bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fourth-Order Spatial and Second-Order Temporal Accurate Compact Scheme for Cahn–Hilliard Equation
Authors: Lee Seunggyu
Published: January 2019

We propose a fourth-order spatial and second-order temporal accurate and unconditionally stable compact finite-difference scheme for the Cahn–Hilliard equation. The proposed scheme has a higher-order accuracy in space than conventional central difference schemes even though both methods use a three-point stencil. Its compactness may be useful when applying the scheme to numerical implementation. In a temporal discretization, the secant-type algorithm, which is known as the second-order accurate scheme, is applied. Furthermore, the unique solvability regardless of the temporal and spatial step size, unconditionally gradient stability, and discrete mass conservation are proven. It guarantees that large temporal and spatial step sizes could be used with the high-order accuracy and the original properties of the CH equation. Then, numerical results are presented to confirm the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed scheme. The efficiency of the proposed scheme is better than other low order accurate stable schemes.
Unit Root Testing in the Presence of Mean Reverting Jumps: Evidence from US T-Bond Yields
Authors: Ilalan Deniz , Özel Özgür
Published: January 2019

Mean reversion of financial data, especially interest rates is often tested by linear unit root tests. However, there are times where linear unit root test results can be misleading especially when mean reverting jump formations are at stage. Considering this framework, we provide a new unit root testing methodology and compute its asymptotic critical values via Monte Carlo simulation. Moreover, we numerically compare the power of this generalized mean reversion test with the pioneering linear unit root test in the literature namely the Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) test. We deduce that our test is a refinement of ADF test with a higher power. We apply our findings to US 10-year Treasury bond yields. We aim to shed light to the discussion among researchers whether interest rates can sometimes revert to a long-term constant mean or not from an unorthodox point of view.
A Stream/Block Combination Image Encryption Algorithm Using Logistic Matrix to Scramble
Authors: Wang Xing-Yuan , Li Zhi-Ming
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a new chaotic image encryption scheme is proposed, which uses the combination of stream cipher and block cipher to spread and then uses the Logistic mapping matrix to perform the block sort transformation to complete the confusion. The specific method is as follows: First, perform the triple XOR operation, non-linear S-box transformation and linear cyclic shift transformation on the key. Second, the triple XOR operation of the transformed key and the plaintext and Logistic mapping sequence are used to obtain the semi-ciphertext. And set the obtained semi-ciphertext and plaintext as key components of the next round of encryption. Finally, the transformation of sorting and partition of the Logistic mapping matrix are used to confuse the semi-ciphertext. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm improves the encryption efficiency, has good security and can resist common attacks.
The Expanding Domestic Role of Western Armed Forces and its Implications
Authors: Kalkman Jori Pascal
Published: January 2019

The domestic roles of Western armed forces are expanding. Although there is broad academic agreement that this trend is widespread, research on its implications has been relatively scarce. Here, I examine three debates that have emerged in the wake of expanding domestic military roles. They include: discussion on the origins of this trend between functionalists and politically-oriented scholars; its implications for civilian control and civil rights; and its effects on military-police convergence. This is followed by a call for more research on how the expanding domestic roles of Western armed forces relate to domestic civil-military collaboration, the management of military organizations, military visibility and reputation, perceptions of new tasks within the military, and the scale of this trend. A concluding section makes a case for drawing more academic attention to this phenomenon.
Tangramob: An Agent-Based Simulation Framework for Validating Urban Smart Mobility Solutions
Authors: Corradini Flavio , De Angelis Francesco , Polini Andrea , Castagnari Carlo , de Berardinis Jacopo , Forcina Giorgio
Published: January 2019

Estimating the effects of introducing a range of smart mobility solutions within an urban area is a crucial concern in urban planning. The lack of a simulator for the assessment of mobility initiatives forces local public authorities and mobility service providers to base their decisions on guidelines derived from common heuristics and best practices. These approaches can help planners in shaping mobility solutions; however, given the high number of variables to consider, the effects are not guaranteed. Therefore, a solution conceived respecting the available guidelines can result in a failure in a different context. In particular, difficult aspects to consider are the interactions between different mobility services available in a given urban area and the acceptance of a given mobility initiative by the inhabitants of the area. In order to fill this gap, we introduce Tangramob, an agent-based simulation framework capable of assessing the impacts of a smart mobility initiative within an urban area of interest. Tangramob simulates how urban traffic is expected to evolve as citizens start experiencing newly offered traveling solutions. This allows decision makers to evaluate the efficacy of their initiatives, taking into account the current urban system. In this paper, we provide an overview of the simulation framework along with its design. To show the potential of Tangramob, three mobility initiatives are simulated and compared in the same scenario. This demonstrates how it is possible to perform comparative experiments so as to align mobility initiatives to the user goals.
Assessment of sparse GNSS network for network RTK
Authors: Koivula Hannu , Kuokkanen Jaakko , Marila Simo , Lahtinen Sonja , Mattila Tuukka
Published: January 2019

