bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An improved meta-heuristic approach for solving identical parallel processor scheduling problem
Authors: Bathrinath S , Saravanasankar S , Mahapatra SS , Singh Manas Ranjan , Ponnambalam SG
Published: February 2015

This article considers the problem of scheduling n jobs on m identical parallel processors where an optimal schedule is defined as one that produces minimum makespan (the completion time of the last job) and total tardiness among the set of schedules. Such a problem is known as identical parallel processor makespan and total tardiness problem. In order to minimize makespan and total tardiness of identical parallel processors, improved versions of particle swarm optimization and harmony search algorithm are proposed to enhance scheduling performance with less computational burden. The major drawback of particle swarm optimization in terms of premature convergence at initial stage of iterations is avoided through the use of mutation, a commonly used operator in genetic algorithm, by introducing diversity in the solution. The proposed algorithm is termed as particle swarm optimization with mutation. The convergence rate of harmony search algorithm is improved by fine tuning of parameters such as pitch adjusting rate and bandwidth for improving the solution. The performance of the schedules is evaluated in terms of makespan and total tardiness. The results are analyzed in terms of percentage deviation of the solution from the lower bound on makespan. The results indicate that particle swarm optimization with mutation produces better solutions when compared with genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization in terms of average percentage deviation. However, harmony search algorithm outperforms genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, and particle swarm optimization with mutation in terms of average percentage deviation. In certain instances, the solution obtained by harmony search algorithm outperforms existing clonal selection particle swarm optimization.
Similitudes for the structural response of flexural plates
Authors: De Rosa S , Franco F , Meruane V
Published: February 2015

This article presents an investigation into exact and distorted similitudes and the related scaling laws for the analysis of the dynamic response of rectangular flexural plates. The response of a given model in similitude is determined from a generalization of the modal approach, which allows the use the mode shapes and natural frequencies in order to establish scaling laws. Analytical models of simply supported rectangular plates are used to produce both the original and distorted model responses. Some highlights about the distribution of the natural frequencies, the forced response and the energy response are given. The results show that, with the proposed methodology, it is possible to reproduce with good confidence the response of the reference plate, even if distorted models are used.
Research on optimization of the suction parameters of an automotive wind tunnel
Authors: Yang Yi , Liu Zheng , Xu Yong-kang , Cai Sheng-kang , Huang Jian-feng
Published: February 2015

The suction system of an automotive wind tunnel is important in guaranteeing the precision of experimental data. Optimization methodology employing computational fluid dynamics and experimental data for the parameter design of a suction system was presented. The optimization process consists of three stages: design of experiments, response surface modelling and optimization algorithm execution. The Latin hypercube sampling method was adopted in the design of experiments to generate test sample points; the response values were obtained from experimental data measures in the wind tunnel and from computational fluid dynamics. An approximate model of the suction system was created by using the Kriging model. A non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm was used in the multi-objective optimization of the parameters of the pump system. The effects of the suction system on the wind tunnel test results of the MIRA ladder model, with and without optimization, were compared and analysed. Then, the physical mechanisms of the variation in the flow field with different suction parameters were investigated. Experimental and simulation results showed that, after parameter optimization, the flow field quality in the wind tunnel was improved and the test data were more reliable.
Cause of death in HIV-infected patients in South Carolina (2005–2013)
Authors: Cima Michael , Parker R. David , Ahmed Yasir , Cook Sean , Dykema Shana , Dukes Kristina , Albrecht Stephan , Weissman Sharon
Published: February 2015

Summary

The life span of persons with HIV has been greatly extended over the past 30 years due to novel therapies. In the developed world and urban settings, this results in a lifespan rivaling the lifespan of a person without HIV. A retrospective study was conducted on 459 patients of an urban, academic medical center who died between 2005 and 2013 in a medium-sized US city. Using the established Cause of Death Project (CoDe) protocol, we measured multiple factors including comorbidities, risk behaviours, contributing and underlying causes of death. This study is one of the few US-based studies using this validated protocol. Among the deaths, 25.9% were sudden and 15.2% were unexpected. Almost one-fifth were related to AIDS-related infections; 47.5% related to non-AIDS causes; with the remainder unknown. Statistically significant increases in CD4 counts and decreasing viral loads were observed over the study period. There were no statistically significant differences observed by HIV risk behaviour, race, gender, age at death, or on antiretrovirals at death. In support of the existing literature, improved HIV management appears to reduce the AIDS-related attributable death among patients observed in this study.
No improvement in serological response among serofast latent patients retreated with benzathine penicillin
Authors: Ren Rong-Xin , Wang Lin-Na , Zheng He-Yi , Li Jun
Published: February 2015

