bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty in geometry of fibre preforms manufactured with Automated Dry Fibre Placement and its effects on permeability
Authors: Matveev MY , Ball FG , Jones IA , Long AC , Schubel PJ , Tretyakov MV
Published: November 2017

Resin transfer moulding is one of several processes available for manufacturing fibre-reinforced composites from dry fibre reinforcement. Recently, dry reinforcements made with Automated Dry Fibre Placement have been introduced into the aerospace industry. Typically, the permeability of the reinforcement is assumed to be constant throughout the dry preform geometry, whereas in reality, it possesses inevitable uncertainty due to variability in geometry. This uncertainty propagates to the uncertainty of the mould filling and the fill time, one of the important variables in resin injection. It makes characterisation of the permeability and its variability an important task for design of the resin transfer moulding process. In this study, variability of the geometry of a reinforcement manufactured using Automated Dry Fibre Placement is studied. Permeability of the manufactured preforms is measured experimentally and compared to stochastic simulations based on an analytical model and a stochastic geometry model. The simulations showed that difference between the actual geometry and the designed geometry can result in 50% reduction of the permeability. The stochastic geometry model predicts results within 20% of the experimental values.
Effects of a Dual Swallow-Attention Task on Swallow and Cognitive Performance Measures
Authors: Dodderi Thejaswi , Philip Nikita E. , Mutum Kalpana
Published: November 2017

Research evidence has mounted that cognitive distracters can be detrimental to concurrent motor performance. Yet, few investigations have probed how cognitive distracters might impact dysphagia (swallowing impairment) though secondary tasks, like watching television, now compete with swallowing in a 21st-century lifestyle. Accordingly, we sought to determine whether cognitive distracters while swallowing alter swallowing or cognitive performance among healthy young adults. Participants were 30 healthy volunteers 18-24 years of age who underwent a baseline swallow task (BST), a baseline cognitive task (BCT), and a dual task (DT) in randomized order. The BST consisted of consuming 100 mL of (a) luke warm water (LWW) and (b) carbonated sweet water (CSW). The BCT involved pressing a key to indicate speed or reaction time for completing a number recognition task. In the DT condition, swallow and cognitive tasks were performed concurrently. Volume/swallow (V/S), time/swallow (T/S), and swallow capacity (SC) indices were derived for the swallow task and reaction time in milliseconds reflected cognitive task performance. On comparison between baseline and the DT condition, there was a decrease in V/S, increase in T/S, and an overall reduction in SC across LWW and CSW. Moreover, there was a slower cognitive reaction time in the DT condition. A significant repeated measures of ANOVA difference was noted between baseline and DT conditions ( p < .001). We conclude that swallowing should not be done in the presence of cognitively distracters.
Effects of Sociodemographic Characteristics and Personality Traits on Career Development
Authors: Katic Ivana , Ivanisevic Andrea , Grubic-Nesic Leposava , Penezic Nenad
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was to identify which employees’ sociodemographic characteristics and personality traits affected their career development. The research was conducted on a sample of 462 employees, aged between 30 and 55. The final analysis of covariance model included only characteristics which had previously been identified as having significant effect and relations with career development: gender, age, education level, years of work experience with the current employer, total years of work experience, financial status, and all Big Five traits. It was determined that the following characteristics had a significant effect on career development: gender, years of work experience with the current employer, and financial status, from the set of sociodemographic characteristics, as well as Conscientiousness, from the personality traits. Sociodemographic characteristics and personality traits, especially Conscientiousness, represent significant determinants in career development.
Optimization of welding parameters of hot plate welded PC/ABS blends by using the Taguchi experimental design method
Authors: Ülker Aydin , Öztoprak Nahit , Sayer Sami , Yeni Cinar
Published: November 2017

This study aims to investigate the influence of welding parameters in hot plate welding (HPW) process of polycarbonate (PC)/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) blends using Taguchi method. Three welding parameters, namely the plate temperature, heating time, and welding displacement, were optimized in terms of joint strength using the results of tensile tests. Taguchi experimental design method is implemented as a statistical design of experiment technique so as to set the optimum welding parameters and determine the optimal levels. For HPW of the specimens, the combination of process parameters based on three levels of L9 orthogonal array was utilized. The signal to noise ratio and the analysis of variance were employed to find the optimum levels and to indicate the impact of the welding parameters on joint strength after tensile tests of the welded joints were carried out. It was shown that it might achieve the improved joint strength using 290 °C of plate temperature, 1.25 mm of welding displacement, and 25 s of heating time. For the optimized parameters, it was verified that the most effective factor on joint strength is plate temperature and second effective factor is welding displacement and heating time only slightly influenced on joint strength. After the optimum levels of process parameters are set, in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of Taguchi method, a confirmation run is also performed. An improvement by about 70% from initial welding parameters was observed, and joint efficiency has increased from 22.5% to 38.2% regarding base material properties.
Serious incidents after death: content analysis of incidents reported to a national database
Authors: Yardley Iain E , Carson-Stevens Andrew , Donaldson Liam J
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To describe serious incidents occurring in the management of patient remains after their death.

