bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Propelled Sweepers--Air Flow Performance--Part 1: Suction Air Volume Performance
Authors:   MTC2, Sweeper, Cleaner, and Machinery
Published: March 2017

This SAE Standard establishes a test method and a definition for disclosing the suction air volume performance of self-propelled sweepers that solely use a pneumatic conveyance means for the collection and transfer of "sweepings" into a collection hopper.

The purpose of the document describes a test practice for measuring the suction air movement occurring in vacuum and regenerative air street sweepers described in SAE J2130. The document also proposes a format for the presentation of the results. The document can be used to disclose or compare particular operating performance criteria under similar conditions.
Recovery Attachment Points for Passenger Cars, Vans, and Light Trucks
Authors:   Motor Vehicle Council
Published: March 2017

This SAE Recommended Practice is intended to provide guidelines to the vehicle manufacturer for applying recovery attachment points on vehicles rated up to 3178 kg (7000 lb) GVW, such as passenger cars, vans, and light trucks.
Connections for Fluid Power and High Pressure Use-Ports, Stud Ends, and Plugs With Iso 261 Threads and O-Ring Sealing-Part 1: Ports With Recessed Conical Seat Requirements, Dimensions, Design, and Test Methods
Authors:   Hydraulic Tube Fittings Committee
Published: March 2017

Purpose
This part of SAE J2337 specifies dimensions, design, and performance requirements for eight ports using a conical seal to insure leak proof performance with a design factor of 4 to 1.

Field of Application
These connectors are intended for general and hydraulic systems on industrial equipment and commercial products, where elastomeric seals are acceptable to overcome leakage and variations in assembly procedures. These connectors are capable of providing leak proof full flow connections in hydraulic systems operating from 95 kPa vacuum to the working pressures shown in Table 1. Since many factors influence the pressure at which hydraulic systems will or will not perform satisfactorily, these values should not be construed as guaranteed minimums. For any application, it is recommended that sufficient testing be conducted and reviewed by both the user and manufacturer to ensure that the required performance levels are met.

For use of these connectors in conditions outside the pressure and temperature limits specified, contact the manufacturer.
Fluid Systems—Connector Tubes—General Specification and Part Standard
Authors:   Ship Fluid Systems Committee
Published: March 2017

This SAE Standard identifies the material and dimensional requirements for component connector tubes and related items for use in fluid power components. Connector tubes are also identified as quills, ferrules or transfer tubes. Connector tubes are used to connect fluid passages within a component or to connect one component to another; for example, connecting control valves to subplates. Related items include plugs, undrilled connector tubes and connector tubes for internal check valves and restrictors.
RDS Phrase Lists
Authors:   V2X Core Technical Committee
Published: March 2017

This SAE Standard provides a table of textual messages meeting the requirements for expressing “Radio Data Systems” (RDS) phrases commonly used in the ITS industry. They can be used both over the RDS subcarrier transmission media as part of a 37-bit long “Group 8a message” as well as being used to provide a common content list of phrases used in a wide number of other media and applications.

This document SHALL define the normative index values to be used, extending the CEN established list to provide phrases needed by US practitioners. This standard provides non-normative textual phrases which MAY be used by implementers to ensure intelligible results. This document SHALL follow the formats and rules established in SAE J2540 in the expressions, manipulations, and use of such tables.

It should be pointed out that within the rules established by this document a variety of final table are all considered “compliant” with the document, and may vary as fits the needs of implementers.
Itis Phrase Lists (International Traveler Information Systems)
Authors:   V2X Core Technical Committee
Published: March 2017

This SAE Standard provides a table of textual messages meeting the requirements for expressing "International Traveler Information Systems" (ITIS) phrases commonly used in the ITS industry. The tables provided herein follow the rules of SAE J2540 and therefore allow a local representation in various different languages, media expressions etc., to allow true international use of these phrases. The phrases are predominantly intended for use in the description of traffic related events of interest to travelers and other traffic practitioners. Other phrases exit for other specific specialty areas of ITS, and all such phrases follow a set of encoding and decoding rules outlined in SAE J2540 to ensure that the use of these phrases in messages remain interoperable between disparate types of user equipment.

Implementers are cautioned to obtain the most recent set of tables by means of the ITS data registry, a process which involves the SAE and other standards setting organizations and which is intended to maintain and enhance the level of harmonization among ITS standards set by each of the organizations.

This document SHALL define the normative index values to be used to provide phrases needed by ITS practitioners. This document provides non-normative textual phrases which MAY be used by implementers to ensure intelligible results. This document SHALL follow the formats and rules established in SAE J2540 in the expressions, manipulations, and use of such tables.

