bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreased long- and short-range functional connectivity at rest in drug-naive major depressive disorder
Authors: Guo Wenbin , Liu Feng , Chen Jindong , Wu Renrong , Zhang Zhikun , Yu Miaoyu , Xue Zhimin , Zhao Jingping
Published: November 2015

Background:

Abnormal functional connectivity has been observed in major depressive disorder. Anatomical distance may affect functional connectivity in patients with major depressive disorder. However, whether and how anatomical distance affects functional connectivity at rest remains unclear in drug-naive patients with major depressive disorder.

Methods:

Forty-four patients with major depressive disorder, as well as 44 age-, sex- and education-matched healthy controls, underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning. Regional functional connectivity strength was calculated for each voxel in the whole brain, which was further divided into short- and long-range functional connectivity strength.

Results:

The patients showed decreased long-range positive functional connectivity strength in the right inferior parietal lobule, as well as decreased short-range positive functional connectivity strength in the right insula and right superior temporal gyrus relative to those of the controls. No significant correlations existed between abnormal functional connectivity strength and the clinical variables of the patients.

Conclusion:

The findings revealed that anatomical distance decreases long- and short-range functional connectivity strength in patients with major depressive disorder, which may underlie the neurobiology of major depressive disorder.
Social texture map and Social Information Center design and integration for social welfare in the city of Konya, Turkey
Authors: Osmanli Nurullah , Sert Emra , Uyan Mevlut
Published: November 2015

Metropolitan municipalities are responsible for social services in Turkey. This study is built on two main points that affect each other: (1) the creation of a social texture map with the help of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and (2) the establishment of a Social Information Center (SIC) in the city of Konya, Turkey, within the scope of Konya Metropolitan Municipality. The SIC Project includes the relation of the local government services to the public and can be described as an important project. As the scope of this project is conceived on a model scale of Konya Province, it includes important steps where inferences can be made on the scale of Turkey.
Putting vaginal fistulas on the international social work map: A critical perspective
Authors: Gatwiri Glory , Fraser Heather
Published: November 2015

Why should social workers care about vaginal fistulas? Why should we turn our attention to a health problem mostly experienced by materially impoverished young Black women, especially those in Africa? Using a critical perspective, which we define, we argue that vaginal fistulas are much more than a gynaecological health issue but symptomatic of the gender-, race-, class- and age-based oppressions many young Black women in the ‘Third World’ suffer. Affecting very few White western women but plenty of subjugated Black women forced to live in chronic poverty, and exposed to multiple levels of control from early in their lives, vaginal fistula sufferers often have little, if any, access to adequate health services. Our aim is to put vaginal fistulas on the global social work agenda. It is a call to work towards ending a problem that produces much shame and suffering for far too many women.
Efficacy of a microsavings intervention in increasing income and reducing economic dependence upon sex work among women in Mongolia
Authors: Tsai Laura Cordisco , Witte Susan S , Aira Toivgoo , Riedel Marion , Offringa Reid , Chang Mingway
Published: November 2015

Diversifying options for income generation and employment may enhance health outcomes for women engaged in sex work. This randomized trial tested the efficacy of a microsavings intervention on reductions in economic dependence upon sex work and changes in income among women in Mongolia. Women who attended microfinance plus HIV prevention sessions reported a significantly lower percentage of income from sex work, increased odds of reporting no income from sex work, and increased odds that sex work was not their main source of income compared to women who received HIV prevention sessions alone. No significant changes in total income were observed in the treatment condition.
Human rights discourse during a short-term field placement abroad: An experience of social work students from Israel and India
Authors: Nuttman Shwartz Orit , Ranz Rebecca
Published: November 2015

The literature highlights the difficulty involved in integrating human rights and social work practice, especially among students who encounter extreme and unfamiliar social problems. Content analysis of narratives written by students during their field placement abroad contributes to identifying the conditions that are necessary to increase students’ awareness of their own obstacles and difficulties in promoting human rights. The findings provide insights into the actions that need to be taken in order to enhance human rights knowledge and to better integrate it into practice. International field placement is recommended as a preferred setting for implementing social rights practice in global contexts.
Effects of the coupling agent structure on the adhesion of recycled polystyrene wood flour composites: Thermal degradation kinetics and thermodynamics parameters
Authors: Poletto Matheus
Published: November 2015

Recycled polystyrene wood flour composites were developed with three different polystyrene maleic anhydride oligomers used as coupling agents. The thermal properties, morphology, kinetics, and thermodynamic parameters were investigated. The use of oligomers clearly improves the interfacial adhesion with the polymer matrix and increases the thermal stability of the composites. The oligomers with higher maleic anhydride content tend to reduce the composite thermal stability, while oligomers with intermediate quantities of maleic anhydride groups tend to promote a higher composite thermal stability. The thermodynamic results showed that the composite without coupling agent presented the lowest entropy value, which indicates that the thermal decomposition in this composite is slow. However, the entropy values and frequency factor increased when coupling agents were used. The addition of coupling agents likely changed the state near to the thermodynamic equilibrium by causing structural disorder, in the system increasing the treated composite reactivity.
An optimized representative volume element to predict the stiffness of aligned short fiber composites
Authors: Shokrieh Mahmood M , Moshrefzadeh-Sani Hadi
Published: November 2015

