bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local Calibration of the MEPDG Distress and Performance Models for Ontario’s Flexible Roads: Overview, Impacts, and Reflection
Authors: Yuan Xian-Xun , Nemtsov Iliya
Published: May 2018

Built upon a seven-year local calibration study of Ontario’s flexible pavements, this paper provides a summary of the calibration results and design impact and, more importantly, shares the experience and lessons learned from the process. The best results have been achieved on the local calibration of the rutting, bottom-up fatigue cracking, and international roughness index (IRI) distress models minimizing the residual sum of squares (RSS) while maintaining the average bias at zero. Significant efforts have been made to calibrate the other distress models with limited success. A design impact study found that local calibration of the rutting models was very important, whereas the alligator fatigue cracking did not usually govern the design in Ontario, although the global model was found to under-predict the cracking damage. The performance of the calibrated IRI model in the design of heavy traffic freeways for both reconstructed and rehabilitated sections was unsatisfactory and needs further study. The paper also presents several open questions for future research. These include the handling of section-length effects of observed cracking data, the determination of initial IRI, the updating of standard deviation functions and the overall reliability models, and the prioritization of pavement research under the new paradigm of the Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG).
Economic Analysis of Pavement Preservation Techniques
Authors: Zuniga-Garcia Natalia , Martinez-Alonso Wilfrido , de Fortier Smit Andre , Hong Feng , Prozzi Jorge A.
Published: May 2018

This paper summarizes the research study conducted to develop and implement a methodological framework, using an economic analysis technique, to evaluate the cost effectiveness of the three different preventive maintenance treatments applied to roadways in Texas: chip seals, microsurfacing, and thin overlays. The analysis is based on a stochastic evaluation of the effective life and cost of more than 14,000 maintenance and rehabilitation projects undertaken from 1994 to 2015. The effect of traffic loads, traffic volume, and roadway type was also evaluated. The life-cycle cost of the preventive maintenance techniques was obtained using a Monte Carlo simulation. Among the principal results, it was found that chip seals are the most cost-effective treatment and present the lowest life-cycle cost variability. The effective life of all three treatments was found to be quite similar. Additionally, it was found that the chip seals and microsurfacing tend to present comparable life-cycle costs when used on heavy traffic roadways.
Determinants of the Global Prices of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods
Authors: Kakietek Jakub
Published: May 2018

Background:

A therapy based on ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) in outpatient settings is considered the gold standard in the treatment of severe acute malnutrition in children younger than 5 years. The price of RUTF is the key cost driver of the therapy. However, no studies to date have systematically examined the determinants of RUTF prices.

Objective:

This article presents the first analysis of factors associated with the prices of RUTF, focusing on the impact of competition and tendering.

Methods:

This article examines data on the prices of RUTF purchased by UNICEF Supply Division from 2006 through 2015 (90% of RUTF purchased globally). To assess the association between price, competition, and tender introduction, controlling for potential confounding factors, regression analysis using a generalized estimating equation was used.

Results:

Competition, measured as the number of suppliers, was negatively associated with RUTF price. On the other hand, no statistically significant association was found between RUTF price tendering. Quantities sold were also significantly associated with RUTF prices.

Conclusions:

Significant price reductions have been achieved by increasing competition in the RUTF market. In contrast, introduction of tendering did not result in decreases in prices. Tendering is an effective price-lowering mechanism because it awards the bidder(s) with the lowest price with market exclusivity. However, the current tender system promotes market fragmentation and reduces the incentives for price reductions. Further reduction in RUTF prices can likely be achieved by modifying the current tendering procedures and putting a greater emphasis on price competition.
School Psychologists’ Confidence in Learning Disability Identification Decisions
Authors: Maki Kathrin E. , Burns Matthew K. , Sullivan Amanda L.
Published: May 2018

Many school psychologists spend a large portion of their time conducting evaluations for special education, but school psychologists’ confidence in learning disability (learning disability[ies] [LD]) identification has not been examined experimentally. This study examined differences in 376 school psychologists’ confidence in their identification decisions across LD identification methods, student evaluation data conclusiveness level, school psychologist experience, identification consistency, and identification methods used in practice, preferred identification methods, and identification methods taught in graduate school. The school psychologists reported lower levels of confidence when using response to intervention (RtI) compared with ability-achievement discrepancy, and they reported lower levels of confidence when student data were inconclusive compared with when student data were conclusive that a student did not have LD. Higher levels of experience and training did not increase the likelihood of greater confidence compared with lower levels of experience and training. However, school psychologists who reported “somewhat confident ratings” were more likely to make inconsistent identification decisions than school psychologists who reported “not very confident” ratings. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Making Up Creative Placemaking
Authors: Zitcer Andrew
Published: May 2018