It should be pointed out that within the rules established by this document a variety of final tables are all considered "compliant" with the document, and may vary as fits the needs of implementers.
National Names Phrase List
Authors:   V2X Core Technical Committee
Published: March 2017

This SAE Standard provides a table of textual messages meeting the requirements for expressing the names of street and roads and some basic building blocks for phrases commonly used in the ITS industry. The tables provided herein are taken from SAE J2369, and follow the rules of SAE J2540 and therefore allow a local representation in various different languages, media expressions, etc. to allow true international use of these phrases. The phrases are predominantly intended to provide a means to express street names including pre and post fixes ( North Oak Street is an example name with a prefix “North” and main portion “Oak” and a suffix “Street”). Other phrases exist for other specific specialty areas of ITS, and all such phrases follow a set of encoding and decoding rules outlined in SAE J2540 to ensure that the use of these phrases in messages remain interoperable between disparate types of user equipment.

Implementers are cautioned to obtain the most recent set of tables by means of the ITS data registry, a process which involves the SAE and other standards setting organizations and which is intended to maintain and enhance the level of harmonization between ITS standards set by each of the organizations.

This document SHALL define the normative index values to be used to provide phrases needed by ITS practitioners when expressing the names of streets using indexed methods. This document SHALL follow the formats and rules established in SAE J2540 in the expressions, manipulations, and use of such tables.
Messages for Handling Strings and Look-Up Tables in ATIS Standards
Authors:   V2X Core Technical Committee
Published: March 2017

This SAE Standard defines methods and messages to efficiently translate sequences of text and other types of data into and out of indexed values and look-up tables for effective transmission.

This document defines:

a

Methods and Data Elements for handling indexes and strings in ATIS applications and message sets

b

Message Sets to support the delivery and translations of tables used in such strings

c

Tables of Nationally standardized strings for use in ATIS message descriptions

And examples of each in illustrative portions.

While developed for ATIS use, the methods defined in this document are useful for any textual strings in any Telematics applications found both in Intelligent Vehicles and elsewhere.
Vehicle Electromagnetic Immunity--Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Authors:   Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards
Published: March 2017

This SAE Standard specifies the ESD test methods and procedures necessary to evaluate electronic modules intended for vehicle use. It describes test procedures for evaluating electronic modules in complete vehicles.

A procedure for verifying the simulator that is used to generate the electrostatic discharges is given in Appendix A

Functional status classifications for immunity to ESD are given in Appendix B.
Performance Levels and Methods of Measurements of Electromagnetic Compatibility of Vehicles, Boats (up to 15 m), and Machines (50 Hz to 18 GHz)
Authors:   Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards
Published: March 2017

This SAE Standard covers the measurement of radio frequency radiated emissions and immunity. Each part details the requirements for a specific type of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test and the applicable frequency range of the test method.

The methods are applicable to a vehicle or device powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor. Operation of all engines (main and auxiliary) of a vehicle or device is included. All equipment normally operating when the engine is running is included. Operator controlled equipment is included or excluded as specified in the individual document parts.

The recommended levels apply only to complete vehicles in their final manufactured form. Vehicle-mounted rectifiers used for charging in electric vehicles are included in Part 2 of this document when operated in their charging mode.

Emissions from intentional radiators are not controlled by this document. (See applicable, appropriate regulatory documents.) The immunity of commercial mains powered equipment to overvoltages and line transients is not covered by this document.
Diesel Injection Pump Testing—Part 1: Calibrating Nozzle and Holder Assemblies
Authors:   Diesel Fuel Injection Equipment Standards Committee
Published: March 2017

This part of SAE J968 specifies two types of calibrating nozzle and holder assemblies intended for the testing and setting of diesel injection pumps on test benches.

It applies to:

a

A calibrating nozzle and holder assembly with a single hole orifice plate;

b

A calibrating nozzle and holder assembly with a delay pintle type nozzle.

The approximate range of the calibrating nozzle and holder assembly is up to:

a

300 mm3/stroke with the single hole orifice plate;

b

150 mm3/stroke with the delay pintle type nozzle.

Setting and maintenance requirements are specified in ISO 4008/3.
Performance and Emission Evaluation of CNG as an Alternative Fuel in a Bi-fuel SI Engine Powered Vehicle
Authors: Abouel-Seoud S.A.
Published: March 2017

Alternative fuels are of much importance because of strict emission regulations, increasing fuel cost and the dramatic increase in the rate of depletion of crude oil resources. Therefore, vehicle manufacturers are shifting their research to develop vehicle engines that use alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG). However, the purpose of the present study is to measure the performance and emission characteristics of a vehicle over a wide range of its operation conditions. All the tests have been done on a passenger vehicle chassis dynamometer under transient state conditions for both gasoline and CNG fuels, where a detailed comparison has been made between their results. A bi-fuel vehicle that has been retrofitted for both fuels together with a locally produced three-way catalytic converter (TWC) that was fitted on the exhaust manifold to reduce its emissions. A multi-point injection (MPI) system is used. The results indicate that the reason behind the increase of total hydrocarbon (THC) in CNG operated vehicle over that produced in gasoline operated vehicle is due to the difficulty in oxidizing the unburned hydrocarbons in the exhaust gases, where the oxidization of hydrocarbons is one of the functions of the TWC. The exhaust hydrocarbons of a gas operated vehicle have a significantly different composition to those of a gasoline operated vehicle. Furthermore, a small deviation in the air index (Î») can be observed in all the testing times. This indicates that the use of catalyser with gasoline or CNG produces nearly same Î».
Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Rolling-Element Bearings
Authors: Haiting Lv
Published: March 2017

