bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in Pain Intensity of Tumors Spread to the Anterior versus Anterolateral/Lateral Portions of the Vertebral Body Based on CT Scans
Authors: Hsu Hui-Ching , Liao Tzu-Yao , Ro Long-Sun , Juan Yu-Hsiang , Liaw Chuang-Chi
Published: May 2019

We investigated whether the intensity of cancer pain differs for malignant tumors that have spread to anterior or anterolateral/lateral portions of the vertebral body. We hypothesize that tumor spread to the anterolateral/lateral vertebral body elicits more serious pain due to increased irritation of the spinal nerve. The selection criteria were as follows: (1) advanced or metastatic solid tumor; (2) radicular pain without extremity weakness; (3) malignant lesions anteriorly, anterolaterally, or laterally located at the vertebral body either spread locoregionally or over a greater distance via metastasis based on CT scan diagnosis; and (4) patient needs to use opioids for pain relief. Severe spinal pain intensity was defined as spinal pain for which patients required either strong opioids or spinal irradiation for relief. Eighty-six patients were enrolled in the study. Bone lesions were mainly osteolytic. Thirty-nine tumors spread to the vertebral body in the anterior direction, and 47 in the anterolateral/lateral direction. Severe pain intensity related to vertebral body lesions was due to anterolateral/lateral spread, primary sites of nonurothelial carcinoma, metastatic vertebral lesions, multiple lesions within a vertebrum, and location within the cervical-thoracic spine. In conclusion, patients with tumor spread to the anterolateral/lateral portion of vertebrae bodies based on CT scan diagnosis experienced severe cancer pain. These patients needed strong opioids or palliative spinal irradiation for pain relief.
Downlink Multiuser Hybrid Beamforming for MmWave Massive MIMO-NOMA System with Imperfect CSI
Authors: Jiang Jing , Lei Ming , Hou Huanhuan
Published: May 2019

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive scheme with limited feedback for downlink millimeter wave (mmWave) multiuser multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system. Based on the feedback of the best beam and the channel quality information (CQI) on this beam, the users are grouped into a cluster having the same or coherent best beam and the maximal CQI-difference. To further reduce the intercluster interference, only the candidate cluster can join the cluster set whose intercluster correlation with the existing clusters is lower than threshold. Based on the results of clustering, mmWave hybrid beamforming is designed. To improve the user experience, each cluster selects the best beam of the user with the higher guaranteed rate requirement as the analog beamforming vector. For digital beamforming, the weak user applies the block diagonalization algorithm based on the strong user’s effective channel to reduce its intracluster interference. Finally, an intracluster power allocation algorithm is developed to maximize the power difference in each cluster which is beneficial to improve the successive interference cancelation (SIC) performance of the strong user. Finally, simulation results show that the proposed MIMO-NOMA scheme offers a higher sum rate than the traditional orthogonal multiple access (OMA) scheme under practical conditions.
A Dimensão Oferta à Luz do Radar da Inovação: um estudo sobre o desempenho de agências de turismo do Recife-PE no período de 2012 a 2016
Authors: Aires Jussara Danielle Martins
Published: May 2019

Diagnosticar o grau de inovação empresarial se mostra uma necessidade para a melhoria do desempenho organizacional. No entanto, essa prática ainda é pouco desenvolvida em micro e pequenas empresas de turismo e carece de investigações no campo acadêmico. Assim, este artigo busca analisar o desempenho quanto ao grau de inovação de agências de turismo do Recife com foco na dimensão oferta à luz de uma ferramenta chamada Radar da Inovação (RI). Os dados foram coletados no período de agosto de 2012 a junho de 2016. A pesquisa se caracteriza como exploratória e descritiva, contando com tratamento e análise de dados sob abordagens quantitativa e qualitativa. Considerando a classificação feita por Bachmann e Destefani em 2008, verificou-se que a maioria das empresas investigadas apresentou aumento nos escores, passando da condição de “pouco ou nada inovadoras” para “inovadoras ocasionais ou sistêmicas”, tanto com base nos resultados do grau de inovação global quanto nos escores da dimensão oferta. Constatou-se que, apesar dos avanços, ainda persistem barreiras que limitam a capacidade inovadora dessas agências.
Waldemar Cordeiro e o playground do Clube Esperia
Authors: Carmona-Ribeiro Ana Carolina , Oliveira Vitor Nascimento
Published: May 2019

O presente artigo trata do playground do Clube Esperia, projetado pelo artista e paisagista Waldemar Cordeiro (1925-1973) e inaugurado em 1966 em São Paulo. Pretende-se, a partir da discussão de ideias essenciais para o projeto (como a questão do tempo livre, os movimentos de arte aos quais ele se relaciona, e os princípios da participação e da experiência), analisar uma das principais obras de Cordeiro – na qual é trabalhada a questão do brincar e do espaço da criança na cidade –, apontando ainda a atualidade das noções ali levantadas, no contexto brasileiro.
FROM BRAZIL TO SWEDEN TO BRAZIL: GENDER TROUBLE IN FERNANDO GABEIRA
Authors: Borim Jr Dario
Published: May 2019

