bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrical Behaviour of a Carbon Black-Filled Polymer-Based Concrete
Authors: Rejón L. , Flores R. , Ponce M. A. , Castaño V.M.
Published: January 2019

The electrical performance (current, I vs. voltage, V) of a novel polymer-based composite, modified with varying amounts of carbon black, was studied. Distinctive regimens of the I vs. V curves, before and after a critical carbon black concentration, were found and the feasible mechanisms for such behaviour are discussed.
Effects of Interphase and Fibre Content on the Mechanical Behavior of Weft-Knitted Glass Fibre Reinforced Polypropylene
Authors: Karger-Kocsis J. , Moos E. , Czigány T.
Published: January 2019

The mechanical performance of weft knitted glass fiber (GF) fabric-reinforced polypropylene (PP) composite sheets produced by hot pressing of stacked knit layers was investigated. The knits were built-up of commingled yarns showing extremely different fibre/matrix adhesion. The GF content of the commingled yarns was 50 (≍ 26 vol.%) and 70 wt.% (≍45 vol.%), respectively. The effects of fibre/matrix adhesion and fibre content were characterized by dynamic-mechanical thermoanalysis (DMTA), static tensile and flexural tests in both course (C) and wale (W) direction of the knit. In addition, the sheets were subjected to instrumented falling weight perforation impact (IFWI). It was found that the knit structure-related stiffness anisotropy depended on the loading mode of the composites. The detrimental effect of the poor adhesion between GF and PP was well reflected in all mechanical tests conducted.
The Plane-Strain Compression Behaviour of Glass and Carbon/Epoxy Laminates
Authors: Hodgkinson J M , Schneider M
Published: January 2019

A test jig has been developed for the compression of flat plate laminates between parallel dies, making use of an ultra-stiff testing machine. Preliminary experiments have been carried out using this plane strain compression arrangement for a variety of laminates of differing fibre and matrix composition and with different specimen/die geometries. For all of the laminates investigated it was possible to determine a measure of elastic modulus, but strength could only be assessed for unidirectional layups owing to the yield/fracture strength of the steel dies themselves being exceeded for the woven composites. The results obtained compare well with those from the literature using more conventional compression tests.
Effects of Knit Stretching and Matrix Crystallinity on the Fatigue Behaviour of Knitted Fabric-Reinforced Gf/Pet Composites
Authors: Moos E. , Karger-Kocsis J.
Published: January 2019

In this study the tension-tension fatigue behaviour of weft-knitted glass fibre fabric-reinforced polyethylene terephthalate (GF/PET) composites was studied as a function of the stretching ratio of the knit The knits were stretched prior to consolidation in wale direction in 0, 25, 50 and 73%, respectively, in order to increase the anisotropy and to alter the mechanical properties of the composites. The influence of the matrix morphology (crystalline, amorphous) on the fatigue response was also investigated by using a composite with unstretched knit reinforcement. The results, displayed in normalized maximum fatigue stress Ms number of cycles (S-N) diagrams showed that the fatigue endurance limit of the GF/PET composites did not depend either on the knit stretching or the matrix crystallinity. The fatigue endurance limit, normalized to the static tensile strength, was found at ≍27 and ≍50 % for the knitted fabric-reinforced composite sheets tested in wale (W) and course (C) direction, respectively. The damage zone seemed to be localized for 1 and 2 rows of loops in C-and W-directions, respectively. This failure mode reflects the stress transfer and redistribution capability of the plain weft-knit reinforcement
Effect of Carbon Black Concentration on the Electrical Behavior of Force Sensing Resistor Composites
Authors: Alvarez-Castillo A. , Martínez A. , Molina J. D. , Aragón H. , del Real A. , Martínez E. , Castaño V. M.
Published: January 2019

The electrical DC conduction behaviour of force sensing resistors composites based on carbon black and poly(ethyl acrylate/methyl acrylate) (50/50) is presented. The carbon black concentration used in the present communication were 5, 10, 20, 25, and 30 % wt. It was found that the conductivity behaviour of the material is fully explained with the percolation model, up to 25 % of CB concentration. There exist a correlation between the external pressure applied to the composite and the percolation state; the higher the pressure the better the percolation state.
Effect of Hygrothermal Treatment on the Flexural Properties of Uhmpe Fibre/Epoxy Resin Composites
Authors: Andreopoulos A.G. , Tarantili P.A.
Published: January 2019

Composite specimens with epoxy matrix containing original and treated Ultra High Modulus Polyethylene (UHMPE) fibres as reinforcement, were immersed in distilled water and kept for 10 months at temperatures ranging from 20 to 60 °C. Testing of flexural properties and interlaminar shear strength showed that in general the hygrothermal treatment had a detrimental effect on those properties, with the exception of flexural modulus which tends to increase after immersion at 20°C for specimens of poor fibre/matrix interfacial bonding.
A Finite Element Analysis of a Planar Carbon Fibre/Epoxy Model Composite: 2-D Versus 3-D
Authors: van den Heuvel P.W.J. , Wubbolts M.K. , Young R.J. , Peijs T.
Published: January 2019