Persistent non-treponemal titres after treatment are common among patients with latent syphilis. Although retreatment is often done in clinical practice, optimal management remains uncertain due to the paucity of data regarding serological response to retreatment and long-term outcomes. We compared the serological responses of serofast latent syphilis patients retreated with 7.2 million units of benzathine penicillin with the responses of patients who did not receive retreatment (control group). We retrospectively analysed the serological response to therapy following retreatment of 35 serofast latent syphilis patients at 12 months with benzathine penicillin 2.4 million units weekly for 3 weeks. In all, 74.3% (26/35) of the cases with latent syphilis who failed to achieve serological cure at 12 months after initial therapy achieved serological cure after retreatment and after an additional 12 months of follow-up. However, statistically similar serological cure rate was observed in 80.0% (28/35) of the control group ( p > .05). Our findings illustrate no improvement in serological response among serofast latent patients retreated with three doses of benzathine penicillin.
Incidence and antiviral response of hepatitis C virus reactivation in lupus patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy
Authors: Chen M-H , Chen M-H , Tsai C-Y , Chou C-T , Lin H-Y , Huang D-F , Huang Y-H
Published: February 2015

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease and usually requires immunosuppressive therapy, which is a major cause of viral reactivation. The incidence and antiviral response in SLE patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) reactivation is unclear and needs to be investigated.

Methods

One hundred and sixty-six SLE patients with antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) status were retrospectively reviewed regarding the events of HCV reactivation. Patients with HCV reactivation were treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin treatment. The virological response and relapse rate were evaluated.

Results

Twenty-six patients were positive for anti-HCV. During a mean 8.4 years of follow-up, 10 (38.5%) cases developed HCV reactivation. No clear relationship was noted between immunosuppressive therapy and the HCV reactivation. Eight patients underwent antiviral therapy and the rapid virological response (RVR), early virological response, and sustained virological response (SVR) rates were 37.5%, 87.5%, and 75.0%, respectively. However, late relapse (reappearance of HCV RNA in serum after archiving SVR) was found in two (33.3%) of six patients achieving SVR. The two cases were HCV genotype 1 b concurrent with corticosteroid treatment.

Conclusions

HCV reactivation in anti-HCV-positive SLE patients was possibly associated with glucocorticoids. The virological response to interferon plus ribavirin treatment is not inferior to the general population. However, monitoring HCV RNA after SVR is necessary for patients concurrent with corticosteroid treatment due to the risk of late relapse.
Fracture-Dislocations Demonstrate Poorer Postoperative Functional Outcomes Among Pronation External Rotation IV Ankle Fractures
Authors: Warner Stephen J. , Schottel Patrick C. , Hinds Richard M. , Helfet David L. , Lorich Dean G.
Published: February 2015

Background:

Pronation external rotation (PER) ankle fractures are relatively uncommon but serious ankle injuries. Although recent studies have demonstrated good outcomes of PER IV fractures after operative treatment, the effect of dislocation on functional outcomes has not yet been evaluated. The objective of this study was to compare short-term functional outcomes in PER IV ankle fractures with and without dislocation.

Methods:

Our database of ankle fractures surgically treated using an anatomic fixation approach by the senior author from 2003 to 2013 was reviewed. All PER IV ankle fracture patients older than 18 years with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up, including Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), were included for analysis. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, FAOS, ankle range of motion (ROM), and rate of postoperative complications were compared in PER IV fractures with and without dislocation. Of the 47 PER IV fractures included for analysis, 20 (43%) were fracture-dislocations and 27 (57%) had no dislocation. Mean age of the study cohort was 49 years (range, 24-91 years).

Results:

The fracture-dislocation cohort demonstrated significantly poorer FAOS (symptoms, 46 vs 70, P = .002; pain, 56 vs 82, P < .001; activities of daily living, 61 vs 84, P = .002; sports, 37 vs 59, P = .036; quality of life, 25 vs 59, P < .001) than the nondislocation cohort. Articular malreduction (33% vs 14%, P = .147) was also more common in the PER IV dislocation group. Rates of syndesmotic malreduction (44% vs 48%, P = .951) were similar between PER IV fractures with and without dislocation.

Conclusion:

PER IV fracture-dislocations had higher rates of articular malreduction and demonstrated statistically poorer functional outcomes than PER IV fractures with no dislocation. Dislocation in this select subset of ankle fracture patients likely represents a higher energy injury resulting in substantial articular damage and should spur appropriate preoperative patient counseling by the orthopaedic surgeon concerning functional outcome expectations.