Creative placemaking is an increasingly prevalent form of planning practice that invokes arts and culture as tools for revitalization. Planners, policymakers, funders, and practitioners are engaged in a discursive struggle to define what is meant by creative placemaking and what value it holds for cities. Using frameworks developed by Foucault and Hacking, I analyze the emergence and ongoing contestation of this term, contrasting the way creative placemaking is understood and enacted by actors in Philadelphia with definitions employed by national funders. I argue that practitioner and community voices deserve amplification in the unfinished work of creative placemaking as urban practice.
Evaluating Construct Validity of the Middle School Self-Efficacy Scale With High School Adolescents
Authors: Summers Jessica J. , Falco Lia D.
Published: May 2018

This study presents an exemplar for psychometric evaluation and modification of established measures when applied to new populations. Specifically, we describe the use of two subscales (Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale and Math/Science Self-Efficacy Scale) from the Middle School Self-Efficacy Scale (MSSES) as outcome measures in an intervention study of high school students. Several researchers have utilized the MSSES with high school students since it was developed by Fouad, Smith, and Enochs 20 years ago, but few studies have examined it for construct validity with a high school sample, even though the measure was designed for a middle school population. Our findings demonstrated that the MSSES required modification for high school students in order to meet the standards of reliability and validity in a counseling intervention study. The discussion focuses on implications for career counseling and research, limitations of the findings, and suggestions for future research.
Closed loop identification of a piezoelectrically controlled radial gas bearing: Theory and experiment
Authors: Sekunda André Krabdrup , Niemann Hans Henrik , Poulsen Niels Kjølstad , Santos Ilmar Ferreira
Published: May 2018

Gas bearing systems have extremely small damping properties. Feedback control is thus employed to increase the damping of gas bearings. Such a feedback loop correlates the input with the measurement noise which in turn makes the assumptions for direct identification invalid. The originality of this article lies in the investigation of the impact of using different identification methods to identify a rotor-bearing systems’ dynamic model when a feedback loop is active. Two different identification methods are employed. The first method is open loop Prediction Error Method, while the other method is the modified Hansen scheme. Identification based on the modified Hansen scheme is conducted by identifying the Youla deviation system using subspace identification. Identification of the Youla deviation system is based on the Youla–Jabr–Bongiorno–Kucera parametrisation of plant and controller. By using the modified Hansen scheme, identification based on standard subspace identification methods can be used to identify the Youla deviation system of the gas bearing. This procedure ensures the input to the Youla deviation system, and the noise is uncorrelated even though the system is subject to feedback control. The effect of identifying the Youla deviation system compared to direct subspace identification of the gas bearing is further investigated through a simulation example. Experiments are conducted on the piezoelectrically controlled radial gas bearing. A dynamic model is identified using the modified Hansen scheme as well as using Prediction Error Method identification. The resulting models are compared for different imperfect nominal models, to examine under which conditions each method should be used.
Design of robust proportional–integral–derivative controller for generalized decoupled twin rotor multi-input-multi-output system with actuator non-linearity
Authors: Pandey Sumit Kumar , Dey Jayati , Banerjee Subrata
Published: May 2018

This work addresses the problem of robust stabilization of twin rotor multi-input-multi-output system in the presence of inherent actuator non-linearity and plant structured uncertainties due to parameter variation. In order to achieve so, first a generalized decoupling technique is implemented to eliminate the cross coupling effect which are present in between the input and output of main and tail rotors of twin rotor multi-input-multi-output system. Next, two proportional–integral–derivative controllers are employed to control the main and tail rotors independently. The ranges of the parameters of the controllers are evaluated based on the Kharitonov theorem so as to ensure robust stability in the presence of structured uncertainties. The values of the controller parameters are finally sought out of these robust ranges with bacterial foraging optimization technique such that satisfactory time domain criteria are met. Furthermore, the compensated system is analyzed in frequency domain with common actuator non-linearity dead-zone and saturation together. The performance of the designed controller is evaluated through both simulation and experimental results. The controllers are found to perform efficiently ensuring adequate robust stability even in the presence of uncertainty, disturbance and actuator non-linearity.
Orbital- and suborbital-scale changes in the East Asian summer monsoon since the last deglaciation
Authors: Li Junfeng , Liu Xingqi
Published: May 2018

