bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of knitted fabrics and the deformation of their assemblies by the Y-shaped specimen method
Authors: Audzevičiūtė-Liutkienė Inga , Masteikaitė Vitalija , Jucienė Milda , Sacevičienė Virginija , Dobilaitė Vaida
Published: June 2017

Textile fabric deformability during garment wear is a very important property as it influences performance conditions, the wearer’s comfort and the aesthetic view of the garment. Deformation of material in the garment depends on the clothing construction, anatomical features and physical activity of the wearer and garment fit. This paper presents an investigation of knitted fabrics and the deformation of their assembly peculiarities, considering the complex behavior of textile materials during wear using the Y-shaped specimen method. The fabric element partially experienced force affects in respective garment areas. In this case, several deformation types appear at the same type. In our research the special shaped specimen of form “Y” was used to performing the uniaxial tensile test to simulate this phenomenon. According to this method, longitudinal, transversal and angular characteristics describing the deformation of textile materials and their stitched systems were determined. It was found that after the extension indicator of angular deformation has changed the most, the amount of change reached up to 70%. In the Y-shaped knitted specimens, the seam significantly influences the size of the tensile force. Also, the changes of angle indicator, when the specimens are joined with seams, are obvious and reach 50%.
Improving spun yarn properties by contacting the spinning strand with the static rod and self-adjustable disk surfaces
Authors: Liu Keshuai , Xia Zhigang , Xu Weilin , Hao Yu , Xu Qiaolin , Jin Wangbao , Ni Junlong
Published: June 2017

To overcome the spun yarn unevenness deterioration and insufficient hairiness reduction for ring spinning with a static contact surface, this study introduced a modified method to improve spun yarn properties by contacting the spinning strand with the static rod and self-adjustable disk surfaces. The mechanism of the improvement of spun yarn properties was theoretically analyzed. Analysis results indicated that the combination of the static rod and self-adjustable disk surfaces could improve the yarn hairiness wrapping force without sever twisting blockage, resulting in a large yarn hairiness reduction and surface tight structure without irregularity deterioration. Correspondingly, the yarn tenacity should also become somewhat enhancement. Then, our theoretical analysis and prediction were validated by conducting such comparative experiments as spinning without a contact surface, spinning with a static rod surface, and spinning with a combination of the static rod and self-adjustable disk surfaces. The experimental results were in good agreement with our theoretical analysis and prediction.
Overheard in passing
Authors: Hardy John
Published: June 2017

Writing ‘from the parish’, I seek to apply Edward Bailey’s definition of ‘implicit religion’: a person’s priorities, the moral commitments that ‘bring them to life’. Can clerical repartee about weather and about funerals prompt ‘disclosure situations’ – conversations that disclose a party’s private passions, their ‘implicitly religious’ proclivities? ‘Raw material’ for such exchanges includes weather lore and funeral reminiscences. Anecdotal evidence indicates that, among enthusiasts, weather and weather wisdom engender passions akin to ‘real religion’, implicit religion. Personalized funerals likewise manifest the fundamental priorities of the deceased, bereaved and clergy. Pastoral implications of ‘weather talk’ and ‘funeral talk’ are summarized.
Religion and atheism
Authors: Ward Keith
Published: June 2017

A review article of a new collection in which humanists and religious believers explore commonalities and differences between them.
Neo-liberalism and other political imaginaries
Authors: McAfee Noëlle
Published: June 2017

This article looks at how various political cultures and imaginaries occlude the public’s deeply democratic political role, especially the currently reigning anti-political culture of neo-liberalism. Even in an era when millions of people the world over take to the streets in protest, dominant political imaginaries position most of the world’s people as largely powerless. What is needed is a radical political imaginary along the lines that Cornelius Castoriadis suggests. This imaginary foregrounds the ways in which all social and political formations are already constituted by human beings’ ability to create new formations in the absence of foundations. But ignorant of this power, people are trapped in imaginaries where it seems that power resides elsewhere, only in halls of state or corporate boardrooms. This article offers an account that identifies where power originates and how it can be reclaimed through a more radical democratic political imaginary. The article proceeds as follows: the first two sections discuss varieties of political culture and how, despite seeming natural, they are actually products of underlying political imaginaries. Then I explain the concept of political imaginary and how the current reigning imaginary of neo-liberalism curiously undercuts the practice of politics itself. Under neo-liberalism, market solutions are seen as superior to political ones. Yet now even at the time of this writing, there is a backlash against neo-liberalism: from the right in a search for an older order (which is still anti-political) and from the left for more public power on the streets. While the latter is, in my view, far better than the former, it still does not go far enough in imagining politics and power otherwise. In the final section I draw on Castoriadis to flesh out the idea of a radical political imaginary.
Consumer Cooperatives in Qatar: Their Development and Effects
Authors: Alsowaidi Saif S.
Published: June 2017

