bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The advertisement call of Ameerega pulchripecta (Silverstone, 1976)(Anura, Dendrobatidae)
Authors: COSTA-CAMPOS CARLOS EDUARDO , LIMA ALBERTINA PIMENTEL , AMÉZQUITA ADOLFO
Published: July 2016

The name Ameerega picta was once used to denote a lineage of poison frogs (Dendrobatidae) distributed throughout most of the Amazon basin (Silverstone 1976); more recently, to describe a phenetic group involving at least 18 species, Lötters et al. (2007) pointed out that some of the lineages were indeed derived from the former A. picta. Among them, the nominal species with the widest distribution is A. hahneli (Haddad & Martins 1994; Twomey & Brown 2008), also an alleged complex of poorly defined species (Grant et al. 2006; Fouquet et al. 2007; Roberts et al. 2007). The mate-recognition signal, the advertisement call, was part of the evidence used to revalidate A. hahneli as a different species from A. picta. Although the advertisement call has been described for one or few individuals of other species in the group (Haddad & Martins 1994; Costa et al. 2006; Twomey & Brown 2008; Lötters et al. 2009), namely A. flavopicta, A. braccata and A. boehmei, and A. hahneli, we still lack a formal description for A. pulchripecta, the sister taxon of A. hahneli (Twomey & Brown 2008). Its call has been qualitatively described as similar to A. hahneli’s call, but “deeper-voiced” (Lötters et al. 2007).
Does Population Affect the Location of Flash Flood Reports?
Authors: Marjerison Rebecca D. , Walter M. Todd , Sullivan Patrick J. , Colucci Stephen J.
Published: July 2016

Flash floods cause more fatalities than any other weather-related natural hazard and cause significant damage to property and infrastructure. It is important to understand the underlying processes that lead to these infrequent but high-consequence events. Accurately determining the locations of flash flood events can be difficult, which impedes comprehensive research of the phenomena. While some flash floods can be detected by automated means (e.g., streamflow gauges), flash floods (and other severe weather events) are generally based on human observations and may not reflect the actual distribution of event locations. The Storm Data–Storm Events Database, which is produced from National Weather Service reports, was used to locate reported flash floods within the forecast area of the Binghamton, New York, Weather Forecast Office between 2007 and 2013. The distribution of those reports was analyzed as a function of environmental variables associated with flood generation including slope, impervious area, soil saturated hydraulic conductivity ksat, representative rainfall intensity, and representative rainfall depth, as well as human population. A spatial conditional autoregressive model was used to test the hypothesis that flash flood reports are made more frequently in areas with higher populations, even when other flood-generating processes are considered. Slope, soil saturated hydraulic conductivity, and impervious area are significant predictors of flash flood reports. When population is added as a predictor, the model is similarly robust, but impervious area and ksat are no longer significant predictors. These results may challenge the assumption that flash flood reports are strongly biased by population.
Aircraft Measurements and Numerical Simulations of an Expansion Fan off the California Coast
Authors: Parish Thomas R. , Rahn David A. , Leon David C.
Published: July 2016

Mountains along the California coastline play a critical role in the dynamics of marine atmospheric boundary layer (MBL) airflow in the vicinity of the shoreline. Large changes in the MBL topology have been known to occur downwind of points and capes along the western coast of the United States. Large spatial gradients in wind and temperature become established that can cause anomalous electromagnetic wave propagation. Detailed airborne measurements using the University of Wyoming King Air were conducted to study the adjustment of the MBL to the Point Arguello and Point Conception headlands. Pronounced thinning of the MBL consistent with an expansion fan occurred to the south of Point Conception on 13 June 2012. A sharp cloud edge was collocated with the near collapse of the MBL. D-value cross sections derived from differential GPS altitude measurements allow assessment of the vertical profile of the horizontal pressure gradient force and hence thermal wind forcing in response to the near collapse of the MBL. The Weather Research and Forecasting Model was run with a 1-km grid spacing to examine the atmospheric adjustment around Point Conception during this period. Results from the simulations including the vertical cross sections of the horizontal pressure gradient force were consistent with the aircraft observations. Model results suggest that divergence occurs as the flow rounds Point Conception, characteristic of an expansion fan. Wind speeds in the MBL increase coincident with the decrease in MBL thickness, and subsiding flow associated with the near collapse of the MBL is responsible for the sharp cloud edge.
A Validation of the Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System Using Self-Organizing Maps and High-Density Observations from SNOWWEB
Authors: Jolly Ben , McDonald Adrian J. , Coggins Jack H. J. , Zawar-Reza Peyman , Cassano John , Lazzara Matthew , Graham Geoffery , Plank Graeme , Petterson Orlon , Dale Ethan
Published: July 2016

