bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost estimation methods for internet infrastructure deployment in Rural Sarawak: a review
Authors: Yu Hao Abel Chai , Lai Chean Hung , Su Hieng Tiong , Then Yi Lung , Tay Fei Siang , Hui Then Patrick Hang , Chen Yi Natalie Lim
Published: June 2020

In rural Sarawak, the internet accessibility is low due to unreliable power grids to support telecommunication network and large geographical area. The risk for network infrastructure implementation is high for Internet Service Provider (ISP), thus more practical and accurate cost estimation methods should be used [1-3]. This paper reviews different types of cost estimation methods and the accuracy and feasibility of each methods are discussed and compared for network infrastructure implementation in rural Sarawak. The unique characteristics of rural Sarawak are considered in this work, including the topography, development of rural areas and acceptance of new technologies. Different cost estimation methods are identified for different senarios and availability of data.
A multiband and wideband frequency reconfigurable slotted bowtie antenna
Authors: Idris Izni Husna , Hamid Mohamad Rijal , Kamardin Kamilia , A. Rahim Mohamad Kamal , Majid Huda A.
Published: June 2020

A multiband and wideband frequency reconfigurable antenna is presented. A wideband from 3.5 GHz to 9.0 GHz is achieved by introducing one stripline in the middle of a slotted bowtie antenna, whereas multiband is obtained by integrating an additional two slotted arms at the end of bowtie-shaped. As a result, the antenna operated at multiband mode (1.7 GHz and 2.6 GHz) and wideband mode (3.5 GHz to 9.0 GHz) simultaneously. The reconfigurability of the antenna is attained through switches. Five states are achieved with three  pairs of switches configurations. All results are presented and discussed, including S11, current distribution, radiation pattern, and gain. The antenna is suitable to be used in multimode communication systems.
Survey on computational intelligence based image encryption techniques
Authors: Ramanathan Thirumalaimuthu , Hossen Md. Jakir , Sayeed Md. Shohel , Raja Joseph Emerson
Published: June 2020

Image encryption is an important area in visual cryptography that helps in protecting images when shared through internet. There is lot of cryptography algorithms applied for many years in encrypting images. In the recent years, artificial intelligence techniques are combined with cryptography algorithms to support image encryption. Some of the benefits that artificial intelligence techniques can provide are prediction of possible attacks on cryptosystem using machine learning algorithms, generation of cryptographic keys using optimization algorithms, etc. Computational intelligence algorithms are popular in enhancing security for image encryption. The main computational intelligence algorithms used in image encryption are neural network, fuzzy logic and genetic algorithm. In this paper, a review is done on computational intelligence-based image encryption methods that have been proposed in the recent years and the comparison is made on those methods based on their performance on image encryption.
Stock portfolio hedging with financial options
Authors: Jaramillo-Restrepo Juan Andrés , Jiménez-Gómez Miguel , Acevedo-Prins Natalia
Published: June 2020

The financial market currently offers derivative products whose characteristics allow investors to reduce the negative impact of natural market fluctuations on the value of their assets. Hedging with financial options is one of the possible strategies that an investor can implement in order to reduce the exposure or risk of their investments. This paper aims to assess the real impact of financial options as a hedging instrument on an investment portfolio made up of variable income assets of the Colombian market. The results show that for options with an upward trend, call options allow future losses to be hedged; on the other hand, for bearish trends, coverage is made with put options.
Automatic segmentation of ceramic materials with relaxed possibilistic C-Means clustering for defect detection
Authors: Kim Kwang Baek , Song Doo Heon , Park Hyun Jun
Published: June 2020

Auromatic inspection system is necessary for reliable quality control if ceramic materials to avoid operator subjectivity and fatigue in visual inspection. Automatic segmentation from material’s image is then the most important process to develop such an inspection system. In this paper, we propose a Possibilistic C-Means pixel clustering algorithm with fuzzy stretching to form the defect object in segmentation. In experiment using 50 images containing a certain amount of defects, the proposed method was successful in 49 cases or 98% of opportunities. That performance is roughly twice better than that of standard K-means clustering in defect object formationAuromatic inspection system is necessary for reliable quality control if ceramic materials to avoid operator subjectivity and fatigue in visual inspection. Automatic segmentation from material’s image is then the most important process to develop such an inspection system. In this paper, we propose a Possibilistic C-Means pixel clustering algorithm with fuzzy stretching to form the defect object in segmentation. In experiment using 50 images containing a certain amount of defects, the proposed method was successful in 49 cases or 98% of opportunities. That performance is roughly twice better than that of standard K-means clustering in defect object formation.
Main keyword comparison based on document analysis system
Authors: Lee Jongwon , Lee Jaeseung , Jung Hoekyung
Published: June 2020