There are ten consumer cooperatives in Qatar, and they do not differ in any substantial way from any ordinary grocery stores. However, the profit-sharing scheme is an element which differentiates cooperatives from such stores. Since 1976 until the present, the role of the government is noticeable. The government provides financial and moral support to cooperatives. In spite of this, membership is very limited in numbers, and the return to members is low relative to that earned by members of boards of management who contribute very little to the cooperatives. With respect to their relations with the private sector, cooperatives have reduced the sales of the privately-owned shops, and, at the same time depend on wholesales for their supplies of goods. The effects of cooperatives in the Qatari society may be summed up as an introduction of an alternative to the privately-owned shops, although their contribution to the national output is unimportant. This is a valid argument despite of their relative large sales and assets, because they act as retailers, and not producers of goods or services.
Tourism in the South West: Present Possibilities and Future Projections
Authors: Kandampully Jay
Published: June 2017

Tourism has become one of the world’s major industries and a recognized agent of economic diffusion. Prompted by its potential to permeate, support and propagate virtually every field of economic activity, many communities now actively promote tourism development.

The rapid growth of the UK’s tourism industry and its metamorphosis—transformation towards a new industry—have presented a new challenge to tourism development and its management. A massive shift in the pattern of tourism consumption has merely compounded the problem. Tourists today are highly sensitive to the quality of services they receive and are often unwilling to compromise. The progressive nature of tourist’s expectations and the highly competitive tourism market renders a proactive management strategy essential if organizations are to continue to attract and exceed the expectations of both home and international tourists.

This study demonstrates the need for co-ordinated planning, design and implementation of strategies to render South West England’s tourism industry capable of meeting the demands of future customers. One of the greatest challenges facing tourism organizations in the South West of England is the ever growing competition and the continuously increasing customer expectations. Customer satisfaction is no longer the key watch word, it has been replaced by customer delight. Hence, the author emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships in effecting a quality experience. It is by readjusting, defining and enhancing their personal interactive skills that service providers will be able to forge unbreakable bonds with their customers and thereby realize exceptional service.
Finite Element Stability Analysis of a Glulam Dome
Authors: Holzer S.M. , Wu C.H. , Tissaoui J.
Published: June 2017

The paper centres on stability investigations of a glued-laminated timber (glulam) dome under several snow load conditions. The dome consists of a triangulated network of curved glulam beams, a decking supported by curved purlins, and a steel tension ring. The dome is represented by two different models. The first model is a rigid-jointed space frame composed of curved beam elements. The second model consists of straight beam elements, with rigid or flexible joints, and a bracing to simulate the lateral support of the beams provided by the decking. Two finite element methods are presented and used in the analyses: A nonlinear method that computes the buckling load and a combined nonlinear/linear eigenvalue method that provides estimates of the buckling load. The results presented include buckling pressures, buckling modes, effects of joint stiffness and bracing on the stability of the dome, and the status of the material prior to buckling.
Stable Minimal Surfaces in Form-Finding of Lightweight Tension Structures
Authors: Lewis W.J. , Gosling P.D.
Published: June 2017

The paper presents a study of minimum energy forms of prestressed cable nets and membranes. Attention is directed towards accuracy and efficiency of numerical form-finding of stable minimal surfaces represented by soap-film models. The models are used to verify the correctness of the numerical approach. Within the numerical algorithm, which is based on a Dynamic Relaxation method, the performance of linear and triangular types of surface discretisations is examined.
Vibration of Satellite Subsystem During Orbiter Lift-Off
Authors: Lee-Glauser Gina , Ahmadi Goodarz
Published: June 2017

Vibrations of a satellite and one of its sensitive subsystems during orbiter lift-off are studied. A single degree-of-freedom representation of the subsystem and a five degree-of-freedom lump parameter model of the satellite are considered. Deflection and acceleration response spectra of the satellite and its subsystem subject to sinusoidal excitation and the STS - 41 lift-off accelerations are evaluated. The significance of the subsystem and primary satellite interaction is investigated. The effect of mass ratio and damping coeficient of the subsystem on the peak deflection and acceleration response spectra of the satellite and its subsystem are examined.
The Deployment Analysis of a Large Space Antenna
Authors: Fanning P. , Hollaway L.
Published: June 2017

The volume constraints imposed by current launch modules and the desirability of large reflectors and communication booms for space applications has given rise to active research in the field of deployable systems. These systems are stowed in a compact package for launch before being deployed into their operating configurations in orbit.