We tested the accuracy and usability of a sparse GNSS reference station network for network RTK (NRTK) using the Finnish permanent GNSS network FinnRef. We modified the configuration of the FinnRef network stations used in NRTK computation. This allowed us to perform the test both inside and outside of the network area using different NRTK methods and two different RTK receivers. In the test area the average distance between the FinnRef stationswas 160 km. As a comparison,we tested also with the commercial Trimnet and HxGN SmartNet positioning services operated by Geotrim Oy and Leica Geosystems Finland, respectively. Tests showed that the horizontal and vertical rms of Trimnet servicewas 16mmand 40 mm, and of HxGN SmartNet service 23mmand 48 mm. The best rms for the sparse NLS (National Land Survey of Finland) Service was 22 mm and 56 mm. These results indicate that a good NRTK solution can be achieved with a sparser network than typically used. This study also indicates, that the methods for NRTK processing can also affect the quality of the solution.
Hepatopathies in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Aydın Firdevs , Gerenli Nelgin , Dursun Fatma , Atasoy Tülay Öztürk , Kalın Sevinç , Kırmızıbekmez Heves
Published: January 2019

Background

Diabetes and hepatosteatosis are dramatically increasing in childhood. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined as a common disorder in adulthood, especially with type-2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, while very few studies are available on liver health in children with type-1 diabetes.

Patients and methods

One hundred and ten (52 males and 58 females) patients with type-1 diabetes aged between 8 and 18 years were examined. The lipid profile, liver enzymes and hepatobiliary ultrasound findings of patients were investigated in terms of hepatopathies. Patients diagnosed with fatty liver were evaluated by pediatric gastroenterology specialists for the differential diagnosis and exclusion of other etiologies. The relationships between hepatopathy and age, pubertal status, the duration of diabetes and glycemic control were evaluated.

Results

Hepatopathy was found in 17 (15.5%) patients. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were normal and did not correlate with the ultrasonography (USG) findings. Hyperechogenicity detected by USG, whether it is true fat or glycogen hepatopathy, was found to be associated with “poor glycemic control” independently of age, puberty status and the duration of diabetes.

Conclusions

This study contributes to the literature in terms of the relationship between liver health and glycemic control in pediatric type-1 diabetes. Hepatopathies were releated with poor glycemic control independently of the duration of diabetes. This suggested that liver disorders should be considered as one of the subacute complications of diabetes. It was concluded that routine screening for comorbidities and complications in type-1 diabetes should also include hepatobiliary USG, as liver enzymes alone are inadequate for detecting hepatopathies.
Functional and endocrine-metabolic oligomenorrhea: proposal of a new diagnostic assessment tool for differential diagnosis in adolescence
Authors: Baggio Silvia , Di Paola Rossana , Zaffagnini Stefano , Fino Stefania , Raffaelli Ricciarda , Franchi Massimo
Published: January 2019

Background

To develop a diagnostic assessment tool, using clinical, biochemical and sonographic markers, to help clinicians in the differential diagnosis of functional oligomenorrhea (FO) and endocrine-metabolic oligomenorrhea (EMO).

Methods

Sixty-two adolescents with oligomenorrhea without evident hormonal imbalances or severe energy deficit were selected. They were divided into two groups (EMO and FO) and they all underwent the following assessment: physical examination (height, weight, presence of hirsutism or acne), blood exams and transabdominal ultrasonography. The biochemical markers included: hemoglobin, thyrotropin stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin (PRL), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), free (FT) and total testosterone (TT), androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Uterine and ovarian volume, ovarian morphology, endometrial thickness and pulsatility index (PI) of uterine arteries were evaluated with ultrasound.

Results

Body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin, LH levels and LH/FSH ratio were significantly higher in women with EMO than in those with FO. Increased androgens values were found in the EMO group, but only A and FT were significantly different (p=0.04). Ovarian volume and uterine artery PI were the only ultrasound features significantly different, with higher values in the EMO population (p<0.05). Considering these variables, with a receiving characteristic operating curve, new cut-offs were calculated, and a diagnostic assessment tool elaborated (area under curve [AUC] 0.88, specificity 99%, sensibility 59%, p<0.001].

Conclusions

This diagnostic tool, specific for adolescents, could be useful in the management of oligomenorrhea. Recognizing and distinguishing EMO and FO is very important in order to establish an appropriate treatment and a correct follow-up.
The Two Movements in Economic Thought, 1700–2000: Empty Economic Boxes Revisited
Authors: McCloskey Deirdre Nansen
Published: January 2019