A finite element (FE) analysis of a model composite consisting of five carbon fibres aligned parallel in an epoxy matrix was performed. Firstly, for the case of a three-dimensional (3-D) FE analysis, the dependency of the amount of matrix on the stress concentration in fibres adjacent to a fibre break was investigated. It was found that a minimum amount of matrix is needed to calculate properly the stresses in a model composite. Secondly, a comparison between a two-dimensional (2-D) and a 3-D FE analysis of a model composite was made. The investigation showed that such a 2-D FE analysis produces qualitative information of the stresses in a model composite only.
Interfacial Effects on the Mechanical Properties of GF/PP Injection Molded Composites
Authors: Eggert A. , Walter R. , Hamada H. , Friedrich K.
Published: January 2019

The mechanical properties of short glass fiber (GF) reinforced Polypropylene (PP) injection molded parts with various surface treatments and different compounding methods were investigated in this study. The effects of the different surface treatments on the interfacial strength as well as the influence of the pre-molding compounding process and its parameters on the composites' characteristics were determined. Next to basic material properties a focus was laid on fracture toughness and fatigue behavior. A clear recommendation as to kind of the extrusion process could be established and the interfacial effects on the overall mechanical properties of the tested materials could be assessed.
Critical Fibre Length and Apparent Interfacial Shear Strength of Single Flax Fibre Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Van Den Oever M.J.A. , Bos H.L.
Published: January 2019

The stress transfer in, both elementary and technical, single flax fibre polypropylene composites is studied by determining the critical fibre length and the apparent interfacial shear strength. The influence of improved fibre-matrix interaction is reported and the results are compared with data from literature. The study indicates that the critical fibre length for elementary flax fibres is equal to or even higher than the flax fibre lengths found after extrusion and injection moulding processes. Furthermore, addition of maleic anhydridy modified polypropylene to the matrix results in an apparent interfacial shear strength for elementary flax fibres close to the shear yield strength of the matrix, for technical fibres the interfacial shear strength is somewhat lower.
Furfuryl Alcohol-Based Resin as Matrix for High Performance Composites
Authors: Carotenuto G. , Nicolais L.
Published: January 2019

The polymerisation of a furfuryl alcohol-based resin, used as matrix for glass-fiber-reinforced composite materials, was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and an empirical kinetic model of the complex reactive process was developed. The kinetic investigation led to the determination of kinetic constants, activation energies, and reaction orders for the adopted kinetic model.
Fiber Reinforced Composite Based Functionally Gradient Materials
Authors: Ganesh VK , Ramakrishna S , Leck HJ
Published: January 2019

A method of fabricating fiber-reinforced composite based functionally gradient material is described in this paper. The material has continuously varying mechanical properties along the length. The continuous variation of the mechanical properties is achieved by continuously varying the fiber orientation using the braiding process. The test results indicate an elastic modulus increase by about 42% from the largest braid angle to the smallest braid angle for the material system and the orientation angle considered in the present study.
Flexural Behaviour of Concrete Beams Reinforced with FRP Bars
Authors: Konsta-Gdoutos M. , Karayiannis CH
Published: January 2019

An experimental study of the behaviour of concrete beams reinforced with fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) bars in three-point bending was undertaken. The load-deflection response was monitored throughout the test. The results from the flexural tests on FRP reinforced concrete beams were compared with those obtained with steel reinforcement. The failure mechanisms and the ultimate loads and displacements for the FRP and steel reinforcement of concrete were analysed and compared.
Perforation Impact Behaviour of Rubber-Interleaved Woven Gf Fabric-Reinforced Pp Composites
Authors: Moos E. , Karger-Kocsis J.
Published: January 2019

The influence of a single layer interleaf on the perforation impact performance of a woven glass fibre fabric-reinforced polypropylene (GF-PP) composite was investigated by instrumented falling weight impact (IFWI). A PP film (for comparison purpose) and a butadiene acrylonitrile rubber (NBR) layer were used as interleaves. The composites were produced by sandwiching the interleaves between precalandered woven GF fabric-reinforced PP in a hot press. IFWI investigations were performed at room temperature (RT) and at −40ÃC. The effects on laminate structure and testing conditions upon the dissipated energy of the PP interleaved laminates were minimal. On the other hand, a strong temperature dependence was found for the NBR-interleaved GF-PP. The NBR interleaved GF-PP showed superior resistance to perforation impact beyond the glass transition temperature of the rubber. As the damaged and delamination areas were of comparable size to those without and with PP-interleaf, this improvement was attributed to the perforation resistance of the rubber interleaf.
Knitted Fabric Composite Sheet Forming Simulation considering Fabric Realignment
Authors: Lim T.C. , Fujihara M. , Zako M. , Ramakrishna S. , Shang H.M.
Published: January 2019