A new concept for a deployable antenna is presented. The deployment of one such 5.0 m antenna is investigated. The antenna is deployed by a number of mechanical joints. The energy stored in these joints is quantified and the deployment times and stresses at ‘latch-up’ are predicted.
General Study of Tensegrity Grids of Bar-To-Bar Connection
Authors: Wang B-B. , Liu X-L.
Published: June 2017

Tensegrity (TG) grids of bar-to-bar connection are studied in a general way in this paper. Their configurations can be classified into two types: one of TG prisms (anti-prisms), the other of TG truncated-pyramids (anti-truncated-pyramids). The present study shows distinct advantages for the latter type, and its structural properties are studied intensively. The results show that TG grids of bar-to-bar connection are not suitable for conventional usage and integral cable-tension is not applicable. New types of cable-strut systems may be more appropriate. The paper also points out that a low proportion of the number of struts to that of cables is not necessarily advantageous for structural efficiency. Moreover, the drawbacks of the present Newton iteration method are analyzed.
Efficacy of solifenacin in the prevention of short-term complications after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Yang Ranxing , Liu Lijie , Li Gaofeng , Yu Jianjun
Published: June 2017

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of solifenacin in the prevention of short-term complications after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP).

Methods

This randomized placebo-controlled study enrolled patients with histologically proven prostate cancer who underwent LRP. The patients were randomized to receive either solifenacin (5 mg once daily; study group) or placebo (control group) for the 15-day period beginning on the first day after surgery. The mean duration of detrusor overactivity (DO), the frequency of DO, the duration of macroscopic haematuria, and the days before catheter removal were recorded. The International Continence Society Short Form Male questionnaire, bladder neck stenosis episodes, and maximum urinary flow rate were evaluated at 1 month after surgery. The side-effects after using solifenacin were also recorded.

Results

A total of 120 patients were randomly assigned to the study group ( n = 62) or the control group ( n = 58). There were significantly lower rates of DO episodes during the daytime and night-time, haematuria and transient incontinence in the study group compared with the control group.

Conclusion

Solifenacin was a well-tolerated and effective treatment for the prevention of complications after LRP, with the main advantage compared with placebo being the decreased frequency of DO episodes during the daytime and night-time.
Clinical evidence of efficacy of simvastatin for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Lin Jinghui , Liu Houxian , Jiang Jianjun , Jia Conglin , Zhang Bin , Gao Xiang
Published: June 2017

Objective

The present study was performed to explore the therapeutic potential of simvastatin in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in the context of the Simvastatin in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (STASH) trial.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the therapeutic effect of simvastatin on aneurysmal SAH. We applied a random-effects model to calculate the data.

Results

Five RCTs involving 951 patients met the eligibility criteria. We found no statistically significant effects on vasospasm detected by transcranial cerebral Doppler (relative risk [RR], 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55–1.49), delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.63–1.14), or all-cause mortality (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.67–1.54). Subgroup analysis showed that these consolidated results were stable at different doses, different times to start of treatment, and different courses of treatment in all included RCTs. Sensitivity analysis showed that the STASH trial, which had a large population, did not influence the consolidated results of all three outcomes.

Conclusions

Simvastatin showed no benefits in decreasing the incidence of vasospasm, DCI, or all-cause mortality after aneurysmal SAH. We conclude that patients with SAH should not be treated routinely with simvastatin during the acute stage.
The Erasure of Race: Cosmopolitanism and the Illusion of Kantian Hospitality
Authors: Gani J. K.
Published: June 2017

This article explores three key arguments: Firstly, it seeks to demonstrate the contradictions and limits within Kantian hospitality, and its links to colonialism and practices of racialisation. The acclaimed universalism of Kant’s law of hospitality forecloses a discussion of its dualism, and erases the historical, racist context in which it was conceived. The prioritization of  concept over  conception allows Kant’s theory on race to be obscured from official discourse and framing of policies while it still courses through inherited perceptions and theories.  Secondly, in making my case, I will be applying the notion of coloniality, coined by Aníbal Quijano and later developed by Walter Mignolo, to the existing but small body of critical discourse on Kant and race. Debates initiated on the peripheries of philosophy, law and anthropology in the 1990s have led the way in this regard. However, given the time that has elapsed, it is notable that their work has received little scrutiny in political theory and International Relations theory, and thus warrants renewed attention. I argue that the notion of coloniality provides a useful lens through which to do so, and a vehicle through which to apply those excavations to a contemporary context. Finally, the article explores the extent to which Kantian thought constitutes ‘modern’ cosmopolitanism, and draws attention to the inadvertently complicit role of second-generation cosmopolitans in the erasure of race from the study of Kant. The relationship between the collective erasure of race and racism in academia and European practice towards refugees and immigrants is briefly considered.
University Students’ Relationship-Based Mentoring in School Settings
Authors: Mboka Abu K.
Published: June 2017

