bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Warmth, Competence, and Blame: Examining Mothers of Sexually Abused Children Within the Stereotype Content Model
Authors: Toews Kelsi , Cummings Jorden A. , Williamson Linzi E.
Published: October 2018

Research shows that nonoffending mothers are frequently held at fault for child sexual abuse (CSA), by both society and professionals, with contradictory explanations for the fault. For example, the same maternal characteristic can be used to assign blame or alleviate blame (i.e., single mothers have been held more at fault for their child’s CSA and less at fault). The purpose of this study was to assess a theoretically based model that could account for these different reasons. We tested the stereotype content model (SCM), which examines the content of stereotypes toward target groups, by focusing on perceptions of that group’s levels of warmth and competence. We sampled 136 undergraduate participants who read a vignette describing CSA, and completed the SCM with the mother of the victim as the target, and measures of mother fault. Our results showed that participants fell into three SCM groups of mother fault: (a) Moderate Contemptuous Prejudice (i.e., low competence, low warmth); (b) Admiration (i.e., moderate competence, high warmth); and (c) Very Contemptuous Prejudice (i.e., very low competence, very low warmth). Each cluster also held unique emotions toward the mother, as predicted by the SCM. Results further showed that assigned levels of fault were significant, but that fault did not vary by SCM group, lending support to the ideas that the SCM can be applied to this group and that different participants assign fault for different reasons.
Mental Illness Stigma: Limitations of Crisis Intervention Team Training
Authors: Haigh Cassidy Blair , Kringen Anne Li , Kringen Jonathan Allen
Published: October 2018

As police departments in the United States strive to improve their capacity to effectively engage individuals with mental illness (IMI), Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training has become increasingly common. Limited empirical work has studied the effectiveness of CIT, and available studies demonstrate split evidence on the effectiveness of the approach. Variation in previous findings may indicate that CIT inadequately addresses key factors that create challenges for officers when engaging IMI, such as mental illness stigma. Survey data collected from 185 officers were analyzed to assess whether mental illness stigma affects officers’ perceptions of preparedness for engaging IMI beyond CIT training itself. Findings suggest that although there are few differences in perceptions of preparedness between officers who have completed CIT training and those who have not completed CIT training, variation in levels of mental illness stigma explain differences in officers’ perceptions of preparedness to engage IMI. Policy recommendations are discussed.
Work in the Intersections: A Black Feminist Disability Framework
Authors: Bailey Moya , Mobley Izetta Autumn
Published: October 2018

A Black feminist disability framework allows for methodological considerations of the intersectional nature of oppression. Our work in this article is twofold: to acknowledge the need to consider disability in Black Studies and race in Disability Studies, and to forward an intersectional framework that considers race, gender, and disability to address the gaps in both Black Studies and Disability Studies. By employing a Black feminist disability framework, scholars of African American and Black Studies, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Disability Studies have a flexible and useful methodology through which to consider the historical, social, cultural, political, and economic reverberations of disability.
Influence of openings and additional mass on vibration of laminated sandwich rhombic plates using IHSDT
Authors: Anish  , Kumar Ajay , Chakrabarti Anupam
Published: October 2018

In this article, investigations on the influence of openings and additional mass on free vibration analysis of laminated composite sandwich skew plates using improved higher order shear deformation theory (IHSDT) have been done. The IHSDT model satisfies the interlaminar shear stress continuity at the layer interfaces and also ensures zero transverse shear stress conditions at the top and bottom of the plate. The piecewise parabolic shear stress variation across the thickness of each layer is considered. No shear correction factors are required. The 2-D C0 finite element (FE) model has been developed by authors based on IHSDT. FE model based on IHSDT has been coded in FORTRAN. The problem of C1 continuity requirement associated with the IHSDT is overcome using an appropriate C0 FE formulation. The free vibration frequencies of laminated composite and sandwich plates obtained using the present 2-D FE model are in good agreement with the 3-D elasticity results. The influence of the side-to-thickness ratio, skew angles, boundary conditions, and mode shapes is taken into consideration for the present study.
Synthesis and investigation of thermal properties of PMMA-maleimide-functionalized reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Rajkumar Thangamani , Muthupandiyan Nagamuthu , Vijayakumar Chinnaswamy Thangavel
Published: October 2018