Design

Incidents occurring after patient deaths were analysed using content analysis to determine what happened, why it happened and the outcome.

Setting

The Strategic Executive Information System database of serious incidents requiring investigation occurring in the National Health Service in England.

Participants

All cases describing an incident that occurred following death, regardless of the age of the patient.

Main outcome measures

The nature of the incident, the underlying cause or causes of the incident and the outcome of the incident.

Results

One hundred and thirty-two incidents were analysed; these related to the storage, management or disposal of deceased patient remains. Fifty-four incidents concerned problems with the storage of bodies or body parts. Forty-three incidents concerned problems with the management of bodies, including 25 errors in postmortem examination, or postmortems on the wrong body. Thirty-one incidents related to the disposal of bodies, 25 bodies were released from the mortuary to undertakers in error; of these, nine were buried or cremated by the wrong family. The reported underlying causes were similar to those known to be associated with safety incidents occurring before death and included weaknesses in or failures to follow protocol and procedure, poor communication and informal working practices.

Conclusions

Serious incidents in the management of deceased patient remains have significant implications for families, hospitals and the health service more broadly. Safe mortuary care may be improved by applying lessons learned from existing patient safety work.
Five-year forward view: lessons from emergency care at the extremes of age
Authors: Minhas JS , Minhas D , Coats T , Banerjee J , Roland D
Published: November 2017

Objective

The progressive rise in demand on NHS emergency care resources is partly attributable to increases in attendances of children and older people. A quality gap exists in the care provision for the old and the young. The Five Year Forward View suggested new models of care but that the “answer is not one-size-fits-all”. This article discusses the urgent need for person-centred outcome measures to bridge the gap that exists between demand and provision.

Design

This review is based on evidence gathered from literature searching across several platforms using a variety of search terms to account for the obvious heterogeneity, drawing on key ‘think-tank' evidence.

Settings

Qualitative and quantitative studies examining approaches to caring for individuals at the extremes of age.

Participants

Individuals at the extremes of age (infants and older people).

Main Outcome Measures

Understanding similarities and disparities in the care of individuals at the extremes of age in an emergency and non-emergency context.

Results

There exists several similarities and disparities in the care of individuals at the extremes of age. The increasing burden of health disease on the economy must acknowledge the challenges that exist in managing patients in emergency settings at the extremes of age and build systems to acknowledge the traits these individuals exhibit.

Conclusion

Commissioners of services must optimise the models of care delivery by appreciating the similarities and differences between care requirements in these two large groups seeking emergency care.
Did Winston Churchill suffer a myocardial infarction in the White House at Christmas 1941?
Authors: Vale J Allister , Scadding John W
Published: November 2017

Summary

While staying in the White House over Christmas 1941, Churchill developed chest pain on trying to open a window in his bedroom. Sir Charles Wilson, his personal physician, diagnosed a ‘heart attack’ (myocardial infarction). Wilson, for political and personal reasons, decided not to inform his patient of the diagnosis or obtain assistance from US medical colleagues. On Churchill's return to London, Wilson sought a second opinion from Dr John Parkinson who did not support the diagnosis of coronary thrombosis (myocardial infarction) and reassured Churchill accordingly.
The geochemical characteristics of Tazhong crude oils from the Tarim Basin, northwestern China
Authors: Liang Yungan , Xu Jianbing , Li Wenwen , Cheng Bin , Deng Qian , Zhang Haizu , Liao Zewen
Published: November 2017

Recent exploration work in the Tazhong district has gradually transferred to the exploitation of high and over mature oils in deep and ultra-deep layers. This has proved problematic, however, as the distribution of crude oils in the Tazhong is complex. This means that the geochemical characterization of high and over mature oils, especially for light crude oils, have become increasingly important. The stability of concerted ring structure of aromatics makes them having stronger thermal stability and resistance to biodegradation. This means that there are abundant aromatic compounds in high and over mature oils. This study presents a series of geochemical analyses of the maturity parameters of 89 crude oils from the Tazhong area, including stable carbon and hydrogen isotope analyses of compounds from 43 light crude oils. These analyses are then compared with other data from the Tazhong Number I fault zone, as well as the Tazhong Number 10 and Tazhong Uplift structural zones. Results show that the geochemical parameters of oils from Tazhong Number I fault zone generally encompass a wider range than those from the Tazhong Number 10 structural zone, which indicates that the Tazhong Number I slope belt is more active than its counterpart structural belt and generates oils with more complex geochemical characteristics. The positive correlation between the toluene/methyl cyclohexane ratio and the dibenzothiophene/phenanthrene ratio, as well as with the naphthalene/phenanthrene ratio indicates that aromatization parameters can be used to evaluate the maturity of light crude oils, and there may be inherited relationships between toluene and methyl cyclohexane in crude oils.
Natural gas migration and accumulation model and favorable exploration targets in Ordovician dolomite in Jingxi, Ordos Basin
Authors: Liu Jingdong , Jiang Youlu , Liu Xinshe , Zhu Rongwei
Published: November 2017