How university students perform the tasks of mentoring, and the kinds of activities that are successful and unsuccessful in relationship-based mentoring interactions when mentors are instructed to “first establish relationships and then use the relationship to promote prosocial thinking and behaviors,” remains an unfamiliar area of youth mentoring. Thus, the purpose of this study is to develop some understanding of steps criminal justice majors took and the behavioral goals and objectives they pursued during their semester-long mentoring interactions with primary, middle, and high school pupils within a local school district. Conventional content analysis methods were used to systematically identify, classify, and code themes and patterns of self-reported activities. Results show that student-mentors overwhelmingly engaged in activities that addressed known risk factors associated with antisocial thinking, attitudes, and behaviors. The results provide insights into the dynamics of this form of mentoring that emphasizes the importance of healthy relationships between protégés and mentors and advance reasons for further investigation of the effectiveness of a relationship-based mentoring approach.
Predictive Validity of the HKT-R Risk Assessment Tool: Two and 5-Year Violent Recidivism in a Nationwide Sample of Dutch Forensic Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Bogaerts Stefan , Spreen Marinus , ter Horst Paul , Gerlsma Coby
Published: June 2017

This study has examined the predictive validity of the Historical Clinical Future [ Historisch Klinisch Toekomst] Revised risk assessment scheme in a cohort of 347 forensic psychiatric patients, which were discharged between 2004 and 2008 from any of 12 highly secure forensic centers in the Netherlands. Predictive validity was measured 2 and 5 years after release. Official reconviction data obtained from the Dutch Ministry of Security and Justice were used as outcome measures. Violent reoffending within 2 and 5 years after discharge was assessed. With regard to violent reoffending, results indicated that the predictive validity of the Historical domain was modest for 2 (area under the curve [AUC] = .75) and 5 (AUC = .74) years. The predictive validity of the Clinical domain was marginal for 2 (admission: AUC = .62; discharge: AUC = .63) and 5 (admission: AUC = .69; discharge: AUC = .62) years after release. The predictive validity of the Future domain was modest (AUC = .71) for 2 years and low for 5 (AUC = .58) years. The total score of the instrument was modest for 2 years (AUC = .78) and marginal for 5 (AUC = .68) years. Finally, the Final Risk Judgment was modest for 2 years (AUC = .78) and marginal for 5 (AUC = .63) years time at risk. It is concluded that this risk assessment instrument appears to be a satisfactory instrument for risk assessment.
Wicked Stepmothers in Roman Society and Imagination
Authors: Noy David
Published: June 2017

The wicked stepmother is a figure of considerable importance in Roman literature. Juno and Phaedra provided mythological models, and rhetorical training helped to perpetuate the stereotype. There are superficial resemblances to the wicked stepmother of European folklore, but Roman literature concentrates on one particular form of “wickedness”: the stepmother who deprives her stepson of his paternal inheritance, either for her own benefit or her children's. Classical inheritance law and the structure of the Roman family gave scope for this, but imaginative writers made it an issue of much more importance than the legal texts indicate it ever had.
Fracture Behavior of Notched Unidirectional Boron/Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite under Bending
Authors: Kang B. S.-J. , Lyons D. , Upadhyay P. C.
Published: June 2017

The fracture behavior of continuous fiber reinforced boron/aluminum composite under bending is analyzed based on the measured full-field high resolution moire fringe patterns at the notch tip region of composites' specimen under three point bending. The mechanism of interfacial fiber/matrix sliding and debonding in bending is found to be quite different from those reported earlier for the case of uniform tension. In case of bending, after some initial crack growth, excessive shear deformation in other regions (other than notch tip) of the specimen makes the presence of notch irrelevant.

Experimental results are compared with the results obtained from finite element analysis. J-integral values are evaluated using the displacements obtained experimentally and also by using finite element. It is realized that any numerical simulation should be based on elasto-plastic analysis and consider friction between fiber and matrix when excessive shear deformation occurs and sliding is initiated.
Prediction of Microcracking Distributions in Composite Laminates Using a Monte-Carlo Simulation Method
Authors: Michii Y. , Mcmanus H. L.
Published: June 2017

A method is presented to predict the histories of matrix crack densities, effective laminate properties, and crack distributions in the plies of general composite laminates subjected arbitrary thermomechanical loads. "Effective" flaws, whose sizes vary according to a Weibull distribution, are randomly seeded in the edges of the laminate. A shear lag method determines the stresses within the laminate. Development of flaws into "starter" matrix cracks that span the thickness of the plies is determined using an energy method. A separate energy method is used to determine crack extension across the width. The method accounts for local material variations in an approximate manner. Crack density results are compared with analytical predictions and experimental data from a previous study (Maddocks, 1995). Examination of crack distributions at selected load increments provides insight into the mechanisms by which cracks initiate and develop.
A Rectilinear Flow Model Approach to the Simulation of Injection Molding Process
Authors: Hsiung Chang-Meng , Sheng Qin
Published: June 2017

This research uses a 3D rectilinear flow model to study the thermomechanical characteristics in the injection molding of a small dumbbell sample. The target material is a slowly crystallizing polymer-syndiotactic polystyrene. Three dimensional temperature, velocity, and stress distributions within the molded parts were calculated. Special attention was focused on the "neck" region of the small dumbbell sample where drastic changes in the thermomechanical characteristics were expected. Stress induced crystallization was shown to play a major role in the formation of the crystalline microstructure in these injection molded samples.
The Interlaminar Fracture Properties of Carbon Fiber Reinforced PEEK Laminates with Offset Centre Plies
Authors: Cantwell W. J.
Published: June 2017