This study compares high-resolution output (1.1-km horizontal grid length) from twice-daily forecasts produced by the Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System (AMPS) with a dense observational network east of Ross Island. Covering 10 000 km2, 15 SNOWWEB stations significantly increased the number of observation stations in the area to 19 during the 2014–15 austral summer. Collocated “virtual stations” created from AMPS output are combined with observations, producing a single dataset of zonal and meridional wind components used to train a self-organizing map (SOM). The resulting SOM is used to individually classify the observational and AMPS datasets, producing a time series of classifications for each dataset directly comparable to the other. Analysis of class composites shows two dominant weather patterns: low but directionally variable winds and high but directionally constant winds linked to the Ross Ice Shelf airstream (RAS). During RAS events the AMPS and SNOWWEB data displayed good temporal class alignment with good surface wind correlation. SOM analysis shows that AMPS did not accurately forecast surface-level wind speed or direction during light wind conditions where synoptic forcing was weak; however, it was able to forecast the low wind period occurrence accurately. Coggins’s regimes provide synoptic-scale context and show a reduced synoptic pressure gradient during these classes, increasing reliance on the ability of Polar WRF to resolve mesoscale dynamics. Available initialization data have insufficient resolution for the region’s complex topography, which likely impacts performance. The SOM analysis methods used are shown to be effective for model validation and are widely applicable.
Interaction of TGA@CdTe Quantum Dots with an Extracellular Matrix of Haematococcus pluvialis Microalgae Detected Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)
Authors: Cepeda-Pérez Elisa , Aguilar-Hernández Iris , López-Luke Tzarara , Piazza Valeria , Carriles Ramón , Ornelas-Soto Nancy , de la Rosa Elder
Published: July 2016

The present study reports the localization and interaction of thioglycolic acid (TGA) capped CdTe quantum dots (TGA@CdTe QDs) within the extracellular matrix (ECM) of Haematococcus pluvialis (Chlorophyceae) microalgae (HPM) after an incubation period of 5 min. Changes in the Raman spectrum of HPM induced by the adsorption of the TGA@CdTe QDs are successfully found by using naked gold anisotropic structures as nano-sensors for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS effect). Raman spectroscopy results show that TGA@CdTe QDs interact with the biomolecules present in the ECM. Sample preparation and characterization by complementary techniques such as confocal and electron microscopy are also used to confirm the presence and localization of the nanoparticles in the algae. This research shows new evidence on early accumulation of QDs in plant cells and would further improve our understanding about their environmental impact.
Evaluation of Cerebral Hemodynamics and Tissue Morphology of In Vivo Rat Brain Using Spectral Diffuse Reflectance Imaging
Authors: Nishidate Izumi , Ishizuka Tomohiro , Mustari Afrina , Yoshida Keiichiro , Kawauchi Satoko , Sato Shunichi , Sato Manabu
Published: July 2016

We investigated a quantitative imaging of reduced scattering coefficients μs’( λ) and the absorption coefficients μa( λ) of in vivo cortical tissues in the range from visible to near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths based on diffuse reflectance spectral imaging technique. In this method, diffuse reflectance images of in vivo cortical tissue are acquired at nine wavelengths (500, 520, 540, 560, 570, 580, 600, 730, and 760 nm). A multiple regression analysis aided by the Monte Carlo simulation for the absorbance spectra is then utilized to estimate the optical coefficients of cortical tissue. This analysis calculates the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin and that of deoxygenated hemoglobin, the scattering amplitude a and the scattering power b. The spectrum of absorption coefficient is deduced from the estimated concentrations of oxygenated hemoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin. The spectrum of reduced scattering coefficient is determined by the estimated scattering amplitude and scattering power. The particle size distribution of microstructure is calculated from the estimated scattering power b for evaluating the morphological change in brain tissue quantitatively. Animal experiments with in vivo exposed brain of rats demonstrated that the responses of the absorption properties to hyperoxic and anoxic conditions are in agreement with the expected well-known cortical hemodynamics. The average particle size was significantly reduced immediately after the onset of anoxia and then it was changed into an increase, which implied the swelling and shrinkage of the cellular and subcellular structures induced by loss of tissue viability in brain tissue.
Examining forensic interviewers’ perceptions of practice-focused supervision
Authors: Wolfman Missy , Brown Deirdre , Jose Paul
Published: July 2016

Regular supervision influences interviewing quality with child witnesses. It is unclear, however, whether interviewers recognize the importance of supervision, and how often they access it. The present study surveyed 39 New Zealand Specialist Child Witness Interviewers (otherwise known as forensic interviewers), and examined: (a) their access to, and, perceptions of supervision, and (b) factors that may influence their access to, and, perceptions of supervision. We identified 26 interviewers who received some form of practice-focused supervision. Within this group, there was considerable variability in terms of how often they accessed supervision, and, their ratings of how satisfied they were with their access to, and the content of, supervision. Furthermore, some of those who did participate in supervision felt they did not actually receive specific input about their interviewing. Thus, an important area for investment in promoting good interviewing practice is developing effective approaches to facilitate interviewers engaging in regular practice-focused supervision, perhaps, at least in part, by addressing some of systemic barriers identified (e.g. limited financial support, time constraints, lack of experienced supervisors, lack of understanding/support from managerial staff and geographical isolation).
Taiwan’s 2016 Elections
Authors: Subba Bhim B.
Published: July 2016