My theme is of a Rise and a Fall of understanding, coming from a failure to measure ones understanding. Down to 1848 the new field of political economy was gradually coming to understand the system of market-tested betterment (lamentably called by its enemies “capitalism”). After 1848, however, more and more of the economists, as they increasingly called themselves, came gradually tomisunderstand it. Indeed, the political left and the middle came to treat the theories of exchange-tested betterment with angry contempt, such as Thorstein Veblen’s blast against English economics, with its allegedly necessary assumption of the «hedonistic conception of man… of a lightning calculator of pleasures and pains, who oscillates like a homogeneous globule of desire of happiness under the impulse of stimuli» (Veblen, Thorstein. 1898. “Why Is Economics Not an Evolutionary Science?,”Quarterly Journal of Economics12(July): 373–397). “Imperfections” in the market took center stage in economics, and the understanding that had developed during the Rise was at best forgotten, or at worst condemned as “capitalist” propaganda, so obviously false that no actual measurement of its falsity need be offered.
Cultural Awareness on A Bilingual Education: A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Ozfidan Burhan , Toprak Mustafa
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this study is to investigate how a bilingual education program would protect the cultural inheritance, linguistic knowledge, ethnic and religious identity of minority peoples. This study utilized an explanatory sequential mixed method, conducted in two phases: a quantitative phase followed by a qualitative phase. Both quantitative and qualitative data reflected that a bilingual education program could increase the educational success of students and contribute to social justice including equal educational rights. Such as system might also increase brotherhood between different ethnic groups in society and perhaps resolve the conflicts among them. A bilingual education program for minority people is essential for equal access to education. It solves conflicts between different ethnic groups and brings happiness to the society.
The reconstruction of an equation of visco-elasticity
Authors: Boumenir Amin
Published: January 2019

We are concerned with the reconstruction of two coefficients of an integro-differential equation modeling the deformation of materials with memory.We show that we can explicitly reconstruct the memory, the source terms and the diffusion constant from two observations only.
Transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect at narrow optical resonances
Authors: Borovkova Olga V. , Spitzer Felix , Belotelov Vladimir I. , Akimov Ilya A. , Poddubny Alexander N. , Karczewski Grzegorz , Wiater Maciej , Wojtowicz Tomasz , Zvezdin Anatoly K. , Yakovlev Dmitri R. , Bayer Manfred
Published: January 2019

Magneto-optical spectroscopy based on the transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect (TMOKE) is a sensitive method for investigating magnetically-ordered media. Previous studies were limited to the weak coupling regime where the spectral width of optical transitions considerably exceeded the Zeeman splitting in magnetic field. Here, we investigate experimentally and theoretically the transverse Kerr effect in the vicinity of comparatively narrow optical resonances in confined quantum systems. For experimental demonstration we studied the ground-state exciton resonance in a (Cd,Mn)Te diluted magnetic semiconductor quantum well, for which the strong exchange interaction with magnetic ions leads to giant Zeeman splitting of exciton spin states. For low magnetic fields in the weak coupling regime, the Kerr effect magnitude grows linearly with increasing Zeeman splitting showing a dispersive S-shaped spectrum, which remains almost unchanged in this range. For large magnetic fields in the strong coupling regime, the magnitude saturates, whereas the spectrum becomes strongly modified by the appearance of two separate peaks. TMOKE is sensitive not only to the sample surface but can also be used to probe in detail the confined electronic states in buried nanostructures if their capping layer is sufficiently transparent.
Forms of territorial embeddedness in dairy value chains Case of the Chartreuse massif (French Alps): geographical and historical perspectives
Authors: Madelrieux Sophie , Bergeret Agnès , Fillion Laurent
Published: January 2019

The ending of milk quotas marks a breach in the mode of milk supply management. Farmers and actors of territorial development are concerned about the future of dairy farming since we can observe a loss of autonomy and sovereignty in front of agro-industries. In this context a group of dairy farmers in the Chartreuse massif (French Northern Alps) wished to conduct a reflection on their future. It consisted in better understanding the territorial embeddedness of dairy value chains, compared with what could be done elsewhere (geographical perspective), and what has been done in the history of the area (historical perspective). We used a same reading grid based on six criteria relative to the geographic embeddedness of the value chains, the ability of the producers to specify their resources, and to organize themselves and be autonomous. Of the 18 initiatives analyzed concerning dairy products, we identified four types of territorial embeddedness. The history of Chartreuse shows different trajectories of loss and gain of autonomy for the dairy producers and a loss of collective. We discuss the cross-reading of these geographical and historical perspectives and their meanings in terms of territorial embeddedness and for the Chartreuse producers.
What Factors Shape the Liquidity Levels of Euro Area Sovereign Bonds?
Authors: Jurksas Linas
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors that shape the liquidity levels of euro area sovereign bonds. The values of liquidity measure and explanatory variables were calculated from the limitorder book dataset for almost five hundred bonds from six largest euro area sovereign bond markets. The created variables were used in a cross-sectional regression model. The results revealed that characteristics of sovereign bonds are indeed highly linked with bond liquidity levels, and these effects become even stronger during the regimes of lower market liquidity. Contrary to the statements of market participants and findings of many other studies, the magnitude of trading automation and obligatory requirements imposed on dealers were found to be negatively linked with the liquidity level of sovereign bonds.
Organizational Level Factors of Knowledge Worker-Workplace Fit: Identifying the Key Drivers
Authors: Gaižauskienė Laura , Tunčikienė Živilė
Published: January 2019