In light of Judith Butler’s insight, including her theories of gender trouble and performativity, this article investigates Brazilian journalist and activist Fernando Gabeira’s trajectory against machismo, homophobia, and gender presumptions. That trajectory spans his formative years, in Minas Gerais (1940s and 50s), the armed resistance to the military dictatorship. in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo (1960s), the activism during exile, mostly in Sweden (1970-1979), and another 35 years of sociopolitical engagement, after his return to Brazil. Key to this essay’s central inquiry are Gabeira’s thoughts and experiences in his O que é isso, companheiro? (1979), O crepúsculo do macho (1980), and Entradas e bandeiras (1981).
UMA INTERROGAÇÃO SOBRE O ENSINO DAS LITERATURAS EM PORTUGUÊS: ENTRE O "CÂNONE LUSÓFONO" E A “EMOÇÃO ESTÉTICO-PATRIÓTICA”
Authors: Mata Inocência
Published: May 2019

Para muitos “empresários da memória” dos países de língua portuguesa é politicamente correto declarar que a língua comum funciona no “nosso caso”, mais do que em outros casos em que a língua europeia é idioma oficial, como um elo sólido fundamentado numa “história original”. Os países de língua portuguesa, quando “chegaram” à arena internacional, encontraram blocos de solidariedade, com base nos mais diversos elementos, já constituídos num mundo globalizado e superdiverso em que, paradoxalmente, a reivindicação da diferença é uma das marcas mais impositivas. Levanta-se a seguinte questão: no estudo da literatura, como “resolver a questão” da nacionalidade dos escritores que escrevem em português? O que ensinar: literaturas em português ou “literatura nacional”, entendida como “emoción estético-patriótica” (José-Carlos Mainer)?
Pegloticase Treatment Significantly Decreases Blood Pressure in Patients With Chronic Gout
Authors: Johnson Richard J. , Choi Hyon K. , Yeo Anthony E. , Lipsky Peter E.
Published: May 2019

Serum urate is correlated with blood pressure (BP), and lowering urate may decrease BP, but a consistent effect has not been observed. Here, we evaluated whether pegloticase, a recombinant uricase conjugated to polyethylene glycol, which can lead to persistently low serum urate levels (<1 mg/dL), can modulate BP in subjects with chronic refractory gout. This post hoc analysis used results from two 6-month randomized clinical trials in which subjects were treated with 8 mg pegloticase every 2 or 4 weeks (q2w or q4w) or placebo. Responders in this study were defined as those individuals in whom a persistently low urate level (<6 mg/dL and usually <1 mg/dL) was maintained. Serial sitting BP was measured in 173 subjects, and estimated glomerular filtration rate was determined at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. Significant reductions in mean arterial pressure (MAP) from baseline to 6 months were noted in q2w responders (
P
=0.0028), whereas reductions in MAP in other groups were not significant. Significant decreases in both systolic and diastolic BP paralleled the change in MAP. Of the 62% of q2w responders exhibiting persistent decreases in MAP, there were no significant differences in baseline age, sex, race, weight, body mass index, history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, history of coronary artery disease, gout duration, MAP, serum urate, estimated glomerular filtration rate or urinary uric acid/creatinine ratio compared with those who did not lower MAP. No significant changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate occurred in any of the groups during the study. Responders to biweekly pegloticase who maintained a persistently lower serum urate level throughout the trial experienced significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic BP that were independent of changes in renal function.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00325195.
Discrimination towards People Partnered with Assistance Dogs in Canada: Implications for Policy and Practice
Authors: Graham Taryn M. , Lucyk Kelsey , Diep Lucy , Rock Melanie J.
Published: May 2019

This study examines alleged discrimination towards people partnered with assistance dogs, as represented by Canadian newspapers. Doing so expands understanding of attitudes held toward assistance dogs and highlights everyday challenges faced by the people with whom they are partnered. Articles included for analysis were tabulated according to where instances of alleged discrimination happened, the type of assistance dog that was involved, and the reported reasons that were given as grounds for denying accommodation. Reported reasons were grouped further into five themes (health risks; ignorance; nuisance; cultural beliefs and/or religious convictions; and assault). Education programs, intersectoral collaboration, and policy changes are all recommended to tackle the challenges identified.
Distribution of Hippoidea (Decapoda, Anomura) larvae off Veracruz, southern Gulf of Mexico: inferences about their migration route
Authors: Sanvicente-Añorve Laura , Rubio Santiago Aréstegui-Paz , Lemus-Santana Elia , Allende-Arandía Eugenia , Zavala-Hidalgo Jorge
Published: May 2019

The distribution and abundance of hippoid zoeal stages offshore Veracruz, southern Gulf of Mexico, and the migration routes of these larvae in the western Atlantic, were analysed. Samples were collected with a Bongo net and larval dispersal was analysed applying the HYCOM hydrodynamical model; particles (virtual larvae) originating from 35 sites were tracked for 77 days. Larvae of Albunea paretii Guérin-Méneville, 1853 were the most abundant, and dispersal simulations indicated that older larvae occurring off Veracruz might originate from Texas. However, a substantial proportion of self-recruitment (7.8%) can occur, mainly due to the seasonal changes in direction of currents over the shelf as well as the high variability in weather conditions. Results also suggest that several generations of A. paretii are needed for the species to reach Veracruz from South America. A hypothetical model regarding the migration routes of A. paretii larvae in the western Atlantic is proposed.
Key environmental factors for the conservation of large branchiopods in farmland vernal pools — a case from a Central European diversity hotspot
Authors: Gołdyn Bartłomiej , Kowalczewska-Madura Katarzyna , Barałkiewicz Danuta
Published: May 2019