This article examines the recent Presidential and Legislative Yuan (LY, 立法院) elections in Taiwan. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) swept elections at both levels. Its candidate was elected as the island’s first female president. On the other hand, the ruling Kuomintang (KMT) lost its majority in the legislature for the first time since competitive electoral democracy began in Taiwan. These elections saw a change in the agenda of the major parties, especially that of the DPP, on various domestic and external issues. At the same time, the growth of student and civil society movements and their participation in the political arena since the 2014 Sunflower movement have carved out a niche in Taiwanese politics today. This article offers some preliminary comments on the significance and impact of the elections on Taiwan’s changing domestic and political landscape, with the emergence of new political forces and socio-economic challenges, along with nebulous Cross–Strait relations and ‘shrinking’ international space and diplomacy. How TsaiIng-wen’s administration after 20 May will deal with these intricate issues will be a test for her presidency.
Role of Student Well-Being
Authors: Phan Huy P. , Ngu Bing H. , Alrashidi Oqab
Published: July 2016

The present study explored the effects of academic and social self-efficacy beliefs on students' well-being at school, academic engagement, and achievement outcome. Well-being at school is conceptualized as a central mediator of students' engagement and learning in achievement contexts. It was hypothesized that well-being at school would mediate the effects of social and academic self-efficacy beliefs on engagement and achievement outcome. This research focus has credence and may provide grounding for educational–social interventions. A cohort of 284 (122 girls, 162 boys) Year 11 secondary school students participated in this correlational study. A theoretical-conceptual model was explored and tested using structural equation modeling. Subsequent structural equation modeling analyses provided moderate support for the hypothesized model. The results showed that both academic and social self-efficacy depended on each other in their effect on well-being at school. Both academic engagement and well-being at school served as partial mediators of the effects of academic and social self-efficacy on academic engagement.
Door-in-the-Face and But-You-Are-Free
Authors: Meineri Sebastien , Dupré Mickaël , Guéguen Nicolas , Vallée Boris
Published: July 2016

According to Howard’s proposal of chaining compliance techniques and based on the proximity of interpretation of their effects, this study aimed to test a combination of two paradigms: a door-in-the-face request that makes a high-cost request before the target request and the but-you-are-free request that adds an evocation of freedom to the request. Two experiments were conducted ( N = 120 and 1,292) to promote donations to non-profit organizations. There were four conditions. Participants were approached according to the door-in-the-face procedure, to the but-you-are-free procedure, to a combination of both of them, or directly in a control condition. There was an increase of compliance rates in experimental conditions compared to the control condition and an increase in the average amount donated in the combination condition compared to the control condition in the second study. Results are discussed in terms of responsibility and guilt mechanisms, and future developments are proposed.
Understanding Adult Age Differences in the Frequency of Problems With Friends
Authors: Schlosnagle Leo , Strough JoNell
Published: July 2016

We investigated characteristics of younger and older adults’ friendships. Younger ( N = 39) and older ( N = 39) adults completed measures pertaining to a specific friend they had (i.e., contact frequency, positive friendship quality, and negative friendship quality) and their frequency of problems with friends in general. Older adults reported fewer problems with friends in general, and fewer negative friendship qualities, less frequent contact, and more positive friendship qualities with a specific friend than younger adults. Contact frequency, positive friendship quality, and negative friendship quality with a specific friend were related to frequency of problems with friends in general, but only contact frequency was a significant mediator of the relation between age and frequency of problems with friends in general. Results show that characteristics of a specific friendship relate to problems with friends in general, and that contact frequency with a specific friend mediates the relation between age and problems with friends in general. Implications are discussed.
Medical intelligence, security and global health: the foundations of a new health agenda
Authors: Bowsher G , Milner C , Sullivan R
Published: July 2016

Medical intelligence, security and global health are distinct fields that often overlap, especially as the drive towards a global health security agenda gathers pace. Here, we outline some of the ways in which this has happened in the recent past during the recent Ebola epidemic in West Africa and in the killing of Osama Bin laden by US intelligence services. We evaluate medical intelligence and the role it can play in global health security; we also attempt to define a framework that illustrates how medical intelligence can be incorporated into foreign policy action in order delineate the boundaries and scope of this growing field.
Artificial accelerograms composition based on the CEEMD
Authors: Vrochidou Eleni , Alvanitopoulos Petros , Andreadis Ioannis , Elenas Anaxagoras
Published: July 2016