The micromechanical prediction of mechanical properties of composites, using a finite element method, is highly affected by selecting a suitable representative volume element. In the present research, the effects of the representative volume element aspect ratio on the stiffness of aligned short fiber composites have been studied. First, an analytical method is suggested to predict the longitudinal and transverse moduli of composites considering the representative volume element aspect ratio. Then, the optimum aspect ratio of the representative volume element is estimated by comparing the results obtained by the present method with those of a micromechanical method. Comparing the stiffness of the optimized representative volume element with some experimental results available in the literature shows that the result of the present method is also in a good agreement with experiments.
Dentin Bonding Testing Using a Mini-interfacial Fracture Toughness Approach
Authors: Pongprueksa P. , De Munck J. , Karunratanakul K. , Barreto B.C. , Van Ende A. , Senawongse P. , Van Meerbeek B.
Published: November 2015

Measurement of interfacial fracture toughness (iFT) is considered a more valid method to assess bonding effectiveness as compared with conventional bond strength testing. Common fracture toughness tests are, however, laborious and require a relatively bulky specimen size. This study aimed to evaluate a new simplified and miniaturized iFT (mini-iFT) test. Four dentin adhesives, representing the main adhesive classes, and 1 glass ionomer cement were applied onto flat dentin. Mini-iFT (1.5 × 2.0 × 16 to 18 mm) and microtensile bond strength (µTBS; 1.5 × 1.5 × 16 to 18 mm) specimens were prepared from the same tooth. For the mini-iFT specimens, a single notch was cut at the adhesive-dentin interface with a 150-µm diamond blade under water cooling; the specimens were loaded until failure in a 4-point bending test setup. Finite element analysis was used to analyze stress distribution during mini-iFT testing. The correlation between the mean mini-iFT and µTBS was examined and found to be significant; a strong positive correlation was found ( r2 = 0.94, P = 0.004). Weibull data analysis suggested the mini-iFT to vary less than the µTBS. Both the mini-iFT and the µTBS revealed the same performance order, with the 3-step etch-and-rinse adhesive outperforming the 2-step self-etch and 2-step etch-and-rinse adhesive, followed by the 1-step SE adhesive and, finally, the glass ionomer cement. Scanning electron microscopy failure analysis revealed the adhesive-dentin interface to fail more at the actual interface with the mini-iFT test, while µTBS specimens failed more within dentin and composite. This finding was corroborated by finite element analysis showing stress to concentrate at the interface during mini-iFT loading and crack propagation. In conclusion, the new mini-iFT test appeared more discriminative and valid than the µTBS to assess bonding effectiveness; the latter test nevertheless remains more versatile. Specimen size and workload were alike, making the mini-iFT test a valid alternative for the popular µTBS test.
Euthanasia using gaseous agents in laboratory rodents
Authors: Valentim A M , Guedes S R , Pereira A M , Antunes L M
Published: November 2015

Several questions have been raised in recent years about the euthanasia of laboratory rodents. Euthanasia using inhaled agents is considered to be a suitable aesthetic method for use with a large number of animals simultaneously. Nevertheless, its aversive potential has been criticized in terms of animal welfare. The data available regarding the use of carbon dioxide (CO2), inhaled anaesthetics (such as isoflurane, sevoflurane, halothane and enflurane), as well as carbon monoxide and inert gases are discussed throughout this review. Euthanasia of fetuses and neonates is also addressed. A table listing currently available information to ease access to data regarding euthanasia techniques using gaseous agents in laboratory rodents was compiled. Regarding better animal welfare, there is currently insufficient evidence to advocate banning or replacing CO2 in the euthanasia of rodents; however, there are hints that alternative gases are more humane. The exposure to a volatile anaesthetic gas before loss of consciousness has been proposed by some scientific studies to minimize distress; however, the impact of such a measure is not clear. Areas of inconsistency within the euthanasia literature have been highlighted recently and stem from insufficient knowledge, especially regarding the advantages of the administration of isoflurane or sevoflurane over CO2, or other methods, before loss of consciousness. Alternative methods to minimize distress may include the development of techniques aimed at inducing death in the home cage of animals. Scientific outcomes have to be considered before choosing the most suitable euthanasia method to obtain the best results and accomplish the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement).
Deaths at high altitude: Reducing the risk. A preliminary field study
Authors: Macrae Turner Jean
Published: November 2015

Background and aims

Altitude-related medical literature provides very few simple clinical studies relating to those on ‘adventure holidays’. Systemic blood pressure has seldom been studied closely in relation to altitude. This study aimed to address both these issues and to assist GPs approached by patients for pre-trek advice.