Level of Evidence:

Level III clinical outcome comparison.
Cortical Specializations Underlying Fast Computations
Authors: Volgushev Maxim
Published: February 2015

The time course of behaviorally relevant environmental events sets temporal constraints on neuronal processing. How does the mammalian brain make use of the increasingly complex networks of the neocortex, while making decisions and executing behavioral reactions within a reasonable time? The key parameter determining the speed of computations in neuronal networks is a time interval that neuronal ensembles need to process changes at their input and communicate results of this processing to downstream neurons. Theoretical analysis identified basic requirements for fast processing: use of neuronal populations for encoding, background activity, and fast onset dynamics of action potentials in neurons. Experimental evidence shows that populations of neocortical neurons fulfil these requirements. Indeed, they can change firing rate in response to input perturbations very quickly, within 1 to 3 ms, and encode high-frequency components of the input by phase-locking their spiking to frequencies up to 300 to 1000 Hz. This implies that time unit of computations by cortical ensembles is only few, 1 to 3 ms, which is considerably faster than the membrane time constant of individual neurons. The ability of cortical neuronal ensembles to communicate on a millisecond time scale allows for complex, multiple-step processing and precise coordination of neuronal activity in parallel processing streams, while keeping the speed of behavioral reactions within environmentally set temporal constraints.
Utilizing gradient boosted machine for the prediction of damage to residential structures owing to blasting vibrations of open pit mining
Authors: Zhou Jian , Shi Xiuzhi , Li Xibing
Published: February 2015

Owing to the complex features of blasting vibration damage assessment systems, a gradient boosted machine (GBM) model is developed for the classification of residential structure damage (RSD) due to blasting vibrations of open pit mining. Twelve indicators are defined as the indices for the prediction of RSD in the proposed model. These are: peak particle velocity, dominant frequency, dominant frequency duration, distance, maximum safe charge per delay, compressive strength of mortar joints, ratio of brick area to house area, height of residential house, roof structures, beam-column frames, quality of construction, and site conditions. The GBM model is achieved by training 108 sets of measured data of blasting vibration. A 10-fold cross-validation procedure was applied to determine the optimal parameter values during modeling, and an external testing set was employed to validate the prediction performance of the model. Two performance measures – classification accuracy rate and Cohen’s kappa – have been employed. The analysis of accuracy together with kappa for the dataset demonstrate that the GBM model has high credibility as it achieves a comparable median classification accuracy rate and Cohen’s kappa values of 91.7% and 0.875 for the prediction of RSD, respectively.
Conversation Piece?
Authors: Badley Graham Francis
Published: February 2015

The human conversation, which academics learn from and contribute to in their inquiries, requires that they take sides to suggest radical change. Here, I reflect on ways in which those adopting a pragmatic stance may contribute to this elastic conversation. The means available for analytic inquiry include assemblage, bricolage, collage, critical reading, and all forms of writing. A pragmatic approach may help academics suggest radical action to address what Dewey called the problems of man but does not purport to offer a final analysis. Instead, pragmatists are committed to experiment and to keep the conversation going.
Getting By or Getting In? Grappling With Access and Affect in Qualitative Research Projects Involving Vulnerable Human Subjects
Authors: Molloy Cathryn
Published: February 2015

This article sketches out a terrain for the concept “access” to expand beyond its more familiar iterations in the discourses surrounding qualitative projects. In parts, there are opacious accounts of the author’s qualitative project’s inception and varied intellectual and personal inspirations and struggles. In other sections, a splintered narrative account of pursuits of and everyday encounters with access come into the fray. The article meanders through the search for access to a protected population and through more philosophic ruminations on “access” as a concept—one that suggests that deep learning becomes possible in conditions of anxiety and disconcertion.
The Impact of the Economic Crisis on Youth Trajectories
Authors: Serracant Pau
Published: February 2015

This article analyzes the impact of the economic crisis on the patterns of transition followed by Catalan young people. In particular, it does so by examining to what extent the crisis has affected the extension, de-linearization, reversibility and diversification of their trajectories. These processes have been detected at the European level and are often linked to a context of greater opportunities. The article focuses on Catalonia, an example of a familistic youth regime. Results show that, in a context of crisis and for the Catalan case, transitions take longer, linearity and reversibility increase and, although vulnerability rises, the typical trajectories remain stable. Thus, risk avoidance, mostly through family support, has become even a more dominant strategy than during the expansive economic period. This reinforcement of the traditional pattern of transition, in which the family of origin has a central role, is expected to strengthen social reproduction.
Safe School Day According to the Young
Authors: Syrjäläinen Eija , Jukarainen Pirjo , Värri Veli-Matti , Kaupinmäki Simo
Published: February 2015

We explore how young students perceive a safe school day, what makes them feel insecure, and which factors in daily school life increase their sense of safety. Our data comprise school essays by 7th to 9th graders from one comprehensive school in Tampere, Finland. The study is a qualitative case study with a narrative approach. Applying both data-driven and theory-driven content analysis, we have classified our findings into three main categories: (a) school safety as relations between people, (b) practices that build safety in everyday school life and (c) the safety of the physical environment in the school. The emphasis is on describing and interpreting students’ experiences and their life-world phenomena. We explain why there is a need for a holistic view on school safety. We primarily discuss safety as a social phenomenon encompassing participation and relationships, but also as a humanistic and cultural phenomenon encompassing dignity and well-being.
The perceived causal structures of smoking: Smoker and non-smoker comparisons
Authors: Lydon David M , Howard Matt C , Wilson Stephen J , Geier Charles F
Published: February 2015