A series of mode I and mode II fracture tests have been undertaken on carbon fiber reinforced poly ether ether ketone (PEEK) in order to investigate the effect of fiber bridging on the interlaminar fracture resistance of high performance composite materials. Fiber bridging was reduced by offsetting the two centre plies by several degrees relative to each other. It has been shown that the fracture response of these slightly modified laminates is very different to that of conventional unidirectional composites. Offsetting the centre plies in double cantilever beam specimens resulted in a change in the mode of crack propagation from stable to unstable. The effects of varying processing parameters and loading rate were more pronounced in the offset specimens than in the standard unidirectional samples. It is concluded that even limited amounts of fiber bridging conceals the true interlaminar fracture response of many composite materials.
Hygrothermal Characterization and Diffusion Studies on Carbon/Epoxy Composites
Authors: Srihari Shylaja , Rao R. M. V. G. K.
Published: June 2017

Hygrothermal studies were carried out on unidirectional (UD) carbon fiber epoxy (LY 5052) composites at Vf= 0.5 and have been carried out for three different cases viz. 45°C/85% RH, 45°C/95% RH and 45°C/immersion (100% RH) till saturation is reached. In all cases composite specimens of different test configurations [Longitudinal Tensile (LT), Transverse Tensile (TT), Longitudinal Compression (LC), and Transverse Compression (TC)] were subjected to the above conditions and their diffusion behaviour studied. Generally, the specimens under the above conditions exhibited Fickian diffusion behavior.
Optimizing Nutrition in Pediatric Heart Failure: The Crisis Is Over and Now It’s Time to Feed
Authors: Lewis Kylie D. , Conway Jennifer , Cunningham Chentel , Larsen Bodil M. K.
Published: June 2017

Pediatric heart failure is a complex disease occurring when cardiac output is unable to meet the metabolic demands of the body. With improved surgical interventions and medical therapies, survival rates have improved, and care has shifted from focusing on survival to optimizing quality of life and health outcomes. Based on current literature, this review addresses the nutrition needs of infants and children in heart failure and describes the pathophysiology and metabolic implications of this disease. The prevalence of wasting in pediatric heart failure has been reported to be as high as 86%, highlighting the importance of nutrition assessment through all stages of treatment to provide appropriate intake of energy, protein, and micronutrients. The etiology of malnutrition in pediatric heart failure is multifactorial and involves hypermetabolism, decreased intake, increased nutrient losses, inefficient utilization of nutrients, and malabsorption. Children in heart failure often present with tachypnea, tachycardia, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting and consequently may not be able to meet their nutrition requirements through oral intake alone. Nutrition support, including enteral nutrition and parenteral nutrition, should be considered an essential part of routine care. The involvement of multiple allied health professionals may be needed to create a feeding therapy plan to support patients and their families. With appropriate nutrition interventions, clinical outcomes and quality of life can be significantly improved.
Teaching End-of-Life Communication in Intensive Care Medicine: Review of the Existing Literature and Implications for Future Curricula
Authors: Zante Bjoern , Schefold Joerg C.
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

End-of-life (EOL) situations are common in the intensive care unit (ICU). Poor communication in respective situations may result in conflict and/or post-traumatic stress disorder in patients’ next of kin. Thus, training for EOL communication seems pivotal. Primary objective of the current report was to identify approaches for educational programs in the ICU with regard to EOL communication as well as to conclude on implications for future curricula.

Materials and Methods:

A literature review in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsychINFO was performed. A total of 3484 articles published between 2000 until 2016 were assessed for eligibility. Nine articles reporting on education in EOL communication in the ICU were identified and analyzed further.

Results:

The duration of EOL workshops ranged from 3 hours to 3 days, with several different educational methods being applied. Mounting data suggest improved comfort, preparedness, and communication performance in EOL providers following specific EOL training. Due to missing data, the effect of EOL training programs on respective patients’ next of kin remains unclear.

Conclusion:

Few scientific investigations focus on EOL communication in intensive care medicine. The available evidence points to increased comfort and EOL communication performance following specific individual EOL training. Given the general importance of EOL communication, we suggest implementation of educational EOL programs. When developing future educational programs, educators should consider previous experience of participants, clearly defined objectives based on institutional needs, and critical care society recommendations to ensure best benefit of all involved parties.
Assessment of in Vivo Chromosomal Aberrations-Potency of Zinc Mercapto Benzo Thiazole
Authors: Mohanan P. V. , Joseph R. , Ramesh P. , Rathinam K.
Published: June 2017