Nowadays there is bigger than ever mismatch between knowledge worker competencies and workplace requirements. In order to ensure a fit between these two elements, the concept of fit needs to be analysed from a different temporal perspective as well as different levels of the organization. The factors which affect the fit are identified using micro strategic human management system lens and two-periodical time division of time. When the fit is interpreted as the dynamic phenomenon, then it becomes the factor by itself to ensure organization level dynamic capabilities. The purpose of this article is to identify factors of knowledge worker-workplace fit. The methods used to reach the goal were analysed and synthesis of scientific literature were made.
Nomenclature and terminology for dendrimers with regular dendrons and for hyperbranched polymers (IUPAC Recommendations 2017)
Authors: Fradet Alain , Chen Jiazhong , Hellwich Karl-Heinz , Horie Kazuyuki , Kahovec Jaroslav , Mormann Werner , Stepto Robert F. T. , Vohlídal Jiří , Wilks Edward S.
Published: January 2019

The present document provides recommendations for (i) definitions of terms related to dendrimers with regular dendrons and to hyperbranched polymers, and (ii) nomenclature for naming these complex compounds on the basis of structure-based nomenclature for regular and irregular organic polymers, including adjustments required for specifying dendritic and hyperbranched macromolecular structures. The recommendations and the examples deal with organic-chemical structures only. Nevertheless, the general principles described in this document can similarly be applied to inorganic and to hybrid inorganic-organic dendrimers and hyperbranched macromolecules.
Rank correlation between centrality metrics in complex networks: an empirical study
Authors: Shao Chengcheng , Cui Pengshuai , Xun Peng , Peng Yuxing , Jiang Xinwen
Published: January 2019

Centrality is widely used to measure which nodes are important in a network. In recent decades, numerous metrics have been proposed with varying computation complexity. To test the idea that approximating a high-complexity metric by a low-complexity metric, researchers have studied the correlation between them. However, these works are based on Pearson correlation which is sensitive to the data distribution. Intuitively, a centrality metric is a ranking of nodes (or edges). It would be more reasonable to use rank correlation to do the measurement. In this paper, we use degree, a low-complexity metric, as the base to approximate three other metrics: closeness, betweenness, and eigenvector. We first demonstrate that rank correlation performs better than the Pearson one in scale-free networks. Then we study the correlation between centrality metrics in real networks, and find that the betweenness occupies the highest coefficient, closeness is at the middle level, and eigenvector fluctuates dramatically. At last, we evaluate the performance of using top degree nodes to approximate three other metrics in the real networks. We find that the intersection ratio of betweenness is the highest, and closeness and eigenvector follows; most often, the largest degree nodes could approximate largest betweenness and closeness nodes, but not the largest eigenvector nodes.
Fast recognition algorithm for static traffic sign information
Authors: Guo Shaocui , Yang Xu
Published: January 2019

Aiming at the low recognition rate, low recognition efficiency, poor anti-interference and high missing detection rate of current traffic sign recognition methods, a fast recognition algorithm based on SURF for static traffic sign information of highway is proposed. The expansion of the digital morphological method is used to connect the cracks in the traffic sign. Traffic sign images are corroded according to the corrosion, and the connected areas are contracted or refined. Regions of interest are detected by region filling. According to the result of traffic sign image processing, the scale of traffic sign image is normalized by bilinear interpolation method, and the SURF feature points of traffic sign image are extracted. The FLANN algorithm is used to realize feature point matching, and the threshold is set to determine the best matching point. The matching result is output and the traffic sign information is recognized. Experimental results show that the algorithm has high recognition rate and recognition efficiency, strong anti-interference, and can control the rate of missing detection in a certain range.
Chemical reduction of methylene blue in the presence of nanocatalysts: a critical review
Authors: Begum Robina , Najeeb Jawayria , Sattar Ayesha , Naseem Khalida , Irfan Ahmad , Al-Sehemi Abdullah G. , Farooqi Zahoor H.
Published: January 2019

Methylene blue (MB) (3,7-bis (dimethylamino)-phenothiazin-5-ium chloride) is a harmful pollutant and has been long been known for its detrimental effects on human health. Over the recent years, many strategies including reduction, oxidation, biological and photochemical degradation have been reported for converting this harmful dye into commercially useful products. Among the aforementioned strategies, the nanocatalytic reduction of MB into its reduced counterpart, i.e. leucomethylene blue, is considered more preferable because it has been reported to have numerous applications in various industrial fields in the academic literature. The reduction of MB is the kinetically unfavorable reaction. Henceforth, various nanocatalytic systems utilizing different kinds of stabilization mediums have reportedly been used for speeding up this particular reaction. This article attempts to not only describe the fundamental properties of the reduction reaction of MB but also present the classification of the recently reported nanocatalytic assemblies on the basis of the utilized supporting medium. Various techniques used for the characterization of nanocatalytic systems reported for the reduction of MB have been summarized in this review. The thermodynamics, kinetics and mechanistic studies of this nanocatalytic reaction have also been narrated here. This critical review has been written comprehensively to abridge the recent research progress in the assemblage of nanocatalytic systems used for the reduction of MB and to propose some new ideas for further development in this area.
Lignocellulosic biomass for bioethanol: an overview on pretreatment, hydrolysis and fermentation processes
Authors: Abo Bodjui Olivier , Gao Ming , Wang Yonglin , Wu Chuanfu , Ma Hongzhi , Wang Qunhui
Published: January 2019

