bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compressive performance of new types of load-bearing horizontal-hole interlocking concrete hollow blocks
Authors: Liu Shen , Zhang Jingshu , Liu Le , Guo Hang , Wang Bo
Published: November 2018

Two series of load-bearing horizontal-hole interlocking hollow concrete blocks, referred to as H-shaped series and cross-shaped series, were developed, including three geometric types: type BH-290 (H-shaped), type BH-240 (H-shaped), and type BC-240 (cross-shaped). The research presented in this article investigated the compressive behavior of the proposed load-bearing horizontal-hole interlocking hollow concrete blocks and aimed at analyzing the influence of geometric parameters on the block capacity. First, compressive tests of the horizontal-hole interlocking hollow concrete blocks were carried out. The compressive strength, elastic modulus, and compressive failure mechanism were analyzed. Second, the feasibility of the finite element analysis model was verified by experimental results presented in this article, as well as by available test data from other researchers. The influences of vertical ribs, horizontal ribs, and concrete strength on the compressive strength of horizontal-hole interlocking hollow concrete blocks were investigated. Ultimately, based on the numerical modeling results, linear equations were proposed to predict the compressive strength of H-shaped series and cross-shaped series blocks. The results show that the compressive strengths of types BH-240, BH-290, and BC-240 are 15.9, 13.4, and 13.0 MPa, respectively. For the H-shaped series, the core horizontal rib is the key part that can significantly constrain the vertical ribs so that the block can achieve higher compressive bearing capacity. For the cross-shaped series, core horizontal ribs cannot improve the compressive strength of the block because core horizontal ribs and joints near them become damaged early. Improving the concrete strength and the width of the vertical rib can effectively improve the compressive bearing capacity for both H-shaped and cross-shaped series blocks. The accuracy of the proposed equations for predicting the compressive strength of H-shaped and cross-shaped blocks is acceptable, according to the current verification.
Scour-dependent empirical fragility modelling of bridge structures under earthquakes
Authors: Guo Xuan , Badroddin Mostafa , Chen ZhiQiang
Published: November 2018

Fragility analysis is often employed to evaluate the vulnerability of structures subject to strong earthquakes, and in recent years, it further becomes one of the basic components for assessing the seismic resilience of civil structures and infrastructure systems. For river-crossing bridges that are exposed to both strong earthquakes and flooding events, a significant risk to bridge structures is the conjunct effects of seismic excitation and bridge scour. However, how to consider scour as a secondary hazard in performing fragility analysis and how to achieve balance among physical complexity, simplification and analytical rigour are not fully addressed in the literature. Extended from the traditional fragility modelling and incremental dynamic seismic analysis, a scour-dependent empirical fragility modelling approach is proposed in this article. In the proposed model, the model parameters are associated with scour depths in terms of quadratic polynomials, which provide great flexibility to consider the complex effects of bridge scour. Numerical analysis based on a simple two-span bridge model with pile foundations demonstrates the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed approach. The fragility surface generated in this work can be used to assess the seismic resilience of scoured bridge under earthquake loads.
Nurses’ use of monitors in patient surveillance: an ethnographic study on a coronary care unit
Authors: Freysdóttir Gerður Rán , Björnsdóttir Kristín , Svavarsdóttir Margrét Hrönn
Published: November 2018

Background:

Physiological monitors are increasingly used for patient surveillance. Although nurses play a vital role in the observation, analysis and use of information obtained from these devices, difficulties in their use, coupled with the high frequency of false and nuisance monitor alarms, can lead to negative working conditions and threaten patient safety.

Aim:

With the purpose of promoting effective monitor use and ensuring patient safety, the aim was to explore both how cardiovascular nurses use monitors in patient surveillance and the effect that the monitors have on the nurses’ work.

Methods:

A qualitative ethnographic design with semi-structured interviews and a field observation conducted at a 35-bed coronary care unit. A purposive sample was used in selecting participants. Data were analysed using systematic text condensation.

Results:

Eight registered nurses, all women, aged 27–49 years, were participants. The themes helping device, competence development and distractions and strain reflected both the knowledge on which the nurses drew in working with monitors and their influence on the nurses’ work. False security and collaboration and teamwork discussed how the nurses trust and depend on each other during monitor surveillance and how poor work conditions and unclear responsibility undermine surveillance.