Reduced graphene oxide (RGEO) and N-[4-(chlorocarbonyl)phenyl]maleimide-functionalized reduced graphene oxide (MFRGEO) were used as nanofillers for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix nanocomposites to enhance thermal stability. Methyl methacrylate containing nanofiller of four different weight percent (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) was polymerized using ultrasonic radiation-assisted bulk polymerization. The Fourier-transform infrared spectra showed the absence of chemical interaction between the filler and the matrix phase. Morphology of nanocomposites studied using scanning electron microscope confirmed the assistance aided by ultrasonication in the uniform dispersion of nanofiller in the PMMA matrix. Thermogravimetric (TG) study revealed the presence of MFRGEO enhanced the thermal stability of PMMA by shifting the entire degradation to higher temperature. The thermal stability of PMMA nanocomposite was improved by as much as 40°C at just 0.8 wt% loading of MFRGEO. Differential TG study also supported the role of maleimide functionalization on RGEO in the enhancement of thermal stability of PMMA by means of retarding the degradation rate of unsaturated chain ends in the PMMA matrix. Unlike MFRGEO, RGEO failed to enhance the thermal stability of PMMA.
Investigation on mechanical properties of pineapple leaf–based short fiber–reinforced polymer composite from selected Indian (northeastern part) cultivars
Authors: Jagadish  , Rajakumaran Maran , Ray Amitava
Published: October 2018

The natural fiber–reinforced polymer composites gaining substantial importance in recent years due to their unique properties compared to synthetic composites. In India (especially northeastern part), cultivars and industries mostly focus on pineapple fruits, leaving leaf to mainly compost or burn and decay as an agro waste. In this article, pineapple leaf–based (variety type Kew or Giant Kew from Silchar, Assam, India) short fiber–reinforced polymer composites as a function of fiber composition and composite thickness on mechanical properties are analyzed. In this regard, short pineapple leaf fibers (≈ 1 mm to 2 mm) as reinforcement + epoxy resin (Lapox (L12) resin + K6 hardener) as matrix material are used for composites. Subsequently, six different fiber compositions (as 0, 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) with composite specimen’s thickness (as 3 and 5 mm) are prepaid. Later, mechanical properties like tensile strength, flexural strength, and toughness and hardness values for each of the composite specimens are evaluated. The result shows that the addition of short fiber can improve the mechanical properties and found in all the cases composites with 10% of reinforcement + at 5-mm thickness show better performance than the other combinations.
Cascading strategy in a large health system: Bridging gaps in hospital alignment through implementation
Authors: Wood Suzanne J
Published: October 2018

Using any number of open system strategic frameworks, the planning process follows a fairly consistent trajectory: formulation, implementation, and evaluation. Most agree that the formulation and evaluation phases are the most straightforward, yet successful implementation remains elusive. If done thoughtfully, taking advantage of a complementary framework suitable for aligning facility-level initiatives with system priorities presents a feasible opportunity for health systems interested in cascading enterprise-wide strategy successfully. This study provides lessons learned from: (a) consulting literature addressing barriers to implementing strategy effectively, and (b) analyzing insights from a participatory action research study designed to overcome impediments to aligning hospital-level initiatives with enterprise-wide goals and objectives. The analysis provides a baseline examination of hospital alignment efforts that underscores best practices and exposes gaps in both process and evaluation. Results suggest specific tools may function to effectively engage internal stakeholders in a cooperative process capable of yielding preferred strategic outcomes, particularly through the implementation and evaluation phases.
A method of turbocharger design optimization for a diesel engine with exhaust gas recirculation
Authors: Ammad ud Din Syed , Zhuge Weilin , Song Panpan , Zhang Yangjun
Published: October 2018

Downsizing a diesel engine using turbocharger and coupling it with exhaust gas recirculation is the recent trend to improve engine performance and emission control. For diesel engines, it is important to match a turbocharger that meets both the low-speed torque and high-speed power requirements. This article presents a method of turbocharger design optimization for a turbocharged diesel engine equipped with exhaust gas recirculation, on the basis of parametric study of turbocharger geometry. Turbocharger through-flow model along with one-dimensional engine model is used to study the effect of key geometric parameters of the compressor and turbine on engine brake torque, brake-specific fuel consumption, air flowrate and cylinder peak temperature. For compressor, the research emphasizes on impeller inlet relative diameter, inlet blade tip angle, impeller exit blade angle and exit blade height, while for turbine parameters such as volute throat area, inlet blade height, inlet diameter, outlet diameter and rotor exit blade angle are taken into account. Results show that in case of compressor, engine performance is sensitive to the inlet relative diameter, inlet blade angle and exit blade angle. In case of turbine, volute throat area, inlet blade height and inlet diameter have vital effect on engine performance. On the basis of results, an optimized turbocharger design is developed. Comparison shows prominent improvement in turbocharger maps and engine performance. Compressor maximum efficiency and pressure ratio are increased from 73% to 77% and 3.166 to 3.305, respectively. Most importantly, the area of compressor maximum efficiency zone is increased considerably. Also turbine efficiency is increased from 71.42% to 76.94%. As a result, engine torque and air flowrate are increased up to 5.26% and 8.31%, respectively, while brake-specific fuel consumption and cylinder peak temperature are decreased up to 5.00% and 4.31%, respectively.
The sinkage characteristics and prediction of a planetary rover based on a similarity model experiment
Authors: Huang Han , Xu Shucai , Meng Zou , Li Jianqiao , Zhang Jinhuan
Published: October 2018