Bioethanol is currently the only alternative to gasoline that can be used immediately without having to make any significant changes in the way fuel is distributed. In addition, the carbon dioxide (CO2) released during the combustion of bioethanol is the same as that used by the plant in the atmosphere for its growth, so it does not participate in the increase of the greenhouse effect. Bioethanol can be obtained by fermentation of plants containing sucrose (beet, sugar cane…) or starch (wheat, corn…). However, large-scale use of bioethanol implies the use of very large agricultural surfaces for maize or sugarcane production. Lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) such as agricultural residues for the production of bioethanol seems to be a solution to this problem due to its high availability and low cost even if its growth still faces technological difficulties. In this review, we present an overview of lignocellulosic biomass, the different methods of pre-treatment of LCB and the various fermentation processes that can be used to produce bioethanol from LCB.
A powerful test for ordinal trait genetic association analysis
Authors: Xue Yuan , Wang Jinjuan , Ding Juan , Zhang Sanguo , Li Qizhai
Published: January 2019

Response selective sampling design is commonly adopted in genetic epidemiologic study because it can substantially reduce time cost and increase power of identifying deleterious genetic variants predispose to human complex disease comparing with prospective design. The proportional odds model (POM) can be used to fit data obtained by this design. Unlike the logistic regression model, the estimated genetic effect based on POM by taking data as being enrolled prospectively is inconsistent. So the power of resulted Wald test is not satisfactory. The modified POM is suitable to fit this type of data, however, the corresponding Wald test is not optimal when the genetic effect is small. Here, we propose a new association test to handle this issue. Simulation studies show that the proposed test can control the type I error rate correctly and is more powerful than two existing methods. Finally, we applied three tests to Anticyclic Citrullinated Protein Antibody data from Genetic Workshop 16.
Sliced inverse regression for integrative multi-omics data analysis
Authors: Jain Yashita , Ding Shanshan , Qiu Jing
Published: January 2019

Advancement in next-generation sequencing, transcriptomics, proteomics and other high-throughput technologies has enabled simultaneous measurement of multiple types of genomic data for cancer samples. These data together may reveal new biological insights as compared to analyzing one single genome type data. This study proposes a novel use of supervised dimension reduction method, called sliced inverse regression, to multi-omics data analysis to improve prediction over a single data type analysis. The study further proposes an integrative sliced inverse regression method (integrative SIR) for simultaneous analysis of multiple omics data types of cancer samples, including MiRNA, MRNA and proteomics, to achieve integrative dimension reduction and to further improve prediction performance. Numerical results show that integrative analysis of multi-omics data is beneficial as compared to single data source analysis, and more importantly, that supervised dimension reduction methods possess advantages in integrative data analysis in terms of classification and prediction as compared to unsupervised dimension reduction methods.
Legitimation strategies and theistic worldview in sociopolitical discourse: A systemic functional critical discourse analysis of Pakistani social media discussions
Authors: Rizwan Snobra
Published: January 2019

This study employs a systemic functional critical discourse analytical approach to the analysis of integrated theistic worldview of Pakistani social media users. To achieve its end, the study focuses on legitimation strategies, where these strategies serve to construct certain truth claims of the people. So, three thousand comments (comprising 8,401 words and 90,423 words) from online discussion forums of Dawn.com and Zemtv.com were studied and discourse samples were collected for in-depth analysis. The legitimation strategies, it is argued, are condensed and interpersonally charged through certain lexico-grammatical choices which embody people’s integrated theistic worldviews. The identity(ies) and identification claims of Pakistanis are found to be internally cohesive, based on theistic legitimation claims. To represent, legitimize and justify their worldviews, Pakistani social media users recontextualize discourses constructed from various combinations of discursive strategies, supported by references to Islamic scripture and popular narratives. The study is a prelude to a more detailed investigation of discursive strategies which represent (de)legitimized worldview and discourses internalized by Pakistani Muslims. Such studies provide deeper insights into (de)construction of (de)legitimation strategies of a society and facilitate further development of systemic functional critical discourse analytical approaches to text and context relations.
Identification of twins in muscovite: an electron backscattered diffraction study
Authors: Zhao Shan-Rong , Xu Chang , Li Chuan
Published: January 2019