Despite the detrimental impact of smoking on health, its prevalence remains high. Empirical research has provided insight into the many causes and effects of smoking, yet lay perceptions of smoking remain relatively understudied. This study used a form of network analysis to gain insight into the causal attributions for smoking of both smoking and non-smoking college students. The analyses resulted in highly endorsed, complex network diagrams that conveyed the perceived causal structures of smoking. Differences in smoker and non-smoker networks emerged with smokers attributing less negative consequences to smoking behaviors. Implications for intervention are discussed.
Keep it rocking: The social space of Portuguese alternative rock (1980–2010)
Authors: Guerra Paula
Published: February 2015

The main goal of our approach is to analyse the social representations of alternative rock in Portugal (or, using a terminology more akin to 1980s Portugal, of the “modern music vanguard”) from 1980 to 2010. This is part of broader research into the 30 years of modernization of the country (from the post-revolutionary period initiated in 1974 on), in which alternative rock is regarded as a significant social practice within the scope of the social, artistic and musical structuring of the country itself. We consider that alternative rock is a subject that is illuminated by Bourdieu’s theory of fields, without overlooking its clear interconnection with ‘art worlds’ or music scenes, and the aesthetic cosmopolitanism of late modernity. The article is a pioneering work on the Portuguese sociology of culture, whose results may be the starting point of a debate to problematize the functional logic of popular music in various Anglo-Saxon settings.
Can a Box of Mailed Materials Achieve the Triple Aims of Health Care? The Mailed Chronic Disease Self-Management Tool Kit Study
Authors: Lorig Kate , Ritter Philip L. , Moreland Courtney , Laurent Diana D.
Published: February 2015

Not all patients with chronic conditions are able or willing to participate in small-group or Internet self-management programs. Based on the Arthritis Mailed Took Kit Program and the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, a mailed Chronic Disease Self-Management Tool Kit, delivered in a onetime mailing, was developed as an alternative mode of delivery. Kits were mailed to a national sample of 255 participants with varying chronic conditions and evaluated in a longitudinal (6-month) trial. Outcomes reflected the triple aims of health care. At 6 months, participants demonstrated better health care indicators, better health indicators, and less health care utilization. There were significant improvements in two health care indicators and six health indicators and reductions in physician visits. Follow-up response rate was high (85%). There were no significant baseline differences between responders and nonresponders. Subgroup analyses were performed for a number of subgroups, including those with arthritis (58%) and/or depression (43%), and for African Americans (14%). Subgroups demonstrated improvements equal to or better than the overall group. The Mailed Chronic Disease Self-Management Tool Kit represents a third mode, along with small groups and Internet, of delivering self-management patient education, and appears to contribute to meeting the triple aims of health care for those who actively chose this mode of delivery.
Playfulness and Interaction
Authors: Waldman-Levi Amiya , Bundy Anita , Katz Noomi
Published: February 2015

Violence against women affects mother–child interactions, which may in turn affect their children’s playfulness. We examined the effect of a history of violence against mothers on mother–child interactions and children’s playfulness. This cross-sectional pilot study consisted of 36 mother–child dyads residing in family crisis shelters due to serious violence from an intimate partner. One subgroup had experienced violence during childhood, another had posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Instruments included Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale, Test of Playfulness, and Coding Interactive Behavior System. Mann–Whitney test and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were calculated. Results indicated that children of mothers without PTSD were more playful than children of mothers with PTSD. Mothers who had not reported of childhood exposure to violence and who did not have PTSD had better interactions with more playful children.
Degree of Preference and Its Influence on Motor Control When Reaching for Most Preferred, Neutrally Preferred, and Least Preferred Candy
Authors: Sackaloo Kareisha , Strouse Emily , Rice Martin S.
Published: February 2015

The objective of this study was to determine whether reaching for objects with varying levels of preference associated with them elicited influenced motor control in a reaching task. Forty healthy adults were asked to reach for seven different types of candy, which they ranked by personal preference from being the most preferred to the least preferred. In this repeated measures design, data were analyzed on 39 participants who tended to demonstrate greater movement efficiency in movement time and movement units when reaching for candy in which they associated with greater preference ( p < .0167). Although no differences were found between conditions with peak velocity and percentage of movement time to peak velocity ( p > .0167), these dependent variables appeared to trend in the direction of similar movement efficiency. Therapists can use this knowledge to help guide clinical reasoning when designing treatment plans and approaches. Future research is needed to further examine intensity along the continuum of preference and its implications for occupational therapy practice.
A Content Analysis of Functional Recovery Strategies of Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Lyons Kathleen D. , Svensborn Ingrid A. , Kornblith Alice B. , Hegel Mark T.
Published: February 2015