In this work, a new methodology for generating spectrum-compatible accelerograms is presented. The proposed methodology considers the non-stationary and non-linear characteristics of seismic signals and utilizes the Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) to analyse them. The two reported drawbacks of HHT, i.e. the mode mixing phenomenon and the end effects issue, are resolved through the proposed methodology. More specifically, the advantages of the recently introduced complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition (CEEMD) are exploited in order to eliminate the mode mixing phenomenon. Moreover, the application of the proposed method only to the strong motion duration of the seismic signal assists to overcome the end effects issue. Thirty natural seismic records of different characteristics, such as frequency content, amplitude and duration, are employed as initial seed signals to demonstrate the proposed method. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique, comparisons with three established methods for generating spectrum-compatible seismic accelerograms are also provided.
Organizing objects by predicting user preferences through collaborative filtering
Authors: Abdo Nichola , Stachniss Cyrill , Spinello Luciano , Burgard Wolfram
Published: July 2016

As service robots become more and more capable of performing useful tasks for us, there is a growing need to teach robots how we expect them to carry out these tasks. However, different users typically have their own preferences, for example with respect to arranging objects on different shelves. As many of these preferences depend on a variety of factors including personal taste, cultural background, or common sense, it is challenging for an expert to pre-program a robot in order to accommodate all potential users. At the same time, it is impractical for robots to constantly query users about how they should perform individual tasks. In this work, we present an approach to learn patterns in user preferences for the task of tidying up objects in containers, e.g. shelves or boxes. Our method builds upon the paradigm of collaborative filtering for making personalized recommendations and relies on data from different users which we gather using crowdsourcing. To deal with novel objects for which we have no data, we propose a method that compliments standard collaborative filtering by leveraging information mined from the Web. When solving a tidy-up task, we first predict pairwise object preferences of the user. Then, we subdivide the objects in containers by modeling a spectral clustering problem. Our solution is easy to update, does not require complex modeling, and improves with the amount of user data. We evaluate our approach using crowdsourcing data from over 1200 users and demonstrate its effectiveness for two tidy-up scenarios. Additionally, we show that a real robot can reliably predict user preferences using our approach.
Effect of plastic anisotropy on forming behavior of AA-6061 aluminum alloy sheet
Authors: Barnwal Vivek K , Tewari Asim , Narasimhan K , Mishra Sushil K
Published: July 2016

AA-6061 (T6) aluminum alloy sheet is used extensively for structural applications in various automotive and aerospace industries due to its excellent mechanical and physical properties. Due to lower formability of this material in age-hardened (T6) condition, forming of complex-shaped components is a major challenge. Forming behavior of the sheet was studied in T6 condition using limit dome height tests by experiment and finite element method for three different sheet directions (rolling direction, inclined direction (ID) and transverse direction). Strain path diagrams were obtained from the experimental limit dome height tests and finite element method simulations from drawing to stretching region, and the results were compared for all the sheet directions. Forming limit diagrams were plotted using strain localization and fracture criteria from experimental and simulated strain path curves. Effect of plastic anisotropy on crack propagation direction was studied using finite element method, and it has been found that the direction of crack propagation was strongly dependent on plastic anisotropy ratio (“r” value) of the sheet in biaxial strain paths.
Dose reduction of recombinant human tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (etanercept) can be effective in ankylosing spondylitis patients with synovitis of the hip in a Chinese population
Authors: Li Jitian , Wang Xiaoqing , Han Zongchang , Zhang Yonghong , Wang Yuli , Zhang Yishan , Li Wuyin
Published: July 2016

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an immune-mediated inflammatory arthritis and enthesitis involving the spine and peripheral joints. In recent years, specific antagonist of tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNFα, etanercept) 50 mg weekly therapy has rapidly gained popularity for the treatment of AS. However, the dose of etanercept has not been determined in Asian, particularly Chinese populations. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dose reduction of etanercept (50 mg/week in 4 weeks followed by 25 mg/week in 8 weeks) in the treatment of AS with synovitis of the hip, as against the conventional dose (50 mg/week in 12 weeks) in a Chinese population. Forty-three Chinese AS patients with synovitis of the hip were involved in this study. Seventeen of them were randomized to receive conventional dose of etanercept treatment and 26 were given a dose reduction regimen for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was disease activity of response for AS at week 12, including Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), the serum erythrocyte sediment rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and assessment of synovitis of the hip by ultrasonography. At 12 weeks, all of the patients had responses to some extent and the efficacy variables improved significantly over time, but not between treatment groups. Nine patients experienced at least one adverse event (generally, infections and injection site reactions), most of them mild or moderate. In sum, the dose reduction of etanercept regimen in the 12-week AS treatment was confirmed as a safe and effective therapy as the conventional dose was given.
Nutrition Risk Screening in Patients Admitted to an Adult Emergency Department of a Brazilian University Hospital
Authors: Kami Akemi Arenas , Fernandes Ricardo , de Quadros Camargo Carolina , Corsi Djuliana Martins , de Salles Raquel Kuerten , de Moraes Trindade Erasmo Benicio Santos
Published: July 2016

