bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Study on the Relationship between Agricultural Science and Technology Input and Agricultural Economic Growth Based on E-Commerce Model
Authors: Wang Tianqi , Huang Lijun
Published: November 2018

At present, e-commerce mode has been gradually applied to agricultural science and technology production, which has played an important role in agricultural economic growth and production efficiency. At the same time, the fundamental way out for sustainable and stable development of agriculture is science and technology. Generally speaking, part of the growth of the agricultural economy comes from agricultural production factors. The increase in input is partly due to the improvement of productivity of agricultural elements. Therefore, based on the background of the e-commerce environment, this paper chooses the entropy method to study the relationship between agricultural science and technology input and agricultural economic growth. Compared with the exponential method and the Bolat method, the entropy method can scientifically determine the specific weight of the indicators based on the variation of each quantitative index, so as to improve the accuracy and objectivity of the quantitative index analysis and avoid the adverse effects of human factors. The entropy method is used to evaluate and analyze the development level of agricultural e-commerce, which improves the accuracy and reliability of the evaluation results. Based on this, this paper makes an empirical study on the relationship between agricultural science and technology input and agricultural economic growth by using the method of entropy under the mode of e-commerce, constructs the index system of agricultural productivity, evaluates the situation of agricultural science and technology input and agricultural economic growth, and studies the relationship between them by using the method of regression analysis. Research shows that the application of agricultural science and technology investment and e-commerce mode can promote agricultural economic growth.
Seasonal Urban Carbon Emission Estimation Using Spatial Micro Big Data
Authors: Yamagata Yoshiki , Yoshida Takahiro , Murakami Daisuke , Matsui Tomoko , Akiyama Yuki
Published: November 2018

The objective of this study is to map direct and indirect seasonal urban carbon emissions using spatial micro Big Data, regarding building and transportation energy-use activities in Sumida, Tokyo. Building emissions were estimated by considering the number of stories, composition of use (e.g., residence and retail), and other factors associated with individual buildings. Transportation emissions were estimated through dynamic transportation behaviour modelling, which was obtained using person-trip surveys. Spatial seasonal emissions were evaluated and visualized using three-dimensional (3D) mapping. The results suggest the usefulness of spatial micro Big Data for seasonal urban carbon emission mapping; a process which combines both the building and transportation sectors for the first time with 3D mapping, to detect emission hot spots and to support community-level carbon management in the future.
Evaluating Forest Protection Strategies: A Comparison of Land-Use Systems to Preventing Forest Loss in Tanzania
Authors: Rosa Isabel M.D. , Rentsch Dennis , Hopcraft J. Grant C.
Published: November 2018

Understanding the effects of forest management strategies is especially important to avoid unregulated natural resource extraction that leads to ecosystem degradation. In addition to the loss of crucial forest services, inefficiencies at converting these natural resources into economic gain for people ultimately exacerbates poverty. Therefore, it is important to know which conservation strategies have proven to be effective in preventing ecosystem degradation and thus be encouraged in future management plans. Here, we used a high-resolution remotely sensed dataset spanning 15 years to study forest cover dynamics across various protected areas in Tanzania. Our findings highlight particular management approaches more effective in preventing forest cover loss and promote forest cover gain, and provide valuable information for conservation efforts. Results show that National Parks have the least forest cover loss, whereas multiple-use Game Controlled Areas have the highest rates of forest loss. In fact, results suggest that these multiple use areas tend to lose more forest cover than areas with no protection or management status at all. These findings suggest the need for more effective strategies for enforcing the existing policies to ensure that socio-economic benefits to local communities are maximized and national interests are sustained.
Influence of Size on the Economic Feasibility of Floating Offshore Wind Farms
Authors: Castro-Santos Laura , Filgueira-Vizoso Almudena , Álvarez-Feal Carlos , Carral Luis
Published: November 2018

This paper uses a method to analyze the economic influence of the size of floating offshore wind farms. The economic aspects analyzed, LCOE (Levelized Cost Of Energy) and costs, depend on the number of floating offshore wind turbines, which establishes the effect of the size of the farm. This influence has been carried out for a map in a specific location. Regarding the case study, 18 alternatives have been considered taking into account the total power of the farm and the types of floating platforms. These aspects have been studied for the location of Galicia (Spain). Results indicate how LCOE and costs vary when the size of the floating offshore wind farm is increased for the studied kinds of offshore structures. Results are useful for planning an offshore wind farm in deep waters in future investments.
Well-to-Wheels Approach for the Environmental Impact Assessment of Road Freight Services
Authors: Osorio-Tejada Jose Luis , Llera-Sastresa Eva , Hariza Hashim Ahmad
Published: November 2018