Twins in micas are difficultly identified due to mica’s hexagonal pseudosymmetry. Many theoretic studies on mica twins have been reported but experimental observations are very limited. In this paper, we present an electron backscattered diffraction analysis to identify twins in the muscovite in a quartz schist occurring in the UHP-HP metamorphic rock belt in Dabie Mountain, China. A trilling twin with twin law <310>/{110} is common in the muscovite. A six-couplet twin consisting of two trilling twins related by twin laws <110>/{130} and <001>/{001}(or <100>/{100}) has been discovered. This six-couplet twin contains many cross-twin relationships among the most common mica twin laws <310>/{110}, <110>/{130} and <001>/{001}. The composition plane for twin laws <110>/{130} and <001>/{001} is {001} which is reasonable in mica structure to form a twin by rotation around twin axes, and that for twin law <310>/{110} is irregular based on EBSD resolution. A possible misindexation of a trilling twin or a 3T polytype during EBSD test is discussed, which is helpful to distinguish a twin from a polytype in micas. The occurring frequency of twin law <310>/{110} is higher than that of twin laws <110>/{130} and <001>/{001}, which is consistent to the deducing result from mica structure analysis. This research provides a convenient and effective EBSD method to identify mica twins and an experimental method to distinguish a twin from a polytype in micas, which is a problem confusing researchers for many years.
Preparation, Structural, Spectroscopic, Thermal, Linear and Nonlinear Optical Characteristics of Semi-Organic Material: Samarium Chloride-Thiourea-L-Tartaric acid
Authors: Slathia Goldy , Singh Deepa , Bamzai K.K.
Published: January 2019

Samarium chloride-thiourea-l-tartaric acid (SCTuT): a semi-organic material was prepared in the form of a single crystal with an orthorhombic crystal structure and a space group Pnma. The crystallinity and purity of the single crystals were tested by powder X-ray diffraction. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis shows the rod-like microstructure. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis has confirmed the elemental composition. Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy analysis established the mode of coordination and functional groups. The thermal effects such as dehydration, melting and decomposition, etc. were observed by the thermogravimetric and differential thermoanalytical (TGA/DTA) analysis. Linear and non-linear characteristics of the compound were studied in detail. The optical band transitions due to C=O and C=S chromophores remain active in grown crystals and thus are recorded in the UV-Vis optical spectrum. The crystals possess finite values of non-linear absorption, non-linear refraction and third order nonlinearity as confirmed by Z-scan experiments.
Ternary transition metal gallides with TiNiSi, ZrBeSi and MgZn2-type structure
Authors: Heletta Lukas , Block Theresa , Klenner Steffen , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: January 2019

A series of ternary transition metal gallides around the equiatomic composition have been synthesized from the elements by arc-melting and subsequent annealing. The compounds crystallize with site occupancy variants of the hexagonal Laves phase MgZn2, with the hexagonal ZrBeSi or the orthorhombic TiNiSi type. All samples have been characterized on the basis of their lattice parameters, determined by X-ray powder diffraction (Guinier technique). The structures of NbCr1.58Ga0.42and NbFe1.51Ga0.49(MgZn2type,P63/mmc), NbRhGa (ZrBeSi type,P63/mmc), and ScNiGa, ScPtGa and ScAuGa (TiNiSi type,Pnma) were refined from single crystal X-ray diffractometer data. The ScPtGa and ScAuGa crystals showed trilling formation. Mixed site occupancies were only observed in the Laves phases while all other crystals were well ordered. A striking structural motif of NbRhGa is the formation of niobium chains (264 pm Nb–Nb) along thecaxis. Several gallides were magnetically characterized. They are Pauli paramagnets. The two crystallographically independent iron sites in the Laves phase TaFeGa could be distinguished in the57Fe Mössbauer spectrum. The isomer shifts of 0.06(3) (Fe1) and –0.02(3) (Fe2) mm s−1indicate metallic iron.
Match-Play Temporal and Position-Specific Physical and Physiological Demands of Senior Hurlers
Authors: Young Damien , Beato Marco , Mourot Laurent , Coratella Giuseppe
Published: January 2019

Young, D, Beato, M, Mourot, L, and Coratella, G. Match-play temporal and position-specific physical and physiological demands of senior hurlers. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1759–1768, 2020—The aims of the current study were to examine the temporal differences in match-running performances and heart rate (HR) in elite senior hurling players between halves of play and field positions. Global positioning systems (10 Hz) and HR monitors were used to collect data from 48 players over 18 games. Running performances (total distance [TD], relative distance, high-speed running [HSR], sprint efforts [SE], mean length of sprints, and sprint distance [SD]) and HR values (HRmean and HRpeak) were assessed. Decrements in TD (p = 0.009, effect size [ES] = −0.15), relative distance (p = 0.009, ES = −0.18), HSR (p = 0.001, ES = −0.28), SE (p = 0.001, ES = −0.23), SD (p = 0.001, ES = −0.24), HRmean (p < 0.001, ES = −0.38), and HRpeak (p < 0.001, ES = −0.21) were found between halves. Half backs showed between-half decrements in all metrics (p < 0.05) except SD (p = 0.130, ES = −0.26). Midfielders (p < 0.001, ES = −0.68) and half forwards (p < 0.001, ES = −0.79) experienced second-half decrements in HSR. No decrements (p > 0.05) in running performances were found between halves for full backs. HRmean was lower in full backs (p = 0.007, ES = −0.46) and half backs (p = 0.001, ES = −0.76) in the second half. Coaches should consider the specific HSR between-half temporal decrements in half backs, midfielders, and half forwards, and customize training program design to minimize these decrements.
Specificity and Transfer of Lower-Body Strength: Influence of Bilateral or Unilateral Lower-Body Resistance Training
Authors: Appleby Brendyn B. , Cormack Stuart J. , Newton Robert U.
Published: January 2019