Seventeen breast cancer survivors completed a 6-week, telephone-delivered, behavioral activation/problem-solving intervention designed to reduce participation restrictions. A content analysis of the session data was conducted to identify the goals and patterns of goal attainment and to understand what women were trying to achieve in their recovery. The 17 women set 141 goals. Sixty-six (47%) of the goals reflected a desire to add a new activity to their routine and 75 (53%) of the goals reflected a desire to perform a routine activity more efficiently. The women primarily set goals to address challenges in exercising (24%), work (13%), nutrition (11%), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs; 10%), stress management (9%), and social activities (9%). The women set an average of 8 goals and met 71% of their goals. The intervention shows promise in helping women set and achieve a number of functional goals as part of breast cancer recovery.
The Influence of Exercise on Perceived Pain and Disability in Patients With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Slater Jarrett , Kolber Morey J. , Schellhase Kristen C. , Patel Chetan K. , Rothschild Carey E. , Liu Xinliang , Hanney William J.
Published: February 2015

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is an increasingly prevalent condition that has major health and economic implications. While there are many options for the treatment of LSS, exercise is widely considered a first-line intervention as it is associated with reduced complications and cost as compared to more invasive options. Currently, it is not clear if exercise is an effective approach to managing pain and perceived disability in patients with symptomatic LSS. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the published literature that has investigated exercise as a primary intervention for LSS. A search was conducted in electronic databases including PubMed, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and AMED using the key words lumbar spinal stenosis, exercise, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and conservative treatment. Inclusion criteria consisted of published randomized controlled trials written in English that included exercise as the primary treatment in at least one of the groups, and had reported measures of pain and disability clearly stated. The search identified 310 studies of which 5 met all the inclusion parameters. Exercise appears to be an efficacious intervention for pain, disability, analgesic intake, depression, anger, and mood disturbance among patients with LSS. Further research is needed to determine which type of exercise is the most effective in managing symptoms associated with lumbar spinal stenosis.
Teachers’ perceptions of education for democratic citizenship in schools with transnational youth: A comparative study in the UK and Denmark
Authors: Hahn Carole L.
Published: February 2015

As a consequence of globalization and increased immigration, scholars call for reconceptualizations of citizenship and empirical studies to ascertain how citizenship education is enacted in schools serving youth from immigration backgrounds. This study addresses these needs by interviewing civic educators in purposefully selected secondary schools in Denmark and England and Scotland in the United Kingdom. Using data from semi-structured teacher interviews, complemented by classroom observations, the study revealed examples of civic teaching reflective of distinct civic cultures and global trends. In the British schools in the study, the extent to which citizenship was emphasized varied considerably. One school did much to promote local and global civic activism, whereas others emphasized school level participation and charity fundraising. Democratic participation in groups, support for the Danish welfare system, and valuing free expression featured strongly in the Danish schools in the study. Across countries, students were taught about human rights, global issues, and international organizations. Additionally, teachers identified opportunities and challenges in civic teaching for transnational students.
The use of international television formats by public service broadcasters in Australia, Denmark and Germany
Authors: Esser Andrea , Jensen Pia Majbritt
Published: February 2015

Today, the use of internationally licensed television formats, developed in one market and sold for local adaptation, is a widespread practice amongst commercial broadcasters around the world. But how has this trend impacted on public service broadcasting? Public service stipulations include the provision of content that informs and educates, helps imagine the nation, enriches the lives and culture of its citizens and provides an inclusive public sphere to support democracy. Can internationally franchised programmes fulfil these remits? And to what extent are they employed by public service broadcasters? Responding to criticisms of the international, commodified character of formats in general and their staple, reality TV and lifestyle entertainment more specifically, this article provides a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the use of international formats by Australian, Danish and German public service broadcasters. The article hopes to contribute to media policy debate and concludes by arguing that, even in the relatively few instances where formats have been employed, the benefits outweigh the concerns raised.
Alleged perpetrators of serious crimes applying for asylum in the Netherlands: Confidentiality, the interests of justice and security
Authors: Reijven Joke , van Wijk Joris
Published: February 2015

The Refugee Convention states that asylum seekers should be excluded from refugee protection when there are ‘serious reasons for considering’ that they committed serious crimes. This article describes which alleged perpetrators are excluded in the Netherlands and discusses if and how confidentiality issues prevent disclosure of information about their nature and whereabouts. It concludes that law enforcement agencies typically receive information after a final decision to exclude has been made and that other actors are generally not informed at all. It is questioned to what extent this practice serves the interests of justice and security since it may frustrate successful prosecution and threaten security.
The ‘emotionalization of the “war on terror”’: Counter-terrorism, fear, risk, insecurity and helplessness
Authors: Ahmed Shamila
Published: February 2015