The diffuse nature of road transport and the heterogeneity of heavy vehicles have hindered the implementation of emissions accounting systems. Even though there are emission factors in well-known databases, these factors have commonly been designed in industrialized countries, which might have geography, type of roads, and operating conditions different to other countries. This paper proposes a method for the energy consumption and emissions estimation based on vehicle operating conditions in regions with different topology, such as Colombia, Malaysia, and Spain, as case studies. Moreover, the environmental impacts of fuel production in each country are calculated. The diesel consumption on mountainous roads for a full loaded rigid truck in Colombia was 45 L/100 km, compared to averages between 22–26 L/100 km from other sources usually applied. In contrast, the diesel consumption for an articulated truck on a hilly road in Spain from both the proposed method and generic databases coincided in 31 L/100 km. The vehicle speed, load, and road gradient also generated large variations up to 145% in the air pollutants’ estimation. This study contributes to the need for more research about emission factors and tools that facilitate and reduce uncertainty in the environmental accounting in freight companies in different geographies.
From Authoritarianism to Democratic Corporatism? The Rise and Decline of Social Dialogue in Korea
Authors: Kim Dong-One , Ahn Ji-Young
Published: November 2018

This study analyzes the sudden rise, quick success, and gradual decline of democratic corporatism (DC) in Korea. The analysis and discussion in this paper is based on qualitative approach, combining semistructured interviews and a review of archival evidence on the sustainability of social dialogue in Korea. In addition, we also provide supplemental quantitative evidence based on interview results. The present study indicates that an event such as a sudden economic crisis can lead to short-term outcomes such as a swift experiment with DC, but determination of the very nature of a tripartite agreement and the long-term sustainability of DC hinges on structural elements and path dependence formed and built up over decades. Events in Korea show that a direct transition from state authoritarianism to DC is a difficult, if not impossible, task.
Spatiotemporal Distribution of PM2.5 and O3 and Their Interaction During the Summer and Winter Seasons in Beijing, China
Authors: Zhao Hui , Zheng Youfei , Li Chen
Published: November 2018

This study analyzed the spatiotemporal variations in PM2.5 and O3, and explored their interaction in the summer and winter seasons in Beijing. To this aim, hourly PM2.5 and O3 data for 35 air quality monitoring sites were analyzed during the summer and winter of 2016. Results suggested that the highest PM2.5 concentration and the lowest O3 concentration were observed at traffic monitoring sites during the two seasons. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) different diurnal variation of PM2.5 was observed between the summer and winter seasons, with higher concentrations during daytime summer and nighttime winter. Diurnal variations of O3 concentrations during the two seasons showed a single peak, occurring at 16:00 and 15:00 in summer and winter, respectively. PM2.5 presented a spatial pattern with higher concentrations in southern Beijing than in northern areas, particularly evident during wintertime. On the contrary, O3 concentrations presented a decreasing spatial trend from the north to the south, particularly evident during summer. In addition, we found that PM2.5 concentrations were positively correlated (p < 0.01, r = 0.57) with O3 concentrations in summer, but negatively correlated (p < 0.01, r = −0.72) with O3 concentrations in winter.
Estimation and Analysis of Energy Conservation and Emissions Reduction Effects of Warm-Mix Crumb Rubber-Modified Asphalts during Construction Period
Authors: Wang Qing-Zhou , Chen Zhan-Di , Lin Kuo-Ping , Wang Ching-Hsin
Published: November 2018

In order to solve the serious environmental problems caused by the rapid increase in the number of waste tires and unproper storage of waste tires, modifying the asphalt mix for roadway pavement by adding rubber crumb from recycled waste tires is one of the highly effective approach to solve the problem and can achieve the sustainable use of rubber resources. The application of warm-mix crumb rubber-modified asphalt (CRMA) overcomes some issues of the hot-mix CRMA, such as high temperature and high energy consumption. However, there is a lack of estimation methodology for the energy conservation and emission reduction during the production process of warm-mix CRMA. This study develops the estimation models for the evaluation of energy conservation and emissions reduction during different production stages of waste rubber powder, asphalt, CRMA, hot-mix CRMA, and warm-mix CRMA. A list for gas emissions during the mixing and paving process of CRMA mixtures was established through the simulated mixing measurement and paving site measurement. The results show that for each metric ton of CRMA mixture produced, warm mixing can reduce energy consumption by 18~36% and decrease gas emissions during different stages by 15~87% compared to hot mixing. The Evotherm warm-mix CRMA mixture with DAT as warm mix agent (Ev-DAT warm-mix CRMA mixture) is more energy-efficient by saving approximately 108.56 MJ of energy and reducing gas emissions during mixing and paving by at least 32% and 73%, respectively. This model can improves the technical standard of warm-mix CRMA and the energy conservation assessment.
Mechanical Tests on Innovative BIPV Façade Components for Energy, Seismic, and Aesthetic Renovation of High-Rise Buildings
Authors: Corrao Rossella
Published: November 2018