The Ordovician dolomite reservoir in Ma55–Ma510 sub-members in Jingxi in Ordos Basin is a newly discovered field with multiple natural gas pools. The gas accumulation patterns of the reservoir are unclear. Considering the geological background, the genesis, migration, and accumulation of natural gas in Jingxi were studied systematically, and favorable exploration targets were predicted. Natural gas in Ma55–Ma510 sub-members is a mixture of Upper Paleozoic and Ordovician products. The Upper Paleozoic coaliferous gas was mainly expulsed downward through the hydrocarbon-providing window where the coal-bearing source rocks made contact with the dolomite reservoirs. The gas then migrated from west to east and accumulated under the condition of lithology variation. The Ordovician petroliferous gas mainly migrated from bottom to top through fractures and mixed with the coaliferous gas in Ma55–Ma510 sub-members. The natural gas reservoir formation model was summarized as the migration of gas over a short distance and partial charging into the dolomite reservoirs from the Late Triassic to Middle Jurassic, and the migration of gas over a long distance and massive charging into the dolomite reservoirs during the Late Cretaceous. Ma55 and Ma56 sub-members are the focus of further exploration, and petroliferous gas in Ma57–Ma510 sub-members deserves attention. The dolomite reservoirs of the hydrocarbon-providing windows and the east of these locations are the favorable exploration targets.
A three-layer model on users’ interests mining
Authors: Yang Renfeng , Xie Wenbo , Chen Duanbing
Published: November 2017

With the advent of big data era, social media plays an important role in many areas such as security and finance. Researchers pay more attention on mining users’ interests through the social media data. A three-layer model (TLM) based on keyword extracting is proposed to mine users’ interests, which includes candidate words extracting, semantic structures analysing and interest words ranking. The TLM mainly focuses on both self-importance and semantic-importance of interest words. In addition, the TLM also considers the interest drifting to track long-term and short-term interests of users. Experiments conducted on 10 SINA Weibo datasets show that TLM is more efficient than existing methods to identify users’ interests based on hit rate.
Pericardial effusion following cardiac surgery. A single-center experience
Authors: Nguyen Hien Sinh , Nguyen Hung Doan-Thai , Vu Thang Duc
Published: November 2017

Background

Pericardial effusion is still a common postoperative complication after open heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Pericardial effusion significantly prolongs the hospital stay and associated costs as well as affecting overall outcomes after open heart surgery in Hanoi Heart Hospital, a tertiary hospital in Vietnam with an annual volume of 1000 patients. This study aimed to investigate the clinical presentation, incidence, and risk factors of postoperative pericardial effusion, which may ensure better prevention of pericardial effusion and improvement in surgical outcomes after open heart surgery.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed on 1127 patients undergoing open heart surgery from January 2015 to December 2015.

Results

Thirty-six (3.19%) patients developed pericardial effusion. Of these, 16 (44.4%) had cardiac tamponade. Pericardial effusion occurred after valve procedures in 77.8% of cases. Pericardial effusion was detected after discharge in 47.2% of cases at a mean time of 18.1 ± 13.7 days. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that age > 25 years, body surface area ≥ 1.28 m2, preoperative liver dysfunction, New York Heart Association class III/IV, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter z score ≥ 0.55, and postoperative anticoagulant use were associated with postoperative pericardial effusion. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that left ventricular end-diastolic diameter z score ≥ 0.55 was an independent risk factor for postoperative pericardial effusion.

Conclusions

Routine postoperative echocardiography is necessary to detect postoperative pericardial effusion. Increased left ventricular end-diastolic dimension is an independent predictor of postoperative pericardial effusion.
Building Up by Tearing Down
Authors: Robles Jessica S.
Published: November 2017

This article analyzes mockery sequences among a group of friends to examine how this discursive practice mobilizes categories to manage stances toward differences and to construct group norms and boundaries. Using discourse analysis, I inspect how nonseriously tearing down or jocularly teasing/mocking participants within a peer group manages the practical problem of in-group difference by reaffirming shared stances and norms around masculinity. The analysis highlights some of the ways in which groups navigate difference and identity moment-to-moment in interaction, showing how the moral organization of in-group and out-group assessments are built in the mundane world of conversation.
A systematic review of evidence for older adults’ sedentary behavior and physical activity after hip fracture
Authors: Zusman Enav Z , Dawes Martin G , Edwards Nicola , Ashe Maureen C
Published: November 2017

Objective:

To synthesize evidence on older adults’ sedentary behavior and physical activity during rehabilitation and recovery for hip fracture (1) across the care continuum and (2) from clinical interventions.