Conclusions:

Monitors enable nurses to observe critically ill cardiac patients closely and respond quickly to life-threatening changes in their condition. Current work arrangements and limited training diminish the reliability of monitor surveillance. It is imperative to revise the structure of the surveillance and improve education in monitor surveillance to enhance nurses’ clinical competence and patients’ safety.
Sound propagation in a lined nozzle with shear and bias flows
Authors: Campos LMBC , Legendre C
Published: November 2018

In this study, the propagation of waves in a two-dimensional parallel-sided nozzle is considered allowing for the combination of: (a) distinct impedances of the upper and lower walls; (b) upper and lower boundary layers with different thicknesses with linear shear velocity profiles matched to a uniform core flow; and (c) a uniform cross-flow as a bias flow out of one and into the other porous acoustic liner. The model involves an “acoustic triple deck” consisting of third-order non-sinusoidal non-plane acoustic-shear waves in the upper and lower boundary layers coupled to convected plane sinusoidal acoustic waves in the uniform core flow. The acoustic modes are determined from a dispersion relation corresponding to the vanishing of an 8 × 8 matrix determinant, and the waveforms are combinations of two acoustic and two sets of three acoustic-shear waves. The eigenvalues are calculated and the waveforms are plotted for a wide range of values of the four parameters of the problem, namely: (i/ii) the core and bias flow Mach numbers; (iii) the impedances at the two walls; and (iv) the thicknesses of the two boundary layers relative to each other and the core flow. It is shown that all three main physical phenomena considered in this model can have a significant effect on the wave field: (c) a bias or cross-flow even with small Mach number [Formula: see text] relative to the mean flow Mach number [Formula: see text] can modify the waveforms; (b) the possibly dissimilar impedances of the lined walls can absorb (or amplify) waves more or less depending on the reactance and inductance; (a) the exchange of the wave energy with the shear flow is also important, since for the same stream velocity, a thin boundary layer has higher vorticity, and lower vorticity corresponds to a thicker boundary layer. The combination of all these three effects (a–c) leads to a large set of different waveforms in the duct that are plotted for a wide range of the parameters (i–iv) of the problem.
Multifeature Mismatch Negativity in Patients With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Löw Andreas , Frey Johannes D. , Gorzka Robert , Engers Anika , Wendt Mike , Höllmer Helge , Jacobsen Thomas
Published: November 2018

Objective. The mismatch negativity (MMN) component of the event-related brain potential has been used to examine auditory monitoring in various mental disorders. Previous research with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients has revealed contradictory results. Enhanced as well as diminished MMNs have been obtained. Method. The multifeature protocol was employed to investigate the pattern of MMN in 17 military deployment–related PTSD patients and a group of healthy university student controls. Results. Our results suggest no general effect of PTSD on the MMN involving the majority of acoustic features. There were slightly reduced MMNs in patients relative to controls for 2 of the features (duration, location). On the other hand, the N1 component was reduced in patients compared with controls. Conclusions. Choice of the stimulus protocol might be an important factor to explain inconsistent results in previous research. Differences in the auditory context between stimulus protocols and deficits in the formation of larger (auditory) contexts in PTSD might account for the results. Significance. This study adds to the small number of studies on PTSD and MMN and revealed valuable information to guide future, related studies.
Entropy-Based Quantitative Electroencephalogram Analysis for Diagnosing Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Girls
Authors: Chow Julie Chi , Ouyang Chen-Sen , Tsai Chin-Ling , Chiang Ching-Tai , Yang Rei-Cheng , Wu Rong-Ching , Wu Hui-Chuan , Lin Lung-Chang
Published: November 2018

Diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is currently based on core symptoms or checklists; however, the inevitability of practitioner subjectivity leads to over- and underdiagnosis. Although the Federal Drug Administration has approved an elevated theta/beta ratio (TBR) of the electroencephalogram (EEG) band as a tool for assisting ADHD diagnosis, several studies have reported no significant differences of the TBR between ADHD and control subjects. This study detailed the development of a method based on approximate entropy (ApEn) analysis of EEG to compare ADHD and control groups. Differences between ADHD presentation in boys and girls indicate the necessity of separate investigations. This study enrolled 30 girls with ADHD and 30 age-matched controls. The results revealed significantly higher ApEn values in most brain areas in the control group than in the ADHD group. Compared with TBR-related feature descriptors, ApEn-related feature descriptors can produce the higher average true positive rate (0.846), average true negative rate (0.814), average accuracy (0.817), and average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value (0.862). Therefore, compared with TBR, ApEn possessed the better potential for differentiating between girls with ADHD and controls.
A new clothing image retrieval algorithm based on sketch component segmentation in mobile visual sensors
Authors: Lei Haopeng , Yi Yugen , Li Yuhua , Luo Guoliang , Wang Mingwen
Published: November 2018

Nowadays, the state-of-the-art mobile visual sensors technology makes it easy to collect a great number of clothing images. Accordingly, there is an increasing demand for a new efficient method to retrieve clothing images by using mobile visual sensors. Different from traditional keyword-based and content-based image retrieval techniques, sketch-based image retrieval provides a more intuitive and natural way for users to clarify their search need. However, this is a challenging problem due to the large discrepancy between sketches and images. To tackle this problem, we present a new sketch-based clothing image retrieval algorithm based on sketch component segmentation. The proposed strategy is to first collect a large scale of clothing sketches and images and tag with semantic component labels for training dataset, and then, we employ conditional random field model to train a classifier which is used to segment query sketch into different components. After that, several feature descriptors are fused to describe each component and capture the topological information. Finally, a dynamic component-weighting strategy is established to boost the effect of important components when measuring similarities. The approach is evaluated on a large, real-world clothing image dataset, and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and good performance of the proposed method.
A novel time difference of arrival localization algorithm using a neural network ensemble model
Authors: Zhang Zhenkai , Jiang Feng , Li Boyuan , Zhang Bing
Published: November 2018