The ‘war on terror’ has marked the existence of exceptional measures involving military action abroad and the introduction of counter-terrorism legislation in the United Kingdom. Within this context fear, risk and insecurity have been intrinsic in legitimizing the measures created as being necessary to maintain national security. This article presents the findings from a study investigating the impact of the ‘war on terror’ on British Muslims’ emotions. The study revealed how facets of the ‘war on terror’, including ‘human rights and policing’, ‘What if? and pre-emption’, ‘geopolitics and reflexive fear and risk’ and ‘fear from inside the binary’ impacted participants’ emotions. Through exploring how thepolicy measures implemented in the ‘war on terror’ have influenced British Muslims’ emotions, the article takes a small step in addressing the analytical gap in criminological research on emotions in the ‘war on terror’.
Lost in translation? On the disciplinary status of public relations
Authors: Dühring Lisa
Published: February 2015

The article deals with the current status of public relations (PR) as a scientific discipline which is in the process of breaking up into several subdisciplinary fields of research. It gives an overview of the problematic aspects of the disciplinary developments of PR and crystallizes the main points of the debate. The author criticizes the constant broadening and fragmentation of the field, occupying terrain from neighboring disciplines, and the eclecticism with which PR adopts concepts and theories from other fields without providing substantial theory building of its own. PR is considered a ‘postdisciplinary’ field of research, and the author points toward both the positive and the negative aspects that are associated with this. The conclusion suggests different approaches how to address the status quo.
Relationships of a Circular Singer Arm Gesture to Acoustical and Perceptual Measures of Singing
Authors: Brunkan Melissa C.
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study was to validate previous research that suggests using movement in conjunction with singing tasks can affect intonation and perception of the task. Singers ( N = 49) were video and audio recorded, using a motion capture system, while singing a phrase from a familiar song, first with no motion, and then while doing a low, circular arm gesture. Analysis of relationships between a circular singer arm gesture and changes in intonation indicated most singers (67.3%, n = 33) were closer to the target pitch when doing the low, circular gesture. Additionally, significant correlations were found between motion of the hand and face. Participant perceptions of singing with motion included “fuller tone” and “more breath” with the lower motion and singing without motion viewed as “easy” and “comfortable.” Results of this study suggest that singing with motion can affect intonation, other bodily movements, and perception of singing.
Exploration of polythiophene/graphene, poly(methyl methacrylate)/graphene and polythiophene-co- poly(methyl methacrylate)/graphene nanocomposite obtained via in-situ technique
Authors: Shah Rahim , Kausar Ayesha , Muhammad Bakhtiar
Published: February 2015

We have reported a simple method for synthesizing polythiophene/graphene, poly(methyl methacrylate)/graphene and polythiophene- co-poly(methyl methacrylate)/graphene nanocomposite via a solution method. The polythiophene was prepared by in-situ chemical oxidative polymerization using ferric chloride hexahydrate. Besides, simple in-situ conversion of graphite to graphene was attained in aprotic solvent via sonication. The physio-chemical nanocomposite properties were studied to analyze structural, morphological, thermal and electrical properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis corroborated the structures of polythiophene/graphene and poly(methyl methacrylate)/graphene/graphene. Morphological analysis revealed good dispersion of graphene sheets in copolymer matrix having unique granular dispersion of polythiophene over the filler surface when compared with the microstructures of polythiophene/graphene and poly(methyl methacrylate)/graphene. The X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the polythiophene and poly(methyl methacrylate)/graphene amorphous structure, as well as graphitic structure in the nanocomposite. The thermal conductivity was found to increase for the copolymer series and was higher for poly(methyl methacrylate) -co-polythiophene/graphene 1.5 with 1.5 wt% loading (1.22 W/mK). Similarly, with the in-situ graphene loading the electrical conductivity was enhanced up to 2.4 × 10−3 S/cm (poly(methyl methacrylate) -co-polythiophene/graphene 1.5).
Arterial thrombosis is accelerated in mice deficient in histidine-rich glycoprotein
Authors: Vu Trang T. , Zhou Ji , Leslie Beverly A. , Stafford Alan R. , Fredenburgh James C. , Ni Ran , Qiao Shengjun , Vaezzadeh Nima , Jahnen-Dechent Willi , Monia Brett P. , Gross Peter L. , Weitz Jeffrey I.
Published: February 2015

Key Points

Mice deficient in HRG have normal hemostasis, but demonstrate accelerated thrombosis via the contact system. HRG abrogates nucleic acid–driven coagulation and serves as a novel modulator of the contact system in vivo.
Synthesis and Application of Graphene–Sodium Polyacrylate–Pd Nanocomposite in Amperometric Determination of Ciprofloxacin
Authors: Chen Hong , Bo Le , He Meng , Mi Geng , Li Jianrong
Published: February 2015