Design:

We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed publications using CINAHL, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and SportDiscus (last search: 17 October 2017).

Study selection:

We included studies that measured sedentary behavior and physical activity of older adults with hip fracture using activity monitors (e.g. accelerometers). We identified literature at Level 1 (title and abstract) and Level 2 (full text), and conducted forward and backward searches. We assessed observational studies’ adherence to reporting guidelines and intervention studies’ risk of bias.

Results:

We included 14 studies (882 participants). Four studies reported sedentary behavior data, while all studies reported information on physical activity. Settings included hospital, rehabilitation centers, and the community. Nine studies were observational; five were experimental design. Older adults had excessive sedentary time (>10 hours/day) and low physical activity. Participants’ average upright time differed across settings. During hospital stay, it ranged 16–52 minutes/day, while in the community, it ranged 51–261 minutes/day. Data from five interventions reported on physical activity change: two studies increased between 14 and 27 minutes/day. Another study reported participants accumulated 6994 steps/day at the end of the intervention, but for two other interventions, activity was below 5000 steps/day.

Conclusion:

Based on available evidence, older adults with hip fracture engage in prolonged sedentary behavior and have low levels of physical activity during rehabilitation and recovery.
From being there to being aware: Confronting geographical and sociological imaginations of copresence
Authors: Grabher Gernot , Melchior Alice , Schiemer Benjamin , Schüßler Elke , Sydow Jörg
Published: November 2017

In economic geography, the notion of copresence has been at the very center of the research agenda for decades. The elaboration of the benefits of colocation and physical proximity was (and still is) a chief aim of the disciplinary project to demonstrate that “geography matters”. The geographical concern with colocation, proximity and distance, in fact, resonates with the sociological discourse on copresence. And yet, the relationship between copresence and its (distant) geographical relatives has rarely been explicated in a systematic fashion. By drawing on the seminal contributions by Goffman, Giddens and Knorr Cetina, amongst others, this account confronts the geographical conceptions of colocation, proximity and distance with sociological perceptions of copresence. By advancing from copresence as “being there” to copresence as “being aware” we seek to push beyond the prevailing physical perceptions of copresence towards a more socially constructivist understanding that accounts for the simultaneity and mutual conditioning of diverse modes of copresence and absence.
Hyperhomocysteinemia-induced autophagy and apoptosis with downregulation of hairy enhancer of split 1/5 in cortical neurons in mice
Authors: Zhang Jing-Wen , Yan Ru , Tang Yu-Sheng , Guo Yong-Zhen , Chang Yue , Jing Li , Wang Yi-Li , Zhang Jian-Zhong
Published: November 2017

It has been reported that hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is associated with neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. However, little is known about brain histomorphology, neuronal organelles, and hairy enhancer of split ( hes) expression under HHcy. In this study, non-HHcy and HHcy induced by high-methionine diet in apolipoprotein E–deficient (Apo E−/−) mice were comparatively investigated. The histomorphology, ultrastructure, autophagosomes, apoptosis, and expression of proteins, HES1, HES5 and P62, were designed to assess the effects of HHcy on brain. The results showed that compared to the non-HHcy mice, the HHcy group had an increase in autophagosomes, vacuolization in mitochondria, and neuron apoptosis; treatment with folate and vitamin B12 reduced the extent of these lesions. However, the elementary histomorphology, the numbers of cortical neurons, and Nissl bodies had no significant difference between the HHcy and the non-HHcy groups or the group treated with folate and vitamin B12. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence demonstrated a decrease in HES1- or HES5-positive neurons in the HHcy group when compared to the non-HHcy groups, wild-type, and Apo E−/− controls, or the HHcy mice with folate and vitamin B12 supplement. Western blots showed that HHcy induced a decreased expression of HES1 and HES5, or P62, in which the expression of HES1 and P62 was elevated by treating with folate and vitamin B12 supplement. These results suggest that HHcy-enhanced brain damage is associated with increased autophagy and neuronal apoptosis in Apo E−/− mice, in which downregulation of hes1 and hes5 is involved.
The Times They Are A-Changing: Evolving Group Analytic Identity
Authors: Hutchinson Sylvia
Published: November 2017

The transmission of group-analytic ideas and practices can be a breeding ground for creative growth or rigidification. This article will explore how our theoretical base and practice traditions have adapted to challenges from within-group analysis and from the wider socio-political field. Radical social change, shaped by revolutionary developments in communications technology, presents our theory and practice with further challenges to adapt. Some suggestions will be made as to the way forward.
Experimental–numerical study on minimizing impact induced damage in laminated composites under low-velocity impact
Authors: Pashmforoush Farzad , Fotouhi Mohamad , Sarhan Ahmed Aly Diaa
Published: November 2017