The paper shows the results of mechanical tests carried out on prototypes of a new Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) component developed by the author and SBskin Smart Building Skin s.r.l. This patented innovative component is able to merge structural function, insulation proprieties, and production of clean energy for retrofit actions and/or the construction of translucent façades in high-rise buildings located in different climatic contexts. Due to colored PV cells integrated into 3 Dimensional (3D) glass components and the dry-assembly system used for assembling them into precast and pre-stressed panels, an easy and creative customization of the product is allowed. Green energy production, safety, and energy efficiency of buildings can be assured in accordance with the environmental conditions and users’ needs. The pre-stressing force used to improve the mechanical resistance of the panel toward horizontal forces due to winds and earthquakes guarantees the construction of secure translucent and active building envelopes. The paper summarizes the features of this innovative and patented BIPV product by focusing on its mechanical behavior. Laboratory tests are described and commented for underlining the benefits derived from the use of the dry-assembly system and of the supporting structure made of plastic for the construction of the panels. Bending and breaking strength tests have been carried out on two sq.m of panel prototypes, which have been dry-assembled through a supporting structure made of Polypropylene (PP) in order to compare the results with the theoretical calculations derived from the Finite Element (FE) simulations. Cyclic mechanical testing of the panel has been also carried out to verify its behavior under cyclic loading and understanding its ability to counteract the actions of the wind and earthquake.
Dry Bulk Carrier Investment Selection through a Dual Group Decision Fusing Mechanism in the Green Supply Chain
Authors: Yao Shuang , Yu Donghua , Song Yan , Yao Hao , Hu Yuzhen , Guo Benhai
Published: November 2018

Uncertain linguistic variables and scoring evaluations are two important evaluation mechanisms in the decision making field. Sustainability requirements for ship investment lead to the complexity of influence factors and the decision making process. The uncertain linguistic assessment features a large amount of ambiguity and subjectivity, while the scoring evaluation features high precision and distinct gradations. This paper constructs a criteria system in the green supply chain and proposes a dual group decision fusing mechanism for integrating the linguistic variable and scoring evaluation into a unified evaluation term. A hierarchical cloud of linguistic variable terms is constructed based on scoring via a reverse cloud generator, and then, the ship investment linguistic terms are transformed into prospect values. In addition, the consistency and investment selection performance are measured after aggregating the individual decision matrices for group decision making. The empirical research results on the selection of dry bulk carriers for investment show that dual group decision fusing mechanisms could effectively improve the consistency, decision making efficiency, and accuracy of dry bulk ship investment choices and reduce the cost of feedback adjustment for group decisions. In comparison with the trapezoidal fuzzy and fuzzy TOPSIS methods of group decision making, the proposed method performs better when there are a large number of alternatives.
A Prediction Method for the Damping Effect of Ring Dampers Applied to Thin-Walled Gears Based on Energy Method
Authors: Wang Yanrong , Ye Hang , Jiang Xianghua , Tian Aimei
Published: November 2018

In turbomachinery applications, thin-walled gears are cyclic symmetric structures and often subject to dynamic meshing loading which may result in high cycle fatigue (HCF) of the thin-walled gear. To avoid HCF failure, ring dampers are designed for gears to increase damping and reduce resonance amplitude. Ring dampers are installed in the groove. They are held in contact with the groove by normal pressure generated by interference or centrifugal force. Vibration energy is attenuated (converted to heat) by frictional force on the contact interface when the relative motion between ring dampers and gears takes place. In this article, a numerical method for the prediction of friction damping in thin-walled gears with ring dampers is proposed. The nonlinear damping due to the friction is expressed as equivalent mechanical damping in the form of vibration stress dependence. This method avoids the forced response analysis of nonlinear structures, thereby significantly reducing the time required for calculation. The validity of this numerical method is examined by a comparison with literature data. The method is applied to a thin-walled gear with a ring damper and the effect of design parameters on friction damping is studied. It is shown that the rotating speed, geometric size of ring dampers and friction coefficient significantly influence the damping performance.
Large High-Efficiency Thermal Neutron Detectors Based on the Micromegas Technology
Authors: Tsiledakis Georgios , Delbart Alain , Desforge Daniel , Giomataris Ioanis , Papaevangelou Thomas , Hall-Wilton Richard , Höglund Carina , Robinson Linda , Schmidt Susann , Menelle Alain , Pomorski Michal
Published: November 2018

Due to the so-called 3He shortage crisis, many detection techniques for thermal neutrons are currently based on alternative converters. There are several possible ways of increasing the detection efficiency for thermal neutrons using the solid neutron-to-charge converters 10B or 10B4C. Here, we present an investigation of the Micromegas technology. The micro-pattern gaseous detector Micromegas was developed in the past years at Saclay and is now used in a wide variety of neutron experiments due to its combination of high accuracy, high rate capability, excellent timing properties, and robustness. A large high-efficiency Micromegas-based neutron detector is proposed for thermal neutron detection, containing several layers of 10B4C coatings that are mounted inside the gas volume. The principle and the fabrication of a single detector unit prototype with overall dimension of ~15 × 15 cm2 and its possibility to modify the number of 10B4C neutron converter layers are described. We also report results from measurements that are verified by simulations, demonstrating that typically five 10B4C layers of 1–2 μm thickness would lead to a detection efficiency of 20% for thermal neutrons and a spatial resolution of sub-mm. The high potential of this novel technique is given by the design being easily adapted to large sizes by constructing a mosaic of several such detector units, resulting in a large area coverage and high detection efficiencies. An alternative way of achieving this is to use a multi-layered Micromegas that is equipped with two-side 10B4C-coated gas electron multiplier (GEM)-type meshes, resulting in a robust and large surface detector. Another innovative and very promising concept for cost-effective, high-efficiency, large-scale neutron detectors is by stacking 10B4C-coated microbulk Micromegas. A prototype was designed and built, and the tests so far look very encouraging.
Analogies between the Black Hole Interior and the Type II Weyl Semimetals
Authors: Zubkov Mikhail
Published: November 2018