In recent years, sheet forming of textile reinforced polymers have shown promising future applications. It is understood that the reorientation of fabric structure at the microscopic level alters the macroscopic constitutive relationship of the composite. In this paper, a new sheet forming simulation technique is proposed and being applied to knitted fabric composites.
Acoustic Emission Studies on Carbon/Phenolic Ablative Composites using PCD and PCBN Tools
Authors: Sreejith P. S. , Krishnamurthy R.
Published: January 2019

During manufacturing, the performance of a cutting tool is largely dependent on the conditions prevailing over the tool-work interface. This is mostly dependent on the status of the cutting tool and work material. Acoustic emission studies have been performed on carbon/phenolic composite using PCD and PCBN tools for tool condition monitoring. The studies have enabled to understand the tool behaviour at different cutting speeds.
Thermally Activated Mechanical Composite Switches
Authors: Mahieux C.A. , Reifsnider K.L.
Published: January 2019

A model describing the stiffness-temperature relationship of polymers was recently developed1,2. The present paper focuses on the integration of this model into classical lamination theory3. The computer simulations revealed that the stresses in off axis laminates are non-monotonic when temperature increases, i.e., continuous fibre reinforced polymer matrix composites seem to behave as thermally activated mechanical switches.
Stretch Forming Analysis of Knitted Fabric Composites
Authors: Lim T.C. , Ramakrishna S. , Shang H.M.
Published: January 2019

Recently the effects of knitted fabric reinforcement on the sheet forming of polymer sheets have been investigated, and shown to provide strength and a more distributed strain. A new method for predicting the strain distribution of a stretch formed knitted fabric composite sheet is proposed in this paper. A good agreement was observed between the predicted and the experimental results.
Effect of Fibre Bundle Structure on Stretch Forming Properties of Plain Weft-Knitted Fabric Composites
Authors: Lim T.C. , Ramakrishna S. , Shang H.M.
Published: January 2019

Knitted fabrics are known for their excellent stretchability and their flat composites have recently been shown to be easily stretch-formed into thin shells of revolution. In this paper, the stretch-forming properties are being investigated with due attention given to the fibre bundle loop structure. The capability of a plain weft-knitted fabric composite sheet to be stretch-formed is elucidated with reference to the fibre bundle structure.
Application of the Equivalent Constraint Model to Investigate Stiffness Properties of Transversally Cracked and Split Frp Laminates
Authors: Kashtalyan M. , Soutis C.
Published: January 2019

A new approach based on the Equivalent Constraint Model (ECM) [ 1 ] of the damaged lamina is applied to investigate the stiffness degradation in [0m/90n]s laminates due to matrix cracking both in the 90° (transverse cracking) and 0° (splitting) plies. The advantage of the approach is that it avoids cumbersome consideration of a repeated laminate element defined by the intersecting pairs of transverse cracks and splits, intrinsic to the earlier developed models [ 2 – 6 ]. Instead, two coupled problems for ECM laminates are solved. The stress field in the damaged lamina is determined by means of an improved 2-D shear lag analysis, and the reduced stiffness properties are described with the help of Insitu Damage Effective Functions, for which closed form expressions are obtained. Comparison of the new ECM/2-D shear lag model with the earlier developed models shows a reasonable agreement.
Prediction of the Elastic Tensor of 3D Composites by an Analytical Model
Authors: Tallaron C. , Barre S.
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study is the determination of the overall elastic tensor of two 3D composites. These materials have a multiscale architecture. The representative volume element of the composite architecture (symbolised by a unit-cell) is composed of three bundles in three orthogonal directions and two matrix pockets. Each bundle is a unidirectional composite formed by a juxtaposition of long fibres surrounded by the matrix. Due to their symmetry, the bundles are considered transversally isotropic according to the fibres axis, whereas the pockets are macroscopically isotropic. The analytical computation is produced in two steps. The first step consists of determining the elastic tensor of the bundles. The second step is the calculation of the elastic tensor of the whole composite. The most part of the used equations comes from bibliography, excepted the determination of shear coefficients of the composite. The last part of this study devoted to the influence of material parameters presents the relative role of the fibres, the matrix and their volume fraction.
A Constitutive Model for Through-Thickness Reinforcement Bridging a Delamination Crack
Authors: Cox Brian N.
Published: January 2019

Prior detailed microscopic observations have revealed the essential mechanisms of damage in through-thickness reinforcing tows when a delamination crack passes. As expected, the damage sequence depends quite strongly on whether the crack is loaded in Mode I or Mode II and, if loading is mixed mode, the order of loading. Here, micromechanical models are presented that show how geometry and constituent material properties affect the deformation and displacement of a bridging tow. From these models, the effective bridging law for a bridged crack model of the delamination can be derived. An analytical model is presented that predicts the relationship between the crack displacement vector (mode I and Mode II displacements) and the bridging traction vector that acts on the fracture surfaces. Criteria for rupture or pullout of the bridging tow are incorporated, leading to predictions of the ultimate strength of the bridging ligaments in mixed mode conditions. Given the traction law, which may be a material property, the fracture behaviour of a part can be predicted.
Deep Drawing of Plain Weft-Knitted Fabric Composites: Part 1.: Cup Height Analysis
Authors: Lim T.C. , Ramakrishna S. , Shang H.M.
Published: January 2019