In a localization system, time difference of arrival technique is widely used to estimate the location of a mobile station. To improve the performance of mobile station location estimation, a novel algorithm-based artificial neural network ensemble and time difference of arrival information is proposed in non-line-of-sight environments. Back propagation neural network is a classic artificial neural network and may be effectively used for mathematical modeling and prediction, and an artiﬁcial neural network ensemble has better generalization ability and stability than a single network. First, the parameters, such as the weights and biases of the single neural network are optimized by the ant lion optimization method which is novel and effective. Then four types of different information from the time difference of arrival measurements are respectively used to train the individual neural network. Finally, the weighted average method is improved to combine the outputs of the different individual neural network, where weights are determined by the training errors. The estimation accuracy of the locating system is evaluated through experimental measurements. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm is efficient in improving the generalization ability and localization precision of the neural network ensemble model.
Compromise, partnership, control: Community Justice Authorities in Scotland
Authors: Buchan Jamie , Morrison Katrina
Published: November 2018

Community Justice Authorities (CJAs) were heralded on their inception as modernizing Scotland’s community justice system and resolving longstanding tensions between central and local government over community justice control, by encouraging partnership working and providing oversight at a regional level. However, they were largely unsuccessful and were quietly abolished barely a decade later. Using data from two projects, we analyse the policy ‘narrative’ of CJAs in relation to features of a changing political context – particularly the (re-)establishment of Scotland’s national government, its shifting relationship with local government and policy convergence and divergence with England and Wales. CJAs’ origins in local/national compromise created constitutional flaws which constrained their operation and ultimately sealed their fate, but they nonetheless began to develop distinct identities and contributions which have been largely overlooked. The case of CJAs illustrates how evolving local and national political contexts shape the development of justice institutions.
Hiding in plain sight: Private military and security companies’ use of Twitter as a distraction tool
Authors: Schneiker Andrea , Dau Magnus , Joachim Jutta , Martin Marlen , Lange Henriette
Published: November 2018

Private military and security companies (PMSCs) have an image problem. They are frequently called ‘mercenaries’ or ‘dogs of war’, due to recurring scandals involving some of these companies, such as human rights violations, fraud and waste. Scholars have analysed the strategies that PMSCs use to distance themselves from such negative labels and to boost their image by studying the companies’ websites and advertisements. What is missing so far, however, is an analysis of how PMSCs use social media networking sites in order to present themselves in a positive light. In this article, the authors contribute to filling this gap. Based on assumptions generated with the help of literature on PMSCs, on the one hand, and on business communication and social media, on the other, they analysed the Twitter accounts of 58 PMSCs by using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Their findings suggest that PMSCs use Twitter similar to more generic companies: (1) to promote their own services and products, and (2) to monitor what others say about them. However, Twitter also serves a further purpose for PMSCs not acknowledged thus far. It helps to distract from what these companies are actually doing. Rather than engaging in more or less similar strategies as the literature on corporations’ social media use conveys, the functions of different platforms appear to vary across industries. In the case of PMSCs, their particular use of Twitter can be attributed to the sensitive nature of the security services they provide.
Esophageal adenocarcinoma in a first‐degree relative increases risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma in patients with Barrett's esophagus
Authors: Tofani Christina J , Gandhi Kunjal , Spataro Joseph , Yoo Joseph , Murphy Megan , Mohan Neena , Daitch Zachary , Shah Apeksha , Janowski Raymond , Huntley Colin , Dabbish Nooreen , Keith Scott , Coben Robert , Cohen Sidney , Kastenberg David , Infantolino Anthony
Published: November 2018

Background

The significance of a family history of esophageal adenocarcinoma in the progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma in patients with Barrett's esophagus has not been thoroughly evaluated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the presence of esophageal adenocarcinoma in a first‐degree relative in patients with Barrett's esophagus.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients with Barrett's esophagus at a tertiary care center undergoing radiofrequency ablation. Family history, demographics, and pathology and endoscopy reports were assessed in all patients.

Findings

Three hundred and one patients with Barrett's esophagus were assessed. Nineteen patients who had a diagnosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma on index endoscopy were excluded. Nineteen (6.7%) patients had a first‐degree relative with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Four (21.1%) of these patients progressed to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Of patients without first‐degree relative with esophageal adenocarcinoma 22/263 (8.7%) progressed to esophageal adenocarcinoma. In a logistic regression model adjusted for sex and the number of radiofrequency ablation treatments, we found that family history of esophageal adenocarcinoma was a significant independent predictor of progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma (odds ratio = 5.55, 95% confidence interval: 1.47–20.0).

