bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound-assisted melt mixing for the preparation of UHMWPE/OMMT nanocomposites
Authors: Liang Wang , Xiaochun Yin , Guangjian He , Yanhong Feng , Jinping Qu
Published: July 2017

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/organic montmorillonite (OMMT) nanocomposites were prepared via a self-made vane mixer which could supply a synergy of ultrasound and extensional deformation. Structure and working principle of this novel mixer were illustrated in detail. Effects of the OMMT content, mixing time, and ultrasound treat time on composites’ morphology, rheological properties, and thermal properties were reported in terms of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), wide-angle X-ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and TEM showed that the OMMT lay spacing increased from 2.82 nm to 3.29 nm and OMMT dispersed evenly in the matrix using this novel melt mixing equipment. It certified that the melt mixing procedure synergized by ultrasound and extensional deformation was very effective in the exfoliation of silicate layers and also the filler distribution and dispersion. DSC measurements revealed that the crystallization temperature ( Tc) had no visible change with increasing the OMMT content and the melting temperature ( Tm) and melting enthalpy crystallinity ( Xc) increased with the proper OMMT content. The higher Tm and Xc showed with the proper ultrasound treatment time, however, the Tc had no visible change. TGA showed that the onset temperature at which 20% weight loss of the material increased markedly in the case of UHMWPE/OMMT-1 wt% nanocomposite. The onset temperature slightly decreased with the use of ultrasound. Rheological analyses showed that all the samples exhibited non-Newtonian and shear thinning characteristics. Both the storage modulus and complex viscosity increased with continuous addition of the OMMT layers. It also indicated that the introduction of ultrasound tended to decrease the storage modulus and complex viscosity. Universal tensile test indicated that superior tensile strength occurred in samples containing OMMT layers.
Prediction of rail and bridge noise arising from concrete railway viaducts by using a multilayer rail fastener model and a wavenumber domain method
Authors: Li Qi , Thompson David J
Published: July 2017

Concrete viaducts are an important part of urban rail transit systems but they produce considerable noise, thereby affecting the communities living nearby. The vibration generated at the wheel–rail interface is transmitted along the rail and also onto the bridge; hence, noise is radiated from both the rail and the bridge. To facilitate noise prediction, it is desirable to develop a model that takes into account the generation and transmission of vibration in the train–track–bridge system. The vibration and the associated noise of the track–bridge system are computed with a unified vibroacoustic model using a wavenumber domain finite element and boundary element method. An important aspect to note is the frequency-dependent stiffness of a typical rail fastener utilized on bridges due to the resonance of the baseplate between the two rubber pads. In this study, to allow for this effect, a multilayer fastener model is proposed. The proposed procedure is applied to a viaduct with a U-shaped section and compared with field measurements during the passage of trains. The elastic modulus and damping of the rubber pads and the equivalent loss factor of the rail are chosen by fitting the calculated track decay rates to those estimated from the measured rail accelerations under train passages. The wheel–rail combined roughness is also derived from the measured rail vibration. A comparison is then made between the simulated and measured bridge vibration to verify the proposed method as well as the parameters used in the track–bridge system. The predicted noise levels are also compared with the measured results. The effects of the fastener model, fastener stiffness, bridge damping, and interference between multiple wheels are then discussed. It has been found that the bridge noise has a non-negligible effect on the total A-weighted noise levels in the region beneath the bridge and up to 30 m away from the track.
From mental hygiene to mental health: ideology, discourses and practices in Franco’s Spain (1939–75)
Authors: Novella Enric J , Campos Ricardo
Published: July 2017

Based on an analysis of the discourses, the ideological appropriation and the practical influence of mental hygiene in Spanish psychiatry during the early years of the Francoist regime, this article examines its decline and subsequent replacement by the new concept of mental health promoted by the World Health Organization and other international bodies from the mid-twentieth century. The old approach, essentially focused on the prophylaxis of insanity within the framework of a set of interventionist policies of social defence, was thus transformed from the beginning of the 1960s into a much more ambitious and comprehensive project which sought to promote the psychosocial balance and performance of individuals in the context of increasingly socialized health-related discourses and networks of care.
Macroscopic spray characteristics of long-chain alcohol-biodiesel fuels in a constant volume chamber
Authors: Li Fengyu , Yi Bolun , Song Lanbo , Fu Wei , Liu Tao , Hu Hongwei , Lin Qizhao
Published: July 2017