In this study, an experimentally validated numerical analysis was performed toward optimization of stacking sequence in multidirectional laminated composites subjected to low-velocity impact. For this purpose, an optimization program was developed by integrating finite element method and Multi Objective Genetic Algorithm using modeFRONTIER. In this regard, three objective functions were defined; one, based on Hashin failure theory and two others based on interlaminar shear and tensile stresses. These objective functions were aimed to be optimized through tailoring ply angles with special focus on minimizing impact-induced damage. The obtained results indicated that the proposed optimization method is an effective tool for optimizing stacking sequence of laminated fiber-reinforced composite materials.
A Test and Cross-Validation of the Factor Structure of the Engagement Versus Disaffection With Learning Instrument Among Middle School Students
Authors: Immekus Jason C. , Ingle W. Kyle
Published: November 2017

Factor analytic procedures were used to gather validity evidence on the internal structure of Skinner, Kinderman, and Furrer’s Engagement versus Disaffection With Learning measure to operationalize students’ classroom engagement. Independent samples of middle school students (Sample 1 = 618, Sample 2 = 493) were used to test the scale’s factor structure and invariance of measurement model parameters. Factor analytic results supported an alternative three-factor model of the scale’s previously reported four-factor solution. Cross-validation was based on the use of multisample confirmatory factor analysis, which supported strict factorial invariance of the scale’s measurement model parameters (e.g., factor loadings) across samples. Subscale reliability estimates, based on coefficient omega, exceeded 0.74. Implications of findings for research and practice are discussed.
Moving Toward More Conclusive Measures of Sociocultural Adaptation for Ethnically Diverse Adolescents in England
Authors: Bowe Anica G.
Published: November 2017

This study is part of a larger initiative toward understanding the acculturation of immigrant adolescents using the Longitudinal Study of Young People in England 2004-2010 database. A necessary step in using a database for cross-ethnic comparisons is first to verify whether its items and scales are equivalent. I examined item- and scale-level differential functioning (DF; n = 4,663, six ethnic minority groups) on four of the database’s sociocultural scales: Feelings About School (11 items), Relational Family Efficacy (four items), Being Bullied (five items), and Perceived Teacher Discrimination (four items) using an item response theory (IRT)–based framework. Findings demonstrated no meaningful DF on items and, in most cases, scales as well. Second, distinct ethnic group patterns are present. Third, the Perceived Teacher Discrimination scale was not functioning for the majority of the ethnic minority groups which is of grave concern. Implications for future comparative studies and immigration policy makers are discussed.
Differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into neuron-like cells using composite 3D scaffold combined with valproic acid induction
Authors: Ghorbani Sadegh , Tiraihi Taki , Soleimani Masoud
Published: November 2017

The nervous system has little capacity for self-repair after injury because neurons cannot proliferate owing to lack of suitable microenvironment. Therefore, neural tissue engineering that combines neural stem, scaffolds, and growth factors may improve the chance of restoration of damaged neural tissues. A favorable niche for neural regeneration would be both fibrous and electrically conductive scaffolds. Human Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells were seeded on wet-electrospun 3D scaffolds composed of poly lactic acid coated with natural polymers including alginate and gelatin, followed by a multi-wall carbon nanotube coating. The results show that a wet-electrospun poly lactic acid scaffold at a concentration of 15% w/v had higher porosity (above 80%) than other concentrations. Moreover, the coated scaffold supported the growth of human Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells in 3D culture, and were incubated for 21 days with 1 mM valproic acid as the inducer resulted in improvement in human Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells differentiation into neuron-like cells immunoreactivity to nestin, Map2, and neuron specific enolase (NSE), which were also consistent with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitive Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) results. The conclusion is that the 3D composite nanofiber poly lactic acid scaffold improved the transdifferentiation of human Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells into neuron-like cells.
Implementing a New Tool to Predict the Risk of Intimate Partner Violence in Rural China
Authors: Hou Fengsu , Cerulli Catherine , Crean Hugh F. , Wittink Marsha N. , Caine Eric D. , Chan Ko Ling , Qiu Peiyuan
Published: November 2017