Existing document analysis systems list words in the document using a morpheme analyzer. Such a structural feature is difficult to help users to understand the document. To understand a document, you need to analyze the keyword in the document and extract the paragraphs including the keyword. The proposed system retrieves keywords from documents written in XML format, extracts them, and displays them to the user. In addition, it extracts the paragraphs including the keyword entered by the user and maintains paragraph sequence and delete for duplicate paragraphs. Then, the frequency and weight of the keyword are calculated, and the number of paragraphs is reduced by removing the paragraphs including the keyword having a weight less than other keywords weighed. This method may reduce the time and effort required for the user to understand the document as compared to the existing document analysis systems.
Differential evolution algorithm of soft island model based on K-means clustering
Authors: Tan Xujie , Shin Seong-Yoon
Published: June 2020

Differential evolution (DE) is a highly effective evolutionary algorithm. However, the performance of DE depends on strategies and control parameters. The combination of many strategies helps balance the exploitation and exploration of DE. In this study, a multi-population based on k-means clustering is proposed to realize an ensemble of multiple strategies, thereby resulting in a new DE variant, namely KSDE, where similar individuals in the population implement the same mutation strategies, and dissimilar subpopulations migrate information through the soft island model (SIM). Firstly, the population is virtually divided into k subpopulations by the k-means clustering algorithm. Secondly, the individual specific mutation scheme is selected from a strategy pool by random method. Finally, the migration of subpopulation information is done using soft island model. The performance of the KSDE algorithm is evaluated on 13 benchmark problems. The experiments show that KSDE algorithm improves the performance of the DE algorithm.
Enhancing advance encryption standard security based on dual dynamic XOR table and MixColumns transformation
Authors: Salih Adnan Ibrahem , Alabaichi Ashwaq Mahmood , Tuama Ammar Yaseen
Published: June 2020

An efficient approach to secure information is critically needed at present. Cryptography remains the best approach to achieve security. On this basis, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) selected Rijndael, which is a symmetric block cipher, as the advanced encryption standard (AES). The MixColumns transformation of this cipher is the most important function within the linear unit and the major source of diffusion. Dynamic MixColumns transformation can be used to enhance the AES security. In this study, a method to enhance the AES security is developed on the basis of two methods. The first method is an extension of a previous study entitled “A novel Approach for Enhancing Security of Advance Encryption Standard using Private XOR Table and 3D chaotic regarding to Software quality Factor.” In the current study, the fixed XOR operation in AES rounds is replaced with a dual dynamic XOR table by using a 3D chaotic map. The dual dynamic XOR table is based on 4 bits; one is used for even rounds, and the other is used for odd rounds. The second method is dynamic MixColumns transformation, where the maximum distance separable (MDS) matrix of the MixColumns transformation, which is fixed and public in every round, is changed with a dynamic MDS matrix, which is private, by using a 3D chaotic map. A 3D chaotic map is used to generate secret keys. These replacements enhance the AES security, particularly the resistance against attacks. Diehard and NIST tests, entropy, correlation coefficient, and histogram are used for security analysis of the proposed method. C++ is used to implement the proposed and original algorithms. MATLAB and LINX are used for the security analysis. Results show that the proposed method is better than the original AES.
A novel academic performance estimation model using two stage feature selection
Authors: Chaudhury Pamela , Tripathy Hrudaya Kumar
Published: June 2020

Educational data mining has gained tremendous interest from researchers across the globe. Using data mining techniques in the field of education several significant findings have been made. Accurate academic performance estimation is a challenging task. In this study we have developed a novel model to estimate the academic performance of students. Techniques like conversion of categorical attributes into dummy variables, classification, two staged feature selection and an improved differential evolutionary algorithm were used. Our proposed model outperformed existing models of students’ academic performance determination and gave a new direction to it. The proposed model can help not only to reduce the number of academic failures but also help to comprehend the factors contributing to a student’s  academic performance (poor, average or outstanding).Computer
Point forecasts of mortality rates in Malaysia: a comparison of principal component methods
Authors: Wan Husin Wan Zakiyatussariroh , Abidin Nazatul Shahreen Zainal
Published: June 2020

The problem of forecasting mortality has been widely discussed and is being considered as an important issue among actuaries and demographers. Using age and sex-specific mortality data in Malaysia, we compare and evaluate the point forecast accuracy of six principal component methods.  These six methods are the Lee-Carter (LC) method, the unadjusted LC method (LCnone), the Lee-Miller (LM) variant, the Booth-Mandonald-Smith variant (BMS) and the two versions of the Hyndman-Ullah (HU). The overall performance of all methods was evaluated using out-sample forecasts based on the six error measures of three different data spanning with three different step-ahead forecasts. The data set consists of annual age-specific death rates (ASDR) for 17 age groups for both genders for the years 1980 to 2011.  Results show that when the fitted period is longer, the LM method exhibits a better fit in Malaysia male ASDR and the HU6 method attains a better fit in Malaysia female ASDR. When the fitted period becomes shorter, the BMS method outperforms for male and HU1 for female ASDR. However, for overall performance, the LM method consistently outperforms others for Malaysia male ASDR and the LM and HU methods are the best good of fit for Malaysia ASDR.
Genetic algorithm for intrusion detection system in computer network
Authors: Suhaimi Hamizan , Suliman Saiful Izwan , Harun Afdallyna Fathiyah , Mohamad Roslina , Yusof Yuslinda Wati Mohamad , Kassim c Murizah
Published: June 2020