In the Painleve–Gullstrand (PG) reference frame, the description of elementary particles in the background of a black hole (BH) is similar to the description of non-relativistic matter falling toward the BH center. The velocity of the fall depends on the distance to the center, and it surpasses the speed of light inside the horizon. Another analogy to non-relativistic physics appears in the description of the massless fermionic particle. Its Hamiltonian inside the BH, when written in the PG reference frame, is identical to the Hamiltonian of the electronic quasiparticles in type II Weyl semimetals (WSII) that reside in the vicinity of a type II Weyl point. When these materials are in the equilibrium state, the type II Weyl point becomes the crossing point of the two pieces of the Fermi surface called Fermi pockets. It was previously stated that there should be a Fermi surface inside a black hole in equilibrium. In real materials, type II Weyl points come in pairs, and the descriptions of the quasiparticles in their vicinities are, to a certain extent, inverse. Namely, the directions of their velocities are opposite. In line with the mentioned analogy, we propose the hypothesis that inside the equilibrium BH there exist low-energy excitations moving toward the exterior of the BH. These excitations are able to escape from the BH, unlike ordinary matter that falls to its center. The important consequences to the quantum theory of black holes follow.
How do Soil Moisture and Vegetation Covers Influence Soil Temperature in Drylands of Mediterranean Regions?
Authors: Lozano-Parra Javier , Pulido Manuel , Lozano-Fondón Carlos , Schnabel Susanne
Published: November 2018

Interactions between land and atmosphere directly influence hydrometeorological processes and, therefore, the local climate. However, because of heterogeneity of vegetation covers these feedbacks can change over small areas, becoming more complex. This study aims to define how the interactions between soil moisture and vegetation covers influence soil temperatures in very water-limited environments. In order to do that, soil water content and soil temperature were continuously monitored with a frequency of 30 min over two and half hydrological years, using capacitance and temperature sensors that were located in open grasslands and below tree canopies. The study was carried out on three study areas located in drylands of Mediterranean climate. Results highlighted the importance of soil moisture and vegetation cover in modifying soil temperatures. During daytime and with low soil moisture conditions, daily maximum soil temperatures were, on average, 7.1 °C lower below tree canopies than in the air, whereas they were 4.2 °C higher in grasslands than in the air. As soil wetness decreased, soil temperature increased, although this effect was significantly weaker below tree canopies than in grasslands. Both high soil water content and the effect of shading were reflected in a decrease of maximum soil temperatures and of their daily amplitudes. Statistical analysis emphasized the influence of soil temperature on soil water reduction, regardless of vegetation cover. If soil moisture deficits become more frequent due to climate change, variations in soil temperature could increase, affecting hydrometeorological processes and local climate.
Étude des charges électriques apparaissant au cours de la déformation plastique des cristaux ioniques, et en particulier, du fluorure de lithium
Authors: Dupuy Claude H. S.
Published: November 2018

Au cours de la déformation plastique des cristaux ioniques du type NaCl, il apparaît des charges électriques liées aux dislocations. Nous avons cherché à préciser leur signe, ceci d'abord dans le cas simple d'un seul plan de glissement dans toute l'éprouvette. Entre polariseurs croisés on peut observer la source des dislocations.

Les charges électriques à la surface du cristal sont mesurées par un électromètre très sensible, d'autre part, leur topographie est déterminée par saupoudrage à l'aide de particules chargées électriquement et venant se fixer électivement sur les charges apparues.

On en déduit que dans un cristal donné, les dislocations se déplaçant sous l'action de la contrainte transportent une charge toujours la même et abandonnent à leur source des charges de signe opposé. Pour les cristaux irradiés, la charge transportée est positive et pour les cristaux recuits elle est négative. La valeur de la charge transportée par unité de dislocation peut être calculée. Elle est, par exemple, d'un |e| tous les 1 500 paramètres élémentaires dans les cristaux recuits.