Large branchiopod crustaceans are among the most threatened freshwater invertebrates of the world. They are regarded as a flagship group in the conservation of temporary waters, and knowledge of their ecology and conservation has developed rapidly in recent years, especially in the Mediterranean region. Little is known, however, about population functioning in species associated with vernal pools in cooler temperate areas, despite recent data showing a significant decline in their localities. The present study was conducted in western Poland, on a cluster of vernal pools known to host a Central European diversity hotspot of large branchiopods. We collected data on water and sediment quality, as well as hydroperiod length, to determine their effect on the occurrence of four large branchiopod species present in the ponds during our samplings: Eubranchipus grubii (Anostraca), Lynceus brachyurus (Laevicaudata), Cyzicus tetracerus (Spinicaudata) and Lepidurus apus (Notostraca). According to the statistical analyses, the presence or absence of particular species was affected by hydroperiod length, heavy metal content in the sediments of the marginal zone of the pond, total water phosphorus content, and pH value. Since previous studies show that deep and relatively small kettle-hole ponds seem to be the most vulnerable to human-induced changes in water nutrient contents and acidification, large branchiopod populations of this type of pools should be the first target for monitoring and active forms of protection, with the aim of maintaining the good water quality. Shallow shore-bursting type ponds are subject to increased heavy metal contamination and require activities reducing the influx of these elements from their agricultural catchment. Possible forms of protection are suggested, and the use of large branchiopods as an umbrella group in temporary waters of temperate climate is also discussed.
Rulership and Sovereignty at Akchakhan-kala in Chorasmia
Authors: Kidd Fiona J.
Published: May 2019

Starting from the fall of the Seleucid Empire, scholars have noted changes to the practice of kingship manifest in the emergence of what has been described as a ruler cult based on a blending of Iranian and Greek or Hellenistic practices. The mix of indigenous Iranian ideas of kingship and (“Zoroastrian”) religion with Greek and Hellenistic ideas is key to understanding the practice of Central Asian rulership after the arrival of Alexander the Great. Chorasmia has not traditionally been part of this conversation: here the issue of a post-Seleucid transformation of Iranian kingship is nuanced by the fact that Alexander never visited the region, and the remains of Hellenism are rather scant. Nevertheless, the most recent findings at the mid 1st century BC – mid 1st century AD Ceremonial Complex at Akchakhan-kala suggest new practices of rule also in this region. This paper examines these new ideas against the background of changing practices in kingship across eastern Iran, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
Antique Samarkand or Afrasiab II and III
Authors: Lyonnet Bertille
Published: May 2019

The article deals with the Antique period of the old Samarkand. Using the old data from the Soviet excavations and the new one coming from the French-Uzbek ones, it gives stratified data leading to a finer distinction of the pottery between periods IIA, IIB and III. Proposals for their absolute dating and interpretation are added.
Tourism and the Protection of the Cultural Rights and Identity of Indigenous Communities in the Light of the iachr Judgment in the Comunidad Garífuna Triunfo de la Cruz y sus miembros v. Honduras Case
Authors: Tremblay-Huet Sabrina
Published: May 2019

The Inter-American system of human rights is hailed as being progressive in terms of the rights of Indigenous communities. Yet, an important economic activity in the Americas has a significant negative impact on such communities, without receiving the same international attention and resulting outcry as the activities of extractive industries: mass tourism. In October 2015, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (iachr) issued its decision on the merits in the Comunidad Garífuna Triunfo de la Cruz y sus miembros v. Honduras case. Among other violations, one concerns the failure of the Honduran state to consult with and obtain free, prior and informed consent from the Afro-Indigenous community when it comes to the planning and implementation of tourism projects. Can the Court be more innovative and progressive with regard to the rights of Indigenous peoples of the Americas in the context of the multifaceted manifestations of tourism development?
Prophets of the East: The Ilkhanid Historian Rashīd al-Dīn on the Buddha, Laozi and Confucius and the Question of his Chinese Sources (Part 2)
Authors: Calzolaio Francesco , Fiaschetti Francesca
Published: May 2019

The Ilkhanid vizier and historian Rashīd al-Dīn’s section on China (the History of China) in his world history, the Jāmiʿal-tawārīkh, is the first Persian history of the Chinese world. Among other information on China, this text includes accounts of the lives and deeds of the founders of its three major religious and philosophical schools: Buddha, Laozi and Confucius. As a continuation to the first part of the paper, devoted to Rashīd al-Dīn’s account on the Buddha, here we focus on the excerpts on Laozi and Confucius, which probably constitute the first discussions of these two figures in the Islamicate world. Reading these excerpts against the background of Chinese sources, striking similarities can be found between Rashīd al-Dīn’s accounts and the narratives of Buddhist ‘universal histories’ of the early Yuan period, belonging to the historiographical production of the Chan school.
“Strangers from a Different Shore”
Authors: Chen (陈宇晶) Jeannie
Published: May 2019