Internet connection nowadays has become one of the essential requirements to execute our daily activities effectively. Among the major applications of wide Internet connections is local area network (LAN) which connects all internet-enabled devices in a small-scale area such as office building, computer lab etc. This connection will allow legit user to access the resources of the network anywhere as long as authorization is acquired. However, this might be seen as opportunities for some people to illegally access the network. Hence, the occurrence of network hacking and privacy breach. Therefore, it is very vital for a computer network administrator to install a very protective and effective method to detect any network intrusion and, secondly to protect the network from illegal access that can compromise the security of the resources in the network. These resources include sensitive and confidential information that could jeopardise someone’s life or sovereignty of a country if manipulated by wrong hands.  In Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS) framework, apart from detecting unauthorized access, it is equally important to recognize the type of intrusions in order for the necessary precautions and preventive measures to take place. This paper presents the application of Genetic Algorithm (GA) and its steps in performing intrusion detection process. Standard benchmark dataset known as KDD’99 cup was utilized with forty-one distinctive features representing the identity of network connections. Results presented demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and warrant good research focus as it promises exciting discovery in solving similar-patent of problems.   
ÇALIŞAN PERFORMANSI VE İŞTEN AYRILMA NİYETİ KONULARINDA ÖRGÜTSEL SİNİZM VE SOSYAL ZEKÂNIN ROLÜ
Authors: DİKTAŞ Gülay , ÖZGELDİ Mürşide
Published: June 2020

Örgütlerin karşılaştıkları en önemli sorunlardan biri, çalışma performansından memnun kaldıkları çalışanlarının ya çalışma performanslarının zaman içerisinde önem arz edecek derecede düşmesi ya da bu çalışanların işten ayrılma yönünde eğilim göstererek belli bir süre sonra işten ayrılmalarıdır. İşletmenin faaliyetleri üzerinde gerek kısa gerekse de uzun dönemde olumsuz etkiye neden olabilecek bu durumların kaynaklarının neler olduğu hususu, her dönem araştırmacıların analizlerine konu olmuştur. Bu çalışmada çalışanların işyerindeki performansını ve işten ayrılma niyetlerini etkileme potansiyeli olan örgütsel sinizm ve sosyal zekâ değişkenleri ele alınmıştır. İstanbul ilinde yer alan Reklamcılar Derneği’ne 2017 yılı itibariyle üye olan reklam ajanslarında gerçekleştirilen çalışmada örgütsel sinizm ve sosyal zekânın işletmelerde çalışanların performansını ve işten ayrılma niyetlerini yakından etkilediği bulgusuna rastlanmıştır. Bu bulgu çalışanların düşük performansından veya işten ayrılma niyetine girmesinden memnun olmayan işletmelerin, örgütsel sinizm normlarına ve sosyal zekâya daha fazla önem vermesi gerektiğine işaret etmektedir.
Jesus as Scapegoat in Matthew’s Roman-Abuse Scene (Matt 27:27–31)
Authors: Moscicke Hans M.
Published: June 2020

Behind the cruel mockery of Pilate’s auxiliary troops (Matt 27:27–31), Matthew portrays the royal inauguration of the true cosmic lord. But what has often been missed is that this inauguration also entails Jesus’s cultic elimination as the victim in a performance reminiscent of ancient curse-transmission rituals. Matthew transforms and assimilates the scene to the most famous elimination rite in his Jewish context, the Yom Kippur scapegoat ritual. Jesus becomes a king who himself bears and carries away the moral impurities of the denizens of his own kingdom as the typological fulfillment of the scapegoat of Leviticus 16.
Prolegomena to Bentley’s Unfinished New Testament Project
Authors: Yi An-Ting , Krans Jan , Lietaert Peerbolte Bert Jan
Published: June 2020

It is well known that the eighteenth-century classical scholar Richard Bentley once announced but never finished an ambitious project for a critical NT edition. What is less well known is that numerous entries of his archive have been preserved in Wren Library of Trinity College (TCL), Cambridge, until today. This article provides some prolegomena to a comprehensive enquiry into Bentley’s unfinished NT project. It includes an updated summary of the archive, relevant secondary literature, a few examples for illustration, and on the basis of all this, some suggestions for future study.
Zum Klagsziel der actio pigneraticia in personam contraria in D. 13,7,9pr.
Authors: Scheibelreiter Philipp
Published: June 2020

In D. 13,7,9pr. (Ulp. 28 ad ed.) a debtor, who has handed over a res aliena as pledge to a creditor, will be sued with the iudicium contrarium. Whereas most handbooks of Roman law understand the aim of the actio pigneraticia contraria as the debtor’s duty to replace the res aliena by a new pledge, owned by the debtor, the sources do not necessarily lead to this conclusion. From the procedural perspective and the condemnatio pecuniaria of classical Roman law (instead of specific performance) this solution seems to be problematic and may have been developed under in any case influence of Justinianic law. Also on the basis of the concept of pignus as obligatio re contracta, it is submitted that the debtor’s obligation could only have concerned the alien thing itself; beside this, the aim of the actio contraria was compensation for the creditor’s damages.
A source of inspiration for legal historians: Raoul van Caenegem’s views on legal history
Authors: Heirbaut Dirk
Published: June 2020