The environment on an extraterrestrial planet is complex, with soft surfaces and low gravity, which make it easy for rovers to sink and skid. Excessive sinkage may occur under large slip conditions of probe rovers and could influence the survey mission. Predicting the sinkage performance of wheels under slip conditions is important for the development and performance evaluation of exploration rovers. This paper presents a dimensional analysis on the main parameters of the wheel–soil interaction system; the analysis was performed based on the similarity law, for which corresponding similar scale values were obtained. Referring to the lunar surface gravity environment, we have produced a 1/2 scaling model rover. To investigate the sinkage characteristics of the model rover, tests were performed with different wheel loads (5 N, 7 N, and 9 N) and soil states (loose, natural, and compact). The characteristic parameters of a rear wheel rut were also analyzed, including rut depth (hereinafter referred to as apparent sinkage) and slip ratio (hereinafter referred to as apparent slip ratio). Experimental results were analyzed to evaluate the sinkage characteristics and to draw conclusions. Sinkage models for the rover under different soil states were proposed, and verification and error analyses for the sinkage models were conducted using indices such as the mean relative error and root mean squared error. The experimental results and conclusions are useful for optimal rover design and improvement/verification of wheel–soil interaction mechanics models.
Event-triggered optimal reset control of hard disk drive head-positioning servo systems
Authors: Wang Haoping , Zhu Feinan , Tian Yang
Published: October 2018

This article proposes a state-feedback-based optimal law with reset control for two typical kinds of head-positioning systems with nonlinearities of hard disk drives which combine the improved event-triggering reset condition and an optimal reset law design problem. First, a reset control law is proposed to reset the state of the system at the instants or some reset surfaces which have been proved can overcome the linear limitations. The reset surface is considered as a function of event or it can be defined as an event-triggered system, in which some states of the controller are subjected to impulsive actions. Second, a model predictive optimal law is proposed to the design of the after-reset value which was finally calculated through series linear matrix inequalities. Finally, in comparison with recent linear or nonlinear control methods applied to hard disk drives, our proposed approach shows the simplicity in design process and the robustness to nonlinear uncertainties in plant.
Progressive reduction of serum complement levels: a risk factor for relapse in patients with hypocomplementemia in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Miyawaki Y , Sada K , Asano Y , Hayashi K , Yamamura Y , Hiramatsu S , Ohashi K , Morishita M , Watanabe H , Matsumoto Y , Kawabata T , Wada J
Published: October 2018

Objective

Serologically active clinically quiescent (SACQ)-SLE is a subtype of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); most SACQ-SLE patients relapse. Although complement and/or anti-dsDNA level fluctuations during SACQ status are reportedly not useful for predicting relapse, they might be useful in specific clinical settings. We aimed to assess the correlation between future relapse and progressive reductions in serum complement levels following remission in patients with hypocomplementemia .

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients aged ≥15 years who were treated with ≥20 mg/day of prednisolone for remission induction. After achieving remission, the patients treated with prednisolone tapered to ≤15 mg/day without relapse and followed by hypocomplementemia (first hypocomplementemia point) were analyzed. The primary outcome was the relapse during the first 24 months.

Results

Seventy-six patients were enrolled; 31 (40.8%) relapsed. A ≥10% reduction after the first hypocomplementemia point in serum C3, C4, and CH50 levels was found in 10, 21, and 16 patients, respectively. Hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for relapse were 2.32 (0.92–5.12) for serum C3 levels and 2.46 (1.18–5.01) for serum C4 levels. Progressive reductions in serum C3 and C4 levels had relatively high specificity (93.3% and 82.2%) but limited sensitivity (22.6% and 41.9%) for predicting relapse. However, simultaneous progressive reduction in C3 levels and increase in anti-dsDNA antibody levels had the highest specificity (97.8%), and simultaneous progressive reduction in C4 levels or increase in anti-dsDNA antibody levels had the highest sensitivity (71.0%).