Chromosomal aberrations are microscopically visible changes in the chromosome structure. The double-stranded breaks are the ultimate DNA lesions for chromosomal aberrations. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the induction of chromosomal aberrations by the rubber accelerator zinc mercapto benzo thiazole (ZMBT). The experiment was designed with five groups, each composed of four Swiss albino mice. The first three groups received ZMBT at 1920, 960, and 480 Rtg/20 g animal. The remaining two groups were the vehicle (cotton seed oil) and positive (methyl methane sulphonate) controls. Animals were given a single dose of test and control samples by IP injection. Colchicine (20 gg/animal) was administered 90 minutes before sacrificing the animals. All the animals were sacrificed at the end of 36 h by cervical dislocation. Bone marrow preparations were made, stained with Giemsa stain, and examined for chromosomal abnormalities. The results indicated a lack of incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in the test and control groups. However, significant chromosomal abnormalities such as gaps, breaks, and translocations were observed in the positive control group. Hence, the study concluded that ZMBT at different concentrations fails to induce structural chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells.
Fibrin Scaffold as an Effective Vehicle for the Delivery of Acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF-1)
Authors: Pandit Abhay S. , Wilson David J. , Feldman Dale S. , Thompson J. A.
Published: June 2017

The effect of wound healing by fibrin and acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1) in an in vivo model was evaluated in this study. Four full-thickness wounds were made on the dorsum of each rabbit ( n = 5). Each of these wounds had different treatment groups: control, topical FGF-1 (100 μg/9 cm2), fibrin (2.0 mL at 60 mg/mL fibrinogen), and FGF-1 (100 gg/9 cm2)/fibrin. The animals were sacrificed at the end of 2 weeks. Histomorphometric analysis and mechanical testing were conducted to assess the healing response. FGF-1/fibrin treatment improved the mechanical properties of the healed tissue. Fibrin scaffold exhibited the desired tissue response, as demonstrated by the lack of inflammation, and was deemed an effective carrier for FGF-1.
Release of Drugs from Polymeric Hydrogels
Authors: Andreopoulos A. G. , Plytaria M.
Published: June 2017

Hydrogels were prepared from 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross-linking agent. Two different polymerization techniques were followed, namely bulk polymerization initiated by dibenzoyl peroxide and solution polymerization, in water, using a redox initiator system. Differences in the water desorption from swollen samples between the two types of the above products were recorded and attributed to the fact that those hydrogels were obtained in glassy or rubbery state, according to the polymerization technique. Also, the delivery of salicylic acid from samples of the above types was studied, and a faster release with higher ultimate delivery was displayed by the solution polymerization hydrogels.
Comparative Complement Activation Study of Polypropylene Hollow Fibres of Two Different Makes in Static Condition
Authors: Hussain M. A. , Murali C. V. , Willi P. , Sharma C. P. , Bhuvneshwar G. S. , Sreekumar R.
Published: June 2017

The complement activation is one of the major problems encountered in the use of extracorporeal devices. The complement-activating potential of two polypropylene hollow fibres (used in membrane oxygenator) of different make and designated as F1 and F2 was tested with time (10, 30, and 180 minutes). The fibres were brought in contact with human blood under in vitro static condition for the comparison. A direct measurement of unadsorbed concentration of the complement protein, C3, present in the liquid phase of human blood before and after the contact with polymer was made using human C3 antisera. This gave a measure of C3 adsorption on the fibres with time and probably also gave an indirect measure of C3a in the blood. IgG was also estimated using antisera of human IgG. The total protein and albumin concentration were measured to obtain an overall adsorption profile of these protein on the fibre surfaces with respect to time. The results showed that C3 adsorption was taking place mainly through the alternative path-way over and above the classical one, being more in the case of F2 than Fl. SEM studies revealed poor adhesion of platelets on both fibres, though some activated platelets were also seen with slight deformation at 10 minutes and a few with prominent pseudopodia formations at a later time period on the surface of both fibres. The total protein adsorption was faster, and the surface pores of the F1 were found masked at 10 minutes observation. Later, desorption occurred making the pores visible at 180 minutes. The F2 surface examination showed a continuous deposition of protein layers with time, thereby masking the pores at 180 minutes. The present experimental finding and assessment favoured the F1 as a marginally better candidate to be considered for oxygenator development.
Synthesis of Cholesterol Esterase by Monocyte-Derived Macrophages: A Potential Role in the Biodegradation of Poly(Urethane)s
Authors: Labow Rosalind S. , Meek Erin , Santerre J. Paul
Published: June 2017