Previous investigations on forming of plain weft-knitted fabric composite sheets show the ease of stretching due to fabric loop straightening. Pure dependence on stretching alone, however, sets the limit to which the shell height can be further increased. Recent deep drawn knitted fabric composites give greater cup height in comparison to stretch formed cup. In this paper a method of predicting the achievable cup height is proposed with due consideration to the fabric structure and tool dimensions. Comparison between the theoretical and experimental cup height shows good agreement.
The Use of Low Pressure Compression in Resin Transfer Moulding to Enhance the Fibre Volume Fraction of Composite Materials
Authors: McGovern Scott , Jar P.-Y. Ben
Published: January 2019

A low-pressure compression was applied after complete resin injection in the manufacture of resin transfer moulded (RTM) glass-fibre-reinforced laminates. Representative laminates were produced and their fibre volume fraction's ( Vf's) compared with that of laminates manufactured under conventional vacuum-driven RTM. The intralaminar and overall Vf's were examined from images generated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and each manufacturing process was compared for its ability to produce uniform high Vf composites.
Development of Knitted Fabric Reinforced Composite Material for Prosthetic Application
Authors: Huang Zheng Ming , Ramakrishna S.
Published: January 2019

This Letter reports the development of a knitted fabric composite material using Kevlar 49 fibres and ultraviolet (UV) curable resin for a biomedical device, prosthetic socket application. Material fabrication and mechanical characterisation are described. The mechanical properties of this new material are comparable with those of a currently used indirect socket material. Compared with other available direct sockets, this new material is capable of better conforming to patient's stump and has longer gel time for manual operations involved.
Prevalence and Correlates of Interpersonal Violence Among In-School Adolescents in Sri Lanka: Results From the 2016 Sri Lankan Global School-Based Health Survey
Authors: Senanayake Sameera Jayan , Gunawardena Shanthi , Wickramasinghe Sashimali , Wickramasinghe Champika , Gunawardena Nalika Sepali , Lokubalasooriya Ayesha , Peiris Renuka , Agarval Naveen , Rani Manju
Published: January 2019

Interpersonal violence among adolescents is an issue of global public health concern, leading to adverse physical and psychological outcomes among children and young people under the age of 18 years. This article discusses the prevalence of interpersonal violence and identifies their associated factors among school-going adolescents of ages 13 to 17 years using the data from the Sri Lankan Global School-Based Health Survey conducted in 2016. Of the 3262 students who participated, 35.1% (95% confidence interval = 31.0% to 39.5%) were physically attacked and 44.2% (95% confidence interval = 39.2% to 49.4%) were in a fight with peers, one or more times during the 12 months prior to the survey. Being bullied by peers, male sex, 13 to 15 years age group, smoking and alcohol use, considering or attempting suicide, missing classes without permission, and parents not being aware of students’ activities were associated with violence. The study highlights the need for violence prevention programs to address the risk factors among school-going adolescents.
“The Enemy of the People”: Populists and Press Freedom
Authors: Kenny Paul D.
Published: January 2019

To what extent is populist rule associated with a decline in press freedom and freedom of expression? Populist rule refers to government headed by charismatic leaders who seek to gain and retain power by mobilizing mass constituencies that are typically free of other political attachments. Populism in this sense matters for two reasons: (1) controlling the media is a core objective of populists compared with other types of political leaders, who can rely on other organizational links to supporters; and (2) the interests of populist parties are virtually equivalent to the interests of party leaders, which means that populists face different time horizons and constraints on their behavior than the leaders of more deeply institutionalized parties. Using cross-national data on up to ninety-one countries from 1980 to 2014, this paper tests whether populist rule is associated with the erosion of press freedom and freedom of expression relative to other types of government and whether any effect is conditional on the ideology of the populist government in question. It finds that populist rule is associated with a decline in most measures of media freedom relative to programmatic party rule. However, this effect is lessened for right-leaning populist governments.
The Striatum’s Role in Executing Rational and Irrational Economic Behaviors
Authors: Bamford Ian J. , Bamford Nigel S.
Published: January 2019

The striatum is a critical component of the brain that controls motor, reward, and executive function. This ancient and phylogenetically conserved structure forms a central hub where rapid instinctive, reflexive movements and behaviors in response to sensory stimulation or the retrieval of emotional memory intersect with slower planned motor movements and rational behaviors. This review emphasizes two distinct pathways that begin in the thalamus and converge in the striatum to differentially affect movements, behaviors, and decision making. The convergence of excitatory glutamatergic activity from the thalamus and cortex, along with dopamine release in response to novel stimulation, provide the basis for motor learning, reward seeking, and habit formation. We outline how the rules derived through research on neural pathways may enhance the predictability of reflexive actions and rational responses studied in behavioral economics.
Can an Algorithm Reduce the Perceived Bias of News? Testing the Effect of Machine Attribution on News Readers’ Evaluations of Bias, Anthropomorphism, and Credibility
Authors: Waddell T. Franklin
Published: January 2019