Methods and results

A total of 17 hillwalkers, evenly distributed for gender and age, trekked gradually from moderate to extreme altitude on Mera Peak in the Himalaya, noting any altitude sickness symptoms. Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, peak expiratory flow and core temperature were measured daily. Altitude was double-checked hourly and synchronised with each set of measurements. On each day, two individuals wore 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitors for assessment of altitude effects. Two principal findings emerged. Firstly, none of our 17 developed altitude-related symptoms below 4000 m, consistent with the recognised protective effect of slow rate of ascent; at 3500–4000 m all showed a sharp fall on O2sat and above 4500 m symptoms arose unpredictably. Secondly, hourly blood pressure monitoring showed no altitude effect below 3500 m, but above 5000 m a marked yet asymptomatic rise with delayed and prolonged peak.

Conclusion

There may be a critical altitude above which extra vigilance is required; blood pressure here needs further research.
The workings of collaborative governance: Evaluating collaborative community-building initiatives in Korea
Authors: Kim Sangmin
Published: November 2015

The topic of local and community governance has garnered increasing attention from researchers in recent years, with the resulting assessments generally identifying both the advantages and obstacles. On the positive side, collaborative community governance is often viewed as a new participatory space facilitating democratic practices with favourable social and relational outcomes. Conversely, the issues of power imbalances and the continued hierarchical influence of the central government are often cited as obstacles to genuine public engagement and horizontal collaboration among diverse actors. In particular, numerous studies argue that the governance structure and initial motivation exert significant influence over the governance processes and outcomes due to the different prioritisation of goals and strategies. Such considerations demonstrate the need for additional comparative studies in diverse contexts. In addition to addressing the limitation of the existing process-focused evaluations, this study proposes an analytic framework of collaborative community governance that identifies the multiple relationships between institutional setting, governance process and outcomes, and examines two community-building initiatives in Korea. The findings demonstrate that collaborative community governance worked as an experiential incubator for individual transformation, social and relational resource building and political empowerment. The comparative analysis of two different collaborative forms reveals that differences in structure and the mode of communication resulted in building different types of relational capital (bonding vs bridging). The lack of preliminary discussions and arrangement for institutional design is highlighted as a source of problems such as excessive dependency on particular communication modes, opaque system of representation and asymmetrical development of relational resources.
Trends in hospital admission rates for anorexia nervosa in Oxford (1968–2011) and England (1990–2011): database studies
Authors: Holland Josephine , Hall Nick , Yeates David GR , Goldacre Michael
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To report on long-term trends in hospital admission rates for anorexia nervosa using two English datasets.

Design

We used data on hospital day-case and inpatient care across five decades in the Oxford Record Linkage Study (ORLS), and similar data for all England from 1990. We analysed rates of admission for anorexia nervosa in people aged 10–44 years, using hospital episodes (counting every admission) and first-recorded admissions (counting only the first record for each person).

Setting

Former Oxford NHS Region; and England.

Participants

None; anonymous statistical records were used.

Results

In the longstanding ORLS, the age-standardised first-recorded admission rate for women was 2.7 (95% confidence interval 1.6–3.8) per 100,000 female population aged 10–44 years in 1968–1971; 2.7 (2.1–3.3) in 1992–1996; and 6.3 (5.5–7.2) in 2007–2011. Male rates were zero in the 1960s; 0.07 (0.0–0.1) per 100,000 men in 1992–1996; and 0.4 (0.2–0.6) in 2007–2011. In England, female rates increased from 4.2 (4.0–4.4) in 1998–2001 to 6.9 (6.7–7.1) in 2007–2011; and the corresponding male rates were 0.2 (0.1–0.3) and 0.5 (0.4–0.6). Episode-based admission rates rose more than person-based rates. The highest rates by far were in girls and women aged 15–19 years.

Conclusions

In recent years, anorexia nervosa has become a greater burden on secondary care: not only have admission rates increased but so too have multiple admissions per person with anorexia nervosa. The increase in admission rates might reflect an increase in prevalence rates of anorexia nervosa in the general population, but other explanations, including lower clinical thresholds for admission, are possible and are discussed.
Social, Behavioral, and Cognitive Influences on Upper Echelons During Strategy Process
Authors: Bromiley Philip , Rau Devaki
Published: November 2015

This study reviews research on the social, behavioral, and cognitive influences on CEOs, top management teams (TMTs), and the CEO-TMT interface during strategic decision making. We identify the key issues examined in this research over the past 10 years and relate developments in the field to previous knowledge in this area. We also attempt to identify what constitutes an established body of knowledge in the field and, therefore, areas that need additional examination. Our review indicates that while there has been an explosion of research on the influence of CEO personality and TMT social processes on strategy process, much remains to be done in terms of examining CEO and TMT cognition, particularly at the level of the CEO-TMT interface.
A Review of the Nonmarket Strategy Literature
Authors: Mellahi Kamel , Frynas Jędrzej George , Sun Pei , Siegel Donald
Published: November 2015