Conclusion

Our study indicates that Barrett's esophagus patients with a first‐degree family member with esophageal adenocarcinoma are at 5.5‐fold higher risk for disease progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Family history of esophageal adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus patients should be considered in patient surveillance and radiofrequency ablation treatment, beyond recommended guidelines.
Ethical behaviours versus behaviours that contravene deontological research principles in the publishing process
Authors: Gatignon Hubert
Published: November 2018

This article answers a number of questions that researchers, especially young ones, may ask as they face ethical norms about scientific research that can have serious professional consequences if violated. More generally, scientific integrity issues may include, beyond deontological rules, ethical behaviors that are less codified but for which, nevertheless, the scientific community agrees on certain principles. In this article, we remind the reader of the principles and rules that have been typically adopted by scientific journals, even if differences are observed from one journal to another. We also suggest a set of practices intended to prevent behaviors that would infringe on scientific integrity.
Insights about Dental Ergonomics among Dental Students: The Need of the Hour to Recommend Dental Ergonomics in Academic Curriculum
Authors: Anu V. , Babu A. M. Suresh , Kumar P. D. Madan
Published: November 2018

Aims and Objectives:

To assess the perception, practice, and attitude about dental ergonomics among dental students in Chennai.

Materials and Methods:

The study was carried out among 148 dental students in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, using a self-made validated closed-ended questionnaire.

Results:

Among 148 dental students, 75 (50.6%) were undergraduate and 73 (49.4%) were postgraduate students. Of the study population, 38 (25.67%) had listed their general health problems which they thought were related to their profession, 102 (68.5%) were aware of musculoskeletal disorders, 90 (60.4%) were aware of dental ergonomics, and 104 (69.8%) were not aware of dental ergonomics. Of the dental students, 55% practiced both sitting and standing dentistry, and 43% of them practiced sitting dentistry alone. Only 22.8% of the dental students practiced 4-handed dentistry and 38.3% of them, who did not practice 4-handed dentistry swiveled themselves to face the area. A total of 113 (75.8%) dental students suggest to include dental ergonomics in their academic curriculum and 94 (63.1%) wanted to practice workshops on dental ergonomics.

Conclusions:

A majority of the dental students in this present study were aware of musculoskeletal disorders and dental ergonomics, but only a considerable number of them practiced dental ergonomics. This study recommends the need for including dental ergonomics in the academic curriculum.
Long-term Effects of Preschool on School Performance, Earnings and Social Mobility
Authors: Raut Lakshmi
Published: November 2018

Children from disadvantaged families perform very poorly in school and labour market because they acquire low level of social, motivational and cognitive skills during their early childhood development. Using the NLSY data set, this paper formulates and then estimates the production processes for cognitive skills and non-cognitive skills such as social and motivational skills during early childhood development and the long-term effects of these skills on learning and lifetime earnings of an individual. Using these estimated relationships, the paper provides a calibrated intergenerational altruistic model of parental investment in children's preschool. This dynamic model is then used to estimate the effects of publicly provided preschool to the children of poor socioeconomic status (SES) as a social contract on lifetime earnings distribution, intergenerational college and social mobility, and to estimate the tax burden of such a social contract.

JEL Classifications: J24, J62, O15, I21
Toward a Sociology of Biodiversity Loss
Authors: Besek Jordan F. , York Richard
Published: November 2018

Social processes are setting in motion a crisis of global biodiversity loss, yet those who study social processes are largely absent from discussions about this crisis. Recognizing that developing a single general sociological theory of the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss is infeasible, the purpose of this article is to engage a wide array of sociological traditions that, whether or not they have thus far incorporated environmental problems, focus on theoretical issues that we believe must be confronted if a sociological conversation about the global crisis of biodiversity is to take place. These traditions include those in environmental sociology, relational sociology, the sociology and geography of scale, and historical sociology. We, where necessary, redirect aspects of these traditions to incorporate nonhuman actors, more general biophysical processes, and the longue durée of evolutionary time. We then illustrate our perspective by detailing the spread of Kudzu, an invasive species that is having a significant impact on biodiversity in the American southeast. Our overall goal is to initiate a broad sociological exploration, one unhampered by subdisciplinary boundaries, into why and how human social processes are setting in motion an increasing rate of global biodiversity loss.
Book review: D.N. Jha, Against the Grain: Notes on Identity, Intolerance and History
Authors: Mahalakshmi R.
Published: November 2018

D.N. Jha, Against the Grain: Notes on Identity, Intolerance and History (Delhi: Manohar), 2018, VII + 243 pp., ₹995 (Hb).
Structured Public Health Scenario Analyses Promote Critical Thinking in Undergraduate Students
Authors: Johnson David , Kakar Rishtya , Walton Pete
Published: November 2018

Critical thinking is an important skill for students and public health practitioners alike, but ensuring and measuring its development beyond a theoretical framework is challenging. In this article, we describe the development and implementation of our undergraduate public health program’s signature assignment–the Scenario Analysis (SA). SAs are team-based problem-oriented simulations structured using Elements of Thought from the Paul-Elder critical thinking model. Through deliberate design and evaluation, this assignment allows student efforts to reflect critical thinking standards in a practical and measurable format. The SA assignment is highly adaptable to specific course content and topics and has utility beyond public health curricula. The purpose of this article is to highlight the value of ensuring critical thinking development within public health education and to offer an innovative assignment and pedagogical approach designed to meet this objective.
Fast modeling of gamma-gamma density measurementsvia gamma-ray point-kernel approximations
Authors: Luycx Mathilde , Torres-Verdín Carlos
Published: November 2018