Although accusations of editorial slant are ubiquitous to the contemporary media environment, recent advances in journalism such as news writing algorithms may hold the potential to reduce readers’ perceptions of media bias. Informed by the Modality-Agency-Interactivity-Navigability (MAIN) model and the principle of similarity attraction, an online experiment ( n = 612) was conducted to test if news attributed to an automated author is perceived as less biased and more credible than news attributed to a human author. Results reveal that perceptions of bias are attenuated when news is attributed to a journalist and algorithm in tandem, with positive downstream consequences for perceived news credibility.
Long-term observation of graft thickness and shape in Descemet stripping and automated endothelial keratoplasty
Authors: Hsieh Yi-Ching , Chiang Chun-Chi , Tsai Yi-Yu
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

To evaluate the thickness and shape of the posterior lamellar graft in Descemet stripping and automated endothelial keratoplasty after long-term observation.

Methods:

All patients who underwent Descemet stripping and automated endothelial keratoplasty including simple and triple Descemet stripping and automated endothelial keratoplasty between August 2009 and May 2014 were enrolled in this retrospective study. To assess postoperative thickness and shape of the Descemet stripping and automated endothelial keratoplasty graft, images of the graft taken at the center (C), mid-periphery at 4 mm optical zone (P1), and periphery at 6 mm optical zone (P2) at 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively were obtained using anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

Results:

C:P1 was 0.96, 0.96, and 0.95 at 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively, respectively. C:P2 was 0.85, 0.84, and 0.83 at 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively, respectively. There was a greater thinning of the central graft thickness compared with the peripheral graft thickness. The shapes of the posterior lamellar graft were variable, such as concave, asymmetrical, planar, irregular, and convex meniscus shapes. The most common shape was asymmetrical shape at 1 year postoperatively and concave at 2 and 3 years postoperatively. The most common shape of the posterior lamellar grafts was asymmetrical shape (38.18%) at 1 year postoperatively, followed by concave (34.54%), planar (20.00%), irregular (5.45%), and convex (1.81%) shapes. The most common shape was concave shape (44.44% and 57.14% for 2 and 3 years postoperatively, respectively), followed by asymmetrical (27.77% and 17.85%, respectively), planar (16.66% and 17.85%, respectively), and irregular (11.11% and 7.14%, respectively) shapes.

Conclusion:

In our study, concave meniscus was not the only observed shape of the graft. The shape and thickness of the graft did not stabilize even 3 years postoperatively in some patients. These findings should be taken into consideration in a combination of Descemet stripping and automated endothelial keratoplasty and cataract surgery.
Fashion in Bolivia’s cultural economy
Authors: Maclean Kate
Published: January 2019

This article explores the development of Chola Paceña fashions in La Paz, Bolivia. It traces the social and political lineage of the distinctive pollera dress, and its role in traditions that continue to underpin Aymaran social networks and economies, while it is simultaneously becoming a symbol of their consumer power. Bolivian gross domestic product (GDP) has tripled since 2006, and this wealth has accumulated in the vast urban informal markets which are dominated by people of indigenous and mestizo descent. It is predictable that such a rise in consumption power should enable a burgeoning fashion industry. However, the femininities represented by the designs, the models and the designers place in sharp relief gendered and racialized constructions of value, and how the relationship between tradition, culture and economy has been configured in scholarly work on creative labour, which has been predominantly based on the experience of post-industrial cities in the global North.
Speaking the same language: Development of a Nutrition Minimum Data Set for healthcare professionals in primary healthcare
Authors: Håkonsen Sasja Jul , Pedersen Preben Ulrich , Bygholm Ann , Peters Micah DJ , Bjerrum Merete
Published: January 2019

Providing the best possible nutritional care requires accurate and precise communication between healthcare professionals. Developing a Nutrition Minimum Data Set will inform professionals in primary healthcare of which core elements should be documented and facilitate a standardized approach to the documentation of nutritional care. A two-step methodological approach was utilized in this study: (1) a systematic scoping review was conducted to map evidence underpinning the development of a Minimum Data Set and (2) the datasources were categorized using the inductive content analysis approach. A total of 32 items were identified in the datasources. Five categories were inductively derived from the data: (1) physiologic measurements, (2) ability to eat, (3) intake, (4) stress factors and (5) factors which indirectly affect intake and needs. Organizing the documentation following the structure presented in this Minimum Data Set will contribute to a standardized terminology, which may lead to increased quality of documentation, increased continuity of care and improved health outcomes.
Visualization model validation via inline replication
Authors: Gotz David , Wang Wenyuan , Chen Annie T , Borland David
Published: January 2019