Two parallel strands of nonmarket strategy research have emerged largely in isolation. One strand examines strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR), and the other examines corporate political activity (CPA), even though there is an overlap between the social and political aspects of corporate strategies. In this article, we review and synthesize strategic CSR and CPA research published in top-tier and specialized academic journals between 2000 and 2014. Specifically, we (a) review the literature on the link between nonmarket strategy and organizational performance, (b) identify the mechanisms through which nonmarket strategy influences organizational performance, (c) integrate and synthesize the two strands—strategic CSR and CPA—of the literature, and (d) develop a multi-theoretical framework for improving our understanding of the effects of nonmarket strategy on organizational performance. We conclude by outlining a research agenda for future theoretical and empirical studies on the impact of nonmarket strategy on organizational outcomes.
Reoperative Parathyroidectomy
Authors: Duke William S. , Vernon Hampton M. , Terris David J.
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To identify the importance of the ectopic, overly descended superior parathyroid adenoma variant and its prevalence in primary and reoperative parathyroid surgery and the implications for successful initial parathyroidectomy.

Study Design

Case series with planned data collection.

Setting

Tertiary endocrine surgery practice in an academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

An analysis was undertaken of 561 consecutive patients undergoing parathyroid surgery in a tertiary endocrine surgery practice from March 2004 to April 2013. There were 270 patients who had curative primary or reoperative surgery for single‐gland parathyroid adenomas during this time. Clinical records, imaging studies, operative reports, and pathology findings were evaluated, and cases from a subset of patients who had an ectopic, overly descended superior parathyroid adenoma were further analyzed. The prevalence of this entity in primary and revision surgeries was calculated.

Results

Among the 270 patients with single‐gland parathyroid adenomas, there were 251 primary operations and 19 reoperative procedures referred from outside institutions. An ectopic, overly descended superior parathyroid adenoma was present in 23 (9.2%) primary cases and 4 (21.1%) reoperative cases.

Conclusion

An overly descended superior parathyroid adenoma is frequently encountered during primary parathyroid surgery. It is more than twice as common in reoperative parathyroidectomy, reflecting the propensity to be missed at the first exploration. Recognition and proper treatment of this entity at the initial operation will reduce the need for revision surgery.
Tapping Into Traditional Norms for Preventing HIV and Unintended Pregnancy
Authors: Limaye Rupali J. , Rimal Rajiv N. , Mkandawire Glory , Kamath Veena
Published: November 2015

Young girls in Malawi must be able to acquire sexual health information and skills to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS and prevent unintended pregnancies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a pilot training program that sought to enhance the skills of grandmothers (Agogos) to discuss issues related to sex and sexuality with young girls. Data from eight focus group discussions were analyzed, comparing trained Agogos and the girls they counseled to untrained Agogos and the girls they counseled. Trained Agogos and the girls they counseled, compared with untrained Agogos and the girls they counseled, reported being more comfortable in communicating sexual issues with young girls at earlier ages, were more likely to have interactive discussions, and were more likely to stress the importance of finishing school as reasons to delay sexual activity. More research is needed to determine if such an approach is effective and sustainable.
Deconstruction in Qohelet: A Response to Mark Sneed
Authors: Ortlund Eric
Published: November 2015

Ecclesiastes has received a number of postmodern-styled readings in recent decades. One such piece by Mark Sneed distinguishes itself by applying deconstructive methods to show Qohelet's internal contradictions. Although Sneed's argument is helpful and illuminating, certain aspects of Derrida's articulation of ‘deconstruction’ are not well represented. In this article, an alternative ‘deconstruction’ of Qohelet is offered which attempts to witness to tensions within the text instead of applying predetermined concepts from outside.
The Alphabetic Acrostic in Book I of the Psalms: An Overlooked Element of Psalter Structure
Authors: Robertson O. Palmer
Published: November 2015

Studies of acrostic psalms have generally overlooked their structural contribution to the Psalter. By offering a close analysis of the placement of these psalms, this article shows that the eight acrostics all occur in Books I and V, and nicely divide these two largest Books into smaller segments. With respect to Book I, this article argues (1) that the acrostic Psalms 34 and 37 bracket four psalms of the innocent sufferer, followed by four psalms of the innocent sufferer; (2) that the three creation psalms of Book I immediately precede an acrostic psalm, with creation Psalm 8 preceding acrostic Psalm 9/10, creation Psalm 24 preceding acrostic Psalm 25, and creation Psalm 33 preceding acrostic Psalm 34; and (3) that the appearance within acrostic Psalm 9/10 of various acrostic types suggests that the editor(s) of the Psalter may have intended this initial acrostic to provide the reader with a sampler of acrostic forms.
‘Where Are the Gods of Hamath?’ (2 Kings 18.34 // Isaiah 36.19): The Use of Foreign Deities in the Rabshakeh's Speech
Authors: Press Michael D.
Published: November 2015