The variability of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) has far-reaching effects on the global climate system and the environment, and full understanding of the variability and dynamics of the EASM contributes to predictions of its future behavior. Here, we present a well-dated mineralogical and total organic carbon record from a saline inland lake in northern China which provides a robust archive of the EASM evolution since 16.0 cal. ka BP. Our record reveals a series of rapid and frequent millennial-scale climatic fluctuations during the last deglaciation; these fluctuations are documented by changes in the abundances of mirabilite, bloedite, and gypsum, which appear to record the Oldest Dryas, the Bølling-Allerød warm period, and the Younger Dryas. The peak EASM moisture occurred in the early and middle Holocene, which was punctuated by a prominent and abrupt weak monsoon interval that occurred synchronously with the 8.2 cal. ka BP cold event. This moisture maximum was terminated at 6.9–5.9 cal. ka BP by a warm-dry event marked by the deposition of gaylussite. Subsequently, the EASM gradually weakened over the late Holocene. The EASM moisture patterns reconstructed from Anguli-nuur Lake display good consistency with records from northern China, as revealed by a regional comparison; moreover, the recorded changes are synchronous with those of the Indian summer monsoon moisture patterns, as revealed by a comparison with the stalagmite records of southern China. Our reconstruction shows that the EASM has responded broadly to Northern Hemisphere summer insolation forcing on orbital time scales since the last deglaciation; thus, insolation is the primary factor that controls regional hydrological variations in the Asian monsoonal domain. The suborbital-scale events are related to the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, and a slowdown of this circulation would lead to a southward shift of the intertropical convergence zone and a weakening of the EASM.
Challenging prevailing narratives with Twitter: An #AustraliaDay case study of participation, representation and elimination of voice in an archive
Authors: Fransen-Taylor Pamela , Narayan Bhuva
Published: May 2018

Social media, specifically a microblogging service such as Twitter, constitute a public space that has changed how we interact with, exchange, and respond to information in a civil society. They also have the potential to give public voice to minority narratives that are under-represented in the mainstream media, just as grassroots graffiti in public spaces have done over human history. Using a specific case study around an issue in the Australian national discourse around Australia Day, this study contributes new insights towards an understanding of how alternate narratives are expressed and erased in cyberspace, just as graffiti are erased from public view by the authorities. Widely promoted by official sources as a day of festivity and celebration, the Australia Day Your Way initiative actively promotes the use of the hashtag #AustraliaDay to metatag tweets for capture to an annual time capsule stored by the National Museum of Australia. For Australia’s indigenous minority though, Australia Day is symbolic of an entirely different narrative, expressed online through the hashtags #InvasionDay and #SurvivalDay. We studied all three hashtags and their intersections on Twitter and also compared this data to what was showcased in the official time capsule. We found that although the alternative voices existed on Twitter, they were excluded from the official time capsule. This has implications both for archives and for future historians studying contemporary events.
Leniency, Status and Output Informativeness
Authors: Dey Oindrila
Published: May 2018

The article identifies the condition under which it is beneficial for the principal to be a lenient performance evaluator towards his/her favourite agent. It provides the game theoretic foundation behind the decision of choosing leniency (biased) over stringency (fair). The emergence of an influential literature captures the different aspects of status as a non-monetary incentive and its significance in organisational theory. However, the interplay between status and evaluation system has not been studied much. The article is built over an article by Dey and Banerjee (2014a) to understand the role of status incentive with the leniency of evaluation. Analysis of the interplay between status and leniency shows that when status is valued more, the principal benefits from this form of biasness. Interestingly, this article also provides a linkage between informativeness of output signal with this form of biasness. Using moral hazard framework with limited liability in a discrete effort framework, it is suggested that a weak output signal can act as an instrument in reducing the emergence of a lenient evaluation.

JEL: D86, L14, L20
Space, Place, and Memory in Holloway by Robert Macfarlane, Stanley Donwood, and Dan Richards
Authors: Bader Giselle
Published: May 2018

This article is an examination of space, place, and memory in the 2012 book Holloway written by Robert Macfarlane and Dan Richards and illustrated by Stanley Donwood. The South Dorset holloways of the Chideock valley are experienced by the authors through the kinesthetic motion of walking through the space. This lived site is then interpreted through the individual’s social body, transforming it into a repository of colliding personal and collective cultural memories. Within Macfarlane’s phenomenological experience of the holloways, the boundaries between life and death, past and present, and self and culture are permanently blurred.
Mediational pathways of meditation and exercise on mental health and perceived stress: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Goldstein Ellen , Topitzes James , Brown Roger L , Barrett Bruce
Published: May 2018

This study investigated the effects of mindfulness and exercise training on indicators of mental health and stress by examining shared mediators of program effects. Community-recruited adults ( N = 413) were randomized into one of three conditions: (a) mindfulness-based stress reduction, (b) moderate intensity exercise, or (c) wait-list control. Composite indicator structural equation models estimated direct, indirect, and total effects. Results showed that mindfulness-based self-efficacy fulfilled a prominent role in mediating meditation and exercise program effects. Findings suggest that mindfulness and exercise training share similar mechanisms that can improve global mental health, including adaptive responses to stress.
Impacts of the macro environment on airline performances in southern Africa: Management perspectives
Authors: Mhlanga Oswald
Published: May 2018