Large rolling bearings are mainly used in occasions of low speed and heavy load due to its desirable properties such as large-scale structure and high bearing capacity. Currently, the research emphases of large rolling bearings are focussed on the load distribution, load carrying capacity, fatigue life and structure optimization. Bearings used in heavy vehicles belong to large bearings, whose reliability is also very important. In this paper, the characteristics of the structures of four point angular contact ball bearings and three row cylindrical roller bearing are analyzed. Finite element (FE) model is used to simulate the load distribution and angle variation in the actual working process of a large rolling bearing. In order to analyze the impact of the constraints, the stiffness and the local hard point of the supporting structure on the mechanical properties of large rolling bearings, a series of simplified FE models of large rolling bearing with different constraints and supporting structure has been carried out.
Effect of ao/W Ratio on Fracture Toughness Parameter of Extra Deep Drawn Steel Sheets: Experimental and Finite Element Studies
Authors: Chowdary V. , Kulkarni D.M.
Published: March 2017

Fracture toughness parameter is significantly affected by specimen dimensions i.e. specimen thickness (B), width (W) and unbroken ligament length (W-ao) in elastic-plastic region. Present study is about the third dimension of test specimen (W-ao). In order to investigate effect of ao/W ratio on fracture toughness parameter, fracture test and finite-element - cohesive zone model (CZM) simulation tool are used. Fracture tests are carried out on extra deep drawn (EDD) steel sheets using compact tension (CT) type specimens with different ao/W ratio (0.5, 0.525, 0.55 and 0.575). After successive experimental attempts, load drop technique is used as a fracture criterion. Critical CTOD is used as a fracture toughness parameter. An alternative constant traction separation law is used to account for maximum load and large load line displacements. Experimental findings as well as finite element studies show that the critical CTOD decreases with ao/W ratio. It has been observed that as ao/W ratio increases, the location of plastic hinge shifts towards the crack tip (i.e. size of tensile plastic zone reduces), which reduces fracture toughness. That is, the material is less resistant to crack growth for deeper cracks.
Design, Development and Electromagnetic Analysis of a Linear Switched Reluctance Motor for Automatic Door Systems of Railway Carriages
Authors: Sampath V.G. , Abhishek K. , Lenin N.C.
Published: March 2017

Day in, day out millions of people all around the world use public transportation systems. Within a metropolis, local rail transport is usually the only cheap and efficient way to get from one place to another. This is making new demands on the rail-bound mass transit. The door system needs to be robust, reliable, maintainable, safe and unaffected by the environment in order to guarantee an efficient train service. Because of round the clock operation of these trains, it is difficult to maintain the door systems regularly. They also get exposed to harsh environment like rain, sunlight and rough handling which may lead to malfunction. Safety is a very important constraint in any mass transit system and any malfunction in the door system can lead to severe mishap. Considering all the above constraints, we are proposing Linear Switched Reluctance Motor (LSRM) based door systems for railway carriages. The phase independent nature of LSRM makes it the best choice for door systems application as it can be made to operate even if any phase fails to work. This paper presents a clear design guide for a longitudinal flux single sided LSRM. The design parameters have been verified using two dimensional finite element analysis (2D-FEA). Finally a prototype has been built and tested. Test results imply the features of LSRM that make it a strong candidate for door systems of railway carriages.
Numerical Analysis of Hydrodynamic Journal Bearing Lubrication using Computational Fluid Dynamics and Fluid Structure Interaction Approach
Authors: Dhande D.Y. , Pande D.W.
Published: March 2017

Now-a-days, journal bearings are subjected to severe loads and higher operating speeds causing generation of high hydrodynamic pressures which in turn deform the bearing shell thus modifying the lubricating film in the operating region. Hence, there is need for optimized bearing performance parameter estimation considering the realistic change in lubricating film along with less computational time. In this paper, response surface optimization module coupled with static structural and fluent, available in ANSYS workbench is used for analysing the performance of the bearing. The optimization is based on Response Surface evaluations. It has been observed that the computation time is considerably reduced. The bearing is analysed for various rotational speeds and eccentricity ratios to obtain load carrying capacity and pressure distribution. It is observed that the results are following the expected trend i.e. as speed increases the load carrying capacity as well as maximum pressure is increasing.
Adaptive Cruise Control Implementation using Controller Area Network Protocol
Authors: Rooban K. , Gobu V.
Published: March 2017