Conclusion

Simultaneous progressive reductions in complement levels and increases in anti-dsDNA antibody levels may indicate future relapse SACQ-SLE patients.
Pesticide exposure and risk of systemic lupus erythematosus in an urban population of predominantly African-American women
Authors: Williams J N , Chang S-C , Sinnette C , Malspeis S , Parks C G , Karlson E W , Fraser P , Costenbader K
Published: October 2018

Objective: Past studies have reported associations between pesticide exposure and the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Residential pesticide exposure has been less well studied than agricultural exposure. The purpose of this study was to assess SLE risk associated with residential pesticide exposure in an urban population of predominantly African-American women. Methods: Adult women with SLE were identified from six hospital databases and community screening in three neighborhoods in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Controls were adult women volunteers from the same neighborhoods who were screened for the absence of connective tissue disease and anti-nuclear antibodies. Subjects were considered exposed to pesticides if they had ever had an exterminator for an ant, cockroach, or termite problem prior to SLE diagnosis or corresponding reference age in controls. Risks associated with pesticide exposure were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models, adjusted for sociodemographic factors. Results: We identified 93 SLE subjects and 170 controls with similar baseline characteristics. Eighty-three per cent were African-American. Pesticide exposure was associated with SLE, after controlling for potential confounders (odds ratio 2.24, 95% confidence interval 1.28–3.93). Conclusion: Residential exposure to pesticides in an urban population of predominantly African-American women was associated with increased SLE risk. Additional studies are needed to corroborate these findings.
The Impact of Personal and Professional Loss on Advance Care Planning and Effective Care Delivery for Healthcare Social Workers
Authors: Wallace Cara L. , Khoo Yit Mui , Hinyard Leslie , Ohs Jennifer E. , Cruz-Oliver Dulce M.
Published: October 2018

Personal experiences can influence the practice of social work. However, the connection between past experiences with death and social workers’ practice has been underexplored. As such, this study surveyed social workers ( N = 74) about their personal and professional experiences of loss, personal advance care planning, and professional practices. Results demonstrated that social workers that experienced prior loss were more likely to complete an advance directive and communicate their end-of-life wishes. Additionally, those who had experienced personal and professional loss showed greater effectiveness on measures of patient- and family-centered communication and care delivery. Findings suggest positive outcomes for encouraging social workers to connect their personal and professional experiences surrounding death and dying to effectively serve in their professional capacity.
College Student Cohesive-Flexible Family Functioning and Mental Health
Authors: Berryhill M. Blake , Harless Christian , Kean Paige
Published: October 2018

The current study examined the relationship between college students’ perception of cohesive-flexible family functioning and anxiety and depression and whether positive family communication and self-compassion mediated this relationship. Gender differences among these relationships were also explored. Five hundred college students from a southeastern public university completed an online survey (78% females, 46% Caucasian, 55% 18–19 years old). Multiple-sample latent structural equation modeling analyses revealed that cohesive-flexible family functioning was related to higher levels of positive communication, positive communication was related to higher levels of self-compassion, and that higher levels of self-compassion were related to lower levels of depression and anxiety. Positive communication and self-compassion mediated the relationship between cohesive-flexible family functioning and anxiety and depression. Moderation analyses revealed no significant differences between males and females. Implications for practitioners who work with college students are discussed.
Efficient control of a nonlinear double-pendulum overhead crane with sensorless payload motion using an improved PSO-tuned PID controller
Authors: Jaafar H. I. , Mohamed Z. , Mohd Subha N. A. , Husain A. R. , Ismail F. S. , Ramli Liyana , Tokhi M. O. , Shamsudin M. A.
Published: October 2018

This paper proposes an efficient proportional–integral–derivative (PID) control of a highly nonlinear double-pendulum overhead crane without the need for a payload motion feedback signal. Optimal parameters of the PID controllers are tuned by using an improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm based on vertical distance oscillations and potential energy of the crane. In contrast to a commonly used PSO algorithm based on a horizontal distance, the approach resulted in an efficient performance with a less complex controller. To test the effectiveness of the approach, extensive simulations are carried out under various crane operating conditions involving different payload masses and cable lengths. Simulation results show that the proposed controller is superior with a better trolley position response, and lower hook and payload oscillations as compared to the previously developed PSO-tuned PID controller. In addition, the controller provides a satisfactory performance without the need for a payload motion feedback signal.
Associations Between Family Risk Factors and Child Neglect Types in U.S. Army Communities
Authors: Cozza Stephen J. , Ogle Christin M. , Fisher Joscelyn E. , Zhou Jing , Whaley Gloria L. , Fullerton Carol S. , Ursano Robert J.
Published: October 2018

Recent theory and empirical research suggest that child neglect is a heterogeneous phenomenon characterized by various types. This study examined family risk factors associated with five neglect types including failure to provide physical needs, lack of supervision, emotional neglect, moral–legal neglect, and educational neglect in 390 substantiated cases of neglect in four U.S. Army communities. Family factors associated with elevated risk of each neglect type relative to other types were identified using multivariate regression. Relatively distinct sets of family risk factors were differentially associated with the neglect types. Family mental health problems and larger family size were associated with risk of failure to provide physical needs, childcare problems and larger family size were associated with risk of supervisory neglect, and family disagreements were associated with risk of emotional neglect. None of the family factors were associated with elevated risk of moral–legal or educational neglect. Results can inform the development of indicated and relapse prevention strategies for families affected by different neglect types.
When Students Teach Creativities: Exploring Student Reports on Creative Teaching
Authors: Holdhus Kari
Published: October 2018