On peut alors à partir des résultats précédents, interpréter facilement le cas des fortes déformations et l'influence du sens de la déformation.
Généralisation de la méthode d'addition pour l'analyse quantitative par diffraction X
Authors: Alègre R.
Published: November 2018

Une méthode de dosage quantitatif par diffraction X est proposée. Comme celle de l'étalon interne, elle est rigoureuse et générale ; la nature de la phase à ajouter et sa proportion sont définies dans tous les cas, ce qui évite les tâtonnements.
Analysis of P-1, I-1 and C-1 plagioclase structures
Authors: Wenk Hans-Rudolf , Kroll Herbert
Published: November 2018

The paper reports the refinement of five plagioclase structures from different geological settings. Compositions and space groups of the samples are An0 (C-1), An66 (I-1), An91 (I-1), An94 (I-1), and An94 (P-1). Emphasis is on calcic plagioclases with highly significant results for 'a', 'b', 'c', and 'd' type reflections. The structural contribution to 'b', 'c', and 'd' type superstructure reflections is investigated with Fourier analysis. The resolution of the X-ray determination of the Al, Si tetrahedral site occupancies is explored. The Na, Ca positions are refined as split sites and found to be differently occupied by Na and Ca atoms, respectively. Individual tetrahedral bond lengths are shown to be highly correlated to their structural environment. Average tetrahedral bond lengths indicate that those four tetrahedra which represent an "albite-like" structural unit in a four-ring chain extending along z in I-1 anorthite maintain their identity also at intermediate compositions while the other four non-equivalent tetrahedra gradually change their Al content from an "anorthite-like" to an "albite-like" ordering pattern.
Measurement of Thresholds Using Auditory Steady-State Response and Cochlear Microphonics in Children with Auditory Neuropathy
Authors: Lu Ping , Huang Yue , Chen Wen-Xia , Jiang Wen , Hua Ni-Yi , Wang Yan , Wang Bin , Xu Zheng-Min
Published: November 2018

Background:The detection of precise hearing thresholds in infants and children with auditory neuropathy (AN) is challenging with current objective methods, especially in those younger than six months of age.Purpose:The aim of this study was to compare the thresholds using
auditory steady-state response (ASSR) and cochlear microphonics (CM) in children with AN and children with normal hearing.Research Design:The thresholds of CM, ASSR, and visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) tests were recorded; the ASSR and VRA frequencies used were 250, 500, 1000,
2000, and 4000 Hz.Study Sample:The participants in this study were 15 children with AN (27 ears) (1‐7.6 years, median age 4.1 years) and ten children with normal hearing (20 ears) (1‐8 years, median age four years).Data Collection and Analysis:The thresholds of
the three methods were compared, and histograms were used to represent frequency distributions of threshold differences obtained from the three methods.Results:In children with normal hearing, the average CM thresholds (84.5 dB) were significantly higher than the VRA thresholds (10.0‐10.8
dB); in children with AN, both CM and VRA responses were seen at high signal levels (88.9 dB and 70.6‐103.4 dB, respectively). In normal children, the difference between mean VRA and ASSR thresholds ranged from 17.5 to 30.3 dB, which was significantly smaller than the difference seen
between the mean CM and VRA thresholds (71.5‐72.3 dB). The correlation between VRA and ASSR in children with normal hearing ranged from 0.38 to 0.48, whereas no such correlation was seen in children with AN at any frequency (0.03‐0.19).Conclusions:Our results indicated
that ASSR and CM were poor predictors of the conventional behavioral threshold in children with AN.
A Qualitative Study of the Effects of Hearing Loss and Hearing Aid Use on Music Perception in Performing Musicians
Authors: Vaisberg Jonathan M. , Martindale Ashley T. , Folkeard Paula , Benedict Cathy
Published: November 2018

Background:Hearing aids (HAs) are important for the rehabilitation of individuals with hearing loss. Although the rehabilitation of speech communication is well understood, less attention has been devoted to understanding hearing-impaired instrumentalists’ needs to actively
participate in music. Despite efforts to adjust HA settings for music acoustics, there lacks an understanding of instrumentalists’ needs and if those HA adjustments satisfy their needs.Purpose:The purpose of the current study was to explore the challenges that adult HA-wearing
instrumentalists face, which prevent them from listening, responding to, and performing music.Research Design:A qualitative methodology was employed with the use of semistructured interviews conducted with adult amateur instrumentalists.Study Sample:Twelve HA users who were amateur
ensemble instrumentalists (playing instruments from the percussion, wind, reed, brass, and string families) and between the ages of 55 and 83 years (seven men and five women) provided data for analysis in this study. Amateur in this context was defined as one who engaged mindfully in pursuit
of an activity.Data Collection and Analysis:Semistructured interviews were conducted using an open-ended interview guide. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis.Results:Three categories emerged
from the data: (1) participatory needs, (2) effects of HA use, and (3) effects of hearing loss. Participants primarily used HAs to hear the conductor’s instructions to meaningfully participate in music rehearsals. Effects of HA use fell within two subcategories: HA music sound quality
and use of an HA music program. The effects of hearing loss fell within three subcategories: inability to identify missing information, affected music components, and nonauditory music perception strategies.Conclusions:Not surprisingly, hearing-impaired instrumentalists face challenges
participating in their music activities. However, although participants articulated ways in which HAs and hearing loss affect music perception, which in turn revealed perspectives toward listening using the auditory system and other sensory systems, the primary motivation for their HA use
was the need to hear the conductor’s directions. These findings suggest that providing hearing-impaired instrumentalists access to musical experience via participation should be prioritized above restoring the perception of musical descriptors. Future research is needed with instrumentalists
who no longer listen to or perform music because of hearing loss, so that the relationship between musical auditory deficiencies and participation can be better explored.
Impact of Unilateral Hearing Loss on Behavioral and Evoked Potential Measures of Auditory Function in Adults
Authors: Cañete Oscar M. , Purdy Suzanne C. , Brown Colin R. S. , Neeff Michel , Thorne Peter R.
Published: November 2018