Due to the nature of the airline industry, the performance of airlines is generally affected by a combination of macro-predictability, micro-uncertainty and macro environmental factors. However, airlines in southern Africa have struggled to identify strategies to overcome these challenges resulting in a high failure rate. The purpose of this study is to identify the impacts of the macro environment on airline performances in southern Africa. A quantitative method research design was followed. Structured survey questionnaires were distributed at selected airlines to 154 key airline personnel. In order to reach the objectives of the study, exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the underlying dimensions of macro environmental factors impacting on airline performances. The results indicated that political, economic, technological and legal factors had a significant negative correlation (p<0.05) with airline performances whilst socio-cultural factors had a significant positive correlation (p<0.05) with airline performances. From the study, it is clear that the increased cost of operating airlines, government interference and overprotection of state carriers, increased competition (due to technology) and restrictive bilateral air service agreements have negatively affected airline performances in southern Africa. However, changes in passenger profile and a rise in the black middle class have positively affected airline performances. Partial and selective deregulation designed to maintain the protection of state carriers represents a considerable threat to private operators something that stifles the region’s tourism prospects. To improve airline performances, southern African governments must create a level playing field for private and state carriers.
Excellence in education policies: Catering to the needs of gifted and talented or those of self-interest?
Authors: Rasmussen Annette , Lingard Bob
Published: May 2018

Globally, education policy reforms are increasingly aimed at attending to excellence in education. This is mainly expressed as attempts at raising educational standards generally, but also of identifying intellectual elites and making special provisions for them. Denmark, which is otherwise considered an exponent of an equality-oriented tradition in education, is now pursuing strategies of developing talent throughout the educational system, which is to cater more to the needs of so-called gifted and talented students. This policy is claimed to have found inspiration from Australia, where some of the states have been pursuing such policies for several years and where we find a more developed tradition for this. The paper is focused on understanding what concept of excellence such education policies imply; we aim to analyse the targeted groups with respect to means of identification and development, and to analyse the wider implications of such policies. The analysis is empirically focused on education policy documents on gifted and talented educational provisions at national/state level. Beginning with the political discourse of talent development in education as it has appeared in Denmark, we analyse this in relation to the policies and curricular provisions for the gifted and talented in England and Australia.
Data Analytics and STEM Student Success: The Impact of Predictive Analytics-Informed Academic Advising Among Undeclared First-Year Engineering Students
Authors: Chen Yu (April) , Upah Sylvester
Published: May 2018

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics student success is an important topic in higher education research. Recently, the use of data analytics in higher education administration has gain popularity. However, very few studies have examined how data analytics may influence Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics student success. This study took the first step to investigate the influence of using predictive analytics on academic advising in engineering majors. Specifically, we examined the effects of predictive analytics-informed academic advising among undeclared first-year engineering student with regard to changing a major and selecting a program of study. We utilized the propensity score matching technique to compare students who received predictive analytics-informed advising with those who did not. Results indicated that students who received predictive analytics-informed advising were more likely to change a major than their counterparts. No significant effects was detected regarding selecting a program of study. Implications of the findings for policy, practice, and future research were discussed.
Performance analysis of a wireless sensor network with cognitive radio capabilities in structural health monitoring applications: A discrete model
Authors: Alcalá Garrido Hassel Aurora , Rivero-Angeles Mario E , Aguirre Anaya Eleazar , Cruz-Perez Felipe A , Castellanos-Lopez S Lirio , Hernandez-Valdez Genaro
Published: May 2018

This article studies the performance of a wireless sensor network with cognitive radio capabilities to gather information about structural health monitoring of buildings in case of seismic activity. Since the use of the local area network is intensive in office and home environments, we propose the use of empty cellular channels (primary system). As such, the structural health monitoring does not degrade the local communications. Thus, the wireless sensor network for structural health monitoring acts as secondary network. Two discrete-time analytical approaches are proposed and developed to evaluate the system performance in terms of both the average packet delay and average energy consumption. The first one is an approximation suitable for the case when the time slot duration is small relative to the mean call inter-arrival time. The second model is accurate for any time slot duration and inter-arrival times.
Cooperative communication framework design for the unmanned aerial vehicles-unmanned surface vehicles formation
Authors: Ma Yong , Zhao Yujiao , Qi Xin , Zheng Yuanzhou , Gan Runze
Published: May 2018

With the development of technologies related to unmanned vehicles, including unmanned aerial vehicle and unmanned surface vehicle, unmanned vehicles play a pivotal role in maritime management and cruise activities. Meanwhile, lots of evidence shows that a single unmanned vehicle is not qualified for operation under complex environment, whereas the unmanned aerial vehicle–unmanned surface vehicle formation consists of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned surface vehicles, which can enhance the performance of the single unmanned vehicle significantly. However, the cooperative operation performance of the unmanned aerial vehicle–unmanned surface vehicle formation is constrained by its communication capacity. Consequently, a cooperative communication framework is designed for the unmanned aerial vehicle–unmanned surface vehicle formation. A distributed dynamic network topology is constructed for fulfilling effective communication for the unmanned aerial vehicle–unmanned surface vehicle formation based on ad hoc network. Experiments are carried out by employing the built unmanned aerial vehicle–unmanned surface vehicle formation platform. Results verify the superiority of the designed cooperative communication framework for the unmanned aerial vehicle–unmanned surface vehicle formation.
The full-state reliability model and evaluation technology of mechatronic product based on meta-action unit
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Genbao , Ran Yan , Shao Yimin
Published: May 2018