Data visualizations typically show a representation of a data set with little to no focus on the repeatability or generalizability of the displayed trends and patterns. However, insights gleaned from these visualizations are often used as the basis for decisions about future events. Visualizations of retrospective data therefore often serve as “visual predictive models.” However, this visual predictive model approach can lead to invalid inferences. In this article, we describe an approach to visual model validation called Inline Replication. Inline Replication is closely related to the statistical techniques of bootstrap sampling and cross-validation and, like those methods, provides a non-parametric and broadly applicable technique for assessing the variance of findings from visualizations. This article describes the overall Inline Replication process and outlines how it can be integrated into both traditional and emerging “big data” visualization pipelines. It also provides examples of how Inline Replication can be integrated into common visualization techniques such as bar charts and linear regression lines. Results from an empirical evaluation of the technique and two prototype Inline Replication–based visual analysis systems are also described. The empirical evaluation demonstrates the impact of Inline Replication under different conditions, showing that both (1) the level of partitioning and (2) the approach to aggregation have a major influence over its behavior. The results highlight the trade-offs in choosing Inline Replication parameters but suggest that using [Formula: see text] partitions is a reasonable default.
Random wave-driven drag forces on near-bed vegetation in shallow water based on deepwater wind conditions
Authors: Myrhaug Dag
Published: January 2019

This article provides a simple analytical method for giving estimates of random wave-driven drag forces on near-bed vegetation in shallow water from deepwater wind conditions. Results are exemplified using a Pierson–Moskowitz model wave spectrum for wind waves with the mean wind speed at the 10 m elevation above the sea surface as the parameter. The significant value of the drag force within a sea state of random waves is given, and an example typical for field conditions is presented. This method should serve as a useful tool for assessing random wave-induced drag force on vegetation in coastal zones and estuaries based on input from deepwater wind conditions.
Composing qualitative process research
Authors: Berends Hans , Deken Fleur
Published: January 2019

Qualitative process research is becoming increasingly popular, yet authors often struggle with creating an effective write-up. Process articles must demonstrate a close-knit link between process data and process theory, and, at the same time, engage the reader. This requires trade-offs among options for composing the presentation of narratives, concepts, and theoretical process models. This essay distinguishes three compositional structures authors can use to write up their findings—inductive, conceptualized, and model-led. We discuss their key characteristics, pros and cons, and conditions for effective use and offer exemplars for inspiration.
Planning for Community Scale-Up of Project HEAL: Insights From the SPRINT Initiative
Authors: Jones Laundette P. , Slade Jimmie L. , Davenport Felicia , Santos Sherie Lou Z. , Knott Cheryl L.
Published: January 2019

Project HEAL (Health through Early Awareness and Learning) is an evidence-based intervention rooted in health behavior change theory and aims to increase cancer awareness and early detection through African American faith-based organizations. This study explored the potential for broader scale-up and dissemination of Project HEAL with the team’s participation in a training program called Speeding Research-Tested INTerventions (SPRINT). The SPRINT training was framed using tools from the Business Model Canvas and the Value Proposition Canvas to guide trainees in designing (1) compelling value propositions, (2) a minimal viable product, and (3) questions to gain critical insight from various stakeholders during a process called Customer Discovery. We report on our experiences and insights on intervention scale-up that we gained from the training, including key findings from 41 discovery interviews conducted with various stakeholders of the church. We learned several valuable lessons from the discovery interviews such as scale-up will likely be more incremental than immediate. Additional refinement is needed to scale up the intervention for “real-world” application, such as making our technology more user-friendly and including additional health topics beyond cancer. We discuss how insights from the training refined our plans for future scale-up and dissemination in a constituent-informed way.
CHES, MCHES, and/or CPH? Selecting the Best Credential for You
Authors: Kerr Dianne , Blavos Alexis , Hancher-Rauch Heidi , Brookins-Fisher Jodi , Thompson Amy
Published: January 2019