In this research, three basic macroscopic spray characteristics (spray tip penetration, spray cone angle, and spray area) of long-chain alcohol-biodiesel blends were studied to investigate the differences of macroscopic spray characteristics of long-chain alcohol-biodiesel blends with different mixing ratios and to further investigate the effects of blending long-chain alcohols into biodiesel on the spray characteristics. Two kinds of long-chain alcohols, n-butanol, and n-pentanol, were selected to study effects of difference kinds of long-chain alcohols on macroscopic spray characteristics of long-chain alcohol-biodiesel blends. Results show that with the increase of proportion of n-butanol or n-pentanol in blends, spray tip penetration decreased while spray cone angle and spray area increased; in terms of the effects brought by different long-chain alcohols, n-pentanol-biodiesel blends showed slightly longer spray tip penetration, smaller spray cone angle and smaller spray area compared to n-butanol-biodiesel blends in the same mixing ratios, and the difference trends between those two kinds blends could easily be opposite due to the very similar properties of n-butanol and n-pentanol. Furthermore, a modified spray tip penetration model was proposed based on previous model and showed good agreement with experimental results.
Disease-specific quality of life in patients with lupus nephritis
Authors: Jolly M , Toloza S , Goker B , Clarke A E , Navarra S V , Wallace D , Weisman M , Mok C C
Published: July 2017

Background

Patient-reported outcomes in lupus nephritis (LN) are not well studied. Studies with disease-targeted PRO tool in LN do not exist. Herein, we describe quality of life (QOL: HRQOL & non-HRQOL) among LN patients using LupusPRO.

Methods

International, cross-sectional data from 1259 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and LupusPRO were compared, stratified by (a) presence of LN (ACR classification criteria (ACR-LN)) at any time and, (b) active LN (on SLEDAI) at study visit. Damage was assessed by SLICC/ACR-SDI. Multivariate regression analyses for QOL against ACR-LN (active LN) after adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity and country of recruitment were performed.

Results

Mean (SD) age was 41.7 (13.5) yrs, 93% were women. Five hundred and thirty-nine of 1259 SLE patients had ACR-LN. ACR-LN group was younger, were more often on immunosuppressive medications, had worse QOL on lupus medications and procreation than non-ACR-LN patients. HRQOL and non-HRQOL scores were similar in both groups. One hundred and twenty-nine of 539 ACR-LN patients had active LN. Active LN group was younger, had greater disease activity and had worse HRQOL and non-HRQOL compared to patients without active LN. Specific domains adversely affected were lupus symptoms, lupus medications, procreation, emotional health, body image and desires-goals domains. Patients with ACR-LN and active LN fared significantly worse in lupus medications and procreation HRQOL domains, even after adjusting for age, ethnicity, gender and country of recruitment.

Conclusions

Lupus nephritis patients have poor QOL. Patients with active LN have worse HRQOL and non-HRQOL. Most domains affected are not included in the generic QOL tools used in SLE. LN patients must receive discussion on lupus medications and procreation issues. Patients with active LN need comprehensive assessments and addressal of QOL, along with treatment for active LN.
Immunodeficiency and autoimmunity coming together: a nearly missed diagnosis
Authors: Carreiro F T , Betkova S , Sepúlveda C , Manata M J , Cardoso O , Maltez F , Moraes-Fontes M F
Published: July 2017

The coexistence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) appears to be unusual and the prevalence of patients who carry the dual diagnosis is currently unknown. We hereby present a case of a C4 deficient HIV-1 positive Caucasian female under highly active antiretroviral therapy for the past eight years, admitted to hospital with an aggressive and potentially fatal clinical presentation of SLE. There was a favorable outcome despite a significant diagnostic delay. Despite its rarity, the case highlights that this association is remarkable and may be overlooked by clinicians familiar with either condition.
Informal Entrepreneurship and Past Experience in an Emerging Economy
Authors: Hallam Cory R. A. , Zanella Gianluca
Published: July 2017

Informal economies account for up to 70 per cent of GDP in developing countries, but few studies have explored informal entrepreneurship. To fill this gap, an exploratory study involving 855 university students in an emerging economy applies the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to study the cognitive process of informal entrepreneurship. The effect of past experience (PE) and necessity entrepreneurship on the intention to start a business is also explored. Our findings provide evidence that the decision to start a business in the informal economy reinforces the effect of subjective norms on entrepreneurial intentions (EIs). Implications for education programmes and for theory are discussed.
Non-Governmental Development Organizations (NGDO) Performance and Funds—A Case Study
Authors: Ferreira Marisa R. , Carvalho Amélia , Teixeira Filipa
Published: July 2017

Non-profit organizations (NPOs) are facing growing pressure to become more performance oriented. The existence of a rising number of NPOs and the scarcity of fund sources is an increasingly worrying scenario. Our case study examines the experiences of three non-governmental development organizations (NGDOs) and discusses the possible existence of a relationship among fund sources and organizational performance. Non-profits are gradually required to respond to performance measurement directives and their fund sources may be scarce, in terms of quantity and diversity. Two central findings emerged from interviews and document analysis. First, there is a relationship between funds and performance, additional/greater funds positively influence organizational performance. Second, funds diversity play a critical role on performance, diversification of funds sources reduces the dependence of organizations and consecutively improves their performance.
Reflections on Workplace Compassion and Job Performance
Authors: Aboul-Ela Ghadeer Mohamed Badr ElDin
Published: July 2017