Although Raoul van Caenegem claimed otherwise, he had very strong views on what legal history should be. In his opinion, legal history belonged to the disciplinary field of history, not to law. The legal historian should not only chronicle past evolutions of the law, but also explain them. To this purpose, van Caenegem himself turned to sociology, trying to work with types and models in order to generalise. Van Caenegem rejected the idea of a Volksgeist and advocated to look at the European context in a comparative legal history. Nevertheless, his ‘Europe’ was limited to the founding members of the European Union, joined by England. He constructed legal history as a history of power and preferred to study groups of law makers instead of individuals. In his legal history, the European ‘Second Middle Ages’, from 1100 until 1750, stand out as the cradle of the modern rule of law, with a special role for the cities of medieval Flanders. Although well-known for a leading handbook promoting the idea of the ius commune, the common law of Europe, van Caenegem actually deemed custom to have been the primary source of law in medieval Europe, whereas the role of the ius commune had been, in his opinion, overestimated. As he showed many times during his distinguished career, van Caenegem wanted legal historians to take part in current debates. In the end, his main lesson from legal history was a plea for moderation, as taking a sound idea to its extreme leads to absurd or unintended consequences.
China’s International Investment Strategy: Towards a Relational Normativity
Authors: Vanhullebusch Matthias
Published: June 2020

The edited volume under discussion aims to shed light on China’s international investment strategy along the bilateral, regional and global prong. In doing so, the contributors have sought to answer whether China is a rule-shaper or rule-breaker of international investment norms and whether it will be further liberalizing its domestic market for foreign investment. Despite their comprehensive analysis of individual subject areas where tensions arise between China investment practice at home and overseas and international standards, the reasons for China’s contradictory normative conduct in its various investment relationships remain underexplored. This article calls for a reconceptualization of the sources from which international investment law derives its binding force, namely based on relational normativity. This approach can transcend anxieties about China’s past, present, and future investment strategies and strengthen the normativity of the international rule of law with one of the world’s most prominent economic players instead.
Royal Jewelry Exchange in Sixteenth Century Anglo-Scottish Politics
Authors: Auble Cassandra
Published: June 2020

This paper explores how Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth i utilized jewelry in political settings to construct meaning, represent themselves, and negotiate personal and political relationships. Studying the complexities of jewelry’s exchange and circulation between the courts of England and Scotland provides a more nuanced picture of early modern diplomacy and material culture. Jewelry provided a valuable resource from which rulers and diplomats regularly drew when framing their political discourse. Jewels used in diplomacy were as politically meaningful as the gestures and rituals of formal diplomatic audiences and domestic ceremonies. As an object of exchange with a variety of functions, jewelry was absorbent of meaning and memories. Thus, jewelry could forge bonds between those who exchanged it, and also bring about hostilities and complications.
Prospects for Bioenergy
Authors: Dunnett Alex J. , Shah Nilay
Published: June 2020

The prospects for bioenergy in the future energy mix are open to much debate. The potential synergies to be drawn with materials markets, agricultural practice reform and a broad range of policy promotion mechanisms tackling climate change, and energy security all have substantial influence
on the sector. Furthermore, the identification of the best options for biomass to energy conversion is complex to ascertain owing to the broad range of potential indicators in assessing the impact and benefits of any application and the geographical specificities of any possible solutions,
as well as the potential improvements in key metrics as capacity expands. This work assesses the current approaches of bioenergy systems assessment in identifying those pathways which represent potentially optimal applications with regard to climatic and energy security benefits. Substantial
potential for lignocellulosic biomass pathways is identified with a particular focus on the development of bioethanol for substitution of gasoline in road vehicles and the use of biorefineries to ensure maximum utilization of biomass. The potentials for whole-system analyses are highlighted.
Effects of Hydroxyl Groups Versus Physical Entanglements on the Electrospinning Behavior of Wheat Protein
Authors: Woerdeman Dara L. , Shenoy Suresh , Breger Dee
Published: June 2020