This article uses a range of critical approaches in order to provide new insights into the Rabshakeh's speech and its biblical context. On one level, it suggests a cluster of meanings relating to 2 Kgs 18.34 and the use of foreign gods. These include a possible reference to the Assyrian practice of plundering foreign divine statues, as well as the identification of a Deuteronomistic trope, ‘Where are the gods?’ On another level, this article demonstrates that the Rabshakeh's speech is an integral part of 2 Kings: it builds directly on the narrative of 2 Kings 17, thus contrasting the fall of Samaria with the deliverance of Jerusalem. Finally, this study reevaluates the tone of the speech: rather than being seen as an example of ‘masterful rhetoric’, it should be more properly viewed as superficial bluster, taking part in the larger Deuteronomistic (and prophetic) ridicule of false gods and divine statues.
On Making A Home Amongst Strangers: The Paradox of Group Psychotherapy
Authors: Schlapobersky John R.
Published: November 2015

This lecture explores how the ambient network amongst group analysts has grown from Foulkes’ own biography through figurations of home in group psychotherapy where members’ attunement and alignment transpose longing into belonging. The three underlying dimensions of group analytic psychotherapy—the relational, reflective and reparative—are described and illustrated with clinical vignettes and music. These dimensions are found working in the current, transference, projective and primordial domains of small therapeutic groups and in the large group dynamics of the lecture’s audience.
Clinical Wisdom
Authors: Valbak Kristian
Published: November 2015

A diversity of cultural, economic and social factors influence our professional work as psychotherapists, and hardly anything we do with our patients is not dependent upon society’s political and moral choices. Moreover, what can be regarded as wisdom is difficult to agree upon, more so for group analysts. It must be felt wise, maybe more easily seen at a distance, and best found by asking men or women, in whom we trust.

This article will explore fundamental ideas and assumptions regarding the art of helping patients by psychotherapy. The focus is on group analytic psychotherapy and the use of it in psychiatry. Some of the questions are: What shall be modified in the method and technique to make it helpful to the patients, and will it be possible to meet the requirements of validation from the public health services? Can research and the researcher be of use in group analysis and do we at all have a mutual case?

Clinical knowledge from psychotherapy research and retrieved reflections from wise colleagues, on what can be regarded the most essential experiences in therapeutic groups, are presented. Emphasis will be on the therapist’s personal development and existential challenges.

Shakespeare’s tale about ‘the choice of the three caskets’ illustrates some moral choices, which can also be regarded as choices for the therapist.
Study on stiffness and recoverability of Fiber Reinforced Polymers-Reinforced Concrete (FRP-RC) composite T-beams with prefabricated Basalt fiber-reinforced polymers shell
Authors: Dong Zhiqiang , Zhang Pu , Zhu Hong , Wu Gang , Wu Zhishen
Published: November 2015

This paper focuses on the stiffness and recoverability of a new type of composite beam, the Fiber Reinforced Polymers-Reinforced Concrete (FRP-RC) beam, in which steel bars are the main reinforcement. Ten pieces of beams under both static and cyclic bending load were conducted. Fiber-reinforced polymer profile made by the vacuum infusion molding process is used as reinforcement in the composite beams, in which basalt fiber-reinforced polymer sheets were axially laid at the bottom of the beams in order to improve bearing capacity, and hoop-directionally laid at the lateral side of the beams with the advantages of improving the shear resistance. A finite element model is proposed to predict nonlinear deflections and stresses. The flexural stiffness and recoverability index of this new type of composite beam are studied. The results show that the recoverability of the FRP-RC composite beam is better than that of the normal RC beam and it increases along with the fiber-reinforced polymers reinforcement ratio. Stiffness calculation formulas at various stages and residual deformation formulas are proposed. Finally, the calculation results and test results are compared, which shows that the formulas for stiffness and deformation demonstrate good precision.
Optimisation of water-cannon cleaning for deposit removal on water walls inside waste incinerators
Authors: Graube Franziska , Grahl Sebastian , Rostkowski Slawomir , Beckmann Michael
Published: November 2015