Many studies have described the role of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) in inflammation leading to atherosclerosis, a process in which alterations in the metabolism of cholesterol esters is well established. On the other hand, the mechanism of MDM activation in response to biomaterial surfaces is still not well understood. Several studies have described the different degrees of activation of monocytes on poly(urethane) surfaces by measuring the release of early markers of differentiation, such as cytokines. It has been possible to decrease MDM activation in contact with materials by modifying the material surface with antioxidants. Therefore, it has been proposed that it is the reactive oxygen species provided by MDM which are responsible for deleterious effects observed in material-derived inflammation. A recent study has shown that one of the markers of the degree of differentiation of MDM is the synthesis of cholesterol esterase (CE), an enzyme demonstrated as causing biodegradation of polyester(urethane)s and more recently polyether- and polycarbonate-poly(urethane)s as well. In this review article, markers used to assess MDM differentiation on material surfaces will be described and related to the activation of MDM. In particular, the CE accumulation in MDM which is associated with atherosclerosis will be related to its degradative potential during chronic inflammation. How this may impact on the biostability of implanted poly(urethane) medical devices is discussed.
Reporting More but Moving Less? The Complex Relationship between Acculturation and Physical Activity Among US Adults
Authors: Zan Hua , Fan Jessie X.
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

To investigate the association between acculturation and physical activity (PA).

Design:

Cross sectional.

Setting:

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2003 to 2006.

Subjects:

A total of 4029 adults (aged 20-64), including 2063 men and 1966 women.

Measures:

The outcome measures included both self-reported PA and device-assessed PA. The acculturation measure was constructed based on nativity, language use at home, and length of residence in the United States.

Analysis:

Regressions with domain analysis were conducted to adjust for the influence of confounding factors and complex survey design.

Results:

For men, self-reported PA increased with acculturation, especially leisure-time PA. However, device-assessed PA decreased with acculturation. For women, the results were more mixed.

Conclusion:

All evidence considered, we concluded that PA decreased with acculturation for US men.
Sex and Gender in Family Business Succession Research: A Review and Forward Agenda From a Social Construction Perspective
Authors: Nelson Teresa , Constantinidis Christina
Published: June 2017

This article focuses on how family business succession research has engaged and may be further enriched by application of a gender lens as socially constructed. We analyze the succession literature developing a gender terms vocabulary and five themes of historical engagement. Finding a lack of theoretical grounding, we apply the construct of gender, through expectation states theory, revising the Sharma and Irving model of successor commitment to examine how a socially constructed view of gender shifts and opens up points of view. We then present a forward looking agenda to motivate future scholarship.
T.R.U.S.T. Model for Inclusive Spiritual Care: Critique of Middle-Range Theory
Authors: Mcharo Solomon Kasha
Published: June 2017

Spiritual care has been recognized as an integral component to holistic health care promotion. Several middle-range theories in the recent years have been developed in an attempt to promote spiritual care in nursing practice and to guide research in spiritual nursing. However, there is still reluctance from nurses in addressing spiritual care needs for their patients. Fear of intrusion and a lack of technical know-how are among the reasons for this dilemma. The development of the T.R.U.S.T. Model for Inclusive Spiritual Care is to provide caregivers with a relevant, nonintrusive mode of care in their approach to spiritual nursing practice. The T.R.U.S.T. model provides guidelines to help address and accommodate different spiritual worldviews with the aim of promoting optimum healing. The following article is a critique of the T.R.U.S.T. Model for Inclusive Spiritual Care using Fawcett’s criteria for evaluation.
Effect of carbon hybridization in 9H-fluorene unit on the photovoltaic properties of different fluorene-based conjugated polymers
Authors: Lin Zhiguan , Wei Gang , Li Ling , Lu Zhenhuan , Hai Jiefeng , Li Ming , Tang Weihua
Published: June 2017

To investigate the effect of different carbon hybridization in 9H-fluorene on the resultant polymers, a series of donor–acceptor conjugated polymers have been synthesized by copolymerizing substituted 9H-fluorenes with triazoloquinoxaline. All polymers exhibit good solution-processability and broad absorption in 350–1000 nm region with narrow optical bandgaps ranging from 1.27 eV to 1.55 eV. The results indicate that fluorene functionalization via different carbon hybridization on 9-position could be an effective strategy to fine-tune the absorption, energy levels, and photovoltaic performance of the polymers. 9-Position sp2-hybridized carbon in fluorene could enhance absorption of ultraviolet-visible and form good morphology of blending layers, through its planar rigid structure. All polymer solar cells devices exhibited moderate performance with the best power conversion efficiency of 3.02% achieved based on P2. Compared to ladder-type multifused fluorene, carbon-hybridized 9H-fluorene units can be a very useful building block for constructing narrow bandgap polymers with facile synthesis, and even interesting optoelectronic properties.
Research on parametric modeling and grinding methods of bottom edge of toroid-shaped end-milling cutter
Authors: Han Lei , Cheng Xuefeng , Jiang Lei , Li Rong , Ding Guofu , Qin Shengfeng
Published: June 2017