In this article, I share a journey of research on student teacher reports regarding creativity pedagogies. The empirical material comprises student reports on teaching for creativity. The text draws on the literatures of creativities, creativity pedagogies, and professional improvisation, inspired by a backdrop of literature on narrativity and narrative writing. The text aims to discuss how creativity pedagogies can take place in different practical surroundings and to provide an example of how teaching in higher education can both contribute to research and be research-based. My research question is What characterizes student teachers’ reports on designs and choices when facilitating creative learning processes, and which interpretations and reflections do these reports evoke within their teacher? In comparing student papers, I have conceptualized their common features into the following concepts: context, skills, design, and trust. Within the text, each of these concepts is addressed through example narratives extracted from the student reports. I conclude that a combination of aspects from each of the four concepts can be said to construct a liminal room of immersion.
Freeing Oneself From Intimate Partner Violence: A Follow-Up of Women Who Contacted an Anti-violence Center in Italy
Authors: Pomicino Laura , Beltramini Lucia , Romito Patrizia
Published: October 2018

This study examines the situation of women ( N = 124) who had presented themselves to an anti-violence center in Italy in the previous 3-5 years. At follow-up, 37.3% had no contact with the perpetrator, 22.7% had stayed with him, and 39.8% had “forced” contact. Almost half of the sample was still subjected to intimate partner violence (IPV). Compared to women with “no contact,” the risk of IPV was 5.9 times higher for women who stayed with the perpetrator, and 10.5 times higher for women with “forced” contact. These results confirm that ending IPV does not depend exclusively on women’s choices.
Care Needs and Health Care Burden of Persons With Epilepsy Receiving Home Care Services
Authors: Kehyayan Vahe , Hirdes John P.
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of persons with epilepsy (PWE) receiving home care services. A cross-sectional study was conducted comparing the characteristics of PWE with those without epilepsy (comparison group). PWE were more likely to have mental health issues and functional, mobility, and cognitive impairments; to receive a variety of psychotropic medications; to experience psychosocial issues such as isolation and conflicts in their relationships; to have caregivers experiencing psychological distress; and to be economically disadvantaged necessitating making economic trade-offs in their care. Epilepsy is associated with caregiver distress and has an impact on health resource utilization. Future studies are needed to identify strategies to improve the quality of care and life of PWE.
Toward Better Management of Flood Losses: Flood Insurance in a Wetter World
Authors: McShane Michael K. , Yusuf Juita-Elena (Wie)
Published: October 2018

Flood is the most frequent and costly of U.S. natural disasters with losses expected to increase due to climate change. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) mandates flood insurance purchase for properties with federally backed mortgages in the 100-year floodplain. We propose that mandatory flood insurance purchase be extended to all property in the 500-year floodplain. Following flood events, payments would be directly provided for more properties that suffer flood loss, reducing federal disaster aid spending. The mandate could put more pressure on local governments to increase their Community Rating System score, such as through infrastructure investments and management practices that reduce flood risk. The expanded requirement would not address the inaccuracies of maps used to price flood insurance (and used by local governments to make long-term planning decisions) but may affect floodplain development by making more explicit the costs and risks of building and living in high-risk areas.
Demyelinating disease of the central nervous system associated with Pembrolizumab treatment for metastatic melanoma
Authors: Durães João , Coutinho Inês , Mariano Angelina , Geraldo Argemiro , Macário Maria Carmo
Published: October 2018

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are used in metastatic melanoma with good efficacy and safety profile. We report the first case of an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system during treatment with Pembrolizumab and discuss the evidence in the literature supporting its causative role. The patient had a good clinical recovery after intravenous steroids, plasma exchange and discontinuation of Pembrolizumab. Due to the expected increase in the importance of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer treatment, it is important to be aware of neurological adverse events, as early treatment usually leads to good clinical responses.
Updating of structural multi-scale monitoring model based on multi-objective optimisation
Authors: Cui Yan , Lu Wei , Teng Jun
Published: October 2018