Deposits in municipal waste incinerators are very inhomogeneous in structure and constitution. They cause corrosion and reduce the efficiency, so they need to be removed frequently. Among other systems, operators use water cannons for the deposit removal. Two different removal mechanisms of water-cannon cleaning are suggested: A direct shattering of the deposit by the impact of the water jet, as well as the cracking caused by thermal stresses where droplets cool the deposits. As the contribution of each of the aforementioned mechanisms to the overall cleaning efficiency is unknown, we performed empirical investigations to determine the dominating effect. In a first experimental setup focusing on thermal stress, cold droplets were applied onto hot deposits taken from a waste incinerator. Results showed that the cleaning effect strongly depends on the deposit thickness and structure, so that the deposits could be categorised in three different groups. A second measurement campaign focused on the influence of deposit material, deposit temperature and water jet momentum. It could be shown that both deposit material and temperature have a significant effect on the cleaning efficiency, whereas an increase in water jet momentum only led to modest improvements. The combination of these two parameter studies implies that the influence of the thermal stress outweighs that of the momentum. This knowledge is applicable to the cleaning setup by increasing the temperature gradient.
Feasibility study for an innovative industrial red mud utilisation method
Authors: Kounalakis Petros , Aravossis Konstantinos , Karayianni ChS
Published: November 2015

Red mud is a high volume industrial waste, and its management poses a unique challenge. For the utilisation of red mud, an economical, energy saving, environmental friendly and widely applicable method has been found. The proposed novel method is purely chemical, and achieves the recovery of all the oxides contained in red mud totally and transforms them into high value added products. The present work shows that an investment in an industrial plant, treating red mud and turning a toxic industrial waste in commercial products, is safe and viable.
Requirement analysis to promote small-sized E-waste collection from consumers
Authors: Mishima Kuniko , Nishimura Hidekazu
Published: November 2015

The collection and recycling of small-sized waste electrical and electronic equipment is an emerging problem, since these products contain certain amounts of critical metals and rare earths. Even if the amount is not large, having a few supply routes for such recycled resources could be a good strategy to be competitive in a world of finite resources. The small-sized e-waste sometimes contains personal information, therefore, consumers are often reluctant to put them into recycling bins. In order to promote the recycling of E-waste, collection of used products from the consumer becomes important. Effective methods involving incentives for consumers might be necessary. Without such methods, it will be difficult to achieve the critical amounts necessary for an efficient recycling system. This article focused on used mobile phones among information appliances as the first case study, since it contains relatively large amounts of valuable metals compared with other small-sized waste electrical and electronic equipment and there are a large number of products existing in the market. The article carried out surveys to determine what kind of recycled material collection services are preferred by consumers. The results clarify that incentive or reward money alone is not a driving force for recycling behaviour. The article discusses the types of effective services required to promote recycling behaviour. The article concludes that securing information, transferring data and providing proper information about resources and environment can be an effective tool to encourage a recycling behaviour strategy to promote recycling, plus the potential discount service on purchasing new products associated with the return of recycled mobile phones.
Effect of pyrolysis temperatures and times on the adsorption of cadmium onto orange peel derived biochar
Authors: Tran Hai Nguyen , You Sheng-Jie , Chao Huan-Ping
Published: November 2015

The mechanism and capacity of adsorption of cadmium (Cd) on orange peel (OP)-derived biochar at various pyrolysis temperatures (400, 500, 600, 700 and 800°C) and heating times (2 and 6 h) were investigated. Biochar was characterized using proximate analysis, point of zero charge (PZC) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Equilibrium and kinetic experiments of Cd adsorption on biochar were performed. The results indicated that the pH value at PZC of biochar approached 9.5. Equilibrium can be reached rapidly (within 1 min) in kinetic experiments and a removal rate of 80.6–96.9% can be generated. The results fitted the pseudo-second-order model closely. The adsorption capacity was estimated using the Langmuir model. The adsorption capacity of Cd on biochar was independent of the pyrolysis temperature and heating time ( p>0.01). The maximum adsorption capacity of Cd was 114.69 (mg g−1). The adsorption of Cd on biochar was regarded as chemisorption. The primary adsorption mechanisms were regarded as Cπ–cation interactions and surface precipitation. Cadmium can react with calcite to form the precipitation of (Ca,Cd)CO3 on the surface of biochar. The OP-derived biochar can be considered a favourable alternative and a new green adsorbent for removing Cd2+ ions from an aqueous solution.
Radiosensitization of TPGS-emulsified docetaxel-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles in CNE-1 and A549 cells
Authors: Shi Wei , Yuan Yin , Chu Min , Zhao Shuang , Song Qingle , Mu Xiaoqian , Xu Shuangbing , Zhang Zhiping , Yang Kunyu
Published: November 2015