Forward-modeling algorithms based on flux sensitivity functions are commonly recognized as fast, reliable, and the most efficient way to implement inversion-based interpretation algorithms for borehole nuclear measurements. Second-order sensitivity functions enhance the accuracy of fast-forward-modeling algorithms in complex geometries: In the presence of standoff, density accuracy is improved up to 70% compared with first-order approximations. However, second-order sensitivity functions can only be generated with the Monte Carlo [Formula: see text]-Particle code for perturbations in bulk density, material composition, and reaction cross sections; therefore, their use is limited to gamma-gamma borehole density measurements. We have developed an alternative method to second-order approximations in complex 3D geometries. It is the first step toward future improvements to simulate borehole environmental effects across arbitrary well trajectories for nuclear measurements based on coupled neutron and gamma-ray transport. The gamma flux-difference (GFD) method quantifies gamma-ray flux perturbations using exponential point kernels and Rytov approximations. Gamma-ray point kernels are corrected for flux buildup and flux perturbations caused by radial heterogeneities, i.e., standoff. Correction coefficients are calculated by flux-fitting 1D radial sensitivity functions yielded by MCNP to the 1D exponential gamma-ray kernel; they depend on standoff and mud density, but they are negligibly affected by formation properties. The GFD method is benchmarked against Monte Carlo calculations. Compared with first-order approximations, it improves simulated density accuracy across regions of significant contrasting properties, up to [Formula: see text] with 3.18 cm (1.25 in) standoff and freshwater mud. The GFD method yields a maximum density error of [Formula: see text] across complex geometries and up to up to 4.45 cm (1.75 in) standoff, similar to that achieved by second-order forward modeling algorithms. Moreover, the principles behind GFD approximations can be adapted to measurements based on coupled neutron and gamma-ray transport.
Appraising structural interpretations using seismic data — Theoretical elements
Authors: Irakarama Modeste , Cupillard Paul , Caumon Guillaume , Sava Paul , Edwards Jonathan
Published: November 2018

Structural interpretation of seismic images can be highly subjective, especially in complex geologic settings. A single seismic image will often support multiple geologically valid interpretations. However, it is usually difficult to determine which of those interpretations are more likely than others. We have referred to this problem as structural model appraisal. We have developed the use of misfit functions to rank and appraise multiple interpretations of a given seismic image. Given a set of possible interpretations, we compute synthetic data for each structural interpretation, and then we compare these synthetic data against observed seismic data; this allows us to assign a data-misfit value to each structural interpretation. Our aim is to find data-misfit functions that enable a ranking of interpretations. To do so, we formalize the problem of appraising structural interpretations using seismic data and we derive a set of conditions to be satisfied by the data-misfit function for a successful appraisal. We investigate vertical seismic profiling (VSP) and surface seismic configurations. An application of the proposed method to a realistic synthetic model shows promising results for appraising structural interpretations using VSP data, provided that the target region is well-illuminated. However, we find appraising structural interpretations using surface seismic data to be more challenging, mainly due to the difficulty of computing phase-shift data misfits.
Seismic on floating ice on shallow water: Observations and modeling of guided wave modes
Authors: Johansen Tor Arne , Ruud Bent Ole , Hope Gaute
Published: November 2018

Seismic mapping of the shallow, coastal areas of the Arctic is best facilitated in periods when the sea is covered with solid, floating ice. Data from three seismic acquisition campaigns on sea ice floating on shallow water reveal how coherent noise related to guided waves is differently exposed for various source and receiver systems placed on and below the ice. The main coherent noise is due to interference of ice flexural and Scholte waves. The experimental data were overall successfully modeled using a wavenumber integration technique. A seismic source at or near the ice generates high-amplitude, slowly propagating, and highly dispersive flexural waves. Their amplitudes are severely reduced when recorded at hydrophones deployed 5 m or more below the sea ice. The extent of flexural waves generated using an air gun below the ice similarly reduces as the depth of the air gun increases, but then the amplitudes of the seabed Scholte waves increase. Our experiments indicate that an inline line source of detonating cord on the ice combined with hydrophones deployed at the appropriate depth below the ice constitute an efficient setup for reducing the imprints of the ice flexural and Scholte waves on seismic data.
Reflector dip estimates based on seismic waveform curvature/flexure analysis
Authors: Di Haibin , AlRegib Ghassan
Published: November 2018