Background:A unilateral hearing loss (UHL) can have a significant functional and social impact on children and adults, affecting their quality of life. In adults, UHL is typically associated with difficulties understanding speech in noise and sound localization, and UHL increases
the self-perception of auditory disability for a range of listening situations. Furthermore, despite evidence for the negative effects of reduced unilateral auditory input on the neural encoding of binaural cues, the perceptual consequences of these changes are still not well understood.Purpose:Determine
effects of UHL on auditory abilities and speech-evoked cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs).Research Design:CAEPs, sound localization, speech perception in noise and self-perception of auditory abilities (speech, spatial, and qualities hearing scale) were assessed.Study Sample:Thirteen
adults with UHL with a range of etiologies, duration of hearing loss, and severity and a control group of eleven binaural listeners with normal hearing.Results:Participants with UHL varied greatly in their ability to localize sound and reported speech recognition and listening effort
were the greatest problem. There was a greater effect of right ear than left ear hearing loss on N1 amplitude hemispheric asymmetry and N1 latencies evoked by speech syllables in noise. As duration of hearing loss increased, contralateral dominance (N1 amplitude asymmetry) decreased. N1 amplitudes
correlated with speech scores, larger N1 amplitudes were associated with better speech recognition in noise scores. N1 latencies are delayed (in the better ear) and amplitude hemisphere asymmetry differed across UHL participants as function of side of deafness, mainly for right-sided deafness.Conclusion:UHL
affects a range of auditory abilities, including speech detection in noise, sound localization, and self-perceived hearing disability. CAEPs elicited by speech sounds are sensitive enough to evidence changes within the auditory cortex due to an UHL.
Dizziness, Vertigo, and Mental Health Comorbidity in Gulf War Veterans
Authors: Fox Apollonia , Riska Kristal , Tseng Chin-Lin , McCarron Kelly , Satcher Serena , Osinubi Omowunmi , Helmer Drew
Published: November 2018

Background:Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic condition involving symptoms across multiple body systems. Previous research has implicated the vestibular system as a potential underlying factor in the symptoms experienced by veterans with GWI, due in part to exposure to potentially
ototoxic chemicals and events.Purpose:To characterize the presence of vertigo and dizziness symptoms in a sample of veterans with GWI using validated self-report instruments, accounting for mental health comorbidities.Research Design:This is a case series, follow-up, prospective
interview of clinical veterans; results presented are purely descriptive.Study Sample:Our sample of 50 veterans was a follow-up to a case series of clinical Gulf War veterans evaluated at the War Related Illness and Injury Study Center.Data Collection and Analysis:Veterans participated
in a 70-min phone interview where the following questionnaires were administered: Vertigo Symptom Scale (VSS), Patient Health Questionnaire (depression scale), Patient Health Questionnaire (somatization scale), Beck Anxiety Inventory, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist, Defense
and Veterans Brain Injury Center Traumatic Brain Injury Questionnaire, and GWI (Kansas) Questionnaire. We used descriptive (mean/median, standard deviation, interquartile range, and percentage) statistics to describe our sample and illuminate possible relationships between measures.Results:Our
primary finding is a substantial report of vertigo symptoms in our sample, according to the VSS. Ninety percent of participants scored above the VSS threshold (>12), suggesting “severe dizziness.” The most commonly endorsed symptom on the VSS was “headache or pressure
in the head.”Conclusions:We conclude that there is significant burden of vertigo symptoms in veterans with GWI, suggesting a need for objective tests of vestibular function in this population. Furthermore, the relationship between symptoms of vertigo and dizziness, vestibular
function, and PTSD warrants further exploration using objective measures.
The Relationship between Severity of Hearing Loss and Subjective Tinnitus Loudness among Patients Seen in a Specialist Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Therapy Clinic in UK
Authors: Aazh Hashir , Salvi Richard
Published: November 2018

Background:Hearing loss is often associated with the phantom sound of tinnitus. However, the degree of the association between severity of hearing loss and tinnitus loudness taking into account the impact of other variables (e.g., emotional disturbances) is not fully understood.
This is an important question for audiologists who are specialized in tinnitus rehabilitation as patients often ask whether the loudness of their tinnitus will increase if their hearing gets worse.Purpose:To explore the relationship between tinnitus loudness and pure tone hearing thresholds.Research
Design:This was a retrospective cross-sectional study.Study Sample:445 consecutive patients who attended a Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Therapy Specialist Clinic in UK were included.Data Collection and Analysis:The results of audiological tests and self-report questionnaires
were gathered retrospectively from the records of the patients. Multiple-regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between tinnitus loudness, hearing loss and other variables.Results:The regression model showed a significant relationship between the pure tone average (PTA)
at the frequencies 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz of the better ear and the tinnitus loudness as measured via visual analogue scale (VAS), r (regression coefficient) = 0.022 (p < 0.001). Other variables significantly associated with tinnitus loudness were tinnitus annoyance (r
= 0.49, p < 0.001) and the effect of tinnitus on life (r = 0.09, p = 0.006). The regression model explained 52% of the variance of tinnitus loudness.Conclusions:Although increased tinnitus loudness was associated with worse PTA, the relationship was very weak.
Tinnitus annoyance and impact of tinnitus on life were more strongly correlated with tinnitus loudness than PTA.
Parental Mental Health in Childhood as a Risk Factor for Anxiety and Depression among People Seeking Help for Tinnitus and Hyperacusis
Authors: Aazh Hashir , Danesh Ali A. , Moore Brian C. J.
Published: November 2018