For a toroid-shaped end-milling cutter to have multi-structure features of tooth offset center and introversion of bottom edge, this article proposes a generalized parametric modeling method of the bottom edge, including a straight edge segment and a circular arc edge segment. And based on the parametric model, this article also deduces the corresponding tool path for grinding of the bottom edge’s rake and flank faces. The parametric modeling method is based on the geometric analytic equations while the grinding method is driven by the proposed parametric model and the parameters of rake and flank faces. The two methods can be applied to a bottom edge of a cutter with multi-structure features to guarantee G1 continuity at the two joints for connecting a circular arc edge with a straight edge and a conical helix edge, respectively. In order to verify the accuracy of proposed methods, experiments were carried out. The modeling and grinding experimental results verified the accuracy and utility of the methods.
Simplified three-dimensional finite element hot-spotting modelling of a pin-mounted vented brake disc: an investigation of hot-spotting determinants
Authors: Tang Jinghan , Bryant David , Qi Hongsheng , Whiteside Ben , Babenko Max
Published: June 2017

Hot spotting is a thermal localisation phenomenon in which multiple hot regions form on a brake disc surface during high-energy and/or high-speed braking events. As an undesired problem, hot spots can result in high-order brake judder, an audible droning noise and thermal cracking. This paper presents a finite element model for hot-spot modelling which introduces the classical axisymmetric assumptions to the brake pad in three dimensions by scaling the material properties combined with a subroutine to simulate the heat generation instead of modelling the rotation of the brake pad. The results from the initial feasibility models showed significant improvement in the computing efficiency with acceptable accuracy when compared with a traditional finite element model without such simplifications. This method was then applied to three-dimensional simulations of hot spotting on a realistic ventilated brake disc–pad pair, and the results showed good correlation with the experiments. In order to improve the understanding of the hot-spotting mechanism, parametric studies were performed including the effects of a solid-disc geometry and a ventilated-disc geometry, the rotational speed and energy, the pins, the disc run-out and the brake pad length. Based on the analysis of the results, it was identified that the vents and the pins affected the hot-spot distribution. The speed was shown to be more important in the hot-spot generation time and the hot-spot distribution than either the pressure or the total energy input was. The brake disc run-out was shown to affect the magnitude of both the hot-spot temperature and the hot-spot height because of the non-linear relationship between the local deformation, the contact pressure and the heat generation. Finally, increasing the brake pad length generated fewer hot spots, but the temperature of each hot spot increased.
Optimization of small aircraft parameters in the initial phase of the project
Authors: Iwaniuk Andrzej , Wiśniowski Witold
Published: June 2017

Conceptual and preliminary designs of future aircraft have become increasingly complex due to the enlargement of the basic criteria for evaluating emerging solutions. In the past, the basic performance characteristics of an airplane were the only selection criteria. Today, more and more emphasis is placed on factors such as impact on the environment, cost-effectiveness, or comfort of travel. The method for optimization of the key parameters of a small aircraft for use in the initial phase of a project is presented in this paper. It takes into account the requirements of aviation safety imposed by the European Union certification specifications CS-23 and requirements of aircraft competitiveness. Requirements and design assumptions were formulated based on the concept of the Small Air Transport system (SATs). The method is based on the multidisciplinary design optimization and covers the basic areas related to the design of aircraft: aerodynamics, aircraft structure, performance and expected operating costs. The objective function is defined as the value of the direct operating cost per passenger-kilometre. An evolutionary algorithm was applied to solve the optimization problem. As an example of the use of this method, the optimization of design parameters of the two classes of aircraft, 9-seater and 19-seater was carried out. The results were compared with the parameters of aircraft, which are in service. Sensitivity analysis of the objective function with respect to selected parameters of the aircraft was also made. The analysis allowed to select the most important parameters responsible for the operational costs.
A non-dimensional study of the flow through co-rotating discs and performance optimization of a Tesla disc turbine
Authors: Guha Abhijit , Sengupta Sayantan
Published: June 2017

This article presents a systematic and comprehensive computational fluid dynamic study for co-rotating discs and, Tesla turbines, in which the full benefit of similitude and scaling is extracted by expressing the results and analyses in terms of carefully formulated non-dimensional numbers—five input parameters and three output parameters. The work formulates a systematic design methodology for the optimum selection of input parameters for the rotor of a Tesla disc turbine that would satisfy practical constraints and deliver high values of power and efficiency. Many subtle flow physics (e.g. the identification of dynamic similarity number, inlet tangential speed ratio and inlet flow angle as the three most important non-dimensional input parameters, the secondary role of aspect ratio as a separate quantity independent of dynamic similarity number, and, the variation in the four fundamental components of the radial pressure difference) are critically explained. The present study establishes, for the first time, that unlike the flow in a conventional turbomachine in which fluid friction plays only a detrimental role, fluid friction plays a dual role in a Tesla disc turbine—a detrimental role in increasing the radial pressure drop (thus tending to decrease the efficiency) and a beneficial role by providing the sole mechanism for power production. This dual role is comprehensively analyzed and quantified in this work. The balance between this dual role of fluid friction gives rise to the optimum values of dynamic similarity number and inlet tangential speed ratio that maximize efficiency.