Graphene–sodium polyacrylate–Pd (GN–PAAS–Pd) nanocomposite was synthesized and applied to the amperometric determination of ciprofloxacin (CIP). The electrochemical behaviour of CIP on the nanocomposite was investigated and a chronoamperometry method was developed for the determination of CIP. The results showed that the peak current increased with the CIP concentration in the range 0.18–10.8 µM with a calibration equation of Ipa (µA) = 0.867CCIP + 0.6521(µM) and in the range 10.8–180 µM with a calibration equation of Ipa (µA) = 0.1593CCIP + 8.2671(µM). The detection limit was estimated to be 0.045 µM (S/N = 3). The modified electrode has been applied to the determination of CIP in samples.
Electrochemical Activation of a Novel Laccase, MELAC, Isolated from Compost
Authors: Murata Kazuki , Shigemori Yasushi , Tsujimura Seiya
Published: February 2015

Here, we report a novel electrochemical activation technique for a Cu-depleted apo-type laccase, MELAC, which was isolated from a compost metagenome. The Cu atoms in the active center of the laccase were removed during the purification process using an anion-exchange column. We demonstrate how the apo-type laccase can be activated by an electrochemically generated monovalent Cu+ ion.
Degradation of Trichloroethylene Using Allophane–Titania Nanocomposite Supported on Porous Filter
Authors: Nishikiori Hiromasa , Morita Koji , Shibuya Yuki , Tagashira Kenji
Published: February 2015

The allophane–titania composites were prepared on a macroporous filter. The allophane particles were dispersed in a titania sol, in which the filter was irradiated by ultrasonic waves, and then the resulting deposit on the filter was heated. During the photocatalytic degradation of trichloroethylene, the composite containing a small amount of allophane improved the adsorption ability of the titania and inhibited emission of the intermediate, phosgene. The appropriate UV irradiation intensity also inhibited the phosgene emission due to an effective adsorption–degradation relay.
Architectural Envelope Systems Based on Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces
Authors: Sierra Fernando , Rodriguez Carolina M.
Published: February 2015

This paper presents the results of a research project, which explores Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces (TPMS) as a source of inspiration for the design of interior architectural envelopes. TPMS are a large family of surfaces that are not yet fully discovered. This work begins by identifying the members of this family which geometrical characteristics and growth patterns show potential for applications in interior architecture; this selection is made by means of a geometric analysis of these surfaces. The central part of the paper proposes three alternative manufacturing techniques for built approximations of TPMS: ruled surfaces, discrete surfaces and warped surfaces. These were then tested in the development of three modular systems of perforated and permeable surfaces, which were designed using simple construction methods intended to be replicable in different contexts. The components of the systems were manufactured with recyclable and recycled materials (i.e. waste products) and employing local tools and technical resources. The results of this research aim to highlight and explore the formal and geometric benefits of TPMS in the design of architectural components. The main advantages identified in the proposed systems relate to acoustic properties, structural performance and constructional process. It is suggested that the contributions of this research can be used both for educational purposes within academia and commercial purposes in future developments of the systems.
Half a Century with the Space Structures Research Centre of the University of Surrey
Authors: Behnejad S. Alireza , Parke Gerard A. R.
Published: February 2015

The Space Structures Research Centre was founded by Professor Zygmunt Stanislaw Makowski in 1963. The Centre is a part of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of the University of Surrey, Guildford, UK. Many different activities have been organised by the Centre since its establishment in areas such as research, publication, teaching, organisation of conferences, as well as, consulting work. This paper outlines the activities of the Centre in the past 50 years and gives an overview of the role of the Centre in the development of spatial structures in the world.
Integrating Energy Storage with Renewable Energy Generation
Authors: Garvey Seamus D
Published: February 2015

Renewable energy provides the potential for a future in which abundant energy is available with extremely low levels of emission of harmful substances into the environment. The net resources present in most locations exceed the present local requirements for power but two main considerations limit the potential: (a) the cost of the systems used to convert the energy from its primary form and (b) the requirement to balance the supply of power with demand for that power. Presently, these two considerations are predominantly treated as independent concerns to be addressed by different communities. This paper asserts that this separation is both unnecessary and ill-advised in the context of most renewable energy forms and it sets out the case for the integration of energy storage, in its broadest sense, with systems that harvest renewable energy. In the case of wind power in particular it notes two distinct possibilities for such integration that stand up to scrutiny. The paper recognises that energy storage is only one of several possible solutions for reconciling supply and demand and it outlines a neutral methodology for comparing the costs of such solutions. Applying this methodology provides a very positive indication of the benefits of integrating energy storage with generation from renewable energy.
Evaluating the Underwater Compressed Air Energy Storage Potential in the Gulf of Maine
Authors: Pete Carson , McGowan Jon G. , Jaslanek Walter
Published: February 2015