This paper is an embedded system based application. The main design and aspect of CAN Based accident avoidance system is to avoid the accidents by using CAN protocol. This project describes a design of effective accident avoidance system that detects an automotive vehicle condition while travelling, with the help of ultrasonic sensors and this signal can be used to control the braking system (ABS). In present scenario, maximum number of deaths is due to accidents. The main reason for accidents is due to negligence of drivers. In order to solve this problem we have used CAN base accident avoidance system to overcome the above mentioned scenario. The simulation of the circuit design and its implementation is carried out using PROTEUS software. Inculcating hardware implementation, ensuring, user friendliness are some of the valuable features enlisted in this paper.
DECORADO (una vida en escena), de Alberto Vázquez
Authors: Navarro Álvarez Adriana
Published: March 2017

Que Alberto Vázquez es un autor que dibuja y que cuenta historias es algo que a estas alturas (de la película) ofrece pocas dudas. A través de Decorado nos muestra su gusto por diferentes tipos de dibujos animados y el humor de diferentes cineastas (lo de las grafías recargadas y el uso de grabados muy del gusto de Terry Gilliam y animales del pelo de Robert Crumb es una pista a seguir).
En cuanto se levanta el telón, con aparente sencillez y de un modo tan inquietante como efectivo, nos presenta una oferta que no podremos rechazar, transportándonos a un territorio que nos conecta/desconecta de la realidad cotidiana analógica y nos sumerge en la realidad mediatizada. Decorado ha recibido el merecido aplauso y acogida de una interminable lista de festivales, como Cannes, Annecy, y Toronto, entre muchos otros.
Decorado, once minutos de disfrute que se renueva con cada nuevo visionado.
Adagio. La materialidad como elemento narrativo y simbólico
Authors: Gordeeff Eliane
Published: March 2017

Este artículo tiene como propósito analizar cómo algunos aspectos de la materialidad de la técnica de animación stop-motion puede complementar y ayudar a su narrativa. El estudio se realizó a partir del cortometraje Adagio (Garri Bardin, 2000), de acuerdo con los conceptos de la semiótica, del cine, de la narrativa y en base a una entrevista con el director. Por lo tanto, ha sido posible comprobar cómo la expresividad puede ser presentada por medio de la utilización física, representativa y simbólica del material utilizado en la preparación de las imágenes. En consecuencia, el presente ensayo expande la comprensión de la riqueza estética de animación como un arte, una técnica y un medio de mensaje.
Resolving anthropogenic aerosol pollution types – deconvolution and exploratory classification of pollution events
Authors: Äijälä Mikko , Heikkinen Liine , Fröhlich Roman , Canonaco Francesco , Prévôt André S. H. , Junninen Heikki , Petäjä Tuukka , Kulmala Markku , Worsnop Douglas , Ehn Mikael
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Mass spectrometric measurements commonly yield data on hundreds of variables over thousands of points in time. Refining and synthesizing this raw data into chemical information necessitates the use of advanced, statistics-based data analytical techniques. In the field of analytical aerosol chemistry, statistical, dimensionality reductive methods have become widespread in the last decade, yet comparable advanced chemometric techniques for data classification and identification remain marginal. Here we present an example of combining data dimensionality reduction (factorization) with exploratory classification (clustering), and show that the results cannot only reproduce and corroborate earlier findings, but also complement and broaden our current perspectives on aerosol chemical classification. We find that applying positive matrix factorization to extract spectral characteristics of the organic component of air pollution plumes, together with an unsupervised clustering algorithm, k-means+ + , for classification, reproduces classical organic aerosol speciation schemes. Applying appropriately chosen metrics for spectral dissimilarity along with optimized data weighting, the source-specific pollution characteristics can be statistically resolved even for spectrally very similar aerosol types, such as different combustion-related anthropogenic aerosol species and atmospheric aerosols with similar degree of oxidation. In addition to the typical oxidation level and source-driven aerosol classification, we were also able to classify and characterize outlier groups that would likely be disregarded in a more conventional analysis. Evaluating solution quality for the classification also provides means to assess the performance of mass spectral similarity metrics and optimize weighting for mass spectral variables. This facilitates algorithm-based evaluation of aerosol spectra, which may prove invaluable for future development of automatic methods for spectra identification and classification. Robust, statistics-based results and data visualizations also provide important clues to a human analyst on the existence and chemical interpretation of data structures. Applying these methods to a test set of data, aerosol mass spectrometric data of organic aerosol from a boreal forest site, yielded five to seven different recurring pollution types from various sources, including traffic, cooking, biomass burning and nearby sawmills. Additionally, three distinct, minor pollution types were discovered and identified as amine-dominated aerosols.
A mobile sensor network to map carbon dioxide emissions in urban environments
Authors: Lee Joseph K. , Christen Andreas , Ketler Rick , Nesic Zoran
Published: March 2017