Reliable estimation of the reflector dip serves as a fundamental and essential tool for subsurface structure interpretation from 3D seismic surveys. We have developed a new method for accurate dip estimation, which consists of two major components. First, the curvature/flexure concept is adapted from the traditional reflector geometry analysis to work for the seismic waveforms, denoted as the waveform curvature and waveform flexure, respectively. Physically, both of them are capable of measuring the most and least apparent variation of the local waveforms in a seismic profile, and thus the corresponding measuring orientations represent the normal and dipping directions of the seismic reflectors, respectively. Second, the complex seismic trace is incorporated into our workflow of waveform curvature/flexure analysis to enhance the accuracy of dip estimation in the presence of seismic noises, especially in the zones of weak reflection intensity, such as zero crossings. The added values of our method are verified through various applications, such as horizon tracking and fault detection, to two 3D seismic data sets, one from the Netherlands North Sea and the other from the Great South Basin in New Zealand that is rich of faults. The results not only demonstrate the good accuracy of the generated dip vectors in guiding the seeded horizon tracking, but they also hold great potential for assisting seismic interpretation in more ways, such as structural-oriented filtering and attribute analysis.
Reflecting on Feminisms in Africa
Authors: Sadiqi Fatima , Ouguir Aziza
Published: November 2018

Aziza Ouguir talks with Professor Fatima Sadiqi, one of Africa’s most prolific and well-respected feminist scholars, about African feminisms north and south of the Sahara.
Finding Women in the Zimbabwean Transition
Authors: Dendere Chipo
Published: November 2018

This essay is a feminist response to the 2017 coup in Zimbabwe that brought to an end Robert Mugabe’s thirty-seven-year on power. Mugabe came into power in 1980 after his party, the Zimbabwe African National Union–Patriotic Front (ZANU PF), successfully negotiated for an end to the civil war. The male-dominated ZANU PF has stayed in power because they consolidated power around Mugabe’s leadership. However, as the aging Mugabe became frail and his fifty-two-year-old energetic wife found her political voice, ZANU PF became deeply fractured and was facing electoral defeat in the 2018 elections. Grace Mugabe’s rise to power became the rallying point for ZANU PF to evict their longtime leader. Her fall from power has been used to restrict the voices of women even in this new era of political openness.
Localized disorganization of the cochlear inner hair cell synaptic region after noise exposure
Authors: Bullen Anwen , Anderson Lucy , Bakay Warren , Forge Andrew
Published: November 2018

The prevalence and importance of hearing damage caused by noise levels not previously thought to cause permanent hearing impairment has become apparent in recent years. The damage to, and loss of, afferent terminals of auditory nerve fibres at the cochlear inner hair cell has been well established, but the effects of noise exposure and terminal loss on the inner hair cell are less known. Using three-dimensional structural studies in mice we have examined the consequences of afferent terminal damage on inner hair cell morphology and intracellular structure. We identified a structural phenotype in the pre-synaptic regions of these damaged hair cells that persists for four weeks after noise exposure, and demonstrates a specific dysregulation of the synaptic vesicle recycling pathway. We show evidence of a failure in regeneration of vesicles from small membrane cisterns in damaged terminals, resulting from a failure of separation of small vesicle buds from the larger cisternal membranes.
Bilateral adrenal-renal fusion: A radiological diagnosis
Authors: Bamford Rebecca , Bretherton Josephine , Rosenfelder Nicola , Bell James
Published: November 2018

In normal anatomy, the kidneys and adrenal glands are contained within the renal fascia and separated by a connective tissue capsule derived from mesenchymal tissue. Incomplete encapsulation can occur during embryonic development, resulting in adrenal-renal fusion. The true incidence of this developmental anomaly is unknown, as it has primarily been described in the literature following incidental detection on surgical or histological examination. We report the first documented case of bilateral adrenal-renal fusion, diagnosed radiologically.
How Robust is Executive Summary in an Environmental Impact Assessment Report for Decision-making: An Indian case-study
Authors: RATHI A.K.A.
Published: November 2018

Executive summary part of an environmental impact assessment report has not received the attention of EIA researchers and professionals even though it is the only part that is often read by most of the stakeholders including decision makers in place of the main report. It is very important that the executive summary is written in a simple non-technical language highlighting key issues and findings from the detailed EIA study while being crisp especially in the developing countries where a large number of development projects are proposed for the economic development and the decision makers are under pressure of time. Executive summaries of 34 EIA reports of different project sectors and prepared by different consultants were evaluated. It is found that these have low robustness, are long, incomplete, and do not justify the term ‘executive’. Guidelines are proposed for comprehensive, effective and objective executive summary to aid decision making.
Potential Impact of Geopathic Radiation on Environment and Health
Authors: MANICKAM SARAVANAN
Published: November 2018