Background:Parental mental illness is a risk factor for mental health disorders in the offspring. However, the relationship between parental illness in childhood and mental health disorders in adulthood among patients with tinnitus and/or hyperacusis is not known.Purpose:The
aim was to explore the relationship between parental mental health in childhood and anxiety and depression for patients experiencing tinnitus and/or hyperacusis.Research Design:This was a retrospective cross-sectional study with a correlational design.Study Sample:Two hundred
eighty-seven consecutive patients who attended a Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Therapy Specialist Clinic in the United Kingdom were included. Their average age was 52.5 years.Data Collection and Analysis:The association was explored between anxiety and depression measured via the Generalized
Anxiety Disorder questionnaire (GAD-7) and the Patient Health questionnaire (PHQ-9) and responses to the question “While you were growing up during the first 18 years of life did your parent(s) have depression or mental illness?”Results:Thirty-nine percent of patients (111/287)
responded “yes” to the question about their parents’ mental health, which is about double the incidence in the general population. Regression analysis showed that parental mental illness significantly increased the risk of anxiety and depression, with unadjusted odds ratios
(ORs) of 2.7 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5‐4.9, p = 0.001) for the PHQ-9 and 2.6 (95% CI: 1.4‐4.8, p = 0.002) for the GAD-7. However, when the models were adjusted for the effects of age, gender, tinnitus handicap as measured via the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory,
hyperacusis handicap as measured via the Hyperacusis questionnaire, uncomfortable loudness levels, GAD-7 scores (for the depression model only), and PHQ-9 scores (for the anxiety model only), parental mental health was only significantly associated with depression, with an OR of 2.7 (95% CI:
1.08‐6.7, p = 0.033).Conclusions:Audiologists offering tinnitus and hyperacusis rehabilitation should screen patients for parental mental illness in childhood, especially for those with comorbid depression, and make onward referral to appropriate mental health services
when needed. Future research should analyze the breadth and type of adverse childhood experiences among patients with tinnitus and hyperacusis and their relationship with mental problems and treatment efficacy.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and Wideband Absorbance Measurements at Tympanometric Peak Pressure and 0 daPa
Authors: Aithal Sreedevi , Aithal Venkatesh , Kei Joseph , Anderson Shane , Liebenberg Simon
Published: November 2018

Background:Although wideband absorbance (WBA) provides important information about middle ear function, there is limited research on the use of WBA to evaluate eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). To date, WBA obtained under pressurized condition has not been used to evaluate ETD.Purpose:The
objective of the study was to compare WBA at 0 daPa and tympanometric peak pressure (TPP) conditions in healthy ears and ears with ETD.Research DesignA cross-sectional study design was used.Study SampleA total of 102 healthy ears from 79 participants (mean age = 10.0 yr) and
43 ears from 32 patients with ETD (mean age = 16.0 yr) were included in this cross-sectional study. WBA was measured at 0 daPa (WBA0) and TPP WBA at TPP (WBATPP).Data Collection and Analysis:WBA results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-tests
with the Bonferroni correction. An analysis of variance with repeated measures was applied to the data.Results:WBA0 was significantly lower in the ETD group than in the control group. The WBA0 of the control group demonstrated a broad peak between 1.25 and 4 kHz,
whereas the WBA0 of the ETD group had a peak between 2.5 and 4 kHz. WBATPP of the ETD group approached values close to that of the control group. In the control group, WBATPP was only 0.06 to 0.09 higher than WBA0, whereas in the ETD group, WBATPP
was 0.29 to 0.42 higher than WBA0 between 0.6 and 1.5 kHz. A differential pattern of WBA at TPP relative to 0 daPa was observed between ears with ETD and ears with otitis media with effusion (OME) and negative middle ear pressure (NMEP).Conclusions:Hence, a comparison of
WBA0 and WBATPP can provide potentially useful diagnostic information, and hence can be used as an adjunct tool to evaluate ETD. This is important especially in young children or some adults who are unable to perform maneuvers such as Toynbee or Valsalva during ETD assessment.
Further research is needed to verify the results using test performance measures to determine whether WBA0 and WBATPP can objectively determine the presence of ETD or OME with NMEP.
IMPACT OF STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP ON STRATEGIC COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE THROUGH STRATEGIC THINKING AND STRATEGIC PLANNING: A BI-MEDITATIONAL RESEARCH
Authors: Hunitie Mohammad
Published: November 2018