Abstract. A method for directly measuring carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions using a mobile sensor network in cities at fine spatial resolution was developed and tested. First, a compact, mobile system was built using an infrared gas analyzer combined with open-source hardware to control, georeference, and log measurements of CO2 mixing ratios on vehicles (car, bicycles). Second, two measurement campaigns, one in summer and one in winter (heating season) were carried out. Five mobile sensors were deployed within a 1 × 12. 7 km transect across the city of Vancouver, BC, Canada. The sensors were operated for 3.5 h on pre-defined routes to map CO2 mixing ratios at street level, which were then averaged to 100  ×  100 m grid cells. The averaged CO2 mixing ratios of all grids in the study area were 417.9 ppm in summer and 442.5 ppm in winter. In both campaigns, mixing ratios were highest in the grid cells of the downtown core and along arterial roads and lowest in parks and well vegetated residential areas. Third, an aerodynamic resistance approach to calculating emissions was used to derive CO2 emissions from the gridded CO2 mixing ratio measurements in conjunction with mixing ratios and fluxes collected from a 28 m tall eddy-covariance tower located within the study area. These measured emissions showed a range of −12 to 226 CO2 ha−1 h−1 in summer and of −14 to 163 kg CO2 ha−1 h−1 in winter, with an average of 35.1 kg CO2 ha−1 h−1 (summer) and 25.9 kg CO2 ha−1 h−1 (winter). Fourth, an independent emissions inventory was developed for the study area using buildings energy simulations from a previous study and routinely available traffic counts. The emissions inventory for the same area averaged to 22.06 kg CO2 ha−1 h−1 (summer) and 28.76 kg CO2 ha−1 h−1 (winter) and was used to compare against the measured emissions from the mobile sensor network. The comparison on a grid-by-grid basis showed linearity between CO2 mixing ratios and the emissions inventory (R2 = 0. 53 in summer and R2 = 0. 47 in winter). Also, 87 % (summer) and 94 % (winter) of measured grid cells show a difference within ±1 order of magnitude, and 49 % (summer) and 69 % (winter) show an error of less than a factor 2. Although associated with considerable errors at the individual grid cell level, the study demonstrates a promising method of using a network of mobile sensors and an aerodynamic resistance approach to rapidly map greenhouse gases at high spatial resolution across cities. The method could be improved by longer measurements and a refined calculation of the aerodynamic resistance.
Percepción de las condiciones de seguridad de pacientes con enfermedad crónica sobre el entorno hospitalario en Colombia
Authors: Vargas Rosero Elizabeth , Coral Ibarra Rosa , Moya Plata Delia , Tamara Ortiz Vilma , Mena Yency , Romero González Esperanza
Published: March 2017

Objetivos: describir, comparar y relacionar la percepción de las condiciones de seguridad del entorno hospitalario de pacientes con enfermedad crónica en Colombia y sus cinco macrorregiones geográficas (Amazonía, Andina, Caribe, Orinoquía y Pacífico). Materiales y método: estudio descriptivo, comparativo y de relación, cuya muestra fue de 484 personas con enfermedad crónica. Se emplearon los instrumentos: Encuesta de Caracterización para el Cuidado de la Persona con Enfermedad Crónica y Encuesta Percepción de Condiciones de Seguridad del Entorno Hospitalario, versión paciente. Resultados: frente a las categorías de percepción de riesgo, solamente la mitad de ellos conoce los riesgos a los que está expuesto y la forma de actuar para prevenirlos, y solo la mitad reportó conocer sus deberes y derechos durante la hospitalización. Los riesgos que reflejan mayor materialización son las caídas y las flebitis. Conclusiones: hay poca apropiación sobre el cuidado y la prevención del riesgo; en consecuencia, es alto el grado de vulnerabilidad frente a las condiciones del entorno hospitalario en las cinco macrorregiones geográficas de Colombia.
Associação entre a autoeficácia no ciclo gravídico puerperal e o tipo de aleitamento materno
Authors: Lemos Uchoa Janaiana , Silva Joventino Emanuella , Javorski Marly , Almeida Paulo César de , Batista Oriá Mónica Oliveira , Barbosa Ximenes Lorena
Published: March 2017

Objetivos: analizar la asociación de los promedios de los puntajes de Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy-scale (Short-form) de mujeres en el prenatal y el postparto con la clase de lactancia materna. Materiales y método: estudio longitudinal y cuantitativo, realizado en unidades básicas de salud de Pacatuba (Ceará, Brasil), con 50 mujeres con más de 30 semanas gestacionales, en el periodo de julio a noviembre del 2011. Fueron cuatro recolecciones: la primera realizada en la unidad de salud durante el embarazo y las otras tres en visita domiciliaria en el puerperio. Se utilizaron la escala en las dos primeras recolecciones y el formulario de salud infantil en las tres últimas. Resultados: se observó significancia estadística entre los promedios de los puntajes de la escala (p=0,009), en el dominio técnico (ρ=0,001), entre uso de leche artificial al nacer y la clase de lactancia posterior a la salida de la maternidad (ρ=0,001). En la maternidad, las madres de niños que amamantaban exclusivamente presentaron promedios de los dos puntajes de autoeficacia más elevados tanto en el prenatal como en el postparto (p<0,005). Conclusiones: urge la actuación de los profesionales de salud en estrategias de promoción de la lactancia materna pautadas en la autoeficacia, debiendo implementárselas en el ciclo gestacional-puerperal, pues es evidente que altos puntajes de autoeficacia están directamente relacionados con el mayor tiempo de lactancia materna.
Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies—Not for the Faint-Hearted
Authors: Osterrieder Joerg , Strika Martin , Lorenz Julian
Published: March 2017