Background: The prevalence of malnutrition in emergency units is high, and data on the nutrition risk of patients admitted in these units are scarce. The aims of this study are to determine the nutrition risk profile of individuals admitted in an emergency unit and to identify clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory attributes according to nutrition risk classification. Materials and Methods: A total of 234 individuals in an emergency unit from 1 university hospital in Brazil were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. The nutrition risk profile was determined using the Nutrition Risk Screening 2002. Sociodemographic, clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory data were collected. Comparisons between individuals “at risk” and “not at risk” and logistic regression analyzes were performed. Results: The prevalence of nutrition risk at admission was 48.7%. Patients at risk were older (P = .031), were less educated (P = .022), had a lower body mass index (P < .001), had higher concentrations of C‐reactive protein (CRP; P = .007), had a higher CRP/serum albumin ratio (P = .004), had lower concentrations of serum albumin (P = .002), and had severe weight loss (P < .001). Altogether, this profile resulted in a longer hospital stay (P = .004), more complications (P = .005), and greater use of antibiotics (P = .024). In regression analyses, low serum albumin (odds ratio [OR], 2.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23–6.13) and, higher serum CRP (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.00–3.72), use of antibiotics (OR, 13.3; 95% CI, 1.59–111.16) were predictors of long hospital stay. Conclusion: The prevalence of nutrition risk in emergency patients was high and its profile associated with worse clinical, laboratory, and anthropometric outcomes. The use of other laboratory and clinical variables may also be a good strategy for predicting adverse outcomes in emergency units.
Instrumental practice in the contemporary music academy: A three-phase cycle of Self-Regulated Learning in music students
Authors: Hatfield Johannes L. , Halvari Hallgeir , Lemyre Pierre-Nicolas
Published: July 2016

The purpose of the present study was to test an adapted model of self-regulated learning (Zimmerman, 1989) in the context of higher music education (n = 204). The following four hypotheses were tested: 1) Forethought phase constructs such as goal setting, self-efficacy, and time management were hypothesized to positively predict the use of psychological skills (i.e., self-observation, arousal-regulation, imagery, concentration, and self-control); 2) The use of psychological skills was expected to predict self-reflection phase constructs such as coping and perception of progress; 3) The links from the forethought phase to the reflection phase of the model were predicted to be indirect through psychological skills; 4) Self-reflection phase constructs were expected to positively predict forethought phase constructs. Applying Structural Equation Modeling, hypotheses 1 and 2 were partly supported. Regarding hypothesis 3, goal setting was indirectly positively linked to coping and perception of progress through self-observation and self-control. Self-efficacy was indirectly positively linked to coping through arousal-regulation. A follow-up multiple regression analysis was conducted in regard to hypothesis 4. The self-reflection phase constructs positively predicted forethought phase activities. Moreover, the study verified adaptive cyclical learning in the music students who were self-regulated learners.
An Integrative Literature Review on the Barriers Impacting Adult Learners’ Return to College
Authors: Osam E. Kobena , Bergman Matt , Cumberland Denise M.
Published: July 2016

The composition of the college population has shifted from a bastion of full-time 18- to 22-year-old students to a far more diverse population that typically works part-time or full-time, has greater family commitments, is over 24, and is juggling various competing responsibilities while attending college. This shift has prompted researchers to examine the challenges that this student body of adult learners face in their pursuit of a college education. The purpose of this integrative literature review is to offer an updated synthesis of empirical findings on the barriers faced by adult learners who are seeking a college degree. In addition, this review offers potential solutions to college institutions to help their adult learners overcome the barriers they face.
Effectiveness of the shape memory alloy reinforcement in concrete coupled shear walls
Authors: Ghassemieh Mehdi , Rezapour Moein , Sadeghi Vahid
Published: July 2016

The use of shape memory alloys as a rebar in concrete structures has been receiving increasing attention among researchers. In this study, it is intended to evaluate the application of superelastic Nitinol in reducing the damage to the coupling beams and opening corners within a concrete shear wall. Abaqus finite element software was utilized to develop three verified coupled shear wall models. First, a model without diagonal and shape memory alloy rebars is developed to assess conventional shear walls with openings. Steel diagonal rebars are embedded in the coupling beams of the second model, and shape memory alloy diagonal rebars are embedded in the coupling beams of the third model. Shape memory alloy is also implemented in the opening corners of the third model. All models are subjected to cyclic loading to evaluate the concrete damage. Results indicated that the diagonal rebars reduced damage to the coupling beam and opening corners. The damages were the least when shape memory alloy diagonal rebars are utilized in the model. The superelastic behavior of the shape memory alloy also reduced permanent displacement of the shear wall subjected to substantial lateral loadings.
Investigation of the durability and stability of piezoelectric textile fibres
Authors: Matsouka Dimitroula , Vassiliadis Savvas , Vatansever Bayramol Derman , Soin Navneet , Siores Elias
Published: July 2016