Nowadays, modern manufacturing enterprises pay more and more attention to reliability in order to ensure the mechatronic product quality. Since the reliability modeling and evaluation of mechatronic product are the bases of reliability engineering, the novel system full-state model and assessment method based on meta-action are proposed in this article. First, the “Function-Motion-Action” decomposition method and meta-action definition are introduced, and based on the thought of “Top-Down,” the mechatronic product is decomposed to the most basic motion unit—meta-action unit. Second, on the basis of the fact that the reliability of mechatronic product is determined by the reliability of meta-action unit, the complete new classification method is presented. This method divides the product operation states into the meta-action unit fault state and normal state. Third, the collaborative full-state model is established for mechatronic product, the Markov process with all states is combined, the model is solved by analytical method, and the reliability performance was evaluated. Finally, an example of the numerical control rotary table is analyzed to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the methodology.
Punishment, legitimacy and taste: The role and limits of mainstream and social media in constructing attitudes towards community sanctions
Authors: Happer Catherine , McGuinness Paul , McNeill Fergus , Tiripelli Giuliana
Published: May 2018

Although criminologists have studied public attitudes to community sanctions, and there has also been some attention to media representations of them, there has been no serious examination of the relationships between media and public understandings. This article presents an interdisciplinary analysis (drawing on sociology, media and communications and organizational studies) of the potential influence of media consumption practices on penal tastes among diverse participant groups. We aim to develop a clearer understanding of how these processes shape the public legitimacy of community sanctions. In particular, we report on original research employing innovative methodologies to explore the dynamic set of practices deployed by audiences in the process of making meaningful the media landscape on punishment and community sanctions. Our findings offer some confirmation of the primacy of the prison in the popular imagination; the media profile of community sanctions is delimited by their perceived banality, in turn leading to confusion surrounding their purpose and potential. However, this study suggests that the legitimacy problem for community sanctions may be far more complex than ‘newsworthiness’. Community sanctions, we argue, may be subject to appraisal in line with penal ‘tastes’ in which the function of moral censure is of central significance. However, we also uncover some evidence about how traditional markers of taste are disrupted by processes of media convergence (of appropriation, circulation, response) in ways which can operate to limit deliberation even amongst more liberal audience groups, and conversely open it up amongst those who are more punitive.
The role of mitogen-activated protein kinase–extracellular receptor kinase pathway in female fertility outcomes: a focus on pituitary gonadotropins regulation
Authors: Kahnamouyi Samira , Nouri Mohammad , Farzadi Laya , Darabi Masoud , Hosseini Vahid , Mehdizadeh Amir
Published: May 2018

Mammalian reproduction systems are largely regulated by the secretion of two gonadotropins, that is, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The main action of LH and FSH on the ovary is to stimulate secretion of estradiol and progesterone, which play an important role in the ovarian function and reproductive cycle control. FSH and LH secretions are strictly controlled by the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is secreted from the hypothalamus into the pituitary vascular system. Maintaining normal secretion of LH and FSH is dependent on pulsatile secretion of GnRH. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) proteins, as the main components of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, are involved in the primary regulation of GnRH-stimulated transcription of the gonadotropins’ α subunit in the pituitary cells. However, GnRH-stimulated expression of the β subunit has not yet been reported. Furthermore, GnRH-mediated stimulation of ERK1 and ERK2 leads to several important events such as cell proliferation and differentiation. In this review, we briefly introduce the relationship between ERK signaling and gonadotropin secretion, and its importance in female infertility.
Effects of Cochlear Implantation on Binaural Hearing in Adults With Unilateral Hearing Loss
Authors: Buss Emily , Dillon Margaret T. , Rooth Meredith A. , King English R. , Deres Ellen J. , Buchman Craig A. , Pillsbury Harold C. , Brown Kevin D.
Published: May 2018