Workplace compassion is one of the cornerstone remedies to employees’ suffering. Compassionate acts will directly affect the job performance of employees. This research study looks at the analysing relationship between workplace compassion and job performance, namely, task performance and contextual performance. Workplace compassion, task performance and contextual performance were explored from a previous literature perspective and were tested and analysed statistically. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed among teachers and co-teachers employed in international nurseries in Cairo and Giza governorates located in Egypt. Results revealed a positive relationship between workplace compassion and job performance (task and contextual constructs). Discussion of the results along with managerial implications and recommendations were addressed based on the research findings.
Basel III Norms: A SWOT and TOWS Approach
Authors: Kapoor Samriti , Kaur Mandeep
Published: July 2017

Basel norms are international regulatory guidelines which have been introduced, updated and revised from time to time considering the need for more sound and stable banking system. Presently, Basel III has come into the scene in the wake of financial turmoil and inability of Basel II to address risks faced by banks. The purpose of the present study is to conduct a SWOT analysis of Basel III framework in order to find out its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and major threats. The study also performs TOWS analysis to facilitate cross-matching among strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The study suggested that as Basel III is a global risk management phenomenon; hence Indian banks have to accept it to achieve harmonization with international standards. Thus, banks have to devise smart alternative strategies to implement it, as its adoption will ultimately benefit soundness and profitability of banks in the long run.
Occupational and environmental safety standards in nanotechnology: International Organization for Standardization, Latin America and beyond
Authors: Foladori Guillermo
Published: July 2017

In the absence of government safety regulation in the field of nanotechnology, ISO standards are being used as the basis for establishing technical and management guidelines at an international level. There are more than 50 current ISO standards on nanotechnology. Some of these relate to the working environment and occupational risk management. In Latin America, entities that are members of ISO are enunciating national versions of the international standards. In this article, this context is analysed critically, starting from the Mexican standard on occupational risk management in the working environment. Even though risk management standards may guarantee better and safer working conditions, in the field of nanotechnology, they simultaneously unlock detrimental implications for workers and society. Reliance on such private and voluntary forms of industry self-regulation is identified as a by-product of global neoliberalism.
Psychosocial Response to New-Onset Diabetes as a Long-Term Effect of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Olausson Jill M. , Clark Lauren , Morse Janice M. , Hammer Marilyn , Allen Nancy , Grant Marcia
Published: July 2017

Currently, little information is available to guide health care practitioners on how to facilitate positive outcomes in individuals who develop new-onset diabetes after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo HSCT) for treatment of hematological cancers. Results from this constructivist grounded theory study provide a theoretical framework explaining the psychosocial process of change that middle-age and older adults experience when developing new-onset diabetes in this context. Two predominant factors influenced this change: treatment burden and perception of diabetes. Key findings were that participants with ongoing complications, primarily graft-versus-host disease, experienced a high degree of treatment-related burden and unclear perceptions of diabetes when compared with those with no or few post-allo-HSCT complications. These factors limited their capacity to positively respond to and self-manage their condition. Implications for practice are to thoroughly consider these two factors when developing patient-centered interventions for middle-age and older adults with new-onset diabetes after allo HSCT.
Effect of Ankle Position and Noninvasive Distraction on Arthroscopic Accessibility of the Distal Tibial Plafond
Authors: Akoh Craig C. , Dibbern Kevin , Amendola Annuziato , Sittapairoj Tinnart , Anderson Donald D. , Phisitkul Phinit
Published: July 2017

Background:

Osteochondral lesions of the tibial plafond (OLTPs) can lead to chronic ankle pain and disability. It is not known how limited ankle motion or joint distraction affects arthroscopic accessibility of these lesions. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different fixed flexion angles and distraction on accessibility of the distal tibial articular surface during anterior and posterior arthroscopy.

Methods:

Fourteen below-knee cadaver specimens underwent anterior and posterior ankle arthroscopy using a 30-degree 2.7-mm arthroscopic camera. Intra-articular working space was measured with a precision of 1 mm using sizing rods. The accessible areas at the plafond were marked under direct visualization at varying fixed ankle flexion positions. Arthroscopic accessibilities were normalized as percent area using a surface laser scan. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the relationship between preoperative ankle range of motion, amount of distraction, arthroscopic approach, and arthroscopic plafond visualization.

Results:

There was significantly greater accessibility during posterior arthroscopy (73.5%) compared with anterior arthroscopy (51.2%) in the neutral ankle position ( P = .007). There was no difference in accessibility for anterior arthroscopy with increasing level of plantarflexion ( P > .05). Increasing dorsiflexion during posterior arthroscopy significantly reduced ankle accessibility ( P = .028). There was a significant increase in accessibility through the anterior and posterior approach with increasing amount of intra-articular working space (parameter estimates ± SE): anterior = 14.2 ± 3.34 ( P < .01) and posterior = 10.6 ± 3.7 ( P < .05). Frequency data showed that the posterior third of the plafond was completely inaccessible in 33% of ankles during anterior arthroscopy. The frequency of inaccessible anterior plafond during posterior arthroscopy was 12%.