Polymers such as polyvinylidene difluoride, polypropylene and polyamide-11 show great promise for providing light-weight, flexible and fibrous piezoelectric materials that can be integrated into technical textile fabric structures for energy harvesting applications. Durability is an important parameter for the textiles and especially for functional and smart materials. This research work provides an insight on the piezoelectric behaviour of polypropylene, polyamide-11 and polyvinylidene difluoride in terms of peak-to-peak voltage generation capabilities after washing at 40°C with the addition of detergent as described in test method BS EN ISO 105-C06:2010. It was observed that the peak-to-peak voltage generated by polypropylene monofilaments retained similar values with only slight differences, while the monofilaments of polyvinylidene difluoride and polyamide-11 showed higher peak-to-peak voltage generation after washing. These changes have been explained using the changes in the crystallinity and phase, as determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis.
Elasticity of damaged graphene: A damage mechanics approach
Authors: Voyiadjis George Z , Kattan Peter I
Published: July 2016

In this work, the authors discuss a systematic method of characterizing the damage process in graphene. The mathematical formulation is limited to the elastic range. In the elastic constitutive equation for graphene, both the second-order and third-order elastic stiffnesses are considered. The formulation is performed within the framework of Continuum Damage Mechanics. Thus, both the hypotheses of elastic strain equivalence and elastic energy equivalence are utilized. In addition to the classical damage variable that is defined in terms of the cross-sectional area, a new damage variable is introduced and defined in terms of the surface area. This particular damage variable is suited for general nanomaterials, especially graphene. Both the scalar and tensorial formulations are presented. The special case of plane stress in graphene is illustrated as an example using the derived general equations and some interesting results are obtained.
Current Topics in Postnatal Behavioral Testing
Authors: Henck Judith W. , Elayan Ikram , Vorhees Charles , Fisher J. Edward , Morford LaRonda L.
Published: July 2016

The study of developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) continues to be an important component of safety evaluation of candidate therapeutic agents and of industrial and environmental chemicals. Developmental neurotoxicity is considered to be an adverse change in the central and/or peripheral nervous system during development of an organism and has been primarily evaluated by studying functional outcomes, such as changes in behavior, neuropathology, neurochemistry, and/or neurophysiology. Neurobehavioral evaluations are a component of a wide range of toxicology studies in laboratory animal models, whereas neurochemistry and neurophysiology are less commonly employed. Although the primary focus of this article is on neurobehavioral evaluation in pre- and postnatal development and juvenile toxicology studies used in pharmaceutical development, concepts may also apply to adult nonclinical safety studies and Environmental Protection Agency/chemical assessments. This article summarizes the proceedings of a symposium held during the 2015 American College of Toxicology annual meeting and includes a discussion of the current status of DNT testing as well as potential issues and recommendations. Topics include the regulatory context for DNT testing; study design and interpretation; behavioral test selection, including a comparison of core learning and memory systems; age of testing; repeated testing of the same animals; use of alternative animal models; impact of findings; and extrapolation of animal results to humans. Integration of the regulatory experience and scientific concepts presented during this symposium, as well as from subsequent discussion and input, provides a synopsis of the current state of DNT testing in safety assessment, as well as a potential roadmap for future advancement.
How Mohs Surgery Transformed Into a First-Line Treatment of Skin Cancer
Authors: Bobotsis Rob , Guenther Lyn
Published: July 2016

Mohs surgery is considered ideal treatment for many types of skin cancers. Developed by Dr Frederic Edward Mohs (1910-2002), Mohs surgery allows all surgical margins to be viewed microscopically, ensuring no cancer cells go unremoved, yet it failed to achieve immediate acceptance when first introduced in the 1940s. A catalyst to the widespread acceptance of Mohs surgery occurred with the work of dermatologic colleagues who reported excellent results without using the paste. It suggested the real innovation of Mohs surgery lay in its microscopic control and not the paste, the discontinuation of which removed all the problems associated with its use.
The discrepancy between macro culture and individual, lived psychology: An ethnographic example of Chinese moral behavior
Authors: Ratner Carl
Published: July 2016

This paper seeks to explain the fact that particular cultural structures, artifacts, policies, and values often do not generate corresponding individual behavior/psychology that they are expected to produce. This discrepancy is troubling to the science of cultural psychology/sociocultural activity theory that seeks to understand the cultural organization of psychology; and it it is troubling to policy makers who strive to organize behavior (religious tolerance, diligent work habits, educational learning) through cultural structures and policies. I discuss two explanations for this discrepancy. One is that individual processes contradict cultural influences on psychology. The other explanation is that culture is multifaceted, and cultural factors other than an expected one, are influential in organizing a psychology. I illustrate the second explanation with a case study of moral behavior among Chinese elementary students. These youngsters disobeyed moral teaching in school because they were more influenced by outside influences, ranging from Chinese traditional relations called Guanxi, to modern commercial, privatizing practices. This paper uses individual variations and contradictions in cultural psychology to refine the epistemology and ontology of cultural theory.
Structural solutions based on intensive use of steel for over-roofing of existing precast concrete panel buildings
Authors: Floricel Andra , Zagari Giuseppe , Ungureanu Viorel , Ciutina Adrian
Published: July 2016