Most of current scales for assessing intimate partner violence (IPV) were developed for Western populations. The Chinese Risk Assessment Tool for Victims (CRAT-V) was a new scale evaluating the risk of IPV, which was developed based on Chinese populations in the context of Chinese culture. To determine whether the CRAT-V could add further value to research involving IPV and violence against women in rural China, we sought to implement the CRAT-V and to explore its factor structure among a rural population in the mainland of China. This study included women from rural Sichuan Province of China, who aged 16 years and older, had been living locally for at least 2 years, and reported that they were married or in a relationship in the preceding year. A total of 670 participants completed the CRAT-V during the field survey. We utilized exploratory factor analysis to validate the fact structure of CRAT-V. The Cronbach’s alpha of the CRAT-V was 0.90, indicating good reliability. The CRAT-V reported that 45.07% (302/670) of participants were in risk of IPV, and the risk was higher in women who were 16 to 29 years old, having 7 years and higher education, and living in stem families. The CRAT-V fit a 5-factor model including healthy relationship, jealous feeling, jealous reaction, stressful living condition, and sexual abuse. Our findings provided support for using the CRAT-V as a culturally sensitive measure to predict the risk of experiencing IPV in China, and lend insights into factors that may contribute to timely IPV prevention and intervention.
Traumatic Events Exposure and Psychological Trauma in Children Victims of War in the Gaza Strip
Authors: Manzanero Antonio L. , Crespo María , Barón Susana , Scott Teresa , El-Astal Sofián , Hemaid Fairouz
Published: November 2017

The present article studies war-related trauma and its effects on children living in the Gaza Strip, 6 months after the attack launched by the Israeli army on July 8, 2014, which lasted for 51 days. The objective was twofold: (a) to identify the prevalence of exposure to traumatic events and (b) to examine the symptoms of traumatic stress in children as described by their parents or tutors using the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ). Data from 1,850 male and female children aged between 6 and 15 years living in the Gaza Strip were collected throughout the months of February and April 2015, that is 6 months after the attack. Results showed that the majority of the children were exposed to bombardments and residential area destruction (83.51%), were confined at home unable to go outside (72.92%), were witness to the profanation of mosques (70.38%), were exposed to combat situations (66.65%), and saw corpses (59.95%). A sample of 275 males (28.3%) and 232 females (26.5%) showed diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Gender and age were independent of PTSD. The presence of this pathology was positively related to the number of trauma events experienced. The type of traumatic experience was hardly related to age and gender. A greater protection on behalf of the families against exposure to traumatic events could explain these differences.
When a Wife Says “No”: Wife Sexual Refusal as a Factor in Husband–Wife Homicides in Ghana
Authors: Adinkrah Mensah
Published: November 2017

In Ghana, wife sexual refusal is a key factor in uxoricides or husband-to-wife murders. Despite this, there is a dearth of systematic research that examines sexual strife as a precipitant of domestic violence and spousal murder. The present article addresses the current lack of research by systematically examining 25 cases of homicides and attempted homicides where wives were lethally and nonlethally assaulted by their husbands following the former’s refusal to engage in husband-initiated sexual intercourse. A content analysis was conducted of all print and electronic media news items where a wife’s refusal of sexual intercourse with a husband triggered lethal or aggravated violence. The results showed that the victims were aged 23 to 55 years old and were generally of low socioeconomic status. The assailants were aged 28 to 60 years old. Assailants used machetes, knives, and personal weapons to perpetrate the crimes, and extreme violence was a frequent feature of both lethal and nonlethal acts.
From student to graduate
Authors: Goodall Helen J , Huggins Valerie A , Webber Louise A , Wickett Karen L
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a consideration of the experiences and perspectives of four female academics who are the first graduates of a new Professional Doctorate programme at a university in the South West of England. The authors position themselves simultaneously as researchers and research participants, engaging in collaborative autoethnography to reflect critically on their experiences. Key issues are identified, including the need to navigate some significant shifts in identity throughout the doctorate, and how the course structure and peer relationships supported each of the authors to reach their end goal – the successful completion of their studies. The paper concludes with a discussion of the potential implications of the authors’ experiences for leaders of professional doctorates. These include student/lecturer contracts and actively facilitating opportunities for students to establish relationships for peer support.
Investigation on the effects of Cloisite 30B and copolymer (ethylene and butyl acrylate) reinforcement with polypropylene thermoplastic by melt intercalation method
Authors: Daniel D Jafrey , Panneerselvam K
Published: November 2017

In recent years, the application of polymer nanocomposites has been enormously increased, particularly in aerospace and automotive sector due to its lightweight and high specific strength. In this study, nanocomposite materials with polypropylene (PP) matrix and Cloisite 30B (C30B) as reinforcing nanofiller with Elvaloy AC 3427 (EA) as compatibilizer were manufactured by melt intercalation technique with the aid of twin-screw extruder (TSE). The C30B with EA was reinforced in the PP matrix at 1, 2, 3 and 5 wt%. The PP/C30B/EA nanocomposites were processed in TSE with different barrel zones such as conveying zone, melting zone, mixing zone and plasticizing zone which helps in achieving homogenous dispersion of C30B in PP matrix. The processing parameters of TSE are twin-screw speed (65 r/min), volumetric feeder’s screw speed (7 r/min), degassing zone pressure (40 mmHg), cooling length (50 cm) and humped temperature profile (170–220°C). The processed PP/C30B/EA was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) for studying intercalation/exfoliation structure formation and transmission electron microscope (TEM) for studying the dispersion of C30B in PP matrix. The thermal characterization of PP/C30B/EA nanocomposites was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The addition of C30B at 5 wt% to PP/C30B/EA nanocomposites increased the DSC, TGA and DMA properties.
Modeling of anisotropic behavior to investigate the effect of hardness on AA2014 aluminum alloys under upsetting
Authors: HariKrishna Ch. , Davidson MJ , Nagaraju Ch. , Srinivasa Rao G , Srinivasa Raju P
Published: November 2017