A FDA clinical trial was carried out to evaluate the potential benefit of cochlear implant (CI) use for adults with unilateral moderate-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. Subjects were 20 adults with moderate-to-profound unilateral sensorineural hearing loss and normal or near-normal hearing on the other side. A MED-EL standard electrode was implanted in the impaired ear. Outcome measures included: (a) sound localization on the horizontal plane (11 positions, −90° to 90°), (b) word recognition in quiet with the CI alone, and (c) masked sentence recognition with the target at 0° and the masker at −90°, 0°, or 90°. This battery was completed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after CI activation. Normative data were also collected for 20 age-matched control subjects with normal or near-normal hearing bilaterally. The CI improved localization accuracy and reduced side bias. Word recognition with the CI alone was similar to performance of traditional CI recipients. The CI improved masked sentence recognition when the masker was presented from the front or from the side of normal or near-normal hearing. The binaural benefits observed with the CI increased between the 1- and 3-month intervals but appeared stable thereafter. In contrast to previous reports on localization and speech perception in patients with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, CI benefits were consistently observed across individual subjects, and performance was at asymptote by the 3-month test interval. Cochlear implant settings, consistent CI use, and short duration of deafness could play a role in this result.
PVDF-Based Piezoelectric Microphone for Sound Detection Inside the Cochlea: Toward Totally Implantable Cochlear Implants
Authors: Park Steve , Guan Xiying , Kim Youngwan , Creighton Francis (Pete) X. , Wei Eric , Kymissis Ioannis(John) , Nakajima Hideko Heidi , Olson Elizabeth S.
Published: May 2018

We report the fabrication and characterization of a prototype polyvinylidene fluoride polymer-based implantable microphone for detecting sound inside gerbil and human cochleae. With the current configuration and amplification, the signal-to-noise ratios were sufficiently high for normally occurring sound pressures and frequencies (ear canal pressures >50–60 dB SPL and 0.1–10 kHz), though 10 to 20 dB poorer than for some hearing aid microphones. These results demonstrate the feasibility of the prototype devices as implantable microphones for the development of totally implantable cochlear implants. For patients, this will improve sound reception by utilizing the outer ear and will improve the use of cochlear implants.
Robert Spitzer's legacy: agreement is halfway to truth
Authors: Tyrer Peter
Published: May 2018

Bob Spitzer died in December 2015 but is not likely to be forgotten quickly. His Herculean task in reforming psychiatric diagnosis, mainly by the development of the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1980, has been acknowledged by many, but it remains unfinished. To complete the process, we need more than good diagnostic reliability, we need better veracity.

Declaration of interest

None.
New Mediterranean Biodiversity Records (December 2017)
Authors: ARTICLE A COLLECTIVE
Published: May 2018

The “New Mediterranean Biodiversity Records” series includes new records of marine species found in the Mediterranean basin and/or information on the spatial distribution of already established species of particular interest. The current article presents information on 20 marine taxa classified per country according to their geographic position in the Mediterranean, from west to east. The new records per ecoregion are as follows: Algeria: the first record of the fish Etrumeus golanii is reported along the Algerian coast. Tunisia: the alien jellyfish Phyllorhiza punctata is reported for the first time in the Gulf of Gabès. Italy: the first record of Siganus rivulatus in the Strait of Sicily and a new record of Katsuwonus pelamis from the central Tyrrhenian Sea are reported. The establishment of the isopod of the genus Mesanthura in the northern Tyrrhenian with some notes on its ecology are also included. Croatia: signs of establishment of the Lessepsian Siganus luridus and the occurrence of the alien mollusc Rapana venosa are reported. Albania: the first record of the elasmobranch Alopias superciliosus and a recent sighting of the rare monk seal Monachus monachus in Albanian waters are given. Greece: signs of the establishment of the fish Parupeneus forsskali and of the ascidian Hermania momus in Hellenic Aegean waters are reported. Turkey: a new record of the fish P. forsskali and of the Acarea of the genus Acaromantis and Simognathus are given, while the first case of Remora australis in association with delphinids and the occurrence of the sea star Coscinasterias tenuispina are reported. Also, the establishment of the two alien species Isognomon legumen and Viriola sp. [cf. corrugata] are presented. Egypt: the fish Bathygobius cyclopterus is reported for the first time in Mediterranean Sea waters. Also, a new record of Pagellus bogaraveo and a first record of Seriola fasciata in Egyptian Mediterranean waters are reported. Lebanon: the first record of Dondice banyulensis is presented.
New Fisheries-related data from the Mediterranean Sea (December, 2017)
Authors: ARTICLE B COLLECTIVE
Published: May 2018

In this collective article we discuss the relationships between the otolith measurements (weight, radius) and total length of Mullus surmuletus in the Aegean and Ionian Seas and of Pagellus erythrinus samples caught in the Southern Aegean Sea. In addition to the above mentioned studies, the abundance of the rare fish Echiodon dentatus in the Kyklades and the Saronikos Gulf (Central Greece) is also documented. The first weight-length relationship of the alien northern brown shrimp Penaeus aztecus from the Central Aegean Sea is given at the end.
Text dynamics: Renewing challenges for semiotics of literature
Authors: Kroó Katalin , Torop Peeter
Published: May 2018