Cryptocurrencies became popular with the emergence of Bitcoin and have shown an unprecedented growth over the last few years. As of November 2016, more than 720 cryptocurrencies exist, with Bitcoin still being the most popular one. We provide both a statistical analysis as well as an extreme value analysis of the returns of the most important cryptocurrencies. A particular focus is on the tail risk characteristics and we will provide an in-depth univariate and multivariate extreme value analysis. The tail dependence of cryptocurrencies is investigated (using both empirical and Gaussian copulas). For investors—especially institutional ones—as well as regulators, an understanding of the risk and tail characteristics are of utmost importance. For cryptocurrencies to become a mainstream investable asset class, studying these properties is necessary. Our findings show that cryptocurrencies exhibit strong non-normal characteristics, large tail dependencies, depending on the particular cryptocurrencies and heavy tails. Statistical similarities can be observed for cryptocurrencies that share the same underlying technology. This has implications for risk management, financial engineering (such as derivatives on cryptocurrencies)—both from an investor’s as well as from a regulator’s point of view. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed study looking at the extreme value behaviour of cryptocurrencies, their correlations and tail dependencies as well as their statistical properties.
Bid-Ask Spread Decomposition and Information Asymmetry of Firms Cross-Listed in the London and New York Exchanges
Authors: Luo Robin Hang
Published: March 2017

This paper compares the effective bid-ask spread and examines the decomposition of spread in the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Results indicate that order persistence cost is generally higher in NYSE than in LSE while order processing cost in NYSE is lower, and higher proportion of the bid-ask spread is directly related to the information inefficiency in LSE.
Distributionally constrained items in child language: the acquisition of superweak NPI shenme ‘a/some’ in Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Lin Jing
Published: March 2017

This paper presents new experimental results obtained from 88 Mandarin speaking children (2; 11 – 4; 09; M = 3; 11; SD = 0; 6; 44 girls) in their acquisition of shenme ‘a/some’, a prototypical superweak Negative Polarity Item (NPI) that survives in nonveridical contexts only (cf. Lin Jing et al. 2014). The existence of NPIs like shenme leads to a learnability problem. Without being confronted with negative evidence, such as corrective feedback or explicit instructions on shenme’s ungrammaticality in contexts that are not nonveridical, how can children detect shenme’s distributional constraint? By analysing children’s performance in an elicited imitation task, this paper investigates the learnability of the superweak NPI in Mandarin Chinese. The results suggest a learning process in which Mandarin children initially analyse shenme as a mere wh-quantifier and reanalyse it as a referentially deficient quantifier later on. The wh-analysis gives rise to a distribution of shenme in wh-questions only, whereas the non-referential analysis generates shenme’s distribution in the whole array of nonveridical contexts. The investigation of the acquisition of the Mandarin NPI shenme shows that children are able to acquire distributionally constrained items in the absence of negative evidence: they start out with a strict assumption (i.e. the wh-analysis) and switch to a less strict and generalising analysis (i.e. the non-referential analysis) later on.
A Case Study on the Relationship between Individual Differences and English Pragmatic Competence of Non-English-Major Chinese Postgraduates
Authors: Chen Caifen
Published: March 2017

In the field of pragmatics, a lot of research has been done concerning the pragmatic failures committed by college students. Little research is oriented to the non-English-major postgraduates (NEMP). For that reason, this paper attempts to study the pragmatic competence of NEMP, especially the relationship between pragmatic competence and their individual differences, such as gender differences and differences among different majors, age and working experience. A questionnaire was administrated to 115 non-English-major postgraduates in East China University of Technology (ECUT) in China. The questionnaire consists of an English pragmatic competence test with 25 multiple choices, which was selectively taken from He Ziran’s study (1988). By using both quantitative and qualitative analysis, the study offers the following findings: the general level of NEMP’s pragmatic competence is quite low at present, but with their developing cultural awareness, they do a better job in sociopragmatic competence than that in pragmalinguistic competence; there are significant differences between different genders and their pragmatic competence, with the females’ pragmatic competence higher than males’, while the differences among majors, age and working experience are not so significant in the participants’ English pragmatic competence. The paper also offers some suggestions for postgraduates’ English teaching: using different teaching methods should be considered; Input of English pragmatic knowledge in proper contexts and making best use of Internet should be increased as well; the postgraduates’ individual differences should also be treated appropriately in English teaching.
Production and purification of constructed recombinant hirudin in BL21(DE3) strain
Authors: Al-Badran Adnan I. , Al-Fadal Sabaa Ali
Published: March 2017