The hardness of the metals in the bulk forming operations, such as upsetting increases, when the material is compressed. The increase in the level of strain improves the hardness of the billets in the upsetting tests. Issues like anisotropy may arise depending on the class of material and effect of the anisotropy on the metallic hardness is an interesting study for the effective utilization of material. Three sets of AA2014 billets solutionized at 502 ℃ and aged for 9 h, 13 h, and 18 h at a temperature of 150 ℃ were considered for the investigation. The effect of the material constant ( C1) on the variations in hardness was studied. Billets aged for 18 h were upset by employing three different lubricants namely grease, molybdenum disulphide, and white grease to study the effect of lubrication on anisotropy. The effect of anisotropy on hardness was studied by modeling Hill’s criteria for anisotropy with the hardness. The empirical results of hardness values were compared with the values of experimental hardness for validity.
Multi-material topology optimization for automotive design problems
Authors: Li Chao , Kim Il Yong
Published: November 2017

The algorithms for multi-material topology optimization were developed to solve compliance-minimization problems and applied to engineering problems in automotive concepts and lightweight design. Two small-scale problems of a long cantilever and a control arm were studied initially to verify the effectiveness of the developed algorithms and in-house program. Optimal solutions achieved by the multi-material topology optimization method developed were compared to their counterparts obtained by standard single-material topology optimization. To efficiently solve real-world engineering problems, the algorithms were further advanced to incorporate extrusion constraints and to handle multiple load cases. The effectiveness and the efficiency of the proposed method were demonstrated by the study of two real-world engineering problems: (a) the conceptual design of a cross-member for a chassis frame; and (b) the conceptual design of an automotive engine cradle. The two optimization design problems both involved complex geometries, design and non-design domains, prescribed regions with specific material allocations, multiple load cases, and manufacturing extrusion constraints. It was explicitly demonstrated that, for the same weight, the optimum designs achieved by the multi-material topology optimization method were stiffer than those achieved by standard single-material topology optimization.
What the experiences of South Africa’s mass housing programme teach us about the contribution of civil society to policy and programme reform
Authors: Fieuw Walter , Mitlin Diana
Published: November 2017

Experiences of apartheid in South Africa have resulted in the association of shelter with citizenship, adding significance to the concept of “home”. This paper reviews experiences with grassroots efforts to make the government’s housing policy and programme more effective in addressing the needs of the urban poor. The experiences offer lessons relevant within and beyond South Africa. First, collaboration between state and civil society has been possible and has added substantively to the effectiveness of state programming. But, with a multiplicity of government agencies, the context is difficult. Housing construction has been constrained by delayed subsidy payments, and by a professionalization that limits opportunities for low-income residents. Second, community initiatives have had multiple incremental and positive influences on state policy and programmes, but substantive progress requires government adopting a more inclusive policy. Civil society agencies remain ambitious about the potential for securing substantive transformation, but this remains a work in progress.
Collaboration and document exchange among librarians in virtual communities: A case study of LIS Group
Authors: Asadi Saeid
Published: November 2017

This paper investigates collaborations and document sharing activities among Iranian librarians over a nation-wide email forum known as LIS Group. The emails sent in 2016 were searched for traces of interlibrary loan, document delivery and knowledge sharing that resulted in 1038 emails. The sample was transferred to Excel where other features were extracted. The emails were categorized and their contents and attachments were labelled. Results showed that the female librarians participated more than male members in both request and response emails. Slightly more than half (54.1%) of emails contained personal requests and 41.1% demanded data or documents for library users. Journal and conference papers were in high demanded and 62% of provided documents were in English. No significant statistical difference was observed between the request and response emails. It is concluded that email groups provide a platform for knowledge sharing and document exchange among librarians especially in countries with poor formal interlibrary cooperative programs such as Iran. Professional ties can grow among information and library practitioners through participation in virtual communities.
Makerspaces and boundary work: the role of librarians as educators in public library makerspaces
Authors: Williams Rachel D. , Willett Rebekah
Published: November 2017