Conclusion:

Intra-articular working space and arthroscopic accessibility were greater during posterior arthroscopy compared with anterior arthroscopy. Improved accessibility of OLTPs may be achieved from posterior arthroscopy. Arthroscopic accessibility was heavily dependent on the amount of intraoperative joint working space achieved and not on ankle position.

Clinical Relevance:

OLTPs are often encountered in tandem with talar lesions, and safely achieving intra-articular working space through noninvasive distraction greatly improved arthroscopic accessibility.
An Evaluation of a Factor Xa-Based Clotting Time Test for Enoxaparin: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Ng Deborah P. J. , Duffull Stephen B. , Faed James M. , Isbister Geoffrey K. , Gulati Abhishek
Published: July 2017

A well-accepted test for monitoring anticoagulation by enoxaparin is not currently available. As inadequate dosing may result in thrombosis or bleeding, a clinical need exists for a suitable test. Previous in silico and in vitro studies have identified factor Xa as an appropriate activating agent, and the phospholipid Actin FS as a cofactor for a Xa clotting time (TenaCT) test. A proof-of-concept study was designed to (1) explore the reproducibility of the TenaCT test and (2) explore factors that could affect the performance of the test. In vitro clotting time tests were carried out using plasma from 20 healthy volunteers. The effect of enoxaparin was determined at concentrations of 0.25, 0.50, and 1.0 IU/mL. Clotting times for the volunteers were significantly prolonged with increasing enoxaparin concentrations. Clotting times were significantly shortened for frozen plasma samples. No significant differences in prolongation of clotting times were observed between male and female volunteers or between the 2 evaluated age groups. The clotting times were consistent between 2 separate occasions. The TenaCT test was able to distinguish between the subtherapeutic and therapeutic concentrations of enoxaparin. Plasma should not be frozen prior to performing the test, without defining a frozen plasma reference range. This study provided proof-of-concept for a Xa-based test that can detect enoxaparin dose effects, but additional studies are needed to further develop the test.
Robust control of nonlinear resonance in a clamped rectangular plate
Authors: Kodhanda Adarsh , Ali Nisar , Sucheendran Mahesh M , Talole SE
Published: July 2017

This work is concerned with the control of nonlinear oscillations and resonance in a thin rectangular clamped plate representative of an aircraft panel with forcing frequency near to that of the first linear mode. The response of the plate to unsteady pressure force is modeled using the nonlinear von Kármán plate equation, the solution of which is obtained using modal expansion with the linear eigen modes. To suppress the vibrations, an input–output linearization (IOL) and uncertainty and disturbance estimator (UDE) based robust active vibration controller are proposed. The UDE is employed to estimate the composite uncertainty that comprises the effects of system nonlinearities and external disturbances and the estimate is used to augment the IOL controller to achieve robustness. The resulting controller, however, requires output derivatives for its implementation and to address the issue, an observer that employs the UDE estimated uncertainties for robustness is designed. Closed-loop stability for the overall system is established using Lyapunov’s direct method. The notable feature of the proposed design is that it neither requires an accurate plant model nor any detailed information about the external disturbances. Also, the design needs only the measurement of the center displacement of the plate for its implementation. Simulations are carried out for different disturbances and the results are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed controller. Lastly, performance comparison with some existing vibration control designs is carried out to showcase the effectiveness of the proposed formulation.
Dancing, Reaching
Authors: Hamera Judith
Published: July 2017

This reflective essay uses an instance of gestural solidarity forged during Petrichor, a senior thesis performance at Princeton University created by transgender artist Bree White, to probe both the “Keep Dancing Orlando” video made in response to the horror of June 12, 2016, and, more broadly, the specific mechanisms through which dance creates communities of shared labor across difference in troubled times. It posits the reach—the moment when outstretched arms move toward, for, and sometimes with another—as the kinesthetic unit incarnating dance’s political-affective potential.
The clinical significance of QT prolongation associated with tamoxifen: A review of the literature
Authors: Fung Katherine , Imeson Julia , Cusano Frances
Published: July 2017

Objective

To review the literature discussing QT prolongation associated with the use of tamoxifen in order to evaluate the clinical significance.

Data sources

A search of PubMed (1946 to 2017), MEDLINE (1946 to 2017) and EMBASE (1947 to 2017) was performed using a combination of the following search terms: tamoxifen, estrogen antagonist, selective estrogen receptor modulator, QT prolongation, QT interval, long QT syndrome and torsades de pointes. All searches were limited to human subjects. Reference lists of the literature found were also reviewed but did not reveal any further articles.