Docetaxel is among the most effective radiosensitizers. It is widely used as radiosensitizer in many tumors, including head and neck carcinoma. Nevertheless, poor solubility and severe hypersensitivity limit its clinical use and its therapeutic effect remains to be improved. In this study, docetaxel-loaded polymeric nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation method to be new radiosensitizer with lower side effects and higher efficacy. The physiochemical characteristics of the nanoparticles were studied. Two human tumor cell lines which are resistant to radiotherapy were used in this research. We have compared the radioenhancement efficacy of docetaxel-loaded nanoparticles with docetaxel in A549 and CNE-1 cells. Compared with docetaxel, radiosensitization of docetaxel-loaded nanoparticles was improved significantly (sensitization enhancement ratio in A549 increased 1.24-fold to 1.68-fold when the radiation was applied 2 h after the drug, p < 0.01, sensitization enhancement ratio in CNE-1 increased 1.32-fold to 1.61-fold, p < 0.05). We explored the mechanisms for the radiosensitization efficiency and the difference between docetaxel and docetaxel-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles. The improved radiosensitization efficacy was associated with enhanced G2/M arrest, promoted apoptosis and the role of D-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate which will enhance the cell uptake and inhibit the multiple drug resistance. Moreover, the radiosensitization efficacy of docetaxel-loaded nanoparticles was more prominent than docetaxel. In conclusion, tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate-emulsified docetaxel-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were more efficacious and fewer adverse effects were observed than with the commercial docetaxel formulation. Thus, PLGA nanoparticles hold promise as a radiosensitizing agent.
Population genetics, cybernetics of difference, and pasts in the present
Authors: Bauer Susanne
Published: November 2015

This article is about ‘genogeographic’ maps produced by late-Soviet geneticists and published during post-Soviet time. It focuses on the visual and numerical techniques scientists used to project genetic data onto geographic space. Rather than discussing their representational character, I follow these visuals as ‘folded objects’, describing the layering and realigning of measurements and temporalities as well as the shifts in the practices and meanings of genetics. In the 1970s Soviet biological anthropologists transformed scattered data points by means of spatial statistics into visually coherent maps for a ‘genogeographical atlas’, by interpolating data for the entire USSR territory. Computer-aided modelling rendered ‘populations’ as systemic entities and enacted specific cybernetic versions of population, evolution and difference. Tracing the history of their making helps one in understanding what these folded objects hold in store, in terms of data ranging from Russian imperial and colonial anthropology, through early Soviet traditions, to cold war technologies. Folded into those maps in intricate ways, they have co-shaped post-Soviet human genetics as an ever-active site for possible reinscriptions of difference.
An efficient approach for dynamic analysis of a rotating beam using the discrete singular convolution
Authors: Chen JunWei , Ding Ye , Ding Han
Published: November 2015

This paper proposes an efficient approach for dynamic analysis of a rotating beam using the discrete singular convolution (DSC). By spatially discretizing the nonlinear equations of motion of the rotating beam using the DSC method, natural frequencies of the rotating beam are obtained. Numerical results show that the DSC method accurately captures not only the low-order but also the high-order frequencies of the beam rotating at a high angular velocity in very short time, compared with the classical finite element method. Moreover, by combining the DSC method and the differential quadrature method, the dynamic equations are reduced to a set of algebraic equations. Thus the dynamic response of the rotating beam is resolved accurately and efficiently with much less computational effort, and is able to be numerically stable for long-time integration.
Ship hull–propeller system optimization based on the multi-objective evolutionary algorithm
Authors: Ghassemi Hassan , Zakerdoost Hassan
Published: November 2015

The optimization of the hull–propeller system of a ship has always been one of the most important aspects of design in order to reduce the costs, mechanical losses and increase the life of system components. The proposed design methodology represents a comprehensive approach to optimize the hull–propeller system simultaneously. In this study, two objective functions are considered, i.e. lifetime fuel consumption (LFC) and lifetime cost function (Cost). The mission profile of the vessel is adopted to minimize the LFC and Cost over their operational life. The well-known evolutionary algorithm based on NSGA-II is employed to handle the multi-objective problems, where the main propeller and hull coefficients are the unknown and are considered as design variables. The results are presented for a commercial container ship driven by B-series propeller. Three different engines with the same mission profile were taken and the results revealed that the proposed method is an appropriate and effective approach for finding Pareto optimal solutions distributed uniformly and is able to improve both of the objective functions significantly and other performances of the system.
Error-sensitivity analysis for hypoid gears using a real tooth surface contact model
Authors: Li Gang , Wang Zhonghou , Kubo Aizoh
Published: November 2015

Accurately and rapidly evaluated error sensitivity of actual tooth surfaces of hypoid gears can be a significant foundation for a variety of dynamic preference analysis and machine tool setting readjustments. Due to the complexity of local geometric features as well as the limitations of the data measurement on tooth surfaces of hypoid gears, automated error-sensitivity analysis for actual tooth surfaces still presents many substantial challenges. This paper presents a novel methodology for the error-sensitivity analysis of real tooth surfaces of hypoid gears. The methodology combines an error-sensitivity analysis model with a numerical analytical real tooth contact analysis (RTCA) model. The real tooth surfaces, describing local micro-geometry features on actual tooth surfaces, have been produced by 3D discrete data points reconstruction. In this method, the discrete data points on actual tooth surfaces are measured by using a coordinate measure machine (CMM). The location, size, and shape of contact patterns are determined from the predicted interference areas distribution by numerical analysis. In addition, the error-sensitivity analysis model is established for evaluation of the sensitivity of hypoid gears with real tooth surfaces that corresponds to misalignments. The results of experiment show that the proposed method can obtain actual contact properties that significantly improve the basic design performances significantly.
Analysis of snake rolling force and torque with changes of thickness depending on unequal roll radii based on pure aluminum experiments
Authors: Wang HY , Wang ZH , Zhang DH , Zhao DW
Published: November 2015