The health education profession within the broader context of public health has chosen certification to grant recognition to individuals meeting certain standards, as well as optional accreditation of academic programs. Regarding certification options for health education professionals, those who qualify may sit for the exams to achieve one of the following certifications: Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES), or Certified in Public Health (CPH). Some health education and other professionals may be familiar with the concept of certification but may not be aware of the value of certification for the profession, their options for certification, or the processes of certification. This article provides information on CHES, MCHES, and CPH certifications and compares and contrasts their requirements. While many professionals may choose one credential over another, others may decide to pursue CHES/MCHES and the CPH. Credentialing continues to be an important part of advancing the health education profession and ensuring that those practicing in the field are highly qualified.
Augmentation of Cancer Cachexia Components With Targeted Acupuncture in Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Grundmann Oliver , Yoon Saunjoo L. , Williams Joseph J. , Gordan Lucio , George Thomas J.
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer-associated cachexia are at risk of high morbidity and mortality. This randomized single-blind pilot study compared the complementary use of targeted acupuncture (TA) with nontargeted acupuncture (NTA) for halting cachexia symptoms. Methods: GI cancer patients with cachexia undergoing chemotherapy were assigned to receive 8 weekly sessions of either TA (n = 15) or NTA (n = 15) following a specific acupuncture protocol. Bioelectrical impedance analysis and weight were measured weekly. Biological markers, including C-reactive protein, prealbumin, tumor necrosis factor-α, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), leptin, and ghrelin blood levels were determined at specific intervals. Results: Prealbumin levels and fat-free mass were significantly higher in the NTA group at the end of the study, but remained stable in TA group. TA group had significantly lower (230 IU/L vs 288 IU/L, P = .04) LDH at the end of the study, but elevated tumor necrosis factor-α levels (13.15 pg/mL vs 9.24 pg/mL, P = .04). The absolute blood leptin and ghrelin levels decreased in the TA but remained stable in the NTA group. Both groups maintained weight, but the TA group trended toward weight gain during the last 2 weeks of the study. No adverse events related to acupuncture were reported. Conclusions: TA using predetermined, reproducible points may provide benefits to some patients with GI cancer cachexia by normalizing metabolic dysregulation. Elevated ghrelin levels are indicative of insulin resistance, which can lead to increased muscle loss represented by increased LDH activity in the NTA group. The pilot study provided completion rate and effect size for the primary outcome measures for a larger study. A longer treatment duration may be required to further refine these findings.
Analysis of Progress and Challenges of EGFR-Targeted Molecular Imaging in Cancer With a Focus on Affibody Molecules
Authors: Chen Weizhi , Shen Baozhong , Sun Xilin
Published: January 2019

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted cancer therapy requires an accurate estimation of EGFR expression in tumors to identify responsive patients, monitor therapeutic effect, and estimate prognosis. The EGFR molecular imaging is an optimal method for evaluating EGFR expression in vivo accurately and noninvasively. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in EGFR-targeted molecular imaging in cancer, with a special focus on the development of imaging agents, including epidermal growth factor (EGF) ligand, monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments, Affibody, and small molecules. Each substrate or probe, whether it is an endogenous ligand, antibody, peptide, or small molecule labeled with fluorochrome or radionuclide, has unique advantages and limitations. Antibody-based probes have high affinity but a long metabolic cycle and therefore offer poor imaging quality. Affibody molecules promise to surpass antibody-based probes due to their small size, stable chemical properties, and high affinity to the target. Small-molecule probes are safe, have favorable pharmacokinetics, and show high affinity and specificity, in addition to having an ideal size, but are inadequate for delayed imaging after injection due to their fast clearance.
High in-hospital blood pressure variability and severe disability or death in primary intracerebral hemorrhage patients
Authors: Meeks Jennifer R , Bambhroliya Arvind B , Meyer Elizabeth G , Slaughter Kristen B , Fraher Christopher J , Sharrief Anjail Z , Bowry Ritvij , Ahmed Wamda O , Tyson Jon E , Miller Charles C , Warach Steve , Khan Babar A , McCullough Louise D , Savitz Sean I , Vahidy Farhaan S
Published: January 2019

Objective

To quantify in-hospital systolic blood pressure variability among patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, determine the association between high systolic blood pressure variability (HSBPV) and 90-day severe disability or death, and examine the association between pre-hospital factors and HSBPV.

Methods

Adult, radiologically confirmed, intracerebral hemorrhage patients enrolled in a multi-site cohort were included. Using a semi-automated algorithm, systolic blood pressure values recorded from routine non-invasive systolic blood pressure monitoring in critical and acute care settings were extracted for the duration of hospitalization. Inter and intra-patient systolic blood pressure variability was quantified using generalized estimating equation methods. Modified Poisson and logistic regression models were fit to determine the association between HSBPV and 90-day severe disability or death and between pre-hospital characteristics and HSBPV, respectively.

Results

A total of 566 patients managed at four certified stroke centers were included. Over 120,000 systolic blood pressure readings were analyzed, and a standard deviation (SD) of 13.0 was parameterized as a cut-off point to categorize HSBPV. Patients with HSBPV had a greater risk of 90-day severe disability or death (relative risk: 1.20, 95% confidence interval: 1.04–1.39), after controlling for age, pre-morbid functional status, and other disease severity measures. Greater likelihood of in-hospital HSBPV was independently observed in elderly, female patients, and in patients with high admission systolic blood pressure.