Study selection

Articles reviewed were relating to humans only and included clinical trials and case reports that mentioned QT prolongation in association with the use of tamoxifen.

Data synthesis

It can be common for patients on tamoxifen to also be on a number of different medications being used to treat comorbid medical conditions. Such combinations of medications increase the potential risk for drug interactions, such as drug-induced QT prolongation. Tamoxifen is often flagged by tertiary drug information sources as a drug with indeterminate effects on the QT interval. However, the risk may be elevated when combined with other QT-prolonging agents. A total of five publications were identified, including two phase I clinical trials and three case reports, which discussed the association between tamoxifen and QT prolongation.

Conclusions

Tertiary drug information sources identify tamoxifen as an agent that may cause QT prolongation when used in combination with other QT-prolonging agents. However, based on the limited number of published reports found, it would suggest that the use of tamoxifen concurrently with other agents known to prolong the QT interval is likely to be of low risk for causing a clinically significant QT-prolonging event, especially at a dose of 20 mg daily.
A Gao beam subjected to a moving inertial point load
Authors: Bajer Czesław I , Dyniewicz Bartłomiej , Shillor Meir
Published: July 2017

A model for the dynamics of a Gao elastic or viscoelastic nonlinear beam that is subject to a horizontally moving vertical point-force is modeled and computationally studied. In particular, the behavior and vibrations of the beam as the mass is moving on it is investigated. Such problems arise naturally in transportation systems with rails. A time-marching finite element numerical algorithm for the problem is developed and implemented. Results of representative simulations are depicted and compared to the behavior of a linear Euler beam with a moving mass.
Exploring the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on the anti-EBV antibody response in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rolf Linda , Muris Anne-Hilde , Mathias Amandine , Du Pasquier Renaud , Koneczny Inga , Disanto Giulio , Kuhle Jens , Ramagopalan Sreeram , Damoiseaux Jan , Smolders Joost , Hupperts Raymond
Published: July 2017

Background:

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection and vitamin D insufficiency are potentially interacting risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objectives:

To investigate the effect of high-dose vitamin D3 supplements on antibody levels against the EBV nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and to explore any underlying mechanism affecting anti-EBNA-1 antibody levels.

Methods:

This study utilized blood samples from a randomized controlled trial in RRMS patients receiving either vitamin D3 (14,000 IU/day; n = 30) or placebo ( n = 23) over 48 weeks. Circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin-D, and anti-EBNA-1, anti-EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA), and anti-cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibodies were measured. EBV load in leukocytes, EBV-specific cytotoxic T-cell responses, and anti-EBNA-1 antibody production in vitro were also explored.

Results:

The median antibody levels against EBNA-1, but not VCA and CMV, significantly reduced in the vitamin D3 group (526 (368–1683) to 455 (380–1148) U/mL) compared to the placebo group (432 (351–1280) to 429 (297–1290) U/mL; p = 0.023). EBV load and cytotoxic T-cell responses were unaffected. Anti-EBNA-1 antibody levels remained below detection limits in B-cell cultures.

Conclusion:

High-dose vitamin D3 supplementation selectively reduces anti-EBNA-1 antibody levels in RRMS patients. Our exploratory studies do not implicate a promoted immune response against EBV as the underlying mechanism.
Using survey methods in telehealth research: A practical guide
Authors: Langbecker Danette , Caffery Liam J , Gillespie Nicole , Smith Anthony C
Published: July 2017

Surveys are a common method for assessing patient and clinician perceptions, attitudes and outcomes of telehealth. However, inadequacies in both the conduct and reporting of survey studies are common in telehealth research. This article provides clinicians and researchers with practical guidance on the appropriate selection, use and reporting of survey tools for telehealth research. We identify common survey outcomes and instruments used in telehealth research, and methods to assess the validity and psychometric properties of survey tools. Enhancing the quality and reporting of telehealth research is important to improve our understanding of which telehealth-supported models of care improve outcomes and for which patient groups.
People with a body mass index ⩾30 under-report their dietary intake: A systematic review
Authors: Wehling Helena , Lusher Joanne
Published: July 2017