Appleby, BB, Cormack, SJ, and Newton, RU. Specificity and transfer of lower-body strength: Influence of bilateral or unilateral lower-body resistance training. J Strength Cond Res 33(2): 318–326, 2019—To examine the development of lower-body strength using either bilateral or unilateral resistance training. Developmental rugby players (n = 33; mean training age = 5.4 ± 2.9 years; 1 repetition maximum [1RM] 90° squat = 178 ± 27 kg) completed an 18-week randomized controlled training design (bilateral group [BIL], n = 13; unilateral group [UNI], n = 10; comparison, n = 10). The 8-week training phase involved 2 lower-body, volume-load matched resistance sessions per week (6–8 sets × 4–8 reps at 45–88% 1RM), differing only in the prescription of a bilateral (back squat) or unilateral (step-up) resistance exercise. Maximum strength was assessed by a randomized order of 1RM back squat and step-up testing and analyzed for within- and between-group differences using effect sizes (ES ± 90% confidence limits [CL]). Both training groups showed practically important improvements in their trained exercise (ES ± 90% CL: BIL = 0.67 ± 0.48; UNI = 0.74 ± 0.38) with transfer to their nontrained resistance exercise (BIL step-up = 0.27 ± 0.39: UNI squat = 0.42 ± 0.39). The difference between groups in adaptation of squat strength was unclear (BIL ES = −0.34 ± 0.55), while the UNI group showed an advantage in step-up training (ES = 0.41 ± 0.36). The results demonstrate that practically important increases in lower-body strength can be achieved using bilateral or unilateral resistance training and development of that strength may be expressed in the movement not trained, supporting the transfer of strength training between exercises of similar joint movements and muscles. Coaches may choose to incorporate unilateral strength training where the prescription of bilateral training may be inhibited.
External Cueing Influences Drop Jump Performance in Trained Young Soccer Players
Authors: Oliver Jon L. , Barillas Saldiam R. , Lloyd Rhodri S. , Moore Isabel , Pedley Jason
Published: January 2019

Oliver, JL, Barillas, SR, Lloyd, RS, Moore, I, and Pedley, J. External cueing influences drop jump performance in trained young soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1700–1706, 2021—Drop jump (DJ) characteristics provide insight on power production and injury risk. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of external cueing on DJ characteristics in young male soccer players. Fourteen academy soccer players performed DJs with 4 different conditions, control (CONT), contact cue (CC), height cue (HC), and quiet cue (QC). Performance measures were reactive strength index (RSI), jump height, ground contact time (GCT), and take-off impulse, with injury risk reflected by impact peak, impact timing, and landing impulse. Contact cue showed a very large significant reduction in GCT (effect size [ES] > 2.0, p < 0.05), and moderate to large increase in RSI, landing impulse, and push-off impulse (ES 0.70–1.55, p < 0.05) compared with all other conditions. Contact cue also moderately increased impact peak when compared with HC and QC (ES ≥ 0.78, p < 0.05). Height cue led to a significant increase in jump height that was moderately greater than other external cues (ES ≥ 0.87, p < 0.05), but with only a small nonsignificant increase compared (ES 0.54, p > 0.05) with CONT. The data showed that all cues provided a specific response; CC reduced GCT and increased RSI, HC increased jump height, and QC reduced outcomes associated with injury risk. Height cue may be advantageous for young soccer players with a low training age because it shows a small to moderate increase in jump height without increasing injury risk. Young players may need to be safely progressed to be able to use a CC to facilitate high reactive strength without being exposed to undue injury risk.
Match-Play Demands of Elite U17 Hurlers During Competitive Matches
Authors: Young Damien , Mourot Laurent , Beato Marco , Coratella Giuseppe
Published: January 2019