Structural safety assessments are implemented based on measured data, but the limited number of sensors restricts the comprehensive acquisition of response information in large complex structures. A concurrent multi-scale model utilises global and local simulation characteristics to expand the insufficient measured data. Thus, good global and local simulation capability is necessary for structural health monitoring-oriented multi-scale model, and the updating of this monitoring model needs to consider the multi-type responses that are obtained from different structural scales. However, the existing methods usually integrate multi-type responses into a single-objective function, which cannot ensure the acquisition of the optimal parameters. Moreover, in common parameter screening method, the perturbation and threshold are set artificially, which causes a strong subjectivity, and the common polynomial response surface fits poorly for highly non-linear problem. Therefore, an updating method of the structural multi-scale monitoring model based on multi-objective optimisation is proposed. For the proposed method, a variance analysis based on the orthogonal experimental design is used to screen the unique significant influence parameters. The Kriging spatial interpolation technique is used to establish the approximate surrogate model between the response and its corresponding influence parameters. Simultaneously, the responses obtained from the global and local structural scales are used to define the sub-objectives of the multi-objective function vector in order to avoid the introduction of weight coefficients. Then, the multi-objective optimisation algorithm NSGA-II is used to obtain the optimal parameter values and realise the comprehensive updating of the initial multi-scale monitoring model. Finally, based on the health monitoring system of the large shell structure of the Zhuhai Opera House, the initial multi-scale monitoring model is updated using the proposed method. The structural dynamic characteristics and local stress obtained from the initial model, updated model and the real structure are compared to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Seismic behaviour of prestressed high-strength concrete piles under combined axial compression and cyclic horizontal loads
Authors: Zhang Xizhi , Niu Sixin , Yan Jia-Bao , Zhang Shaohua
Published: October 2018

In order to simulate the seismic behaviour of the prestressed high-strength concrete piles under working state, six full-scale prestressed high-strength concrete piles were tested under combined axial compression and cyclic horizontal loads. Different axial compression levels and prestressing levels of prestressed tendons were studied in this test programme. The failure mode, bending resistance, displacement ductility, stiffness degradation and energy dissipation of the prestressed high-strength concrete piles under different loading scenarios were measured and analysed. Test results indicated that the axial compression ratio and prestressing level of prestressed tendon significantly influenced the seismic performance of prestressed high-strength concrete piles. Theoretical models were developed to predict cracking, yielding and ultimate bending resistances of the prestressed high-strength concrete pile under combined compression and bending. Finite element model was also developed to simulate the ultimate strength behaviour of the prestressed high-strength concrete pile under combined compression and flexural bending. The accuracies of the theoretical and finite element model were checked through validations of their predictions against the reported test results.
The effect of geometry on the flexural properties of cellular core structures
Authors: Araújo H , Leite M , Ribeiro AR , Deus AM , Reis L , Vaz M Fátima
Published: October 2018

Composite sandwich materials are very common in structural uses for a wide range of applications in the aerospace and automotive industry that require low weight, high bending strength, and high energy absorption. In general, the core of the sandwich structures has a two-dimensional cellular structure, with a regular honeycomb geometry. While with standard manufacturing processes the geometric structures are limited, the emergence of additive manufacturing provides alternatives to conventional designs. The aim of this work is to analyze and evaluate the effect of the core geometry on the flexural properties of the structure. For that purpose, three different cellular configurations were considered, namely regular honeycombs, lotus, and hexagonal honeycombs with Plateau borders. Four relative densities, with average values of 0.1, 0.25, 0.44, and 0.62, for each configuration, were studied. The flexural properties of cellular structures were evaluated with three-point bending tests, both numerically and experimentally. A modeling approach of the tests in the three configurations was performed, for two materials, polylactic acid and pure aluminum, by means of finite element simulations. Fused deposition modeling was used to obtain polylactic acid samples for the aforementioned configurations, which were experimentally tested to evaluate the mechanical response and the failure behavior of the cores. Results differ with the geometry arrangement and showed a strong dependency with the relative density of the structures in the flexural response in what concerns strength, stiffness, and energy absorbed. The arrangements studied present properties, which make them competitive with the traditional core structures for the same density. A promising agreement between experimental and simulation results was obtained.
Perceived threat of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias among older Chinese Americans in subsidized housing: Through a cultural lens
Authors: Shi Yan , Sun Fei , Liu Yanqin , Marsiglia Flavio F
Published: October 2018

Purposes

Low socioeconomic status and limited social support may put older residents in subsidized housing at high risk for developing fears of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. This study examined the perceived threat of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias among older Chinese Americans in subsidized housing facilities in Phoenix, Arizona of the United States, and focused on the effect of cultural beliefs (i.e., beliefs toward Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, and beliefs toward intergenerational support) on the perceived threat of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

Method

Analyses were based upon a survey of 207 Chinese American older adults (Mage = 75.37, SD = 7.47) living in subsidized housing facilities in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Standardized survey questionnaires were delivered through face-to-face interviews.

Results

Multivariate analyses suggest that fatalism related beliefs about Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, rather than stigmatization, were related to higher levels of concerns for developing Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, while beliefs in intergenerational support were related to lower levels of perceived threat of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. However, the protective effect of beliefs in intergenerational support tended to diminish in those living with higher levels of depressive symptoms.