Under-reporting of total energy intake is a common and well-known source of measurement error in dietary assessment, and evidence suggests that this bias is particularly significant in obese individuals. After a multi-stage selection process of eligible papers, this literature review appraised 34 papers detailing the accuracy of self-reported dietary intake in people with an obese body mass index (BMI ⩾ 30). The available literature to date shows that having a body mass index ⩾30 is associated with significant under-reporting of food intake. Future research should look into identifying effective techniques to reduce this bias in clinical practice.
Perceived haze, stress, and negative emotions: An ecological momentary assessment study of the affective responses to haze
Authors: Xu Wei , Ding Xu , Zhuang Yulu , Yuan Guangzhe , An Yuanyuan , Shi Zhiqiang , Hwa Goh Pei
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to examine the mediating role of stress in the association between people’s perceived haze and negative emotions in daily life. Using ecological momentary assessment, 95 college students reported their perceived haze, stress, and negative emotions twice a day over the course of 2 weeks. The results showed a positive relationship between perceived haze and negative emotions. More importantly, this association was significantly mediated by levels of stress. Findings suggested that people who perceived more severe haze may report higher stress levels, which in turn may lead to increases in negative emotions.
Collective in exile: Utilizing terror management theory to understand women’s wailing performance
Authors: Gamliel Tova
Published: July 2017

Although women’s wailing at death rites in various cultures typically amplifies mortality salience, this ritual phenomenon is absent in the research literature on terror management theory (TMT). This study explored Yemenite-Jewish wailing in Israel as an example of how a traditional performance manages death anxiety in a community context. Observations of wailing events and interviews with Yemenite-Jewish wailers and mourners in Israel were analyzed to understand respondents’ perceptions of the experience of wailing as well as the anxiety-oriented psychotherapeutic expertise involved. The findings are discussed to propose an alternative outlook on the intersubjective adaptive value of death anxiety. After describing TMT’s view on the role of culture in coping with death anxiety, I consider the extent to which Yemenite-Jewish wailing is consistent with the premises of TMT.
A low-fidelity serious game for medical-based cultural competence education
Authors: Khan Zain , Kapralos Bill
Published: July 2017

Research has shown that the quality of care is compromised when healthcare providers respond inappropriately to patient language and cultural factors. However, research indicates that medical education is not keeping pace with the changing composition of the patient population in culturally diverse societies such as Canada and the United States, and many healthcare providers do not possess the attitudes or skills required to be effective within a culturally diverse healthcare setting. Here, we present Fydlyty, a web-based, low-fidelity serious game for medical-based cultural competence education. Fydlyty includes both a scenario and dialogue editor providing the ability to develop conversations, interpret responses, and respond to questions/answers from the game player. These responses are based on predefined cultural characteristics of the virtual patient and on different moods that the virtual patient may express depending on the situation. The results of a usability experiment conducted with medical professionals and trainees revealed that the game is easy to use, intuitive, and engaging.
A new concept of actively controlled rate of diesel combustion for improving brake thermal efficiency of diesel engines: Part 1—verification of the concept
Authors: Uchida Noboru , Okamoto Takeshi , Watanabe Hiroki
Published: July 2017

For further improvement in brake thermal efficiency of diesel engines, not only increase in indicated work but decrease in energy losses, for example, cooling loss and mechanical loss, are essential. Nevertheless, these demands are generally in trade-off with limited ability of combustion control by conventional diesel fuel injection equipment even though it can precisely control injection timing, duration, pressure, and frequency. To overcome the trade-off, the potential of heat release rate control with more degrees of freedom was first investigated by means of a zero-dimensional thermodynamic engine model. The result indicated that the optimum brake thermal efficiency is not achieved with constant-volume combustion (Otto) cycle, not with constant-pressure combustion (Diesel) cycle, but with Sabathe (limited-pressure or Seiliger) cycle. To experimentally confirm the numerical analysis result by a heavy-duty single-cylinder diesel engine, a new diffusion-combustion-based concept with the combination of multiple fuel injectors and soup plate type piston cavity has been developed. One injector was mounted vertically at the cylinder center like in a conventional direct-injection diesel engine, and two additional injectors were slant-mounted at the piston cavity circumference. The side injectors sprayed fuel downstream the swirl to prevent both spray interference and spray impingement on the cavity wall, while improving air utilization near the center of the cavity. The desired heat release rate profile was well achieved by independent control of injection timing and duration (fuel injection pressure was kept in constant) for each fuel injector. Results showed reduced friction loss, heat loss, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions, while maintaining indicated thermal efficiency by suppressing the peak cylinder pressure, cylinder-averaged temperature, and spray flame impingement to the cavity wall. Additionally, a simultaneous reduction in smoke and NOx emissions was achieved, without any deterioration in carbon monoxide (CO) and total hydrocarbon emissions, even compared with conventional diesel combustion.
A new image for a new profession: Self-image and representation in the professionalization of design in Britain, 1945–1960
Authors: Armstrong Leah
Published: July 2017

This article explores the relationship between self-image, representation and professionalization in the formative years of the design profession in Britain between 1945 and 1960 through a focused empirical study of two independent but interrelated design organizations, the Society of Industrial Artists and the Council of Industrial Design. The article examines publications, correspondence and internal memoranda to identify attempts by both institutions to manage, steer and govern the professional image of the designer. As this material reveals, both organizations held the image of the gentleman professional as an aspirational figure for emerging designers. Attending to a gap in historical and sociological readings of the professions, the article establishes the discursive function of self-image in relation to the particular value of professionalism in design, suggesting that dress, behaviour and physical appearance can be read as sources through which to historicize and theorize the shifting status of the designer in the cultural economy.
Is the 10 m incremental shuttle walk test a useful test of exercise capacity for patients referred to cardiac rehabilitation?
Authors: Hanson Lisa C , McBurney Helen , Taylor Nicholas F
Published: July 2017

Background:

Field exercise tests are a feasible alternative to the symptom-limited exercise test for measuring exercise capacity in patients attending cardiac rehabilitation.