Conclusion

Quantification of HSBPV is feasible utilizing routinely collected systolic blood pressure readings, and a singular cut-off parameter for systolic blood pressure variability demonstrated association with 90-day severe disability or death. Elderly, female, and patients with high admission systolic blood pressure may be more likely to demonstrate HSBPV during hospitalization.
Subclinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Grice Adam
Published: January 2019

Subclinical hypothyroidism is a common condition associated with a raised thyroid-stimulating hormone and a normal serum free thyroxine that affects about 10% of females over 55 years in age. The most common cause is autoimmune thyroid disease, with 2.5% of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism progressing to clinically overt hypothyroidism each year. The rate of progression is higher in patients with anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies and higher levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone. Only a small proportion of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism have symptoms, and although there is some debate in the literature about which patients should be treated, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence clinical knowledge summaries give clear recommendations. There is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism; it is uncertain whether treatment with levothyroxine reduces this risk. When deciding whether to treat subclinical hypothyroidism consider the patient’s age, symptoms, presence of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies, thyroid-stimulating hormone levels and risk factors such as cardiovascular disease.
Comparing longitudinal brain atrophy measurement techniques in a real-world multiple sclerosis clinical practice cohort: towards clinical integration?
Authors: Beadnall H.N. , Wang C. , Van Hecke W. , Ribbens A. , Billiet T. , Barnett M.H.
Published: January 2019

Background:

Whole brain atrophy (WBA) estimates in multiple sclerosis (MS) correlate more robustly with clinical disability than traditional, lesion-based metrics. We compare Structural Image Evaluation using Normalisation of Atrophy (SIENA) with the icobrain longitudinal pipeline (icobrain long), for assessment of longitudinal WBA in MS patients.

Methods:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan pairs [1.05 (±0.15) year separation] from 102 MS patients were acquired on the same 3T scanner. Three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted and two-dimensional (2D)/3D fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery sequences were analysed. Percentage brain volume change (PBVC) measurements were calculated using SIENA and icobrain long. Statistical correlation, agreement and consistency between methods was evaluated; MRI brain volumetric and clinical data were compared. The proportion of the cohort with annualized brain volume loss (aBVL) rates ⩾ 0.4%, ⩾0.8% and ⩾0.94% were calculated. No evidence of disease activity (NEDA) 3 and NEDA 4 were also determined.

Results:

Mean annualized PBVC was −0.59 (±0.65)% and −0.64 (±0.73)% as measured by icobrain long and SIENA. icobrain long and SIENA-measured annualized PBVC correlated strongly, r = 0.805 ( p < 0.001), and the agreement [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.800] and consistency (ICC 0.801) were excellent. Weak correlations were found between MRI metrics and Expanded Disability Status Scale scores. Over half the cohort had aBVL ⩾ 0.4%, approximately a third ⩾0.8%, and aBVL was ⩾0.94% in 28.43% and 23.53% using SIENA and icobrain long, respectively. NEDA 3 was achieved in 35.29%, and NEDA 4 in 15.69% and 16.67% of the cohort, using SIENA and icobrain long to derive PBVC, respectively.

Discussion:

icobrain long quantified longitudinal WBA with a strong level of statistical agreement and consistency compared to SIENA in this real-world MS population. Utility of WBA measures in individuals remains challenging, but show promise as biomarkers of neurodegeneration in MS clinical practice. Optimization of MRI analysis algorithms/techniques are needed to allow reliable use in individuals. Increased levels of automation will enable more rapid clinical translation.
Multilevel Emotion Transfer on YouTube: Disentangling the Effects of Emotional Contagion and Homophily on Video Audiences
Authors: Rosenbusch Hannes , Evans Anthony M. , Zeelenberg Marcel
Published: January 2019

Why do connected users in online social networks express similar emotions? Past approaches have suggested situational emotion transfers (i.e., contagion) and the phenomenon that emotionally similar users flock together (i.e., homophily). We analyze these mechanisms in unison by exploiting the hierarchical structure of YouTube through multilevel analyses, disaggregating the video- and channel-level effects of YouTuber emotions on audience comments. Dictionary analyses using the National Research Council emotion lexica were used to measure the emotions expressed in videos and user comments from 2,083 YouTube vlogs selected from 110 vloggers. We find that video- and channel-level emotions independently influence audience emotions, providing evidence for both contagion and homophily effects. Random slope models suggest that contagion strength varies between YouTube channels for some emotions. However, neither average channel-level emotions nor number of subscribers significantly moderate the strength of contagion effects. The present study highlights that multiple, independent mechanisms shape emotions in online social networks.
Capturing correctly: A reanalysis of the indirect capture–recapture methods in the Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Authors: Rendon Silvio
Published: January 2019

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in Peru is usually cited as an example of how capture–recapture methods can help improve our understanding of mass violence from incomplete observed data. Using 25,000 documented death records, the TRC estimated a total of 69,000 killings, and that the Shining Path was the main perpetrator, in contrast with the raw data where the Peruvian State appears to be responsible for the most killings. One feature not often noticed is that the TRC applied an unusual indirect procedure, combining data on different perpetrators and lumping together missing perpetrator data in one group. I show that direct estimations with strict stratification by perpetrator and accounting for missing data do not support the results of the TRC’s indirect approach. I estimate a total of 48,000 killings, substantially lower than the TRC estimate, and the Peruvian State accounts for a significantly larger share than the Shining Path. Rather than an example of correcting biases in the observed data through capture–recapture methods, the TRC actually introduced further distortion.