Discussion

Cultural beliefs can entail both risks and strengths when low-income Chinese American elders attempt to comprehend the implications of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Health education or intervention programs need to address their fatalism beliefs toward Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, and facilitate the accessibility of intergenerational support for this group.
Women’s use of force: Hostility intertwines in Chinese family context
Authors: Choi Anna W M , Chan P Y
Published: October 2018

Women can be both victims and perpetrators of intimate partner violence but there is still little understanding of female-to-male intimate partner violence perpetration. Women’s motives for using force in intimate partner violence are currently understudied, and study through social service case record allows researchers to gather more objective descriptions of the violent events. Cultural values play a vital role in intimate relationships and impact how women react in conflicts. This study aimed to explore the motives of Chinese women who use force in intimate relationships, changes after using force, and the intervention provided from the retrospective analysis of case records. Results showed that Chinese women share some of the motivations reported by women from Western cultures, with additional motives related to family roles and in-law relationships relevant in Chinese culture. Understanding women’s needs through their underlying motives for perpetrating intimate partner violence is essential for providing effective gender- and cultural-specific interventions.
A Multilevel Study of Abusive Supervision, Norms, and Personal Control on Counterproductive Work Behavior: A Theory of Planned Behavior Approach
Authors: Ju Dong , Xu Minya , Qin Xin , Spector Paul
Published: October 2018

Counterproductive work behavior (CWB) is defined as behavior that harms organizations and people in organizations. There has been a growing interest among scholars in understanding CWB from a multilevel perspective. Drawing on the theory of planned behavior, this article reports results from two multilevel studies of how abusive supervision, workgroup CWB norms, and personal control influence CWB independently and how these three factors intertwine to predict CWB. In two studies (Study 1 was single-source with 597 employees from 31 work groups and Study 2 was multisource with 345 employees from 62 work groups), we consistently found that abusive supervision was positively related to CWB, and that high CWB norms was not only positively related to CWB, but also strengthened the abusive supervision–CWB link. Furthermore, the combination of strong workgroup CWB norms within groups and high personal control were found to have the greatest facilitating effect on CWB in response to abusive supervision.
An emergency rescue communication system and environmental monitoring subsystem for underground coal mine based on wireless mesh network
Authors: Zhao Haojiang , Yang Wei
Published: October 2018

According to the characteristics of the underground coal mine roadway structure and disaster environment, this article proposes an underground emergency rescue communication system based on wireless mesh network and its corresponding environmental monitoring subsystem. We design the structures of the emergency rescue communication system and the wireless mesh nodes. The nodes are designed with intrinsic safety features. The work also develops wireless multi-parameter environmental monitoring terminals, and sets up the software platform for the environmental monitoring subsystem. The developed underground coal mine emergency rescue communication system based on wireless mesh network and environmental monitoring subsystem are tested both on the ground and in a real underground roadway environment. Experimental results from the testing show that the signal strength is -45 dBm on average, and the bandwidth attenuation of each hop is less than 10%, the transmission delay after the 11th hop is only 14 ms. The developed emergency rescue communication system is functionally stable, the environmental monitoring subsystem is capable of performing real-time monitoring of various underground environmental parameters, and achieves high accuracy in monitoring.
Design, simulation, and adjustment of the longitudinal–torsional composite integrated ultrasonic variable amplitude system
Authors: Zhang Cunying , Zhao Bo , Niu Ying
Published: October 2018

For the longitudinal–torsional composite integrated ultrasonic variable amplitude system with the longitudinal–torsional resonance produced by helical slots in the cone of the launch section, the theoretical design, finite element simulation, and experimental study are carried out. The performed analysis of the helical slot structural characteristics revealed that slot depth, helical angle, and slot width have a strong effect on the natural frequency and ratio of the torsional–longitudinal amplitude. A credible technique for adjusting the deviation of the actual system natural frequency from the theoretical design value by traditional method is proposed based on the adjustment theory of non-uniform medium adopted. The experimentally proved reduction of the above deviation strongly suggests that the approach proposed in this article provides effective theoretical guidance and experimental basis for the study of longitudinal–torsional composite integral ultrasonic variable amplitude system.
Symplectic analysis of stationary random vibration of vehicle–track coupled system with rail-borne electromagnetic generator
Authors: Gao Mingyuan , Yang Fan , Wang Ping
Published: October 2018

In this article, the authors establish the vehicle-track coupled model of smart railway track with rail-borne electromagnetic generator and conduct a symplectic analysis in frequency domain. A vehicle-track model considering vehicle traveling load is constructed, and the pseudo-excitation method is used. The frequency-dependent stiffness of rail pad is involved in the calculation model to get accurate results of rail natural frequency. The calculated results indicate that the smart railway track with electromagnetic generator will not affect the random vibration response of vehicle and bogie, but it could have certain influences on the wheelset and under-rail structure, especially the vibration response of rail, whose acceleration Power Spectrum Density difference reaches 18.6% with frequency shift of 54 Hz at basic frequency of 730.2 Hz, whereas the low frequency (below 200 Hz) rail vibration is not affected. The methods and results could serve as a guideline for the safety checking and dynamics calculation of smart railway track with rail-borne electromagnetic generator.
The rise and fall of Korean drama export to China: The history of state regulation of Korean dramas in China
Authors: Park Ji Hoon , Lee Yong Suk , Seo Hogeun
Published: October 2018