This exploratory research examines archival representations of Chinese in America in collections dating from before and during the Chinese Exclusion Era (1860–1943), both in mainstream institutional archives/special collections repositories and in smaller community-based archives. Using critical race theory as a methodological framework and an interpretivist case study approach, this research shows a continued lack for transparency surrounding archival description and archival representations within such collections and an uneven distribution of resources across institutions that collect and preserve materials on early Chinese in America. The report identifies the difficulties of balancing evolving terminologies and changing archival descriptive standards/technology and the need for collaboration among bibliographers, catalogers, archivists, historians and activists in creating archival descriptions in collections about the Chinese in America.
The Narrow Protection of Cultural Properties and Historical Monuments in The Rome Statute: Filling the Gap
Authors: Fernández Arribas Gloria
Published: May 2019

In the Al Mahdi case before the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Court raised the possibility of charging the accused with the crime of destroying or seizing the property included in 8(2)(e)(xii) of the ICC statute. A first look would suggest that this crime has different characteristics, or an alternative character, from the crime of attacking protected buildings included in article 8(2)(e)(iv) of which Al Mahdi was finally charged. But upon closer examination, it is also possible to conclude that the crime concerning the destruction or seizure of enemy’s property is supplementary to the criminalisation of the destruction of cultural property. Therefore, a wide and joint interpretation of the crimes could enhance the protection of human cultural legacy through criminal prosecution.
Political Violence and Its Discontents
Authors: Cakal Ergun
Published: May 2019

The line that refugee status is of a purely ‘civilian and humanitarian’ character cannot be strictly maintained. It has become commonplace to point out the dangers posed to the general refugee population due to the presence of combatants in or within the proximity of a refugee camp, where a separation of civilian and non-civilian elements may indeed be deemed necessary. Forgoing the scholarship pertaining to the context of the refugee camp, which has absorbed most of the attention in this area, this paper will focus on the de jure legitimacy of a combatant seeking asylum, particularly away from the conflict zone. In light of this, there is a firm need to redraw the distinctions in this area and to account for the lack of dependence to and deference of international refugee law towards humanitarian law. There remain definitional and interpretative complexities that prevent a clear implementation of rules, particularly in non-international armed conflict. While the concern in not tarnishing asylum regimes is a legitimate one, it must be admitted that losing sight of the individuality and diversity of combatants and their motive, as occurs in the current discourse, is also erosive of protection needs and political rights, primarily the right to self-determination.
The Concept of a University: Theory, Practice, and Society
Authors: Goetze Trystan S.
Published: May 2019

Current disputes over the nature and purpose of the university are rooted in a philosophical divide between theory and practice. Academics often defend the concept of a university devoted to purely theoretical activities. Politicians and wider society tend to argue that the university should take on more practical concerns. I critique two typical defenses of the theoretical concept—one historical and one based on the value of pure research—and show that neither the theoretical nor the practical concept of a university accommodates all the important goals expected of university research and teaching. Using the classical pragmatist argument against a sharp division between theory and practice, I show how we can move beyond the debate between the theoretical and practical concepts of a university, while maintaining a place for pure and applied research, liberal and vocational education, and social impact through both economic applications and criticism aimed at promoting social justice.
15 Priorities for Wind-Waves Research: An Australian Perspective
Authors: Greenslade Diana , Hemer Mark , Babanin Alex , Lowe Ryan , Turner Ian , Power Hannah , Young Ian , Ierodiaconou Daniel , Hibbert Greg , Williams Greg , Aijaz Saima , Albuquerque João , Allen Stewart , Banner Michael , Branson Paul , Buchan Steve , Burton Andrew , Bye John , Cartwright Nick , Chabchoub Amin , Colberg Frank , Contardo Stephanie , Dufois Francois , Earl-Spurr Craig , Farr David , Goodwin Ian , Gunson Jim , Hansen Jeff , Hanslow David , Harley Mitchell , Hetzel Yasha , Hoeke Ron , Jones Nicole , Kinsela Michael , Liu Qingxiang , Makarynskyy Oleg , Marcollo Hayden , Mazaheri Said , McConochie Jason , Millar Grant , Moltmann Tim , Moodie Neal , Morim Joao , Morison Russel , Orszaghova Jana , Pattiaratchi Charitha , Pomeroy Andrew , Proctor Roger , Provis David , Reef Ruth , Rijnsdorp Dirk , Rutherford Martin , Schulz Eric , Shayer Jake , Splinter Kristen , Steinberg Craig , Strauss Darrell , Stuart Greg , Symonds Graham , Tarbath Karina , Taylor Daniel , Taylor James , Thotagamuwage Darshani , Toffoli Alessandro , Valizadeh Alireza , van Hazel Jonathan , Vieira da Silva Guilherme , Wandres Moritz , Whittaker Colin , Williams David , Winter Gundula , Xu Jiangtao , Zhong Aihong , Zieger Stefan
Published: May 2019

