanced repeated measurement designs consisting of two or more Latin squares, there are planned designs with the following useful property. Provided that all subjects have completed the first two periods of study, such a design will not be replaced by a disconnected eventual design due to drop-out, irrespective of the type of drop-out behaviour that may occur. Designs with this property are referred to as perpetually connected. These experimental conditions are identified and examined in the paper and an example of at least one perpetually connected uniformly balanced repeated measurement design is given in each case. The results improve upon previous contributions in the literature that have been confined largely to cases in which drop-out occurs only in the final periods of study.
Effacing the Dilemma of the Rumouring Subject: A Value-oriented Approach towards Studying Misinformation on Social Media
Authors: Aricat Rajiv
Published: November 2017

Rumour has been part of collective human life for centuries. Communities deal with anxiety and make sense of the unknowable by mixing apprehensions with what is already known to them. With modernity, and in line with studies on a range of social phenomena, there have been efforts to develop a science on rumour. Most of these studies deal with rumour at the propositional level, such that the rumouring or rumour-rebutting subject invariably belongs to one of the two sides of the ‘true–false’ divide. Similar categories are followed in the study of rumour in social media, where the nodes in a rumour chain are, however, less hierarchical, and where images are increasingly used for persuasion. This paper, following a value-oriented approach, argues that the science on rumour has objectivized the problem, and has suggested instrumental solutions like enhancing the digital literacy of social media users. Whereas a value position should ideally attempt to efface the dilemma of the rumouring/rumour-rebutting subject, and locate rumours within the larger socio-political and historical context of a society.
The Determinants of Credit Risk: Analysis of US Industry-level Indices
Authors: Shahzad Syed Jawad Hussain , Nor Safwan Mohd , Sanusi Nur Azura , Kumar Ronald Ravinesh
Published: November 2017

The study examines the cointegration and causal relationship between credit default swap spreads, stock prices, VIX, interest rate and slope of the yield curve for the 10 industries in the USA over the period 14 December 2007 to 30 September 2015. Due to the presence of cross-sectional dependence in the panel, we employ the Pesaran (2007, Journal of Applied Econometrics, 22(2), 265–312) CIPS test to ascertain unit root properties. The cointegration test underscores the presence of a long-run association between the variables. The long-run heterogeneous panel elasticities are estimated via Dynamic OLS (DOLS) and the causality is examined by using the Dumitrescu and Hurlin (2012, Economic Modelling, 29(4), 1450–1460) Granger causality tests. The empirical results reveal that stock prices (volatility), interest rate and slope of the yield curve decrease (increase) the CDS premia; and stock prices, VIX and interest rate Granger-cause the CDS spreads for most of the industries.