The present work investigates the effects of hydroxyl end groups on the electrospinning behavior of wheat gluten protein. We focus upon the impact of both a low molecular weight additive (a star-branched polyol: ethoxylated trimethylolpropane) and a high molecular weight additive (a
synthetic biodegradable polymer: poly(vinyl alcohol) on the ability to form electrospun fibers from wheat gluten. The presence of the star-branched polyol in the system appears to impede the formation of molecular entanglements and intermolecular disulfide bridges required for fiber formation,
while the addition of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) to the system leads to a significant increase in the overall number of physical chain entanglements required for fiber formation. The mechanical testing data support the overriding importance of physical chain entanglements as larger amounts
of PVOH are combined with wheat gluten. The tensile strength of the wheat gluten-based electrospun fibrous mats, which, increased by an order of magnitude upon adding 13% (w/w) PVOH to the electrospinning solution, resulted in a rapid increase in the measured toughness at 26% (w/w) PVOH. The
corresponding scanning electron micrographs reveal that the addition of PVOH to the gluten system results in the formation of flat, ribbonlike fibers. Dough mixograms were also collected to further elucidate the effect of additional hydroxyl groups on the interactions between the gluten protein
chains. Evidence reveals that in the high-concentration, doughy regime, a small fraction of the protein–water interactions are replaced by favorable polyol–protein interactions; however, in the dilute-concentration regime, these favorable polyol–protein interactions appear
to develop at the expense of disulfide bond formation, a requirement for obtaining fibers via electrospinning.
Adhesion Performance of Amino Groups (ε-NH2) of Soybean Glycinin Proteins
Authors: Zhu Li , Sun Xiuzhi Susan
Published: June 2020

Amino groups of a protein have been considered as a major factor contributing to adhesion strength and water absorption. Positively charged amino groups (−NH2+) of soybean glycinin protein were replaced with negative charged carboxyl groups (−COO−)
by using succinylation modification. The amino groups also were replaced with hydrophobic methyl groups (−CH3) by using methylation modification. Adhesion strength and water resistance were reduced when the −NH2 groups were substituted with −COOH groups
at pH 7.6. But adhesive performance at the same pH environment was improved when the −NH2 group was replaced with −CH3, which suggests that hydrophobic groups of protein contribute to adhesion and that hydrophilic groups reduce adhesive strength. Both methylation
and succinylation modifications caused the fluorescence reading (λmax) of the protein samples to shift to a higher wavelength. Native glycinin protein λmax was 344.84 nm. Methylated glycinin at 6% substitute degree (SD) had a λmax
of 350.92 nm, and at 8% SD of succinylated glycinin λmax was 354.92 nm. The native glycinin has a denaturation temperature (Tp) of 165.7 °C and enthalpy (ΔH) of 16.3 J/g of glycinin. The Tp of methylated glycinin
was 152 °C and ΔH was 13.9 J/g of glycinin at 4% SD. At 6% SD, Tp was 147.4 °C and the ΔH was 11.3 J/g of glycinin. The Tp for succinylated glycinin was 165.6 °C and the ΔH was −2.5 J/g of glycinin
when SD = 3%. At 8% SD, the Tp was 173.6 °C and ΔH was −4.8 J/g of glycinin (SD = 8%).
Effects of Fiber Content and Alkali Treatment on the Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Poly(lactic acid)/Poly(caprolactone) Blend Jute Fiber-Filled Biodegradable Composites
Authors: Ishiaku U. S. , Yang X. Y. , Leong Y. W. , Hamada H. , Semba T. , Kitagawa K.
Published: June 2020

An attempt was made at increasing both toughness and rigidity by simultaneous toughening and reinforcement. Natural fiber-reinforced biodegradable polyester blend composites were prepared from modified and unmodified biodegradable polyesters blends with surface-treated and untreated
jute fibers by melt mixing and subsequent molding. The resulting cross-linked and uncross-linked poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(caprolactone) (PCL)blends were used as the biodegradable polyester matrixes. Alkali treatment was performed as the surface treatments on the jute fiber. This study
revealed that alkali treatment of the jute fiber improved the mechanical properties of the composites. The addition of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) also imparted significant changes to the PLA/PCL blend as revealed by thermal and dynamic mechanical analyses. Morphological observation of the DCP
modified blend revealed the existence of a third phase at the boundary region of the PLA and PCL phases that could be termed the 'interphase,' while extensive plastic deformation of the tensile fracture surface of the DCP modified blend was observed. The crystalline nature of PLA and PCL are
retained in the blend, while the presence of jute fibers interferes with cold crystallization.
Green Chemical Synthesis of Silver Nanowires and Microfibers Using Starch
Authors: Batabyal Sudip K. , Basu C. , Das A. R. , Sanyal G. S.
Published: June 2020

Nanowires and microfibers of silver have been synthesized by the interaction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) and starch employing hydrothermal route in an autoclave at 170 °C for 24 h. Different mor- phological modifications, e.g., microrods and spheres to microrods/wires and
nanoparticles through microwire bundles to microfibers, are obtained by varying reactant concentrations.
Analysis of Energy Traits of Populus spp. Clones by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Maranan Melchor C. , Laborie Marie-Pierre G.
Published: June 2020