Geopathic Stress is a distorted or disrupted electromagnetic field of the Earth causing harmful radiation to emanate from earth surface. The source of the causes for Geopathic stress are the underground streams of water, faulty magnetic grid lines, concentration of mineral deposits and underground fissures. In olden days, most of our civilisations had knowledge about the Geopathic stress as Earth’s radiation energy and their impact on Human beings. However, our research findings by scientists lead to numerous investigations about effect of Geopathic Stress on human system. The purpose of this work is to study the potential impact of geopathic stress on human system by measuring Heart Rate which is an indicator of stress level of human body and the impact on plant machineries by recording breakdown hours. This has been observed during our study that the Heart Rate in geopathic stress zones are higher as compared to nonstress zones which leads to higher stress level of human being. During our course of work, we have found that Geopathic Stress zones not only affect health of people but also affect breakdown rate of machinery and equipment’s kept in Geopathic stress zones. Machines kept in geopathic stress zones tend to have more breakdowns when compared with machines kept in normal zones.
ESCALONAMENTO MULTIDIMENSIONAL LOCAL: UMA ABORDAGEM VIA SUAVIZAÇÃO HIPERBÓLICA
Authors: Xavier Vinícius Layter , Maculan Nelson , Pessanha José Francisco Moreira , Provenza Marcello Montillo
Published: November 2018

Este artigo apresenta uma nova abordagem para o método Escalonamento Multidimensional Local. Este método de redução de dimensionalidade é da classe de escalonamento multidimensional métrico e possui a característica de ser não diferenciável. Com o emprego da suavização hiperbólica é proposta uma formulação suavizada e um novo algoritmo. Resultados computacionais obtidos na resolução de problemas teste clássicos são apresentados e mostram a eficácia da proposta em comparação com os disponíveis na literatura.Palavras-chave: Local MDS; Redução de Dimemsionalidade; Estatística Multivariada; Programa R.
Mathematics: F for Fractions …
Authors: Hammond Paula , Lillie Stephen
Published: November 2018

This month, we continue our series based on the maths area of learning in the foundation stage, providing an A-Z of activities that will help children progress while having fun.
Early expressive arts
Authors: Webb Penny
Published: November 2018

Continuing our exploration of the prime and specific areas of learning, this month we focus on expressive arts and design, and discuss how we can support children in our settings.
Being flexible with what we know
Authors: Moylett Helen
Published: November 2018

We head to the archives to offer another extract from the Practical Pre-School Books title, Active Learning, which explores the concept of persistence and the need to keep on trying.
Celebrate a fresh start!
Authors: Mckie Julie
Published: November 2018

January has long been associated with new beginnings and renewed commitment to long-term plans. Here, Julie Mckie reveals what prompted her to seek pastures new way before New Year was upon us, while some of our Dental Nursing friends share their outlook for 2019
An Instagram inspiration
Authors: Meldrum Eloise
Published: November 2018

Dental nurse Eloise Meldrum is using social media to rasie the profile of dentistry. But it's not just about fun facts and fab photos…
In the pink!
Authors: Siddon Roz
Published: November 2018

With Dry January just around the corner, dental nurse Roz Siddon shares the positive health benefits of quitting alcohol
Empathy and orthodontics
Authors: Littlefair Kim
Published: November 2018

Kim Littlefair explains the ins and outs of assisting with orthodontic treatment
‘Sometimes, I'm snowed under’
Authors: Coles Laura
Published: November 2018

Senior dental nurse Laura Coles talks about the whitening journey from a dental nurse's perspective
A clear alternative
Authors: Bones Marie
Published: November 2018

Marie Bones shares her experience of Invisalign – and consider the role of the dental nurse
The ‘invisible scalpel technique’ with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) devices
Authors: Karkhi Alexandru , Kisyova Rumi
Published: November 2018

One of the most significant innovations in the rejuvenation of the ageing face over the last 10 years has been the introduction of non-surgical treatments for the relaxation of facial wrinkles, restoration of lost volume and correction of the excess of skin. Mesotherapy, platelet-rich plasma, botulinum toxin A injections, micro-dermal abrasion, injectable dermal fillers and suspension threads are just few of the methods for the non-surgical management of the ageing face. These procedures are less invasive, consume less time and money, and are able to give immediate visible results with a softer, relaxed appearance and subtle enhancements.

Body sculpting is another aspect of aesthetic medicine that is becoming more and more sought after. This article will discuss the advantages of body reshaping with the help of energy based devices such as high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and how to identify patients suitable for this treatment.
Nutrition for puppies
Authors: Hemmings Clare
Published: November 2018

By the time most puppies reach adulthood, they will have increased their birth weight by 40 to 50 times. However, as there is a great variation in dog size, from tiny Chihuahuas at around 2 kg to Irish Wolfhounds at around 70 kg bodyweight, growth periods vary. Small breed dogs generally reach adult body size at between 9 and 12 months of age, and large and giant breeds not until they are 18–24 months old. If one considers that an adult giant breed dog may weigh the same as an adult human, who would take 18 years to reach maturity, this is a remarkably rapid growth period!
A veterinary nurse-led approach to flea control
Authors: Richmond Philippa , Wright Ian
Published: November 2018