This article explores public librarians’ performance of boundary work in relation to teaching and learning in library makerspaces. Boundary work occurs when individuals delineate their domain of knowledge. We use interviews with 23 library staff to analyze the forms and characteristics of boundary work connected with the role of libraries and librarians in makerspace programming. Our findings show that public librarians perform boundary work in relation to the roles of (1) libraries as spaces for book-based and maker-based experiences, (2) librarians as information specialists and educators, and (3) libraries as spaces to access individual and social resources for learning. The forms and characteristics of boundary work include coordination, identification, justification, reflection, and change.
Prioritizing the Critical Factors of Cloud Computing Adoption Using Multi-criteria Decision-making Techniques
Authors: Sharma Mahak , Gupta Ruchita , Acharya Padmanav
Published: November 2017

Cloud Computing (CC) is a paradigm shift with the potential of transforming the information and communication technology (ICT) industry. ICT is an integral part of all businesses, and CC helps in lightening the burden of massive ICT investments. Thus, it is essential to understand the factors that influence CC adoption. The purpose of this study is to identify and rank critical factors for CC adoption in the Indian context. The research has adopted mixed methodology (qualitative and quantitative). Experts from 13 organizations (including 8 cloud service providers (CSPs) and 5 cloud service users (CSUs)) are interviewed. Content analysis is used to confirm existing factors and identify new factors in the Indian context. Qualitative analysis has identified four new factors, namely, ‘time to market’, ‘futuristic’, ‘resistance to change’ and ‘financial losses’ (arising from security and resource availability). The quantitative part of the research used analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) techniques to rank the factors. The analysis revealed ‘IT service cost’ and ‘time to market’ as the most critical factor through FAHP and AHP respectively. However, ‘organization size’ is reported the least critical for CC adoption through both the methods. The results also highlight divergence among the criticality of CC adoption factors using the two techniques. The study is very useful for CSPs and key decision-makers to understand the critical adoption factors and judiciously strategize for CC service promotions. It will also help users to wisely decide while making CC adoption decision.
On not playing Jesus: The gendered liturgical theology of presiding
Authors: Cones Bryan
Published: November 2017

The male gender of the presider at Eucharist has long been a source of theological reflection both about the Eucharist and the presider’s role within it, and about ordination, particularly in relation to the exclusion of women from ordained office across Christian churches. The relatively recent admission of women and gender minorities to orders in some churches troubles the received liturgical and theological traditions in this regard. Drawing on the legacy of the 20th-century North Atlantic liturgical movement and its recovery of the assembly as the ‘primary symbol’ of the liturgy, this article explores the possible liturgical and theological ‘adjustments’ proposed by a change in the presumed gender of the presider in relation to the ‘primary symbol’ of the assembly, and suggests changes in presidential practice that cast into greater relief the liturgical theological significance of gender diversity in the assembly.
A Culturally Tailored Intervention for Promoting Breast Cancer Screening Among Women From Faith-Based Communities in Israel: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Freund Anat , Cohen Miri , Azaiza Faisal
Published: November 2017

Lower rates of screening for early detection of cancer were reported among ethnic minorities and faith-based communities. The purpose of the article is to assess the effect of a culturally based intervention program intended to increase breast cancer screening adherence among two groups in Israel: ultra-Orthodox Jewish and Arab women. Using a randomized controlled study design, 598 participants completed the 3-month follow-up questionnaire regarding adherence to screening and perceived effect of intervention. Results show that having a lower level of religious beliefs and gaining a better understanding of the importance of screenings were significant predictors of performing breast awareness practice (BAP) and undergoing clinical breast examination (CBE) in both groups. We conclude that interventions should be specifically tailored to cultural groups to reduce barriers stemming from unique beliefs and perceptions, which prevent individuals in these groups from undergoing screening. Special efforts should be made to increase CBE among young women.
Outdoor Fieldwork in Higher Education: Learning From Multidisciplinary Experience
Authors: Munge Brendon , Thomas Glyn , Heck Deborah
Published: November 2017

Background: Many disciplines use outdoor fieldwork (OFW) as an experiential learning method in higher education. Although there has been an increase in research into the pedagogical approaches of OFW, the use of OFW is contested. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to synthesize the OFW literature across a range of disciplines to identify common strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) and outline implications for how OFW is used as an experiential learning pedagogy in higher education. Methodology/Approach: A descriptive literature review was undertaken to examine each aspect of the SWOT at the micro, meso, and macro levels, drawing from disciplines using OFW including biology, outdoor and environmental education, archaeology, and the associated geosciences. Findings/Conclusions: Strengths of OFW include engagement, outreach, and professional competencies; weaknesses exist in the areas of equity, logistics, and standards. Opportunities include improving pedagogical practices, diversity, and collaboration, while threats to OFW were costs, funding, outdated practices, and governance. Implications: Academics from a range of disciplines using OFW have similar experiences; therefore, exploring ways to collaborate or learn from each other will further develop OFW as an experiential learning strategy in higher education.