The application of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and multivariate analysis for determining the calorific value and specific gravity of Populus spp. clones was assessed. Projection to latent structure (PLS) models of calorific value and specific gravity were developed from
NIR original spectra and also from the first and second spectral derivatives. The best calibration models were built from the NIR second spectral derivative with good calibration statistics for both calorific value (r = 0 97, RMSEC = 0 05 kJ/g) and specific gravity (r = 0 98;
RMSEC = 0 005). The calibration models from the NIR first spectral derivative were also good for specific gravity (r = 0 92, RMSEC = 0 010) and moderate for calorific value (r = 0 82; RMSEC = 0 11 kJ/g). When evaluated on a validation dataset, the models from the NIR first spectral
derivative performed best for both specific gravity (r = 0 84; RMSEP = 0 021) and calorific value (r = 0 81; RMSEP = 0 13 kJ/g). In both cases, the standard errors of prediction (SEP) obtained from the NIRS calibration models were less than twice those of the corresponding laboratory
measurement. The NIRS models were therefore useful for quickly determining calorific value and specific gravity of hybrid poplars but with a lower accuracy than the corresponding laboratory measurements. The study also helped delineate parentage as a factor of choice for manipulating wood
specific gravity and thus biomass yield in hybrid poplars. On the other hand, calorific value was uniform within the population evaluated, indicating that little improvement in calorific value can be expected from selecting for it in hybrid poplar programs.
Health Disparities in Incisional Hernia Presentation
Authors: Mulloy Clairissa D. , Hoffman Ryan D. , Danos Denise M. , Lau Frank H.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Incisional hernias (IH) are iatrogenically created in 400 000 new patients annually. Without repair, IH-associated complications can result in major illness and death. The health disparities literature suggests that under-represented patients present more frequently with surgical emergencies. The health disparities associated with IH remain relatively unstudied.

Methods

Inpatient admission data were obtained from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample for 2012-2014. Patients with IH International Classification of Diseases ninth revision were included. Analyses were completed using survey specific procedures (SAS v.9.4). Type of admission within groups was compared via Rao-Scott chi-square tests. The probability of an elective admission was modeled via SurveyLogistic Procedure.

Results

Of 39 296 cases, 38.5% IH admissions were urgent or emergent (nonelective). The proportion of nonelective admission was statistically higher ( P < .0001) in patients >65 (40.9%) and females (40.3%). Among insurance types, self-paying patients had the highest proportion of nonelective admissions (64.3%). Racial disparities remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, and insurance. Compared with white patients, the odds of an admission being nonelective were significantly higher for black (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI]: 1.65 [1.53-1.77]], Hispanic (OR [95% CI]: 1.39 [1.28-1.51]), and other (OR [95% CI]: 1.2 [1.06-1.37]) patients.

Discussion

These data show that multiple at-risk patient populations are significantly more likely to require urgent admission for IH-related complications. These include older, female, non-white, and uninsured patients. Systematic efforts to ameliorate these disparities should be developed.
Attachment and Wellness Among Latinx Immigrants: Meaning in Life, Belonging, and Hope as Mediators
Authors: Shelton Andrew J. , Wang Chiachih DC , Carbajal Ivan
Published: June 2020

This study examined a conceptual model depicting the direct and indirect relationships between attachment insecurity, state hope, belongingness, meaning in life (MIL), and three wellness indicators (i.e., life satisfaction, physical health, and depression) of first-generation Latinx immigrants in the United States. Results of structural equation modeling analysis showed adequate model fit with the data from a sample of 288 individuals. The final model indicated that the link between comfort-seeking attachment and wellness was fully mediated by hope, belongingness, and MIL; the relation between anxious-distancing attachment and wellness was fully mediated by belongingness and MIL but not hope. Specifically, participants with high levels of attachment security reported greater wellness via experiencing a stronger sense of belonging, state hope, and MIL. We discuss future directions and implications for counseling and theory from an attachment theory, positive psychology, and immigration perspective.
Religion and everyday cosmopolitanism among religious and non-religious urban youth
Authors: Driezen Ariadne , Verschraegen Gert , Clycq Noel
Published: June 2020

While there is ample research on everyday cosmopolitanism, the relation with religion is less understood. This study examines the difference in everyday cosmopolitanism between Muslim, Christian and non-religious urban youth. Further, it studies the influence of religiosity, religious identification and perceived discrimination on cosmopolitanism. A one-way ANOVA analysis was conducted on data from 1039 students in 17 secondary schools in the super-diverse city of Antwerp. Multilevel regression analysis was conducted on a sample of Muslim ( n = 496) and Christian ( n = 225) youth. The results indicate no difference between religious and non-religious youth regarding their everyday cosmopolitanism. Moreover, for Muslim youth, intrinsic religiosity is positively associated with cosmopolitan orientations, while religious identification and discrimination negatively effect cosmopolitanism. For Christian youth, religious factors do not explain their cosmopolitan orientations. Overall, the article suggests that scholars and policy makers should discuss the potential of religion to foster cosmopolitan orientations.
Proper recognition: Personhood and symbolic capital in contemporary sociology
Authors: Mead Geoffrey
Published: June 2020