The paper examines the problem of textual/cultural dynamics linked to the issue of semiotic literariness, to be further investigated by the authors in later papers on literary semiotics. This scientific project aims to get closer to reaching an adequate disciplinary identification for semiotics of literature and a relatively precise definition of the status of this field in relation to semiotics of culture. The first step for the project is to reveal the interrelationhip between text and culture using the notion of dynamics that can be reconstructed from a historical perspective through some essential components of Formalist and Structuralist theory (Tynyanov’s ‘function’, Jakobson’s ‘dominant’) and also works by Lotman (the ‘text–culture’ relationship) and Bakhtin (‘dialogue’). The notions of inclusiveness/integration, distancing and hierarchization, leading to transformation, are interpreted in some detail in the context of these theories. On these grounds, three basic categories of the analysability of textual/cultural dynamics are set up with the indication of further aspects of the dynamic function: (1) mediation; (2) transposition; (3) temporality–spatiality. The suggested classification and the implied conceptual segmentation are expected to contribute to a synthesis between “Structuralist” and Peircean theoretical and methodological orientations in semiotic literary studies. This also reveals the need for a coexistence of approaches (a) moving from particular cultural fields (literary culture tradition) towards general semiotics of culture, and (b) returning from universal transfield concepts to literary culture, including the historical traditions both in art (object-level) and its scientific interpretation (meta-level).
On the analysis of power and politics from the perspective of Juri Lotman’s semiotics of culture
Authors: Ventsel Andreas , Boyko Taras
Published: May 2018

Review of Juri Lotman’s Cultural Semiotics and the Political [Series Reframing the Boundaries: Thinking the Political] by Andrey Makarychev and Alexandra Yatsyk. London: Rowman & Littlefield, 2017, 228 pp.
Intensification of Reagent Purification for Oily Water Effluents by Vibroacoustic Impact
Authors: Половков С. , Polovkov S. , Мещеряков С. , Mescheryakov S. , Гонопольский А. , Gonopolskiy A. , Иванов М. , Ivanov M.
Published: May 2018

In this paper have been presented results of carried out researches on vibroacoustic intensification of coagulation and flocculation processes for oily water influents treatment at Ryazan oil refinery plant’s oil pumping station. Intensification was performed by application of vibration effects to a setup for coagulation and flocculation at resonant frequencies with vibration acceleration value equal to approximately 1 g. Lime, synthetic flocculent and aluminous coagulant were used as reagents. Waste waters contained kerosene and diesel with total oils concentration equal to approximately 1 mg/l. Experimental results have demonstrated the high efficiency of vibration application. Particularly, vibration application use allows reduce the reagents’ required concentration in treated waste waters up to 8 times for lime, up to 6 times for coagulant, up to 2 times for flocculent, meanwhile treatment time is reduced approximately twice while the treatment efficiency remains up to 98%.
Distillation electric furnaces
Authors: Чередниченко Владимир , Cherednichenko Vladimir
Published: May 2018

The book deals with theory and practice of development and operation of distilling electric furnaces wherein electrotrchnological processes of separating and refining mixed metals are ac-companied by heat exchange and mass transfer between molten metal and condensation surfaces, connected by flows of vapor-gas mixtures. There are considered principles of operation and theory of distilling electric resistance furnaces, distilling induction, arc and plasma furnaces which provide for production of pure and ultrapure metals, processing powders used in bag fil-ters and in electrostatic filters, scrubbers, as well as mixed metal separation in ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy. The book presents the results of realizing distilling process in commercial equipment.
The present book is appropriated for the specialist of engineering plants and scientific organ-izations, of design and research institutions, design departments, occupied with development, manufacture and operation of the equipment applied for realizing distilling and refining processes, as well as for students, undergraduates, post-graduates and teachers of various special-ties.
Depression symptoms, sexual satisfaction and satisfaction with a relationship in individuals with type 2 diabetes and sexual dysfunctions
Authors: Kalka Dorota
Published: May 2018

Cel pracy

Poziom satysfakcji seksualnej stanowi istotny czynnik wpływający na zadowolenie z relacji, szczególnie w przypadku osób z chorobami przewlekłymi i dysfunkcjami seksualnych oraz objawami depresji. Interesującą grupą w tym aspekcie są chorzy z cukrzycą typu 2.
Celem prezentowanego badania było sprawdzenie moderującej roli nasilenia objawów depresji dla relacji satysfakcji seksualnej oraz jakości związku, a także zależności pomiędzy tymi zmiennymi w grupie osób z cukrzycą typu 2 z dysfunkcjami seksualnymi. Sprawdzono również z jakich aspektów satysfakcji seksualnej oraz jakości relacji badani są najbardziej zadowoleni.

Metoda

W badaniu ostatecznie wzięły udział 93 osoby (38 kobiet) z cukrzycą typu 2, u których występuje co najmniej 1 dysfunkcja seksualna. Wykorzystano trzy metody kwestionariuszowe: Skalę Satysfakcji ze Związku Sternberg Triangular Love Scale , Sexual Satisfaction Scale oraz Skalą Depresji Becka.