An important segment of the Romanian urban population, similar to other Eastern European countries, lives in collective residential apartment buildings made using large prefabricated concrete panels. Most of these structures were built between 1960 and 1989 and present major issues concerning aesthetical aspects, lack of internal space, problems related to thermal comfort and, last but not least, weak energy efficiency. The presence of flat roofing system, generally with hydrothermal faults, represents an additional problem which leads to deficient living conditions of the last-storey inhabitants in many cases. Besides other ways of improving the conditions of such apartment houses, the over-roofing is welcome in order to both increase the habitable area and provide adequate roofing for the building. This article presents three types of over-roofing structural solutions, in two solutions, based on intensive use of steel, using (1) hot-rolled steel profiles, (2) rectangular hollow sections and (3) cold-formed steel profiles, respectively. In order to determine the optimum over-roofing system, the study analyses the structural design possibilities and particularly the connection between the new and old structural elements.
Model test for the tensioning construction process of a large-span prestressed suspended dome
Authors: Liu Xuechun , Zhang Yiwen , Zhang Ailin , Wu Liang
Published: July 2016

Before being tensioned, the stiffness of the upper reticulated shell of a prestressed suspended dome is small, and the lower cable–strut system is completely flexible. The shape and stiffness of the structure constantly change during the construction process; therefore, a construction experiment needed to be performed to ensure the success and safety of the tensioning process for practical engineering. A tensioning experiment was performed on a reduced scale model of a large-span suspended dome. The safety, internal forces, joint displacements, and cable tensions during the tensioning process were studied. The effects of the sequence, times, and magnitudes of the loop cable tensioning were studied. The unfavorable factors of friction loss at the cable–strut joint, tensioning sequence loss, and out-of-sync tensioning on the tensioning points were evaluated, and measures to reduce the friction loss were then proposed. Two tensioning schemes were tested, compared, and used to predict the potential difficulties in practical engineering construction. An optimized tensioning scheme was developed for practical engineering.
Traffic modelling in cities – Validation of space syntax at an urban scale
Authors: Patterson Joanne L.
Published: July 2016

To understand and facilitate modal shift to more sustainable modes of transport, there is a need to model accessibility and connectivity at an urban scale using data collection and modelling procedures that require less data and specialist input than traditional transport models. The research described in this paper uses spatial analysis modelling procedures based on space syntax to investigate the potential to model aggregate traffic flows at an urban scale. The research has demonstrated that space syntax modelling is an effective means of representing an urban scale motor traffic network; however, modifications to the original model were required to achieve a correlation between modelled and measured motor traffic flow comparable to other modelling procedures. Weighting methods were tested with ‘boundary weighting’ found to be effective at representing traffic crossing the boundary of an isolated urban sub-area, but not so effective at an urban scale. ‘Road weighting’ was found to be effective in improving model performance by representing traffic flows along routes according to a national classification scheme. The modelling approach has the potential to be extremely useful at an early planning stage to represent changes to flows across the network and to be useful for different modes.
An empirical ethical analysis of community treatment orders within mental health services in England
Authors: Dunn Michael , Canvin Krysia , Rugkåsa Jorun , Sinclair Julia , Burns Tom
Published: July 2016

Community treatment orders are a legal mechanism to extend powers of compulsion into outpatient mental health settings in certain circumstances. Previous ethical analyses of these powers have explored a perceived tension between a duty to respect personal freedoms and autonomy and a duty to ensure that patients with the most complex needs are able to receive beneficial care and support that maximises their welfare in the longer-term. This empirical ethics paper presents an analysis of 75 interviews with psychiatrists, patients and family carers to show how these ethical considerations map onto the different ways that community treatment orders are used and experienced in practice. A complex and nuanced account of how the requirements to respect patients’ autonomy, to respect patients’ liberty and to act beneficently should be interpreted in order to make judgements about the ethics of community treatment orders is presented. The article argues that, due to such complexity, no general ethical justification for community treatment orders can be provided, but a justification on the basis of the promotion of patients’ autonomy could provide an ethical reason for community mental health practitioners to make use of a community treatment order in some limited circumstances.
Understanding Talent Development and Implications for Human Resource Development
Authors: Hedayati Mehdiabadi Amir , Li Jessica
Published: July 2016