The Australian marine research, industry, and stakeholder community has recently undertaken an extensive collaborative process to identify the highest national priorities for wind-waves research. This was undertaken under the auspices of the Forum for Operational Oceanography Surface Waves Working Group. The main steps in the process were first, soliciting possible research questions from the community via an online survey; second, reviewing the questions at a face-to-face workshop; and third, online ranking of the research questions by individuals. This process resulted in 15 identified priorities, covering research activities and the development of infrastructure. The top five priorities are 1) enhanced and updated nearshore and coastal bathymetry; 2) improved understanding of extreme sea states; 3) maintain and enhance the in situ buoy network; 4) improved data access and sharing; and 5) ensemble and probabilistic wave modeling and forecasting. In this paper, each of the 15 priorities is discussed in detail, providing insight into why each priority is important, and the current state of the art, both nationally and internationally, where relevant. While this process has been driven by Australian needs, it is likely that the results will be relevant to other marine-focused nations.
Flight to Safety in Deindustrialized Cities: Perceptions of School Safety in Charter and Public Schools in Detroit, Michigan
Authors: Hamlin Daniel
Published: May 2019

Safety is one of the primary reasons why parents report seeking out a school of choice in depressed cities with a high proportion of charter schools. However, little empirical research has examined how parents assess school safety in these settings. This study explores factors that parents associate with school safety in Detroit, Michigan by conducting semi-structured interviews with parents ( n = 31) in both charter and public schools. To contextualize parents’ perceptions of school safety, teachers ( n = 23) were also interviewed. Findings indicate that parental perceptions of safety were shaped by school building conditions, school disciplinary environment, school-based parental involvement, student selection, and school location. These perceived indicators of safety suggest that components of school climate may be important for raising perceptions of safety in challenging contexts where school safety is a pressing concern.
Digital hydraulic single-link trajectory tracking control through flow-based control
Authors: Kalaiarassan G , Krishnamurthy K
Published: May 2019

Recent advancement in controllability of digital hydraulic is similar to the performance of a proportional/servo hydraulic system, and several studies show that digital hydraulic will be an alternative for proportional/servo hydraulic. In this paper, tip point tracking of a single-link arm is taken as the subject of the study. Here, the single-link arm is controlled by a digital hydraulic system, which is established with parallel-connected on/off valves. In order to attain stepwise flow control, the pulse code modulation technique is used. By referring to the previous work, the control signal for the trajectory tracking is calculated by taking account of cylinder chamber pressure and velocity. But in this study, the required volume flow rate for trajectory tracing is taken into account for generating control signal. This approach improves the performance of the digital hydraulic system at lower velocity tracking and also reduces the computational complexity. The analysis is conducted with the proposed algorithm for 4-bit and 5-bit digital flow control units and tip point response of single link is presented. The results show that the 5-bit system has significantly better performance than the 4-bit system. In addition, the analysis is conducted with different stroke lengths such as 200, 100 and 50 mm for studying the behaviour of the system at lower velocity tracking. Better controllability is achieved at lower velocity tracking, and the results obtained with the proposed algorithm have nearly 2% tracking error.
A new hybrid robust sliding mode control for an underwater vehicle in dive plane
Authors: Yarahmadi Majid , Tavanaei Sereshki Zahra
Published: May 2019

In this paper, a new hybrid robust tracking control for an underwater vehicle in dive plane via [Formula: see text] method and time-variant sliding mode control is designed. The proposed controller is composed of two control signals. One control signal is designed via time-variant sliding function based on time-variant rejection parameter, and the other control signal is designed based on [Formula: see text] control approach. The underwater vehicle dynamics are nonlinear uncertain dynamical equation with unknown external disturbances. Therefore, in this paper, an observation of the external disturbance with a time-variant gain parameter is designed. The proposed method eliminates the effects of uncertainties and chattering phenomenon. Also, the time-variant sliding function filters all the unmodeled frequencies and external noises, such as a chain of [Formula: see text] first-order adaptive low-pass filters. A new theorem, for facilitating the presented method, is proved. Finally, two examples for demonstrating the advantages of the proposed method are simulated.
Passive vibration control in a civil structure: Experimental results
Authors: Enríquez-Zárate Josué , Abundis-Fong Hugo Francisco , Velázquez Ramiro , Gutiérrez Sebastián
Published: May 2019

The problem of vibrations in civil structures is common; nevertheless, its negative effects can be significantly reduced using structural control methods with intention of maintaining structural welfare as much as possible. This work deals with the study of structural vibration control in a model of a civil-like structure, which consists of three-level building with a tuned mass damper implemented as a passive vibration absorber, mounted on the top of the structure, to attenuate the harmonic vibrations provided by an electromagnetic actuator connected at the base of the primary system. The action of the tuned mass damper is evaluated from an energy approach. The dissipation of energy in the overall system is conducted in an experimental way, where the passive control technique is designed to minimize the undesirable forced dynamic response of the main structure via the tuned mass damper. Experimental results are provided to show the effective performance of the proposed passive vibration absorption scheme to suppress resonant frequency harmonic excitations disturbing the primary system, evaluating the performance energy and contribution of the dissipative device for the energy release in the overall system.
Aligned discontinuous carbon fibre tows in hybrid composites and their tensile behaviour: An experimental study
Authors: Gan Khong Wui , Ho You Wei , Ow Zheng Yang , Israr Haris Ahmad , Wong King Jye
Published: May 2019