Confusion between strategic planning and strategic thinking in the context of strategic leadership and its effect on competitive advantage was the foremost rationale for this study to come into view. Thereby, the aim of this study was to examine the role of two mediating variables, i.e., strategic planning and strategic thinking in the impact of strategic leadership on competitive advantage. Scoping health care sector in Jordan resulted in three public hospitals agreed to participate in the study. Data were gathered using a questionnaire developed on the basis of literature review. A total of 1000 questionnaires were administered to hospitals. A total 521 questionnaires were returned with a response rate of 52.1%. The results pinpointed that strategic leadership significantly predicted strategic planning, strategic thinking and competitive advantage. the results also revealed that strategic planning and strategic thinking significantly and positively related to competitive advantage. accordingly, it was approved that strategic planning and strategic thinking mediated the effect of strategic leadership on competitive advantage. Despite that the influence of strategic thinking on competitive advantage was greater than the influence of strategic planning on competitive advantage. The study hold the perspective that both strategic planning and strategic thinking were essential in the context of strategic leadership, since strategies are developed by strategic thinking and operationalized via strategic planning.
A HOLISTIC MULTI-METHODOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE RENOVATION
Authors: Kamari Aliakbar , Jensen Stina Rask , Corrao Rossella , Kirkegaard Poul Henning
Published: November 2018

A review of the barriers for building renovation has revealed a lack of methodologies, which can promote sustainability objectives and assist various stakeholders during the design stage of building renovation/retrofitting projects. The purpose of this paper is to develop a Holistic Multi-methodology for Sustainable Renovation, which aims to deal with complexity of renovation projects. It provides a framework through which to involve the different stakeholders in the design process to improve group learning and group decision-making, and hence make the building renovation design process more robust and efficient. Therefore, the paper discusses the essence of multifaceted barriers in building renovation regarding cultural changes and technological/physical changes. The outcome is a proposal for a multi-methodology framework, which is developed by introducing, evaluating and mixing methods from Soft Systems Methodologies (SSM) with Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM). The potential of applying the proposed methodology in renovation projects is demonstrated through a case study.
Exocomets in the 47 UMa System: Theoretical Simulations Including Water Transport
Authors: Cuntz Manfred , Loibnegger Birgit , Dvorak Rudolf
Published: November 2018

Motivated by ongoing discoveries of features (most likely) attributable to exocomets in various systems, this study examines the dynamics of possible comets around 47 UMa. Based on the assumption that most systems hosting planets should also harbor leftovers from planet formation processes, comets are thus also expected to exist in the system of 47 UMa. This system is known to host three Jupiter-type planets; however, based on stability analyses, additional terrestrial planets in stable orbits might also be able to exist, including planets in 47 UMa’s habitable zone (HZ). Furthermore, we also consider a possible “Hilda”-planet. The aim of our study is to explore the interaction of exocomets with the Jupiter-type planets in the system and examine the probability of cometary collisions with the planets, including possible Earth-mass planets located in the HZ. Moreover, we investigate the transport of water onto the Earth-mass planets, including quantitative estimates. It is found that most Earth-mass planets would be able to receive some water, but much less than is currently present on Earth. We also checked if the comets form families, but no families were found. Finally, the capture of comets in close orbits and the possibility that small clouds formed when comets come too close to the star and disintegrate are also part of our work.
Detection of Helium in the Atmosphere of the Exo-Neptune HAT-P-11b
Authors: Mansfield Megan , Bean Jacob L. , Oklopčić Antonija , Kreidberg Laura , Désert Jean-Michel , Kempton Eliza M.-R. , Line Michael R. , Fortney Jonathan J. , Henry Gregory W. , Mallonn Matthias , Stevenson Kevin B. , Dragomir Diana , Allart Romain , Bourrier Vincent
Published: November 2018

The helium absorption triplet at a wavelength of 10833 Å has been proposed as a way to probe the escaping atmospheres of exoplanets. Recently this feature was detected for the first time using Hubble Space Telescope (HST) WFC3 observations of the hot Jupiter WASP-107b. We use similar HST/WFC3 observations to detect helium in the atmosphere of the hot Neptune HAT-P-11b at the 4σ confidence level. We compare our observations to a grid of 1D models of hydrodynamic escape to constrain the thermospheric temperatures and mass loss rate. We find that our data are best fit by models with high mass loss rates of

g s−1. Although we do not detect the planetary wind directly, our data are consistent with the prediction that HAT-P-11b is experiencing hydrodynamic atmospheric escape. Nevertheless, the mass loss rate is low enough that the planet has only lost up to a few percent of its mass over its history, leaving its bulk composition largely unaffected. This matches the expectation from population statistics, which indicate that close-in planets with radii greater than 2 R
⊕ form and retain H/He-dominated atmospheres. We also confirm the independent detection of helium in HAT-P-11b obtained with the CARMENES instrument, making this the first exoplanet with the detection of the same signature of photoevaporation from both ground- and space-based facilities.