Background/Objective: Hirudin, an extract from the leech, has powerful antithrombin activity affecting the blood coagulation pathway, it is the most potent natural inhibitor of thrombin, it binds thrombin with high affinity, so, the aim of this study was to build hirudin gene by overlapping extension PCR then cloning and expression in BL21(DE3) strain.Methods: Hirudin gene constructed with four modified primers then the final product amplified by two primers named as A, B by using overlapping extension PCR, for gene expression, BL21(DE3) strain was used under the control of T7 promoter in pET-16b vector and for hirudin production, LB broth medium was used as fermentation medium. Hirudin protein purified at first by (Immobilized metal affinity chromatography) IMAC, then this protein was dialysis and treated with factor Xa to eliminate His-tag. Then hirudin purified by DEAE sepharose and SP sepharose column, the concentration of protein determined by ELISA, furthermore the activity evaluated by thrombin titration and activated partial thromboplastin time (APPT) test.Results: Hirudin gene constructed in two round PCR first round produced two products (product1 117 bp while product 2,114 bp) the second-round PCR gave the final product 213 bp. The resulted band from gel electrophoresis for constructed vector pET-16b-HirudinS was (5,901 bp). The analysis on 15% SDS-PAGE for the SP sepharose column illustrated the hirudinS protein band with size about ~10.8. Concentration of produced hirudin within its solution reached to 1.75 ng, thrombin titration method showed that the hirudin protein required 300 µl from thrombin to clot, also, APPT test showed that hirudin elongated clotting time to 7min in comparison with 6min for aspirin and the statistical analysis results for APPT test illustrated that there was no significant difference between hirudin and aspirin.Conclusion: This study approved that overlapping extension PCR is a good strategy for building hirudin gene and it’s successfully expressed in BL21(DE3) strain.
Femoral Neck Fractures in Adults Treated With Internal Fixation: A Prospective Multicenter Chinese Cohort
Authors: Slobogean Gerard P. , Stockton David J. , Zeng Bingfang , Wang Dong , Ma Bao-tong , Pollak Andrew N.
Published: March 2017

Introduction:

Although femoral neck fractures in young patients are rare and their complications are well-documented, there is a paucity of data on patient-reported outcomes for this population. The purpose of this study was to describe the quality of life and the effect of clinical complications on the outcomes of young patients with femoral neck fractures in a Chinese cohort.

Methods:

In this prospective observational cohort study, patients aged 18 to 55 years admitted to one of three participating trauma hospitals in China for treatment of a femoral neck fracture were recruited. The primary outcome was the patient’s health-related quality of life using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) Health Survey at 1 year after injury. Associations between the primary outcome and potential predictors were explored with univariate and multivariate regression analysis.

Results:

One hundred seven patients (mean age, 44 years) completed 1-year follow-up. Nearly all patients were treated with closed reduction and screw fixation. Nine cases of nonunion, 7 cases of malunion, and 11 cases of osteonecrosis were identified. The mean SF-36 Physical Component Score was 48.6 ± 8.5, and the mean Mental Component Score was 51.0 ± 7.4. Fracture displacement, quality of reduction, and nonunion were associated with a poor Physical Component Score outcome.

Discussion:

Our results demonstrate that the quality of life for patients after closed reduction and screw fixation of femoral neck fractures is similar to that of the general population, particularly when complications of nonunion and malunion are avoided.

Level of Evidence:

Level I
Artistic Portrayal of Death as a Refuge from Morbidity: The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh and 4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane
Authors: Kiran Sobia
Published: March 2017

The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh and 4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane are psychological plays that deal with the relationship between Art, Death and Morbidity. Death is an artistic solution to put an end to the morbidity of attitude caused by toxic relationships, social conventions, and totalitarian institutions. Death, may it take form of suicide or murder, is presented as a Saviour to escape the torture, suffering, depression and tyranny. Art is the creative realm of death, a defensive tool or a protective shield against the repressed uneasy traumatic memories that causes extreme unpleasure. The objective of the paper is to explore the artistic portrayal of death as a refuge from morbidity addressing the research questions 1) How do 4.48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane and The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh suggest death as an escape from psychosis and life of suffering? 2) How does art become a source of realization of Death drive taking form of murder or suicide?
The limitations and difficulties of anal ultrasonography in diagnosis of anal fistulae
Authors: Obcowska Aneta , Kołodziejczak Małgorzata
Published: March 2017