The United States has recognized the need to offset current and future electrical demand with clean, renewable generation. However, plans for integration of high penetration levels of often variable and uncertain renewable energy, like offshore wind, pose significant challenges to utility gird operators and system planners. The intermittent nature of renewables can result in dramatic changes in system load, indicating a need for large-scale energy storage technologies that would allow renewables to be dispatched when needed. Among different storage technologies, pumped hydro storage, batteries and fuel cells have some inherent advantages over others but only compressed air energy storage (CAES) has the capacity of pumped hydro and potentially lowest overall capital and capacity costs. Advances in system compression designs and utilization of thermal energy storage has made CAES increasingly attractive, especially as new innovations in air storage technologies are now allowing CAES to break away from site specific geological formations like salt domes by allowing the air to be stored underwater in pressure vessels. In this paper, a thermodynamic evaluation of an idealized underwater pressure-balanced CAES system is conducted and compared to other large-scale underwater storage methods. Using the Gulf of Maine as a case study area, the thermodynamic relations are integrated in ArcGIS, a geospatial analysis program, to determine the energy storage resource potential for the New England area.
Analysis of a Wind Turbine Power Transmission System with Intrinsic Energy Storage Capability
Authors: Garvey Seamus D , Pimm Andrew J , Buck James A , Woolhead Simon , Liew Kai W , Kantharaj Bharath , Garvey James E , Brewster Barrie D
Published: February 2015

A wind turbine transmission system is described wherein mechanical power directly from the slow rotation of the shaft of a large wind turbine rotor is carried over to electrical power through a synchronous generator via the circulation of a high pressure gas running in a closed circuit. In the most straightforward mode of operation, power is injected into the gas circuit via special low-speed nearly-adiabatic compressors with very high isentropic efficiency and is extracted using an expander that is also nearly-adiabatic with relatively high isentropic efficiency. In other operating modes, it is possible to exploit the temperature changes arising naturally from adiabatic compression or expansion of gas so as to put energy into storage or recover energy from storage. This paper explores some of the design rationale behind such a power transmission system and uses exergy analysis to explain and evaluate its operation.
Wind Resource Assessment in Complex Urban Environment
Authors: Romanić Djordje , Rasouli Ashkan , Hangan Horia
Published: February 2015

A wind energy assessment methodology is proposed for urban environments and applied for a specific urban development. Micro-scale wind energy maps are created using computational fluid dynamics simulations. The wind maps are used to calculate the available wind energy for the 2015 Pan American Games Athletes' Village, in Toronto, Canada. The structure of the urban boundary layer has also been analyzed. It is shown that the maximum available energy can cover an important ratio of typical power requirements for the buildings. However, it is found that existing wind turbines have power curves that are de-coupled from the probability density functions of the wind availability. Therefore, the need for designing new urban wind turbines is discussed and required specifications are highlighted.
On Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of Magnetic Drug Targeting
Authors: Kelly Mark , Yeoh Guan Heng , Timchenko Victoria
Published: February 2015

Magnetic drug targeting is continuing to draw attention as a potential technique for cancer and tumour treatment. This paper focuses on the development of computational fluid dynamic models for magnetic drug targeting. Magnetic particle capture has been simulated in a 90o coronary artery bend of circular tube for a range of different particle sizes. The magnetic field is produced by a current carrying wire. It has been found that increasing the sizes of magnetic particles increases the capture of particles. Extensions are made on the model to include the effects of non-Newtonian fluid and the pulsating nature of blood flow. These extensions improved the basic model by simulating a more physiologically accurate application of magnetic drug targeting. A reduction of the particle capture efficiency is experienced based on this physiologically accurate model. Time of injection over the flow cycle of the pulsating nature of blood flow greatly influences the particle capture efficiency.
Analysis of Composite Steel-concrete Beams Exposed to Fire using OpenSees
Authors: Jiang Jian , Li Guo-Qiang , Usmani Asif
Published: February 2015

OpenSees is an open-source object-oriented software framework developed at UC Berekeley. The OpenSees framework has been recently extended to deal with structural behaviour under fire conditions. This paper summaries the key work done for this extension and focuses on the validation and application of the developed OpenSees to study the behaviour of composite steel-concrete beams under fire conditions. The performance of the developed OpenSees are verified by four mechanical tests and two fire tests on simply supported composite beams. A parametric study is carried out using OpenSees to study the influence of boundary condition as well as composite effect of slab on the behavior of composite beams exposed to fire. The stress and strain along the beam section is output and compared with yield stress limit at elevated temperature to explain these influences in detail. The results show that the stress distribution in the web of the steel beam is more complex due to the support effects.