The paper aims to explore potential higher value applications of discontinuous carbon fibre tows. A vibration-assisted dry alignment method is presented to align the discontinuous fibre tows between conventional dry reinforcement mats/fabrics to fabricate cost-effective hybrid composites. Its viability is demonstrated by successful fabrication of two hybrid composite panels, where thin layers of aligned 12 mm discontinuous carbon fibre tows were deposited between E-glass chopped strand mats or woven fabrics respectively, via an out-of-autoclave resin infusion process; 54% and 81% of the fibre tows were aligned in the range of ±5° and ±10°, respectively. The tensile test results clearly demonstrate the importance of having the discontinuous fibre tows highly aligned in the hybrid composites, which shows increased stiffness (up to 24.4%) and strength (up to 59.9%) over the non-aligned hybrid composites. The aligned hybrid composites also exhibit a non-linear pseudo-ductile response due to subcritical progressive damage compared to the catastrophic brittle failure of the baseline non-hybrid E-glass and non-aligned hybrid composites, despite the tensile strength knockdown (up to −40.3%) due to premature inter-tow debonding. They also display increased stiffness up to 90%.
Cross-Cultural Study of Community Engagement in Second-Generation Immigrants
Authors: Li Manyu , Lin Hung-Chu , Li Liman Man Wai , Frieze Irene Hanson
Published: May 2019

This research examined the role of cultural similarity in community engagement of second-generation immigrants (SGIs). While previous findings examined the rate of community engagement in SGIs, it is still unclear what may be associated with a higher community engagement in SGIs. Based on previous research on cultural similarities, we proposed that SGIs who are more culturally dissimilar to the host culture would have a higher host orientation and thus have higher community engagement than SGIs who are more culturally similar. Study 1 used data from the World Value Survey (WVS) 2010-2014 (Wave 6) to test whether region (varied in cultural similarity between SGIs’ home culture and the host cultures) was related to the pattern of general community engagement. Hong Kong, which received more culturally similar immigrants, was compared with the United States, which received less culturally similar immigrants. A negative binomial regression analysis (bootstrapped r = 2000) showed a significant Region × SGI Status interaction. Specifically, community engagement was found to be higher in SGIs than children of native-born parents (CNBs) in the U.S. sample, but not in the Hong Kong sample, as predicted. Study 2 extended Study 1 to test the relation between perceived cultural similarity and SGIs’ community engagement in a U.S. sample. A sample of 300 U.S. SGIs was recruited through Qualtrics Panels. Bootstrapped ( r = 2000) results showed that lower perceived cultural similarity predicted higher community engagement in host-national communities. This relation was mediated by SGIs’ acculturation orientations toward the host culture. In addition, SGIs’ acculturation orientations toward the home culture predicted higher community engagement in conational communities.
Effects of convergent–divergent vortex finders on the performance of cyclone separators using computational fluid dynamics simulations
Authors: Kumar Vikash , Jha Kailash
Published: May 2019

This study investigates the effect of convergent–divergent vortex finders on the performance of cyclone separators, which is measured in terms of pressure drop and collection efficiency. Six cyclone models (two with uniform diameter and four with convergent–divergent vortex finders) were numerically simulated. The numerical simulations have been carried out using the commercial computational fluid dynamics code (CFD) Fluent v15. The simulation procedure has been validated using experimental data from the published literature where a good agreement between the numerical results and the experimental data is seen. A grid independence test has been carried out by using two levels of grids for correctness of our simulation. The Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and continuity equations have been solved for the flow simulation. The Reynolds stress model is used for modeling the stress tensor and closing the RANS equations. The results show that a convergent–divergent vortex finder is capable of producing better performance (pressure drop and collection efficiency) than the uniform diameter cyclones. Only one performance parameter can be improved in uniform diameter cyclones. In comparison to the standard uniform vortex finder cyclones, the convergent–divergent vortex finder improves the pressure drop by 6% and also reduces the cut-size to 1.4 from 1.6 µm. It is further seen that decreasing the throat area or increasing only the lower diameter of the vortex finder causes the performance to degrade. This study proves that convergent–divergent instead of uniform diameter vortex finders can be used in gas cyclones for obtaining a better performance with the same geometry.
Maxillary Sinus Pneumocele Presenting as Aesthetic Deformity: A Case Report With Literature Review
Authors: Cho Hyun Sang , Hong Seok Jung , Chae Hyun Kyu , Kim Kyung Soo
Published: May 2019