Conventional surgical treatment of anal fistula is associated not only with a high recurrence rate, but also with a complication that patients find very difficult to tolerate,namely deterioration of fecal and gas continence.The anatomical course of the fistulous tract with regard to the sphincter musclesin combination with the results of function tests constitute the most important elements which decide about the selection of the surgical technique. In Poland, endoanalultrasonography (EUS) is much more readily available than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In order to plan properly the extent of the surgical field, and limit the riskof incontinence, it is essential to determine the height of the fistula and whether it isanterior or posterior. The other significant anatomical features that have an impacton the choice of the surgical method include the number and the kind of branching,the location of the internal opening, and presence of purulent cisterns. Like everydiagnostic procedure, endoanal ultrasonography (EUS) has its limitations, and imaging of fistulae is not free of difficulties. The article discusses the diagnostic problemsrelated to endoanal ultrasonography, and the improvements of the method introducedover the years. Close cooperation between the ultrasonographer and the surgeon isessential. Besides details with regard to the fistula itself, the surgeon expects information if any damage of the sphincter muscles or any other visible pathologies arepresent. Despite the fact that EUS is not a function test, a contraction of the externalsphincter muscle imaged during this procedure provides the surgeon with valuableinformation, hence relevant description should always be provided. Attaching theEUS description with a schematic drawing also helps the surgeon to understandthe course of the fistulous tract better, especially in the case of especially complexfistulae. The surgeon, on the other hand, should provide the ultrasonographer withreliable, conscientiously filled in information when formally referring the patient tothe EUS laboratory for the tes
New-Generation Thromboelastography: Comprehensive Evaluation of Citrated and Heparinized Blood Sample Storage Effect on Clot-Forming Variables
Authors: Dias Joao D. , Haney Elaine I. , Mathew Blesy A. , Lopez-Espina Carlos G. , Orr Adrian W. , Popovsky Mark A.
Published: March 2017

Context.—

Thromboelastography (TEG) is a whole blood, real-time analyzer measuring the viscoelastic properties of the hemostasis process and allowing for individualized goal-directed therapy. However, routine use of TEG requires validation of sample storage effect on clot parameters.

Objectives.—

To establish the minimum time required for equilibration time and the maximum time for sample storage for all commercially available TEG tests for the new-generation TEG 6s and to determine how those times compare with the older generation TEG 5000.

Design.—

Citrated and heparinized whole blood samples obtained from 20 healthy donors were analyzed for clot parameters at multiple time points for both the TEG 6s and the TEG 5000. Samples were activated with the citrated multichannel cartridge or the platelet-mapping cartridge in the TEG 6s or with recalcified kaolin in the TEG 5000.

Results.—

All blood samples yielded TEG parameter results within reference ranges and had a tendency toward hypercoagulable profiles with increased storage time. Sample storage resulted in increased platelet inhibition with significant differences at 4 hours in the platelet-mapping cartridge (arachidonic acid percentage of inhibition, P = .002; adenosine diphosphate percentage of inhibition, P = .02).

Conclusions.—

For nonemergent cases or in a central laboratory setting, all tests provided reliable results for up to 4 hours in the citrated multichannel cartridge and for 3 hours for platelet function information in the platelet-mapping cartridge. In emergent/urgent situations in which the sample needs to be run immediately, RapidTEG and functional fibrinogen tests may be preferred.
Transforming Roles: Canadian Academic Librarians Embedded in Faculty Research Projects
Authors: Bedi Shailoo , Walde Christine
Published: March 2017

Academic librarians have always played an important role in providing research services and research-skills development to faculty in higher education. But that role is evolving to include the academic librarian as a unique and necessary research partner, practitioner, and participant in collaborative, grant-funded research projects. This article describes how a selected sample of Canadian academic librarians became embedded in faculty research projects and describes their experiences of participating in research teams. Conducted as a series of semistructured interviews, this qualitative study illustrates the emerging opportunities and challenges of the librarian-researcher role and how it is transforming the Canadian university library.
Search Strategy Development in a Flipped Library Classroom: A Student-Focused Assessment
Authors: Goates Michael C. , Nelson Gregory M. , Frost Megan
Published: March 2017

Librarians at Brigham Young University compared search statement development between traditional lecture and flipped instruction sessions. Students in lecture sessions scored significantly higher on developing search statements than those in flipped sessions. However, student evaluations show a strong preference for pedagogies that incorporate elements from both lecture and flipped methodologies. Reasons for lower flipped-session scores may include a lack of student accountability, strong preference for a live demonstration, and disconnections between online tutorial content and in-class collaborative activities. Librarians using a flipped classroom should consider ways to help students make meaningful connections between online tutorials and in-class activities.
Multiplexing in Multi-Reflecting TOF MS
Authors: Verenchikov Anatoly , Kirillov Sergey , Khasin Yury , Makarov Vasily , Yavor Mikhail , Artaev Viatcheslav
Published: March 2017

The paper presents an overview of original inventions, development and experimental results by the group of authors in the area of multi-reflecting time-of-flight mass spectrometry with Folded Flight Path (FFP®) (MR-TOFMS) with main focus on multiplexing methods for improving the analysis throughput, i.e. the amount of information per time unit. MR-TOF provides panoramic spectra (virtue of TOFMS), while significantly enhancing resolving power, thus, providing yet more information. Resolving power R=500,000 is demonstrated to resolve isobars and to improve mass accuracy to sub-ppm level. Encoded Frequent Pulsing (EFPTM) method improves sensitivity, expands dynamic range and opens multiple incarnations of parallel and fast tandem methods of analysis based on using ion traps, TOFMS and ion mobility for rapid and lossless parent ion separations.