Aims:

To evaluate the criterion validity of the 10 m incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) as a useful tool for measurement of exercise capacity for patients eligible for cardiac rehabilitation.

Methods:

Fifteen patients eligible for cardiac rehabilitation completed a treadmill symptom-limited exercise test and two ISWTs with the order of testing randomised. Associations between the symptom-limited exercise test and the ISWT were explored and the ability of the ISWT to predict symptom-limited exercise test duration estimated.

Results:

There was a moderate to high association ( r2⩾0.72) between ISWT duration and distance, and symptom-limited exercise test duration; and a moderate association between ISWT peak heart rate and end of test oxygen saturation and these outcomes on the symptom-limited exercise test (0.47⩽ r2⩽0.67). However, prediction of symptom-limited exercise test duration based on the ISWT produced wide 95% confidence intervals, for example, ranging from 9.1 to 16.3 minutes for an individual who completes the ISWT. Order of testing did not affect the results and the association between the ISWT and symptom-limited exercise test was similar for both the first (ISWT 1) and second test (ISWT 2) ISWT.

Conclusions:

The results provide support for the ISWT as a convenient field test of exercise capacity in a cardiac rehabilitation population, but not as a surrogate to predict symptom-limited exercise test duration for individuals. A single ISWT may provide as good an estimate of exercise capacity as repeating the test.
High-resolution CLEAN-SC: Theory and experimental validation
Authors: Sijtsma Pieter , Merino-Martinez Roberto , Malgoezar Anwar MN , Snellen Mirjam
Published: July 2017

In this article, a high-resolution extension of CLEAN-SC is proposed: high-resolution-CLEAN-SC. Where CLEAN-SC uses peak sources in ‘dirty maps’ to define so-called source components, high-resolution-CLEAN-SC takes advantage of the fact that source components can likewise be derived from points at some distance from the peak, as long as these ‘source markers’ are on the main lobe of the point spread function. This is very useful when sources are closely spaced together, such that their point spread functions interfere. Then, alternative markers can be sought in which the relative influence by point spread functions of other source locations is minimised. For those markers, the source components agree better with the actual sources, which allows for better estimation of their locations and strengths. This article outlines the theory needed to understand this approach and discusses applications to 2D and 3D microphone array simulations with closely spaced sources. An experimental validation was performed with two closely spaced loudspeakers in an anechoic chamber.
Application of synthetic array techniques for improved simulations of hot supersonic jet noise
Authors: Nelson Christopher C , Cain Alan B , Dougherty Robert , Brentner Kenneth S , Morris Philip J
Published: July 2017

The synthetic array technique has previously been used to provide insight for developing improved microphone array data processing techniques. In recent work, however, it has also been successfully applied to diagnose the source of unexpected (and nonphysical) tones which arose in unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of hot supersonic jets. The insight obtained from this method has allowed the authors to rapidly arrive at a strategy that greatly improves the results. This success opens up additional areas where the synthetic array technique can find application.
Finding the boom: Phased array processing applied to sonic boom direction of arrival estimation
Authors: Schultz Todd , Underbrink James R , Hunting LC , Giannakis James , Moore Matthew D , Cliatt Larry J , Haering Edward A
Published: July 2017

From 29 October 2012 to 7 November 2012, 73 supersonic passes of an F-18 aircraft were observed over a dry lake bed at Edwards Air Force Base as part of NASA’s Farfield Investigation of No-boom Thresholds project, which was conceived to measure the characteristics of sonic booms at the boundaries of their decay, where overpressure is exceptionally low, thereby stretching the limits of current prediction methods. Each pass was recorded by a 55-microphone phased array sensor system with a circular aperture diameter of 2000 ft (609.6 m). The data were processed using a novel time domain array processing algorithm to estimate the direction of arrival and trace speed of the sonic boom wave front along the plane of the phased array. The results from the phased array processing are consistent with the known location of the test aircraft for each processed flight and are consistent with expectations for direction of arrival due to atmospheric refraction. Near real-time estimation of the sonic boom direction of arrival, trace speed along the ground, and visualization of the propagation of the sonic boom wave front are possible. This could allow the test team to assess the data and determine if the target of the test point has been met while the test aircraft is still in flight. This would enable improved test efficiency and efficacy, ultimately improving the value of the test campaign. The measured direction of arrival also provides sonic boom propagation numerical prediction code validation. Most sonic boom prediction codes provide the propagation path of the sonic boom and thus the direction of arrival of the sonic boom at a point on the ground. Thus for predictions made using the actual flight data measured at the time of the test, the predicted direction of arrival and measured direction of arrival can be directly compared to help validate the prediction codes.
Pletharrays for aeroacoustic phased array applications
Authors: Underbrink James R
Published: July 2017