We report an interesting case of maxillary sinus pneumocele that presented with aesthetic deformity and completely treated with Caldwell-Luc approach and thoroughly review all of the past literature focusing on clinical symptoms and surgical approach. Based on our comprehensive review of maxillary sinus pneumocele, we found 2 important characteristics. First, maxillary sinus pneumocele may be asymptomatic but cause various symptoms owing to the displacement of neighboring structures, such as facial symptoms, eye symptoms, and nasal obstruction. Second, there is no standard operation technique for maxillary sinus pneumocele, but surgical approach should be individualized depending on patient’s symptoms and needs. Therefore, more case studies are needed to confirm this.
Dose-dependent neurotoxicity caused by the addition of perineural dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine for continuous femoral nerve block in rabbits
Authors: Wang Hai-Li , Zhang Guang-Ying , Dai Wei-Xin , Shu Li-Pei , Wei Qiu-Feng , Zheng Ruo-Fang , Lin Cheng-Xin
Published: May 2019

Objective

This study was designed to evaluate the neurotoxicity of dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine for continuous femoral nerve block in rabbits.

Methods

Thirty New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups of 6 rabbits each and received a continuous femoral nerve block with saline; 0.25% ropivacaine; or 1, 2, or 3 µg/mL of dexmedetomidine added to 0.25% ropivacaine (Groups A–E, respectively). Sensory and motor function was assessed after the nerve block. The rabbits were anesthetized and killed after 48 hours of a continuous femoral nerve block, and the femoral nerves were removed for light and electron microscopy analyses.

Results

The behavior scores were highest in Group A at 2 and 6 hours after injection. The scores were higher in Groups B and C than in Groups D and E at these same time points. All groups showed normal pathological tissues in the femoral nerves under optical microscopy. Under electron microscopy, histological abnormalities were observed only in Group E; none of the other groups exhibited pathological abnormalities. Quantitative analysis of the myelin sheath area revealed no significant difference in the axonal area, total area of the myelin sheath, or ratio of the total axonal area to the total area of the myelin sheath in all groups.

Conclusion

The lowest doses of dexmedetomidine (1 and 2 µg/mL) combined with 0.25% ropivacaine for continuous femoral nerve block resulted in no neurotoxic lesions, but the higher dose (3 µg/mL) resulted in neurotoxic lesions in this rabbit experimental model.
Morphodynamic evolution in a meandering reach of the Middle Yangtze River under upstream and downstream controls
Authors: Lin Fenfen , Xia Junqiang , Zhou Meirong , Deng Shanshan
Published: May 2019

Morphodynamic evolution in an alluvial river is usually controlled by various boundary conditions. During the past nearly 50 years, remarkable morphodynamic evolution occurred in the Jianli reach of the Middle Yangtze River owing to the combined effects of an artificial cutoff, the upstream operation of the Three Gorges Project (TGP), and the downstream confluence of the Dongting Lake. To better understand the characteristics of morphodynamic changes in the whole study reach, variations in thalweg shifting and bankfull channel geometry were quantified using a reach-averaged approach, and the effects of upstream and downstream controls were investigated on channel geometry adjustments. Calculated results indicate that: (i) events of an artificial cutoff and high flows caused the average rate of reach-scale thalweg migration to be greater than 35 m/yr, but there was a 22% reduction in the mean migration rate after the TGP operation; (ii) channel geometry adjusted mostly in the aspect of bankfull depth under various river regulation engineering, with the reach-scale bankfull depth increasing by 0.95 m from 2002 to 2016; (iii) the reach-scale bankfull dimensions are closely associated with these accumulated effects of both the altered flow-sediment regime because of upstream dam construction, and the local base-level variation owing to the downstream confluence of the Dongting Lake. Furthermore, these bankfull variables were expressed by power functions of two key parameters, covering the previous five-year average fluvial erosion intensity during flood seasons at Jianli (upstream control), and the corresponding water level difference between Jianli and Lianhuatang (downstream control). The proposed relations were calibrated by the observed data in 2002–2014, and were further verified by measurements in 2015–2016. The proposed methodology can also be applicable to estimate channel geometry adjustments of other similar alluvial rivers controlled by both upstream and downstream boundary conditions.
Designing a Comprehensive Procedure for Flagging Archived Traffic Data: A Case Study
Authors: Chen Zhi , Qin Xiao , Schneider Elizabeth , Cheng Yang , Parker Steven , Shaon Razaur Rahman
Published: May 2019

Archived data management systems (ADMS) are extensively used for storing historical traffic data (e.g., volume, speed, occupancy) collected from traffic sensors. Archived traffic data have important uses for engineering and planning applications such as ramp meter timing, work zone planning, and performance management. They are also an important data source for transportation research. Various flagging procedures have been implemented in ADMS to identify invalid or questionable archived traffic data, however, those flagging procedures may not be comprehensive enough to maintain adequate data quality. This study presents the findings of a literature search and a user survey to discuss the possible gap between the state-of-the-practice and the state-of-the-art validity tests, identifies complex yet effective validity tests which are favored by users, and recommends the procedure that prioritizes the implementation of validity tests in ADMS. To aid the implementation, different methods to establish quantitative rules and practical thresholds for candidate validity tests have been proposed. This study underscores the importance of keeping the basic validity tests required to maintain minimum data quality and adding more advanced tests to detect less obvious yet important data issues. The recommended tests along with the flagging procedure are demonstrated through a case study based on one detector station in Wisconsin. Results of the case study show that the guide is useful in the development of a comprehensive flagging procedure for better data quality.
Signal Timing Parameters Estimation for Intersections using Floating Car Data
Authors: Du Zelong , Yan Xintao , Zhu Jinqing , Sun Weili
Published: May 2019