Sociologists maintain an ambivalent relationship to the category of the person, even more so at a time when the category is deemed insufficient for analysis yet appears increasingly significant within the world it purports to capture. This article begins with this ascending significance of the person in the neoliberal world of work, where the personal accumulation of skills and devolution of responsibility to individuals are privileged. Theoretical approaches to personhood attempt to respond to these changed conditions, with the work of Pierre Bourdieu often thought incapable of properly explaining such contemporary phenomena. In response, this article approaches personhood through the frame of Bourdieu’s concept of symbolic capital, those properties ‘misrecognized’ as belonging to the person when they are in fact the product of relations in which the person is enmeshed. A reconstruction of the concept in the sociologist’s work, along with analyses of its implications for a philosophy of perception and for ideology, will show the way for an unexpected approach both to Bourdieu’s own work, reframed through the concept of symbolic capital, and to personhood, which is revealed to be a profoundly and paradoxically relational notion.
Reduction of aerodynamic noise of single-inlet centrifugal fan with inclined volute tongue
Authors: Hao Wenyue , Wang Jiajun , He Ximing , Zhu Zuchao , Wang Zhengdao , Yang Hui , Zhang Wei , Wei Yikun
Published: June 2020

The effect of inclined volute tongue on the aerodynamic noise and performance of a centrifugal fan was investigated by experimental test in this article. The present work highlights that the effect of both the clearance and the radius of the volute tongue has an influence on the performance and noise. The experimental tests of various models aim to obtain the aerodynamic noise and performance characteristics of several fan models. First, the experimental results of centrifugal fan performance are tested by the standard test equipment of aerodynamic performance. The experimental results of centrifugal fan aerodynamic noise are measured by the standard test equipment of experimental noise. Our experimental results mainly show that the generation of aerodynamic noise is significantly correlated with the clearance and radius of the volute tongue. Certain geometries of the volute tongue could reduce the noise of the centrifugal fan without decreasing the performance. It is experimentally demonstrated that the high A-weighted sound pressure levels mainly concentrate on a range of from 700 to 7000 Hz frequency by observing the each 1/3 octave band frequency for four fan models. The comparison of aerodynamic noise results also demonstrates that the inclined volute tongue may not only produce a deceasing of about 1.58 dB compared to that of the baseline model. We further obtain that the properly inclined volute tongue not only has positive performance features compared with the baseline model but also effectively controls the broadband frequency noise of single-inlet centrifugal fan.
Psychosocial interventions in schizophrenia: Focus on guidelines
Authors: Ventriglio Antonio , Ricci Fabiana , Magnifico Giuseppe , Chumakov Egor , Torales Julio , Watson Cameron , Castaldelli-Maia João Mauricio , Petito Annamaria , Bellomo Antonello
Published: June 2020

Background:

Schizophrenia is a lifelong condition with acute exacerbations and varying degrees of functional disability. Acute and long-term treatments are based on antipsychotic drugs, even if some domains of personal and social functioning are not addressed by psychopharmacotherapy. In fact, psychosocial interventions show a positive impact on patient’s functioning and clinical outcome. In addition, psychosocial interventions are significantly associated with a lower number of relapses and hospitalizations in schizophrenia.

Methods:

An analytical review of the International Guidelines on Psychosocial Interventions in Schizophrenia has been performed; we included the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) guidelines, the Schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT) guidelines and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) guidelines.

Results:

The international guidelines recommend psychosocial interventions as supportive treatments alongside pharmaceutical or psychotherapeutic ones.

Conclusion:

More research studies need to be conducted and included in the updated version of the international guidelines to confirm the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in the long-term outcome of schizophrenia.
Factors Underlying Engagement in Facebook Support Groups of Female Infertility Patients
Authors: Gazit Tali , Amichai-Hamburger Yair
Published: June 2020

Women dealing with infertility issues may well undergo a long process of treatments and they are also likely to feel empty, defective, inadequate and worthless. Some of these women join online support groups in order to share their experiences, get information and ease their pain. One important positive phenomenon of the Internet is the advent of online support groups. These are designed to foster well-being and increased social interaction, and to offer 24/7 availability with no geographical restrictions. This study, comprising 191 female participants who answered an online survey, focused on closed Facebook support groups, the members of which were women undergoing treatments for infertility. The study examined to what extent the degree of engagement by these women in online support groups could be predicted by external factors (family status, social and family support, the importance of the group and the duration of membership) and internal factors (extroversion, openness to experience, subjective happiness and loneliness). Findings show that higher levels of engagement in such Facebook support groups are predicted by the external factors, including having a child, longer duration of membership in the group, family support and the strongest predictor, perception of the group as important. Findings also show that higher levels of engagement in these groups are predicted by internal factors extroversion and openness to experience, as was found in previous studies of other populations. Results and future research are discussed.
Resisting rape culture: The ten concubines of 2 Samuel 15–20 and #MeToo
Authors: Caster Suzanne E.
Published: June 2020

This article poses this question: how do readers engage sacred texts in ways that honor the work of #MeToo by combatting the normalization of sexual violence within our society, by hearing the voices of victims of sexual violence, and by holding perpetrators of sexual violence accountable? First, identify and eradicate “rape myths.” Second, promote affirmative consent. Third, practice shifting our worldview. To illustrate, this article examines a case study of ten concubines. Identification of attitudes of rape culture permeating modern biblical scholarship highlights the need for a new reading of these women. Outlining the patterns of power, consent, and autonomy within the narrative of 2 Samuel 15–20 resists modern “rape myths” and offers a liberative way for readers to engage this story in the era of #MeToo.
Determining the loop length during knitting and dyeing processes
Authors: Berenguer Jorge Llinares , Diaz-García Pablo , Martinez Pau Miró
Published: June 2020