“Pletharrays” are introduced, motivated, and presented for application to aeroacoustic phased array measurements. Pletharrays contain a plethora of arrays composed from a modest to high number of array elements to field a remarkably large number of high element count arrays for use in noise source imaging applications. Pletharrays that have been deployed for closed jet transonic wind tunnel, static engine ground, open jet wind tunnel, and flyover phased array tests are presented. Tremendous array element leverage to provide extensive measurement flexibility and fidelity are demonstrated.
What’s at Stake in U.S. Health Reform: A Guide to the Affordable Care Act and Value-Based Care
Authors: Rambur Betty A.
Published: July 2017

The U.S. presidential election of 2016 accentuated the divided perspectives on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, commonly known as Obamacare. The perspectives included a pledge from then candidate Donald J. Trump to “repeal and replace on day one”; Republican congressional leaders’ more temperate suggestions in the first weeks of the Trump administration to “repair” the Affordable Care Act (ACA); and President Trump’s February 5, 2017 statement—16 days after inauguration—that a Republican replacement for the ACA may not be ready until late 2017 or 2018. The swirling rhetoric, media attention, and the dizzying rate of U.S. health and payment reforms both within and outside of the ACA makes it difficult for nurses, both United States and globally, to discern which health policy issues are grounded in the ACA and which aspects reflect payer-driven “volume to value” reimbursement changes. Moreover, popular and controversial elements of the ACA—for example, the clause that prohibits insurance carriers to deny coverage to those with preexisting health conditions and the more controversial individual mandate that bears Supreme Court support as a constitutional provision—are paired in ways that might be unclear to those unfamiliar with nuances of insurance rate determination. To support nurses’ capacity to maximize their impact on health policy, this overview distills the 906-page ACA into major themes and describes payment reform legislation and initiatives that are external to the ACA. Understanding the political and societal forces that affect health care policy and delivery is necessary for nurses to effectively lead and advocate for the best interests of their patients.
Preparation of the AOPAN-poly(HEMA) nanofibers via the atom transfer radical polymerization method and their application for laccase immobilization
Authors: Feng Quan , Li Xin , Wu Dingsheng , Liu Suo , Ye Mao , Huan Shan
Published: July 2017

AOPAN nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning and amidoxime modification, subsequently, HEMA was used as the monomers for surface grafting via atom transfer radical polymerization, followed by coordination with Cu(II) ions, thereafter, the nanofibers AOPAN-poly(HEMA)-Cu(II) were explored as the novel support for laccase immobilization. Scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize the morphology of the nanofibers, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to provide information on the surface chemistry of nanofibers. At the same time, the optimization of immobilization conditions and the relative properties of the immobilized laccase were also studied in this paper. The study showed the largest amount of immobilized laccase while the reaction time of atom transfer radical polymerization was 4 h. The immobilized laccase showed a better stability resistance to temperature and pH change, and the initial activity of immobilized laccase retained (60.3 ± 3.1)%, that of the free laccase retained only (21.3 ± 2.1)% when stored at 4℃ for 24 days. Immobilized laccase maintained its initial activity after 10 repeated batches of 64.5%.
An alternative approach to design conductive hybrid cover yarns for efficient electromagnetic shielding fabrics
Authors: Asghar A , Ahmad MR , Yahya MF , Ali MT , Ab Aziz AA , Abd Rahman NH , Hassan S Zameer Ul , Kashif M
Published: July 2017

E-Textiles have gained enormous attention due to their specific characteristics in various non-conventional applications such as electromagnetic shielding materials. With the advent of various high frequency-driven devices, the need to restrict the non-ionizing radiations from their undesired effects became imperative. Due to the ease of production, better electrical conductivity and durability, the conductive hybrid cover yarns with continuous metallic filaments have earned its place as the most convenient form of yarns to develop E-textiles. However, controlling the amount of conducting material in yarns poses a challenge as the increase in size of the metallic filaments are associated with reduced electromagnetic shielding effectiveness due to increased stiffness of yarns, which resists in proper interlacement and hence causes openness in fabrics. The proposed design of conductive hybrid cover yarns is proven to have better tensile properties and modulus, therefore this design is more suitable to produced fabrics with higher cover factors. The amount of conducting material in the proposed design increased significantly without changing the size of the continuous filaments. Moreover, 99.9% shielding effectiveness is achieved with this increased metal content in fabrics in S-band and partly C-band microwave frequencies.