The cat flea Ctenocephalides felis is a common infestation of household pets and a source of revulsion, distress and irritation to pet owners. They can also transmit disease to both humans and pets. Flea control is therefore vital but not easy to achieve, and failures in attempts at control are common. This leads to owner frustration, as well as increased morbidity in pets, and raises questions regarding treatment efficacy and drug resistance. The veterinary nurse plays a vital role in educating clients on the risks associated with fleas, communicating the importance of effective control with clients and maximising compliance once a flea control plan has been established. This article discusses the principles of flea control and the role of the veterinary nurse.
Tea tree oil exposure in cats and dogs
Authors: Bates Nicola
Published: November 2018

Tea tree oil is an essential oil from the Australian tea tree Melaleuca alternifolia and is sometimes promoted as a natural or herbal treatment for fleas in pets. Although products containing low concentrations of tea tree oil are not expected to be a problem in pets, the use of pure tea tree oil directly on the skin is potentially very serious in pets and should never be used. Exposure may cause ataxia, salivation, lethargy, coma and tremor. Dermal exposure to tea tree oil may also result in dermatitis as the oil is irritant to skin. Even a few drops of pure tea tree oil applied dermally can cause clinical signs, and deaths have occurred in pets treated with pure tea tree oil. Treatment includes dermal decontamination and supportive care.
‘In whom we trust?’ The experiences of trustees in learning disability charities
Authors: Daly Siobhan , Biddle Paul , Brandon Toby , Slack Richard
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this article is to explore the experiences of volunteers who are trustees in learning disability charities. Addressing a gap in the study of charity governance, we consider (a) what it means to be a trustee, (b) what trustees do and (c) what it is like to be a trustee. We argue that the complexity of the trustee volunteer experience suggests a need for a dynamic understanding of trusteeship. Drawing on Saward’s work (2006, 2009, 2010), we discuss ‘what is going on in trusteeship?’ and the experiences of trusteeship as a series of representative claims. This is particularly pertinent to charities that work with and/or for people with learning disabilities where questions of representation are highly complex and politicised. The article presents a novel perspective on trusteeship to further our understanding of how trustees negotiate and address the demands of the position.
Influence of testing parameters on the load-bearing capacity of prosthetic materials used for fixed dental prosthesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Özcan Mutlu , Höhn Julia , De Araújo Gabriela Monteiro , Moura Dayanne Duarte , Souza Rodrigo
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature to assess static fracture strength tests applied for FDPs and analyze the impact of periodontal ligament (PDL) simulation on the fracture strength. Original scientific papers published in MEDLINE (PubMed) database between 01/01/1981 and 01/06/2010 were included in this systematic review. Data were analyzed considering the test method (static loading), material type (metal-ceramic-MC, oxide all-ceramic-AC, fiber reinforced composite resin-FRC, composite resin-C), PDL (without or with) and restoration type (single crowns, 3-unit, 4-unit, inlay-retained and cantilever FDPs). The selection process resulted in the 72 studies. In total, 377 subgroups revealed results from static load-bearing capacity of different materials. Fourteen metal-ceramic, 190 AC, 121 FRC, 45 C resin groups were identified as subgroups. Slightly decreased results were observed with the presence of PDL for single crowns (without PDL=1117±215 N; with PDL=876±69 N), 3-unit FDPs (without PDL=791±116 N; with PDL=675±91 N) made of AC, 3-unit FDP (without PDL=1244±270 N; with PDL=930±76 N) and inlay-retained FDP (without PDL=848±104 N; with PDL=820±91 N) made of FRC and 4-unit FDPs (without PDL=548±26 N; with PDL=393±67 N) made of C. Overall, for single crowns, fracture strength of FRC was higher than that of AC and MC; for 3-unit FDPs FRC=C>AC=MC; for 4-unit FDPs AC>FRC>C and for inlay-retained FDPs, FRC=AC. An inclination for decreased static fracture strength could be observed with the simulation of PDL but due to insufficient data this could not be generalized for all materials used for FDPs.
Bibliotecários, direitos autorais e acesso aberto: estudo sobre as influências na prática profissional em SC
Authors: Kroeff Marcia Silveira , Mattos Miriam de Cassia do Carmo Mascarenhas , Costa Liliana Fátima Resende , Pizarro Daniella Camara
Published: November 2018

Esta pesquisa averiguou o conhecimento dos bibliotecários de Santa Catarina acerca da Lei Brasileira de Direitos Autorais (LDA) e seu grau de adesão ao Movimento de Acesso Aberto à informação científica. A revisão de literatura questiona os direitos autorais e apresenta o “Dossiê CopySouth”, bem como a legislação brasileira de direitos autorais. O estudo exploratório-descritivo foi realizado em 2017, com 53 bibliotecários. Os resultados indicam que estes têm conhecimento da proteção aos direitos, mas desconhecem seu tempo de vigência. Em relação à reprografia, relatam dificuldades com as imposições legais. A orientação ao usuário na citação de autoria e referências bibliográficas é adequada. Já as bases de dados e seus contratos não estão claras aos bibliotecários. Estes demonstram adesão ao Movimento de Acesso Aberto e consideram mais importante o acesso livre à informação científica do que a prevalência dos direitos autorais, priorizando a satisfação das necessidades informacionais de seus usuários.