Loop length is one of the most relevant variables to control while producing knitted fabrics because the final characteristics of the finished fabric depend on it to a great extent. The procedure followed to calculate it is based on standard UNE-EN 14970, and it is cumbersome, time-consuming and requires yarn-measuring equipment. This study investigated several single jersey and 1 × 1 rib structures produced with different yarn counts and 100% cotton yarns, and a 1 × 1 rib structure that was half-plated in alternating courses by defining four relaxation states of the different fabrics: two knits (knitting and dry relaxation and knitting and wet relaxation) and two dyed (dyed and dry relaxation and dyed and wet relaxation). The most significant dimensional variables were characterized in all the relaxation states and models were presented that explain the variability of the yarn length absorbed by the loop using other variables that are much simpler to analyze.
A qualitative inquiry into the experience of sacred art among Eastern and Western Christians in Canada
Authors: Lang Jacob , Stamatopoulou Despina , Cupchik Gerald C
Published: June 2020

This article begins with a review of studies in perception and depth psychology concerning the experience of exposure to sacred artworks in Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox contexts. This follows with the results of a qualitative inquiry involving 45 Roman Catholic, Eastern and Coptic Orthodox, and Protestant Christians in Canada. First, participants composed narratives detailing memories of spiritual experiences involving iconography. Then, in the context of a darkened room evocative of a sacred space, they viewed artworks depicting Biblical themes and interpreted their meanings. Stimuli included “Western” paintings from the Roman tradition—a selection from the Gothic, Northern Renaissance, and Renaissance canon—and matched “Eastern” icons in the Byzantine style. Spiritual experience narratives were analyzed in terms of word frequencies, and interpretations of sacred artworks were analyzed thematically. Catholics tended to utilize emotional language when recalling their spiritual experiences, while religious activity was most often the concern of Protestants, and Orthodox Christians wrote most about spiritual figures and their signifiers. A taxonomy of response styles was developed to account for participants’ interpretations of Western and Eastern artworks, with content ranging from detached descriptions to projective engagement with the art-objects. Our approach allows for representation of diverse Christians’ interpretations of sacred art, taking into consideration personal, collective, and cultural-religious sources of meaning. Our paradigm also offers to enrich our understanding of the numinous or emotional dimension of mystical contact.
Mental distress and need for psychosocial support in prostate cancer patients: An observational cross-sectional study
Authors: Baba Naomi , Schrage Theresa , Hartmann Armin , Baba Kenji , Wuensch Alexander , Schultze-Seemann Wolfgang , Weis Joachim , Joos Andreas
Published: June 2020

Objective

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in German men and associated with various physical and psychosocial problems. This study investigated the association between mental distress and the subjective need for psychosocial support comparing subgroups of patients with different treatments and disease stages.

Method

We performed an observational, cross-sectional study including patients with four medical conditions: Active Surveillance, radical prostatectomy, biochemical relapse, metastasized disease. Mental distress (NCCN Distress-Thermometer), symptoms of depression and anxiety (PHQ-9, GAD-7), psychosocial needs and coping resources (self-designed questionnaire) were assessed.

Results

N = 130 patients were included. 33.3% showed distress, 16.5% symptoms of moderate depression and 13% symptoms of moderate anxiety. We found no significant differences between the four groups. An association was present between distress and wish for psychosocial support ( χ2 = 4.3; p < 0.05; ϕ = 0.19). Almost 90% lived with a partner, which represents a resource.

Conclusions

Prostate cancer patients showed low levels of mental distress, depression and anxiety with no difference in terms of disease stage and treatment modality. Therefore, careful psychosocial screening of all patients is essential to identify those in need for support. Distressed patients express a need for psychosocial support more often. Interpersonal relationships, most often wives and children, represent important coping resources.
Understanding Side-Effect Intentionality Asymmetries: Meaning, Morality, or Attitudes and Defaults?
Authors: Laurent Sean M. , Reich Brandon J. , Skorinko Jeanine L. M.
Published: June 2020

People frequently label harmful (but not helpful) side effects as intentional. One proposed explanation for this asymmetry is that moral considerations fundamentally affect how people think about and apply the concept of intentional action. We propose something else: People interpret the meaning of questions about intentionally harming versus helping in fundamentally different ways. Four experiments substantially support this hypothesis. When presented with helpful (but not harmful) side effects, people interpret questions concerning intentional helping as literally asking whether helping is the agents’ intentional action or believe questions are asking about why agents acted. Presented with harmful (but not helpful) side effects, people interpret the question as asking whether agents intentionally acted, knowing this would lead to harm. Differences in participants’ definitions consistently helped to explain intentionality responses. These findings cast doubt on whether side-effect intentionality asymmetries are informative regarding people’s core understanding and application of the concept of intentional action.