In October 2016, approximately 3 months after the Korean government agreed to host the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, TV stations and online streaming platforms in China stopped airing Korean dramas, movies, TV shows and commercials that featured Korean celebrities. While the post-Terminal High Altitude Area Defense blockade of Korean cultural products received much attention, the restriction should not be taken as an idiosyncratic case of cultural retaliation over the deployment of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense in the Korean peninsula. Chinese government regulation of Korean TV shows should be understood in the larger context of restricting the inflow of capitalist culture, which is viewed as a threat to socialist ideology and national security. We discuss the historical trajectory of the rise and fall of Korean drama export to China (1996–2018) to discuss the continuing role of the state in transnational cultural flows.
Switching from originator infliximab to the biosimilar CT-P13 in 313 patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Bergqvist Viktoria , Kadivar Mohammad , Molin Daniel , Angelison Leif , Hammarlund Per , Olin Marie , Torp Jörgen , Grip Olof , Nilson Stefan , Hertervig Erik , Lillienau Jan , Marsal Jan
Published: October 2018

Background:

As the patents of originator biologics are expiring, biosimilar versions are becoming available for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, published switch studies of the first infliximab biosimilar, CT-P13, have delivered ambiguous results that could be interpreted as showing a trend towards inferior effectiveness in Crohn’s disease (CD) compared with ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of switching IBD patients from treatment with Remicade to CT-P13.

Methods:

In this prospective observational cohort study, all adult IBD patients on Remicade treatment, at four hospitals, were switched to CT-P13. The primary endpoint was change in clinical disease activity at 2, 6, and 12 months after the switch. Secondary endpoints were subgroup analyses of patients with and without concomitant immunomodulators; changes in biomarkers, quality of life, drug trough levels and anti-drug antibodies (ADAbs); and adverse events.

Results:

A total of 313 IBD patients were switched (195 CD; 118 UC). There were no significant changes in clinical disease activity, quality of life, biomarkers (except a small but significant increase in albumin in CD) including F-calprotectin, drug trough levels, or proportion of patients in remission. Disease worsening rates were 14.0% for CD and 13.8% for UC; and 2.7% developed ADAbs and 2.2% developed serious adverse events.

Conclusions:

This is the largest study of switched IBD patients published to date, and it demonstrates that switching from Remicade to CT-P13 may be done with preserved therapeutic effectiveness and safety in both CD and UC.
Smart niosomes of temozolomide for enhancement of brain targeting
Authors: De Anindita , Venkatesh Nagasamy , Senthil M , Sanapalli Bharat Kumar Reddy , Shanmugham R , Karri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Reddy
Published: October 2018

Drug delivery to the brain is challenging because of the low permeability of blood–brain barrier, and therefore, optimum concentration of chemotherapeutics in the target area specifically for glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor, opens a new path of research. To achieve the goal, the oral alkylating agent temozolomide was incorporated into niosomes, and the surface was modified with chlorotoxin, a small 36 amino acid peptide discovered from the venom of scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus. Active targeting using nanosized particles facilitates an increase in the accumulation of drugs in the cerebri by 3.04-folds. Temozolomide-loaded niosomes were prepared using conventional thin-film hydration method and characterized. Niosomes coated with chlorotoxin were produced with the size of 220 ± 1.45 nm with an entrapment efficiency of 79.09 ± 1.56%. Quantitative tissue distribution studies indicate enhanced permeation of the drug into the brain because of surface modification with less deposition in the highly perfused organs.
Reporting Insulin Pump Accuracy: Trumpet Curves According to IEC 60601-2-24 and Beyond
Authors: Pleus Stefan , Kamecke Ulrike , Waldenmaier Delia , Freckmann Guido
Published: October 2018

Accuracy of insulin pump basal rate delivery, if tested according to the standard IEC 60601-2-24 for infusion pumps, shall be presented as a trumpet curve. This way of graphical presentation is common; however, it is often misunderstood and misinterpreted by people. It is often assumed that a trumpet curve shows the error rate as a function of time, thus implying an increasing accuracy in the course of time. On the contrary, the horizontal axis of a trumpet curve shows increasingly long observation windows. In addition, trumpet curves display only extreme values, that is, those windows with minimal and maximal deviation, which might not be representative for the total deviation. This commentary provides information regarding the calculations and the interpretation of trumpet curves and proposes alternative approaches.