Young, D, Mourot, L, Beato, M, and Coratella, G. Match-play demands of elite U17 hurlers during competitive matches. J Strength Cond Res 34(7): 1982–1989, 2020—The current study aimed to quantify the match-play workload in elite male under 17 hurlers, measuring the differences between the first and second halves and between positions. Global positioning system (10-Hz) and heart rate monitors were used to collect data from 76 players during 18 matches. Players' total distance (TD), relative distance (RD), high-speed running (HSR), the number and length of sprints, and the total sprint distance (TSD) was 6,483 ± 1,145 m, 108 ± 19 m·min−1, 583 ± 215 m, 18 ± 6, 15 ± 3 m, and 272 ± 77 m, respectively. Peak and mean heart rate were 194 ± 8 b·min−1 and 167 ± 4 b·min−1, respectively. Decrements in TD (p < 0.001, effect size [ES] = 0.72), RD (p < 0.001, ES = 0.72), HSR (p < 0.001, ES = 0.55), the number of sprints (p < 0.001, ES = 0.57), mean length of sprint (p < 0.011, ES = 0.25), TSD (p < 0.001, ES = 0.69), mean heart rate (p < 0.001, ES = 0.35), and peak heart rate (p < 0.001, ES = 0.52) were found between halves. Largely-to-very largely greater TD, RD, and HSR were covered by midfielders, half-backs, and half-forwards compared with full-backs and full-forwards. No between-position difference was found in peak and mean heart rate. The current results are the first to highlight the differences in external and internal position-specific workload in elite male under 17 hurlers. Coaches need to consider the position-specific demands and between-half drop-off to prepare young hurlers appropriately to repeat the match-play performances of competition.
Priming the Motor Cortex With Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Affects the Acute Inhibitory Corticospinal Responses to Strength Training
Authors: Frazer Ashlyn K. , Howatson Glyn , Ahtiainen Juha P. , Avela Janne , Rantalainen Timo , Kidgell Dawson J.
Published: January 2019

Frazer, AK, Howatson, G, Ahtiainen, JP, Avela, J, Rantalainen, T, and Kidgell, DJ. Priming the motor cortex with anodal transcranial direct current stimulation affects the acute inhibitory corticospinal responses to strength training. J Strength Cond Res 33(2): 307–317, 2019—Synaptic plasticity in the motor cortex (M1) is associated with strength training (ST) and can be modified by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The M1 responses to ST increase when anodal tDCS is applied during training due to gating. An additional approach to improve the M1 responses to ST, which has not been explored, is to use anodal tDCS to prime the M1 before a bout of ST. We examined the priming effects of anodal tDCS of M1 on the acute corticospinal responses to ST. In a randomized double-blinded cross-over design, changes in isometric strength, corticospinal excitability, and inhibition (assessed as area under the recruitment curve [AURC] using transcranial magnetic stimulation) were analyzed in 13 adults exposed to 20 minutes of anodal tDCS and sham tDCS followed by a ST session of the right elbow flexors. We observed a significant decrease in isometric elbow-flexor strength immediately after training (11–12%; p < 0.05), which was not different between anodal tDCS and sham tDCS. Transcranial magnetic stimulation revealed a 24% increase in AURC for corticospinal excitability after anodal tDCS and ST; this increase was not different between conditions. However, there was a 14% reduction in AURC for corticospinal inhibition when anodal tDCS was applied before ST when compared with sham tDCS and ST (all p < 0.05). Priming anodal tDCS had a limited effect in facilitating corticospinal excitability after an acute bout of ST. Interestingly, the interaction of anodal tDCS and ST seems to affect the excitability of intracortical inhibitory circuits of the M1 through nonhomeostatic mechanisms.
Repeated High-Intensity Effort Activity in International Male Rugby Sevens
Authors: Couderc Anthony , Gabbett Tim J. , Piscione Julien , Robineau Julien , Peeters Alexis , Igarza Germain , Thomas Claire , Hanon Christine , Lacome Mathieu
Published: January 2019

Couderc, A, Gabbett, TJ, Piscione, J, Robineau, J, Peeters, A, Igarza, G, Thomas, C, Hanon, C, and Lacome, M. Repeated high-intensity effort activity in international male Rugby Sevens. J Strength Cond Res 35(6): 1720–1726, 2023—Rugby Sevens is characterized by repeated high-intensity accelerations, sprinting, and collisions, commonly referred to as repeated high-intensity effort (RHIE) activity. Although repeated acceleration and sprinting activity of Rugby Sevens has been investigated, to date, no study has investigated the repeated running and collision activity of international Rugby Sevens during competitive events. In this study, 15 elite players competed in 44 matches during the HSBC World Sevens Series. Global positioning systems and match analysis software were used to quantify the frequency of repeated running and collision efforts. High acceleration (≥2.5 m·s−2), high speed (above maximal aerobic speed), sprint (above 85% of maximal sprint speed), and collision efforts (tackles, ruck, and contact) were considered as high-intensity effort activities. An RHIE bout was defined as 3 or more high-intensity efforts with less than 21 seconds recovery between efforts. The difference between positional groups (forward and backs) and first and second halves was compared using magnitude-based inferential statistics. One hundred twelve individual match observations were analyzed. On average, players performed 27 high-intensity effort events across the game. The distribution of high-intensity efforts included the following: 37% collisions, 34% accelerations, 27.5% high-velocity running, and 1.5% sprints. An average of 3.7 RHIE bouts was performed per player. The difference in high-intensity efforts and number of RHIE bouts performed were trivial/small when compared between first and second halves, and between forward and back positional groups. Repeated high-intensity effort bouts play an important role in the activity profile of elite Rugby Sevens players. This study could provide a framework for performance analysts and coaches to analyze match-related performance of elite Rugby Sevens players, taking into account both the high-intensity running and collision components of the game. Coaches should implement training interventions to ensure the maintenance of RHIE performance during competitive events.