An analytical model, in which unequal radii are replaced with an equivalent radius, is creatively proposed to predict the rolling force and roll torque in general case of snake rolling. With the model, the effects of roll radius ratio, roll speed ratio, offset distance between rolls, reduction and friction coefficient on rolling forces in hot snake rolling of aluminum alloy are obtained. Also, the thicknesses of slab are investigated in different zones, which firstly propose the changes of thickness during snake rolling. Owing to the good agreement with the results measured in experiments and calculated by finite element method and other traditional models, those calculated by the proposed model are verified. The proposed model can be used to predict more accurate theoretical results for snake rolling force and torque.
A single mass dynamic vibration absorber producing linear damping, Coriolis damping and gyro-damping
Authors: Viet LD
Published: November 2015

To reduce the vibration of a planar pendulum, this paper proposes a single mass dynamic vibration absorber (DVA), which can simultaneously produce linear damping, Coriolis damping and gyro-damping. The proposed DVA contains a rotor inside a gimbal. The rotor has a constant angular speed and its axis is direct to the fulcrum. At the same time, the gimbal can move in the normal and tangential directions of the pendulum orbit. The translations in tangential and normal directions and the gimbal rotation result in the linear damping, Coriolis damping and gyro-damping, respectively. Because each type of damping has advantages and disadvantages, the combined DVA has the improved performance. A numerical demonstration is carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed DVA.
2015 European guideline on the management of Chlamydia trachomatis infections
Authors: Lanjouw E , Ouburg S , de Vries HJ , Stary A , Radcliffe K , Unemo M
Published: November 2015

Chlamydia trachomatis infections, which most frequently are asymptomatic, are major public health concerns globally. The 2015 European C. trachomatis guideline provides: up-to-date guidance regarding broader indications for testing and treatment of C. trachomatis infections; a clearer recommendation of using exclusively-validated nucleic acid amplification tests for diagnosis; advice on (repeated) C. trachomatis testing; the recommendation of increased testing to reduce the incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease and prevent exposure to infection; and recommendations to identify, verify and report C. trachomatis variants. Improvement of access to testing, test performance, diagnostics, antimicrobial treatment and follow-up of C. trachomatis patients are crucial to control its spread. For detailed background, evidence base and discussions, see the background review for the present 2015 European guideline on the management of Chlamydia trachomatis infections (Lanjouw E, et al. Int J STD AIDS. 2015).
Rough set-support vector machine-based real-time monitoring model of safety status during dangerous dam reinforcement
Authors: Su Huaizhi , Wen Zhiping , Sun Xiaoran , Li Hao
Published: November 2015

There are usually a small amount and short sequence of prototype monitoring data on structural behavior during dangerous dam reinforcement. According to above data characteristics, some methods, such as support vector machine, particle swarm optimization, genetic algorithm, rough set, are combined to build the real-time monitoring model of safety status during structural reinforcement of dangerous dam. Firstly, the construction principle on standard support vector machine-based monitoring model of safety status is demonstrated. To improve the modeling accuracy and efficiency, particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm are introduced to implement the support vector machine parameters optimization. Secondly, the ability on data mining in rough set is developed to determine the input vector of support vector machine. An approach is presented to obtain the simplified non-linear mapping relationship between dam behavior (effect-quantity) and its cause (influence-quantity). An index and its calculating formula are proposed to measure the influence-quantity importance. A real-time monitoring model based on rough set-support vector machine is established to describe reasonably the working mechanism during dangerous dam reinforcement. Lastly, the fitting and prediction capability of above monitoring model is demonstrated with an actual case.
Antecedents and Consequences of Fairness Perceptions in Personnel Selection
Authors: Konradt Udo , Garbers Yvonne , Böge Martina , Erdogan Berrin , Bauer Talya N.
Published: November 2015

Drawing on Gilliland’s selection fairness framework, we examined antecedents and behavioral effects of applicant procedural fairness perceptions before, during, and after a personnel selection procedure using a six-wave longitudinal research design. Results showed that both perceived post-test fairness and pre-feedback fairness perceptions are related to job offer acceptance and job performance after 18 months, but not to job performance after 36 months. Pre-test and post-test procedural fairness perceptions were mainly related to formal characteristics and interpersonal treatment, whereas pre-feedback fairness perceptions were related to formal characteristics and explanations. The impact of fairness attributes of formal characteristics and interpersonal treatment diminished over time, whereas attributes of explanation were only associated with pre-feedback fairness. Results are discussed in terms of theoretical implications for fairness research and for hiring organizations.