Wyniki

Wyniki pokazały między innymi, iż występują różnice w poziomie poszczególnych aspektów satysfakcji seksualnej i składników zadowolenia ze związku. Nasilenie objawów depresji okazało się moderatorem relacji satysfakcji seksualnej i jakości związku w przypadku wskaźników ogólnych i części szczegółowych.

Wnioski

Osoby z cukrzycą typu 2 z wysokim nasileniem objawów depresji im wyższą cechują się satysfakcją z kontrolowania zbliżeń seksualnych tym bardziej są zadowolone z emocjonalnej i fizycznej bliskości z partnerem. Osoby z niskim nasileniem objawów depresji, które mają niski stopień przeświadczenia o wpływie na kontakty seksualne z partnerem charakteryzują się wyższą motywacja do ich poszukiwania.
Trade-in Remanufacturing, Customer Purchasing Behavior, and Government Policy
Authors: Zhang Fuqiang , Zhang Renyu
Published: May 2018

Trade-in remanufacturing is a commonly adopted business practice under which firms collect used products for remanufacturing by allowing repeat customers to trade in used products for upgraded ones at a discount price. This paper studies how customer purchasing behavior and remanufacturing efficiency affect the economic and environmental values of such a business practice. We demonstrate a new benefit of trade-in remanufacturing: it helps exploit the forward-looking behavior of strategic customers, which could be much more significant than the widely recognized revenue-generating and environmental benefits of remanufacturing. High remanufacturing efficiency does not necessarily benefit a firm. With overly high remanufacturing efficiency, product durability is so high that repeat customers are reluctant to trade in and upgrade their used products. When customers are highly strategic, trade-in remanufacturing creates a tension between profitability and sustainability: on one hand, by exploiting the intensive forward-looking customer behavior, trade-in remanufacturing is quite valuable to the firm; on the other hand, with highly strategic customers, trade-in remanufacturing has a substantial negative impact on the environment and social welfare, since it may induce significantly higher production quantities without improving customer surplus. With nearly myopic customers, however, trade-in remanufacturing benefits both the firm and the environment. Therefore, understanding the interactions between customer purchasing behavior and trade-in remanufacturing is important to both firms and policy makers. Finally, to resolve the above tension, we study how a social planner (e.g., government) should design a public policy to maximize social welfare. The social optimum can be achieved by using a simple linear subsidy/tax scheme for both new production and remanufacturing. The proposed policy can also induce the firm to set the socially optimal remanufacturing efficiency.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2017.0696 .
Safeguarding changes: Will they make a difference?
Authors: O'Connell Suzanne
Published: May 2018

Schools are on the front-line when it comes to safeguarding our children. With government guidance currently being overhauled after the Children and Social Work Act, Suzanne O'Connell looks at what schools should be aware of
Data-driven parameterized modeling of LTI systems with guaranteed stability
Authors: Grivet-Talocia Stefano , Bradde Tommaso , De Stefano Marco , Zanco Alessandro
Published: May 2018

We propose a theoretical framework and an automated algorithm for the construction of a parameterized reduced-order model of a general LTI system from its sampled input-output responses. The model is cast as a parameterized rational function in Generalized Sanathanan-Koerner form, which allows for implicit parameterization of the model poles. Our main result is the guaranteed enforcement of uniform stability of the model in the parameter space through a sufficient condition, which requires the (strict) positive realness of the denominator subsystem. This condition is enforced through adaptive constraints during the model construction loop. Several applications to the field of Electronic Design Automation are presented.
Shape Finding in Structural Optimization with Parametrically Reduced Finite Element Models
Authors: Fröhlich Benjamin , Eberhard Peter
Published: May 2018

In structural mechanics, shape optimization is one way to improve mechanical properties of the structure. Typical objectives are to minimize displacements or to minimize stresses. In this context, it is desirable to conduct optimizations with parameterized, reduced order models. However, commercial finite element codes do not provide parameterized system matrices for a geometrical parameterization making an application of PMOR challenging. Therefore, a geometrically parameterized solid finite element is derived which can be formulated with respect to global design parameters. This leads to an affine representation of the system matrices. This allows an efficient application of interpolatory projection methods for parameterized systems. The approach is demonstrated with a numerical example where the proposed approach shows a significant speedup.
Parametric state-time reduction for the transient analysis of multi-physical systems
Authors: Rottiers Ward , Naets Frank , Desmet Wim
Published: May 2018

This research focusses on computational cost reduction of transient simulations in many-query applications with varying model parameters, initial conditions and parametrised excitations. The typical model reduction approach is limited to the reduction of the dimension of the states or spatial variables, whereas the state-time model order reduction (STMOR) approach reduces both the states and the temporal dimension concurrently. A major novelty in the investigated STMOR approach is that the reduction occurs after time discretisation on an algebraic system of equations (AE).