Signal phase and timing (SPaT) information is critical for many in-vehicle applications. However, it is challenging and time-consuming to acquire city-wide SPaT information from local traffic management agencies directly. A significant limitation of existing SPaT information estimation methods in the literature is that they can only be applied to a specified time-of-day (TOD) period. In the real-world, however, different TOD timing plans are used to accommodate fluctuations in traffic demands. In this paper, we propose a novel method for traffic light parameter estimation based on floating car data, which features recognizing TOD breakpoints and can thus be applied to intersections with multi-TOD timing plans. Also, good estimation of TOD breakpoints leads to more data availability for estimation of other parameters. The proposed method is tested with real-world data collected from the DiDi on-line hailing platform in China. The filed test results show promising accuracy. The absolute error of green duration is within 3 s in daytime and the estimation error of TOD breakpoints is within 15 min.
Who’s Driving Change? Potential to Commute Further using Automated Vehicles among Existing Drivers in Southern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Olsen Tyler , Sweet Matthias N.
Published: May 2019

Although automated vehicles (AVs) are rapidly being developed, the public sector continues to learn what this technology could mean for transportation policy. As reducing auto-based commute distances is one common planning objective, understanding the conditions under which individuals may adopt AVs to commute further is important. To that end, this study uses data from a 2016 survey of residents in Southern Ontario, Canada, to estimate the characteristics and motivations of individuals indicating the most interest in commuting further using AVs. Comparing findings with existing research on commute lengths and AV adoption, this study identifies how AV adoption may shape long-distance commuting, focusing on commuters who already drive to work. Results suggest significant potential for longer commutes and that longer AV-based commutes are expected to be taken by younger, higher educated, and tech-savvy individuals who already travel by car for regular daily trips, and by older individuals residing in urban neighborhoods. Findings on longer commutes, gender, and domestic responsibilities suggest that longer commutes could reinforce existing disparities in commuting distances between men and women but may be valuable to individuals with occasional chauffeuring responsibilities—suggesting potential for broader impacts in household social roles. Those expected benefits from AVs anticipated to motivate longer commutes include multitasking, safety improvements, better reliability, improved parking, and reduced traffic—suggesting that should AV technologies deliver in these realms, select commuters may derive significant utility. Paradoxically, several of the benefits expected to deliver the most consumer value may be undermined should additional AVs increase traffic significantly.
Defining, Aligning, and Negotiating Futures: New Forms of Identity Work in an Urban Farming Project
Authors: Jonason Amy
Published: May 2019

Collective identity is critical to motivating and sustaining participation in social movement groups. What organizes and sustains collective action when a group’s members do not share common identity traits such as race, class, religion, or gender? This paper argues that shared ideas about the future, or future projections, are overlooked bases of collective identity in social movement groups, and that the processes of defining, aligning with, and negotiating future projections constitute previously unrecognized forms of identity work. I support this argument with ethnographic, interview, and archival data from a nascent urban farming project. After describing how project founders defined a compelling future of “sustainable community,” I identify a process called imaginative imputation through which a diverse set of participants aligned themselves with the project. Coordination problems created critical points for negotiating new properties of the imagined future, ultimately weakening some individuals’ identification with, and commitment to, the urban farm.
Risk Factors for Myocardial Infarction and Stroke Among Sepsis Survivors: A Competing Risks Analysis
Authors: Hsieh Yueh-Che , Tsou Po-Yang , Wang Yu-Hsun , Chao Christin Chih-Ting , Lee Wan-Chien , Lee Meng-tse Gabriel , Wu Jiunn-Yih , Chang Shy-Shin , Chen Po-Yen , Lee Chien-Chang
Published: May 2019

Objectives:

Predictors for post-sepsis myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke are yet to be identified due to the competing risk of death.

Methods:

This study included all hospitalized patients with sepsis from National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan between 2000 and 2011. The primary outcome was the first occurrence of MI and stroke requiring hospitalization within 180 days following hospital discharge from the index sepsis episode. The association between predictors and post-sepsis MI and stroke were analyzed using cumulative incidence competing risk model that controlled for the competing risk of death.

Results:

Among 42 316 patients with sepsis, 1012 (2.4%) patients developed MI and stroke within 180 days of hospital discharge. The leading 5 predictors for post-sepsis MI and stroke are prior cerebrovascular diseases (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.74-2.32), intra-abdominal infection (HR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.71-2.20), previous MI (HR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.53-2.15), lower respiratory tract infection (HR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.43-1.85), and septic encephalopathy (HR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.26-2.06).

Conclusions:

Baseline comorbidities and sources of infection were associated with an increased risk of post-sepsis MI and stroke. The identified risk factors may help physicians select a group of patients with sepsis who may benefit from preventive measures, antiplatelet treatment, and other preventive measures for post-sepsis MI and stroke.