As the topic of talent development (TD) gets more popularity in practice of organizations and among human resource development (HRD) professionals, the need for understanding the nature and the scope of TD activities increases. The aim of this article is to help this understanding through an integrative review of literature. As part of this article, the definitions of and the perspectives toward talent-related activities in TD literature have been analyzed and a comprehensive definition for TD is suggested. Moreover, four major themes within TD literature have been identified: (a) issues related to career development, (b) the influence of contextual factors, (c) the relationship between TD and attraction and retention of talents, and (d) issues of diversity in the context of TD. Based on our findings, some of the gaps in the literature are presented. The potential actions that HRD researchers and practitioners can take to address these challenges will be suggested and discussed.
Parks, People, and Property Values
Authors: McNeur Catherine
Published: July 2016

The role that parks played in Manhattan changed dramatically during the antebellum period. Originally dismissed as unnecessary on an island embraced by rivers, parks became a tool for real estate development and gentrification in the 1830s. By the 1850s, politicians, journalists, and landscape architects believed Central Park could be a social salve for a city with rising crime rates, increasingly visible poverty, and deepening class divisions. While many factors (public health, the psychological need for parks, and property values) would remain the same, the changing social conversation showed how ideas of public space were transforming, in rhetoric if not reality.
Participants’ Accounts on Their Decision to Join a Cohort Study With an Attached Biobank
Authors: Nobile Hélène , Bergmann Manuela M. , Moldenhauer Jennifer , Borry Pascal
Published: July 2016

Reliable participation and sustained retention rates are crucial in longitudinal studies involving human subjects and biomaterials. Understanding the decision to enroll is an essential step to develop adequate strategies promoting long-term participation. Semi-structured interviews were implemented with newly recruited and long-term participants randomly drawn from two ongoing longitudinal studies with a biobank component in Germany. Iterative qualitative content analysis was applied to the transcribed interviews. Participants ( n = 31) expressed their decision to enroll or remain in the study as the result of the complex interplay of individual factors, institutional cues, study-related features, and societal dynamics. Different forms of trust were identified as central within the elements used to explain participation and could be compared to Dibben, Morris, and Lean’s dynamic model of interpersonal trust. Given these high levels of trust, an investigation of the morality of the trustful relationship at stake between participants and research(ers) is warranted.
The reliability assessment of the electromagnetic valve of high-speed electric multiple units braking system based on two-parameter exponential distribution
Authors: Yang Jianwei , Zhao Chunqing , Wang Jinhai , Yao Dechen , Bai Yongliang
Published: July 2016

In order to solve the reliability assessment of braking system component of high-speed electric multiple units, this article, based on two-parameter exponential distribution, provides the maximum likelihood estimation and Bayes estimation under a type-I life test. First of all, we evaluate the failure probability value according to the classical estimation method and then obtain the maximum likelihood estimation of parameters of two-parameter exponential distribution by performing and using the modified likelihood function. On the other hand, based on Bayesian theory, this article also selects the beta and gamma distributions as the prior distribution, combines with the modified maximum likelihood function, and innovatively applies a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm to parameters assessment based on Bayes estimation method for two-parameter exponential distribution, so that two reliability mathematical models of the electromagnetic valve are obtained. Finally, through type-I life test, the failure rates according to maximum likelihood estimation and Bayes estimation method based on Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm are, respectively, 2.650 × 10−5 and 3.037 × 10−5. Compared with the failure rate of a electromagnetic valve 3.005 × 10−5, it proves that the Bayes method can use a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm to estimate reliability for two-parameter exponential distribution and Bayes estimation is more closer to the value of electromagnetic valve. So, by fully integrating multi-source, Bayes estimation method can preferably modify and precisely estimate the parameters, which can provide a certain theoretical basis for the safety operation of high-speed electric multiple units.
Fail-safe design and analysis for the guide vane of a hydro turbine
Authors: Budiman Bentang Arief , Suharto Djoko , Djodikusumo Indra , Aziz Muhammad , Juangsa Firman Bagja
Published: July 2016

A design for the fail-safe mechanism of a guide vane in a Francis-type hydro turbine is proposed and analyzed. The mechanism that is based on a shear pin as a sacrificial component was designed to remain simple. Unlike the requirements of conventional designs, a shear pin must be able to withstand static and dynamic loads but must fail under a certain overload that could damage a guide vane. An accurate load determination and selection of the shear pin material were demonstrated. The static load for various opening angles of the guide vane were calculated using the computational fluid dynamics Fluent and finite element method Ansys programs. Furthermore, simulations for overload and dynamic load due to the waterhammer phenomenon were also conducted. The results of load calculations were used to select an appropriate shear pin material. Quasi-static shear tests were performed for two shear pins of aluminum alloy Al2024 subjected to different aging treatments (i.e. artificial and natural aging). The test results indicated that the Al2024 treated by natural aging is an appropriate material for a shear pin designed to function as a fail-safe mechanism for the guide vanes of a Francis-type hydro turbine.